New Blood

New Blood
Chapter 8: Hopeful Greed

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Paris, France – 16 Years Ago

Charles Xavier had learned a lot in his short life. One of the most valuable lessons he ever learned was that few people were worthy of trust. Even for him, a man who could read other peoples’ minds, placing his implicit trust in someone was risky if not impossible. There were only a handful of people in his life that he truly trusted and cared for and one of them was standing right in front of him.

She was Moria MacTaggart, one of his oldest and most trusted friends. She was originally born as Moira Kinross to a pair of influential Scottish parents. Like Xavier she grew up wealthy and privileged. Unlike him she wasn’t a mutant, but she was blessed with a brilliant mind and made her way through Oxford at around the same time Xavier was attending Princeton. They met when she transferred and became quick friends. Soon they became more. For a while they were quite passionate for each other. Xavier even considered marrying her. But that fell to the wayside when he joined the Hellfire Club. For a while after that they drifted apart, although they stayed in touch. But fate would eventually lead them back to each other.

While Xavier began infiltrating the Hellfire Club, Moira married a prominent British politician named Joseph MacTaggart. For a while her life was easy and began doing advanced genetic research on Muir Island at her own facility. But she later learned that Joseph married her for her money and for political gain. He never really loved her. In fact he was very abusive to her, often beating her and forcing her to have sex with him against her will. For a while she feared for her life. Then one day she found out she was pregnant with his child. She thought that might help mend things between them, but it only led to something much worse.

One night he came home very drunk while she was five months pregnant. They started arguing about his behavior and how it would affect the baby. Joseph went into a rage and savagely beat her. She ended up in the hospital where she later learned her baby had died. It left a permanent scar on her. In a ways her baby wasn’t the only one that died that night. A part of herself died as well. Because Joseph was such an influential man, he could easily get away with it and cover it up as a car accident or something. It seemed she was doomed to his wrath. But then Charles Xavier showed up at her bedside and her life was never the same.

A day later, Joseph was dead. He died under mysterious circumstances, but his death was a cruel one. Officially, he died as a result of a savage beating from some thugs looking to mug him. Unofficially, Xavier and his Hellfire associates paid him a visit and spent several hours torturing him. Xavier was the one who delivered the death blow. It came as a surprise that Charles would go to such lengths, but she saw in him a man who grew into something different. It was not unlike what she became the second she learned she lost her child. That day he held her hand and said he wanted her back in his life. He wanted her to help him with his grand ambitions. And for the history they shared and what he did for her, she eagerly embraced the opportunity.

His new goals were far different than the ones he had in college. He was not going to let injustices like the ones she suffered stand. He took on a new mantle with his entrance into the Hellfire Club and sought to instill order in a world full of chaos. Moria immediately latched onto this and began helping in whatever way she could. She consolidated her resources with his and helped Xavier gain control of her late husband’s political connections. She also turned Muir Island into a Hellfire funded research facility. She worked mainly out of her lab and a Hellfire outpost in Paris. She was left so bitter and angry at the rest of the world the only company she felt comfortable around were mutants. At least they were more evolved than monsters like her husband.

It was with her help that set Xavier up as a key player in the Inner Circle. She was one of the few who knew him before he got into the Hellfire Club. She witnessed first hand how changed into the man he was now. She knew why he was doing what he was doing and moreover, she understood why he was doing it. And now as he prepared his ascension into the Hellfire Club, she was helping him every step of the way.

Standing on the top floor of the Paris Hellfire Manor, she and Charles stood under a picturesque night sky enjoying a serving of the best French wine Hellfire money could buy.

“So you really believe this woman, Mystique, can be an asset for you, Charles?” said Moria as she sipped her wine.

“Indeed I do,” said Xavier, “She has the kind of drive and cunning I need if I’m to work my way up the Hellfire hierarchy. She can carry out the vital missions I’ll need accomplished if I am to expand my sphere of influence on the Hellfire Club and their assorted ventures. In addition, her shape shifting powers will become very handy for the plans I have for the current Inner Circle.”

“Getting a little ahead of yourself, aren’t we?” she replied with a coy smile.

“I like to think ahead,” quipped Xavier, “Raven Darkholme is just one part in a much grander scheme. She’ll be a key ally as I take on the Inner Circle. Make no mistake, they are vulnerable. That fool, Shaw, is a shrew, paranoid tyrant with no real vision. He just wants to control people. The others like Harry Leland and Donald Pierce are no different. They’ll stab each other in the back the first chance they get.”

“And you think employing this woman will help give them a nudge in that endeavor?”

“It couldn’t hurt,” said Xavier with a sinister grin, “She has a reputation for being able to seduce others to her whim and a talent for setting up situations that can be easily misconstrued by gullible observers. It only takes a few creative setups. Then all I have to do sit back and watch them butcher themselves. And on occasion I can provide a psychic nudge.”

“As if you already haven’t,” laughed Moria.

The two former lovers laughed and tapped their glasses. Xavier’s plans were ambitious, but definitely feasible in the Hellfire world. The possibilities were endless. All that was required was put the right pieces in place.

“So what do you need from me, Charles?” asked Moria.

“For now, the same as always,” he answered, “You’re still in charge of all my European operations. I’ll provide continuous updates as my plans progress. And with Raven on board I need you to set up a domicile for her son and her friend, Irene. You still have that nice rural villa from your late husband, do you not?”

“Ah yes, one of several in fact,” she grinned, “Joseph was a bastard of a man, but he knew real estate very well. I can arrange something for little Kurt and Irene by tomorrow.”

“Excellent. I’ll let Raven know. And keep an eye on them if possible.”

“Why? In case she ever turns on you?” said Moria, knowing Charles always liked to keep leverage over people.

“There’s that. But if her offspring has inherited any of her tendencies, he might prove a valuable asset in the future. Little Kurt already shares aspects of Raven’s appearance. I’m hoping that’s not all he shares.”

“I can run some tests if ye like,” she offered, “Muir Island has plenty of equipment for that.”

“If you find the time, then yes. But for now keep your research focused on more pressing matters. We’ll need the fruits of both our labors if we’re to pull this off.”

“Ye can count on me, Charles,” said Moria, leaning into his warmth in an affectionate and overtly sexual manner, “Ye know I’ll always pull for ye. I owe you that much.”

