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Chapter Twenty-Six:
Rogue entered the institute's garage where she saw Kitty leaning against the hood of Scott's car. She was looking out the open doors, waiting for the Brotherhood to arrive.
"Hey," Rogue said as walked pass her towards the key holder hanging on the wall.
"Hi," Kitty said with a meek smile. "Going to the city?" she asked.
"Yup," Rogue said with a smile as she grabbed a set of keys off the wall. "I should be back before dinner, but if I ain't-" she started to say as she turned to face Kitty.
"I'll tell everyone you're, like, not hungry. It totally worked last week," she beamed.
"Thanks again for covering for me," she said.
"Hey, if you want to go to college, you should totally be able to," Kitty started to say. "No one should, like, give you a hard time for not becoming an instructor right away," she said. Rogue let out a little sigh at the comment.
"Scott and Jean did it," she huffed "And if it's good enough for them-" she started to say while rolling her eyes.
"Well, that's them, right? It's doesn't mean that's what, like, all of us have to do," Kitty said annoyed.
"They set the prescient," Rogue shrugged. "It's implied that we're all supposed ta follow in their footsteps," she said.
"That's, like, not happening. I love learning. I love taking things apart and putting them back together again. I never, like, get too anymore," she said with a sigh. "I crashed a few computers at school and then, like, I'm totally not allowed to work on them anymore. I told Mrs. Ginois I could fix them-" she started to say.
"I know. She let Arcade do it instead," Rogue finished.
"It's not fair," she exclaimed before she let out an annoyed yell, which turned into a sigh. "Is it bad that I'm disappointed in Jean?" Kitty asked. "She's so smart and she's the oldest and she was supposed too- yeah, like, lead the way."
"I get where you're coming from," Rogue said. "It's gonna be a lot harder for us to break away, if we want too, since Jean didn't," she said.
"After all that talk about girl power and then-" Kitty said letting out a sigh. "I'm a straight 'A' honor student. I'm totally going to college," she affirmed.
"Good. You're way too smart not to continue your education," she said.
"Not that teaching isn't important-" Kitty back-stepped.
"No, 'course it is," Rogue agreed. "But Charles, has what? Seven instructors. For nine students?" she asked.
"The brotherhood been-" Kitty started to say.
"Only for Magneto's class. No one's had to adjust the chore schedule or sleeping situations for that. Doesn't count," Rogue rebutted.
"Jubilee and Rahne are coming back," Kitty pointed out.
"Okay, eleven," Rogue corrected.
"Oh and Danielle finally coming," Kitty said excited.
"Really? I thought her grandfather wanted to keep her home?" Rogue asked.
"She said he changed his mind. I think she's still having trouble with her powers," Kitty explained.
"Well. It's good she'll be here then, but that's still only twelve. It ain't a lot a students for seven teachers. Charles has to start recruiting again to justify having so many," she said dryly.
"Kurt's going to become an instructor too," Kitty added. "He hasn't said it yet, I just know," she said.
"Unless, Amanda ends up going to college. Maybe, he'll follow her," Rogue pointed out.
"I don't know if that's, like, better," Kitty sighed. "Next time I'm home, my dad's wants to take me to University of Chicago, to check out the campus. He keeps saying how it's never too early to get a plan together."
"That's the fundamentals of strategy, right there," Rogue smirked. She listened to the other girl let out another sigh. "Kitty, look. You're only a junior. Having a plan makes sense and at least ya ain't gonna have to sneak around like I am. Start visiting your parents more often and let your dad help you with applying and everything," she advised.
"Thanks, Rogue," Kitty smiled which Rogue returned. "And thanks for- you know- taking a stand in front of the Professor," Kitty said.
"One of us had too. Might as well be the Rogue," she smirked. Kitty let out a short giggle in response. "This'll all work itself out. I'm sure of it," she said.
"I hope so," she said.
"Kitty, I gotta go before the brotherhood gets here, but If you need ta talk more I'm here for you, okay?" she asked.
"If I can find you. You've been m.i.a, like, all week," she pointed out.
"I know," she sighed. "I've been busy," she answered vaguely.
"Well- you're coming to movie night tonight, right?" Kitty asked.
Rogue had already promised Max she would talk to him again and those conversations tended to take a while. On the other hand, if she was being honest with herself, the last few days, she was spending nearly all of her free time with Magneto. Their relationship had already had an unhealthy start. She should probably give herself a night off and spend some time with her friends. She valued her time with Max, but it wasn't meant to replace all of the other friendships in her life, but there was so much she needed to talk to Max about and she could only say so much in a day.
