CHAPTER 18: FAMILY PART 2
It was the night of the big concert and everyone was actually looking forward to it. With school and the Venom thing, the new Brotherhood who had giving them grief since they got new members and Logan giving them all extra training to prepare them they all needed a time to rest up.
Since it was a major concert Xavier felt that they all deserved to have some time off to relax a bit. Many of the mutants were all for this of course. Tabitha even managed to convince Wanda to go with them since Tabby thought she needed to get out of the mansion more and have some fun.
Jamie however was on the other hand working up the nerve for something else. He was outside of Spyder's room wondering on asking her if she wanted to go with him. He had worked a few different ways of going about this with his clones. He wasn't going to make this a date-date but it was a step in the right direction. He finally worked up the nerve and knocked on her door, he waited and she opened the door her face immediately got a small smile on it.
"Hey Jamie what can I do for you?" She asked him.
He tried to hide his nervousness and rubbed the back of his neck, "Well I was just wondering if you were you know going to that concert?"
"Yeah I was thinking about it, I mean I've never been to one before. Why do you ask?" She asked him tilting her head and one of her grey haired bangs moved in front of her face.
"Well…I was just wondering if…you know you wanted to hang out together there," He wasn't sure how she would take it so he added in something else. "You know cause of how we usually get ignored and stuff."
She thought it over and she had to admit that they most likely would be left to themselves. Besides Jamie was always fun to hang out with, he was her best friend after all so why not? "Sure thing, I'd like that."
"Great," Jamie smiled broadly to himself, sure it wasn't a real date or anything but this was maybe as close as he could get. Besides the thought of asking her out for a real one sent his stomach into knots. She watched him go and went back into her room.
She looked at the jeans and white sweatshirt she was thinking of wearing but stopped herself. For some reason she felt that it wasn't good enough and maybe wanted something a bit more. She didn't know why but she wanted to look a bit better. She looked through her closet which after living here for months she had more clothing then she ever had.
Most were jeans, sweats and other things. Although she did have a few skirts, she chose a black one cause it kind of looked like one of the ones Rogue liked to wear. She was the only girl that she thought could wear one and not only makes it not seem too girly but cool. She went with a black T-shirt with it as well. She took a look at them satisfied, 'Why am I so worried about looking a bit nicer? I mean sure it's my first concert. Maybe I just want to make it more memorable.'
At least that's what she told herself but she got this nagging feeling that there was something else but pushed it aside.
Jamie however was as happy as he could be at the moment he walked cheerfully past Bobby and Roberto on the way to his room and the two boys looked a bit strangely at him. "What's with him?" Bobby asked seeing him so happy was an odd sight.
"Don't know…maybe the boy got a date?"
Both looked at each other before bursting out in laughter, "Good one man you nearly had me going there."
The Brazilian teen just shrugged with a smile, "Hey it was a good one. Maybe he's just looking forward to his first concert."
Bobby thought about it and nodded, "Yeah could be I remember mine. Oh man…"
"What?"
"Ashley Winslow…" He said with a smile on his face. Roberto got an interested look on his face at the how Bobby sounded at that. "Man it was before my powers kicked in, I had this crush on this blond girl Ashley for like six months. I asked her out to this concert and she actually agreed."
"Cool what was the concert?"
Bobby just shrugged, "Not sure we spent most of the time necking in the back." Bobby grinned as it turned out Ashley had been crushing on him too. "God what a night…Damn I miss her sometimes but it's hard to explain why you suddenly had to move to a 'private school' and all…"
Bobby sighed at that, he hated leaving her but without help he knew he was going to expose himself sooner or later. He had said goodbye and god that had sucked. Roberto was actually surprised to see this part of Bobby, you usually only got to see the joking side to him.
"Well look on the bright side, plenty of girls there to see that's for sure." Roberto said throwing an arm around the short boy's shoulders.
That playful grin of Bobby's returned, "Yeah you got a point. Beside I'm sure Ashley got a new guy anyway, because she was freaking hot let me tell you that."
"Really, you still got her number?" That caused Bobby to push him away in humor at that as both boys let out a laugh.
Others were already getting ready Jean was in her room putting on some finishing touches hoping that Scott would like them. Kitty wasn't sure if she could let her hair down or not this time and was bugging Rogue about it.
Rogue really wasn't sure she wasn't paying attention. So far she was using this to put her mind off her little medical thing going on with her. Once again she had to ask why she was paired up with Kitty when she joined since there had been many open rooms to use.
