Complete silence. The X-Men were all gathered around in the infirmary.

Unfortunately, the silence didn't last long.

"WHERE IS HE?!?"

"Rogue, calm down," Storm said, trying to comfort her friend. "He's right here."

She motioned to the bed against the wall. In it lay Remy LeBeau, his stomach bandaged up. He was connected to a machine at the side.

"What happened to him?" Rogue asked.

"Marrow," Wolverine replied, taking a drag on his cigar.

"When we got to the city, it turns out the terrorists were actually a new Brotherhood of Evil Mutants,"* Cyclops said. "Black Tom Cassidy, Toad, Pyro, Avalanche, Blob, Random, and Fatale. We were able to take out most of them. When we were fighting Cassidy, Marrow appeared. She volunteered to help tear Cassidy apart. Then, she threw a jagged bone at Gambit. Somehow, she knew about the Mutant Massacre."**

(* Issue #2 - Dino)
(** It all happened last ish - Dino)

"A lot of it doesn't make sense," Storm said. "The last time we encountered Pyro, his powers were out of control due to the Legacy Virus.* Now, he was in complete control."

(* Marvel's Hunt For Xavier storyline -Dino)

"Could they have found a cure?" Phoenix asked.

"Doubtful," Xavier said. "There seems to be someone else behind this all."

"Could be McCoy," Wolverine broke in. He noticed the Beast's shocked look. "Th' Dark Beast, that is. Fatale was with 'em. An' we all know she's connected t' him."

"So is Random," Beast noted. "After X-Factor rescued me from my doppleganger,* Forge was kind enough to fill me in on what happened with Random and Fatale.** Turns out it was McCoy who helped out Random."

(* Marvel's X-Factor #126 -Dino)
(** X-Factor duked it out with Random and Fatale in Marvel's X-Factor #125 - Dino)

"What could McCoy gain by organizing a new Brotherhood?" Xavier asked. "Something doesn't fit. There must be something missing here."

"It is safe to assume that McCoy informed Marrow about Gambit's part in the Mutant Massacre,"* Colossus said.

(* He did, last ish - Dino)

"Aren't we f'rgettin' someone?!?" Rogue exclaimed. "What about Remy?!? Is he gonna be all right?"

"Yes," Beast replied. "He's stabilized and we've removed the bone. Right now, our concussive Cajun is simply resting. He should be awake in a few hours, and he'll be back up to shape within the week."

"What about the Legacy Virus?" Psylocke asked. "We know Pyro has it, and Avalanche was allied with him when Warren's feathered wings returned."

"Random was also allied with a band of mutants Pyro formed to find a cure for the Virus," Quicksilver noted. "I never liked that bounty hunter."

"Perhaps herr McCoy has found a way to suppress the virus or, dare I say it, found a cure?" Nightcrawler asked.

"At this point, anything's possible," Cyclops said.

"Let us review what we do know, then," Storm began. "McCoy formed a new Brotherhood composed of our old adversaries. He also seems to have told Marrow that Gambit was responsible for the Mutant Massacre. Marrow came to the battlefield where she attacked Remy. Before Fatale teleported the Brotherhood away, Marrow revealed she was now among their ranks."*

(* Back in... ahh just read M2K's X-Men #2-3 -Dino)

"It's possible that McCoy recruited the mutants Pyro was affiliated with," Phoenix said.

"That means we'd also have to deal with Feral and the Fenris twins," Quicksilver said.

"Let's hope we don't," Cyclops said. "This current Brotherhood is more than enough. What I'm surprised is Black Tom's presence. According to Sean, he was ripped apart by Penance."

"He got better," Iceman said, jokingly.

"That's about par o' th' course f'r th' X-Men," Wolverine said.

"Let's worry about this tomorrow," Xavier said. "The past few days have been very taxing on all of us. And if this new Brotherhood is going to be showing up again, we need to be ready. That means I want to see you all in the Danger Room bright and early tomorrow."

"No."

"What was that, Rogue?" Xavier asked.

"Ah said, 'no,'" Rogue repeated. "Joseph was buried a few days ago, an' now Remy's set ta join him!! But ya'll don't seem ta care!!"

"Rogue, you know that's not true," Storm said. "We all care about Remy."

"Wouldn't go that far..." Angel muttered.

"Please Warren, not now."

Angel looked to see Phoenix's eyes staring him in the face, pleading with him.

"That's exactly what Ah'm talkin' 'bout!!!" Rogue exclaimed, pointing to Angel. "Here he goes, still hatin' Remy with a passion!! Y'd think he's be able ta forgive 'n' forget, like the rest of us!!"

"THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH!!!"

"Get outta mah head, Prof!!" Rogue exclaimed. "Ya'll can train as much as ya want!! But Ah ain't leavin' Remy's side!!"

"Rogue, you can't just--"

"Leave her be, Scott," Xavier calmly said. "If Rogue doesn't wish to improve her skills, if she wants to end up like Gambit, that's her choice. Let her play out her little melodrama."

