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The Irresistible FORCE
'The Mansion – part if it's destroyed!' one of the X-Men shouts inside the Blackbird as it descends over their Westchester home, part of it in ruin. They are returning from the isle of Genosha, only to discover this shocking concern at Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. The Blackbird lands, and the X-Men race out to search through the rubble. Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm asks Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops how something this horrible could happen while they were away. Scott tells her that he has no idea, but that if the Professor was here, he may be in the rubble – injured, or worse. Cyclops begins firing optic eye beams into the rubble, to break it up and he asks Jean Grey if she is able to contact the Professor telepathically. 'I'm receiving nothing!' Jean replies as she uses her telekinesis to levitate some of the rubble, clearing a way through. Logan a.k.a. Wolverine starts digging through the rubble, too, and tells Cyclops to quit talking and keep digging – they will find something.
The X-Men clear a path to the War Room, and as they race into it, they find a message on Cerebro – from the Professor. He greets the X-Men and informs them that he is taking a journey whose results may change their lives forever. He apologizes for the cryptic nature of this message, but explains that  secrecy is of the utmost importance. He tells the X-Men that he trusts them to continue their training and to look after the school in his absence. He bids the X-Men farewell, and the message ends. Storm points out that the Professor obviously recorded that before the damage occurred, but wonders whether he left before the disaster happened. 'Can't tell. We'll have to continue searching' Cyclops points out.
Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit asks Wolverine if he noticed anything, and Wolverine reveals that he saw footprints – big ones. He adds that the smell is familiar, but he can't put his finger on it. He adds that he has a hunch the answer to everything is with bigfoot, and reports that while the trail is warm, he is going to moe out and follow the scent.
'This isn't time to separate. I'm sure Professor Xavier -' Cyclops begins, but Wolverine interrupts him: 'Wouldn't be wasting my time with speeches if he was here. One side, “deputy leader”!' Wolverine declares that he has places to go, and pushes past Cyclops as he walks over to his motorcycle which is parked nearby. 'We'll go together, mister. As a team. But we need to look for more clues here. Maybe we missed something' Cyclops suggests. 'I got a whiff'a all the clues I need, Scottie boy. Yer just crampin' my style now. Like I said... I'm outta here' Wolverine calls back as he speeds away on his motorcycle.
Cyclops turns to Storm and tells her to take Rogue and Jubilee and track Wolverine down – to stay close to him, as he doesn't know what he is getting into. 'Gambit, you're here with me. Jean – you too' Cyclops adds. Jean doesn't look very impressed, and narrows her eyes 'Of course, Scott. Whatever you want' she replies quietly.
Cyclops suggests that they get back down to the War Room, as there is something he wants to try. 'Scott, don't you think I could -' Jean begins, as she follows him, but Gambit calls out to her, asking for a word. They stop and Gambit points out that he can see in Jean's eyes something more than the Professor's disappearance troubles her. 'Is it that Cyclops, he makes you stay behind too much while the others they go off?' Jean confides in Gambit that sometimes she feels like a fifth wheel around here, that she always seems to be at the Mansion, minding the store while everyone else is off on some adventure. 'I like it here – but it’s so frustrating'.
Moments later, Jean and Gambit arrive in the War Room and Cyclops tells Jean that perhaps she can't telepathically establish a rapport with the Professor unaided, but they could use Cerebro to amplify her psionic abilities to search for him – and whoever has wrecked the school, assuming it was a mutant. Scott asks Jean if she is up to it, to which Jean sits in the Cerebro unit chair and replies 'You needn't ask, Scott. Don't you know me by now?'
Twenty minutes later, Storm, Rogue and Jubilee have arrived in the town of New Salem, driving in a red convertible car, Storm asks why Wolverine is always so quick to play the rebel. 'If only he realized Professor Xavier wants us to behave as a team' she tells the others, but Rogue tells her this is just Wolvie's way of showing his concern for the Professor. 'I think he just wants to kick butt!' Jubilee pipes up from the back seat. She starts to admit that sometimes Wolverine scares her, when suddenly, she notices something and tells Rogue to pull over to the surb ahead. Rogue does so, and the women see a large man near a derelict building. 'Gotta be the dude that scragged the Mansion! Check out his size – and that skin! I better -' Jubilee begins, noticing the man's strange metallic skin. Storm tells Jubilee not to jump to any conclusions, and that they should see what is occurring before they act in haste.
'Yich! Put a lid on it, lady! I didn't spend hours in that smelly Danger Rom – to sit around like a dweeb when we should be going into action!' Jubilee snaps back at Storm, leaping out of the car, despite Storm telling her not to, as they must assess the threat before attacking. 'Jubilation!' Storm exclaims, but the young fiesty mutant doesn't listen, instead she rushes over to the large man who is involved in demolition of the building and shouts 'Freeze, hammerhead! I can make these plasma blasts really do a number on you if ya don't listen!' as she fires some of her plasma-like fireworks towards the larger man, who drops a steel beam he is carrying, and turns to her, asking 'What manner of creature has the power to harm me in my metallic form? You? A simple child?' He then reaches for some bricks.
Storm sees this and alerts Rogue that the mysterious man is attacking Jubilation, and suggests that before engaging him with brute force hand-to-hand, she attempts a more distant defense. 'Ah hear yuh, ma'am. Give it a shot!' Rogue responds, as Storm summons a wind, which raises up several bricks. 'Nice move! Got a little ol' whirlwind going for yuhself!' Rogue exclaims, before Storm calls out 'Back, silver one! No member of the X-Men will come to harm from such as you while I live to fight!', and she casts the bricks towards the mysterious man, one brick hits him in the face and he is knocked backwards. 'If that's yoah idea of not usin' brute force, Ah'd hate tuh see when yuh really git scrappy!' Rogue jokes, before pointing out that the big boy ain't down for the count yet. The mysterious metal man holds his ground and asks why he is under this assault, as he has done nothing to these woman – and yet they see him as an enemy. 'Why?' he asks. 'Stop yoh bellyachin', Chromedome! Ain't evah day yuh git the attentions'a three X-gals at once!' Rogue tells him as she slams her fist into his face.
The mystery man grabs Rogue by her jacket: 'Lay off muh threads, varmint, or I'll -' Rogue begins, as her opponent shouts 'NYET!' and throws Rogue against the building, declaring that if combat and strife is what she craves, then so be it. He stands his ground, ready for a fight and tells the X-Men to come, and learn the error of their ways. He boasts that he has never run from a fight and will not begin now. 'Come!' he calls out. Rogue flies back towards him, 'Well, whoop-de-do! So hightailing it ain't yoh style, huh. Suits me jest fine! Let's git crackin' metal man!' Rogue exclaims, but before she can strike him again, he grabs her by her wrist and holds her out at a distance. 'You see me as a metallic monster. But I am not what I appear to be, woman...not at all' he exclaims. 'Yeah? Well jest whut are yuh, the Pillsbury Doughboy in disguise – or a runaway subway token? Show me yours, Ah'll show you mine!' Rogue jokes.
'I will show you “mine” and then we will see if you retain your arrogance' the mystery man tells Rogue as his form begins to change, 'Wh -? Yoah changin' – changin' into a -' Rogue begins, wide-eyed, as a handsome man stands before her, where once stood the metallic “monster”. 'Is “human” the word that escapes you? For that is what lurks under the shiny exterior you loathe' he remarks. Suddenly, a construction worker approaches them, asking what is going on here. He calls the mystery man Peter and reminds him that he hired him to demolish this condemned building, not beat up some girls. 'Hired? Condemned building? What -?' Rogue asks, while Jubilee admits that she thinks they made a boo-boo. Storm asks the construction worker who he is, and he tells her that he is the foreman. 'I see. And this is -' Storm asks, referring to Peter, who introduces himself as Piotr Nikoliverich Rasputin.
'I call him Peter for short. This big guy made the trek to America when the Soviet Union went into freefall. He's got some sort'a mutant power makes 'im a one-man demolition crew, saves on labor costs' the foreman reveals. Rogue asks the foreman if him being a mutant doesn't bother him none, to which the foreman tells her Peter is the most gentle, trustworthy gent he ever had on his crew. 'While I toiled in the wheat fields of the Ustordynski Collective, I dreamt of coming to the United States... but I still do not understand why you attacked me!' Peter tells the X-Women.
Jubilee admits that was her mistake, explaining that the place they live in got trashed, big time, and that he looked like the bet suspect. 'Sorry' she adds. Storm apologizes to Peter and the foreman for this incident. 'Do we not, Rogue?' Storm asks. 'Umm, you betcha boots, lady!' Rogue agrees.
Back at the X-Mansion, in the War Room, Jean suddenly sits up in Cerebro and reports that she is getting an incredible reading on Cerebro in New Salem, and is picking up three laser readings in the same vicinity, so it must be the other X-Men. Jean explains that it is powerful enough to register – even though it might not be a mutant. She adds that in some ways, that pattern is similar to that of the Professor – only vastly amplified. Scott tells Jean to hang on, while he contacts Storm. He presses a button on a console, which links him up to Storm, asking her if she is in New Salem. Storm confirms that they are, and Cyclops tells her that they have located a presence, a possible mutant, several blocks East of where she is, at the First National Bank. Cyclops instructs Storm to proceed with extreme caution, as they have never detected anything this powerfiul. Peter smiles at Storm and offers to aid her in her search. 'My strength has been known to – as you say – come in handy'. Storm tells Peter that they owe him, and allows him to accompany them.
A short distance away, Wolverine is perched on a rooftop that overlooks the First National Bank, he sniffs the air and decides that he has got him, and that while his quarry is in the bank, he needs to make his move. Wolverine reminds himself that he has never faced anyone like this before – not even Sabretooth comes close to this clown in throw-weight, and that is saying a lot.
