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Torment	By : GreenRogue Category: X-Men - Animated Series (all) > Het - Male/Female Views: 3002 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own X-men nor the marvel universe. The story within is written for pleasure and no monetary gain was received in the writing of this fanfic

Chapter List
- 9
- 10
- 11
"Charles I'm worried about Magneto." The professor looked up startled as Storm breezed into the room with a tray of tea and small sandwiches. Slowly he lowered the book he was trying to finish and removed his glasses.
"What is it that's troubling you Storm?"
"He's been watching that video almost obsessively since early this afternoon. I'm afraid he might be, I'm not sure, going off the deep end so to speak." Xavier folded his hands on his lap while Storm serve up the tea, stirring some sugar slowly he contemplated how to broach the sensitive and private topic his friend trusted him with.
"He is, for lack of a better term, fond of Rogue. Although it was done with the wrong intentions he did take care of her for quite a few months before she came to us. He may not have a paternal touch like you do Storm but he does care about the girl." Storm seemed to huff slightly disgruntled and sat quietly sipping her tea. After another moment she cleared her throat and waited for the Professor to meet her eye.
"What is it that you are not telling me Charles?" Trying to hide his smile behind the tea cup he marveled at her intuition into the situation. More than once he wondered if she may have a touch of telepathy or empathy to be able to feel some of the more subtle nuances of the world around her. When he glanced up again he saw her sitting, ramrod straight on his red plush couch, watching him with sharp eagle eyes. Sighing quietly he thought a mental apology to Magneto and lowered his cup.
"Rogue and Magneto have developed a deep friendship, one that, as soon as it started I was informed of. It seemed ever since the… incident, Rogue had been pulling away from her friends. A deep rooted feeling of responsibility had taken hold and was growing inside. She did not speak to me about it and although I feel slightly hurt by the lack of trust she has with some of us, she has found someone who she can reach out to and feel comfortable enough with to share her thoughts; her feelings without feeling any repercussions for it. It's a strange match, not one I would normally condone, but given the circumstances…" He trailed off as he watched Storm's eyes mist slightly with unshed tears. He reached forward and gently patted her hand. "Rogue does care for us, the fact that she feels so much guilt for the part she was forced to play by Mesmero shows her humanity and caring nature." Storm pulled her hand back in slight disgust and wiped at her eyes before the tears could fall.
"I'm not crying because of that Charles. The girl is still so young, she is still so impressionable. It's easy to fall in love; it's easy to feel comfortable with the first gentleman to give you the smallest bit of attention and satisfaction. I'm crying because when it does finally fall down around her, and believe me Charles it will, it just might ruin her."

By the time the video played for the eighth time, Magneto had just about memorized the ranting of their prisoner. The facial movements and ticks were engrained on his mind as he closed his eyes and watched the video from memory. He didn't want to miss anything, didn't want to forget any ranting of their character or Rogue's wellbeing. Every jab was going to be one more reason for what he was about to do. Magneto ran his thumb across the smaller glove he held softly in his hand. Its supple leather was worn on the finger tips but they were still in good condition.
'She'll never have to wear them again once she's back with me.'
Magneto turned from the small portable player and stared out the frosty window. The snow was melting in the unnaturally warm spring day; brown spots of dirt and grass were dotted around the front yard. Some of the younger students had managed to convince Bobby to freeze up the fountain and were skating in the warming weather. He could hear their laughter faintly through the double pane glass and he shut his eyes trying to block them out.
'Rogue should be here, she will be here.' Turning from the window he gathered his helmet and cape from the freshly made bed. Slamming the player with his power with a satisfying crunch he left his room to have a conversation with their guest downstairs. The trip down the opulent stairs seemed to take much less time when you were heading towards a specific goal. As he turned towards the far elevator, Magneto lifted his helmet and settled it with grim determination, old friends should not know what was about to occur under his roof. As he paused for the lift to reach the floor, Magneto closed his eyes for a moment and took a deep breath. An image of Rogue passed through his mind and he shoved it back forcefully, now was not the time for pleasant things. The sound of a lighter clicking in the darkness almost made him start, almost.
"Gambit, would you care to…"
"Now Homme, you and I both know dis is not goin' happen wit'out my… shall we say… expertise." The smell of the black cigarettes he loved so much wafted into his helmet. "Besides, I owe dis man for a few years of runnin' he caused me." Nodding only once, Magneto entered the elevator with the Louisiana thief close behind.
"We may not be able to stay once we're finished. Are you prepared for that?" Gambit just shrugged as he took another long drag on the cigarette.
"I'm not a person to settle, it's bout time I was on my way anyway." Magneto didn't respond to him as the doors opened again to the lower levels. His mind narrowed on the bits of metal he knew were still on Shaw's costume. Also helped they could hear his ranting echo in the metal hallways. As they turned another corner they saw the door was slightly ajar. A faint flicker of a light was bouncing off the walls inside and Gambit slowly extended his bow staff, before pushing the door open. The smell of burning flesh stung their noses as Gambit curses quite eloquently in French. Mystique kneeled in front of the bound man with a lighter held just under his right hand. The skin had already turned black and bubbled from the concentrated flame and Magneto could hear Mystique laughing over his muffled screams.
"You think this is bad little man? There will be worse to come if my Anna is hurt, you do understand don't you? You've crossed a mother who can take any shape, and form, and can hurt you in any way I please to exact my revenge on you. You used me like a trained monkey and I do not take that lying down."
Magneto glanced at Gambit before taking control of his staff to smack her across the back of the head. She went down like a sack of bricks and stayed down at his feet. The lighter skittered across the floor and rested just next to the small camera that recorded his ranting confession. Shaw sat slumped in the hard chair breathing heavily. His skin crackled and burned from the torture. Magneto closed the door behind them and turned to Gambit.
"Keep her down, and keep her quiet." Gambit nodded once and stood next to the unconscious Mystique. As Magneto kneeled in front of the suffering mutant, Shaw struggled to raise his head to glare at the man. The anger he felt at his captors glowed in his hazel eyes and Magneto smirked in the shadows of his helmet.
