It was indeed a joyous reunion back at the mansion. Charles and Raven hugged for a long time. Psyche and Armor were quickly shown to rooms; they would make solid additions to the team. Peter/I were soon in each other's arms again; we didn't end our hug/kiss for a long time. It had all been fine for me; but it still felt just as good to be in my man's arms again.

Peter/I had our arms around each other as Charles and Raven came over to us holding hands. "Diana...I don't know what to say," the professor said, eyes misty. He held up Raven's hand and squeezed it. "I never thought I'd get another chance to do this." With bowed head Raven gave a small nod. "Nor I." "I'm just glad you got another chance," I said. Peter said proudly, "That's what my wife does - she sees the best in people in addition to kicking major butt when needed." "She indeed does both quite well," said the professor. "We are most fortunate to have you both with us." I nodded. "It's a continuing honor to be here with you and your team professor."

"On another note I spoke with Tony Stark directly," said Charles. "He's pledging millions through his charity foundation to help us and all mutants." "Excellent," I said. "I couldn't have hoped for more. We still have much work to do though. This Hand business isn't going away." Charles' smile slowly faded; he nodded. "Agreed. Why the Hand would interfere with mutants is still a puzzling matter despite what Jean said about them earlier. Nonetheless, they are a threat to all. We must get to the bottom of it and stop it for good. Diana - would you be willing to take charge of this?" "Of course. It's a mystical matter anyway; that's definitely my area of expertise." "Good. Anything you need - anything - let me know and you'll have it." "Thank you professor."

I then looked at Mystique. "I'd like Raven to help me if that's okay?" Raven/Charles shared a look. "Really?" said Raven. "Yes," I said. "You were a Hand member for a while. You know their ways. That knowledge could prove beneficial to stopping them from hurting further innocents - both human and mutant." "Diana's right Raven," said Charles. "Would you be willing?" Raven set another hand over Charles'. "Of course Charles."

Peter and the others left and left me and Raven alone together to work. "Thank you again for believing in me," she said. I gave her a warm smile. "No problem. I have much experience dealing with death cults Raven. They are both seductive and enthralling; and all so without ever feeling like such. That's what makes them so dangerous." "They had me good. I won't lie. They brought me back from seeming oblivion and gave me something to believe in." "That's what they do; they make themselves the lifeline - the only one you could ever tether yourself too. Their power lies in that exclusivity hold over you. You can only be your own lifeline Raven. That is the truth of things." "I see that now." "Have you ever met their demon lord?" "No; I was resurrected through their ninja priests." I nodded. "Intermediaries aren't uncommon. The key to beating the Hand and their mutant killing initiatives is to draw out their demon master and to smite him." "That won't be easy." "No; but it's the best chance for mutants and humans alike to be free of this evil."

"Where do we start?" "Let's talk about everything you know about them and that will be the best place to start."