Xavier smiled and set his glass down. In a world where so few could be trusted it was nice to have someone he could put his faith in. Moria was one of the few people who never hid anything from him. She never tried. Her mind was always open to him even at times like this when her thoughts were anything but casual.

“Such naughty thoughts, my dear,” he grinned, “All at a time when there’s so much work to be done.”

“Oh Charles, ye should know by now that I always like to fit a little pleasure into my work. I’d go crazy without it. But ye need not worry about the work. It will all be done in due time.”

“Indeed,” he said as he leaned in close to her, slipping his arms around her waist, “This is just the beginning. Once I am king, this world will yield to a new order…one where people like us do not have to suffer injustice from meaningless chaos. I will impose it by any means necessary. And nothing shall stand in my way.”

“Mmm…that’s what I love about ye, Charles. You’re a man who knows how to get things done,” purred Moria.

She pulled him into a deep kiss. Xavier returned the gesture by affectionately stroking her face as he kissed her back. They were not tender or mild in their desires. They long since realized that there was no room for such weakness in this world. They seized the moment with an iron fist and soaked it up for all its worth. It was paramount to the path they now found themselves on. They knew where it would lead, but getting there would be a challenge. But as they slipped back inside to indulge in a night of passion and wild sex, they were confident in their mission. Xavier had grand ambitions and Moira was just one of the close allies who would help him achieve them.

Coldcott Mississippi – 6 years ago

Some say hunger is the worst kind of torment. Others say its isolation and loneliness. But it’s only when they’re put together that it can be truly torturous. Anna Marie knew them both well. She had been enduring hunger and loneliness for nearly a month, but to her it seemed much longer. Every day her stomach growled for food. She had to resort to stealing and begging to support herself. So far she was just barely getting by. But the hunger was only part of her pain. It was the loneliness that made it much worse.

A month ago she had been a typical rebellious teen. Her parents were always distant with her. Sometimes they were too authoritative and other times they just didn’t care. It was tough for a teenage girl growing up in the Deep South, but at least she could still reach out to others. That was until the fateful day she was flirting with this cute guy named Cody and he dared her to kiss him. Always the spirited one, she did it and something happened she didn’t expect. She felt a strange surge of energy, as if she somehow sucked away the life from the boy just by touching him. It gave her a rush of energy and memories, but it left Cody out cold and comatose. Scared and confused, she ran home only for her parents to say she was a freak.

“You what?! Just by touching him? What’s wrong with you?! Why do you always have to do this to us?! It’s bad enough you’re a disrespectful little brat, but now you’re a freak! And I won’t tolerate either in my house!”

Those were the booming words of her father’s voice. They still rang out through her mind to this day. It was after that she ran away. She gathered as much as she could carry and a cloak from her mother and just ran into the woods. She ended up in a bus station and cried herself to sleep that night. She kept crying for the next several days. Since then Anna swallowed her pain and stopped. If she was going to survive, she had to be tough. But she also had to be careful.

After what happened with Cody, she always wore clothes that completely covered her skin. She surmised that whatever she did to him, she did it through touch. And if she was to not to cause any more pain, she couldn’t make even the slightest skin contact with anybody. She couldn’t even get close to anybody. That’s why she also wore a cloak in addition to the clothes. It sent the message that she was not to be messed with. And it made it so she never stuck out.

It was a harsh life. At times she contemplated going back home, but she refused to face her parents again. They thought she was a freak and that was fine with her. She could care less about them. Her only concern now was survival. But that was getting harder with each passing day.

At the moment she was waiting out a storm at a bus station. The rain was coming down pretty hard and there was an occasional flash of lightning. There were others waiting it out here as well, but they kept their distance. While she waited, she slept on a bench. It was hard on an empty stomach, but she would worry about that after the rain stopped.

“Excuse me, miss?” came a voice, waking her from her light slumber.

“Hmm?”

“Is this seat taken?”

Anna looked up to see a middle aged woman with black hair, glasses, and a gray business suit. She seemed out of place at a bus station, but she didn’t seem concerned.

“You talkin’ to me?” she said.

“I don’t see anybody else so I must be, Anna.”

Suddenly she shot up. Now she was concerned. Not only was this woman talking to her, but she was calling her by her first name.

“What did you call meh?”

“That is your name, isn’t it?” said the woman, “Anna?”

“How do you know that?! Who are you?!” demanded Anna.

“Take it easy, I’m not here to hurt you. I’m here to help.”

“Ah don’t want your help,” she scoffed, “Mama always said don’t talk to strangers, ya know?”

“Was she the same mama that hasn’t come looking for you? Because it looks like that advice isn’t serving you very well.”

The woman looked around the bus station to make her point. Anna sank somewhat. Her situation was less than ideal to say the least. And the sound of her rumbling stomach only reinforced her point.

“Who the heck are you?” said Anna.

The woman sat down next to her and looked her in the eye. Suddenly her eyes shifted color from brown to yellow. It caught Anna off guard and she moved back slightly, but the woman only smiled.

“Someone like you,” she said, “My name is Raven Darkholme. I’ve been coming through these parts on business and I heard a few local rumors that intrigued me. Thought I’d check them out.”

“Darkholme huh? Well how’d you find out?”

“I have my sources,” said Raven with an ominous grin, “But that’s another story. Do you want my help or not?”

“Depends…what’s the catch?” said Anna.

Mystique smiled. This girl was smart for her age. Stories about her, also known as the rogue, stated she was a tough little number. She was a lot like she was when she was her age decades ago. Her luck was impeccable. She came to these parts on assignment for Charles Xavier chasing down some guy named Black Tom and she ends up here for a month while these rumors circulate. And here she was. While Raven was never one for fate, this felt like something big for both of them.

“There is one catch…you have to make me a promise,” said Raven.

“Oh yeah? What kind of promise?” asked Anna warily.

“A promise of trust,” said the shape shifter strongly, “I know people in very high places and if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s that trust is more valuable than any wealth or service. And if I’m to take a chance on helping you, I want your trust in the sense that if I’m not around and I give you a task or a goal, you’ll take it on. Now I’m not talking about obedience. I’m talking about trust. You understand what I’m getting at?”