Inside the bank, a large man in a brown costume with a large dome over his head is at the bank vault, 'They had some case thinking puny bank guards could stop me!' He discovers the bank vault is some new kinda steel, about eight inches thick, but he pulls at the vault, and it breaks open with ease. After collecting the cash he wanted from the vault, the behemoth bursts through an outer wall of the bank, finding himself in an alleyway, filled with soldiers. 'This cash is gonna hold me over till -' he begins, before joking 'What ya got againat making a legitimate withdrawal, huh? This how I gotta pay my interest penalty?' he jokes, while one officer warns him to freeze, or they'll have to drop him. 'I mean it – don't move!' the officer shouts. The soldier close in, as the behemoth shouts 'Maybe you guys in this neck'a the woods haven't heard about me! Well here's a little fact you can stick in your pointy heads! Ready? NOTHING CAN STOP THE JUGGERNAUT!' The soldiers open fire, while Juggernaut grabs some of them and throws them aside with ease, knocking cars over as he tramples through the squadron. 'Bring up the heavy artillery! He's no pushover!' an officer shouts, as the bullets fired at him just bounce off Juggernaut.
As a tank rolls towards Juggernaut, he jokes that he is shaking in his boots as the bring up the battering ram 'Time to switch on the force field' Juggernaut tells himself, as the battering ram tank slams into him – but he doesn't even move, and the tank is squashed upon the impact. 'Just don't build 'em like they used to!' he jokes, before slamming his fist into the front of the tank, squashing it intto the ground. 'Clean ups bore me so I'll be on my merry way. Want to stay healthy? Don't even think about following' Juggernaut warns the remaining soldiers as he lumbers out of the alleyway, dropping a trail of cash as he walks. 'Ever wanna find me – I'm in the phone book... under “Unstoppable”!' Juggernaut jokes.
Juggernaut enters another alleyway, it's dark, but he can see some light at the other end. He decides that it doesn't matter, as he is in the clear. Suddenly, though, a set of adamantium claws tear through one of the sacks containing the stolen money. 'WHA -?' Juggernaut utters, looking down, he sees Wolverine a few feet away from him, claws at the ready, Wolverine jokes that he thought Juggernaut might have had one of those free toasters in there. 'Always wanted one'. Juggernaut grins and asks Logan how he liked the demolition job he did on the X-Dump. 'You and the kids weren't there! I would have loved to have pounded ya to a pulp! What ya got to say for yourself, sad sack?' Wolverine doesn't answer, he simply roars as he leaps across the alleyway, claws at the ready – but Juggernaut grabs him before he can inflict any damage with the claws. 'Nice entrance. Least you went for the eyes...but that's it! I hate my personal space being violated – even by an old buddy like you!' Juggernaut exclaims, asking Wolverine if he has to remind him what he is all about, as he tosses Wolverine into a trash can nearby.
'I heard it every time we tangled. Yer Xavier's half-brother named Cain Marko – who ain't a mutant. Ya got magical powers in some temple'a Cyttorak in Korea. But most of all – ya got a mad-on fer Xavier 'cause ya think he left ya fer dead in that temple when it caved in. An' ya been out fer his blood since ya dug yerself out' Wolverine remarks, recapping Juggernaut's origin. Juggernaut turns back to Wolverine, 'Not bad. I see you learned yer lesson, Wolve-ster!' Juggernaut tells him, as Wolverine's claws scratch across his armored face. 'But you forgot one thing' Juggernaut points out. 'What's that?' Wolverine asks, as Juggernaut punches him hard in the face, boasting that he wants to crush anyone that is connected with Charlie – anyone! Juggernaut remarks that this time there is nobody around to save Wolverine. 'You're all mine' he snarls. Juggernaut raises his fist and promises to make it fast – one shot – Wolverine will never know what hit him!
But suddenly, Juggernaut finds that he can't bring his fist down, as Peter hold it back. 'You will harm no one, monster! I do not espouse violence – but Colossus will do what he must to stop your rampage!' Juggernaut turns to Colossus and tells him that if he doesn't like violence, he came to the wrong place. 'By the way, mister – trying to hold me back is one baaaad career move! See?' Juggernaut declares as he slams Colossus up against a wall. 'Shugah – you ain't gonna have no career when the X-Men git done with yuh!' Rogue calls out as she flies down and attempts to strike Juggernaut. Storm appears overhead and instructs the others to attack en masse, because if Juggernaut possesses the power Cyclops believes, it is their only hope of bringing him down. Jubilee blasts Juggernaut with her plasma bursts, but Juggernaut tells Storm that where he is concerned, hope ain't an option. He then grabs Rogue and pushes her into Storm and Jubilee, knocking them all over.
'You and I have not finished, giant!' Colossus exclaims as he punches Juggernaut in the stomach, but Juggernaut doesn't even flinch. 'Listen, Mr Tin Can, I just hope you're recyclable! I hate leaving a mess!' Juggernaut jokes as he slams his fist into Colossus' face, knocking him back. 'Hands off him, mister!' Cyclops calls out as he fires an optic blast, which strikes Juggernaut's helmet. 'When you're up against the X-Men, remember there's always one more of us than there is trouble!' Cyclops exclaims. 'Sometimes two!' Jean Grey adds. Wolverine tells Jeannie that they shouldn't have come, as Juggernaut is too blasted strong – 'Ya don't know what yer getting into!' he exclaims. 'That's why you took off earlier...to face him alone!' Jean replies, before Wolverine reveals that he knows Juggernaut is only vulnerable to mental attacks. 'Gotta weaken him – get his helmet off then hit him telepathically – full force!' Wolverine tells Jean, who then turns to Cyclops and informs him that he has to distract Juggernaut, that they need to get his helmet off – it's their only chance.
'What're you jabbering about, babe?' Juggernaut asks, before Cyclops instructs Rogue to get onto Juggernaut and drain all the energy she can from him. 'Move it lady! It's life or death!' Cyclops orders. Rogue puts her ungloved hands to Juggernaut's shoulders and informs Cyclops that Juggernaut has too much power, she can't drain much of it. She strains, starting to overload – she even begins to take on Juggernaut's thoughts. 'You're just tickling me, Dixie! Give it up!' Juggernaut tells Rogue, who begins to lose control, she flies upwards, 'Agony! They love my brother Charles! Love him! Must destroy them! Destroy!' Rogue screams, before she crashes to the ground. Cyclops tells Jubilee to see to Rogue, and instruct the rest of the team to get the helmet off. 'Keep yer shirt on, Cyke! I don't need no invitation fer round two!' Wolverine remarks as he leaps onto Juggernaut's back and starts to swipe at  the helmet with his claws. 'Leave a piece of him for me, my friend!' Colossus asks as he races over, then tears the helmet from Juggernaut's head!
'Get those paws off my headgear, give it back – you hear? Give it back or I'll kill ya all!' Juggernaut threatens Colossus, who tells the Juggernaut that he thinks not, and suggests that Juggernaut has much to learn about those he mocks – about those called X-Men! 'Yeah – I'll need that info when I'm making up their obituaries!' Juggernaut exclaims as he knocks Colossus backwards. Cyclops fires another optic blast at Juggernaut, and Jean asks him if that is a maximum intensity blast. Cyclops confirms that it is – and that Juggernaut isn't even blinking. 'Are you all right, Rogue?' Storm asks as Rogue leaps onto Juggernaut's back. 'Right as rain' Rogue replies as she tries to hold Juggernaut down, adding that this boy's got sibbling rivalry problems something fierce. 'Come at me all you want – but nothing stops the Juggernaut! Nothing!' Juggernaut shouts, while Jubilee grabs one of his arms, and Cyclops continues to pour on the optic blast.
Jean uses this moment to reach out to Juggernaut, telepathically telling him that hers is the only voice he hears. Juggernaut turns to Jean, 'You're the one making my brain ache! I'll rip your head off, Red! I'll -' Juggernaut begins, while Jean continues to telepathically tell Juggernaut to listen to her. Juggernaut lumbers towards her, but then starts to stumble, something is happening to his head, he is confused, and looks around, wondering what he is doing here, he mutters that he has to be alone, to figure out what he is doing here, who he is. 'All a blank!' he exclaims, as he starts  to stumble out of the alley. 'Let's nab him!' Wolverine suggests, but Jean tells Wolverine not to antagonize Juggernaut, that this is the best way. Jean drops to her knees, and covers her face with her hands as Cyclops points out that she is weak, and asks her what she did to Juggernaut. Jean asks for a moment, before explaining that she planted a suggestion in his brain that made him forget who he was and why he was here. 'He won't cause harm to anyone now' she announces.
One hour later, at the X-Mansion, the X-Men and Colossus stand outside, as Colossus tells Cyclops that he is sure he could persuade his foreman to come and rebuild this structure, to which Cyclops tells him his offer is appreciated, but that they have their own plans. Cyclops then asks Colossus if he would like to stay with them for a while. 'As a fellow mutant, you have a place here' Cyclops assures Colossus, who tells him that his hospitality touches him, but that he must refuse, as he needs to locate his sister, and then he will see more of this blessed land called America. As he walks away from the X-Men, Colossus tells the heroes that he has seen this day a greater purpose for his life than as a simple laborer, and adds that he will never forget those who have shown it to him. He farewells the X-Men, until they meet again. Cyclops bids Colossus goodbye and tells him that their best wishes go with him.
