A Rogue's Journey

Written: 2001
© Julie Ruffell 2001
Timeline: Begins after the battle at the Statue of Liberty from the first "X-Men" film.
Story Disclaimer: This story includes events from the prequel "Rogue" comic.
The characters are a combo of their film and comic selves. I have created new stories to explain how Rogue joins the Brotherhood, becomes the adopted daughter of Mystique and receives the powers of Ms. Marvel, to bring her more in line with her comic book self rather than the X-Men films.
Disclaimer: X-Men is the copyright property of Marvel and Disney and the movie of Fox. This fan fiction story was written for entertainment purposes only.
Description: Struggling with the effects of Magneto's machine and with the curse of her powers, Rogue runs away from the X-Men and finds herself in the Brotherhood of Mutants. Can the X-Men bring her back?

"A Rogue's Journey"

Her mind was swimming with voices. Thoughts flowed through her head like a moving creek, so fast she couldn't keep up with them. She saw hundreds of scared faces and soldiers with guns. She saw scientists through glass. She saw a young boy, lying almost life-less on the floor as a group of teenagers surrounded him. She saw everything and yet nothing.

Then there were more voices, but they were not close like the others. They were far off and distant, almost impossible to hear over the thoughts in her brain.

"Rogue? Rogue, can you hear me?"

"Oh my god! Logan! We have to get him to the Blackbird!"

"What about Magneto?"

"Leave him here. Let the authorities deal with him."

"Rogue, you've got to come with us. Rogue, can you hear me?"

She could hear, but she couldn't speak. There were so many words in her head, but she could not form them, could not tell the people around her what she wanted to say. She couldn't even decide what she wanted to say. She wanted to cry. She wanted to scream at them for ruining everything. She wanted to tell the geeks they did good. But she said nothing.

She felt herself being pulled to her feet, but her body was weak and she slumped. The other person held onto her and started to half-drag her along. Rogue's eyes couldn't focus and everything passed in a blur. She was so tired, but she could not sleep. Too many thoughts and memories rolled through her head and it throbbed from the overwhelming things that flooded her senses.

And her body felt strange. She could feel an odd pulse in her and as she was dragged along, she could hear the sound of metal rubbing against metal.

"My god, Scott! She can't control Magneto's powers. What if she tears the plane apart?"

"She doesn't seem to be bringing down the statue, Jean. We'll have to risk it. We have to get out of here before those helicopters arrive."

She could feel the metal around her and for some reason it comforted her, though she did not know why. And the smells. She could smell everything. Burnt metal, human sweat, blood, leather and so many other things, she couldn't even begin to identify them all. It was almost as overwhelming as the thoughts running through her head. She thought she might pass out, but she remained conscious, yet unfocused.

Rogue could feel herself being lowered into a seat and gentle hands buckling her into it. "It's all right, Rogue," a female voice told her. "You're going to be fine. We'll get you back to the mansion and Jean will help you."

The memories kept swarming in her mind and she found herself jumping from one nightmare into another and she could feel tears at her eyes. She could smell the salt from her own tears and hear her quiet sniffles so perfectly when everything else seemed so far away.

"Rogue? Are you all right?"

There was movement in front of her. She could see a black blur with a shock of red moving about, leaning over something. No, someone. Rogue tried to wrap her mind over what was going on around her, when there was a scream in her head. She lurched in her seat, feeling the pain of something hot moving through her body. She cried out and the person with the red hair looked over.

"Storm, what's happening?"

"I don't know," the person before her stammered. "She just...screamed."

Then as quick as the pain came it was gone and Rogue was instead looking into the eyes of a beautiful woman. She felt love, a deep love as she looked at this woman. She felt like she should know her, but she did not. Then the woman screamed and was dragged away from her as people shouted in a language she could not understand. Rogue reached out her hand as she stood in the pouring rain and cried out.

Her head hurt. Too many things assaulted her. The smells, the sounds, the metal, the memories, the thoughts, the screams, she couldn't block any of them out and she held her head in her hands and screamed.

Someone grabbed her and gave her a gentle shake. "Rogue, you are safe. Focus on my voice."

Rogue stopped screaming and looked up to see...Storm. Yes, this woman was Storm, or Orroro Munroe as she was named at her birth. "St...orm," Rogue managed to force out of her mouth.

"Yes, child, I am here."

Storm hugged her and Rogue started to shake. "Ah'm so tired."

"Rest then. You're all right."

Then she remembered. Everything else seemed to be silent long enough for her to form her own thoughts. "Logan?" she asked.

Storm stopped hugging her and looked her in the eye. "He's alive, but seriously injured. We don't know if he'll make it."

"He saved me? He saved mah life. Ah c'n feel him...in me."

Orroro looked at her with quiet eyes. "I know."

Then a burning anger rose in her. "Quit looking at me like that!" she growled. "I don't want your pity. It'll heal. Just back off."

Taken aback by Rogue's words, Storm rose to her feet and took a few steps back. "Rogue?"

"'Rogue'? What the hell is wrong with your eyes, Stormy? It's Logan."

The other woman, Jean, looked back at her in surprise at the deep, growling voice that Rogue spoke with.

"Heya, Red. Even after a fight, ya smell great."

Jean and Storm looked at each other and then to the unconscious Wolverine who lay on the medical bed. Storm once more knelt before Rogue. Rogue blinked her eyes and stared back at her. "Ah...Ah'm sorry. Ah c'n't seem t'..." She shook her head. "I don't owe you an explanation, X-Man. You've ruined everything. All my years of planning, it could have all ended tonight. Mutants could have finally been free and now our fates could very well end this week when they pass that damned law."

Rogue waved her hand and her belt fell off of her. She stood and faced the women. "Well, you shall not take me prisoner. Have your moment, X-Men, because I shall have mine." She moved her hand, ready to tear apart the black bird, when Rogue fought away the overwhelming personalities and fell to her knees.

"Ah c'n't fight 'em. They're in mah head. It's so dark. Ah c'n see what Magneto had planned, an' what Logan has been through, what he's done. It's consumin' me. Ah c'n't focus. Please, help me."

Jean filled a needle and handed it to Storm. "For her own good and ours, use this."

Storm took the needle, than walked over to Rogue. "Give me your arm." Rogue did as she was told. She watched as Storm carefully rolled back her sleeve, careful not to touch the dangerous skin, which was exposed. Rogue felt the prick of the needle and then, slowly, the room began to swim, as she fell into Storm's arms.

* * *

Rogue awoke in the medical lab. She didn't know how long she had been out, but she still felt so tired. She felt as though she could sleep forever and she closed her eyes, ready to do just that.

Then, she smelled someone else in the room. There were four of them. She sniffed. There were two women and two men. The women smelled of sweat. Not so much that a normal person would notice, but she could tell they had not showered in two days. One of the men smelled clean and the other smelled of blood. Both of them smelt like death.

She listened, not letting them know she was awake. She didn't know who they were or what they wanted with her, but she could try to get some information before leaping into action. They were on the other side of the room, so she did not feel threatened. If they came over to her, she had her claws to take them out.

No. No, she didn't have any claws. That was Wolverine, her friend. The one who smelt of blood, who was dying on the other side of the room. She was Rogue, not Logan or Eric. She was Rogue.

Opening her eyes once more, she knew she was in the medical lab underneath Xavier's School for the Gifted. This was a place for mutants and she was safe here. She tried to sit up, but nausea washed over her and she fell back to her bed. She groaned and when she opened her eyes, Jean and Storm where looking over her.

"How do you feel?" Jean asked.

"Ah feel sick an' tired," answered Rogue. "What's wrong with me?"

Jean frowned. "You've been through a lot. I can't say exactly what Magneto's machine did to you, but it did drain you. You'll most likely feel like this for a few days, maybe longer. It's almost as though it sucked years off of your life, which is why your hair turned white."

Rogue looked at her with confused eyes and then grabbed some of her bangs. She pulled them down so she could see and was shocked by the brilliant, white strands she held in front of her. "He killed me."

"Yes. But Wolverine managed to save you," Storm told her.

"Logan. Will he make it?" Both women looked at her with sad eyes. "That doesn't look like good news."

Jean shook her head. "It doesn't look good, but we haven't lost him yet."

"He's a fighter," Rogue replied. "He'll make it. Ah know he will." Rogue was silent for a moment, when she remembered what she had done on the Blackbird. "Ah'm so sorry fer what happened on the plane."

"Don't worry about it. It wasn't you. We know that," Jean told her. The red-haired doctor helped Rogue to sit up and waited as Rogue fought with the overwhelming desire to throw up. "Are Wolverine and Magneto still...with you?"

Rogue nodded. "They're not as loud as they were b'fore, but Ah c'n hear 'em inside mah head. Ah c'n still see their lives an' mem'ries...their dreams. It's all still there."

"What about their powers?"

"Ah think they are startin' t' fade. The metal in the room isn't so...comfortin' anymore. Ah c'n still feel it though."

"Then Logan's power is still in you. It should be helping with whatever damage Magneto did to you," said Storm.

Jean frowned again. "That or it's the only thing holding you together. I honestly can't tell. If it starts to fade, your body might too."

Rogue looked up at her with a worried face. "Ya mean Ah could still die?"

"I don't know, Rogue. I don't know much about your power or Wolverine's. Anything is possible right now. Look, I want you to rest. That's the best thing for you right now. Storm will take care of you, while I stay here with the Professor and Wolverine."

Storm helped Rogue to her feet and slung one of the teenager's arms over her shoulders, helping her out of the medical lab. Rogue was so tired, her entire body felt like a dead weight. Storm brought Rogue to a private room in the mansion and helped her into the bed. Rogue was asleep even before Storm laid her on the bed.

* * *

Rogue's dreams were plagued with flashing images. A bald man, a beautiful Asian woman, a man with a brown mustache. She saw guns and bullets, a battlefield of dead soldiers, a tattoo of numbers on her forearm. She tossed and turned in her bed, crying out, her unconscious mind trying desperately to piece the fragmented pieces together. Storm would wake her when she screamed and hold her small, shaking body. Rogue would say nothing, soon falling back into her tortured sleep, her body too weak and too tired to remain awake long.

