Wash Away Those Years: Lifeless Hope (6/?)
Story Title: Wash Away Those Years
Chapter Title: Lifeless Hope
Pairing: Pyro/Rogue (of course) but for a while, might be Bobby/Kitty/Rogue/Pyro love square
Part: 6/?
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Set during X-Men: The Last Stand, and loosely based off the video footage from X-Men: The Last Stand.
Disclaimer: I just own the idea.
Summary: Rogue runs into Pyro while seeking the cure. Some unexpected things arise from their encounter. Now, their both struggling to find themselves, and to find one another as they try to hold onto what used to be, and what could've been. But can they re-write the past and present all together and find something worthwhile?...
New: Wash Away Those Years Trailer! Take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83qyA6vkntk
Previously on Wash Away Those Years:
--
Pyro wakes as the morning light shines through his tent. He looks down at his bullet wound, and lets out a small moan as he found the pain still dreadfully present. He picks up a clean long sleeved shirt, and carefully tries to put it on, trying not to agitate his wound too much. He walks out, and immediately sees everyone crowding around, talking. He became curious, and joined the others.
Mystique was the first to see him, and she let out a sigh. “It’s about time you got up.” She said as she watched him approach.
“Well, with being shot and all you’d think I’d kind of need my sleep.” He sarcastically replied.
--
She continued sinking down in the bathtub, her face slowly submerging in water.
“Just be happy for me and her.”
--
“Look, now that you’ve lowered yourself to nothing... Why don’t you go back to the little Iceprick and fuck him like I’m sure you two have worked around before and leave me the fuck alone, how about that?”
Her head now fully submerged, as she holds her breath.
“It just… happened...”
--
“And now she’s gotten the cure…” the girl whispered.
“I know… How pathetic does she look now?”
--
“You know we weren’t going far,”
--
"I always knew you were weak."
Rogue let go of the last little bit of breath she had left, causing bubbles to penetrate the surface and slowly, she started to fade to black.
The group of girl’s came back, hoping to find the bathroom unoccupied. To their disappointment, the door was still sealed shut.
“Oh, you've gotta be kidding me.” One of the girls complained to the others. The girl’s chatted amongst themselves behind her as she pounded on the door.
“Come on, open up! We’ve given you enough time to get out.” She hollered through the door, expecting to hear a response, like before.
“This is such bull! This is why we should have our own bathroom’s.” she complained to the group of girl’s, who of course agreed as they waited for the door to open.
“Hey! Are you even listening to me?” She shouted, now becoming a little pissed off. She banged on the door louder, growing more and more agitated with each knock. The girl pounding on the door rolled her eyes as she bounced on her feet a little, obviously becoming impatient. She banged her fist on the door so loud, it made the door rattle.
“God, you can’t tell me she didn't hear that. Did you see the friggin' door? It almost split in half.” She continued to complain, half to herself.
“Do you think she’s okay?” One of the girl’s from within the group asked, concern evident in her tone. The girl knocking on the door ignored the possibility for a second, pounding on the door even harder.
“Are you okay?” She raised her voice, hoping Rogue would hear her and respond. She jiggled the doorknob and leaned her shoulder into it, trying to get it open, but it wouldn't budge.
“Kitty, you can walk through walls, right?” One of the girl’s asked. Shadowcat had been hanging back from the other girl's by the door. Considering everything that had been going on between the two girls lately, she wasn't exactly eager to see Rogue. Kitty Pryde hated awkward exchanges.
She reluctantly phases through the door, unlocking it swiftly. She turns around, and freezes in shock at the sight before her. A deafening silence overtook the room as she stared, wide eyed, feeling herself begin to tremble. Her unsteady breaths echoing in the all too silent, cold room, was the only thing to be heard besides the mockingly gentle sound of smoothly flowing water as it seeped over the edge of the porcelain tub, pooling on the cold, harshly stark tile floor.
The impatient leader of the group opened the door, barging in. Her irritated demand as to why Kitty had yet to speak halted abruptly as she follows Kitty's gaze to the overflowing tub. The girl takes one look at Rogue, fully submerged in the water, hand hanging over the edge limply, and releases a horrific scream. She immediately runs out into the hall, frantically yelling for help.
