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Chapter 4 - CHAPTER 4: Oh, Brother!

The X.U.V. screeched to a halt as it arrived back at the Institute. Jubilee came running out of the building, looking frantic.

"Guys, we've got a problem!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with fear. "The Brotherhood is attacking downtown, and they're causing chaos everywhere!"

Scott quickly sprang into action, barking out orders to the team. "Kurt, Rogue, and Shay, you're with me. We'll go in first and secure the perimeter. Nightcrawler, you're with me too. We'll provide cover fire for the others."

Nightcrawler nodded, ready to assist. He teleported himself and Scott to the front lines of the battle. Meanwhile, Rogue and Shay followed closely behind, their determination evident in their eyes.

As they approached the scene of the attack, they were met with a wave of destruction. Buildings had been toppled over, cars had been smashed to pieces, and terrified civilians were fleeing in every direction.

Rogue and Shay quickly jumped into action, their powers complementing each other. Rogue's enhanced strength and agility combined with Shay's power nullification and capoeira skills created a formidable duo.

Shay leaped into the air, performing an impressive capoeira move, and delivered a powerful kick to a Brotherhood member, rendering his powers useless. Rogue swiftly incapacitated another with a swift punch.

"Nice moves, Shay!" Rogue exclaimed, her voice laced with admiration as they fought side by side. "You really know how to bring the heat!"

Shay grinned back, his silver hair bellowing in the wind. "Just trying to keep up with you, Rogue! We make a great team!"

Their banter fueled their determination as they continued to battle the Brotherhood, taking down their adversaries one by one. However, the remaining Brotherhood members proved to be more formidable than anticipated.

Boom Boom unleashed explosive energy balls, creating a chaotic barrage of explosions around them. Shay quickly dove for cover, rolling behind a toppled car, while Rogue utilized her agility to dodge the explosions with precision.

"Watch out for Boom Boom's blasts, Shay!" Rogue called out, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Stay low and wait for an opening!"

Shay nodded, his purple eyes scanning the area for an opportunity. As the explosions continued, he waited for a moment when Boom Boom was momentarily distracted, focusing her energy elsewhere.

Nightcrawler and Cyclops joined forces, using their unique abilities to tackle Avalanche and neutralize Boom Boom. Nightcrawler teleported around Avalanche, creating disorienting distractions, while Cyclops aimed his optic blasts at Boom Boom, forcing her to retreat and take cover.

"Keep him off-balance, Kurt!" Cyclops shouted, his voice projecting over the chaos. "I'll handle Boom Boom!"

Nightcrawler nodded, his agile form zipping through the battlefield. He teleported behind Avalanche, delivering swift strikes to disorient him and disrupt his control over the ground.

Meanwhile, Rogue and Shay faced the relentless speed and strength of Quicksilver and the overwhelming force of the Blob.

Quicksilver darted around them, delivering lightning-fast punches and kicks, barely giving Rogue and Shay a chance to counterattack. Shay attempted to nullify Quicksilver's powers, but his quick movements made it challenging to make physical contact.

"Can't catch me, slowpokes!" Quicksilver taunted, his voice dripping with arrogance. "You'll never lay a finger on me!"

Rogue gritted her teeth, her eyes locked on Quicksilver's blurring figure. "We'll see about that, speedy. Shay, keep trying to slow him down. I'll find an opening!"

Shay focused his efforts on nullifying Quicksilver's powers, his hands reaching out in precise, calculated movements. Despite the speedster's elusive nature, Shay's determination didn't waver. He knew that one touch was all it took to tip the scales in their favor.

Meanwhile, the Blob, an immovable force, charged towards Rogue with earth-shaking footsteps. His massive frame blocked her path, and his sheer strength made it nearly impossible for her to land a solid blow.

Rogue gritted her teeth, her eyes darting around for a way to outmaneuver the seemingly indestructible villain. Spotting a parked delivery truck nearby, she smirked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Hey, Blob!" Rogue called out, her voice carrying a mixture of taunt and challenge. "Think fast!"

With a burst of strength, Rogue hoisted the delivery truck over her head and hurled it towards the Blob. The massive vehicle crashed into him, creating a momentary distraction and causing the ground to shake even more.