Jean came into the room and saw Storm sitting beside Rogue's bed, watching the teenager who lay still at the moment. Orroro looked up at Jean. "How is Logan?"

"He's still unconscious, but it looks like he's finally starting to heal. His wounds have started to mend themselves, but his vitals are still weak."

"And the Professor?"

The doctor gave the wind-rider a slight smile. "There at least we have good news. He's completely recovered from the damage done to him by Cerebo. I told him to rest another day." Jean moved over to Storm and looked down at Rogue. "How is she?"

"She's been having terrible nightmares for days now. I've been trying to get her to eat something, but she just sobs and falls back asleep. I'm really worried about her."

Jean sighed. "If only I could do something for her, but with Wolverine's powers still in her and how little we know about Magneto's machine, there's nothing I can do. We can only wait it out. There's no telling how much damage was done. And with how long Wolverine and Magneto touched her, there's no way of knowing how long their memories and personalities will be with her."

"There must be something we can do for her."

"I wish I knew."

Rogue suddenly sat up with a gasp. She was swaying slightly and her face was almost as pale as the white streak in her hair. Sweat rolled down her face and she looked ready to collapse. Storm sat up in her chair and Jean kneeled next to the bed.

"Rogue? Can you hear me?" Jean asked.

The teenager looked around the room, her eyes unfocused before she looked at the two X-Men. She blinked, staring at them and then whispered softly, "It's me, Jean."

Jean smiled. "That's good to hear. How do you feel?"

"Stronger. The voices are finally startin' t' clear. Ah c'n hear mah own thoughts now, but the others are still there. Ah think they might always be there…an' that scares me."

"What about Magneto and Wolverine's powers?"

"Ah can feel 'em fadin'."

Storm pulled a small tray off of the nightstand, which had a sandwich, an apple and a glass of milk. "Think you can eat something?"

Rogue nodded and took the sandwich. She hadn't noticed how hungry she was until Storm offered the food. She ate quickly and in silence, while Jean put on some latex gloves to protect her from Rogue's vampire touch and then sat on the bed beside her.

Jean pulled out a stethoscope and checked Rogue's heartbeat. It was strong and steady, not jumping like it had been a few days ago. She listened to Rogue's breathing, which sounded better as well. "Well, it looks like you're doing better. That's a good sign. I think physically you should be fine, though it would be a good idea for the Professor to look at you tomorrow. Maybe there's something he can do about the other personalities in your head so you can move on with your life. You're a strong, young woman, Rogue. I think you'll be fine.

"Now, I want you to get some sleep. I'll come get you in the morning to see the Professor. Storm, you could use some rest too." Jean pointed to a button on the wall. "If you need anything Rogue, just press that. It will alert me in the medical bay."

Rogue nodded and the two X-Men left her room. Rogue didn't sleep though. She knew what would be waiting in her dreams and she had seen enough of it to last her a lifetime. She instead thought about all that had happened to her.

First there had been Deric. He was the first boy she had ever kissed and she had put him in a coma for three weeks. She could still feel his mind crawling at the back of her brain. No one had known what had happened and they all figured that the problem had been with Deric. Rogue's life carried on, until the night of the dance.

Sean had asked her to it and she had been more then happy to go, until he kissed her. The same thing happened that had happened with Deric. Sean fell into a coma and she never did learn if he got out of it. She hadn't stayed that long. She had gone to school several days later and some of Sean's friends had attacked her. Two of them touched her and their memories were added to her growing collection.

She had been waiting in the principal's office, cops all over the place, when she saw them. There were three of them, a man and two women, dressed in black leather. Someone said they were FBI. Rogue wasn't going to find out. She ran and they followed. She had run into the janitor's room, but she found herself trapped. She figured they couldn't get through the large metal door, yet they had some sort of red laser beam with them that started to cut through. Rogue looked up to see a vent leading outside and she escaped. As she ran, the weather suddenly changed, the winds picking up. She fought through it until she found the road. Holding out her thumb, she was relieved when the truck stopped. She hoped into the passenger seat and was gone.

She spent the next few months hitchhiking as far away from Mississippi as she could. She didn't really care where she was going, as long as she got away. She didn't know what was wrong with her and it scared her more then anything else.

Several times she had walked over to a pay phone and picked up the receiver but whenever she held up her hands to dial, she couldn't bring herself to call home. She wondered how much her parents knew and if they even cared. She was a freak after all. She had always been so close to her mother, but that was when she was normal.

And so she carried on. She got a ride from a trucker who reeked of beer, but she couldn't be picky. She climbed into the passenger seat and tried not to notice the way the man kept looking over her. Ya don't wanna touch me, she thought to herself. Trust me, ya don't.

But he did. She had been sleeping in the back of the truck when she heard the doors open. She looked up to see him, so drunk he could hardly stand. He reached out to her and she knew he intended to rape her, but her thoughts were only on the fact that he could die if he touched her. Rogue tried to escape, but he grabbed her arms. She didn't know what happened, but there was a bright light and he was sent flying out of the truck. He was dead.

The other truckers had come at her and she jumped into the driver's seat. She knew how to drive it; she had taken that knowledge from the trucker. The problem was she also felt drunk. Police cars drove in, with sirens wailing and Rogue got out of the car and put her hands behind her head.

An officer named Lenny came up to put handcuffs on her. She warned him not to touch her, but he didn't listen like all the others and she took his memories too. There were so many people in her head now. Deric, Sean, Sean's two friends, the trucker and now Lenny.

Everyone wondered what she had done. "Ah didn't do anythin'," she stated.

"Like the devil you didn't," a man said and shot her with some strange gun.

Rogue had awoken in a holding cell of some sort. Her clothes were gone and she was instead wearing some sort of silver bathing suit with cables coming out of it. She held up her hand to see a barcode of some sort on it. Someone was calling to her and she looked up to see a teenage boy who had four arms, each with three clawed fingers and no thumbs. He had asked her what her 'thing' was, but she didn't understand. He introduced himself as Jed and then introduced the other prisoners who were there, all who had a 'thing.' Milly was like living water, Miguel could control the force of gravity and Billy could turn into a human tornado.

Jed told Rogue she would hate it there and he was right. Everyday horrible tests were preformed on them to learn more about their mutant powers. Now Rogue knew; she was a mutant.

After a long day of tests, Rogue finally decided it was time to act. The others all told her there was no way out of their cells because each was made so the person in them could not get out. Rogue told them not to try to get out of their cells, but to help each other out. So Miguel used his power to affect Jed's cell, which let him reach out and cut Milly free of her cell. She entered Rogue's cell and Rogue touched her, taking her power and escaping. Once she did that, she helped the others out.

Guards were immediately on them. The teenagers fought hard to escape but Miguel was killed. He asked that Rogue kiss him before he died and she did, taking his memories and his powers.

The owner of the lab, a man named Sherman, had attacked them and revealed he was a mutant too, but one who wanted to be free of his curse. Rogue fought him, but he engaged the self-destruct on the building. Rogue used Miguel's powers to contain the blast, then lost consciousness.

Rogue awoke in a moving boxcar with the other teenagers who had taken her with them. They asked her to join them, but she wanted to go off on her own. She hoped she would somehow be able to find a normal life.

Once more hitchhiking, she made her way to Alberta, Canada. Then things got really interesting. She met Wolverine and then Sabertooth attacked them. They were saved by Cyclops and Storm and brought to Manchester, New York.

Rogue was amazed to learn that everyone else there was a mutant, like her. There were teenagers there from thirteen to seventeen, as well as the Professor, Cyclops, Storm and Jean Grey. There she started school again, taught to them by the adult mutants.

And Rogue had become friends with Wolverine. She didn't know why, but there was something about this man with claws that sprang from his hands that she liked. So when she had heard him groaning in his sleep, she went into his room to see him having a nightmare. She tried to wake him, but when she did, he had driven his claws through her chest.

Shocked, Rogue somehow managed to remember she could take the powers of other mutants. Having seen how Wolverine's mutant power healed him, she touched him, which healed her and saved her life. It also almost killed Logan.

And so Rogue had run. There was nowhere safe for her to be. She was a danger to everyone and a freak even among mutants. She sat in the train and watched a mom touching her child's cheek and she knew she would never have that again. She could never touch another person.

Wolverine had shown up then and he looked fine, but Rogue could feel his thoughts in her head with all the others and she knew she had taken something from him. But Wolverine promised to take care of her and the two of them were going to go back to the mansion.

Then Magneto attacked. Everyone had thought he wanted Wolverine, but he wanted Rogue and her power. Once more, it was threatening the lives of people around her. Magneto captured her and put her in his machine. He hoped to use her to power it and change the leaders of the world into mutants. He had touched her, giving her his powers, memories, thoughts and his very mind. She had never touched someone for so long before and his personality had clamped onto her brain, drowning out all the others.

She couldn't believe the pain as the machine started up and she screamed, feeling as though it were pulling her apart. The next thing she knew, she was waking up in Wolverine's arms, his hand on her face and his thoughts and powers running through her. She shoved him away, fearing she had killed him and looked in horror at the cuts in his face and suit. His injuries were not healing.

Now here she was, a few days later, finally in control of her own thoughts again. She couldn't believe everything that had happened. She had been moving so much she had never thought about it.

She found herself wanting to call home. She wanted her hear her mother's voice. She wanted them to know she was all right, but that fear of not being wanted was still there. She was a mutant and she was fated to be forever alone.

* * *

As Rogue walked down the hall to Xavier's office, she was fully aware of the other students staring at her. She pretended not to hear the whispers as they talked about what had happened when she touched Magneto and Wolverine, or about the white streak in her hair or that at any moment she might become Magneto and kill them all.

She walked quickly through the hall, not making eye contact with anyone, when someone grabbed her shoulder from behind. Rogue spun around to see Bobby.

"Rogue!" he said. "I've been so worried about you. It's nice to see you up."

"Ah'm surprised ya'd say that," Rogue told him.

"Why?"

"Yer the one who told me t' leave."

Bobby gave her a confused look. "No, we were supposed to meet for lunch, but you never showed up."

"Bobby, ya came t' me on the bench an' told me it would be better if Ah left."

"No, Rogue, I never did that."

