Note: I do not own X men

Magneto used his powers to unzip her backpack and began to take things out and toss them to Mystique. Claire flinched each time, waiting for the sound of shattering glass or scuffing metal.

Claire waited for the moment to come. She watched a notebook, a picture, a watch, clothes, a toothbrush, all be thrown to the blue woman. Part of Claire was convinced the thing would disappear, that Magneto hadn't seen it. But rumor had it Magneto could smell metal a mile away. He was sure to find it.

"Now what do we have here?" he said loudly. The tossing came to a stop. Claire gulped, shaking. She watched as Magneto used his powers to slowly lift a handgun from the depths of her bag. It hung there in the air for an eternity. Everyone seemed to tense at the sight of it, unsure of Magneto's plans for it.

"What is a girl your age carrying this around for?" Magneto asked. He was playing with her.

"Does it matter?" Claire asked.

"Oh it certainly does. For all we know you were coming after us." The gun turned towards her and floated nearer and nearer. It came to rest directly in front of her eyes. "And if you are against us then we have no choice but to destroy you."

Claire couldn't take her eyes off the weapon. "But it wasn't my choice to come here, I was tricked!" she said, desperation slipping through her voice.

"Well then I guess I have just one question for you." the gun's hammer was drawn back with a click. "Will you join us."

Claire was frozen in terror. She wondered how long she had to answer, she wondered if she would be able to answer. Her mouth was dry and her stomach suddenly stopped its somersaults and froze. Claire's toes stopped tapping and the lack of movement, even nervous, was awkward.

"Your answer please." demanded Magneto, becoming impatient.

Claire was shaking but managed to open her mouth. "Yes."

The hammer clicked out of place and the gun dropped to the ground. Claire flinched and her arm was freed from behind her back. She brought it in front of her and massaged it. She looked around warily at the group of people now dispersing, expecting one of them to attack at any moment.

Magneto came and held out his hand to her. "Welcome to the future of mutant kind."

Claire looked warily at his hand and decided against shaking it.

"So it is going to be like that is it?" he said in a dangerous whisper.

Claire didn't answer. "Very well." Magneto declared. Callisto will show you the way to your new inhabitance. If you are needed, you will be sent for. If you have any questions feel free to ask your guide." he informed her, indicating the dark skinned girl with a black tatoo marking her face.

"Come." said Callisto, starting toward the "inhabitance" "There are some extra tents over here."

As they made their way through the camp Claire saw all sorts of people of all sorts showing off their powers. She watched a man tending a fire, and then a man who looked just like him come out to warm himself. Then another identicalone walked over to join them.A differentman with spiked hair looked normal until he turned around to face the passing newcomer, revealing small sharp spikes projuring from his pores. A lot of people's powers were not physically visible but all of them looked sinister.

Claire got a lot of stares, people wondering what she looked like, what her power was, if she was really with them or if she would try to betray them. She wasn't even sure herself. She had heard some horrible rumours around school about Magneto's people were treated. Did she want to risk it? Maybe her tent would be near the edge of the forest and she could sneak away when everyone was asleep. She looked around. It was the middle of the night and it looked like everyone in camp was awake. So much for that idea.

"Here you are." said Callisto. "Your things will arrive later."

"Thank you." offered Claire.

Callisto squinted her eyes atClaire and then turned andwalkbriskly away without another word.

Claire climbed in to the small tent and found a small sleeping bag and pillow waiting for her.

She relaxed a little at the sight. The humble items were somehow comforting, though she didn't know why.

She suddenly realised how tired she was. It was late and the sun would probably be up in a couple hours. She unrolled the sleeping bag and started to settle in when she realised her sleeping clothes were in her backpack. It was a pet peeve of hers to wear different clothes when sleeping then during the day so she knew she wouldn't be sleeping until her stuff got there.

Next Chapter: She was free! Her pace quickened as she got closer to the trees. She was almost there, so close to freedom.