C122 Recruiting the Brotherhood


    <span>Check out early ess chapters on my Patréon, currently 14 chapters ahead!


    <span>


    <span ss="s1">


    <span>


    <span>—————


    <span>


    <span>Mao regarded Xavier with a blend of amusement and usation in his gaze. "I knew you had a hand in this, Charles."


    <span>


    <span>Xavier scoffed, rolling forward slightly in his wheelchair. "How could I not be involved? You sent yourckeys to kidnap a girl from my school. Let''s not conte the facts here. You aren’t some victim, so don’t act like one."


    <span>


    <span>Mao looked taken aback, clearly surprised by the sharpness in Xavier''s tone. "Well, color me impressed, Charles. It’s been so long since I’ve seen your backbone. Where did you find it?"


    <span>


    <span>Xavier''s eyes narrowed. "Oh, I never lost it. It just got a bit damaged after all those times you stabbed me in the back. But, luckily I met a good surgeon recently."


    <span>


    <span>Standing on the side, Peter felt the tension rising between the two former friends. He smiled awkwardly before stepping in. "Hello," He moved between Xavier and Mao, who continued to re at each other. "I''m Peter, and I happen to be the man who''s holding yourckeys, as the Professor so eloquently called them."


    <span>


    <span>Mao turned his gaze to Peter, recognizing his voice from the phone call they had. "Ah, if it isn’t the hostage taker."


    <span>


    <span>Peter shrugged. "Eh, I wouldn''t call them hostages. More like prisoners. After all, they did try to kidnap an underage girl." He paused, a look of mock realization crossing his face as he eyed Mao warily. "You know, now that I think about it, why were your followers trying to kidnap a minor? Did you order it? I didn''t think you were into that sort of thing... Maybe we should involve the police in this?"


    <span>


    <span>"Careful, boy," Mao said, his voice low and dangerous. "You''re ying a dangerous game. Do not paint me as something I''m not..."


    <span>


    <span>"Ah, that''s right," Peter nodded, the smirk never leaving his face. "You''re not a creepy pedo. You''re just a terrorist who probably wanted to exploit that poor girl''s powers for some grand scheme. Am I right?"


    <span>


    <span>Mao took a step toward Peter, the parks metalmps, chairs, and garbage cans beginning to slowly rise from the ground. "I believe I warned you already..."


    <span>


    <span>Peter met Mao''s gaze without flinching, his hands beginning to spark with electricity. "I’m not afraid of you, Old Man. Yourckeys are safe, for now. But let’s keep things civil, shall we?" He took a step forward, “We wouldn’t want them to get hurt, now would we?”


    <span>


    <span>Before the situation could escte further, Xavier rolled forward, his expression stern. "Erik, calm down. This isn''t the time or ce for threats.” He then turned to Peter. "That goes for both of you."


    <span>


    <span>Mao''s eyes flickered with anger, but he took a deep breath, visibly calming himself as the metal objects lowered back to the ground. "Very well..."


    <span>


    <span>Peter put on a more weing smile as the lightning on his hands began to fade. "We''ve drawn too much attention here," he said, ncing around the park. "Let''s find a more secluded ce to talk."


    <span>


    <span>Mao and Xavier looked around, noticing a crowd of passersby watching them from a distance, fear written all over their faces. They both nodded in agreement, realizing the need for privacy.


    <span>


    <span>"Agreed," Mao said. "Lead the way."


    <span>


    <span>Xavier nodded, and they began to move towards a more private location, leaving the curious and frightened onlookers behind.


    <span>


    <span>…


    <span>


    <span>After a short walk, they managed to find a secluded area to talk, the sounds of sirens echoing in the distance. ‘Someone must have called the police…’ Peter realized, but luckily they left just In time.


    <span>


    <span>As soon as they entered a secluded alleyway, Mao turned to Peter, his expression sharp. "Alright, let’s get straight to business. What do you want for the safe return of my men?"


    <span>


    <span>Xavier frowned. "Can you not word it as if we’re evil kidnappers? You and your ‘followers’ are criminals, let’s not forget that."


    <span>


    <span>Mao turned his gaze to Xavier, a smirk ying on his lips. "That may be, but if that’s the case, you should have handed them over to the police, not kept them captive to barter with me. So, yes, Charles, you are a kidnapper in this situation."


    <span>


    <span>Xavier’s frown deepened, clearly irritated. He knew Erik was only saying this to get under his skin, but it still stung.


    <span>


    <span>Peter shrugged, seemingly unbothered. "Well, I don’t really care either way. Kidnapper or not, I have your men, and you don’t know where they are."


