Disclaimer: Not mine.
36-Verona
Professor Xavier sighed as he propped his chin in his hands. Logan had left hours ago to try and rest, but Xavier couldn't rest. His mind was in shock with this latest turn of events. Juggernaut was loose again; the military, led by one William Stryker, was gearing up for an attack on the mansion; and it seemed Rogue was still very much part of the enemy. It was almost more than the greatest mutant mind in the world could handle.
Glancing down at his desk, Xavier once again studied the papers he had been given. Lists of mutants worldwide; blueprints of the mansion; and a file on a mutant working with Stryker. Sitting before him was the truth. Xavier closed his eyes.
How had he been so wrong? How did he not see what had been in front of him for so long? Why had he thought that Stryker would give up so easily? Why hadn't he considered Stryker a threat before now?
"Too many questions," murmured Xavier to himself. He turned his wheelchair around to stare outside. The sky was beginning to lighten; a soft pink was tinting the horizon. It was the start of a new day. Xavier turned around again when he heard the door open. Despite the fact that he hadn't been expecting anyone he immediately knew who it was.
"Come in," said Xavier waving Rogue forward. The southern girl stepped into the office, closing the door behind her. She moved across the carpet and took a seat in one of the chairs before his desk.
Xavier studied Rogue closely. She didn't seem to waver under his scrutiny. The white stripes stood out in her brown hair. Her green eyes looked older than she really was. Rogue had been through a lot since she had developed her powers, and now Xavier was beginning to see the effects it had had on her.
Rogue was no longer an innocent girl. She had become hardened through battle—both inner and outer. She had been hurt deeply by the ones she had trusted, and as a result she trusted no one but herself these days. Rogue had grown up too fast. She had lost her entire world with no one there to help her.
Xavier partly blamed himself for this. He had let Rogue go with Mystique to the Brotherhood. He hadn't tried to help her enough. He had left her on her own to choose her own path. For the first time in his life Xavier felt as though he had failed his cause.
"Ah'm hopin' the old man gave ya the papers," murmured Rogue breaking the silence.
"Indeed, he did. Would you care to tell me how exactly you came across these items?"
Rogue shrugged. "It wasn't easy, that's for sure. Look, we both know Ah'm not here to apologize or get a lecture. Ah want ta know how dangerous this guy really is. He's got names of every mutant in the world. Ah didn't think anyone had information like that. Especially not some mutant hater in the government."
"I have gone through the papers, but I do not believe they name every mutant world wide. I think it is a list of possible mutants. William Stryker does not have the authority, or the technology to find every single mutant in the world. However, he is a threat…a large one by the looks of things," replied Xavier as his eyes darted down to the papers again.
"So ya know who he is."
"His son is a mutant…or was. I don't know where Jason is now, but Stryker never forgave me for not being able to find a cure for Jason."
"Are they gonna attack us?" asked Rogue softly. Xavier looked into her eyes and saw true fear staring back at him.
He said, "I don't know. He would need approval from the president. What I can't understand is how Stryker was able to gather blueprints of the mansion." Xavier's words trailed off as he shuffled through the paperwork.
Rogue sighed. "No one else knows the mansion better than you ahn Magneto," she stated. "Mags is locked up, Professor, but that doesn't mean people cahn't visit him. Ah did. If the government really considered Mags a threat they wouldn't have been so lax in the visitor department."
Xavier looked up. "Yes…I guess I have underestimated you, Rogue. You're a complex young woman. Why work with Magneto—even after the way he used you?"
Rogue's eyes lowered under the Professor's gaze. She pulled her legs up into the chair and wrapped her arms around them as she tried to put her answer into words. "Ah guess…because he needs meh. That, ahn he's the only one who cahn really protect meh."
"Rogue, the X-Men are a team…we protect all members of our team from harm."
"You say ya cahn, but Ah'm not sure y'all cahn match the likes of Mags. Humans don't trust mutants. Maybe one day they will…but d'ya think they'll ever accept someone like meh? Ah'm a walkin' curse, Professor. Ah don't even trust meh. Ah will never be able ta touch people…ahn even if your dream of peace came true…Ah'd still be the outcast. That's mah future, no matter what side Ah decide ta fight ohn. So why not get in a few hits while Ah cahn? Besides, what'll happen if Mags wins this war?"
"Do you know what he is planning, Rogue?" questioned the Professor knitting his eyebrows in worry.
