Let The Flames Begin

[ST. JOHN ALLERDYCE]

LET THE FLAMES BEGIN Pyro was done sitting around like a useless tit, so sitting around waiting for Wanda to reappear was out of the question. Despite how her brother behaved, the red head could clearly take care of herself, both physically through the abilities she wielded, and… well, physically through being downright scary. The pyrokinetic did, however, give her fifteen minutes to return after she took flight in search of Armitage, before making tracks and returning to their base in Hell’s Kitchen. He had to admit, the set up they had going on at the mansion courtesy of Loki had been none-too-shabby at all. It certainly made returning to the warehouse they were hiding in ever since Ultron decimated it rather dismaying, but something did emerge in the form of an upside on the way back. While the firestarter had enjoyed the comforts Xavier’s School, and the Brotherhood’s previous base provided, he’d never grown comfortable in either, and never grew unaccustomed to fending for himself. When he first arrived in the States, he had been fourteen years old, with no one, and nothing. He’d spent a year after that struggling on the streets of New York, using his powers to get by, before the X-Men found him, and a roof manifested over his head. He might have differed from them in terms of what they believed, but he was grateful for that much, and despite the words he had spoken about the professor upon hearing of his death, the old man had done something for him that his parents never did. He provided him with some sense of stability. Pyro might have expressed a desire to kill him, but he was really more angry with him for dying, and at the hands of one of his own students, no less. There were better ways to go. Far better ways. Strutting into the dilapidated warehouse, the pyrokinetic grinned like one that had struck gold, and he had, in a sense. Thanks to some moron he’d encountered on the way back, deciding to light up upon stumbling out of a grocery store with two bags of shopping, he’d been spared the bother of entering the establishment himself, and simply plucked the items from the ground as the human proceeded to panic in the middle of the streets. “Knock, knock!” Pyro announced upon entering the warehouse, “Lookie wot I got, folks! Pop-tarts, six pack o’ beer, carton o’ milk, loaf o’ bread, tins o’ soup, and… crikey that’s a lot o’ peach slices. Meh” he tossed them to one side, and proceeded to rifle through the remaining contents, “And, oooh! Tim-Tams! Mine!” he clutched the packet of biscuits, holding them to his chest, possessively. “OK, so it’s ‘ardly da jackpot, or whateva, but I don’t see any o' you blokes… and Sheilas” Pyro added for Mystique’s benefit “denigratin’ yourselves with a shoppin’ cart every now and again, even if da shoppin’ cart didn’ necessarily see da light o’ day in this particular instance, because… well, come on! I’ve kinda sorta blown up a few thin’s in my time, and can’t really get away with just wanderin’ around da place” he elaborated, ripping into the packet of Choco Chocolate Tim Tams. “Anyway, ‘ow ‘ave your days been? Mine? Oh, let’s see, do I start with da part where I got phased inta a sewa because o’ a certain Pretty Kitty, or da part where I helped your sista track down that Armitage bloke. Oh, by da way, spoila, we found ‘em. Oh my God, this is like da first bite o’ these I’ve had since I left ‘ome” he grinned, munching on one of the biscuits. “So, ‘ow ‘ave you all been?” the pyrokinetic turned back to ask them, just as he heard a thump beyond the equally dilapidated door to their base, only to learn it was Wanda coming in for a landing, before proceeding to make an entrance, guiding the door open with her mind, and a whoosh of scarlet energy. “Find wot you were lookin’ for, chickie?” Pyro questioned, before reaching for one of the beer cans, and offering it up to her, “Drink?” he suggested, but she simply glanced down at the can, before turning her attention to the others, “I have some news” Wanda spoke up, “News you may not like” she added, “You are one ominous Sheila” the firestarter commented, “What’s a Sheila?” the red head questioned,“A chickie” he responded, “What’s that?” she asked, “A… Americans… or, woteva you are. Carry on…” he replied. “I’ve managed to find a way to get the Brotherhood back on their feet, for better, and for worse, unfortunately, but… what is that American saying? No bad, no good, or… something, I don’t know” the red head shrugged her shoulders, “It will involve an alliance of sorts, between us and two other factions, one of those factions will be a group called the Hellfire Club, the other… HYDRA” and the second she said the ‘H’ word, Pyro choked on the biscuit he was munching on, and coughed against the crumbs that became lodged in his throat, “Wot!?” the firestarter eventually managed to say, alarmed, and he was pretty damn certain he wasn’t the only one that felt that way, “But I have an idea. Hear me out” she quickly added. words: 945. tagged: PIETRO MAXIMOFF . outfit: here! notes: nope! there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

[PIETRO MAXIMOFF]

785 WORDS	KURT WAGNER
OUTFIT	NOTES: Nope

Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall...
In the dead of night whenever you call

It had taken some time, but Pietro had finally recovered from the mess he had gotten himself into during Ultron's destruction. He still did not believe he had died given he was walking around fine now, however Wanda insisted and he believed his sister. Whatever had happened, he was alive now and the rest was best left in the past. Since then, he had spent his free time getting himself back to being a hundred percent. With Wanda no longer in captivity with Hydra, his focus had gone towards getting himself back to normal. It took some time, after years of captivity and months of searching for a way to reunite their little family.

