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Angel In The Attic	By : fusedtwilight Category: X-men Comics > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 5328 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own X-men, it is the property of marvel comics and in no way do i make a profit from this fic.

Chapter List
- 39
- 40
- 41
Angel in the Attic
Chapter 40
Fusedtwilight: Sorry for the wait guys, I hope you all had a good Holiday Season and Happy New Year! A big thanks to my beta who has been with me for almost five years, can you believe it!
First chapter of 2015 starts now!

"And that's how I dragged myself to the med-bay and thought of how to get rid of the blood," Devin told his teammates.
"So you're telling us you came up with the idea to use anticoagulant to weaken Blut's blood and cleaned it out of the Ark's systems?" Rickard asked.
"That was a well-thought-up plan for you," Angie said amazed.
"I know, right," Devin said grinning. "But what's this about you turning into a giant bird?" he asked Jacob.
Jacob shrugged. "I thought I could only turn into a wendigo. But I think I can turn into other creatures as well."
"Like what, a unicorn?" Wayne asked.
Jacob shook his head. "I don't think so. But ever since I turned into the thunderbird I get this feeling like I am connected to all the tribes of the Americas. Like all the creatures they ever believed in are inside me waiting to come out."
"I knew you had yet to discover this part of your power. But even I didn't imagine you were capable of this," Michael said. "I can see it now. You're finally beginning to understand your power."
"And we'll need it for when we save Jericho," Franziska said.
"How is X-23 doing?" Angie asked.
"Emma is working on deprogramming her as we speak. It will take time though," Michael explained.
"What happened to Warren?" Jacob asked.
"Hank believes that whatever Apocalypse did to Warren all those years ago wasn't gone. Merely dormant. All the samples of Warren's blood have been altered. He thinks that it is some kind of virus that went undetected until Apocalypse reactivated it."
"So now he is his horseman again," Devin said glumly.
"We'll get him back. And Jericho," Michael said firmly.
"But how are we going to find them?" Angie asked.
"The Stepford sisters are using Cerebro but Apocalypse won't be found unless he wants to," Franzika said.
"But surely our tech should be strong enough to find him," Wayne said.
"Apocalypse has had access to alien technology since the days of ancient Egypt. But I do have an idea of how to find him," Michael said.
"How?" Rickard asked.
"By finding Blut."
They all looked at him with curious expressions.
"As you all know, I gained a few new powers since I performed the trials. One of them is tracking a person's psychic essence. It's a form of telepathy. In theory, I could track a person anywhere, but since Blut was teleported away I won't be able to pick up his trail. But I figure since this part of my power is like telepathy maybe I can use our Cerebro to enhance my power to find Blut, but sensing the whole world to find where he is."
"Michael, you are still a novice when it comes to telepathy!" Franziska said. "I mean no offense but the only ones who are allowed to use it are Emma, the Stepfords, and Betsy."
"I know. The psychic feedback is immense and I might wind up dead."
"Or brain dead," Franziska threw in.
"But I have to try. If you help me I might have a better chance. We can't wait for Emma to fix Laura. The only reason Apocalypse wants Jericho is to use his power. And if what Magneto wanted to use him for was bad I bet Apocalypse's plan is a thousand times worse."
Just then Josh walked in.
"Well good news, the blood has been cleaned out of the Ark's systems. Eve? You there?"
Eve reappeared in her hologram form.
"Yes Josh, thank you. And thank you, Devin for stopping Blut's blood."
"No problem, sweet cheeks," he said giving her a thumbs up.
"Devin showed amazing endurance and great courage after he was injured by Blut. I confess I am surprised he survived."
"He's a Champion alright," Wayne said bumping fists with Devin.
"I owe you all an apology. I should have paid more attention to Blut. But my attention was diverted by the mutant trying to get inside."
"What mutant?" Rickard asked.
"As you all know, the Ark was built using both scientific and mystical means. Adonai had protective spells cast on the Ark to keep it safe from being penetrated by technological and mystical means. A mutant teleporter was trying to make his way into the Ark but the protection spells prevented him from entering. However, once Blut made his way outside he left with the teleporter."
"Do we know who it was?" Michael asked.
"Nils Styger."
"Abyss!" Michael said remembering his encounter with him in the alternate timeline.
"Isn't he Kurt's brother?" Angie asked.
"Half-brother. Same father but different mothers. Going by the codename of Abyss, he has the ability to turn his body into a living gateway to another dimension. Although he has had a few incidents with the law he is not classified as a threat to the population and is considered peaceful. My only deduction is that he too has fallen prey to Apocalypses manipulations."
"We'll let Kurt know about Nils. Josh, do we still have any of Blut's blood left?" Michael asked.
Josh nodded.
