Note: The X-Men I'm using is based on the TV show (X-Men Evolution) so it really different from the movie and the original series. Rogue doesn't have a boyfriend, Bobby and Kitty aren't together, etc…

Also this is from the pre-Apocalypse, pre Jean/Scott relationship days, but the world does know about mutants.

Let me know if I make any mistakes or if you have any questions or comments about the story. I love feedback. :)

Rogue.

A deathly silence passed over us as we approached the clearing. There was no more nervous laughter or hushed whispering. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest as I envisioned the alleged killer.

Witnesses described him as terrifying with cold ruthless eyes. Police reports comment on his blinding speed and precision. We have details from eye-witnesses, the medics and cops first on the scene and from the coroners who inspected each corpse.

In my mind's eye I pictured a blood soaked monster, grinning manically as men, women and children fell prey to his deadly claws. I shuddered at the thought of having to face him. We do what we must.

Thanks to a helpful anonymous tip called into the police and Logan's heightened senses, we more or less knew where the Killer was. We used this knowledge to our advantage. A monster like that would never give up quietly, and if he wouldn't surrender to the police he was definitely not going to surrender to us.

Jean and Scott - being the most experienced and least imposing of the group - were chosen to make initial contact. The plan was to have backup surround him while Jean and Scott attempted to bring him in quietly. Introduce him to the Xavier School and let him know we're on his side and are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. If that doesn't work the reserves come in and take him out. Either way, the mission ends with him coming with us.

We'd tried to find him before - ever since the rumors of the young, handsome new mutant surfaced. The search became frantic once those rumors took a darker, more violent turn. The Professor hadn't been able to find him on Cerebro, so he probably had some kind of ability that shielded him. This quite possibly could be our only shot to figure out what kind of mutant he wanted to be - someone who would work to make the world a better place for human and mutant kind or something more sinister. At this point nothing much was known about him. We hoped that he'd cooperate once he realized we were fellow mutants and on his side. Some of us think that when his abilities - whatever they are - manifested, he lost control. I'm not so sure... but then again, I'm known as a pessimist, so maybe I'm not the best judge of character.

Only the oldest students were given permission to accompany Logan on this mission. Each of us was more than capable, have had countless hours of training and new what their position and role.

Myself and the rest of the reserves spread out to form a loose circle around the clearing, each of us ducking behind trees and brush to avoid premature detection.

Scott and Jean, looking tense but determined, stood off to one side and waited for the rest of the team to get into position.

Reports suggested that the Killer knew full well what he was doing, but we all know how biased humans are. Any hint of a supernatural problem and there's a manhunt for the "crazed" mutant responsible. Assholes.

Scott and Jean didn't think it would get that far. Logan wasn't nearly as optimistic. "Nobody kills like that by accident," he warned gruffly.

With the team in place and ready to go, I chanced a peek from behind my tree, hoping to sneak a glance and that he wouldn't be looking my way. I was still too far to make him out clearly, but from where I stood he appeared to be sleeping against the base of a sole pine in the center of the small glade.

He really was good looking; one of the lucky ones without any physical disfigurement—at least none that I could see. Despite his silvery, white hair I would say he looked almost normal. Without the coroner's report indicating that his victims were torn apart by something with claws, I wouldn't have known he had them. Maybe they're retractable like a cat?

Somewhere to the left of me I heard faint rustling. It had been dry the last few days and the hard ground and crisp leaves made it difficult to move around without making noise. So far we've been careful and lucky. Despite the slight noise we made in our approach, the Killer had yet to pick up on our presence.

As feeble as the sound was, I caught something by the Killers head twitch. I craned my neck trying to get a better look, 100% sure that his eyes were closed and that he had no idea he wasn't alone.

More rustles in the brush, this time coming from the right, and again I noticed the Killer move. I squinted then gasped, surprised. This mutant wasn't as normal looking as I thought. On the top of his startlingly white hair, were startlingly white ears!