"Rogue are you like paying attention?" Kitty asked her seeing her roommate space out a bit.
"Kitty ah'm sure Lance will lahke whatever ya choose, so just pick something." The goth sighed as she tried to look for something to wear for herself. She wasn't sure if a skirt or pants would be better but then she knew that Peter liked looking at her legs sometimes so she opted for the skirt.
Although instead of the usual green top and covering she went with a green top that had no sleeves to it and exposed her mid rift. This one also hooked up behind her neck exposing the skin on her back as well. It did show a lot of skin but damn it after all this time it felt great to be able to and not worry about other people.
All those years of hiding herself under all that clothing made her feel self conscience about her looks. But ever since dating Peter she had started to feel better about her looks. Although she was worried it might be a bit cold and debated putting on that mesh top with it.
Kitty went with a nice red buttoned shirt and kakis. "So you think things will stay quite this time?" Kitty asked her as she put on her pants. "I mean our lives are hardly dull to say the least."
"God Kitty don't go an jinx it."
"Oops sorry, but you got to admit things never really seem to go as planned," Kitty sighed to herself remembering how the last time she and Lance went to a dance with music dino-monsters showed up. She was looking forward to just going out with Lance in a normal way. They're relationship had been going smoothly now for a bit and she wanted to enjoy it a bit more.
-Brotherhood House-
Mystique was in her room, which of course was the best looking and most furnished in the house. So far training the new and improved Brotherhood was difficult but they were starting to come along now. With the new blood they got a moral boost to say the least.
She had to admit though that she should have done this before but with her 'job' as Principle as well as later on as Risty she had been too busy. Now at least she could keep them from making a fool of themselves later on.
They would need all the advantages they could get if what Magneto had found out was true. Soon it was all going to change and the ground work needed to be done soon. But she did have to thank Irene for sending her to Sandra soon. The girl was everything she had hoped for and more, Sandra was so much like her that it was almost like she was her blood daughter and not just adopted.
Finally she had a young daughter, a protégé that she had always wanted to have. The girl's mind was sharp and took to all the training with vigor. She knew it was in part to make her proud and that she was. 'That girl will become a very powerful woman one day,' She mused to herself.
She was already slightly faster and stronger then the average human, and her sonic powers were very powerful. Yet there was maybe something else too, she wasn't sure but she had a feeling there may be a bit more with her. Just then on her dresser her cell phone rang out, she sighed thinking it was maybe Magneto asking for a report.
She flipped the small silver phone open but the number on it wasn't blocked like Magneto used. That was curious since there was only one other person that knew her personal number and the phone number showing up wasn't one she was familiar with. She made a mental note of it just in case and turned it on. "Hello?"
"Raven," Came a female voice she knew all too well as from her long time friend Irene also known as Destiny.
"Irene I was just thinking about you." She said in a slightly more pleasant tone then normal. Irene was one of the few people she trusted with her life and they were very close friends as well for years.
The voice on the other line wasn't pleasant however it was full or worry, "Rogue's in danger Raven. I have a vision in it she's surrounded by darkness. Something is happening to her and we may lose her."
That sent a cold dagger to the blue skinned woman's heart. Rogue the one thing that she had tried so hard with but had ended up losing. She had taken in Rogue at age four and for a little time she had lived with her and Irene and had helped to raise her. But her work with Magneto meant she had to leave, Rogue most likely didn't even remember those years anymore.
She had tried to keep Rogue with her, first with making her join the Brotherhood. But when that failed she had come up with the idea of Risty to get close to her and keep an eye on her. But once more that failed and now she may lose her totally this time. "When is it going to happen?"
"I don't know, I think tonight. I saw her at someplace with lots of people and music."
Mystique knew there was a concert in town, the Brotherhood boys had talked about it. "I think I know where she is."
"Go to her Raven, before it's too late. Whatever is going to happen will happen soon."
Mystique closed her eyes, "Thank you Irene, I'll get right on it." She turned off her cell phone and set it down. She had to hurry she didn't like this at all and had to figure out how to get close to her while she flew there. She knew that the Parker boy would most likely be next to her most of the time and she still didn't know how he was able to see through her disguise.
She opened her window but her door opened to see Sandra walking in, "Oh sorry are you going out?"
"Yes I am dear, there is something important that I have to see through."