"So… Sebastian Shaw, current king to the Hell Fire club. You stole something from me, something I value very much. In the old country when something was stolen it was not above certain… societies, to exact revenge on the thief. Do you have anything to say for yourself before I carry out your sentence?" Slowly he reached forward and ripped the masking tape from Shaw's face. He sat for a minute gasping against the pain before smiling in a twisted grin.
"You think I stole something from you? You're less than nothing, you're dirty and pathetic. You may torture me all you want, but you will get no satisfying confession or apology from me you dirty Jew."
Magneto nodded once before reapplying the tape to his mouth. Standing straight he fished a small coin from his pocket and levitated it in front of Shaw's face.
"I don't think you understand Mr. Shaw, I'm not here for an apology or confession. You know next to nothing including how this little meeting is going to end. You may be in Xavier's custody, but it is my company you currently keep." Magneto started to float the small coin until it rested lightly on Shaw's forehead. Beads of sweat tricked down the side of his face and Shaw's eyes got wide with fear. Magneto smiled grimly before using his skill to push the coin into his skin.
The animalistic scream that tore through Shaw echoed in the metal room. He pulled and struggled against his bindings as Magneto pushed harder and deeper into his skull. He met slight resistance against the bone but pushed through that as well with single-minded determination. He could faintly hear Mystique rousing behind them but continued with his play.
"Mr. Shaw things are different down here. Things are a bit more… black and white… when you have nothing to lose. Do you have anything to lose Mr. Shaw?" The sweating man struggled to shake his head but the pain from the imposing coin caused him to whimper instead. Magneto looked deeply into his eyes and stopped the coin for a moment. Ripping the sweaty tape back off of his face Magneto stood dispassionately and waited.

'Why hasn't the sun set yet? We've got to have been walking for hours by now' Rogue rubbed at the sweat from the back of her neck and stretched her aching back. The houses had grown on their journey and blocked out most of the light from the high sun but the heat continued to beat down on the two travelers.
'Maybe you're not allowing it to set. I don't think you understand yet just how much power you have in this place.' Rogue rolled her eyes at his back and continued the long, long hike to the large palace that never seemed to get any closer.
'If I'ah really did control this place don't ya think I would have chosen something… I don't know… southernish?' He laughed loudly and turned to look at her. Not a bead of sweat was on his brow and he was breathing slowly as if they were just going for an easy stroll.
'Rogue, I must admit if we had met when I was much younger, well things may have been different.' Rogue put her hands up and took a few steps back.
'Whoa there cowboy, you're the Professah, young or not and I'ah don't think your older self would appreciate the way you're talkin' to your own charge.' The man shrugged then turned to continue walking. Rogue shook her head before glancing at one of the houses to the side. The faded blue door looked sturdy and locked, although there was no handle, she knew just the slightest push would open up the dark inky blackness inside. She didn't much feel like reliving her past, but would it be possible to get their answers just by walking? She wouldn't be much help if she stayed back here forever and let that monster control her life.
'Like I'ah even had a life before this.'
'Your right, you didn't have much of anything here did you.' The quiet female voice behind her made her jump and scream. Turning quickly she stumbled back and into the hard door, scanning her eyes across the dusty road.
'Who's there?'
'Now Anna, don't be like that. We've had such lovely conversations before this.' In the darkened alley just across from her, Rogue could see the faint outline of a young woman; her blond hair was blowing in the nonexistent breeze. A pair of hard steel gray eyes peered at her from behind a black face mask.
'I'ah… who are you?'
'Me? I'm just one of the several people you've destroyed with your poison skin. Tell me Anna, have you felt any remorse yet for what you've done? Have you apologized yet to any of the people you've stolen from?'
'I'ah didn't steal from anyone, I'ah can't control any of it. I'ahm sorry.' The person in the shadow clucked her tongue quietly and Rogue could hear the sound of high heels clicking on the dusty stone.
'Too little, too late, you stupid bitch.' Rogue felt a rush of hot air and sand burn against her face and she struggled to open the door behind her.
'Please… please…' The cool inky blackness cushioned her fall as she watched the doorway fly away from her. The slender arm of the pale haired woman was reaching for her but Rogue had fallen too far. She closed her eyes again praying it was a good memory she was throwing herself into.

'Hey Chuck… I think you need to come down here.' Sighing to himself, Xavier put the book he was still trying to finish on the table next to him. Placing his glasses on top of the book he turned his chair and started to make his way to his private elevator.
'What's happened Logan?'
'I think one of our… guests… decided to dish out their own justice on our friend down here.' Xavier got a quick image of a slumped and still Shaw, a trickle of blood had dripped down the middle of his face and a small pool had developed by his feet. Xavier closed his eyes and swallowed hard.
'Any idea who?'
'Do you really need to ask that Chuck?'
'Do you know if he is still on the grounds?'
'His smell is faint, must've taken off about an hour or so ago. He's long gone Chuck and we don't have the time to find it.' Xavier could feel Logan's frustration through his thoughts as the elevator finished its descent into the lower level. Turning the corner, the smell of stale blood assaulted his senses and for a moment he had to fight to keep from gagging. As he entered the room he could see Logan side stepping a pile of sick while fiddling with a ball of metal in the corner. It seemed Magneto did not want them to know what was discussed between him and Shaw before he left.
"Camera's a lost cause Chuck, and the memory stick is missing. When I get my hands on that metal maniac…"
"Now is not the time Logan, we need to dispose of the body before the children come down for their training." Logan nodded and nonchalantly tossed the camera in the garbage bag he had brought.
"What do we do now Chuck? Our only lead was this idiot. Apocalypse hasn't made any moves yet and Rogue's…. well… shit Chuck, this is beginning to look hopeless." Xavier nodded slowly as he watched his friend start the clean up on the mess. The hopelessness that he was trying to hide from was beginning to creep on his senses and cloud his judgement.