"I'll try."
"Bobby and Kurt rented Savage Vendetta," she giggled.
"Really?" Rogue asked surprised. Or she could do both. 'What're the odds?' she asked herself tickled. "I love that movie," she smirked.
"So, you'll be there, right?" Kitty asked.
"I promise," she replied.
"Oh yeah," she exclaimed. "Kurt's going to be so happy," she beamed.
"So- it's ah- not a coincidence ya all rented one of my favorite movies, huh?" she asked amused.
"Hey- don't be mad at him, okay?" Kitty asked. "He misses you," she said.
"Kitty- it's fine, really. Honestly, the timing couldn't've been more prefect," she said.
"Huh?" Kitty asked confused.
"Don't worry about it. I'll see you at dinner," Rogue said.
Magneto's class had been interesting, Charles thought. Rogue's absence was noticeable. No silence force guiding Magneto's actions. Just his old friend, in all of glory, teaching about a subject he was incredibility familiar with. Had Magneto asked Rogue not to attend? So he would continue to discard his concerns? It was unclear, as so many things, had been at late.
"You all," Magneto said, addressing the class, "have until next Saturday to complete grading your tests based upon your new understanding of the rubric. Please adhere to the format I provided to you today when grading it. Once you start the process, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask. You're welcome to work in teams to complete the assignment. However, anything you put to the page you must comprehend. Otherwise, you render the entire excise pointless," he finished. "That's all for today," he said dismissing the class.
The students started to disperse as chatter filled the room. Once again, the brotherhood boys were the first to make a beeline for the exit.
"Lance," Quicksilver called out. "We're going food shopping. Don't take forever to meet us by the car," he ordered.
"Alright, alright," Lance said dismissively as he and Kitty stood. Toad, Blob and Quicksilver were the first few to leave the room. It seems those three didn't wish to be underground any longer than they had to. He had to admit, he had been nervous about allowing the brotherhood members into the institute so often, but so far after nearly two weeks, there hadn't been any issues.
"Lance, its fine. Come on. I'll walk you out," she beamed as they headed towards the exit.
"So, about that thing we were talking about?" Lance started to ask.
"I'll ask tonight. I'll call before eight to let you know," Kitty answered.
"Cool," Lanced replied as they both exited the room.
"Jean, isn't there something you want to talk to the Professor about?" Scott asked pointedly as Charles turned his attention towards the couple.
"No, Scott, actually there isn't," Jean said forcefully, clearly annoyed, as she headed out of the door.
"Jean, come on, be reasonable," Scott said as he followed after her, leaving the classroom.
'What was that about?' he asked himself as he started to head towards the exit himself. 'Jean, are you alright?' he asked projecting his thoughts into her mind.
'Yes, I'm fine,' she yelled at him.
'Jean?' he asked surprised.
'Scott shouldn't have said anything,' she thought her tone much softer and controlled. 'I'm fine. Don't be worried,' she said.
'Alright then,' he thought and hoped his uneasiness wasn't conveyed in his tone. 'If you need me-' he started to think.
'I know, thanks,' she thought before he felt her break the connection.
Magneto glanced around the room as his class dispersed. Most of the students had left the room. There were only a few stragglers left. Magneto forced eye contact with his daughter as she was standing. With a simple nod of his head, Wanda knew he wished to speak with him.
If he was being honest with himself, he had let his obsession with Rogue take up most of his time this last week and half. He had other responsibilities to look after; most notability, his children. He should have checked in with them before now, but well- Better late than never.
"Father?" she asked as she walked up to him.
"How is everything at the house?" he asked.
"The new furniture is really nice and all of the bills are up-to-date," Wanda answered.
"Good and at the school? Have there been any issues?" he asked.
"No, none of us are using our powers. We know the rules," she answered. Magneto gave an appreciative nod at that.
"And the budget is working thus far?" he asked.
"Even with Blob's appetite," she smiled shyly. "We have to go food shopping a lot," Wanda explained.
"If anything needs to be adjusted, don't hesitate to let me know," he said.
"Thank you, Father. We don't want to be a burden," she said meekly.
"Wanda, you're my daughter," he said placing a hand on her shoulder. "Not a burden," he said.
