Post by Pietro Maximoff on Jun 30, 2007 10:02:42 GMT -5
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 28, 2007, 10:20pm
::Finding that student on the grounds had made Pietro anxious. He didn't know that Uncle had been teaching the students, but it was obvious that something had gone wrong with his plans. The world was falling apart. And although Pietro knew that his Uncle would tell him otherwise, he blamed Magneto. If he hadn't gone out and started a war against humanity, humans wouldn't have begun kidnapping students and using that Cure against them as a weapon.
The thought of losing his powers, becoming a human didn't sit well with Pietro. He was never one to flaunt his powers with the humans, but he was proud to be a mutant. That much he had learned from Magneto, though he was loathe to admit it. He and Wanda both had no shame in using their powers when necessary.
Now he ran across the grounds, nothing more than a silver blur, as he thought about what life would be like if he lost his speed.::
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 28, 2007, 10:52pm
::Pietro ran for nearly an hour, before he finally stopped in the middle of the gardens. The anxiety hadn't disipated, but he was spent. He looked around at the various flowers; they were the first to return. Life returned here more easily than buildings were rebuilt or trust was rekindled. It was the opposite in the outside world, something magical that was undoubtedly a result of Uncle's influence.
As he examined the different flowers, he caught sight of a woman he thought he recognized. At least, he remembered her from when they were both younger, in their teenage years. Pietro paused, taking the moment to examine her. She had changed, at least eas much as he and Wanda had.:: "Ororo?"
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 2:50pm
Ororo had been practicing fighting technique, something she hadn't done since Alcatraz. The Danger Room was better for it, but the outdoors was a nicer setting, and her heart wasn't in holing herself into a room, however good the holographics were. She'd been entirely concentrated on her routine, so much so that the voice surprised her. Turning round, she looked for the source, and almost leaped to the offensive. The man who'd spoken looked almost exactly like Magneto, who she hadn't seen since returning...but his stance was different, the look in his eyes and the youth of his face too wrong for Lensherr. Recognition dawned.
"...Pietro?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:55pm
::Pietro plucked a flower from the ground and dashed over to her. His lips curled into a small smile; she looked almost every bit as he'd remembered her. Older, wiser, less care-free; recent events had that affect.
He held the flower out to her, a daisy from the gardens. He wouldn't embrace her, not sure if his presence was welcome. If she wanted to initiate, he'd be happy to return it.:: "I didn't know you stayed behind."
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 2:56pm
The corners of her eyes crinkled in a smile as she accepted the flower. "I didn't realize you'd come back. Welcome home."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 3:01pm
::It was home, since he and Wanda wouldn't be able to return to Europe. Pietro needed to begin thinking of it that way, as his current home, rather than that of his childhood. Her welcome touched him on a deep level; aside from Uncle, she was the first person to be genuinely happy to see him. He knew he wasn't good with first impressions, but between the attack and Rogue, he hadn't had much of a reception.:: "It's good to see you, Ororo."
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 3:03pm
"You, too." She stared at him for a minute, mildly shocked at how he'd changed. "How long has it been?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 3:07pm
"Eight years, I think," ::Pietro said, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the last time he had been here. Certain memories were still hazy; such as the day they had left. Whatever the exact amount of time, it had been years.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 9:08pm
She shook her head with a wry smile. "Now I just feel old."
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:18pm
"Ororo?" Wanda had woken up from her nap to find Pietro had gone. Maybe she was just used to knowing where he was all the time, but she'd gone outside to find him. She'd guessed he'd be running off his anxiety from the past few days, and it turns out she was right. He'd told her about the student that he found on the grounds, and he was right to feel so anxious. The very idea was sickening.
But, walking down to him, she saw him with another woman, who looked about their age. It took her a moment, but she recognized the shock-silver hair and voice. It was Ororo. Older, and different, like them.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:22pm
Storm turned from Pietro for a moment at the feminine voice and her eyes widened, but only for a minute. "I should have figured that if Pietro was here you wouldn't be far behind," she said with a smile.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:28pm
"It's good to see you," she said warmly, coming nearer to the two of them. "How have you been, Ororo?" She looked almost as tense as everyone else here was feeling, considering the recent attack.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:33pm
Storm gave a slight shrug, with more nonchalance then she felt. "All things considered, fair. At the very least, I've gotten quite a bit of power practice lately." The last comment with a slight smile.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:38pm
She nodded. "I expect many will have to practice to prepare for times ahead," she said sagely. They would all have to prepare. For to achieve peace, she felt that they must fight for it. That attack proved it.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:43pm
"It would have been better if we had been prepared." Storm's face suddenly looked drawn, betraying her tiredness. Seeing the students out where others more trained were fighting had terrified her, and she'd felt helpless to ward off the danger. Her eyes hardened against the feeling. "I intend to not let that happen again."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:45pm
"If you need help, you have us at your service," ::Pietro said, smiling at his sister. He was pleased to see that she was awake and feeling well enough to go outside.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:47pm
"Charles will appreciate that, thank you." Her expression softened. "Do you intend to stay permanently, or...?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:51pm
::Pietro shared a glance with Wanda. They hadn't fully discussed their plans yet. At the very least, they were staying until the birth of the child, and then later, depending entirely on whether or not they were needed. They had nowhere else to go, at least until Europe became calmer.:: "We're not sure yet."