Gambit goes over to Jean and puts an arm around her. Jean smiles, and Gambit tells her that he hears she saved the day, alone, against the irresistible force. 'Never doubt your worth to us. Or to yourself. Ever' Gambit smiles. Jean thanks Gambit and asks how she can repay him for what he did to her self-esteem. 'Just keep de smile on. Easy, non?' Gambit replies. 'Easy, yes' Jean smiles back.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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The Muir Island Saga, part I: Sometimes a Great Notion
The Swiss Alps in the dead of night. A large muscular figure trudges through the snow towards a chalet. 'Light's on. Somebody's home. Too bad for them' he thinks to himself, large weapon in one of his hands. Inside, sitting in front of an open fire is Warren Worthington III, who asks the woman sitting with him, whom he calls Gisela 'What could be cozier than this? The snow, the fire – you 'n' me -' he begins, as Gisela replies that she guesses she should be frightened. 'They say you've got a mad scientist up here. Doctor Frankenstein, I presume?' she asks. Warren informs Gisela that his name is Gottfried Adler, and he is an expert on genetics, but that he is not here, as he sent him to Scotland to do some research. Warren decides that he should take Gisela home, as it is getting late. 'Why can't we get close, Warren? Why do you push me away?' Gisela asks. Warren hangs his head as he tells Gisela that if she knew what he was really like, she wouldn't want to get close.
Suddenly, there is a crashing noise, ' - what's that?' Warren wonders as he turns to the window, 'Warren – the glass!' Gisela calls out as glass shards fall towards them. 'You Adler? Talk!' the muscular man with the gun exclaims as he stands in the broken window – it's Cable! Warren then introduces himself, and when he sees Cable glance at Gisela, he uses this opportunity to grab his own gun, though it is nowhere near as large as Cable's. 'Now it's my turn to ask questions, pal!' Warren exclaims as he fires the gun, striking Cable's arm. 'Not bad, kid. But next time, aim for the heart!' Cable shouts. He shakes off the plasma blast and grabs Warren by his hair, 'You got hi-tech connections' cable points out, before asking again 'Who the blazes are you?' 'I already told you, man – and I've got nothing else to say!' Warren replies. 'Maybe so..but I'' somebody else in here's got lots to say! Whatta you think?' Cable asks as he tosses Warren out onto the balcony. 'You touch her, mister and you'll regret it to your dying breath! I'm not kidding, you creep!' Warren warns Cable.
'Not much for laughs, myself, Lancelot, so take a powder – while I chit chat with the little lady' Cable remarks as he fires a blast from his weapon, which knocks Warren off the balcony to the snow-covered ground below. 'What have you done to Warren? That was horrible!' Gisela exclaims. Cable turns to her and tells her that the weapon is on stun, before asking where Adler is. 'Quickly – I've little time!' he exclaims. 'Scotland – he went to -' Gisela begins. 'Scotland! Stab his eyes – you mean Muir Island?' Cable asks, baring down over Gisela, who looks up at him, wide-eyed and replies that she doesn't know – really.
At that moment outside, Warren sits up in the snow, which cushioned his fall. He knows he has to get back inside, as the madman has Gisela. Warren then pulls at his clothes, ripping them off, revealing a red and white costume underneath – and large feathered wings, which stick out from his back. 'YOU PICKED THE WRONG LITTLE RICH BOY TO MESS WITH, BUSTER! GET SET FOR ANOTHER GO ROUND!' Warren a.k.a. Angel exclaims, as he flies back up to the chalet, 'Get away from her while you still can move! Get away!' Warren shouts. Cable turns back to Angel, 'Those wings – you're a mutant!' he exclaims. 'Warren – is that you?' Gisela asks, confused. Cable dodges Warren, who comes to a stop near Gisela, as Cable throws a stun grenade towards them, remarking that he already got what he came for. 'Gisela, get back!' Warren declares as he protects her from the grenade.
Cable then leaps off the balcony, 'Adler at last!' he tells himself, while Angel tells Gisela to take it easy, as he is here now. 'Warren, I don't understand your condition -' Gisela begins as Warren sets her down on a sofa and tells her that it is nothing she needs  to concern herself with. 'Rest...I'll be back soon...' he assures her, before flying out into the snow, he calls out 'This blizzard won't hide you from me, whoever you are!' and warns him that there won't be a helpless woman for him to threaten next time. 'Do you hear me?' Angel shouts, but his angry words are lost in the wind's howl.
Meanwhile, on Muir Isle, a small place off the coast of Scotland, location of the Center for Mutant Research, headed by Dr Moira MacTaggart, who at this moment is in the company of Professor Charles Xavier, founding father of the X-Men. Moira tells Charles that it is good to see him, and adds that even with all her work, she sometimes get lonely. 'Being a word-renowned geneticist doesn't mean you can alter the human condition' Charles points out. 'Aye' Moira agrees, as they walk towards one of the smaller laboratories away from the main complex. Charles tells Moira that she is accomplishing some remarkable things here, and it is only her presence that makes mutants feel free to come and be part of the research. Charles reminds Moira that she was his silent partner in forming the School for Gifted Youngsters. 'And one upon a time...we were going to be so much more' he adds. Moira tells Charles not to torment himself, as it wouldn't have gone as they planned. 'That's years past' Moira adds, as she asserts that this is her life now, and tells Charles that she is on the verge of a momentous breakthrough in mutant gene control.
Charles looks up at Moira and remarks that the core of this research is being done by the mysterious Dr Adler. 'He won't even allow you to see his work until it's completed. How is that possible? You're in charge here' Charles points out. As the enter the smaller lab, Moira explains that Adler is not part of the Center, and pays for everything he uses here, so in return, she allows him seclusion. Moira adds that he is brilliant. 'Then you don't truly know if he can reverse mutations?' Charles enquires. 'I only know what he tells me' Moira replies, before they come to another door, and Moira tells Charles that this is Adler's lab. She presses an intercom and tells Dr Adler that she has brought a visitor, but before she can even reveal who the visitor is, Dr Adler's voice can be heard: 'Visitors are verboten! You promised not to interfere! Good day'. With this stern response, Charles decides to probe the lab.

He concentrates, and the most powerful mutant brain on Earth penetrates the chamber beyond – infiltrating the cerebrum of the scientist within, a non-descript middle-aged man. Instantly, a series of stark images feed back into Xavier's consciousness – images so unexpected, so intense – they precipitate an abrupt disruption of his telepathic inquiry, as he sees images of a sullen blue-skinned woman with red hair, and an angry with dark skin wearing a blue costume. Moira sees the concern on Charles' face and asks him what happened. 'Tried to probe his brain – some force of immense strength blocked it! Pictures of a woman – and something else... something inhuman!' Xavier gasps, sweating. Charles tells Moira that it is time he contacted his students, as they have been in the dark long enough.
Moments later, in the X-Mansion, in New York's Westchester County, the assembled X-Men hear their mentor for the first time in days, as they watch a monitor where he appears, informing them that Adler claims his process can reverse genetic mutations within each cell of the body – so in short, a mutant can be turned into a non-mutant. Xavier informs his team that there are things about Adler that disturb him, which he will brief them on later. Xavier then asks Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops why there is damage to the War room. Scott informs the Professor that his half-brother, Juggernaut attacked the mansion when they were in Genosha, but they located him and put an end to his rampage with no casualties. Xavier remarks that he will deal with that upon his return, and instructs Scott to continue to lead in his absence. He asks the X-Men to forgive him for not informing them earlier of his activity. 'We understand, Professor. Cyclops out' Scott replies, as the communication ends.
Logan a.k.a. Wolverine tells the others that he has a twitchy nose about some of the stuff Charlies was spouting, and wonders if this Adler isn't on the up-and-up – what then? Jean Grey turns to Logan and tells him that it is just speculation at this point. 'Maybe so, Jeannie. But something don't smell right' Logan replies. Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit asks Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm what she makes of this Muir Island business. Storm declares that if Adler's process works, then each of them must decide for himself if he will remain a mutant – an X-Man. Storm reminds Gambit that the Professor has taught them to value their powers, use them for the benefit of others. 'We must -' Storm begins, but Gambit interrupts her, suggesting that they need to at least consider the idea of being human – 'Just human... tempting, non?'
Jubilee tells the others that she hates to interrupt all this total heavy-osity, but they still have to fix the trashed x-pad. Cyclops reports that he has been in touch with a contractor who is interested in the job, and gave a reasonable price. 'Great – how we paying fer the re-do, Bub? Gonna pass the hat?' Logan asks. Cyclops reveals that he has access to the Professor's emergency funds in his absence, so they needn't sweat it. Rogue has remained silent through all of this, she narrows her eyes and thinks to herself 'A chance to be normal...to touch somebody without worrying about absorbing theah life force. Ah could be with someone... someone Ah could love' she then turns and walks out of the War Room. Jean notices this and quietly tells Scott that she is worried about Rogue. 'Why? What happened?' Scott asks. 'I'm a telepath. I know how she feels when I touch your hand – kiss you. It's something she could never aspire to...in her condition' Jean explains. Storm notices Jubilee looking pensive and asks her why she is so. 'Oh, just thinking about the future. Nothing special, y'know. Really' Jubilee replies.
A short time later, Rogue is getting into her red convertible car, tossing a suitcase onto the backseat, she tells herself that she has to do it – for her sanity – she has to undergo the treatment. She doesn't want to say anything to the others, which is why she is slipping out quietly. Before she can pull away though, 'Ahh, mademoiselle, such a perfect day pour une promenade' Gambit calls out as he leaps onto the car, sitting on the edge of the passenger door. 'Oh, man' Rogue thinks to herself. 'Mind if Remy join you? Merci' Gambit remarks. 'Gambit, please -' Rogue begins. Remy smiles and tells Rogue thaat “Gambit” is so formal. He picks up a map of Scotland that was sitting in the car, and realizing where Rogue is going, Gambit tells her that she is making a bad choice. Gambit asks Rogue to share a Concorde with him and go to Paris. 'Is not de prospect of a week wit dis suave Cajun irresistible?' Gambit asks, leaning in towards Rogue, who tells Gambit that he is such a letch, so sure of himself. 'Makes what i'm gonna do to yoh lil' ol' ego a crime' Rogue scowls. 'A crime of passion, I hope' Gambit tells Rogue, who then puts her foot down on the accelerator, so hard that Gambit falls from the car as Rogue speeds away. 'Time to re-think de approach. Subtlety is wasted on dat ravissant femme' Gambit decides.
