The Next Generation Returns (TMI) BOOK 2

Blind Till Dead boy Comes

Raphael: We stood at the gates of the New York institute... or what was left of it. pitch Black smoke rose from the roof and windows, orange flames hidden somewhere inside.  The side of the institute was already falling. Along with whoever might be within.

I turned around to find Caterina and Magnus were still not here; Where were they?

“Raph... Look.” Max tugs on my jacket, pointing his other hand towards the edge of the building inside the gate.

My heart slows in relief at the sight of Dad. I should have been running over to help him, afraid at the sight of him limping and ashes clinging to him. But there appeared to be no severe injury. If he was worse than he was now than I would have been.  

Max on the other hand ran faster than I’ve ever seen him run.

“Daddy!”

Alec turns to the blue haired boy, his expression unreadable.

“Wha… what are you doing here?!”

Oh boy…. I let out a sigh and jog to them; just at the sound of Alec’s tone, I knew he wasn’t exactly happy to see Max.

Max didn’t seem to notice this though.

“I’m here to save you!”

Alec makes an attempt to smile, but it shakes. Unable to last before worry takes over.

Max takes hold of dad’s arm, trying to get  Alec to lean into his son for support. Dad shakes his head, pulling his arm away.

With a frown, Max comes to my side, taking my hand.

I don’t know why he still did that… he wasn’t six anymore. You would think a younger sibling- especially a boy would stop holding hands with their older sibling way before they were 13. I guess Max has an excuse. He was different in a way most of us don’t understand. I love him for it though.

“what are you two doing here? Where’s Magnus?”

“We’re here to help.” I say, and squeeze Max’s hand. He shakes head. Holding my hand tighter.

“yeah, im sure… Magnus really let you come here?”

“yes. He believed we could help. Max would stay outside the institute gate, calming the fire. Magnus and caterina are here, also doing the same but closer to the institute. I would help Magnus find the safest opening to search for everyone within.”

Alec looks away, his hands on his hips. His jaw was tense, his eyes staring intently at anything but me.

“Your not going inside Raph.”

“yes. I am.” He turns to me. I take a step closer to him till I could see the lines of old age at the corner of his eyes and forehead.

I was tall for my age. 5’12. but he was taller. And I hated it.

he keeps his dark eyes locked on mine, in thought. His breathing grew lighter.

Finally, he lets out a sigh.

“the only reason I would ever let you stay was if Magnus agreed with it… So fine. I will join you in the search- But Im not leaving this place till Max gets his butt outside the gate. Now. “

Max nods without his usual bickering, and stubbornness to try getting what he wants. He was different but not stupid. He knew when to back down.

“Yes dad.” Since magic doesn’t work for warlocks outside the institute- not sure if that was a thing back then or not, but it was now. So he has to walk to the gate instead of using his powers.