EPILOGUE

Xavier Institute
December 25, 21:09 EST
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All of the X-Men still at the Institute were gathered in the main living room, a roaring fire in the fireplace. Jean was leaning against Scott, his arm wrapped around his fiancé. Lorna occupied one chair, Storm, Cassandra, and Emma a couch, and Xavier his wheelchair.

"It's good news that the President lifted the state of emergency." Storm said.

"Yes," Charles replied. "I am confident President McCoy will continue to give mutants the benefit of the doubt for as long as possible. However, I fear that the day will indeed come when mutants will be shunned and treated like criminals."

Rahne started barking outside.

"You think that President McCoy would outlaw mutants?" Lorna asked, feet curled underneath her.

"Perhaps, should Magneto continue to exercise his will. We must find a way to put both sides at ease."

"That's one hell of a task, Professor." Scott said.

Rahne's barking grew louder.

"Lorna, would you go see if Rahne wants in, please?" Jean asked.

"Sure!" Lorna said. "Though I don't see why she can't just open the door herself…"

Lorna strode into the front hall and opened the door. Rahne wasn't outside, though, someone else was. The person had a tall, beautiful, curvy figure. She was wearing a green jacket over a white tank-top, green skinny jeans, and combat boots. Her right upper arm was bandaged. She had a backpack on her back. Her eyes were green, much darker than Lorna's and her hair was somewhere between short and long, hanging right above her shoulders. It was a dark red with two white stripes hanging down in front. When she spoke, it was with a southern accent.

"Hey, is Professor Xavier 'round?" she asked.

"Umm, who are you?" Lorna asked.

Rahne continued barking. Rogue glanced at her.

"Cute dog."

Rahne morphed into a human, clearly startling the girl, who took a step backwards.

"Oh! Sorry! I didn't know!"

"I fig'red." Rahne replied sourly. She walked inside. "Profess'r! Some'un's here t' see ya!" Rahne morphed back into wolf form and darted up the stairs. Xavier wheeled out.

"I'm sorry, Professor," Lorna said. "I don't know who she is and I didn't want to let her in in case—"

Charles stopped at the door in stunned silence. The girl outside smiled awkwardly.

"No, no," Charles said distantly. "It's alright, Lorna."

He turned to the visitor. "Welcome home, Rogue."