Post by The Man on Jun 29, 2007 22:53:14 GMT -5
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:13pm
After leaving the kitchen, Mystique went outside to get some fresh air and think. She needed to do that for a little while, and a bench outside seemed perfect.
John was right, to an extent. She'd done a lot of terrible things, especially in recent years. Maybe she wasn't fit to be a mother. Maybe being 'evil' for too long had done something that made her incapable of having that kind of life.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 20, 2007, 11:14pm
"Myst?" Ty had run out of the kitchen after her. "You ok?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:19pm
She looked up, seeing Typhoid come outside to join her. "No, not really, I guess," she said, shrugging.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 20, 2007, 11:20pm
"What happened?" Ty had never felt comfortable having heart to hearts, but she was her friend.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:23pm
"I'm just starting to wonder if I'm really the right person to be having a baby," she said quietly.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 20, 2007, 11:27pm
Ty looked startled. "Oh, come on. Don't let everyone else's sh*t get to you. You're already going to the doctor, changing your life...You can't be that horrible. My mother gave me up the second she had me."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:37pm
"It's hard to think like that when you get reminded of all the years you spent as basically an assassin," she said somewhat darkly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 20, 2007, 11:46pm
::Xavier wheeled up behind them on the bench.:: "And you aren't one now."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:56pm
She turned around, jumping. She hadn't known he was there. "I know, but still." John had a point. What made it fair for someone like her to raise a child?
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:01am
"Life is about making choices," ::Xavier said gently, wheeling around so that he faced her. It was a talent, sneaking up on a person while in an electric wheelchair.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:12am
And for the first time, she felt like she was making the right choices. But... "How will I know I'll be a good mother?"
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:16am
"Do you want to be a good mother?" ::Xavier asked, tilting his head to the side slightly.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:18am
"Yes, very much," she said. But wanting it and being it were different. Maybe she didn't have it.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:23am
"Then you will be," ::Xavier replied. Perhaps it sounded oversimplified, but he knew that parenting was mostly intention.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:29am
"It's times like these where I wish I had your optimism," she said. But she was learning not to see the glass as half empty.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:34am
"I hear that quite often," ::Xavier replied. He leaned forward in his wheelchair. He knew John had said something; he could feel the anger at him radiate from her like heat from a fire.:: "He's upset now, and confused. He doesn't mean what he says."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:38am
She sighed, nodding. "I know, but it still made me feel like..." Like she was still a horrible person.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:42am
"I know," ::Xavier replied. He had felt the same way after his conversation with Rogue. Words could be quite hurtful.:: "Try not to think about him. Think instead about the furniture shopping we need to do."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:57am
He was right. She shouldn't sit here feeling bad just because one person saying something hurtful. It wasn't like her at all. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:04am
"It's why I'm here," ::Xavier replied honestly. He studied her posture; taking in each small mannerism.:: "You and I will need to decide who will spoil and who will discipline."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:08am
She gave him a small smile. "I think I can see you as the spoiling type, most definitely."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:13am
::That was his general inclination, although Xavier understood the necessity of boundaries. He shrugged his shoulders:: "I could do either. Which would you prefer?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:18am
"Actually, I'd like to be a nice healthy mix of both," she said, her smile widening and her eyes grateful. He knew how to cheer her up immensely.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:26am
"I suppose that would be healthiest," ::Xavier agreed with a nod. He had been raised with duality and it was a difficult habit to break.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:36am
"So, when do you want to start fixing up the Nursery?" She asked. That idea always excited her.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:41am
::With all of the chaos at the Institute during the last few days, Xavier hadn't made any further plans about the nursery/. They should start soon.:: "Perhaps this weekend?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:45am
She nodded. "Sounds like a good plan to me." Green walls with ducks would look really cute.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:51am
::Xavier nodded his head.:: "It will. Then we can furnish the room and hope that the Sentinels don't attack."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:55am
"Damn the Sentinels," she swore. "You know, I'd almost forgotten about our impending doom. If for a moment."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:57am
"I shouldn't have said anything," ::Xavier said apologetically. He hadn't meant to destroy the calm mood he had built.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 2:00am