"Good. I'll use that to track him. Franziska come with me to the Cerebro room. We'll work together on this. Rickard, contact Utopia and let Scott know about Nils."
Franziska and Michael left while Rickard called Scott.
As they made their way to the Ark's Cerebro the two of them talked.
"What about Warren?" Franziska asked. "You think we can reverse what has been done to him?"
"The X-Men were able to free him from Apocalypse once. But I am more concerned about this happening again. If we do cure Warren, who's to say this virus won't activate again."
After Franziska and Michael left the room and Rickard began to call Utopia, Angie walked over to Devin.
"Hey, Devin?"
"Yeah?"
She suddenly wrapped her arms around him in a hug.
"What you did was brave. Amazing even. I don't know if I could have done what you did. I am glad you are one of the good guys, Devin. You have the heart of a Champion."
Then to his immense delight she kissed him on the cheek. She gave him a friendly smile then walked away.
He stood there, frozen, his face turning a deep shade of red.
"Hey man, you okay?" Wayne asked walking over. "Your heart is beating really fast."
"Dude, pinch me, I think I am dreaming."
Wayne pinched him on the shoulder.
"Ow! I was just kidding! Now there is going to be a bruise!" Devin complained rubbing his shoulder.
Wayne just rolled his eyes.

"Alright. Thank you, Rickard. We will keep you informed."
Scott ended the call.
He looked through the glass window into the other room where Emma was trying to help X-23.
Hank had to remove several machine devices from her body which would have been a more delicate process had it not been for her healing factor.
He got out as much as he could; they would have to wait until later to get out the rest, for now Emma was trying to cure her of Apocalypse's mental control.
Logan walked up to Scott and stood next to him. Gazing into the room, his face was blank but Scott knew he wanted to be in there, to be close to X.
"Good news, no one was killed. Lots of injuries but nothing no one won't survive. Lots of damage to the island and its buildings."
"Considering what we had to face, we got lucky," Scott commented.
"Luck had nothing to do with it, bub. Apocalypse had Michael's cousin and plans to use him for God knows what. We were just the diversion."
"I talked to Rickard. They're going to try and use one of his new powers to try and find where Apocalypse is."
"Please tell me the kid isn't going to try and take on Apocalypse all by himself," Logan asked.
"No, Rickard promised they would let us know if they find him. And it would seem Apocalypse has also acquired Kurt's brother Nils as well."
"Abyss? Shit that makes things more complicated. He's a stronger teleporter then the elf. And if he can make mutants stronger imagine what he could do to old blue skin himself. He could make him stronger or-"
"Or use him to steal the powers of others," Scott said grimly.
"Wait what?" Logan asked. "The hell you mean, Slim?"
"When Tessa examined Jericho to see what his limits are she saw he is not only capable of sensing and enhancing powers, but stealing them as well. He can take a person's power and render them normal and put their power into someone else. Even someone who already has a power."
"Why didn't you tell anyone about this?" Logan asked.
"It is better to let the students come into their powers in their own way. Besides, Jericho is a borderline kleptomaniac. If we told him he could steal another's power he might not be able to resist the urge to do it. Tessa said that part of his power is dormant."
"I seem to recall her saying a bunch of Michael's powers were dormant as well," Logan commented.
"Michael's abilities awoke due to outside interference. And if Apocalypse is aware of this part of Jericho's power then I fear what that mad man intends to do with him. With the technology at his disposal he might be able to strip us all of our powers. And take them for himself."
"And with his whole survival of the strongest belief this would be the best chance to make him the top dog," Logan said looking terrified at the thought.
And Logan did not scare easily. But he had fought Apocalypse many times. He knew he would sacrifice millions of lives without a shred of regret if they did not fit his belief system.
"We need to find Jericho and soon, Logan. I have a bad feeling about this," Scott said.

"I want a power up! I want a power up! I want a power up! I want a power up!" Blut yelled stomping his feet.
Sinister sighed and looked up from his computer.
"What are you prattling on about now?" he asked.
"Michael's cousin is supposed to make mutants stronger, right?" Blut asked.
"Not just mutants. Anyone with a superhuman ability. Such beings are rare. Some can give a temporary boost in superhuman abilities and there are some whom can negate superhuman abilities. It is more common to find the former. But Jericho has the unique ability to not only power up a meta-being temporarily, he can also unlock a superhuman's powers to their fullest."
"So he can unlock my power to its fullest?" Blut asked.
"Yes."
"Then let him use his power on me!" Blut whined.
"Wasn't the power upgrade I gave you enough?" Sinister asked.
"I had to endure several hours of you opening me up like a Thanksgiving turkey and pumping me full of chemicals and serums!"
Sinister shrugged. "I told you the process would be unpleasant."
"You didn't even give me anesthesia!"
Sinister waved his hand at Blut. "A small sacrifice for the power you gained in return. Now leave me be."