Six hours later, inside a pub on Muir Isle, the innkeeper pours some beer, while two costumed individuals are playing darts. 'Okay, Mr St John – I'm not spending all night shooting darys. Is she coming or not?' the man in the blue-gray costume tells ther blond man in the yellow and orange costume, who throws a dart towards the dart board. 'Krikey, but you're becoming impatient in your old age. She'll be here. We've a deal. Now don't be messin' up me shot, mate!' he adds, as another dart streaks past the first man's face and hits the bullseye. 'Nice one, limey' the man in the blue-gray costume remarks, before asking what Mystique looks like. The blond man smiles and tells his companion that he doesn't know, as he's never seen her. 'What?' the first man asks. The blond man then reveals that Mystique is a shape-shifter, and that she can appear as anyone. 'Claims she's a real looker. Just like -' St John begins, as he and his companion go wide-eyed: 'Like that walking dream that just made an entrance? Wow, is that -?' the first man asks. 'One way to find out, m'boy!' St John exclaims as an unimpressed Rogue enters the pub.
Rogue goes over to the bar, and the innkeeper informs her that Adler has his lab on the other side of the island, but tells her that she shouldn't plan on seeing him, as he is a recluse. St John tells his companion to keep an eye on the approach, and she will be putty in his hand. 'Right. Shape-shifters usually are' the man in the blue-gray costume replies. St John approaches Rogue and introduces himself as Pyro, as he generates a small flame. 'You'd be Mystique – nobody else here could be lighting me fire' he tells her. 'Get lost, firebug' Rogue snaps without looking at him. 'Don't be cold, babe. We got -' Pyro begins, but Rogue grabs him, 'I said – GET LOST!' she shouts as she throws Pyro across the pub, where he crashes into a chair and lands at his companion's feet. 'Oh, she's a looker! Knocked you right off your feet. Love at first site Pyro's companion jokes. 'Very droll, my friend' Pyro mutters, before his companion tells him to relax, as he will show him how he handles recalcitrant cows that don't have respect for a man's prerogatives.
'What's the “A” stand for, shugah? Couldn't be -' Rogue begins, as the man in the blue-gray costume exclaims 'Don't be cute! It's Avalanche! Avalanche!' he shouts, before asking Rogue to guess what he does. 'Try hard?' Rogue asks as she leaps into the air, while Avalanche boasts that he sets up vibrations and shatters anything he focuses his power on – like the floor, for instance. 'Or smartmouth females that aggravate me! Any more questions!?' Avalanche roars, before Rogue slams her fist into Avalanche's face, asking him what hospital he wants his flowers sent to. Avalanche falls backwards, 'Nice movies, Dixie! Let's see how you like my avalanche effect up close and personal! This one's got my stamp of approval, “shugah”! Now don't toss your cookies on me, please!' Avalanche jokes as he slams his foot against Rogue, and releases his vibro-power, which shakes Rogue, forcing her backwards.
Avalanche gets to his feet and punches Rogue in the face, 'Even just a second's touch – like so – sends massive vibrations through my fist and into your lovely jaw!' Avalanche exclaims, telling Rogue that he is sorry he can't touch her a little longer, but another time, another place. 'You know how it is'. Rogue frowns and tells Avalanche that he has read her wrong – she has got a thing about touching. 'And you been so nice tuh me – a stranger 'n' all...Ah'm just gonna return the favor! Y'all don't come back now yuh heah!' Rogue calls out as she slams her fist hard into Avlanche, knocking him through the pub wall – where he falls out of the pub and straight down into the water below the cliff that the pub sits on.
'As for you, flamebrain -' Rogue begins, turning to Pyro, who looks embarassed and raises his hands, 'I catch your drift, darling' he remarks. 'Thought so' Rogue tells him, before Rogue announces that she has to see a man about a very special treatment. 'Gonna make a new person out of me – maybe out of us all! Think about it over a beer' Rogue tells Pyro. Pyro is intrigued by this and starts to follow Rogue, deciding that she has piqued his journalistic curiosity as there is more to Rogue than meets the eye. Pyro plans to return for the mysterious Mystique in short measure.
Back at the X-Mansion, Gambit informs Wolverine and Cyclops that Rogue had a map of Scotland, he assumes she is headed for Muir Island. Wolverine suggests they grab a little sky in the Blackbird and do some fast talking. 'Problem with that, Cyke?' he asks Cyclops, who, for once, agrees with Logan. Cyclops adds that there is no telling what Rogue will do, so they should leave now. Cyclops adds that he is curious about this doctor.
And at Muir, Rogue arrives at Dr Adler's lab. She presses on the intercom and announces that she would like to see him, informing him that she has come a long way. 'Well go back a long way. I see no one! Goodbye!' is Dr Adler's response. Rogue uses her incredible strength to force the door down and warns Dr Adler that he is not getting off that easy. 'Ah want some'a that treatment – an Ah ain't taking no for an answer!' Rogue warns him. Rogue sees Doctor Adler, ahead of her, in the shadows. She asks him to come out, as she doesn't bite. 'Well, your aggressive entrance does not bespeak peaceful intentions!' Dr Adler responds, before he suddenly appears and remarks that he supposes he will be forced to listen to Rogue. 'So, what exactly is the reason for this visit?' he enquires.
Rogue pleads with Dr Adler, telling him that she has to have his treatment – she can't go on not being able to touch another person, never getting close. 'Ah'd rather be dead than face another day!' Rogue gasps, adding that she is alone – so alone. Pyro listens from outside the open door, as Dr Adler tells Rogue that her plea is heartfelt, but that is anti-mutant process is untried. 'The danger...I'll need time to consider your request' He then asks her to return to him in one hour, and Rogue assures him that she will be back. 'tidy bit of information' Pyro thinks to himself, before slipping back as Rogue walks out the door. He doesn't want to be spotted until he relays this touching scene to his partner. One hour on the dot' Rogue calls back to Dr Adler.
Moments later, 'An interesting turn of events. This may push up our timetable. Still...' a voice calls out from within the laboratory. 'Yes. This one is perfect. Her distress was almost palpable' Adler comments, before suddenly, he announces that in Rogue's absence, he can shed this clumsy persona, and return to the infintely preferable form – of Mystique! The blue-skinned mutant looks stern, as the mysterious being Xavier saw in his probing steps from the shadows, and tells Mystique that she has done well. 'The real Adler has been removed – and tyou stand in his place doing my bidding!' he declares. 'I serve you, Apocalypse...our goals mesh. We -' Mystique begins, as Apocalypse scoffs, wondering what Mystique can know of the goals of one who has trod this Earth since man first crawled from the cave.
Apocalypse boasts that his hidden land has influenced much of human history, and of late, he remains in the shadows, while that strutting fool Magneto seeks to unite all mutantkind under his pathetic banner. Apocalypse declares that soon, he shall move openly to realize his dreams of conquest – and thwart Magneto's. 'And Adler's machine will not remove genetic mutations' Mystique points out. 'Correct. It will instead turn any who basks in its rays into my slave!' Apocalypse boasts. 'This Rogue woman will be the first of those to suffer such a fate' Mystique points out.
Sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking the water surrounding Muir, Rogue hugs her legs up to her chest and wonders if this is what she really wants. 'Sure it is. Hasn't muh life been a curse? Maybe the other X-Men want tuh keep using theah powers for the cause...Ah just want tuh be held – tuh be special tuh someone forever. Tuh be a woman'. Rogue remembers that one time, long ago, she learned what she really was – and it was horrible.
Flashback
'The Mississippi never looked more beautiful, Cody!' a young Rogue remarks as she and Cody walked along the river, the moon glowing in the night sky. 'Neither have you, gal' Cody tells her, before asking if she has evah been kissed. 'No, Ah -' Rogue starts to say, before Cody leans in and kisses her on the lips. 'Always a first time' he mumbles, when suddenly, Cody drops to the ground. 'What's happening?' Rogue asks, confused. 'Ah can feel Cody – inside mah head! His memories flooding through me! No! Noooo!' she screams.
Present:
Rogue reminds herself that Cody survived, but she never saw him again, as he thought she was a witch. 'Maybe ah am. But Ah got a chancer tuh change it forever. Make it all right!' Rogue tells herself as she gets to her feet, deciding that she is going to do it. But as she gets up, she doesn't notice Pyro nearby, on the shore, he has found Avalanche and asks him if he is all right. 'I'll live. But my pride...' Avalanche replies, before Pyro informs him that he followed their pugilistic partner to a certain Dr Adler's, who is a local scientist in great demand, seems he has developed a method of reversing mutations. 'Of what!?' Avalanche asks. 'You heard me, mate. Here, let me warm you' Pyro replies as he creates a small flame to dry Avalanche out. Pyro grins as he asks what would happen if this Adler were to suddenly disappear. 'Imagine the fortune in ransom to be paid'. Avalanche decides that as soon as he dries off, they should arrange a disapppearance. 'And your dear friend Mystique need never know – wherever she is'. Avalanche adds that he will then want another crack at that southern steam roller.
At Adler's lab, Rogue has been strapped to a table, and Adler tells her that this treatment has never been tried before on a human being. 'This is your last chance to back out' he adds. Rogue tells him that she isn't strapped down here to get her teeth cleaned, and explains that this decision did not come easy – but that she isn't backing out. She tells Dr Adler to get this show on the road. Dr Adler touches a button on the console and informs Rogue that there will be some discomfort first, a heavy tingling. Suddenly, the entire ground begins to shake, and Adler assumes it to be an earthquake – before he is knocked over by some falling equipment. 'Earthquake don't cover the topic tonight!' Rogue exlaims as she gets off the table – before being knocked aside by some vibrations. 'Very perceptive of you!' Avalanche tells her as he and Pyro enter the lab.