Hysteria overtakes the remainder of the group as they peak curiously into the silent bathroom for themselves. Kitty still stood frozen to the spot in turmoil. Tears streaked the scrawny brunette's cheeks as she stared, grotesquely fixated on the ethereal form of the older girl's limp form. Chestnut hair splayed out like waves in the water before her, platinum streaks swirling throughout, providing such a stark contrast. Kitty couldn't help but think that it had to be the most accurate, poetic, metaphorically reminder of the reality of the situation. Her wide, wet eyes lingered over the soft, translucent skin submerged in the cold water, melding with the white of the porcelain tub almost perfectly. Again, the stark contrast of dark chestnut locks heavenly swaying in the water, caressing the pale white skin almost lovingly.
Kitty Pryde had never been a very poetic person, but in that moment, with so many overwhelming thoughts and emotions swirling inside of her like a tidal wave, she appreciated the twisted beauty, even in her state of terrifying shock.
Storm came bounding into the bathroom, shoving the frozen, shockingly awestruck girl aside as she took in the situation. The newly appointed leader of the X-men was thrown into shock along side Kitty Pryde as she looked upon the limp form of the young girl she had seen as a close friend for the past four years. Someone she had once thought of as a capable person to fill the void inside her left by so many abandonment's by the ones she cared for. The older woman's normally, unshakable calm had just shattered into a million pieces as she gaped at the precious girl she had held such pride for, now laying there naked and lifeless in the depths of the still water that filled the bathtub. A disturbing thought ran through the weather witch's mind as she gathered the pieces of her calm, restoring her rational, leadership state of mind, jumping into action without another moments pause.
'Why would she do this? There is grace in this death, but no dignity.'
She races to the edge of the tub, crouching down beside the limp hand hanging over as she reached over the disturbingly still body, swiftly snatching up the nearest towel and wrapping it around the cold girl, shielding her from all the prying eyes congregated outside the doorway. As an after thought, maybe trying to not only shield the young girl's bare body from outsiders a consideration, but also as a poor attempt to shield her vulnerability from the outside world, saving the girl at least a little dignity in her moment of weakness. Storm wraps her arms tightly around Rogue's cold, lifeless body; the freezing water soaking the weather witch, as she clung to the girl, going unnoticed. Not even a moment later, Logan was shoving the crowd aside as he entered the room, racing to Rogue's side. The two quickly worked together to haul Rogue up over the edge of the bathtub, and gently set her unconscious form onto the cold, hard tile beside it.
Storm shakes her shoulders, pleading desperately for any sign of a response. “Rogue... Can you hear me? Open your eyes Rogue!” She looked so pale, neither Storm nor Logan could prevent themselves from fearing the worst. Logan helps stabilize her as Storm tilts Rogue’s head back by placing a hand on her forehead, at the same time using the other hand under Rogue’s neck to lift her head, giving Storm better access. She pressed her thumb to Rogue's chin, opening her airways as she moved her tongue out of the way.
Her head tilts down, ear mere inches above Rogue's lips, silently praying for any sign of breathing whatsoever. After a moment she straightened her back, glancing at Logan futilely. She pressed two fingers against the pale, cold skin of her throat, swallowing worriedly as she waited for a pulse to appear.
“Storm…?” Logan asked, panic concealed poorly in his tone.
She ignored him, creasing her brow as she concentrated solely on Rogue and her current task. That was all she could do at the moment to keep some semblance of calm. She watched the girl's chest intently, waiting for it to rise... there was nothing but stillness.
“She’s not breathing.” Storm said, becoming frantic as all that calm seeped away. “On my count, start chest compressions.” She yells at him, swiftly taking charge. She used her free hand to block Rogue's nasal passage as she leaned down, blowing puffs of air into the girl's lungs in sets of threes.
An interested crowd of students blocked the doorway as they all watched the two work on the unconscious girl. Bobby stood beside the shell shocked Kitty, staring at the girl he once considered the love of his life, and will probably always consider as one of his best friends. He watched, terrified, as Storm leaned up from the unresponsive Rogue to bark at Logan, ordering a set of chest compressions in between her mouth to mouth resuscitation. The crowd stood speechless, watching intently as the scene played out before them. Some shocked and horrified, others just plain intrigued, drawn and excited by the drama, but all were thinking the same thing... 'I thought she was stronger than this.'
They worked in a system of Storm giving mouth to mouth resuscitation, and Logan doing CPR. Finally, to both of their relief and amazement, Rogue's lungs inhale one quick, sharp, deep breath before choking it out, coughing and sputtering up water. The sense of relief and happiness that fell onto Storm and Logan, and the few select students mixed into the large crowd that actually cared, was almost overwhelming. Storm listened carefully, realizing that the young girl's heartbeat, that had just restarted, was already slowing it's pace, losing momentum too quickly.
