Post by Pietro Maximoff on Jun 30, 2007 9:48:50 GMT -5
Posted by Mystique on Apr 29, 2007, 11:56pm
It was almost two weeks after she'd been released from the Med Lab, and Mystique felt an urge to go outside and enjoy the sunny weather they'd been having.
She stayed in the gardens, as they were close to the school, and beautiful. Going over to a nearby bench, she sat down, watching nothing in particular and letting the colors and smells of the garden wash over her like water.
Charles...it'd only been a day after they'd made up from their fight. A day after they'd both promised each other that they would work it out. Their relationship had never had a 'normal' period, so she couldn't wish for it to revert back to a non-existant state... but she wanted to embrace him again, and have him lie next to her in the bed not simply because she'd asked him to. With a sigh, she contemplated all that was now, and the things that were sure to come.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:02am
::Pietro had spotted Mystique outside the window from the room he shared with Wanda. He hadn't seen her since the attack on the mansion. He knew that she had fought with Uncle; he'd tried to speak with the other man about it, but he'd refused to talk about anything other than broken trust. It brought back memories of childhood.
He felt like talking to her, with words and not his temper. Wanda was asleep and wouldn't notice that he'd left. He ran out the door of the bedroom and like a flash he was outside on the grounds, behind her.::
"You didn't lose the baby," ::Pietro said behind her, his voice flat. It wasn't a question. If she had, Uncle would have made that painfully clear.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:07am
She turned around quickly; she hadn't heard anyone approaching. It was Pietro... of course she hadn't, he was too fast.
Mystique put a hand to her stomach instinctively. "Yes, and for that I'm thankful," she said softly, looking up at him. Charles had told her about Pietro's assistance in helping get her back to safety. Had he come to talk about it?
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:16am
::Pietro still wasn't certain that he believed the child to be Uncle's. The other man's devotion to Magneto had been a constant presence those years ago. Pietro couldn't imagine suddenly desiring men, and likewise he couldn't fathom Uncle suddenly desiring women. It was far more likely that he simply had taken her in, carrying Magneto's child, from the goodness of his own heart. Perhaps he had grown attached as well; Uncle always had a weakness for strays.
If Uncle desired to raise the child as his own, that was his own affair. Pietro had spent the past several weeks deep in thought. If the child showed white hair and slate eyes, then there would be Hell to pay. Until then, he would simply watch and make sure she didn't betray Uncle's trust. Enough was enough of that.
She seemed attached enough to the child, and Pietro could only hope that it was merely a mother's attachment to a child, rather than remaining devotion to Magneto. If the other man ever returned, the mansion would erupt. Pietro didn't believe he could contain his temper, not even for Uncle.:: "Did you recover from your injuries?"
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:25am
She nodded. "I have." She suspected her shapeshifting and minute healing abilities aided her recovery immensely. Like Hank had said, her womb had adapted to save the child, and she'd sustained damage not nearly as bad as it could have been.
"I wanted to thank you for your help during the attack," she said.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:29am
::Pietro shrugged in response. She was grateful, which made her better than Magneto, who had such pride that he never thanked others for their help. Still, he hadn't helped her for her sake; he had done it because the attackers had no business here. He had a sense of justice, a combination of Magneto and Uncle's influence. It had been in full force that night.
He spoke quietly, gazing off at the spot on the grounds where they had fought. The exact same thing he had told to Rogue...Magneto's harlot, when she had dared disturb his rest.:: "I don't like intruders."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:35am
She nodded in understanding. It was obvious he hadn't done it for her; she knew that. But it didn't make her any less grateful. "I don't think any of us here do; not those kind of intruders, anyway."
