Chapter 61

Wanda had listened to Rogue as the Mississippi native retold the whole story of recent events and the background on Clark's roguish split personality. She has seen and heard some peculiar things...especially lately after moving in with Dr Strange. Remember they came here from another world in another dimension. She would have a hard time describing what that was like.

Still, despite what she has seen, Wanda has a hard time wrapping her head around an amoral Clark. The guy was so moral and good he could give someone like her a guilt complex by being in the same room and just standing there. It's hard to believe he can turn into a jerk her brother would envy.

Wanda could tell that it was bothering Rogue a lot but she couldn't really offer any wise words. After all what is there to for her to say? That'll it be alright and Clark will be back to normal soon. Rogue would see words like that in the same way Wanda does. They're meaningless things people expect you to say. She's probably already heard it from everyone else so therefore what is the point in Wanda repeating them. Instead she has a better idea. "So you want any help in making him suffer?" Wanda offers her services at getting back at Clark.

Rogue manages a tiny smile at that. "Ah'll consider it."

"These Inner Circle creeps sound like the kind my father would get along with," Wanda remarks after hearing Rogue's story of recent events.

"Uh, maybe. Then again..." Rogue trails off. She hadn't mentioned the whole First X-Men bit yet.

"Then again, what?" Wanda asks.

Rogue sighs. She should not have opened her mouth. Too late now. "Ya know tha Professor and your father were once friends right?"

"When he was slightly less mad, take over the world crazy, yeah," Wanda confirms she knows this.

"Well ya see it goes lahke this..."

Wanda sits there stunned into silence as Rogue tells the story of the First X-Men. Her father was an X-Man? Seriously? Her face darkens as Rogue tells a certain part. "My father paralysed the Professor?!" she says angrily.

Rogue shrugs. "So ah gather."

It's unbelievable and then afterwards he just ups and takes Wanda's mother to go live in the mountains like it never happened. Geez her father was beyond the pail.

"Ah think that's everything. Ah mentioned Scott's ex and her little team?"

Wanda nods. Yeah Rogue told her about Emma Frost and the Hellions.

"So anyway ah don't think your father lahkes this Inner Circle. In fact in China ah think ah remember him promising ta wipe them out or something."

"That sounds like him," Wanda will agree. She shakes her head. "I can't believe how much has happened since I left," she says in disbelief.

"Bet you're glad you have," Rogue thinks because god knows she could use a break from this madhouse.

"Actually, no," Wanda says wistfully. She has found she likes being at Dr Strange's but she's only there because she needs to learn control of her mystical abilities. If she had a choice she wouldn't have left.

Rogue isn't sure what to say.

"So is that it?" Wanda asks if there is anything else that has happened.

"Ah think so...no wait. Volcana's back. She left the Hellions," Rogue suddenly remembers Kitty telling her.

"Really? That's odd. I saw Bobby and he looked fine," Wanda says with a smirk.

Rogue smirks too because it was totally hilarious the way Claire and Bobby would get on each other's nerves and try and out-prank each other. "Well it's a little complicated."

"How?"

"Well she brought her girlfriend, Tarot, with her for starters."

"Ok."

"And...well it seems Claire and ah have something in common."

"Like?"

"We were both created by sickos who think it's fun ta play God."

"Huh?"

"That Shaw guy made her. She's his daughter. His...and Mrs Kent's."

Wanda shakes her head. "Ok. I must have misheard you. Otherwise you just said Claire is Mrs Kent's daughter."

"She is."

"Let me guess. Another long and complicated story?"

"Welcome ta tha X-Men! Where tha strange and weird is just a normal day before breakfast!"

"Summarise it."

"Ok. 20 years ago Mrs Kent and Shaw were engaged. She called it off. He used a lock of her hair ta extract her DNA and used it ta create Volcana for whatevah twisted reason he deemed right in his head." Rogue continues her summarising with the surrogate parents, the day of the meteor shower and everything else she knows about what happened at the Hellfire Club when Shaw revealed the truth of it to Mrs Kent.

"That's not strange and weird. That's nuts!" Wanda gives her honest opinion.

Rogue shrugs. "What do ya want meh ta say? Ah'm still tryin ta cope with tha fact Logan's dating Storm."

"Logan's doing what with whom?!" Wanda exclaims.

"He's dating Storm," Rogue repeats.