Small and pointy like a cat or wolf, they sat on the top of his head, perking towards each whisper in the forest. I retreated behind the cover of my tree as they twitched again, this time in my direction.

Could he hear us? Is he aware of our plan and intentions? I couldn't tell. Other than the slight tic of his ears he hadn't made any other sign of being awake. If he truly knew of our close proximity he would have fled by now, right?

Right, I decided, nodding in silent affirmation…unless he really was innocent and hoping for our help controlling the new strange powers that seemed to have appeared out of no-where.

No, I frowned, thinking back to the scenes of blood and gore from the killings. They're still being shown on all the news stations as the police search for the monster child slayer in vain. Logan was right, there's no way someone could accidentally do that to children. That man was a cold blooded killer and the X-Men were here to bring him to justice. We're lucky to have the Professor. In order for us to get first dibs on the Killer, he had to wipe out the mind of nearly half the Bayville Police Department so they had no recollection of the anonymous tip that placed the Killer near the this forest.

It was unusual to have to go that far. Since Cerebro wasn't an option we were forced to rely on more mundane methods like police scanners.

I checked my watch. Any second now Scott and Jean would make their way into the clearing and confront that monster, and I had to be ready to fight. From what we've learned that man resting peacefully in the clearing is a dangerous mutant and I was ready for the worst. This was no time to be caught off guard.

Inuyasha.

I sensed them coming closer. Judging by their scent it was a group of humans. At first, I thought they were just passing through—a group of friends camping or something—but they were heading my direction too fast for that.

I dismissed them. No one knew who I was or that I was here. There's no reason for anyone to be after me.

When the humans split up into a V formation and began a flanking maneuver I started to regret my decision to stay. Okay, so somebody knew I was here.

Still... No big deal. I didn't smell any gunpowder so this couldn't be the military or police—they'd never attack unarmed, so why fucking bother. If they were hostile I could just run away and hide in the forest. Their loud approach and clumsy movements I took as assurance. How much of a threat could a group of humans be?

My ears twitched at each snapping twig and rustle of brush. One tripped over a stray branch. Someone else was breathing heavily. Another, a female judging by the pitch, gasped. Even the slightest noise could mean grave danger. They may be mere humans, but technology's a bitch sometimes.

I checked again for the scent of cordite or nitroglycerin used in modern gunpowder. Now that they were closer it would be much easier to detect. No way was I letting myself get caught off guard and get shot because some moron got his hands on a firearm. Besides, I really didn't want to hurt anyone. That part of my life was over now... I gave her my word and I won't break another promise. I owe her that much.

There was a rustle of branches and then footsteps. Two of the humans were approaching - one male, one female. Interesting; up until this point the group looked as though they were setting up an ambush. Maybe they still are. The two advancing humans could be decoys.

I watched their progress through slit lids, minding the rest of the group with my other senses. The duo was trying pathetically hard to approach silently. My eyes appeared to be closed, and I hadn't moved. The humans must have assumed I was soundly sleeping and oblivious to their presence. Idiots.

They stopped a safe distance away and shuffled their feet nervously. The stench of fear was heavy in the air. I didn't understand - normal humans shouldn't be afraid of one man when they out number him eight-to-one... I wasn't sure if this was a good or bad thing yet, but experience has taught me that fear makes people stupid.

Their fear meant they'd be anxious and quicker to jump to conclusions about the situation. Assuming they were afraid because of what I am, I'd have to be careful to not make any movements that could be misinterpreted. I didn't smell any guns on them—this was good, but guns aren't the only dangerous weapons in this era. Better to be safe rather than sorry. With that thought in mind, I slowly opened my eyes.

The surrounding humans tensed.

Neither of them moved, so I waited. Over the years I'd learned to be patient. If I waited long enough, they would talk or attack and I'd be given an idea of what they wanted from me. Though they set themselves up for an ambush, my senses told me they weren't hostile... but if that was the case then what the fuck were they doing here? And why were the rest of them hiding?