What did not sit well with him was having his sister go searching for Hydra and their leaders without him. He did not trust Hydra or its people and not being there incase something happened drove him nuts. He knew his sister and better half was more than capable of handling herself. Hell, in the long run she was far more useful to anyone compared to him. His speed was impressive and his inability to care whom he destroyed if they got in his way might be of some use. However, Wanda was the prize and everyone knew it. For him, the reason he protected her so much was not because she was incapable of doing so herself, it was because he could not lose her. She was all he had. Being parted from her or losing her was not in his plans ever again. He might seem over protective but anyone in his position could understand.

They had been parted for years and it had slowly been eating away at him. The guilt and the regret of not listening to her wishes to stay. It was why, this time around he was not going to insist on running. If Wanda wanted to fight, he would be there along side her. If she wanted him. Lately it seemed as if she no longer felt the need to have him in her life, or watching her back. She was distant and constantly keeping secrets while relying on others. It did not sit well with him but Pietro did not see a way around it, not without pushing the redhead further away. Thus, instead of going with his other half on whatever search or mission she ventured out towards, he was stuck obtaining supplies for the Brotherhood.

In order to keep his mind off of the searching Wanda was doing without him, Pietro had gone out to do what he did best. Steal. He had just returned with a few bags of much needed supplies when the firestarter returned with the food. Boy did the Australian talk even when no one spoke back to him. He still found the kid annoying but at least he was doing his part this time around to help them out. Speeding over to the bag of food, he stopped in front of it before pulling the items out wondering if anyone would be consuming the items. Picking up the box of pop tarts he started at them in a bit of wonder. "Who eats this…" he asked opening the box looking at the continents inside giving it a sniff.

The mention of Armitage had him whipping his head up from the pop tarts to look at Pyro. "Where is Wanda?" he asked just as a thump could be heard by the door before his sister appeared. If anyone could read him well enough it would be Wanda who could probably see the relief wash over his face for a moment. No one else would have noticed it given his expression was back to it's normal frown in an instant. "Armitage and that woman of his are dead?" he offered when she mentioned news even if he knew that was not the case. He watched the exchange between Pyro and Wanda rolling his eyes at the mention of Americans. "In case you haven't noticed we are not Americans." Their accents were a dead give-away but it would seem many American's did not take notice of it.

Pushing a hand through his hair, Pietro shifted in his spot as he set the box in his hands down, crossing his arms while listening to Wanda and her news. An alliance might help them get back on their feet but no matter what the alliance was, he knew there was always a price. Nothing came free not even this. And his suspicion was confirmed when Hydra came out of his twin's mouth. Frowning, he stared at Wanda silently questioning if she was insane to even suggest such an alliance. "Surely you are joking." he asked curiously praying she was. Of all the people who they could form an alliance with, Hydra would be the last on the list. Hell, he would be more inclined to ask the X-men for help at this point.

And please don't fight these hands that are holding you..
My hands are holding you

HAYANA OF CAUTION 2.0

[KURT WAGNER]

The last time he felt useless was some time ago now and one reason that made him change his mind and leave the X-Men, though he hadn't thought of leaving again. Rather was he trying to figure out to make himself useful but really, there wasn't much he could do. Surely, he had recovered quickly and his ability to teleport was at its highest point again but he could not put it to use unless he went out and gathered supplies for the group. He tried to get in touch with the other members who were left behind by Wanda while she was doing whatsoever. His chat with Wilson was nice but short-lived, but at least he now did know the boy's name and he truly hoped he wouldn't forget the name again, it would surely be embarrassing. Then there was Pietro... Kurt hadn't dared to bother the man since he needed the rest although Kurt could tell that Wanda's brother wasn't very fond of it. There was another reason why he distanced himself from the speedster: Pietro was one Kurt couldn't not look through, well not that he wished to know everything about any of his new comrades... It was just, he liked to know at least a bit about each of them and Pietro posted a problem. He was quite too distanced and reserved himself. Kurt decided to not blame Pietro and rather thought the care for his sister might eat him from within. Sitting beneath the roof on a beam like so often when he had no better to do, he thought about the issue he himself did have when Mystique was around. Right now, his eyes were fixing her and watching every step she was taking while his mind moved back and forth finding an answer to the question he was asking himself ever since he learned she was his mother. Kurt had always been a forgiving person and his heart was telling him to forgive her but then there was this endless and deep disappointment and anger that she has abandoned him. No mother should do such a thing. He would rather lived on the run with her than not knowing where he's coming from. His yellow-glowing eyes narrowed as she was standing right beneath him... He did want to forget about the past and use the new chance of being with her but a barricade within him just blocked it. Right before he did find the courage to teleport down to her and perhaps start a talk, Pyro came back and did not waste a second but started talking. Jesus Christ, the boy could talk without interruption. Kurt had to inform him about his issue of understanding every word that was leaving his lips. At one word, Kurt's pointy ears started to wiggle. Biscuits he mumbled when Wanda did make an appearance as well. Kurt might not be her brother, who surely wished to have a word with her for being absent and on her own in a world even colder towards mutants than before, but he did care as well... After all, she'd given him a chance and wasn't judging him for having changed sides. However, it was apparant on his face that lit up at her sight that he was being glad seeing her safe and sound. Everything changed within a heartbeat when she mentioned their new allies... Kurt had no objections when it came to the Hellfire Club, after all he did know Emma Frost. Well, he didn't know her as one could claim to know a friend, but at least, he did know her body. And she's helped him several times and as far as he was concerned she did have a liking for him. Then there was the memembership of his father that would have helped him becoming a member of it too if Loki wouldn't have helped him becoming member of the Brotherhood. That one ally was no issue for him and perhaps he could be of help if Wanda should need it but he was not going to ask and reveal his connections to the Hellfire Club just now. HYDRA however, was a big NO to him. You are required to have a very good argument if you wish us to side with them. It wasn't as if he would have any other choice when Wanda has already made up her mind about that, but at least he wanted to hear her out. She was the last person to seek an alliance with HYDRA, so perhaps her idea was a brilliant one. It must be because anything else would not make sense. lyrics: ONE REPUBLIC words: 719 tagged: RAVEN DARKHOLME outfit: here! notes: / TEMPLATE BY LITTLE BITTY PRETTY ONE @ CAUTION 2.0