"Ah don't think Mags even knows what he's plannin'. There's not much he cahn do from inside a jail cell," chuckled Rogue. "But is he the one ya should be worryin' 'bout? Ah think this Stryker fella is a little more dangerous…ahn a little more real. Mags ain't gettin' out anytime soon—that would be givin' Mystique too much credit."
"How much longer will it be, Rogue, before Magneto realizes that you're only out for revenge. I don't have to read your mind for that; I can see it in your eyes. Revenge isn't everything," pointed out Xavier calmly.
Rogue shook her head. "Ah wouldn't try ta figure meh out if Ah was you. Ah'm screwed up—there's nothin' anyone cahn do ta help meh now. Destiny seems ta think Ah'm important. Ah think Ah'm losin' mah mind. Ah'm not much use ta anyone right now. Ah cahn't do good. Ah've been tryin', but no matter what someone ends up gettin' hurt. How cahn Ah be good when all Ah cause is pain?"
"You have to believe in yourself, Rogue. You can accomplish many things if you only believe that you can. Eric was right about one thing, you do have the power to become one of the most powerful mutants in the world. I know it is not a comforting thought, but power is more than just strength and skill…it is also heart. No matter what happens in the future, Rogue, I want you to know that you will always be welcome with the X-Men. Whether you want to admit it or not, you have what it takes to be one of us."
Rogue nodded slowly as she got out of her seat. Her forehead crinkled in thought as she made her way to the door. She opened it and called back over her shoulder. "Ah'll stick around for awhile. Ah might be able ta help out if Stryker does come after y'all."
"Thank-you." Xavier watched as the door shut behind Rogue before returning his attention to the paperwork on his desk. There were still so many questions left unanswered, and if Xavier wanted to protect his students then he would have to talk to Eric Lensherr in person. But it would have to wait until later, for today was the Bayville High School Production of Romeo and Juliet.
Breakfast at the Mansion
Rogue glanced up from her spot at the table as the rest of the mansion filed in for breakfast. She had been sitting there since her conversation with the Professor. She had a funny feeling in the pit of her stomach that something was way off in the mansion, and she knew it didn't have anything to do with her loyalties. No, something else was wrong.
That something became quite apparent when she noticed the spot beside her empty. "Hey," started Rogue with a frown. "Where's Blue?"
"Huh?" asked St. John quizzically.
"She means Kurt," said Kitty. "I wanted to talk to him last night, but I couldn't find him."
Rogue glanced over at Jamie. "D'ya know where he is, squirt?"
Jamie shook his head. "He wasn't in our room when I woke up this morning. And I didn't hear him snoring last night."
The feeling in Rogue's stomach churned even more. She was out of her seat before her mind could comprehend what she was doing. Rogue was practically jogging upstairs with Kitty right behind her. Flinging the door open the two girls stopped short. The room was a mess, like always, but now it seemed virtually untouched by Kurt.
"No, no, no. C'mon, Blue, where are you?" muttered Rogue to herself. Her eyes fell on the open window as a soft breeze moved the curtains. Something was very wrong. With a sharp oath Rogue turned on her heels and brushed past Kitty. She took the stairs two at a time as she descended to the ground floor.
"Where are you going?" called out Kitty breathlessly as she tried to catch up. In the foyer were Scott, Xavier, Logan, Jean, and Storm.
"Ah'm finding Blue."
"Where are you gonna start looking?" demanded Scott.
Rogue rolled her eyes. "Ah have connections."
"You think they'll help you?" asked Logan doubtfully.
"Sugah, they hafta, they work for meh now."
"I don't know if we should make a big deal about this," started Jean. "I mean, Kurt's been off lately because of the break-up with Amanda. He's probably just taking some time alone."
Rogue shook her head, oddly keeping calm with the red head. "Look, ya want the truth? Ah've had a feeling since Ah got back last night that somethin' was wrong. Ah couldn't figure it out, but Ah think it has ta do with Kurt."
"What makes you think that?"
"The best excuse Ah cahn give ya is 'cause Kurt's mah brother. Ah know Ah haven't been very acceptin' of him lately, but it'll never change who he is. Kurt ahn Ah share the same blood. As much as Ah hate Mystique, Ah cahn't punish Kurt for it—he was born after meh." Rogue headed towards the doorway when Xavier's voice stopped her.
"Rogue, let me try Cerebro first. If I can't find him then you can do this your way."
"Fine." Rogue turned back around and followed Xavier to the elevator. Logan grunted and followed as well, motioning for the others to return to breakfast. The ride down to the sub-basement was silent. Rogue was chewing on a fingernail unconsciously while Logan leaned back against the elevator wall.
