Disclaimer: Still not mine.

46-Dilemmas

Rogue awoke to a rustling sound the next morning. Prying an eye open, the southerner glanced over at Tabitha. The blonde was stuffing all of her belongings into a battered suitcase.

Sleepily, Rogue sat up and pulled the covers around her shoulders. Despite it being spring, Rogue still got chilly in the mornings. "What are ya up to?"

Tabitha looked over at Rogue with a frown as she sat on top of her suitcase, snapping it shut. "Packing."

"Ah cahn see that. Ah'm more concerned with the why portion of it."

"I'm leaving."

"To?" inquired Rogue narrowing her eyes slightly. It was too early to be having a heavy conversation, even one like this.

"I can't stay here any longer, Rogue. You've seen how I've been lately. Mopey—and mopey isn't me. I've been thinking long and hard—well, I've been thinking since yesterday really…but, the X-Men aren't for me. Hell, I don't think they're for you either, but it's not like you have any alternatives at the moment—especially considering you've managed to gain more enemies than I ever though possible," babbled Tabitha as she lugged the suitcase onto the floor with a loud thump.

Rogue flinched at the sound. "So where are ya off too? Or do Ah even need ta ask?"

"I saw him yesterday, Rogue…and I just knew that I couldn't lift a finger against him. Man, I never thought I'd live to see the day where I couldn't function without having one guy in my life. I love him…and he loves me. He told me that right after I saved him from becoming a patty cake by one of those robot freaks. I have to be with him, Rogue. You understand, don't you?"

"Yeah, Ah guess…but just up ahn leavin' in the middle of a war? D'ya think the Brotherhood will let ya in?"

Tabitha shrugged. "There's one way to find out. Lance is supposed to pick me up outside the gates in twenty minutes. Besides, the Brotherhood will be ten times better than stayin' here—especially with that Danvers chick parading around like she's some kind of goddess. So what if she can fly and lift a car over a head—she's a fuckin' liar. She did something to David to provoke him…and you and I both know it. But how do the X-Men treat her? With open arms. Man, that witch has your boyfriend wrapped around her little finger. What good is the Professor when he won't use his mind to learn the truth?"

"Ah know." Rogue lapsed into silence, ignoring the fact that her covers had fallen off her shoulders. With a sigh the brunette got out of bed and rummaged around for some clothes. "They're not gonna make meh share a room with Carol, are they? She's too damn perky—Ah'd rather room with Kitty than her."

Chuckling, Tabitha shook her head. "Nah, they already gave blondie a room with the other chick—the one with green hair. What was her name again?"

"Lorna?"

"Yeah, her. Lorna and Carol are rooming together, and Amanda is rooming with muscle man's little sister. God, he must hate knowing she's with us and not him."

"You're talkin' 'bout Piotr ahn Illyana, right?" asked Rogue.

"Mm-hmm."

"Ah'm startin' ta think there are just too many mutants ta keep track of these days," sighed Rogue as she changed into her clothes.

"Aw, but you gotta love it. Geek central—it's the place to be."

"If Mags wasn't such a grump—ahn if Wanda didn't have a price ohn mah head Ah'd join ya. This place is startin' ta feel like a prison."

"Yeah, I wish you could come too. It'd be fun—the two of us painting Metal Head's new base. Huh, I should pay attention on my way there," said Tabitha pursing her lips thoughtfully. "I might want to leave the place sometimes."

Rogue snorted. "Not without Lance ya won't."

"Good point." Tabitha grinned as she turned to face Rogue. "I guess this is good-bye, huh?"

"Yeah." Rogue smiled and gave Tabitha a hug. "Take care of yourself."

"Me? Look who's talking! Don't do anything stupid, you got that?" tossed back Tabitha good naturedly. Rogue nodded as the girls broke apart. Tabitha gave another lopsided grin as she picked up the suitcase and headed towards the doorway. Rogue glanced around the half empty room the moment the door was shut. Alone again.