Wanda is rendered speechless for several moments. She never saw that coming. "I need to phone more often," she mutters because otherwise she just loses complete track of events around here. "You're ok with this?" she asks after Rogue's well-being which goes to show how far Rogue and Wanda have come in their friendship.

Rogue fidgets a little, showing she is still trying to adjust to the idea. "It seems ta make him happy. Who am ah ta deny that?"

"His daughter."

"Ya just had ta remind meh didn't ya," Rogue says while giving Wanda a severe look. She's not being serious with it.

"It could be worse," Wanda says a little bitter-sweetly, thinking of her own father.

"Yeah. It could beh," Rogue is forced to agree.

Wanda has to admit it is nicer the way she and Rogue can seem to get along with each other now. Rogue has a similar thought.

"So how are things at Dr Strange's?" Rogue asks. It seems like something she should ask about.

"Good. I haven't misfired off a spell by accident in at least 4 days."

Rogue gives Wanda a critical eye and wonders if that's a joke or not.

"It's difficult," Wanda admits at problems she is having. "Magic is driven by emotion and I have...anger issues."

"Really? Would nevah have guessed," Rogue dead-pans.

Wanda gives Rogue a look. "Now you sound like Clark."

"Ah just wish he would sound lahke himself," Rogue says longingly to have that cute farmboy back.

"I think, perhaps, you're just about to get your wish," Wanda says.

Rogue looks at the other Goth girl and sees Wanda staring at the door. "How do ya know that?"

"He's standing outside the door."

Rogue looks at Wanda wondering how she knows that.

Wanda shrugs. "Mystical senses and Clark's aura is rather...unique," she explains.

And also he has not barged in as Kal would, Rogue realises. In fact if she knows Clark he's probably trying to work up the nerve to knock. Rogue rises to her feet and walks to the door and opens it to find Clark, his hand in the air just about to knock.

Clark grins nervously. "Hi."

"Hi," Rogue returns coolly.

"So...um...I'm...it's me. I mean it's me, Clark. I'm back to normal," he stumbles over his explanation.

"That's good," Rogue says, her voice still cool.

Clark's eyes fall upon Wanda. "Hi Wanda. Sorry about earlier," he says, as he wonders if she told Rogue about the kiss.

"Rogue explained," Wanda says, as she rises to her feet. "And I did hex you through the wall twice."

Rogue looks at Wanda with surprise and an expression that says 'you never mentioned that!'.

"Look I guess you two want to catch up so I'll go," Wanda offers. "If I can just have a quick word with you, Clark, first."

"Ok," Clark says, uncertain what Wanda will say or do to him.

Wanda grabs Clark by his shirt and drags him off down the hallway and around a corner. "Look," she says sharply. "I didn't tell her you kissed me."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me," Wanda warns him. "Try anything like that again and I don't care what mental state you are in I guarantee not another lustful thought will ever enter your head again. You hear me?"

"I do," Clark says shamefully. "Wanda I really am sorry."

"I accept that."

"You do?"

"You're still alive aren't you?"

"I..." Clark runs his hand through his hair in frustration. "This is not really how I envisioned this panning out. I just wanted to keep the stones out of the wrong hands."

"Shouldn't you be saying this to your girlfriend," Wanda points out.

"Probably but I'm afraid of her. She's scarier then you are."

"What!" Wanda screeches and then catches the easy teasing grin on Clark's face. "So not the time for your sorry excuse for humour Clark!" she tells him off with an accusing pointing index finger.

"Wanda, no offence here, but you don't know half of what I got up when Kal was in charge. If I don't laugh I think I might crack up."

"Was it that bad?"

"Lets just say I have no idea how to explain it to Rogue that won't end up with me wishing I was never born."

"Clark...I'm completely the wrong person to ask for advice," Wanda says trying to be sympathetic to her sort of adopted big brother, as they agreed to be but she has no advice to give for this situation. "The only thing I can say is that, like myself, Rogue hates being lied to. I get you might want to spare her feelings but lying won't do that so however bad the truth is just suck it up, man up and go be honest."

"You're right," Clark agrees with her. "You are completely the wrong person to ask."

Wanda rolls her eyes and gives him a shove as Clark smirks.

"Hel-lo!" a saucy voice says.

Wanda looks around Clark's large frame to find Satana standing there, eyeing him hungrily. Cue another eye roll. "I'll take care of her. You go take care of your girlfriend," she says as she strides around him up to the half-demon sorceress. She points a finger into Satana's face. "No," she says sternly.

