Xavier Institute Danger Room, Wednesday Mar. 13th 4:32 pm
Rogue approached Piotr nervously, his arm hooked in Kitty's as they walked toward the X-Jet. "P-Piotr?" He frowned when her voice shook.
"Rogue? What is matter?" He asked, his brow already furrowed. She hugged herself, looking away. Kitty looked between them worriedly. Whatever it was she didn't want to say it.
"Piotr... Tell me about your sister's powers." His face paled. His shook his head, his eyes pleading.
"You cannot ask Illyana Alexandra to come with us. Is far too dangerous." Rogue held her hands out.
"Never. But..." She thought of the seconds of horror and dread Jean had sent her. Was that what was waiting them when they went to get the professor? She had half a mind to ask everyone in the institute to let her touch them, but Illyana's vast abilities might be enough. Help them fight yet another hopeless battle. She shook the images Jean sent her from her mind. "I'm thinking maybe I should touch her. Whatever took the professor..." They shared a look. This was another life or death situation.
He nodded solemnly. He wasn't keen to let her touch the mutant but he trusted her. And he certainly owed her for being here at all. "She has interdimensional abilities but the professor is still helping her figure out how to use them. Her powers are similar to Magneto's daughter, but no hexes." He struggled to explain. "She can create a sword of her soul... It exists here and on the astral plane, but-"
"But what?" Rogue inquired breathlessly.
"It is far too dangerous to use. And even if she transfers powers, only with her utmost trust could someone use it. She isn't ready yet and you shouldn't try either." He warned. 'If something happens to you, Katya...' Kitty chewed her lip.
"I don't like the way it sounds either, but it's better than Illyana coming along." Kitty told him. He nodded, deep in thought.
"She will be safe?" He asked Rogue quietly. Rogue nodded, clasping her gloved hand in his.
"Perfectly. I swear." He nodded, tugging on the girl and leading her to Illyana's room.
"Sister," She stood immediately when he entered her room. "We require your help for Professor Xavier." She looked scared but she nodded, standing beside her brother.
"Anything," She responded in a thick, Russian accent. Hank appeared, having been telepathically contacted by Rogue. He smiled, a glass of water, some ibuprofen, and a piece of bread in his hand.
"Just things we've found that make Rogue's touch go over a little easier." She smiled uncomfortably. "And an excuse from a few Danger Room sessions." She smiled genuinely at the blue mutant and he grinned back. Piotr looked gratefully at Rogue for trying to make his sister as comfortable as possible. She stooped to the young mutant, a smile on her face.
Illyana tentatively reached out and touched some of Rogue's silvery hair. She chuckled. "I need to ask a favor, Illyana." She nodded. Rogue took her hand out of her glove and showed it to the girl. "I need to touch you so we can help the professor." She explained, her face falling. The Russian girl nodded.
Kitty stooped down, looking at her with sympathetic blue eyes. "You'll be okay, it isn't going to hurt. See-" Kitty impulsively tapped her finger against Rogue's hand. She felt the familiar feeling of a static shock from the quick touch. She shook her head. "See?" Illyana laughed.
'Thanks, Kit.' Rogue thanked, taking a deep breath. "Y'ready?" Illyana nodded nervously. "Thank you." Rogue reached out and touched the girl gently. She squeaked. Rogue yanked her hand back after touching not a second too long. Illyana collapsed into the arms of her brother, unconscious but fine. He sighed.
"There," Hank murmured. He gently took the girl from Piotr's hands. "I'll check on her in the infirmary, I'm sure that'd make you feel better?" Piotr nodded shakily as Hank carried her off.
"You alright, P?" Kitty asked softly. He nodded and wiped his face, smiling.
"Yes, Katya. My sister is very brave. She will make fine X-Man one day. Hopefully on Rogue's team." Kitty smiled at her roommate, who was frantically cycling through Illyana's memories. Luckily for her, she was young and didn't have as many as older people. She groaned and a tear slipped out of her eye. A bright, green sword appeared in Rogue's hand.