Rogue set about making her bed and glanced around the room once more before opening the door and stepping out into the hallway. She blinked in surprise at Amara and Roberto standing a few feet away, clearly having an argument loud enough for the whole mansion to hear.

"My father is ordering me too, Amara—I can't just say no! It's not that simple!" exclaimed Roberto in exasperation.

"But they're the enemy! You saw them yesterday, Roberto! The Hellfire Club is no good! You can't join them!" shot back Amara with a hint of tears in her eyes.

"I don't have a choice—my father is coming to take me there this afternoon. As of now I am no longer an X-Man…I love you, Amara, but there are some things that are out of my control."

Amara's lip wavered as a couple of tears slid down her cheek. "If you're going, then I'm going with you. I won't be left behind and abandoned, you understand?"

"It's not safe—"

"I don't give a damn how safe it is or isn't, Roberto DaCosta—I'm going with you!" With that Amara turned on her heel and entered her bedroom, slamming the door shut with a bang. Roberto threw his hands up into the air before turning to head towards his own room. Another bang was heard as he too slammed his door shut.

"Ah don't wanna know," murmured Rogue to herself as she headed for the stairs. What she really wanted was out of the mansion. As she walked down the staircase Rogue passed Amanda and Illyana whispering on their way up. The three girls readily ignored each other. Just because Rogue had helped rescue Illyana didn't make them instant friends…and Rogue wasn't sure what to think about Amanda at this point. Things were awkward between Kurt, Kitty, and Amanda at the moment.

Rogue grinned. Kurt. If he really wanted a good relationship with her then she knew just the way to get on her good side. With that Rogue set out towards the backyard. Kurt and Kitty spent a lot of their free time by the pool now that the weather was warming up.

"I still can't believe both Jean and Mastermind are still alive," said Kitty, shuddering at the last name.

Kurt nodded in agreement, looking up as Rogue joined them. "Hey, Scott's been looking for you."

Rogue made a face. "Ah don't wanna talk ta him if he's still grumpin' 'round 'bout yesterday. It ain't mah fault his girlfriend came back a total bitch."

Kitty rolled her eyes. "He's pissed 'cause you didn't say anything about Jean still being alive."

"Then he should be mad at the Professor too. Ah think that old man knew as much as Ah did 'bout Jean never bein' dead," grumbled Rogue.

"It's nice to see you out of your room—instead of moping away. You've been hiding out in your room for the past month," pointed out Kurt with a small smile.

"Don't get too excited, Blue. Logan's usually camped outside mah doorway these days. Ahn now that Tabs is gone he'll probably sleep outside mah room at night in case Ah try ta bail out too."

"Tabs is gone?" questioned Kitty in genuine surprise.

Rogue nodded. "She ahn Lance cahn't bear ta be away from each other at this point. That ahn Tabby really doesn't like Carol."

Kurt shrugged helplessly. "I'm surprised Tabitha didn't leave earlier. She never struck me as the X-Men type. I'm not sure about Carol yet. I haven't seen her around much."

Rogue's face darkened. "She's usually with Bobby. It seems she's attached ta the hip with him or somethin'. If Ah was feelin' up ta it Ah'd kick her ass, but there's somethin' else Ah want ta do, ahn Ah need your help, Blue."

"What?" asked Kurt suspiciously.

"Ah'm goin' crazy stayin' here. Ah just need ta get off the grounds for a couple of hours—Ah swear Ah'll come right back, but Ah need someone ta keep Logan busy so he doesn't come lookin' for meh."

Kitty frowned. "But it's too dangerous for you out there, Rogue. Like everyone and their brother is after you. That's why Logan and the Professor have been keeping an extra close eye on you. You're safer here."

Rogue rolled her eyes. "Safe ahn crazy aren't exactly the best combinations, Kitty. Ah need out. Just give meh two hours—that's all Ah want. Please, Kurt? You're mah brother; you'll help meh out, won't ya?"