"But imagine what he could do for me. I thought Apocalypse was all about survival of the fittest?"
"Yes, but he also believes power must be fought for."
"And yet his four horsemen are mutants he has modified," Blut said with a pout.
"Do not let Lord Apocalypse here you speak like that!" Sinister snapped. "You should be grateful to even be one of his chosen Blood King."
"Now that X is with the X-Men again it's not like he has much of a choice."
Sinister gritted his teeth. He was not a man who dealt with fools gladly and Blut was especially good at pushing his buttons.
"Just stay away from the boy. Once our plan is complete you will get what you desire and more."
"Okay...what is the plan again?"
"We told you!"
"I wasn't listening. I got bored and started thinking of fun things instead of two creepy old mutant guys who want to rule the world."
"Then why would you follow us if you don't even know what we plan?" Sinister asked.
"You could blow up the world and I wouldn't care. I just want to kill people," Blut said cheerfully.
"Fine!" Sinister snapped. "But pay attention this time!"
"Okay!"
"We are going to hook the boy up to a special device which will amplify his power. We will then hack all the satellites of the world using his power, and the satellites will cast a signal which will activate the mutant gene of every mutant in the world!"
"Wow! So Apocalypse will turn every human in the world into a mutant?" Blut asked.
"Sadly no. Only the ones who have the gene."
"But won't they all activate sooner or later?"
"Sadly no. See some people are sadly only destined to carry the gene to pass it on to future generations. What we plan to do is activate the gene. Bringing forth untold millions of mutants into their full potential."
"Full potential?" Blut asked.
Sinister smiled. "Yes! Instead of having to wait for years for their powers to fully develop they will all instantly have access to their full powers!"
"Won't that be a bit dangerous?" Blut questioned. "I know some mutants are incapable of controlling their powers. I have even heard of mutants who killed a bunch of people when they manifested their powers."
"Ah, but that is what we want! Imagine how afraid the humans will become when suddenly millions and millions of mutants suddenly emerge into the full might of their powers! I dare say it could lead to a war! A war that mutants will win under the leadership of Lord Apocalypse!"
"And what about the mutants who already have powers?" Blut asked.
"They will get a power up as well."
"Yippie!" Blut shouted jumping up and down.
"Just be patient and go find something to do. I am trying to do some calibrations; if I am not careful this could backfire."
"What do you mean?"
"Well. Simply put, his power is to activate and strengthen superhuman abilities. But if the harmonics are not done right when we activate the device and send out the signal we could do the reverse and turn all the mutants human again."
"Oh wow, that isn't good."
"No, which is why you need to go and leave me alone so I can work. Isn't there a meeting you're supposed to be attending?"
"Oh yeah, that's right! Better go to that. Have fun doing your boring mad scientist stuff. Bye."
Blut left the room and Sinister sighed.
"Damned pest. As soon as I get the chance I am fusing his lips together."

"I am happy to be back in your service, Lord Apocalypse," Warren said kneeling before Apocalypse who sat on his throne.
"And just in time. Sadly, Death was weak and now captured by the X-Men. No doubt they are trying to undo my enhancements on her. Such a waste. I planned on having you and her fight to the death to see who was the most worthy of being the horseman of death. But problem solved."
Warren stood up and got in line between Holocaust and Abyss.
"My horsemen. The time has come for mutants to rise up and take control of this planet. For too long have the weak humans been its masters! And the foolish X-Men have always prevented this."
"Damn them to hell!" Abyss said.
"Gene traitors, the whole lot of them!" Holocaust roared.
"This time they will not stop me!" Apocalypse yelled banging his fist on the arm of his throne.
He stood up and walked to the trio.
"With the mutant child in our possession we will accomplish my centuries-long dream! By awakening every mutant gene carrier to their full potential they will come to me and I will lead them to a glorious revelation!"
"Hail Apocalypse!" the three of them said raising their hands.
Suddenly the door opened and Blut came running in. "Sorry I am late."
He walked up to them and gave them a confused look.
"Why are you raising your arms like that?" he asked. "You look like you are trying out for a cheerleadingsquad."
"You were supposed to be here ten minutes ago, Blut," Apocalypse said.
"Sorry, I was asking Sinister if I could have Jericho make me stronger, and then he told me what we plan to do with him again because, as it turns out, I wasn't listening the first time you told me."
"Then why have you been with us this entire time?" Apocalypse asked.
"I wanted to kill lots of people and you do have a record for genocide. I mean, you named your own son Holocaust."
"Oh, and Blood King is sooo intimidating," Holocaust mocked.
"I don't want to intimidate my foes. I want to lure them into a false sense of security. It makes killing them that much more fun when they realize what a monster I am," Blut said with a childish giggle.
"I don't know if I should be happy he is on our side or afraid," Abyss muttered.