Xavier led Logan and Rogue out of the elevator and down the hallway towards Cerebro. Rogue was hesitant to follow the Professor inside Cerebro until she felt a comforting hand on her shoulder. Glancing up Rogue saw Logan giving her a reassuring nod. With a nod of her own Rogue and Logan entered Cerebro and the doorway shut behind them. Xavier put on the head gear linking him to Cerebro and extended his mind out across the world.
What he found shot his eyes wide open. He tore off the head gear and turned to look at Rogue and Logan gravely. "I couldn't pinpoint his location—wherever he is though, another mutant is controlling his mind."
"Who?" asked Rogue immediately.
Xavier took a deep breath. "He goes by the alias Mastermind, but I know him better as Jason Wyngarde. He has the ability to read and rewrite the memories of others."
"Then how the hell is he controlling Kurt?" snapped Logan gruffly.
Rogue answered softly. "Stryker. Ah shoulda known there was somethin' funny 'bout the way that mutant woman was workin' for him. No mutant, no matter what they believe, would ever work for a man like him. But how is he doin' it?"
"I don't know," said the Professor, "but either way he is a dangerous man that must be dealt with soon. As soon as the play is over this afternoon I will take Scott with me to talk with Eric. He may have the answers we seek."
"Why cahn't ya go now?" questioned Rogue. "Kurt needs us."
"I'm afraid Principal Kelly would notice if half the cast was missing for today's play," answered Xavier.
"Like it matters? Ah don't even know any of my lines!"
"I thought you said you had connections, Stripes," muttered Logan.
Rogue frowned. "Ah do…but if somethin' happens while we're doin' the play?"
"Have hope, Rogue. There is nothing we can do otherwise. I don't know where Kurt is. I don't know where Jason is. I don't know where Stryker is. We have nothing to go on but fear at the moment," replied the Professor softly. "Now, why don't you go and talk to your…connections?"
Rogue made a face as she turned to walk out of Cerebro. "Ah'll see y'all at school for the play this afternoon," she tossed back over her shoulder.
Boarding House:
Rogue pushed the front door of the boarding house open and stepped inside. Sabertooth looked up from his spot on the couch. He had a sour expression on his face, and Rogue could only figure it was from the man standing in front of him.
"What are y' doin' here, chère?" demanded Remy folding his arms across his chest.
Rogue smirked openly. Apparently she had interrupted an important conversation between the Cajun and Sabertooth. "Ah came ta ask ya a favor, Swamp Rat."
"Why should I? Y' owe me, remember?"
"A minor detail. Look, Ah need ya ta find someone for meh. It has ta do with the stuff we found last night."
Remy frowned. "I'm not sure I want t' do this…I t'ink we should all jus' leave town."
"He's my brother," said Rogue with a sigh.
Sabertooth was instantly alert. "The blue kid? What the hell happened?"
"Ah don't know, but he's missin', ahn when the professor tried lookin' for him all he found was Mastermind."
"Who?" asked Remy rubbing the back of his neck wearily.
"Stryker's son," replied Sabertooth with a low growl. "You better find the kid…if Stryker has him it means trouble."
"What kind o' trouble? He ain't dat dangerous is he, this kid?" murmured Remy.
Rogue shook her head. "Depends. Kurt's a teleporter—imagine the places he cahn go if Stryker is somehow controllin' him. It ain't good. None of this is good."
Remy nodded shortly. "Alright, I'll find 'im. He's the blue one? Da one dat looks like a demon out o' de storybooks?" At Rogue's nod Remy headed towards the door to grab his trench coat. "I'll be in touch, chère."
As soon as Remy was gone Sabertooth was on his feet. "Mystique is getting ready to let Magneto out," he said.
"Now?"
"Soon. She didn't say when, but she did leave again. I heard you gave the X-Men a copy of the papers you found yesterday." Sabertooth took a menacing step forward.
Rogue locked her jaw angrily. "What did ya want meh ta do? Let 'em all die without a fair warnin'? This Stryker guy is a mutual enemy. He has your name ohn that list too, Whiskers. He's got a lot of names ohn that list. After he kills the X-Men, who d'ya think will be next?" she challenged.
"Dammit, girl! Stop playing games!" cried out Sabertooth grabbing Rogue by the shoulders and giving her a shake. "You aren't supposed to care what happens to the X-Men—they're the enemy! Whose side are you ohn?"
"Let meh go!" shrieked Rogue. She kicked the tawny mutant in the shin and stumbled backwards as he let her go. "No mutant deserves ta die without a fair fight. Ah won't see the X-Men murdered in their sleep—Ah wouldn't even wish that ohn Mystique, ahn Gawd knows she deserves it!"