[RAVEN DARKHOLME]

Mystique had been by herself for awhile meditating and training not knowing when the next battle was going to be. Now she was going to relax and perhaps get something to eat. She left her room and soon found the rest of the group. She smiled seeing Pyro arrive with some food. She chuckled hearing the menu options.

"I've had to live on worse. Poptarts are almost a delciacy compared to that." said Mystique.

She took a couple pop-tarts and a piece of bread not wanting to take too much since the brotherhood may not be as big as it used to. But they still had to divide whatever food they got and made sure it lasted. She hadn't seen him since before they defeated Ultron so she was glad to see he was doing okay.

"It's good to see you again Pyro. I'm glad you're ok. Not that I every doubted you wouldn't be." said Mystique.

She paused seeing Wanda join them as she was quite munching onto her bread while listening. She was slightly annoyed at having to work with Hellfire Club as she and Emma hadn't gotten along well in the past but she guessed she could do it if she had to. Their temporary alliance to take down Ultron had worked as long as she didn't have to hang out with her all the time. Perhaps she'd just work with other Hellfire club members if they ended up working together.

"HYDRA? They don't seem to care much for mutants from what I've heard. Why would you want to work with them?" said Mystique.

She wouldn't be opposed to working with them but she just wanted all the information. It wouldn't be the first time she'd worked with people she didn't like and doubted it'd be the last. She was glad she wasn't the only one to make objections about HYDRA hearing Pietro and Kurt's objections. She'd hear them out and she knew Wanda and Pietro had final say. If the thre groups ended up working together she'd do it. But she was just curious to why.

ST. JOHN ALLERDYCE

[WANDA MAXIMOFF]

