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“No.”
The word was out of his mouth before he realized it but Lance did realize he meant it. All he had needed was to see was the look on Tabby’s face when the boys didn’t stand up for her. This wasn’t what he saw, though. What he saw was Kitty’s face, her face upon hearing he was back following Mystique’s orders like nothing had changed. It was a far worse look on that face and he did not intend to ever actually see that.
He was done following orders. Following Mystique’s orders.
“What?” Mystique asked, her voice sharp as a whip. Lance turned his head around, facing the angry blue woman. He was vaguely aware that everyone starred at him, Tabitha with surprise and something that might have been hope, the boys looked at him more like he lost his mind. Mystique was simply angry again but the most beautiful pair of light blue eyes he had ever seen dimmed the fear this angry yellow eyes once caused.
“I said no. Tabitha will not leave.”
“You think I care?”
“I’ll go one further,” Lance said, taking a step towards Mystique, starring her directly into her eyes, his voice free of anything but resolve.
“You will leave. This ain’t your Brotherhood anymore.”
“Lance?” Pietro cried out from the back, voice high of panic. Lance didn’t feel that, not even when first Mystique’s eyes widened in surprise and then her face changed out of pure anger in a way that nearly resembled her shape changing abilities. She screamed in an almost inhuman way before launching at Avalanche like a giant cat jumping at prey. Yet Lance managed to avoid that, though was not so lucky with Mystique suddenly kicking him, throwing him out of the house in the process. He faintly noticed someone standing outside next to the door and jumped back even further but was immediately focused back on Mystique, charging out of the house. She jumped at him, one leg out for a drop kick Lance managed to avoid again and ducking away to the side, he found himself in her back and gave Mystique a quick punch, surprised he managed to pull that off. Maybe he should have thought better before opening his mouth but too late for that now.
Mystique, still not back on her balance, stumbled several feet away before turning around, hissing almost like a snake: “You think having a girlfriend makes you hot shit? I’ll show you who is in charge! Pietro!”
Quicksilver almost jump-scared, called out like that.
“Y-Yes?”
“Do I have to spit it out? Attack!”
Pietro blinked, looked between Lance and Mystique before folding his arms across his chest, replying: “No.”
“What?”
“I-I said no! You ain’t boss right now, so you, you don’t get to order me around!”
Lance was pretty sure, he was as surprised as Mystique’s face showed her surprise right now. Todd and Fred stared at Pietro, then at each other and agreed, causing Lance to feel a laugh bubbling up in the back of his throat but he kept it down.
“Wanda!”
Lance blinked confused, Wanda? He heard Pietro shouting that name in surprise and remembered noticing someone standing outside. He dared a quick look and the someone was actually two women, one around his age and the other old enough to be his grandmother. The younger one looked like she was in trance.
“Agatha! What did you do to her?”
The older woman replied: “The second this young man came flying out of the house, I knew something went wrong. I had an idea what exactly that something was and to prevent this child from unleashing her unfocused powers out in the open, I put her in a trance. I am sorry Raven but I am afraid you will have to deal with this disobedience by yourself.”
“What do you want with my sister?” Pietro shouted.
“You have a sister?” Tabitha made the question of the Brotherhood audible and Raven smiled.
“You never mentioned her? Oh well, she will be our secret weapon to finally beat the X-Men! All I needed to promise her in return was a chance to get her hands on your father.”
“But you don’t know where he is!”
“I will! Once that stupid redhead finally gets a hang of Cerebro!”
The name rang a bell for Lance. Then he remembered. What Kitty told him Cerebro could do and what it could not do.
Lance reacted, sent his concentrated and focused powers straight to Mystique, causing the ground to break up in an almost straight growing line between them and exploding beneath her feet, sending her flying backwards. She was back on her feet quickly, though and screamed: “You idiot! Didn’t you listen?”
“I listened to you making false promises. Cerebro can’t find Magneto.”
“What?”
“Cerebro cannot find Magneto. He has ways to stay hidden from it.”
“Liar!”
Lance saw Mystique getting even angrier then before and suddenly had an idea. Not sure if it was going to work out but it might give him a chance.
“You know, loosing control over the Brotherhood, loosing your supposed secret weapon and gaining nothing in return? Real bad day for you, Mystic.”
