A/N: This is it, folks - the Final Chapter! It's been quite a ride...hope you've had as much fun as I have with it. All I can say is, I'm sad that this is actually over. As usual, R&R!!

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Chapter 19

Rogue and Sonya sat at the kitchen table, each eating a bowl of cereal. Rogue was now on her second helping, and Sonya got up from her seat to get the orange juice from the fridge.

"Another quiet morning here at Mutant High," Rogue said with a peaceful sigh.

Sonya giggled. "Mutant High?"

"It's what Bobby called the school the first day I was here. It kinda stuck."

"I can see how," the younger girl nodded appreciatively.

"So," Rogue began as she set her empty bowl in the sink. "I heard about Logan."

Sonya's grin faded slightly. She knew about the relationship between Logan and Rogue, and worried that Rogue would be upset, or even jealous, now that Sonya had turned out to be his real, flesh-and-blood daughter.

Rogue noticed the look on Sonya's face, and rushed on. "I think it's just great. I can tell how much he loves you. Logan's never been good with feelings, y'know, so that's…well, it's great."

Relieved, Sonya replied, "Thanks." Then she asked, "You wanna go outside? I was kinda hoping you'd want to take some of the horses for a ride."

"Sure," Rogue smiled. "You know, all the time I've been here, I've only been horseback riding a few times."

"Don't you like horses?"

Rogue nodded. "Oh, I love them. I've just been busy between school and Bobby and the whole X Men thing."

Sonya seemed lost in thought as they saddled two horses for their ride. When Rogue had boosted her into the saddle, Sonya asked, "My – I mean, Logan – isn't thinking of quitting the X Men, is he?"

Rogue hopped up onto her horse's back, and steered it until she was beside Sonya.

"I don't know. But I could understand if he did," she replied honestly. "He doesn't want to leave you, and if he stays, that is a very real possibility."

Sonya's eyes filled with tears, and she wailed, "But he can't! He was the one who found me – what about all the other people who need him? Who'll help them?"

Rogue shook her head sadly. "I don't know. Maybe ya'll should talk about it when you get the chance." Then, she nudged Sonya with her elbow and said, "C'mon. Let's take that ride."

Sonya started her horse forward at a trot, toward the bridle trail. Rogue followed behind her, wondering how Sonya could be so different from Logan in so many ways, yet seem to be his spitting image in others.

"Stubbornness definitely runs in the family," Rogue mumbled to herself.

As they rode down the path, they talked softly about anything that came to mind. Rogue told Sonya about the first and last time she'd gone in to wake Logan from a nightmare, and Sonya nodded in understanding.

"I was scared that he'd do something like that when I went up there a few days ago. But I was more scared of being alone, I guess."

"I hear ya," Rogue replied. Suddenly, she heard a branch snap nearby, and pulled her horse to a stop.

"What's wrong?" Sonya asked, reining in her horse as well.

"Shh." Rogue's eyes darted around the thick trees, trying to catch any sign of movement. A lone bird flew up from the ground, into the canopy above them, but then all was still again. She was about to tell Sonya to start moving ahead, when she caught a glimpse of black clothing dart across the path in front of her. Her mouth set in a firm line, she motioned for Sonya to stay quiet, then called out to the figure she'd seen.

"John!"

As the echo died away, the bushes beside the path rustled, and Pyro stepped out into the middle of the trail.

"That's not my name anymore, Rogue," he called back, flicking his favorite Zippo lighter open and closed.

"What're you doing here?" She nudged her horse forward a few steps, glaring angrily down at the young man.

He chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Whatever you think of me, I came here to warn you."

"Warn me about what?"

"The Brotherhood. They've sent someone for her," he raised his chin in Sonya's direction.

Rogue scoffed. "And why should I believe you? You're one of them."

Pyro angrily snapped the lighter shut and walked closer to her. She could see the fire in his eyes, but he didn't scare her. She only had to touch him to bring him to his knees – heck, she'd done it before.

"Maybe I am," he growled. "But even I have limits." The smile returned to his face. "Now, turn those ponies around and get to the house before they do."

"Come on, Rogue," Sonya said, already turning her horse around.

"Smart girl," Pyro noted, and Rogue felt an overwhelming desire to punch him in the face. Common sense won in the end, however, and with a final glance at him, she faced her horse in the opposite direction and galloped off toward home.

Sonya reached the stables first, and hopped down off her horse. At the sound of hooves ringing off the blacktop outside, Raven walked out of the barn and spotted Sonya there, giving her horse a bucket of water.

"Hey, Sonya," she greeted with a smile.

"They're coming," Sonya replied, her horse's bridle draped over her arm.

"Who?"

"The Brotherhood."

"You saw them?" Raven asked, worried, but Sonya shook her head.

"There was a boy in the woods. He told us."

Rogue had just galloped up then, and heard Sonya's explanation. With a sneer of disgust, she added, "It was Pyro."

A pit of fear settling into her stomach, Raven stated, "We need to find Logan."