"But..." Satana starts to argue only for Wanda to grab the girl's arm and start dragging her away.

"No," Wanda repeats frostily, knowing what Satana is thinking.

"But come on!" Satana protests as Wanda physically drags her off.

"Read my lips; No!"

"But he smells so...so..." Satana struggles for the word to describe how good he smells. God the power. Not to mention how gorgeous he is. She would not mind a tussle between the sheets with him. Hell she might just sell what's left of her soul for a tussle between the sheets with him. She is drooling just thinking about it.

"He's off the menu Satana! End of story!" Wanda declares with finality.

"You're not the boss of me!"

"No but I am his sister so you want him you go through me!"

"Happily you little mutant witch. Name the time and place," Satana challenges Wanda.

"When and where Dr Strange allows it."

"The Doc? He would never allow it."

"Well I guess you never get through me then, to him, do you?"

"Why you little sneaky b...!"

Clark tunes out at this point, totally perplexed by what that was all about but grateful to Wanda. She has come a long way from when he first met her...and she's not a bad kisser. In fact it was pretty good...and those are bad thoughts. Those are Kal thoughts and Clark gives his alter ego a mental shut up. He turns back to his girlfriend problem and takes a deep breath as he steadies his courage. It's only Rogue.

Yeah. Right. Who is he kidding? He would rather fight every single one of the Hellions than do this. However, Wanda is right. He needs to man up and just confess his sins so to speak so he marches his way down to Rogue's room to do just that.

Clark finds the door still open ajar so tentatively he pushes it open. "Hi," he repeats his greeting from earlier.

Rogue had sat herself down on her bed while she waited for him to return. "Hi."

"Can I come in?" he seeks her permission.

"Sure," Rogue says.

Clark enters the room and shuts the door behind him. "So...um...I'm not sure where to start honestly. I guess an apology."

Rogue frowns. "Ya guess?" she queries unhappily. An apology should be the first thing off his lips.

"I'm sorry if I hurt you in anyway but I did what I felt was necessary."

"What does that mean?"

"Emma didn't free Kal. I let him out to fool her," Clark confesses.

"Ya what?" Rogue asks him, unable to believe she is hearing this from him. "After all tha regrets, all tha guilt you've admitted over what ya did as him ya just let him out? That right?"

"I'm trying to save the world here Rogue," he points out. "And even as Kal I was always keeping an eye on you."

"Forgive meh if that doesn't reassure meh. Last tahme ya used meh for your own ends. This tahme ya used all of us," Rogue points out, her anger building under the surface.

"I can't deny that."

Rogue's anger is caught short by the surprise he admitted it in such a fashion. He just stated it. There was no guilt, no shame, no remorse, apparently, unlike last time where he pleaded for her forgiveness. "Then where does that leave us, Clark?"

"I do love you, Anna. Truly. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe," Clark promises her.

"Except trust meh it seems. Or trust your friends," she accuses him.

"I did what I had to."

"No. Ya did what ya thought ya had to. There's a difference."

"I did what I could considering the situation I was in, which was chained up in the dungeon by the way, as Emma Frost tried to do a Jor-El on me and mess about with my head. Look even if a few things happened I didn't envision the bottom line is that no-one was hurt, the stone is safe and in my possession. Tell me exactly where I went wrong?" Clark asks her. His expression is a mask, revealing nothing when usually his face, his eyes especially, are so expressive.

"Ya used your friends."

"Which I am sorry about."

"No you're not," Rogue dismisses his apology. "If ya were sorry ya would nevah have done it. This isn't like last tahme Clark. Ya weren't doped up against your will. Ya chose this."

"Did I mention the part where I'm trying to save the world?"

"Ya know what? Ah don't even know who ah'm talkin' ta right now! Because this is not my boyfriend talkin! He cares!"

"I care," Clark insists. "I do regret some of what happened. If you want to know what I did and why I did it, ask me and I'll answer you. However, if you're expecting me to sit around and mope, brood or whatever and spend the next week apologising..." which is what he did after the last time he was on red kryptonite, "then you're mistaken," he says with surprising firmness in his tone considering his tendency to brood. He continues with his explanation, "I simply don't have the time for that sort of self-indulgence. If I learned anything from recent events is that we can never know when the next person or group will come seeking the stones. I have to find the 3rd one and put an end to this."