"Shut up, Xavier!!" Quicksilver barked. "The fact of the matter is Rogue is right!! You have been working us too hard, and the reason Marrow was able to get the drop on Gambit is because of exhaustion!! Exhaustion caused by you overworking us in the Danger Room!! We know how to use our powers, and we have saved the world a dozen times over!! Quite frankly, we can handle anything you can throw at us!! Now, you're simply going too far!!"

"Okay, everyone just calm down..." Shadowcat calmly pleaded. "No need to get all bent out of shap--"

"Why did you join the X-Men, Pietro?" Xavier asked. "I assumed because you wanted to be a part of something important, something that had meaning. But now I see it was only to make you think that you had done better than your father."

"Don't you EVER compare me to him AGAIN!!!" Quicksilver exclaimed.

"If you're only going to question my authority Quicksilver," Xavier began. "Then perhaps the X-Men isn't where you belong."

Xavier turned his hoverchair to the door and left, leaving the X-Men alone with each other.

"Well, that went well," Phoenix said.

"It's like I've been sayin'," Wolverine said. "The old man's off his rocker."

"That makes two of us..." Shadowcat muttered.

"Katya...?" Colossus asked, looking at her.

"Oh come on, Peter!" she exclaimed. "Don't tell me you think everything's going fine!"

"Nyet, but..." he began, then stopped himself.

"I would contribute most of it to stress," Beast said. "The past few months have been daunting on our fearless founder. Once the threat of Onslaught was gone, we all assumed things would return to normal."

"Big mistake there..." Iceman said. "Things have only seemed to be getting worse..."

Storm looked over at Rogue, who sat in a chair by Gambit's bed, watching them intently, holding his limp hand in hers.

"We shall discuss this more tomorrow," she said, not taking her eyes off Rogue. "Right now, it would be wise for us all to get some sleep."

"Ororo's right," Cyclops said. "We'll talk after the training session."

The X-Men walked out of the room leaving Gambit and Rogue. Storm stayed behind.

"Ya kin go on ta bed, 'Roro," she said.

"Are you sure you want to stay down here?" Storm asked.

"Nuthin' could get me ta leave Remy's side right now."

"As you wish," Storm said. She looked at Rogue once more before she walked out. "Pleasant dreams, Rogue."

"Yeah, you too..."

She lightly stroked Gambit's bare hand with her gloved one. How she longed to touch him without risk of her absorbing his memories and powers. Simply to let him hold her--to kiss her. To love her. Why did life have to be so unfair? If she could never touch anyone, then why was she cursed to fall in love? Was this just some test of faith? To see how badly she wanted to touch? To see how strong her and Remy's love for each other was?

"The other day, a terrorist band of mutants calling themselves the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants attacked the downtown Manhattan area. The price of property damage has reached into the millions. This is Trish Tilby reporting."

The screen flashed from the face of Trish Tilby on the scene to a newsroom with an anchorman addressing the camera.

"Thank you, Trish. Now, we go live to protests outside the United Nations building."

The screen flashed once again. This time, there were dozens of people crowding in front of the UN building holding picket signs.

"Thank you, Sam," a female reporter said. "Ever since the United Nations granted Magneto soverign rule over the island-nation of Genosha,* there have been many protesters outside. Now, with the recent attack by the Brotherhood, their numbers have grown in size. As you can see, their reaction isn't very pleasent."

(* Back in Marvel's Magneto War story arc - Dino)

"THESE MUTANTS ARE DANGEROUS!!! IT'S BAD ENOUGH THE UN GAVE GENOSHA TO MAGNETO!!! NOW, WE'VE GOT MUTANT TERRORISTS HARMING INNOCENT CIVILIANS!!! IT'S TIME THE GOVERNMENT WISED UP AND DID SOMETHING TO ACTUALLY STOP THEM FROM DOING WHATEVER THEY WANT!!!"

"Reactions only grow worse," the reporter said. "The controversial Friends of Humanity have also been a major factor in these protests. This is Manoli Wetherell reporting."

The screen flashed back to the anchorman.

"As of now, Dr. Henry McCoy and the Scarlet Witch, both well-known mutants who both served on the Avengers, have declined to comment. Professor Charles Xavier, an expert on mutant relations and genetics, has been unavailable for comment. This is Sam Maeir, CBNC News, reporting."

Rogue lightly stirred, her eyes slowly fluttering open. She picked her head up from where it rested. When she saw where it rested, she almost cried out in shock.

Remy, no!! she thought. Ah must've dosed off! If mah skin touched Remy's then.... oh god, in his condition, it could kill him!!!

She looked around at the medical instruments. His vital signs were normal. She glanced down at the spot where her head was resting. Her hair must have been enough to block her powers.

Gambit's body began to lightly stir.

Rogue's eyes grew wide with hope and anticipation.

"Work fast!! Disable your opponents as quickly as possible!! Marrow is now our enemy, Joseph is dead, and Gambit is seriously injured. We cannot afford any luxuries!! We must be prepared for anything at any moment!!"