Now Rogue looked at him with curiosity. "Ah was sitting on the bench in front o' the basketball court. Ya sat down next t' me-"

"Rogue, I didn't see you that day. I looked for you everywhere, but no one knew where you were. Then we see Cyclops and Storm come in, looking upset and Wolverine was pissed. Kitty heard them talking and told us Magneto had you."

"But if ya didn't…Mystique. She must have said those things t' get me t' leave the school. That must also be how she got in an' messed with Cerebro. Ah'm sorry Bobby."

"It's not your fault. I'm just glad you're all right. You are all right now, aren't you?"

"Are ya askin' if Magneto is gonna t' take over mah mind an' bring the school down around ya?"

"No, I'm asking if you're all right. Cyclops told us what happened to you. How Magneto put you in that machine and how you…died."

Rogue looked into his eyes. "Ah'm...Ah don't know, Bobby. Ah don't think it's possible t' be fine as long as Logan is dyin' in the medical lab 'cause o' what he did fer me."

Bobby reached out to wipe the tear from Rogue's face, but she quickly pulled back. "Don't touch me Bobby! Do ya wanna get hurt?"

"I…I didn't think about it, I just-"

"If ya c'n't remember not t' touch me, then ya'd better not come near me. Ah don't wanna hurt ya too." Rogue turned away from him and headed for Xavier's office.

Bobby watched her leave and then looked at his hands, not being able to image what it would be like to not be able to touch anyone. Ever.

* * *

"Come in, Rogue."

One of the large double doors opened and Rogue entered Xavier's office. He was behind his desk and looked perfectly fine considering what had happened to him. "Professor, Jean said Ah should see ya."

"Yes. I've been expecting you. Please have a seat."

Rogue walked over to the desk as Xavier rolled out from behind it. He stopped before a chair that was facing the wall instead of the desk and motioned for Rogue to sit. She did and then faced him.

"How are you feeling Rogue?"

"How's Logan?" Rogue asked.

Xavier looked her in the eye. "He's still not conscious, but Jean says his vitals are looking better. She's sure it's only a matter of time, but he will pull through."

Rogue sighed in relief. "Good. Ah was worried he wouldn't make it."

Xavier smiled and placed a hand on her knee. Rogue flinched. Xavier studied her face, but did not invade her mind. "You're worried you'll hurt someone else, aren't you?" She didn't look at him, only nodded. "Yours is a dangerous power, Rogue. Unlike Storm or Jean, you cannot control your power, much like Cyclops."

"But Cyclops c'n at least stop his. If he loses his glasses or visor he c'n close his eyes. If mah skin is exposed, Ah can't stop sumone from gettin' hurt if they brush by me."

"That's true. That is why you have to be very careful. You have to make sure you cover your skin if you are around other people and you have to be aware of people around you in case they don't know or forget about your powers."

"Bobby almost touched me in the hall. Ah thought after what happened in Wolverine's room, none o' them would forget."

"They can't imagine not being able to touch another person."

"Ah c'n't either an' ev'ry time Ah think 'bout it or Ah'm reminded o' it, Ah feel sick. How am Ah s'posed t' live mah life like this? Ah don't fit in anywhere. Ah'm a freak among humans an' mutants. No matter where Ah go, Ah'm a danger t' those around me."

"I understand that it's difficult," Xavier told her. "Being a mutant will take getting used to, but here you can learn to control and focus your power."

"How am Ah s'posed t' control mah power, Professor? Ah c'n't touch people or they get hurt. What kind o' power is this anyway? Ah c'n't live like this!" A tear spilled down Rogue's cheek as she looked down at her gloved hands. "What am Ah s'posed t' do?"

"This is still your life Rogue. I'm not saying that it will be easy, but you can have a full life."

"No, Ah c'n't. Ah c'n't ever kiss sumone or have a baby. Ah c'n't hold hands or ever be with sumone. Ah'll be ferever isolated."

She couldn't stop the tears that fell now and Xavier let her cry. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and whispered softly, "The X-men are here for you. Let us help."

Rogue stood up. "There's nothin' that c'n be done fer me." She wiped away her tears and left.

* * *

Wolverine tore out into the street on Cyclops' motorcycle and was out of sight within seconds. Rogue watched from a third story window and wiped away the tears that spilled down her cheek. He said we'd do this together, she thought to herself. Ah don't think Ah c'n do this alone. She looked down at the dog tag in her hand and then back out the window. Rogue suddenly never felt more alone.

With shaking hands, she opened the clip and placed the tag around her neck. She didn't feel like joining Bobby and Kitty at the foozball table, so instead she went back to her room.

Jean had decided that Rogue would remain in a private room to both allow her the rest she needed and to prevent any further accidents with her power. Rogue was hurt by the idea of being somewhat quarantined, but she understood the need for caution.

Ah'm alone, even when Ah'm surrounded by friends. The isolation weighed heavy on her.

She yawned. Though she felt normal, Rogue had noticed her constant fatigue. She found that she could only be awake for several hours before her body started to feel heavy. It didn't matter how much she slept; she was always tired.

Rogue stepped into the dark room and moved to the bed, not bothering with the light or changing her clothes. She didn't remember falling asleep, but a knocking on her door awakened her. She fought away Wolverine's dark dreams and then said, "Come in."

Jean Grey entered, carrying a small medical bag. "Hello Rogue," she said. "Are you feeling all right?"

Rogue sat up in her bed. "Ah'm feelin' fine, Jean."

The older woman sat down next to the teenager and looked at the rings that had formed under Rogue's sad eyes. "Are you sure? You've been asleep for two days. I'm worried about you."

Rogue was surprised at how long she had been sleeping. "Ah've just been so tired."

Jean put on a pair of gloves. She checked Rogue's heartbeat, breathing and temperature. All of them were normal. Jean sighed, at a loss. "Well, you appear to be in excellent health. This must just be a side effect of Magneto's machine. I believe you'll feel normal in time."

"Ah haven't felt normal in months an' Ah'm not likely t' again," Rogue replied. She reached up and clutched Wolverine's dog tag in her hand.

Jean noticed what Rogue was holding and sighed inwardly. Of all the times for him to leave. I know he needs answers, but she needs him. She placed a hand on Rogue's shoulder and the teenager leaned over, letting Jean hug her. No tears were spilt, but Jean didn't need to be physic to see the young woman was hurting. Though she wondered if Rogue would ever recover from the effects of Magneto's machine, Jean was more concerned over the teenager's mental health.

For the nth time, Jean tried to imagine what it would be like to never be able to touch another human being. She shuttered.

* * *

Rogue stifled a yawn. It was her first day back to class and Storm was teaching them about Galileo. Kitty and Jubilee sat next to Rogue, nearly giddy as they waited for class to be over. Rogue had been late to class, so they had not yet had a chance to talk to her since Wolverine left four days earlier.

Storm looked up from the blackboard and could see that, in fact, most of the class had their eyes on Rogue and not on the lesson. Most of them had not seen her since before the fight with Magneto. Their minds were burning with questions as well as a hint of fear over this mutant who could steal their powers. Storm had actually heard one of the students refer to Rogue as 'Soul Stealer.'

Knowing it was hopeless to get the students to pay attention, her eyes went white and she caused a loud clap of thunder to echo through the room. The students all gasped in surprise and turned to face her. "Can even one of you tell me what I just said?"

The room was silent, until Rogue raised her head and answered, "That Galileo's findin's were met with doubt an' even hostility. That he was killed 'cause people feared that which was different from what they knew."

"Very good Rogue. I'm glad someone is focused. I can see that the rest of you seem very occupied with other things, so I'll dismiss the class. However, you're expected to read the entire chapter on Galileo for tomorrow. Dismissed."

The teenagers groaned, but they were glad to be finished for the day. Rogue quickly gathered up her books and retreated from the room, but Kitty and Jubilee were close on her heels. "Hey Rogue!" shouted Kitty. "Wait for us!"

Rogue sighed, but slowed down, allowing Kitty and Jubilee to fall in step beside her. "What do ya'll want?"

"We just wanted to know how you're feeling," Kitty replied. "You've been holed up in your room ever since Wolverine left."

"Ah was tired, nothin' more."

"But I see you've gotten a new piece of jewelry," commented Jubilee.

Rogue took a hold of the dog tag and dropped it under her shirt. "No big deal. Logan just asked me t' hold onto it fer him."

Kitty picked up her pace and moved in front of Rogue. The Southern teenager stopped, but didn't look Kitty in the eye. "You know Rogue, we're trying to be your friends here, but you're not making it easy."

"Aren't ya scared that Ah'll steal yer soul?"

"Magneto taking over the world scares me. Mutants and humans being forever at war scares me. Bad hair days scare me, but not you Rogue."

Rogue almost smiled. "Ah appreciate that Kitty, but Ah do steal souls. Ah've got 'bout ten in me right now. That might not worry ya, but it scares the hell out o' me. Yer both dear people, but Ah'd rather not have ya swimmin' 'round in mah head." With that, Rogue gently pushed past Kitty and continued down the hallway.

"That's gonna be one lonely girl," said Jubilee.

Kitty frowned. "Not if we do something about it."

"She doesn't want our friendship, Kitty."

"Yes she does. She wants friends more then anything. She just won't allow herself to have them."

"So what do we do?"

"Keep trying."

* * *

Bobby saw Rogue move past Kitty and Jubilee and her shook his head. He had talked to Jean the other day about how Rogue isolated herself. Jean had given him a sad smile, saying that Rogue just needed time. Bobby thought she had had plenty of time and things were only getting worse.

He was determined to do something about it. Icing up his hand, he made a narrow line of ice down to where Rogue was. She looked up as he iced his shoes and slid along the strip on the floor to join her.

"The Professor isn't gonna like the water damage that's gonna cause," Rogue told him.

"I think he'll forgive me," said Bobby, "if I can convince you to eat lunch with the rest of us."

She looked at her feet. "Ah'm really not that hungry."

"You gotta eat."

"Ah'll eat sumthin' later."

"All right, but you'll eat it with me."

Rogue lifted her head and looked him in the eye. "Ah'm not really up fer company tonight, Bobby."

"You say that everyday, Rogue and I've accepted that. Until now. You think isolating yourself from everyone is going to make you feel better?"