Shay seized the opportunity, leaping forward and making contact with Quicksilver in a split second. His power nullification took effect, causing Quicksilver's superhuman speed to falter. The speedster stumbled, his movements slowing down significantly.

Rogue took advantage of the opening, launching herself at Quicksilver with renewed determination. Her enhanced strength, allowed her to deliver a series of powerful blows, sending Quicksilver reeling.

"Looks like you're not so fast anymore!" Rogue quipped, her voice dripping with satisfaction.

Shay joined Rogue's side, a smug grin playing on his lips. "Care to slow dance, Quicksilver?"

Quicksilver scowled, his arrogance giving way to frustration. He attempted to regain his speed, but Shay's nullification continued to suppress his powers, leaving him vulnerable to their attacks.

Elsewhere, Kitty Pryde and Jean Grey focused their efforts on saving civilians caught in the crossfire. With Kitty's phasing abilities and Jean's telekinetic powers, they worked in tandem to evacuate people from danger zones and create protective barriers against falling debris.

Kitty's voice rang out with a mixture of urgency and compassion. "Don't worry, folks! Just stay close to us, and we'll get you out of harm's way!"

Jean's soothing voice provided reassurance. "Keep calm, everyone. We've got you. Focus on staying together and following our lead."

Together, they weaved through the chaos, their actions a testament to their unwavering commitment to safeguarding innocent lives.

As the battle continued to unfold, the X-Men persisted in their efforts to overcome the Brotherhood's onslaught. Despite the challenges posed by Avalanche, Boom Boom, Quicksilver, and the Blob, the unity and resourcefulness of the X-Men shone through, turning the tides of the battle in their favor.

With every strike and evasive maneuver, the battle raged on, each member of the X-Men unleashing their unique powers and skills in a dance of combat. Nightcrawler and Cyclops focused their attention on Avalanche and Boom Boom, their coordinated efforts aimed at neutralizing the two formidable adversaries.

Nightcrawler, his indigo fur blending with the shadows, teleported around Avalanche, appearing and disappearing in rapid succession. His agile movements allowed him to strike from unexpected angles, keeping the seismic mutant off balance.

"Feeling a bit shaky, Avalanche?" Nightcrawler teased, his voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "Let me lend a hand... or rather, a tail!"

With a swift flick of his prehensile tail, Nightcrawler lashed out at Avalanche's legs, disrupting his stability and causing him to stumble. Cyclops, seizing the opportunity, unleashed a concentrated optic blast, colliding with Avalanche and sending him crashing into a nearby building.

Boom Boom, with her explosive energy balls in hand, proved to be a relentless adversary. She lobbed the explosive spheres with precision, creating chaos and scattering debris in her wake. But the X-Men were undeterred.

Cyclops, his eyes protected by his visor, calculated his shots with precision. He unleashed optic blasts, expertly deflecting Boom Boom's energy balls, sending them hurtling back towards her. The explosions forced Boom Boom to retreat momentarily, giving the X-Men a chance to regroup.

Meanwhile, Shay and Rogue continued their fierce struggle against Quicksilver and the Blob. Shay's power nullification continued to nullify Quicksilver's speed, frustrating the speedster's attempts to escape.

"Can't seem to escape, Quicksilver?" Shay quipped, his voice laced with amusement.

Meanwhile:

Rogue's fists blazed with absorbed powers as she unleashed a barrage of strikes against the Blob. Her colossal blows struck with concussive force, causing the ground to tremble with each impact.

The Blob grunted, his immense size and durability providing a formidable defense. He swung his massive fists in a wide arc, aiming to incapacitate Rogue. But she quickly evaded his strikes, moving with fluid grace.

"Is that all you got, Blob?" Rogue goaded, her voice dripping with defiance. "You might be big, but I'm faster than a rattlesnake's strike!"

With a lightning-quick movement, Rogue weaved around the Blob's defenses, finding a small opening in his guard. She delivered a focused strike to a vulnerable point, causing the behemoth to stagger backward, his expression a mix of surprise and pain.

The battle continued to escalate, the clash of powers and the determination of the combatants reverberating through the war-torn streets. The X-Men fought with unwavering resolve, their teamwork and synergy allowing them to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

The cacophony of destruction and heroism echoed through the cityscape as the X-Men pushed themselves to the limits. Amidst the chaos, their unwavering focus on protecting innocent lives and defeating the Brotherhood served as a beacon of hope..

