Logan could feel nothing but pain. The feeling wasn't new to him but the fact that it was actually lasting for long periods of time was. His knuckles were scabbing over and the cut on his forehead throbbed. Other places would be bruised and swollen, already his legs felt stiff and his one arm was numb. The source of that numbness was lying upon his arm. Mia lay facing him, a bruise visible across her face where Mystique had struck her. Logan did his best to sit up and move his arm out from under her without disturbing her. He shook his arm and waited for the feeling to return.

The room they were in was small. There was the bed, a desk and chair and a small television. He spotted another door and was relieved to find a bathroom. Logan did his best to wash off as much of the blood and sweat that had stuck to him from the fight and noted there were a few bandages stowed away under the sink. He was in the middle of wrapping his knuckles up when he heard the screams.

Mia could hear the shower running and turned over in her sleep. Logan would be in the shower, she'd wait her turn, and then they'd go see her mother. She opened her eye to search out the alarm clock and bolted straight up. Logan had already taken a shower, and she had already been to see her mother, that had already happened. They were attacked, she finally remembered, but looking about brought back different memories.

"No," she whispered.

It was her room, or what was her room, her prison really. She was back.

Tears began pouring down her face as anger set in. She was supposed to be heading back to the school. She was supposed to be working on her lessons, practicing with Logan, watching movies with Rogue and learning games from Jaime. This was all wrong.

She got up and started pulling on the door, then banging on it when that failed. She finally grabbed the chair and screamed as she threw it into the door. The wood shattered and splinters fell in front of her but she didn't relent. She screamed again and threw the chair at it again until Logan emerged from the bathroom and grabbed it from her.

"Kid! Stop it! What the hell has gotten into you?" he demanded throwing the rest of the chair back against the floor and moving her towards the bed.

"This is it Logan! This is my room, we're at Magneto's. I'm back. After everything I ended up back here," she sobbed. Logan moved forward and wrapped his arms around her as she cried. She hadn't said much about her time with Magneto. The Professor knew, but kept her in his confidence and had only revealed to Logan what was important. Ten years in this small room, he couldn't imagine.

"Don't worry kid. I'm sure the Professor knows where we are and he'll get us out of here. Piotr had to have known where this place was and told him before he left."

She could only nod as she fought to catch her breath.

When Logan and Mia failed to return, Xavier had attempted to contact her mother but the phone was never answered. His search through Cerebro failed as well.

"I am certain that Magneto has taken them. He is the only one who knows how to shield himself from Cerebro. Logan and Mia must be back at his base," the Professor had explained. Scott, Jean, Ororo and Beast had all convened in his office upon his request. Logan was certain they would return no later than Sunday night and when they had not returned by Monday morning the Professor had set out in search of them. Logan's cell phone had gone unanswered throughout the day, which was when he knew to be worried.

"Where's the base Professor?" Jean asked.

"Piotr was able to give me a general location; it's in a highly wooded area along the Canadian border. But he was able to give me the name of the nearest town which he said was a few hours walk from the base. However, I wish to try to get in contact with Magneto first to see if anything can be arranged. I'd rather not put everyone at risk if we can avoid it. I happen to know a couple of his employees are nearby, perhaps they could be of some help to us."

That was how Rogue found herself dragged out of the mansion and into the streets of Bayville. She frowned the entire trip knowing exactly what Jean was up to.

"We just need to find them Rogue. Let's face it; you have a habit of attracting Gambit."

"Damn Swamp Rat," she mumbled.

"Look. I got the Professor to agree to this, and Scott wasn't thrilled it was going to be just the two of us as well. I need your help on this. I want it to all stay as peaceful as possible. Because if anything happens I am going to be stuck living this down for a while."

Rogue sighed, even though her and Jean didn't always get along, she was her friend. And it would be nice to show Scott that they didn't always need him.

"Fine, fine. But that Gambit touches me and I can't promise to be on my best behavior."

Jean smiled happy to have her cooperation. She had decided they would hit a few places in town that Rogue usually frequented.

They had wandered around town for nearly half an hour with no sign of Remy. Rogue decided they should change their tactic, "Maybe we should try where they would be."