"No, Ah know it'll make me feel worse, but it's better then hurtin' one o' you. Ah don't wanna be a soul stealer, Bobby. Ah wanna be a normal person. Ah c'n't have normal though. Ah c'n't have friends or fall in love, 'cause Ah hurt people. Doesn't matter how much Ah try not t'. People touch, Bobby. It's normal. It's natural. But not for me.

"Please just leave me alone. Yer only makin' this harder. Bein' by yerself is lonely, but it's even worse when ya know that there's people all 'round who want be with ya, when ya c'n't be with 'em."

Bobby didn't stop her when she turned and walked away.

* * *

In the changing room, the other teenage girls were changing for their lesson that day with Cyclops, Jean and Storm. It was their first day of training in hand-to-hand combat. Three months had passed since the fight at the Statue of Liberty, but Rogue continued to feel tired. She played with her white bangs while the others finished up. Only when all of them had left did Rogue change into the leather uniform the X-Men wore.

Rogue paused a moment, staring down at her skin, almost as though she could feel the stolen energy moving just below it. There was nothing about her skin that showed itself as dangerous. It just was. She quickly put on the uniform and left the changing room. She entered it to find everyone else already gathered. Cyclops smiled warmly at her and she moves to join the group.

Storm and Jean stood next to Cyclops and the X-men leader looked out over the teenagers. "All of your schooling so far has focused on training your mind. Today we will add to that by teaching you how to fight. You will learn how to control your mutant powers so that you may use them to defend yourself and others. "As long as the world hates and fears mutants, we must be ready to protect ourselves. Even more important, we need the skills to fight those mutants who would use their powers for personal gain or to cause harm. Magneto was one such mutant, but the X-Men were there to defeat him, saving thousands of lives. That is the difference you can make."

The training for the class began with hand-to-hand fighting techniques, which students worked on for several weeks. Everyday Rogue hoped Logan would return, but she hadn't even heard from him since the day he left. She wondered if he was dead or if he had forgotten about her. Both thoughts were terrifying.

As the training continued, Rogue grew more distant and less focused. She didn't think that she could be a member of the team. Her power was dangerous. Touching the enemy would just make her like them, not to mention she'd trapped with a piece of their dark souls for rest of her life. Like she was with Magneto.

Kitty was her sparring partner that day. Rogue was trying to block Kitty's attacks, but she couldn't make herself focus. Suddenly Kitty ran right through her and pushed her from behind, knocking her to the ground. "Yo, Rogue, are you even here?"

"Sorry," Rogue muttered. "Guess Ah'm not."

Cyclops moved over to them. "Kitty, we aren't starting with powers until next week."

"Sorry Scott."

He nodded. "Are you all right, Rogue?"

"Ah'm fine. Just tired."

Cyclops frowned. "Maybe you should get Jean to take a look at you."

"There's nothin' she c'n do. She says this is just the effects o' Magneto's machine. Ah'll probably be like this mah whole life. Ah shouldn't be trainin' t' be an X-Man, Cyclops. Ah'm no use t' the team."

"That's not true."

Rogue stood up. "Yes it is. Ah'm too tired t' fight, Ah don't have a mutant power that c'n be used in battle an' who knows when someone else's mem'ries or emotions might take over. Ah'm more dangerous then whomever yer fighin'. Ah'd put the team at risk." She didn't let him say anything in return; she just walked out.

* * *

Rogue walked down the hallway, her eyes burning with tears. She knew she didn't belong with the X-Men. She furiously wiped the tears away and went to her bedroom. She paced like a caged lioness around the room until she picked up a chair and threw it at the wall. The frail wooden chair smashed and fell to the floor in several pieces.

Her breathing was heavy and she could feel her blood boiling as she stared at the chair. She reached over and grabbed a vase and threw to the floor, watching it shatter. Smiling, she grabbed her desk and over turned it with no effort. She howled and continued to trash the room. Like a raging animal she tore it apart, her adrenaline shooting through her body. She collapsed on the bed and looked around at the chaos she had created of her room.

She could feel Wolverine in her heart and knew his rage would always be a part of her. Her hand was shaking and she found herself reaching for the phone and she unconsciously started dialing. A woman answered. "Hello."

Rogue choked and almost hung up, but instead she replied, "Hi Momma. It's Marie." There was silence on the other end of the phone. "Momma?"

"Ah'm sorry, who is this?" asked the voice.

"Marie. Yer daughter."

Again there was silence. Then, "Ya must have the wrong number. Ah don't have a daughter."

Rogue heard the click of the phone being hung up. She sat unmoving until the phone started to beep. Slowly she placed the phone back in the cradle. She was numb, a deep chill started to collect in her heart and Rogue knew her life would never be the same.

It was what she had feared. Her parents wanted nothing to do with their mutant daughter. And she still didn't know what had happened to Sean. She didn't cry. She didn't get angry. She just felt cold. Rogue didn't know how long she had been sitting on her bed when there was a knock on the door. She blinked, coming back to reality. "Yes?"

The door opened and Kitty stepped inside. "I just wanted-" She stopped, seeing the room. "Rogue, what happened?"

Rogue looked around the room, seeing it for the first time. "Ah..." She looked at Kitty and blinked a few times. "Ah'm not sure."

Kitty stepped in the room and closed the door behind her. "Are you all right?"

"Ah just called mah mamma."

Kitty moved to Rogue's side and sat on the bed. "What happened?"

"She said she didn't have a daughter."

"Oh Rogue, I'm so sorry." Kitty leaned over to hug Rogue, but the untouchable mutant pulled back. "I'm not going to hurt you, Rogue."

"It's not me Ah'm worried 'bout."

"You're hurting. Let me help you."

Rogue was shaking, barely holding back the tears. "Ah love mah momma. We were so close. How could she turn away from me? How could any parent turn away from their child?"

The tears began to roll down Rogue's cheeks and this time she didn't flinch when Kitty enveloped her in a hug. "Let it out, Rogue. I'm here for you."

And Rogue did. She cried for the people who she had hurt; she cried for Wolverine; she cried for her parents and she cried for herself. Kitty held Rogue, whispering encouragement in her ear and brushing her hand over Rogue's hair. Rogue cried for over an hour and then her sobs began to subside. Kitty continued to hold and comfort her. Rogue sat up, her face wet with tears. "Thank ya, Kitty."

"Hey, that's what friends are for." Kitty smiled and before Rogue could stop her, Kitty reached up her hand and wiped the tears from Rogue's face.

The transfer was instant. Rogue's mind filled with Kitty's memories and she passed through the bed. Kitty fell unconscious. Rogue almost screamed when she stood up with her legs phased through the middle of the bed. "Kitty!" Rogue reached out to shake the other teenager, but her gloved hands passed through Kitty's body. Panic clutched Rogue's heart. This was the third time she had taken the powers from another mutant in the school. She had to leave.

Moving fast, she grabbed her coat from the front door and left the mansion, disappearing into the night. She could feel her heart pounding; racing like it had when she had trashed her room. She didn't feel Wolverine's anger, yet she felt alive and exhilarated. Mentally she felt ill over what she had just done, but her body was strong. For the first time since she had been in Magneto's machine, she felt normal. She wasn't tired anymore.

She stopped running, realizing with horror that absorbing Kitty's power and energy had recharged her like a battery. She really was a vampire.

* * *

The rain beat down heavy on her already drenched cloak as she walked along the dark road. The rain was flowing like a river in the shallow trenches of the road, so Rogue feet were almost completely emerged in the cold water. She pulled her coat tighter around her and wiped the rain out of her eyes. The sun had set nearly two hours ago and the back road was poorly lit, making it hard to see anything through the rain. Despite how cold and wet she was she was grateful for the rain since it disguised the tears rolling down her face.

Rogue turned and looked behind her when she saw the headlights. She stopped and held out her thumb, though she wasn't expecting much since none of the few cars that had passed her had stopped. She wanted to keep moving and put as much distance between her and the mansion as she could. She didn't know what would happen. The Professor might prefer that she had left, or he would send the X-Men after her.

Rogue prayed they would just let her go. Kitty's powers had left her hours ago and now she was tired, weak and nauseous. She found herself thinking how easy it would be to touch someone to recharge her strength. It made her sick to think about it, but at the same time, another part of her was crying out for the recharge. She could never go back. She could never be with people again. She wasn't human. She wasn't a mutant. She was a monster.

She stopped and sank to her knees in the water, suddenly at a loss, not knowing what she should do. What was next for her? The car pulled up and stopped beside her, even though she had put down her thumb. The passenger door opened and Rogue looked through the pouring rain to see a long, blonde haired woman, who, despite the dark, was wearing sunglasses.

"Get in," she told Rogue, "before you catch something." Rogue didn't move. "Come on." The woman's voice was kind and gentle, but Rogue was sure it was only because this woman didn't know what she was. Rogue watched as the woman undid her seat belt, stepped out of the car and sat down next to her. "It's your choice if you want to stay our here, but then you'd be turning down a warm fire and a hot meal."

The teenager turned her sad eyes to the woman. "Thank ya, but Ah think it would be better if Ah didn't."

"Don't worry. I'm not some sick pervert who roams the streets in the pouring rain looking for lost teenagers to take home for dinner."

Rogue shook her head. "That's not it."

"Then tell me. I'll help you."

"Why?"

"Because I know what you are."

Rogue looked at the woman in shock. "How do ya know?"

The woman smiled and took off her gloves, revealing clawed hands. She then took off her glasses to reveal cat-like eyes. Finally she pulled off her hair and wiped her sleeve over her face. Her skin was crimson red and her head was bald except for three small horns. Rogue also noticed she had small fangs. "I'm a mutant too. I don't really have a big fancy power, I just look different. I can see farther and in the dark and I'm more agile then humans. I can't crush things with my mind or shoot fireballs from my hands, but I am a mutant."

"What makes ya think Ah'm one?"

"I don't know. I could just tell."

"Well, Ah'm not."

The woman smiled. "There's no reason to lie. I know you're a mutant."

"So 'cause Ah'm a mutant, ya wanna help me?"

"That's part of it. But you're also a young woman who looks like she could use a friend."

"That's really very kind o' ya, but Ah'm dangerous."

"I don't believe that."

"Doesn't matter what ya b'lieve. The truth is Ah hurt people. Ah've hurt a lot o' people."