He felt an old memory creep up on him, a flash of the metal hospital he had left her at when she was a small child. He had many regrets in life, leaving her there was- He remembered telling himself it was unavoidable, the only course of action he could take. He had told himself the same when he had altered her memories, replacing his cruel actions with the childhood he should have given to both of his children.
'What's done is done. No use dwelling on it now,' he reminded himself as he returned his hand to his side.
"Upholding the house, is a bit tedious," he continued as he placed his hands in his pockets. "However, considering how long you and your brother have maintained your independence. It's a necessary chore, I'm pleased to perform. Living here at the institute would be quite an adjustment. As long as you five continue to adhere to our agreement, there's no need to force the issue," he finished.
"We are. We're been to every one of your classes here and we've been back to our classes at Bayville High," she said quickly.
"If the boys aren't able to keep to the rules," he started to say, his tone warning.
"They know, Father," Wanda said. "They don't act like it, but they know how important it is for us to get our high school diplomas," she said.
"And the doors that diploma will open for you all," Magneto finished.
"I know Pietro and Lance are taking it seriously," she said.
"Good," he said again with another nod. "When you're ready, we'll start discussing what comes after High School," he said.
"Thank you, Father," she said.
"Hey, Wanda, what's the hold up?" They both turned to see Pietro standing by the door. "Is everything okay?" he asked uneasy.
"Everything is fine, son," he said. "Thank you, Wanda. I'll see you on Tuesday," he said dismissing her.
Magneto turned to face the whiteboard as he brought the eraser to his hand. He felt his children leave the room, and heard the door close behind them. Leaving just the two of them in the room.
"Yes, Charles?" Magneto asked dryly as he erased the writing on the white board at the front of the classroom.
"Where's Rogue?" he asked.
"Not here, obviously," Magneto answered.
"Yes, that much is clear," Charles said, his tone equally as dry as his old friend's.
"She had something else to do, Charles. Let's leave it at that," he said as he put down the eraser. He heard Charles let out a sigh. "I thought I made myself clear this morning," he said, turning to face him.
"I didn't say anything, Magnus," Charles pointed out.
"You didn't have too, Charles," he bit back as he crossed his hands over his chest. "Fine," Magneto said dismissively. "If not that, then why linger?" he asked.
"After our conversation, I managed to get in contact with Tabitha Smith," he said.
"Really? Where was she?" he asked.
"According to her mother, she been home for some time," Charles said. "However, I have my suspicions."
"You believe she been-" he started to ask.
"Living on the streets, yes. It's no secret that she and her father do not get along. I highly doubt she's spent much time there since leaving Bayville," Charles confirmed.
"You relayed the offer?" he said.
"Tabitha knows she's welcome to stay at the Brotherhood Manor," he answered.
"Good. Then the decision is in her hands now," he commented.
"Indeed," Charles agreed.
"Anything else?" he asked.
"Yes, just-" he started to say before cutting himself off. "Not again," he heard Charles mutter in frustration as he closed his eyes and placed his fingers to his temple.
"Charles?" he asked concerned. "Is everything alright?" he asked.
"Yes, it will be. Give me a moment," he said. Magneto leaned up against his desk at the front of the classroom and waited patiently for Charles to finish whatever he was doing.
After a few minutes, Charles opened his eyes, his hand returning to the armrest on his chair.
"What was that?" Magneto asked.
"A private investigator," he answered with a sigh as he turned towards the exit.
"A what?" he asked in disbelief as he started to follow after Charles.
"Someone has been hiring private investigators to gather information about us," he explained as they exited the room.
"Rather foolish sending someone to spy on the home of a telepath," Magneto remarked as he closed the door to the classroom behind them.
"Normally, I would agree with you, Magnus. However, it's the frequency these would-be spies are sent that alarms me," he said as they made their way to the elevator.
"Better to deal with the source of the nuisance. Who's dispatching them?" asked as used his abilities to call for the lift.
"I've no idea," Charles sighed. Magneto raised an eyebrow at that.
"How could you-" he started to ask, as before the elevator's door opened.
"Whoever is commissioning them," started to say as they both entered the lift, "they're smart enough to conceal their identities from those they hire," he explained as he pressed the button for the Cerebro's floor. "Knowing they will most likely be caught," he said as the lift started to move.
"How have they managed that?" he asked before the elevator's door open to reveal Beast, with a stack of papers contained within a file folder.
"Charles, this is becoming a problem I cannot manage on my own," Beast said.