"My Lord, what of the X-Men?" Warren asked. "We should not underestimate them. Time and time again they have ruined your plans."
"It matters not. If they come to us we will greet them with force. I will not let them or anyone stand in our way. This is our hour of glory! We will not be denied!"

Franziska and Michael stood in the Cerebro room of the Ark.
It was similar to the one the X-Men had, only the wall was decorated with an atlas of the world.
Michael placed the helmet on his head.
"This is risky, Michael," Franziska warned. "We have no idea if this will work or how it will affect you."
"We don't have time to waste, Franziska. We need to save Jericho and Warren. God knows what Apocalypse is going to do with my cousin. But I doubt he is going through all this trouble to capture him without good reason."
He pressed a few buttons on the keyboard and the machine began to turn on.
"Fine, but were going to take this nice and slow. I am not going to be the one to tell Anna you fried your brain," Franziska said.
She handed him the vial of Blut's blood and Michael focused his mind on it, the psychic residue was strong on it. Which made sense as it was blood, the physical essence of a person.
Everyone had a different taste to them, a different flavor. Blut's essence bothered Michael with its flavor.
It boiled with rage and bloodlust, and yet there was also a deep longing for companionship but at the same time there was a sense of resentment.
Blut always acted like a happy and innocent kid, but that was just a mask to hide the ugly beast beneath.
"I got Blut's scent," Michael said.
"Alright. Now before we begin we need to connect our minds. That way I can help you through this," Franziska said.
"You've come a long way since we got you from Berlin," Michael said.
"I studied with some of the best telepaths in the world. They helped me learn tricks I never imagined."
"Maybe you can help teach me a few things when we get a chance. Since I unlocked my own telepathy I have been getting migraines and I have learned things about my teammates I should not know."
"Tell me about it. If I have to hear Rickard recite one more poem about Victor's perfect green skin I am going to send him back to Utopia," Franziska said.
They both laughed.
"Alright, here we go."
Michael felt her mind touch his.
-Alright, we are connected so let's take this nice and easy.- she mentally spoke.
Michael could feel his mind expanding, reaching out to encompass the whole world.
-Oh God!- he thought to himself.
-The first time is always unsettling,- she said sympathetically.
Unsettling was too small a word to describe what Michael was feeling.
How do you describe what it is like for all the thoughts and feelings of the world to fill your mind?
Immense, overpowering, maddening are insignificant as well.
How could the Professor or Jean or Emma or anyone else use Cerebro so often? How do they block out all the noise?
All these thoughts all these feelings.
Love and hate, joy and sorrow, life and death, all of it laid bare for Michael to see and feel and taste and touch!
Suddenly the voices vanished, and he was suddenly aware that he had broken out in a cold sweat. His knuckles were white from clenching his fists so tightly.
"Are you alright?" Franziska asked him looking worried.
"I felt them...all of them," Michael said shakily.
"Unbelievable, isn't it?" she asked quietly.
"Is it like that every time you use Cerebro?" Michael asked her.
She nodded her head silently.
"It is always overwhelming the first time. I thought my mind was going to burn away from all those thoughts," she said.
"I…I...I didn't know there was so much..."
"I know. Everything the human race is you can sense with this machine."
"No wonder the Professor was so determined to help people. I could sense so much pain," Michael said sadly.
"We should not be doing this, Michael. You're not ready. You've only had your telepathy for a little while. This takes years of training and-"
"No! Just give me a minute. We'll go again once I collect myself."
"Michael-" Franziska began to lecture him.
"No, Franziska!" He raised his voice, startling her. "We don't have time. I won't lose Warren or Jericho to Apocalypse. I can do this. I just have to endure it is all."

Jericho had enjoyed his power.
It was always fun to know how a mutant's power worked and how strong they were before even they knew themselves.
And he always knew, he just had to be close enough to anyone with a super-power and he would just know what they were capable of.
He didn't know how he knew, it wasn't like he was reading their minds.
And if he so chose he could make them stronger. Lots of kids from Utopia were intrigued by the idea of making themselves stronger.
But right now Jericho wished he had something more useful like teleportation so he could get the hell out of here.
After that freaky shadow guy and Blut brought him here they were greeted by a creepy guy with snow white skin and crimson colored eyes with a red diamond mark on his forehead, and a giant man who looked to be part human and part machine.
Now here he was stuck in a glass tube and worst of all…
He really needed to pee.
The door to the lab opened and the white skinned guy walked in.
"Let me out of here, you vampire looking asshole!" he screamed.
Sinister rolled his eyes.
"Such language. Keep in mind, young man, I need your power, not your mouth. Keep insulting me and I will fuse your lips together."
"What do you want with me?" Jericho asked.
Sinister smiled, but it made Jericho feel like he had been thrown into a lake of ice-cold water.