"She trusts you..." Kitty murmured, her hand over chest. The sword disappeared and Rogue wiped her face with a sniff.
'Good,' The Jean in her head told her. 'I don't know if those powers alone will defeat Onslaught, but Illyana's powers deal with the astral plane. You should be able to find a way to gain the upper hand.' She remembered Onslaught appearing to her in the White Hot Room. She frowned. 'I don't know if anyone is strong enough to defeat him, even me.' She thought to herself.
Xavier Institute X-Jet, Wednesday Mar. 13th 1:17 pm
They took off in the jet as soon as they were all assembled. That's when it happened.
They all felt the rumble in the X-Jet and knew something catastrophic had happened. Thousands, at least, were dead. Then the magnetic pulse of unholy proportions hit the X-jet. All at once the functions of the jet ceased working. Emma let out a surprised scream as the jet rocked sideways, Scott hopelessly toggling the knobs and switches at the front of the plane.
"That was a fuckin' electromagnetic pulse," Rogue gasped, trying to scramble to her feet in the shaking aircraft. "Kitty!" She screamed. "Phase Bobby through the ceiling, now!" She ordered, her voice loud. Everyone looked around in shock as the jet rumbled.
"Everyone-" Scott began when the jet shook again.
"You heard her, Half-Pint!" Logan followed, his voice hard. Kitty stuttered from Piotr's arms and linked with Bobby.
"We are in free fall." Emma reported worriedly.
"Bobby, when it feels right. Make us a ramp before we collide with the ground!" He looked at her like she was crazy.
"Um? When it feels right? A little more direction?" He snapped back. Rogue began to focus.
"I can't stop the jet but I can slow us down." She explained, holding her hands out. Piotr hoisted Bobby in his arms. "Piotr, when I can't slow the jet anymore get them through the roof." She ordered. He nodded firmly as she took control of the jet with telekinesis. Even with the boost from Jean it was much harder than she anticipated to take control of. She cried out in surprise and tried again.
"Rogue?" Kitty said unsurely, pressed against the ground of the plane.
'Jean...' She called out instinctively. 'I'm sorry for bein' weak and always needing you...' She cried helplessly.
'Never. You keep me here, grounded. Remembering... I will always protect you. And I will always protect Scott.' Her eyes glowed orange suddenly and she tried a third time. Screaming now, she took control of the jet telekinetically. Tears leaking out of her eyes, she lowered the jet shakily to the ground with much effort. The aircraft landed with a thud and everyone looked around. If the blast had rocked them in the air what had it done on the ground?
Emma sat shakily in her seat, panting. She was getting tired of almost dying. Scott unclasped himself from his seat and ran to the back, floating to Rogue's side first. "Everyone alright?" He asked anxiously, looking down at her. Everyone nodded slowly and murmured 'yes'. He sighed, straining to see out of the jet's dusty windows. "Let's get out there..." He said, his jaw set in determination.
They filed slowly out of the leaning plane to see the dust still settling from the destruction. Buildings were crumbled. Roads uprooted. It didn't look like anyone could've survived. They looked out in stunned silence, thankful right now that this was far enough to leave the institute unharmed. For now. How would the government respond? In a way that changed history.
They listened for cries for help or signs of life but heard none. Just the painful slapping of their own hearts.
The sky was completely black there despite it being midday. Scott moved closer to Rogue instinctively, surveying around him. "Stay close," He warned. The area was drenched in terror. Terror and power. Whatever Onslaught meant, they knew it was not good.
They stared into a black vortex in front of them. If the professor had been sucked into that...
"He can't be in there..." Kitty breathed, covering her mouth. Bobby looked around for a sign that anyone besides the darkness was with them. Emma was very quietly freaking out. She could sense a massive psychic presence. It dwarfed Jean without the Phoenix. It was terrifying. It put the true chill of fear in her own icy heart. Even the normally pompous telepath knew she couldn't compete with whatever the fuck she was sensing.
Both of her hands were on her head. Scott frowned. "What's the matter? Do you sense the professor?" She shook her head.