"It'd probably be easier if ya weren't working us like dogs..." Wolverine muttered, slicing through robot drones with his bone claws.

"Try to stay calm, Logan," Jean's telepathic "voice" came. As she broke the brief contact with Wolverine, what appeared to be a flaming bird surrounded her as she assaulted the drones with telekinesis.

Cyclops tried not to notice this. Instead, he concentrated on the task at hand. However, it was impossible to avoid. When they left the X-Men for a brief time, Jean began wearing her old Phoenix costume. In the wake of Onslaught, it concerned him whether the Phoenix Force had returned to Jean. Now, with that "Phoenix Effect" occuring when she used her powers, it raised his concern even more. Years ago, the X-Men were forced to fight one of their most difficult battles when the Phoenix became Dark Phoenix.* It.... didn't end well. He shuddered to think what might happen if the Phoenix had returned.

(* As if you didn't know, in Marvel's classic, Dark Phoenix Saga - Dino)

This isn't good, Storm thought, turning her elemental powers on a group of drones. We are all preoccupied. After last night, we are still somewhat shaken up. Not to mention the past events. The Professor fails to notice this, however. And that worries me. But I am most concerned about Rogue. There were harsh words exchanged between her and Charles last night. I wonder what will become of her--of all the X-Men--if the Professor keeps pushing us to great lengths. I know he means well, but this is too much.

"You're slacking!!" Xavier exclaimed from the control room. "If these drones were the Acolytes, or the Brotherhood, or the Hellfire Club, or the Sentinels, you would all be dead!! This proves that you're not up to your full capabilities!!"

"Another lecture?" Iceman whispered to the Beast.

"Another lecture," Beast whispered back to his longtime friend.

As Gambit awoke, Rogue was surprised she didn't scream.

"REMY!!! YER ALL RIGHT!!!"

"'Course I am, cher," Gambit replied. "But I won't be if ya keep squeezin' me like dat."

Rogue realized her error and loosened her grip on Remy.

"Sorry."

"Can't t'ink of a better way t'die," Gambit said. "So, mind fillin' dis ol' Cajun in? Last t'ing I 'member was Marrow t'rowin' one of her bones--at me!! Den everyt'ing went black."

"Yeah, well we think that th' Dark Beast is behind th' new Brotherhood," Rogue said. "Marrow knows 'bout your role in the Mutant Massacre. We think he might've told her. That's why she tried ta kill ya, sugah."

"Can't say I blame de girl..." Gambit muttered. The one thing he couldn't stand more than anything in the world was the fact that he was responsible for the cold-blooded slaughter of the Morlocks. All because he wanted something. Something only Mr. Sinister could give him.* "What else happened while I was out?"

(* All this was revealed in Marvel's Uncanny X-Men #350, except for exactly WHAT Sinister gave Gambit - Dino)

"An argument with the Professor," Rogue replied. "Kinda like what Wolverine did."*

(* Back in M2K's X-Men #1 - Dino)

"Rogue, I was wondering how you--"

"Hey Stormy," Gambit said.

"Remy.... you're awake?" Storm asked.

"Obviously," Gambit replied.

She grinned, walking over to his bed.

"I am glad you are all right, my friend," she said. "You did have us worried for awhile there."

"Like it or not, yer stuck wit' dis ol' t'ief," he said.

"I'll go inform Henry about your awakening," Storm said. "I believe it would be better to stay here until he's given you any instructions."

Dr. Alda Huxley was never so compelled as she was today. There was something.... odd about her predecessor--Professor Charles Xavier. For some odd reason, he was present with the X-Men in the Artic. When the United Nations informed Magneto that he was now in charge of Genosha.

He has always been a firm believer that humans and mutants could co-exist. A dreamer. Humans alone had trouble co-existing. Throw mutants into the mix and you have something completely different.

Whatever his motives, he, like the rest of the world, was strongly opposing Magneto's rule over Genosha. She would think he, of all people, would appreciate it. Magneto was allowing humans and mutants to co-exist in Genosha. This was what Xavier wanted. This was his dream realized.

Yet, he still opposed it. What was it about him?

She looked through the past records for him. A few years ago, there was an attempted assasination on him. During a Lila Cheny rock concert in Madison Square Garden. He was giving a speech about human/mutant relations.

The idiot. You couldn't just preach in the middle of a rock concert. What was he thinking?

The phone rang.

"Dr. Huxley," she said, answering it.

"Yes, I know who you are, doctor."

"Who is this?"

"I understand you're suspicious of one Charles Francis Xavier."

"Who is this?" she repeated, her tone growing a tad bit angry.

"Now, now, now. That's no way to talk to an associate, is it?"

"You won't even tell me your name."

"My name is unimportant. But, I do have knowledge which may be interesting to you. Concerning the good professor, that is."

Huxley's ears perked up.

"I'm listening...."

NEXT ISSUE: Looks like the Genoshan Ambassador has it in for Xavier. Speaking of Xavier, what's eating him? First, check out Uncanny X-Men #4 for more on Xavier, then be here in 30 for part one of "Death of a Dream".