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:55pm
She nodded, returning Pietro's smile. They had yet to know when Europe would calm down, and until it did, they would surely not return. As well, they needed to stay for Uncle, to keep an eye on that blue demon woman. They would have to stay at least until she birthed the child she claimed didn't belong to father.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:56pm
Storm gave a slight nod, sensing there was more to it, but choosing to say nothing. "I hope you can stay. I've...missed seeing both of you around." The thought hadn't occurred to her until now, but she had. They were as much a part of this place as she was.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:11pm
"I'm glad to see you again, Ororo, it's been too long," she said, smiling. A part of her had missed Ororo and the others, and she'd thought about proposing a visit to them, until they had to flee Europe, that is.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:13pm
"Yes, it has. What brought you two back? I thought Europe was your place to be at the moment." Her brows knit slightly.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:19pm
She looked to Pietro; that issue angered him moreso than her, and easily got him into a temper. They should never have had to leave, in her opinion. Just stupid human fear taking control, all because of what Father had done. It all led back to him, no matter what. They couldn't escape him; their time in Europe had proven that.
"Anti-Mutant violence in Europe has been on the rise, Ororo," she said quietly.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:20pm
"It became dangerous," ::Pietro admitted. There were too many details to go into at the moment. Perhaps at a different time.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:22pm
"I can imagine, if what happened here is any clue. After Alcatraz..." She broke off abruptly.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:24pm
::Pietro's expression hardened at the mention of Alcatraz. Magneto had ruined so many lives with his selfish, self-deluded war.:: "It will take many years to recover from that."
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:28pm
She exchanged looks with Pietro; of course Storm had been deeply affected by Alcatraz. She'd heard that all the X-Men had been involved.
It didn't change the fact that Alcatraz was entirely Magneto's fault. So many lives had been destroyed or altered beyond repair. It gave her a sick sort of pleasure to think about what they had done to him at his cabin...but it only appeased the surface of a mountain of hurt and pain.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:34pm
"It will, yes. We've already begun." She gave a gesture towards the Mansion, and it's complement of students. "Though..." Here she stopped again. "You've seen who's here?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:39pm
"You mean half of Magneto's Brotherhood?" ::Pietro asked, his eyebrows narrowing. He had Wanda had the misfortune of encountering both of them at separate times since arriving. The thought of either woman with Magneto...and then the possibility of the demon woman with Uncle. It nauseated him.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:42pm
"Yeah, that." Ororo's arms crossed and her mood darkened. So they'd seen Mystique, and probably Rogue as well. "It IS his, you know." She spat the sentence; it wasn't something she wanted to think about, but it needed discussing.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:45pm
"How do you know she's not using one of her tricks, and he's protecting her?" She asked, her expression darkening. She still didn't believe what that demon woman had said; there was no way it could be anything but Magneto's. She'd been with him too long.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:48pm
::Pietro's morphed into one of disgust; he had been doing his best not to think about it. And he still couldn't quite believe it. Uncle had been so devoted to father...although anything was better than that, albeit marginally.
A random thought occurred to him. The demon woman was a shape-shifter, and Uncle had always been devoted to Magneto. What if he had...Pietro shuddered at the thought.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:50pm
Storm caught Pietro's look. "THAT'S how I know," she said, guessing his thought. She could imagine the shape Mystique had taken, how their relationship had begun...and there was no way Xavier would endanger the students by allowing himself to begin a relationship with the REAL Magneto once again.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:51pm
::Pietro now felt ill enough that he needed to sit. He fell to the ground, trying to force the image from his mind.:: "How could he possibly do that?"
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:54pm
"My guess...it was either that or the real thing, and he wouldn't risk the real thing," Storm said, her stomach turning.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:55pm
Wanda's jaw dropped open, her visage full of disgust at the same time. No... Uncle had morals about such a thing... but he had always been fond of Magneto, to say the least. The thought sickened her. That the shapeshifting demon had... and in return, Uncle had... "Oh, God," she said. She felt rather ill.