She sighed softly. "Don't worry about it. It's not something that should be forgotten." She didn't like to think about it because she felt there was nothing she could do anymore.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 2:03am
"The flaw in the Brotherhood's philosophy is that it measures one's value by the use of one's powers." ::Xavier said quietly, following her thoughts.:: "We're more than that."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 2:07am
"Yes, but...what can I do? It still doesn't change the fact that I can't do anything to help." It bothered her that she couldn't be a part of something so big and important. They needed everyone they could to help, and she was suddenly struck out.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 21, 2007, 8:22am
Ty had hedged away from the conversation and now simply withdrew, sensing that this was one of the moments where her dubious comfort wasn't needed.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 10:53am
"Not all parts of a fight must be physical," ::Xavier replied. He turned his head as Typhoid walked away. He would thank her later for trying to help Raven. But for the moment, he needed to reassure her.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 4:41pm
"What can I possibly do?" She asked quietly. "I'd just be in the way of anything else."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 4:43pm
"They are giant computers. You're a hacker. I'm sure you can think of something," ::Xavier replied, his face had turned serious.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 4:45pm
"I don't know if I can do something like that," she admitted. "It's taken me weeks to get the most basic information." But...she did find out where they were located. That was something. Not much, but something nonetheless.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 4:48pm
"We have more resources here; more advanced equipment," ::Xavier replied, his thoughts turning to the fact that he needed to have a briefing with the X-Men, and soon.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 4:55pm
"Really?" she asked, interested. "I'll have to check it out, see what I can do with it." The computer geek inside her brightened at that thought.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 5:01pm
"Once the X-Men have a solid plan, I can show you the computer equipment." ::Xavier replied. He was pleased to see that the topic of computers helped to cheer her mood.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 5:15pm
"You mean something like what we discussed in Erik's classroom?" She asked. There was no way in hell now she wanted to lure the Sentinels here, but she still liked the idea of striking them at their base.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 5:16pm
"Along those lines," ::Xavier replied with a nod. The X-Men needed to have a meeting and soon to plan.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 5:26pm
"And I so would have liked to kick the crap out of the project leader," she said, sighing. It was an admission of defeat, that she wouldn't do anything stupid to try and get in on the action.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 5:28pm
"You and every other mutant who is aware of her," ::Xavier replied with a nod. He was prone to his occasional violent thought and he had briefly entertained it. However, he was as physically unable to do so as she was, if not moreso.:: "I have my own plans for her."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 5:38pm
She shivered involuntarily. That did not sound good coming from Charles, given what he could do. It was like briefly peeking inside his mind to find what he thought about this Laudine. And it was a little bit scary.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:09pm
::Xavier saw her shiver and he mentally scolded himself to be careful with his language. He remembered quite clearly Jean's presentation to the Senate. He, and mutants like him, were the reason that the general population feared mutants. Although humans might make a show about mutants who were physically different and had powers like Kitty's that would help them commit crimes, their underlying fear was to lose control of themselves. Everyone had that fear; even other mutants. He knew it, of course; the same gift that made them fearful gave him that awareness. There were certain aspects of himself and his abilities that he simply needed to keep secret.
It was impossible to smile while discussing Laudine Piercefield, but he managed to make his expression less severe.:: "If she forgot about Project Wideawake, the world would be safer for everyone."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 6:20pm
"That it would," she said quietly. Seeing his expression, she realized that she should have known better. From their discussion at the pool, she knew he regarded actions like that carefully. And if anyone deserved the worst he could dish out, it was this Piercefield woman.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:27pm
"But we need to destroy the operation; it has spread beyond her," ::Xavier said, tapping his fingers on the side of his wheelchair. A habit he had developed when he was losing patience with a situation. At this moment, it was the fact that he felt as though he had lost the ability to keep his school safe.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 6:31pm
"And that's where the X-Men come in," she said. It got her so...angry, to find that after so much time dedicated to something, none of those she was formerly affiliated with wanted to help. "The Brotherhood isn't going to help," she admitted. "They're probably devising some plan to try it on their own, but...they could care less about any of us here right now."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:38pm
"I know," ::Xavier replied with a soft sigh. He knew that Erik and the other Brotherhood members would not help; even in a time of need when they should work together. That was why he was training new X-Men to fight beside his veteren team; they would need all of the help they could get.