ARE YOU DERANGED LIKE ME? “See! See! Even your brotha thinks you’ve lost it, chickie!” Pyro vehemently pointed out at Pietro’s answer. Kurt followed, hoping she had a good argument to back her up, and as far as Wanda was concerned, she did. Mystique elaborated on that point, asking why she wanted to work with them, but out of everyone that had something to add, only one of them considered that she must have had a good reason to want to form an alliance with these people. “I do have a good argument” the Scarlet Witch pointed out, “Oh, I can’t wait for this” Pyro concluded the round of reactions with his comment. Wanda’s forest green eyes flickered between each and every person before her, counting them as she did so. One, two, three, four, five, including herself. “How many people did my father have at his side when he tried to fight the Cure? It wasn’t five. Five are currently what is standing in this room. Was it ten? Twenty? Or was it somewhere in the fifties and hundreds? Hundreds of mutants at his side and he failed when the vast majority of them were cured and or killed” Wanda explained, her eyes combing the room again, and every individual before her, coming to rest on Pyro, “I don’t want that” she added. “The registration act is inevitable, just as the Cure is here to stay. Fighting is no longer our only option, we need to protect ourselves as well, and those like us, those who believe what we do. Is that not what the Brotherhood also does? We don’t work anywhere else. I can’t just walk out that door, and fly toward Westchester, and spend my days holed up there, hoping this all will go away. I can’t. I won’t. The Brotherhood still has something to offer. We will always have something to offer. HYDRA Island is gone, but it remains as an opportunity, and one I intend to take advantage of, for everyone like us. Yes, I sought out Armitage, or Baron Von Strucker, as my brother and I know him, but I did that for us” Wanda explained. “I have spoken with him, and he has agreed to hand it over to us so that we may have it as a base, something for all mutants to call home, and a base that will be free of the effects of the registration act –” but at that precise moment, she was cut off, “Ya mean, like, Mystique an’ I tried ta get rid o’ da Cure for us, an’ you constantly berated us for it, chickie? So, it really is one thing for you, an’ anotha for da rest o’ us, huh?” the pyrokinetic spoke up again, as the blazing haired sorceress’ eyes abandoned his face at the sound of metal on metal, the ‘clink, clink’ sound of her fellow mutant flicking that precious lighter of his open and shut, and she could see what he had planned in his mind, she could see it flaring within his brainwaves. However, Wanda had no intention of acting first. If he did, she would. Then, and only then, would she do anything to protect herself, and her actions wouldn’t go beyond that. She could telekinetically freeze him on the spot here and now, swipe his lighter from his hand, any range of things, but not until he made the first move. “Forget da Cure, ‘cause, ya know, it ain’t like you were ‘ere when that shit ‘it da fan” Pyro pointed out, sarcastically “No, I wasn’t” Wanda agreed, “I was sitting in a cage that the very people I am proposing an alliance with put me in. You know the Cure, but I know them, and I know how they operate. Cut off one head, two more take its place, we’ve all heard the saying. Only, that isn’t entirely true, not if we cut off the right head. One head. That is all it takes, and I know where to make the first incision, and to keep cutting” she elaborated. “The baron isn’t HYDRA, but that woman is. The group are merely a stepping stone to him, but to her they are everything. All we need do is eliminate her, and I know just how to do that” Wanda stated, “For HYDRA Island, we require an alliance with HYDRA, but to take her out, we require an alliance with the Hellfire Club. It turns out that me and my brother aren’t the only ones that have a reason to hate that woman, but that someone else within the club doesn’t particularly care for her either. That shouldn’t come as any surprise, the baron’s pet has the personality of a cactus, and that gives us one other advantage over her, the ability to form bonds she can never maintain” she elaborated. “The baron is the centre of her universe, and with a little help, we can take that from her, take everything from her the way she took everything from me and my brother” the Scarlet Witch explained, “Then, we will be free” she added. words: 848. tagged: PIETRO MAXIMOFF . outfit: here! notes: nope! there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

[PIETRO MAXIMOFF]

785 WORDS	KURT WAGNER
OUTFIT	NOTES: Nope

Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall...
In the dead of night whenever you call

The speed demon could not believe what he was hearing. Part of him wanted to believe that his sister had gone mad. Finally lost her mind completely to even believe there was a reason, any reason to ally themselves with Hydra of all people. After they had taken ten years of their lives from them while keeping them separated like two caged animals. He could not work his mind around the idea of even attempting an alliance with them. He hated anyone associated with Hydra, the Baron and that damned woman. The one who spent ten years torturing him to keep his sister in line. Of course he hadn't gotten as much time with her as Wanda might have, but he had enough to make him dislike the woman.

Despite Wanda mentioning she had a good reason, he could not see anything being a good enough reason to join an with those who had made them miserable for so many years. While everyone else reacted to her news and waited for an answer from Wanda, Pietro was tapping his foot impatiently. He was trying to find a way to accept the direction his sister was clearly going to be taking the brotherhood in. Even if he thought it might be completely mad and even if he was too stubborn to be okay with working with Hydra, he knew he was going to do it for her.

Wanda had left with him for Europe before they were taken by Hydra no questions asked, and now it was his time to do the same. Her turn to take charge and lead while he followed. She had suffered enough because of him. Now he just needed to think of a way to get over his hatred for the group. It wouldn't be easy and he knew he wouldn't be comfortable around anyone. "We were in our own personal hell that involved the cure." he explained coldly glaring at the child playing with fire. When he started clicking the lighter, Pietro's blue eyes stared at it. "Children should not play with fire. After all we don't need another base burned down." he added his gaze staying on the lighter.

Rubbing his face, he pushed his fingers through his hair listening to his sister. "We are allying ourselves with not only Hydra but Hellfire Club as well?" he asked to make sure he had heard her correctly. "Phen. How do we know we can trust these people? After everything they had put us, you, through, how can we know it won't happen again?" he asked concerned through the tone he was using most wouldn't know there was any concern there. The last thing he wanted was to have his sister suffering again because of Hydra or anyone else. He wasn't doubting Wanda. Someone needed to be skeptical and cautious and he had been like that since they were young and their parents were no longer in their lives.

And please don't fight these hands that are holding you..
My hands are holding you

HAYANA OF CAUTION 2.0

[KURT WAGNER]