And that was true, they didn't need to have people like that here. The very thought of what they were trying to accomplish gave her the shivers.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:41am
::Pietro didn't know much of the background regarding the attacks. He knew only what he had seen, both in the initial attack and in the laboratory with that student who had been beaten. It filled him with fury, that people were allowed to walk this earth who would harm children.:: "They won't try again."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:46am
"I hope not, but somehow I am filled with a sense of dread for what may be soon to come," she said quietly. She was worried not just because of this new threat, but also of the even bigger one of the Sentinels. Scared of the possibility that her child's life might end before it even began.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:50am
"If they return, it means that they are fools. Fools can be easily defeated," ::Pietro replied, sounding more like Magneto than he would ever intend. Certain mannerisms, certain ideas were difficult to suppress.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:57am
She shook her head; that was where she disagreed with him. "Fools in numbers can easily overwhelm a few who are cunning. And fools with power are the most dangerous of all," she said quietly.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:01am
"I'm prepared to die for my sister," ::Pietro said firmly. If the time came that he had to lay down his life to save Wanda, he woudl do so willingly. He would also take as many of the enemy down with him as he could. If there were only a handful of others at the mansion who had reason to do the same, the rest would survive another attack.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:06am
She smiled softly. "I'm glad that you have someone like that, that you'd protect with your life. It says a lot."
For a brief instant, she remembered when she'd thought that way about Erik. In a way, she had died for him; she'd been reborn as Raven that day in the convoy, taking the cure dart instead of him, but in the end, he had only cared about her mutation. Once that had been lost there was no reason to take the empty human shell along.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:10am
::Pietro would do anything for Wanda, to keep her safe. Magneto had seen to it that all they had were one another. Even Uncle's influence had been unable to show them that there was a world beyond the other. If Uncle were to fall, he would still have Wanda. If he were to lose her...Pietro knew that he would not survive.:: "She's all I have."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:16am
"She makes you feel complete, doesn't she?" She asked, watching him closely. "That without her, you'd be lost completely, and your world would spin out of control, right?"
Maybe she and Erik's son had more in common than she'd thought. They both cared so incredibly deeply for someone, and that alone separated them from most of the shallow society today.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:21am
::Pietro nodded, that was precisely how he felt about Wanda. He couldn't fathom his life without her. He had never known if it was because she was his sister, or because he loved her so. In the end, it didn't matter; all that mattered was her.
Mystique spoke with conviction, implying that she, too, knew these feelings. He looked down at her, meeting her eyes steadily. Magneto didn't deserve such devotion.:: "He can't love you; he can't love anyone."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:25am
She shook her head; he misunderstood her. "I wasn't talking about your father, Pietro," she said softly.
She knew full well that Erik wasn't capable of loving someone like that. He only cared for power, and a means to obtain that power. She was just a means to an end. And that was why she left.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:27am
"Then who?" ::Pietro asked, unconvinced. He couldn't fathom that it was Uncle. And she had spent too many years with Magneto to be free of his influence. Pietro didn't give her credit for mental strength.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:32am
"I think you know who," she said, a small smile on her face as she rubbed her belly. "I wouldn't be carrying his child beneath my heart if I didn't love him." Her voice was serious; she meant every word of it.
She wasn't going to inform him how their relationship had started; that was better left to be between the two of them.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:13pm
::Pietro said nothing, merely stood there, studying her. He couldn't believe her, wouldn't believe her. She had spent too much time by Magneto's side to be trusted. She was a mistress of disguise, a liar, a murderer, and a thief. She would only betray Uncle the moment his money or his resources dried out. Uncle might be naive and idealistic enough to trust her, but he and Wanda were not.
She was committed to his lie, pretending that the child belonged to Uncle and not to Magneto. Enough that she was willing to share Uncle's bed. Pietro knew this for a face; he had gone spying one night. He couldn't trust her not to poison them all.
Yet...as she spoke, a smile appeared on her lips, a gleam in her eyes. Pietro knew that expression quite well; he wore it for Wanda. He wasn't able to feign those feelings; they came only from the heart. Perhaps this demon woman didn't love Uncle, but at the very least, she was grateful. And that gratitude might be enough to keep her from being a danger.::
"If the child has silver hair or slate eyes, he won't survive his first year." ::Pietro said quietly. Perhaps his meaning would come across. If the child was Uncle's, he and Wanda would not harm it.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:25pm
She nodded in understanding. Of course they would harm the child if it was Erik's. "That would make me nervous if I wasn't sure," she said firmly. About to open her mouth, she thought of a different approach, and went with it.