"Just to give you a little present."
He tapped a few buttons on a nearby console and the floor opened up revealing a sinister looking black armor suit.
"Not my style, to be honest," Jericho said.
"But at least try it on."
Sinister walked over to the suit and pushed a button between the helmet and the collar.
The suit opened up and the inside was much more terrifying then the outside.
There were several needle like protrusions running along the spine of the suit.
"These needles go into your spine and allow us to tap into your neurosystem. And guess what. You don't get any anesthesia," Sinister said with a grin.
"Oh shit," Jericho croaked.

"Michael, I swear to God, if I have to I will call Anna if you don't stop!" Franziska yelled at him.
"I almost got it!"
-I almost got it!-
Michael yelled this both mentally and verbally.
"No!" Franziska said and hit the button that turned the machine off.
They had been trying for almost an hour but Michael was still having trouble trying to locate Blut's scent.
But when you are trying to sniff around the whole world for one psychic scent it can be rather hazardous.
Michael was starting to bleed from his nose, ears, and eyes. He knew this but he was being rather stubborn.
"I'm getting better at it, Franziska," he argued wiping his face, smearing blood on himself.
"No, you're killing yourself!"
"I am the leader and I-"
Franziska stuck her finger in his face.
"Don't you dare try to pull rank on me, Michael Bronson! You're no use to anyone dead, and that is where you are headed!"
Michael was quiet for a moment. Then he sighed.
"I know, it's just...he's my cousin and I promised I would look after him. And Warren is back to being Archangel and I'm scared."
Franziska put her hand on his shoulder.
"I know you're scared. We're all worried about Jericho and Warren too. But neither of them would want us to die finding them. So how about we take a small break, okay?" she asked with a pleading tone. "Just half an hour, okay?"
He nodded.
"Alright. Could you get me something to drink?" he asked.
"Sure. I'll be right back."
She began to walk down the walkway sighing to herself about how stubborn he could be, but he did have a good heart.
But just as she walked past the door she realized leaving a stubborn good-hearted guy alone without supervision was not a smart idea.
And just as she thought this the doors closed.
She cursed herself for a fool and began slamming her fists on the metal doors.
"Michael, stop! Let me in right now!" she screamed.
Realizing it was futile and there was no way she could enter physically she decided to try and use her telepathy to communicate with him.
-Michael, I swear when I get my hands on you!-
-Don't distract me, Franziska. I'm going to try and use the archistratege to do this.- he responded.
-WHAT!? Michael, now you're putting other people at risk! Xavier could kill people with Cerebro, but he had the strongest mind and he had years of mental discipline. But if you use your full power-
-I have to try. I am just trying to find Blut. I just have to focus on him.-
-I hope you survive because I am so going to slap you!-
Michael tuned her out and focused.
He placed the helmet back on his head and just as he began to hear the voices he entered the archistratege state.
His eyes glowed with a fiery light and as he spread his wings a blazing eye-like symbol appeared on each feather. His skin turned a shade whiter like marble and several glowing markings smoldered on his body.
He gripped the vial of blood tight and focused on its essence, on what made Blut who he was.
The voices hit him like a lightning bolt, billions of thoughts all rushing at him like a terrible wind.
So many images in his mind.
A woman giving birth to her first child, her husband dutifully standing next to her holding her while the doctors did their job.
A young boy being kissed on the cheek by a girl he had feelings for and a warm feeling spreading over his body as he looked into her smiling face.
A drug addict having just sold her body for drugs was sticking the needle into her arm, not knowing or caring if it was already used, too desperate to escape the pain and despair of her life to the drug haze.
A young girl was arriving home from school, not knowing her dad was inside waiting for her. He was finally back from overseas and was going to surprise her.
An old woman sat dying in a hospital room. Her kin sat around her, spending their final moments with her. A sense of happiness and peace filled her.
A woman kissed her husband goodbye and waited for him to get in his car and drive away to work. She called her secret lover and told him it was okay to come over now. She loved her husband but she craved excitement and passion, and although she felt guilt for her infidelity the need for sexual satisfaction was too much for her to resist.
A mutant walked through the halls of his school. He only recently discovered his power and was lucky enough to still look the same. No one knew he feared being discovered. His own parents were avid anti-mutant supporters and he feared his friends would abandon him if they ever found out. He now lived his days in fear.
His heart danced with joy for those who were happy and wept for those who lived in such sorrow.
So much pain, so much love.
Why do they torture themselves?
Why do they hate and hurt and fear?
Why can't they all love and respect one another?
Surely he should do something.
-Do not be afraid,- he whispered to the mutant. -You are perfect just as God made you. Stand tall and love yourself before others learn to love you.-
The mutant stood a little taller, feeling the fear ebb away into a sense of caution. He just had to wait another three years and he could move out of his parents' home. He would secretly visit the mutant websites and talk to other mutants online, get their opinions and thoughts and maybe learn how to deal with his situation better.