"I know, Hank," Charles agreed as he exited the elevator.
"Perhaps, I can be of assistance," Magneto offered as he exited the lift. "Once I better understand the situation," he added.
"I would appreciate the support," Beast said with a quick nod to him. He turned his gaze down to Charles'. "Who did they send this time?" he asked.
"Mr. Henry Dixon contracted by Derek Taylor from Arizona," Charles answered as the three of them started to make their way down the hall.
"Did he know anything?" Beast asked hopefully.
"They never do," Charles lamented as they came to the War Room's entrance. "He's been sent on his way," he started to say as they entered the room, "with the same message I relayed to all of the others," he said. Beast walked out to the computer, placing the folder on the table next to the keyboard, as Charles moved to his left.
"Which is?" Magneto asked as crossed his arms over his chest.
"Simply, to leave us alone," Charles answered as he turned to look at Magneto.
"Whoever it is, they've hired multiple middle men, to manage the P.I.'s- all out of state," Beast explained as the computer switched on, to show a variety of folders, all with different dates on them. A quick scan of the page showed over ten folders. "I've been tracking the P.I.'s through their employers back to the managers, but it's always a dead end. Mr. Burgess was most likely hired by another incorporation or LLC with instructions to investigate the institute. I'm still tracking last Saturday's visitor, Mr. Michael Keene, hired by Victor Rowe out of North Carolina," Beast explained.
"All of these dates," Magneto started to ask, "all of them coincide with an individual incident of a private Investigator's attempt?" he asked.
"Yes," Beast answered.
"Any commonalty? Patterns?" Magneto asked.
"There are all Private Investigators, who have at least three degrees of separation between who is actually hiring them and the individual commissioned to do the work," Hank said. "By the third LLC, it becomes impossible to find anything. There's a few names that overlap but nothing that points us to who is hiring them," Beast sighed. "A fresh pair of eyes, couldn't hurt," he added. "I've been looking at these names for so long and there have been so many new ones just this month alone," he sighed.
"Do we know what they want?" he asked.
"They're never told to focus on any one of us," Charles jumped in. "Just to gather information about whoever they manage to spy upon. The first time was a little over a year ago, I was out running an errand with Ororo and they managed to take some pictures of the students playing baseball," he explained.
"A year?" he asked as he called a metal stool from the right side of the room to his hand. He took a seat in front of the large computer. "How long has this been going on?" he asked as he brought the mouse to his hand.
"That's the concerning part," Charles started to answer as he scrolled down the page. "It actually started before you revealed our kind to the world," he answered.
"It was when I first started teaching here at the institute," Beast asked.
"Your first day, in fact, if I'm remembering correctly," Charles added.
"That is concerning," Magneto said darkly as he watched the folders, all of the dates pass over the screen. There were so many folders, at least fifty. "The photos. I assume they never left the grounds," he stated.
"Logan stopped them," Beast confirmed. "And we moved the students inside to the danger room to finish the game, but it was the closest they ever got to obtaining anything,"
"That we know of," Charles added. "We can't monitor Bayville High, the way we can the institute. However, if it's a study of our powers they're after, they won't be able to get it there," he finished.
"Do you have any thoughts on who could be responsible?" Magneto asked.
"Theories are easy," Beast started to say. "Shield, Hydra, any number of groups curious about the institute. Or someone else entirely," he said shaking his head. "Whoever they are, they have deep pockets and aren't shy about using their funds," Beast finished said.
"What are we going to do about it?" Magneto asked.
"Perhaps they'll bankrupt themselves," Beast said with a sigh.
"With the two of you working in tandem, maybe we won't have to wait for that to occur," Charles said.
"With any luck," Beast agreed.
"Alright, I'll need the day to familiarize myself with all of this. You'll walk me through it?" he asked.
"Of course," Beast answered easily.
"Let's get to work then," Magneto said turning back to the computer.
Hey Little Red Dove:
I'm glad you liked the last chapter! I hope this chapter answered some of your questions (and left you with more!) I love your feedback. It's so helpful! Please keep leaving your questions in the comments, it's help me figure out what conversations need to happen next. I almost skipped over the conversation Rogue had with Kitty but I'm glad I didn't.
I kind of love that you can't call Magneto, Max. Lol :)
I'm going camping in July, but I'm hoping I"ll be able to give you one more chapter before then. I'm halfway done with it now :)
Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter! As always, I'm looking forward to hearing from you!
