" Talking."

' Thoughts.'

'Telepathy.'

Chapter 3

Monday, bloody monday

The spacious mansion truly was a sight to see. It stood proudly overlooking a large clearing as well as a vast amount of picturesque green space. The lands belonging to the Xavier Institute for the Gifted were far too large and in too good a shape to be a simple boarding school for talented youngsters...

' Charles always was a conceited bastard and this posh place is proof that we have been right not to place the children in his care..'

'Mael ! I would like you to refrain from telepathy, we are after all on the grounds of one of the most powerfull human telepaths on the face of the planet...'

"-though I must agree this place is not quite as inconspicuous as it should be."

The tall red head offered a weak smile to her muscular companion. It didn't however reach her eyes. Her usually experesionless eyes now took on a cold, scolding quality, presenting a silent warning of obediance.

Those strange eyes did not belong to the flawless face of the woman. She was a beauty, no doubt about it. With her slender, elegant figure and flawless features the woman truly was a sight to see. The only unsettling thing about her was her age, in the early rays of sun it seemed undetectable. At first glance she seemed like a young adult, perhaps in her mid twenties, however upon further inspection one noticed the thin, barely noticable lines on her face. Engraved by either worry and heart ache or simply age they made her look older, more expirianced. Another thing that didn't quite add up to the seemingly young woman was the way she carried herself, with sophisticated elegance and an air of importance. The thing that stood out the most though where her eyes, they held the wisdom and bitterness only age could bring.

The tall woman turned her gaze away from the nordic man beside her and concentrated on the huge doors of the mansion. She squinted her strange eyes and quickly covered them with sunglasses.

' Seems like the sun can still affect me in some way.'

" Do you want me to accompany you?"

The blond man's offer was met by a melodic laugh from the woman.

" Why, you don't think our old friend Charles would present any kind of a threat to me do you? After all he didn't unleash his feral guard dog on us...yet."

As if on que the front doors of the mansion flew open revealing a short, stocky man with a wild mane of unruly dark hair. He looked positively furious and the guests where aware of that fact not only by the angry sneer on his handsome face but also the low growling sounds he emitted.

" How'd ya get past the security!"

" Security? Why Logan I thought we were always invited to drop by."

" Don't play with me lady! I don't care how ya know who I am or how ya got in here but I do know how yer gonna get out! Now do ya want the easy or the hard way?"

'.. he doesn't remember?'

' Of course, what alse did you expect? After what he's been through it's a miracle he's still alive. Now hush, and put your mental blocks on.'

The tall blond stiffened and proceeded to stare the shorter man down. They both scowled at eatch other, muscles tensing. Both looked ready to attack, one to defend territory, the other to make a proper entrance for his employer and if needed be, defend her honor.

' I'm not letting any low life mutant threaten us! Family or not...'

The staring contest was cut short by another merry laughter from the tall red headed woman.

" Ah, as much as I'd like to stay here and watch the two of you take it to the next level, I have an appointment.." She trailed off giving Logan a chilly smile and moving towards the entrance.

" Where do ya think yer goin' lady?"

'Logan! Let her pass please. She is... a friend.'

' A friend Chuck? They barged in here like they own the place and blondie here looks ready to strike!'

'Then keep an eye on him, please .'

When Wolverine reutrned his annoyed glare to the couple standing at the doorstep he noticed the woman's smirk of satisfaction directed at him. The usually fearless man felt chills running down his spine. There was something awfully disturbing about her. The way her cold eyes bore into his even from behind those dark sunglasses. Like she knew something he didn't and wanted to rub it in.

' Get a grip old man. You're probably just imagining things cuz yer pissed to let those freaks in.'

Logan's head quickly snapped up when he heard a snort comming from the tall blonde man after his mental comment.

'Weird. Maybe he's a telepath, better keep my guard up.'

" Well now, I guess I better let myself in. Please stay by the car Mael. I'm sure Mr. Logan will be more than pleased to keep an eye on you."

And with another serene smile the woman swiftly walked past them and into the mansion. Logan stood frozen in place, his mind racing.

' Why did she seem so familiar ?'

Back at the Brotherhood House Wanda was just putting finishing touches to her morning 'knock the Toad out' session.