He grew silent, a thought occurring to him. He had not asked her; had not wanted to compromise her position. But she was here now, no longer with the Brotherhood. And he wanted to be protected against a double cross from the Brotherhood.:: "I know that Erik has been recruiting..."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 6:43pm
She sighed heavily, leaning back on the bench. "Yes, he has."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:47pm
"Should I be concerned?" ::Xavier asked. He didn't want to put her into this position but he was worried about the safety of the school.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:00pm
"Well, it hasn't gotten as far as you'd think," she admitted. "He was trying to get me to serve as a waitress in the Hellfire Club and recruit, but that obviously didn't work. He did manage to recruit a few people," she said quietly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:05pm
"Again, should I be concerned?" ::The fact that she avoided a direct answer told him yes. ANd he wouldn't read her mind on the issue, even if it was a security risk not to do so. He was still somewhat power shy.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:20pm
"That's for you to decide," she said. "It's getting rather obvious about Rogue, but he recruited Shade, and I think Avalanche." It was a lot harder for her to say than she'd originally thought.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:26pm
::Rogue was rather obvious, although he knew from personal experience it was possible to have a private relationship with a person and not join his cause. And considering Avalanche's general attitude, it wasn't surprising. But Shade...
Xavier's thoughts returned to the conversation they'd had barely two weeks ago, on this bench. About the loss of her brother...It made sense. She wanted the sort of closure that only Erik's sense of vengeance could bring. But the thought saddened him. She had so much potential for good.
He sighed wearily. Three of his teachers were currently involved in Broterhood activity. That meant it was time to lock all of the faculty files and anything that might be useful for recruitment under X-Men personal codes. And he would need to pretend, when he next saw Shade, that he didn't know.:: "I am."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:37pm
"I'm sorry," she said softly. She wasn't going to give up on Shade; she knew that she had been a little shaken by the events between herself and Erik. She saw her internal struggle of morality, and it gave her hope.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:45pm
"I've gone soft," ::Xavier said, his words filled with firm conviction. If he hadn't become so reluctant to use his powers, he would have known this long ago. He was a telepath, and yet he was acting like a human.
He took a deep breath. It was time to call a briefing for the X-Men. For the next evening, after the students had gone to bed.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:55pm
She didn't know what to say to him. In her eyes, he hadn't gotten soft, just hesitant. And it was certainly understandable... Yet part of her realized this was all her fault. A result of her spying and harmful actions. And she didn't know what to do to make things better, make things right. She didn't know what to say, so she said nothing, and just looked at him, eyes sad.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:58pm
::Xavier met her eyes, seeing the sorrow there. He sighed softly; his reaction was only further complcating matters.:: "We'll find a way to deal with this set-back."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 8:07pm
She nodded. "At least...at least it didn't get too far. A lot of students go to the Hellfire Club." And it was true. Her last night as a waitress she'd seen at least four of them there.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 8:48pm
"I know, Phoebe wants to get a job there. I might have to tell her that she cannot." ::Xavier said with a soft sigh. He hadn't thought that Erik had managed to get three students already. He would simply have to work very hard to keep him from recruiting more.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 10:25pm
"I don't know what he'll do, I was the only one working there, so I'm not quite sure what his plans are for the Hellfire Club," she admitted. She wasn't the sole recruiter, but she knew she'd been important in it.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 10:40pm
"I suppose we'll simply have to wait and see what he tries," ::Xavier said quietly.:: "I don't want to confront him right now."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 10:53pm
She nodded. Her last confrontation with Erik was vivid in her mind.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 10:58pm