“She’s going into cardiac arrest. We need to get her down to the med lab now!” Storm shouted. Logan, without hesitation, quickly scooped her up into his arms, and jumped to his feet, racing her out of the bathroom, through the dissipating crowd, and down the corridor, cradling her bridal-style, trying to reach the medical lab as quickly as possible without jostling her. Storm followed closely behind, pausing for a moment in the hall to turn towards the throng of students still observing with twisted interest.
“Well, I hope you all are happy…” She said, glaring at the mob disparagingly. She spun on her heels, quickly chasing after Logan, leaving the group to stare after her despondently, like sheep in a pasture... feeling all as one... sudden, unexpected, well-deserved remorse.
--
The Brotherhood members dispersed throughout the large skyscraper belonging to partners Worthington the second and Dr. Henry Hank McCoy. Pyro, alongside Mystique, were sent to scan the higher labs as Magneto finds the information he’s looking for in the basement storage room. The others fell back, waiting outside as back-up, till their ordered otherwise. Pyro and Mystique look around for useful information, much like Magneto. They come across two female scientists walking with Dr. McCoy, a few paces behind him near where they were located. They both give the signal to one another, and they each very quietly grab the two scientists from behind, Pyro taking one and Mystique taking the other. Quickly, covering her mouth from behind with his left hand, he backs himself up against a wall, hiding behind some medical equipment. They held them there long enough for Dr. McCoy to leave, but if he had happened to notice them, they’d have the two women to fall back on, using them as hostages. He sparks the pilot lighter on his wrist igniter, and creates a flame that he holds right in front of the woman’s face, nearly burning her.
He presses his mouth near her ear, “You make one sound, and I’ll fucking kill you before anyone even has time to hear you. Got it?” He whispers as quietly as possible.
She nods, trying her best to stay calm and not freak out. Dr. McCoy is joined in the room by Warren Worthington II.
“Warren,” McCoy greets the older man while shaking his hand. Mystique looks over at Pyro as she restrains the other scientist. She holds the woman in a mirror image of Pyro’s position, hiding behind the small space that the opened hospital curtain had given her.
“Hank,” Warren says, pausing for a moment, then continuing. “I trust you have made the necessary arrangements with the X-Men?” He asks.
Pyro's head jolts upwards towards the men as they spoke, mentions of the X-men taking the firestarter by surprise, immediately being attracted by the name because of Rogue. His attention perks, straining to hear the mens words. No… He can’t do this now. He can’t think about her right now. He needs to concentrate. On his last mission, he got shot because he was too distracted by thoughts of Rogue. Not because he was an amateur at his work or because he was soft… But because he’s a man in love and he’s too afraid to admit it. Therefore, constantly being haunted by incessant thoughts of his old friend was not what he needed at the moment. He continues to listen, still holding the woman hostage.
“That is correct. I have made a deal with them. They no longer view you as a threat. They understand now that your to be thought of as an ally, not an enemy. They believe that the cure is and will be upon free choice.” Dr. McCoy explained.
Pyro’s eye easily catches Mystique across from him as she quietly snaps the woman’s neck, shape-shifting into the scientist. She gives Pyro a ‘bare-with-me’ look, and then steps out of her hiding place, nearing where Hank McCoy and Warren Worthington II stood.
“Gentlemen... So sorry to interrupt, but I was curious... how much of this ‘cure’ is actually available?” She asked, trying her best to sound sweet, then continued, knowing her question seemed a little unusual. “I mean, my job is very important to me.” She explained. Both men looked over at her, curious as to why she wanted to know, but thinking nothing of it.
“As much as we want… As long as we have the boy in our custody, we can make as large a quantity as possible.” Warren replied.
She very politely smiled, nodding dismissal. Mystique continued to walk away from the two, turning down into one of the hallways. She turns on her com-link, still in the appearance of the scientist. “I’m looking for the boy now.” Mystique said in a low voice.
Pyro still holding the woman back, quietly listened as the two men finished up their conversation. He knew he would have more than enough information for Magneto, once they were through. And if Mystique is able to capture the boy, they'd have even more of an advantage.
“It’s a pleasure doing business with you Warren.” Hank said, shaking his hand goodbye. Warren nods, turning around to leave. Hank soon followed him, leaving the room as well.
Pyro knew what he had to do. He couldn’t risk this woman narcing on them, witnessing the presence of both him and Mystique at the labs. He grips onto the woman tighter, sparking his wrist igniter, and creating a fireball. He brings it close to her, and she starts struggling, squealing a little. Pyro snarls, keeping his solid grip on her, but with more effort than before.