Clark turns, walks a few paces away and turns back to face Rogue. This is as difficult as he thought it would be. "I know that may sound like me saying the ends justify the means."

"That's exactly what it sounds lahke," Rogue agrees and it leaves her so very confused. Clark is usually the one who argues the most strongly against the ends justifying the means.

"Then it will just have to sound like that," Clark accepts. "It isn't by the way," he insists.

The problem for Rogue is that if it was all Kal's idea she could just about forgive him but he admitted it wasn't. That Clark chose to let Kal out knowing full well what would happen is what is really difficult and frankly angers her beyond description because, as far as she sees it, her loving boyfriend chose to do things he knew would hurt her. "Ah can't talk ta ya right now," she says, struggling not to go postal on him which is what will happen if they try and talk now.

"I understand," Clark says. "When you do wish to talk you know all you have to do is call my name," he reminds her. He takes a step forward and plants a kiss on her forehead. "I love you. Please trust in that if nothing else," he asks of her.

The problem is, as Clark leaves Rogue alone, is, that for the first time since they started dating, she finds herself doubting that very trust and where does that leave them?

Elsewhere in the mansion Hank and Moira are debating over a few scientific points. Primarily over helping remove Domino's control chip but also any ideas Hank might have on how to help her son, Kevin. It would be their last chance to talk in person for awhile as Moira needed to fly home soon for the very reason of her son.

They were just looking to met up with Sean at the moment. They find him leaning against a wall, simply observing some of the students interacting with Dr Strange's students. He has an odd wistful, longing and perhaps sad look but it is interspersed with quirks on his lips that seem to be smiles.

Hank and Moira then notice he is, in particular, watching his daughter interact and Theresa is laughing and smiling and looking to be having a great time. Ah so that is what this is about.

Hank coughs to get Sean's attention.

"And what are ye two up t'?" Sean asks at seeing them.

"Oh just having a little chat," Hank replies. "About science, medicine, trying to spare Clark from Moira's interrogation techniques," he jokes.

"Aye. I can see that mad scientist glint in her eye," Sean says, joining in the teasing of Moira.

Moira narrows her eyes in annoyance. "Ye two are not funny," she tells the pair off. "And I have nae plans tae interrogate Clark. Just ask him a few questions," she tries to mollify.

Sean and Hank share a look.

"Right, lass. Whatever ye say," Sean says in such a tone to show he doesn't believe her. He knows Moira too well.

"Are ye telling me you're not at least a tiny bit interested?" Moira asks Sean sceptically. "He's an alien Sean. A real life extraterrestrial. My God can ye imagine the things we can learn from him," she says, barely able to contain herself. She so wants to talk to him before she has to return home.

"I hope ye have some sedatives ready Hank," Sean says. "I think we may have t' tie her down t' save th' lad."

"Already loaded into syringes and waiting," Hank replies, managing to sound completely serious.

Moira glares at the pair of them. "Bunch of comedians," she grumbles.

Sean chuckles lightly. In a way he could understand where Moira was coming from. It was extraordinary to think about where the lad was from.

"So what troubles you my friend?" Hank inquires.

"Hmm?" Sean queries back.

"He wants to stay," Moira states.

Both Hank and Sean look at her.

"I've known ye a long time Sean. I can tell that is what you're thinking. I know you've missed this place. Ye said so."

"I have responsibilities," Sean points out which shows he has in fact grown up despite his easy going and sometimes nonchalant manner. He has responsibilities to Moira and to his daughter which come before his personal wants and desires.

"Sean, ye don't need tae be on Muir Island all the time. John can manage," Moira points out in relation to John Proudstar, a mutant Sean met and partnered during his more...off the book type civil service. Sean was the one who persuaded John to come and work on Muir Island after their last mission together.

"I now feel so redundant," Sean complains, making a pouty face.

Moira rolls her eyes. "Ye know what I mean. It's entirely possible for ye tae split your time. At worse you're only a few hours away if I ever needed ye...and it isn't just ye you're thinking about. It's Terry isn't it. I saw yer face as you watched her. Ye were happy at seeing her interact with others her age. I know she doesn't get much chance tae do that on Muir Island."

Moira knows him far too well. It's annoying, Sean must say.

"There's also the Inner Circle. I can't stay here. I have tae take care of Kevin but ye can. I know you're not the type of man tae leave loose ends and this one has been bothering ye for 20 years."

