15052/Forging Bonds

Forging Bonds
Date of Scene:	07 May 2023
Location:	Royal Palace, Hammer Bay
Synopsis:	Wanda agrees to lead one team of the Brotherhood
Cast of Characters:	Magneto, Scarlet Witch

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Magneto has posed:
Amidst the tumultuous currents of redemption, Magneto's carefully laid plans were finally taking shape. With utmost determination, he had managed to assemble a formidable Brotherhood, skilfully enlisting devoted souls into his cause. Among those who had joined his ranks, the significance of his daughter, Polaris, could not be overstated. Yet, two other precious remnants of his fractured family remained elusively out of reach---a void that only their presence could fill. And so, Magneto extended his hand towards Wanda Maximoff, beseeching her presence.

Within the opulent confines of his throne room, an air of anticipation hung heavy, intermingling with apprehension. Magneto, a man whose eyes had witnessed the ravages of conflict and the toll it had taken upon kinship, stood poised, waiting for the arrival of his estranged daughter. The passage of time had been unkind, leaving him bereft of glimpses of either Wanda or Pietro. Yet, in the depths of his heart, he harboured a glimmer of hope---a belief that Wanda, perhaps more than her brother, would be receptive to the words he yearned to speak.

In the hallowed space of his sanctuary, Magneto's emotions wrestled with the weight of expectation. Would his daughter's footsteps grace the cold floor, echoing with tentative yet resolute strides? Would their eyes lock, revealing the fragments of a bond long neglected? In this precarious moment, his past transgressions stood as formidable barriers, their shadows looming over his intentions. Yet, a flicker of paternal devotion persisted, kindling the flame of his desire to mend what had been shattered.

As the seconds stretched into eternity, Magneto stood resolute, ready to bridge the chasm of their estrangement. With hope in his heart and redemption within reach, he awaited the pivotal encounter that could shape their future, knowing that the path to reconciliation would require delicate words and an abundance of understanding.

Scarlet Witch has posed:
While she may be prone to melodrama and the occasional impressive, flashy, and terrifyingly awesome display of arcane power, Wanda Maximoff also sometimes keeps things low key. Or at least, as low key as unleashing the vast powers of an ancient chaotic eldritch being can be. While she may not arrive with the telltale BAMF of certain other teleporting mutants or the more subtle and intimidating silent arrival via shadows of certain British telepathic X-Women, she aims for somewhere in the middle, a scarlet pentagram of energy forming on the palace throne room floor, flicking scarlet flames rushing up to reveal her arriving in their wake.

She's dressed in one of her typical ensembles, scarlet tiara framing her brow and holding her hair back, a scarlet bodysuit with a darker almost magenta corset to highlight her torso, and knee high boots with a modest heel matching the corset. She seems a touch distant, not quite in a trance, but as her eyes flicker and drift as though she's tracking motions and figures that no one else can see. Her eyes focus somewhat more clearly on the opulent decor of the throne room, lips quirking in an ever so subtle frown, not quite disapproval, something closer to concern.

But that faint disapproval fades as her eyes focus further, that slight disconnect between gaze and reality fading as her eyes land upon the figure of her father. One eyebrow lifts slightly, her lips pressing in a thin line, legs carrying her with a steady gait towards him, her voice chiming out with that familiar accent. "Father. This is, perhaps, a touch more... melodramatic a setting for a reunion than meeting for coffee, yes? You are not planning to declare war on humanity, are you?" That accent, and perhaps, just a mildly sardonic tease in her tone. She's clearly not expecting that to be the reason he has reached out.

Magneto has posed:
Magneto's heart skips a beat as the mellifluous tones of his daughter's voice caresses his ears. In a graceful motion, he turns, his eyes meeting Wanda's with a mixture of relief and nostalgia. A soft chuckle escapes his lips, a reflexive response to her playful remark, hinting at the shared history that bound them together.

"No, my dear," he responds, a gentle warmth lacing his words. "It's not a scene of grand theatrics or overblown melodramatics." Pausing for a moment, he lets the significance of their reunion settle before continuing. "However, this occasion, after the passage of so much time, calls for something more than just a casual cup of coffee. There is purpose, my daughter, purpose woven intricately into the fabric of our reunion."