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:04am
"That was my reaction, when I was told," Storm said, her bile rising along with the wind. The thought was...revolting, in the light of the fact that Xavier had been her teacher, and was still her mentor, and her friend...some things she just didn't want to imagine. She wasn't stupid, she knew about some of his relationships, including with Magneto...but the thought still turned her stomach.
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 12:11am
Mystique had been going outside to get some fresh air, until she saw who was gathered outside. Pietro, Wanda, and Storm, her three favorite people. Feeling a little nervous, she paused, debating either going back inside to avoid any kind of confrontation, or to hurry past, ignoring them.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:14am
::Sitting as he was on the grass, Pietro saw her first: blue legs and all. He lifted his head, staring daggers at her. After hearing these...particulars about her relationship with Uncle, she was literally the last person he wanted to see at this moment. His stomach flipped, reaffirming that his body was no happier than his mind.::
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:17am
Storm saw the woman as well, but put a hand on Pietro's shoulder. "Not now...."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:21am
"You may need to hold me back," ::Pietro admitted, through clenched teeth. He didn't want to make a scene or get into a fight, but her very presence enraged him. It was simply too much too soon.::
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:22am
"You..." she muttered, glaring hatefully at the blue woman. "Here for a specific reason, demon?" She would not be kind to Magneto's discarded harlot, no matter what Uncle tried to say.
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:23am
"Let me deal with it," she said, cautioning to Wanda and Pietro both, before moving from the twin's side towards Mystique. "Was there something you wanted?" Her voice was calmer, but no less threatening.
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 12:26am
"No," she said slowly. "I was coming out for a walk, that's all." Her eyes flickered from Storm, coming closer, to Pietro on the grass, and Wanda standing there and directing an icy gaze at her. Now had been the wrong time to go for a walk.
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:27am
"I'd suggest leaving us a wide berth," Storm said coldly. The air rumbled with distant thunder.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:29am
"Somehow I doubt you are," she said to the blue woman, her expression dark, and a hand clenching into a fist. "Up to something devious again, blue snake? It's in your nature to be deceiving, after all."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:31am
Storm shot Wanda a warning look. "Don't make this worse, Wanda, please...it's still Xavier's child she has."
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 12:34am
"I'm not doing anyone any harm by simply being out here to take a walk," she said, frowning.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:41am
She still had a hard time accepting that it was Uncle's child. If they had entered a relationship just so that she could...use her abilities to engage in such a disgusting fantasy, how on earth could she become pregnant? There had to be more to it. She glanced at Pietro, still angry, but questioning what they should do next.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:55am
::Pietro shared the glance with his sister; her thoughts on the same wavelength was his. Except where she was curious, he wanted nothing more than to banish the images. Whatever had possessed Uncle to weaken his resolve...he didn't want to contemplate it.
Unchanged was the fact that she was pregnant, though how was the question, if it was Uncle's. He couldn't hurt a woman who carried a child, even if it was Magneto's woman, or if she had been. He couldn't allow Wanda to either. Silently, he communicated that, before addressing the demon woman. He spoke through clenched teeth.:: "We would appreciate space."
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 1:15am
She nodded. "It's what I was planning," she said. And with that, she walked down the path towards the side of the mansion, and plenty away from them.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:00pm
::Pietro remained tense on the ground, following her with his gaze. He only relaxed when Mystique was clear across the grounds. Letting out a breath he had been holding, he turned his head towards Ororo.:: "I don't trust her."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 10:03pm
"Neither do I, but the Professor does, and that....complicates things." Storm crossed her arms, watching Mystique retreat. "I support that child, not it's mother."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:14pm
::Pietro shook his head, resting it in his hands. What had Uncle been thinking...to get involved with her?:: "If the child is his, as you say it is, I'll support the child as well. If not..."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 10:19pm
Ororo didn't like the sound of that. "If not...what?" Her eyebrow rose.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:33pm
::Pietro shook his head, dismissing his own comment. Assuming that Uncle hadn't lied to Ororo, she wouldn't lie to them. However, the thought of having a half-sibling made his stomach turn:: "You say it's his; I'll accept your word. The rest is inconsequential."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 10:36pm
"Pietro..." Ororo was not convinced by his dismissal. "If that child is your sibling, which I DON'T believe, you'd actually consider killing it?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:53pm
::It sounded worse when spoken aloud, as blunty as Ororo had. She had never been once to mince words, one of the many reasons Pietro had enjoyed her company in their youths. Pietro didn't know if he could actually take the life of a child. It wouldn't have done any wrong, no more than he and Wanda had as children. They couldn't be blamed for Magneto's deeds, so neither could the child.