“Please don’t… I have a husband, and two children at home. My god, I don’t want them to hear on the news that I've died!” She pleaded. Pyro rolled his eyes, not caring to hear about her life story, ignoring her pleading. It wasn’t what he wanted to do, but he had no choice. In the long run, it’d either be her or him.
“Please,” she calmed down, silencing her cries long enough to rationally plead him. “Don’t you have someone you care about?” She asked him, getting him to sympathize.
Pyro casts his gaze to the floor as a memory hits him…
'The smell of Rogue’s sweet perfume as the heavy wind blew towards him, caressing his senses into overtime. She lets down her hair that had been pulled back in a ponytail and lets it blow in the wind. He walks alongside her, hopelessly admiring her as she walked along the edge of the big pond outside Xavier’s mansion.
“You know; if you fall in, I’m not rescuing your ass.” He joked, smiling teasingly at her. The wind blew stronger as the storm moved in, clouds making the day look very dark and disturbing.
She looks over at him , shocked. “And just who said I’d need your help?” She lightly joked back while smiling, her southern accent coming out a bit. He looked at her, returning the smile and continued to walk alongside her as she carefully kept her balance. She looked down at her feet, carefully watching her step as she balanced on the edge of the pond barriers.
“Don’t trip!” John hollered, sparking her attention a little too late as he lightly pushed her in the direction of the pond, causing her to wobble slightly. She threw her arms out to the side to help her regain her balance, and skillfully corrected herself, planting both feet firmly back on the edge. She looked over at him with her mouth open, in pure shock, and then her expression turned as she started to giggle
“Jerk!” she jokingly said while a soft smile plays on her lips. He looked at her and returned a small chuckle.
Pyro blinked a few times as he tried to get rid of the memory. He then turned his attention back to the woman as he threatened. “If you tell anyone about the presence of me or my friend, mark my words… I will find you.” Pyro said coldly, releasing his grip on the woman.
She cried, getting out of his grasps as fast as she could. She turned back around, completely oblivious of the well-hidden pain in Pyro’s eyes caused by the reminder of his past life.
“Thank you…” She said hesitantly, then very quickly running off.
He watched as she made her escape. The pain in his eyes dissipating, replaced by confused contemplation. What was going on? What did he just do? He was ordered to kill anyone who saw him out of assurance that nobody would know The Brotherhood’s whereabouts. Yet he had just let her walk away.
--
“Clear!” Jean yells, warning everyone to step back from the hospital table before she shocks Rogue with the defibrillator, sending electricity shooting through Rogue’s chest.
Storm, Wolverine, and Cyclops surrounded the metal slab helplessly watching, in the medical lab, concerned and saddened.
Jean looks back at the heart-rate monitor hopefully as it jumped from the shock, pivoting up before losing it's beat again. After a moment, the heart rate monitor began leaping, small, jagged beats, but beats none the less. Rogue’s heart, starting to beat on its own weakly, slowly gaining strength with each each beep of the monitor. There were nothing but smiles on everybody’s faces as they all watched the monitor, filling all of them with such relief.
All the students had left the scene of the bathroom, and had all been anxiously awaiting news on her condition. Jubilee was devastated when she had seen Rogue at the time Storm and Logan were trying to resuscitate her.
She slowly walks into the bathroom, planning to clean up the mess that had been made. She tries to hold back her tears, blinking really fast as the water reaches up to her ankles, soaking her pant legs. She inhaled a deep breath, and began scrubbing the wet floors with the dry towel she had retrieved. She got up and stuck her hand down into the tub, and pulled the drain-stopper, draining the freezing, cloudy bath water.
Then, something caught her eye. She looks down towards the floor, crouching down, stretching her arm out underneath the tub. She pulls out a damp envelope. A mixture of concern and curiousness provoked her to rip the seal, unfolding the paper with care.
Her eyes widened slightly as she realized it was a suicide note. Tears immediately started flowing down her face as she read it. She paid careful attention when she came across the fore mentioned name ‘John’. She repeated the name over and over again in her mind, trying to figure out why it was so familiar. Then it hit her, like the crackle of her power when she gets excited, like fireworks, it suddenly all fell into place, and everything suddenly became so clear to her… ‘John Allerdyce…’
A/N: Special thanks to rogue_detective for being my beta and helping me with my grammar as well as guide me through some of the tough scenes i couldn't figure out how to create. Thanks girl!