"Pietro, did you know that before Alcatraz, the government had put the Cure in guns?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:32pm
::She was firmly committed to his farce, that his threat would fail to elicite a reaction. They would see in nine months, or whenever the child was due. Hearing her question, Pietro shook his head. He had been unaware of that; at the same time, it wasn't particularly surprising.:: "No, I didn't."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:44pm
"I was arrested for breaking into the FDA to find out about the Cure, and your father broke me out," she said quietly. "When we were leaving, a guard aimed for him, and I stepped in the way." Her hand instinctively came up to rub the spot on her shoulder where the dart hit. It had felt like ice enveloped her core being, and then stripped away half of who she was.
"In a way, I died for him. And he left me behind, Pietro. He left me behind because I 'wasn't one of us' anymore, because I wasn't useful. I'll never forgive him for that, and I will never share his bed again." Her eyes were dark with hurt and emotion that she'd kept hidden. Emotion she'd kept buried for months.
All he had to do was the math; Alcatraz was more than eight months ago, and she was only four months pregnant. That didn't even count the amount of time between her capture and Alcatraz, making that even longer. Sure, she'd gone back to him for a brief period of time, but she had not gone back to him.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:53pm
::Pietro listened carefully, saying nothing. If that was true, it was compelling. If it was true. The underground meetings he and Wanda had attended to find information hadn't mentioned her name, very much. It was possible she hadn't been at the Alcatraz attack. It didn't redeem her for her crimes, but it was a step in the right direction.
If it was true, then Magneto wasn't the father of her child. That didn't mean that Uncle was, but Pietro didn't care. As long as it wasn't Magneto's, he would do it no harm. He wouldn't attend a baby shower, and he would remain behind to make certain she didn't betray Uncle the minute it was born. But he also wouldn't need take any drastic or barbaric actions.
If she hadn't forgiven Magneto, then perhaps she hadn't been disturbed by his absence. A sadistic smile crept to Pietro's lips, for only a brief moment. He spoke very softly.:: "Nobody ever will; we made sure of that."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 2:04pm
She raised an eyebrow. "I take it you're talking about your revenge upon him?" She couldn't deny that he had it coming to him. She'd wanted to go up to that cabin and set it on fire herself, for all of the pain he'd inflicted on her, and what he was doing to others.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:07pm
::Pietro nodded a single time, his expression sobering. Uncle had told her, or news had spread quickly through the mansion. It mattered little. At the very least, she wasn't horrified by the knowledge.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 2:16pm
"I hope you've found peace," she said seriously. "He's hurt too many people who will never be able to find it."
So many lives had been destroyed or altered completely because of him. And she'd helped in a lot of it.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:22pm
"There is no rest for the weary or peace for the damned," ::Pietro replied quietly to her. Magneto was his greatest demon, but even the punishment they had so carefully planned wouldn't undo the damage he had done. Those scars would never heal.
Pietro was what he was, a product of his childhood. Fierce, angry, protective. Everything that Uncle didn't have to keep the grounds safe. He and Wanda could play guards until they found a better use of their time. But there would be no escaping what they were, or how they had become that way.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 2:31pm
"I hold onto the hope that one day that won't be true," she commented softly. "But I do believe in that now, the recent attack was proof of that. Proof that currently, we won't be left alone."
