Disclaimer: The X-Men belong to Marvel. Sikudhani and Cierra belong to Darqstar. Robin Gavinsky is mine. I am not making any money off of this. Or if I am then I don't know about it. :D

This is an X-S story. I would like to thank Darqstar for letting me use her characters. I feel truely honored. Anyways I hope you enjoy it!!!

Siku's thoughts were interrupted as several children walked into the classroom. She groaned inwardly when she noticed one of the children was Bethany. Oh great she thought here it comes.

"Well well if it isn't Sikudhani McCoy!" Bethany waved some grand gesture with her hands as she spoke. "Just the blue furred freak that I was looking for." Bethany sneered her last words at Siku.

Siku rolled her eyes in frustration. Bethany once again obviously wanted her to start arguing, but Siku refused to give her the pleasure. She thought Bethany and her friends who always sat there huddled together were more or less pathetic. Siku decided to just continue ignoring her.

She wasn't given that option though when suddenly a wonderfully familar voice started speaking from the doorway. "Why Bethany I thought you were looking for me. Guess not though. Anyways I just wanted to let you know that Siku refuses to talk to people who are the reason blond jokes were started. So you might want to run along now."

Bethany looked at Siku and then at her friend giving them each a hateful look before departing.

"Cierra you didn't have to do that."

"Yes I did. You obviously weren't going to, and somebody needs to put her in her place." Cierra said those last words loud enough for the class to hear.

"Well yeah I guess. I just wish she did not have this vendetta on me. I don't get it."

"Ya know Siku for an eleven year old you sure talk like you are twenty or something."

Siku blushed with the compliment. She did not have a chance to respond when suddenly her first period teacher walked in the room with a student she did not recognize.

"Good morning class."

"Good morning Mr. Briswall." The students chanted in unison.

"I have two important announcements to make this morning before we start the class." The student beside him shifted on her feet nervously.

"First off I want to tell you that you all did excellent on your math tests. The lowest grade in the class was an 84 which was made by Bethany. Congratulations Bethany you have worked very hard and it is paying off. And the highest grade with the extra credit belongs to Sikudhani with and 105. Congratulations all of you." Each student beamed with pride as he passed the tests out.

"Next students I want to announce that we have a new student among our ranks. Her name is Robin Gavinski. Treat her as you would treat yourselves." Mr. Briswall smiled. "Robin why don't you go sit in the empty desk next to Siku." He pointed.

"Mr. Briswall?" A child named Jerry yelled loudly.

"Yes Jerry. What is it?"

"Not to be rude or anything, but what is wrong with her? She looks about as freakish as Siku!" All of the children busted out laughing at that statement. All except the Robin, Siku, and Cierra.

"There is nothing wrong with Robin, Jerry, and I expect to see you after school for thirty minutes today."

Siku stopped paying attention to the conversation after that. All of her thoughts wer focussed on the young girl sitting beside her. Robin was looking down at her desk in what looked like a pitiful attempt at hiding. Siku smiled grimly knowing what the girl was going through.

Siku hated to stare, but she was also extremely curious. Something was wrong with the girl. She looked very palid and every now and then gave a small cough. But it was more than that. She looked as if she was the definition of sick. Like if you looked it up in a dictionary there would be a picture of Robin Gavinsky. Siku decided she would talk to the girl after school.

The school day seemed to drag out for Siku. The only thing she could think about was Robin. Siku found out that Cierra was also curious about the girl. They both decided they would take it upon themselves to befriend the girl.

"What do you think is wrong with her Siku?"

"I don't know, but I thought I would invite her over to the mansion so my father could look at her." Siku let out a few short coughs.

"Do you think that is wise Siku? Remember most kids aren't used to seeing a 300 pound blue furred man. She might like freak out if she saw him."

Siku thought about it for a minute before responding. "No I don't think so Cierra. She did not even flinch when she saw me. So I doubt that she is a mutant hater."

"Yeah I guess you are right, but I doubt she is just going to up and go to the mansion with you today."

