Over the Rainbow 7/?
Beta: Thank you jaq_of_spades and tannasan for all suggestions, corrections and fangirling!
Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Author’s Notes: There's a team meeting going on. We're going to talk about mutation classes here, so I thought I'd share my take on it for this fic.
- Class 1: Different looks, no skills
- Class 2: Skills relatively harmless (Angel)
- Class 3: Skills close range combat or personal defense (Wolverine / Rogue / Shadowcat / Colossus)
- Class 4: Skills big range (Magneto / Pyro / Iceman / Storm / Professor X)
- Class 5: Limitless potential (Phoenix / Professor X + Cerebro)
I'm going to try to update every two weeks on Friday from now on. I've got the next two chapters more or less ready, so stay tuned, please. :)
A moment to say something myself, Miss Munroe had suggested. Not sure why; she just told the whole incredibly exciting ‘Rogue is cured and we’re supposed to be all okay with that’ tale herself. But now all my teammates are looking at me expectantly, so I guess I just go on repeat and take it from there.
“It’s just like Miss Munroe said; I took the Cure. We talked about it, and we figured it doesn’t change anything. I’m still on the team.” I swallow hard and glance around to see if anyone’s going to make a fuss, but I think Pete’s the only one who didn’t know yet and he’s not the fussing type. “I’m going to continue the flying lessons, and - uh, I probably need to find another way to defend myself during Danger Room sessions.”
Pete chuckles and I smile back at him. Bet the big lug’s relieved he doesn’t have to share his powers any longer. I can’t blame him for having a healthy sense of self-preservation. Even though I’d learned a tiny bit of control, it still wasn’t very pleasant for either of us.
“Very well, Rogue.” Miss Munroe makes a move to take over the meeting, but then I remember I still have to tell everyone my new name.
“Anna. My name’s Anna. But Rogue’s fine, too. You know, since everyone is used to it and all.”
Okay, so actually it’s Anna-Marie, but this is as far as I go when it comes to sharing personal stuff. Logan’s the only one who knows about the ‘Marie’ bit, and I glance his way and hope he doesn’t think I lied to him.
He doesn’t show any sign of surprise though. Not even a raised eyebrow. Is that because he doesn’t give a damn, or because he wants to protect ‘Marie’ as much as I do? Is he even aware of how important my real name is to me? The dull ache inside my chest tells me that he doesn’t, but that pain’s been nesting there since - well, forever it seems, so it might as well be something chronic by now.
I decide to be mature and not to jump to conclusions just yet, and I seek Bobby’s eyes. He doesn’t seem to care either, but that’s because I’d already made him believe my name is ‘Anna’ months ago, when he just couldn’t let it go. He never got the chance to know Marie. I don’t really know why I’ve kept her away from him, but now I wonder; would he have liked her? Would he have liked her better than Rogue? Better than Kitty? I guess - I guess we’ll never find out.
“Okay, Anna,” Miss Munroe breaks the heavy silence with a forced cheerfulness. “We’ll keep ‘Rogue’ as your codename then?”
“Sure.”
I hastily make my way over to the seat on the farthest end of the room, but I’m feeling the stares of the others. What are they thinking? Are they wondering why I’ve been so secretive about a name so ordinary as ‘Anna’? Or is it more hostile? Are they doubting my place in the team? Maybe no one had the guts to speak up. I wasn’t there when things got rough. They have every right to resent me for it.
All those unspoken feelings are stifling in this little room, and apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so.
“So, anyone wants to respond to that? And are there any other issues we need to address?” Miss Munroe asks.
There’s another moment of silence.
I’m still not sure if it’s accepting or accusing, but then Kitty asks a bit too blandly, “Like what?”
“Relationships, decisions, doubts,” Miss Munroe suggests. “We’re a team. I don’t want any underlying tension when I need you at your best. Whether there are lives at stake or a school to run, I want trust between all of us.”
Okay, is she serious? Like, really? Because I doubt there’s a team worse off than ours. There’s so much underlying tension festering in this room, it’ll take years of therapy to sort our shit out. Or maybe, maybe it's just me. After all, with the exception of Pete, I somehow managed to maneuver myself in a tricky position with every single one of them. Different causes each time, but that’s probably only because I’m really versatile in being difficult.