He was hurt in many different ways, that she could tell. But that didn't necessarily make him damned.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:35pm
"The balance has been upset," ::Pietro said, crossing his arms over his chest. He stepped around the bench, facing her for the first time in this conversation. It was Magneto's fault, that the humans had become so riled up.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 5:15pm
"And what do you think we should do to right that balance?" She asked, curious.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 5:20pm
"That depends on how warped it's become," ::Pietro said, growing quiet as he thought. He and Wanda had first wanted to simply wait it out, but if there was danger of a second attack, more drastic measures would be necessary.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 5:25pm
"Trust me, I think it has become pretty warped," she said, voice serious. First there was the problem with Nathaniel Essex, a.k.a. 'Mister Sinister', and then... just looming on the horizon was the threat of the Sentinels.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 5:27pm
"We fight for our lives," ::Pietro said with firm conviction. There was no other choice. When the dust settled, perhaps the balance would be reset.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 5:32pm
She nodded. That was the only way it could be done, because if they didn't, then they would be lost. All hope of a better future, for the baby if not for her, would be lost as well. Sighing, she looked down at her stomach. She'd learned to worry so much about such a tiny, fragile little life. There was no way she could take part in this fight; only watch them as they protected her. But she needed their protection, that she couldn't deny. She was the only thing keeping the child connected to the living world. And that thought scared her.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:32am
"Are you prepared to fight?" ::Pietro asked, after a long moment of silence. He realized that she was pregnant, unable to fight in the traditional way. Yet, she needed to make sacrifices for Uncle, for them all, if she wished to be trusted.::
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 1:42pm
"In any way I can," she said seriously. But she would not be able to take part in any of the physical fighting. She would have to help the traditional hacker way, most likely. If she could help at all.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:42pm
"At least you're committed," ::Pietro said, with a nod. Even if she were still loyal to Magneto, she was at the mansion, and Uncle was caring for her. Only a fool burned down his own house.::
Posted by Mystique on May 2, 2007, 9:48pm
"I only wish I could do more than I'm able to right now," she said, shrugging. "But on the other hand, I'd never do anything to potentially harm the baby." She could never do such a thing. As much as not being able to really help fight was frustrating, the idea of harming the baby because she simply wanted to fight was appalling.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 10:09pm
::Pietro recalled the conversation with Ororo in the garden, days ago. Where she had declared that she supported the child, not its mother. Taking Ororo's word, Uncle's word, at face value, even if it did agree with this demon woman...Pietro would support the child as well, unless given reason otherwise. For the next months, he didn't know how long she had been pregnant, only a few, as it wasn't obvious...he would behave as though the child was Uncle's. Ignoring how the thought made his stomach turn. Uncle's child would be protected, and he couldn't condone her to do anything to damage it.
Defense was more important than offense, holding one's ground more important than advancing. From her lament, Pietro gathered that she was unable to transform. Although it made her feel useless, they were all safer if she was forced to remain where he and Wanda could keep an eye on her.:: "We'll all do our part, whatever it might be."
Posted by Mystique on May 2, 2007, 10:30pm
She nodded. He might not know it, but she was immensely grateful for his and his sister's aid. They would surely need it again sometime soon. And she would gladly put up with any hateful remarks if it was another step to ensure the baby's safety. That was what mattered.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 9:04pm
::Several long moments of silence passed, before Pietro spoke. He and Wanda had been speaking, planning for how to best protect them all. Before they could proceed, he needed to make his stance perfectly clear.:: "Is your allegiance with us?"
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 9:17pm
"Yes," she said. Her voice had a certain air of gravity, and her eyes showed she meant no nonsense.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 9:18pm
"Then you have my protection," ::Pietro said, his tone equally serious. It was not an offer that he made lightly.::
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 9:56pm
"That means a lot to me, Pietro," she said. She was in this for the long haul, and his protection was something she was truly grateful for.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 10:01pm
::Pietro inclined his head, nearly a nod. He need remind himself that this was for the protection of them all. If she was on their side, she needed to be protected. Until she betrayed them. Pietro would remain ever-vigilant, making sure she did nothing to interfere.::
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 10:11pm
"Pietro, keep in mind that I'm here to stay; I won't just pick up and leave, and I will not hurt anyone here," she said quietly.
He probably still entertained the idea that she'd poison them while they weren't looking, for God's sake. She didn't want to have to live here with that kind of suspicion floating around.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 10:18pm
"Then we should have no further conflicts," ::Pietro remarked, his tone not warm. If she spoke the truth, they would be able to find a way to live together. Ye, he doubted that she could speak the truth, even if she desired. Time would tell.::
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 10:27pm
She nodded. "I hope not."
She truly did. While she knew that the twins would most likely never warm up to her, she hoped that they could just come to an understanding that would make them able to live under the same roof without any threat of a fight.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 14, 2007, 4:29pm
"It isn't a matter of hope," ::Pietro replied. Hope removed accountability, placing it on a higher power. If she had changed and her intentions were pure, then there would be no conflict. If not, there would be. Either way, he and Wanda would remain ever vigilant.:: "I'll leave you to your fresh air."
Posted by Mystique on May 14, 2007, 4:47pm
"Thank you," she said with a nod. She watched, or tried to, as he sped off, presumably back into the mansion. Erik's children were difficult and stubborn; a lot like him in some ways. But she would never say so aloud.