"Um...Sorry, did we wake you?" the woman said loudly. She had brilliant, thick red hair that flowed past her shoulders and was wearing a form fitting black and green jumpsuit branded with the letter X. Her partner was wearing a similar jumpsuit only in blue with yellow accents. I'll never understand fashion.

I cocked my head to the side. She spoke as though I was hard of hearing or stupid.

The woman smiled prettily but I could tell it was forced. She was frightened. The smile remained frozen on her face for a moment or two and became a frown when I didn't respond. The male tried next.

"My name is Scott and this is Jean," he waved a hand at himself and then in the woman's general direction as he made the introductions.

"We're from the Xavier School. We've been looking for someone who fits your description." He let the statement hang for a moment, letting me turn it over in my head.

'Okay...'

"Right now we only know what the news has been reporting... We were hoping to hear your side of the story," the man continued.

"If it was an accident we can help you," the woman added.

What was I doing that would cause a group of humans to go looking for me? Nothing. I didn't really understand why they were speaking as though I knew what was going on.

"He murdered a group of children yesterday afternoon and countless others." Scott added, raising his voice. I wondered if they thought I wasn't responding because I was deaf instead of confused. What was this fool implying? I blinked. The male and female regarded me steadily.

"Are you accusing me of somethin'?" I asked slowly.

"No! Of course not," the woman interjected. "We're just trying to help!"

I scowled at the stupidity of her statement. Why in the hell would I need there help? What the fuck was going on? So what if there was a child killer out there, if I went and caught him there would only be another crazy bastard to take his place the next day. These humans breed like rats and more than half of them are sick in the damn head.

"We understand that sometimes things can get out of control, but that doesn't excuse what happened. We want to help." She looked at me knowingly, as though we shared a common secret.

I stood and flexed my claws, hearing knuckles crack.

"What the fuck..."

Wait.

My question was left unfinished as I realized something was wrong. I sniffed again. That scent...

It was different than normal humans. It was the same scent tweaked with something I couldn't remember smelling on anyone before…

I didn't like it.

I growled, annoyed at their confusing accusations. I hoped the feral sound would frighten them into leaving me alone. Instead, the woman flinched and the boy nervously touched the tips of his fingers to the rose colored glass he wore across both eyes.

"Don't make any sudden moves!" He commanded way too dramatically for someone who was unarmed and dressed in a unitard.

"You have one more chance to explain yourself, but you're coming with us to answer questions either way."

The shock I felt must have registered on my face, because for a second they both looked apprehensive.

"I've got no idea what you're talking about," I replied.

The man would have none of it. "Don't deny it. The description fits you perfectly, and trust me there aren't a lot of silver haired kids running around these parts. Accident or not, you're coming with us. We can do this the easy way or the hard way." Again I must have looked surprised because the Idiot added, "And trust me, you don't wanna do this the hard way."

I stood, the surprise fading away only to be replaced by anger.

"Don't. Fuckin'. Threaten. Me." Each word was punctuated by slow, deliberate steps towards them.

This was bullshit. I don't fucking kill humans anymore and haven't in a very long fucking time. I would not be accused and I didn't have to stand there answering anybody's fucking questions.

Furious and glaring, I began pushing past them when the man pressed something on the side of his head. A bright red light blared in warning.

I stopped mid stride. Was he seriously threatening me?! I was so busy trying not to smack the Bastard upside the head I didn't realize the others were closing the circle until it was too late.

I scanned the group, noticing all were wearing the same designer as the red head and her male companion. How cute.

"Do not threaten me, human," I growled menacingly. "I'll kill you if you give me reason to."

I caught the mistake too late. It was obviously the wrong thing to say—now they'd think their assumptions were correct. Inwardly I cursed my inability to filter myself when angered.

"You're out numbered. Come quietly. We know you're a mutant too," the woman said gently. The bitch was still trying to placate me! Wait, mutant? I looked at them curiously and the two glanced at each other.