Sabertooth chuckled cynically. "You're a fucked up girl, you know that? You belong to Magneto for now…but just you wait. There's someone even more powerful than Magneto who wants you. You don't stand a chance."
"Ahn neither do you," hissed Rogue as she edged towards the front door. As Sabertooth burst into more laughter Rogue fled out the front door. Judging by the missing jeep in the driveway she knew the rest of the Brotherhood had to be at school, gearing up for the play.
School:
"Who the hell decided to put on a play on a fuckin' Sunday?" groaned Pietro as he slumped even lower in his chair backstage.
"The teach," grumbled Toad picking at the sleeve of his costume. He sat stiff backed against the auditorium wall beside Fred and Lance. Wanda was already seated in the audience, simply because she didn't have a part and didn't want one.
"This is a load of crap," said Lance darkly. He clammed up and scowled as the X-Men began to arrive backstage. It didn't take long for the drama teacher, Mrs. Moltby, to hand out the costumes.
"Where's Rogue?" asked Fred curiously as the X-Men dispersed to change into their costumes for the play.
Pietro frowned. "That's a good question."
Almost five minutes later their question was answered when Rogue burst through the door backstage out of breath. Mrs. Moltby squeaked in a mixture of surprise and relief as she handed the southern girl her costume. Rogue glared at it, but reluctantly went to change.
Tabitha emerged in her costume and bolted over to Lance's side. She crouched down beside the Brotherhood with an anxious look on her face. "You won't believe what happened this morning. Kurt's missing. As in kidnapped type of missing."
"What?" questioned Toad quizzically.
"No one's seen him since before last night, and Rogue totally freaked over it. She's pissed. She took off to talk to that Gambit fella—probably to ask him to look for Kurt. The professor talked about it a little. All he would say was that a man named Stryker is behind it. Guys, this is big. Something's goin' on and it's gonna change everything we know," finished Tabitha hurriedly.
Lance shook his head. "No way. What use is Kurt?"
Tabitha shrugged. "I don't know, but whatever it is, I think Rogue's gonna want to make Stryker pay."
Toad spoke up finally. "Stryker…he came by the school once…right before the Liberty Island thing. He was friends with Senator Kelly or somethin'. He was real pissed when the Senator was nabbed."
"Are you sure?" Everyone glanced up to see Rogue staring down at them with horror in her eyes. She took a deep breath. "Aw man, this is bigger than Ah thought. There's no way we cahn beat this guy. He's been plannin' somethin' for months, he has ta have been, why else would he go after Kurt now?"
"Hey, it's gonna be okay. Gambit will find him," murmured Pietro getting out of his seat and putting a comforting arm around Rogue.
Rogue brushed off his arm. "You don't understand. Mutants aren't safe anymore. Not with this Stryker guy collectin' 'em for his own purposes." With those words she walked away, her mind a whirl. Rogue slipped over to the corner of the backstage and sat on the ground, bringing her skirted knees close to her chest. Everything was wrong. Her feelings, her life, her powers. Everything felt off.
"Can I join you?" came a soft voice. Rogue looked up to see Jean in her costume. Rogue nodded and Jean slid down to the ground beside her. "You're taking this whole thing over Kurt pretty hard."
"Ah never hated the kid…Ah just…Ah don't know what ta do 'bout him. Yeah, he's mah brother, but we're complete opposites. Ahn Mystique willingly gave mah life over ta Magneto's for a chance ta be with Kurt. It hurts. Ah hate her more than anythin' else in this world, but it still hurts ta know she chose Kurt over meh."
"I've been thinking a lot about that too since your powers went haywire. There could be a million reasons why Mystique chose Kurt over you, but the only one I could think of was love," murmured Jean.
"Huh?"
"Rogue, you and Kurt are half brother and sister. Neither of you know who your father is. Maybe Mystique genuinely loved Kurt's father and therefore loved Kurt all the more for being born, you know? I could be completely wrong, but it's possible."
Rogue sat back thoughtfully. "Maybe," she conceded. "Mystique has made it pretty plain that she loathes mah father—whoever he is. But it still hurts."
"It's always going to hurt. That's a betrayal deeper than any I've ever heard of." Jean lapsed into silence for a moment before continuing. "You know, there are times when I think that my parents love my sister more than they love me. They're proud of me for controlling my powers and excelling in school—but Sara, she's normal. They dote on her because she's normal. It hurts because they don't try as hard with me. I know I shouldn't be jealous of her, but I miss my parents. I miss spending time with them. I miss the little things like baking with my mom, or watching the Discovery Channel with my dad. I even miss fighting over clothes with Sara. Even if she did have horrible taste."