"We would be delighted to have you here Sean," Hank says in a welcoming fashion. He would love to see his old friend more often. "If you want a practical reason to stay the truth is we shall need more instructors soon. As soon as this current episode involving the 3 stones is taken care of we plan to invite a new batch of students to join."

"Do I look like a teacher?" Sean asks.

"Does Logan?" Hank asks back as a prime example of someone who, at first glance, you would never imagine teaching but Logan does exactly that. "You have skills in many different areas Sean. The students attend the local school for their conventional education. Here we teach them the unconventional. How to control their powers and use them to protect and defend the innocent. Now that I know is an area you much experience in," he illustrates where Sean does have useful skills.

"Sean, it's time tae do what makes ye happy," Moira says to him.

Sean looks at her carefully. "And what about ye and Rahne?" he asks because that decision over whether Rahne stays or not will need to be made shortly.

Moira pauses. That's a good question. Nothing has changed in relation to her worries over Rahne's safety but she also wants her daughter to be happy and she would be happiest here. "I havenae decided yet," she admits to Sean and Hank.

Just then a certain alien teenager of topic walks up to the 3 adults. Moira's eyes noticeably widen. She has seen Clark before but now knowing what he is she can't help but look at him through a different filter.

"Dr McTaggert, Mr Cassidy," Clark acknowledges them. "I wish to say thank you for coming all this way and apologise for any inconvenience you went through while you were held captive." Clark felt he should say something. It was a long way to come to help him.

"No problem, laddie," Sean washes the praises off easily. He only did what was right. He then nudges Moira who is now slack-jawed staring.

"Y-yes, no problem," Moira stutters her reply a little.

"Clark. You are well?" Hank queries.

"Dr Strange was able to help the Professor restore my mental balance, yes," he confirms what he can assume Mr McCoy was asking. "I hope I wasn't too much trouble."

"Ye were nae worse than I was when I was yer age," Sean says, in essence forgiving the lad for his behaviour these last 24 hours.

"That I can most decidedly confirm," Hank says a little too quickly to rile Sean up.

"Right," Clark says, a little perplexed. "Anyway I just wanted to express my thanks to you both," he means that genuinely.

Moira is struggling. She has so many questions she doesn't know where to start. It's very apparent this is the case from her expression. She looks like someone struggling internally with herself.

"I have to go catch up with my parents," Clark excuses himself for not staying. He was in fact on his way to them when he just happened to come upon Dr McTaggert and Mr Cassidy. "I'm sure I'll see you again before you leave. Now if you will excuse me," he gives his farewells and quickly moves on.

Sean and Hank look at Moira, amusement sparkling in their eyes at her face and the fact she couldn't speak in Clark's presence. Oh there will be many, many years of milking this for their own enjoyment to come. Rest assured they will never be letting Moira forget this.

Clark strides on. He could have just superspeeded by but wanted to apologise because, as he said to Rogue, he had done a few things he regretted. Hitting on most of the girls here would count because he does love Rogue. Kal just likes to flirt and see what sort of reaction he can get. Rogue...he just needs to let her calm down. He knows some of what he said hurt and angered her but it was necessary. He believes she'll see that. Rogue always takes time and patience. She can be a little frustrating like that but she is also worth it.

He finds his parents and Claire seemingly giving Marie a tour and introducing her to people. He catches up to them wandering in the direction of the kitchen. No surprise there. His mother is probably away to spoil Claire rotten with her cooking. He snaps his fingers. Glasses. He pulls them out of his shirt pocket and slips them on. He's not about to divulge his secret identity to a former Hellion without some proof her switch is genuine and heartfelt. He's not that optimistic and naïve.

"Clark?" Jonathan queries at seeing his son, dressed back more to his normal in his blue t-shirt and jeans. Though it's the glasses perched on his nose that gives it away.

"Yeah, it's me," he confirms.

Martha moves over and hugs him. "It's good to have you back," she whispers emotionally.

Clark smiles thinly. He never really went away but he can see how Kal is not everyone's cup of tea.

Jonathan places a hand in his son's shoulder. "We have stuff to talk about," he says with a pointed look to indicate what he means.

Yeah. Clark figured there would be talking. "Sure," he accepts that. "Now rumour has it I have a sister," he moves the topic on to something cheerier. He has a warm smile on his face at having something he has always wanted; a sibling.

"Really? Now where did you hear that from?" Claire asks, tongue in cheek.

"You do remember how stories spread around here right?" Clark asks her.

"Still that bad?"