A/N2: More chapters coming soon! Please review! I really appreciate every comment i get, and it never goes unnoticed. I always reply back to each and every one. I really hate begging, as i kinda want things to come naturally. Plus, i has pride! But i really need to hear y'alls thoughts. Please review
Chapter Title: Lifeless Hope
Pairing: Pyro/Rogue (of course) but for a while, might be Bobby/Kitty/Rogue/Pyro love square
Part: 6/?
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Set during X-Men: The Last Stand, and loosely based off the video footage from X-Men: The Last Stand.
Disclaimer: I just own the idea.
Summary: Rogue runs into Pyro while seeking the cure. Some unexpected things arise from their encounter. Now, their both struggling to find themselves, and to find one another as they try to hold onto what used to be, and what could've been. But can they re-write the past and present all together and find something worthwhile?...
New: Wash Away Those Years Trailer! Take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83qyA6vkntk
Previously on Wash Away Those Years:
--
Pyro wakes as the morning light shines through his tent. He looks down at his bullet wound, and lets out a small moan as he found the pain still dreadfully present. He picks up a clean long sleeved shirt, and carefully tries to put it on, trying not to agitate his wound too much. He walks out, and immediately sees everyone crowding around, talking. He became curious, and joined the others.
Mystique was the first to see him, and she let out a sigh. “It’s about time you got up.” She said as she watched him approach.
“Well, with being shot and all you’d think I’d kind of need my sleep.” He sarcastically replied.
--
She continued sinking down in the bathtub, her face slowly submerging in water.
“Just be happy for me and her.”
--
“Look, now that you’ve lowered yourself to nothing... Why don’t you go back to the little Iceprick and fuck him like I’m sure you two have worked around before and leave me the fuck alone, how about that?”
Her head now fully submerged, as she holds her breath.
“It just… happened...”
--
“And now she’s gotten the cure…” the girl whispered.
“I know… How pathetic does she look now?”
--
“You know we weren’t going far,”
--
"I always knew you were weak."
Rogue let go of the last little bit of breath she had left, causing bubbles to penetrate the surface and slowly, she started to fade to black.
The group of girl’s came back, hoping to find the bathroom unoccupied. To their disappointment, the door was still sealed shut.
“Oh, you've gotta be kidding me.” One of the girls complained to the others. The girl’s chatted amongst themselves behind her as she pounded on the door.
“Come on, open up! We’ve given you enough time to get out.” She hollered through the door, expecting to hear a response, like before.
“This is such bull! This is why we should have our own bathroom’s.” she complained to the group of girl’s, who of course agreed as they waited for the door to open.
“Hey! Are you even listening to me?” She shouted, now becoming a little pissed off. She banged on the door louder, growing more and more agitated with each knock. The girl pounding on the door rolled her eyes as she bounced on her feet a little, obviously becoming impatient. She banged her fist on the door so loud, it made the door rattle.
“God, you can’t tell me she didn't hear that. Did you see the friggin' door? It almost split in half.” She continued to complain, half to herself.
“Do you think she’s okay?” One of the girl’s from within the group asked, concern evident in her tone. The girl knocking on the door ignored the possibility for a second, pounding on the door even harder.
“Are you okay?” She raised her voice, hoping Rogue would hear her and respond. She jiggled the doorknob and leaned her shoulder into it, trying to get it open, but it wouldn't budge.
“Kitty, you can walk through walls, right?” One of the girl’s asked. Shadowcat had been hanging back from the other girl's by the door. Considering everything that had been going on between the two girls lately, she wasn't exactly eager to see Rogue. Kitty Pryde hated awkward exchanges.
She reluctantly phases through the door, unlocking it swiftly. She turns around, and freezes in shock at the sight before her. A deafening silence overtook the room as she stared, wide eyed, feeling herself begin to tremble. Her unsteady breaths echoing in the all too silent, cold room, was the only thing to be heard besides the mockingly gentle sound of smoothly flowing water as it seeped over the edge of the porcelain tub, pooling on the cold, harshly stark tile floor.
The impatient leader of the group opened the door, barging in. Her irritated demand as to why Kitty had yet to speak halted abruptly as she follows Kitty's gaze to the overflowing tub. The girl takes one look at Rogue, fully submerged in the water, hand hanging over the edge limply, and releases a horrific scream. She immediately runs out into the hall, frantically yelling for help.
Hysteria overtakes the remainder of the group as they peak curiously into the silent bathroom for themselves. Kitty still stood frozen to the spot in turmoil. Tears streaked the scrawny brunette's cheeks as she stared, grotesquely fixated on the ethereal form of the older girl's limp form. Chestnut hair splayed out like waves in the water before her, platinum streaks swirling throughout, providing such a stark contrast. Kitty couldn't help but think that it had to be the most accurate, poetic, metaphorically reminder of the reality of the situation. Her wide, wet eyes lingered over the soft, translucent skin submerged in the cold water, melding with the white of the porcelain tub almost perfectly. Again, the stark contrast of dark chestnut locks heavenly swaying in the water, caressing the pale white skin almost lovingly.