It didn't take long to find them in a small back alley pool hall where they were busy hustling people. Rogue squared her shoulders and walked up to Remy.

"Well, well, Chère. Dis be a very pleasant surprise."

"We," she said nodding her head over towards Jean's direction, "need to speak with you. Privately." John stepped forward, "We're in the middle of something here, sheila. It'll just have to wait."

Jean chose to step forward, "No. It won't. If you know what's best for you, you'll come with us, now."

"Ain't no reason you be needing us. We aren't about to be bossed around by you," John countered.

Rogue turned her gaze back to Remy, "What's going on Chère?" he asked.

"Mia and Logan are missing."

That had made Remy's brows shoot up. If he had been shocked about it, then they hadn't been let in on the scheme. Remy quickly settled their game, and then followed the girls out with John in tow. They headed over to a small coffee house and took a table outside.

"Can't believe old Mags would do that without telling us," John grumbled.

Remy nodded, "I know he's been keeping us out of the loop a bit, only Mystique and Sabertooth are really in the know. Remy don't think he trusted us much."

"We need to know exactly where the base is, so we can find them. They've had them for at least a full day by now. The Professor wants to get in contact with Magneto, try to arrange for him to release them."

"With as much work as Mags has put into da petite over the years I don't think he's going to give her up too freely. The Wolverine is a big catch as well. Plus with his inhibitors he's probably got their powers disabled. They won't be able to fight him. There's any number of mutants in that place now, he had a few more when I was back there the other day, but without their powers they can't rise up against him. But Remy'll help you with the location. Then I think its best Remy head back up there, check on them. John you can stay down here, so we have a contact."

John frowned, "Last I checked, mate, we work for Magneto."

But even Remy could tell that he hadn't said it with any endearment towards Magneto. "I know. But Remy thinks it's time we moved on from dis. Mags don't even bother with us most of the time. You can do what ya like, homme. But Remy be done."

John stared at him for a moment, then sighed. "Count me in then I guess. Was getting bored anyway."

Jean nodded, "Good. Then I think you should come back to the mansion with us and talk to the Professor."

Remy smiled, "Well, at least we don't have da Wolverine there to worry about."

Jean warned the Professor they were on their way. Their reception at the mansion would be frosty at best. She walked them into the Professors office where a few of the others sat waiting. She had to admit though, she was very proud of herself despite the look on Scott's face.

"Welcome gentlemen. I thank you for joining us."

"No problem," Remy said. "Piotr is a good friend of Remy's. He would be upset with me if I didn't do anything to help da petite." He also hoped it would help him with Rogue, although he wanted to kick himself for thinking that around a bunch of telepaths. The Professor smiled, "How do we know you can be trusted to help?" That was Scott, of course.

"You'll have to make dat decision for yourself, non? But Remy been helping Petey and da petite send letters to each other for a while now. Not something you would be doing if you were out to hurt someone." That was no surprise to Rogue and the Professor but the others hadn't known.

"So you know where the base is?" Ororo asked.

"Oui. Remy should explain dat even though we've been dere, we're not allowed access to a number of places within da compound. Mags has gotten very secretive lately. Only Mystique and Sabertooth have been told plans."

Remy continued to explain as much about the compound as he could. Its location made it difficult to access by car. Helicopter was Magneto's main conveyance. He went on about the number of mutants suddenly housed there, without much of an explanation from Magneto. He only ever used one entrance, but Piotr would know more he concluded. His best chance would be to get to Piotr then relay any information he could gather. Then he could also check in on Logan and Mia if he could locate them.

"Remy not supposed to check in for about another week. But perhaps we come up with a reason I need to be dere."

Charles nodded, "I will give you a letter I wish for you to deliver to Magneto. You can come up with how it ended up in your hands. That would be reason enough to go. John, you are welcome to remain here, so that we have someone he can communicate quickly with. I will also supply you with a phone Remy. I do not want to launch any sort of attack if it can be avoided. Although I'm not certain that will be possible. I believe Magneto will not make a move to harm them just yet. It is too late in the day to ask you to go now. But I suggest we plan and hope to have you on your way sometime tomorrow if that is agreeable with you?"