' I guess that's enough excercise for today! Now back to the playboy with a deathwish.'

" I'm very flattered you think so highly of me lass but to be honest, I don't think you've got what it takes to take me."

" Wanna bet 'dracula' ?"

The dark stranger groaned.

' Why must everyone call me that? It's just a chocker and a stylish shirt! Not like I walk round wearing a cape, bad make up and fake teeth for christ's sake!'

" Oh how very sweet, you picked up the nickname your little boyfriend made for me! Do you share a toothbrush too?"

" Why you..!"

"ENOUGH!"

Only now did the couple notice a not too pleased looking Mystique slam the door to her green sports car. She strode up to them kicking the poor postman on her way.

" What is the meaning of this? Wanda you should be at school. You know there's a reason I want you all there and it's not only so you don't damage the house further! And why the hell is there an unconcious postman on my yard!"

" Maybe because you just kicked him in the balls?" the young man put in.

' Well he does have a deathwish, ha at least I'll get to watch him die in pain and torture.'

The stranger just gave her another smug look.

" Kinky aren't we?"

' -or maybe I'll just go back to hexing.' The Scarlet Witch narrowed her eyes and was about to strike when she felt a strong grip on her arm.

" None of that now. I don't really care how many people you kill as long as they're unimportant to our cause and it isn't done out in the open. And since by turning this young man into another handy pile of dust you break both those rules you better stop before I make you!" the end of the sentance came out as a hiss accompanied by tightening the grip around Wanda's already sore arm. The girl broke free of Mystique's hold and glared at both people in front of her, retracting the hex anyway.

' So dracula's another toy soldier eh? Whatever, I'm outta this dump anyway.'

' Aw what a shame, and here we were just getting to know eatch other better.'

Wanda stared at him in disbelief. ' A telepath huh? No wonder he's so damn cocky.'

" Wanda, I'd like you to meet Lucas X. Haller. He'll be an aid to our cause from now on."

The wince the boy made did not go unnoticed by Wanda and judging by Mystique's smug look she could pretty much guess what the X stood for.

' So that's Xavier's long lost evil son? Well he sure doesn't look like he's too happy about the connection either.'

" So that's why you're finally letting me move in with Rogue huh? The X boy needs space? Why won't he go live with DADDY anyway?"

" Why Wanda luv, I thought you of all people would understand.." Lucas trailed off giving her a dirty look. She soon rewarded him with one of her own, unconsiously making her hands glow an eerie blue.

" Wanda! Control yourself! That's exactly what I came here for. If you are to live with Rogue you need to watch your powers better. She is not to know of anything until the time is right! It's in her best interest not to be reminded of-"

" Oh please Mystique the only thing you're looking after is your own ass! You've hurt her one times too many for me to believe this crap! I swear the day I find a way to tell her the truth I will!"

" Well now, too bad you can't do that without making her go insane! Wanda you may think I'm a cold hearted bitch for all I care but it IS in Rogue's best intrest to stay in the dark about all of this. So far her powers have been suppressed and without the weight of them, the past and our idenities she's a lot safer. Don't you think I'm sick of hiding everything from her? That it'd be easier to just let her know? Besides she could be a great help to-"

" The cause! That's all you ever care about! We're all just tools for you! Just fucking conviniently gifted tools, you're just like-"

Wanda didn't finish her sentnce. She was stopped by Mystique's hand slapping her face, hard. She stared at the woman amazed. She was in her Raven Darkholme form, and her upset face reminded Wanda a lot of Rogue in a similar state.

' I wonder if she just morphs to look like Rogue's mother or are they really that alike.' The witchpondered idly.

' The worst part is, sometimes this manipulative bitch really seems like she cares. But then again she's just a better actress than my father. Come to think of it I can't be too sure my head didn't get messed with either...'

" Don't ever compare me to that man" Raven said in a deadly calm voice.

" Now go to school and don't use your powers, the last thing we need is the public finding out about us, not now anyway."

Wanda gave the woman a confused look.

' Well the name sure fits her, she's an enigma, always hiding something. God, I don't really care anymore! I just want to get away from everything.'

