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Chapter 23 of
Taunting Repartee RM'd
Keep Passing The Open Windows
About an hour later, Rogue and Risty were still hanging out in hers and Kitty's room, both of their attentions' focused on their book of choice, when Kitty and Kurt came rushing into the room. Rogue blinked as she saw tears running down her roommate's face and a downward expression on her little brother's face.
"What's wrong?" Rogue asked, closing her textbook. Kitty looked startled to see Risty and a third bed, but shook her head, dismissing both details as she focused on Rogue.
"Rahne's leaving," Kitty cried.
"What?" Rogue asked wide-eyed as she sat up. "Why?" she asked.
"We don't know," Kitty said.
"I think her parents were mad she missed her check in call," Kurt guessed.
"But she only missed one," Rogue exclaimed in disbelief as she got off the bed. Her mother stayed where she was, this didn't concern her afterall. "Did Prof talk to 'em?" she asked.
"They're outside right now," Kurt said as Rogue rushed to the window.
"We barely got to say goodbye," Kitty continued as Rogue saw the Profesor sitting in front of the institute. Logan, Ororo and Mr. McCoy were all standing behind him in a line, almost acting as a barrier between Rahne, her parents and the institute.
"Logan herded us inside and wouldn't let us anywhere near them," Kurt said.
"And Ororo had all her stuff packed too. Like it was decided hours ago. It was totally weird," Kitty said as Rogue turned her attention to Rahne, who was being ushered into a car by two adults; a middle aged blonde haired man, who seemed vaguely familiar to her, the same way Xuan Cao Manh had.
'Sean?' Rogue asked herself, as the name came to mind. Her gaze switched to Rahne's mother, and she felt her eyes widen immediately.
"Ameila?" Rogue whispered to herself in shock.
"Who?" Kitty asked.
"Someone who useta take care of me," Rogue answered as she kept her gaze on the woman she recognized from her childhood, studying her to ensure she wasn't making a mistake. "I think," she said, before she felt a hand on her arm, abruptly pulling her back from the window. She turned to see Risty was now in front of her, staring out the window with narrowed eyes before she drew the curtain closed.
"Hey," Scott said. Rogue turned to see him, standing in the doorway. "The Professor said to keep away from the windows. Could be dangerous," he said.
"What could be dangerous?" Kurt asked as Rogue shared a glance with her mother.
"It's Rahne," Kitty exclaimed, in agreement.
"Well, if your Professor's concerned, best to mind him," Risty said gently as she squeezed Rogue's arm, pulling her away from the window. With her free hand, Risty gestured to Kurt and Kitty. Reluctantly, all three of them were huddled further away from the window, by Scott's words and her mother's actions.
"Scott, what's going on?" Kitty asked.
"I don't know," Scott said with a bit of a bite in his voice, indicating he was more frustrated with the situation than any of them. To his credit, he was avoiding looking at Risty, choosing to ignore her presence, rather than give anything away by engaging with her. "The Professor said he would explain after Rahne and her parents are gone. Wait to be called for the briefing," he ordered before he left the room, leaving the door open. "Drake, I said stay away from the windows. This isn't a joke. So, stop goofing off," he yelled from down the hall as Rogue sat down on the bed. Mystique sat beside her, acting even more protective than before and not letting go of her arm.
"Hmm, hi, Risty," Kurt said, waving at her a little awkwardly.
"Are you, like, moving in?" Kitty asked.
"Just sleeping over for the night," she explained, bluntly, while eying the window. "At least I was supposed to. But with all the upset-"
"Sounds like Prof knew 'bout this ahead of time. I don't think it changes anything," Rogue offered.
"Hmm," Risty hummed thoughtfully. "Let's see what Xavier says," she said and Rogue nodded in response before turning to her own thoughts.
Rogue had no idea how long she'd been at Ameila's orphanage or the last time she'd seen her former caregiver.
'Had to've been a couple of years, at least. I was two in that memory I relived in the dinner and I wasn't adopted till I was four,' she reasoned. 'Irene useta work there too, before I was-' she thought before she felt her eyes widen. 'Was Rahne?' she thought. "Oh my god," she muttered as a thought came to mind.
"What?" Kurt asked.