'You remember me – with the big “A”!' Avalanche exclaims, to which Pyro tells his companion that he is sure it is induebly impressed on her memory now. Avalanche boasts that he is going to bring this place down around her ears – just in case – and fires another blast of vibrations towards Rogue, knocking her about again. Pyro calls Avalanche Dominic and informs him that he has bagged the good doctor, so they should be on their merry way. Pyro has placed Dr Adler in a large bag, while Avalanche continues to use his powers, causing some equipment to fall onto Rogue, he tells Pyro that he is ensuring that they won't be pursued – and teaching her a lesson. As they leave the lab, Avalanche declares that a woman has to know her place, and Pyro adds that in this case, it is buried – under ten tons of rubble. He adds that it is a pity, as she was a looker. Under the rubble, Rogue's hand sticks out....


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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The Muir Island Saga, part II: Where Archangels Dare to Dwell
Muir Isle, the lab of Dr Adler, part of it lies in ruin. For a moment, there seems to be no life – then, suddenly: 'Come 'n' get it, boy! Time for round two!' Rogue shouts as she breaks through the rubble that recently buried her. Looking around, Rogue realizes that the “boys” are gone. She remembers them saying they were taking Doctor Adler before they trashed her. Running from the lab, Rogue thinks that she could use the other X-Men's help, but she came to Muir Isle without telling anyone! Rogue reminds herself that Professor Xavier said Doctor Adler came up with a treatment to make mutants into normal folks. She recalls lying on the table in Dr Adler's lab, getting strapped in as he got the machine ready – then the Avalanche and Pyro busted in and tore the place down around her. Rogue assumes they figured she was a goner, so they moseyed off with the doc in tow – only the fact that she is a mutant with super strength saved her life. Rogue realizes that it is a good thing the treatment hadn't begun when she was attacked. As the angry Rogue then flies off, she is unaware that she is being observed by a large muscular man, lurking in the shadows.
At the shore of Muir, Pyro and Avalanche have stopped, and Pyro puts a large duffel bag on the ground. Avalanche remarks that it is a rather unceremonious form of transit for a doctor, to which Pyro replies 'When I said I bagged the bloke, I wasn't jesting! Now let's get a peek at the good – doctor?' Pyro replies as he opens the bag – and the mysterious mutant Mystique stands before him. 'I stuffed a man in this sack! Who pulled the switch, mum?' he asks. Mystique tells him that there was no switch – and introduces herself, explaining that she is a shape-shifter, she revals that she was posing as Adler to lure other mutants into taking the treatment they believed would remove their mutant characteristics. Mystique informs Pyro and Avalanche that it will not – the procedures will make them slaves – slaves of the one she serves – Apocalypse! Mystique informs Pyro and Avalanche that the real Adler has been removed for safekeeping, before asking them why they sought to kidnap him.
Pyro explains that they were hoping to hod him for ransom, seeing as how he is such an important gent. 'You fools! I had hoped to make use of your powers in our plans!' Mystiqque declares, before warning them that they will be lucky if they don't bring the wrath of Apocalypse upon them all. 'Interfering idiots!' Mystique mutters.
On a nearby cliff, the muscular, myterious Cable looks through a large weapon from where he is positioned on the cliff. He sees Pyro and Avalanche and realizes that they are the ones who kidnapped Adler – he can see a third figure down there, but can't make them out as they are obscured by shadows. He assumes it is Adler – but before he can adjust his sights, Rogue flies between him and those down on the shore. 'If you boys had any sense, yuh would'a skipped this rock by now!' Rogue calls out. Pyro looks up at her and supposes that she needs a second stomping, while in the shadows, Mystique quickly shifts back into the guise of Dr Adler. 'Heah, big boy! Catch!' Rogue calls out as she throws a large rock towards the other mutants, but Avalanche uses his power to shatter the rock into many shards. 'What's the point, gorgeous? You knew I'd blast that thing apart!' Avalanche declares. 'Just wanted tuh keep you occupied, Mister A – so Ah could do – this!' Rogue shouts as she flies towards Avalanche and slams into him, knocking him out.
Pyro suddenly sends two powerful surges of fire towards Rogue, who turns to him: 'Well, now, look who wants to play!' she exclaims, telling him to hold that pose, as she is gonna fight fire with powder. Rogue flies up to the cliff surrounding the shore and piles up some dirt. 'What are -?' Pyro begins, before Rogue drops down on top of him, 'Y'all know what Ah mean. Little grainy stuff in yoh eyes – getting mah message, man?' Rogue asks as she covers Pyro's face in the dirt. 'Can't see!' Pyro calls out. 'Well, we can't have that now, can we?' Rogue asks, as she tells Pyro to wash out his baby blues with a little water. 'Yuh'll be a new man in no time!' she jokes as she throws Pyro into a pile of mud.
Avalanche has recovered by now, and blasts Rogue with his vibrations, 'You didn't think we were through yet, princess? I've still got a few moves that'll really shake you up!' Avalanche calls out, grinning as Rogue is struck down. As Rogue struggles to get to her feet, Avalanche continues to pour his energies on her, 'Don't let it get you down, Dixie! Better ladies than you've bowed before me!' Avalanche boasts. He moves in closer, continuing to fire at Rogue close range, he tells her that putting her down makes his day, and adds that it is no wonder she wanted out of this mutant jazz. 'Seems you're not much of a superhuman...or a woman'. Rogue is angry, and grits her teeth while deciding silently 'Ah think Ah've heard enough of this! The loudmouth's getting his comeuppance!' Rogue then turns around and raises her fists overhead, asking Avalanche if he thinks he has the market cornered on vibrations. 'Well, let's see yuh dance tuh this!' Rogue shouts as she slams her fists onto the ground, the impact knocks Avalanche off his feet, he falls backwards.
Avalanche gets up and tells Rogue that he bets that was her last trick. 'Now I'm gonna make you feel like you went through a meat-grinder!' he exclaims. 'Still yappin' Rogue mutters, before grabbing Avalanche's wrists and telling him to give her his best shot. 'Put everything yuh got behind it! C'mon! Don't be bashful – give!' Rogue shouts, twisting Avalanche's wrists back so that the palms of his hands are pointed towards his own face. 'Hey! Get those hands away from my face! A blast like that could disfigure me if I let loose!' Avalanche protests. 'Givin yuh a taste'a yuh own medicine make muh day, bullethead!' Rogue retorts, adding that she guesses they are a couple of happy campers. 'Put me down!' Avalanche pleads. 'Happy tuh oblige!' Rogue declares as she slams Avalanche into the ground, then tosses him through the air, 'We had our fun, so Ah'll send yuh off tuh join yuh soggy buddy in that bog ovah theah – likety split! Give the lil darling muh best!' Rogue jokes as Avalanche lands on top of Pyro.
During this commotion, Mystique, still posing as Dr Adler, has started to climb the the cliff, she hopes they kill each other down there, while knowing she has to get to Apocalypse and pacift him. But as Mystique reaches the top of the cliff, Cable is waiting, and points his gun at Adler. 'That's as far as you go, Adler. I've tracked you halfway around the world... and it wasnt to get an autograph!'
Back at the wrecked lab, X-Men leader Professor Charles Xavier and the Director of the Muir Island Research Center, Dr Moira MacTaggart survey the damage. Moira asks Charles what could have happened, but Charles tells her that he doesn't know. Moira admits that Dr Adler was a bit secretive and abrasive, but points out that his work was the best hope for mutantkind. 'Perhaps someone objected to that...hope' Charles suggests. 'Oh, Charles, you came here to encourage our work, but with this act of violence, perhaps you should -' Moira begins, but Charles interrupts her, announcing that he doesn't run from struggle, but pointing out that they can use some help. He starts to say that he will contact the X-Men, but Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops appears with Jean Grey and tells his mentor that there is no need, as they are here and ready for a fight. 'If necessary' Jean adds.
Professor X is surprised by their arrival, and remarks that he didn't request their presence. 'What brings you here?' he enquirmes. Cyclops explains that Rogue is missing, and Gambit had a strong suspicion that she came to Muir to undergo Dr Adler's treatment. Charles supposes that he should have known a mutant with Rogue's unique problem would jump at the chance for a “cure”. Cyclops points out that Rogue is nowhere to be found and Adler's lab is demolished. He asks Professor X if he sees any connection. Charles replies that he has no idea, and is disturbed, before suggesting they sesrch the island.
'Hey! Get yoh hands off that man! Ah need him in one piece!' Rogue shouts when she sees Cable atop the cliff, who has grabbed Dr Adler. Cable holds his gun to Adler's throat and points out that it seems he is a pretty popular person today. 'But I've got dibs on your hide!' Cable exclaims, before introduing himself, and explaining that his last known address was Genosha – where he was running a guerrilla operation to topple the mutant-hating scum who were in charge. 'Ring a bell? Scum like you worked for that government developing collars that suppressed mutant powers. Slave collars' Cable declares, adding that Adler used his fine mind to enslave mutants, and warns him that he will pay dearly for that. 'You deaf or something, scruffy?' Rogue asks as she flies towards Cable, who looks up at her and assures her that he didn't miss a word. 'Sorry I can't comply. But that's life. Full of surprises' Cable jokes as he opens fire at Rogue, blasting her to the ground. Cable adds that he knows it the most, and suggests to Rogue that she stay down and let him settle his affairs – then there won't be a problem. 'Move and...' Cable's voice trails off.