Remy agreed and they sat for a while longer deciding on their plans. Charles would write the letter tonight. In the meantime they were invited to remain at the mansion, much to the chagrin of Scott. He was projecting that thought quite loudly before the Professor mentally quieted him. Remy agreed to stay, but John decided he would prefer to be back at their lodgings. This way if Magneto did contact them at least one of them would be there. He would stay for the afternoon and dinner though he agreed.

Remy smiled, that would give him a decent amount of time with Rogue. When they were released from the office, he made sure to fall in step with her.

"What are ya doing?" she asked him as she realized he was about to follow her up the steps. "Well, seeing as how we have some time, Remy thought he'd spend it with you Chère." Rogue rolled her eyes, "There's plenty you can be doing without me Swamp Rat." She continued on up the stairs and stopped again when she heard him behind her. She sighed, Remy smiled, "You ain't givin' up are ya?" she asked. Remy shook his head.

"Fine, fine. We'll find something to do. But one wrong move and I'm warning ya." He gave her a grin, "Promise, Remy be on his best behavior." Rogue frowned, "Well, come on then," she headed back down the steps. Remy looked back up, "We're not going up dere now?" Rogue stopped on the bottom and glared at him, "And let you near my room? Hardly." She huffed and headed down a hallway knowing he would quickly catch up.

As it was, she would certainly have to say he was on his best behavior. Mostly. She took him to the game room and soon they settled into a few rounds of billiards and then moved on to darts. She was surprised when he declined to make it a competition. She was more concerned when he didn't try anything when they were alone. And she almost hated to admit she was bothered that he hadn't called her "Chère" once since they'd started playing. They were getting along, and she wasn't sure she liked it.

After supper John headed back to their apartment. Remy felt kind of bad he left him alone most of the day but John didn't seem any worse for wear. In fact, he seemed to have made a couple friends of his own. "Good luck mate. I'll see you soon," he said as they parted. "This ain't gonna end peacefully," Remy stated. John shook his head, "Nah. Never can with Mags involved can it. Sure it'll be a good fight at least." And with that he was gone.

Remy stepped back into the foyer and shut the door. Rogue was standing there off to the side after listening to the exchange. "How bad do you think it's gonna be?" Remy considered the question for a moment, "Bad, but worse then anything you guys have already gone through? Maybe not. Remy never knows with Magneto." Rogue nodded but didn't seem too comforted by his words. He strode over to her and put his hands on her arms, her flinch was imperceptible but Remy caught it. "We'll get 'em back. They'll be fine. This is Logan you're talkin' about. It takes a lot to take him down. He'll keep her safe."

She nodded and he was glad to see she wasn't shrinking from his touch. "She's been my best friend. There's so much we talked about doing together, and Logan, he's, well, he's Logan. That might not make much sense, but he's always been there and I don't know how to be when he's not." Her eyes were welling up with tears she was trying not to release. She didn't want him to see her like that. She was always so tough in front of him. Remy stepped closer and for a moment she began to panic. But he was in his coat, his arms thoroughly covered, his gloves still on his hands. He pulled her against him and wrapped his arms around her, careful not to touch what little skin was showing. He wasn't afraid of her, and that's perhaps what undid her. The tears came freely now and she found her hands holding fistfuls of his coat. She knew now that she wouldn't live this down when it came to him, that she had shown him a side of her she hadn't meant to.

But perhaps, her mind bleakly thought, that was alright.

In the morning Remy gathered what few things he had to take with him. The Professor had given him a bag and some money for his trip. Tucked away in his pocket was the letter for Magneto. In his bag was an entirely different letter for Mia. Rogue had slipped it to him after an early breakfast. He had to be on his way quickly and he was surprised to see her up with the couple others who were seeing him off. After she had calmed down last night she had quickly apologized and pulled away. Remy had let her go, knowing she needed time. It was better not to push her when a probable battle loomed ahead.