The junkie who was now unconscious - he purged her of her addiction. He was surprised he could even heal her from this distance, but thanks to his own power combined with the Ark's Cerebro, he was able to purify her of her addiction and as she slept he gave her a dream of hope, so when she awoke she might decide to do something more with her life.
To the cheating wife who was now busy with her lover - he squashed her carnal desires and made every memory of her husband suddenly fresh in her mind. Suddenly she felt nothing but guilt for what she was doing and after asking her lover to leave she decided she had an epiphany and resolved to make things work with her husband.
And for the old woman dying peacefully, as she took her last breath he made sure the last thing she saw in her mind was the memory she treasured most: when her husband was still alive and they were having Christmas dinner with their children and grandchildren.
But there was still so much to do, so much pain to ease, so many wounds to heal.
Was this what it was like to be God? To see into the hearts and minds of all who lived in the world?
How easy would it be for him to right all the wrongs of the world right now?
All the murderers and rapists could suddenly have a stroke, all Michael would have to do was will it and all the wicked would fall from the world.
Evil did exist, he could see and hear it.
Shouldn't he end it?
Just a thought was all it would take.
But how many would die?
Hundreds? Thousands? Millions?
Michael was supposed to save lives, yet did one not have to sometimes take a life to save a life?
How tempted was Xavier every time he put Cerebro on to do such a thing?
And why didn't he?
Because maybe he knew that the path to hell is paved with good intentions.
Michael had no right to judge. Did he not kill some of the Purifiers?
But that was self-defense and they killed our family a dark voice in his mind whispered.
But who was he to judge who lived and who died? Might does not equal right.
Today he judged who lived and who died, but tomorrow he might try and decide what people thought and felt.
And he was not here to do that. He had a mission: to save his cousin and his mentor, Warren.
So, after steeling himself he resumed his task and began to look for Blut again.
The world was like one great bit tapestry. A billion strands of mulch-colored light all woven together. Each strand an invisible trail left by a single being, the scent their soul left behind in their wake.
Each one had its own flavor; some were sweet and some were sour. Some were rich and vibrant and some were dull and rather ugly.
But each one was precious, each one unique and special.
So Michael focused on the essence of Blut. It was bitter and filled with pain. Michael wondered if he made a mistake because he could not see Blut being in agony. Maybe causing it but not feeling it himself.
But the essence he sensed matched the blood in his hand. Blut had known pain, suffering, agony. And it had warped him; darkness had touched him and tainted him.
Blut was a dark creature because he had been raised in darkness.
Michael traced the pattern of Blut's essence all over the world; he followed it until he found it was freshest in Alaska.
Suddenly Cerebro was turned off.
Franziska had Eve use the Ark's teleportation technology to teleport herself inside.
She had sensed what Michael was doing and decided it was time to put a stop to this.
Michael powered down himself. He looked horrific. Blood was running down his face from every orifice on his head.
He almost fell to his knees but she caught him before he fell.
"Alaska...Alaska...Alaska," he kept on muttering.

"So all he can say is Alaska now?" Wayne asked.
"Apparently," Franziska said glowering at Michael.
The Champions were in the med-bay. She had brought him there to be checked over. Had it not been for his own healing abilities he would have died from the blood hemorrhaging into his brain.
But it was always good to get a check-up, even with healing powers.
Although he was now physically fine, Michael was, however, only able to say one word.
"Alaska," Michael said as he sat on the table.
"That was very dangerous, Michael! You almost died!" Rickard chastised.
"Alaska," Michael said looking sorry.
"It's my fault, I should not have left him there by himself, what was I thinking," Franziska said with a sigh.
"Alaska, Alaska, Alaska," Michael said.
"Can't you fix his brain?" Angie asked.
"After all the trauma is has sustained today I would rather not risk exposing his brain to any more psychic intrusion. Which reminds me…"
Franziska brought her hand back and slapped Michael on the face.
"Daaaaamn!" Devin, Wayne, and Jacob said.
"Alaska?!" Michael said rubbing his cheek.
"I told you I was going to hit you for being so stupid!" she said jabbing her finger against his chest.
"Alaska," Michael mumbled.
"Okay, where exactly in Alaska?" Angie asked, "I know it doesn't have much but it is still a pretty big place."
"I managed to save the exact location before Michael passed out," Eve said.
An image of Alaska appeared on the screen.
"Why would Apocalypse hide there?" Jacob asked.
"It is very remote; there aren't any towns for miles," Rickard said
"Just perfect if you're up to no good," Devin said.
"Alaska." Michael nodded his head in agreement.
"We need to call Scott and let him know we have found them," Rickard said.
