SHOUT-OUTS!

Radical-Seto: She didn't. But she did make a lot of fuss. Yes, Arcane is one of my favorites.

torque: Well, I took your suggestion for a straitjacket, Maybe an attempt of psychic soothing later.  No, the gang is coming for them.

Dragonet: Well, gasoline works as well…

Realm9: If I tell you now, it probably wouldn't be a surprise. But knowing my writing style, the chances are good.

Rogue77: I updated fast, like you asked. And Evan gets into more trouble with the infamous Arcane.

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I sat quietly in the middle of the floor. I had restraints on after I pulled off a hunk of the Beast Man's hair.  I never knew strait jackets had such calming effects on people.

Or it could be my pulse. It was still strange. That's what the blue man was trying to figure out. Why.

Of course, I wouldn't let him examine me without a fight. It didn't work out so well for me though. He was a lot stronger than he looked. Which was an accomplishment.

My pulse was still beating irregularly. It made me woozy. I think maybe whatever hit me may have been bad…poison or something.

And so hungry. Not that I would admit it. 

I stretched my back a little, but couldn't get the full effect. Jackets are restraining. 

But there is always a way out.

*^**^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^**^*^*^*^*^*^

"What do you mean, Evan never came back?"

"We looked all over for him!" Jean tried to pacify Storm. This was not working, however.

"Then look again! I want my nephew found!"

"Peace, Ororo. I'm sure he is fine." Professor Xavier said as he came into the room.  "I'm sure that he will show up, and there is always Cerebro."

"Yes, of course." She said worriedly.

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Evan was bound and gagged on the floor of a dinghy looking apartment. Voices floated above him.

"So why did we bring this guy again?"

"Exchange."

"Oh, like a prisoner exchange? One hostage for another?"

"Yes."

Evan tried to pull some spikes out of his skin to destroy his bonds, but found that they wouldn't come.

"I think he's awake."

Footsteps fell close to him, and he struggled to look up. It was a dark figure.

"I'm glad you're awake. Don't try to use your power. That," he pointed to the collar on Evan's neck, " keeps it in stasis. Trying to break that bond may be hazardous to your health."

Evan glared at the figure. Why were they doing this?

"You're probably wondering why you're here. Your people have someone I want. I want her back. And you're going to get her for me."

The figure knelt down. Evan could see burning pale green eyes under the brim of the hat.

"Whether you like it…or not."

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The car was screaming down the interstate. Daria's search drones were ready to look for Gepetto and Danny, just as soon as they got to their destination.

Bayville.

Stray was at the wheel, urging the car to even faster speeds, weaving in and out of practice in a way only a master of electronics could.

Julian was sitting low in the seat. He was sacrificing his comfort for the cramped van space and a chance to get to Bayville faster than his wings could take him.  

Buddy was reading, but one could tell that he too was anticipating the confrontation ahead. Especially since he hadn't turned a page in twenty minutes.

It was only a matter of time.

"STRAY! KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD!"

And skill.

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The Acolyte manor was silent. All eyes were upon their leader.

Maneto dropped a bunch of pictures on the table for the Acolytes to see.

"These are new mutants that have been sighted. Note the girl with the green eyes. I believe her to be in Xavier's custody."

"Wow. What's comin' out of the sheilah's hands? It looks like mist."

"Oui, Lookit the chere wid de puppet, she lookin wicked."

"This one looks like dragon." Piotr picked up the picture.

"Yes. These are all fairly powerful mutants. They will join the team. Turn your attention to the girl with the 'mist'. She is the first target. We will attack Xavier's school and take her by force. She will see the glory of my way."

Magneto left them to delve into the pictures and find out what they needed to know of these mutants.

Piotr picked up another picture. "This one is a child."

"Oui, so this one." Remy, the demon eyed Cajun, showed him a picture of a young boy.

"Lots of new mutants to choose from eh?"

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My shoulder cracked loudly as I dislocated it.

"Oww…….That…really…hurt…"

I slid out of the jacket. It took a lot of effort and swearing under my breath. I got loose and pushed my shoulder back in. That was even more painful than pulling it out. But now was not the time to worry about my body.

It was brain storming time.

The last time I went up against the canine man it had ended badly for me. I couldn't get past him, an he didn't even have to use his claws to get me back in this room. Blue man was a bust too, he picked me up like a ragdoll and treated me like a bad kid at K-mart.  I hate being treated like a kid.

I was severely at odds with just about every mutant. I still couldn't use my power. I was still a little woozy. And now my shoulder hurt.

I concluded one thing.

"This day sucks."

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Gepetto will take the reviews! Remember to be careful if you try to pick him up…