Mystique snapped. Screaming, she charged at him, transforming into a black bull and Lance was barely able to escape. Jumping to the side, he avoided the charge and quickly turned around to send his powers once again straight at her. Briefly, he thought he could almost feel something leaving his body.
The rest of the Brotherhood watched the fight in growing awe. The boys had no idea what Lance had been thinking, challenging Mystique like that and they could barely believe what they were seeing now: Lance was holding on. Barely as it may be but he was holding on and even fighting back.
Toad was the first to speak.
“H-How is that possible? I mean, how is Mystique not pummeling Lance into the ground like nothing?”
“Beats me,” Pietro replied, starring at the fight, wondering what his father would say about that and about Mystique freeing Wanda too.
“She is too angry,” Fred added, causing the other two to look at him in confusion. Fred blinked, shrugged and scratched the back of his head.
“I mean, looks that way, right?”
Tabitha chimed in: “Wolverine once said that every fight does also have a psychological component. It was something like if you believe you will loose a fight, you are more likely to loose it.”
“You think Lance believes he can win?”
“I think Mystic is too angry to think straight enough to beat Lance’s ass.”
“Indeed,” another voice breathed and the Brotherhood needed a moment to connect this voice to the old woman. They looked at her and after a moment, she looked back, offering half a smile.
“Agatha Harkness. Mystique called me to help with Wanda.”
Pietro frowned and said: “Help? What help can you give my sister?”
“If nothing else, I can calm her anger and help her to calm it herself.”
“What did you do to her?”
“I put her into a trance. Don’t worry, it is nothing serious but considering you are her brother, it might be best if she does not see you until after I trained with her. I believe she has not the most positive connection to her family, right?”
Pietro winced heavily before he replied: “Well, I hope you can do something. I have seen her powers. She is like a witch.”
Agatha’s lips curled upwards and she chuckled.
“Something funny?”
“Oh dear boy, you have no idea but I believe you have a more pressing matter at hand. This fight will not go on forever.”
“She is right,” Toad said, “Lance can hold on but that won’t work forever.”
Fred added: “Yeah. I mean, isn’t Mystique like really trained and all that? Lance looks like he is really starting to get out of breath.”
“Then how about we do something?” Tabitha said, not happy with not helping Lance in the first place. Besides, it might be nighttime and not much happening in this part of town at night but the longer this went on, the higher the chance of someone noticing something. The boys looked at each other but just as they were about to spring into action, Agatha spoke again.
“Wait.”
“What? Why?”
“Look.”
Lance breathed heavily, feeling several cuts and bruises all over his body. This fight had been dragging on long enough and he knew he needed to finish it fast or Mystique would simply outlast his dwindling stamina. He doubted he could avoid her attacks much longer. Somewhere in the back of his mind, two conflicting voices were also concerned about the others not stepping in. In a way, it did hurt that they let him fight this one alone but in another way, he could understand them.
Still, he did not intend to loose and he was pretty sure now he could feel something when using his powers. More then before, something he could not just focus but maybe even actually grab. It gave him an idea and he started to call on his powers but this time actually holding them, letting them grow inside this hold. Mystique was about half a dozen meters away from him, starring at him like she was about to murder him. Worse, she actually hesitated for a moment. If Mystique was starting to actually use her head again, this fight was over. He was already surprised he had managed to hold out this long.
It all came down to this one final shot but for this to work as he hoped it would, Mystique needed to be closer.
“Come on, Mystic! What are you waiting for?”
Mystique growled, charged at him again, ready for another one-leg dropkick. Suddenly, time slowed down as Lance moved his arms, ready to clap his hands together and unleash the stored power.
His hands clapped, his power unleashed and the next thing Lance felt was searing, excruciating pain growing up his arms. It felt like every bone in them breaking and every muscle in them tearing apart. His ears were filled with the sound of breaking ground and Mystique screaming in pain. His vision was foggy, the pain almost overloading it but it cleared again. Lance could barely feel his arms, though there seemed at least nothing wrong with them. Nothing he could see at least. Looking up he noticed standing in the center of a circle of destroyed ground. The word ‘crater’ came to his mind but seemed to big. Though there were similarities. Outside of that was Mystique. Lying on the ground, groaning in pain and not yet back on her feet. Despite his own pain, Lance marched forward, until standing in front of her. She looked up, saw him in front of her and her eyes widened. She tried to jump up but suddenly cried out in pain and grabbed her leg, the one she tried to dropkick him with and sunk back to the ground.