"We must have faith now old friend. Faith that Rogue believes in the strength we know she has, and faith in our ability to rescue our family." Logan grunted and dropped the heavy sack at his feet. The pool of blood was scuffed across the floor, an image he wouldn't be able to be rid of for a long time.
"What Rogue needs isn't faith Chuck. Rogue needs her family to actually pull through for her for once."

Rogue could feel the soft pillow under her head and for a moment, she thought the whole thing had just been some nasty dream.
'I'ah couldn't get that lucky could I'ah'. Slowly she opened her eyes to see an old wrinkled poster of the Smashing Pumpkins on the ceiling. One of its corners was curling and it took her a moment to remember when she ever really liked the loud band.
"OYE ROGUEY! Mystique's here get your ass up!" She groaned before rolling over to smash her face into the pillow. That's right; she had absorbed some of toad last week when she slapped him for perving on her. Must have forgotten to take the dumb thing down when her craving for sugar and soda stopped. Sitting up in bed she toed the clothes on her floor for something decently clean before trudging to the bathroom.
She looked at her sleep deprived face in the grimy mirror. The dark smudges from leftover make up made her look sickly and she contemplated for a moment just leaving it to skip school.
"ROGUE!" Mystique's screeching voice made her cringe slightly and turn on the faucet. She sounded angry and when she was angry everyone suffered. Wiping her face clean and grabbing a hair tie she rushed down the stairs in time to see the door open slowly to admit the newcomer. She stopped short on the bottom step and stared as the man removed his hat and stared at the brotherhood. Strangely enough the boys were lined up in front of the stairs and were blessedly quiet. Rogue stood just behind Lance and raised an eyebrow at Mystique. With a barely imperceptible shake of her head Mystique smiled at their guest and raised her hands in welcome.
"Mr. Lensherr. Welcome to the Brotherhood of mutants home. I must say we were not expecting you."
"I can see that Raven, otherwise the children would have been awake and cleaning before I pulled into the drive. I expect better if you expect more from me." Rogue could see the vein just above Mystique's eye twitch in anger and she carefully hid a smirk in a yawn.
"Am I boring you Rogue?" Startled she stuttered a response as the boys parted like the red sea for the strange man to stand directly in front of her. "Maybe I should teach you how to discipline your mind to avoid boredom in the future." Rogue narrowed her eyes and held her chin high, being on the bottom step helped place her height so she barely had to crane her neck to stare directly into his eyes.
"I'ahm sorry you woke meh before mah alarm, but I'ahm gonna be more sorry if I have you floatin' around in mah head. Just try an' touch meh and see what happens MISTER Lensherr." Toad was trying to hide his snickers but Lance was full out laughing by the time she was done. Rogue continued to stare into his eyes as he coolly gazed back. After another moment he turned from her and strode out of the house. Baffled, she blinked and looked at Mystique and felt her stomach sink at the daggers she felt piercing her soul.
'I'ahm gonna get it later.' As Mystique followed the strange man outside Fred whistled low while walking into the kitchen
"Ding dong the goth is dead."
"Oh shut up." Rogue fidgeted for a moment on the stairs while the boys filed into the kitchen to try and find a breakfast. After another minute she grabbed her bag and headed out the door hoping the two adults were long gone. Unfortunately her luck was just not lasting as she almost barreled into Mystique's back.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Ta school, why, am I’ah excused for the day?" Rogue could almost swear Mystique's skin was turning red before her eyes when the man with the steel blue eyes cleared his throat.
"Yes actually, you are excused for the day. You'll be coming with me." Rogue scoffed and crossed her arms before looking him up and down.
"I'ahm sorry but I’ah was taught not to get into cars with strangers."
"Are you always this feisty?"
"Are you always this nosey?"
"Rogue!" Mystique had grabbed her covered shoulder and shook her slightly before pulling her to a sleek black car that was sitting behind Lance's jeep.
"Mr. Lensherr is here to help you learn control. You do want to learn control don't you? Aren't you tired of those X-men hunting you for your… accidents?" Rogue deflated slightly and glanced at the man who was walking slowly towards them.
"Fahne, but if he tries anything it's not mah fault if he's in a coma for a week." Mystique threw her hands in the air before stomping back to the house. The man looked at her for a moment before reaching around her to open the door.
"After you." Rogue looked at the back seat then back to the man in front of her. She couldn't seem to shake the sense of seeing those eye's once before. Shrugging it off as silliness Rogue scooted into the back seat and against the opposite door. Mr. Lensherr followed close behind and the car started to pull away. They sat in silence for a while; Rogue watched the downtown buildings zoom by while the man next to her texted on his phone. After about an hour the town gave way to open country and Rogue cracked a window slightly to feel the early spring breeze.
"Is it too warm for you in here?" Rogue startled when he spoke softly and she turned to look at him. He hadn't even raised his head from his phone and she rolled her eyes.
"No, I'ah just enjoy the fresh air. Don't get much of it livin' with 3 teen boys who are afraid of a bar of soap and water." She almost thought he laughed but when she looked back his face was as still as it was when the trip started. Shrugging to herself she looked back out the window at the passing trees. "So… where are you taking meh anyway?" It took a while before he closed his phone and folded his hands on his lap.
"To see a friend actually, He'll be able to help you with discipline of your body and mind. He's actually very strict and won't put up with sass like Mystique…"
"Sass? How old are you that you say 'sass'?"
"As I was saying, any back talk will have you in a world of pain." Rogue raised an eyebrow at him in disbelief.
"Your still not convincing meh tah cooperate with this… what is he exactly."
"He's going to be your private tutor Rogue, he's like you in a sense, a mutant with a heavy hitting gift and a quick temper. Don't go into this thinking you'll come out less than black and blue." Rogue contemplated his words for a moment before turning to look at him. She was startled to see he was staring at her. His eyes were focused on her face and against her better judgment felt herself blush slightly.
'Crap, I’ah forgot to put on mah makeup.' Clearing her throat she turned back towards the window and sighed.
"Well, guess I’ah have a lot tah look forward to then."