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," ::Xavier replied. He, too, remembered his last encounter wtih Magnus, in Cerebro. It hadn't gone particularly well.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:10pm
"Yes we shall," she said softly. Personally, she was glad she hadn't seen him since their conversation in the pagoda. Maybe he was up at the cabin with Rogue...no, she couldn't think about that. It made her sick. "What will happen with Shade?" She asked, changing the topic not so subtley.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:11pm
"I'm not certain," ::Xavier replied honestly. He sighed softly again. He didn't want to come down on her harshly but it was unacceptable.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:19pm
"Can I talk to her first?" She asked. "I want to really talk to her about what it means to stay with the Brotherhood." And she considered her her friend.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:26pm
"Please do," ::Xavier replied with a nod. Perhaps Mystique would be able to reach Shade in a way that he could not. He certainly didn't want to frighten the young woman or upset her any more than she obviously was; from the story she had told him.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:28pm
"I'll try my best, but I know she's a good person. She just happened to be one of those 'bad things happen to good people to make them hate humanity' types," she said, giving a slight shrug. She knew that her brother's death was what drove her to join the Brotherhood. Later came the hard part.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:39pm
"I know she is too," ::Xavier replied softly. That was what made it more difficult, that she had fallen into Erik's clutches.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:51pm
She tried to stifle a yawn and stretched out on the bench, her legs having fallen asleep. "I'll go look for her later," she assured him.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:59pm
"Thank you," ::Xavier replied gratefully.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 22, 2007, 12:21am
She got up off the bench, stretching once more. "I'm going back to finish my snack, I'm hungry. Then I'll go find Shade," she promised.
Posted by The Man on Mar 22, 2007, 12:24am
"I will go make a telephone call to Moira," ::Xavier said, watching as she rose and stretched.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 22, 2007, 12:27am
"I guess I'll see you later, then," she said. Before going back inside, she put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently.
Posted by The Man on Mar 22, 2007, 12:36am
"Yes," ::Xavier said, feeling as she squeezed his shoulder. He tried to give her a smile but it didn't reach his eyes.::
After leaving the kitchen, Mystique went outside to get some fresh air and think. She needed to do that for a little while, and a bench outside seemed perfect.
John was right, to an extent. She'd done a lot of terrible things, especially in recent years. Maybe she wasn't fit to be a mother. Maybe being 'evil' for too long had done something that made her incapable of having that kind of life.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 20, 2007, 11:14pm
"Myst?" Ty had run out of the kitchen after her. "You ok?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:19pm
She looked up, seeing Typhoid come outside to join her. "No, not really, I guess," she said, shrugging.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 20, 2007, 11:20pm
"What happened?" Ty had never felt comfortable having heart to hearts, but she was her friend.
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:23pm
"I'm just starting to wonder if I'm really the right person to be having a baby," she said quietly.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 20, 2007, 11:27pm
Ty looked startled. "Oh, come on. Don't let everyone else's sh*t get to you. You're already going to the doctor, changing your life...You can't be that horrible. My mother gave me up the second she had me."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:37pm
"It's hard to think like that when you get reminded of all the years you spent as basically an assassin," she said somewhat darkly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 20, 2007, 11:46pm
::Xavier wheeled up behind them on the bench.:: "And you aren't one now."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 20, 2007, 11:56pm
She turned around, jumping. She hadn't known he was there. "I know, but still." John had a point. What made it fair for someone like her to raise a child?
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:01am
"Life is about making choices," ::Xavier said gently, wheeling around so that he faced her. It was a talent, sneaking up on a person while in an electric wheelchair.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:12am
And for the first time, she felt like she was making the right choices. But... "How will I know I'll be a good mother?"