Kurt groaned. "Man, am I always a sucker for girls?" Then he sighed. "Alright, Kitty and I will keep Logan busy for two hours—but no more. If he finds out you're gone after that I can't help you, okay?"

"It's a deal!" exclaimed Rogue eagerly.

"Please tell me you're not planning on getting yourself killed while you're out. If Mr. Logan ever finds out that we kept him from saving your life, I'll kill you again," murmured Kitty narrowing her eyes at Rogue.

"Ah'm just gonna take a walk 'round town. What's the worst thing that cahn happen?"

An Hour Later:

Rogue cursed under her breath as she ducked beneath a table. The outdoor food court was empty except for Wanda and Piotr ganging up on her. Of all the people to run into it just had to be the two who were the angriest with her. Wanda was still pissed that Rogue had double crossed her and Piotr wanted his sister back.

Gritting her teeth Rogue got back onto her feet and took off at a run straight towards the fuming girl. Rogue would have to deal with the Herculean-like kid later. Wanda was the bigger threat right now.

With a graceful twist, Rogue kicked Wanda in the knee cap, forcing the other girl down onto her hands and knees. Rogue felt herself rise into the air as Wanda used her hex powers to send the southern teen flying into a table, knocking it down with a loud crash. Rogue groaned aloud as she rolled onto her stomach, pushing herself onto her knees. She could feel her ribs aching once more. She rocked back onto her heels, trying to figure a way out of the mess she had gotten herself into. The only way out would be the alley way she had landed beside, but Rogue knew for a fact that it only led to a dead end.

As Rogue caught her breath she glanced up to see Piotr helping Wanda onto her feet again. Just as Rogue had made up her mind to chance one more attack she felt something slip into her hands. Looking down she caught sight of a glowing card. Her eyes widened and she quickly tossed the card in the direction or Piotr and Wanda.

The card exploded, sending both Wanda and Piotr flying backwards. Rogue chuckled and slipped into the alley. Sure enough Remy was there leaning against the wall.

"How many times is dat now, chérie? I'm startin' ta feel like a knight in shinin' armor," stated Remy smoothly.

"Get over yourself, Swamp Rat, ahn help meh outta here. One dinky little explosion ain't gonna stop Wanda ahn Hercules over there."

Remy shrugged and motioned for Rogue to follow him down the alley until they reached the dead end. Without speaking Remy boosted Rogue up and over the wall before nimbly pulling himself after her. In the distance behind them the pair could hear Wanda tearing the food court apart in search of Rogue.

Walking at a faster pace Rogue followed Remy down the alley, casting a glance over her shoulder every now and again. She could sense they were being followed. Just as they reached the mouth of the alley Rogue heard a crash of breaking brick, meaning Wanda had figured out where Rogue was headed.

"Merde." Remy grabbed Rogue by the hand and the two quickly darted across the street and down another alley way. "You sure are a handful, chère. You ever t'ink 'bout joinin' de army—I bet they'd be glad ta have ya on board."

"You're a funny man, Cajun," muttered Rogue sourly.

"Just tryin' ta pass de time, chérie."

Rogue grimaced as they came unto yet another dead end. Remy jumped up the wall, ready to reach down and grab Rogue when Wanda flew into view on the other side of the dead end. Remy scowled and hopped back down onto Rogue's side. "Not dat way," he advised. They turned to go back the way they came when Piotr came into view.

"Ah take it ya don't have a back up plan up your sleeve, do ya, Swamp Rat?" hissed Rogue between clenched teeth.

"I'm workin' on it. I might hafta blow down this buildin' jus' ta escape."

"Bad idea," growled Wanda dropping down in front of them, beside Piotr. "You're supposed to be on our side, Gambit. Wait until the others hear you're protecting the Rogue."