    <span>


    <span>Mao raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Who’s to say I don’t have a team retrieving them as we speak?"


    <span>


    <span>Peter scoffed. "Because if you did, we wouldn’t be talking right now. You have no idea where they are, so you have to y nice and get them back safely before you can let loose, right?"


    <span>


    <span>Mao nced at Xavier, a hint of respect in his eyes. "He’s quite smart. Is he one of yours?"


    <span>


    <span>Xavier shook his head, about to speak, but Peter cut him off. "No, we’re more like allies. And truthfully, by the end of this meeting, we’re hoping you’ll be an ally as well."


    <span>


    <span>Hearing this, Mao couldn’t help butugh, the sound echoing off the walls of the alley. He turned to Xavier. "He can’t be serious?"


    <span>


    <span>But the look in Xavier’s eyes told him it was true. "We have much to discuss, Erik," Xavier said calmly.


    <span>


    <span>Mao’sughter faded, reced by a more serious expression. "Very well. Let’s hear what you have to say."


    <span>


    <span>Peter took a deep breath, knowing the weight of what he was about to propose. "We''re here to discuss a mutual enemy—the Nazis, or more specifically, Hydra."


    <span>


    <span>Mao''s expression turned icy at the mention of the name. "Hydra? What about them? Aren’t they extinct?"


    <span>


    <span>Noting his reaction, Peter shook his head. "No, sadly, they’re still very much alive and thriving.”


    <span>


    <span>Mao appeared skeptical. "And you have proof of this?"


    <span>


    <span>Peter nodded, reaching into his jacket to pull out a thick file before handing it over to Mao. The file contained numerous Hydra documents Peter had found in the Red Room. He had meticulously excluded anything mentioning Shield, as he didn''t want to give Mao too much information—at least not until he agreed to join them.


    <span>


    <span>As Erik took the file and flipped through it, Peter spoke, “We know your history with the Nazis. We know how you suffered at their hands. Hydra is the worst of the worst when ites to them. They''ve been lurking in the shadows for decades. Their influence and power are growing, and they need to be stopped before it’s toote..."


    <span>


    <span>Mao’s eyes narrowed. "And why do you need me for this? Why not handle it yourselves?"


    <span>


    <span>Xavier spoke up, his voice gentle but firm. "Because Hydra is more insidious and widespread than you can imagine, Erik. As Peter mentioned a few days ago while recruiting me, Hydra has a way of surviving. Cut off one head, and two more grow in its ce, or whatever the saying is. We need to strike fast and strike hard if we want to truly eliminate them for good."


    <span>


    <span>Peter stepped up, his tone earnest. "I believe we can all agree that Hydra poses a threat to everyone, mutants included. There''s no reason why we can''t join forces to fight together on this. And who knows? This could be the beginning of asting partnership."


    <span>


    <span>Mao''s gaze flicked between Peter and Xavier, weighing their words. "You expect me to believe that you want to team up with me just to fight Hydra? What’s the catch?"


    <span>


    <span>Peter shook his head. "No catch. We want to take down Hydra, and we know you have the power and the motivation to help us. Your hatred for Nazis and everything they stand for makes you the perfect ally in this situation."


    <span>


    <span>Mao crossed his arms. "And what exactly do you propose we do?"


    <span>


    <span>Xavier rolled forward, his expression earnest. "We need to gather as much intelligence as possible. Identify their key operations, members, and leaders. And once we’ve identified them all—"


    <span>


    <span>“We strike,” Peter cut in, his tone decisive. “We’re not asking you to follow our orders either. We’re asking you to join us as equals, to fight side by side against a mutual enemy. Once Hydra is destroyed, you can go back to your own ns, but right now, we need to stand together."


    <span>


    <span>Mao''s eyes darkened with memories of his past, the horrors he endured. "How do I know I can trust you? How do I know this isn''t some ploy to capture me or my people?"


    <span>


    <span>Peter nodded, understanding the hesitation. "You don''t. But would Charles do that to you?” He gestured to the bald Professor. “You may have had your differences in the past, but deep down, I believe you both still consider each other friends, even if neither of you wants to admit it.”


    <span>


    <span>Mao frowned, his eyes never leaving Xavier’s. "You see, I''m not sure what Charles would do anymore. As he said, I''ve betrayed him many times. Perhaps he''s decided to return the favor this time?"


    <span>


    <span>Xavier met his old friend''s gaze steadily. "Erik, you seem to forget that I''m not like you. I have no need for underhanded tactics. If I wereing after you, I''d be upfront and tell you to your face. You should know how I operate, even with our…plicated history."