Rogue calls Cable “Gramps” and thanks him for his advice, 'But Ah'm just gonna move a mite. Just enough tuh disarm yuh!' Rogue exclaims as she throws a rocks at Cable's hand, knocking his gun out of it. 'And more tricks?' rogue asks 'Few centuries' worth' Cabe mutters as he pulls out a stun grenade and throws it at Rogue, knocking her back again. 'Always leaves 'em begging for more!' Cable adds. 'Sometimes just begging' he jokes, before turning back to Adler, 'Any last words this trip?' Cable asks as he grabs Adler by his collar – when suddenly, 'Several that are fascinating. I am not Adler' Mystique declares as she reveals herself, switching back to her blue-skinned form, she introdues herself and explains that she is a shape-shifter. 'Who?' Cable asks, surprised, before he hears a sound overhead – the Blackbird appears above him, and from it, Cyclops and Jean Grey drop down, hanging to ropes as they land on the clifftop.
'Drop the weapon! NOW!' Cyclops shouts. 'The only thing getting dropped – is you!' Cable replies as he raises another weapon and fires it at Cyclops. Jean tells Scott not to move, and telekinetically raises a large rock in front of the blast, before it strikes Cyclops. 'Nice work, Jean!' Cyclops calls back, adding that he thinks they have their hands full with this walking arsenal. Cyclops fires another optic blast, sstriking Cable and knocking him backwards. 'Great shooting, Scottie! Yuh nearly knocked him clean outta his britches!' Rogue exclaims. Cyclops declares that he doesn't know who this character is, but that he is taking no chances with him. 'He's out of action – Cyclops style!' Rogue then tells Cyclops that she doesn't want to spoil his fun, but alerts him to the rock that Cable hit with his plasma gun – it is staring to glow. Jean notices Cable begin to fall over the ege of the cliff – 'I have to stop him!' she exclaims as she rushes over.
But as Cable falls over the the cliff, he snags himself on a rock that jutts out. He decides that there is no sense in hanging around if Adler is elsewhere, while up above, Jean can't see him. 'He must've fallenI I can't see him at – OHH!' Jean scream as the rock that was glowing explodes, and Jean is knocked over the side of the cliff. 'She's hit!' Cyclops shouts. 'Told yuh that danged rock was glowing! Now it's exploded – hit Jeanie with a fragment! She's going over, Cyke!' Rogue exclaims. She realizes that in another second it will be too late, so she flies over, down the clliff – and an imstant later, flies back up, carrying Jean. 'Ah gotcha, girl – and Ah ain't letting go! We'll be topside in sec, so don't lose yoh lunch!' Rogue declares. Jean replies that she uus okay – a little dizzy from the stone's impact, but otherwise fine.
Moments later, Cyclops, Jean and Rogue re-group on the cliff, and Cyclops points out that there is no sign of their attacker. 'I didn't want it to end like that for him...' his voice trails off. Jeran tells Scott that he had no choice, it was combat conditions – split second decisions. 'Us...or him' Jean points out. Cyclops turns to Rogue and tells her that she is the hero today, that she saved Jean's life, and no one else had the power to do what she did. 'My thanks, X-Man. I'm in your debt' Jean adds. Rogue smiles at them, before turning away as Cyclops puts an arm around Jean, tears fall down her face as she thinks that she might be the only one who could have done the deed, so maybe she doesn't get the chance to snuggle with a sweet guy – but her life has meaning, as an X-Man. 'These are the best people Ah know – and Ah owe 'em' Rogue tells herself, but deep down, she knows that being what she is still hurts.
Sometime later, back at Adler's lab, Rogue finds “Dr Adler” inside the lab and tells him that she is glad to see he got back okay, before informing him that she has done some serious re-thinking. Adler reminds Rogue that she seemed to be certain she wante to be cured a short time ago. He adds that the machinery was not irreparably damaged. Hugging herself, Rogue explains that she decided she isn't ready to hang up the gloves just yet – even if it means she isn't going to be just human. She wonders if maybe there is a reason she is this way – it could be destiny – she doesn't know. She reminds Adler that he said himself the procedure was chancy, so she wants to play it safe, and just be herself. 'Ah know in a perfect world we'd all just snap our fingers an turn into whoever we please. Wouldn't that be somethin, doc?' Rogue adds. “Adler” claims that he never considered the possibility. Rogue tells him that she has wasted enough of his time, and wishes him luck with his research, adding that he is doing noble work here, and that someday it will pay off for all of them. 'Take car, sir. Ah got some friends tuh get back tuh' Rogue calls out as she flies out into the night sky. 'Deluded woman' “Adler” thinks to himself.
As Rogue flies through the air, she comes face to facce with Warren Worthington the Third a.k.a. Angel. 'Whoa! That's a nice set of pinions yuh got there! You dropping by tuh see Doctor Adler?' Rogue asks him. Angel apologizes for startling her, and admits that he is here to see Adler about his condition. 'Can't imagine why a lovely lady like you is here. I mean, if I could fly without being encumbered by these wings – well, you're a very lucky gal' Angel points out. 'Lucky. Right' Rogue thinks to herself, before telling Angel that she has to rush, and wishing him luck.

Angel drops down into “Dr Adler's” lab, and tells him that he heard about the damage to the lab, before pointing out that Adler seems unscathed. 'And the research?' he asks. “Adler” assures Mr Worthington that the machine is back in working order, and he is unharmed. Angel tells Adler that he is anxious to begin the procedure. Adler tells Angel to get on the table and they will begin. Warren climbs onto the table and reminds Adler that he is both a millionaire and a mutant, and that he has secretly funded his research to ensure that there is an alternative to living this way. Angel adds that he doesn't mind being a guinea pig, and if it fails on him, at least he can learn and help others. 'I've warned you of the risks, but you seemed insistent' “Adler” points out. Warren lies back and “Adler” tells him to have his existence forever changed. 'I've been ready a long time' Warren replies.
Warren screams as energy he is bombarded by energy. 'I see you've noticed the change already. Unfortunately, its hardly painless' “Adler” points out, while Apocalypse enters the lab. 'Excellent. You have redeemed yourself, Mystique. I see you have drawn first blood with the very creature supplying revenue for Adler's endeavors'. Apocalypse asks if Angel knows nothing about the switch, and “Adler” - transforming back into Mystique, confirms this. Apocalypse leans over Mystique and informs her that she must depart, as there is another mission awaiting her. Mystique frowns and replies that she will leave at once. The glow of the machine's energies engulfs the lab, as Apocalypse leans over the agonized Angel, and boasts that he will keep a tender hand on their long-suffering Warren Worthington.
At the Muir Isle pub, Cyclops, Jean and Rogue sit in a booth, while Charles, in his hover-chair, sits with them. Rogue tells Professor X that she hopes he can find it in his heart to forgive him. Charles tells Rogue that there is no need for apologies. Rogue explains that it took her awhile to realize how good everyone has been to her – and running out selfish-like, is no way to treat friends. 'We understand, don't we, Jean' Cyclops remarks, and Jean tells Rogue that they do. Cyclops remarks that there might be some real merit to the work being done here, but it is too early to tell. Rogue agrees, 'And if a decision's gonna be made about an X-Man undergoing that treatment...' Rogue adds. 'We'll decide together' Cyclops suggests. 'Cause we're a family' Jean smiles. 'A close family' Charles tells his students.
Across the pub, a man with white hair is playing darts. 'Bullseye! Looks like I win again, Plauge!' he tells an older woman, who snarls 'Heh! A plague on you and your dull darts!' A younger woman sits at a table and thinks to herself that there is a plague on them all here. 'Look at me...Autumn Rolfson. I loved my name...such a beautiful season. At least till I knew better. Now I know it's a curse. And this is my one chance to end that curse if it fails...I'll just go on touching things...and they'll die' the young woman thinks to herself as she looks sadly at a small vase of flowers – then touches the flowers, which wither instanty. Suddenly, Warren Worthington enters the pub, 'It works! I'm cured! I'M CURED!' he shouts, grinning. He approaches Autumn, Plague and the man with white hair and tells them that he knows it is hard to believe, but that it is true – he is no longer a mutant! 'You don't have to be hated anymore! We can be free – free!' he tells them.
Cyclops, Jean, Rogue and Professor X look over at the others in the pub and Charles suggests that it is time they went home. He adds that Moira MacTaggart knows he supports her research, but tells the others that he will reserve judgment on this miracle procedure until a later date – as they all should. Warren smiles at the other mutants and asks them who wants to be next to undergo Doctor Adler's treatment. 'Count me in' Plague tells him. 'Got my vote' Autumn exclaims. 'Me, too!' the man with white adds. Rogue looks at them and thinks that they should all be careful what they wish for – because tomorrow, things may look a whole lot different.
From inside the lab, Apocalypse watches Warren and the other mutants on a monitor – but reveals that it is not Warren – it is Mystique, impersonating him. 'Mystique's impersonation of you is flawless. The craving of those pathetic mutants to be human will overpower their every other desire!' Apocalypse exclaims. He grins as he declares that they will know change – but it will be change as dictated by his hand. 'Why become merely human – when you can serve Apocalypse!' A figure emerges from the shadows, narrowed eyes, metal gleaming in the darkness, as Apocalypse remarks 'You are the first of new breed, Warren Worthington has now ceased to exist. And in his place stands a monstrous figure a trembling world will soon know as – ARCHANGEL' Apocalypse booms as Warren throws his arms into the air and extends his new, razor-sharp steel wings in spectacular display. Apocalypse grins and shouts 'Let this corrupt age end in fire and chaos and prepare for a glorious rebirth such as none but I could envision!


