Here's the second chapter – just be thankful I had already prewritten this bad boy because otherwise it might not have gone out. And this time it's not even me procrastinating.

Just to let you know, the "once a week" posting is probably going to become a rarity until after Labor Day weekend (aka September 3). We're moving in to our new house on the 1st and now we've got a funeral to help plan/attend. My cousin Samantha, 19 years old, died over the weekend from Diabetes. 19. Just had her birthday in June and she was getting married in three weeks, too.

If you or anyone you know is a diabetic, please don't mess around with this stuff. Watch the people you love if they're not taking care of themselves. Don't say "I don't want to get involved, he/she will be fine," 'cause it's B.S.

Sammy was in and out of the hospital constantly for not taking her meds and eating right and now everyone in my family wishes we had gotten involved because if we had, she might not be dead right now.

So yeah. Watch out for each other okay? Who knows what might be prevented by simply showing someone you care and taking the time to listen… I know I wish I had.

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Logan was the first to come out of the telepathy-induced stupor. He shook his head vigorously as the headache began to fade. Most of the kids were still out cold, but a few others were beginning to awaken and he surveyed the damage as he tried to remember what had just happened.

As Wolverine's head cleared fully, however, he jumped up and bolted down the stone staircase in search of Rogue. He was desperate to find her – to find some evidence that she was safe and alive despite Apocalypse's misuse. His heart pumped faster and faster as he sprinted across the room and down into the heart of the tomb. Dread had settled within his bones and he slowed as he reached the last few stairs. Coming upon the landing, he stooped down to gather up the precious bundle that lay at his feet.

He stood, a single purple glove cradled in his palm, and dread was replaced with rage as Wolverine finally released his torrent of emotion in a single cry.

"GRRRRAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!"

His bellow echoed throughout the temple and as it did all those who weren't previously awake jolted upright. The dust and loosened stone chips on the ceiling fell free and the mutants became lightly coated in the debris. The extra noise did not help everyone's thumping headaches, yet no one seemed to mind.

Logan's cry echoed the mood of everyone in the temple. They all felt angry with themselves and Apocalypse, but mostly they grieved for their lost friend.

Ororo's eyes brimmed with tears as she closed them and Kitty turned to Kurt, burying her head in his blue fur. Kurt in return could only rest his arm over his friend's shoulders as the shock of the situation and the loss of his sister gripped him.

Scott held fists at his sides as he turned his ruby gaze to the floor and Jean, seeing blood dripping from her boyfriend's fingers, sluggishly made her way over to him.

The mood was sullen and overcast as if death itself had cast a shadow over the teams. Even Pyro lacked his normal quip as he too was overcome by the blowing defeat.

Hank picked himself off of the floor slowly and retrieved Xavier's wheelchair before helping the Professor onto the seat. Beast never once met Xavier's eyes as he aided the mentor and instead kept his gaze fixated on the floor.

Even the Brotherhood looked downtrodden. Pietro scuffed his shoes against the floor and Lance leaned against the wall in his usual pose. Even he lacked his normal arrogance, however, as he looked around the room at the grieving faces.

Toad sat slumped against a wall, and Blob - breaking the encompassing silence - suddenly threw his fist into a nearby wall. Some of the mutants turned their gaze toward the disturbance while others ignored it.

Wolverine stomped up the stairs then, murder reading clearly in his feral eyes. As he passed Creed however, the cat-like mutant shattered the dreary mood with a simple remark, "Some superhero you make runt. Ya can't even save one of yer own kids."

Wolverine turned his gaze to Sabertooth. The smaller man wanted Apocalypse's blood, but for now, Creed would definitely suffice. With a battle cry, Wolverine lunged for his rival.

Creed had expected retaliation yes, but not of this intensity. The Canadian laid into the other mutant with such passion that he took Sabertooth off guard.

The other Acolytes rushed to help their teammate and the Brotherhood followed suit. The X-Men, now experiencing the anger phase of their grief, also joined the melee of fists and insults.

Magneto and Xavier remained as the only two NOT fighting (which was ironic in itself), and what's more, it seemed that Charles was not even interested in the chaos. He kept his head bowed over folded hands as he sat in his chair silently.

Professor Charles Xavier was known for his patience and understanding. He rarely spoke harshly to any of his students and he had never lost his patience.

Until today.

"THAT IS ENOUGH!!!!" The Professor exploded, causing every single body in the room to freeze in pure awe and fear. Even Wolverine and Sabertooth ceased their fighting - with a little help from Magneto of course.

All eyes turned to Xavier as he spoke again in a more calming tone, "I know you are all angry and upset. That is understandable. However, taking out your frustrations on each other will NOT solve the problem."

All heads were lowered in shame as each person contemplated the Professor's words.

"I agree that this incident has been a blow to all of you, but you must not let that," he was cut off by Scott of all people, who had been slowly simmering to a boil in the back of the room.

"Get us down?" he asked in a sarcastic and spiteful tone. Jean, and many others, simply gawked at their normally respectful and rule-abiding team leader.

Cyclops continued with a sneer in his voice, "excuse me Professor, but Rogue was just kidnapped - for the second time today. Apocalypse is now free - because of us - and we just got our asses thoroughly kicked; so why would we possibly be upset?"

A few gasps were heard throughout the crowd and Lance let out a low whistle before leaning over to Pietro, "I gotta give that guy some credit. I don't think even Magneto would go that far." Pietro simply nodded, too stunned to reply.

Apparently the Professor was a little taken back as well because it took him a few seconds to recover his voice.

He cleared his throat slightly - which was not a good sign - and replied to Scott's 'outburst.' "Be that as it may Cyclops, our main focus must now lie in finding and rescuing Rogue. In addition to that, we must also care for our wounded," he said, motioning to Kitty and Bobby, both of whom had been badly burned during the battle.

"And what of Apocalypse, Charles? He defeated us all with a mere wave of his hand. If we should find him, what is to keep him from killing the lot of us?" Magneto interjected.

The Professor pondered the question for a moment and closed his eyes, "he is weakening."

"How? Why?" Magneto asked again forcefully.

"He is somehow using Rogue as a source of power. It seems that his absorption of her abilities only lasts as long as they normally would for her."

Scott interrupted again, concern now lacing his voice, "you mean he's draining her like a battery?" His voice rose as he asked, making everyone aware of the full gravity of the situation.

Xavier simply nodded, unable to speak.

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Again, sorry this bad boy is so short, but it hasn't really been the best time. I'll try to update when I can and with whatever I have, but I can't promise any real meat until we all recover.

I'll do shout outs and individual thank you's later, but for now, I really appreciate all of you who reviewed and especially for adding me to your favorites lists. Thanks to Lucia to for the "quote" help.

Love and Light,

Wiccamage