Death wouldn't necessarily be punishment; it could be mercy. Sparing the child the pains that came naturally to one of Magneto's children. Even Uncle's care, his influence hadn't been enough to undo that damage. Had he not had Wanda, Pietro knew he wouldn't have survived. The child had no twin, would not be whole. Surely a swift death would be kinder than years of suffering.
These were thoughts Pietro couldn't properly articulate. Ororo had her own scars, but would never understood the plight of being Magneto's child. He shrugged again, shaking his head.:: "It's moot."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:07pm
Her eyes narrowed, studying him. Growing up with them for so long, she understood that nothing was a moot point wih either of them, especially when it came to anything to do with their father, percieved threat or otherwise. She knew their concerns, but a child was a child, Magneto's or no. Resolving to keep an eye on them, she dropped the issue. "Very well."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:15pm
::These were matters Pietro wanted distraction from. He forced the thoughts from his mind, lifting his head to gaze at her. It had been eight years; there were better topics to discuss.:: "Tell me, what have you been doing these years? Teaching?"
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:21pm
"Mostly, yes. There've been a few surprises along the way, but besides some students with power issues, it's nothing that couldn't be handled." She gave a light shrug. "Where have you been? Europe, I know, but...where?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:24pm
"Everywhere," ::Pietro answered immediately. Over the years, he and Wanda had traveled across Euope and back again. Discovering their culture, enjoying different socities.:: "Mostly, we stayed in Eastern Europe."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:27pm
Ororo nodded, understanding the need to move from one place to the next. "After Alcatraz, I left for quite awhile. Went back to Kenya, tried to help the people where I used to live. Skipped out, went to Asia for a while, China mostly. Cheap living."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:32pm
::Pietro nodded; he and Wanda had spent some months in Asia, finding it less tolerant of foreigners than the other countries they visited. Ororo was right, however; it was cheap living. A question nagged at his mind, which he felt the need to ask.:: "How did Uncle react to your absence?"
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:38pm
"I...don't know, exactly." The question had been unexpected. "He was happy when I came back, and...relieved, is the only way I can describe it. It was only he and Rogue and a new teacher here, for awhile I think. Most of the other X-Men had left."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:40pm
::Pietro's expression hardened at the mention of Rogue's name. Uncle was alone in this mansion with her and another teacher? There was no mention of Magneto...when had he returned? His mind filled with other questions.:: "Rogue teaches?"
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:43pm
"Yes, for now. Auto Shop." Ororo's brow furrowed at his expression but she kept quiet.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 12:52pm
"She shouldn't be teaching," she said, frowning. But then again, Uncle had let Magneto come back to teach. What had been going on to let things get so out of hand?
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 12:54pm
::Apparently, the world and Uncle had gone even madder than Pietro had first thought. All the more reason for he and Wanda to stay. Wanda spoke what he had thought, as she always did, and Pietro let her. It needn't be stated twice.::
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 1:11pm
She looked over to Pietro, her brow creasing with worry. What should they do? It was obvious that they weren't going to be leaving anytime soon, with the Brotherhood running wild around the mansion, and some unknown force attacking. They needed to be here, but...what should they do next?
Posted by Storm on May 2, 2007, 3:07pm
"Charles is....watching her. Closely." Ororo gave the last word emphasis. "I think he's less worried then he would be if Magneto weren't MIA. He still considers her worth keeping an eye on, though."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 14, 2007, 5:08pm
:The fact that Magneto was missing was his and Wanda's crowning achievement. If he were there with the demon woman at the same time...tempers would flare and nobody would be safe. Yet, their thirst for revenge had been quenched, Magneto was gone, and with the exception of some fools who missed him, the mansion was better for it.
That Uncle was watching her was only somewhat encouraging. It meant that the other man hadn't taken complete leave of his senses; still, he tended to turn a blind eye towards the crimes of all men. He had forgiven Magneto time and again, going so far as to allow him to teach, giving him access to young minds. Rogue was young, young enough that he doubted that Uncle could even view her as an enemy. Perhaps with Magneto missing, the damage done by the seduction could be undone. If not...
He and Wanda would need to watch her, themselves. Her and her friend both. And since Ororo agreed with them, they would have support there. Between the three of them, perhaps they could keep the mansion together. Pietro nodded.:: "As long as somebody is watching her."
