starlight2twilight – So glad you forgave me and I'm sorry this chapter took so long to get out. Work just overwhelmed me and now I got school, my senior year no less but I'll try and regulate this fic.

Fostersb – Thanks for the review and writing the Emma part was my favorite part of last chapter. Even when she's helping someone she's a bitch.

XxXFairyQueenXxX – I gotta agree with you over the whole Romy thing. There hasn't been any real moments of the latest cartons and movies.

JohnPaulGeorgeandRingo - ^_^ Thanks, I was hoping they way the character interacted would be okay and honestly I think you're the one with the bloody brilliant story. I love reading the Wolverine Whisperer, every chapter cracks me up. I wish I could write humor like that.

Hawaiichick, smiles420, DreamSprite, CurrentlyIncognito, Wanda W, ChamberlinofMusic, UltimateGammy91, Chica De Los Ojos Café, LadyMageLuna, thanks for the reviews.

Get Rogue,

Chapter Six

He had long lost track of the time. He was sure it had been morning when they had set out to the Brotherhood's base. Now the sun was barely rising in the horizon. He had known tracking down Mystique would be no easy task, but as painstakingly as it was to admit, especially to himself, he had underestimated her. She was a lot better than he had given her credit for.

Luckily for him, Forge had not. (Not that he'd ever tell him that). And before he had taken off, he had given him some sedatives that he had brought along just in case. He still wasn't too keen on using them though, especially since he preferred and knew he could capture the shape shifter without them. And he wouldn't even use them if not for the fact that he was on borrowed time.

Despite a few of his actions and decisions he had made in the past he did care for Rogue. He cared for all of his teammates (again not something he'd ever tell any of them) with the exception of Cyclops of course. But he had always had this special bond with Rogue. In a way she was a kindred spirit. They were both stubborn to a fault, brash, and loners by nature but that wasn't all they had in common.

When they had first found her she had been a recent prisoner of the Friends of Humanity who at the time had been capturing mutants to experiment on. Luckily they had shut them down before any major damage could be done to the young teen. Before that she had been on the streets for about a year or at least that's what she could recall. She didn't remember much before that, not even her name; the only thing she could recollect was the night her powers manifested and that was only because she still had the boy's psyche in her head, reminding her of what she had done to him.

As time passed, Xavier had helped her reclaim a few memories including her name. She had become one of the few people at the mansion he could actually stand, liked even. Over the last year he had let her down too many times and he was determined to make up for that.

Picking up on Mystique's scent he followed it to an old barn that looked as if it had been abandoned for quite some time. He knew that she knew he was right behind her still and so he proceeded with caution.

Exercising the restraint and self-control he had learned from his training as a samurai (something he rarely did), he snuck into the farmhouse without making a single noise. He spotted his target instantly, her blue skin sticking out amongst the moldy barrels of hay and rotten wood.

Taking aim, the emergency alarm of his turned off communicator chose that moment to go off and Mystique's yellow eyes locked onto his blue ones.

Rogue was tired. Her feet were killing her seeing as how she was only wearing socks and they had been walking in the middle of the highway for only god knows how long, her arm was throbbing, and she was sorely tempted to grab the next branch she saw and hit Gambit over the head with it. The only reason she kept from doing so was because of the fact she would go down with him. She settled for glaring at his back instead.

As if sensing her glare which he probably did, Gambit finally slowed his pace. Ever since escaping Sinister's lair they had been running non-stop and though he hated to admit it, even to himself, he too was tired. He couldn't even remember the last time he had slept let alone allowed his body to rest. But they had to keep moving. The Marauders could be gaining on them.

"We gotta keep moving cherie," He tried to explain.

"Dang it Cajun we've been on the move for what, the last four hours. Ah'm tired and ah know you're tired too. Five minutes isn't gonna kill us."

"It just might," He angrily retorted starting to lose his cool. "They could catch up in five minutes."

"Or it would give us much needed rest and strength to continue wherever the hell you're dragging me," She continued to argue, a glaring match soon beginning between the two.

"Stubborn woman."

"Dumbass Cajun."

"Gonna get us killed."

"It's your fault that we're even here."

Their argument soon faded into a battle of the wills, waiting for the other to give any indication of backing down. Absentmindedly their faces began to inch dangerously close to one another's.

At that exact moment the loud roaring of an old engine caught their attention. Seconds later a bright pair of headlights was glaring down at the two, breaking them up.

Pushing Rogue behind him Gambit raised his free hand to his eyes to block the light, hoping to get a better look at the driver, not quite sure what he was going to do if it was trouble. A head abruptly popped out of the old pick up.