"Ah never had that. Ah got mah powers before mah adopted parents had the baby. Ah don't even know if it's a girl or a boy. Ah miss them. Sometimes Ah'll find mahself thinkin' 'bout them. 'Bout the life Ah led…'bout Cody. Why cahn't humans understand that it's hard for mutants ta live? We have ta give up everythin' we know because we aren't accepted, ahn the only places that accept us are far from home. Ah'd give anythin' ta be normal again."
"Truth be told, I would too," agreed Jean quietly.
Rogue looked over at the red head beside her and smiled. "Maybe we aren't that different, Jeanie. Maybe none of us are."
"We never were." Jean smiled back and Rogue nodded along in agreement. For the first time in her life she felt accepted.
Meanwhile:
The tour guide motioned her hand up towards a picture of a stately looking president as she recited her memorized lines. Only about half the group was even paying attention to her. It was relatively more than she had initially expected. Though, the pale man standing in the back—the one wearing a long beige coat, sunglasses, and hat—seemed a little strange. But her job was only to relate history, not judge the tourists in her group. Maybe the guy thought it was going to rain later. Anything was possible in Washington, D.C.
As the tour group moved on the tall man in the trench coat lingered close to a roped off hallway. The security guard nearby noticed this and rolled his eyes. Another person hoping for a glimpse of the president.
"Can I help you, sir? You're tour group has already moved on, you better hurry if you want to catch them," said the security. His tone was light, but serious. He had a job to do, nothing more, nothing less.
"No," started the man with a tinge of a German accent. "I don't believe you can."
The security guard made a face and was about to reply when his eyes caught the flicker of a blue…tail behind the man. Glancing down in disbelief he saw that the man was standing on what appeared to be blue, hind legs. "What the—" The man grabbed his two-way radio, pressing the button in a hurry. "Mutant! We have a mutant—"
The rest was lost as the security guard was knocked off his feet by the blue tail. Then, with a puff of smoke, and a highly odorous smell the mutant was gone.
Further down an adjoining hallway the security guards received the garbled message from their comrade. But it came too late. Smoke filled the air and guards were knocked to the ground left and right as a demon-like mutant appeared kicking and hitting with his feet and tail. The smoke in the hallway began to clear but the mutant was gone once again.
Inside the Oval Office the President of the United States was crouched near his desk with White House Security surrounding him. Outside their doorway the sounds of a scuffle could be heard. Shots rang out, and then the door to the Oval Office opened. All that could be seen was blue-black smoke. One security guard stepped forward, raising his gun into the air, but before he could fire a shot he was pulled into the smoke.
Suddenly a blue furred mutant wearing a beige trench coat burst out of the smoke. He disappeared as the security guards began to open fire. When he next appeared it was behind the security guards. With a flick of a blue prehensile tail the men were thrown to the ground. A few kicks of his animal-like feet knocked the wind and weapons out of the rest of the men.
President McKenna's eyes were bulging in fear as he stood on his feet. A gargled cry was emitted from his lips as the blue creature knocked him backwards onto his desk. McKenna stared in horror as the creature's tail flicked upwards with a knife in its grip. Just as the knife lunged downwards towards the President's heart a gunshot resounded throughout the room. The mutant's eyes flashed in pain, his knife wielding tail missing the President's head by mere inches before he vanished in a puff of foul smelling smoke.
Westchester:
Remy walked down the sidewalk with his hands buried deep within his coat pockets. He kept his eyes on the ground, avoiding the looks of the people passing him. He had snuck back to the X-Men mansion and studied the grounds carefully. Behind the back wall, in a deserted alley, Remy had found tires leading away from the mansion. The tire tracks had been made by a heavy duty truck—almost like a military issued vehicle. The tracks had led to a dirt road, and then made their way back to the main highway, leading towards Westchester.
Sabertooth's jeep was parked a ways back so Remy could scout the growing suburb carefully. So far he hadn't found a thing. With a frown on his face Remy stepped inside a small bar and nodded at the bartender. He had been here before and knew the place as mutant friendly. It was a bit rundown, and the locals didn't stray close unless they were of mutant origins. The bartender gave Remy the usual as the Cajun took a seat on a stool. He took a sip of his beer and glanced up at the large screen television.