'Was Rahne a spy for Magneto?' Rogue thought to herself, thinking better of stating it out loud. 'Wait, is that right?' she asked herself.
Irene worked at Amile's. However, Rogue didn't have confirmation that the orphanage was owned by Magneto. And even if he did, that didn't necessarily mean that Amelia still worked for Magneto or that Rahne had anything to do with his organization. She'd just made a few leaps in logic she couldn't justify.
'Or was that my powers giving me insight again?' she asked herself before she shook her head.
No, it was impossible for her to know without diving into her memories. And as curious as she was about the last time she'd seen Amelia, she didn't have time to look now. Though she felt her mind enticing her to enter one…
"Amelia," little Anna-Marie cried out with excitement as she watched vapor seep through the window pane and re-materialize into one of her favorite people. Well, aside from her Momma, Daddy, Gray, and Irene. Amelia fully reformed, kneeled in front of her and Anna-Marie leaped up from the small table she was playing at and into Ameila's arms.
"I've missed you so much," Amelia said as she hugged her tightly. Anna Marie's hand brushed up against a strap from a bag Amelia had over her shoulder.
"I miss you too," she said as Amelia pulled back and placed the duffel bag she had over her shoulder and onto the floor, opening it wide.
"Okay," she said as she stood her hair disheveled and sweat on her brow before she rushed over to the closet, took the hangers out all at once, and dumped them onto the floor. "We're going to play a game," she said.
"Yay," Anna-Marie cried out with a wide smile. Ameila's games were the best.
"Who can put the most clothes in this bag the fastest," Amelia said as a giggle escaped Anna-Marie in anticipation. "Ready, set, and-"
Rogue blinked as she heard fingers snapping in her face.
"Rogue," she heard Risty rap out as she felt fingers snapping her face. "Now is not the time to relive your memories," Risty said firmly as she felt her other hand shaking her shoulder.
"Sor- sorry," Rogue said, blinking rapidly as she shook off the memory. "I didn't mean ta go inta that one. It just came up so fast," she whispered.
"Are you okay?" Kurt asked. Rogue glanced up to see all three of them, Kurt, Kitty, and Risty glancing at her with concern.
"Yeah, sorry," she said, running her hand through her hair and sort of stopping midway, her fingers lingering between the strands of her hair. She wanted to make sense of what she'd just seen but- no, there wasn't time and if she kept thinking about it, she was bound to end up reliving it all over again. With conscious effort, she pushed back the memory.
"Rogue, darling, do you have an extra pair of gloves?" Risty asked.
"Yeah, in her nightstand," Kitty answered.
"Thanks, Kitty," Risty said as she stood, retrieving them, as she made her way back to sit next to Rogue, and put them on. Risty took Rogue's hand in her own and gave it a comforting squeeze as they waited.
Rogue watched Kitty and Kurt share a glance.
"So, Risty," Kurt started to ask.
"I'm a mutant," her mother stated bluntly while holding her hand.
"Cool," Kitty said, the enthusiasm she normally would have displayed at such a revelation tempered by Rahne's departure.
"Ja, very cool," Kurt said, giving them a thumbs up.
'Here's hoping he still thinks so tomorrow,' Rogue thought to herself.
"Alright," Scott said as he re-entered the doorway of the room- interrupting the conversation. "Everyone head to the common room," he ordered.
About ten minutes later, students and staff alike had gathered in the common room, chosen for the multiple couches and chairs to accommodate the large gathering. Rogue sat on one of the smaller couches, her mother sat beside her.
A few questioning glances were aimed in Risty's direction. A small huddle had formed around Kurt and Kitty as they quietly gossiped in hushed whispers. Risty's presence only compounded with the fact that Rahne was gone, adding to the confusion.
The Professor, for his part, hadn't asked Mystique to leave. So, Rogue had to assume it was alright for her to be there to learn why Rahne was suddenly exiled.
"Everyone. Everyone," The Professor said, calling for their attention. The whispering ceased as faces were turned in the Professor's direction. "I know you all must have questions. However, it's been a long day, so I'll be as concise as possible," he said. "Due to circumstances outside of Rahne's control, unfortunately, she had to leave. Those circumstances are personal and out of respect for Rahne and her family, I'm afraid we'll have to abide by their request for no additional contact from anyone here at the institute," he said.