"If you don't hear from me within a couple days, then expect that I ain't able to leave," he told the Professor. Xavier nodded, "We'll be ready in case. I hope it won't come down to that, but only time will tell." Remy nodded and made his farewells, casting a look towards Rogue. She made sure she was the last to say good-bye. "Don't go getting yourself hurt, Swamp Rat." He smiled, she used to say that name with a harshness to it, but now it sounded endearing. "I won't Chère. And Remy always comes through on his promises." He squeezed her hand, then was gone.

Back at Magneto's Base

Food was dropped off about twice a day. Sometimes it was someone they didn't recognize, other times it was Sabertooth. The first time he came in the room, Logan had ended up on the floor. Mia had begged him to ignore his words. "He's just trying to get you angry Logan, please, don't fight him." Logan was back in the bed, sore from his bout and a few more cuts decorated his face. "It ain't easy kid, not when he's saying the things he's saying." She frowned, Sabertooth's comments had been about her, and while they were hard to ignore they were just words. Even if the thought of some of them had made her shiver in revulsion. While she was mostly used to the seclusion she could tell Logan was getting antsy. They tried to pass the time as best they could, Logan found himself sleeping more then he was used to. No one had really come in to talk to them and they figured no one planned to. It wasn't until Thursday rolled around that Magneto made his appearance.

"My dear, welcome back. And you Wolverine, so nice to see you as well. I never expected I'd be able to get you here with the ease that we did. But, you prove me wrong," he said with a slight grin. Mia put a hand on Logan's arm, wanting to keep him in check. Even without his powers, Logan's body still contained metal and Magneto would have no problem hurting him.

"I got a letter from Charles, delivered by one of my Acolytes. Seems he wants to make a peaceful exchange," he held the letter in his hands. "Poor Charles, always still full of hope and good." Magneto crumpled up the letter and tossed it into the waste basket nearby. "I hope you'll understand that I have no intention of letting such a prize go."

Neither one knew if they were indeed the prize, but both knew even the Professor's attempts at peace were in vain.

"I would assume that when he fails to receive my reply that he will be on his way. In the meantime I will lay some ground rules. You are free to roam the halls with the other mutants, you will see that they as well wear inhibitors. The doors are locked by 8 p.m., no one may be out in the halls after that," he explained.

Logan gave a short laugh, "What is this, summer camp?"

Magneto turned his gaze towards Logan, "You, however, will notice that you can't leave the room. Even though you have no abilities at the moment, you are still in fact, a weapon. Only the girl may leave." Logan frowned at this, he didn't want her out alone. Magneto continued, "Your food will still be brought here, hers she may find in the dining area with the others. I suggest you try not getting out Logan, the effect is quite nasty." With a turn of his cape he was gone.

Mia bit her lip, she wanted to get out of the room. It was her chance to find Piotr and make sure he was okay. Logan seemed to sense her thoughts, "I'm not comfortable with you leaving on your own kid. But I know I'm hard pressed to stop you." He gave it a thought, then sighed, "One hour. You leave this room but you come back in an hour, whether you find him or not. If you find him, see if you can get him back here. We all need to talk."

Mia looked down at her watch, 10:30. She had almost the whole day ahead of her. Even if she could only get out for a bit at a time. She was almost nervous as she approached the door, but found that now when she pulled, it opened. She took a moment to adjust her eyes, the hallway seemed more lit then it had when she was last there. A handful of people were moving about the hallways, she could hear more noise down the hall, possibly the dining room. She looked back at Logan, "I'll be back in an hour."

As she wandered down the hall she was amazed at the change. No longer was it dead silent and empty. People came in and out of rooms, stopped in the hallways to talk and she did eventually find a dining area. Another area after that proved to be some sort of lounge. It was still all bland and metallic she noticed, not much of it inspired hope. It still very much looked a prison but at least she was no longer stuck in a room. She wasn't sure exactly where to start looking. Heading into the lounge she figured her best means of approach would be to ask around. Surely someone would have seen Piotr, he did stick out.

She heard some laughing and saw a small group centered around a table playing cards. But it was a certain voice that caught her ear.

"Remy?"

