Disclaimer: Still not mine.
Chapter 53-Pestilence
Drip. Drip.
A rat scurried down the tunnel, avoiding the drops of water falling from overhead. It stopped once, sat on its haunches and poked its nose into the air. It sat as still as a rock for several long minutes, and then, in the blink of an eye, it was moving further into the sewers, faster than before. A warm breeze followed in the rodent's wake, warming the tunnel to an uncomfortable level. The dripping slowed, and then, it stopped.
Minutes passed. Then footsteps were heard from the dark recesses of the tunnel. The footsteps were steady but slow. More minutes passed. Slowly a figure could be seen emerging from the shadows. The figure belonged to an elderly woman, plump in appearance with graying hair and a kerchief tied around her head. She was dressed in a plain flower print dress, and she walked with a small hunch.
Her gait was painstakingly slow. She paused once, leaning against the wall of the tunnel as if to catch her breath. She glanced ahead into the shadows of the sewers, sensing she was almost home, and knowing she would find it empty. Wiping her brow with a single hand, she continued forward at her slow pace, her eyes glittering from a stream of light from above.
At the Same Time
Caliban glanced up swiftly, his heart thudding in his chest. He rose to his feet, silencing the rest of the Morlocks with a motion of his hand. Straining his ears he listened, hearing nothing but water dripping somewhere further away. And then the dripping stopped. Caliban drew in his breath, his pale face paling even more. He quickly turned back to the rest of the group.
"We must leave. She is coming for us."
Callisto frowned. "Who?"
"One of the Four Horsemen, Pestilence."
"No." Evan shook his head. "Plague wouldn't use her powers on us. She's a Morlock."
Caliban sighed wearily. "She may be one of us, but right now she is under the control of someone greater than us. We cannot be here when she comes. She means to kill us all. Think of Torpid…we cannot stay."
Evan swallowed as he peered into the darkness of the sewer tunnel. Then with a swift nod he turned, grabbed Torpid around the waist and pulled her into his arms. "Let's get going then. We can follow the Graymalkin Pipe to Xavier's mansion. We should be safe there."
No one argued as Callisto ushered the rest of the Morlocks onto their feet. Together the small group made its way down another tunnel, walking as fast as they could with Evan leading the way. Caliban cast one glance back down the tunnel with a somber look. Closing his eyes and mouthing a silent prayer he turned and followed his makeshift family away from their true home.
Silence loomed throughout the Morlock base like a dark cloud overhead. Then it was broken by a soft sound of tiny feet scurrying across the stone siding. A rat appeared. Its pace had slowed to a crawl, and its whiskers seemed to droop with every step it took. Three steps…two steps…one step…it collapsed to the ground, making a soft sound. It took one shuddering breath and then stilled completely.
A minute later Plague appeared, her black eyes taking in the dead rat on the ground. She glanced around the base, making a tsking sound with her teeth. Then she slowly turned around to return from whence she came. She would do more damage above ground. Mutants really weren't on her death list anyway—just humans.
Xavier's Mansion
"Is this everyone?" asked Scott as Evan emerged from the secret tunnel.
Evan nodded as he placed Torpid on the ground. He shut the wall panel behind him and allowed his gaze to sweep across the few mutants gathered in the hallway. "We have nowhere else to go. Man…Plague's a Morlock…it's hard to believe that she would ever come after us, or kill us. She's one of us."
"So are Red and Stripes," replied Logan gruffly. "But you don't see us welcoming them with open arms, d'ya?"
Ororo shot Logan a dark look. "It's not that easy for any of us. To see loved ones under someone else's control is more than any of us can handle. But we must bear this burden until Apocalypse is destroyed."
Hank nodded in agreement, his hands rubbing at his furry face. "But if Plague is wandering around the city…that will pose a problem. Her powers are of a rare kind, just like most Morlocks have. She is able to carry and spread any disease imaginable in her body. That is why she lived under ground for so long, so as not to unwillingly inflict another soul. We must find her and stop her before anyone dies."
A soft cough garnered the attention of the adults. Several concerned faces glanced down at Torpid. The young mutant girl looked pale, and her face was bathed with sweat. Another cough popped out of her mouth and she glanced up sheepishly.
Callisto frowned. "This can't be possible—we didn't come into contact with Plague!"