"All I sense is darkness..." He tried to understand. Onslaught appeared suddenly, donning the ominous red and purple. Logan stood protectively over Kurt and Kitty, bristling like an animal at the figure. He had made out decently with his health and his humanity, but he wasn't unchanged from losing his adamantium shell. His animal's intuition seemed to be compensating for him not being able to heal or be weighed down by metal.
He snarled, knowing somehow it had to do with Magneto and that if it wanted, it could kill any one of them right now. Scott reached for his visor suddenly.
'So this... It must be what Jean was trying to warn us about...' He thought grudgingly. "Well, well, well... Looking for this?" Xavier materialized suddenly in front of him. He dropped limply, causing both Kitty and Rogue to cry out.
"You... You monster!" Scott roared, seeing the professor tossed without his wheelchair.
"Me? A monster? You should really think about the things your beloved professor has done before you toss that word around..." Scott looked at the unconscious Charles on the ground. 'What does he mean?' "It's simple, Scott." Onslaught continued. "Without him I would not be here."
"No!" Rogue shouted in disgust. "You're lying!" Onslaught chuckled, causing Logan to shiver involuntarily.
"Oh you, little girl. So lonely and betrayed by her first two loves. Her daddy," He pointed at Logan. "And her real love." He turned to Scott who's fists were clenched. "You turned to the arms of Magneto of all people, trusting his amnesia. You would do good to heed my words instead of making mistakes."
'What...' Logan thought. 'She and Bucket-Head...' How could he be mad? He was in Japan. Indonesia. D.C. Fort Lauderdale. Iceland. Everywhere but Bayville, New York. Rogue was probably reaching out for guiding in this scary, confusing world.
Everyone looked around as they heard the groan of metal. "The only mistake I'm about to make," She began as spikes of metal began to fly towards Onslaught. He growled, waving a massive hand and making them all disappear. "Is scrappin' with your ugly mug!"
"ROGUE," Logan barked. She couldn't. Whatever this was wasn't a mutant. Magneto had been their adversary. Apocalypse had put fear in their hearts. This was different. This was not the same. Apocalypse was the first mutant, this was a manifestation of evil. Of darkness. Of hate and pain. It wasn't the same. "Don't!"
"ROGUE, wait!" Scott screamed. The green sword manifested in her hand and she rushed forward suddenly. Onslaught chuckled and held his hand forward.
"So eager for pain."
Rogue froze. Time froze. She looked around as everything faded to black. 'Wh-What? Where's everyone?' Kitty dropped dead before her, her eyes staring lifelessly at her. "N-No..." Kurt was next, a pool of blood around him. Then Hank. And Ororo. And Piotr. One by one every member of the institute appeared, dead to Rogue's screams, Scott and Logan last of all. Rogue looked at her hands, drenched in blood. The blood of her friends.
Mystique laughed behind her, wrapping an arm around her daughter. "Your mother is so proud of you."
"NO," Rogue screamed. covering her face in horror. "I DIDN'T,"
"It was our plan, daughter. All along. You know there's darkness in you. It's all of you."
"NO," She shouted clawing at herself. "STOP,"
"ROGUE," Scott shouted worriedly. Rogue was rolling around on the ground, being forced to witness all those horrible images by the being before them. Kitty and Kurt dropped to her side, struggling to calm her.
"It's okay!" Kurt shouted. "Ve're here!"
"Those are your own worst fears. Just from getting a glimpse of you." She panted and rolled, Logan trying to restrain her to keep from hurting herself.
"Hey-" He called to her. "You're okay! We're here!" Her shrieking ceased suddenly and she slumped against Scott, exhausted. 'Illyana's sword... Her powers, that my was whole plan..' She thought, staring at Onslaught as she shook. 'I didn't even touch him...'
"Consider that a warning, X-Men." He began. "Lucky for you, my joy won't be from destroying you right here, right now. It'll be from watching the world do it."As suddenly as he'd appeared he was gone. Everyone stood in a tense silence staring at the professor.