Kitty Pryde had never been a very poetic person, but in that moment, with so many overwhelming thoughts and emotions swirling inside of her like a tidal wave, she appreciated the twisted beauty, even in her state of terrifying shock.
Storm came bounding into the bathroom, shoving the frozen, shockingly awestruck girl aside as she took in the situation. The newly appointed leader of the X-men was thrown into shock along side Kitty Pryde as she looked upon the limp form of the young girl she had seen as a close friend for the past four years. Someone she had once thought of as a capable person to fill the void inside her left by so many abandonment's by the ones she cared for. The older woman's normally, unshakable calm had just shattered into a million pieces as she gaped at the precious girl she had held such pride for, now laying there naked and lifeless in the depths of the still water that filled the bathtub. A disturbing thought ran through the weather witch's mind as she gathered the pieces of her calm, restoring her rational, leadership state of mind, jumping into action without another moments pause.
'Why would she do this? There is grace in this death, but no dignity.'
She races to the edge of the tub, crouching down beside the limp hand hanging over as she reached over the disturbingly still body, swiftly snatching up the nearest towel and wrapping it around the cold girl, shielding her from all the prying eyes congregated outside the doorway. As an after thought, maybe trying to not only shield the young girl's bare body from outsiders a consideration, but also as a poor attempt to shield her vulnerability from the outside world, saving the girl at least a little dignity in her moment of weakness. Storm wraps her arms tightly around Rogue's cold, lifeless body; the freezing water soaking the weather witch, as she clung to the girl, going unnoticed. Not even a moment later, Logan was shoving the crowd aside as he entered the room, racing to Rogue's side. The two quickly worked together to haul Rogue up over the edge of the bathtub, and gently set her unconscious form onto the cold, hard tile beside it.
Storm shakes her shoulders, pleading desperately for any sign of a response. “Rogue... Can you hear me? Open your eyes Rogue!” She looked so pale, neither Storm nor Logan could prevent themselves from fearing the worst. Logan helps stabilize her as Storm tilts Rogue’s head back by placing a hand on her forehead, at the same time using the other hand under Rogue’s neck to lift her head, giving Storm better access. She pressed her thumb to Rogue's chin, opening her airways as she moved her tongue out of the way.
Her head tilts down, ear mere inches above Rogue's lips, silently praying for any sign of breathing whatsoever. After a moment she straightened her back, glancing at Logan futilely. She pressed two fingers against the pale, cold skin of her throat, swallowing worriedly as she waited for a pulse to appear.
“Storm…?” Logan asked, panic concealed poorly in his tone.
She ignored him, creasing her brow as she concentrated solely on Rogue and her current task. That was all she could do at the moment to keep some semblance of calm. She watched the girl's chest intently, waiting for it to rise... there was nothing but stillness.
“She’s not breathing.” Storm said, becoming frantic as all that calm seeped away. “On my count, start chest compressions.” She yells at him, swiftly taking charge. She used her free hand to block Rogue's nasal passage as she leaned down, blowing puffs of air into the girl's lungs in sets of threes.
An interested crowd of students blocked the doorway as they all watched the two work on the unconscious girl. Bobby stood beside the shell shocked Kitty, staring at the girl he once considered the love of his life, and will probably always consider as one of his best friends. He watched, terrified, as Storm leaned up from the unresponsive Rogue to bark at Logan, ordering a set of chest compressions in between her mouth to mouth resuscitation. The crowd stood speechless, watching intently as the scene played out before them. Some shocked and horrified, others just plain intrigued, drawn and excited by the drama, but all were thinking the same thing... 'I thought she was stronger than this.'
They worked in a system of Storm giving mouth to mouth resuscitation, and Logan doing CPR. Finally, to both of their relief and amazement, Rogue's lungs inhale one quick, sharp, deep breath before choking it out, coughing and sputtering up water. The sense of relief and happiness that fell onto Storm and Logan, and the few select students mixed into the large crowd that actually cared, was almost overwhelming. Storm listened carefully, realizing that the young girl's heartbeat, that had just restarted, was already slowing it's pace, losing momentum too quickly.
