Disclaimer:
I don't own X-Men Evolution, though I wish I did.
Summary:
A terrible plague grips Bayville, that sweeps through the mutant population. Panic escalates from the quarantined citizens of the peaceful city as the X-Men seek a cure and an explanation on the origins of the epidemic. And all the while, the number of sick continue to grow. Takes place after "Ascension, II" and is also a sequel to my other stories "Nullification" and "Weapon X24." Minor references to just about every other story I've written, but recommend reading of those two to understand plot elements.
It was quiet that day. Snow covered the ground, nearly a foot high in some places. There was little doubt in the students minds that school had been cancelled for the day.
As such, most of them slept in.
The younger students didn't, determined to enjoy the snow while it lasted, and grabbed their snow boots and heavy jackets, heading out (or in Rahne's case) bounding out into the snow, there then began a winter tradition. One that was observed at least once every winter at the Xavier Institute, after it snowed.
Mutant snowball fight.
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It was around noon when the snowball fight ended, Bobby of course the winner by technical avalanche. Thus it was that Ororo watched the students come in, practically drowning in snow that was quickly melting. Thus she quickly advised them to leave their wet boots in the foyer before they tracked snow all over the nice clean Institute. No sense in giving them more work to do later.
Amara was the only exception. A quick flame up and she was dry, as well as her clothes. So it was that the dark-haired islander made her way to the women's bathroom to enjoy a nice, hot shower. Hot water was always enjoyable, especially after being out in the cold. She could not understand how native New Yorkers survived it every year.
"Ah, what a wonderful day," she sighed blissfully, as the hot water washed over her.
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"What a miserable day," grumbled Logan to himself, trying his absolute best to maintain his composure. It was becoming more and more difficult as the kids kept running up and down the hallways, laughing, talking, or listening to music at high volumes. Living with teenagers was usually bad enough, but to have to deal with them on non-school days was something even Logan didn't enjoy.
Thus, only one thing the dark-haired man could do. He tossed down his newspaper onto the counter and marched down the stairs to Xavier's office, entering without even bothering to knock.
"Something troubling you Logan?" asked Xavier, folding the book he'd been reading. He marked his place with one finger as he turned his chair to regard the gruff Wolverine. He was, to say the least, unhappy looking. And his thoughts were projecting.
"I'm goin' on a trip. Got, uh... things to do," he stated.
Any student or resident at the Xavier Institute could very easily tell you it isn't easy to fool a telepath. Jean it was easier with, thought her gift still made it very hard to surprise her for her birthday and other such events. But Xavier, who's mental powers were so greatly advanced, could sense surface thoughts from people just by being near them, without actually going into heir minds (something he never did without permission or with no other choice). Thus, he could easily tell what 'things' Logan was going to do.
Xavier nodded, and Logan didn't bother wasting another moment. Never mind that there was ice on the roads and there was a travel warning, he grabbed his bike, donned his helmet, and all but rocketed out of the Institute and on to the horizon. He'd been in worse weather. After all, he lived in Canada for a while at least (or at least as far as he could remember) and they had winters that made New York look like the Bahamas at this time of year.
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Kurt grumbled, finally tearing the covers off his head, but it was only so he could breath more easily. Being sick, he decided, was no fun. Not that he'd ever been sick much in his life, but when he was, it hit him hard and fast and generally hung around for a while.
Grumbling he slipped out of bed, changed his clothes and made his way downstairs for a late breakfast. No, he decided, after checking the time. An early lunch.
"Ewww, Kurt! You're trailing fur all over the place!"
"Arrgghh Kitty," grimaced Kurt, clutching his sore head. He felt like his skull was going to split open, it ached so much. And a certain whiney, high-pitched voice not even a full meter from his sensitive ears wasn't helping. Coupled with his stuffy nose and lethargy, he felt close to half-dead. "Not so loud, I'm like less than three feet from you."
"Oh sorry Kurt," she said, as she finally got a good look at him. "You alright?"
"Not really... but I should be good. Just need some calories..." he said, then muffled a cough behind his three-fingered hand.
"Need some Excedrin?" she asked, as always eager to help.
"Ja, if its not too much trouble."
"I'll meet you in the kitchen," Kitty replied, immediately placing her arms behind her back and phasing through the floor, vanishing from sight. Kurt smiled, then grimaced as another cough seized him. He definitely hated being sick. Still, not much he could do about it but get some food, get some medicine, and get some rest. At least he wasn't missing school.
Though, he thought, he wouldn't have been complaining if he was.
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Elsewhere in Bayville, at the Brotherhood Boarding house, the five mutant delinquents known as the Brotherhood lounged around their home, lazily finding way to amuse themselves whilst being snowed in. This mostly consisted of Fred and Pietro gathered around the television. With the new funds Magneto was sending them, they now enjoyed cable TV and all the wonders it brought with it. Lance was upstairs, working in his room on his guitar. He'd been given the day off from his regular job and was doing his best to enjoy.
