The mansion was unusually quiet, an uneasy calm before the storm. Rory found herself standing in the corner of Professor Xavier's office, a silent observer amidst the hurried discussion. The room was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the faces of those present. Rory's eyes flickered from one person to another, trying to make sense of the tension hanging in the air.

The senator's transformation into a mutant was a jarring development. The fact that he was a vehement anti-mutant figure only added a layer of irony to the situation, but the gravity of the discovery was deeply unsettling.

"The machine emits radiation that triggers mutation in ordinary human beings," the Professor began, his voice a calm anchor amidst the storm. Rory's attention sharpened. She had heard whispers about Magneto's plans but hadn't fully grasped the magnitude until now.

"But the mutation is unnatural," Jean added, her voice laced with concern. "Kelly's body is rejecting it. His cells began to break down almost immediately."

Rory shivered. The senator's transformation was horrific—a cruel twist of fate that underscored the peril they all faced. She glanced at Scott, whose expression was unreadable, though she could see the tension in his jaw.

"What effects does radiation have on mutants?" Scott's question broke the silence, his voice steady but filled with underlying concern.

"There appears to be none," the Professor replied. "But I fear it will seriously harm any normal person exposed to it."

Rory felt a knot of unease tighten in her stomach. The distinction between "normal" and "mutant" seemed to blur more each day. The thought of anyone—mutant or human—being harmed by Magneto's machine was horrifying.

"So what does Magneto want with Rogue?" Logan's gruff voice cut through the room, frustration evident. He paced restlessly, his hands clenched and unclenched as if trying to restrain himself from lashing out.

"I don't know," Xavier admitted, his gaze steady on Logan. The uncertainty in his voice only seemed to heighten Logan's agitation.

Rory's mind wandered as she looked around the room. She felt like an outsider, caught in a war she never asked to be a part of. Everyone seemed to have a role in the unfolding events—except her. She wondered about the senator's condition, whether he was still clinging to life or if the mutation had consumed him.

Scott's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Wait a second. You said this machine draws its power from Magneto and that it weakened him."

"Yes," Xavier confirmed, nodding gravely. "In fact, it nearly killed him."

Realization dawned on Logan's face. "He's going to transfer his power to Rogue and use her to power the machine."

Rory's heart skipped a beat. Magneto's plan was as dangerous as it was chilling. The horror on everyone's faces mirrored her own. The situation had just escalated to a new level of danger.

Xavier's voice broke through the tension. "Cyclops, you and Storm ready the jet. I'm going to find Rogue. Jean, get Logan a uniform."

"Whoa, wait a minute," Scott said, his voice rising. "He's not coming with us, is he?"

"Yes," Xavier said, moving on.

"I'm sorry, Professor, but he'll endanger the mission, and if—"

"Hey, I wasn't the one who gave the train station a new sunroof, pal."

"No, you were the one who stabbed Rogue through the chest."

"Hey, why don't you all take this little mission and stick it up your—"

Annoyed, Rory cut in sharply. "Boys! Nothing is getting done by you two bickering. For the love of God, get your testosterone under control and learn to tolerate each other for two damn minutes before I go and find the girl myself."

Jean stifled a chuckle at Rory's frustration.

The room fell silent for a moment before Storm burst in. "Senator Kelly is dead."

"I'm going to find her," Xavier said firmly. "Someone make sure these two settle this."

--------------

Professor Xavier had collapsed while trying to locate Rogue. Now he lay on a hospital bed in the lab, electrodes taped to his head, his eyes closed.

"I'm sorry," Logan said quietly to Scott.

Scott's face was troubled as he stood by the Professor's side. Rory glanced at him, considering delving into his thoughts but deciding against it; it wouldn't be right.

The Professor's eyes eventually fluttered open, though he seemed unresponsive. Scott and Rory stood vigil, with Scott speaking softly. "You can still hear me, can't you? You've taught me everything that truly matters in life. And if anything happens... I'll take care of them."

Fueled by determination, Rory made her way to Cerebro, desperate to locate Rogue. She had grown fond of the young girl, admiring her bravery, and was resolved to do everything in her power to save her.

She entered Cerebro and began tinkering with the device's receptors, locating an unusual substance depleting one of the signals. She unplugged it quickly, the mass turning back into its original blue pigment.

As she placed the metal device on her head, the air-compressed doors began to close. Realizing her intentions, Scott called out her name, hoping to stop her.

Suddenly, Rory cried out in agony as an overwhelming sensation overtook her mind. She gasped, releasing her grip on the machine and sliding to the floor.

In an instant, Scott was by her side, gently cupping her face and tracing his fingers along her cheekbones as he whispered comforting words in her ear.

"I know where Magneto is."

As Rory's breathing steadied, Scott combed his fingers through her red-auburn hair and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "Don't ever do something that reckless again without me."

------------

"Magneto's here—Liberty Island," Scott announced as a holographic map materialized on the table.

"His likely objective is to mutate the world leaders at the U.N. summit on Ellis Island," he continued.

"But he doesn't know that his machine is lethal," Storm added, her voice filled with concern. "And from what the Professor glimpsed, if Magneto channels enough power through Rogue..."

"He could annihilate everyone in New York City," Jean finished, the gravity of the situation settling heavily over the group.

Scott quickly outlined their plan, pointing to the map. "We'll insert here, at the George Washington Bridge, and then come around the bank just off Manhattan. We'll land on the far side of Liberty Island, here."

"What about harbor patrol? Radar?" Logan asked, skepticism evident.

Scott smirked. "If they have anything that can pick up our jet, they deserve to catch us."

The team disbanded to prepare for the mission, the air buzzing with a quiet intensity. Rory lingered in the hallway, her thoughts racing as she tried to process everything that had happened. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Scott standing beside her, his expression softening.

"We'll get through this," Scott said, his voice steady. "We've faced tough odds before, and we'll do it again."

Rory nodded, drawing strength from his words. "I know. It's just... Rogue's so young. She didn't ask for any of this."

"None of us did," Scott replied, his tone laced with understanding. "But we're both here together. That's what makes us strong."

Before Rory could respond, the doors to the mansion swung open, and the group made their way to the Blackbird, the sleek jet that would carry them to the battle ahead. The time for talking was over. Now, it was time to act.

As they boarded the jet, Logan took the back seat, his gaze fixed ahead as the engines roared to life. Storm and Jean took their positions, while Scott, ever the leader, conducted a final check on the team.

"Stay focused," Scott instructed, his tone commanding yet calm. "This isn't just about Rogue. We're fighting for everyone out there who can't fight for themselves."

Rory took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. She glanced at Scott, and for a brief moment, their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.

As the Blackbird lifted off, the mansion quickly faded into the distance. The team set their sights on the island where Magneto awaited. The mission was clear: save Rogue, stop Magneto, and prevent the disaster that loomed on the horizon.

The battle ahead would be unlike anything they had faced before, but together, they would face it head-on, ready to defend a world that feared and hated them.