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:16am
"Do you want to be a good mother?" ::Xavier asked, tilting his head to the side slightly.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:18am
"Yes, very much," she said. But wanting it and being it were different. Maybe she didn't have it.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:23am
"Then you will be," ::Xavier replied. Perhaps it sounded oversimplified, but he knew that parenting was mostly intention.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:29am
"It's times like these where I wish I had your optimism," she said. But she was learning not to see the glass as half empty.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:34am
"I hear that quite often," ::Xavier replied. He leaned forward in his wheelchair. He knew John had said something; he could feel the anger at him radiate from her like heat from a fire.:: "He's upset now, and confused. He doesn't mean what he says."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:38am
She sighed, nodding. "I know, but it still made me feel like..." Like she was still a horrible person.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 12:42am
"I know," ::Xavier replied. He had felt the same way after his conversation with Rogue. Words could be quite hurtful.:: "Try not to think about him. Think instead about the furniture shopping we need to do."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 12:57am
He was right. She shouldn't sit here feeling bad just because one person saying something hurtful. It wasn't like her at all. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:04am
"It's why I'm here," ::Xavier replied honestly. He studied her posture; taking in each small mannerism.:: "You and I will need to decide who will spoil and who will discipline."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:08am
She gave him a small smile. "I think I can see you as the spoiling type, most definitely."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:13am
::That was his general inclination, although Xavier understood the necessity of boundaries. He shrugged his shoulders:: "I could do either. Which would you prefer?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:18am
"Actually, I'd like to be a nice healthy mix of both," she said, her smile widening and her eyes grateful. He knew how to cheer her up immensely.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:26am
"I suppose that would be healthiest," ::Xavier agreed with a nod. He had been raised with duality and it was a difficult habit to break.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:36am
"So, when do you want to start fixing up the Nursery?" She asked. That idea always excited her.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:41am
::With all of the chaos at the Institute during the last few days, Xavier hadn't made any further plans about the nursery/. They should start soon.:: "Perhaps this weekend?"
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:45am
She nodded. "Sounds like a good plan to me." Green walls with ducks would look really cute.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:51am
::Xavier nodded his head.:: "It will. Then we can furnish the room and hope that the Sentinels don't attack."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 1:55am
"Damn the Sentinels," she swore. "You know, I'd almost forgotten about our impending doom. If for a moment."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 1:57am
"I shouldn't have said anything," ::Xavier said apologetically. He hadn't meant to destroy the calm mood he had built.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 2:00am
She sighed softly. "Don't worry about it. It's not something that should be forgotten." She didn't like to think about it because she felt there was nothing she could do anymore.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 2:03am
"The flaw in the Brotherhood's philosophy is that it measures one's value by the use of one's powers." ::Xavier said quietly, following her thoughts.:: "We're more than that."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 2:07am
"Yes, but...what can I do? It still doesn't change the fact that I can't do anything to help." It bothered her that she couldn't be a part of something so big and important. They needed everyone they could to help, and she was suddenly struck out.
Posted by Typhoid Mary on Mar 21, 2007, 8:22am
Ty had hedged away from the conversation and now simply withdrew, sensing that this was one of the moments where her dubious comfort wasn't needed.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 10:53am
"Not all parts of a fight must be physical," ::Xavier replied. He turned his head as Typhoid walked away. He would thank her later for trying to help Raven. But for the moment, he needed to reassure her.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 4:41pm
"What can I possibly do?" She asked quietly. "I'd just be in the way of anything else."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 4:43pm
"They are giant computers. You're a hacker. I'm sure you can think of something," ::Xavier replied, his face had turned serious.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 4:45pm
"I don't know if I can do something like that," she admitted. "It's taken me weeks to get the most basic information." But...she did find out where they were located. That was something. Not much, but something nonetheless.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 4:48pm
"We have more resources here; more advanced equipment," ::Xavier replied, his thoughts turning to the fact that he needed to have a briefing with the X-Men, and soon.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 4:55pm
"Really?" she asked, interested. "I'll have to check it out, see what I can do with it." The computer geek inside her brightened at that thought.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 5:01pm
"Once the X-Men have a solid plan, I can show you the computer equipment." ::Xavier replied. He was pleased to see that the topic of computers helped to cheer her mood.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 5:15pm
"You mean something like what we discussed in Erik's classroom?" She asked. There was no way in hell now she wanted to lure the Sentinels here, but she still liked the idea of striking them at their base.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 5:16pm
"Along those lines," ::Xavier replied with a nod. The X-Men needed to have a meeting and soon to plan.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 5:26pm
"And I so would have liked to kick the crap out of the project leader," she said, sighing. It was an admission of defeat, that she wouldn't do anything stupid to try and get in on the action.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 5:28pm
"You and every other mutant who is aware of her," ::Xavier replied with a nod. He was prone to his occasional violent thought and he had briefly entertained it. However, he was as physically unable to do so as she was, if not moreso.:: "I have my own plans for her."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 5:38pm
She shivered involuntarily. That did not sound good coming from Charles, given what he could do. It was like briefly peeking inside his mind to find what he thought about this Laudine. And it was a little bit scary.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:09pm
::Xavier saw her shiver and he mentally scolded himself to be careful with his language. He remembered quite clearly Jean's presentation to the Senate. He, and mutants like him, were the reason that the general population feared mutants. Although humans might make a show about mutants who were physically different and had powers like Kitty's that would help them commit crimes, their underlying fear was to lose control of themselves. Everyone had that fear; even other mutants. He knew it, of course; the same gift that made them fearful gave him that awareness. There were certain aspects of himself and his abilities that he simply needed to keep secret.