It didn’t sound like much on her surface. But young Anna was so desperate she would have given anything to get some stability in her life. But she didn’t take it lightly. She may have been a rebel, but she was smart enough to know the value of trust. And if she was going to give it, she was going to stay true to it.

“Ah understand.”

“Good. So what do you say? Can you do this for me?”

Anna looked at the mysterious woman intently. She was the first break to come her way in a long time. She may not get another chance. So she pulled the hood on her cloak back and moved in closer, something she hadn’t done with anybody in a long time.

“Ah’ll do it, Miss Darkholme. Ah promise.”

Raven smiled triumphantly. Xavier wasn’t the only one who could be persuasive. It wasn’t like her usual tactics, which involved deception and trickery. But it still worked. And it seemed to work a little better. This could very well be the start of something new for the both of them. It would be interesting to see where it would lead them.

JFK Airport – The Present

Anna Marie gazed out the window at the famous New York City skyline. She and her surrogate brother, Kurt, each sat anxiously as the private Leer jet landed at JFK airport after a lengthy transatlantic flight. This was the first time either one of them had been to New York. It was also the first time they accompanied Mystique on a business trip. For years she had always been so mysterious about what she did. All she ever told them was that the people she worked for were very powerful. They must have been pretty demanding too with all the times they called her up with new jobs. It was only natural they would get curious. Now they were finally going to learn who these very powerful people were.

Mystique was on the phone during a good portion of their trip. She was coordinating their little visit with Xavier. Things had been a little hectic as the Hellfire Club since the Brotherhood affair. They were still busy getting the Maximoff twins indoctrinated. But this was something she and Xavier had been discussing for a long time now. The shape shifter knew better than most people how the Hellfire Club operated. But after seeing how they turned a bunch of nobodies into full fledged pawns, she was convinced that this was the place where her children could learn what it took to get ahead in the world and fully realize their potential.

Once the plane landed, they met by some neatly dressed Hellfire associates. They were all in suits and they had a ride waiting for them in the form of a blacked out limousine. Being linked with the Hellfire Club definitely had its benefits. Besides, they would more easily avoid the usual rigors of baggage checks, security lines, and the inevitable scrutiny over their appearance. To Kurt and Rogue, it was more than they expected.

“Vow, a real limo! I like New York already!” said Kurt.

“Meh too!” said Rogue, “First a private plane and now this? Ah feel like a celebrity!”

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself. This is just the ride,” said Raven, grinning at the wide-eyed look on their faces, “There’s a lot more these people have to offer.”

“Ah’ll bet,” said Rogue as she and Kurt fought for a look inside, “Can’t wait to meet em!”

“They look forward to meeting you too.”

Kurt and Rogue wasted no time in making themselves comfortable. The inside of the limo had a nice assortment of drinks and snacks. The seats were really comfy too. There was still a new car small all over the leather. Whoever these people were, they sure knew how to live fancy.

“So how far away is this place?” asked Kurt with a mouth full of crackers.

“Not far,” answered Mystique, “We should be there in about an hour.”

“Any chance we get to do a little sight seein’?” asked Rogue as she opened up the moon roof and took a peak outside.

“Not today, Anna. We have a tight schedule to keep. And trust me, these aren’t the kind of people you want to keep waiting.”

“Like ve haven’t heard that before,” chuckled Kurt.

“I’m serious, son. This is a major opportunity for all of us. There’s a reason I’ve waited so long to bring you here. It’s the same reason why I’ve worked so hard to train you two over the years. You’re both getting older now and I feel this is the right time.”

“We’ll take your word for it, mama. You know we trust you,” said Rogue, still excited about her new surroundings.

The shape shifter smiled. It was nice to see Kurt and Rogue so enthusiastic about their visit. Hopefully their youthful spirit would extend to what the Hellfire Club had to offer. But she worked hard to condition them for this day. She made sure they knew about the injustices of the world and instilled a desire to change them. The money she spent making them comfortable also primed them for the kind of lifestyle they would be in store for. But that was child’s play compared to what was possible.

She still had her reservations though. She worried about what Xavier and Selene may have them do. She was well-aware of how they used sex as a luxury and a tool. She herself had taken part in a few activities on the side to unwind from her duties. The idea of her kids participating in that was a little disconcerting. But she saw how Scott, Jean, and Warren handled it when they went through it. And if they could do it her kids sure could. She was just worried of what they might turn into under the Hellfire Club’s influence.

Hellfire Manor – Selene’s Chamber

The stage was set for another initiation ritual. Pietro and Wanda were present, dressed in the traditional black robes members wore for this. Scott, Jean, Warren, Emma, and Sage were all there too dressed in similar attire. They all stood in a circle around them as Xavier and Selene conducted the ritual under the dim light of candles and lamps. The air was hot like it always was during rituals. The symbols on the wall glowed softly as Selene chanted the traditional hymns that celebrated new members. Pietro and Wanda remained kneeling the whole time, obedient and ready to accept this profound opportunity.

It was surreal how fast everything was happening for them. After they recovered from their injuries, it didn’t take too much convincing from Xavier to get them to join. The way they saw it this place was better than any other option and the sex they got as incentive sure helped as well. There was still some bitterness though. Pietro still wouldn’t talk to Scott, Jean, or Warren after having taken part in the fight against the Brotherhood. But Wanda was more forgiving. Pietro was stubborn and he would get over her. She was just eager to learn more about the power these people had to offer.

So with the ceremonial dagger in hand, Selene approached the twin mutants with fiery intent in her eyes.

“And so let it be said that you, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, do hereby pledge yourself to the Hellfire Club and the Inner Circle. From this day forward you shall dedicate your hearts and souls to this organization and uphold our principles. And this pledge you make can never be broken. It is as permanent as the fires of Hell itself. Do you pledge?”

“Yes, Black Queen…I pledge,” they both said simultaneously.

Selene grinned as she looked down at these promising young souls. It was amazing how they could turn enemies into allies. She had to hand it to Xavier. The man knew how to work people.

“Hold out your wrists,” she commanded, “Honor your pledge in blood and seal your fate to ours.”