Remy swung about, "Petite!" he immediately folded his hand and excused himself from the table. She practically threw herself at him as he came to hug her. He held her out and looked her over, "You good right? Not hurt or nothing?"

"No, I'm fine, but Remy what happened to you." His lip was split and he had the beginnings of a black eye. He smiled, but grimaced, " I'll explain, let's head down this way." He walked her down to a hallway that didn't seem very occupied.

"Da Professor knows petite about you two being taken." She sighed in relief, "Then they're coming?"

Remy nodded, "Dey will be when Remy don't return. Rogue and Jean came and found me and John when you didn't come back. Remy sorry, he didn't know dat was gonna happen. We weren't told anything." She shook her head, "It's not your fault. You've done nothing but help us. But what happened to your face?"

"Let's just say Magneto found out I was smuggling letters for ya. He didn't take too kindly to it," he flashed his wrist and showed her his inhibitor. "Remy, I'm sorry. I wouldn't have let you do it if I thought you'd get hurt." Now it was Remy's turn to shake his head, "Never been caught before, petite. Was pretty sure he wouldn't. But they searched Pete's room and found them. Who else would be bringing them, non? Professor gave me a letter and I gave it to ole Mags, but all it wanted was for him to let you two go." Mia nodded, "He came and told us and basically laughed at the idea. He won't go down without a fight. It's his way. But you've seen Piotr? I need to find him, then we all need to go back to my room and talk. Logan's there, but he's not allowed to leave the room."

"Pete knows you're here. He wasn't allowed to look for ya. Sabertooth told him, wanted him to know he'd seen you, wanted to make him mad. He says it's been killin' him knowing you were somewhere around here. Think he's visiting with his sister, want to go seem 'em?"

"Of course I want to see them, I was only let out for the first time today you know," she smiled. It was the happiest she had felt in days. Remy led her down through a series of halls until they came to one that seemed to house younger mutants. There were a few older ones nearby, it seemed, to keep a watch on them.

"Most of da young'uns are in here. He don't take 'em too young, but of course Petey's sister is different. He needed her to keep him in check. Dey don't let him down here too much and dey take away his chances if he fights 'em. So he behaves himself, mostly." Mia smiled, she couldn't imagine Piotr not behaving. It just didn't seem very Piotr, but then she had seen him fight on occasion. It wasn't something one wanted to bring out in him.

They entered a small room rather like the lounge, but more kid oriented. Sitting on an obscenely small chair for his size was Piotr talking with a small blonde girl that didn't seem much different from her picture. Mia didn't want to interrupt, she stood back and watched him interact with his sister and she smiled. She could hear the happiness in his voice when he talked to her. Remy stood with her, waiting until Illyana looked up and noticed him. "Dyadya Remy!" she said whirling from her seat and racing to him. Piotr turned around to welcome his friend but stopped when he saw Mia who smiled.

"Oh thank goodness," he said getting up to come to her. She couldn't hold back a few tears and gladly stepped into his arms. "The things Sabertooth has been saying, I knew you were most likely safe but they worried me. While I am happy to see you, I am not happy to see you here," he told her. She buried her face in his shirt, "I've been so worried. I missed you so much." He kissed the top of her head then looked over at his sister who was staring at the newcomer. He said something in Russian she didn't understand and Illyana smiled. She was surprised when the girl came over and hugged her about the waist. Mia was surprised to find her so much shorter then her brother, while she was still young, she almost expected her to the same size as herself. Piotr was an anomaly she figured.

"Piotr talks you so much, my sister," she smiled. Piotr laughed, "We have been working on her English. She has had limited help here." Illyana said something back to him and he smiled and ruffled her hair, "She thinks I am making fun of her." He answered her back then talked to her for a moment. She looked sad, but nodded that she understood. "We have much to talk about, and I will not say much of it in front of her. We can go to my room," Piotr explained.

"Logan is back in our room, he's not permitted to leave. We need to go there," she checked her watch. "I promised him I'd be back in an hour and it's almost up." The two of them nodded and they made their goodbyes to Illyana. As they were walking away Piotr gave Remy a nudge. "I wish you wouldn't encourage her to call you 'Uncle Remy' you are hardly her uncle." Remy chuckled, "She loves her Uncle Remy. I bring her stuff." Piotr only shook his head.