After about another hour of country side driving, they turned onto a barely visible dirt road. In the short distance, Rogue could see a large red barn next to a small trailer.
'no, I'ah don't feel like I'ahm gonna die. Nope, not at all.' As the pulled into the small dirt circle that she supposed passed as a drive way a man came walking out of the barn with a dirty rag in his hands. The car slowed and Rogue's door opened of its own accord. Slightly startled she grabbed her backpack before stepping out into the fresh air.
"Erik! What a surprise… what do I owe the pleasure?"
'Erik… ERIK!'
Rogue felt herself being propelled backwards and into the sky. Below her the memory continued to play itself out. Her younger self fidgeted behind Erik's back as he shook hands with her teacher.
'I'ah remember this… Erik…' Rogue felt herself descend again and walked around to view Erik's face in the country sun. His skin was slightly wrinkled and she could see the tiredness in his eyes. 'This was before the Rebirth Machine.' She could see his age but she could also see the determination glowing in his eyes. Slowly she reached forward to trace a frown line but cringed when her hand past through his skin. She turned to look at the other man who was younger, his skin tanned brown from the months working in the fields of this piece of land that was given to him. She never learned his name, preferred to just be 'teacher'. Their time was brief, after leaving the brotherhood she could never find her way back here again. She had treasured this secret her whole time with the x-men.
'I'ah nearly forgot about it…'
'Rogue…' Rogue turned to see the young professor descending towards her. For a moment she panicked, afraid another one of her secrets had been discovered but then she remembered this was not the real Professor. This was just a ghost of a man who would never be able to give away her secrets.
'Hi… did the blonde lady leave?' He nodded before watching the memory behind her.
'She's troubling… once we get you home we'll have to do something about her.' She sighed before turning back to the memory. She could see herself being worked through exercises that would become her daily routine, with the brotherhood or not, she would keep up this exercise until it became second nature.
'Sometime's I'ah wonder if I'ah had stayed with the brotherhood… if I'ah had forgiven Mystique if maybe I'ah would have control by now. You and Wolverine are great, don't get meh wrong… but danger room sessions aren't exactly what a girl needs all the time.' Her voice seemed to echo around them and the memory faded into nothing. Rogue and the Professor stood, or rather floated, in absolute blackness. He was looking around wildly before reaching out to grab her hand.
'I'm sorry Rogue… looks like we ran out of time before we found the answers. I'll try to by you some more time.' A distant thunder rolled over them and Rogue felt herself shiver in fear.
'Professah, I'ah can't do this alone. I'ah just can't.' He turned to her and smiled. Cupping her cheek he leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek.
'Rogue you are never alone, and I don't mean by the psyches. I mean your family; we will always be there for you. I promise. Now go.' Giving her a soft shove, the Professor floated towards the thunder while she glided back through the open door. She watched for a moment as his figure wavered and disappeared into the darkness before the door slammed shut cutting her off from her last link to hope. Gingerly she ran her finger tips on the door and allowed herself a few silent tears before turning away and running towards their original destination. As she ran she felt the tears cascade down her face and soon clouds covered the high sun. Thunder and lightning echoed across the sky but still she ran. Her feet thumped against the hard stone as fat rain drops dampened the dust and plastered her hair to her face.
'Gotta… run… faster…' Repeating the simple mantra over and over again she pushed her feet into the ground, willing herself to run, sprint, gallop as quickly as she could.
'This is mah mind, this is mah mind… this is mah mind!' Remembering her flight above New Orleans Rogue grabbed onto the feeling of freedom she had exhilarated in and pushed from the ground. Higher and higher she climbed, through the thunderous clouds and above. She smiled as the feeling of the sun was once again warming her face. Looking straight ahead she could see the top of the palace and just behind it…
'It's the pyramid…' Behind her the thunder continued to rumble and grow, without sparing it a glance she rocketed herself towards the palace. Her whole mind intent on the answers that was sure to be there. As she flew along, a voice started to echo up from below her and Rogue spared a quick glance as the figure that was dashing to keep up.
'You dirty rotten thief! You did this to me, I will make you pay! I swear to you I will!'
'Yeah well… get in line sweetheart.' Pushing harder Rogue left the woman behind and in a blink she was through the open window. Rogue had to pull back hard to avoid crashing into the far wall and she panted as she rested her forehead against the cool marble. As she caught her breath Rogue slowly descended until her feet touched the floor and she sank to her knees. She smiled softly and tried not to break into hystErikal giggles.
'I'ah could really get used to this flyin' thing.'
'Hello Anna.' A shiver ran down her spine and she froze for a moment as terror flooded her senses. Slowly, ever so slowly she turned to face a young woman sitting on a large stone slab. Two men stood on either side of her, their arms crossed and faces covered with golden dog masks. Rogue zoomed in on the woman's face and crinkled her brow in confusion.
'Wh-who are you? Why do you look like meh?' The woman stood and walked towards where she was crouched. Her gauzey white dress fluttered between her bare legs. Her almond skin almost shone in the surrounding candlelight and her green eye's blazed with confidence and ferocity. Her solid auburn hair was swept away from her face and held at the back of her head with a golden pin. Only missing, and defining feature was the unusually white stripe of bangs.
'The better question here Anna, is why you look like me.' The woman kneeled in front of her and took both of Rogue's hands in her own. Her skin tingled at their touch and Rogue allowed her to pull her up to her feet. 'I wish I had more time to explain, to help you understand what is happening but unfortunately we don't have the luxury of time.' The woman turned and led Rogue to the stone bench and ushered her to sit. Turning to the gentlemen the woman nodded and said 'We need privacy.' They bowed to her and made for the side door. Once it was closed behind them the woman sat next to Rogue, her hands still held in her steady grip.
'Listen to me Anna, what I am about to say to you sound impossible and fanatic but you must believe me. More than just our life is at stake.'
'Who are you?' The woman smiled before cupping her cheek.
'It's a long story but my name is Eshe… and I am you.'

"Director Fury? There's a phone call for you." Grabbing the phone from one of the agents on deck he thanked the man before viewing the caller ID.