The Maximoff twins did as she said. With surgical care, she cut across their wrists. Pietro cringed at the pain, but Wanda didn’t. She remained stoic, not showing an ounce of discomfort. This caught Selene’s eye. None of the others had been able to take it like that. Maybe there was more to her than she expected.

Once the blood was drawn, the sacrifice was complete. Selene held up a small chalice with their blood mixed with an assortment of special ingredients. There was no real force behind these spells, they were purely symbolic. But they had a profound effect on those who participated.

“Congratulations Wanda and Pietro,” said Xavier proudly, “You are officially one of us.”

“Thank you, Lord Xavier. I promise my brother and I will do you proud,” said Wanda.

Wanda smiled while Pietro just nodded. They rose up and bowed respectfully to their new lords. They also shook hands with Scott, Warren, Jean, Emma, and Sage. But they focused mostly on Xavier and Selene. They weren’t quite ready to make friends with the others, but hopefully that would change with time. So long as they didn’t harbor too many grudges, they should be valuable assets to the Hellfire Club. And while they conversed with their new superiors the others commented on their newest arrivals.

“So what do you guys think?” inquired Scott, “Would you say Wanda and Pietro are good additions to the club?”

“I don’t know,” said Jean cautiously, “They seem a little off. But then again which one of us isn’t?”

“True,” said Warren, “But I think they’ll fit in nicely here. Hell, look who their father is. It’s not like they don’t have history working against them.”

“Are you only saying that because you enjoyed fucking her as part of the incentive?” said Emma snidely.

“No more than I’m sure you enjoyed fucking Pietro for the same reason,” quipped Warren, “You were pretty vocal about it. You were walking funny for what? Two hours afterwards?”

“Joke all you want, wings, I’m not afraid to get down and dirty. You didn’t even want to fuck her if I recall.”

Now she was starting to get confrontational and Warren wouldn’t stand for that.

“Well excuse me for being a little cautious around someone we just fought against!” he shot back.

“Cautious? Ha! You were scared,” she teased.

“Scared? I was out there fighting Magneto up close and personal while you were sitting back in a nice, comfortable jet. You say I don’t get my hands dirty? What are you afraid of? Breaking a nail?”

“I’ll have you know…”

But before they could go any further, Sage jumped in to stop it.

“Both of you stop it!” she demanded, “You’re acting like children.”

“Sage, you say that about everybody,” scoffed Emma.

“Well with you two I mean it,” she said in a threatening tone, “You two are pawns of the Hellfire Club. We expect more of you than this kind of bickering.”

Emma and Warren fell silent. It was pretty remarkable how they could go off like that over something as trivial as who wanted to have sex with who. Emma never shied away from it and Warren still had his stubborn persona that followed him from the beginning. For Scott and Jean, it was just annoying. But at least they could always count on Sage to keep a level head, even if she didn’t talk much.

“What about you, Sage? What do you think of Wanda and Pietro?” asked Jean.

“I don’t care either way,” she said flatly, “If Xavier senses potential in them, I’m inclined to agree. He’s rarely wrong with these things.”

“True, but I think we all share that sentiment. What does your gut tell you?”

Sage looked at the Maximoff twins attentively. They seemed determined enough and they were willing to look beyond the unpleasantness of their initial encounter. They also proved to have a weakness for pleasure. Warren and Emma proved they were starved for greater comforts in life. But that alone wasn’t enough to make them true Hellfire material.

“I’m not sure at this point any more than the rest of you,” she said, “They each have much to offer, but given their history I suspect they may be more willing to go certain paths than others.”

“What do you mean?” asked Warren curiously.

Sage didn’t take her eyes of the Maximoff twins. She tried to decipher this feeling, but she was no Charles Xavier. She only knew what her core instinct told her.

“I’m not sure. I suppose only time will tell.”

She had a valid point. It was too early to make any assumptions at this point. Scott, Jean, Warren, and Emma were all in the same boat as them. They didn’t have anywhere to go and they saw the Hellfire Club as the best opportunity to make something of their lives. But their situation was different. They came from a much more complicated past. And with Magneto as a father, there were sure to be some issues and it was too early to decide how that was going to affect them.

But for the most part, they seemed to be warming quite nicely to the Inner Circle. They may not have been too friendly with them, but they were certainly intrigued by the mysterious nature of the Inner Circle. It was far more elaborate than anything Magneto had ever put together. Wanda was especially intrigued by the ceremony. After she got a taste of magic from Warren in the form of a supernaturally intense sex, she was very curious as to what was possible. And to do that she was especially friendly with Selene.

“This room is amazing!” said Wanda as she gazed around in awe, “Is this where the Hellfire Club’s magic comes from?”

“Hardly,” scoffed Selene, “This is just a chamber for rituals. And rituals only build magic. They aren’t the source of magic.”

“Then what is the source?” asked Wanda intently.

“Ha! I could spend several days answering that!”

“If it takes that long, I’ll listen.”

“I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I don’t think you’re ready.”

“Well what do I have to do to prove I am?” asked Wanda.

Selene looked at the girl strangely. She was a determined little bugger. Even Jean knew when to back off and accept that she wasn’t ready to know certain things about magic. But this girl wouldn’t do that. She wanted to know even though she just joined. Either she got an especially powerful reaction from that sex spell she taught Warren or she was just too curious for her own good.

“Give it time, child,” said the Black Queen, “Magic takes patience above all else. If you really want to learn, show me you’re serious about serving the Inner Circle. Then we’ll see what we can’t teach you.”

It didn’t satisfy Wanda’s curiosity, but grudgingly accepted the Black Queen’s will. If serving Hellfire was what she had to do than so be it. Memories of the infirmary with Warren still hung vividly in her mind. The rush she got not just from the sex, but the magic was truly something else. And it was definitely worth waiting for.

While Wanda hung around Selene, Pietro addressed Xavier. He still wasn’t ready to be friendly with the others, but the Black King definitely intrigued him. He seemed to be everything he thought his father tried to be and wasn’t foolish about it.

“I do appreciate you giving us this opportunity, Lord Xavier,” said the speedster, “Not many people I know would be willing to allow former adversaries into their circle.”

“Turning enemies into friends is just one of the tricks of the trade in our line of work,” smiled Xavier, “And it helps when you’re psychic. That way you can sense things in people that often go unnoticed…such as when they aren’t quite as dedicated to a cause as they would lead on.”