The cure and HYDRA were two subjects Kurt was the only one of the group who was unable to debate about with serious arguments. He wasn't present when the cure had a great impact on mutants and he certainly had no encounter with HYDRA so far, but he knew both were subjects that couldn't be ignored. He has heard enough of it to know it was better to not ignore either of it. But since he was far away from speaking against Wanda's arguments that could be taken serious, he rather decided to listen first before he would have a say. The clicking noise of the lighter in John's hand however, was not only irritating Wanda or Pietro but also him. What was the boy thinking he could do? Light them all up? That was ridiculous. Not only could Wanda stop him within the blink of the eye, Kurt too could take him somewhere where the lightler could do no harm because it would get too watery. Stop playing with your lighter, it's not only getting on our all nerves, it's also not very helpful he told John while eyeing him closely, hoping the boy would stop being a stubborn and spoiled child. He had no clue which kind of a person John was but he could tell that the man had an issue with authority. With another warning glance to John, Kurt focussed back at Wanda and Pietro. Wanda did make a point but Kurt failed to see where the plan would lead the group in the end and it seemed even Pietro had surrendered to the idea of Wanda allying themselves with both groups but without being able to see the benefit. Let's just make that clear for all of us. You wish to form an alliance with HYDRA in order to get a base for all mutants that wish to be free from the Registration Act which is lingering on the horizon. That's generous of the man you call 'baron'. And that's what makes me wary of the offer. What was the price he asked you to pay for the island? His ears were still listening to John's nervous tick with the lighter to be prepared if necessary. Nothing that's offered is offered out of generousity, especially when it comes from a person who used to keep you and your brother locked away. Kurt tried his hardest to understand Wanda's way of thinking but he failed, mostly because he had too little information about HYDRA. Then there is something else that's bothering me and do forgive me when I bother you with questions now. But when you cut off one head what makes you so sure about the other head not being able to strike back? His tail moved back and forth while he was eager to hear the rest of the story. Which of course didn't mean he wasn't trying himself to find an answer. When the baron was 'the center of her universe' then surely she would get mad when the baron would fade to dust, and when there was nothing left for her she certainly was ready to fight her heart out. That was Wanda's plan, right? To take away the baron from the woman who was HYDRA's right head. I wouldn't be too worried about the Helffire Club, Pietro. The Club never followed anyone but its own interest and as far as I know, the club is loyal to the word they give. That doesn't mean they give it easily. We need to make ouselves valuable to them, we need to prove that we are worth being associated with them. It wasn't as if Kurt had any clue about how the Club was operating, all he said he took from his encounter with Emma, even though he had no clue what she has had for a position in the club. But she has helped him without really asking anything in return... except the little glimpse at Cerebro. Other than that she has never asked anything else of him but helped him when he needed it. After all, it had been her who told him about his true parentage. Before you ask, my father had been part of that club... he quickly added, still refusing to give away his little connection. He also gave Mystique a glance that was somewhat still reproachful, after all he did learn about his father much sooner than she was ready to tell him that she was his mother. lyrics: ONE REPUBLIC words: 756 tagged: RAVEN DARKHOLME outfit: here! notes: / TEMPLATE BY LITTLE BITTY PRETTY ONE @ CAUTION 2.0

[RAVEN DARKHOLME]

Mystique nodded at Wanda's point.

"The Brotherhood didn't always have big numbers though. That felt more a one time thing at the time. If the cure hadn't been around I doubt we'd have gotten so many to join us at the time. Maybe we'd have recruited more of the years but I'm not sure if we'd have gotten that many so fast." said Mystique.

Mystique nodded as she said the registration act was inevitable and the cure was here to stay. Arguing about the cure wasn't going to get anywhere even though Pyro might a few good poitns. But the island worried her.

"So you're going to trust HYDRA to giving us that Island? What if HYDRA or Ultron left traps or surveilance to watch us? This seems too easy. They've wanted to capture you both since you escaped and now they'll know where you are. And they could easily back out on their deal and not only would we be in danger but any mutants we bring there." said Mystique.

She listened to the others for awhile not having anything to add. When Kurt mentioned a price and she had to admit she was curious as well.

"He wouldn't give us this for nothing. So what are we working for HYDRA now?" said Mystique.

She nodded at Kurt spoke about HYDRA's heads.

"Kurt is right. Red Skull was taken out and HYDRA bided their time for over 70 years before coming out of hiding with leaders possibly even stronger than Red Skull. And now they're back hiding again but they've still won. And they may have planned for this outcome. Even if we took out both of them others would likely take over wouldn't they? And this time they may not wait 70 years to get their revenge. They'll know right where to find us." said Mystique.

Mystique paused as Kurt mentioned the Hellfire Club and his father. She knew she should have mentioned Azael but she hadn't seen him in years. And it seemed Kurt already knew about him.

"The Hellfire Club seems a lot more honorable to me than HYDRA. They're not likely to stab you in the back and if we decided to end our partnership I think they'd be more amicable. I've only met a few of them so I can't speak for all of them." said Mystique.

This might be difficult but if this worked out this could help them. She just hoped it didn't blow up in their face.

