Sunday Lunch

Mystique waited patiently at Jonathan's, pretending to be blind in accordance with the form she'd taken. Eventually she saw her daughter approaching the restaurant with a boy; naturally, she didn't react until they were within earshot.

"That's my mom in the sunglasses."

"Is she blind or something? It's super cloudy today."

"Yes I'm blind, and you must be Connor?" She said turning in their general direction.

"Oh shit, sorry! Yeah, that's me. I understand wanting to catch up with your daughter and all, but why am I here?"

"I wanted to get to know the sort of people my daughter ran away with, mostly. And I'm curious about your... Abilities. Now, 'Rogue', are you sure you want to stay here?"

"If you'd let me, yeah. I like it here, and nobody makes me feel like a freak."

Mystique winced at that word, freak, another tool of oppression.

"I'll need to speak with the headmaster eventually, at least over the phone, but if you truly wish to stay then I won't stop you. How have you been handling the development of your powers?"

"Fine, I guess, no thanks to you. How'd you know anyways?"

"There's no hiding it now, I suppose." Forgive me, Irene. "I have precognitive abilities, that is, I can see future events. I foresaw the emergence of your abilities. I tried to delay it until you would be ready, but I knew the day would come one way or another."

"What? Why didn't you tell me? All my life, you kept this from me? Zach coulda died!"

"Please try to understand; I don't see one certain future, but vast possibilities, with greater variance the further I look. Knowledge of the future is a dangerous tool, and a heavy burden, one I couldn't ask you to bear."

'Irene' took her daughter's hand, clad in leather gloves.

"Your gift is enough difficulty alone, I couldn't weigh you down with the responsibility of mine. Please forgive me, Anna Marie."

"N– no, it's okay. I– I get it, you just did what you thought was best for me."

After a minute of silence, 'Irene' looked down at the table. "Would one of you care to order something? I can't exactly read the menu."

Mystique was pleased to discover they served authentic Italian pizza, not that "New York style" you'd expect. It was quite good, reminding her of a family restaurant she frequented in Venice. After they ate, she pulled Connor aside to make her move.

"Could I speak to you alone for a minute, Connor?" She spoke like an overprotective mother who wasn't really asking.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Your powers include some sort of hypnosis, correct?"

"Something like that, yeah. Why do you ask?"

"I've recently met a young woman who you may be able to help. Her mental state is very unstable, and conventional treatment methods haven't shown any improvement. Your powers might be able to restore her mind. Would you be willing to meet with her this afternoon?"

"Yeah, I'd love to help! Where do I need to go?"

"Her location is a secret, for her safety. I can take you there, but only if you're alone."

"Okay... I think I should discuss this with the professor first. What's this girl's name?" He asked, getting suspicious

Fuck. I can't lead the X-Men back to us, but I can't just give a fake name. And I'd rather Xavier not know about this meeting at all.

"That's... Also a secret. She's a powerful mutant, you see, and her **** state has made her a target for many corrupt individuals and groups. If I exposed her identity, our connection may allow them to track her down." Just take it at face value, save the girl, you know you want to.

"Alright, so... Based on what I know for certain, I can't be sure this girl even exists. Assuming she does, I have no proof that you aren't trying to manipulate her yourself. Now that I think about it, this whole situation is just off. I'm sorry, but I don't think I can help you."

And he had to be one of the ones with common sense! It seems my pursuit stops here, unfortunately, but we did anticipate this.

"That's a shame, but perhaps you'll come around. We've kept Rogue waiting long enough, I should let you go."

"Yeah, well, it was nice meeting you Missus... Um.. I didn't get your name."

"Just call me Irene, hearing 'Missus' makes me feel old." She laughed

"Well Irene, it's been a pleasure talking to you, I hope you have a wonderful day."

"Rogue dear, let me know if you need anything and I'll be here as soon as I can. Goodbye honey, I love you."

"Bye Mom, love you too."

She returned empty-handed, save for Psych's real name and face, not exactly what she was aiming for. Walking down the corridors, she assumed the role of Doctor Kalarjian once more.

*CRASH*

"I said stay back!" 'Her patient' shouted

"Wanda, come on, it's me!" Quicksilver responded

He knows he's not supposed to go near her yet. Not until she's ready to behave.

"Why would I EVER forgive you!? You abandoned me! Just like HE did!" She screamed, preparing to attack him again.

"Wanda what's going on?" Mystique asked in a placating voice

"Doctor Kalarjian! I– he's– I didn't mean to—" She started to panic

"It's my fault, Doctor. I aggravated her, I'm sorry." Quicksilver cut in

"While I appreciate your honesty, I still think it's best if you left the room."

After Quicksilver followed her advice, Mystique moved to console Wanda

"Wh–Where's the boy who can fix me? You said you were finding someone to help me." Wanda started to cry

"I'm sorry Wanda, but I couldn't find him. He's a very special young man, a lot like you, he might be busy helping someone else right now. But don't worry; we've got a specialist on the way, an even better doctor than me, he'll be able to help you."

"You promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

Three days later...

"It's finished, then?"

"Yes, I've corrected her behavior and thoughts, with false memories to rationalize it. There's nothing I can do about what lies deeper, but that shouldn't make a difference in the end."

"Excellent work Mastermind, as promised you will be given free reign to do as you please once our plans come to fruition."

"My pleasure. You said it would be one more week?"

"Approximately, yes. There is but one puzzle piece left to acquire..."