::Finding that student on the grounds had made Pietro anxious. He didn't know that Uncle had been teaching the students, but it was obvious that something had gone wrong with his plans. The world was falling apart. And although Pietro knew that his Uncle would tell him otherwise, he blamed Magneto. If he hadn't gone out and started a war against humanity, humans wouldn't have begun kidnapping students and using that Cure against them as a weapon.
The thought of losing his powers, becoming a human didn't sit well with Pietro. He was never one to flaunt his powers with the humans, but he was proud to be a mutant. That much he had learned from Magneto, though he was loathe to admit it. He and Wanda both had no shame in using their powers when necessary.
Now he ran across the grounds, nothing more than a silver blur, as he thought about what life would be like if he lost his speed.::
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 28, 2007, 10:52pm
::Pietro ran for nearly an hour, before he finally stopped in the middle of the gardens. The anxiety hadn't disipated, but he was spent. He looked around at the various flowers; they were the first to return. Life returned here more easily than buildings were rebuilt or trust was rekindled. It was the opposite in the outside world, something magical that was undoubtedly a result of Uncle's influence.
As he examined the different flowers, he caught sight of a woman he thought he recognized. At least, he remembered her from when they were both younger, in their teenage years. Pietro paused, taking the moment to examine her. She had changed, at least eas much as he and Wanda had.:: "Ororo?"
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 2:50pm
Ororo had been practicing fighting technique, something she hadn't done since Alcatraz. The Danger Room was better for it, but the outdoors was a nicer setting, and her heart wasn't in holing herself into a room, however good the holographics were. She'd been entirely concentrated on her routine, so much so that the voice surprised her. Turning round, she looked for the source, and almost leaped to the offensive. The man who'd spoken looked almost exactly like Magneto, who she hadn't seen since returning...but his stance was different, the look in his eyes and the youth of his face too wrong for Lensherr. Recognition dawned.
"...Pietro?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 2:55pm
::Pietro plucked a flower from the ground and dashed over to her. His lips curled into a small smile; she looked almost every bit as he'd remembered her. Older, wiser, less care-free; recent events had that affect.
He held the flower out to her, a daisy from the gardens. He wouldn't embrace her, not sure if his presence was welcome. If she wanted to initiate, he'd be happy to return it.:: "I didn't know you stayed behind."
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 2:56pm
The corners of her eyes crinkled in a smile as she accepted the flower. "I didn't realize you'd come back. Welcome home."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 3:01pm
::It was home, since he and Wanda wouldn't be able to return to Europe. Pietro needed to begin thinking of it that way, as his current home, rather than that of his childhood. Her welcome touched him on a deep level; aside from Uncle, she was the first person to be genuinely happy to see him. He knew he wasn't good with first impressions, but between the attack and Rogue, he hadn't had much of a reception.:: "It's good to see you, Ororo."
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 3:03pm
"You, too." She stared at him for a minute, mildly shocked at how he'd changed. "How long has it been?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 3:07pm
"Eight years, I think," ::Pietro said, his brow furrowing as he tried to recall the last time he had been here. Certain memories were still hazy; such as the day they had left. Whatever the exact amount of time, it had been years.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 9:08pm
She shook her head with a wry smile. "Now I just feel old."
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:18pm
"Ororo?" Wanda had woken up from her nap to find Pietro had gone. Maybe she was just used to knowing where he was all the time, but she'd gone outside to find him. She'd guessed he'd be running off his anxiety from the past few days, and it turns out she was right. He'd told her about the student that he found on the grounds, and he was right to feel so anxious. The very idea was sickening.
But, walking down to him, she saw him with another woman, who looked about their age. It took her a moment, but she recognized the shock-silver hair and voice. It was Ororo. Older, and different, like them.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:22pm
Storm turned from Pietro for a moment at the feminine voice and her eyes widened, but only for a minute. "I should have figured that if Pietro was here you wouldn't be far behind," she said with a smile.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:28pm
"It's good to see you," she said warmly, coming nearer to the two of them. "How have you been, Ororo?" She looked almost as tense as everyone else here was feeling, considering the recent attack.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:33pm
Storm gave a slight shrug, with more nonchalance then she felt. "All things considered, fair. At the very least, I've gotten quite a bit of power practice lately." The last comment with a slight smile.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:38pm
She nodded. "I expect many will have to practice to prepare for times ahead," she said sagely. They would all have to prepare. For to achieve peace, she felt that they must fight for it. That attack proved it.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:43pm
"It would have been better if we had been prepared." Storm's face suddenly looked drawn, betraying her tiredness. Seeing the students out where others more trained were fighting had terrified her, and she'd felt helpless to ward off the danger. Her eyes hardened against the feeling. "I intend to not let that happen again."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:45pm
"If you need help, you have us at your service," ::Pietro said, smiling at his sister. He was pleased to see that she was awake and feeling well enough to go outside.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:47pm
"Charles will appreciate that, thank you." Her expression softened. "Do you intend to stay permanently, or...?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:51pm
::Pietro shared a glance with Wanda. They hadn't fully discussed their plans yet. At the very least, they were staying until the birth of the child, and then later, depending entirely on whether or not they were needed. They had nowhere else to go, at least until Europe became calmer.:: "We're not sure yet."