"It doesn't have to be that way. You can learn to control your powers."

"Maybe, but there's more t' it."

"This argument could take awhile. Why not carry it on in the car where we can at least get out of this rain?"

Rogue faced the woman. "What's yer name?"

"My team calls me Hell Cat, but my real name is Heather Tompson. You?"

"Rogue."

"Just 'Rogue'?"

"That other name isn't me anymore."

"All right." Heather stood. "You coming then, Rogue?"

Rogue looked out across the street into the darkness. She was quiet for several minutes and then said, "Ah guess there's no harm in gettin' out o' the rain."

* * *

When they arrived at Heather's home, Rogue looked in wonder. Heather's home was a giant castle that was built behind a mighty forest. From the road it was impossible to see the castle, since the road leading to it was two miles away. They were far out from the city and had traveled on many long, empty roads. They had arrived at a monstrous gate, which had opened only after Heather gave it a voice command. After another mile, they came across a second gate that required a hand scan from Heather before it would open.

"Why so much security?" Rogue questioned.

"Mutants can never be too cautious, especially the others you will meet here."

Half a mile later, the road started to go downhill at which point Rogue had seen the castle. Now, standing before it, she looked around at its beautiful design. It was surrounded by gardens, flowers in bloom all around. In front of the castle was a smaller garden, which surrounded a statue of a woman.

"My mother," Heather explained. "She formed the Brotherhood."

"'The Brotherhood'?" Rogue asked.

"Yes, Rogue. I wasn't entirely honest before. I knew you were a mutant because I know of Professor Xavier's school. I also know about what happened with Magneto. I know because there is a team of mutants here who are fighting the same fight as Xavier."

"Ya want me t' join ya?"

"Yes. I think you would be a great asset to the team."

"If ya know 'bout me, then ya know 'bout mah power. Ah left the X-Men 'cause Ah can't be one o' 'em. Mah power is dangerous an' won't be any help in a fight. Not t' mention the danger o' me bein' 'round other people. Ah'm sorry, Ms. Tompson, but Ah c'n't."

"Rogue, Xavier couldn't help you because he has a school full of young mutants. You need more then what they can offer. Here there are only six mutants and we're all adults in full control of our powers. We can all help you learn to control yours."

"Ah still c'n't use 'em in a fight. Ah'd take the powers o' our opponent, but also their mind."

"I'm sure you can learn to control your powers and stop the transfer of minds."

Rogue paused. "Do ya really think so?"

"You're got nothing to lose by trying. Let me help you."

"Thank ya, Ms. Tompson."

"Call me Heather."

Rogue smiled, feeling a sense of belonging. Heather put her arm around Rogue's shoulder and led the teenager inside. The interior was even more stunning then the outside. Huge chandeliers hung from the ceiling, the light sparkling off of the diamonds. A marble staircase was in the middle of the room, leading to a second floor. The carpets were pearl white and everything seemed to shine. Rogue gasped at the beauty of it. She turned around in a circle to take everything in. It was something out of a storybook, even more magical then Xavier's mansion. Rogue looked back at Heather only to find someone towering over her.

Screaming, Rogue jumped back. Sabertooth reached out a clawed hand and grabbed her, pulling her off the floor. "Where ya goin' runt?"

Rogue tried to fight back, but Sabertooth was too powerful. "Put me down!" Rogue was terrified. Mystique had survived the battle and now she saw that Sabertooth had too. Was Magneto out? Was he after her again? Turning to look at Heather, Rogue yelled, "Yer Mystique, aren't ya? Let me go!"

"Creed, release her!" Heather ordered.

"Yes Hell Cat." He dropped Rogue, who backed up, facing the other two.

"Rogue, calm down," Heather spoke gently. "Sabertooth is a part of this team. I should have warned you. Toad is here too. Mystique isn't. Sabertooth and Toad believed Magneto was working to help mutants and in his own way, he was. I found the two of them and convinced them to join the Brotherhood and fight for a better dream. Not one where we dominate humans, but where we both live in peace. However, to live in peace with humans, we must live in peace with our fellow mutants. We need to forgive them for past deeds and help them to rebuild themselves.

"Sabertooth and Toad want to make up for their actions when they were with Magneto. Mystique had no such desire, so she was not welcome here."

Rogue looked from Sabertooth to Heather, unsure of what to do. What Heather was saying sounded right to Rogue, but what if she was Mystique? And to trust and fight alongside Sabertooth was almost too much to ask.

From another room, four more mutants entered. One was Toad, but the other three Rogue did not recognize. The first wore a metal helmet on his head and a light, gray suit. The second wore a read and yellow uniform with a pack on his back, cabled leading from it to his hands. And the third was an enormous ball of fat, standing taller then Sabertooth.

"Rogue, this is Avalanche, Pyro and Blob. You've already met Toad."

Rogue's mind was spinning. Something in her mind was screaming for her to run, but she found Heather warm and wanted to stay with her. She couldn't explain the strange connection between the two of them, but she couldn't deny it either. She just knew Heather would not hurt her.

Heather moved to Rogue's side and held out her hand to the teenager. Rogue didn't move. "It will be okay, Rogue. I'll help you."

The southern mutant looked around at the rest of the Brotherhood and shivered. She didn't trust any of them. They all had dark, hard eyes and she knew what Sabertooth and Toad were capable of. Yet, when she looked in Heather's eyes, she saw only compassion. Rogue reached out and hugged Heather, her eyes suddenly stinging with tears.

"It's all right, Rogue. I understand your have been through a lot. There's no shame in crying. Let it out."

Rogue doubted she could stop even if she wanted to. Heather gathered Rogue in her arms and helped lead her to a private room. She stayed with the young mutant for hours, letting her cry and listening to her story. Heather then told Rogue about her past and Rogue comforted her when tears found their way to Heather's eyes. It formed a bond between them that continued to grow as Heather worked with Rogue, trying to help her learn to control her powers.

Blob, Avalanche and Pyro were always her unfortunate victims to practice on. Heather had her absorb at least one power a day, sometimes two or three. She also experimented with the length of time Rogue held someone. One second, five, thirty, a minute, though never anything more then that.

The constant use of her power kept Rogue charged and she found that she was no longer tired. She had also learned how to manage having another voice in her head, though it got harder to focus the longer she held on. If she grabbed Avalanche for ten seconds, she found she could see his memories, but was able to block out his emotions and had his powers for ten minutes.

Heather informed her that some of this success was due to how often she touched the three, so her mind was easier to focus with theirs in her head. "I think we should test you in the field. Not major save-the-world-heroics or anything, but something you can test your powers with people you've never touched."

Rogue was taken aback. "Ah--Ah can't use mah powers in battle, Heather. Ah have no way o' knowin' a stranger's mind or powers an' Ah'd rather not find out that way."

Heather waved her hand, dismissing Avalanche and Pyro. "What do you think I have been training you for, Rogue? You have to learn how to use your powers to defend yourself. To defend the team and innocent people. I'm sorry, Rogue, but there isn't a way to make it possible for you to touch someone. That would be like me being able to make my skin normal or giving Toad a regular tongue.

"This is your power. It's part of you. But at least you are able to touch people."

"Ah don't want t' touch someone like that!" Rogue shouted. "Touchin' is s'posed be 'bout carin' fer someone, not 'bout takin' down the enemy. It's s'posed t' be nice, pleasant, not monstrous! Ah c'n't do that!"

Rogue began to sob and Heather reached out and held the younger woman. "I'm sorry, Rogue. I didn't mean to push. I understand that you're not ready yet."

Pulling away, Rogue spat, "Ya don't understand, Heather! This is mah mutant power an' there's no way t' get rid o' it! That means Ah have t' be that much more careful. Ah have t' protect the world from me by not touchin' people. There c'n't be any exceptions. Ah thought we were workin' t' control mah powers so Ah could safely touch people. Since that's not what we're doin', Ah have t' stop.

"Look at me, Heather. Have ya seen the change? Ah'm not tired or sick 'cause Ah've been usin' mah power ev'ryday."

"I have noticed the change, Rogue and it has made me very happy to see you well."

"But it's at the expense o' others! Heather, Ah wanna be normal!"

"Well Rogue, that can't happen. You're a mutant. That's what you are and there's nothing that can be done about that. You have to accept what you are or you'll never be able to move on with your life. Accept your power Rogue. Embrace it and use it to help others. Your power might be a curse to you, but you could use it a gift for others. If you do, then you'll start to understand that it's a gift for you too."

Rogue crumbled to her knees and Heather held her once more, stroking the teenager's hair as she sobbed. "I know how difficult it is. Every mutant has to deal with the chaos and misery that can enter our lives just because we were born a little different. It's human nature to fear what we do not understand. But just as every other minority group has fought and won equality and peace, we shall too. But this cannot happen unless there are those who will not hide away, but who will fight for that equality."

Heather placed her hand under Rogue's chin and lifted the teenager's head to meet her eyes. "I know you are strong and brave, Rogue. I know, in your heart, you want to fight to help your fellow mutants. Peace is worth fighting for. Will you?"

"Ah'm not strong enough, Heather."

"You are child, but maybe you are not ready yet. Take the time you need, but do not give in."

Rogue smiled. "Ah won't fail ya."

"Don't do it for me. Do it because you feel it in your heart."

"Ah'll do it, but Ah'm not ready yet."

"Then come. There will be no more practicing today."

"Where are we goin'?"

"To the garden to enjoy this beautiful day. It's not a day for tears," Heather said softly as she wiped Rogue's face with a gloved hand.

Rogue was surprised at how the garden calmed her. She wondered if it was the beauty, the warmth or the company. Heather and Rogue walked through the giant garden, Heather telling Rogue the names of all the flowers. Rogue had stopped crying and was now comfortable and at ease. Heather had her arm over Rogue's shoulder, offering her support and Rogue was grateful for it. Heather had stayed with her and kept her safe for the last four months and for the first time since she discovered her powers, Rogue felt like she was home.

They came to a stop in front of a small statue of Heather's mother, which was half the size of the one located at the front of the castle. Heather faced Rogue as they sat on a small, wooden bench. "When I discovered I was a mutant, I was so lost and I continued to fall in a downward spiral. I felt as though I was drowning. My mother tried everything to reach me, but I thought I looked so hideous and I had no real powers. I felt like I couldn't help with my mother's dream, nor could I ever have a normal life. There was nothing for me.