“So you did read our minds at some point.”

“I do what is necessary to gain the upper hand. Sometimes that involves being a little amoral, but surely you appreciate how it can lead to interesting opportunities.”

“Indeed,” said Pietro.

Looking around at his new surroundings, Pietro still felt out of place. But he was determined to find his place in the world. Nothing seemed to work out so far. Being raised by gypsies sure left few options and Magneto wasn’t much better. But his gut told him these people were just what he was looking for. Men like Xavier were not only willing to do what they had to do to get things done, but they were realistic about it.

“There is one other concern I have. You mentioned you had my father in captivity,” said Pietro.

“Yes, what about him?” said Xavier.

“If it’s not too much to ask, I’d like to see him on occasion. Maybe now that he’s locked up he’ll listen to me. There are a lot of things I’d like to say to him.”

“You think you can still salvage a decent relationship from him? Because I know from experience that Erik is not a very reasonable man.”

“Of course not. I’m not that naïve. I just want him to know what he’s forced me to hold in all these years. And I want him to know that we can prosper while he rots.”

“I see,” said Xavier with an approving smile, “A little vindictive, but who am I to say? I try not to get involved in family affairs.”

“Glad you understand, sir. And there’s one other thing. Whatever fate you decide for Magneto in the future, I want to be a part of it. He’s hurt me and Wanda so much over the years. I want to see to it that any punishment he receives is fitting for his crimes.”

There was a hint of pain in his words. Magneto really did hurt him. As a boy he must have had visions of what his father must be like. It had to be difficult finding out he was such a villainous, egocentric, megalomaniac. But that scar left in him a desire to one-up his father. To Xavier, that was prime motivation for him rising in the Hellfire Club. He expected great things from this young man. He may be a valuable ally in the future.

“Very well. You have my word I’ll keep you in the loop,” said the Black King.

“Thank you, my Lord,” said Pietro with a respectful bow, “And I promise I won’t let you down. I’ll begin training immediately.”

“Be sure that you do. And in the meantime, try and get to know your teammates a little better. As long as you’re going to be working with them, you should relate to them.”

“One step at a time, sir. You’ll find that like my father, it takes me a while to get over bad blood.”

“Like father like son?”

“Hopefully not too much,” said Pietro with a light hearted smile.

The speedster was content with this new partnership and so was Xavier. Even Selene seemed satisfied. There was some poetic justice to the way they beat Magneto. Not only did they kill his team, thwart his plans to destroy human civilization, and lock him up in a special cell where he would never see the light of day, they recruited his own children away from him. Now they were their allies. It was the most brutal kind of defeat and the Black King and Queen knew it and relished it. But it was just business as usual for the Hellfire Club.

Outside X-Industrial Tower

“Uh huh…right…okay, we’ll be waiting,” said Raven over her cell phone.

Kurt and Rogue watched attentively as their mother put away her cell phone. She looked noticeably more upbeat. They didn’t quite get the context of what she was talking about or who for that matter. They had a feeling she did that on purpose although they couldn’t see why seeing as how they were here in New York and actually about to meet these people she had been working for. But whatever her intentions, they were certain it was all for a reason.

“Looks like my associate is running a little late,” said Raven.

“What happened? Super secret meeting in the grassy knoll or something?” said Rogue sarcastically as she stretched out in the spacious limo.

“Turns out you aren’t the only ones getting in on the action. But no matter. Good things are worth waiting for.”

“All zhese years you’ve been coming here and never talking about it, Ve’ll have to take your word for it, mother. But just vhere are ve going anyways?”

“You’ll see. It’s right up ahead,” grinned the shape shifter.

Kurt and Rogue got up from their seats and looked out the window. Their view was dominated by an imposing skyscraper. It looked no different than the countless other skyscrapers in the greater New York area, but they did notice a few differences. For one, this place had a dark feel to it. All the windows weren’t just reflective from the outside, they looked practically blacked out. Even if they looked hard, they couldn’t see a hint of what was going on. In addition, they noticed a lot of strangely dressed people hanging out around the outside. There were only a few people dressed in normal business attire, but they all had a different feel to them. It was very mysterious.

“Vow…and I thought zhey built zhem big in Germany,” said Kurt.

“Is this it? Is this where everything you get comes from, Mama?” asked Rogue.

“It’s one of the places,” said Raven, “But believe me, this is just a small part in a much bigger scheme.”

Kurt and Rogue exchanged looks. It sounded pretty ominous. But they were used to those kinds of explanations. At least now they had a place to identify them with. As the limo pulled up around the back, they grew increasingly curious. All this tension had been built up over the years. Every time their mother went out, they wondered what exactly she did and who she worked with. They knew much of her work was of the mercenary kind, but that was all they knew. Now it felt like they were really going to find out.

Once around back, the limo drove through a couple of check points. Then they entered a road that led them below ground and into a parking garage. It felt like they were driving into the belly of a beast. It was really exciting. Then they noticed the surroundings change a little. This area didn’t look like any normal parking garage. It had a much more high tech feel to it. The walls and columns were made of steel and metal and there were sophisticated electronics dotting the ceiling. They assumed it was security related. Whatever went on in this place, it was definitely secret.

They finally stopped at an entryway guarded by mysterious men in masks. And waiting outside was a sinister looking man with a ape-like human with blue fur standing beside him with some assorted materials. When the doors opened, Raven stepped out to greet them.

“Ah Mystique…always a sight for sore eyes,” greeted Mr. Sinister.

“Please dispense with the flattery, Sinister. My kids are here for crying out loud,” said Mystique, rolling her eyes.

“Ah yes, these must be Kurt and Anna,” he said as he approached the two teens, “I must say it’s quite an honor. Raven has told me so much about you.”

Kurt and Rogue didn’t say anything. They were a little intimated by this guy. He looked like something out of a monster movie with his ghost-white face, red eyes, black body suite, and shark-like teeth. And with a name like Sinister they could only speculate the kind of work this man did.

“Kurt, Rogue, don’t be rude,” scolded the shape shifter, “Greet the man. He’s an ally.”

“Uh…sorry,” said Anna, “This is all really new for us, that’s all.”