With an earnest gaze, he searches her eyes for any hint of connection, hoping she had already spoken with Lorna. A flicker of anticipation dances in his eyes as he divulges fragments of his plans, careful not to overwhelm her with the weight of their implications.

"Lorna has become a part of my endeavours," he reveals, his voice carrying a mixture of pride and conviction. "She stands steadfast with me, embracing my vision of a better world. And it is within this grand tapestry that I have set plans into motion, plans that could shape our collective destiny."

The air crackles with unspoken truths, the gravity of their shared bloodline woven through the spaces between their words. Magneto's countenance bore traces of vulnerability and unyielding determination, a testament to his unwavering commitment to the cause and the longing for familial bonds restored.

"I know time has carried us far apart, my dear Wanda," he says softly, his voice tinged with regret. "But let us now embark on this journey, one that brings us closer once again. There is much to discuss, much to understand, and much to heal. Together, we can forge a future that honours my legacy and offers redemption for the trials of my past."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
There's almost laconic, placid silence from Wanda as those bright green eyes, one eyebrow lifting as she glances about the throne room again and almost bites back the brief snicker that slips free, "Well, the surroundings would fit for some sort of melodramatic and dire proclamation, so I'm quite glad it's nothing so troubling. Perhaps I'm simply... alert for such things of late. My recent reunion with Lorna was far more low key. Sunshine and crashing waves. Very picturesque. Though I suppose 'recent' is..." She frowns thoughtfully and trails off, "Not quite accurate. It was a few months ago now. Has she been well? She seemed happy when I spoke to her."

One eyebrow perks as her father continues to explain her sister has joined him in whatever this new plan for mutant destiny is. Her first thought might involve the word 'crusade', but she's willing to muffle that voice in her head, drawing a slow breath, those emerald eyes glinting ever so slightly. "And these endeavours are what precisely? Another attempt at a mutant nation? A reformation of the Brotherhood to strike at human governments?" She clicks her tongue softly and murmurs dryly, "I have membership with multiple government-sanctioned teams of costumed heroes, father. I do not think they would be quite supportive of me performing some sort of extralegal... freedom fighting?" Her arms cross under her chest, head tilting as she draws a slow, deep breath and sighs it out.

Her lips return to that thin, serious line. "But you... sound... as if you have realized those past courses of action were doomed to failure. A failure not to be repeated. We must find a new way, different from Xavier, and from your previous attempts. A path that allows our kind to be free and proud in their unique abilities. As for our personal relationship?"

This brings another, deeper frown and she sighs, "That may take more time to rebuild. Not entirely because of your actions, but I am... attempting to be more careful and steadfast in my emotions." She smiles lopsidedly and shrugs, "I would say, judging by... ambitious if misguided uses of power to shape the world? I am most certainly my father's daughter, yes?"

Magneto has posed:
Magneto's chuckle reverberates once more. His eyes, brimming with paternal pride, lock onto Wanda's, acknowledging the essence of their bond. His voice, tinged with a mix of amusement and sincerity, carries the weight of a world searching for an alternative path.

"You are undeniably right my daughter," he concedes, a hint of admiration underlying his words. "Your instincts are sharp, and on this occasion, they serve us well. There must be another way---a path divergent from Xavier's course, which ultimately promises meagre change."

A pregnant pause hangs between them, heavy with the weight of unspoken revelation. Magneto's gaze pierces through the space, silently conveying the magnitude of his revelation. He unfurls his plan, every word carrying the weight of conviction and a longing for a brighter future.

"Upon this very island, once the site of a wretched mutant slave camp, I am erecting another mutant nation," he proclaims, his voice resolute. "Genosha, built upon the backs of our own, stands as a testament to our resilience. It is a haven, a sanctuary where our kind can be free, where they can unapologetically revel in their true selves."

A surge of emotion ripples through his voice, blending with the gravity of his words. With steadfast determination, he reveals the rebirth of the Brotherhood, no longer a harbinger of destruction but a bastion of protection for their people.

