X-Men: The Gifted Ones

20. MAGNETO HEADQUARTERS, LOCATION UNKNOWN

Emma Frost was in a foul mood. She stomped around the headquarters, drops of ice trailing her like an ice storm. Her blonde hair bounced with each stomp, her blue eyes were cold and angry. She found Erik joking with Mystique as they were training with Scarlet Witch. It infuriated her. "How long are we going to wait here and hide?" she confronted him angrily. "You talk, talk, talk about mutants reigning supreme and then we wait here and do nothing!"

Erik tried to placate her, "I have been trying to find a way to make that happen. I have even sent our little pranksters to spy on Charles and his mutant training school! It seems as if they're waiting on us to make a move."

"So make a move! Shaw was never so timid!"

"Shaw waited until the time was right," he reminded her. "Twenty years, in fact! I'm moving fast compared to him. There's war brewing in Vietnam, you know. Just have to find a way to use it to our advantage."

Scarlet Witch perked up. "There's a mutant in Charles' school who was in Vietnam. She and some of the other mutants talk about it when they go running."

Erik was intrigued. "She?"

"She was a nurse and I think that your friend Charles is in love with her!" Scarlet Witch giggled. "They are outside a lot together! She's so sweet she could make saccharin melt!"

Emma rolled her eyes. Who cared about gossip? "What does this nurse have to do with us!"

Erik shook his head and patted Emma on the shoulder. "This nurse may be our key log. All I need now is an excuse to visit Charles and find out more."

"As if a telepath like him won't see through your intentions!"

"Emma, I'm sorry, but it just means more waiting for us! In the meantime, my little Scarlet Witch, you need to hone your skills a little more. You keep setting things on fire that don't need to be set on fire. Your brother seems to be doing well, but you're a bit more powerful so you'll need to work a bit harder."

Scarlet Witch frowned but accepted the criticism. She knew he was only trying to help her be her best, sharpen her skills. He wasn't mean, just more honest than she was used to. "Need me to spy again?" she offered.

Erik shook his head. "No, I have a feeling Charles will contact me soon. He refuses to let go of the fact that we are not on the same side and that he can convince me to join his mission of peaceful co-existence. Emma, my dear, I know you hate waiting, but I feel we will not need to wait much longer and we will find our way to rise up and conquer humanity in a way Shaw never imagined."

Emma could only look at him cynically and walk away.

Mystique shook her head, "They're getting restless."

"Yes, and their foolishness almost caused a third world war! It almost got us killed! It caused Charles to be paralyzed!"

Mystique shot him a look that wondered if he was serious.

"My darling, you know that is my one regret. If I would have let that woman kill me..."

Scarlet Witch looked at them, stunned, "You mean...?"

"It was an accident!" Erik snapped. "An accident! Charles knows I would never have hurt him! Even now, I'd never hurt him! And you, Scarlet Witch, you better never use your powers against anyone on Charles' team."

"Why?"

"They are mutants, like us. They're not the enemy. They can be useful to us. Know anything else about this nurse? What she can do?"

"No, not yet."

Erik looked pensive. "Something tells me there is something...useful about her."

"What do you mean?"

"A nurse. And a mutant...two things that, together could mean..."

Mystique sighed, "Anything. Charles is a telepath, but he's a geneticist, not a psychiatrist."

"He missed his calling," Erik chuckled."

"So what does happen next?" Scarlet Witch asked. "More waiting?"

"Yes, I'm afraid, more waiting, dear girl."

"I want to see some action, come on!"

Mystique glared at her. "This isn't some stupid high school arson shit, this is a bigger deal. It can't be pulled off in a couple seconds!"

Scarlet Witch scowled and Erik nodded in agreement. "Patience is part of a good offensive measure. You have to strike when the time is right, to the best effect. I have a feeling Charles is up to something, and he will need my help to do it."

"What's your point?" Mystique asked.

"My point, my dear, is Charles will tell me everything I need to know..."

"And when will this happen?"

"In due time. In the meantime, see to our children, will you? Help make sure they are ready."

Mystique groaned as Scarlet Witch smiled at her. She felt more like a babysitter than a trainer, but at least the girl was more cooperative than her brother."

"Ready to try this again?" Mystique askedScarlet Witch, resuming her training. She hoped their waiting would be oversoon. The Brotherhood was getting too restless, and she was afraid they wouldsoon take matters into their own hands. She knew Magneto insisted they wereforbidden to use their powers against other mutants, but she had no qualmsabout taking out any of Shaw's former associates. She hoped she'd never haveto, but until then, she would be ready.