Ultimate X-Men: Cry Wolf: Conclusion
Issue: #53
Writer: Brian K. Vaughan
Pencils: Andy Kubert
Inker: Danny Miki
Colors: Justin Ponsor

As the X-Jet approaches New York City, Jean Grey tells the assembled rescue team that two of the mutant signatures belong to Rogue and Gambit; the other two belong to a pair of mutants named Von Strucker. Warren identifies them as Andrea and Andreas, two `creepy` billionaires. He adds that no one can tell if the two are married or siblings.

In the lobby of the Empire State Building, Wolverine confronts Gambit in an attempt to rescue Rogue. The Von Struckers, meanwhile, discover their security teams have been silenced. Andreas destroys a desk with a power beam; outside in the X-Jet, Dazzler notices the light. Iceman forces Nightcrawler to teleport them both inside the office, over the objections of both Cyclops and Shadowcat. The two would-be rescuers face off with the Von Struckers, who blast Nightcrawler and Iceman with an energy beam.

Gambit and Wolverine are still fighting in the lobby, with Gambit gaining the upper hand for a moment. As the two square off again, Rogue picks up a weapons and threatens Wolverine with it. Above, Angel flies Peter in close to the building; just before Peter hits the office window, he assumes his metal form as Colossus. He grabs both of the Von Stuckers as Jean mentally floats herself into the office after him. All the X-Men really want is Rogue, she tells them. They suggest she try the lobby.

Downstairs, Rogue struggles to convince Wolverine that Gambit isn`t the villain here, adding that all of them have been forced to do things in their lives by evil people. She accuses Wolverine of being an animal. As Storm walks in, having finally caught up with Logan, he pushes past her and walks out, claiming that he never belonged with the X-Men in the first place. Storm tells Rogue off, informs her that Wolverine loves her like a sister, and flies off after him.

Rogue, unsure of what she wants at this point, decides she needs time alone to think. Gambit asks her to spend that time with him. She tells him he can call her by her given name, Marian. The two kiss, but are interrupted by the arrival of the rest of the X-Men. Rogue tells them that she`s dropping out of the school. Jean tries to convince her to stay, telling her that the X-Men are her family. Rogue refuses, and walks way with Gambit. When Kitty tries to comfort Bobby, he pushes her away. The X-Men are left standing, unspeaking, in the rain.

Submitted By: Seldes Katne