I followed Logan out of the garage. We headed down the block, away from the Institute. We didn't speak; we knew what we were going to do. As we passed a row of hedges, I realized that Magneto was actually attacking them, so I felt a bit relieved that I had Logan with me.
About ten minutes later, we found ourselves in the basement of the Institute. I was grateful that Logan and I both knew all of the secret entrances from the town to the inside of the Institute.
"Any guesses as to where they are?" I asked, continuing forward.
"Up," Logan whispered.
I shot him a mock glare as we made our way to the stairs. The elevator was way too risky to use. Slowly and quietly we padded our way up four flights of stairs. We slowed even more as we made our way toward the living room. It was the most logical place to hold everyone, aside from the auditorium, and I didn't think they'd try that again. Logan raised his head every once in a while to make sure we were still on the right track.
We were a turn or two away from the living room when Logan suddenly grabbed my arm and jerked me back. I was about to protest, but he clamped strong hand over my mouth. My eyes widened in confusion. Logan lowered his head, so that his mouth was right at my ear.
"They're just around the corner," he whispered almost inaudibly. "Everyone is. I'm going to move my head away if you promise you'll stay quiet."
I couldn't move or speak. I realized what he probably wanted, so I went limp. Logan slowly moved his hand away. I stayed still and quiet. I could imagine and practically feel Logan's smirk behind me. I sighed silently.
Behind me, I heard Logan moving back. I stole a glance at him. He seemed busy, so I moved toward the corner and snuck a look around it. All of the X-men were lined up and seated on the floor, except for four. Kurt was in a chair on the end closest to me. I figured it was because of his teleportation. Todd was positioned in front of him. Jean, Rogue, and Alex were on a couch on the other end. Pietro and Lance watched them. Fred stood, watching the others.
I backed out of sight. Honey, I'm home.
Scott, don't come up here. It's a trap. They've-
Calm down, Jean, relax. I know. Everything's going to be okay. I'm to your left, around the corner. Logan's here too.
I was so worried about you two.
It's okay, baby. We're both fine. How's Alex holding up? I was surprised that I couldn't even hide my concern from my own thoughts. He seemed to be doing so well when I left.
He's okay.
I risked another look around the corner. I saw Jean wrap an arm around my little brother's arm. I ducked back around and smiled to myself. They seemed to be okay for now. Jean, why didn't you tell me what was happening earlier?
Because-
The door on the other side of the living room opened. I backed up and looked at Logan. He sniffed the air and mouthed the one name I really did not want to hear right now: "Magneto."
I tensed; Logan popped out his claws. I shook my head at his action. We could not go after Magneto. I approached Logan, cautiously.
"Let's go," he mouthed.
"No," I said in a voice inaudible to anyone but him. "We can't risk the other's safety."
Logan glared at me.. I just glared back. Stalemate. I turned away from him and headed back to the corner to see what Magneto was doing to my team. I peeked around the corner. All four of the boys had backed out of sight, which made it a lot easier and less risky to spy.
"Hello, girls," Magneto said to Jean and Rogue. He ran a gloved hand down Rogue's face and kissed Jean's hand.
Calm down, Scott. Jean glanced at me for a second.
I smiled to myself. Sure thing.
"Ah, Havoc," Magneto addressed Alex. I couldn't help but tense. Magneto reached out to him. Alex squirmed and tried to move out of his reach. My heart went out to my little brother as Magneto patted his head.
Is he okay? I asked.
Yeah, he's just a little frightened of Magneto.
I sighed. Do you think we should tell him that I'm here?
Jean paused as Magneto moved to the center of the line. Not yet.
"Well, X-men," Magneto spoke, "I'd like to thank you for being so cooperative, but we seem to be missing two mutants who should be here. Does anyone know who they happen to be?
I froze. This can't be good.
Jena didn't reply, but she slid one of her hands around Alex's waist and took Rogue's hand with the other. I smiled and turned my attention back to Magneto. He was pacing the length of his captives.
"Anyone?" Magneto stopped in front of a group of boys. "How about you?" He pointed to Roberto; then he pulled his hand back. I stifled a gasp as Roberto's arms shot in front of him and he was pulled to his feet. "Do you know who's missing?"
Jean, when did they put metal clamps on them?
I don't know. I hadn't seen them until now.
I turned around to see where Logan had ended up. He was listening intently to the other room from a few steps behind me. I spun back around.
Roberto hesitated for a split-second before saying, "It's Cyclops and Wolverine."
Magneto smiled, "Ah, so it is." Then he pushed Roberto back down to the floor. "Now does anyone know where they are?"
Everyone shook their head. Magneto scanned the line before pulling Evan to his feet. I tensed. Evan probably wasn't the smartest choice. He was more than likely still fuming over his aunt and I couldn't blame him. If Alex. . . I shook my head.
Jean, will you please tell him not to do anything stupid?
Sure, baby. There was a moment of silence before Jean came back in my mind. He says that he'll try, but he's not making any promises.
"Where are they?" Magneto asked.
Evan glared at him, "I don't know."
Magneto flinched visibly before realization dawned on him, "Oh, you must be the nephew. Yes, I can see the resemblance now. Maybe I ought to find someone a bit more likely to talk."
He tossed Evan to the floor and pulled Jubilee up.
"I don't know," she pleaded near tears. "They just left: no warning and no good-byes."
Magneto paused. Then he put Jubilee back on the floor. I held my breath as I wondered whether he'd believe her or not. After a moment of silence, he nodded. I exhaled as he moved off to one side. I didn't think anything of it until he made a sharp turn and caught Alex's chin in his right hand. My blood ran cold and a few mutants gasped. I wanted to go rescue him, but I was frozen to the floor.
"I will only ask you once, so don't press your luck, Havoc," Magneto stated in a cold, steely voice. "Where did your brother go?"
TBC