But when did this meeting turn into a support group anyway?
“Well,” Bobby says eventually, exchanging a look with me. “Rogue and I broke up. But it’s not going to be a problem. It’s - a mutual thing.”
“Anna?” Miss Munroe checks in with me for the second time today, and I agree even though I really don’t appreciate the Kumbaya vibe. At least Bobby’s got the guts to address our hang-ups. I’ll give him that.
“He’s right. No problem.”
“Alright then. Thank you, Bobby.” She casts him a smile of appreciation and support. “Anything else?”
There’s a lot of uncomfortable shifting going on, and it’s too bad Jubes isn’t on the team yet. She’d totally do the awkward turtle. And if John was here, something would be catching fire right about now. Then Bobby would jump to ice it over and John would grin like a maniac.
Just the thought of it - I can't stop the sudden snicker, so I cover it up with a barely audible cough. But there’s always super-hearing.
Logan had been sullenly staring out of the window, looking at Jean’s grave, maybe, but now he’s raising an eyebrow at me, obviously curious. Without thinking, I discreetly make a face to show I’m not into the psycho mumbo-jumbo, which he instantly returns with a subtle grimace of his own. Then he quickly looks away to avoid getting caught by the headmaster, and it’s such a comical moment, I actually have to cough a bit louder this time.
Dammit. This is no time to goof off. And with Logan of all people. Where are Jubes and John when you need them?
Suddenly, a little tune coming from Miss Munroe’s pants saves us all further apprehension.
“Oh, sorry,” she says, reaching for her phone and checking the display. Apparently it’s someone important, because she indicates she needs a moment while rushing into the hallway.
“What’s this all about?” Bobby whispers incredulously when she’s out of hearing distance, but Pete simply shrugs while Warren looks like he’s considering opening a window in a bid to escape.
“She has a point, Kitty mutters reluctantly. “We’ve been through a lot.”
I close my eyes against the headache I can feel building and try to shut everyone out. I don’t want to hear this. I don’t want to hear how they all fought for something while I wasn’t there. Not today, after struggling through a gazillion awkward talks already. I don’t think I can take any more without snapping, and this time I don’t have the excuse of having a certain ferocious personality in my head.
But thankfully, everyone shuts up and so I use the break to relieve the tension in my body. I try to touch my chest with my chin, and I feel my neck stretching while I push my shoulders down and backwards.
God, I need a chiropractor. Everything fucking hurts.
“I just got off the phone with Hank,” Miss Munroe comes back in again. “It seems like the Cure isn’t working for class four and up.”
The blunt declaration is followed by yet another silence, and again all heads turn my way.
“I’m class three,” I say, not even sure why I sound so defensive.
Warren saves me from the spotlight. “My father invented the Cure to be permanent. For everyone.”
“Maybe it wasn’t tested on all classes?” Bobby tries, but Logan points out a far more urgent matter.
“Magneto.”
“Exactly,” Miss Munroe agrees. “He will get his power back - it's just a matter of time. We have to be prepared.”
Kitty sits up straight. “But like Bobby said, how could this happen? Wasn’t it tested?”
She expectantly looks at Warren as if he’s got all the answers, but Miss Munroe is the one to respond.
“There aren’t a lot of class four mutations out there. I’m sure no one thought there would’ve been a difference genetically. Even Hank didn’t know. He and Mr. Worthington will have a meeting about it soon to discuss the possible causes and their implications.”
“What’s if it’s obvious?” Pete mingles in. “The cure is made from Jimmy. He’s a class three. What if class four simply overrules class three?”
Kitty disagrees. “The classes were created to divide us by our potential to inflict danger upon the world. It’s a theoretical label and it’s got nothing to do with DNA.”
“But maybe it accidentally makes sense.” Bobby wonders out loud. “If it’s ranked by power in a battle situation, a class four should be able to defeat class three. It’ll be like a gun against a knife.”
“But when class three can come close,” Kitty retorts, being a class three herself, “there will be an equal chance again.”
I have to admit I sorta enjoy their first quarrel. Not even a couple yet and already at each other’s throats. Too bad Warren interjects with a question for Miss Munroe.