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The Muir Island Saga, part III: To End in Fire
Muir Island, a place of genetic experimentation where mutants are drawn seeking a cure for the curse that makes them different. To the lab of Doctor Gottfried Adler, four superhumans have come ready to partake of the grand experiment. It has not gone exactly as they planned. Adler has disappeared, and in his place is a being of monumental power and evil. His name is Apocalypse. Figures stand in the shadows behind him as he announces that the seminal transformation is complete. 'You are mine now – body, mind and spirit – part of Apocalypse!' he declares. He reminds them that they came here craving normalcy, but instead he has altered them as he deemed fit – to become his soldiers and do his bidding in the brave new world they shall soon create. 'You, my four horsemen, are the harbingers of all that is to come!' he booms as the four figures move forward and Apocalypse introduces them all:
Abraham Lincoln Kieros, whose militaristic ways have made him the perfect War! Warren Worthington the Third, the millionaire youth whose fortune funded the departed Adler's research into the basis of life – has become Death! Autumn Rolfson, a fragile child whose touch withers is now Fame! And Plague, a former subterranean-dwelling Morlock has emerged as Pestilence! Apocalypse reveals that he has existed for millennia, secretly influencing humanity's clumsy progress, but now is the time to shed the shadows – and emerge fully into the light and to claim a long-delayed destiny. 'The time of Apocalypse is nigh! Let the age of chaos commence!' he booms.
A less ominous setting – the Xavier School for Gifted Youngsters in New York's Westchester County, where four of the X-Men – Jean Grey, Rogue, Jubilee and Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit – are in the recreation room. 'Go for it, gal! You ran the table, like awesome! This Gambit dude better call it a night!' Jubilee encourages Rogue, who leans over the pool table, lining up her shot. Gambit tells Jubilee that the night is still young. 'And dis femme still dans le petrin' Gambit smiles. 'That eightball's goin' in the pocket like it had eyes!' Rogue boys. Gambit leans into Rogue and tells her that she has such ravishing ones herself. 'Let them nnow fail you now when you need them most, non? De last shot – always de most complique, careful...' Gambit tells Rogue, who glances out the corner of her eyes at Gambit and tells him that she knows he is trying a psych-out, but she ain't falling for it.
Rogue shoots – and misses as the eightball hits the side of the pool table and bounces back into the center of the table. Jean Grey thinks to herself that was very slick of Remy, and wonders 'How about a bit of turnabout to the rescue?' as Gambit gives Rogue his condolescences and tells her to watch him in action. 'A small kinetic charge on de stick for luck...' Gambit thinks to himself as he uses his powers to charge the pool stick, while Rogue tells Gambit she will laugh until her belly aches if he misses. 'C'mon, smart aleck – screw it up so Ah get a yok' Rogue thinks to herself. Jean gives Gambit's pool stick a little telekinetic nudge, and Gambit looks surprised as he misses hitting the ball. Trouble, Gambit... hmmm? Oh – and now you've ripped the cloth. What will the Professor say?' Jean asks. 'De bille – by itself it move! Who – Jean! You use de powers to cheat ol' Remy?' Gambit asks. Jean looks at her fingernails as she replies 'Moi? Really, Gambit... accusing me of cheating? And what, pray tell, would I have to gain? I'm not in the game?' Jean points out. 'Oh, you play de game all right, cherie' Gambit mutters.
Storm suddenly enters the rec room and tells the others that she apologizes for interrupting their recreation time, but that there is something the Professor wants them to watch on television. 'And please see that the pool table is repaired. I assume it is your error, Gambit. What will the Professor say?' Storm asks. She then flicks a television monitor on and announces that this is occurring in Paris. 'Hopes are high as leaders from around the world meet here for the Conventional Weapons Department talks' a news reporter announces.
In Paris, the reporter adds that, despite that, delegates to the conference warn that much tough negotiation lies ahead. 'Wait – here's the conference chairman now' the reporter announces as a man takes the podium, where world leaders are gathered before him. He states that the leaders of the world recognize people's desire for peace, but that they must proceed carefully. 'Can we disarm humanity when mutants walk among us? This question must be answered – if we are to insure – what? Pieces of falling rock?' the chairman utters, as chunks of rock begin to fall from above – broken from the edge of the rooftop above, where the diabolical Apocalypse is perched! 'More than that will fall, human! The world you know will crumble around you! And in its place will stand the world according to Apocalypse! The Chaos-Bringer!' Apocalypse booms as the civilians and world leaders below start to scatter in fear.
'All opposition to me will succumb to – the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse!' Apocalypse booms as Death, War, Famine and Pestilence appear. Death flies above on his deadly metal wings, while the other Horsemen ride metal steeds. 'What can this mean?' a soldier asks as he starts firing at the Horsemen, as the Horsemen use their steeds to fire blasts of energy into the crowd. 'Our deaths if these creatures aren't stopped!' the chairman points out. At that moment, soldiers in a helicopter up above open fire on Archangel, who suddenly turns upwards as if to attack. 'But what possible damage can he do against an armored aircraft?' the soldier asks – before falling from the chopper, sorry he asked as Archangel slices the tail rotor off like paper with his razor-sharp wings. The soldier lands on a tower nearby, while Archangel flies back down towards the ground, and fires deadly projectiles from his bio-technic wings – two of which land either side of the chairman's head, against a brick will. They are neural disruptors, and with the chairman stuck between them, they release an energy that scrambles the circuitry of his central nervous system.
'Excellent, Mr Chairman. Precisely the look my master Apocalypse demands of all humans who will one day serve him!' Archangel exclaims, adding that it is a pity the disruptor's effects are merely temporary. Archangel decides that the chairman is a pathetic weakling and isn't worthy of being a slave, so tosses him into a nearby water fountain. 'I have come for you!' Pestilence exclaims as she strides towards a cameraman and boom operator. The man holding the boom tells the reporter to keep filming, as this is the story of the century. 'I've got no choice. I'm too scared to move!' the cameraman responds, before Pestilence touches them both, introducing them to the pleasures of the plague, both men start foaming at the mouth. Apocalypse stands over the camera, he remarks that the demonstration nears completion. 'Let one final image but itself into the collective mind of mankind! Let them see what they will soon feel' he declares as he then stands on the camera, ending the video feed.
In the X-Men's War Room, the team is gathered, and Professor X tells his X-Men that he has feared this for years – a mutant possessing perhaps as much raw power as Magneto himself, and lacking even Magneto's restraint, has openly declared war on the human race – the consequences of which may be too terrible to contemplate. Jean asks the Professor what they should do, to which Jubilee exclaims 'Like, we're gonna kick some big-time tail, Jean! What else is new?' to which the Professor tells her that her candor is refreshing, and informs the team that they must put a stop to the senseless slaughter, that they will take the Blackbird to Paris and track down Apocalypse and his followers. Cyclops reports that the ship is fuelled and ready. 'Just gimme a minute to pack a box lunch, Bub' Wolverine remarks. 'Yeah, me too' Jubilee adds. 'That was a joke, squirt' Wolverine tells Jubilee, while the Professor informs Jubilee that she will not be going, Rogue neither, as he has other duties for them.
The Professor informs Jubilee that he needs her here to help him supervision the reconstruction of the Mansion. 'Ahh, shoot' Jubilee mutters. 'And me, Professor?' Rogue asks. Professor X tells Rogue that he recognized those with Apocalypse – they were all on Muir Isle hoping for the cure. He hands Rogue a photo of Death, and tells her that this is the mutant who claimed that Dr Adler cured him. 'You must return to Muir Island and see Adler. He may hold the key we need' Xavier declares. Rogue understands, and reports that if there is something fishy going on, she is getting to the bottom of it, and isn't coming back until she does!
Meanwhile, throughout the continent of Europe, the monstrous minions of Apocalypse wreak havoc of an awesome and unprecedented kind. At a vineyard in the south of France, Famine honors her namesake as she flies over crops and uses her powers to destroy them, exclaiming that men shall starve as their crops wither and die. In the Swiss alps, the Archangel of Death demolishes an electrical generating station, leaving thousands without power. 'Let the purification begin – and mankind purged of its arrogant pretensions of advancement!' Archangel exclaims as he uses the projectiles from his deadly wings, they blast the facility apart. At an air base outside of Berlin, Germany, where War deals harshly with his kin. 'The only weapons of destruction on this planet will belong to the master – Apocalypse!' War boasts as he destroys jet fighter planes. Finally, in Trafalgar Square, where Pestilence greets Londoners in her own unique and fatal fashion – blasting them with a green energy, she exclaims 'Let your agonizing deaths through disease serve notice to all that the day of man is over!' Apocalypse revels in this chaos, 'Strike, my Horsemen! Strike in the name of Apocalypse!' he roars.
While the horrors continue in Europe, an angry X-Man arrives at Muir Isle, dropping down over the damaged lab where Dr Adler was conducting his diabolical schemes. Rogue didn't think she would see this place again for a while, and supposes the doctor didn't have a chance to fix that hole in the roof yet. She jokes that there may be another when she is through. 'Doctor Adler – Ah hope you heah because Ah wanna have a little sit-down with yuh. Right now!' Rogue calls out as she drops down into the lab. Behind some equipment lurks the mysterious Mystique, who hears Rogue and quickly shapeshifts back into the guise of Dr Adler. 'There yuh are! Let's talk, Doctor! I wanna know what yoh “cure” did tuh these mutants rampagin' all ovah with that Apocalypse bozo!' Rogue declares. 'Whatever are you talking about? I -' Adler begins, but Rogue tells him not to play dumb with her.