“She’s going into cardiac arrest. We need to get her down to the med lab now!” Storm shouted. Logan, without hesitation, quickly scooped her up into his arms, and jumped to his feet, racing her out of the bathroom, through the dissipating crowd, and down the corridor, cradling her bridal-style, trying to reach the medical lab as quickly as possible without jostling her. Storm followed closely behind, pausing for a moment in the hall to turn towards the throng of students still observing with twisted interest.
“Well, I hope you all are happy…” She said, glaring at the mob disparagingly. She spun on her heels, quickly chasing after Logan, leaving the group to stare after her despondently, like sheep in a pasture... feeling all as one... sudden, unexpected, well-deserved remorse.
--
The Brotherhood members dispersed throughout the large skyscraper belonging to partners Worthington the second and Dr. Henry Hank McCoy. Pyro, alongside Mystique, were sent to scan the higher labs as Magneto finds the information he’s looking for in the basement storage room. The others fell back, waiting outside as back-up, till their ordered otherwise. Pyro and Mystique look around for useful information, much like Magneto. They come across two female scientists walking with Dr. McCoy, a few paces behind him near where they were located. They both give the signal to one another, and they each very quietly grab the two scientists from behind, Pyro taking one and Mystique taking the other. Quickly, covering her mouth from behind with his left hand, he backs himself up against a wall, hiding behind some medical equipment. They held them there long enough for Dr. McCoy to leave, but if he had happened to notice them, they’d have the two women to fall back on, using them as hostages. He sparks the pilot lighter on his wrist igniter, and creates a flame that he holds right in front of the woman’s face, nearly burning her.
He presses his mouth near her ear, “You make one sound, and I’ll fucking kill you before anyone even has time to hear you. Got it?” He whispers as quietly as possible.
She nods, trying her best to stay calm and not freak out. Dr. McCoy is joined in the room by Warren Worthington II.
“Warren,” McCoy greets the older man while shaking his hand. Mystique looks over at Pyro as she restrains the other scientist. She holds the woman in a mirror image of Pyro’s position, hiding behind the small space that the opened hospital curtain had given her.
“Hank,” Warren says, pausing for a moment, then continuing. “I trust you have made the necessary arrangements with the X-Men?” He asks.
Pyro's head jolts upwards towards the men as they spoke, mentions of the X-men taking the firestarter by surprise, immediately being attracted by the name because of Rogue. His attention perks, straining to hear the mens words. No… He can’t do this now. He can’t think about her right now. He needs to concentrate. On his last mission, he got shot because he was too distracted by thoughts of Rogue. Not because he was an amateur at his work or because he was soft… But because he’s a man in love and he’s too afraid to admit it. Therefore, constantly being haunted by incessant thoughts of his old friend was not what he needed at the moment. He continues to listen, still holding the woman hostage.
“That is correct. I have made a deal with them. They no longer view you as a threat. They understand now that your to be thought of as an ally, not an enemy. They believe that the cure is and will be upon free choice.” Dr. McCoy explained.
Pyro’s eye easily catches Mystique across from him as she quietly snaps the woman’s neck, shape-shifting into the scientist. She gives Pyro a ‘bare-with-me’ look, and then steps out of her hiding place, nearing where Hank McCoy and Warren Worthington II stood.
“Gentlemen... So sorry to interrupt, but I was curious... how much of this ‘cure’ is actually available?” She asked, trying her best to sound sweet, then continued, knowing her question seemed a little unusual. “I mean, my job is very important to me.” She explained. Both men looked over at her, curious as to why she wanted to know, but thinking nothing of it.
“As much as we want… As long as we have the boy in our custody, we can make as large a quantity as possible.” Warren replied.
She very politely smiled, nodding dismissal. Mystique continued to walk away from the two, turning down into one of the hallways. She turns on her com-link, still in the appearance of the scientist. “I’m looking for the boy now.” Mystique said in a low voice.
Pyro still holding the woman back, quietly listened as the two men finished up their conversation. He knew he would have more than enough information for Magneto, once they were through. And if Mystique is able to capture the boy, they'd have even more of an advantage.
“It’s a pleasure doing business with you Warren.” Hank said, shaking his hand goodbye. Warren nods, turning around to leave. Hank soon followed him, leaving the room as well.
Pyro knew what he had to do. He couldn’t risk this woman narcing on them, witnessing the presence of both him and Mystique at the labs. He grips onto the woman tighter, sparking his wrist igniter, and creating a fireball. He brings it close to her, and she starts struggling, squealing a little. Pyro snarls, keeping his solid grip on her, but with more effort than before.