“If class four is more powerful than class three, it’ll explain your hair. It doesn’t change color when Jimmy’s around. You’re a four, right?”
“Yes.” She runs her fingers through her white locks. “I hadn’t thought about that. But - then we’re assuming my hair is part of my mutation.”
“Of course it is,” Bobby states confidently, recognizing back-up for his theory.
Kitty doesn’t give up that easily though. “But the Cure worked on Magneto and he’s also four.”
“He’s got a big dose,” Logan replies, pensively staring at me.
“Yeah,” Bobby agrees. “And multiple class three’s can defeat a class four. Do the math.”
Kitty’s still not convinced. “Sounds too easy to me, but it can be tested.” She looks at Miss Munroe and then at Bobby. “You’re both four’s. Try something when Jimmy’s around. See if you can.”
“Well, I’ll keep it mind and discuss it all with Hank,” Miss Munroe offers almost light-heartedly. “In the meantime, until we know what we’re dealing with, I suggest we keep this under wraps and focus on practicalities, such as running a school.”
Bobby chuckles and grabs Kitty’s hand for a quick squeeze. “If we can win a war together, I’m sure we can also run a school together.”
Jesus Christ, not again.
I bite my lip to prevent myself from screaming and dig my fingernails into my palms of my hands. The latter actually hurts because I’ve been growing my nails now that I don’t have to wear gloves anymore.
From the corner of my eye, I notice Logan scowling at Bobby before turning his attention to me. Since I know that protective expression all too well, I force myself to roll my eyes and pretend I’m not even dented by all this.
I hadn’t counted on a wink and a caring half-smile back though.
This time, *I* am the one quickly looking away, because I instantly feel myself turning a nice shade of crimson.
Oh, great. This day just keeps getting better and better. One smile and there I go again. Freefalling into a universe where it’s just me and him. It’s so pathetic. How the hell does he *do* that?
By the time I dare to look up again, Miss Munroe is talking about new teachers, who to expect this week, and the piles of work to be done, but I’m only hearing half of it.
I’m far too busy thinking Logan really needs to smile more often.
TBC
Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
Author’s Notes: There's a team meeting going on. We're going to talk about mutation classes here, so I thought I'd share my take on it for this fic.
- Class 1: Different looks, no skills
- Class 2: Skills relatively harmless (Angel)
- Class 3: Skills close range combat or personal defense (Wolverine / Rogue / Shadowcat / Colossus)
- Class 4: Skills big range (Magneto / Pyro / Iceman / Storm / Professor X)
- Class 5: Limitless potential (Phoenix / Professor X + Cerebro)
I'm going to try to update every two weeks on Friday from now on. I've got the next two chapters more or less ready, so stay tuned, please. :)
A moment to say something myself, Miss Munroe had suggested. Not sure why; she just told the whole incredibly exciting ‘Rogue is cured and we’re supposed to be all okay with that’ tale herself. But now all my teammates are looking at me expectantly, so I guess I just go on repeat and take it from there.
“It’s just like Miss Munroe said; I took the Cure. We talked about it, and we figured it doesn’t change anything. I’m still on the team.” I swallow hard and glance around to see if anyone’s going to make a fuss, but I think Pete’s the only one who didn’t know yet and he’s not the fussing type. “I’m going to continue the flying lessons, and - uh, I probably need to find another way to defend myself during Danger Room sessions.”
Pete chuckles and I smile back at him. Bet the big lug’s relieved he doesn’t have to share his powers any longer. I can’t blame him for having a healthy sense of self-preservation. Even though I’d learned a tiny bit of control, it still wasn’t very pleasant for either of us.
“Very well, Rogue.” Miss Munroe makes a move to take over the meeting, but then I remember I still have to tell everyone my new name.
“Anna. My name’s Anna. But Rogue’s fine, too. You know, since everyone is used to it and all.”
Okay, so actually it’s Anna-Marie, but this is as far as I go when it comes to sharing personal stuff. Logan’s the only one who knows about the ‘Marie’ bit, and I glance his way and hope he doesn’t think I lied to him.