"On my eighteenth birthday, my mother sat me down and told me of her struggles as a mutant. She then told me that when she had felt so lost, her mother had sat her down the same way and told her of her troubles and most important, how she overcame them. Then, she gave my mother this necklace."

Heather removed the necklace from around her neck. It was a gold disk with an owl and a bow and arrow carved onto it. "The owl is the symbol of Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom and the bow and arrow are the symbol of Artemis, the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt and the moon and the Amazons. Both goddesses were strong and clever warriors.

"This necklace has been handed down from mother to daughter on their eighteenth birthday for six generations, to show our courage and strength to face whatever hardships try to get in our path. I want to pass this onto you Rogue. Happy birthday."

Heather placed the necklace in Rogue's gloved hand. "Ah c'n't take this, Heather. It should be fer yer daughter."

"You are my daughter, Rogue. I couldn't love you anymore if you were my own flesh and blood."

"Thank you," Rogue whispered as she hugged Heather.

"I feel I can call you daughter and I hope one day you can call me Mother."

"Ah c'n. Ah love ya Mamma."

Heather smiled. "Then put on the necklace. Show you are my daughter and that you have the courage to face what is to come." Rogue started to lift the necklace to her neck, when she stopped. She reached up and clutched Wolverine's dog tag. "What's wrong, Rogue?"

"Ah told a friend Ah'd keep this fer him."

"Then don't worry about the necklace," Heather said with understanding.

"No. Ah wanna wear the necklace. It's a great honour, Mamma." Slowly, Rogue undid the clasp and removed the dog tag. She put on the necklace and held the tag in her hand. "Ah can still keep these with me. 'Sides, you gave this to me 'cause ya love me. He gave me this 'cause he left."

"I will never leave you Rogue."

* * *

Wolverine turned off the engine of the motorcycle and looked up at the mansion. He had been gone for seven months, searching for answers in Canada, where he had only found more questions. And trouble. Though the wounds had healed, it had been a close fight for his life. He didn't know why, but it had made him afraid to return to the mansion. It had taken him two months to turn the bike towards the States and head for Manchester and even then he had turned back several times.

Now he stood in the pouring rain before the door, still straddling Cyclops' motorcycle and trying to figure out what he'd say to Rogue. He had promised to take care of her and to be there for him, but he had to go. He didn't mean never to write or call but he could never do it. He had started dozens of letters and picked up the phone numerous times, but he always stopped, wondering what he supposed to say. Now he was here and he still had no idea what he was going to say to her. He lit a cigar and took a long drag, but it did nothing to calm his nerves.

He had been out in the rain for several minutes when the front door opened and Logan paused. Jean stood in the doorway, her red hair flowing down her back. She was wearing the leather uniform of the X-Men, which hugged her curves and should have made his heart race. But not today. Today he looked at her like a guilty child, who had been caught doing something he knew he shouldn't.

"It's been a long time, Logan," Jean said to him.

"Nah. You're just sayin' that 'cause yer young," he replied.

"We've missed you."

"Yeah, you too, Red. I, uh, I brought One Eye back his bike."

"That's good. He was this close to going after you."

"So…how's everyone been?"

Jean paused and then spoke in the saddest tone Logan had ever heard anyone use. "Why don't you come in out of the rain."

There was no more hesitating as Logan jumped off of the bike and ran up the stairs, tossing his cigar. "What is it, Jean? What's happened?"

"Rogue's gone."

"'Gone'? Where?"

Jean shook her head, tears forming at her eyes. "We don't know. She ran away four months ago. The Professor scanned for her and found her on a road not far from the mansion. We went to get her, but she was gone. The Professor had to return to the mansion to use Cerebro, but she was gone. He couldn't find her."

"What does that mean?"

"For someone not to be picked up by Cerebro, they have to either be shielded, be a very powerful physic, be unconscious or…dead."

"Maybe she's in a coma or absorbed a physic."

"It's been four months Logan. We've checked the hospitals daily. She's not there and no one has been admitted showing signs of being drained by her, which they would have to if she's kept their powers this long."

"Then she's shielded," Logan suggested forcefully.

"It's been so long."

"She's lived through too much to cash out now. She's alive, Jean. I know it. I'll find her."

Jean reached out and hugged him. "If you say she's alive, then I believe you. Why don't you come inside and we'll continue the search tomorrow."

Logan wanted to start now, but the X-Men had been looking for months and had found nothing. None of them would do a better job looking when they were tired. He held Jean, more to comfort himself then her and then the two stepped inside. "So, why'd she run?"

Jean brushed the tears off her face with the back of her hand. "She was having so much trouble adjusting. Magneto's machine left her weak and tired most of the time. She felt completely isolated from everyone and wouldn't let anymore get near her." Suddenly Jean turned angrily to face him. "She needed you! You told her you'd be there and then you left. You never called or wrote. You abandoned her, Logan."

"I tried to write. I tried to call, but I couldn't come back then and I didn't know what to say. I wanted to be here for her."

"Well you weren't. She was feeling so alone that she called her parents. They wanted nothing to do with her. She trashed her room and when Kitty came in to comfort her, she forgot about Rogue's power and touched her."

"Is she all right?"

"She was unconscious for three days, but she's fine now. She's really upset and blames herself for Rogue running off."

"She shouldn't," Wolverine said softly. "She's called 'Rogue' for a reason."

* * *

Rogue pulled the green glove over her hand and then looked at herself in the mirror. Heather hand given her a uniform, which was a deep forest green that hugged all her curves. She wasn't a child anymore. She was twenty-three and had grown into a mature woman. Heather had raised her and cared for her for nearly six years, like she had promised. She had taught Rogue to use her power and had loved her. Rogue was finally happy, except for the slight sorrow over Wolverine and the X-Men that tugged at her heart. When she got lonely, Rogue would search for Logan in her mind and find him there, standing out even among all the other voices.

She reached into her pocket and pulled out his dog tag, turning it over in her hand. "Ah miss ya," she whispered, "but Ah'm doin' ya proud, Logan."

Suddenly, an alarm sounded. Rogue knew it meant there was a disturbance involving mutants. She knew the Brotherhood would be on the move in their helicopter to handle the situation. It happened a lot, and this time, Rogue was going with them. She ran out of her room and to the helicopter. The rest of the team had already gathered, except for Sabertooth and Toad who were in the field. Heather was at the controls, dressed in her uniform. It was red with fire down the middle and two horns on the side. Her mask was black and covered her cheeks and forehead, but left her mouth, eyes and horns exposed.

Rogue hopped into the helicopter and it took off. Heather shouted to the team, "Sabertooth and Toad have encountered hostilities. Government agents are attacking them."

"Government agents?" Rogue asked. "Should we be fightin' the government? Magento attacked and killed Senator Kelly an' that only hurt our cause when ev'ryone found out."

"Those who would attack good mutants should not be in power, Rogue. This is self defense."

Rogue nodded, but the thought still left a bad taste in her mouth. The landed in the middle of New York and Rogue stepped out to see the battle. She saw Sabertooth and Toad battling costumed people who fought with amazing powers.

"Avengers assemble!" someone shouted.

Rogue looked in surprise to see Captain America in his red, white and blue uniform and gasped. She grabbed Hell Cat's arm. "The Avengers! Mamma, we c'n't fight the Avengers! They're good guys!"

"They are human heroes, Rogue and puppets of the government."

"They're mutants!"

"Some of them are, yes, but they are working against us. We must stop them."

"Ah c'n't fight 'em."

Hell Cat looked Rogue in the eye. "Would you betray the mission? Would you betray the team? Would you betray me, daughter?"

"No Mamma, but-"

"You have to trust me. I've taken care of you for six years. I've raised you and loved you, daughter."

"All right, Mamma. Ah'm with ya."

"Take their powers, Rogue. It will leave them unconscious and you'll have all their skills. It will end this quickly and with no loss of life."

Rogue took off her gloves and nodded as they all ran into the battle. She headed straight for the monstrous man who towered stories over them. She grabbed his leg and tore off some of his uniform. Before he knew what was happening, she had touched his skin. He fell back, unconscious and shrinking as he fell. Rogue, meanwhile, began to grow.

The Avengers were shocked to see Rogue standing over them where their teammate stood moments before and focused their efforts on her. Rogue reached out and grabbed a woman with brown hair and a red uniform. The woman passed out and Rogue now had her power to cast hexes. She used that power to cause the mutant that moved like lightning to trip and then took his power as well. Rogue laughed at how easy it was and how it charged her, giving her more energy. The more people she touched, the more she wanted to.

Captain America's shield raced at her face, but with Quicksilver's power, she snatched it out of the air and hurled it across the city.

The rest of the Brotherhood hung back, watching as Rogue single-handedly took out the powerful Avengers. "Who knew she could be so powerful?" Toad commented.

"Magneto didn't see her true potential," Hell Cat replied. "But it's time to test my theory."

When the flying, blonde-haired woman in the black bathing suit-like uniform came shooting at Rogue with her fists raised, the southern mutant laughed. But when the woman punched her, Rogue cried out in pain as she toppled to the ground. She didn't hit the ground, however. The mutant caught Rogue and lifted her into the air. She swung around and sent Rogue flying into the ocean.

Rogue hit the water and came up sputtering, once more her regular size. The blonde mutant flew over to her. "Surrender now," she ordered.

"Never ya sellout!" Rogue shouted. Using her new speed she swam to shore before the other mutant knew what had happened. Rogue crawled onto the beach, her faced covered in the blood running from her broken nose.

Hell Cat was instantly at her side. "Rogue, we'll handle the other Avengers, but you must take out Ms. Marvel."

"How can Ah take her down?" Rogue asked. "She threw me like Ah was a pebble!"

"You have to grab her. Grab her and don't let go."

Rogue looked at Hell Cat in surprise. "Ah c'n't hold on fer that long."

"You'll have to hold her that long to stop her. It's the only way."

"No Mamma. The other times Ah've held someone fer that long, their powers were with me fer days an' their mem'ries an' personalities nearly swallowed me."

"The Avengers will not let us escape, Rogue and none of us can take out Ms. Marvel. It must be you."