Caliban shook his head. "Under the control of Apocalypse one's powers are strengthened. Plague infected the entire sewer system by just walking down the tunnels…we have all been infected…all…of…us…" His last few words were barely heard as he leaned against the wall and slumped to the ground. Around him several more mutants, some Morlocks, some X-Men, began to wilt on their feet as well.
Professor Xavier's face grew alarmed. He glanced over at Hank. "Get everyone down to the med-bay; we cannot let everyone grow sick!"
The next half hour was pure chaos as students, teachers, and Morlocks were brought down to the med-bay, filling up every bed and chair available. Moira and Hank were bustling back and forth from one patient to the other, but neither seemed to be making any progress.
"There must be something we can do—some way to stop this malady from affecting everyone!" exclaimed Moira, her hand flying up to the mess of hair atop her head.
"I wish I knew how," murmured Hank glancing around wearily. His eyes paused on Logan who was ordering Laura to drop Pyro on the ground. "Or perhaps I do. Logan, come here."
"What for?"
"You and Laura are the only two seemingly unaffected by the spreading of disease."
Logan snorted. "Glad you noticed, fur ball."
Laura shot the gruff mutant a glare as she struggled to support Pyro's weight. "It's only 'cause we have healing factors," she stated. "Our bodies don't get sick."
"Exactly." Hank beamed and motioned for Logan to give him one of his arms. Logan reluctantly did so, eyeing the needle in Hank's hand suspiciously. Seeing Logan's look Hank said, "I have a feeling that we might be able to use your blood as an antidote to the spreading of disease."
"Aw, go for it." Logan didn't blink as the needle went into his arm, drawing blood. Moira and Laura both watched with intrigue as Hank finished up and set to work at the lab counter. The two females exchanged a quick look before making up their minds.
Laura let go of Pyro, watching him fall to the ground like a brick as she pushed up the sleeve in her arm. "Sorry, Pyro, but this will make you better." She watched with avid interest as Moira pulled out a needle and prepared it to draw blood.
Moira took a deep breath before taking blood from Laura's arm. "You better be right about this, Hank."
"That makes two of us, m'dear."
An Hour Later
"Cerebro has managed to locate Plague's whereabouts," said Xavier rubbing his temples wearily. "She is currently sitting downtown. Just sitting there…but her power level is off the charts. She could sleep and the disease would manage to spread without her having to think about it. This will not be easy. That is why I am sending the five of you to try and stop her."
The professor glanced around at the small group assembled before him, all suited up and ready to go. Colossus, Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, Wolverine, and Storm. The younger mutants glanced at each other wearily. Each knew what would happen if they were infected by Plague. Each also knew that Wolverine was probably the only one completely immune to Plague's powers.
"I have every bit of faith that you can do it. All you have to do is work as a team."
Looking around Quicksilver finally asked the question on everyone's mind. "Do we…is there…how are we supposed to stop her? I mean, being under Apocalypse's control and all…isn't she like…unstoppable?"
Xavier took a deep breath before answering. "I ask that you use any means possible to save as many lives as possible."
No one had to ask what means the professor was talking about. They all knew that if it came down to it, death would be an option.
Downtown
Rogue looked around the outdoor shopping center in disgust. Humans were running, screaming at the top of their lungs as though it was the end of the world. Women held small children close to their chests as men pushed past them to get out of the way. Too many however were falling to the ground, their faces bathed in sweat, their bodies weakening as an unknown illness took over. It was obvious that a majority of them were dying, soon to become tragic cases to remember in history as only sidewalk victims of a mutant.
Eyes scanning the fast moving crowds, Rogue studied each and every person, searching for only one face. A small smirk worked its way onto her face as she finally spotted the woman she had come for. Rogue moved forward at a simple face, neither fast nor slow. It was no concern of hers if a human died. As she moved the crowd seemed to part like the Red Sea, no one giving her a second glance as they seemingly ran in opposite directions as if they had been guided away from the shopping center.
Rogue smirked as she came to a complete stop in front of Plague. The older mutant was sitting hunched over in a chair, her black eyes staring at the cement beneath her feet. Neither said a word for a long while. Then Plague spoke. "So you have come to end the scourge? You have come to save the race you hate?"
"No…I came to teach you a lesson. No one works for Phoenix and lives to tell about it. That's just the way it works."
"This isn't about the Phoenix, child. This is about you wanting eternal glory for yourself."