They reached the room and found Logan waiting impatiently inside. They settled themselves in the room where they could and exchanged what information they knew.

"Da Professor planned to wait two days for my reply. He'll make his move after that," Remy told them. Logan grunted, "The bigger problem is figuring out what to do about these," he held up his wrist. "Can only do so much with them and I've spent the last hour banging it on things and trying to get it off."

"There is only two keys," Piotr stated. "Magneto has one and the other is usually kept with either Sabertooth or Mystique. I don't know who has it now."

Remy and Piotr conferred on what they knew to be the best possible route for a swift exit. "Da only ways to get out of here are head back up and through the rest of da compound. And Petey and I only know so much about that. Da other way ain't as easy, it takes ya through some caves, then down a ladder off of a cliff side. Once you get down that, you'll see a tunnel and that leads to da exit. Dere's water down dere, Magneto can get in and out that way in boats, but usually he uses da helicopter. Don't know if Remy would be able to get down dere but I might be able to check if he still has boats. Be good for a quick escape," he explained. Piotr agreed it was the better of the options, "There are two points where the plane would be able to land and one of them is directly where the tunnel lets out. It would be best for them to go there, if we are able to get in touch with them at all to tell them. I could not get the cell phone the Professor gave me to work down here."

Remy agreed with him, "Neither could I. Not sure now if I can get anywhere higher up to try."

Logan nodded, "Try and try seeing about those boats, they may be our best bet. But don't do anything that'll get yourself caught Gambit. I can't do much being stuck here, but we need to try and figure out exactly where those keys are and where they carry them. Maybe they take them off at night or something."

"Sensors in the hallways, no one can be moving about after they lock down. But Remy learned you don't have to be in your own rooms. They won't check so long as no one is moving around in the hallways. Seen plenty of the others not coming from dere own rooms, comprenez? If we figure out when the attack will be we can group beforehand in here, seeing as you can't leave. Dat's another thing we have to figure out," he pointed out. Logan studied the door, "What would happen if I tried? He didn't really say."

"Would hurt, a lot, especially since you don't have your healing skills now," Remy told him. His inhibitor was wired to shock him, strongly, on any attempt through the doorway.

"So first and foremost, keys. You got any friends here you trust? Other thieves maybe who can sneak around?" Logan asked.

Remy considered the question for a moment, "Oui, perhaps a few. If they know a fights coming better to get them on our side anyways. Better to talk to everyone really."

Logan agreed, "If others know what's about to happen, we may be able to get more help than we counted on. Spread the word, you and Piotr can talk to the others, if we leave they're coming too. No one's getting left behind." While he was sure many would return home, it was possible there were a number to augment the X-Men's forces and the Professor would only be too willing to take them in.

"You boys get on that, we'll meet again just after dinner and see what we've come up with," Logan directed. He turned towards Mia, "I know you're going to want to go, just stick with them and promise to check in every couple hours so I know you're alright."

Mia smiled, "I'll come back in a bit and have lunch with you, I know you'll get bored being on your own in here." Logan smiled in return and the three set off to see who they could find to talk to. For as long as Piotr had been there he hadn't been terribly social, so they counted on Remy for most of that. As they made their way down the hallways Remy stopped, "Almost forgot Petite, Roguey sent me with a letter for ya, we'll swing by my room and grab it," he said turned down another hallway.

"Roguey? She'd kill you if she heard you call her that," she laughed. "Me and Rogue gotten on better terms while she was all worried for you petite. Remy even held her, what you think about dat?"

"Impressive, you'll win her over yet I'm sure."

They reached the room and Mia took the letter but didn't rush to open it up, if what Remy said was true it might have some personal information from Rogue that she wouldn't want the others seeing. She'd wait until tonight to read it.

They headed back down to where Remy had been playing cards and found the few men and some others there as well. Remy settled himself down and drew their attention.

Their plan had begun.