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Chapter Fifty-Four
Charles watched Rogue as she returned from the back of the X-Jet. Her stride was fast-paced and filled with urgency. She stopped in front of Lorna's seat, kneeling in front of the girl. Charles could sense she was sound asleep. It seemed Rogue came to the same conclusion as she adjusted the blanket on the girl's shoulder and placed a kiss on her temple. She stood next, backing out into the aisle before she waved her hand. A large magnetic shield formed a box around the girl. It covered the two seats she was laying in from floor to ceiling.
"Soundproof," Rogue explained as she walked up to the first two seats on the right-hand side of the plane. "Feel free to talk," she said.
"Thank you," Charles said before turning his gaze towards Wolverine, his hands were balled at his sides and he could feel the anger radiating off of him.
"Logan?" he asked.
"I'm fine," he grunted as he marched back to the front of the X-Jet, retaking his seat at the helm. Although he wasn't turning the auto-polite off, he noticed. Charles looked at Rogue again as she bent down to reach underneath the seat, he recognized what she must be after.
"Rogue, why do you need the first aid kit?" he asked as he heard her opening the small case which housed the Blackbird's medical supplies.
"We need him conscious," she explained as he saw her place a small packet of smelling salts onto the seats.
"Should you wake Magnus so abruptly? What if he's experiencing a flashback?" he asked alarmed as he heard her close the case and return it to its storage place under the seat.
"Not my best idea, but I don't have much choice. Not with what you just remembered," she replied as she stood, grabbing the smelling salts.
Charles blinked a few times as he registered what she said. He turned his gaze towards Logan.
'So much for keeping confidences,' he thought with a sting of annoyance.
"Don't blame, Logan. I put two and two together," she said. Charles swiftly looked to Rogue again as she walked up to his unconscious friend.
"Wait- how could you have possibly known what to put together unless?" he asked as Ororo looked at him.
"Unless you already knew?" Ororo asked, finishing his thought.
"You have the memory from Magneto's point of view," he realized aloud. "Don't you?" he asked.
"Something like that," she confirmed as she held the packet in her hand. He watched her getting ready to pop the packet open.
"Rogue, please wait," he said before he listened to her sigh. He was thankful she stopped agitating the packet. "Let's discuss this first," he said as she turned to look at him.
"What do you think I'm trying to do here?" she asked. "Your questions are for him, not me," she said.
"But if you know the answers, then we can allow him to rest and wake naturally," he offered.
"You see the problem with that, Charles, is you just found out that a dear friend of yours is in danger," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest. "If I give you the tools you need to rescue her, you're understandably gonna do that as soon as humanly possible," she said.
"Which is something you're seeking to prevent," he stated confused.
"Not prevent, delay," Rogue answered before he shared a glance with Ororo. It seemed she was as confused by Rogue's behavior as he was. "Just a little," she added as he glanced up at her again.
Charles extended outwards with his powers. He wasn't attempting to read Rogue's mind- just to take in her words with a deeper telepathic consideration. He merely needed to know the intention behind her words. Deception would stand out.
"Why?" he asked.
"This ain't a grudge match between two groups of high schoolers. And as frightening as Apocalypse was, he wanted us alive to serve him," she said.
"Yes, I know that better than most," Charles said as he felt a shiver run down his spine.
"We both do," Ororo added.
"Essex's a different type of threat," Rogue continued. "All he cares about are his experiments and any team of mutants that walks into a confrontation with him is more likely than not to be killed and harvested for their genetic materials," she explained. He felt his eyes widen as he heard Ororo suck in a breath.
"You're certain of this?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered- and he knew her words were devoid of lies.
"Rogue, if this Essex is such a threat, why haven't you brought this to my attention sooner?" he asked as his hand balled into a fist. "If a mutant confrontation was too dangerous, I could have contacted Shield," he said as he banged his fist against the armrest of the seat. "However, if innocent mutants have been killed due to your silence," he said pointing at her.
"Charles, do you really think I'd stand by and allow that to happen?" she asked him annoyed. "Right now, Essex's got a deal set up where he's getting a steady supply of mutant blood samples provided by volunteers who know their DNA are being used to study the X-Gene," she said.
His attention was drawn to the front of the Blackbird as he heard a low growl escape Logan- anger radiating off of his once again.
"Sinister doesn't care how or where he gets his samples. Violence is just a means to an end. It is ideal? No, 'course not. But no one's been hurt," Rogue said. "Which is what matters," she finished, her voice raised as he could tell she was directing that comment towards Wolverine- who let out another growl- but said nothing. Ororo and he shared another look. She gave him a nod- indicating she would try to talk to him later.
"And the alternative?" Charles said turning back to Rogue. "If you had told me."
"If Shield had messed it up and if he had escaped then Essex would've had to start all over again by seeking out the highest amount of genetic material with the lowest risk of opposition," she said. "Or anyone giving a shit," she added, her tone bitter. Charles raised an eyebrow as he attempted to understand who she meant. He got his answer as Ororo gasped beside him.
"Evan," Ororo exclaimed as she looked at him.
"The Morlocks," he realized. "They would have been in danger?" he asked.