It wasn't anybody they knew, more than likely a local from the closest town. He was about Rogue's age, maybe a few years younger and baby faced, probably hadn't had his license long. He had this wholesome, boy next door look about him, the complete opposite of Gambit. He was driving an ancient looking Ford pick-up that looked as if it had once been red but was now an ugly shade of brown.

"You folks okay there?"

Elbowing Gambit out of the way, Rogue gave the boy a relieved smile, earning a blush in turn.

"Mind givin us a ride sug? Our car broke down a few miles back and we've been walking for what feels like hours." Gambit raised an eyebrow at the Rogue. She was a good actress.

"Su-sure no, no problem," He stuttered out. "It's gonna be a while 'til we get into town and your friend is gonna have to sit in the trunk. Only have room enough for one person up here."

"That's okay; we'll both take the trunk." And with that Gambit ushered Rogue to the bed of the truck feeling a sort of gleeful pride when he saw the kid's crestfallen look.

Climbing into the back at the same time, Rogue halfheartedly sat down besides Gambit. She didn't even bother to continue their glaring match with him. Sitting here in this old truck, on a clear night, or rather morning now, where she could see the sky lit up with hundreds of stars, sent a wave of nostalgia over her. She wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing.

Gambit was put off by Rogue's behavior. Now more than ever he wished he had his empathy. One moment she wanted to kill him, next she looked like she wanted to kiss him and now she was ignoring him in favor for looking at the stars. Women did not ignore Remy LeBeau.

However before he could break the silence, Rogue beat him to it.

"So where exactly are we Gambit? Ah remember bein on a plane but not getting off."

Smirking at the thought of the plane ride, he answered, "We be in New Mexico petite. On the outskirts of Los Alamos to be exact."

"Figures," Rogue muttered more to herself. Sinister would choose a place like this for his secret lab.

"Do you know how we're gonna get these dang handcuffs off or even where we might be able to?"

"Dunno."

"What did Sinister want with me? Wouldn't he be more interested in someone like Jean or Scott, even Logan?"

"Dunno really. Was only hired to kidnap you."

"If you were hired to kidnap me, why did you try and help me escape?"

"Try?" Gambit arched a perfect eyebrow at the brunet, feeling slightly vexed at her choice of words. "We're here aren't we. I did more than try femme. Everything went according to plan"

Rolling her eyes, Rogue snidely replied, "It was a botched attempt at best. And if everything went 'according to plan' as you say, then why the hell are we handcuffed to each other without our powers in the middle of nowhere."

For once Gambit had nothing to respond with. It may have been that he was tired or that she was actually right. He went with the former.

Rogue let her lip twitch upward in triumph. Gambit was actually pouting, pouting. Dang Cajun probably hadn't lost an argument his whole life. Serves him right to be knocked down a peg.

Allowing herself to relax a bit, she leaned against the side of the bed of the truck and resumed staring at the stars, thankful for the jacket when she felt the cool morning air. A million thoughts were racing through her mind and for the first time since she was thirteen they were all her own.

"Genosha! We're actually staying at Genosha," Bobby exclaimed in shock. Only a few months ago nobody, well maybe Kurt, would dream of going to the mutant island. Though it was Magneto free now he was still somewhat hesitant about going there and he had good reason. He could still remember the last time they had gone there in search of Professor X and nearly gotten killed because of it.

"Yes Bobby, Genosha." Hank replied, as he smiled amusingly at the younger mutant."It's only temporary until Logan gets back and we resolve this problem with S.H.I.E.L.D."

"What's the deal with them anyway? Didn't Logan make a deal with Fury," Kitty inquired.

"That's what we assumed."This time it was Storm who answered from the pilot seat besides Cyclops.

"Now look where that gets us, kicked out of our own home because we left it to Wolverine to handle things," Cyclops sardonically commented. Obviously he was still bitter over the fact that Logan had been chosen as leader over him.

"Scott," Jean said in a reprimanding tone before going off on her boyfriend. "Logan is the leader of this team and he deserves our trust and respect. Besides, you should know that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s the type of organization that'll do anything to get what they want and even Fury answers to somebody."

Scott in turn scowled at his girlfriend's words. Surprisingly (well to him) his thoughts turned to Emma and the snide comment she would more than likely have to say about Wolverine, bringing a slight upturn of his lips. Noticing Jean's intense gaze on him he tried to focus back on flying.

As if sensing the friction between Jean and Scott, it was Colossus who finally broke the tension.

"What did you find out about the people who are after Rogue, Katya?"

All eyes were now on the youngest X-Man.

Nodding her head in acknowledgement, Kitty handed out the papers she had printed out about Deathstrike, Deadpool, and Mystique.