"Word has just come from the White House that there has been an assassination attempt on the President's life. Sources say that the attack was initiated by a blue mutant who seemed to have vanished in a puff of smoke after being shot at. No word yet on how this will affect humans and mutants across the nation. All we know is that nothing will ever be the same again."
"Mon Dieu," Remy placed his drink back on the counter, placed a bill beside it and took off out of the bar. He half ran, half walked back towards the SUV. The news had made his job easier, but now it was a race against time to see if he could get word to Rogue before Stryker did.
Bayville High School:
Rogue peered through the curtains nervously, absently tugging at her costume. She hated wearing dresses. Especially this one. Too much skin was exposed at her neck, but the drama teacher refused to let her wear a scarf. Something about it being too modern.
In the audience she spotted Wanda. A few seats away she could see Warren, Logan, Ororo, Jamie, and the Professor. Dr. McCoy had opted to stay behind, figuring he couldn't hide his mutant form comfortably. Rogue began to wish she hadn't come either. She had a really bad feeling about everything.
"What are you looking at?" asked Pietro with a frown. The slick haired speedster glanced through the curtains curiously. Almost instantly his eyes fell on Warren. "What the hell is the play boy doin' here?" he demanded in a flash of anger.
"He's with the X-Men," replied Rogue flippantly.
Pietro turned to her with an icy glare. "And you didn't think to tell me about it?"
"Pietro, it doesn't matter. There's nothin' goin' ohn with meh ahn Warren anymore. Just like Ah'm not sure there's anythin' between us," sighed Rogue. She cringed as the last part left her lips. She hadn't meant to say that yet. She had wanted to talk to Pietro about their lack of a relationship somewhere less public.
"What are you saying?" asked Pietro his eyes narrowing darkly.
"Ah don't know. Ah just…Ah don't know anymore. Everything's out of control right now. Ah have a lot of things ta worry about."
"You're thinkin' of joining them aren't you?"
"Huh?"
Pietro snorted. "You're a fuckin' tease, Roguey. You're thinking about screwing my dad over again and joining the X-Men, aren't you?"
"No…Ah don't know. Ah feel Ah have an obligation to 'em too. They've taken meh in, no questions asked. They know Ah'm still workin' with y'all, but they haven't kicked meh out yet. Stryker is the common enemy. Ah cahn't choose sides ohn this one. Ah cahn't."
"No one asked you to, Rogue. Maybe you do have an obligation to the X-Freaks…but you have an obligation to the Brotherhood as well. And if you choose the wrong side I'll make you pay."
Rogue's eyes flashed dangerously. "So that's how it's gonna be then, Speedy? As long as Ah'm not with you Ah'm the enemy? As long as Ah think there's no meh ahn you, you're gonna treat meh like shit? What the hell is your problem? Ah'm tryin' ta do what's right for our kind! Ah don't give a shit 'bout any causes—Ah just care 'bout livin' ta see tomorrow! Who the hell ever said that your path was a righteous one, huh?"
"That's rich coming from you! Always changing sides when the going gets tough!" shot back Pietro angrily, his voice rising and gaining the attention of the rest of the cast backstage. "You're afraid of your own goddamn shadow! As soon as you gain just a little bit of power you freak out! Rogue, you're a mutant! Your powers are meant to be used—not hidden away! Why can't you just accept who you are?"
"Meh? What about you? You're nothin' like your ol' man, Pietro! You never will be! You're better than him. Why won't ya leave his shadows? You're afraid of Magneto! And you should be! He has a sick mind, Speedy. He doesn't give a damn 'bout anyone but himself! He'd kill ya if meant winnin' this war!" shouted Rogue.
"Don't talk about things you don't know!" shrieked Pietro loudly. "You're nothing without him!"
"And you're nothin' with him, sugah." Rogue's voice was barely audible. Around them the X-Men, Brotherhood, and their human peers stared in horror at the fuming teens in front of the curtains. The human students began to look around suspiciously at one another as the words of Pietro and Rogue sunk in.
"You wanna see what I am, Roguey? Then I'll show you." With two quick steps Pietro grabbed Rogue and pressed his lips to hers roughly. He pulled away just as her powers began to start up. Both stumbled backwards, breathing heavily. Turning on his heels, Pietro pushed aside the curtains, pulling the decorative sword from his hip and brandishing it in front of the curtains.
Rogue gasped. "Warren."
Scott was already moving towards the curtains and audience. "I'm on it," he said.
"Not in this lifetime," muttered Lance clenching his hands into fists. The auditorium shook, and the stage cracked with the tremor. The curtains fell to the ground, smashing through the stage and down into the basement.