Remy shrugged. "She's a lot prettier ta look at den ol' Bucket Head, petite. I don' t'ink your father really know what's best for de team. Everyone keep sayin' she part of de prophecy…doncha t'ink we should keep her alive?"

"Not a chance," replied Wanda icily.

"Next time why don't ya keep your mouth shut, eh Swamp Rat? Ah think ya just pissed her off even more," muttered Rogue as Remy stood between her and Wanda.

"It's hard gettin' used ta bein' a hero, chère; have some patience, will ya?"

Rogue narrowed her eyes, fully intent on punching the cocky Cajun in the nose when out of nowhere a figure dropped down from the sky, tackling Piotr to the ground. Piotr quickly transformed into his metal self as he and Lady Deathstrike scrambled to their feet. Dropping to the ground beside her was Black Tom and Juggernaut.

Wanda glared at the intruders, her eyes flashing in pure hatred. "What the hell is this? Save the Rogue day? Fuck off—all of you!"

"Such language from such a lovely face," sighed Black Tom dramatically. He gave Wanda a wink as he raised his club into the air and blasted the dark haired girl with it. In complete surprise Wanda flew directly into Piotr, knocking him back to the ground.

Rather than retaliate with her hex powers, Wanda stood up and wiped the dirt off her clothes. "Fine, you have some manpower, Rogue, but it doesn't mean I'm done with you—not yet. Apparently everyone and their mother want to see you complete this stupid prophecy…fine, do it. But the second prophecy season is over you and me have things to take care of, got it?"

"Loud ahn clear, Wanda. Enjoy life with your father—Ah'm sure you'll turn into a mindless drone just like he wants!" shouted Rogue as Wanda and Piotr retreated. Rogue breathed in relief, her body sagging a little as she leaned back against the wall of the alley. She was starting to feel weak again.

Lady Deathstrike eyed the brunette carefully. "You are tired," she stated without question.

"Ah bit," admitted Rogue, her eyes flickering upwards. Pain flashed in her eyes and she brought a hand to her side. She was going to be sore for weeks, she knew it. "Ah should probably head back ta the mansion before Logan knows Ah'm gone."

"You can't go alone," murmured Black Tom in genuine concern. It didn't look as though Rogue could last much longer on her feet.

"Ah'm not a weakling," grumbled Rogue as she pushed herself away from the wall. The second she was standing straight, her head began to swim, causing Rogue to lose focus and bring a hand up to her forehead. She could feel another headache developing. Deep inside her she knew it would be worse than the last one.

Remy rolled his eyes as he crouched down in front of Rogue. Before she could protest, he hefted her onto his back, securing his hands beneath her legs. He stood up, and Rogue reluctantly wrapped her arms around his neck.

Juggernaut shook his head, his forehead creasing beneath his helmet. Rogue was weaker than even she was willing to let on. "We were looking for you to inform you of…an interesting development," he started slowly. "Yuriko overheard something you need to know about."

Rogue glanced up sleepily; her head pounding away like there was no tomorrow. "What?" she asked

Lady Deathstrike made a face. "I followed the one called Sabertooth and heard him talk with the one known as Mystique. They have a son together. A human son—a hater of all things mutant."

"Mystique ahn Whiskers? Gawd, mah mother really has bad taste in men," moaned Rogue. "So who's the kid?"

"Graydon Creed."

Rogue's head shot up, her eyes widening. "Holy shit, why didn't Ah connect the names earlier? He's no kid either—Graydon's a full fledged whacko!"

"Nice ta see it runs in de family, non?" teased Remy shifting Rogue around on his back.

Rogue ignored him. "You're sure?" she demanded of Lady Deathstrike. The Asian nodded. Rogue sighed. She was starting to have more family members than she knew what to do with. "Great. That really makes mah day. Alright, Swamp Rat, take meh home."

Remy opened his mouth to protest at the name calling when he felt her head slump down onto the back of his shoulder. He glanced at Black Tom inquiringly.

"She's asleep," murmured the smaller man.