Wanda was, to the disbelief of her housemates, outside, making snow angels. And of course wherever Wanda went, so there would be found Todd, though for once the slimy green boy was keeping out of his baby cakes way, watching her instead from a nearby tree branch.
A cold gripped the long-tongued mutant known as the Toad (and a number of other names not nearly as pleasant) and he coughed gently, quickly muffling it so as not to disrupt the peaceful scene beneath him. Just the winter air, he decided. Afterwards he'd head in and warm up. Must be part of his mutation, being susceptible to cold and what not. Todd had never claimed to be much of a scientist or even a good student, but he had taken a particular interest in frogs and amphibians, ever since Mystique had recruited him and told him what he was.
Another cough seized him, but it passed quickly, and he paid it no mind. He had more interest in his raven-haired angel, drawing her wings in the ivory snow.
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The day passed on with little excitement. Being snowed in quickly grew boring as most of the younger students clustered in the living room to watch the television and hope they could find something they could all agree on watching. Thus far, no luck. To make matters worse, food in the fridge and pantry were all but gone, save enough for dinner. And growing teenagers need their food. Nowhere was this more true with growing mutant teenagers.
Kurt had retired again to bed after his late lunch, and after Kitty had been kind enough to provide him with some medication for his cold. As it was, Sam was also sick, and the Kentucky farm boy (as he was affectionately known) hadn't even bothered to get out of bed. Then again, Kurt might not have earlier if he'd not been so hungry. His hyper-active metabolism really was a pain to live with sometimes. Then again, Kitty was still dead-jealous of his ability to all but inhale food and not gain an ounce.
"I certainly hope no one plans on catching this cold themselves tomorrow," said Ororo, as she stepped into the living room, drawing everyone's attention. "The board says the roads will be clear, so that means school. No excuses," she stated, hands on her hips, in the most stern voice she could do. Which really wasn't all that stern, but most of the kids got her message anyway.
Just in case, Ororo would ask Logan to make sure when he got back. Provided it was before tomorrow, of course. He'd been known for taking longer and longer trips away from the Institute these days. Said he needed space away from the kids.
Ororo walked briskly down the hallways back towards the kitchen to finish working on dinner. Rahne was already there, as tonight was her turn to assist the white-haired matron of the Xavier Institute with cooking. It was a rotational system with the chores of the house, though additional tasks were placed on those who broke the rules. No one had, at least nothing major, ever since the Joyriding incident way back when Lance had left the X-Men.
"Hi Miss Munroe," said Rahne, with typical cheerfulness as she sat in a nearby chair backwards, arms resting on the backrest. "Waters just started to boil. What's next?"
"Dice up some carrots for me if you would," replied Ororo, making her way to check the water and lower the temperature.
"Sure thing!" said Rahne with a flip of her two short ponytails. She all but leapt into the task with the same enthusiasm she showed in every aspect of her life. Ororo smiled, chuckling to herself. Only Kurt was more energetic than Rahne, and then only by a little. Well, and maybe Quicksilver, but that boy never put his energy to good use. At least, not that Ororo had ever seen, and since he'd been Evan's friend since childhood, she knew him better than most.
As always, the thought of Evan made her eyes water, but she told herself it was only the steam from the boiling pot.
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As the day winded down, the students were disappointed to see no more snow was falling in the night sky. Thus it was that they were forced to bed at the regular curfew time by their well meaning guardians Hank, Ororo and Xavier. Thought it was a welcome change from Logan walking in, popping an adamantium claw and saying 'Bed. Now.'
And so it was the students headed to their individual rooms, changed into the pajamas and night clothes, and lay down to rest as the lights winked off one by one. The utter silence of the night was broken only by the sounds of coughing from those still sick.
Coughing that, through the night, seemed only to grow worse...
Author's Notes:
And so, at long last, a sequel story. Primarily a sequel to Nullification, but also mentions most of my other stories prior to this, as well as episodes from the Evo series (which is now cancelled, darn). Ah well, up to me and the other fanfiction writers to pick up the slack. Now that my personal stay-within-the-episode restrictions have been lifted, expect more canon characters and wonderful plots to slowly and tastefully emerge into my stories. I suspect Psylocke will be first, but we'll see. As for this particular story, any guesses on my choice of title? Come on now, my X-Men fans, you can figure it out, you're smart. Two words. Two simple words. Initials of L.V. Come on, I'm all but handing the plot away to you!
As always, reviews welcome and appreciated. Flames will be used to clear the snow from my driveway on cold mornings. Anyone who sues me for using Evo characters will not walk away with more than my entire life savings. Which is a measly five piestas.
