Chapter 10

Things had gone to hell. All over the world. Talk of wars and registrations were the only things covered, and new mutants sprang up all over the world. It had been a week since Magneto's attack and Toad's disappearance, and Imogen felt like she was walking on a gossamer thread, teetering on an edge into an abyss from which there would be no return. All she wanted was to crawl into a tiny corner of the world and shut it all out; to be normal. But to do that, she first needed her brother, and if she needed to fight for him, then she would. "This country gives me the creeps."

"Why?" Imogen gave Reflux a half smile.

"It's too big."

"So it's not the pending Mutant Registration? The guns? The fact that we have about one quid between us and no US dollars?"

"Nope. It's just…big."

"You really did grow up in a bubble, didn't you?"

"Oh shut up, I came with you, didn't I?"

Imogen rolled her eyes. It was true, Reflux had come with her on his own accord, although she suspected it had more to do with closure on the past than anything else. It had taken them a while to work out how to get to America without passports or money. Imogen had simply chosen a night flight and stowed away the first time, but with Reflux that had not been an option. In the end, they had begged the benefactor of the refuge who had, shockingly, agreed. He had been a strange old man, going off on a tangent more than once, but he had seemed nice, on the whole. Against the prejudice of mutants, at least, and against Magneto. Reflux had tried to get her to do it the easy way, just call them and ask, but she had refused. She wanted to talk to someone first, before all the others. It would not be like the last time, she was no longer a scared little girl unsure of her powers or future. Now she was damned sure of what her powers could do – whether she could control them was beside the point – and she definitely knew what her immediate future plans were. "This is it."

"Bloody terrific." He sighed in a long suffering manner, "We're in a wood. I thought we were heading for a school?"

"I thought I told you to shut up? We're going in the back way." Imogen began pulling back overgrowth, revealing a metal door. Bobby had told her about the emergency exit just before she left. It had only been in passing, but he had explained how it was meant to be in case they were attacked and the teachers couldn't help them. Now it was a perfect way in. They ran down the tunnel, Imogen searching for the route that would take them into the main building. It was night, so hopefully only the few nocturnal kids would be up. Finally, "Here, if I just…" The door slid open into familiar wooden corridors.

"Where now?" Reflux's voice had dropped to a whisper.

"Logan's room, this way."

"Isn't this the guy with metal claws? Because I doubt he's going to like the wake up."

"Do you ever stop complaining?"

"No, it's my sodding birthright. Now are you going to move or not?"

It didn't take them long to find Logan's room. Chaos gestured to Reflux to wait outside, before pushing the door open. He was dead to the world, making Imogen rethink her plan of waking him up. Suddenly nudging him, especially considering a rumour she had heard concerning an incident with Rogue, sounded like a bad plan. Instead, she stayed a good distance away, slipping from her Night form into her telekinetic state, picked up the bedside lamp, and whacked it on his head. He shot awake, claws flashing, breathing hard and looking wildly about. Imogen couldn't help but giggle, "Hi Logan."

Wolverine blinked, "Kid? That you?"

"Depends who 'kid' is. If it's Imogen, then yes."

"What the…how the…"

"Doesn't talk much, that one, does he?" Logan's eyes narrowed as a man with bright blue hair came around the door.

Imogen glared, "No, sweetheart, you just talk too much."

"Why have you come back? Where's Toad?"

"Didn't you hear what happened in England? That's why I'm here. Magneto's got him, and I'm going to get him back. Only, I don't know how."

"You could have just asked, Imogen." A soft voice came from behind them spoke up, "At the very least, you could have used the front door."

Reflux yelped, "Jesus! Don't do that!"

Imogen stared impassively at the Professor, "Mort never trusted you, so neither will I. Logan's proved that he's decent. And Reflux is right; you shouldn't sneak up on people like that."

"I would hardly call it sneaking, my dear. I've been tracking Reflux's thoughts since you came within three miles of this place."

Reflux shivered, "Okay, now that is creepy."

Imy ignored him, "Where is Toad?"

"Imogen-"

"It's Chaos." She interrupted sharply.

"Very well, Chaos. Toad has rejoined with Magneto."

Reflux's head snapped up and regarded Imogen closely. Logan frowned, "You sure, Professor?"

"I am. I'm sorry, Chaos, but I have been tracking the Brotherhood's movements since the incident a week ago, and he has been involved in a few of their…questionable undertakings."

"Until I see proof, I won't believe you." She folded her arms, "Where is he?"

"Chaos-" Xavier paused, and his gaze turned inward.

Logan rose and stood next the Imogen, "Professor?"

Xavier's gaze shot up, "They're coming. Here. They know we won't fight back for fear of hurting the children. They know we'd rather run."

"What? Why here? Why the hell now?" Logan spat, his claws sliding out.

Chaos felt sick, her headache from her power mingling with nausea, "They're here for me, aren't they? They knew I'd come here."

Reflux shook his head, "No. Only Toad knew you'd come here. You were wrong, Chaos, he turned you over, he's been playing you for fuck's sake!"

"No." She shook her head vigorously, "Why now? He's had tonnes of chances."

"This way they get more mutants to their cause, start a damn war and take down this place in one swoop. And they get you."

"No. He wouldn't…"

"He's a sodding terrorist! Of course he would!"

"Stop this! Both of you!" Xavier silenced them, "You will either help us or leave. Logan, wake everyone. Magneto is not getting this school."

Logan nodded, running outside, yelling, Reflux and Xavier followed, leaving Imogen in the room, tears gathering in her eyes. Now she didn't know what to believe. She closed her eyes, letting her gift roll over her. Everything started here. Her eyes snapped open. So everything would end here.

To Be Continued…

Author Notes: Everything's coming to a climax! Please review!