'Ah was gonna be one'a yoh subjects, too! Would yuh have turned me into some kind freak like them Four Horsemen? Answer me!' Rogue shouts. Adler claims that he hasn't the slightest idea what this is all about, so Rogue tells him she is through wasting her time and breath, and slams Adler into the table that the mutants were strapped to as they underwent the transformation procedure. 'Now you come clean and tell me what's really up heah – and where Apocalypse fits in the mix – or else!' Rogue warns Adler, who asks her to stop. 'What are you doing?' Adler asks. Rogue goes over to the control panel and tells Adler that she is giving him a taste of his own medicine. 'Yuh wanna take the cure yohself – or you wanna start fessing up?' she asks.
Suddenly: 'Very well. You win. I am Mystique – the shape-shifter. The so-called cure is a hoax – designed to bring mutants here so that I can transform them into slaves of Apocalypse...part of his plan of world domination' Mystique explains as she shifts back into her blue-skinned form. 'So that's the lowdown! Yoh the monster – not them poor guinea pigs yuh screwed up!' Rogue gasps. She tells Mystique that she wants to know where Apocalypse is hiding out. 'He got a headquarters or something Ah can track him to?' she asks, suggesting that Mystique better talk, as her fingers are getting itchy. 'No – please!' Mystique exclaims, before revealing that Apocalypse is currently using a hidden command center under Stonehenge in England. 'He sure is gonna be starched that his li'l lady ratted him out' Rogue remarks. Wide-eyed, Mystique asks Rogue not to tell him, as she doesn't know what she is dealing with. 'Just let me go into hiding...' Mystique pleads. Rogue tells her to skedaddle and declares that her doctoring days are over. Rogue announces that she has a hunk of machinery to trash, and then it is Mystique's boss she wants!
'Lousy stinkin' piece o' junk! Giving us false hope! Lettin' us believe there's a way out – some kinda choice we could make!' Rogue shouts as she begins to tear the machinery apart, trashing the lab. 'Ain't nothing but a lie. A rotten lie' Rogue utters, dropping to her knees. She looks determined as she decides that Mister Big Bad Mutant Mastermind has got himself one angry woman on his tail. She has never wanted nobody's hide this much. 'And Ah'm gonna have it! APOCALYPSE – YOH MINE!' Rogue shouts as she flies up through the hole in the lab roof and heads towards England.
Hours later, the Blackbird descends near Stonehenge. Cyclops tells the others that this is where they have tracked Apocalypse's four agents, and points out that as this is their turf, he suggests they use stealth in making their approach. 'Suggestion noted' Wolverine replies as he exits the Blackbird, suggesting to Cyclops that he fix his peepers on what has just popped up from the ground! Indeed, Apocalypse and his Horsemen have emerged from beneath Stonehenge, and Apocalypse boasts that he cannot be taken unaware, and that their landing was monitored and presence confirmed. 'Gaze at the old order, my Horsemen...gaze at that which will soon be swept away in the tide of terror and strife I will unleash!' Apocalypse tells the X-Men that he knows of them, as little escapes his notice. Cyclops sees that Apocalypse has captured Rogue, the behemoth then throws Rogue towards them. 'I believe this belongs to you!' he exclaims. Jean uses telekinesis to slow Rogue's flight, while Wolverine snarls 'This one's mine! Nobody interfere!'
Storm looks after Rogue, telling her to take it easy, as the X-Men are here. 'How did you come to arrive here before us?' Storm enquires. Rogue explains that she went to Muir and found out about Apocalypse's hideout, so flew here, tried to stop him, but they ganged up on her. 'Ah'll get him. Ah swear... Ah'll get him!' Rogue boasts. Cyclops tells Gambit that they have got to even this up, and suggests he goes for those mechanical horses. 'Your wish, mon ami – is dis obeissant Cajun's command!' Gambit replies as he throws his kinetically-charged playing cards at the mechanical steeds, destroying them. 'Now that's teamwork, gentlemen' Jean Grey exclaims as she uses War's staff as a restraint, telekinetically wrapping it around War, Pestilence and Famine, trapping them.
'Fools! You gloat over the capture of three Horsemen – forgetting there is a fourth... Death! And the penalty for failure – is pain by neural disruptor!' Archangel exclaims as he uses his neural disruptors on Cyclops and Gambit, who keel over in pain, clutching their heads.
Rogue looks ready to get back into the fight, but Storm points out that she has undergone an ordeal, and must gather her strength and let the others carry this battle. Rogue tells Storm that she appreciates the sentiment, but X-Men are getting hurt, so the gloves are off. She removes her gloves and flies towards Archangel. 'Surrender or die!' Archangel booms, too busy grandstanding to notice Rogue sneaking up behind him. She plans to use her bare hands to make contact with his mind and absorb all the negative emotions Apocalypse unleashed. She hopes she doesn't get overloaded, because then it is goodbye to her!
Below, Wolverine confronts Apocalypse directly, his adamantium claws clang against Apocalypse's hand, which the powerful mutant transformed into a shield. 'How about making yer noggin' into a head o' lettuce – so I can shred it?' Wolverine suggests. 'You speak bravely for one so small' Apocalypse points out, suggesting that he should make Wolverine even smaller, and starts punching him into the ground. 'Ferget it! I'm taking you out, buttercup!' Wolverine snarls. 'You are the one who will be taken out – animal...with the trash!' Apocalypse boasts.
Back up in the air, Rogue places her bare hands against Archangel's head, she can feel it, drawing all the ugliness into herself. She tells Archangel not to fight it, as she is taking the poison out of his body, so he needs to stop squirming, as this is for his own good. 'I am Death! All tremble at my approach!' Archangel responds, before going wide-eyed, he realizes that this is not who he is – he is Warren Worthington. 'What have I done?' Warren wonders, while Rogue looks angry and exclaims 'I'll slay them all and parade their bodies through the streets as an example! Death is here!' Archangel tells her that there will be no slaughter. He sees Apocalypse battling Wolverine and remembers him from Adler's lab – the one who did this to him. 'And it's time for payback!'
Evil thoughts, like a snake, twist around inside Rogue's head, spewing venom. She knows she has to get down there, get control before the pain overwhelms her and she loses control. 'Let him go, monster!' Archangel shouts as he fires his razor-sharp feather-blades at Apocalypse, several of which strike him in the back. Apocalypse lets go of Wolverine and drops to his knees. 'Get up! This isn't finished yet! I knew those feather darts couldn't really hurt you!' Archangel exclaims as Apocalypse turns to him and asks him what the meaning of this is. 'Of all those who serve me, you are my proudest creation... my most favored offspring. How can you betray me like this, my Archangel?' Apocalypse asks. 'Betray you! I'm the ravaged party here – not you! I financed a research project on Muir Island to change mutants into normal humans!' Archangel declares, pointing out that Apocalypse perverted that dream, used it to make innocents into unthinking slaves for him.
Archangel continues, declaring that he doesn't want power or conquest, he just wants to be a man amongst other men. 'Can you understand that through your delusions?' Archangel asks. 'So... I offer you the world and you throw it back in my face? Ignorant child!' Apocalypse replies. Apocalypse admits that even he can err, and warns Archangel that the sting of his words will remain long after the wounds in his back have healed. A ship appears overhead, and a beam drops down, engulfing Apocalypse, War, Famine and Pestilence, drawing them upwards towards the ship. Apocalypse announces that he takes his leave now, as the stench of inferiors can no longer be tolerated.
'The ground – shaking!' Jean calls out. 'Gotta make out move! He's taking a powder!' Wolverine exclaims, before the X-Men are all knocked to the ground. Apocalypse explains that the ground is rumbling because he has activated the self-destruct mechanisms in his underground command center. 'The secrets it contains are forever lost to you!' Apocalypse warns the X-Men, while Cyclops tells the others that he can't maintain his balanced enough to use his eyebeams. 'Save it fer yer memoirs, Cyke! Just hope nobody's video-taping this dance!' Wolverine mutters.
Then, after Apocalypse has fled, Rogue turns to Archangel and tells him that she knows deep inside what that madman did to him, explaining that she took the evil from him, absorbed it. 'Yer a good man. Don't evah think otherwise. Ah was even gonna be part of that experiment yuh was bank rollin'. But Ah did some rethinking... and realized being what we are ain't so bad maybe' Rogue adds. Archangel hangs his head and tells the X-Men that when you come from money, as he does, you believe it can solve every problem – if he hadn't begun this project, none of this would have happened – in a way, it is all his fault. Cyclops tells him that there is no need for recriminations. 'You wanted to do something good for others like yourself. The X-Men stand ready to help you. All you have to do is ask. We're friends' Cyclops adds.
The following day at the X-Mansion, Professor X tells Rogue that this has been a traumatic experience for her, plus the beating at the hands of Apocalypse. Rogue assures the Professor that she is healing up nice, and her mind has patched itself together, too. Rogue reminds the Professor that she has spent the better part of a lifetime feeling sorry for herself – but she doesn't believe anyone has ever been as alone as her. Rogue adds that she wants to be human, to touch and caress and love – but if that isn't in the cards, then she will make her stand here with the X-Men. 'Yoh right. We're a family. And when the hurt gets too much tuh bear...ah know yoah heah foh me. Keeps me from cracking up'. The Professor smiles and tells Rogue that they are all misfits in this world, but that this place isn't just about putting up a barricade and enduring their pain – it is about seizing the day and making their lives useful. 'I'm proud of you' Charles tells her, to which Rogue thanks him, and tells him that he is the real hero among them.
Meanwhile, at his Swiss chalet retreat, Warren Worthington has returned, he picks up a photo of how he used to look – and thinks that he is Warren Worthington the Third. 'Who's this blue-skinned impostor that's returned to his home?' Warren wonders. He then picks up a photo of Gisela – she has left him, and he is now more mutant than when this Muir Island debacle began. He frowns – he doesn't believe anyone has ever been as alone as him. He thinks that out there, this fiend that ruined his life is licking his wounds and waiting to strike. 'The world hasn't seen the last of Apocalypse. The horror may have just begun!'