"What is it?" she asked her seeing the worried look on the woman's face. She hadn't seen that look since she had been taking care of her as her body went through withdrawal. "What's going on mom?"
Mystique paused for a moment, there was too much to tell at the moment. She would have to later since she needed to know but Rogue had been a secret that no one but Irene really knew about. She had been debating telling her but after tonight she may have to. "I'll tell you everything when I return…I promise."
With that she turned into a raven and flew off leaving a slightly confused and worried Sandra behind wondering what was going on.
-The Concert-
Everyone was walking into the stadium at the this time eager for the show. Scott had his arm around Jean's waist as they walked in. It felt so good to be able to do things like this with her, for so long he had had feelings for Jean that he had to deny. But thankfully after Duncan an her broke up then he was able to get closer to her.
It was great, they had been friends for so long that he knew everything about her. He knew her favorites and her tastes and they just worked so well together since she knew him so very well also. They had been the best of friend for years and now they were dating. Sometimes it seemed like they had been longer then they actually had been dating because for how long they had known each other.
Jean could pick up a few feelings from Scott being so close to him and it felt nice. The things she picked up from him were always so warm and inviting. She leaned in a bit closer to him with a small smile on her face thinking back to how they met as children. He had been so skinny back then and now…well she had seen how well al those years of training had done for him as he was starting to fill out.
Plus he was just a really nice guy, no a great guy. He always thought about what was best for others and she didn't know why she didn't see Scott in this light before. It was a sharp contrast to Duncan and she was glad that she and Scott were together.
Truth was her feelings for him had been getting stronger, she had liked him before but as time went by they started to grow. She started to think about him more and it was almost like he was part of her mind sometimes. It was kind of scary but also exciting feeling this way, she had been wondering if this was what falling in love was supposed to feel like.
She had been thinking of asking Ororo or May about these feelings, she knew how much May loved her husband and if anyone knew what love felt like she would. But she pushed that aside, now she just wanted to enjoy her time with Scott here.
Meanwhile Jamie and Spyder were already running into the crowd, her eyes wide with excitement at being at her first concert. There were so many people there and there was also the band that was on stage warming up. It was loud and she had to shout over it to Jamie, "Where do you want to go?"
"I think over there," Jamie said as he pointed to a nice spot. She agreed and took his hand leading them there.
Not to far Peter saw the two and it brought a smile to his face seeing those two. He kind of wished he had a friend that close when he was Jamie's age but he didn't meet MJ or Harry until high school. He also saw Lance and Kitty together and looking happy, Tabitha was with Wanda who even though was trying to look indifferent seemed to be interested in the concert.
'Tabby sure has a way with getting people to have fun,' Peter thought seeing the blond help the goth loosen up. She also seemed to be trying to get her to go with her to talk to a pair of boys Tabitha spotted. Peter wondered who to feel more sorry for, Wanda or the boys if they got her angry.
'But speaking of goth girls,' Peter looked to his own date and boy did Rogue look like something else. She had even changed her purple make-up to green to match the top she had on. 'God she looks great, how is it that I lucked out with a girl like this?'
'I mean she's strong, she's pretty smart, okay not as smart as me since only Kitty or Forge can keep up with me. Well then there's Hank too of course but anyway she's a far cry from some empty airheads I can remember. She's also very beautiful,' He took a moment to look her over again. If there was ever a time for him to have his camera he wished he had it.
Rogue noticed him looking and felt a smile tug on her lips. When his hand moved to the small of her back and she felt is warm touch there on her skin it sent a small shiver through her. But in a good way, it felt so good to have a great boy that she could actually touch. Sure she needed the bracelet but it was still better then not being able to touch again.
Plus she did admit, Peter was pretty cute as well. She noticed Kurt was with Amanda as well, it was nice seeing him with someone too. Kurt was always a joker like Peter but she knew that both boys did it to hide their pain sometimes. It was odd, Kurt was an outcast because of his looks most of his life and Peter had the same thing only it wasn't for that reason.
She could relate, growing up she had only Irene in her life. She hadn't had friends really, for some reason that she didn't figure out until her mutation kicked in Irene kept her pretty isolated at times. So Rogue grew up being alone and from taking Peter and Kurt's memories she knew that they knew how it was like as well.
But she wasn't alone anymore, that was something that all three of them had learned.
Peter took her hand as he led her deeper into the crowd. "Come on let's get in closer."