"But what about the horses?" Sonya asked.

"just put them in the paddock for now."

"I'll do it," Rogue volunteered. "You go on ahead."

With a nod, Raven took Sonya's hand and led her toward the mansion.

XXXXX

Raven had just stepped onto the porch when the door jerked open, and Logan growled, "Get in."

She rushed past him with Sonya still in tow, and said, "Rogue's still out there."

"I know." He said as he slammed the door shut.

"How?"

It was Sonya who answered, "Keen sense of smell. It's probably how he knew they were coming, too."

Logan nodded. "Take her downstairs. She'll be safer down there."

"Okay," Raven replied, but Sonya stepped forward and crossed her arms.

"No."

Logan turned around and glared at her.

"Sonya, please," he began, but she shook her head.

"I'm staying with you."

He looked at Raven, who merely shrugged. Great, he thought, she picks now to stay out of it.

"Fine," he gave in with a sigh, "but stay behind me."

He saw Rogue running toward the house then, and pulled the door open again. When she was safely inside, he asked, "How many?"

"Just two, I think. But they're strong."

"Anyone we know?"

She shook her head.

"Weapons?"

Another shake of her long brown hair. "Just their powers. And one of them is big."

"How big?" He asked.

"Like, Andre the Giant big."

"Who?"

Raven laughed. "Never mind, Logan. She means big like a pro-wrestler."

"Oh. Okay," he nodded in understanding, then said, "Go get Peter and Storm."

"You got it," Rogue replied, and ran off down the hall.

Logan turned next to Raven. "You got any weapons?"

"Not in the conventional sense of the word," she replied with a shrug.

"What?!"

"For the sake of time and sanity, let's just go with 'no'."

"All right." He frowned, and the wrinkles in his forehead returned. "Then just stay down, okay?"

"Fine with me."

The same instant that Rogue returned with Storm and Peter, the front door exploded out of its hinges, flying toward the side of the porch.

"Knock, knock!" A gruff voice called out. Though Logan's claws instantly appeared, it was the only motion he made.

Two men appeared in the doorway, gazing around at the rich interior of the house. When they saw the six people who stood inside, they both grinned.

"See, I told ya," the bigger man said to the shorter, thinner one, nudging him with an elbow.

"Hey, Bub," Logan snarled. "Anyone tell you it's rude to show up without calling first?"

Tall Man laughed. "Big words from the 'Wolverine'. Sorry, pal, but I got orders."

"Yeah? From who, Barnum and Bailey?"

Raven snickered, and the man stared at her. "So, you've turned traitor, eh? I told them you would, but they never listen."

"Obviously not," Logan replied, recalling his warning to the doctor.

"Just hand over the girl, and we'll be outta here," the shorter man said.

Logan smiled without humor. "Oh, you'll leave. But not with my daughter."

"Like my associate said, we have orders."

"Then, by all means, try your best," Raven replied, her voice low.

At first, no one moved. The two intruders simply glared at the others, and Logan knew exactly what they were up to – they were calculating their attack. Only problem was, Logan didn't know what powers they had, so he had no way to stop them.

The "Wrestler" took a running leap at Logan, who barely had time to dodge the man's club-like fist. It hit the wall instead, smashing a huge hold in the plaster, where it got stuck. Logan seized the opportunity, and stabbed all six claws into the man's side, causing the man to howl in agony. With a sudden angry growl, the man yanked his hand out of the wall and sent a shower of plaster bits around the room, then grabbed Logan by the throat and lifted him off his feet.

Meanwhile, the other man began to mentally pull the pictures from the walls and fling them at Raven and the others. Peter blocked them easily, simply by turning into his metal form, while Storm caused a brisk wind that blew them away from her. Rogue managed to duck into a side hall, waiting for the man to be distracted with what he was doing. When she saw the right moment, she ran around behind him and grabbed both sides of his head with her bare hands.

The items flying around the room immediately dropped to the floor, as the telekinetic let out a strangled cry.

When the burly man heard his partner's cry, he tossed Logan away from him and started for Rogue. Knowing what was about to happen, Raven suddenly let out a loud, trilling whistle, then rushed to check on Logan, who was just coming back to consciousness. Sonya ran over and dropped to her knees beside him as well, clutching his hand in both of hers.

Just as the burly man reached Rogue and grabbed her around the waist, a strange whooshing sound filled the air outside the doorway, and a strong gust of wind blew inside the mansion.

"Rogue, cover your face!" Raven shouted to her, and Rogue pulled her arms around her head, unsure of what was happening.

Instantly, an entire flock of crows flew into the mansion and began attacking the burly man. His huge frame was completely engulfed by a swirling mass of black feathers, and his screams were nearly indiscernible from the birds' frenzied cawing. He released Rogue, who dropped to her hands and knees and crawled toward Raven and Sonya. The man staggered outside, still circled by the birds, and then ran toward the woods.