Remy grumbled under his breath. "O' course I had ta watch de fille who likes ta sleep after pullin' off a big battle in less than thirty minutes of arrivin' downtown. It's fate, non? I get stuck wit' her an' everyone else gets ta find someone a lil' more accomodatin'…damn business propositions. You tell Mystique next time ya see her dat I want a new mission. De Rogue ain't exactly an easy fille ta follow. Always runnin' inta trouble." Remy continued his muttered grievances as he walked down the alleyway with Rogue on his back.

Lady Deathstrike shook her head and turned back to her fellow companions. "She is growing closer to Doomsday. I can feel it coming—the hairs on the back of my neck always stand on end with her around."

"The kid's right—she does attract a lot of trouble," muttered Juggernaut pulling off his helmet.

Black Tom snorted. "I thought you told us the more trouble she causes the closer we get to completing Sinister's plans."

"Yeah…but do we have to keep poppin' in to rescue her?"

"She can't die before the prophecy takes place," pointed out Lady Deathstrike seriously. "She's too important to die."

"Indeed she is," spoke up another voice from the mouth of the alley. The three mutants turned apprehensively, settling back down upon seeing Irene walking towards them. "But she is dying as we speak. The longer Rogue fights who she is, the harder the toll becomes. In order for her to live to complete the prophecy Rogue must embrace her powers full heartedly. At the moment, however, she is fighting it."

"Can't we just make the damn girl use her powers so she won't kill herself?" questioned Juggernaut.

Irene shook her head. "Rogue is the only one who can save herself now."

At The Same Time:

Emma sipped her wine peacefully, barely comprehending the last of Selene's words. Finally she interrupted her comrade. "I don't see what the big deal is. The X-Men are not a threat to us," she stated coolly. "You worry too much, Selene. Sebastian, tell your lover she worries too much."

Sebastian Shaw made a face. "I'm not so sure about that this time around, Emma. Selene has a valid point, no matter who we have infiltrating the X-Men; they will continue to be a tangible threat to our interests."

"You two are hopeless," muttered Emma tossing her wine glass to the floor, watching the glass shards scatter across the floor. Then she leaned back in the sofa cushions. "Two of our precious little Hellions are inside the mansion as we speak—they are turning the X-Men against each other. As for the X-Men themselves, we now have four of their own. Legion, Sunspot, Magma, and Phoenix. Their ranks are falling right before their very eyes. Charles Xavier won't know what hit him."

"You forget that they still have the Rogue," pointed out Selene, her eyes darkening at the slurred words of Emma. Apparently the blonde was a bit tipsy from all the wine.

"Oh fuck the Rogue—what threat could she possibly be to us? Once Apocalypse is free he is going to kill her. We all know the prophecy—the one who sets him free is the only one who can lock him again. She's as good as dead. Stop worrying about her—there's no way in hell she can survive Doomsday."

Selene made a face. "I just don't think we are thinking through all of our options. If the X-Men and Brotherhood were to band together—"

Emma gave a high pitched laugh. "God, Selene, you really know how to be a downer, you know that? What possible reason could Charles Xavier and Eric Lensherr ever find to work together? I don't see it happening."

Sebastian shook his head. "Emma, you're drunk."

"I am not!" Emma's voice flared dangerously as she sat up to glare at the Black King and Queen sitting in front of her. "You two are ready to back out on the deal we made with Sinister. Nothing, and I repeat, nothing, is going to stop us from becoming the supreme hierarchy in the world! Dammit, pull yourselves together. We have the Black Bishop coming, as well as our White Warrior Princess, and our Sage. King Bedlam is training our Hellions as we speak. Tom Cassidy has agreed to join as a probationary member. Should he prove useful then we can fully initiate him into the Club."