"What?" Kitty and Amara exclaimed, along with several others voicing their disbelief.
"I understand that the abruptness of Rahne's departure and this announcement are unsettling. However, at this time, it's the only information I'm able to provide. We'll all miss Rahne. But carry on in her absence, we must," he said. The downward expressions from those in the room, told her that was going to be easier said than done.
"And you all have school in the morning," Ororo added.
"Auntie O, who can sleep at a time like this," Spike said.
"Yeah, we don't even get whyRahne's gone," Kitty said.
"Professor, there's really nothing else you can tell us?" Jean asked as Rogue and her mother stole a glance at one another.
"No," the Professor said as Rogue felt his gaze on her. "Not at this time, I'm afraid," the Professor said, looking up at Jean. "However," he continued, "Danger Room sessions are still canceled for the rest of the week. I hope the extra rest and leisure time will bring some comfort," he said, effectively dismissing them all.
Rogue shifted slightly, getting ready to get up, but Risty's hand on her arm told her to stay put for a moment. Rogue took a breath as she watched a large group of students being ushered out of the room by Mr. McCoy and Ororo.
"Professor Xavier," Risty said as she finally stood, pulling Rogue with her, before releasing her hand. "I know it's late, but could we speak in your office?" she asked, now that the room was mostly cleared.
"Yes, absolutely," he said as he and Risty headed toward the door. "Logan, would you join us, please," he asked.
"Yeah," her Uncle grunted, walking past them both, and beating them out into the hallway. As Rogue followed after them, she saw the students heading toward the main lobby to take the stairs up and she saw the others headed toward the Professor's office. She wasn't sure which way to turn.
"Hmm, should I?" Rogue started to ask.
"No, darling," Risty said as she turned to look at Rogue. "You go get some sleep," she smiled. "We'll talk more in the morning when I drive you to school," she said.
Rogue glanced behind her, she waited a few moments until she could confirm that everyone else was well out of earshot, before turning to look at Mystique, the Professor and Wolverine.
Mystique was literally going to go talk to Prof, that had to mean she was willing to drop the act, right?
"Are you going to school tomorrow?" Rogue asked.
"God, no," Risty laughed and Rogue couldn't help as she softly joined her. "We'll have errands to run," she said, looking in Wolverine's direction. He raised an eyebrow but stayed silent. "Now head up to bed," she said, taking a step forward, her hand cupped her arm and gave it a squeeze, "and let the adults talk," she said. Rogue noted the look of interest that passed the Professor's face, he seemed pleased the facade was at an end. "Anything you wanted to ask me tonight, I promise I'll answer tomorrow," she said.
"Kurt too?" Rogue asked before she lifted her head to keep eye contact with Mystique as she shifted back into her natural form. Mystique was wearing the simple black sleeveless shirt and blue jeans she'd seen earlier that evening. The only addition to her wardrobe was the pair of black gloves she borrowed from her nightstand.
"Kurt too," she agreed with a nod.
"Yeah, okay," Rogue said with a nod. That was good enough for her.
"Good night, Anna-Marie, love you," Mystique said, giving her arm another squeeze before releasing her hold.
"Love you too, Mom," Rogue said.
"Good night, Rogue," the Professor said.
"Night, kid," Logan grunted, nodding at her.
"Good night," Rogue said to them both before she headed toward the main lobby.
Rogue laid in bed, about a half hour later, after changing into a pair of pajamas. Mystique hadn't returned to the room yet. And given that the facade had been dropped, she wasn't sure if she was going to. Maybe the Professor would assign her a private room in the staff's corridor? It didn't really matter which room she lived in as long as she was staying.
Rogue laid, trying to clear her thoughts but was having a difficult time with the task. There were so many questions floating in her mind, threatening to keep her awake. So many things she had learned that day and so much more she still needed to learn.
She was glad her little brother was finally going to get the answers he deserved. Though considering how adamant Magneto had been about forcing Mystique to keep quiet, she wondered if her mother would gloss over that part, Magneto's involvement.