ST. JOHN ALLERDYCE

[WANDA MAXIMOFF]

ARE YOU DERANGED LIKE ME? “An’ people in glass ‘ouses shouldn’t throw stones, mate” Pyro pointed out in response to her brother’s ‘children should not play with fire’ remark, “She can run around, makin’ googly eyes at da enemy, but when Mystique an’ I try ta do good by our own, we get a slap on da wrist for it!” the pyrokinetic elaborated, but the blazing haired sorceress wasn’t about to highlight the main difference between their actions and her own, at least, not verbally anyway. What Mystique and Pyro were doing was fruitless. There was no getting rid of the Cure now that it was out there, so Wanda wasn’t about to channel any of her efforts into it, but there was plenty of room to weather the storm the registration act threatened to unleash, and that was what she fully intended to do. If not for the Brotherhood, then other mutants, more specifically, the weaker kind. They had more to fear from the registration act, especially if it was to be enforced by humans, than the likes of her did. What would the humans do if she went against the regulations as laid out in that piece of legislation, lock her up in Ryker’s again, because that had shaped up so well the last time? No. There were mutants out there, in possession of physical mutations, with little in the way of useful powers, or powers at all. They were the obvious kind, the stereotypical kind, the kind that most humans believed mutants, all mutants to really be. Then there were the mutants that couldn’t control their powers, and they were appearing every day, every time someone got a little older, and something happened to them. How would the legislation treat them? Would they be persecuted for something they couldn’t control, much the same as her father’s people had been? Not if Wanda had anything to say about it. If her fellow Brotherhood members couldn’t see that, that was their prerogative. “We don’t know we can trust them. I don’t trust them, but it is not them I am putting my faith in” it was the baron. After all, who had tried to recapture the twins when they escaped? Who had tracked them to a department store, chased them down, and shot at them from a chopper, before following them back to their base? It hadn’t been the baron. It had been that woman. She called all the shots. The blazing haired sorceress was convinced. If they could just get rid of her… it would solve all their problems. ‘What was the price he asked you to pay for the island?’ Wanda looked from her brother and the firestarter at Kurt at the question he posed. “Me. I am the price. HYDRA had no quarrel with the Brotherhood before I escaped their clutches. Everything that has happened to us at their hands is because I led them to our door. We have been living in fear ever since then. Trying to locate another base, evading them, checking old ones for a method of detecting me, me and only me. Not you. Not my brother. Not Mystique. Not Pyro. Me. If they have me, they won’t hurt you. They never did before, so why would they start now?” the blazing haired sorceress argued, and argued vehemently, before half smirking, half snickering at the teleporter’s next question. ‘But when you cut off one head what makes you so sure about the other head not being able to strike back?’ Kurt had asked, and Wanda was only too happy to answer. “Strike back? Against me?” the blazing haired sorceress couldn’t help but continue to laugh at the very notion. “I requested HYDRA Island for a reason. That island didn’t exist before they took us. I made it exist with nothing more than a single thought. How? Because I was so angry. And you think the baron would risk angering me? You wound me, Kurt” she added in that amused tone. Then Mystique spoke up… Wanda didn’t know who or what a Red Skull was, but she wasn’t about to ask either. “Who said anything about working for HYDRA? Do you know what happens when people betray one another, Mystique? You should. My father betrayed you. Remind me again what you did in return? Did you let him get away with it?” the blazing haired sorceress questioned, pointedly, because she sure as hell wasn’t about to let anyone get away with hurting her, which was why she had her eye firmly fixed on that woman. She would repay her. She had every intention of doing so. “You assume the Hellfire Club is more honourable based on encountering a few of them, in a short span of time, I imagine, but won't trust my judgement after I spent ten years within HYDRA” she couldn't help questioning. “I, unlike you, know these people. I was their prisoner for ten years. I know what they’re capable of. Don’t talk to me like I don’t” Wanda added. words: 836. tagged: PIETRO MAXIMOFF . outfit: here! notes: nope! there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

[PIETRO MAXIMOFF]

785 WORDS	KURT WAGNER
OUTFIT	NOTES: Nope

Cause I'll be by your side wherever you fall...
In the dead of night whenever you call

The speed demon merely rolled his eyes at the fire starters comment. If he didn't know comment was meant in a metaphorical way, he would have mentioned he has no place to call home. Not to mention a possession that was truly his. All he owned was stolen or acquired in not the most appropriate manner. Though there was little regret with how he lived his life and the fact that he knew how to steal better than he knew how to do anything else. It was second nature to him since he was young. Since before his mutation came about and added to the madness that was his life.

Rubbing his face, the speed demon was tapping his foot impatiently while he processed everything. It was a habit had picked up when sitting in a cell with nothing to do. He should have learned patience by then, but it would seem he hadn't. If anything being free had made him more fidgety and impatient then before. While everyone else reacted to Wanda's news and asked their own questions, Pietro simply started at his sister. He did not like the plan. That was obvious, or at least it would be for Wanda. Though maybe after all these days apart she no longer knew him as she once had. After all, she had not trusted him enough to divulge this plan to him ahead of time. Instead, he was hearing it with the rest. He had never been part of the rest. It was a new realization for him.

What came next only caused a bigger scowl to fall on his face. It was more of a mask for the rest in the room as he found himself mentally screaming no at Wanda's insistence that she was to be the price they paid for everything they were getting. Within the blink of an eye, he had crossed the room from his spot, and was standing beside his sister. "I do not want them to have you." he explained firmly. He was set on keeping Wanda out of anyone's hands if he could. He knew it was pointless in trying to change the woman's mind about something, at least when it was this far into the plan. They were the same in that aspect, it would take a lot to convince them otherwise.