"He would've slaughtered them all," Rogue said dryly.
"Good God," he exclaimed before he rested his fingers against his forehead. "Alright, yes," he relented. "We'll wait for Magnus to wake up, gather the teams, and come up with a plan together. There will be no rushed course of action. We'll take our time and ensure we do this right," he said.
"Thank you, that's all I'm asking," Rogue said.
"Can it wait till the weekend?" Logan asked.
"I don't think so-" he started to say.
"Yeah, it can," Rogue interjected, contradicting him. "You going for a ride when we get back?" she asked.
"I need to clear my head," he grunted.
"Be that as it may, I don't wish to leave Moria with this butcher any longer than is absolutely necessary," Charles said.
"She'll be fine," Rogue insisted.
"How could you know that?" Ororo asked.
"With Apocalypse gone, he's gone to working on his pet project. I doubt he even started synthesizing her powers," she said.
"I am sorry, Rogue, but I am not convinced," Ororo said strongly. Rogue's eyes flashed to his.
"And you?" she asked him.
"Given recent events, I am having a difficult time trusting you," he said delicately, choosing his words with care.
"Yeah, that's fair," she said before letting out a sigh. "I get it," she said as she looked back and forth between himself and Ororo. "I'd have a hard time too," she said as she placed her hands on her hips. "Is this the part where you insist on reading my mind?" she asked, her head slightly cocked.
He held her gaze for a long moment. She didn't need to know he had been reading her emotions for the better part of their conversation. And he hadn't sensed any deception. However, a direct connection to her thoughts would remove any doubt.
"Yes, it is," he answered.
"Okay," she said with a nod. "Surface thoughts only. I don't want you astral projecting into my mind," she said, her tone had an edge to it. Though it didn't feel bitter like she resented him reading her mind. No, it felt more like a warning.
"I believe that is a fair compromise," he said as he placed his fingers on his temples.
He paused a moment as he felt the strangest sense of deja vu. He lingered on the feeling for a brief moment as he tried to comprehend where the sensation had come from. Unfortunately, he was drawing a blank.
"You ready?" she asked him. He shook his head, dismissing the feeling.
'Go ahead,' he said with a nod.
'Charles, I promise you, I know for a fact, that Moria is alive and will not be in any danger until we go to rescue her. He only abducted her because of Apocalypse's orders. And he'll keep her alive for the same reason but he has no vested interest in her. Maybe he'll take a sample and examine it. But that'll be the worst of it,' she thought. There was no doubt in her mind- none what-so-ever. Her conviction was almost overwhelming.
"She's telling the truth," he announced before he cut off the connection between them. "We can wait till the weekend," he said.
"Thank you," Rogue said again. "I'm gonna go sit with my daughter now," she said before she brushed her hair behind her ear.
Charles opened his mouth- to start to ask- but promptly closed it again- not wishing to start another dispute.
"Oh, and the plan is to move Lorna into my room and I'm officially moving into the Magneto's. So, we're using the same amount of space as before," she said.
"That's… considerate of you. However, it would've been alright if a new room was required," he said.
"I know that, but I figured this was a good time to make the switch," she said as he watched her study him for a brief moment. "Magneto said you were fine with it," she added, her voice had an air of tension as he felt they were on the cusp of another disagreement.
"Yes, and I am," he lied.
"Okay," she said, drawing out the word as if she didn't quite believe him. "That's all I needed to hear," she added as he watched her slip the smelling salts into her pocket. "Thanks, Charles," she said before he watched the shield around Lorna drop. She retook her seat and Lorna adjusted in her lap, a yawn escaping the small girl.
Ororo and he shared another look, one which told him, she was aware he was not truly fine with it.
'To keep the peace,' he explained. 'And for Moria's sake, I'll need Rogue's information,' he said.
'Perhaps Logan has what we need,' she suggested.
'They're arguing as well. And I doubt she's told him everything. And with Magnus' amnesia, I can't trust his recollection either. Not that it matters. Those two go hand-in-hand,' he thought as he stole a glance at his old friend, who was still strapped into his seat. 'And now they're raising a child together,' he thought in disbelief.
'Should we ask her about it?'
'It won't change anything and another argument doesn't feel worth the effort,' he said.
'Charles, this won't keep,' she pointed out.
'I know, but given the stakes, we've no choice but to wait on Rogue's intel. After we're rescued Moria we can reassess the situation,' he finished.
'I'm still talking to Logan,' she told him.
'Please do,' he said- feeling weary. No- more like- mentally fatigued. He could sleep again- he really could.
Later that evening, Wolverine carried his newly packed duffel bag through the institute towards the garage.
"Logan," Ororo said as she ran from behind him.
"I'll be back Saturday morning," he said as he heard her walking behind him. He didn't mean to put her off- but. He needed a break- to clear his head and get his thoughts together. He needed distance to do that.
"We need to talk," she said.
"I don't have time for this right now," he answered as he pulled at the garage door.
"Make time," she ordered as a gust of wind blew past him, slamming it shut. He let out a low growl as he fought to keep his temper in check.
"You think I won't dice up this door?" he growled.
"No, I know you will," she huffed as the wind abated. He grabbed the door handle again and pulled it open.
