The X-Men: Darkness Surrounding - Part 7

Author:  AeLonwyne

Disclaimer:  Rogue and the X-Men are the property of Marvel

Sean turned and left the hangar bay, quietly making his way upstairs. He swiftly mounted the long stairway, going as quickly as he could, while carrying the unconscious southern belle. Banshee glanced briefly at the oak banister, wishing out of habit, he could grasp hold of it. Oh well, he'd be fine.

Jubilee and Paige met him at the top of the stairs. "So why did the others leave Rogue?" Jubilee asked popping her gum. "They be heading out to rescue some teammates." Sean answered as they headed for Jubilee's room. "Ok, but... um why is Rogue out cold?" Paige asked as they entered the room.

Sean walked over to the spare bed the two teens had dragged in. "Come on Sean, what's the story?" Jubilee begged in a little teenage whiny voice, she had become famous for. Sean almost laughed. "Rogue is the main target of a group who has taken Storm and Nightcrawler hostage. So Rogue is our guest for a while." "Okay but how'd she get frosty?" "I believe Jean had something to do with that." Sean replied.

Jubilee glanced at her friend and former teammate. "Gee she is gonna be pissed when she wakes up." "Well if someone is after her then we should probably on guard, right?" Paige spoke up, adjusting her stance. "Aye 'tis a good idea. Paige you have the first watch. I will keep an eye on the security. Do not leave the lass alone. Do ye be hearing me now?" "Yes Sir." Both girls answered. Sean Cassidy turned on his heel, and left the room.

    * * *

The flight to Mississippi didn't take half as long as a commercial jet. They arrived in just over an hour, setting down in the same stretch of woods, Rogue and Wolverine had the day before. "Are we ready?" Bobby asked his teammates.

"'Bout as ready as one can be. Let's go." Wolverine replied. Hank stood up and opened the door, causing the foot ramp to descend. The six X-men exited the Blackbird, and Jean closed the door behind them. The engines were left on for quick escape, but the shield, and cloaking systems were engaged before the walked off.

As they neared the edge of the forest, Wolverine stopped. "What are you doin' here Mystique?" A shadow moved and stepped away from the trees. "I'm here to help." She said simply. "We don't need it." Iceman told her coldly, his breath turning to steam in the warm night air. "This whole damned mess involves my daughter, Iceman! I know more about Feirdras than any of you put together! You need me."

There was silence while they contemplated Ravens words. Wolverine looked her in the eyes. Was there something she would gain from this? Or did she really want to help? Mystique stepped closer to the group. "I'm going in with or without you." She told them. In that instant Wolverine knew the answer. He smelled it. Fear. Mystique was scared.

"Alright you're with me, stick close." No one said anything more, and they split into their decided teams. Mystique went with Wolverine and his team, while Beast, Iceman, and Colossus hung back.

Once they neared the building Jean silently lifted herself and the rest of her team to the roof. They inched forward slowly, stopping at the grate Wolverine and Rogue had used as an entrance the previous day. Wolvie silently hefted it from it's resting place, and set it gently on the roof.

Logan cautiously climbed in placing his feet on either side of the metal shaft, and slid silently downwards. Shadowcat and Mystique too followed in this manner. Jean waited a moment the jumped in using her telekinesis to slow her descent.

    * * *

Hank watched each of his friends and Mystique disappear inside the building, through a pair of infrared binoculars. "When do we move?" Bobby asked, when Beast lowered his goggles. "Ten minutes. Piotr when we move, you will take point, Bobby you will bring up the rear." "Gotcha." Bobby replied. Colossus only nodded.

Time seemed to take forever to pass. Finally Hank stood, "Let's go." "It is about time." Piotr muttered. They marched quickly, but quietly across the open stretch of land towards the building. They neared a side door that was pretty much unguarded. And Iceman stepped forward. He focused his power on the door lock. A sharp twist, and just enough pressure, caused the door to open.