Siku smiled at her friend. "Silly, I did not expect her to come over today. I just was hoping that I could get to know her before I invited her over."

The next day Jean had to bring Siku to school early again. Siku really was getting irritated because she was having to get up an hour earlier than usual. Not that she would ever mention it to Jean. Especially since that cold wintery holiday was coming up.

Siku walked into her class fully expecting to be the only one there again this morning. Much to her surprise Robin Gavinsky was there also. Siku decided this would be the perfect time to try and make friends with this girl. She felt her only problem was that this girl seemed even more shy than she herself was before she met Cierra.

Siku noticed that Robin glanced up at her when she walked in. But after that put her head back down on the desk resuming her former pose.

Siku knew that any conversation to be had would start with her.

"Hi my name is Siku McCoy."

Robin looked up warily before answering. "Hi I'm Robin. Robin Gavinsky."

Siku grimaced at how weak the girls voice seemed. She felt as if she were talking to the walking dead. She did not want to be rude though and mention it so she decided to continue with small talk.

"Where are you from Robin?"

"Clearwater, Florida. My parents and I only just recently moved here."

"Oh. Do you like the school so far?" The question sounded really stupid to Siku.

"Yeah, but I haven't really talked to anyone outside of you. Oh and a girl named Barth...no Bethy...no..."

"Bethany?"

"Yes thats it! She was making a lot of fun of me yesterday."

Siku smiled at the girl in sympathy. "Don't worry she does that to everyone. Including herself I bet. Just imagine Bethany at home looking in her mirror. 'I hate you! You are so ugly!' I think it would be really funny."

Robin let out a small giggle before continuing. "So she bothers you too? Why is that I wonder?"

Robin looked truely confused so Siku decided against sarcasm. "Well I am not sure if you noticed Robin, but I happen to be covered in blue fur. So far to this day Bethany can't stand anyone who doesn't look and act like her. Neither of us fit the bill."

Robin slowly began to gather more courage as she talked to Siku. They started to tell each other about their families. Siku only mentioned little details about her family. She knew there was no point in telling Robin who they really were.

"Wow Siku you have a very large family. I bet you are very happy." Robin said those words with such longing that Siku began to wonder about the girl even more.

"So Robin would you like to come over my house some day? We could play and stuff. You could also get to know Cierra."

"Is Cierra the girl I saw you with yesterday?"

"Yeah thats the one." Siku smiled.

"Ok. I will have to ask my parents though. Could my dad talk to your dad?"

"Sure let me give you my number and you can give me yours."

Soon after that other children began to pile into the classroom. Bethany for the first time in her life had nothing to say. Siku couldn't have been happier. Cierra was fifteen minutes late though.

Cierra rushed to her desk whispering an apology to Mr. Briswall.

"Hi Siku did I miss anything?"

"Not yet. I talked to Robin." Siku whispered to Cierra.

"Wow!" Cierra exclaimed. A quick look from Mr. Briswall lightened her enthusiasm. "On second thought tell me later."

"Hey Cierra can you come over today? Robin is coming."

"Hi Siku. I can't believe it. School is out for the winter!" Cierra did a little dance.

"So can you come? Uncle Remy is cooking."

Cierra grinned at her best friend. "Sure. I will be there around five. I have to go home first and tell my mom. Tell Robin that I said hi."

"No problem see you later Cierra."

Robin felt a little ill at ease being around all of Siku's family. Siku had already told her that they were not really blood related. She had also warned her about her father. Siku said that her father was really blue and furry. Robin smiled. She liked Siku a lot. Cierra too. But Siku was a lot like she was. Robin noticed a beautiful red haired woman coming towards her.

"Hi Robin. My name is Jean. I am one of Siku's aunts. Siku tells me you are new to the school. How do you like it so far?"

Robin thought the woman had such a nice smile and projected such warmth that she couldn't help but to tell her anything she wanted.

"Hi Jean. I like the school now that I have some friends. Siku has been very nice to me."

Before Jean could respond Siku ran into the room and grabbed Robin. "Come on Robin you have to meet my dad."