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 10:55pm
She nodded, returning Pietro's smile. They had yet to know when Europe would calm down, and until it did, they would surely not return. As well, they needed to stay for Uncle, to keep an eye on that blue demon woman. They would have to stay at least until she birthed the child she claimed didn't belong to father.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 10:56pm
Storm gave a slight nod, sensing there was more to it, but choosing to say nothing. "I hope you can stay. I've...missed seeing both of you around." The thought hadn't occurred to her until now, but she had. They were as much a part of this place as she was.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:11pm
"I'm glad to see you again, Ororo, it's been too long," she said, smiling. A part of her had missed Ororo and the others, and she'd thought about proposing a visit to them, until they had to flee Europe, that is.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:13pm
"Yes, it has. What brought you two back? I thought Europe was your place to be at the moment." Her brows knit slightly.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:19pm
She looked to Pietro; that issue angered him moreso than her, and easily got him into a temper. They should never have had to leave, in her opinion. Just stupid human fear taking control, all because of what Father had done. It all led back to him, no matter what. They couldn't escape him; their time in Europe had proven that.
"Anti-Mutant violence in Europe has been on the rise, Ororo," she said quietly.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:20pm
"It became dangerous," ::Pietro admitted. There were too many details to go into at the moment. Perhaps at a different time.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:22pm
"I can imagine, if what happened here is any clue. After Alcatraz..." She broke off abruptly.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:24pm
::Pietro's expression hardened at the mention of Alcatraz. Magneto had ruined so many lives with his selfish, self-deluded war.:: "It will take many years to recover from that."
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:28pm
She exchanged looks with Pietro; of course Storm had been deeply affected by Alcatraz. She'd heard that all the X-Men had been involved.
It didn't change the fact that Alcatraz was entirely Magneto's fault. So many lives had been destroyed or altered beyond repair. It gave her a sick sort of pleasure to think about what they had done to him at his cabin...but it only appeased the surface of a mountain of hurt and pain.
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:34pm
"It will, yes. We've already begun." She gave a gesture towards the Mansion, and it's complement of students. "Though..." Here she stopped again. "You've seen who's here?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:39pm
"You mean half of Magneto's Brotherhood?" ::Pietro asked, his eyebrows narrowing. He had Wanda had the misfortune of encountering both of them at separate times since arriving. The thought of either woman with Magneto...and then the possibility of the demon woman with Uncle. It nauseated him.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:42pm
"Yeah, that." Ororo's arms crossed and her mood darkened. So they'd seen Mystique, and probably Rogue as well. "It IS his, you know." She spat the sentence; it wasn't something she wanted to think about, but it needed discussing.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:45pm
"How do you know she's not using one of her tricks, and he's protecting her?" She asked, her expression darkening. She still didn't believe what that demon woman had said; there was no way it could be anything but Magneto's. She'd been with him too long.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:48pm
::Pietro's morphed into one of disgust; he had been doing his best not to think about it. And he still couldn't quite believe it. Uncle had been so devoted to father...although anything was better than that, albeit marginally.
A random thought occurred to him. The demon woman was a shape-shifter, and Uncle had always been devoted to Magneto. What if he had...Pietro shuddered at the thought.::
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:50pm
Storm caught Pietro's look. "THAT'S how I know," she said, guessing his thought. She could imagine the shape Mystique had taken, how their relationship had begun...and there was no way Xavier would endanger the students by allowing himself to begin a relationship with the REAL Magneto once again.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:51pm
::Pietro now felt ill enough that he needed to sit. He fell to the ground, trying to force the image from his mind.:: "How could he possibly do that?"
Posted by Storm on Apr 30, 2007, 11:54pm
"My guess...it was either that or the real thing, and he wouldn't risk the real thing," Storm said, her stomach turning.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on Apr 30, 2007, 11:55pm
Wanda's jaw dropped open, her visage full of disgust at the same time. No... Uncle had morals about such a thing... but he had always been fond of Magneto, to say the least. The thought sickened her. That the shapeshifting demon had... and in return, Uncle had... "Oh, God," she said. She felt rather ill.
