"I originally wanted to surprise you, but I didn't expect you to already know." Kurogai's voice emerged from within the battle armor, deep and calm.
Rogue—her face lighting up—hurried over to him. Kurogai was caught slightly off guard; he'd been planning to surprise her, but considering Logan's sharp senses, it wasn't hard to guess they had already caught his scent.
The armor's plating hissed open, revealing a tall, well-built figure stepping out. Rogue didn't hesitate—she threw herself into his arms, her embrace carrying a warmth he hadn't felt in weeks. A faint, familiar fragrance surrounded him.
"Kurogai, I missed you so much!" she said with a bright smile.
They hadn't seen each other for a while. Rogue had avoided reaching out, worried she might be imposing on him. Even though she longed to see him, she had convinced herself to give him space. But now that he stood before her, completely unexpected, her heart was a storm of relief and excitement.
Unable to help herself, she leaned up and kissed him. The boldness of the act drew murmurs from the nearby mutants, some whispering in surprise.
Logan's expression, however, was less than pleased. He had always seen Rogue as a daughter. Watching this scene, he couldn't shake the feeling that someone had stolen his precious cabbage.
"Alright, it's okay, I'm here now," Kurogai said gently. After a moment, he released her, letting her catch her breath before stepping over to Logan.
"Kurogai, what's the deal with that armor of yours? Isn't the guy who's been making headlines lately—Iron Man—supposed to be Stark, the billionaire?" Logan asked, brow furrowed. The others nearby looked equally curious; after all, advanced armor tech was exactly the sort of thing that made boys' eyes light up.
"I have a good relationship with Stark. He made me a suit while he was at it," Kurogai replied casually. Then his tone shifted. "But enough about that. Why are you all being hunted? And where's Professor Xavier? He's not with you?"
Logan shook his head. "We don't know exactly what happened. The school was suddenly attacked. Storm and Iceman were already out on a mission, looking for someone. The Professor left a day earlier and… nothing. I think something happened to him."
Kurogai's eyes narrowed slightly. Pieces were beginning to fall into place. He knew this reeked of William Stryker's involvement. But Magneto was already dead by his own hands, so how had Stryker managed to seize control of Xavier? Without Magneto as bait, it shouldn't have been possible—unless Stryker had found another way.
"Interesting. The plot's still unfolding the same way…" he murmured under his breath.
If events were still tracking toward the original outcome, the X-Men's next move would be a counterattack against Stryker's base—the same one where Wolverine had been transformed.
"Kurogai, what's your plan?" Logan asked bluntly. He knew Kurogai's strength. If Kurogai joined this mission, their odds of success would rise dramatically.
"I'll take Rogue somewhere safe first, then I'll go with you," Kurogai decided after a pause.
Stryker's research had spanned years, compiling detailed mutant data that could be invaluable for Kurogai's own genetic enhancement projects. Not to mention, Stryker was rumored to have a mutant with abilities similar to Wolverine's. That alone piqued Kurogai's interest. Whether she was a clone, an experiment, or something else entirely, she would make for fascinating study material at his lab.
Then there was Stryker's son—a mutant with psychic abilities, albeit mentally unstable. Even damaged, his genetic profile could prove useful. And if other mutants were imprisoned in that base, freeing them would not only weaken Stryker but also give Kurogai more valuable allies—or subjects.
As for Rogue, the mission was too dangerous. Kurogai refused to risk her safety, especially with the possibility of the dam's collapse during the final battle. He intended to take this opportunity to remove her from the Academy altogether. That place was no longer safe, and he would not let her face such danger again.
"Kurogai, I want to help too…" Rogue said softly, concern in her eyes.
"You're mine," he replied without hesitation, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll go in your place. That's enough."
Rogue's cheeks flushed. She didn't catch every word, but she understood the most important part—he had called her his. That was more than enough for her to step back and let him lead.
"I understand. I'll listen to you," she said, nodding.
Kurogai gave a small, approving smile before turning his gaze toward Logan. "Once I've secured her safety, we'll move. Stryker's not keeping what's his for long."
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Sick... could only manage to upload a chapter each on all my fanfictions.
Can you please send Power stones.