Everyone was having a great time at the concert, as people enjoyed the music. Even Wanda had to admit things were pretty fun. "See what did I tell ya girl?" Tabitha shouted out to Wanda over the music. It had been over half-hour and things were getting pretty fun. She was already working up a small sweat from moving to the music.
Tabitha and Wanda were drinking from a water bottle at the moment taking a break. "Okay so this isn't as bad as I thought."
"Hello," Tabitha pointed to a couple of guys one with no shirt on. She just grinned and Wanda did look although she had no experience with boys. Even those guys Tabitha tried to get her to talk to she didn't say much. She wasn't used to going out and 'meeting guys' although she did admit the guy without a shirt was kind of ripped.
So she did kind of stare although what to do next she had no clue. Tabitha saw this and just grinned, 'I think it's time to try and get to introduce Wanda to the pleasure of boys a bit more.'
Although everyone was having a great time at the moment Rogue didn't feel so well. It just happened she had been cheering on the band with Peter and the next she felt really sick. "Hey, Rogue are you okay?" Peter noticed how she looked a little weak and was holding her head with one hand.
He touched her shoulder and turned to her him. She didn't look so hot and so he led her away from the crowd. When they were far enough away in the back where they could talk he asked her if she wanted to go home.
"No ah'm good…ah…ah just need ta use tha bathroom." She told him heading towards the ladies room. Peter sighed and decided to wait for her hoping she was okay. A minute passed without much but then he felt that familiar buzz in the back of his head for a moment but then it was gone.
He quickly looked around to see what caused it to flare up like that but he didn't see anything. 'Damn maybe I'm just getting paranoid and it's affecting it? I mean I have no idea how it even works so it might be a possibility.' At least that's what he tried to tell himself.
Rogue however was starting to feel very strange. She felt warm all over, her skin was crawling and her head was killing her. It was like there was a dam building up more and more pressure until her head exploded. She was walking to one of the sinks when it got really bad she nearly passed out until she helped to the sink by some blond girl.
"Hey there you don't look too well," The girl told her.
"A-ah'm fahne…just…just need ta take it easy." She told the girl who was helping her get steady. "Thanks anyway."
"Sure thing," She told Rogue looking a little worried about her. "But hey you never know, if you're here with someone maybe they should take you home."
Rogue was starting to think this girl had a point and it was nice that she was being so helpful. She was ignored by a few of the other girls there although Rogue didn't want a bid scene of it so she preferred it this way. She didn't want to make some type of scene.
She held her self there on weak legs and looked up into the mirror. She was sweating now and she wasn't sure what was going on. Rogue bit her lip as her body spasm then it suddenly felt like the pressure was gone. She was taking a few breaths and then when she reached for the faucet to turn on some cold water her arm froze.
Her eyes widened in horror at the bracelet or more importantly the 'jewel' on it. It was supposed to be green, but when it was about to loose power it would flash red. She always made sure it was nicely charged too. But it wasn't either, it was black.
'Oh god no…what…what happened?' She suddenly realized that her powers most likely were on and she had too much skin exposed. She needed to get to Peter and fast.
"Hey are you sure your-" But she didn't finish as Rogue couldn't stop the girl in time from touching her bare arm. Both girls cried out together only with Rogue it was a familiar sensation. Then the thoughts slamming into her head happened, but these weren't the thoughts of a stranger.
As she broke away she saw the woman turn into Mystique, the anger in Rogue was building up but she hadn't noticed where she was going and knocked into the three other girls there. One of them tried to catch her waist the other two one of each of her arms. It was mistake as she easily took their life energy as well.
Rogue cried out again as her mind was assaulted by these three unfamiliar minds. She fell to her knees with thoughts, feelings and emotions there weren't here's were running like crazy in her mind. It was too much too fast she couldn't keep it all straight. It was driving her crazy and clutched her head with her hands.
It was horribly painful to her now, but something else was happening she could feel it. Something was different this time. Something was wrong, so very wrong and it took her a moment to realize it. The voices were getting louder and louder and there are more and more of them. "Shut up, all of ya shut up!" She shouted out as she tried to push them back but it wasn't working.
She suddenly realized that she had just lost all control over the voices. They were breaking out and she couldn't do a thing to stop them.
"Oh god…somebody help meh…anyone…Peter please…help meh…" She whimpered out feeling like she was losing her sense of self.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 19: FAMILY PART 3