Rogue's adrenaline surged as she clashed with the formidable Blob. Her fists blazed with power, ready to unleash devastating strikes. With each blow she landed, the ground shook beneath them, sending shockwaves through the war-torn streets.

"Y'all ain't seen nothin' yet!" Rogue taunted, her Southern accent punctuating her words with a touch of sass. "Ah've got the strength of an army runnin' through me!"

With a surge of power, Rogue lifted a nearby car effortlessly, spinning it around with a superhuman display of strength. She hurled it towards the Blob, its metal frame hurtling through the air with deadly force. The impact caused a thunderous crash as the car collided with the Blob, momentarily staggering him.

But the Blob was no pushover. With a bellowing roar, he retaliated, swinging his massive arms in a wide arc. Rogue quickly blocked most of the blows, but the sheer force behind the Blob's strikes sent shockwaves rippling through her body.

"Gonna take more than that, darlin'!" Rogue shouted defiantly, her voice laced with determination. "Ah'm not one to back down from a fight!"

Leaping into the air, Rogue activated her flight ability, her body soaring above the battlefield. Hovering above the crumbling buildings, she surveyed her surroundings, searching for a new strategy to overcome the Blob's immense size and strength.

Spotting a streetlight nearby, Rogue descended with impressive speed, tearing it out of the ground. Swinging the streetlight like a makeshift staff, she lashed out at the Blob, aiming for his vulnerable spots. Each strike reverberated with the force of a wrecking ball, forcing the behemoth to stagger ever so slightly.

But the Blob was relentless, his immense mass absorbing the impact of Rogue's strikes. With a thunderous roar, he charged forward, plowing through the wreckage of the city, determined to bring Rogue down.

Caught off guard, Rogue was sent hurtling through a crumbling building, crashing through walls and debris. Dust filled the air as she emerged from the wreckage, bruised but undeterred. She wiped a trickle of blood from her lip, a defiant grin spreading across her face.

"Y'know, Blob, ah always enjoy redecoratin'!" Rogue taunted, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But it's time to bring this show to an end!"

Rising to her feet, Rogue channeled her strength, fueling her resolve. She propelled herself forward, her fists crackling with raw power. The impact of her blows shook the ground, creating small craters as she unleashed her pent-up energy.

The battle of super strength reached its climax as Rogue and the Blob engaged in an epic clash. Each blow they exchanged sent shockwaves through the war-torn city, a testament to their incredible power. The fight raged on, the fury in Rogue's eyes unwavering.

Despite Rogue's relentless determination, she found herself struggling against the sheer mass and durability of the Blob. His impenetrable defense made it difficult for her to inflict any significant damage.

As Rogue delivered a series of powerful strikes, the Blob's body absorbed the impact, barely flinching. His laughter echoed through the battlefield, taunting her.

"Is that the best you've got, little lady?" the Blob boomed, his voice filled with arrogance. "You're nothin' compared to my size and strength!"

Rogue's frustration grew, but she refused to back down. She knew she had to find a way to turn the tide in her favor. Glancing around, her eyes caught sight of a large construction vehicle nearby. An idea sparked in her mind.

With a surge of willpower, Rogue flew toward the construction vehicle, her enhanced speed allowing her to reach it in an instant. She grabbed hold of the massive machine, her super strength allowing her to lift it effortlessly.

With a grunt, Rogue swung the construction vehicle toward the Blob, aiming to crush him under its weight. But the Blob proved more agile than expected, swiftly dodging the incoming attack.

The ground trembled as the construction vehicle crashed into a nearby building, causing debris to rain down around them. The impact left a gaping hole in the structure, a testament to the power behind Rogue's strike. Yet, the Blob remained unfazed.

As Rogue regrouped, catching her breath, she realized that brute force alone wouldn't be enough to defeat the Blob. She needed to find a weakness, a chink in his seemingly impenetrable armor.

Her eyes locked onto a nearby gas station, its pumps standing tall like sentinels. An idea sparked in her mind once again. She flew toward the gas station, narrowly avoiding the Blob's attempted grab.