    <span>


    <span>Seeing the skepticism fall from Mao’s face, Xavier added, "This is bigger than our past disagreements. This is about preventing a catastrophe. Just think of the lives we could save, both human and mutant."


    <span>


    <span>"Especially mutant lives," Peter added, catching Mao’s attention. “I mean, really? Come on, this is Hydra we''re talking about. If anyone is experimenting on mutants, it''s them."


    <span>


    <span>Mao''s eyes narrowed, realizing the truth in that statement. "Alright, you have my attention. But make no mistake—if I sense any betrayal, I will show no mercy."


    <span>


    <span>Peter held his gaze, unwavering. "Sure, but trust is a two-way street, and you happen to be the only one here with a history of betrayal. So, for the sake of the Professor''s pin-cushioned back, I’ll be keeping an eye on you as well. And make no mistake—if I sense any betrayal, I will show no mercy…”


    <span>


    <span>As he spoke, twisting Mao''s words against him, Peter activated his deadly sight, unleashing a surge of dark, force-infused killing intent that caught Mao by surprise.


    <span>


    <span>“?!” Mao''s eyes widened, and he reflexively stepped back as the metalmp posts and dumpsters vibrated, readying themselves for an attack that never came.


    <span>


    <span>Even Charles, who was technically on Peter’s side, felt a shiver run down his spine. The overwhelming intensity of Peter’s gaze sent a wave of fear coursing through him. His heart rate quickened, his mind racing to anticipate any potential threat.


    <span>


    <span>Seeing the surprise and fear on both their faces, Peter decided he had done enough and stopped scaring them. He turned to Mao, who let out a sigh of relief as the invisible pressure suddenly vanished, and added, "I know you''re used to working with Charles, but understand that I am not him. I am neither as kind nor as forgiving, and I won''t hesitate to gouge your heart out should you break my trust."


    <span>


    <span>As Mao’s initial surprise and fear began to fade, an impressed look crossed his face. "What an impressive mutant..." he muttered. Turning to Xavier, he asked, "Where did you find him, Charles?"


    <span>


    <span>Charles, still slightly uneasy after Peter’s disy, shook his head. "I didn’t find him. He found me."


    <span>


    <span>Mao’s eyes narrowed with curiosity. "An impressive power indeed. What kind of ability is that? I’ve never seen a mutant with such an intimidating presence before."


    <span>


    <span>Peter shook his head. "I’m not a mutant."


    <span>


    <span>This caused Mao to pause, his impressed gaze turning guarded. "What do you mean you aren’t a mutant?"


    <span>


    <span>Peter sighed. "It''s a long story. But, why don’t we tell you on the way?"


    <span>


    <span>Mao raised an eyebrow. "On the way to where?"


    <span>


    <span>Peter replied, "To release yourckeys."


    <span>


    <span>Mao was visibly surprised. He had assumed Peter would keep his followers as insurance against any potential betrayal.


    <span>


    <span>Seeing the look of surprise on Mao’s face, Peter smirked. "Did you think I wouldn’t return them to you? Truthfully, I considered it, but then I changed my mind. Keeping hostages would only sour our rtionship. I only needed them to get your attention. Now you may have them back."


    <span>


    <span>Peter started walking off. "Come on. We have a helicopter parked nearby." He called out before pausing in his steps. He turned around, motioning to a man seated on a bench across the street, seemingly engrossed in a newspaper. "Oh, and you can call over your shapeshifting friend as well. She can ride with us."


    <span>


    <span>The man looked up from his newspaper, revealing Mystique’s striking yellow eyes, filled with surprise. ‘How did he know?’ she wondered, ncing at Mao, who looked equally astonished as he waved her over to join them.


    <span>


    <span>As Mystique approached, Xavier''s eyes widened in shock. Memories of their childhood friendship flooded back, mingled with the pain of her betrayal in choosing Erik over him. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart.


    <span>


    <span>"Raven," he greeted, his voice tinged with an awkward mix of nostalgia and hurt. "It''s been a long time." He forced a faint smile, but his eyes betrayed the lingering sadness and mistrust he felt.


    <span>


    <span>Mystique nodded, her expression unreadable. "Charles," she replied. The air between them was thick with unspoken history, each silently gauging the other.


    <span>


    <span>Mao watched them for a moment, frowning ever so slightly as he turned back to Peter. "Lead the way."


    <span>


    <span>As they walked off, the group fell into an uneasy silence, especially Charles and Mystique, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact.


    <span>


    <span>Ufortable with the tension, Peter turned to Mao and asked, "So, do you believe in aliens?"


    <span>


    <span>A/N: 2357 words :)<span><span>