I used that as my opportunity to escape. Nimbly, I jumped over their heads only to find myself being slammed back down to the ground by a surprisingly strong punch to the face. From the forest floor I looked up at my attacker, then at those that joined us in the clearing. This one was older than the others, who all looked to be in their mid teens. The gruff looking man was obviously more experienced in battle than the rest.

I picked myself up off the ground and started to jump with the full intention of using my demonic speed to get me the hell out of there, but my feet were stuck. Fuck, all of me was stuck! I looked around without moving my head.

I struggled against whatever forces kept me immobile. What was this sorcery!?

"What the fuck have you done to me?!" I growled, trying to find the sorcerer in the group.

The male looked amused. "Like Jean said you're not the only mutant here."

The red head bitch? She was staring intensely, but she wasn't chanting any incantations or using any kind of magical object. This was beyond me.

I fumed, irate at my inability to understand. "Again with this 'mutant' shit! I am not this 'mutant' thing now get the fuck off!" The red head relaxed her gaze slightly and looked at her male counterpart, obviously looking for some sort of direction.

He nodded slightly and her hold on my body faded. I stumbled forward, surprised at regaining movement so suddenly. Regarding these strange humans in a new light while still tempted to flee, I again regretted my decision to stay.

Now what? Running was apparently not an option. I stood, contemplating what my next move should be and waiting for what would come next.

Rogue.

The Killer stumbled, looking surprised after being released by Jeans psychic hold. I tensed myself for another escape attempt but he just stood there, waiting. I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. He really was fast, just like the reports had said. I didn't even realize he was getting away until he was already sailing over our heads. We were lucky Logan intercepted him mid-leap.

Up close his face was smooth and his amber eyes stood out against the black wife beater and red baggy sweat pants he was wearing. His long hair, though tangled and knotted, was an extraordinary silvery white color, and the cute little ears made the scowl marring his features almost cute.

It was a bit scary—this guy was probably about as cute as a hungry, rabid dog. Whatever, now we know how fast he is. Logan won't be the only one slamming him face first into the ground if he tries that shit again.

No one made a move. I think Scott was trying to figure out what to do with him, especially since the Killer didn't seem to understand that he was a mutant. We hadn't anticipated this. The whole world knew about mutants, how did this guy miss the memo? I edged forward slightly, and noticed an ear twitch towards my general direction.

It was then I noticed how well the Killer guarded himself. He didn't look like he was doing much of anything, but you could see he was ready for a fight. The boy stood with his hands—no claws—at his sides, shoulders tense, feet slightly bent, shoulder width apart. His eyes where alert and constantly darting back and forth between us. His ears twitched toward every sound made. Logan might have surprised him but he wasn't going to be caught off guard again.

I guess that means he's chosen the hard way.

"You can't get away, just come quietly. Make it easier on yourself." Scott was speaking again, taking charge of the situation, as usual. "We're all in the same boat here. I'm sure you've heard of us—we're the guys from the news. We're going to take you to a school that'll teach you to control—"

"You will not come any closer," the Killer snarled, his voice growing in intensity as Scott took a step towards him. "I will not hesitate to kill you, and you're not taking me anywhere." The Killer took a threatening step forward, matching Scott's advance.

"Hey! There's no need to—" Another step. "Hey!" Scott's fingers twitched towards the dial controlling the intensity of his ocular beams.

"And I have no interest in speaking with you or your filthy wench!" And a third.

"Don't you dare!" Scott shouted, cranking up the dial on the side of his visor. The Killer was thrown back as Scotts' optic blast hit him square in the chest, obviously taking him by surprise. He crashed with a sickening crunch into the tree behind him, but I never saw him fall. With a growl he was at Scott's throat before I could even blink.

"Scott!" Jean exclaimed.

We sprang into action. Kitty dove into the ground and reappeared at Scott's side, grabbing his leg and making him transparent, causing the next swipe of the Killer's claws to sail through him. If the Killer was surprised he didn't show it. He merely shifted his weight and lunged again, this time away from the group, again looking to escape.

