The mutant known as Rogue has the uncontrollable ability of absorbing the energy of others through physical contact, temporarily incorporating their abilities, powers, memories and even personality with a touch, a process which wears her victims out.[16] A runaway,[17] Rogue was found and adopted by mutant terrorists Mystique and Destiny.[18][19] She had her abilities traumatically activated when she shared her first kiss with a boy and put him into a coma.[20] As part of Mystique's Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, Rogue accidentally learned from Destiny that the super-heroine Ms. Marvel was destined to bring tragedy to their life. Deciding to secretly attack Ms. Marvel, Rogue unexpectedly absorbed her entire persona, permanently keeping not only her flight and super-strength powers but also her psyche.[21][16] Gravely affected by this experience, Rogue had no choice but to seek help with Mystique's enemy, Professor Charles Xavier, founder and leader of the X-Men. Contrary to other members' disapproval, Xavier took Rogue in as part of the team.[22]
Rogue soon proved her worth by becoming one of Xavier's most loyal soldiers by not being afraid of putting herself in danger to protect others.[23] With the X-Men, she found relative peace[24] and even managed to get rid of Ms. Marvel's identity.[25] After a long period with the X-Men, she had different opportunities to lead the team,[26][27] and also to live a normal powerless life.[28] A notable super hero, Rogue was also a member of the Avengers Unity Division, a team designed to improve mutant-human relations,[29] eventually becoming the leader of the team.[30]
After getting married to her long-time teammate and lover, Gambit,[1] Rogue started to enjoy options to keep her powers in check.[31] Alongside her husband, Rogue once again took up the role of leading the X-Men, this time establishing a sanctuary in the bayou area of Louisiana in order to offer asylum to young mutants in need of shelter and guidance.[32]
