Back at the X-Mansion

X-Mansion

"Lilith, something's wrong... I'm trying to connect to your mind, but I'm not getting anything," Power Girl told her partner. "What's going on?"

Lilith looked up at the Kryptonian. "I think our psychic link may have been severed... if I had to guess, I'd say it happened when we transformed the Shadow King into a form we could interact with. In fact, I'm not detecting any signs of your telepathic abilities anymore."

PG nodded in understanding, slightly disappointed. "I see. That's... not great for our business."

"No, it's not. I guess I could still keep the practice going..."

"And you should. We were doing good work," PG pointed out. "But I think it's time I moved on. I've got some ideas for computer software I haven't seen in this universe yet... I think it's time for Starrware to make a 'comeback', so to speak."

"I'd be very interested in partnering up with you regarding those ideas," Emma interjected. "They're fascinating... we could make a *lot* of money together."

PG looked at Emma curiously. "How would you know about them... unless you've been looking around in my mind," the blonde pointed out. "And I don't recall inviting you in..."

Emma shrugged. "Guilty as charged," she admitted. "I'm a curious woman, and you intrigue me. By the way, some of the outfits you've pictured me wearing... well, I must say, you have impeccable taste."

PG's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in mild irritation. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised you took a look at *that* area of my psyche... OK, Emma. I'm willing talk business at some point... though I have to say, you don't come across as the most altruistic person."

"Honey, I'm a businesswoman," Emma answered, a knowing grin on her face. "But consider some of the alternatives. For example, would you rather work with, say, Sebastian Shaw? Or Lex Luthor?"

"True enough," PG admitted. "Give me a call sometime."

Jean and Charles walked into the room with Rogue, all looking pleased. "The Shadow King is under lock and key," Jean announced. "He won't be escaping his psychic prison anytime soon.

"Better yet, we've fully scanned Rogue's mind and she's completely free of outside influence," Charles added. "I've never seen her psyche so strong. You've done excellent work, Dr. Stetler."

"Call me Miss Starr from now on," PG replied with a smile. "I'm giving up psychiatry... I've got some other ideas that I want to pursue."

"I see. Well, in any event, I can't thank you and Dr. Clay enough for what you've done," Charles told her. "Rogue is now in complete control of her abilities, and the astral plane is much safer with the Shadow King imprisoned."

Rogue walked up to PG, her hands uncovered as she smiled warmly at the blonde. She took PG's hand in hers, and her eyes began to tear up. "It really worked, Kara," she whispered, her voice cracking a little. "I... I can touch other people now."

PG pulled Rogue into a hug as the X-Woman began to cry happily. "We did it, Rogue."

Rogue then turned to Lilith and hugged her as well. "Thank you, Lilith. I'll never forget what the two of ya done for me."

"Of course, Rogue. It was our pleasure," Lilith told the X-Woman.

Rogue then wiped her eyes and looked at everyone in the room. "Y'all mind if PG and I take off? I'd kinda like to talk to her in private."

The rest of the room nodded, and Rogue and PG walked out of the study, arm in arm. Have fun, Emma's voice rang out in the pair's mind. Both women looked over at her to see a smug grin on her face as she waved goodbye. Jean, too, had a smile on her face, albeit a much warmer, less mischievous one.

As soon as the two were alone, Rogue pulled PG into a deep kiss. After a few moments of bliss, the pair separated, and Rogue's cheeks were flushed.

"Sorry. I've just... I've been waitin' to do that for a long time," she explained, slightly breathlessly.

"To kiss me, or to kiss in general?" PG teased.

Rogue giggled. "Both," she replied. "But mostly to kiss you. I been sweet on ya for a while now, y'know..."

"The feeling's mutual," PG admitted. "Wanna go somewhere a little more private?"

"My bedroom ain't far," Rogue replied, grinning and taking PG's hand again. Her heart fluttered as she did so; being able to hold PG's hand was an incredible feeling she couldn't quite describe. "Follow me."