" You'll be pulled from all upcomming missions. But don't be too happy. Maharet's in town, I'm sure she has something special planned for the three of you. Behave."

And with that Mystique dissapeared into the house.

" Well you better run along now little one! Don't wanna be late for school do ye lass?"

Lucas' cheery comment was enough to set our dear witch off and so he landed, not quite unconcious but very bruised, next to the postman who just started regaining conciousness.

" Wha.. what happened?"

" PMS." Growled the tousled 'dracula'.

' That bitch is going to pay! She fried my favourite shirt!'

Back at the mansion the tall woman was making her way through the still darkened corridors.

' All curtains are drawn, how nice, I almost feel invited now' The red head giggled to herself, taking off her shades.

"- yeah and she like totally freaks me out!"

" Question is, do we want somebody like that here at the mansion?"

" Oh Scott stop that! The institute is supposed to be a safe heaven for ALL mutants, no exceptions. So what if she gives off a bad vibe? Everyone deserves a chance!"

" Oh please you're not making any sense Jean! For all we know she may not even be a mutant!"

" But the professor, like said-"

" He said that we should just watch out for her, see what she's up to and try to reach out to her, make friends if we can. But that's pretty impossible considering she treats us no better than the Brotherhood does!"

" So? Technically she isn't a member of the Brotherhood, so we can just invite her over like Evan said."

" Yo J-girl, don't drag me into this one! I just said the drama teacher would be passing assingments for the next play and it would be very convinient if the freaky goth girl was paired with one of us."

" Exactly! So we'd have an excuse to get closer to her and show her we're not the bad guys here!"

' Oh please a bit more enthusiasm in that girl and I'm going to gag. So this little freak show Xavier runs is full of overly zealous, naive goody good kiddies? Poor things, they don't know what they're up againts. Ha, to think right now their only concern is to try and drag our little Rogue on their side. I think I'm going to have to dissapoint Xavier on that one... Now, something to tone down the perky red head's spirits a bit..'

"-and then after we gain her trust we can-" Jean gasped loudly falling to her knees and clutched her head in panic.

" What happened Jean?"

" I-I don't know... I just felt a powerfull psychic presence nearby, but now it's... gone?"

" So what? Maybe it's just like, the prof or something?"

" No Kitty this was diferent... that presence seemed...hostile."

The lone girl whipped the sweat from her brow. She directed another powerful blow at the unsuspecting training bag.

' It's really sad that this is my only stress reliver. Heh, if I keep this up I'm gonna have to propose to that thing to ensure my exclusive rights to smacking it around.'

Rogue always was a restless person. That was part of the reason she gladly took up the odd-jobs her aunt set up for her. Nowdays however there was nothing to do. After the last failed assingment Maharet simply stopped contacting her. It didn't really worry the girl though, that woman always was strange. She only contacted her charges when she needed them, besides that it was near impossible to get a hold of her. So Rogue had to take up other activities to keep herself from finally snapping and turning into a psychotic serial killer like everyone said she would.

And that's how she ended up here, in the Raven Darkholme-sponsored school training room, one peroid before her classes started. The room was a reminder of the memorable accident the previous year. As another way of 'convincing' dear Mr. Kelly to lay off her case, mommy dearest decided to do something for the community.

' Another load of bull. I swear it's my childhood all over again! At least she learned not to force me into anything...'

Ever since Rogue was a little girl both her mother and surrogate aunt Irene cared a greal deal about her training. From an early age she was urged to take up martial arts, learn defence techniques and the like. At first the girl was eager to do anything to please her mothers, but with time she tired of the constant sessions they put her through. Her rebelious nature finally won and she completly abandoned the activities. After years of training she was quite skilled but rarely practiced her abilities. Her mother of course always reminded her of that great loss but that only caused the opposite effect.

' Well seems like now she chose a more subtle technique. It's funny that I just noticed how she outsmarted me! Hell, this whole place looks like it was built for me! It has my favourite equipment, it's tomb-dark, and the dark green carpet just screams ROGUE! Well I guess I should thank her, but that'd just mean admitting defeat. Nope, can't have her gloating! Ok so what if I'm childlish? You can't force feed someone happiness, especially the way she does it. So what if I happen to like what she made me do all those years ago? Pfft definitely not gonna thank her for all those 5 am sessions!'