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:04am
"That was my reaction, when I was told," Storm said, her bile rising along with the wind. The thought was...revolting, in the light of the fact that Xavier had been her teacher, and was still her mentor, and her friend...some things she just didn't want to imagine. She wasn't stupid, she knew about some of his relationships, including with Magneto...but the thought still turned her stomach.
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 12:11am
Mystique had been going outside to get some fresh air, until she saw who was gathered outside. Pietro, Wanda, and Storm, her three favorite people. Feeling a little nervous, she paused, debating either going back inside to avoid any kind of confrontation, or to hurry past, ignoring them.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:14am
::Sitting as he was on the grass, Pietro saw her first: blue legs and all. He lifted his head, staring daggers at her. After hearing these...particulars about her relationship with Uncle, she was literally the last person he wanted to see at this moment. His stomach flipped, reaffirming that his body was no happier than his mind.::
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:17am
Storm saw the woman as well, but put a hand on Pietro's shoulder. "Not now...."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:21am
"You may need to hold me back," ::Pietro admitted, through clenched teeth. He didn't want to make a scene or get into a fight, but her very presence enraged him. It was simply too much too soon.::
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:22am
"You..." she muttered, glaring hatefully at the blue woman. "Here for a specific reason, demon?" She would not be kind to Magneto's discarded harlot, no matter what Uncle tried to say.
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:23am
"Let me deal with it," she said, cautioning to Wanda and Pietro both, before moving from the twin's side towards Mystique. "Was there something you wanted?" Her voice was calmer, but no less threatening.
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 12:26am
"No," she said slowly. "I was coming out for a walk, that's all." Her eyes flickered from Storm, coming closer, to Pietro on the grass, and Wanda standing there and directing an icy gaze at her. Now had been the wrong time to go for a walk.
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:27am
"I'd suggest leaving us a wide berth," Storm said coldly. The air rumbled with distant thunder.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:29am
"Somehow I doubt you are," she said to the blue woman, her expression dark, and a hand clenching into a fist. "Up to something devious again, blue snake? It's in your nature to be deceiving, after all."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 12:31am
Storm shot Wanda a warning look. "Don't make this worse, Wanda, please...it's still Xavier's child she has."
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 12:34am
"I'm not doing anyone any harm by simply being out here to take a walk," she said, frowning.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:41am
She still had a hard time accepting that it was Uncle's child. If they had entered a relationship just so that she could...use her abilities to engage in such a disgusting fantasy, how on earth could she become pregnant? There had to be more to it. She glanced at Pietro, still angry, but questioning what they should do next.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 12:55am
::Pietro shared the glance with his sister; her thoughts on the same wavelength was his. Except where she was curious, he wanted nothing more than to banish the images. Whatever had possessed Uncle to weaken his resolve...he didn't want to contemplate it.
Unchanged was the fact that she was pregnant, though how was the question, if it was Uncle's. He couldn't hurt a woman who carried a child, even if it was Magneto's woman, or if she had been. He couldn't allow Wanda to either. Silently, he communicated that, before addressing the demon woman. He spoke through clenched teeth.:: "We would appreciate space."
Posted by Mystique on May 1, 2007, 1:15am
She nodded. "It's what I was planning," she said. And with that, she walked down the path towards the side of the mansion, and plenty away from them.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:00pm
::Pietro remained tense on the ground, following her with his gaze. He only relaxed when Mystique was clear across the grounds. Letting out a breath he had been holding, he turned his head towards Ororo.:: "I don't trust her."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 10:03pm
"Neither do I, but the Professor does, and that....complicates things." Storm crossed her arms, watching Mystique retreat. "I support that child, not it's mother."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:14pm
::Pietro shook his head, resting it in his hands. What had Uncle been thinking...to get involved with her?:: "If the child is his, as you say it is, I'll support the child as well. If not..."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 10:19pm
Ororo didn't like the sound of that. "If not...what?" Her eyebrow rose.
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:33pm
::Pietro shook his head, dismissing his own comment. Assuming that Uncle hadn't lied to Ororo, she wouldn't lie to them. However, the thought of having a half-sibling made his stomach turn:: "You say it's his; I'll accept your word. The rest is inconsequential."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 10:36pm
"Pietro..." Ororo was not convinced by his dismissal. "If that child is your sibling, which I DON'T believe, you'd actually consider killing it?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 10:53pm
::It sounded worse when spoken aloud, as blunty as Ororo had. She had never been once to mince words, one of the many reasons Pietro had enjoyed her company in their youths. Pietro didn't know if he could actually take the life of a child. It wouldn't have done any wrong, no more than he and Wanda had as children. They couldn't be blamed for Magneto's deeds, so neither could the child.