"Worse, probably."

Claire shuts her eyes and shakes her head. She looks to Marie. "Maybe it's not too late to go back," she jests.

"Now you don't mean that, sis," Clark says.

Sis. That sounds...nice, Claire has to say.

Clark turns to Marie and welcomes her, to her surprise, in French. "Bonjour et bienvenue. C'est très agréable de vous rencontrer."

"Vous parlez français?"

"Un peu," Clark modifies her thought by saying he speaks a little. "Mon allemand est meilleur," he says his German is better but that is because Kurt taught him it.

"Since when did you learn to speak French?" Martha asks, wondering when she missed that. What else has she missed about her son?

"I've had to learn a few languages for, you know, research," he says, trying to hint at it is for the stones.

"How many do you speak?" Claire wonders about her brother.

"Lets see," Clark says as he counts them off on his fingers. "German, French, Chinese, Latin, Kitty keeps trying to teach me Yiddish," he says with a roll of his eyes.

Claire joins in the eye rolling. Seems Kitty hasn't changed in the time she's been away.

"And a couple of others," Clark finishes vaguely since one of those languages would be his native Kryptonian.

"Wow. I guess we have some catching up to," Claire remarks, truly astounded by his ability to have learned that many languages.

"There's plenty of time for that. We're family now. I finally get to be a big brother," he says with much excitement, looking forward to that.

"You'll be trying to kill him inside a week," Jonathan dead-pans.

"Thanks dad," Clark mutters sarcastically at his father's attempt at a joke.

Seeing her son and husband banter just makes Martha smile lovingly at her family. After meeting Sebastian again she appreciates having it more than ever.

Clark turns his attention back to Marie. "So you and Claire are dating?" he asks, making it sound like an innocent question.

"Oui," Marie confirms with a happy smile at that.

"Uh huh," Clark says. He folds his arms across his chest and his expression grows serious. "That being the case, and myself being Claire's big brother I feel I therefore have to ask this; what are your intentions towards my sister?" he asks, in full-on overprotective big brother mode.

Marie's eyes widen while Claire gets pissed. "Clark!" she yells at her brother.

Clark just smirks. Oh this is going to be so much fun!

Moira had spent the last little while just watching Rahne as her daughter caught up with her friends. In many ways she is doing what she caught Sean doing earlier only her thoughts don't involve staying herself. Due to her son Kevin's condition she cannot do that.

Moira's single dilemma is whether she allows Rahne to stay here or not. The problem of making that decision remains the same. Her daughter's safety.

Arguably, with the re-emergence of the Inner Circle into the X-Men's lives, her daughter was less safe than ever if she was to remain here. That being the case she should just take Rahne home.

Except Rahne will hate that idea and resent her for it.

What does a mother want?

For her children to be safe and to be happy but what does one do when any decision one makes can only deliver one of those things.

Moira hasn't an answer but she'll need to make a decision and soon.

Before Dr Strange left he set about placing protective wards around the Institute to prevent any practitioner of black magic entering the grounds. It was aimed mainly at Isobel and Selene to stop them teleporting in whenever they felt like it.

After hearing about what happened to Selene, Stephen knew enough of the immortal sorceress to know she would seek vengeance. This would keep her out long enough for him to arrive and confront her. Isobel's quest for the stones would also, most likely, draw her back so this helped ensure the stones were protected.

Mentioning the stones Stephen had very recently found a little out about them in research he had done after Charles had previously asked him. He would send it over as soon as he got home.

Once Dr Strange was finished it was time for him and his students to leave which many complained about. They had been having a good time getting to know the mutant students. Well Satana had been more having fun at their expense while her brother, much to his exasperation at her behaviour, tried to get her to stop. In between those times he had found Scott someone like himself. Someone who likes some order in their lives. His sister would accuse him of being dull. For Daimon it was a way to force some discipline upon the more chaotic, demonic side of his nature. Satana would never understand because she revelled in that part of herself.

Topaz had been the most well behaved of the group and had managed to strike up a conversation with Jean. They had been interrupted by Evan a few times which, Jean had been able to sense, was due to the fact Evan was trying to hit on Topaz. Topaz didn't seem to notice and well Jean could see why. Evan wasn't very good at it which would explain his current single status.

