"Hah! I didn't even take this helmet off when I sleep," Magneto chuckled, adjusting the metallic headgear like a crown. "Can you blame me? When Charles starts digging into people's minds, every memory feels naked. You'd guard your thoughts too."
Ryuuto smirked. "Yeah, I get the paranoia. But still—come on, old man. It's a prom, not a war council. Try looking like you belong here."
Before Magneto could respond, Quicksilver vanished in a blur of silver light.
Ryuuto sighed. "Guess he ran off to find something fashionable."
His eyes shifted to Mystique, who was lounging against a column. "You too, huh? Planning to crash the prom half-dressed?"
Mystique rolled her eyes but smiled faintly. "Fine. I'll play along this once."
Her body shimmered and reshaped, morphing into a tall woman in a scarlet gown, jeweled necklace glittering at her throat, and crystal heels tapping on the floor. The transformation drew several stares.
A second later, Quicksilver reappeared—this time in a sleek black suit. "Found it outside a store," he said casually. "Had to grab it before anyone else claimed it. This neighborhood's practically a ghost town."
"Mutant school's gotta be remote," Ryuuto said with a shrug. "People were terrified when they learned who lived here. Half the neighborhood bailed. Not that I blame them—after those missile strikes, who'd stay?"
Magneto gave a half-smile. "Your abilities are remarkable, Ryuuto. A pity you don't fight beside me."
"For now, I'm not against you," Ryuuto replied. "Notice that word—'temporarily.'"
Magneto laughed under his breath. "You did say if anyone dies because of my actions, you'd kill me yourself."
"Exactly. Nice to see you remember."
"I don't usually tolerate arrogance," Magneto said, patting Ryuuto's shoulder. "But you've earned it. The Brotherhood would welcome you any time."
Ryuuto flashed a grin. "And the X-Men would welcome you—if you ever grow a conscience."
That wiped the smile off Magneto's face. Without a word, he walked off toward Charles.
Mystique stepped closer, her heels clicking softly. "How about a dance instead of politics?"
Ryuuto eyed her. "That face doesn't suit you. Looks like someone else's skin. You're better off as yourself—the blue you."
She hesitated, then returned to her natural form. "Funny," she said, her tone softening, "that's exactly what Magneto told me when we met."
"So… were you touched by that?"
Mystique gave a dry laugh. "No. And don't flatter yourself—I still hate you. You humiliated me last time we fought. If I'd known your powers mirrored mine, I wouldn't have fallen for your tricks."
"At least I let you go."
"Only after planting a tracker in me."
Ryuuto raised an eyebrow. "You found it?"
"I didn't. The security system at a bank did." Her expression hardened. "I was imitating the manager when alarms started blaring. Found out later I had a radiation-based tracker inside me. The only one sneaky enough to pull that off was you."
"Then I guess I can't track you anymore," Ryuuto said, sliding an arm around her waist. "Shame."
"Planning to plant another one?"
"Only if you insist."
"Maybe next time you catch me."
"Aren't you caught already?" he teased, tightening his grip.
Mystique's lips curved slightly as they danced. "You're dangerous, Ryuuto. More than Magneto realizes. If you use your abilities right, even he couldn't touch you."
"You sure talk freely for one of his followers."
"I just tell the truth," she said, eyes glinting gold under the lights. "If you joined the Brotherhood, Magneto would treat you as an equal. You should know—mutants are dying, being hunted, imprisoned, every minute of every day. Some don't even have offensive powers. They're just… different. One I knew could reshape her body. Her own brother sold her to a brothel in the Netherlands. She changed shape for the pleasure of strangers—until she begged for death."
Ryuuto's tone grew quiet. "And you helped her?"
"I killed her," Mystique said flatly.
"…That's one hell of a eulogy."
"She was already dead inside. I just finished the job," Mystique murmured. "If mutants were above humans, that kind of thing would never happen. That's why I fight. That's why we fight. Join us, Ryuuto. For mutantkind's future."
Ryuuto released her, voice calm but sharp. "You've been trying to recruit me for this entire dance. Kinda ruins the mood."
He stepped back and gave a short bow. "I'll find another partner. Enjoy your evening."
Mystique watched him walk away toward Natasha Romanoff, her usually unreadable face tightening with a flicker of irritation.
And before she could process that feeling—
BOOM!
Magneto, who'd been speaking with Charles, was suddenly blasted across the hall.