It was almost two weeks after she'd been released from the Med Lab, and Mystique felt an urge to go outside and enjoy the sunny weather they'd been having.
She stayed in the gardens, as they were close to the school, and beautiful. Going over to a nearby bench, she sat down, watching nothing in particular and letting the colors and smells of the garden wash over her like water.
Charles...it'd only been a day after they'd made up from their fight. A day after they'd both promised each other that they would work it out. Their relationship had never had a 'normal' period, so she couldn't wish for it to revert back to a non-existant state... but she wanted to embrace him again, and have him lie next to her in the bed not simply because she'd asked him to. With a sigh, she contemplated all that was now, and the things that were sure to come.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:02am
::Pietro had spotted Mystique outside the window from the room he shared with Wanda. He hadn't seen her since the attack on the mansion. He knew that she had fought with Uncle; he'd tried to speak with the other man about it, but he'd refused to talk about anything other than broken trust. It brought back memories of childhood.
He felt like talking to her, with words and not his temper. Wanda was asleep and wouldn't notice that he'd left. He ran out the door of the bedroom and like a flash he was outside on the grounds, behind her.::
"You didn't lose the baby," ::Pietro said behind her, his voice flat. It wasn't a question. If she had, Uncle would have made that painfully clear.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:07am
She turned around quickly; she hadn't heard anyone approaching. It was Pietro... of course she hadn't, he was too fast.
Mystique put a hand to her stomach instinctively. "Yes, and for that I'm thankful," she said softly, looking up at him. Charles had told her about Pietro's assistance in helping get her back to safety. Had he come to talk about it?
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:16am
::Pietro still wasn't certain that he believed the child to be Uncle's. The other man's devotion to Magneto had been a constant presence those years ago. Pietro couldn't imagine suddenly desiring men, and likewise he couldn't fathom Uncle suddenly desiring women. It was far more likely that he simply had taken her in, carrying Magneto's child, from the goodness of his own heart. Perhaps he had grown attached as well; Uncle always had a weakness for strays.
If Uncle desired to raise the child as his own, that was his own affair. Pietro had spent the past several weeks deep in thought. If the child showed white hair and slate eyes, then there would be Hell to pay. Until then, he would simply watch and make sure she didn't betray Uncle's trust. Enough was enough of that.
She seemed attached enough to the child, and Pietro could only hope that it was merely a mother's attachment to a child, rather than remaining devotion to Magneto. If the other man ever returned, the mansion would erupt. Pietro didn't believe he could contain his temper, not even for Uncle.:: "Did you recover from your injuries?"
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:25am
She nodded. "I have." She suspected her shapeshifting and minute healing abilities aided her recovery immensely. Like Hank had said, her womb had adapted to save the child, and she'd sustained damage not nearly as bad as it could have been.
"I wanted to thank you for your help during the attack," she said.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:29am
::Pietro shrugged in response. She was grateful, which made her better than Magneto, who had such pride that he never thanked others for their help. Still, he hadn't helped her for her sake; he had done it because the attackers had no business here. He had a sense of justice, a combination of Magneto and Uncle's influence. It had been in full force that night.
He spoke quietly, gazing off at the spot on the grounds where they had fought. The exact same thing he had told to Rogue...Magneto's harlot, when she had dared disturb his rest.:: "I don't like intruders."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:35am
She nodded in understanding. It was obvious he hadn't done it for her; she knew that. But it didn't make her any less grateful. "I don't think any of us here do; not those kind of intruders, anyway."
And that was true, they didn't need to have people like that here. The very thought of what they were trying to accomplish gave her the shivers.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:41am
::Pietro didn't know much of the background regarding the attacks. He knew only what he had seen, both in the initial attack and in the laboratory with that student who had been beaten. It filled him with fury, that people were allowed to walk this earth who would harm children.:: "They won't try again."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:46am
"I hope not, but somehow I am filled with a sense of dread for what may be soon to come," she said quietly. She was worried not just because of this new threat, but also of the even bigger one of the Sentinels. Scared of the possibility that her child's life might end before it even began.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 12:50am
"If they return, it means that they are fools. Fools can be easily defeated," ::Pietro replied, sounding more like Magneto than he would ever intend. Certain mannerisms, certain ideas were difficult to suppress.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 12:57am
She shook her head; that was where she disagreed with him. "Fools in numbers can easily overwhelm a few who are cunning. And fools with power are the most dangerous of all," she said quietly.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:01am
"I'm prepared to die for my sister," ::Pietro said firmly. If the time came that he had to lay down his life to save Wanda, he woudl do so willingly. He would also take as many of the enemy down with him as he could. If there were only a handful of others at the mansion who had reason to do the same, the rest would survive another attack.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:06am
She smiled softly. "I'm glad that you have someone like that, that you'd protect with your life. It says a lot."