Jen had been surprised by Wanda's closeness to Tabby. The blond girl, overflowing with abundant fizzy energy seemed an odd contrast to Wanda. Since Wanda had taken up Jen's interest in Wiccan Jen figured she had come to know Wanda the best and it just seemed strange that the angry Goth would have such an outgoing personality as Tabby for a friend. Not that she found anything wrong with Tabby. Quite the opposite. Jen liked the girl. It was just the odd friendship she couldn't figure out.

Wanda had really enjoyed meeting up with Tabby and well everyone again. Once she had put her anger over the kiss with Clark...Kal...whatever he's called, once she was over it she allowed herself to just relax and enjoy her friends' company. Although her mind would stray a little back to that kiss. Being her first that was natural she was sure. After all doesn't everyone remember their first kiss?

All too soon for Wanda's liking Dr Strange is telling them it's time to leave. The mystically inclined students gather back together and are soon saying their farewells. Even Rogue shows up to say farewell but Wanda can see that the girl from the south ain't looking too happy and Clark is nowhere to be seen. Wanda guesses the talk she insisted upon Clark having can't have gone too well.

Martha comes up to Wanda and hugs her farewell and whispers in Wanda's ear. "Clark wanted me to pass on his farewells. He said he can't be here due to...uh mystical senses?" she says rather confused by what Clark was meaning.

"Oh right," Wanda says, suddenly understanding. Clark shines almost blindingly bright to her and from earlier, obviously, Satana too. He probably shines like that to everyone mystical and if he was in the same room as them his secret identity bit would be blown. As Mrs Kent steps back Wanda watches the woman step next to Volcana. Wanda still can't believe what she heard about that situation. It's completely insane.

The Professor gives his thanks to Stephen for the protection wards before the Sorcerer Supreme teleports himself and his students home.

The gathered students break up. Logan marches off to get a beer when he finds Clark patching up two holes in the wall. Also the floor feels warped under his feet. "What happened?" he asks in his gruff tones.

Clark sighs. "My other personality and Wanda don't mix," he explains. "I'll fix it," he promises.

"You alright kid?" Logan asks him. He was planning for him and Clark to have words after the whole Hellfire Club situation and now was as good as time as any. The kid was looking kind of miserable though Logan would have to say.

"I take it you haven't spoken to Rogue," Clark assumes.

"Not recently," Logan can confirm but then again she did lock herself away in her room which is a sign she wanted to be left alone.

"You may have to carry out your threat to cut off certain parts of me," Clark explains in gallows humour.

Logan frowns. "Look I know the other you is not easy to get along with."

Clark chuckles at the sheer understatement that is.

"And I recall it took her a few days last time to forgive ya."

"Problem is Logan I kinda think I did what I had to. She doesn't agree."

Logan is surprised to hear that from Clark of all people. Logan himself does stuff he thinks he has to even if it pisses everyone else off but Clark isn't like that normally.

"You can start yelling any time you want," Clark permits. He knows it's coming anyway.

Logan, usually, isn't slow in delivering the chewing outs but not when someone asks for it. He simply grunts and comes up with a better idea for the minute. "Fix the wall," he orders. "And if it ain't up to standard I'll rip it all down and make ya do it all over from scratch. I don't want to be able to tell it was ever damaged in the first place," he tells Clark the standard of repair he expects.

"Jawohl mein Herr!" Clark quips, with a salute for good measure.

"Less imitating the elf. More patching," Logan commands as he settles himself into a supervisory role. He'll make damn sure the kid does this right no matter how long it takes.

Rahne had been dreading this moment when she would be called down to the hangar because it meant her mother was leaving and she might have to as well.

Rahne is conflicted. She does love her mother, don't doubt that. Yes, she was angry at her mother for pulling her out but thanks to Sean she was more or less over that...and yes she does miss seeing her brother yet the largest part of her wants to be at the Institute.

Being back here, especially seeing her best friend Jamie again, really makes her want to stay. She gets down to the hangar and finds her mother there with Sean. Terry's here too and actually isn't looking much merrier than Rahne is about leaving. Terry had admitted to her that she had found her short stay amazing.

Also here to see them off is the Professor, Mr McCoy...and Domino for some reason Rahne can't fathom about why the luck alterer is present.

"So I take it we're going home," Rahne says, rather morosely.

"Aye," Moira confirms. "So ye can pick up your things."

"I...what?" Rahne asks, with sudden confusion.

"I'm lettin ye stay," Moira tells her daughter her decision.

Rahne's face almost splits open in a smile. She runs up to her mother and hugs her, too tightly almost. "Thank ye mum!"