He doesn’t show any sign of surprise though. Not even a raised eyebrow. Is that because he doesn’t give a damn, or because he wants to protect ‘Marie’ as much as I do? Is he even aware of how important my real name is to me? The dull ache inside my chest tells me that he doesn’t, but that pain’s been nesting there since - well, forever it seems, so it might as well be something chronic by now.
I decide to be mature and not to jump to conclusions just yet, and I seek Bobby’s eyes. He doesn’t seem to care either, but that’s because I’d already made him believe my name is ‘Anna’ months ago, when he just couldn’t let it go. He never got the chance to know Marie. I don’t really know why I’ve kept her away from him, but now I wonder; would he have liked her? Would he have liked her better than Rogue? Better than Kitty? I guess - I guess we’ll never find out.
“Okay, Anna,” Miss Munroe breaks the heavy silence with a forced cheerfulness. “We’ll keep ‘Rogue’ as your codename then?”
“Sure.”
I hastily make my way over to the seat on the farthest end of the room, but I’m feeling the stares of the others. What are they thinking? Are they wondering why I’ve been so secretive about a name so ordinary as ‘Anna’? Or is it more hostile? Are they doubting my place in the team? Maybe no one had the guts to speak up. I wasn’t there when things got rough. They have every right to resent me for it.
All those unspoken feelings are stifling in this little room, and apparently I'm not the only one who thinks so.
“So, anyone wants to respond to that? And are there any other issues we need to address?” Miss Munroe asks.
There’s another moment of silence.
I’m still not sure if it’s accepting or accusing, but then Kitty asks a bit too blandly, “Like what?”
“Relationships, decisions, doubts,” Miss Munroe suggests. “We’re a team. I don’t want any underlying tension when I need you at your best. Whether there are lives at stake or a school to run, I want trust between all of us.”
Okay, is she serious? Like, really? Because I doubt there’s a team worse off than ours. There’s so much underlying tension festering in this room, it’ll take years of therapy to sort our shit out. Or maybe, maybe it's just me. After all, with the exception of Pete, I somehow managed to maneuver myself in a tricky position with every single one of them. Different causes each time, but that’s probably only because I’m really versatile in being difficult.
But when did this meeting turn into a support group anyway?
“Well,” Bobby says eventually, exchanging a look with me. “Rogue and I broke up. But it’s not going to be a problem. It’s - a mutual thing.”
“Anna?” Miss Munroe checks in with me for the second time today, and I agree even though I really don’t appreciate the Kumbaya vibe. At least Bobby’s got the guts to address our hang-ups. I’ll give him that.
“He’s right. No problem.”
“Alright then. Thank you, Bobby.” She casts him a smile of appreciation and support. “Anything else?”
There’s a lot of uncomfortable shifting going on, and it’s too bad Jubes isn’t on the team yet. She’d totally do the awkward turtle. And if John was here, something would be catching fire right about now. Then Bobby would jump to ice it over and John would grin like a maniac.
Just the thought of it - I can't stop the sudden snicker, so I cover it up with a barely audible cough. But there’s always super-hearing.
Logan had been sullenly staring out of the window, looking at Jean’s grave, maybe, but now he’s raising an eyebrow at me, obviously curious. Without thinking, I discreetly make a face to show I’m not into the psycho mumbo-jumbo, which he instantly returns with a subtle grimace of his own. Then he quickly looks away to avoid getting caught by the headmaster, and it’s such a comical moment, I actually have to cough a bit louder this time.
Dammit. This is no time to goof off. And with Logan of all people. Where are Jubes and John when you need them?
Suddenly, a little tune coming from Miss Munroe’s pants saves us all further apprehension.
“Oh, sorry,” she says, reaching for her phone and checking the display. Apparently it’s someone important, because she indicates she needs a moment while rushing into the hallway.
“What’s this all about?” Bobby whispers incredulously when she’s out of hearing distance, but Pete simply shrugs while Warren looks like he’s considering opening a window in a bid to escape.
“She has a point, Kitty mutters reluctantly. “We’ve been through a lot.”
I close my eyes against the headache I can feel building and try to shut everyone out. I don’t want to hear this. I don’t want to hear how they all fought for something while I wasn’t there. Not today, after struggling through a gazillion awkward talks already. I don’t think I can take any more without snapping, and this time I don’t have the excuse of having a certain ferocious personality in my head.