Using her super strength, Rogue ripped the gas station pumps out of the ground, their hoses whipping through the air like serpents. With a flick of her wrist, she aimed the fuel-filled hoses at the Blob, unleashing a torrent of gasoline.

"Let's see how you handle this, Blob!" Rogue shouted, her voice filled with determination.

Using a metal shard she found on the ground Rogue used friction to create a small flame and launched it towards the gasoline-soaked Blob. A fiery explosion erupted, engulfing him in a blaze of flames.

For a moment, it seemed as though Rogue had gained the upper hand. The Blob bellowed in pain as the flames licked at his massive form. But his endurance and resilience proved greater than anticipated.

With a thunderous roar, the Blob emerged from the flames, his body relatively unscathed. The fire had only fueled his anger and drive to crush his opponent.

Rogue's heart raced as she faced the seemingly indomitable Blob. Sweat trickled down her brow as she assessed her options, searching for a way to overcome this overwhelming challenge.

The battle between Rogue and the Blob continued to rage on, each strike resonating with power and resolve. The war-torn cityscape bore witness to their titanic clash, the struggle for dominance escalating with every passing moment.

Rogue's struggle against the Blob intensified as their clash persisted. She grunted with exertion, her muscles straining as she tried to find an opening in his defense. Despite her best efforts, the Blob seemed invulnerable to her attacks.

As the battle wore on, Rogue's frustration grew. She knew she needed to come up with a different approach to defeat her opponent. She observed the Blob's movements, analyzing his patterns, searching for a weakness she could exploit.

An opportunity presented itself when the Blob unleashed a powerful swing, aimed at crushing Rogue against a crumbling building. Reacting quickly, she evaded the strike with a burst of agility, maneuvering behind the Blob.

Rogue hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on the back of the Blob's head. She knew what she had to do, even though it came with great risks. Reluctantly, she made the decision she had avoided for so long.

Gritting her teeth, Rogue removed her gloves, exposing her bare skin. A surge of anxiety and apprehension coursed through her veins as she prepared to make physical contact with the Blob. She had experienced the consequences of her power in the past, the absorption of memories and abilities leaving a lasting impact on her psyche.

With a deep breath, Rogue reached out and placed her ungloved hand on the Blob's massive shoulder. Instantly, a rush of power surged through her, a torrent of memories and abilities flooding her mind. The Blob's consciousness became intertwined with hers as she drained him of his strength.

The Blob's eyes widened in surprise as his strength waned, his movements slowing. Rogue absorbed his power, feeling her own strength grow exponentially. But the process was not without consequences.

As the Blob fell to the ground, unconscious, Rogue staggered back, disoriented and mentally exhausted. The influx of memories and abilities overwhelmed her senses, leaving her feeling dizzy and drained. She struggled to regain her composure, her mind a jumble of thoughts and emotions.

A strange craving suddenly overcame Rogue. Her mind fixated on one thing—burgers. The desire for a hearty, meaty meal consumed her thoughts, overshadowing the lingering exhaustion from her battle. It was an unexpected side effect of her absorption.

As the X-Men regrouped around her, concern etched on their faces, Rogue managed to steady herself. She took a deep breath, trying to push through the mental fog that clouded her mind.

"Rogue, are you alright?" Kitty asked, her voice filled with worry.

Rogue nodded, though her expression betrayed her lingering disorientation. "I... I'm fine. Just need a moment to collect myself."

Jean Grey approached, her telepathic powers sensing the toll the battle had taken on Rogue's mind. "Take your time, Rogue. We've got you. We'll make sure you're okay."

Rogue offered a weak smile, grateful for the support of her teammates. She knew she had made a sacrifice to secure their victory, but the aftermath would require time to recover and process.

Shay tightened his grip on Quicksilver, swiftly maneuvering behind him and locking him in a headlock. The speedster's movements slowed, his struggles growing feeble until he succumbed to unconsciousness. Shay smirked, his silver hair gleaming in the aftermath of the battle.

"Well, looks like he couldn't keep up with the pace," Shay quipped, a playful twinkle in his eyes. "Guess I'll have to pick up the slack."