"This time you've got it wrong," stated Rogue smoothly. "That isn't how I operate. I don't like Pocky, I don't like Phoenix, and I sure as hell don't like you or the other three flying horses because you work for both Pocky and Phoenix."
"Your reasoning is weak."
"So are you."
Plague glanced up, her eyes glinting in the sunlight. Her lips curved into a smile as she locked eyes with Rogue. "I see you have gained a semblance of control. You are not a puppet…but you are still no better than a puppet."
"Then maybe we should just get to the part where I kill you."
"You can't kill. You are an X-Man. They don't kill, and neither do you."
A hand shot out, gripping Plague by the collar of her dress, pulling the older woman to her feet. "Guess again, lady. I don't play by anyone's rules but my own."
"You shouldn't have come after me." Plague's words were spoken with a sense of satisfaction in her voice. "You too will be infected by disease…and you will die. Some great mutant you turned out to be. You are just as weak as the humans…I heard tell that you've never accepted the gift that you were born with. The power of absorption. It's a shame to see such a power wasted on such a girl as you—one who cannot even appreciate what you have. It makes you human, that craving to be normal, without powers. You're no better than the scum that would have you locked away."
Rogue's eyes narrowed at the words, her will deflating slightly. The words were true. Too true. She had never wanted her powers, her curse. She had only wanted to be normal—to live a simple life, and yet that hadn't happened. She was the untouchable, and always would be unless some miracle happened. Sure she had control now…but that wouldn't last. The moment Apocalypse was destroyed things would return to the hectic mess they had been before he had been released, and that meant going back to being out of control.
Taking a deep breath Rogue locked eyes with Plague, speaking with a low, but deadly serious tone. "Then I guess it wouldn't be beneath me to kill you, now would it?"
Plague chuckled dryly. "You can try, but you are no match for the disease I carry. It is only minutes before your body grows weak trying to fight the infection. You're a goner."
"I wish I could believe you, lady, but you've already forgotten something really important—right now I've got more than one power, and they're always shifting. I can't catch what you're carryin'." Rogue let go of her grip on Plague, raising a single hand slightly, raising the mutant into the air. "So now the question is, how should I kill you? I've always been partial to watching people fly, but maybe I'll just tear your body apart limb by limb."
"My insurance will cover it."
Rogue made a face at the sentence that seemed to have come out of nowhere. Insurance? Not understanding, Rogue decided the words meant nothing. It was just a plot to confuse the southern woman, and Rogue wasn't going to fall for it. Her eyes narrowed as she filtered through her mind to find a power worthy enough to kill Plague with, but her concentration was cut short when a man's cry echoed across the plaza. Rogue's head whipped around, recognizing the voice as Remy. He was running her way, his bo-staff out, and a worried expression on his face.
The reason why became apparent ten seconds later.
Phoenix barreled into Rogue, knocking the breath out of the brunette as they slammed into the ground.
"Shit!" The word popped out of Rogue's mouth as they skidded across the cement. Scrambling to her feet at the same time as Phoenix Rogue gritted her teeth with anger. This had to be the insurance that Plague had been talking about, and it pissed Rogue off that she hadn't put the two together until it was too late. Out of the corner of her eye Rogue could see Remy slowing his pace. There was a new expression on his face, one of confusion. Turning her attention back to the fuming red head in front of her Rogue was gathering up several powers at once to unleash on Phoenix when she realized that everyone's attention was now directed at something behind her.
Rogue turned her head, blinking in surprise at the sight of Wolverine, Storm, Colossus, Quicksilver, and the Scarlet Witch. "Well I'll be damned," she murmured half to herself. "It looks like the Professor and Mags finally got their act together. I wonder which one of us they're going to kill."
Phoenix growled. "A simple distraction, that's all they are."
Smirking, Rogue replied, "Then I'll let you play with them. I'm not in the pest control business, Red." With those words Rogue turned her back on her former teammates, Phoenix, and Plague. Her steps were steady as she headed Remy's way.
One eyebrow was raised as he asked, "You sure about this, chère?"
"I only came to stop Plague—not engage in any battles or lectures."
"What about your père?"
"Until Apocalypse is destroyed I can't afford to let down my defenses." Her words her soft and childlike, revealing a torn side of the southern woman. It was obvious that all she really wanted to do was turn back around and run into the arms of her father. Remy nodded silently, knowing there was nothing he could do or say now. Gently, he slipped an arm around her shoulders and the two began to walk in the direction leading away from what seemed to be an unavoidable standoff.
