Author's note: Warning – character death in this chapter!

Sorry for taking so long to update; first I had major writers block, then someone I know fell very sick, and I was worrying about her, not fanfic!!

Streetwise Girl: :-) Glad you're enjoying it …

X3: Thanks for the encouragement … :-) Hope this one is up to scratch.

Chapter 6: Storm Clouds of Emotion

Logan ran into the halls of the mansion, carrying Rogue in his arms, with Bobby close on his heels. They shoved open the doors of the Professor's study, to find him and Storm inside. They both looked up; Xavier's face showing relief that they had found Rogue, and Storm's showing concern for the girl's condition.

"Where's Mystique?" Bobby asked.

"She's in the hospital wing under the guard of Cyclops," Xavier replied, "which is why Rogue should not be placed there."

"But – why should Mystique get the hospital wing, and not Rogue? Mystique attacked Rogue," Bobby yelled.

Storm shook her head. "Bobby, we don't have time for this. I will explain later. Logan – carry her to her room, quickly."

Logan nodded, and set off.

"Bobby," Kitty called. The teenager turned; slightly annoyed.

"Not now, Kitty," he exclaimed.

"But – there's a letter for you," she called, pushing it towards him. Bobby took it without a second glance and shoved it in his pocket; then followed Logan back up the stairs. "Hey!" Kitty yelled. "Is Rogue okay?"

Bobby didn't even hear her.

Logan laid Rogue down on her bed. She still hadn't moved. "Where's Storm?" he asked.

"I dunno," Bobby said, his voice rising in panic. "She's coming I think."

"Too late, too late," Logan muttered feverishly. He stroked Rogue's hair as she lay – motionless and pale – on the bed. Logan reached out with his other hand, and touched Rogue's face … first with just the tips of his fingers; but then he gripped her tight with both hands. "C'mon, kid," he whispered. "Don't give up."

Bobby, standing to one side, felt suddenly helpless – what could he do? He paced slightly on the spot; a bundle of nerves.

His eyes widened as he saw the veins stand out in Logan's neck as the man gasped. Storm ran into the room. "Bobby – oh my God!" She ran towards Logan. "Logan! Let go!" Logan heard her dimly … but he couldn't understand. Why do I feel so dizzy? He wondered, as the blackness came rushing up to greet him.

Storm grabbed Logan and tried to support him as he fell – unconsious – to the floor, dragging Rogue with him. She too was unconsious, as Bobby pulled her away. Storm cursed Hank McCoy for being in Australia as she held Logan. Hank … we need you HERE!

I'm coming said Xavier in her mind.

Pyro entered the Assembly Room at 9:55am. "Early for a change," Toad remarked drily; Pyro shot him an aggressive death-stare, and Toad laughed. "Hey, lighten up, fire-boy." His tongue shot out, grabbing the lighter from Pyro's hand. "Or should I light you up?" he said, the threat masked by a joking smile.

"Give me the lighter," Pyro said, in no mood for Toad's antics or his mood swings. Toad dropped the lighter to the ground, and Pyro picked it up, wiping the slime off it.

He glanced up, as Deathstrike entered the room, and smiled at her. She didn't return it; he hadn't expected her to. However, it was an ongoing ritual for Pyro to smile and Deathstrike to ignore him … one they both had come to embrace as part of their day.

Magento entered with Sabretooth almost immediately after Deathstrike. He raised his eyeborws slightly as he saw Pyro in the room, before settling down to business.

"As you know, Operation Mutant-High has been brought forward. It will commence this afternoon at two o'clock." Magneto paused, and surveyed his troops. He smiled. "Let's go."

Bobby held Rogue's gloved hand, willing her to wake. Despite Logan's best efforts, Rogue had not woken up. Storm and Colossus had carried Logan to a bed in the next room, then Storm had come back to Bobby and Rogue.

"Bobby?"

Bobby barely heard the regal African weather Goddess; his whole being was focussed on the girl lying on the bed in front of him.

"Rogue?" Bobby whispered. "Come on Rogue – don't do this to us. Don't leave us; not now." He bent his sobbing head down onto her hand, dimly senseing Storm placing a consoling hand on his shoulder.

"Bobby – please move; I have to see Rogue."

Bobby nodded, moving away a little. Storm held Rogue's wrist for a moment, frowning.

"What is it?" Bobby asked, with trepidation.

"There's no pulse …" Storm whispered. "Oh God …"

"NOOOOOOO!" Bobby yelled, grabbing Rogue and shaking her. "NOOOOOOOOO!"

"Bobby let go!" Storm yelled, holding back the heart-broken teenager. "There's nothing you can do, Bobby, she's gone … it's over …"

She held him as he cried … and as silent tears fell down her own face …

Rogue was dead.

Next chapter coming soon … let me know what you think!