'What could it even be?' she asked herself. 'He didn't experiment on Kurt, he told me that much,' she recalled. 'God, he's not Kurt's father right?' she panicked before she quickly dismissed the thought.
No, even in his own memories Erik hadn't seemed that emotional regarding Kurt. The sense she got from him was more aloof, clinical even.
'Gray's human. Maybe Mom went to him for help, so her next kid wouldn't be?' she asked herself. That didn't feel right either. It wasn't like her mother to ask for assistance. She felt her mind tugging at her and let out a soft disgruntled sigh as she had to push it back.
It was frustrating, the answers were right there! She wished she could dive into Magneto's memories to find out what she wanted to know. But she'd promised not to…
She let out a yawn, satisfied at least, that sleep was upon her. She closed her eyes and felt herself drift off.
Magneto sat behind his desk in his brightly lit office. Before him sat two of his subordinates, though he knew neither of them viewed themselves as such.
Irene fancied herself his equal, and while he was grateful for how useful her knowledge of the future had been in the formation of his organization, it was still his. The future and who would inherit his life's work was still unwritten. But without a doubt, he was the one who had recruited his followers, he was the one who had united them all under a common goal, he was the one his fellow mutants would rally behind and he was the one with the raw power to assume the mantle of leadership.
Still, Magneto humored her from time to time. It had been Irene who had called this meeting today, requesting his presence, instead of the other way around.
Mystique sat, with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes narrowed. It was apparent she had no desire to be here, in front of him, slouching in the upholstered leather and metal chair he kept in his office. Although Raven Darkholmes was one of his more valuable operatives, even she needed reminders, every so often, of who was in charge and he wondered if today would be one such occasion. And aside from the obvious, her sour disposition told him something else of note; Irene hadn't shared the reason for their meeting with her either.
Well, best to find out what this was about.
"Irene," Magneto spoke, his eyes on Mystique as she was the only in the room who could meet his gaze. "Perhaps you could tell us why we're here before Raven bursts a blood vessel," he said dryly. Magneto watched her eyes widen with shock, before in an instance she composed herself. Only for her to take all that ire she'd directed at him and refocus it on the woman sitting beside her.
"Irene," Mystique practically growled through gritted teeth.
"Raven, you wouldn't have come had you known the reason," Irene replied, her tone calm, yet righteous.
"Irene," Mystique said again.
"Yes, I'll have to side with Raven on this one. You've called us both here, can we get on with it?" he asked. "Why are we here, Irene?" he asked for a second time, there would not be a third.
"It's about Graydon Creed. If not handled properly, he may be in danger," Irene informed them both. Magneto's eyes flashed to Mystique's.
"What do you need to keep the boy safe?" Magneto asked, offering his immediate assistance. There were times when games were appropriate, however with the safety of a child at hand, this was not one of them. Mystique seemed to appreciate the gesture as she sat up straight, giving him a respectful nod before they both looked to Irene.
"I've had visions, multiple. I've seen Graydon and there are many paths he could walk, some, many result in his murder," she said.
"Murdered by who?" Mystique asked, her teeth clenched.
"His father," Irene answered and Mystique looked shocked.
"Victor is as savage as they come but not with his own son," Magneto said, matching Mystique's disbelief. Mystique had a conflicted look on her face. Yes, those two had certainly had their differences over the years, but the one thing that kept Mystique and Sabretooth connected was the love they shared for that boy.
"His human son," Irene added. Magneto's eyes locked with Mystique's again, she looked more bewildered than anything.
"The X-Gene can skip a generation. It's rare, but not unheard of," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "Your grandchildren, speaking in terms of genetic probability, should be mutants," he said. "Given his longevity, shouldn't that be enough of a reassurance for Sabertooth?" he asked, turning to look at Irene.
"Not if Graydon is an only child," Irene said as Mystique let out a groan.
"Graydon was an accident. A happy accident, but I don't intend to sleep with him again," Mystique explained.
"I know, Raven, and even if you did you'd only give him humans," Irene said.
"Excuse me?" Mystique asked, confused.
"Huh?" Magneto asked himself. Genetic probability was one thing, but genetic certainly was another altogether. 'How could that be?' he asked himself as he rested his chin in his hand. 'Two viral mutants mixing their genetics should produce a number of outcomes. Not the same one regardless of factors. Unless,' he thought before it dawned on him. "You're powers, Raven," Magneto mused aloud. "When you were pregnant with Graydon, did you use your abilities to shapeshift into a human?" he asked.