"Logan, how can I be of service? Haven't destroyed another government building have you? Yes we are aware of the incident at the Shaw's estate; it was the position of the board not to interfere. No… no I didn't realize one of yours was in the cross fire, is it bad? What do you mean Apocalyptic? Al-alright… I said alright Logan. Look I appreciate the position that you're in but I can't just… yes… of course we appreciate what you did but… now that's just not fair Logan and you know it. Fine, you owe me and more than a beer this time." Disconnecting the call he dropped his head to his chest with a deep sigh.
"Director Fury?"
"Agent Hill, take a small team to Charles Xavier's school for the gifted. There's a pick up that I need. And do it quietly. Agent Coulsen?" Fury's most trusted agent stepped next to him and gazed out the large windows at the sky before them. "I need you to find any intel you can on a man known as En Sabah Nur, try ancient Egyptian first." With a quick nod and a quiet "yes sir" he was gone. The beginnings of a killer migraine made Nick Fury rub his temple and he sighed again.
'I'm getting too old for this.'

Gambit glanced, for the fourth time in the past hour, as his ever silent boss. The confession had been quick, the revenge even quicker. He remembered the hard Mystique gagging and tossing her lunch at his feet when the coin had come out the other side of his head. Even after years of working for the man, Magneto still knew how to surprise everyone. He had helped Mystique off the floor and then followed Magneto out the door. Now they sat in a quiet, tense car that Magneto was controlling through the skies.
'If he keeps goin' like dis he'll be tired by the time we get to de lab'. Shuffling the deck in his hands again he went back to watching the ocean's water pass below them.
"You're sure the man wasn't giving us a story Magnus? Maybe he was just trying to throw us off the trail, or lead us to a trap?" Magneto slowly turned his head to start at Mystique, his eyes were a hard steel blue and she fought from cowering from his gaze.
"I have yet to meet a man, with still a sound enough mind to remember a lie with a coin splitting his skull." Mystique looked back at Gambit who shrugged.
"I 'tink he's right Cherie, though I don't use that particular trick, pain is de best way for a straight answer." Mystique chose to keep quiet instead of responding and turned back to her window. Gambit watched her for a few more moments before turning to Magneto.
"What is de plan then once we find dis lab? Last time you went against dis Apocalypse, no offense, he kind of showed you de door."
"This time is different. This time I have a personal reason to end this destruction." Gambit shut his mouth after that, only fools and insane people reminded a powerful man what he could lose if he lost a fight and Gambit was neither a fool or insane… most of the time.

She couldn't help it, after all the running and flying and extreme terror, Rogue just couldn't fight it anymore. Her laughter echoed around the expansive room as the woman across from her just stared. Rogue laughed long and loud, she doubled over and held her aching ribs. She ignored the tears that were sliding down her face and the sudden case of hiccups she was developing. Eshe let her continue for a few more moments before straightening her up and slapping her across the face.
'Listen to me, I know it's a lot to swallow…'
'A lot to swallow?! Lady I'ah don't know when I'ah absorbed you or what medication you were on but remind me to never let you come anywhere near the surface. Last thing I'ah need is you running around where I'ah can see you.' Eshe sighed and let go of her hands to pace in front of her.
'If I had the time to ease you into this, to do it how the magicians of my time did it I would but we just don't have that luxury.' She stopped for a moment and stared at Rogue who stared back while wiping the tears from her cheeks. 'I am sorry Anna… this may be… uncomfortable.' Before she could react, Eshe had reached out and grasped Rogue's face. Instead of the usual feeling of pulling and filling of thoughts and memories from her, it was the other way around. Rogue felt as if her whole being was being pulled and destroyed with the simple touch. That if she were to close her eyes she would no longer exist.
'So… so this is what it feels like… Eshe… Erik…' Slowly Rogue closed her eyes as the last of what she was, flowed into Eshe. When the feeling subsided Rogue sat precariously on the bench, or wait, she was standing instead. Her hands were suspended in the air before her. She hesitated then opened her eyes to see nothing. Eshe was not in front of her, and she was no longer sitting on the bench.
'What just…'
'Hello, Eshe.'
She spun quickly to face the man who was advancing into her room. His tattoos glowed in the dying candlelight and his smile was predatory as he stalked towards.
'Young Eshe, how are you this evening?' Rogue looked around for a moment and realized the storm from outside was gone, The breeze that she could only see before was whispering across her skin and she could see the multitude of stars twinkle outside. 'Just a memory…' Turning back to the advancing man she felt Eshe reach behind her back for anything sturdy, anything hard to protect herself with.
'What do you want En Sabah Nur? It is late and unwise for you to be here.'
'I mean no disrespect princess. I merely came to see if you wished for company on your nightly walk. I know you take them. I've watched you wander the gardens below. Why would our lovely Princess take walks on her own in view of the single men but to lure them to follow?'
'I do nothing of the sort. You of all people know the Gods protect me from the touch of others, protects me for my destined one. All the men in our kingdom know of my blessing. En Sabah Nur smiled at her as he stood just inside her comfort zone. He leaned forward and breathed in her hair deeply.
'I know of your Godly gift my Princess, a gift that I aim to use to my advantage. Our Pharaoh, your father… has already given his blessing to his most prized high commander' Eshe shivered against his hot breath and turned her face away from his in disgust.
'You may have fooled my father but you will never fool me. I will uncover your scheme En Sabah Nur and I will destroy you.' She startled when his finger slowly lifted her chin to meet his eye. 'How…'
'I know you will my lovely bride; I know you have the fire inside, the same as I do. That is why I have chosen you to fulfill my desire.' He kissed her roughly by surprise and Eshe dropped the vase she had managed to grab. She pounded against his chest and tried placing her bare hands on his exposed shoulders.
'Why is it not working?' He pulled back with a grin and lifted her by her arms to slam her into the wall. Her head bounced off of the hard marble dazing her for a moment. It was enough time for him to carefully raise her dress to her hips and need the flesh of her thigh with his hand.
