Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

Chapter 55


Kurt rose, obviously ready to go after Rogue.

“Kurt, please stay,” Charles said. “I need a few words with you.”

The lad’s frustration registered on his face. “I...um...all right, Professor.” Kurt settled back into his chair, his yellow eyes all that moved, watching each of his fellow team mates exit the room.

“Please close the door and come sit with me,” Charles said, keeping his tone calm. “ We have some private matters to speak of.”

Kurt obeyed, his expression now serious and concerned. “Is this about Logan?”

With a nod, Charles said, “yes. Has Logan told you anything about his ordeal?”

“No. Not really. He says he doesn’t want to talk about it. That he can’t right now...if ever. He just told me it was bad...what she did to him. I’m so worried about him, Professor. Something’s not right. I know it’s Logan, but yet there’s something wrong. It’s like I felt after Trask and Sabertooth...hurt me. Mystique did something to him that...cracked something inside maybe.”

“Yes, you may be right.”

Kurt’s bright eyes begged for help. “Did he tell you anything? When I left you two alone earlier today perhaps?”

“I’m afraid whatever Logan might have told me is not something I can divulge even to you, Kurt. Indeed, she hurt him, deeply...emotionally and mentally as well as the obvious physical damage.”

Kurt’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve seen inside his mind. You know what she did, don’t you?”

Charles reached out and patted Kurt’s arm. “Bits and pieces. Logan’s mind is dark with pain and a fear that he might unintentionally harm you.”

Kurt nodded. “He caught me off guard waking up from a nightmare. He thought I was Mystique. My eyes...I see him flinch sometimes when he looks in my eyes. I offered to use my holo but he doesn’t want me to just for him. H doesn’t want Her to win.”

“I understand he cut you across the chest with his claws. He might be right, Kurt. He may be a danger to you right now.”

“I don’t care. He was there for me, Professor. Logan took care of me when I needed him. Now, he needs me and I won’t abandon him out of fear of him. I’m not afraid of him. I...I just need to be more cautious...more aware. I can do that.”

Charles gazed into the depth of Kurt’s eyes and saw such love and concern. Ordeal after ordeal weighted down Kurt’s gentle soul. But a sense of pride rose up inside of Charles at how Kurt had dealt and now was dealing with yet another tragic experience in his young life.

“I know you can, Kurt. You are a strong young man. But Logan’s rescue isn’t the end of this ordeal as you well know.”

“Rescue is never the end,” Kurt said with an edge of bitterness. “It’s only the beginning.”

Charles nodded his agreement. “There is something I touched on in Logan’s mind, perhaps yet a subconscious thought. But I believe it will come to fruitation more likely sooner than later. And I need you to be ready.”

“Ready for what, Professor?”

“Ready to go with Logan when he leaves.”

“What? You think he will try to leave? Why? Where?”

“Why is simpler than where. I have no idea where he will go and neither does Logan at this time. What Mystique did to Logan has humiliated him to the depths of his soul. He can’t face the others right now, Kurt. You may be the only one who he will allow close to him for a very long time to come. And even you he may push away to protect you. You can’t let that happen. Logan should not be alone. He needs someone to ground him, to temper him emotionally.”

“You think he may be a danger to people.”

“Possibly. That’s why it’s imperative that when Logan leaves, you go with him, stay with him no matter what he says to try to get you to leave him. He may be brutal with his words to you. Let them slide off. Always remember why Logan is how he is. You must be the buffer between Logan and the world.”

Kurt sat back, eyes going distant as if imagining life on another planet.

“Kurt?”

The boy’s attention snapped back to Charles and an expression of determination smoothed over the doubt lurking so close to the surface. “I can do this, Professor. I will not leave Logan. I love him.”

“I know you do. And Logan loves you. Now, I’ve had a credit card drawn up in your name and will pay your cell phone bill for the next several months. Stay in contact and if you need us, we are as close as the Blackbird.” Charles retrieved a wallet from an inside pocket of his jacket and handed it to Kurt. “This should be enough cash to hold you over for a few weeks. The pin number for your credit card is inside. Use it as needed. And pack lightly so you’ll be ready to grab your pack and go. Logan will try to leave without you knowing. Don’t, under any circumstance, allow that to happen.”

“I’ll be ready, Professor,” Kurt said with mustered confidence. “Logan’s not going anywhere without me.”

“Good lad,” Charles replied with a forced smile. “I knew I could count on you.”