"Don't thank me just yet," Moira cautions. "It's a trial only. Should ye end up in danger again ye will come home, no argument. Am I clear?" she asks sternly, her tone biding no quibble with her decision.

"Crystal," Rahne says. "But why I am coming home first?" she asks since that seems a little convoluted.

"It's not that simple just tae leave ye here Rahne," Moira points out. "Charles needs time to get ye readmitted tae school. There are visas tae arrange so ye can be here legally."

"Wait. We're here illegally?" Rahne inquiries.

"Lets just say we should never mentioned that we were here."

"Oh."

Theresa chuckles lightly at that. She finds it kinda funny to think they're here illegally.

"I'll sort it out as soon as I can," the Professor promises. He'll have Martha help. She's very good at it because she has some legal training from the life she once pursued when she was younger.

"Thank ye Charles," Moira says with a warm smile. She'll always have warm feelings for him.

"No problem. Although 3 visas takes a little doing in a short time," he says, totally understating how difficult it actually is to wade through all the convoluted regulations on who does and does not enter the United States.

"3?" Theresa queries.

Sean chooses this moment to tell her what he has decided. "If ye want."

Theresa looks a little puzzled. "I didnae think I understand."

"If ye want t' come here, Charles has offered me a role as an instructor," Sean explains the conversation he has already had with the Professor.

Theresa points at her father, an expression of disbelief on her face. "Ye? An Instructor?"

"Is that so unbelievable?" Sean asks her. "I taught ye didn't I?"

"He has a point and ye are not exactly easy tae teach," Rahne says, cheeky grin on her face, teasing her friend.

"Whose side are ye on?" Theresa asks her friend.

Rahne chooses not to answer that.

"It's up t' ye Terry," Sean leaves the choice to her.

Wow. Theresa did not see this coming. She has never even considered it. Staying close to her father was all that ever mattered and he was on Muir Island so that was where she was. "What about yer job?" she asks in reference to Sean's work.

"Apparently John can do what I do and I'm completely redundant according t' some people who shall remain nameless," he says, giving Moira a joky sour look.

"Actually I said that ye didn't need tae be there all the time," Moira corrects him.

"So...this is really up t' me?" Theresa asks her father to confirm.

"Aye," Sean says.

"Then I would like t' give it a go here," Theresa decides.

"Excellent!" Domino proclaims, in a cackling tone, mimicking Mr Burns from the Simpsons as she taps her fingertips against each other. "More meat for the grinder."

"This is why we don't let her make our sales pitch," Hank says, dead-pan style.

Domino shoots him a look. "I'm offended. I'm the best thing about this place," she proclaims.

Hank looks to Sean and Moira. "I think silence is indeed golden in response to that."

Domino huffs.

Sean, Moira, Rahne and Theresa chuckle as does the Professor. Although Charles, in reality did find Domino unique and wonderful in her way.

Moira sighs. She still never got a chance to talk to Clark. He was bonding with his new sister and she couldn't really bring herself to interrupt. There'll be another opportunity, another day, she is certain

"Drake!" a piercing screech breaks into proceedings.

Everyone turns their heads as Iceman enters the hangar on one of his ice-slides and in hot pursuit of him, her hair a trail of burning fire as she flies, is Volcana.

Hank checks his watch. "Huh. That took longer than I calculated," he admits. He wondered how long it would take Bobby to play one of his pranks on Claire.

"Drake, it's going to be a very cold day in hell, because I'm sending you there you immature little twit!" Volcana screams in fury as she chucks fireballs at him.

"It was a welcome back present!" Bobby insists as he ducks under a fireball.

"The only present I want from you is for you to rot in hell!"

"Honestly! A simple thank you! Is that too much to ask?" Bobby complains.

"ARRHHH!" Volcana screams as the chase continues.

"Is...is that normal?" Sean asks, worried about what he may have agreed to.

"Welcome to the Instructor Faculty of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters," Charles jokes.

"May god have mercy upon your soul," Domino tells him.

Author's Note: I didn't want Clark and Rogue to have an instant resolution to their problems. In fact I created a situation where it will be difficult to overcome the difference of opinion about what Clark did. So Sean, Theresa and Rahne will come back into my story later I decided. Thanks to everyone who wrote reviews. Next up; Clark finally figures out where the 3rd and final stone is while everyone else is worried about his mental health as he continues to act oddly.