"Think you can get Chuck, Rasputin.?" Logan asked tiredly, scrubbing his face. He nodded and gently picked up the delicate man, his face stoic. Scott helped Rogue to a standing position and peered at her worriedly. 'What did Onslaught make you see?' He thought sadly. He never wanted to see him do that again. Kurt sidled beside her, noticing her glum expression.
"Vhat's the matter?" She sent him a blank look. "I mean, besides the obvious."
Rogue chuckled dryly. "Sorry, did you miss my ass kicking?" He rubbed his head in discomfort.
"It vasn't such an ass kicking as you screaming on the ground." He said with a wince. Rogue huffed. "Take it easy on yourself for a change. You've got more balls than me..." He looked off worriedly into the distance. Rogue just sighed.
"We might want to turn on the news when we get home." Logan said in the jet after a period of silence. The government response to such an act would be immediate, what they didn't know. Scott was staring numbly into his hands. 'He said the professor is why Onslaught is here...' He thought of Jean's face. "Don't trust the professor." She had told Rogue. He shook his head.
Rogue studied Logan's face. He was impassive on the outside, cool as a cucumber. But Rogue knew his mind was working on a plan. An escape plan if they came with guns and cages again for the institute (and it wouldn't be the first time). He scrubbed his face, thinking of all the vulnerable children at the mansion. For tonight they might have a little peace but tomorrow would start the war. They all knew it. The X-Men had failed to stop something, and as always, there were going to be big consequences.
Nobody noticed Rogue slyly slip the suppression collar out of the X-Jet with her on her way into the mansion. She tried to count how many times she'd almost died in recent years. In recent months and weeks. She wasn't sure how many more years she or any of her friends had left. It stung to think but the past few months had proved it. From Jean to Rahne, life proved death didn't discriminate. And once you've had one near death experience, your odds only went up from there. Rogue had resolved a long time ago not to leave things unsaid. Undone. Untried.
Funny how staring down the barrel of a full confrontation between mutants and humans gives you the confidence you've lacked for most of your life. Logan zipped straight for the Danger Room, a serious frown on his face. 'There's not enough time to make and run drills...' He thought desperately, wondering what they would do if the government tried to siege them. They'd have to run. Where would be the better question.
"Logan," Rogue was frowning at him worriedly. "Give it a rest, I can tell you're not all the way better yet." 'You won't be for a long time...' She thought solemnly, feeling guilty all over again. He smiled at her.
"Can't, darlin'. We all have a few things we could be goin' over." He looked down at her with concern. 'I don't want to see you die, Stripes. And I'm coming off my injuries basically hobbled. I have to do something.'
She watched him limp down there, his determination touching Rogue as much as it worried her. Everyone was getting into fight mode but Rogue never felt like she left it. She would prepare for battle. She would go to war, but tonight she wanted to be a lover. She managed to catch up with Scott, the collar fumbling in her hands. She hoped nobody noticed it.
"Hey, Scott..." Bobby turned instinctively and turned beet red when he saw the collar, knowing from experience what that meant. 'Good for her...' He thought, thinking of a certain Brazilian mutant he wanted to speak with before morning.
Scott turned, his full attention on her as always. "Hey," He half sighed at her, inspecting her face for worry. He didn't even notice the collar in her hands. "You alright?" Rogue nodded.
"Yeah, can I talk to you? M-Maybe after we both shower?" He nodded, a shower for his tense muscles sounded good.
"Of course. Just head to my room after you've showered." He smiled and disappeared, none the wiser that Rogue was about to drop a bomb on him.
She appeared at his door clad in boy shorts and a giant, loosely buttoned flannel. He opened the door and froze, taking in the sight of Rogue for a moment. The collar was already around her throat. He pulled her in quickly, praying his own cheeks weren't turning red. "H-Hey... You," He smiled awkwardly. "You should wear some more pajamas if you wanna sleep over." She laughed, finding it funny that virtuous Scott had no idea what she was thinking.
"Scott..." He scratched his head. She was acting weird. Why was she acting weird? They'd been occasionally sleeping innocently together at night, it helped both of their rampant insomnias. He finally noticed the collar and realized she wanted to touch him, perhaps. He had been untouched since Jean had left (and a virgin before her). His heart slammed in his chest at he stared at her.