"I think Michael should make the call," Franziska said with an evil grin. "He can tell him every little detail."
Michael shot her a dirty look.

Scott, Emma, and Logan stood next to Laura's bed.
Emma finally managed to break Apocalypse's hold on her.
Hank still had to remove some of the machines from her body but she was doing much better.
"You don't have to talk right now," Scott said to her.
She shook her head weakly. "You need to know what is going on. Blut...he has joined Apocalypse."
"What happened to the two of you?" Logan asked. "You just disappeared."
"After the mansion was destroyed and the Professor died, I knew Blut would try and run while everyone was distracted. He was never truly satisfied with the X-Men. He wasn't able to kill as much as he wanted to."
"You'd think all the times we have had to fight for our lives he would be more than satisfied," Emma commented dryly.
"Blut was created to kill. He was grown like me. His training was similar to mine. But they used different methods. They would force him to fight, pumping him full of hormones and chemicals so he felt pleasure fighting. Training his mind and body to crave killing. I knew he would start killing again and he did. It was just drug dealers and lowlife trash. So I didn't judge him too harshly. But I knew it was only a matter of time before he slipped, so I decided to keep an eye on him, and for a while we worked together cleaning up the streets and helping people. But then Sinister showed up and offered us a chance to work for Apocalypse. I refused but Blut accepted. I tried to convince him not to go but he turned on me and captured me. Said he wouldn't go without me."
"Why?" Scott asked.
"Because I am the closest thing to a friend he has. He thinks were soul-mates. Thinks we were created to be together."
"Blut has a...crush on you?" Logan asked looking revolted by the idea.
"When I infiltrated the Facility, we bonded. We both had a lot in common. We were both created by the Facility to be weapons. Forced to kill and tortured. If anyone can understand him, it's me."
"You're nothing like him, Laura. You broke free from them and tried to better yourself," Logan said.
"Yeah, and when I found out they had made more like me I went back to free them."
"Believe me, darling, we all remember," Emma said.
The X-Men helped X-23 infiltrate the Facility so they could finally put a stop to their monstrous experimentations
But by the time they had arrived at its base the vast majority of its soldiers were dead and all the test subjects were slaughtered.
Xavier had his own reservations about allowing Blut into the school and several of the X-Men voiced their opinion on the matter as well.
"Do you know what Apocalypse intends to do with Jericho?" Scott asked.
"Same thing Magneto intended to do only on a larger scale," she said. "He is going to use him to activate the gene of every dormant mutant on the planet."
"Dear lord! If one in five humans have the gene that is well over a billion new mutants!" Hank said.
"That's not all. The new mutants and the mutants whose gene is already active will be brought into their full genetic potential. Ever wonder what you could do if your power was magnified, Scott? Or you, Frost? Your telepathy could become stronger then Xavier's was and you might be able to turn other people into diamond. Even those like Logan and myself with animal-like mutations would be affected," she explained.
Hank began to pace around. "Oh my stars and garters! Logan could become almost immortal if his healing factor was enhanced to such a degree! But it might affect his mentality! He could lose control of his feral instincts and become a feral beast! And what about those mutants who can't control their powers, like Rogue? If she touches a person long enough they could die! But after such an empowerment a single touch could be deadly! Being close to her could kill you!"
"Mutation is already random and sometimes a dangerous thing. But if Apocalypse does this, how many mutants might accidentally kill someone when they manifest?"
Scott knew all too well how unpredictable mutation could be. The majority of his youth was spent staring down at the ground for fear he would hurt someone with his optic beams.
But if his power was intensified then even the ruby-quartz which he wore would not be able to keep his power in check. In fact, instead of projecting it from his eyes it might project from his whole body.
"What is that psycho thinking, pumping mutants up like that!" Logan said.
"Apocalypse is about survival of the fittest. If so many mutants manifest and so violently the humans will naturally retaliate. There will be war. And Apocalypse will be there offering them to help control their powers with his technology, not knowing he will strip them of their will and brainwash them like he did to me."
"Why go after Jericho? Tessa can activate the mutant gene and there are several other mutants who can do such," Hank said.
"Because Jericho is stronger than the others and he would survive long enough to do what Apocalypse intends to do with him," Laura said.
"How did Apocalypse even know about him?" Logan asked.
"Magneto has a spy in his ranks. When he found out about Jericho the spy told Apocalypse," Laura explained.
"Do you know where Apocalypse is, Laura?" Scott asked.
She shook her head. "Not exactly, but I know it was somewhere remote. Someplace cold."
Just then Scott's communicator activated.
Kitty spoke but she sounded a little confused.
"Scott, it's Kitty. Michael has called...he keeps talking about Alaska."

"Well that was entertaining," Devin said as the Champions geared up.