"Of course, I did," Mystique exclaimed.
"Often?" he asked.
"Yes," she said.
"By your estimate, did you spend more time during your pregnancy, genetically human or genetically mutant?" he asked.
"I was-" she said before she paused, looking upward as she tried to recall. "Human," she answered. "I was looking for James," she added.
"I see, that would explain it then," he said.
"Explain what?" Mystique asked.
"When you shifted your DNA, you inadvertently transformed the DNA of your unborn child along with it. And given the frequency you spent genetically human, it bolstered a recessive gene to dominance," he explained. "If Graydon's survival to adulthood is dependent on a mutant sibling, then there are two solutions I can suggest. The first is obvious, you conceive and then for the duration of the pregnancy, you refrain from using your abilities. Is this a commitment you can make?" he asked.
"Graydon's in school, of course, I can't commit to that," she said.
"Then you might find the second more agreeable; a surrogate," Magneto said.
"Another woman?" she asked.
"Yes, we take your eggs, Victor's sperm and we find a willing mutant surrogate to carry the child to term," he answered.
"If I could save us all, six months and Raven, a lengthy procedure, her eggs aren't surgically viable," Irene said.
"Why?" Magneto asked.
"I don't understand the science of it, that's why we need your help," Irene said, vaguely.
Magneto raised an eyebrow. If her visions had foreseen their failure, then Irene should be capable of relaying his future self's findings. Her vagueness had him questioning the validity of her claim. Magneto turned his gaze to Mystique. He didn't particularly care, regardless of whose eggs were utilized the world would have another mutant child within it. Though if Mystique wanted to pursue the line of questioning he would support the effort. She shook her head, almost in defeat.
"What's the alternative then?" Magneto asked.
"I will act as the surrogate," Irene dedicated.
"And carry Victor's child?" he asked.
"Yes," she answered.
"And for Raven's part? Is she expected to raise a child she'd had no part in making?" he asked before turning to look at Mystique. "Are you comfortable with this? Should I summon Victor?" he asked.
Magneto watched as Mystique closed her eyes, taking a long deep breath. As she opened them, Magneto watched her shapeshift, until Victor Creed was sitting in front of him.
"Yes, I suppose that works just as well," Magneto said as he waved his hand and his desk drawer opened. He had several genetic collection cups at the ready. Though this was a first. "What are we telling Victor?" he asked.
"Nothin', until we know it worked,' Mystique declared, her voice gruff, emulating the man whose shape she wore.
"That's for the best," Irene agreed.
"Arrangements will have to be made, Irene, to provide coverage for your absences at Ameila's. And if Victor's going to believe any of this-" he said delicately.
"Yes, I know," Mystique grunted.
"And at some point, you'll have to appear pregnant," he added.
"I'll take care of it," she said bitterly.
"And this?" Magneto asked as he held out the cup. Mystique swiped it out of his hand before she stormed out of the room. "Bathroom's on the left," he dryly provided. He received a growl in response before he faded from earshot. "I intend to monitor this pregnancy closely, Irene," he informed her.
"To further your understanding of the X-Gene, yes, I'm aware," she said. "As I'm certain it's occurred to you, Raven and I could have managed our child's conception without your assistance."
"The matter is multi-faceted then," he stated before he raised an eyebrow. "Was the boy ever in any real danger, Irene?" he asked curiously.
"It doesn't matter now," she answered, her vagueness unceasing.
He huffed in response. And people called him manipulative.
Rogue's eyes snapped open as she woke. She took a few deep breaths as she processed the memory and the new knowledge at her disposal. How was her mother supposed to explain all that to Kurt and did Mystique even know Irene manipulated her?
She sat up, a glass of water sounded appealing. Erik was right, it usually helped. As she pulled the covers off of herself, she glanced over to see the third bed was still empty. One look at the clock on Kitty's nightstand gave her the time: 01:32am.
'Maybe she's still talking to Prof,' Rogue reasoned as she quietly crept out of bed, in an effort not to wake Kitty.