Ms. Marvel was speeding towards them. "Ah'll do it," Rogue muttered hesitantly and got to her feet. She stood her ground as Ms. Marvel approached, then she leapt over Ms. Marvel's head as the blonde woman tried to punch her.

Rogue landed on Ms. Marvel's back and grabbed her neck. Ms. Marvel cried out in surprise and alarm as her energy was ripped from her body. "What are you doing?" she asked in horror.

"Savin' mutants from sellouts like you!" Rogue shouted back.

Ms. Marvel tried to struggle but her powers were already fleeing her body. The flying mutant began to fall and Rogue could feel Ms. Marvel's strength coursing through her. She couldn't believe the power in this single mutant. The two crashed to the ground, leaving a deep trench in the street, but neither mutant was scarred by the crash. Rogue still held onto Ms. Marvel, unable to release her. Rogue was drawn to the power and she felt alive for the first time since Magneto. Ms. Marvel cried out once more, but then ceased to struggle, yet Rogue continued to hold on until her power stopped.

There was nothing left to drain.

Hell Cat watched as Rogue and Ms. Marvel crashed to the ground and smiled. She had planned for this moment for years and she was sure that she held the most powerful weapon in the world.

Sabertooth ran up to her. "The X-Men are coming."

"Damn!" Hell Cat shouted. "Get everyone to the helicopter. I'll get Rogue."

She found Rogue sitting beside Ms. Marvel, her face wet with tears. "What's wrong, Rogue?" Rogue shook her head, unable to answer. "Come on, we have to go." Hell Cat helped Rogue to her feet and led her away.

* * *

Cyclops helped Captain America to his feet. "You all right?"

"A little sore, but alive."

"Who did this?"

"They didn't say. There were seven of them, though it was the one woman who took us all down."

"One?"

"A mutant for sure. Anytime she touched one of us, she took our energy and our powers. Even more remarkable, she was able to use them as well as us, but without having the experience we do."

Cyclops looked at the rest of the X-Men which included Jean, Wolverine, Storm, Bobby (AKA: Iceman), Kitty (AKA: Shadowcat) and Jubilation (AKA: Jubilee).

Wolverine sniffed the air and shook his head, his eyes sad. "It's Rogue."

"You know our attacker?" questioned the Scarlet Witch with a heavy Ukrainian accent as she joined Captain America.

Jean had been scanning with her mind but she faced the Scarlet Witch. "She is a teammate of ours who went missing almost six years ago. We have been searching for her and this was the first sign we have seen. We thought she was dead."

"Some of us thought she was dead," Wolverine grumbled under his breath.

Jean faced Cyclops. "I can find no sign of her."

Giant Man came up to the group, carrying Ms. Marvel in his arms. "Carol!" the Scarlet Witch shouted, running to her friend's side.

"We have medical facilities on the Black Bird," Jean said, leading the way.

Kitty watched them go in horror. "I can't believe Rogue would do that."

Wolverine chewed on a cigar, but did not light it. "Just 'cause it was Rogue doesn't mean she did it. She could have been under someone's control or threatened, or tricked."

"We can't overlook that Rogue might have done this out of her own free will," Cyclops replied. "Six years is a long time."

Wolverine shoved Cyclops into a wall and held out a hand, the claws extended. "Hey bub, don't you go sayin' Rogue switched sides. She's one of us."

"I can't believe Rogue would attack the Avengers," said Kitty. "There has to be an explanation."

"I want there to be an explanation too," Cyclops said. "I hope there is, but we have to be ready if there's not."

Wolverine spit his cigar out and slammed his claws into the wall beside Cyclops' head with a savage growl. "I ain't givin' up on her."

"Neither are the rest of us." Turning away, Wolverine let Cyclops go. Cyclops faced Captain America. "She's our teammate. We'll handle this."

"I'm sorry, son," responded Captain America, "but this concerns all of America, if not the world. I can't let that mutant run loose. She has to be brought in."

Wolverine growled. "If she's brought in, she's brought in by us."

"She involved herself with the Avengers. We must go after her."

"Listen bub-"

"Please Logan," Storm said softly. "Captain America, Rogue is a dear friend who we failed. We must find her and help her if we can. We've never seen contact between Rogue and another person have such results. She'll need us now more then ever, just as Ms. Marvel needs you."

Captain America looked at the Avengers and then at each of the X-Men. "All right, X-Man. We leave Rogue and her team to you. For now, we have an injured teammate to care for." The Avengers walked towards the Black Bird to check on Ms. Marvel, leaving the X-Men to figure out what to do next.

* * *

Rogue laughed as she sailed through the air. She had dreamed of flying hundreds of times - who hadn't? - but she could never imagine how freeing it could be. She could see the other members of the Brotherhood far below her and she shot down like an eagle over their heads. She had absorbed Ms. Marvel's powers nearly a week ago, but they were still with her and showed no signs of fading. Shooting down again, Rogue smashed through a tree with merely a fraction of her super strength and was unhurt by the maneuver due to her now invulnerable form. Now these are mutant powers, she thought.

Rogue spread her arms and let out a whoop of joy, feeling so light and without worry. Her energy had not diminished since absorbing Ms. Marvel and she was sure she was sure the effects of Magneto's machine no longer held any hold on her. All at once, Rogue felt a presence beside her. She turned her head to see Ms. Marvel and gasped. "How'd ya find me?"

"You stole my powers! You stole my life!" Ms. Marvel shouted.

"No, Ah-"

"Soul Stealer!" Ms. Marvel lunged at Rogue. But when the Southern mutant tried to punch the angered woman, her fist went right through. Ms. Marvel had no such trouble however and landed a solid blow to Rogue's chin. Rogue went flying and crashed into the ground.

The Brotherhood instantly gathered around her and Heather kneeled at her side. "Rogue, what's wrong?"

But Rogue didn't hear her. She stood as Ms. Marvel came racing towards her like a bullet. "I'll destroy you like you destroyed me!"

"Ah'm sorry!" shouted Rogue. "But Ah had t'!"

"Rogue, who are you talking to?" Heather questioned.

Rogue took to the air as Ms. Marvel charged at her. Rogue looked down in surprise and saw Ms. Marvel disappear. Turning, Rogue was even more shocked to find the blonde mutant was now in front of her. Ms. Marvel punched Rogue and sent the younger woman flying. "Stop!" Rogue cried. "Ah'm sorry. Ah'm so sorry."

Once more Ms. Marvel disappeared and Rogue sank to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Heather moved to her side and held the younger woman in her arms. "Rogue, what is it? Please tell me child. I can't help you unless you tell me."

However Rogue couldn't speak. She could only sob. Gathered around her were her victims, cursing her. Ms. Marvel stood with them, smiling with satisfaction at the misery she was causing the Southern belle. "Ah'm sorry," Rogue muttered. "Ah'm sorry. Ah'm sorry. Ah'm sorry…"

* * *

Heather pressed the damp cloth gently to Rogue's head. She had finally fallen asleep, though she tossed and turned and often cried out to her private nightmares.

The door opened and Toad entered. "We need to talk."

"Not now," Heather snapped.

"Yes now. We are following you because you promised what Magneto couldn't deliver: A world where mutants rule and we rule the mutants." He pointed at Rogue. "You said she would help us achieve this, but look at her now! She's useless and you tend to her as though you care for her. As if she really were your daughter."

"She is my daughter."

"Just as we figured. You've grown attached to her. She's a weapon, Mystique, not a pet."

"Quiet! Get out!" Toad turned and left followed by Heather, who transformed into the blue skinned, red haired Mystique. "What is she heard you?"

"She hasn't been coherent in days. She's no use to us in this state. If anything, she's a threat. You don't have control of her anymore."

"She'll listen to me."

"Because you're her 'Mamma'? Face it, Mystique, her mind is lost. You cannot control her emotions when they are running rampant. She has to go."

"We need her."

Toad hesitated and looked Mystique in the eye. "Do we need her? Do you still plan to use her for our goals, or do you love her?"

Mystique glared at him. "I haven't forgotten our plans, Toad. The world will be outs and the humans will suffer, but we need Rogue. She single handily took out the Avengers and now with Ms. Marvel's powers, she'll be unstoppable. We can't just throw away such a powerful weapon."

"Just as long as you remember that she is a weapon."

She watched him hop over the railing and then turned and faced the door to Rogue's room. She sighed and morphed back into Heather. She opened the door to find Rogue's bed empty and the curtains swaying slightly from the wind that came from the open window.

* * *

Wolverine sniffed and his heart leapt. She was here. He looked over at Cyclops, Jean, Storm, Shadowcat, Jubilee and Iceman and pointed east. The moon was high overhead and half full, casting a faint silver glow over the park. Wolverine moved quickly and silently across the well trimmed grass, sniffing the air as he went. He could smell her and the fresh salt tears on her cheeks. He held up a hand to stop the others when he saw her sitting on a small, wooden bench. Cyclops nodded and Wolverine moved forward alone.

"Hey darlin'." Rogue turned and looked up at him with the saddest eyes he had ever seen, eyes that were haunted and older far beyond their years. She smiled, though no joy met those eyes. The look would plague Logan until he died.

"Logan, ya came back," she said softly.

Wolverine sat next to her and the now mature woman leaned into him, letting him hold her in his strong arms. "I said I would."

"But why now? Why now when it's too late?"

"Too late for what?'

"Fer ev'rythin', Logan. Fer ev'rythin'."

He touched her white bangs and gently rubbed her back. "There's no such thing. Whatever it is, the X-Men will help you. I'll help you."

"It's too late fer Ms. Marvel. It's too late fer the other people Ah've hurt."

"Ms. Marvel has been...changed, but she's alive, Rogue and the X-Men know you didn't mean to do it."

Again she turned her sad eyes to him. "But Ah did."

"I'm sure you had your reasons."

"Mystique told me too."

"Mystique? I don't understand."

"Neither do Ah, but it doesn't matter anymore. Ah'm guilty an' they're punishin' me."

"Guilty of what? Who's punishing you? Rogue please help me to understand. I want to help."

"The people Ah've hurt are hauntin' me 'cause Ah hurt 'em. Ms. Marvel is makin' 'em. Ah deserve it. Ah hurt 'em all." She faced him. "Ah hurt you."