Scott had been confused when Michael kept on saying nothing but Alaska until Franziska explained what had happened. Michael then had to endure listening to Scott chastise him for his irresponsible behavior, for half an hour.
"The best part was how Michael could only defend himself by saying Alaska," Wayne said and the two of them chuckled.
"Alaska!" Michael said acidly glaring at them.
"Try using your telepathy to speak," Angie suggested.
-You guys are jerks!- Michael said using his mind.
"Glad to see you can think normal," Wayne said with a laugh.
Rickard opened a box and began pulling out vials and handed them to everyone.
"We need to be ready. I know we face some grim odds but this could give us an advantage if we face Blut."
"What is it?" Jacob asked.
"Anticoagulant. The same stuff Devin used to help clean Blut's blood from the Ark's systems. From what we have learned it will keep his blood from solidifying and make it less dangerous, though I won't say useless, so still be careful."
"Sweet! All we have to do it pump the little freak with some of this and he won't be able to get all slicey and dicey!" Devin said.
"Like I said, "Less dangerous, though I won't say useless, so still be careful'," Rickard repeated.
"And it's not just him. It's Abyss, Holocaust, the Infinites, Apocalypse, and Warren," Franziska stated.
"But we're not going in alone. The X-Men are going to help," Angie said. Her voice was filled with confidence.
"Yeah, maybe this will show Scott we can handle ourselves!" Devin said pumping the air.
"Alaska!" Michael said mimicking Devin.
-I mean, yeah,- he mentally said with a blush.
"Eve, send us to Utopia," Rickard said.
"Good luck. And do me a favor. When you come across Blut, turn him into a greasy smear. I am still upset he managed to infect me with his blood. I still feel dirty."
"Don't worry, we'll give you a makeoverwhen this is all over," Rickard said.
The Champions stood together and Eve teleported them to Utopia.

Apocalypse and his Horsemen walked into the room where they kept Jericho.
"Is he ready, Sinister?" Apocalypse asked.
"Yes, Lord Apocalypse. I am now tapped into his nervous system and can control his power!" Sinister smiled.
"We know, we heard the screaming," Blut said.
Inside the armor Jericho was trying to stay conscious. Having needles penetrate your spine may be the worst pain to ever feel.
"Give me a demonstration of his abilities! I wish to see for myself a small sample of what he can do!" Apocalypse said.
"Of course. Perhaps one of the Horsemen!" Sinister said, feeling giddy to test out Jericho's power.
Immediately all the Horsemen began to argue over who should be empowered.
"I am the son of Apocalypse! The right is mine!" Holocaust argued.
"I called dibs first!" Blut countered.
"I am the most valuable! It is only fitting I become stronger for the good of the team!" Abyss reasoned.
Warren, however, merely shot his feathers at Blut and Abyss, lacerating them with the blades and causing them to fall injured but alive.
Before Holocaust could retaliate, he struck with his wings. In their metal form they were able to easily cut through his armor causing energy to spill out.
"Not in here, you damned fools!" Sinister yelled in outrage.
"I am the strongest on the team! While these fools argued with words I won my right through action!" Warren said savagely.
"Well spoken! Come forth my Horseman and receive your reward!" Apocalypse grinned.
"Father!" Holocaust said in outrage, his hand covered his wound.
Apocalypse merely looked upon his son with contempt.
"Had you been the one to strike first then it would be you and not he. You shame me, my son! I had thought you would have acted more appropriately. A man takes power, he does not argue or negotiate over it!"
"Yes, Father."
The only thing that burned brighter than his body was the feeling of shame and contempt he had for Warren. He would not forget nor forgive this insult. When the time came he would make him pay for this humiliation.
"If you're all done with theatrics, let us continue," Sinister said with a frown.
He pressed a few buttons and the suit of armor began to move. Jericho cried out in pain as his body was forced to move against his will.
"Step forward," Sinister instructed.
Warren stood in front of the suit. It raised its arms and the arms morphed into satellite-like designs.
Sinister pressed a few more buttons and a blue colored energy shot forth from the satellites and hit Warren.
He cried out, not in pain but in pleasure and feral joy as he felt the power within him begin to grow.
They all watched the Horsemen with hungry expressions and Apocalypse with a cold detachment.
Warren began to grow blackish-blue feathers all over his body, his nails turned into black talons, his boots exploded as his feet turned into bird-like claws, and his face became more avian, developing a beak.
His wings still remained metallic though.
"How do you feel, my Horseman?" Apocalypse asked.
"My master, I feel stronger than ever! I am ready to cut the weak down!" Warren said inspecting his hand with approval.
"And soon you will, my servant. You soon will!"

Fusedtwilight: Next chapter the Champions and X-Men bring the fight to Apocalypse. But do they stand a chance when Jericho is powering the Horsemen up?
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