It was impossible to smile while discussing Laudine Piercefield, but he managed to make his expression less severe.:: "If she forgot about Project Wideawake, the world would be safer for everyone."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 6:20pm
"That it would," she said quietly. Seeing his expression, she realized that she should have known better. From their discussion at the pool, she knew he regarded actions like that carefully. And if anyone deserved the worst he could dish out, it was this Piercefield woman.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:27pm
"But we need to destroy the operation; it has spread beyond her," ::Xavier said, tapping his fingers on the side of his wheelchair. A habit he had developed when he was losing patience with a situation. At this moment, it was the fact that he felt as though he had lost the ability to keep his school safe.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 6:31pm
"And that's where the X-Men come in," she said. It got her so...angry, to find that after so much time dedicated to something, none of those she was formerly affiliated with wanted to help. "The Brotherhood isn't going to help," she admitted. "They're probably devising some plan to try it on their own, but...they could care less about any of us here right now."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:38pm
"I know," ::Xavier replied with a soft sigh. He knew that Erik and the other Brotherhood members would not help; even in a time of need when they should work together. That was why he was training new X-Men to fight beside his veteren team; they would need all of the help they could get.
He grew silent, a thought occurring to him. He had not asked her; had not wanted to compromise her position. But she was here now, no longer with the Brotherhood. And he wanted to be protected against a double cross from the Brotherhood.:: "I know that Erik has been recruiting..."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 6:43pm
She sighed heavily, leaning back on the bench. "Yes, he has."
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 6:47pm
"Should I be concerned?" ::Xavier asked. He didn't want to put her into this position but he was worried about the safety of the school.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:00pm
"Well, it hasn't gotten as far as you'd think," she admitted. "He was trying to get me to serve as a waitress in the Hellfire Club and recruit, but that obviously didn't work. He did manage to recruit a few people," she said quietly.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:05pm
"Again, should I be concerned?" ::The fact that she avoided a direct answer told him yes. ANd he wouldn't read her mind on the issue, even if it was a security risk not to do so. He was still somewhat power shy.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:20pm
"That's for you to decide," she said. "It's getting rather obvious about Rogue, but he recruited Shade, and I think Avalanche." It was a lot harder for her to say than she'd originally thought.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:26pm
::Rogue was rather obvious, although he knew from personal experience it was possible to have a private relationship with a person and not join his cause. And considering Avalanche's general attitude, it wasn't surprising. But Shade...
Xavier's thoughts returned to the conversation they'd had barely two weeks ago, on this bench. About the loss of her brother...It made sense. She wanted the sort of closure that only Erik's sense of vengeance could bring. But the thought saddened him. She had so much potential for good.