"You intend on working for the Baron though. Not Hydra." he pointed out while listening to the rest question Hydra and Hellfire Club. He really knew nothing about Hellfire only that it was supposed to be some lavish club. There was no interest for him in such a place. His mind worked quickly as thoughts continued buzzing around his head. Wanda had mentioned it was hard for her to read him and it made him wonder if it was the same with any other telepath. It would explain some things but he might have to put it to the test one day. Just to see. After a moment, he gave in sighing heavily/ "I trust you phen. But I will never trust them." he explained hoping she understood that was something she could not change about him. " If we can use them in getting what we want and need it would seem our best way to go about it. Though personally, I do not see myself getting attached to the people." he added already guessing who might find an automatic trust in the people. It was not hard to tell after having only spent some time with them. "There is no one you can trust. Everyone is looking out for their own interests." he added having learned that long ago.

And please don't fight these hands that are holding you..
My hands are holding you

HAYANA OF CAUTION 2.0

[KURT WAGNER]

He did not like what he heard and it made less sense the more he heard Wanda's reasoning. Why did she like to ally with people who kept her and her brother prisoner for so long and why was she agreeing to the terms of this alliance? She being the prize that needed to be payed. Granted, she seemed to blame a certain woman for the misery the both had to endure but the Baron didn't seem to be any better, has he ratified the procedure without interfering or opposing it. That made him being responsible for it too and less better than the woman was. He could see why Wanda was risking it, she was doing it to protect them and all the other mutants that needed a refuge but she must be aware of the fact that Hydra could easily repeat their past actions in order to keep her under control. Yes, she could fight back and destroy them within a blink of the eye but not when her brother would be a leverage again. It worked once and it would work again. She surely considered it, didn't she? Ignoring the reason why you are doing that to yourself, being the one paying... what makes you so sure about the Baron not going against you? It was apparent that Kurt was not content with the idea that Wanda was offering herself in order to get an island for their safety. Besides, her brother as well as Kurt and perhaps even Mystique will not take lightly if Hydra should deceive them and use Wanda against them in whatever scenario. His thoughts were moving back and forth in his mind and the prospect of allying themselves with the likes of Hydra sit not well with him and the restlessness about not knowing what was about to happen in the future grew in his heart, visible to the others by the nervous waggling of his tail. The Hellfire Club was another story, one he was more content with as with Hydra but it did not mean that he would entrust his life to the group. He did know Emma and she's helped him and showed nothing but kindness towards the blue demon and yet, Kurt had no clue what she was up to. I'm far away from claiming we could trust any of those who are not part of this group. That's why I indicated that we need to make them see the value in having us. Mystique was being way too forward with her assumption the Hellfire Club could be trusted, not at the beginning of the alliance, perhaps somewhen in the future when both groups do know each other better or perhaps never. Kurt put aside the biscuits which he hadn't eaten at all since the news Wanda provided them with had kept him distracted from his former plan. Like Pietro he knew it would be in vain to change Wanda's mind and because he owed her a great deal, not only that, he had grown fond of her, he stepped to her and her brother's side. I'm not convinced about the plan you have in mind concerning Hydra's head and I certainly can't say that I feel reassured in terms of the Baron, nor am I as convinced as you are when it comes to him he said and kept his yellow-glowing eyes on her. However, that wasn't the question you asked us. Go ahead, ich folge*. Then, when he moved to stand nest to her, his eyes were sliding over to Pietro somewhat knowing that they both had the same concerns. Perhaps Wanda was the one that would make them both understand each other better. Pyro was the only out of the group members Kurt couldn't place a finger on, the boy seemed very frickle and behaved like the type of person who had a personal issue with authority. His entire behaviour during the meeting told Kurt enough to know that Pyro, if he won't change his ways, will not make it easier for him to become an accepted part of the Brotherhood. Sure, he was being unfair since he hadn't spent much time with the boy, but what he observed right here and now told him to watch his back when Pyro was close by. Never had he felt so uneasy when with a teammate as he was feeling right now. In comparison to this current feeling he had with Pyro, his issue with Mystique seemed childish and way easier to endure. Thinking about Mystique... his eyes wandered back to his mother, wondering not about her decision on the matter but wondering if he'll ever be able to call her 'mother' at all. lyrics: ONE REPUBLIC words: 791 tagged: RAVEN DARKHOLME outfit: here! notes: / TEMPLATE BY LITTLE BITTY PRETTY ONE @ CAUTION 2.0

[RAVEN DARKHOLME]

Mystique nodded.

"We were going after a lost cause though Pyro. I've seen that now. Back when we had the numbers we had a chance of wiping out the cure. It was in one place. But now it's scattered. We'd probably never find it all. As much as I want it gone. It's time we move forward. Not backward. Although if we could get enough of a sample of the cure maybe we could find a way to reverse it. If we get HYDRA Island we could have the resources to find a way to reverse the cure one day. Then it wouldn't matter how much is out there." said Mystique.