Rogue glanced out towards the audience. The crowd was beginning to push and shove as they tried to get out of their seats in a hurry. Pietro sped through the crowd, wielding the sword above his head as he headed straight towards Warren. But Warren was already out of his seat. His wings burst out of his blazer and lifted him in the air as Logan met Pietro's advance with his claws.
"What the hell did you do, yo?" demanded Toad gripping Rogue's arm to turn her around to face him. He never got an answer as Sam barreled into the green mutant at full force, sending both of them across the auditorium. Behind her she heard a shriek and turned in time to see Fred lunging at Kitty and Amara. Kitty phased through the overgrown mutant as Amara powered up into a fiery form. The young princess shot a bolt of heat at Fred, knocking the teen to the ground.
"Roguey!" Jamie's voice could be heard over the din of the rumbles and screams, catching Rogue's attention. The southern girl looked to see Jamie trying to come her way. The small mutant finally made his way onstage and latched onto Rogue with tears in his eyes. "Make it stop," he whispered. "Make it stop."
The rumbling ceased as Bobby sprayed Lance with ice, trying to freeze the reckless leader of the Brotherhood. Out of nowhere Sabertooth appeared, dropping down from the ceiling, or so it seemed. The large brute hit Bobby across the chest, knocking the blonde to the ground. Sabertooth glanced up and met Rogue's eyes, his glinted with a hidden agenda. Rogue quickly pushed Jamie behind her and cursed the drama teacher for making her wear a dress as Sabertooth headed her way, his large hands extended with his claws out.
"Not so fast, bub," growled Logan jumping onto the stage. Sabertooth ground his teeth together, but quickly went after Logan instead. Rogue turned to scoop Jamie in her arms, making sure to keep him away from her neck and rushed over to Bobby who was dazed.
"Bobby? Are you alright?" asked Rogue.
"I think so…and I think I'm gonna have one helluva bruise come tomorrow," groaned Bobby sitting up.
Rogue quickly pushed Jamie into his arms. "Watch him, would ya? Ah hafta take care of Pietro."
"Are you crazy? He's lost his mind!" protested Bobby as Jamie quickly latched his arms around the older boy's neck.
"Yeah, but it's mah fault," replied Rogue grimly. She got to her feet, and clutching her skirts in her hands made her way off the stage. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Wanda and Jean engaging in battle. But Rogue's mind was set on Pietro. The white haired teen was running circles around Scott.
She watched Pietro carefully; centering her mind on him until she was sure she had a pattern down pat. Edging closer to Pietro's path Rogue quickly shot out an arm, hitting Pietro in the neck as he ran into her without realizing it. Pietro gagged and fell backwards as Scott shot a beam of energy at Pietro's feet. Rogue pinned Pietro to the ground, their eyes locking.
"Lemme go," ordered Pietro gritting his teeth.
"No. Ya need ta listen ta meh, Speedy. Ah'm not ohn anyone's side but mah own. Ah never have been. Magneto is just a way ta get even with Mystique. Ah just live with the X-Men. Kurt's mah brother. No matter how much Ah may hate our mother, Ah hafta protect him from her. Don't ask why, 'cause Ah wouldn't be able to explain it to ya. Never underestimate me, Speedy. You have no idea what Ah'm capable of. No one does."
Pietro opened his mouth to argue when the auditorium doors flew open. Rogue glanced up and let go of Pietro with fear in her eyes. Remy was pushing and shoving past fleeing humans to get to her. The look on his face made her heart drop down into the pit of her stomach.
"Didja find him?" asked Rogue scrambling to her feet and meeting Remy halfway.
"Oh, I found 'im alright, chère. But it ain't good news," remarked Remy with a shake of his head.
Rogue grabbed his arms and dug her nails in them sharply. "Where is he? What's happenin'?" she demanded, panic tinting her voice.
"He attacked the President, chère. He's tried t' kill the President," answered Remy softly. Rogue's mouth fell open, her grip tightening on the Cajun. If she let go she knew she would collapse. Remy was silent as he watched her eyes film over, lost in thought. "We betta git ya outta here, petite. Da principal called in backup. Da military is on de way."
"How could this have happened? Why was Ah so stupid? Ah shoulda watched him carefully…why didn't Ah let go of mah hard feelin's for him?" Rogue was mumbling, and barely comprehended the fact that Remy was encircling an arm around her waist and turning her towards the doorway. With a strong grip the Cajun led Rogue towards the exit.