"But hear me, my daughter, the reformation of the Brotherhood serves a higher purpose," he continues, his tone both resolute and sombre. "Our mission extends beyond striking at human governments. We must become beacons of hope for mutants scattered across the world, offering them safe passage to the sanctuary of Genosha. The Brotherhood will seek out these weary souls, guiding them to a place of refuge. The road will be fraught with perils, for our kind faces innumerable threats. Yet, the urgency remains."

Magneto's gaze softens, a plea for understanding seeping into his words. The weight of his request hangs in the air, juxtaposed with the belief that Wanda's affiliations with costumed heroes might find common ground in this shared endeavour.

"I do not believe the teams of costumed heroes to which you belong would object," he muses, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "I trust they would comprehend the necessity of our cause. And that is why, my daughter, I implore you to join the ranks of the Brotherhood of Mutants---not merely as a member but as the leader of one of three teams. Your siblings shall helm the others, and your presence will transcend boundaries, allowing you to operate within multiple teams. Through this, we aspire to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to forging a new path---a path that governments around the world might perceive as a genuine endeavour for a better tomorrow."

Scarlet Witch has posed:
Wanda is visibly relaxing, tension ebbing, right hand lifting to idly toy with a wild lock of dark red hair as her lips quirk in a crooked little expression, almost unreadable, but it's a very slight upturn of the corner of her mouth.

And that small crack of good cheer and genuinely hopeful nature widens, that little quirk grows to a smile, still reluctant, but hopeful, her green eyes lightening as she sighs out and murmurs softly. "Yes. That sounds... much better than terrorism and armed conflict. I will help with those ambitions and intentions." She tilts her head thoughtfully, her lips pressing into a thin line. "If things become complicated, if governments align against you, our response will need to be measured. Reasonable. I will not aid in some general war on humanity."

Her breath draws in sharp, sudden at that request of leading a team. "I think, perhaps planning for three teams before ensuring all of us are on board may be... ambitious. But I will help where and when I can in rescuing our people. And in providing whatever public support and endorsement I can."

She smiles lopsidedly and rolls her eyes, "I will, of course, endeavor not to be drawn into some far flung dimension or alternate universe while dealing with mystical incursions into our reality. But if I do not answer the phone as it were, assume I am trapped in some dark dimension and will return and check my voicemail, yes?"

Magneto has posed:
Magneto's lips curl into a playful smirk, his eyes alight with a familiar spark of ambition. "Well, my dear, when am I not driven by ambition?" he retorts, his voice laced with a tinge of humour. Yet beneath the banter, the magnitude of his vision lingers.

Leaning in, he reveals the intricate framework of his plan, the three teams poised to unleash their potential in distinct capacities. As he speaks, a sense of purpose infuses each word, carrying the weight of careful consideration.

"Pietro's team shall embody swiftness and agility---a rapid response force," Magneto explains, his voice brimming with pride. "He will lead mutants blessed with powers of speed, enabling them to dart through the chaos with unrivalled finesse. But I have deemed it necessary to bolster their ranks with Frederick Dukes, a formidable shield who will intercept and bear the brunt of destructive forces on behalf of the team."

Delicately, he transitions to Lorna's team, one wherein the manipulation of gravity or metal would shape their abilities. Magneto's gaze holds a mixture of fondness and resolve as he outlines his role in supporting her endeavours.

"Lorna's team shall consist of those with a command over gravity or metal," he articulates, his voice carrying a hint of paternal affection. "At times, I shall lend my aid to this group. Additionally, Cain Marko, known for his stalwart strength, shall stand as the vanguard, a fierce protector on the front lines."

Finally, his gaze shifts, focusing intently on Wanda. A flicker of admiration dances within his eyes as he unveils the responsibility, he has reserved for her, one that encompasses the realms of reality-altering, psychic prowess, and magical aptitude.

"Ah, my daughter, your unique gifts shall find their purpose in leading a team of mutants capable of bending reality, wielding psychic might, or channelling the arcane forces," he declares, his voice resolute. "I envision them as the Realmshifters or perhaps The Arcane Nexus---a fitting name to encapsulate their extraordinary abilities."

Magneto's voice, laden with both pride and expectation, carries a weight of trust as he offers this mantle to his daughter. It is an acknowledgment of her unparalleled potential and an invitation to chart a new course alongside her brethren, united under a banner of hope and transformation.