When the sound of the birds died away, everyone stood up and brushed themselves off, then moved to stand around the telekinetic, who still lay convulsing on the polished wood floor.

"What do we do with him?" Raven asked, stooping to pick up a single black feather from the floor. She carefully tucked it into her pocket as Logan answered her.

"I say we send him back to the good doctor, minus an arm or leg."

"I second that," Sonya agreed, and Logan turned around to look at her.

"Adult conversation, Sonya."

She merely shrugged, and he turned back to the rest of the group.

"So?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

Storm spoke up then. "Peter and I will take the jet and drop him off somewhere far away from here. Whatever happens after that is not our concern."

Logan considered it, then nodded. "All right. We'll clean up here while you're gone."

Storm smiled at him. "Don't forget to check in on Bobby."

"No problem," Rogue replied, and Logan chuckled.

"Okay, then. Peter, will you carry him outside while I get the jet?" Storm asked.

"You bet," Peter replied, already stooping to lift the man in his muscular arms.

When they stepped out through what used to be the front door, Logan turned to Rogue and Raven.

"We gotta lot of work to do. Let's get started."

XXXXX

"So, what do I call you?"

Logan glanced across the table, where Sonya sat, stirring her chocolate ice cream into a soup-like mess.

"What?" He asked as he watched her slurp up a spoonful of her concoction.

"I mean, should I call you 'Dad', or should I just call you 'Logan'?"

"What are you comfortable with?"

She shrugged. "I dunno. Both, I guess."

He sat back and crossed his arms. "Well then, that's your answer." Then, he arched an eyebrow. "Unless, what you're really asking is whether I mind being called 'Dad'."

Sonya's cheeks reddened, and she ducked her head. "Maybe."

Logan reached across the table and took one of her hands, and she looked up. "Sonya, you can call me anything you want."

"Okay," she replied, "Dad."

They both laughed, and Raven happened to walk in right then. She was wearing the same dark clothes she'd worn the night he'd caught her in the mansion, and her hair was pulled back.

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"Ah, nothing," Logan replied. When he finally noticed what she was wearing, the smile left his face. "You're leaving?"

She nodded slowly. "I've got some things to deal with on my own."

"But you're coming back, right?" Sonya's worry showed clearly through her voice.

Raven didn't answer, instead shooting Logan a look of indecision.

"Sonya, finish up your ice cream while I talk to Raven, okay?" Logan asked gently, and the girl nodded.

When Logan shut the front door, Raven set her pack down on the porch floor and explained, "Listen, Logan, I don't know how long I'm gonna be away. There's so much to clear up, and my mind is just so full of–"

"Raven." Logan stopped her with that single word. Her hands dropped helplessly to her sides, and she just stared at him. He stepped closer to her, his hands on her upper arms, and stared into her eyes. "You're sure you have to go?"

"Yes."

"Well, then. Just be careful."

Her eyes filled with tears. Inwardly, a part of her had hoped that he would try to stop her, though the rest of her had known he wouldn't.

"But Sonya –" she began, but he silenced her by tightening his grip only slightly.

"Sonya will be fine. And," he added, anticipating her next question, "so will I."

She was quiet for a moment, unsure of what to do next. Then, she reached up and gently pressed her lips to his, letting her eyes slide closed, breathing in his scent one last time. Logan wrapped his arms around her waist, wishing the moment would never end. But too soon, Raven's lips pulled away, and she rested her forehead against his chin.

"I'll come back."

"I know," he replied with his usual impish smile. "You can't resist my boyish charm for long."

Raven laughed. "You wish." She slid her hands into her pockets, and felt something soft touch her fingers. She pulled out the black feather she'd found earlier, and held it up to Logan, who took it with a question in his gaze.

"Would you give that to Sonya for me?" she asked him.

"Sure."

"Give her a hug for me. And tell her I'll miss her. And say 'bye to Bobby for me, too. Tell him I'm glad he's back upstairs."

Logan nodded. "I will. But why can't you give this to Sonya yourself?"

Raven grinned in embarrassment. "I'm not very good at saying goodbye. I'd start crying, and I'm sure she'd start crying, and then I'd never leave."

"Good," Logan murmured sadly, and she nudged him.

"But I have to. As much as I hate it." She touched his cheek with the back of her hand, both loving and hating the stubble that prickled against her skin. "But like I said, I promise I'll be back. You promise me something, okay?"

"What's that?"

"Try not to piss anyone else off while I'm gone."

Logan let out a laugh, then wrapped his arms around her and kissed her again. When he released her, he replied, "Same goes for you, Sugar."

"Sounds good." Raven picked up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. "Well, goodbye, Logan."

"Bye, Raven."

She turned and walked down the porch steps. He followed a few steps behind her, then stopped on the lawn as she continued down the gravel driveway. When she got to the end of the long path, she found herself at the main road. She turned back to wave one last time, but Logan was already gone.

With sadness knotting itself in the back of her throat, she stepped through the mansion's gates, then just kept walking.

THE END