"But now is not the time for you to go off on your own," she said as he entered the garage. "We need you here," she insisted as she followed closely after him. "But that's exactly why you're leaving, isn't it? Now that we're seeking the truth and we are aware you know something, it's more than you can handle," she said as he let out a low growl. "What else has she asked you to keep hidden from us?" she asked.
"Rogue ain't the enemy," he said.
"Then why is she acting like one?" she asked.
"She's not, she's-" he said.
"Ever since Magneto joined us she's been different," she said.
"No, she's been like this the whole time. She just didn't let you see it," he said.
"And you didn't think that was a problem worth sharing?" she asked before he let out a sigh.
"She needed my help," he said.
"But look at the position she has put you in," she pointed out. "You would rather flee your home than have an honest conversation about secrets you were forced to keep," she said.
"Let's get one thing straight, Ro," he said as he turned to face her. "No one forced me to do anything," he said. "Yeah, she didn't tell me everything, and yeah, her manipulative bullshit's pissing me off. I'm dealing with that in my own way. But at the end of the day, I stand by every choice I made. My friend needed my help. Lives were on the line. They still are. She's got a damn good reason to do everything she's done. Alright," he finished.
"No, it's not alright because we do not understand," she said before he sniffed the air. He smelled Jean and another teenager headed towards the garage. He sniffed again and put a name to who he smelled, Cal Rankin. He let out a low growl. This was the last fucking thing he needed right now. He wasn't in the mood for company and he needed to get the hell out of there before he was surrounded by it.
"Logan," Ororo said.
"Shh," he hushed. "Someone's here that ain't supposed to be," he explained. As they walked closer he could start to make out their conversation.
"I can't believe that worked," Cal said before Jean's laughed in response.
"You picked up the mediation so quickly. You should be proud of yourself," Jean said before he felt the kid stop dead in his tracks.
"The cut, it's gone," he gasped confused.
"Did you just heal?" Jean asked.
"Maybe? My back doesn't hurt anymore either," he said.
"Logan, must be-"
"Should I take the bus?" he asked, his tone panicked.
"It'll take hours for you to get home. I can still give you a lift. Just meet me by the gates, okay?" Jean asked.
"Okay, thanks, Jean," Cal said before he could tell they started to run in opposite directions.
"Logan, should I alert the others?" Ororo asked.
"Not it's alright," he said as he turned to look at her. "You remember Cal Rankin?" he asked, as they watched Jean run into the garage.
"Yes, but why would he be here?" Ororo asked.
"I don't know," Logan said as he gestured towards Jean. "Red, you wanna share some insight here?" he asked.
"Cal borrowed Warren's power without meaning to. I helped him with his control, the wings are gone and now he needs a ride home," she explained.
"That was very kind of you, Jean," Ororo said.
"But risky," Logan pointed out.
"He needed help," she shrugged. "What was I supposed to do? Turn him away?" she asked. "An X-Men wouldn't do that," she pointed out strongly.
"You're right, Jean, we do not abandon those seeking knowledge," Ororo said as she looked at him. Logan let out a growl. He'd had enough. He walked over to the key holder and grabbed his and Jean's keys.
"Here," he said, throwing them to her.
"Thanks," she said, as she used her powers to ensure they went directly into her hands. He walked up to his bike as he worked up the resolve to ignore the situation. He let out a growl, knowing he couldn't do that.
'Yeah, alright,' he thought resigned. "Can Cal choose which powers he keeps?" he asked.
"He's still working on that, but I think he'll be able to," she said.
"Well, if he wants, let him know he can hold onto mine," he said as he placed his duffel bag onto the back of his bike. "Being bullet-proof has its advantages," he said as he strapped the bag down with a bungee cord.
"Thanks," she said surprised. "I think he'll really appreciate that," she said.
"Now get out of here before anyone else sees him," he ordered.
"On it," she smiled. He heard her open and get into her van as he put on his helmet and got onto his bike.
"Logan, I was not done speaking with you," Ororo said as both he and Jean started their engines at the same time.
"Yeah, I know," he said as he revved up his engine and took off, beating Jeaning out of the garage.
"Logan," Ororo called after him, but he ignored her, needing to put some distance between him and the mansion. Needing some time by himself.
Okay, calling it here for today! I hope you all enjoyed it! Thank you all for reading and please let me know your thoughts!
Speaking of which!
Kirogue: Yup! Reviews really do motivate me! THANK YOU! I hope you like this chapter too!
What's going on with the Professor will make more sense as time goes on. I've left some really subtle foreshadowing in the story. But not much- it's kind've blink and you'll miss it- but it is there. As the Professor comes to understand when -and, oh boy- why, it'll become clearer. And about what triggered his reaction to Rogue will be revealed in the future once he remembers their first conversation. I'm not sure exactly when that's happening but I already have it written, so just gotta reveal it at the right time! I'm glad you're finding it interesting- more to come!
Logan's kind of going back and forth about how he feels. And yeah it's mostly about not having the full story- but there's another layer to it that he needs time to figure it out. And he knows he needs some distance and alone time- so he's taking it. Thank you again for the review and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this chapter!