Scott Summers walked up and put his arms around his wife. "Hi dear whats wrong?" Scott noticed the frown on his wife's brow.

"Scott there is something wrong with that girl."

"What do you mean? Is she a threat?"

"No not to us or anyone else. Maybe to herself. She projects illness. She is a nice little girl but being close to her gave me an overwhelming sense of..."

"Of what Jean." Scott grew concerned. He rarely saw his wife in this condition.

Jean hesitated before answering her husband. "Death. She is like the walking dead Scott."

"Dad thankyou so much. I am so happy. Everything is great." Siku ended her words with a series of short coughs.

"We are glad you are happy Siku. Are you ok sunshine?" Hank McCoy frowned.

"Don't worry dad. No big deal." Siku smiled and began to carry her gifts upstairs to her room.

As soon as she left Jean began to question Hank. Siku's cough left his thoughts.

"Henry have you found anything out?"

"Well Jean without actually examining the girl there is not much I can say. I have concluded that she is a mutant. Alpha class most likely, but other than that...zilch."

Jean smiled grimly. She had an overwhelming sense of dread concerning this girl, but did not know why.

Siku, Robin, and Cierra were once again enjoying each others company after school. They had grown into fast friends and trusted each other completely. The three girls sat in Cierra's backyard building a snowman.

"Siku, Cierra? Can I talk to both of you about something?"

The seriousness in the girl's voice alerted the two girls. Siku and Cierra looked at eachother before telling Robin ok. Siku spoke first.

"Sure Robin. You can tell us anything."

"Yes absolutely. Robin, Siku and I are your friends. You can trust us with anything."

Robin paused before speaking. "Ok. I just wanted to tell you both the truth about me. You see...well I am a mutant. Like you Siku. I don't know exactly how it works, but my power takes the sickness out of other people and puts it into me."

Both Siku and Cierra were shocked. They had no idea this was the reason that Robin always looked sick.

Cierra found her voice first. "So this is the reason you are always sick. Wow Robin I don't know what to say really."

"Gosh Robin I am sorry. I mean that really seems like a bum power to be stuck with." Siku's voice was filled with concern. "Robin is this going to be fatal for you? I mean are you going to..."

"Die? I don't think so Siku. I mean that as long as I learn to control my power before I take in too much sickness. I have to learn how to let it out."

Cierra spoke up. "Let it out?"

"Well every now and then I have been able to let the sickness out of me. I just don't know how I did it. Once I learn thought then I will be ok."

"Dad I don't feel very good. I don't know whats wrong with me." Siku muttered as she walked into her father's lab.

Hank McCoy looked at his young daughter with growning alarm. She looked very ill and he could not imagine why he had not noticed it sooner. No he knew the reason, but did not want to admit it.

"Siku, sunshine, what is wrong? What are your symptoms?" He got up and started to walk over to her.

"Dad I just feel dizzy and very hot all of a sudden." She let out a few short coughs.

Hank sat his daughter down and began to run some tests on her. He kept up the small talk to keep her smiling. Inside though he was raging. He could not believe that he let his obsession with the Legacy Virus overwhelm his love for his daughter. These past few weeks he had come closer than ever to finding the elusive cure, but so far to no avail. Now his daughter sat in front of him deathly pale and coughing and he had not even noticed.

"Siku how long have you had that cough?"

"About a month dad."

"And you have never mentioned it to me?" Hank's words were sharper than he intended.

"I am sorry dad. It is just that it was never a BIG cough. Just one that would come back periodically. But over the past few days I have been feeling worse and worse. I did not want to bother you because I know how close you are to finding a cure."

Hank McCoy sighed. How could he be angry with her when he was the one at fault? "Sunshine you can come to me at anytime, with anything. You are the most important thing in my life. No matter what is wrong I will be here for you. Do you understand?"

Siku nodded weakly. "Yes dad. I love you."

"I love you too. Now be still while I run these tests." Hank smiled grimly.