"Deadpool's actual name is Wade Wilson or at least that's what's on his file. They're not even sure if that's correct but it is the main name he uses when he's not using Deadpool. And as you already know he was a part of the Weapon X program with Wolverine. He's a good marksman and has a healing factor like Wolverine. On the street he's known as the merc with the mouth and his only known associates are a guy called Weasel and get this, Domino."

"Domino?" The Brotherhood chick with luck as her powers."

"Yea, that's the one. And Lady Deathstrike actually Yuriko Oyama originally originated from Japan and all it basically says is what we already know. That she's an assassin pretty top notch at that too. There was no list of known associates but there was a picture, of someone we know."

"Really, who?"

"Spiral. Not only that, but the picture showed that they had meeting on Genosha."

"That would explain the Reavers but on Genosha," Kurt stated questioning. "Surely Wanda would have noticed if Spiral of all people was on Genosha."

"Well why not? Genosha is still under repairs. It's the perfect place if you think about it. Anywhere else a six armed woman meeting with a woman with adamantium claw like nails would seem weird," Bobby pointed out.

"And Wolverine says you're just as hopeless as Forge in a fight," Kurt joked, earning a few laughs in turn and a pout from Bobby and Forge.

"What about Mystique?" Sam was the one to bring them back to the main problem at hand.

"Wha, oh yea. Her actual name is Raven Darkholme and according to her file she has been around a long time, almost as long as Logan even. And you're never going to believe this but apparently she has three children."

At this Kurt visibly stiffened thought nobody seemed to have noticed and if they had they didn't say anything. It hadn't been long afterward since joining the X-Men that he had found out the truth about Mystique. The only people who knew were Hank, the professor, Rogue and that had been by accident, and Logan. It was still something he was trying to come to terms with.

"Wait three children."

Kurt suddenly felt like fainting.

"Doesn't say who they are or ages. How they even know she has children is beyond me and her only known associate besides Magneto and the rest of the Acolytes is a woman named Irene Adler. Whose last known address was somewhere in Mississippi."

"Hey isn't that where Rogue's from," Paige piped up.

It was Storm who answered, deep in thought over the sudden revelation.

"As a matter of fact she is. And the name Adler is not unfamiliar to me either."

Shrugging, Piotr voiced his opinion unaware of how right he was. "Maybe that's why Mystique wants Rogue. Could be that they have some sort of history together."

"Could be she offended her," Forge added, not a hundred percent of what to make of the whole situation.

"Maybe but wouldn't she have told us," Kitty said, unsure of her own statement.

"How can you be so sure? Rogue hasn't even told us her actual name and she's been with us for what, five, six years," Bobby pointed out.

"If you recall correctly Bobby she didn't even know her name when she came here and this isn't about her name anyway," Kurt protested.

"Remember when she was telling Logan she hadn't even known Mystique even fought against her. I'm sure Logan would have sensed her lying."

Scott snorted.

"Like he did when she was with the Brotherhood."

"That was a different situation," Kurt continued to argue, sticking up for his absent teammates. "Logan was already fooled once and he wasn't taking any chances. You need to have some faith in your teammates herr Summers."

"Kurt's right Scott." Jean sent him a glare. "Now can we go back to what matters most at the moment. Rogue is our teammate and friend and we have to figure out what Deadpool, Deathstrike and Mystique want with her."

"But nothing fits."

Rogue wasn't sure when she had fallen asleep but the next thing she knew was that she and Gambit had somehow gotten closer and her head was actually resting on his arm. Jerking her head back as if burned, she started to scowl when she heard Gambit's laughter.

"What's the matter petite? I don't bite, hard."

Rolling her eyes at his banal comment, she ignored him for the time being. She had a funny (more like downright horrible) feeling that she was going to be stuck with him for a while and she didn't feel like fighting at the moment with the guy no matter how hard it was not to.

The sun was now up, not quite noon yet but no longer morning either and they were finally rolling to a stop at what looked like an old train station. Confused, she was about to ask Gambit about it, him having been awake, when he abruptly stood up bringing her with him.

Raising an eyebrow inquiringly at him, she nonetheless followed him out the bed of the truck.

"So where we headed?"

Grinning cheekily down at her he replied, "But to New Orleans of course mon cherie."

"No frickin way Cajun. Ah'm gonna call the X-Men. They'll be here in no time; Logan will cut these dang things off, and ah'll be able to go home."

"The Wolverine will gut me the first chance he gets."

"That's what ah'm hopin for."

This time it was Gambit rolling his eyes.

"Sorry cherie, but y' can't cut adamantium with adamantium. Y' be stuck with me until I figure out how to get these things off."

