Mission Rogue (X-men Evolution Fan-fic)

Part 13

 Just as Sinister threw a large crate towards me, I noticed the door to the warehouse glow bright pink. I popped out my claws and was able to split the crate into two pieces. As it fell to the floor, the door exploded, causing smoke. I shielded my eyes as splinters flew from the door. As the smoke began to clear, I noticed a figure standing where the door had been.

The smoke moved into the room, making it difficult to see through. I heard the running of feet and next thing I know, I see Sinister's face looking at me. I gasped in surprise just before he threw a punch that sent me flying. I hit the wall hard and fell to the floor. I looked up and heard a voice call me name.

"Cher?" he said. "Where are you?"

The smoke had finished clearing and I saw Gambit looking around.

"Gambit?" I said.

Gambit turned around, sighed, and rushed over to me.

"Rogue, what are you doing here?" he asked, helping me to my feet. "Why did you leave the Institute?"

I explained what happened and suddenly remembered Sinister. I looked around the warehouse and saw that he was nowhere in sight. He had escaped. I was able to phase through the chains that still bound my wrists and freed myself.

We walked out into the morning sun and over to Gambit's bike. I put on the helmet he had handed me and he did the same. I sat behind Gambit and he started the motor. As we drove through Bayville to the Institute, we were silent. I was too tired from the long night to even speak another word.

When we arrived at the Institute, I was ready to fall asleep. Gambit helped me off his bike and lead me inside. We walked through the halls until we came to my bedroom. Gambit helped me into bed and soon, I was fast asleep.

It was about time for lunch when I woke up. When I opened the door, I found that the halls were still. I walked through the hallways looking for the other students. None of them seemed to be in their rooms. When I checked the Danger Room, I did not find anyone training.

I walked through the halls, looking in rooms to see if anyone was around. No matter how much I searched, it seemed as if they all disappeared. That is, until I picked up a scent. When Logan gave me his healing factor and claws, he also gave me heightened senses.

I recognized the scent as Gambit. I followed the scent through the halls of the Institute and found that his trail led to outside. I walked to the back doors and slowly opened them. I peeked outside and gasped. I threw the door wide open and saw the gazebo, pool, and tennis court decorated with party balloons and other festive decorations. I saw that everyone was out here.

"Surprise!" they said. "Happy birthday, Rogue!"

I walked forward and joined my friends. I couldn't believe it. I had forgotten my own birthday and my family had thrown me a surprise party. Kitty had prepared a lovely cake and there was a table filled this presents. I smiled at my friends.

The party went on for hours. Some people swam in the pool, while others played tennis. Others just enjoyed talking with each other. By the time the party was over, the sun was beginning to set. Everyone began to go back inside, but I decided to go to the mini gazebo on the cliff. I watched as the sun lowered itself into the sea, when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I turned around and saw Gambit looking at me.

"Nice sunset tonight," he said.

I nodded and looked back over the sea. The ocean shimmered with pink and gold. I looked back at Gambit and stared into his eyes. I pulled myself towards him and kissed him. His expression showed that he was startled at first, but the longer I kissed him, the more he seemed to enjoy it.

When I finally pulled myself away, we looked into each other's eyes.

"Rogue," Gambit said. "What just happened? You didn't absorb me."

I stared at him with wide eyes. Had I really just touched Gambit without hurting him? We were silent for a moment.

"I don't know what just happened," I said.

We suddenly heard the sound of a wheelchair approaching and saw the Professor.

"I believe," he said. "That I may be able to answer this question, Rogue. When Sinister tried to take away your powers, he only caused them to evolve more. You now have complete control over your gift, meaning you can turn it on and off."

I couldn't believe my ears. Did Professor Xavier say what I think he said? I looked at Gambit and he returned my glance. We looked at the Professor and smiled at him. He nodded at us, turned around, and went away in his wheelchair.

I looked back into Gambit's red eyes and smiled. He wrapped his arm around me and placed his hand on my shoulder. We turned and looked at the sea, as the sun slowly made its way into the sea. The water sparkled like pink, gold, and blue confetti. I placed my head on Gambit's shoulder and he rested his head on mine.

"Wow," I thought to myself. "What an extraordinary day."