Death wouldn't necessarily be punishment; it could be mercy. Sparing the child the pains that came naturally to one of Magneto's children. Even Uncle's care, his influence hadn't been enough to undo that damage. Had he not had Wanda, Pietro knew he wouldn't have survived. The child had no twin, would not be whole. Surely a swift death would be kinder than years of suffering.
These were thoughts Pietro couldn't properly articulate. Ororo had her own scars, but would never understood the plight of being Magneto's child. He shrugged again, shaking his head.:: "It's moot."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:07pm
Her eyes narrowed, studying him. Growing up with them for so long, she understood that nothing was a moot point wih either of them, especially when it came to anything to do with their father, percieved threat or otherwise. She knew their concerns, but a child was a child, Magneto's or no. Resolving to keep an eye on them, she dropped the issue. "Very well."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:15pm
::These were matters Pietro wanted distraction from. He forced the thoughts from his mind, lifting his head to gaze at her. It had been eight years; there were better topics to discuss.:: "Tell me, what have you been doing these years? Teaching?"
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:21pm
"Mostly, yes. There've been a few surprises along the way, but besides some students with power issues, it's nothing that couldn't be handled." She gave a light shrug. "Where have you been? Europe, I know, but...where?"
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:24pm
"Everywhere," ::Pietro answered immediately. Over the years, he and Wanda had traveled across Euope and back again. Discovering their culture, enjoying different socities.:: "Mostly, we stayed in Eastern Europe."
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:27pm
Ororo nodded, understanding the need to move from one place to the next. "After Alcatraz, I left for quite awhile. Went back to Kenya, tried to help the people where I used to live. Skipped out, went to Asia for a while, China mostly. Cheap living."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:32pm
::Pietro nodded; he and Wanda had spent some months in Asia, finding it less tolerant of foreigners than the other countries they visited. Ororo was right, however; it was cheap living. A question nagged at his mind, which he felt the need to ask.:: "How did Uncle react to your absence?"
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:38pm
"I...don't know, exactly." The question had been unexpected. "He was happy when I came back, and...relieved, is the only way I can describe it. It was only he and Rogue and a new teacher here, for awhile I think. Most of the other X-Men had left."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 1, 2007, 11:40pm
::Pietro's expression hardened at the mention of Rogue's name. Uncle was alone in this mansion with her and another teacher? There was no mention of Magneto...when had he returned? His mind filled with other questions.:: "Rogue teaches?"
Posted by Storm on May 1, 2007, 11:43pm
"Yes, for now. Auto Shop." Ororo's brow furrowed at his expression but she kept quiet.
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 12:52pm
"She shouldn't be teaching," she said, frowning. But then again, Uncle had let Magneto come back to teach. What had been going on to let things get so out of hand?
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 12:54pm
::Apparently, the world and Uncle had gone even madder than Pietro had first thought. All the more reason for he and Wanda to stay. Wanda spoke what he had thought, as she always did, and Pietro let her. It needn't be stated twice.::
Posted by Wanda Maximoff on May 2, 2007, 1:11pm
She looked over to Pietro, her brow creasing with worry. What should they do? It was obvious that they weren't going to be leaving anytime soon, with the Brotherhood running wild around the mansion, and some unknown force attacking. They needed to be here, but...what should they do next?
Posted by Storm on May 2, 2007, 3:07pm
"Charles is....watching her. Closely." Ororo gave the last word emphasis. "I think he's less worried then he would be if Magneto weren't MIA. He still considers her worth keeping an eye on, though."
Posted by Pietro Maximoff on May 14, 2007, 5:08pm
:The fact that Magneto was missing was his and Wanda's crowning achievement. If he were there with the demon woman at the same time...tempers would flare and nobody would be safe. Yet, their thirst for revenge had been quenched, Magneto was gone, and with the exception of some fools who missed him, the mansion was better for it.
That Uncle was watching her was only somewhat encouraging. It meant that the other man hadn't taken complete leave of his senses; still, he tended to turn a blind eye towards the crimes of all men. He had forgiven Magneto time and again, going so far as to allow him to teach, giving him access to young minds. Rogue was young, young enough that he doubted that Uncle could even view her as an enemy. Perhaps with Magneto missing, the damage done by the seduction could be undone. If not...
He and Wanda would need to watch her, themselves. Her and her friend both. And since Ororo agreed with them, they would have support there. Between the three of them, perhaps they could keep the mansion together. Pietro nodded.:: "As long as somebody is watching her."