“It’s quite all right, my dear. We’re used to it here at the Hellfire Club,” said Sinister.

“Hellfire Club? Is zhat vhat zhis place is?” asked Kurt intently.

“I suppose there’s no use being secretive about it anymore,” said Mystique, “Yes, this is who I work for. This is the organization responsible for keeping us all safe for the past two decades.”

That answered one of their biggest questions. Not only did this organization their mother worked for have a place they could identify, they had a name as well…the Hellfire Club. It sounded a little dark. With guys like Sinister being a part of it how could it not be?

“I’m sure you all have questions,” said Sinister, “But first things first. The Black King has informed me that he wishes for you two to undergo a little test.”

“Test? Vhat kind of test?” asked Kurt.

“Come with me and you’ll see,” said Sinister ominously.

Kurt and Rogue turned to their mother, who simply nodded. It was her way of saying it was okay to trust this man (if he was one). They were inclined to trust her even if just looking at Sinister made their skin crawl. But they also got the distinct feeling that once they were in, there was no going back.

“Guess it’s now or never,” sighed Rogue.

So with Sinister in front and Mystique following close behind, Kurt and Rogue entered the world of the Hellfire Club. But before they went too far, Kurt turned towards Hank, who was there merely as an assistant and second observer. He caught his attention because this was the first time he ever met somebody who also had blue fur.

“Is there something you want to say, Mr. Wagner?” said Hank in his usual intellectual tone.

“Uh…nien. Sorry,” he said sheepishly, “It’s just you’re the first person I’ve ever seen that shares my unique appearance.”

Hank managed a smile. Even with everything going on, they still had youthful spirits going for them. That would definitely be useful when Xavier started molding them in the Hellfire image.

“Trust me, friend, you’ll see much more amazing sights here then me,” said Hank.

It was a bold statement and Hank carried himself with a serious enough demeanor for Kurt to believe him. He was already in an alien looking place with two people who were clearly no ordinary humans. There was no telling what else this place held.

They followed Mr. Sinister to an elevator down the elaborate corridors. Along the way they passed a number of Hellfire guards, mercenaries, and assassins. They were all armed and equipped with technology Kurt and Rogue had never seen before even with a mercenary mother. It was all pretty imposing, but to everybody they passed it was a very business-as-usual atmosphere. They were almost casual about it, which was intriguing and a little creepy at the same time. Once in the elevator, they rode it up into the core of the building. The training area had been cleared under Xavier’s order for this little ‘test’ of theirs. Based on what Sinister read about these two, it should be interesting to see.

Also along the way, Sinister found himself sizing up Kurt and Rogue for more personal reasons. Having worked with Xavier for a long time, he knew Mystique fairly well. They were never exactly friends. In fact, Mystique flat out resented him. She saw him as a madman who just happened to be a genius with expertise Xavier needed for his operations. But there was no getting around her skill as a mercenary and a mutant. She was always high on his list of mutants with great potential so he had always been curious about her children. If they each shared their mother’s power and spunk, they could be valuable in his future plans.

When they reached the entrance to the training area, Sinister and Mystique stepped to the side.

“You’re ‘test’ is on the other side of this door,” said Sinister, “We’ll stay out here and observe.”

“Wait, just what the hell are we supposed to do?” asked Rogue, “What kind of test is this?”

“Trust me, it will be pretty self-explanatory once you get inside,” grinned Sinister ominously.

That sounded a little strange. Hell, everything sounded strange here. But their mother seemed pretty sure about this. She just stood there and smiled with all the confidence in the world that they would pass.

“Go ahead…show them what you’re made of,” she said.

Kurt and Rogue weren’t about to argue with that. They took a deep breath and waited for the heavy mechanical doors to open. With one last encouraging look from their mother, they entered. At first it didn’t reveal much. This test or whatever it was looked like some high tech arena. There was also this distinct laboratory feel to it because of the fluorescent lighting, steel walls, and hospital-like smell to it all. There weren’t any other defining features and near as they could tell, they were alone.

“Vow…zhis is some test, ja?” commented Kurt.

“Yeah, a real brain buster,” said Rogue, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Then they noticed the doors behind them close. An immediate feeling of being trapped set in. It was a little unsettling, but they were smart enough to stay calm. Mystique and Irene trained them well enough to understand that every unexpected situation requires a level head. But something about this place felt different.

“I have a bad feeling about this,” mused Kurt.

Then they heard a deafening yell from above.

“DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!”

“Look out!” exclaimed Kurt as he lunged for Rogue, grabbed, her and teleported her out of harms way.

They appeared ten feet across the arena. There they were able to take in their attacker. It looked like something right out of a video game. It was a human figure, but covered in green and black body armor. It looked pretty high tech, conforming to every muscle. It was also distinctly male, bearing a black mask with large goggles over the eyes that glowed with this insidious reddish hue. In his hand was a shining katana with edges so sharp they shimmered in the glowing light. It was bigger than most katanas and looked pretty deadly. And judging by the way the figure was holding it, he was well-trained in its use.

“Ah gather this is our test,” said Rogue.

But then they heard more screams from all around them. The two mutants stood closer and looked around. From every direction, more sword wielding figures descended from above. They surrounded them on all sides, staring at them with bloodlust behind their covered eyes. It was quite a step up from any rioter or thug. These guys looked out to kill and they had them in their sights.

“Ah stand corrected,” muttered Rogue, “THIS is probably our test.”

“Vhat do you zhink ve’re supposed to do?” said Kurt as he took a defensive stance.

“What do ya think? Stay alive!”

Three attackers charged from all directions. Kurt grabbed Rogue and teleported her again, this time to an area outside the circle of attack. Another lesson Mystique taught them growing up was to never get surrounded. If they had to defend themselves, they were to narrow the fights so they could take on their opponents one-by-one. But the masked figures didn’t miss a beat. They quickly regrouped and attacked. This time Kurt and Rogue split up. Naturally, the attackers followed them.

Two tried to stab Rogue, but she ducked out of the way and pulled off a sweep kick, knocking one off his feet. The other tried to pin her from above, but she rolled out of the way and slugged him right in the gut. That knocked him back and caused him to drop his katana. Rogue swiftly picked it up and held it with both hands. Then the attacker that tried to swipe her earlier got up and tried to slash her. She narrowly got out of the way and countered with a lethal slash to the back. While most would have hesitated before delivering a fatal blow, Mystique drilled into their minds repeatedly that when in a situation like this it was either kill or be killed.