So lost in thought she was, she didn't even notice the boxing bag swinging back at her very fast from her last blow. It connected perfectly with her face cutting her brow open.

' Man baggy here sure can pack a mean punch. Well sorry hon' guess I've been to hard on ya today, huh sugar? Gotta love an abusive relationship though.. Ok am I giggling at that? Serial psycho killer world here I come!'

Rogue fingered the wound on her brow with her bare hand and wasn't too surprised when she saw it was covered with blood.

' Well can't really cover that one with a chocker. Wha the-'

Blood started clouding her vision. Even though she was facing a crispy white wall, to her it now seemed covered in crimson stains. She quickly whipped a hand over her eyes.

' The cut didn't seem that big-' she drew her hand away, now sure she cleared her vision of the offending blood, and blocked the wound with one hand.

Her vision however did not clear. The wall in front of her seemed to redden by the second. Rogue felt dread slowly rise up in her and looked around. Everything alse seemed normal. She stared back at the stained wall, now completely covered in the scarlet liquid. It begun to pour from it faster and faster, almost giving the impression of tears rolling down the pained bricks. The girl felt dizzy. The strong smell of blood overcame her. She glanced at her feet and to her horror found more scarlet stains appearing on the carpet and spreading over it at an increasing speed. Her mind racing from the overpowering stench she started turing around frantically. What she saw didn't bring her comfort. The whole room was being swallowed by the incredible amounts of blood pouring out of nowewhere. The hand blocking her wound fell lifelesly to her side letting her own blood cloud her vision yet again.

' What's the point? All I see is blood anyway...'

Her lifeless gaze fell on the sea of red before her. It was everywhere...

'Why am I just standing there!'

Rogue made a quick move for the door. Or tried to. She soon found she was frozen in place, facing the damned bloody wall. That was enough to really make her panick. She desperately fought for control over her body but no matter how hard she tried, not a muscle budged.

The smell was everywhere now, filling her lungs and burning her nostrils. It was really too much for the girl to stomach. By now it was difficult to form any coherent thoughts. All she saw was blood. Everywhere. Surrounding her. Consuming her. But she couldn't just give up could she? The blood from her wound was burning her eyes, making vision all the harder. Her head was spinning and she knew she was about to faint when suddenly something caught her eye. She fought for conciousness and concentrated on the centre of the scartet wall before her. It looked like it started moving. Slowly at firts a shape begun to form. It was nearly impossible to keep her eyes open, her wound was bleeding so rapidly Rogue had trouble blinking it all back. The stubborn teen didn't look away even for a second, mesmerized by the sight before her. She gasped when she spotted two dots on the wall shining brightly. No that's not quite right.

They shone darkly and that's what made them stand out so. The sick fascination turned into horror as the twin dots started comming out of the waterfall of red. The darkness they shone with now surrounded them as they took the shape of a pair of eyes. Rogue's breaths came in short gasps now.

'Those eyes...'

The blood at the centre of the wall now formed a shape of a man, perfectly sculptured, each well toned muscle clearly visible. The figure looked completly enveloped by the blood, not quite detached from it but enough to have free movement. The man's arms rose in Rogue's direction, opened in a welcoming gesture, his eyes fixed on her.

" Miss me cherè? "

The familiar smirk that formed on the man's lips made Rogue's blood boil. She made a move to strike him but again found she was unable to.

" Listen you-"

Whatever she was about to say was stopped by the burning sensation in her throat. She felt herself chocke and suddenly something started to pour from her mouth. She glanced down and realized in horror it was blood. It was comming out in huge amounts, so swallowing it was a futile effort. Rogue was far from panicking though. Her head cleared a bit. Now having someone to hold responsible for the situation she directed a powerful glare at the intruder. He just laughed and placed a finger on her bloody lips.

" Shhh cherè, we 'ave too little precious time to 'ave y'r foul tongue spoil it all.."

The infuriating smirk that never seemed to leave the stranger's lips was enough to make Rogue want to shove him back into the damn bloody wall and see if he liked the idea of chocking on blood. However all voilent solutions were impossible and all the furious girl could do was glare at the blood covered man as he slowly caressed her cheek.

