The Logical Exception

{ Chapter 37 - The Board is Set }

"Logan, you've been awfully quiet, did you have something you wanted to say?" Patton's voice pulled Logan from his thoughts.

"I have nothing to add as of yet." That wasn't the full truth. He could feel Deceit's eyes on him, pressing him to say more, but Logan wouldn't cave. He had been thinking long and hard about all of this and he knew that he was going to have to do. It was something Patton certainly wouldn't approve of, and honestly, Logan would never take this drastic of an action if it wasn't for the fact that he needed to know Roman and Remus could never be manipulated by this family again. It was going to alienate him from these people, from the group he dared to call friends. Logan didn't feel like he had another choice.

"Are you sure? You are rather smart, Logie. I'm sure whatever you have to say would help us." Patton was being insufferable. His kindness stung like an open wound when Logan knew he was just going to betray that kindness. Why couldn't Patton drop it?

"I have nothing more to add that we haven't already discussed. There will be plenty of traps that we have to watch out for. We will need to take out Zero Sum first as he presents the biggest challenge to our plan. If any of us lose our powers that could end up being extremely hazardous and detrimental. Also, he will be the easier one to take down. Our first step is of course to find Roman. We will work better as a group." He adjusted his tie and squared his shoulders as he looked over the others. "Was there more I needed to add?"

"Well no... but I can feel a bit of guilt coming off of you."

Crap, how had he lost control of his emotions.

"Oh, no, no, don't feel the need to reign it in. It's healthy to experience emotions. I just thought you might want to talk about it. We are here to support you!"

"It is nothing of importance, I shall get over it."

He locked eyes with Deceit and Logan had to fight the shiver that ran down his spine.

"I have no intention of betraying any of you." Logan attempted to reassure them all. His guilt was over betraying his parents. They were the ones who had raised him. It was a complicated area.

Deceit rolled his eyes and his gaze seemed to soften a bit as he looked away from Logan.

"It's okay, we don't think you would betray us. Do you think you could tell us how we are going to find Roman again?" Patton raised his hands in reassurance, even as Remus' arms were wrapped around his waist.

Finally, a subject Logan could focus on. "He is either in one of the rooms resting, or his curiosity has gotten the better of him and he is in danger."

"Yea, that sounds like Princy." Virgil shook his head. "Still doesn't tell us how to find him."

"If you are feeling up to it I believe your new powers may be able to help us find Roman," Logan's voice lost it's sharp edge as he looked at Virgil.

"I don't know, we barely practiced, and if it's all tied to my anxiety, I could go out of control in battle."

"I have faith in you Virgil, and there is a reason I suggested Patton stay by your side earlier. He will be able to help if your anxiety spirals out of control."

A light blush crossed Virgil's face. One he wouldn't admit to being there. Logan knew of Virgil's anxiety, he should have explained more clearly why he wanted Virgil and Patton to partner up this time. Roman and Remus needed to remain separate, so Logan was going to go with Remus this time. Once Roman was found Deceit would stick by his side.

"Are we ready now?" Deceit asked, pulling at the gloves on his hands. "I would like to get this over as soon as possible considering that we adjusted the time frame for Remy and Emile, but my brother will still leave us if he thinks there is danger."

"Noted, then shall we stop standing around and actually execute this plan." Maybe that was a poor choice of words, but everyone nodded and Virgil let out a sigh, holding his hand out for Patton.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Virgil's surly voice was deepened by the shadows as they were all enveloped and sucked into the darkness. Logan was thankful for the dark peace that returned to him as he felt the empty fullness of Virgil's shadows. It didn't last nearly long enough before they were flung back into a world that was too quiet and too loud all at the same time.

"Guys!" Roman whisper screamed as he ran over to Remus and hugged him. "I thought you weren't coming and I would have to figure this out on my own. Not that I couldn't. I am an absolutely amazing prince, but..." He let his voice trail off as he looked over everyone, a sheepish look on his face. "You were right Nerd."

Logan fought back the urge to say 'I told you so' and instead just nodded, "If we ever want a feeling of safety again, we are going to have to take these people down."

Roman nodded, pushing back his shoulders. "Let's go."

All of them slowly entered the hallway with the exception of Virgil and Patton who had slipped into the shadows again.

AN: Hey everyone. I know it's been a little over a month. Thank you so much for being patient with me. I lost someone in my family last month and I just couldn't write no matter how hard I tried. I'm feeling and doing a lot better. I'm getting back into a routine and I am taking care of myself. I know how important that is to all of you. 

In a set of positive news, I'm planning an event for September. If you want to check out the Tumblr for it and get a sneak peek head over to tsshipmonth2020 on Tumblr. I would love it if any of you joined me! If you would rather just be surprised keep an eye out in September for a new One-Shot book.