Jean used a blast of telekinesis to stop the Killers retreat and throw him back into the tree, hoping to stun him long enough for us restrain him. Agilely he turned around mid air and used the tree as a springboard to launch himself back at Jean who was saved by Nightcrawler when he quickly teleported her to safety.

The Killer didn't falter. He landed on his feet, cat like, and swiftly took a step to change direction and threw himself at the next closest person.

Shit! Me!

I stumbled backwards falling flat on my back as he slashed with his claws, surprised at the incredible speed of his assault. My surprise turned to terror at the feeling of air rush past my face from the swipe of his claws and his body sailing clear over my head. His attack missed by a few centimeters - he was really trying to kill me!

I peeled off a glove as I scrambled to my feet and reached out to touch the Killers bare arm, hoping to at least steal some of his strength for a fair fight. He lashed out with a kick at my knees in response. I jumped back to avoid a shattered kneecap. Again his reaction was smooth and instantaneous. The Killer used the foot he'd kicked with to step, closing the distance between us instead, and threw a left hook, then a right cross. The blows kept on coming, varying in strength and speed, and I kept blocking and dodging—barely. My arms screamed in agony from the force of his punches.

Bobby sent a blast of ice at the Killers feet, hoping to hold him in place long enough for me to touch him. His attack was easily dodged, but it gave me enough time to gain my bearings and take off my remaining glove.

I swung my fist as hard as I could, knowing the Killer would block with an exposed limb. Instead he caught my arm just above where my sleeve started.

I gasped as I was spun around to face my team. Clothing on skin! Crap - I couldn't knock him out like this!

With a wrist in each hand and my arms pinned across my chest by the Killers iron grip, that monster used my body to shield himself from attacks, which ceased immediately. Shit. Shit!

Relying on months of self defense with the X-Men I bent at the waist in an attempt to throw him over my shoulder and felt him bend his knees to keep from giving me leverage. Thrusting my butt into his groin and forcing his upper body and head forwards, I threw my head back, slamming the Killer with the back of my head, aiming for his face.

My aim was true, my vision swam and my brain danced around my head, but there was no give. Frantically I stomped on his feet using my boots to scrape the insides of his legs and grind his toes to pulp. I thrashed violently; trying to get the bastard to loosen his grip, but the Killer took the blows unflinchingly, before eventually tightening his grip until it hurt to move.

My ears rang. I should not be the only one in pain here. My blows should have at least gotten the Killer to loosen his grip enough for me to escape. Instead I only injured myself. Now I was a hostage with a concussion, for fucks sake.

I could feel his hot breath on my neck as he hissed, "Tell your friends to back off or you die." Stubbornly, I clenched my jaw. He growled low in his throat, a truly terrifying sound that sent shivers down my spine. I would have spit in his face if I could.

I felt myself being spun a quarter turn and dragged through the air at the same time. The Killers back was now protected by the tree he'd been sleeping against. I felt the bones in my wrist bending as he tightened his grip and I whimpered softly from the pain.

"You try a stupid, half assed attack like that again and the girl dies," the Killer yelled. Logan had tried to sneak up on him from behind to save me.

"Shit," I cursed under my breath. This was definitely not going according to plan.

Inuyasha.

"Shit," the girl muttered.

She could say that again. This was getting ridiculous. Escaping without harming anyone was getting to be more difficult by the second. Who the fuck where these people? They couldn't possibly be human! They couldn't possibly all be sorcerers and have spiritual powers! And why were they after me?

What is this shit!?

Every time I let my gaze stray from the humans attacking me to look for a way out, one of the damn brats would cast a new spell, and I'd have to deal with that instead. If only there weren't so many of them.

I leaned closer to her ear intending to command the woman to tell her friends to leave me the fuck alone, but before I could speak she leaned her head towards me as though swooning. My lips caressed her smooth cheek.

"Wha…" I felt my thoughts and feelings draining away as a sharp pain ran through my entire body, starting at where my lips touched her skin. I tried to pull away from the source of pain, but couldn't.

A wave of panic coursed through my body. My vision blurred then went dark.