" Such a shame... so soft... so soon..."

His strange eyes made contact with her confused ones, a trace of sympathy going through them before being replaced by the customary amusement.

" But plaisir aside, we 'ave more important matters t' discuss. I belive I 'ave somethin' of value to y' cherè..."

He looked at her mockingly again.

" And y' 'ave somethin' I-" his burning gaze rested directly on her lips"-desire."

Rogue shuddered voilently. She felt completely helpless as the stranger leaned in closer to her. She urged every single part of her body to move, do anything to prevent him from taking advantage of her. She closed her eyes in panick, remembering what efect his gaze had on her, and struggled to concentrate on moving. She felt a strange burning sensation all over her skin but it was nothing compared to the panic his closeness arose in her. Her frantic mind was fighting for control over her body. Her eyes where shut so tightly it hurt.

She felt him near, he was just a breath away.

' Go away, go away, go awaygoawaygoawaygoawaygoawayGOAWAY!'

Rogue felt a hand grasp her shoulder but to her amazement she also felt her muscles relax. Realizing she regained control over them she quickly whirled around delivering a powerful punch aimned at the intruder.

" GO AWAY!"

To her shock it connected with the wall. Slowly, the shaken girl opened her eyes. Right beneath her fist was her best friend crouched over and panting heavily. Confused emerlands stared into frightened ice blue eyes that soon were clouded by anger. Wanda quickly stood up and shoved Rogue away from her.

" What is WRONG with you? I've been calling you for five minutes and you were just standing there staring at the damn wall like it was the most fascinating sight since Summers wet, hot and shirtless last summer! And when I walk up to you you attack me-"

The raven haired girl stopped her rant noticing Rogue's wound.

" Don't tell me the wall did it?"

Her mocking comment wasn't rewarded with the desired reaction, when her friend shuddered and took in a sharp breath.

" Ok what's up?"

Rogue slowly looked around. Nothing out of the ordinary. White walls, covered windows, dark carpet. Everything seemed at place and as normal as can be.

Bloodless.

She shakily returned her gaze to the concerned girl before her.

" Ah- Ah.. –" she looked around the room again, her heartbeat slowly returning to it's normal pace.

"-nothin'. Ah was trainin' and this vicious baggy here attacked meh. Heh, abused hubby strikes back eh?"

" You need therapy..."

" What alse's new? Sides, you're one ta talk!"

The cold glare Wanda sent her was enough to make Rogue want to smack herself for being so stupid and careless.

" Gawd Ah'm sorry! Ya know Ah didn't mean it like that!"

" Forget it. "

That wasn't enough to calm Rogue down though.

' Great, not only am I a halucinating, raving luantic, but also a big fat jerk to the only person that gives a rats ass. Way to go rogue!'

"So care to tell me why you're spacing out like that? No, let me guess, mommy popped in on you and you needed a stress reliever?"

" Yeah, Ah guess. That woman always sets me off."

" Well thank god she's leaving soon anyway. Come on psycho, let's get you cleaned up now. You smell."

Rogue actually cracked a smile at that. It really was something when Wanda dropped an argument. Much less something as big an issue as her time spent in the asylum. They had a silent agreement. Rogue never asked or mentioned that peroid, and Wanda refrained from bringing up Rogue's memory loss or her brother. Another taboo subject for the girls was Raven Darkholme, the ultimate mystery. Because some mysteries where better not solved.

After Rogue's much needed shower the girls rested in the changing room, still having a little time before the classes started.

" That's one nasty cut."

" Nah, it's pretty small but bled like hell."

' Yeah, more like all over the room.'

Rogue fought back a shudder at the memory as Wanda examined and tended to her wound. It was rather funny, every time the stripe haired girl winced even slightly, the other teen jumped back and stared at her with a trace of panic in her usually calm eyes. Rogue tried not to sigh at that.

' Poor girl. Must be another post-asylum issue. Sometimes she almost looks scared to touch me! Well we all got our problems. I'm not to crazy about touching people either, and that's a whole different story...'

This time a sigh did escape her lips which earned her an incredulous look from Wanda.