"I'm fine darlin' and I'm here."

Rogue reached into her pocket and pulled out Wolverine's dog tag. "Ah lost faith. Ah didn't think Ah'd ever see ya again. Ah used t' wear this all the time, 'cause Ah was so sure ya'd be back."

"I wanted to be here Rogue."

"But ya weren't. Ya left me alone an' Ah didn't know what t' do. Mah parents want nothin' t' do with me. Ah hurt Kitty."

"Kitty is fine and wants you to come home. She's worried about you. We all are. What happened?"

Tears were falling down Rogue's cheeks again as she spoke. "When Ah touched Kitty, it changed me. God help me, Logan, it felt good. It gave me back mah strength an' energy for the first time since Magneto's machine. Ah wanted more. Ah needed more. So Ah had t' leave.

"Heather found me on the road an' she took me in. She took care o' me like no one ever had an' Ah started t' call her Mamma. Sabertooth and Toad were there as well as three other mutants. They called 'emselves the Brotherhood. Heather worked with me, teachin' me how t' use mah powers. Ah touched mutants ev'ryday an' Ah wasn't tired anymore.

"Ah love Heather an' she told me the Brotherhood was fightin' fer the same dream as the X-Men. She told me the Avengers were workin' with the government t' destroy mutants. So Ah fought 'em an' stopped 'em all. Then Ms. Marvel attacked an' Heather told me t' grab her an' hold on. Ah held Ms. Marvel 'til there was nothin' left t' take. Ms. Marvel's powers became mine an' Ah was finally healed from what Magneto did t' me."

Tears rolled down her face and Logan ached to be able to wipe them away. "But Ah also had her mind trapped inside me. She's there an' she keeps growin' stronger. Not only that, but she's makin' the others, those who had faded, resurface. Ah can't even tell what thoughts are mine anymore, Logan.

"Heather was carin' fer me. Ah was lyin' in bead, unable t' talk t' her, but Ah heard ev'rythin'. Toad entered an' yelled at her for carin' 'bout me. He said Ah was a weapon an' that was all." Rogue paused. "Then he called her Mystique. She yelled an' they stepped out. Ah fought the voice in mah head and forced mahself up. Ah opened the door slightly an' there she was. She wasn't Heather.

"She used me. Ah loved her, Ah called her Mamma an' she used me. Worse 'n that, Ah think she loves me too, but Ah couldn't stay. Ah c'n't go back there, Ah c'n't go t' mah parents an' Ah c'n't return t' the X-Men. Ah don't know what Ah'm s'posed t' do."

"Of course you can return to the X-Men, Rogue. They took me back, didn't they?" he said with a smile, trying to cheer her up. "Everyone is here. They want you to come home."

"Ah c'n't. Not like this. Ah'm a danger t' ev'ryone 'round me. Mah power was dangerous 'nough b'fore, an' now Ah have no control, as well as super strength. If Ah came back t' the X-Men, someone will get hurt."

"The Professor can help you."

"Ah wish he could."

"Ya got nothing to lose by tryin'."

"Ah c'n't risk it, Logan."

"It's our risk and we want to take it," said another voice. Rogue and Wolverine looked up to see Shadowcat with the rest of the X-Men behind her.

"Let us help you child," Storm pleated.

"You're part of the team," voiced Cyclops.

"We're not going to let you do it alone," Iceman stated.

"Rogue, come home," begged Jean.

Rogue looked at each of them and then back at Wolverine. "I'll be with you every flamin' step o' the way," he said. "That's a promise."

The X-Men waited as Rogue looked down at her hands and the dog tag she held in them. She closed her eyes and cocked her head as though listening to an unheard voice. Finally, she opened her eyes and faced them. "When do we leave?"

Iceman let out a whoop and Kitty threw her arms around Rogue in a bear hug. Cyclops patted her on the shoulder and Jean, Storm and Jubilee exchanged smiles. Wolverine watched the reunion and could see a spark of joy return to Rogue's eyes. He swore to be there for her and to help her through whatever came next.

Rogue turned to face Wolverine and held out his dog tag. "Ah have sumthin' fer ya."

Wolverine looked down at the dog tag and took if from her. "Thanks darlin', but this is a symbol of a past long gone. All that matters now is what's to come." He tossed the tag into the garbage and Rogue smiled.

* * *

The sun sat at its peak, while Rogue was sitting on the bench that overlooked the basketball court. It was empty today since the younger mutants were all in class, so Rogue was alone. It had been a grueling two months of work with Xavier and Jean, but the telepathic mutants had finally been able to quiet the voices in Rogue's mind. They were still with her, but they could no longer cause her any harm.

She looked up when a shadow was cast over her and saw Wolverine. She smiled. "Heya Logan."

"Hey yourself, kid. Ya got a clean bill o' health?"

"Mostly."

"I'm glad to hear it." He sat down next to her. "So what's next for you?"

"The Professor says Ah'm ready to be an X-Man. Ah've already been trained t' use mah powers an' though takin' down the Avengers wasn't a good thing, it shows Ah c'n handle mahself in a battle. Cyclops was really impressed when Ah knocked him flat." She smiled.

"And what about Mystique? What if you run into her as an X-Man?"

"Ah--Ah don't know," Rogue stammered. "Ah never thought 'bout that. What should Ah do Logan?"

"I think you should follow your heart." Rogue turned at the female voice that came from Wolverine's mouth and was greeted by Mystique's blue face. Rogue started to get to her feet, but Mystique touched her gently on the arm. "Please wait Rogue. I haven't come to hurt you."

Rogue wanted to run, but Mystique sounded genuine and despite everything else, this woman had cared for her for six years. Slowly, the Southern mutant sat back down.

Mystique nodded in thanks and transformed into Heather. "You know, when I wore this face, you trusted me with your life. You were happy and you loved me. I think a part of you still does, or you wouldn't still be wearing the necklace I gave you."

Rogue raised a hand and touched the necklace she still wore around her neck. She had tried to toss it away since she has returned to the mansion, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. She looked Mystique in the eye. "Yer right. Ah don't wanna love ya, but there will always be a part o' me that does, just like a part o' me loves mah parents."

"Your emotions are real, Rogue. Don't shut them off. Everything I told you was true. I do love you."

"Ah heard ya an' Toad. Ah'm nothin' but a weapon t' ya."

"All right, yes, at first that was true. I had planned to use you but things change, Rogue. You're the first person I've ever loved in my whole life, the first person I could connect with. You steal pieces of other people's lives with your powers and so do I. I'm a shape-shifter, Rogue. I've changed my appearance and my identity so many times, it's like I don't have an identity of my own. I've always been an outcast, among both humans and mutants. I think you can understand that."

"Ah understand, but it doesn't change what ya did t' me."

"I didn't know that would happen. You'd made such progress. I thought you'd just keep Ms. Marvel's powers. I never meant to hurt you."

"And what about Ms. Marvel?"

"We have different views, Rogue. You want to follow Xavier's dream. I think that's foolish. I believe in Magneto's views. I did what I had to do to help my people."

"As an X-Man, we stand on different sides. If ya had t' kill me t' succeed, would ya?"

"I would never intentionally hurt you, Rogue."

"Would ya?" Rogue demanded a straight answer.

"No, I wouldn't kill you."

"Ah don't know if Ah c'n b'lieve ya." Rogue stood. "Ya'd better go, b'fore Ah tell the others yer here." Mystique could feel the sting of tears as she watched Rogue walk away from her. The younger mutant stopped after a few steps, though she didn't turn around. "Good-bye Mamma."

For a moment, Mystique felt her heart break as Rogue continued to walk away without a backward glance. The shape-shifter tried to compose herself as she transformed into a wolf and left her daughter and a piece of her heart behind.

* * *

Wolverine sat on the steps that led to the main doors of the mansion, smoking a cigar. He waited until Rogue had sat down next to him and laid her head on his shoulder before he spoke. "What did Mystique have to say?"

"Ya saw us?" Rogue questioned.

"Yeah," he confessed as he tossed the cigar away. "Wanted to make sure you were safe."

"She came t' talk."

"'Bout what?"

"She wanted me t' go back with her. Says she loves me."

"Do you believe that?"

Rogue looked over to the bench where Mystique has sat and was sorry to see the shape-shifter had left. "With all mah heart, Logan, 'cause Ah know Ah love her."

"I trust she's not switchin' sides?"

"She's fightin' the fight the only way she knows how: Hatred with hatred. She thinks we're fools fer tryin' t' be peaceful. Do ya think so?"

Wolverine sat in silence for a moment. "I don't think that question has an easy answer. Our method could work and we could all live together, but the hatred and fear will always be there. I think it's impossible for humans to live without it. It will never be gone. But I still think we gotta fight it. If we just roll over then there's really not much point in livin'. You can't have a victory without a battle. And if you fought hard and you win, then you can keep going. You might have to fight for it all over again tomorrow, but it keeps you alive. It keeps hope and faith alive, because I don't think we could survive without them."

"Ya c'n be quite the philosopher, Logan."

"Nah. Just a fighter."

The two sat in silence, looking over the garden. Rogue reached up and undid the chain of the necklace. She let drop into her hands and looked at the gold disk. "She gave this t' me on mah eighteenth birthday an' called me her daughter."

"There's nothin' wrong with lettin' her go, Rogue. She took ya in and maybe she really does love you, but she also used you and hurt you. You might never know what the truth is with her. You don't have to keep a light burnin'."

"Ah wore your dog tag for seven months, but Ah took it off 'cause Ah thought ya'd never come back t' me. But Ah kept it with me ev'rywhere Ah went, 'cause Ah couldn't give up the hope that Ah'd see ya again." She held the necklace tighter. "An' just as Ah couldn't give up on ya, Logan, Ah c'n't give up on Mystique. She's mah momma an' Ah gotta keep alive the hope that she'll find her way out o' the darkness so we c'n be together again."

Wolverine put his hand over hers. "I came back for you. If anything could change Mystique, it would be the need to have you in her life."

Rogue placed her gloved hand on his cheek and kissed the back of her hand. Wolverine smiled and put an arm around her shoulder. They said nothing further and sat together as the sun set. They were still there when the stars began to shine, ready to face whatever was to come next, but content for now to enjoy the night sky.

FIN