She had always been beautiful but now it hurt to look at her. He loved how her silvery bangs dipped to her chest now, his eyes lingering on the freckles on her face. He dropped his gaze out of embarrassment. "Marie..." He sighed.
"Just let me talk, Scott." She reached out with a trembling hand. She kissed Remy when they were captured in Genosha. She'd never touched Scott with the collar on before. She touched his face and he closed his eyes. She could feel him shaking but he wasn't afraid of her. He never was. That's why Rogue could never get over her feelings for him. Even her friends still looked at her with fear in their eyes. People she loved and knew loved her, but never Scott.
He leaned into her touch, realizing just how long it'd been. "I've kind of given up counting how many times I've almost died..." She began, studying his face. "All of this, Scott. If I've learned anything, it's that nothing... None of this is promised. And... Feel free to reject or say no if you don't feel the same, but..." She hugged him. He felt her breasts pressing against the thin fabric of the flannel. He fought the urge to call her name.
"I just can't let tomorrow come without trying, Scott... A-And... And I know I'm not J-Jean, b-" He kissed her gently, a waterfall of passion and love and the secret want to do it crashing over her. Rogue fought tears as she shut her eyes and kissed him, leaning up slightly on her tip toes. It felt so good to touch her skin. Of course the skin never touched was the softest skin he'd ever felt.
He placed his large hands carefully around her face as they kissed. She wrapped her arms around him as she slammed with him onto his bed. He peeled the flannel off of her, looking at her hungrily. He hadn't lusted for anyone since Jean left, but he was hungry now. He crawled on top of her, stopping for a very important question. "I-Is... Is this okay?" She nodded, helping him take off his white t shirt.
She placed swollen kisses on his tanned, hardened chest, scrambling out of her boy shorts when Scott stopped her. "Marie? Are you sure?" They were looking at the end of the world the next day. He needed to know this wasn't some knee-jerk reaction of fear. She laughed, leaning her forehead on his chest. He smiled, wrapping an arm around her. 'She's so warm...' He thought.
"Scott," She dragged a slender hand down his chest. "I don't think I've ever been more sure of anything." He chuckled with her, looking at her body nervously. Why did he deserve to hook up with goddesses, Jean and Rogue both perfect in their own very distinct ways. He slid his boxer briefs down, maintaining as strong of eye contact he could with his glasses on. He moved to lay Rogue down but she flipped him, still pretty strong with her powers suppressed.
He looked at her, determined now. She hovered her body above him like an angel but she hesitated. "A-Are you sure?" She asked suddenly. "If you feel bad you don't have to do this..." He looked at her, wondering how she didn't know she was so beautiful, yet.
"Trust me, Rogue. I don't feel bad. I feel lucky." He let a little more slip than he meant to but he could tell from the look on her face it wasn't a bad thing. She dragged her hand all over his body as she sat down on him with a sigh.
"S-Sorry..." She giggled, adjusting herself. Scott smiled, already feeling so comfortable with her. Before he thought about it he leaned up suddenly and crushed her to him, kissing her neck. "S-Scott..." He gripped her back tight, gasping. It felt so... Good. So much better than he'd imagined on even his naughtiest nights. They laid like that for almost an hour, and then another hour panting in silence.
He moved before she did, the post cum high not fading for some reason. "Off," He murmured softly. He reached for the suppression collar and turned it off, removing it after. She sighed. "Shouldn't wear it for too long." He chided. He was reluctant as well. He wanted to touch Rogue for all time. He knew she felt the same. He found something that he thought he lost when Jean left. He laid the collar on his night stand as she shrugged on her flannel and gloves. He looked at her for a long time. "I'm not going anywhere." He said suddenly. Rogue dropped her gaze. 'I won't hurt you. Not like Remy.'