A few minutes later, Rogue approached the entrance to the kitchen, she was surprised to hear voices from within.
"You're fucking with me, right?" Wolverine asked. "Nineteen o' two?" he asked in disbelief.
"What would I gain by lying to you, Jimmy?" Mystique asked incredulously.
"I hate being called that," he grunted.
"You shouldn't. It's your name," she replied dryly. "Now stop whining and pour me another shot," she berated. Wolverine growled under his breath, but Rogue heard the shuffling of glass. "Jimmy," she continued, and Rogue heard another groan in response. "It's been decades since Weapon X, and you live with a telepath. Get your fucking memories back," she ordered.
"Yeah, we're working on it," he said dryly, before she heard him sniff the air. Hoping not to be caught eavesdropping, Rogue rushed forward and opened the door to the kitchen. There she saw her mother and uncle sitting at the kitchen table. They had two shot glasses in front of them and Wolverine was holding a bottle of Jack Daniels. Her mother put down the empty shot glance as she gave her, her full attention.
"Are you alright?" Mystique asked as Rogue walked over to the cabinet to retrieve a glass.
"Yeah, I'm okay," she answered, giving her mom a half smile, as she gestured to the glass, letting Mystique know she didn't plan on being up long and could go back to drinking if she wanted to. They had plans to talk in the morning already and now she needed time to digest what she's learned. Mystique gave her a nod in appreciation.
"Then why are you awake, kid?" he asked as Mystique knocked on the table. Wolverine gave Mystique a look before refilling their shot glasses as Rogue walked toward the refrigerator.
"I had a weird dream, and wanted some water," Rogue explained as she reached into the freezer and added some ice cubes to her cup.
"Nightmare?" he asked as Mystique drew her head back and downed the shot.
"No, just weird," she answered as she walked over to the kitchen sink, turned on the water, and filled her glass. As she turned off the water, she heard her mother knock on the table again.
"You wanna slow down a little," he chided.
"If you had your memories, Jimmy, you'd know I won't feel this in the morning any more than you will," she said, her tone playfully condensing. "It's been a long day, pour the shot," she ordered.
"I only got the one bottle," he protested, even as he did as she asked.
"We're fixing that. Tomorrow," she said pointedly as Rogue took a sip of her water, enjoying the crisp cold water as it slid down her throat.
"Chuck doesn't like having too much alcohol in the mansion. Afraid the kids'll get into it," he said.
"We'll keep the stash in my room. They'll never know," she said.
"You heard that, Rogue," Logan said.
"Heard what, I don't know nothin'," Rogue said and Mystique snorted in response. "Hmm," she said as she walked over to the table. "Logan, actually, could I ask ya something before I go back to bed?"
"What's up, kid?"
"Did Mr. McCoy really need more time for that DNA test or was Prof just stalling?" Rogue asked. He let out a grunt, which she knew meant she had guessed right. "And?" she asked.
"It's negative," he answered. Rogue blinked with surprise and wondered if her mother knew that.
"Huh, weird," Rogue huffed. "Well, good night," she said again. They both acknowledged her and repeated back the sentiment.
"What DNA test?" Mystique asked as Rogue headed toward the exit.
"After Graydon stopped by, kid, figured there was a chance Sabertooth was Kurt's dad too," her uncle explained as she got to the door. "We tested his DNA against mine and," he explained as Rogue lingered by the door longer than necessary, taking her time pushing it open.
"And it was negative," Mystique restated, slightly bewildered. Rogue turned back to look at them.
'Guess not,' she thought to herself.
"Yeah," Wolverine said, raising an eyebrow, before Mystique reached forward and seized the entire bottle from him. He let out a low growl as she took a long swig from the bottle.
"Anna-Marie Creed, back to bed, now," she ordered as the bottle returned to the table with a thud, her hand still gripping its neck.
"Yes, ma'am," Rogue said as she rushed forward through the door. She knew better than to argue once her mother pulled out her full name.
"Give me that," he said, Rogue saw him swipe the bottle out of Mystique as the door swung close. "Rogue, bed," he reiterated her mother's order.
"Yes, sir," she said before she took off down the hall, glass in hand, trying not to spill it as she hurried down the hall.