‘Oh my Eshe, your beauty really does surpass the Gods of old. It is a shame no one will remember your legendary face, nor your-‘ He pulled open the sash of her robe and allowed the fabric to softly fall away to reveal her nakedness underneath. ‘Goddess given body.’
Eshe tried to ease the pounding in her head as he lowered his mouth to her breast, the feel of his hands made her skin crawl and she tried again to push him way. She felt him laugh against her skin at her weak attempts and he shifted his body so she was hoisted on his thick thigh. His free hand raised to her throat and squeezed gently, reminding her of his strength.
‘You will not get away with this En Saba Nur. My father will learn of this treachery and you will be put in chains to be executed before the day is out.’ He lifted his head to stare at her, his eyes gleaming with lust and a manic look of power.
‘Oh my dear, the things I will teach you.’ He stole her mouth in a kiss and rubbed his leg against her bare crotch causing her to gasp from the sensation. He took advantage of this position and stuck his mouth deep into her, forcing her tongue to either run or dance. As he continued to fondle her a pair of guards Eshe had never seen before entered her chamber. Silently pleading for help Eshe stared at them until she realized they were there not as her rescuer but as En Saba Nur’s henchmen.
A wave of forced pleasure ran through her as he tweaked at her nipple and continued to steal her breath from her body. Eshe felt her self growing faint and feared passing out. Thinking of only one other thing to do, Eshe steeled herself for the repercussions and bite down hard.
En Saba Nur stilled his menstruations and grunted into her mouth but did not back away. When she could not hold the bite anymore he lifted his head, blood dripped from both of their mouths and he smiled at her; his eyes brighter than ever. Giving her another bloody kiss he quickly retied her robes and bodily handed her to two guards who were standing just behind him.
'Take her to the chamber, I will be along shortly.' Fearing the worst, Eshe started to scream and struggle in the guards grips, their bodies covered in the thin muslin fabric that is used by her hand maids when dressing her protected them from her skin. En Sabah Nur chuckled at her struggles before pulled out a sharpened quill and poking her quickly on the side of her neck. Eshe's eyes dropped as a sudden wave of tiredness consumed her and she slackened in the guards holds.
'My lovely Eshe… we must be quiet for this to work.' As her world started to darken she could see his tattoos continue to glow in the almost dark room.
'You're a monster.'
Oh no my dear… I'm a God.'
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The night was almost over as they descended onto a back street in downtown London. The car floated gently to the ground to avoid any disturbing noises to the surrounding neighborhood, and Gambit was quick to open the back door and jog around to the front. Sliding in behind the wheel he turned the car on and slowly drove out of the alley.
The street lights were flickering above them as they passed, a testament to Magneto’s growing anger. Gambit obeyed the traffic laws, stopping at every light, pausing at street corners; sticking to the limit to avoid any suspicion. They had one chance to find this lab and infiltrate it before Sinister was aware they were in town, one chance to find Rogue and finish this once and for all.
“We’re close Gambit. Park two streets up and turn off the lights.” Obeying his orders Gambit turned the corner and parked behind one of those old small coopers and killed the lights with the engine. They sat in the quiet darkness for a few moments. Their minds and bodies humming with anticipation for the impending battle that was to come. With a silent acknowledgement to Mystique, she opened the back door and out stepped an old woman. Her back was bent from age and hard work, and the worn brown long coat skidded on the damp sidewalk as one of the famous London fogs started to roll in with the early morning dampness. She passed the dark buildings muttering to herself quietly, keeping her head low. Unless you looked closely, you would barely notice she was checking the doors that she passed.
As she turned the corner, Gambit heard a text message chime from the back seat. They sat for a moment in silence and then,
“Third door on the left, darkened windows but inside is not visible. Check the roof.” Gambit nodded before stepping out of the car. Stretching his back as if he was working out the kinks from a long night of third shift work, he put his hands in his pockets and strolled in the opposite direction of the building that was pointed out. Whistling under his breath he kept his head moving in every direction, like a nervous worker to be out in the empty streets and turned the corner. No traffic, no paper boy, no witnesses, perfect.
Grabbing the first loose stone he hoisted himself into the air and scrambled up the side of the closed repair shop and onto the overhanging fire escape. Opting to continue scaling the building vs. using the groaning metal stairs he used the window wells from the above apartments to finally propel himself over the lip of the roof. He crouched low in the shadows from the flood light from the roof access door. His thief eyes swept the rooftop once, twice, and located two cameras, both angled away from him thankfully.
Using a slight spark of his power he flung a pebble to the moving mechanism of the camera’s to freeze them both as they swept over the far side of the building to stare at the street.
‘What monkey can’t see, monkey can’t snitch.’ Keeping to the shadows he inched his way to the opposite wall before checking for more cameras. Taking out three more he jumped the small gap between the two buildings and froze for a moment. Did he here a clicking… no, just the wind. He continued on until he reached the third roof, the roof keeping him and Rogue apart.
‘Almost der Cherie… hold on.’
He peered over the edge of a skylight and squinted to see into the darkness below. Furniture was splayed in the room haphazardly and covered in grimy sheets. The worn oriental rugs looked old and tattered, a few mice were skittering on the floral patterns and Gambit shivered to himself.
‘Damn rodents.’ Satisfied that there was no other movement he took out his tools of the trade and carefully cut a round hole in the glass near the top latch. Wiping a thin layer of Crisco on the hinges he raised the window slowly to avoid too much noise from the old frame. Gambit lowered himself slowly and was glad to see this was an older building with exposed rafters and used those to shimmy to one of the far walls. Extending his bow staff he winched it between the cornering walls and lowered himself carefully to survey the room. There were no telltale lights of motion cameras, nor the soft buzzing of motors running them back and forth. Easing his foot onto a tall wardrobe, Gambit leaned down and took a handful of the thick dust and threw it across the floor. Angling his head sideways he watched the dust fall and settle to the ground. Faintly he was able to make out the red lines of a laser grid. Grinning he checked the walls again from his perch. Next to the door that led to the kitchen he spied a small portrait of a young girl.