For a brief instant, she remembered when she'd thought that way about Erik. In a way, she had died for him; she'd been reborn as Raven that day in the convoy, taking the cure dart instead of him, but in the end, he had only cared about her mutation. Once that had been lost there was no reason to take the empty human shell along.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:10am
::Pietro would do anything for Wanda, to keep her safe. Magneto had seen to it that all they had were one another. Even Uncle's influence had been unable to show them that there was a world beyond the other. If Uncle were to fall, he would still have Wanda. If he were to lose her...Pietro knew that he would not survive.:: "She's all I have."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:16am
"She makes you feel complete, doesn't she?" She asked, watching him closely. "That without her, you'd be lost completely, and your world would spin out of control, right?"
Maybe she and Erik's son had more in common than she'd thought. They both cared so incredibly deeply for someone, and that alone separated them from most of the shallow society today.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:21am
::Pietro nodded, that was precisely how he felt about Wanda. He couldn't fathom his life without her. He had never known if it was because she was his sister, or because he loved her so. In the end, it didn't matter; all that mattered was her.
Mystique spoke with conviction, implying that she, too, knew these feelings. He looked down at her, meeting her eyes steadily. Magneto didn't deserve such devotion.:: "He can't love you; he can't love anyone."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:25am
She shook her head; he misunderstood her. "I wasn't talking about your father, Pietro," she said softly.
She knew full well that Erik wasn't capable of loving someone like that. He only cared for power, and a means to obtain that power. She was just a means to an end. And that was why she left.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:27am
"Then who?" ::Pietro asked, unconvinced. He couldn't fathom that it was Uncle. And she had spent too many years with Magneto to be free of his influence. Pietro didn't give her credit for mental strength.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:32am
"I think you know who," she said, a small smile on her face as she rubbed her belly. "I wouldn't be carrying his child beneath my heart if I didn't love him." Her voice was serious; she meant every word of it.
She wasn't going to inform him how their relationship had started; that was better left to be between the two of them.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:13pm
::Pietro said nothing, merely stood there, studying her. He couldn't believe her, wouldn't believe her. She had spent too much time by Magneto's side to be trusted. She was a mistress of disguise, a liar, a murderer, and a thief. She would only betray Uncle the moment his money or his resources dried out. Uncle might be naive and idealistic enough to trust her, but he and Wanda were not.
She was committed to his lie, pretending that the child belonged to Uncle and not to Magneto. Enough that she was willing to share Uncle's bed. Pietro knew this for a face; he had gone spying one night. He couldn't trust her not to poison them all.
Yet...as she spoke, a smile appeared on her lips, a gleam in her eyes. Pietro knew that expression quite well; he wore it for Wanda. He wasn't able to feign those feelings; they came only from the heart. Perhaps this demon woman didn't love Uncle, but at the very least, she was grateful. And that gratitude might be enough to keep her from being a danger.::
"If the child has silver hair or slate eyes, he won't survive his first year." ::Pietro said quietly. Perhaps his meaning would come across. If the child was Uncle's, he and Wanda would not harm it.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:25pm
She nodded in understanding. Of course they would harm the child if it was Erik's. "That would make me nervous if I wasn't sure," she said firmly. About to open her mouth, she thought of a different approach, and went with it.
"Pietro, did you know that before Alcatraz, the government had put the Cure in guns?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:32pm
::She was firmly committed to his farce, that his threat would fail to elicite a reaction. They would see in nine months, or whenever the child was due. Hearing her question, Pietro shook his head. He had been unaware of that; at the same time, it wasn't particularly surprising.:: "No, I didn't."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 1:44pm
"I was arrested for breaking into the FDA to find out about the Cure, and your father broke me out," she said quietly. "When we were leaving, a guard aimed for him, and I stepped in the way." Her hand instinctively came up to rub the spot on her shoulder where the dart hit. It had felt like ice enveloped her core being, and then stripped away half of who she was.
