"One month is too short to get close to the Ice Demon."
Mystique adjusted her glasses, frowning at her reflection.
Her intel came directly from Magneto, who had learned about the Ice Demon from a leak within the Xavier Institute.
Professor X had tried to telepathically scan Vincent during the Kingpin execution, only to hit a wall of psychic immunity. This anomaly intrigued Magneto.
SHIELD reports claimed Vincent wasn't a mutant (no X-Gene), but Magneto didn't buy it. He suspected SHIELD was lying to hoard a powerful asset for their "Avengers Initiative."
If Vincent joined the Avengers, he would become a weapon against mutantkind. The Brotherhood needed to recruit him first.
Mystique had studied Ms. Juliet for days. Her mannerisms, her speech patterns, her coffee order. She walked into the teachers' lounge with perfect confidence.
"Juliet," Vice Principal Phil called out. "This is our new guidance counselor, Ms. Rushman. She's here to help with the bullying victims."
Mystique turned.
Standing next to the Vice Principal was a stunning redhead in a professional yet alluring outfit.
Mystique's eyes narrowed. Natasha Romanoff.
The Black Widow was here. SHIELD was making its move.
"Ms. Rushman will need to see the students who were targeted by Flash Thompson," the VP continued. "Please send them to her office later."
"Of course," Mystique replied smoothly, her voice identical to the real Ms. Juliet.
As Natasha walked away, Mystique smirked. This just got interesting.
Homeroom.
Vincent sat at his desk. It was Friday.
His gaze drifted to the back of Gwen Stacy's head. Her golden hair looked soft in the morning light. He really wanted to run his fingers through it.
"Hey, buddy," Hannah nudged him. "I heard you guys are going to Long Island?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow. We're taking the boat out," Vincent whispered.
"You've changed, Vincent," Hannah teased. "I barely recognize you. It's like you grew up overnight."
"Maybe it's the power of love," Vincent said, loud enough for Gwen to hear.
Gwen's shoulders stiffened slightly, but he could see the tips of her ears turn pink.
Ms. Juliet walked in.
Vincent looked up.
"What's wrong?" Hannah whispered. "Think Ms. Juliet looks extra hot today?"
"Something like that," Vincent murmured.
But his thoughts were elsewhere.
That's not Ms. Juliet.
His Hydro-Kinesis gave him a radar-like perception of biological fluids. The real Ms. Juliet had a minor blood condition—anemia.
This woman? Her blood flow was robust, powerful, and... shifting. It felt fluid, controlled by will rather than biology.
Mystique.
Vincent lowered his head, sensing her gaze linger on him.
"Vincent Hall, Peter Parker, Flash Thompson..."
"Ms. Juliet" called out eight names.
"Please report to the guidance counselor's office after class. Ms. Rushman wants to check in on you regarding past bullying incidents."
Ms. Rushman?
Vincent smirked. Natalie Rushman. Black Widow.
So SHIELD sent their best seductress. And the Brotherhood sent their best infiltrator.
Both of them targeting a high school student because they think he's a horny teenager.
Well, they're not wrong about the horny part, Vincent admitted to himself.
[System Alert]
[New Mission Chain: Building Prestige.]
[Part 1: The Brotherhood.]
[Objective: Make contact with Mystique. Force a meeting with Magneto. Show the Master of Magnetism that your power demands respect. Do not bow.]
[Reward: Blue Blind Box.]
[Part 2: SHIELD Deterrence.]
[Objective: Intimidate SHIELD agents. Harvest 200,000 Desire Points (Fear/Awe) from them. Teach them the meaning of power.]
[Reward: Blue Blind Box.]
Vincent nearly jumped out of his seat.
Double Blue missions.
He looked at "Ms. Juliet" with a challenging glint in his eye.
Then he thought about "Ms. Rushman" waiting in the office.
This weekend is going to be busy.
But first... Gwen.
He had plans to take Gwen to the estate this weekend. He wanted to solidify their relationship before the spies and mutants complicated everything.
Get the girl first. Deal with the spies later.
Mystique and Black Widow were here to play the long game. They would try to get close to him. He could afford to play hard to get.
"This is going to be fun," Vincent thought, a predator's smile touching his lips.
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