He sighed wearily. Three of his teachers were currently involved in Broterhood activity. That meant it was time to lock all of the faculty files and anything that might be useful for recruitment under X-Men personal codes. And he would need to pretend, when he next saw Shade, that he didn't know.:: "I am."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:37pm
"I'm sorry," she said softly. She wasn't going to give up on Shade; she knew that she had been a little shaken by the events between herself and Erik. She saw her internal struggle of morality, and it gave her hope.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:45pm
"I've gone soft," ::Xavier said, his words filled with firm conviction. If he hadn't become so reluctant to use his powers, he would have known this long ago. He was a telepath, and yet he was acting like a human.
He took a deep breath. It was time to call a briefing for the X-Men. For the next evening, after the students had gone to bed.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 7:55pm
She didn't know what to say to him. In her eyes, he hadn't gotten soft, just hesitant. And it was certainly understandable... Yet part of her realized this was all her fault. A result of her spying and harmful actions. And she didn't know what to do to make things better, make things right. She didn't know what to say, so she said nothing, and just looked at him, eyes sad.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 7:58pm
::Xavier met her eyes, seeing the sorrow there. He sighed softly; his reaction was only further complcating matters.:: "We'll find a way to deal with this set-back."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 8:07pm
She nodded. "At least...at least it didn't get too far. A lot of students go to the Hellfire Club." And it was true. Her last night as a waitress she'd seen at least four of them there.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 8:48pm
"I know, Phoebe wants to get a job there. I might have to tell her that she cannot." ::Xavier said with a soft sigh. He hadn't thought that Erik had managed to get three students already. He would simply have to work very hard to keep him from recruiting more.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 10:25pm
"I don't know what he'll do, I was the only one working there, so I'm not quite sure what his plans are for the Hellfire Club," she admitted. She wasn't the sole recruiter, but she knew she'd been important in it.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 10:40pm
"I suppose we'll simply have to wait and see what he tries," ::Xavier said quietly.:: "I don't want to confront him right now."
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 10:53pm
She nodded. Her last confrontation with Erik was vivid in her mind.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 10:58pm
"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it," ::Xavier replied. He, too, remembered his last encounter wtih Magnus, in Cerebro. It hadn't gone particularly well.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:10pm
"Yes we shall," she said softly. Personally, she was glad she hadn't seen him since their conversation in the pagoda. Maybe he was up at the cabin with Rogue...no, she couldn't think about that. It made her sick. "What will happen with Shade?" She asked, changing the topic not so subtley.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:11pm
"I'm not certain," ::Xavier replied honestly. He sighed softly again. He didn't want to come down on her harshly but it was unacceptable.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:19pm
"Can I talk to her first?" She asked. "I want to really talk to her about what it means to stay with the Brotherhood." And she considered her her friend.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:26pm
"Please do," ::Xavier replied with a nod. Perhaps Mystique would be able to reach Shade in a way that he could not. He certainly didn't want to frighten the young woman or upset her any more than she obviously was; from the story she had told him.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:28pm
"I'll try my best, but I know she's a good person. She just happened to be one of those 'bad things happen to good people to make them hate humanity' types," she said, giving a slight shrug. She knew that her brother's death was what drove her to join the Brotherhood. Later came the hard part.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:39pm
"I know she is too," ::Xavier replied softly. That was what made it more difficult, that she had fallen into Erik's clutches.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 21, 2007, 11:51pm
She tried to stifle a yawn and stretched out on the bench, her legs having fallen asleep. "I'll go look for her later," she assured him.
Posted by The Man on Mar 21, 2007, 11:59pm
"Thank you," ::Xavier replied gratefully.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 22, 2007, 12:21am
She got up off the bench, stretching once more. "I'm going back to finish my snack, I'm hungry. Then I'll go find Shade," she promised.
Posted by The Man on Mar 22, 2007, 12:24am
"I will go make a telephone call to Moira," ::Xavier said, watching as she rose and stretched.::
Posted by Mystique on Mar 22, 2007, 12:27am
"I guess I'll see you later, then," she said. Before going back inside, she put a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently.
Posted by The Man on Mar 22, 2007, 12:36am
"Yes," ::Xavier said, feeling as she squeezed his shoulder. He tried to give her a smile but it didn't reach his eyes.::