"In a way, I died for him. And he left me behind, Pietro. He left me behind because I 'wasn't one of us' anymore, because I wasn't useful. I'll never forgive him for that, and I will never share his bed again." Her eyes were dark with hurt and emotion that she'd kept hidden. Emotion she'd kept buried for months.
All he had to do was the math; Alcatraz was more than eight months ago, and she was only four months pregnant. That didn't even count the amount of time between her capture and Alcatraz, making that even longer. Sure, she'd gone back to him for a brief period of time, but she had not gone back to him.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 1:53pm
::Pietro listened carefully, saying nothing. If that was true, it was compelling. If it was true. The underground meetings he and Wanda had attended to find information hadn't mentioned her name, very much. It was possible she hadn't been at the Alcatraz attack. It didn't redeem her for her crimes, but it was a step in the right direction.
If it was true, then Magneto wasn't the father of her child. That didn't mean that Uncle was, but Pietro didn't care. As long as it wasn't Magneto's, he would do it no harm. He wouldn't attend a baby shower, and he would remain behind to make certain she didn't betray Uncle the minute it was born. But he also wouldn't need take any drastic or barbaric actions.
If she hadn't forgiven Magneto, then perhaps she hadn't been disturbed by his absence. A sadistic smile crept to Pietro's lips, for only a brief moment. He spoke very softly.:: "Nobody ever will; we made sure of that."
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 2:04pm
She raised an eyebrow. "I take it you're talking about your revenge upon him?" She couldn't deny that he had it coming to him. She'd wanted to go up to that cabin and set it on fire herself, for all of the pain he'd inflicted on her, and what he was doing to others.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:07pm
::Pietro nodded a single time, his expression sobering. Uncle had told her, or news had spread quickly through the mansion. It mattered little. At the very least, she wasn't horrified by the knowledge.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 2:16pm
"I hope you've found peace," she said seriously. "He's hurt too many people who will never be able to find it."
So many lives had been destroyed or altered completely because of him. And she'd helped in a lot of it.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:22pm
"There is no rest for the weary or peace for the damned," ::Pietro replied quietly to her. Magneto was his greatest demon, but even the punishment they had so carefully planned wouldn't undo the damage he had done. Those scars would never heal.
Pietro was what he was, a product of his childhood. Fierce, angry, protective. Everything that Uncle didn't have to keep the grounds safe. He and Wanda could play guards until they found a better use of their time. But there would be no escaping what they were, or how they had become that way.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 2:31pm
"I hold onto the hope that one day that won't be true," she commented softly. "But I do believe in that now, the recent attack was proof of that. Proof that currently, we won't be left alone."
He was hurt in many different ways, that she could tell. But that didn't necessarily make him damned.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:35pm
"The balance has been upset," ::Pietro said, crossing his arms over his chest. He stepped around the bench, facing her for the first time in this conversation. It was Magneto's fault, that the humans had become so riled up.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 5:15pm
"And what do you think we should do to right that balance?" She asked, curious.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 5:20pm
"That depends on how warped it's become," ::Pietro said, growing quiet as he thought. He and Wanda had first wanted to simply wait it out, but if there was danger of a second attack, more drastic measures would be necessary.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 5:25pm
"Trust me, I think it has become pretty warped," she said, voice serious. First there was the problem with Nathaniel Essex, a.k.a. 'Mister Sinister', and then... just looming on the horizon was the threat of the Sentinels.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 5:27pm
"We fight for our lives," ::Pietro said with firm conviction. There was no other choice. When the dust settled, perhaps the balance would be reset.::
Posted by Mystique on Apr 30, 2007, 5:32pm
She nodded. That was the only way it could be done, because if they didn't, then they would be lost. All hope of a better future, for the baby if not for her, would be lost as well. Sighing, she looked down at her stomach. She'd learned to worry so much about such a tiny, fragile little life. There was no way she could take part in this fight; only watch them as they protected her. But she needed their protection, that she couldn't deny. She was the only thing keeping the child connected to the living world. And that thought scared her.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:32am