It was probably a long shot to reverse it but it was still a threat to all mutants including the Brotherhood. And next time there was no guarantee if you were hit that it wouldn't wear off again. She was surprised listening to them that Wanda was offering herself to gain HYDRA's help.

"You escaped and now you want to go back to them? How do you know they won't try to doublecross you and capture you again? They don't know where we are now but if we move to the island they woud know. Unless you know of a way to safeguard it from them?" asked Mystique.

She paused listening to her impressed as Wanda said she created that island.

"You created that island? Very impressive." said Mystique.

Mystique nodded. She had been betrayed by Magneto and she figured Wanda probably knew what happened. She was lucky the twins hadn't kicked her out or worse. Then again the goverment hadn't stood much of a chance. If it hadn't been for the X-men's inteference there could have been more mutants lost. She'd been so angry at the time she wanted Magneto to suffer but not the Brotherhood. Jean Grey's otherhalf was too powerful, unstable and unpredictable.

"I meant given the choice I'd pick Hellfire Club over HYDRA. But I guess we can't really trust anyone outside of the Brotherhood. We just make allies and make sure no one gets the chance to stab us in the back." said Mystique.

When the others started to stand by her she nodded.

"If this is what you've decided then I stand by you as well." said Mystique.

[WANDA MAXIMOFF]

ARE YOU DERANGED LIKE ME? ‘I do not want them to have you’ Wanda heard her brother’s words, intermingled with the rush of air that followed him whenever he made to move, causing her auburn hair to stir from where it was settled on her shoulders, as she smiled sadly up at him. “I know you don’t, phal” she said, bringing her hand up to rest gently against his cheek, “but if they have me, they will stop looking for me, stop targeting you, and all the others in the process. As long as you are all safe, I have nothing to fear, and I can deal with them, in a manner of my choosing” and who was to say they were even safe here, anyway? The combination of the destruction Ultron had wrought and the clean-up efforts in the wake of the machine’s genocidal efforts was likely the only reason they had managed to remain here, undetected, for so long in the first place, and with all that prepared to be wrapped up in the neat bow known as the Superhuman Registration Act, there was no telling where the Brotherhood stood for much longer. This base had been rigged with motion sensors when her and Kurt had first arrived here, just like every other base because someone had revealed information about the group’s hideouts. For all they knew, government officials were waiting until the act was put into effect so they would have a viable excuse to target the mutant ‘terrorists’. So, in the Scarlet Witch’s eyes, the sooner they got out of here, the better. The sooner they settled somewhere they could live, without the limits of the act, without the retribution it could unleash, the better. Better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t know, as far as she was concerned, and at least she knew the baron. Even after years of residing in the States, she knew little of their politics, little of their government, but it wasn’t like the SHRA was their first attempt at controlling the mutant populace. They’d done it before, and that was enough to indicate they’d do it again, and they had, and she wasn’t prepared to sit around twiddling her thumbs this time. They had to take action, and had to act now while it was still safe. Even discussing the steps Wanda was prepared to take felt like time that was being wasted. “‘Work with’ is a bit strong, but yes, and in the meantime, I plan to find a way to disable that… woman. If she falls, then so do the rest of them” she nodded in response to her brother’s question. The blazing haired sorceresses didn’t need to be a telepath to know this was a difficult pill for him to swallow, it was a struggle to analyse his surface thoughts anyway, and Pietro wasn’t alone in that, it was clear they were all struggling. But, truth be told, she only really cared about two people’s opinions on this matter, out of the four people present. Her brother was one, and Kurt was the other. “This is an alliance, between the Brotherhood, the baron and the Hellfire Club. What good would it do one group to oppose the other? It defeats the purpose of forming an alliance, if I am not very much mistaken. The baron clearly needs me, otherwise why agree to this in the first place, and it would be in his best interest to have me, without angering me” the Scarlet Witch pointed out, but when it came to responding to Mystique, she felt like she might as well be repeating herself. “I already told you. I am that safeguard” she repeated, before turning her forest green eyes in the direction of the pyrokinetic, waiting for his say on the matter, despite the fact she didn’t particularly care to hear it. “I think you're nuts, chickie, but since it seems I’m clearly outvoted, meh…” Pyro shrugged his shoulders, before stepping, albeit hesitantly, in her direction to stand with her brother and Kurt. “Word o’ warnin’, if this does blow up in your face, I’ll be da one doin’ da blowin’ up, aw roit” he pointed out, and as tempted as Wanda was to retort, she bit her tongue, and smiled at both her brother and Kurt for standing by her side. At least, they trusted her in this latest endeavour. As said, she knew it wasn’t easy for either of them, which made their trust in her that much more valuable. “So… where we goin’ from ‘ere, then?” the pyrokinetic questioned, “Home, it would seem” the blazing haired sorceress simply responded, turning her attention to the teleporter, “You know what to do” she smiled at him. words: 798. tagged: PIETRO MAXIMOFF . outfit: here! notes: nope! there can be only one mikey! of caution 2.0

[OOC: I think we can wrap things up here, lads! Great stuff!]