Selene spoke in a cold tone. "Brian Braddock is only infatuated with you. In time he will tire of your games and turn on us. He isn't Captain Britain for nothing. Viper and Sage are only so useful when it comes to working with Sinister—neither of them particularly wants to associate themselves with Apocalypse. As for Bedlam, he is training a bunch of dimwitted kids that you deem appropriate for our precious 'Hellion' as you call them. I hope you have not forgotten that we have a long ways to go before the Hellions can match up against the X-Men or the Brotherhood and hope to win. Tom Cassidy is only interested in the prophecy. He doesn't give a damn about the Club."

Emma sniffed disdainfully as she stood up, only swaying a tiny bit. "Fuck you. We are on the winning side. Nothing can stop us—not even that damn prophecy."

A While Later:

Remy was still cursing under his breath in French by the time he reached the mansion gates. Standing outside of them was a slender, pale faced man.

"Who are you?" asked Remy suspiciously.

"I am Caliban."

"Cali…ban," murmured Rogue opening her eyes sleepily. Her entire body felt like rubber and she felt as though her head was going to burst. "What's the news?"

"Do not trust the ones who go by Miss Marvel and Polaris. They work for the Hellfire Club."

"Gotcha." Rogue yawned as she snuggled back against Remy's back, ready to return to sleep.

"I don' t'ink she understood," said Remy shifting Rogue yet again.

Caliban eyed Rogue carefully, his eyes not missing the flushed cheeks. "She is sick. She is dying."

"Dyin'?" repeated Remy. "She can't die—Mystique will kill me!"

"She is dying inside. Her powers are aching to be free."

"Then let 'em out, homme! Don' let the fille kill herself?"

Caliban shook his head, taking a step backwards. "I cannot interfere with fate. Only Rogue can save herself."

"You ain't no help, Caliban. If de fille dies, then so do I. She ain't gonna die on my watch. Rogue, wake up. You're home, chérie." Remy gently shook Rogue as he tried to return her feet to the ground. Rogue mumbled incoherently, not even noticing as Caliban steadied her on her feet and Remy turned around to grab her shoulders. This time she awoke, her eyes blazing with anger as Remy shook her.

"Get your filthy hands off meh, Swamp Rat!" she ordered pushing Remy away.

"Petite, you don' know how good it is ta hear ya say dat." Remy gently turned Rogue around to face the gates. "You're home, now why don' ya be a good fille and your ass in dere so I don' get beaten by your wolf, huh?"

Rogue glared at Remy and allowed Caliban to assist her through the gates. Behind her Rogue could hear Remy disappearing down the street, but she was too busy trying to walk with the help of Caliban to yell at the Cajun.

"Rogue!" cried out Kurt in relief. His face seemed to relax upon seeing her. "Thank God you got back before Kitty and Logan did."

"Where'd they go?" questioned Rogue as she slid down onto the front step of the porch.

"Driving."

"Forget Ah asked."

"I feel the same way. Kitty is very scary on the road. She's an aggressive driver."

"Kurt, she almost killed the Professor the last time she drove, remember? That was when he declared it a mission ta teach her how ta drive ahn offered it ta the bravest mutant old enough ta train her. If Ah recall correctly, everyone took extra Danger Room lessons instead," remarked Rogue yawning.

Kurt eyed Rogue studiously as she rubbed her eyes. "You look tired."

"It was a long day."

"Good—that means you won't be leaving for another walk, right?"

Caliban rolled his eyes as he watched the siblings bicker. Rogue made a face. "Ah dunno, it was a lot more fun than stickin' 'round here. 'Sides, Ah found somethin' out that ya need ta know 'bout."

"Like what?" asked Kurt.

"Like Mystique ahn Sabertooth had a son together."

"What?" Kurt's eyes widened at the news. "When?"

"Long before either of us was born, that's for sure," muttered Rogue. "It's Graydon Creed. That freako Senator wannabe—that's our other brother."

"No way! He can't be! Are you sure?"

Rogue shrugged. "That's what Ah heard…ahn yes, before ya ask, mah source is reliable. How 'bout you, Caliban, do you think it's true."