Behind her Rogue could dimly hear the sounds of battle between the Brotherhood and X-Men. Her mind was still going over what she had learned about Kurt. He was in trouble…and it seemed like it was all her fault.
Somehow Remy managed to lead Rogue outside and into the SUV. They were speeding away just as military jeeps parked in front of the school. Remy continuously shifted his glance from Rogue and back to the road. She still seemed to be in shock.
"There's nothin' y' could o' done," said Remy after a minute.
"You're wrong. Ah could have done somethin' ta protect him, but Ah didn't. Ah don't know how Ah'll be able ta live with mahself after this. Ah failed the only person Ah had left in mah life," murmured Rogue softly. "Ah failed everyone."
X-Mansion:
It was late afternoon when Remy drove up the driveway of the mansion. For the last couple of hours they had drove around Bayville, Rogue lost in thought, and Remy paying close attention to the radio. Principal Kelly was due to make an announcement regarding the high school auditorium incident. All Remy had been able to gather so far was that the auditorium was now in rubble after the mutants had banded together against the military.
"Y' gonna be alright, chère?" asked Remy as he pulled up in front of the front doors.
Rogue shrugged. "Y'all are gonna skip town for a while, aren't ya?"
"It's prolly f' da best, non?" returned Remy quietly.
"Yeah."
"Just so y' know, chère, I saw your lil friend—da Juggernaut—talkin' with Sabertooth. It don't seem right t' me. I'd watch m'self if I was you."
"I will. Thanks. See ya around, Swamp Rat." Rogue quickly got out of the SUV and headed towards the front door as Remy drove away. She pushed open the door and closed it shut behind her, leaning against it gratefully. She was safe now.
"Roguey!" Jamie shot out of the living room and into Rogue's arms, hugging her tightly despite the fancy costume she was still wearing. Rogue hugged him back, her loose hair hiding the tears that formed in her eyes. This was what being a sister was supposed to be about. Unquestionable love. Logan and Bobby both emerged from the living room as well.
"I'm glad you're alright. Now I can put the pipsqueak to bed," said Logan. Rogue smiled briefly. Under his gruff words lay relief that she had returned to the mansion. Logan detached Jamie from Rogue and tossed the boy over his shoulders as he headed up the stairs.
"Are you alright?" questioned Bobby with an anxious face.
"Ah've been better. Where is everyone?" replied Rogue.
"The Professor and Scott went to the city to talk with Magneto. Ororo and Jean took the jet to get Kurt. He's in Boston, hiding out in a church."
Rogue nodded absently as a couple of stray tears slid down her cheeks. "Is he…how is…is…gawd…" The rest of her words were drowned out as Bobby pulled her into a hug. She clutched him tightly and cried, long wracking sobs.
"He's fine, Rogue. We're gonna get through this," soothed Bobby. "We're gonna get through this."
New York City High Security Prison:
Scott watched with tight lips as the Professor was shipped through the tube leading into Magneto's cell. Today had been a disaster. The identities of the X-Men had been revealed to everyone in Bayville. And the X-Men hadn't done much to prove to humans that mutants were peaceful too. They had destroyed the auditorium thanks to the military trying to capture them.
Then they had discovered what it was Gambit had been talking to Rogue about before they vanished. Kurt had somehow tried to assassinate the President of the United States. The Professor had located the young German in Boston, and Jean and Ororo had gone off after him. Now Scott was accompanying Xavier to discover why Magneto was giving Stryker information.
Eric looked up when Xavier entered. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Charles? Come to read my mind and see what I'm up to?"
"I don't believe I could gain more than what I already know, my old friend. I know about Stryker's plans. What I don't understand is why you have been helping him. You know what he stands for…why tell him everything he wants to know, Eric?" asked Xavier.
"Mr. Stryker can be most persuasive when he wants to be. He was learned how to control mutants, Charles. I fear none of us are safe anymore," replied Eric with a cynical chuckle.
"What did you tell him?"
"Absolutely everything."
Xavier's eyes narrowed. "But why? What is he planning?"
A thin misty substance began to float out of the vents, permeating the air. Both men blinked to keep their eyes open. "He is planning…the end of mutant kind," answered Eric. "And he has come to ask you…for help."
With wide eyes Xavier turned to glance back towards the control room, but it was much too late. Scott lay unconscious on the ground. Standing above the teen stood a petite Asian woman with bright eyes and William Stryker. The last thought that filtered through Xavier's mind was complete and utter fear for the lives of his X-Men back home.
A/N—I'm not sure I like how this chapter went, but I figure it would do for now. I hope you enjoy, and I'll start the next chapter soon.