With a touch of his hand, Shay absorbed Quicksilver's speed, his body tingling with newfound energy. His movements became a blur as he darted towards Boom-Boom and Avalanche with lightning-fast speed.

Boom-Boom barely had time to react before Shay's rapid blows rained down upon her. Each strike landed with precision and force, sending shockwaves through her body. She stumbled backward, her explosive energy balls forgotten as she struggled to regain her footing.

Avalanche, recovering from the earlier assault, found himself on the receiving end of Shay's speed-enhanced attacks. Shay's fists blurred, delivering a barrage of strikes that shook the ground beneath them. The force of the blows knocked the wind out of Avalanche, leaving him gasping for breath.

Shay grinned mischievously as he glanced over at Cyclops and Nightcrawler, who were still engaged in their own battles. "Looks like you two could use a hand!" he called out, his voice filled with playful bravado.

With lightning reflexes, Shay continued his assault on Boom-Boom and Avalanche, exploiting their momentary weakness. His capoeira skills combined with the borrowed speed made him an unstoppable force, a blur of motion that overwhelmed his adversaries.

Boom Boom's attempts to retaliate were futile as Shay's speed allowed him to effortlessly evade her explosive attacks. He weaved through the chaos she created, his movements so fast it seemed as if he were teleporting from one spot to another.

Avalanche struggled to counter Shay's speed, his earth-shaking powers unable to keep up with the nimble mutant. Shay darted around him, striking with calculated precision. Each blow landed with concussive force, rattling Avalanche's defenses and weakening his resolve.

The battle reached a crescendo as Shay's relentless assault left both Boom-Boom and Avalanche reeling. The two Brotherhood members found themselves overwhelmed by his speed, their powers ineffective against his lightning-fast strikes.

As the dust settled and the defeated Brotherhood members lay motionless, Shay's speed gradually returned to normal. He stood amidst the aftermath of the battle, his breath slightly labored but his eyes filled with satisfaction.

Cyclops and Nightcrawler approached, their expressions a mix of admiration and gratitude. Nightcrawler's indigo fur glistened with sweat, and Cyclops' visor remained fixed in place, his eyes shielded from his own optic blasts.

"You were incredible, Shay!" Nightcrawler exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "I've never seen anyone move like that."

Cyclops nodded in agreement, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "You really saved our tails back there. We owe you one."

Shay shrugged off the praise, a playful smirk playing on his lips. "Just doing what I do best. Gotta keep up with the speedy folks, you know?"

The X-Men regrouped, their victory secured against the Brotherhood's onslaught. They surveyed the aftermath of the battle, their eyes filled with determination and a sense of unity.

But even in their triumph, they knew that the fight for peace and justice was far from over. The world still teetered on the brink of chaos, and the X-Men would continue to stand as guardians against the forces of darkness.

And as Shay stood among his teammates, his silver hair reflecting the fading sunlight.

Apologies for the confusion. Let's continue the story on the battlefield, focusing on Shay's exhaustion taking place after the fight.

As the dust settled and the defeated Brotherhood members lay scattered around them, Shay's weariness began to catch up with him. The sudden surge of speed he had absorbed from Quicksilver had taken its toll on his body. His muscles throbbed with soreness, and every movement felt like a struggle.

Leaning against a partially crumbled building, Shay took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he wiped them away with the back of his hand. His silver hair clung to his damp skin, evidence of the intense battle they had just endured.

Cyclops, Nightcrawler, and Rogue approached him, concern etched on their faces. They had noticed Shay's fatigue and the toll the fight had taken on him.

"Shay, are you okay?" Rogue asked, her voice filled with genuine worry. "You look like you've been through the wringer."

Shay nodded, a weary smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, that speed boost... it hit me hard. My muscles feel like they've been put through a blender."

Cyclops placed a supportive hand on Shay's shoulder. "You did amazing out there, Shay. We couldn't have taken down the Brotherhood without your power nullification and your quick reflexes. But now it's time to take care of yourself."

Nightcrawler, his tail swaying gently behind him, added, "Ja, my friend. We will regroup and make sure you get the rest you need. Your body needs time to recover from such exertion."

Shay exhaled, realizing the truth in their words. He had given his all in the battle, and now it was time to listen to his body's call for rest. He looked at his teammates, gratitude shining in his tired eyes.

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