"Yes. I remember the day Graydon was born. He was human—not even I could sense a power inside of him. Mystique tried to raise him, but it became too difficult, so she gave him up for adoption. She used to visit him every once in a while, and even told him that both his parents were mutants. He was not accepting of that fact. He resents Mystique and Sabertooth for abandoning him…and he is embarrassed by their blatant acts of terrorism against humans," answered Caliban truthfully.

Rogue and Kurt were silent as they each soaked in this latest piece of information about their shared mother. With a sigh Rogue slowly got to her feet and entered the mansion. She was about to climb up the stairs when she heard Bobby call her name. Rogue yawned and waited for the blonde to say good-bye to Carol, who was frowning at Rogue from the living room.

"Why do you have to go?" whined Carol trying her best to convince Bobby to stay with her.

"I need to apologize to Rogue. She and I had a little fight yesterday."

"I don't see why you're even pursuing her. You can't get close to Rogue like you can with me."

Bobby took a deep breath. That was a heavy statement no matter which way he took it. His heart was torn. Rogue needed him, he had worked so hard to get things going with her; he couldn't abandon her now. But, Carol was available—and she wasn't pushing him away like Rogue always seemed to do. "She needs me," said Bobby lamely. "She doesn't know it yet, but she needs me. I can't let her down."

Carol pouted and watched as Bobby joined Rogue. Her blue eyes narrowed as Bobby wrapped an arm around Rogue's waist, helping her up the stairs. Carol wasn't about to give up that easily on Bobby. A boy could only chase the Untouchable for so long before he began missing out on the other parts of relationships.

Upstairs Rogue had to pause to catch her breath. Her entire body was ready to collapse. She nodded to Bobby who inquired if she was ready to keep walking. As soon as she reached the doorway, she found an extra bout of energy.

"Thanks for helpin' meh," said Rogue.

Bobby grinned back at her. "Anytime. Look, Rogue, I wanted to apologize for yelling at you yesterday. I'm just…frustrated that you keep pushing me away every time I get close to you. I thought you were beginning to trust me."

"Ah do, Bobby, but…" Rogue sighed. "It's complicated. Ah don't have a good track record when it comes to guys. Ah just don' want ta see ya get hurt bein' with meh…ahn Ah'm afraid Ah'll get hurt bein' with you. Ahn things are so hectic in mah life right now. Ah'm weak, Ah'm always tired…ahn the future is grim. Ah have a fate that nobody else cahn be a part of. Ah just…Ah feel like bein' ohn mah own is the only way ta protect everyone else here, ya know?"

"I do…but you can't always be afraid, Rogue. Love will find you no matter who you are, where you are, or what you do. I just want you to give me a chance, okay? I'm here for you. I swear it."

Rogue gave Bobby a small smile. Taking a deep breath she gave a small nod. "Ah'll think 'bout it."

"You promise?" asked Bobby becoming serious.

"Ah promise." Rogue leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before disappearing into her room. As soon as the door was shut behind her, Rogue stumbled over to the bed, the dizzy spell taking control. She curled up into a fetal position, clutching her pillow against her as tightly as she could.

Beads of sweat poured down Rogue's face as her lips began to chatter. Her skin was covered in goose bumps, and she could feel the veins throbbing in her head. Rogue squeezed her eyes shut, willing the sickness to subside.

Twenty minutes later Rogue felt her body return to normal. The sweat dried up, her body became a comfortable temperature—all that remained was the headache.

"Doomsday," whispered Rogue to herself as the sky outside darkened, thrusting her room into blackness. "Doomsday is here."

A/N—Another chapter…another quick one. Don't get used to these fast updates, there's a reason behind it that you'll find out about soon enough (and no, it's not because the story is almost over…summer is coming—enough said). Anyway, thank you to all the great reviewers…I'm glad you guys like where I'm headed with this. Anyway, until the next one, enjoy.