Wolverine's eyes narrowed at the sight, but he was relieved to see that not only was Rogue okay, but that they wouldn't be forced to battle against her. Instead, he focused his attention on the two mutants in front of him. Phoenix and Plague. He claws slid out of his knuckles and a sinister smile crossed his face. "So, who wants to die first?"
On the Other Side of Town:
Sinister looked up from his place in the shadows as two figures approached. His patience had worn thin by the time they finally came across him, neither seemed inclined to offer up any apologies for their tardiness and slow pace. In fact, they both seemed pretty damned pleased with themselves.
Rogue spoke first, a grin on her face. "What news d'ya got for us, sugar?"
"Obviously news that isn't pressing," replied the gray faced mutant menacingly.
"Aw, chère, I think he doesn't like the fact that we were slow."
"Then I guess we shouldn't tell him about that ten minute break we took on the way to fool around."
Sinister closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. As much as he wanted to lose his patience completely and just kill the two mutants before him, he knew he didn't stand a chance to the one called Rogue. Not with her powers fluctuating as much as they did these days. Rather, he chose to talk, using a diplomatic tone of voice.
"We have a problem. It seems that someone has sold us out to Apocalypse."
"Darlin'," started Rogue with a bemused look on her face, "if you're talking about the fact that Pocky doesn't trust us, I already know that."
"Actually I was talking about the fact that he has given the order to kill you and any who are on your side."
Remy frowned. "Now why would the boss man want to do that?"
"I don't know. All I know is that someone sold us out. I want to pin it on Emma Frost, but considering she's been holed up in her room drunk for the last few days I highly doubt she was behind this little exposé."
Rogue shook her head. "Then who? It couldn't have been Phoenix because as crazy as she is, she wants the pleasure of killing me all to herself."
"My guess would be it was someone with great skills of manipulation."
"Which could mean any mutant. There are too many of us involved in this whole Pocky business…" Rogue sighed wearily. "But who would gain with the demise of everyone on my side? I've got all the delinquents and hooligans—not exactly a prize winning team."
Sinister folded his arms with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Whoever it is has something to gain with your death and not the death of the Phoenix. If I were you I would be careful from here on out."
"Advice coming from the guy plotting alongside the Phoenix? I'm not sure I like that."
"You're the one infiltrating my side with your own mutant."
"So you've noticed Morph hanging around? And here I thought you had forgotten he used to work for you."
"We are all equals it seems. Each of us does not trust the other."
Rogue snorted. "Despite the fact that you don't trust me, it's a bit ironic that your life hinges on whether or not I live."
"That is only one of many reasons I asked to meet with you," stated Sinister.
"I'm listening."
"Selene has her own plan in the works, one that involves her 'pets'. The mutants known as Magma and Sunspot."
"Amara and Roberto?" Rogue pursed her lips. "I don't know what her game is, but it'll come to nothing in the end."
"Just so you are aware, I believe Selene has a larger hold on the Hellfire Club than many are aware of."
Remy frowned. "How so?"
"Her powers of mind control are great—almost as great as that of the Phoenix and Charles Xavier. She is controlling several minds in the Club, but who they are…I have yet to find out."
Rogue tugged at a strand of her hair. "Then I guess that makes her your problem. My problem is getting rid of Apocalypse. I'm not getting involved in that damn Club ta play chess games. I really don't give a damn what Selene is up to so long as she doesn't screw up my plans."
Sinister's eyes glittered darkly. "That might be a mistake."
Xavier's Mansion:
"They're back!" The cry echoed down from the second floor where students were gathered around a window, watching eagerly for the return of the team that had gone out in search of Plague. Footsteps ran across the hallway as more students crowded around the windows, trying to see who had returned.
Xavier wheeled himself into the foyer with Magneto, Beast, and Mystique right behind him. From the den came Callisto and Evan. Their faces were grim as the front door opened and Storm stepped through the doorway. Her clothing was torn, and there were smudges of smoke on her face, but despite it all she was still standing. Behind her came Colossus supporting both Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch who were weary from battle. The last to enter was Wolverine…and in his arms was the frail body of Plague.