He still felt bad for running off after Jean died. He knew Rogue understood and he'd thank her everyday for it, but he would always feel guilty for leaving. About Rahne. And Ray. And Evan. Everyday of his life. And he wasn't going to do it again. "I know." She said, laying a head on his shoulder carefully. "Scott?"
"Yes?" He was at attention instantly examining her.
"I'm scared." She told him with a small laugh. He threw his arm around her.
"Me too, sometimes." He admitted. "But whatever happens, we're together." She looked at him and tried to forget the visions Onslaught sent her.
Xavier Institute, Thursday Mar. 14th 10:27 am
Rogue stirred when she realized Scott was no longer in bed with her. He was always up before her, this time he was speaking with someone quietly at the door. She rose and hid behind the door, slipping into track pants and a white t shirt. Scott closed the door and looked at her, a little stunned.
"Mornin', you said somethin' about makin' me pancakes last night?" She frowned when his face didn't light up. "Everything okay?" 'Oh my god he's second guessing things.' She thought, her heart stopping.
"Uh... Joseph's awake." The professor had been unconscious since they returned him back to the school. She tore around Scott to go to the infirmary but he grabbed her arm gently. "Hey, Rogue. Listen!" She sighed, refusing to look at his face. "Calm. We don't need a confrontation. Let's just... Take it slow. I'll go, okay." Rogue inhaled sharply.
"Okay." He opened the door and she strolled out calmly. He had barely shut the door when she took off flying past the banister, faster than Scott could process sight.
"MARIE,"
'Hey, I goofed and told Rogue Joseph was awake.'
'So you can communicate telepathically with me?'
'Emma...'
'I'll contact Beast, he's gonna want to be on my payroll.'
'Don't we all...'
'Hank. Infirmary.' He could tell from the tone of her mental voice what she meant.
'On it, Emma.' He said, sounding tired.
Scott tore after her knowing he'd never catch up, grumbling to himself. He passed by Logan on the steps, growling and moving as fast as his beaten body would move.
"He's awake," He snarled. "She's gonna kill him." A beat of silence past as they both contemplated letting her.
"As convenient as that would be..." Scott responded stoically, jogging with ease. They reached the mouth of the infirmary where the efforts of Piotr and Hank were keeping Rogue from tearing Joseph limb from limb. For now. She was grunting in in feral frustration, her hands reaching for the mutant. He just stared at her, his face devoid of emotion.
"Anya-Marie. Pozhaluysta." Piotr begged. "It will not help."
"Our gargantuan Russian friend is right, Rogue. Settle down." Logan shot his claws out.
"Marie," He barked, his eyes seething. "Stop it. You don't need to put on no show for anyone here." She stopped struggling against Hank and Piotr and stared hatefully into the infirmary.
"I'm not playin', Logan." She warned.
"Oh, shaddap. Putting on that tough broad act because you're scared and angry?" An frustrated tear rolled down her cheek. "Save it for the new recruits, not for me. And let me tell you something," He walked closer and retracted his bone claws. "I've killed. I'd kill again without a second thought if I had to. I know what lethal is. You," He pointed at her. "You're not lethal. So don't start anything with fuckin' bucket head unless you're gonna finish it." She looked away from him, proving his point. "Besides," He grinned savagely. "Y'aint got the right. If anyone's running their bone claws through him, it's me."
Hank frowned. "You're not setting a good example for any of our students." He chastised. "And I don't think it's such a great idea to go and talk to Joseph." Scott pushed himself forward.
"I'll talk to him. And he can answer to me for what he did to Wolverine and admit what his plan ultimate was." He crossed his arms. Hank chuckled.
"Scott-"
"Let Anna in, I owe her this conversation." Joseph called to them Logan snarled. Both Piotr and Hank looked at him incredulously. "I can handle myself if I have to." Hank and Piotr grudgingly stepped aside as Rogue entered the infirmary. "Rogue..."
"How could you do something like that?" He dropped dark eyes from her. "All sunshine, and light, and gentleness... The second I'm hurt you tear out the skeleton Weapon X nearly killed him implanting?" She turned away from him. "That alone tipped me off that you were never really Joseph. Right, Magneto." He bowed his head.