But thankfully, everyone shuts up and so I use the break to relieve the tension in my body. I try to touch my chest with my chin, and I feel my neck stretching while I push my shoulders down and backwards.
God, I need a chiropractor. Everything fucking hurts.
“I just got off the phone with Hank,” Miss Munroe comes back in again. “It seems like the Cure isn’t working for class four and up.”
The blunt declaration is followed by yet another silence, and again all heads turn my way.
“I’m class three,” I say, not even sure why I sound so defensive.
Warren saves me from the spotlight. “My father invented the Cure to be permanent. For everyone.”
“Maybe it wasn’t tested on all classes?” Bobby tries, but Logan points out a far more urgent matter.
“Magneto.”
“Exactly,” Miss Munroe agrees. “He will get his power back - it's just a matter of time. We have to be prepared.”
Kitty sits up straight. “But like Bobby said, how could this happen? Wasn’t it tested?”
She expectantly looks at Warren as if he’s got all the answers, but Miss Munroe is the one to respond.
“There aren’t a lot of class four mutations out there. I’m sure no one thought there would’ve been a difference genetically. Even Hank didn’t know. He and Mr. Worthington will have a meeting about it soon to discuss the possible causes and their implications.”
“What’s if it’s obvious?” Pete mingles in. “The cure is made from Jimmy. He’s a class three. What if class four simply overrules class three?”
Kitty disagrees. “The classes were created to divide us by our potential to inflict danger upon the world. It’s a theoretical label and it’s got nothing to do with DNA.”
“But maybe it accidentally makes sense.” Bobby wonders out loud. “If it’s ranked by power in a battle situation, a class four should be able to defeat class three. It’ll be like a gun against a knife.”
“But when class three can come close,” Kitty retorts, being a class three herself, “there will be an equal chance again.”
I have to admit I sorta enjoy their first quarrel. Not even a couple yet and already at each other’s throats. Too bad Warren interjects with a question for Miss Munroe.
“If class four is more powerful than class three, it’ll explain your hair. It doesn’t change color when Jimmy’s around. You’re a four, right?”
“Yes.” She runs her fingers through her white locks. “I hadn’t thought about that. But - then we’re assuming my hair is part of my mutation.”
“Of course it is,” Bobby states confidently, recognizing back-up for his theory.
Kitty doesn’t give up that easily though. “But the Cure worked on Magneto and he’s also four.”
“He’s got a big dose,” Logan replies, pensively staring at me.
“Yeah,” Bobby agrees. “And multiple class three’s can defeat a class four. Do the math.”
Kitty’s still not convinced. “Sounds too easy to me, but it can be tested.” She looks at Miss Munroe and then at Bobby. “You’re both four’s. Try something when Jimmy’s around. See if you can.”
“Well, I’ll keep it mind and discuss it all with Hank,” Miss Munroe offers almost light-heartedly. “In the meantime, until we know what we’re dealing with, I suggest we keep this under wraps and focus on practicalities, such as running a school.”
Bobby chuckles and grabs Kitty’s hand for a quick squeeze. “If we can win a war together, I’m sure we can also run a school together.”
Jesus Christ, not again.
I bite my lip to prevent myself from screaming and dig my fingernails into my palms of my hands. The latter actually hurts because I’ve been growing my nails now that I don’t have to wear gloves anymore.
From the corner of my eye, I notice Logan scowling at Bobby before turning his attention to me. Since I know that protective expression all too well, I force myself to roll my eyes and pretend I’m not even dented by all this.
I hadn’t counted on a wink and a caring half-smile back though.
This time, *I* am the one quickly looking away, because I instantly feel myself turning a nice shade of crimson.
Oh, great. This day just keeps getting better and better. One smile and there I go again. Freefalling into a universe where it’s just me and him. It’s so pathetic. How the hell does he *do* that?
By the time I dare to look up again, Miss Munroe is talking about new teachers, who to expect this week, and the piles of work to be done, but I’m only hearing half of it.
I’m far too busy thinking Logan really needs to smile more often.
TBC