“Please don’t… I have a husband, and two children at home. My god, I don’t want them to hear on the news that I've died!” She pleaded. Pyro rolled his eyes, not caring to hear about her life story, ignoring her pleading. It wasn’t what he wanted to do, but he had no choice. In the long run, it’d either be her or him.
“Please,” she calmed down, silencing her cries long enough to rationally plead him. “Don’t you have someone you care about?” She asked him, getting him to sympathize.
Pyro casts his gaze to the floor as a memory hits him…
'The smell of Rogue’s sweet perfume as the heavy wind blew towards him, caressing his senses into overtime. She lets down her hair that had been pulled back in a ponytail and lets it blow in the wind. He walks alongside her, hopelessly admiring her as she walked along the edge of the big pond outside Xavier’s mansion.
“You know; if you fall in, I’m not rescuing your ass.” He joked, smiling teasingly at her. The wind blew stronger as the storm moved in, clouds making the day look very dark and disturbing.
She looks over at him , shocked. “And just who said I’d need your help?” She lightly joked back while smiling, her southern accent coming out a bit. He looked at her, returning the smile and continued to walk alongside her as she carefully kept her balance. She looked down at her feet, carefully watching her step as she balanced on the edge of the pond barriers.
“Don’t trip!” John hollered, sparking her attention a little too late as he lightly pushed her in the direction of the pond, causing her to wobble slightly. She threw her arms out to the side to help her regain her balance, and skillfully corrected herself, planting both feet firmly back on the edge. She looked over at him with her mouth open, in pure shock, and then her expression turned as she started to giggle
“Jerk!” she jokingly said while a soft smile plays on her lips. He looked at her and returned a small chuckle.
Pyro blinked a few times as he tried to get rid of the memory. He then turned his attention back to the woman as he threatened. “If you tell anyone about the presence of me or my friend, mark my words… I will find you.” Pyro said coldly, releasing his grip on the woman.
She cried, getting out of his grasps as fast as she could. She turned back around, completely oblivious of the well-hidden pain in Pyro’s eyes caused by the reminder of his past life.
“Thank you…” She said hesitantly, then very quickly running off.
He watched as she made her escape. The pain in his eyes dissipating, replaced by confused contemplation. What was going on? What did he just do? He was ordered to kill anyone who saw him out of assurance that nobody would know The Brotherhood’s whereabouts. Yet he had just let her walk away.
--
“Clear!” Jean yells, warning everyone to step back from the hospital table before she shocks Rogue with the defibrillator, sending electricity shooting through Rogue’s chest.
Storm, Wolverine, and Cyclops surrounded the metal slab helplessly watching, in the medical lab, concerned and saddened.
Jean looks back at the heart-rate monitor hopefully as it jumped from the shock, pivoting up before losing it's beat again. After a moment, the heart rate monitor began leaping, small, jagged beats, but beats none the less. Rogue’s heart, starting to beat on its own weakly, slowly gaining strength with each each beep of the monitor. There were nothing but smiles on everybody’s faces as they all watched the monitor, filling all of them with such relief.
All the students had left the scene of the bathroom, and had all been anxiously awaiting news on her condition. Jubilee was devastated when she had seen Rogue at the time Storm and Logan were trying to resuscitate her.
She slowly walks into the bathroom, planning to clean up the mess that had been made. She tries to hold back her tears, blinking really fast as the water reaches up to her ankles, soaking her pant legs. She inhaled a deep breath, and began scrubbing the wet floors with the dry towel she had retrieved. She got up and stuck her hand down into the tub, and pulled the drain-stopper, draining the freezing, cloudy bath water.
Then, something caught her eye. She looks down towards the floor, crouching down, stretching her arm out underneath the tub. She pulls out a damp envelope. A mixture of concern and curiousness provoked her to rip the seal, unfolding the paper with care.
Her eyes widened slightly as she realized it was a suicide note. Tears immediately started flowing down her face as she read it. She paid careful attention when she came across the fore mentioned name ‘John’. She repeated the name over and over again in her mind, trying to figure out why it was so familiar. Then it hit her, like the crackle of her power when she gets excited, like fireworks, it suddenly all fell into place, and everything suddenly became so clear to her… ‘John Allerdyce…’
A/N: Special thanks to rogue_detective for being my beta and helping me with my grammar as well as guide me through some of the tough scenes i couldn't figure out how to create. Thanks girl!
A/N2: More chapters coming soon! Please review! I really appreciate every comment i get, and it never goes unnoticed. I always reply back to each and every one. I really hate begging, as i kinda want things to come naturally. Plus, i has pride! But i really need to hear y'alls thoughts. Please review