Jean felt herself awaken through a sudden painful scream. Someone was screaming, mentally, so loud that it was causing her great pain. Jean quickly brought up psychic barriers to deal with the problem. Then she tried to focus on who the person was that was in distress.

Scott sat up beside her. "Jean what is wrong?"

"I don't know Scott. I just felt a huge psychic "scream" and I am trying to find the source." She paused for a moment. "Oh...oh my gosh it is Hank. Come on Scott this may have something to do with Siku."

Both husband and wife put on their clothes quickly and rushed down to Henry's lab. What the found there would continue to shock them for years.

The whole lab was in shambles. Nothing was left intact. And on his knees in the center of the room sat Hank McCoy who held his face in his hands as he cried screams of denial.

Jean rushed to her friends side as he began to explain the reason for his torment without her even having to ask. It only took a few words.

"Sikudhani has the Legacy Virus."

Robin Gavinsky sat in her room alone. She had an important decision to make. She knew that it had to be made alone so that is why she didn't involve her parents. Or her best friends Siku and Cierra.

Her mom and dad would never understand. They loved her, but these days they treated her different. Ever since she found out she was a mutant her life had changed dramatically. No more laughing. No more fun. She felt sick all of the time. But then that was her mutant power wasn't it? Robin laughed bitterly. If she had been able to find out how to release the sickness she took in then she would be fine. But she had only done that a few times and only then by accident.

Robin looked down at her arms where she had taken numerous cuts and scratches off of other people. Now her arms, her body was littered with scars. She did not always choose to take other people's pain. Sometimes her mutant power did it for her.

Now she had to decide if she wanted to take someone else's pain. She had to decide if she wanted to die for them.

The day of Robin Gavinsky's funeral was sunny and warm. Just like the girl herself. Sikudhani McCoy and her father stood close to the girl's family. The other X-Men were scattered about nearby. Siku noticed Cierra standing to her left.

The reverand went through the usual things that were said at such a funeral, but ended with some personal words.

"This young girl, Robin, gave her life so that another might live. Not many in this world are given that choice. Even fewer are brave enough to take it. God shall truely cherish this young one in his kingdom."

Not long after that people began to leave. Siku wanted to stay though and talk to Robin's parents. When they saw her coming they gave her a weak smile.

"Mr. and Mrs. Gavinsky I just wanted to let you know that Robin means a lot to me too. I know you must be upset that she gave up her life to save mine, but the only thing I can say is that I will do everything I can to make her sacrifice worthwhile." Siku felt the words sounded weak.

Mr. Gavinsky looked at the blue furry girl standing in front of him and smiled warmly. "Siku we will forever miss our daughter, but we understand why she did what she did. I don't think she told us her plans because she thought we would stop her..." He paused, "and she was right. But you must remember one thing. When our daughter first discovered she was a mutant she became miserable. Not because she was a mutant, but because she became sick or was riddled with injuries constantly. These last few months with you made her happy again. For that we are grateful."

Mrs. Gavinsky began to speak. "Yes Siku, neither of us resent you for what our daughter did. I wish there had been some other way, but I know there was not. I felt in my heart that my daughter would not live a long life. When we found out what her mutant power was I knew that my intuition was correct. I am mainly happy that she lived the last several months of her life happy as she had once been." With that the woman put her arms around Siku and hugged her tightly.

Remy stood off to the side and watched to proceedings. He felt a sense of sadness that threatened to overwhelm him. How young, he thought, for this girl to know such courage and honor. Prehaps he could learn from this girls sacrifice. The mistakes of the past and the wrongs of today could be forgiven. He knew that now. This knowledge seemed to dawn on him from everything good that surrounded him. And suddenly tomorrow seemed to look much brighter. Remy felt the sunshine wash through him as if it were a new beginning. And he wondered if this were Robin's last attempt at taking the pain away...

Remy ended the thought by taking Rogue's hand and walking towards tomorrow.

Did you like it? :D Send any questions, comments, or concerns to me at ShardNAtl@aol.com. Thanx...