"Are you prepared to fight?" ::Pietro asked, after a long moment of silence. He realized that she was pregnant, unable to fight in the traditional way. Yet, she needed to make sacrifices for Uncle, for them all, if she wished to be trusted.::
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 1:42pm
"In any way I can," she said seriously. But she would not be able to take part in any of the physical fighting. She would have to help the traditional hacker way, most likely. If she could help at all.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:42pm
"At least you're committed," ::Pietro said, with a nod. Even if she were still loyal to Magneto, she was at the mansion, and Uncle was caring for her. Only a fool burned down his own house.::
Posted by Mystique on May 2, 2007, 9:48pm
"I only wish I could do more than I'm able to right now," she said, shrugging. "But on the other hand, I'd never do anything to potentially harm the baby." She could never do such a thing. As much as not being able to really help fight was frustrating, the idea of harming the baby because she simply wanted to fight was appalling.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 10:09pm
::Pietro recalled the conversation with Ororo in the garden, days ago. Where she had declared that she supported the child, not its mother. Taking Ororo's word, Uncle's word, at face value, even if it did agree with this demon woman...Pietro would support the child as well, unless given reason otherwise. For the next months, he didn't know how long she had been pregnant, only a few, as it wasn't obvious...he would behave as though the child was Uncle's. Ignoring how the thought made his stomach turn. Uncle's child would be protected, and he couldn't condone her to do anything to damage it.
Defense was more important than offense, holding one's ground more important than advancing. From her lament, Pietro gathered that she was unable to transform. Although it made her feel useless, they were all safer if she was forced to remain where he and Wanda could keep an eye on her.:: "We'll all do our part, whatever it might be."
Posted by Mystique on May 2, 2007, 10:30pm
She nodded. He might not know it, but she was immensely grateful for his and his sister's aid. They would surely need it again sometime soon. And she would gladly put up with any hateful remarks if it was another step to ensure the baby's safety. That was what mattered.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 9:04pm
::Several long moments of silence passed, before Pietro spoke. He and Wanda had been speaking, planning for how to best protect them all. Before they could proceed, he needed to make his stance perfectly clear.:: "Is your allegiance with us?"
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 9:17pm
"Yes," she said. Her voice had a certain air of gravity, and her eyes showed she meant no nonsense.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 9:18pm
"Then you have my protection," ::Pietro said, his tone equally serious. It was not an offer that he made lightly.::
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 9:56pm
"That means a lot to me, Pietro," she said. She was in this for the long haul, and his protection was something she was truly grateful for.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 10:01pm
::Pietro inclined his head, nearly a nod. He need remind himself that this was for the protection of them all. If she was on their side, she needed to be protected. Until she betrayed them. Pietro would remain ever-vigilant, making sure she did nothing to interfere.::
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 10:11pm
"Pietro, keep in mind that I'm here to stay; I won't just pick up and leave, and I will not hurt anyone here," she said quietly.
He probably still entertained the idea that she'd poison them while they weren't looking, for God's sake. She didn't want to have to live here with that kind of suspicion floating around.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 7, 2007, 10:18pm
"Then we should have no further conflicts," ::Pietro remarked, his tone not warm. If she spoke the truth, they would be able to find a way to live together. Ye, he doubted that she could speak the truth, even if she desired. Time would tell.::
Posted by Mystique on May 7, 2007, 10:27pm
She nodded. "I hope not."
She truly did. While she knew that the twins would most likely never warm up to her, she hoped that they could just come to an understanding that would make them able to live under the same roof without any threat of a fight.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 14, 2007, 4:29pm
"It isn't a matter of hope," ::Pietro replied. Hope removed accountability, placing it on a higher power. If she had changed and her intentions were pure, then there would be no conflict. If not, there would be. Either way, he and Wanda would remain ever vigilant.:: "I'll leave you to your fresh air."
Posted by Mystique on May 14, 2007, 4:47pm
"Thank you," she said with a nod. She watched, or tried to, as he sped off, presumably back into the mansion. Erik's children were difficult and stubborn; a lot like him in some ways. But she would never say so aloud.