“It’s over, Mystique,” Lance breathed starring her down for the best he could.
“You lost. Now get lost.”
He could see her trying to form words but turned around. He wasn’t quite sure how much longer his legs would carry him. He turned to face the rest of the Brotherhood who all looked at him like some sort of living miracle. He managed three steps when their faces suddenly changed and next Lance knew, Pietro ran past him but stopped.
“She is gone. Mystique is gone. She transformed into something big but was suddenly some sort of bird and is flying away now.”
“She is gone? Good.”
There was a moment of silence.
“That was awesome!” Tabitha shouted and she as well as Toad and Fred ran up to him.
“Guys,” Lance began weakly and suddenly felt Pietro grabbing him.
“Hey Blob, get him inside on the couch, would ya? Toad, get him some painkillers.”
“Sure thing.”
“Impressive, young man,” Agatha said as they moved past him. Lance briefly frowned on who that actually was but was more concerned with getting something to sit on. The moment he finally did, he took a deep breath and managed to move his arms enough to take the pills Toad was handing him. Then he looked at the others but before he could say anything, Tabitha suddenly leaned forward, put his face between her hands and kissed him.
Tabitha was a pretty damn good kisser.
Then, their lips parted and Lance’s brain had slight trouble processing what just happened.
Tabitha said, slightly smiling: “I know you didn’t see me when you stood up but you deserved that anyway.”
Pietro whistled and said: “Damn Smith, better not let Pryde know about that. I don’t think she would appreciate you thanking her boyfriend like that.”
Tabitha rolled her eyes, not entirely able to hide her blush and replied: “Oh shut up Pietro. I know that. That was a special occasion, okay?”
“Well, I’d say we got another special occasion here,” Toad chimed in, looking at Agatha and Wanda. Lance nodded but was honestly not sure what to make of it.
“Says her name’s Agatha Harkness and that she can help with Wanda.”
“I see,” Lance replied, “well, I mean, if you have no problem helping her, I am not going to stop you but I assume Mystique put you on that.”
“That is right but don’t worry young man. I am not so heartless to let this young woman suffer in her own anger, only because Mystique as you call her, is no longer here.”
“Good, I guess? Pietro? Its your sister.”
Pietro blinked, looked between Wanda and Lance and finally nodded. First slowly, then faster and said: “Yes. Yes of course!”
“Good,” Tabitha chimed in, “I let you boys celebrate our new leader. I give Agatha a hand with Wanda. Your sister looks like she hasn’t had a proper hair cut in years.”
Agatha nodded and the three women left the room. Pietro looked after them, muttering: “I hope she doesn’t leave Wanda in that state forever.”
“Well, about Wanda, you have a sister?”
“And that was the last I have seen of her. Until today.”
The other three starred at Pietro and then at each other.
“Damn. I knew Magneto could be harsh but doing this to your own family?” Lance said, shaking his head.
“Yeah, well, dear old dad can be a real piece of work but he is not important right now. What are we gonna do with Wanda?”
“I mean, she can stay if she wants. From what I understand she probably hates your guts but as long as she doesn’t try to kill you, I am fine.”
“Don’t worry. I am not killing my brother, even though it is tempting.”
All the boys turned their head to see Wanda, followed by Tabitha approaching them. She had the new haircut Tabitha promised and folded her arms across her chest while looking between them. Pietro tried to say something but she cut him off by addressing Lance: “Mystique said to me she has a group under her command. From what I have heard, you are now the boss. Mystique got me out and promised me a chance to get back at my father but from what I have heard, she lied to me. Agatha thinks she can help me, so for now, I will stay.”
Then she turned around and left the room. Pietro tried to go after her but Tabitha stopped him, briefly shaking her head.
“Don’t, Speedy. She is going out to train with Agatha… so, did you boys celebrate?”
“Nah. Pietro told us a sad little story about his sister and that ruined the mood,” Todd replied casually. Pietro gave him a heated look but Tabitha simply continued: “Well, in that case. What are we gonna do now? I mean, Mystic isn’t going to let that slide. From what I have heard about her, she will be out for revenge.”