Kurt followed his adopted sister’s lead, using his acrobatic skills to avoid coordinated assaults. Four attackers converged on him, each looking to deliver a fatal blow. The nimble mutant leapt up into the air, doing a back-flip over the killing zone and delivering a powerful kick to the head to one of the attackers that sent him crashing into another. This left two still standing and they didn’t miss a beat. They tried stabbing him again, but he wisely teleported out of the way and appeared right behind him where he kicked one of them hard right in the knee, breaking a few bones and dislocating it and grabbing the other’s arm and relieving him of his sword. Now with a weapon of his own, he flipped back over so he was facing his adversary and impaled him with his own weapon.

It was all happening very fast. They were sent right into a live attack with live people that were out to kill them. The only way to stay alive was to kill them first. It was a situation Kurt and Rogue had only trained for, but never actually been in. Their training served them well though. They were beginning to see what Sinister meant when he said the test would be self-explanatory.

“Hey Kurt, catch!” yelled Rogue.

Kurt looked over and watched as Rogue took another katana from the second attacker she downed and tossed it up in the air. Kurt instinctively teleported into the air, grabbed the sword by the handle while it was in mid-flight, and teleported back down to the floor where he unleashed a relentless assault on the masked figures. With two katanas to work with he was able to take on more and there was no shortage of them. They came without fear or regard for their own being, trying mightily to cut him down to size. But even with two katanas, he was outnumbered and these attackers weren’t mindless drones. They could coordinate. When two came from his front and back, they forced Kurt to back flip out of the way and attack them both with lethal stab lunges. But this left him momentarily vulnerable from behind and one attacker was able to get in a quick swipe that cut him right across the arm.

“Augh!” he grunted in pain.

“Kurt!” exclaimed Rogue, who was busy holding off a similar assault.

“I’m okay!” he said through the pain, “Just a little cut, zhat’s all!”

A little cut was a relative term in these kinds of situations. But Rogue didn’t have time to go over and help Kurt. She had three attackers driving her back towards the wall, each slashing at her in a well-coordinated assault that forced her on the defensive. Even with the fencing lessons Mystique had taught her, it was a challenge just to keep herself in one piece. When she reached the wall she tried to launch an attack of her own. She managed to slash the arm of the figure on the left, but this only stunned him and the other two were able to sneak in a punch to the gut and a kick that knocked her against the wall and sent her falling to the floor.

“Ughn…” she groaned.

While she was stunned, the three attackers prepared for the killing blow. They all raised their katanas up, preparing to decapitate her on the spot. It was then she noticed that just under their masks was an exposed patch of skin. That opened up a new possible strategy. But first she had to get out of this.

“Hyyyyyaaaaaaaaa!”

Setting aside her pain, she rolled off to the side. She tried to get away, but the attacker whose arm she cut jammed his sword against the wall, creating a barrier that would keep her boxed in. Then for the first time, she heard these men speak in a raspy, mechanical tone.

“There is no escape.”

“Wanna bet, sugah?” grinned Rogue.

While still on the floor, she dropped one katana and shot up from her crouched position. The figure tried to keep her down, but he missed and was momentarily exposed enough for Rogue to grab him by the face. And when her hand made contact with the narrow patch of skin, it drained him of his energy and will to fight on. Having taken off her gloves when they had her pinned on the floor, she now had a new weapon to fight these attackers off. She noticed the life energy from this figure didn’t contain any memories or thoughts. It was as if his mind had been wiped. But she didn’t have time to contemplate it. Flushed with new strength, she lifted the man up and threw him at the other two attackers who cornered her.

“Ya know where Ah come from, real men don’t hit ladies,” she grinned.

She noticed the attackers trying to get up, but she swiftly reached in for their faces and drained them like she had the first men. Now she had life energy from three people. That was energy that none of her attackers could match. Tossing one of her katana’s aside, she held the blade in one hand and made a fist with the other. Four more attackers converged on her and they were in for a lopsided fight.

While this battle was going on, Sinister and Mystique watched from the observation deck. So far they were putting on an impressive show. Despite some mishaps that were sure to leave bruises, Kurt and Rogue were doing okay for themselves. Sinister remembered how long it took Scott, Jean, and Warren to run this scenario because none of them had any training beforehand. These two were different. They were taught by Mystique to fend for themselves and they were using that knowledge pretty darn well.

While Sinister and Hank maintained a purely analytical mindset, worried only about the information the test provided, Mystique was anxious. She had mixed feelings about throwing Kurt and Rogue into a life-or-death situation like this. But she kept telling herself it was for their own good. This was the only way they could prove themselves as worthy Hellfire material and it was the only way they could prove that they took her training to heart. She couldn’t help but be proud at how quickly they employed it, but their inexperience showed.

“Not bad, Raven. Kurt and Rogue have quite the killer instinct,” commented Sinister, “You must be so proud.”

“Compliments earn you no affection from me, Sinister,” said the shape shifter, not taking her eyes off the ongoing fight.

“Who said I was seeking affection? I was just making a comment.”

“Do me a favor and keep them to yourself. Any comment from you is a comment I can do without.”

“I would speak to Mr. Sinister with greater respect, Ms Darkholme,” warned Hank in a calm, yet threatening tone, “Remember, it’s his expertise that allows the Hellfire Club to develop mutant powers and physical potential. And if you wish for any kind of assistance, namely for Rogue and her situation, it would be wise to hold your tongue.”

Mystique shot Hank a menacing look. But he wasn’t daunted. Working with Sinister hardened him to these kinds of situations. He was the first to really take him under his wing and share his insights into the scientific world. That went a long way with Hank. Mystique herself had seen the transformation. While she didn’t really associate with him all that much, she could see how he affected him. That to her was reason enough to avoid him.