"The bastard..." Scott whispered, his fist clenched. He had lied the whole time.
"As usual, you're one of the smartest people in here." He grimaced. Her wit was one of the reasons he'd fallen so hopelessly for the girl.
"What did you want that you had to force your way through my guard for?" He chuckled dryly.
"Silly girl. The only thing that was a lie was my amnesia." He stared at white ceiling tiles. "I have existed three times as long as you. I'm a very dynamic individual." He frowned. "As for my plan, I clearly didn't have one. Try to influence the X-Men to play a slightly harder hand for mutant rights? I don't know. This place is far to chaotic to plan around."
She glared at him. It was so obvious now. She was so far from Magneto before but now she couldn't separate her time with the two. "Was any of it true? Joseph?" He smiled.
"For what it's worth, yes." He rolled his eyes. "You can't think getting smitten with you was really a part of any plan... Did the neanderthal-"
"He's alive. No thanks to you." Rogue fought the urge to punch him through the wall, if only for Hank and Piotr's sakes. "And the only reason I haven't kicked your ass from here until Tuesday is because I was begged not to." His stare became challenging.
"Of course, Anna. I know you." She threw her hands up in exasperation but he didn't flinch.
"No, you don't. You don't know shit!"
"The only way someone can get to know you is by impersonating someone else," He hissed, staring into her eyes. "Ask your mother. You may despise us most but we know you best." Logan managed to slip though Piotr and Hank's hold, staring dangerously at Erik.
"You know," He shot out his claws, shocking Erik who saw them for the first time. "I felt everything the entire time I was in a coma." He began, dragging his claws together. "I spent that whole time in darkness, cursing you. Begging to kill you, to watch you die." He stared at the magnet mutant. "But you know what my first thought was when I saw my claws of bone?"
"What, Logan?" He challenged, the metal shaking in the room.
"Thank you. Not only for removing your advantage over me, but for blurring the lines between man and animal. If I had to slip into a bezerker rage and kill you..." He looked at Erik, a cold look in his eye. "I could do with the flip of a switch." His cruel smile gave even Rogue chills.
"Logan, forget him. It's not worth it." She said, watching him carefully. He bared his canines.
"What's that I smell, Lensherr? Soiled your pants? Oh no, that's just what your fear smells like. Nice to smell it again." The look in his eyes darkened. "Cause even when you were ripping the bonded metal off of my bones, I smelled it. Fear. That's why someone would do half the things you do, isn't it?" Erik opened his mouth to answer but the foundation of the entire institute shook. Everyone stumbled off their feet.
"Perhaps we have other things to worry about." He said, standing quickly. He stood to move with them.
"Where are you going?" Rogue snapped angrily as the institute shook again, this time sounding alarms.
"Save it." He responded. "You are not so petty you'd turn down my help fighting sentinels?" Her face paled.
"Sentinels?" Hank repeated. He nodded.
"I sense them. Nothing else feels quite like such a waste of precious metal..." The institute shook. They all hurried out of the infirmary to see a very flustered Storm.
"Have you all seen the news?" She asked, her eyes wide.
"The sentinels," Scott began but she shook her head.
"Scott you don't understand. They've launched everywhere." His heart stopped. "They're attacking mutants and people indiscriminately."
"Oh my heavens..." Hank sighed, leaning against the wall. Ororo looked to Logan.
"Logan, you need to get with Emma and help her contact any and all comrades you can think of. This is serious. I'm getting all the students prepared." He nodded gravely and took off himself down the hallway. Scott looked at Rogue.
"Hank, get Kitty, Kurt, and Bobby out of school. Let's suit up for a Doomsday scenario." He moved to go get ready but Rogue grabbed his hand, staring at him with big eyes. She seemed to want a kiss even though it wasn't possible right now. Scott kissed her hair and took off to get suited out. She turned to see who had witnessed.
Both Hank and Ororo turned away, finding the walls suddenly busy. Erik stared at her, his face impassive.
"Shall we do something?" Rogue narrowed her eyes.
"Certainly."