Lance nodded and said: “You’re right but if Mystique is back, we aren’t the only ones with a problem. Pietro! Go to the Institute. They need to know that Mystique is back.”
Pietro nodded and ran out of the house and Lance tried to move his arms again. He was able to, though only slowly and it actually still hurt a lot.
“Hm, doesn’t look like anything is broken or actually torn. Probably still for the best if I play it low for a while.”
“You could bring your girlfriend over to take care of you.”
“Funny Tabby, really funny.”
Tabitha snickered but the mentioning of Kitty got Lance thinking and he frowned.
“Lance?”
“Its something Mystique said. About Cerebro and Jean.”
“Oh yeah, there was something. What about it?”
“Didn’t she almost sound like she knew Jean was working on Cerebro?”
“Well, I guess if you can take on any form, you can be a great spy. So, why wouldn’t she?”
“I guess so.”
“So, what now?”
“Now? Now we wait.”
They didn’t have to wait long. Pietro came back and Kurt teleported into their living room only a couple minutes later. With him he brought Kitty, who took one look around before running over to Lance.
“Are you okay?” she asked, hugging him while doing so. Lance just starred at Pietro, rightfully assuming the speedster having something to do with this. Pietro just grinned and said: “Well, I may have dropped that Mystique is not only back but you also kinda wrestled leadership of the Brotherhood from her. You're welcome.”
Lance was about to answer on that, when he suddenly felt Kitty’s lips on his own and was immediately distracted.
Toad snickered and said: “Damn, looks like its the night of unexpected kisses for Lance.”
Kitty froze, leaned back and Toad winced. Even he realized he had said too much.
“Lance, honey, what does he mean by that?” Kitty asked, voice carefully innocent. Lance had the sudden feeling another round against Mystique would be easier then explaining that.
“I kissed him.”
“Tabitha? You kissed my boyfriend? Hold on! Lance? You let her kiss you?”
“I didn’t give him much of a choice! Let me explain!”
Tabitha quickly summarized the prior events and Kitty actually looked somewhat mollified.
“Hm, well, I guess they were very special circumstances.”
“Exactly,” Lance said, which caused Kitty to kiss him again. And again. And again. There might have even been another time but Kurt spoke up, scratching the back of his head and looking from head to toe like he felt out of place here.
“Uh, Kitty, listen, shouldn’t we be heading back? I mean, the Professor and the others should know Mystique is back.”
The Brotherhood suddenly turned their attention to Pietro who needed a moment.
“Oh right. Yeah. I kinda ran into Pryde here first and just told her everything. What? I thought she would tell the others. How was I supposed to know she’d grab blue boy and teleport over here.”
Kitty blinked, blushed and lowered her head.
“Right. I should have done that first. Let’s head back, Kurt but I will be back tomorrow.”
“Anytime you want,” Lance replied. They kissed again before Kitty grabbed Kurts hand and teleported off. Only seconds later, Wanda walked into the room. She frowned and sniffed around.
“Why is it suddenly smelling like sulfur in here?”
“We had visitors,” Pietro said. Wanda looked at him and frowned before shrugging it off. Lance decided to address that problem.
“So, what are you gonna do now?”
“I will find father and make him pay! Just because no one knows how to find him doesn’t mean he can’t be found.”
“You could stay!” Pietro hurried out before Wanda could do as much as actually move. She blinked, folded her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow like she was giving him actually a chance to explain this very bad joke.
“I mean, I don’t know where father is but we are kinda bound to find out when he does something. Besides, he has connections. To us from Brotherhood and to the X-Men from the Institute.”
“What does that mean for me?”
“Stay here, with us and wait until we hear something from dear old dad.”
“Or?”
“Go out and try to find him on your own somewhere in the whole world.”
Wanda was grinning her teeth, looking out of the window frowning like she was seriously considering this options. At least though, she sighed.
“Fine. I’ll wait. Agatha said there was a bit more to be done anyway but don’t think I forgot that you got to stay with him while I got taken away!”
“Alright, that’s fair,” Pietro replied looked to Lance who needed a moment.
“Oh, well then. For the first official action as new leader of the team: Welcome on board.”