It didn’t sit well with the shape shifter, but he had a point. Part of why she wanted Kurt and Rogue to join the Hellfire Club was the promise of mastering their abilities. And for Rogue that meant being able to control how she drains people. No doubt Sinister would be the one to help her there. If not him, Selene would probably use her magical talents to help them gain control. But she wasn’t much better than Sinister. In some ways she was worse. But she would take the lesser of two evils if she had to. She had been doing it most of her life and even though it had burned her before, she was willing to take the risk.

In the arena the battle raged one. Once Rogue started draining people, she and Kurt gained the upper hand. Kurt, armed with two katanas, was able to use his teleportation powers in a more coordinated assault. He teleported from point to point, never lingering for more than just a few seconds before teleporting again. This kept their attackers from reorganizing and coordinating and allowed him to pick them off, one-by-one, impaling or slashing them with lethal swipes. Many of the blows he sustained earlier still stung, but Kurt tuned them out and kept attacking. They had to run out of bodies sooner or later.

He met up with Rogue back in the center where they started. They stood back-to-back, staring down the last six attackers. It didn’t look like anymore were coming, but despite the numerous bodies of their comrades around them they showed no fear. It was pretty disconcerting to Kurt and Rogue because it hinted at some very mysterious forces being involved.

“Six left,” said Kurt breathlessly.

“Don’t tell meh you’re tired, Kurt,” grinned Rogue.

“Hey, I can’t drain energy! I have limits!”

“Fahne, If you’re gonna be a baby Ah’ll take five and you take whoever’s left. Ah’ll even soften him up for you since Ah’m such a good foster sister.”

“Okay, now it’s on!” said Kurt with renewed determination.

Sibling rivalries seemed petty and ill-advised in a situation like this. But that never stopped Kurt and Rogue before. Even if they weren’t related by blood, there was always room for bickering and competition.

Kurt sprang into action, leaping into the air and pulling off a double summersault as he disarmed two attackers by hacking at their wrists. They howled in pain, grasping the wound to keep it gushing with blood. Then they were cut down by two slashes to the neck, severing major arteries and sending them to a bloody death. Not to be outdone, Rogue attacked three of the figures head on, using the energy she absorbed to overpower them with speed. She pulled off a few slashes to force them on the defensive. Then she kneeled down and delivered a kick in the gut to one while spinning around past the other two and stabbing one right in the back. The other tried to turn around to counter, but Rogue was already making her attack and stabbed him through the shoulder before he could finish.

The remaining attackers tried to make one last coordinated assault. Two tried to box Rogue in from the front and the rear. The one in front relentlessly hacked away, forcing her to block with her katana. Then the one she kicked earlier snuck up from behind and pulled her into a choke hold. This kept her from maneuvering, but it gave her some leverage to lean back and kick the guard in front of her away. But the one behind her wasn’t letting go. He still had her in as tight a hold as possible. But what he didn’t realize was it left that small patch of bare skin dangerously exposed.

“You’re makin’ a big mistake, sugah,” warned Rogue.

But the man didn’t listen. He just kept trying to choke her. Rather than reason with him, she shifted her head slightly and kissed the exposed area just under his chin. That was enough to knock him out. She could have just as easily reached behind with a free hand and touched him. But where was the fun in that? Once he was down, she lunged forth and impaled the attacker in front of her. He struggled to fight on even as the other end of her blade was sticking out of her, but in the end he fell like all the others.

Over with Kurt, two more attackers tried the same coordinated assault. But Kurt was ready for it. When one got behind him and the other got in front, he waited for the right moment to make his move.

“Come on…I dare you,” he taunted.

The attackers heeded his words and lunged forth. But just as they were about to make contact, Kurt teleported out of the way and instead of striking him they struck each other. They ended up being lethal blows. The first figure hit the other right in the neck with his katana while the other hacked a good six inches into his torso, causing plenty of blood to spill out and leaving them in poor condition to fight on. Kurt appeared less than two feet to their left. He stared for a moment at the figures. He saw through their goggles that there were the eyes of a human behind these masks. But they were hallow and devoid. He could have easily hacked them to pieces right then and there. But instead, he chose not to. He just watched as their eyes rolled into the back of their head and their bodies went limp.

The adrenaline was still flowing. Kurt and Rogue looked around to see what they had done. Whoever these people were, they were no pushovers. They didn’t even know what this Hellfire Club was and they were putting them through life and death tests. Here they had to kill. No doubt Mystique knew about this and had probably watched on. It was pretty unsettling. Mystique and Irene always told them they had to be willing to kill if their lives depended on it, but they were never in a serious situation until now.

As it continued to sink in, it also dawned on them that this was still a test and near s they could tell it was over.

“So…did we pass?” wondered Rogue.

“I don’t know. I zhink zhat’s all of zhem,” said Kurt, still looking around vigilantly.

Then they heard a noise from behind. The door they had entered was opening. They quickly turned around, holding their weapons in a defensive manner. But when the door opened it didn’t reveal more attackers. Instead it revealed a lone figure. And to their surprise, he started clapping.

That figure was Charles Xavier, the Black King. He arrived just as the test had begun. He would have come sooner, but Pietro and Wanda’s initiation came first. He was glad he made it on time though. He anticipated this day would come and it was definitely worth waiting for.

“Well done you two. Well done,” he said, “I see Raven was right. You are special.”

“And just who are you?” asked Rogue suspiciously.

Xavier approached with poise and confidence. He gave off his usual aura of calm, which led the two young mutants to lower their weapons and address this man. From the looks of it, he was a man of power. Kurt and Rogue had been raised well enough to recognize the signs. They could see it in his eyes. This was a man who exuded control. He was the master of his domain. When he looked at them it wasn’t like he was just sizing them up on the surface. It was like he was seeing through every barrier. There was definitely something to this man, but for all his mystery he seemed remarkably friendly as he welcomed them into his world..

“I am Charles Xavier, but you may already know me by Black King.”

“King? So you’re zhe one our mother is always talking to!” said Kurt.

“Indeed I am. Your mother has been a valuable ally to me for many years. She tells me she’s been grooming you for the day when you may join our ranks. And from the looks of it she’s done well. You’ve successfully completed your first test. Now you’re ready to learn about the Hellfire Club and what we have to offer. Follow me…your journey begins immediately.”

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Up next: Xavier’s list of allies continues to grow, Kurt and Rogue become acquainted with their new surroundings, and Mystique gets a new assignment.