Callisto closed her eyes and leaned against the door frame of the den as Evan clenched his hands into fists. It didn't take a psychic to see that the Morlock was dead. "How?" was all he was able to get out.
Storm shook her head. "There was nothing we could do, Evan…the Phoenix was unstoppable in her fury…it took all we had to protect ourselves."
Caliban stepped forward, a solemn look on his face as he reached out to extract Plague from Wolverine's arms. "We are only Morlocks…this was never meant to be our battle, and yet it seems that none can withstand the will of Apocalypse, or the Phoenix, or even the Rogue. But this battle is one that cannot be won without great sacrifice. I am afraid that the future is grim…that this is only the beginning of the end."
Evan and Callisto recognized their leader's words and straightened their postures. They knew Caliban was talking of giving up, of giving in…and for once the battle leaders were in agreement. A Morlock's place was not fighting for the safety of others. Their battle was one of survival, and it did not involve Apocalypse, mutant rights, or civil liberties.
Taking a deep breath Caliban's eyes searched the crowd of mutants now gathered around, his gaze centering on each and every Morlock there. "It is time for us to return home…our sacrifice has been made…our time is done."
Sewers:
Smoke filtered up through the manhole to be swept away by the wind. In the sewers the reason for the smoke was quite apparent. A small pyre had been built, onto which the Morlock known as Plague had been placed. Around the pyre the Morlocks gathered with tears in their eyes. They would mourn for a long while after this, perhaps to never be the same again.
As the fire dwindled down, leaving nothing but ash, the Morlocks, slowly and one by one turned to retreat further into the sewers. Caliban watched them go, his eyes taking in their faces as they glanced at him. Pain, anguish, and uncertainty were all he could see. He took a deep breath as the last of his people vanished into the darkness, leaving him alone in the tunnel.
With the movement of a broken man, Caliban turned around to gaze in the other direction. He stood still for several long minutes, his own face reflecting the defeat he felt inside. His expression didn't change even when Rogue appeared out of the shadows.
"Your actions will be felt for all time," said Caliban softly.
"I can't control fate, Caliban. If I could I never would've been born."
"You are the only one who can end this."
"And I will, sugar. I just need your help."
Caliban shook his head, tears filling in his eyes. He half turned away, but was stopped as Rogue reached out a hand to grip his arm. "I cannot help you, Rogue. This is something you must do on your own."
"But I can't…I don't know what to do." Rogue's tone plead with Caliban, her voice soft and filled with a sense of fear. "Caliban, please…you've got to help me. You have to tell me what to do. How can I stop this? How can I stop more people from dying? I'm doing this blind…and I'm afraid that if I don't find a way to see I'll lose people I love."
"It is your battle, not mine, nor anybody else's."
Rogue tugged at Caliban's arms, her eyes wide. "Please…please…Caliban, I thought you were my friend…I know I've made mistakes in the past. I'm screwed up, and I deserve everything I get…but I need you. Please? You were like a father to me before I found out who my father was…you're the only one I can trust now. Please don't let me down."
Her voice choked up at the end, causing Caliban to turn around and face the petite woman. Tears were streaming down her face and for the first time in a long time he saw the scared girl she had been over two years ago when she had first arrived in Bayville. He pulled her into his arms, comforting her as a father would. He knew what it was she feared the most.
"What will happen, will happen," he whispered.
Rogue pulled away and wiped tears from her eyes. "I know what's going to happen Caliban…I know how it's going to end. I dream about it every night…I can see it in my head as clear as day, and there's nothing I can do to change it."
She took a deep breath, continuing, "I'm the only one who can destroy Apocalypse…but I don't know how I'm supposed to do that."
"What of the Phoenix?"
"She was never my problem. That's Jean's problem…Jean will have to fight her own demons, just like I've got to fight my own."
Caliban was silent. The tunnel became quiet as well. The only sound that could be heard was water dripping from the top of the tunnel into the sewage water below. "You know I will help you…but I must ask one thing. What will happen once you destroy Apocalypse? He was the first mutant in history…his death could mean the death of us all."
"That's a bunch of bullshit."
"If you cannot be straight with me—"
"It's my fate…I'll destroy Apocalypse…and…" Rogue closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "And I'm going to die doing it."
"The ultimate sacrifice."
"The ultimate sacrifice," agreed Rogue softly.
A/N—As of June 2, 2007, Chapter 53: Famine has been revised.