"Well in case you've forgotten in that pea sized brain of yours, there is a girl who can phase through anything on my team."

"Well seeing as how you don't know, Sinister thinks of everything including making these un-phaseable."

Glaring now, Rogue ignored the boy who had given them a ride as he tried to get their attention.

"That's not even a word and Shadowcat's not the only one on the team who can get these off. Forge can build anything he sets his mind to and ah'm sure he can create a key."

At this Gambit started to chuckle as if that had been the funniest thing he had ever heard.

"Forge. Hate to tell y' this but I have heard of him and I know about his 'inventions' if y' can call them that, and how they tend to backfire on him. I know someone much more reliable and we're going to see him."

"Ah don't care. Ah'm not going anywhere with yah!"

"Don't be difficult. We're going and besides, maybe I can help."

"Help? Help with what. You've already done enough helpin already."

"That may be true but like it or not we be in this together. 'Sides, I come from a very influential family and we could help you with your little problem. They be after y' for a reason, non?"

That hit home, and Rogue didn't know how to answer that. He would have a lot of contacts especially in his line of work. Meeting his brown eyes, she scowled as he in turn smirked. He had won and he knew it.

Rogue 1, Gambit 1.

Wait brown eyes. Rogue's hand instantly went to her bangs which were also brown whilst berating herself for not noticing earlier. No wonder the kid had given them a ride without a moment's hesitation.

Gambit was now confused. Rogue's scowl had disappeared and she was fingering her hair while staring fixatedly into his eyes and not the normal look women had when looking into his eyes. There was a mystified sort of wonderment in her eyes. It was then that it finally dawned on him that her white stripes were gone and more than likely his eyes were normal looking too. He was more tired than he thought if it had taken him this long to notice.

"Uhh you guys, we're here. Since you guys were robbed they'll probably give you a voucher especially in your wife's condition and there's a small gift shop inside and I think they have sandals inside."

Rogue was instantly brought back to reality when she heard the terms "wife" and "condition" but before she could question him, Gambit beat her to it.

"Thank y' mon ami. Wish I had something to give y'. Me and mon wife really appreciate the ride."

"No, no problem sir." And with that the boy got back in his truck and took off leaving a fuming Rogue and a grinning Gambit.

"What? Had to tell them something Roguey. Couldn't go around saying we escaped from a mad, mutant scientist. People might think we be crazy."

Rogue couldn't help but let a small smile break her grimace.

"Y' really should smile more cherie, y' look tres bella when y' do."

"Stop calling me that. Ah am not and will never be your cherie Gumbo."

Smirking, Gambit responded, "Whatever y' say mon river rat."

Mystique was trapped. Though it had been bad timing for his communicator to go off, it at least picked a good spot for it to go off. Logan had Mystique cornered and the only possible way to get out of here lay beyond him.

Neither had yet to make a move and both were fixated on the other. Though their eyes were locked together both kept in mind the other's movements.

It was Mystique who finally broke the silence.

"Well, well, well Wolverine. I should have expected this little meeting sooner or later. Shame, I was hoping it would have happen later."

"Cut the crap Mystique. Why the hell did you attack the Brotherhood?"

The blue skinned mutant let a cold smirk settle on her face.

"And here I thought you didn't like them very much."

"I like you even less darlin. Now the hell do you want with the kid Raven?"

At being called her human name, Mystique stiffened while Logan smirked. He finally had her rattled.

"Yea I remember some of it Raven. May not know all of it but some things did come back."

Mystique launched a fist at him, hitting Wolverine squarely in the jaw momentarily stunning him.

"Some will get you nowhere James. There is a lot you still don't know about especially that which is right under your nose."

Her words stung and though he wanted to ask her more he knew she would not be very forthcoming and instead he launched himself at the shape shifting mutant. He wrestled with her for a good while trying to bring her to the ground but it was a tremulous task with her constantly changing her body. She nearly did escape him after impersonating Angel, hoping to use psychological and physical means to evade him but in the end he was successful in his efforts. Wolverine had managed to get her on the ground with her hands firmly secured behind her back and his knees securing her legs from moving.

Just as he was about to use the syringe on her she had morphed again this time to Rogue.

"What the hell are you doing Logan?"

She spoke in perfect imitation of Rogue's southern accented voice.

Wolverine let out a vicious snarl as he jammed the needle into her neck with a little more force than was necessary. Her little ploy had backfired and he was beyond pissed at the stunt she had pulled. She may be able to change her looks but she could never change her scent.

TBC

AN: Don't worry next chapter will be more adventurous and either Deadpool or Deathstrike will make their second appearance. Who knows it could be both.