‘French… early to mid-1800s… definitely out of place.’ He could faintly see the outline of a clean border where the picture was most certainly hiding a control panel. ‘Child’s play.’ Moving around the room like it was the game of lava floor, he hopped, shimmied, and crawled across the furniture to the portrait. Blowing the picture a kiss, he carefully pulled the cover off and whistled quietly at the security system. Pulling his trusty tools back out of his pocket he slowly pulled the hard plastic cover off the wires and counted the number of lights blinking. Smirking again he trimmed the red one and a small green wire and crossed their copper strands. The laser’s near the floor flickered for a moment then died away.
Chuckling to himself he stepped down from the winged back chair he was leaning on and reclosed the security panel. Winking at the portrait he pulled out his phone to send a quick text.
“T’anks Petite.” As he checked the kitchen and hall for any other security surprises Magneto strode through the front door and ran his eyes across the room.
“No other surprises waiting for us, de scientist seems very comfortable here, stupidly comfortable.” Magneto did not respond as he pushed open the swinging door to the kitchen. Mystique was already working on the cellar door in the corner and didn’t spare him a glance.
“No guards… no other form of protection… either he is very cocky, or we’re walking into a trap.” The locks clicked loose and she swung open the door. Down a short flight of stairs they could see a bare bulb illuminating another steel door with a key pad on the front. Gambit went first, pulling on a thick leather glove over his fingers. He leaned down and stared at the keypad for a moment before smiling again.
“Mystique, give me your foundation.”
“Excuse me? Do you really think I carry makeup with me wherever I go?”
“Non, but I know you carry sleeping powder in your belt.” He turned back and winked at her. “At least now I know you’re a natural blue.” Biting her lip to keep from screaming she pulled out one of the tiny capsules and handed it to Gambit who smirked. Breaking it in half he covered his nose and blew the loose powder on the key pad.
“What are you doing you stupid Cajun? Now if someone comes in behind us they’ll know the location is compromised!”
“Cherie, de’ll know if we break the door, smash the door, or try too many combinations. Dis way we still have the upper hand from anyone down there.” Focusing back on the keypad Gambit was able to see the smudge marks from the greasy fingers on the last used digits. Considering the combinations available to this model of security and what they knew so far of the scientist, Gambit took a gamble and entered the first combo he could think of. After a second a green light reflected on the pad and the door swung inward letting a cool breeze ruffle his hair. He smiled grimly and stepped back to allow Magneto to enter first. As he stepped past Mystique hesitated for a moment and looked at Gambit.
“What was the combination?”
“81603, de day this whole mess started.”
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Rogue shifted uncomfortably on the hard surface. Her eyes scrunched in an effort to stay asleep for just a few more moments. She turned her head and groaned and attempted to sit up when she felt the restraints on her hands and feet. Fully awake now she opened her eyes and looked around crazily for answers, she pulled against the metal cuffs on her wrists and whimpered at the edges that bit into her skin. All around her she could see curved metal walls with glowing letters carved into their sides. Above her, dark shadows danced on the ceiling of the pyramid and she could faintly hear several men chanting in low voices.
‘Where am I? Let me go! I am the Pharaoh’s daughter and if you do not let me go you will be punished!’ Behind her, just out of sight, she could hear the dark chuckling of a monster and she struggled harder against the bindings that held her down.
‘Oh my dear Eshe… these are my worshippers. They have ears only for my voice and eyes only for my presence. None of them can see you, and soon none of them will even know you will exist.’ She felt his hot hand caress the top of her head and she whimpered and tried to pull from his touch.
‘Why are you doing this?’
‘Your species are rare now, very few, and not very powerful. But you my Eshe… you are the first of the Alpha’s and you shall help me at the dawn of my reign. It is not time yet, but soon… soon my Queen you will reawaken and we will rule the lower species together.’
‘You’re insane.’ He laughed at her and walked out of her sight for a moment. The chanting began to grow louder as the followers came closer to her confinement. They stared down at her in discontent as their eyes reflected their betrayal and emptiness. Slowly they started to close the sides of her now coffin and she struggled against the bonds to raise her arm.
‘Stop this! You can’t do this to meh!’
She could see En Sabah Nur above her. His dark skin glowed from lines upon lines of tattoos across his arms and legs. His stony face stared down at her with satisfaction.
'You will await me, you will be my vessel, my connection back should anything come against me. You are my harbinger of chaos.' The walls closed around her leaving her in a bright blue light. Her mind grew fuzzy and her body heavy. She could feel herself sinking into oblivion as the heavy, omnipresent voice continued to speak to her mind.
'You will sleep, you will forget. My powers on earth shall keep you from remembering your purpose and your life until I am ready for you.' Her mind sank into the darkness as her thoughts scattered to the proverbial winds.
‘No! I’ah am Rogue. I’ah am Rogue!’ She opened her eyes again to see the stars above her, their warm twinkling presence comforting her for a moment before she remembered where she was. She turned in the air to stare back down at the women below her, still restrained to the coffin.
‘Eshe…’ The woman was asleep, her lashes damp from the tears. Her breath was slow and unless she looked very closely, it seemed as if the woman was dead. Rogue felt her own throat constrict with tears and fought to keep her eyes open.
‘Do you see now Rogue? His technology did the impossible and imprisoned me, us, away.’ Before her eyes, Rogue watched as time sped forward, her hair began to whiten as Eshe grew younger and younger. In a blink, Rogue watched as a young baby fidgeted in the over large robe. She had no way of knowing how much time had passed until the capsule started its descent back to earth. Back to that small orphanage where the girl known as Anna Marie would start to live.
‘I’ah don’t understand… does this mean that… that I’ahm not…’ Rogue felt a comforting hand on her shoulder and turned to look at the adult Eshe again, their bodies suspended in space. Over her shoulder, Rogue could see the twinkling stars of the galaxy.