" Oh poor baby has a wittle boo-boo on her face! Don't worry, we'll fix you up so your shady boyfriend doesn't notice!"

" Oh please! Thankfully Ah'm over that jackass. That was a very lame pun by the way."

" Yeah I know. I'm trying though arent I?"

They both laughedat at that. It was really nice to have someone like Wanda around. As much as she loved the insanity of the guys, she did need the other girl's company so it was a relief when Raven brough her in over a year ago. They had common background, practically grew up together, so it wasn't too hard to get back on track, even after all that happened.

' That's why I better spare her my latest 'fantazies'. Man that's one sick mind I've got! I'm really going overboard with this obsession. That is, IF it all is in my head...'

" Spacing out again aren't we?" Rogue felt Wanda jab her head lightly.

"I was just telling you about the newest asshole your... Raven brought in to join the moron squad. I think he's the real reason she let me move in to your place."

" Really? Well what's he look like? Is he worthy of joining the ultimate freak show?"

" Oh that's the shocker. He's actually pretty hot, but that ego! Urgh I didn't know it was possible to cross the record my brother made!"

" Well that explains it. It is a slave ring she's preparing and this one will be the sex toy."

The girls shared a smirk that was so perfectly mirrored it was disturbing. While discussing anything concerning Raven, as they reffered to her seeing as Rogue really didn't need to be reminded of her connection to the woman, they often made insane theories on the reasons behind the woman's actions. Looking into them seriously, as they agreed wasn't worth the trouble.

" Why don't you get dressed, huh 'skunky'? Or are you really that desperate to pass that math test ?"

" God that's dirty! That man really must be into SM though, the way he drools over goths!"

" Both sexes!"

They shared another laugh as Rogue turned aroudn to pull on her short sleeved turtleneck.

" Red ?"

" Wha ?"

Rogue glanced back at her friend dumbfounded. The word triggered memories of the scene fromthe training roomso she quickly rubbed a hand over her eyes to repress them.

" You're stealing my color skunky!"

" Oh this? Just found it layin' around.."

" Yeah right, and it so happens to conviniently cover your neck. Please, you can't fool me Rogue. Lost the chocker?"

" Nope, slept in it."

"Ouch."

" Yeah. Why, grouchy, scared ya won't be so 'special' anymore?"

" Oh please, you don't look half as good in it anyway!"

Rogue smiled half heartedly all the while glancing wearily at her reflection in the mirror. Suddenly wearing that color didn't make her all that comfortable.

" C'mon before we're late for class!"

She let herself be dragged off by her uncharacteristicly concerned about tradiness friend, all the while fingering her neck...

AN: There you have it! Chapter three! Wow I really shocked myself with this one! I've been dying to write that bloody wall scene! Can anyone say 'RED RUM'? Yep, big fun of 'The Shining' that I am! And fianally some things are starting to clear up. As ME kinldy pointed out, yes they do have their powers. And no Rogue doesn't know a thing. EVIL! I kinda switched her with Wanda to make this plot work better. Though Wanda isn't so clear about it all anyway... Ohhh I just love where this all is going!

Btw most of the things that happened in the show did happen in here save for the episodes where Rogue was the major factor, thus there was no Apocalypse etc. The X-men so far consist of Jean, Scott, Kitty, Evan and Bobby. All alse will be explained in due time. Hope you all had as much fun reading it as I had writing it, so please let me know. I also introduced two new characters. As I said before they belong to Anne Rice and I don't claim any ownership, but they'd really get this story going and seeing as their part won't be all that big I hope she won't mind whistles . You don't need to know them though.

Most things concerning the new characters and a bit of Rogue's past will be explained in the next chap. That is if there is one. Another thing, Rogue's not thinking with an accent. Fisrt of it really is a bitch to write and well, do YOU think with an accent? If it bothers anyone I can change it but for now it's here to stay. So : Questions? Comments? Flames? REVIEW! I mean it, if I don't get more that last time then this story is a failure and will go bye bye.

And thank's to enchantedlight and ME for bothering. C'mon ppl, follow the good example!

Disclaimer: all i own is my sinistership and the bloody wall damn it!