‘You are Rogue, you are a part of me that refused to stop fighting. As a whole we are Eshe, the Pharaoh’s daughter and blessed by the Gods. But as Rogue… you are the fighter, the one who can take down the man known as En Sabah Nur.’
‘Apocalypse...how am I’ah supposed to take him down? If he was somehow able to still come back after sending him to space… how can I’ah…’ Eshe gently cupped Rogue’s cheeks and forced her to look in her eyes. Eshe smiled softly then tapped Rogue on the head.
‘You’ve already got the upper hand. His body is gone yes, but when you touched him and took back the people he stole from you, you also absorbed him. You and he are the same Rogue, only now he’s on your turf so to speak.’ Rogue gave Eshe a watery smile and sighed. Closing her eyes she took a moment to just listen to the space around her and for the first time noticed the peace and quiet, the real peace from understanding.
‘So what happens now?’ Eshe stepped back and shrugged, the space around them shimmered and they were back in the palace room, the thunder and clouds from outside had grown darker and it was almost hard to see.
‘We are one Rogue, I am merely a memory left to remind you what you’re fighting for. You’re the one with all the bright ideas.’ Rogue snorted and turned to face the window.
‘Yeah… bright ideas… usually I’ah just follow Scott or the Professah… or my gut…’ As Rogue watched the coming storm she did start to feel the beginnings of a smile and an idea beginning to form. Turning back to Eshe she looked her up and down for a moment. ‘Are you lahke… a permanent memory or are you going to fade when I’ah least expect it?’ Eshe smiled and before Rogue’s eyes changed into a spitting image of Rogue herself.
‘I’ah am anything you want meh tah be.’ Smiling she ushered for the copy to follow her and went down the stairs to the main floor.
‘Next tahme you have tah give meh a tour of this place.’
‘Any time you want Rogue.’ Stepping out to the front steps the both turned to look at the stormy clouds. The streets were cracked and the buildings were falling apart. Rogue ignored this for now and turned to run around the base of the palace to look at the pyramid in the back.
‘What’s back there?’
‘I’ah don’t know… came with the illusion.’ Rogue raised an eyebrow and Eshe just shrugged.
‘This is mah mind… I’ah control it… so I’ah can put whatever I’ah want in there…’ The plan becoming more solid she closed her eyes and pictured the burial chamber, the one place in the world that became her own nightmares. Not borrowed fears or worries, but something she called her own. She imagined it primed and ready and her friends standing by to help her. As she concentrated she felt a large hand on her shoulder and she startled slightly. Turning, she nearly squealed in delight as she saw that Magneto was behind her, along with the Professor, Wolverine, Shadowcat, and Nightcrawler.
‘We’re with you Anna.’ Nodding her head and swallowing back the tears she looked at Eshe and smiled.
‘I’ah don’t know if this is going to work… we didn’t really get a handle on his character so to speak.’ Eshe squeezed her shoulder before walking off to the pyramid with Shadowcat and Nightcrawler.
‘It will work.’ The Professor and Wolverine watched them walk off before going back towards the front of the building to head the monster off and delay the inevitable. Magneto stayed with Rogue for a few more moments in silence before starting to turn away to join the other men.
‘Wait! Erik…. I’ah…. I’ah know you’re not real and all but…’ He stepped close to her and shushed her gently. Running his gloved thumb over her lips he leaned down and kissed her slowly. She melted into his arms and nearly forgot where they were. When he pulled back she was no longer fighting the tears that ran down her damp cheeks.
‘Real or not my Anna… I will always be there for you.’ She nodded and stepped back to allow him to leave. She watched him go for a moment before turning towards the pyramid and pushing into the air herself, she flew towards the final destination for this battle.

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“Like… Professor?” Trying to hide the sigh that wanted to escape he tossed his book back down on his desk as a lost cause and looked up as Kitty and Scott and Jean walked into his office.
“What can I do for you this evening?” Kitty looked at Scott as he nudged her forward a bit and she cleared her throat.
“Well, we like, we know what happened down in the lower levels and we like, we know Magneto took off.” Xavier sighed and wheeled his chair around his desk to give the students before him his full attention.
“Yes well, it’s an unfortunate incident and I wish there was something I could do to protect you from some of it. Since you’ve all felt you needed to take an equal share of this mission…”
“Of course we took an equal share, she’s our family Professor. We’re all she has. Well that’s not what I meant… I just mean that…” Jean placed a comforting hand on Scotts shoulder as he stuttered and fidgeted.
“What Scott means Professor, we’re not children anymore and one of our own was taken. We know the risks and want to help save her. Like she would do for us.” The professor nodded at his young protégé and watched as Kitty opened the tablet she brought with her.
“I’ve been watching and subscribing to everything I can think of across the world to try and locate Magneto. I think I like, got a hit this morning.” Kitty gave the tablet to the Professor who saw it was open to a twitter feed. He read it once, twice, and once more before he started to chuckle slightly.
@cracramutantsyo flying car over London, Massachusetts plates, fuck first class!
“Well done Kitty, we’ll be leaving in an hour. Get Logan and Storm for me would you?” Kitty blushed with pride and nodded before phasing out of his office door. Scott and Jean stayed in the room and watched him for another moment with grim faces before Scott cleared his throat.
“Uh, Professor… we wanted to ask that, well, we want you to stay here.” Slightly taken aback he lowered the tablet and gave them a curious look.
“Professor, you’re more than a mentor and teacher to us. You’re a beacon of home and a father figure to most of us. We can’t… we just can’t lose you to that monster again.” Jean had walked the few paces between them and kneeled down to look her Professor in the eye. “I can’t lose you again.” He rested his hand on the top of her head and smiled warmly.
“Oh my dear Jean, your concern is comforting. But like you I cannot leave a member of my family behind.” He could see she was visibly upset by his resolve but chose not to comment on it. Standing she flattened out her blouse and cleared her throat.
“We’ll be ready in ten minutes Professor.” And they were gone; he stared at his empty doorway for a few more minutes before following them. He cleared his mind and whispered a silent prayer that this would be the end of it all.
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