A/N: Kitana could ya e-mail me?

Mystique put the phone down. "Was that him?" Irene asked. "Yes it was," she replied flatly.

"What do you plan to do Raven? The time has not yet come."

"When we started this Irene, did you not tell me we make our own destinies?"

"Yes I remember saying that."

"Well, I intend on taking destiny into my hands and making it bow down to me."

"The years have been long and hard on you Raven. I do not care for the edge you walk upon. The sharpness on your soul is dangerous."

"Whose fault is that?"

"You will not drag them into this Raven. I will not let you. The time is not yet right, can you not see that?"

"Irene, all I see is an opportunity to take back what is mine. I will not pass this up."

"Then you will do it alone."

"You won't help me?!"

Irene shook her head slowly.

"But you must help me!"

"Child, if you stay to the path and let fate take its course I will be more than happy to be by your side and aid you. However, if you go through with this, you will only leave pain in your wake. You will never get them back."

"Irene-"

"Raven if you do this, not only will you loose all hope for the future, you will loose your family, you will loose yourself and one of your children will die."

"You see probabilities."

"At the moment all I see is darkness."

"How appropriate."

"Raven, I beg you-"

"I'm doing this Irene. Be with me or against me. But, I will do this."

Irene bit down on her lip. Mystique crossed the room and knelt before her. She took both of Irene's hands in hers. "Irene please listen to me. I need to do this. I can't stand to live this way any longer. I will do this. But if you help me, if you help me do this, there will still be a chance. Please Irene. Please help me." Irene sighed. Though she didn't want to, she relented. Raven had a point. At least if she helped, the future would have a chance. If she didn't, the universe would be plunged into everlasting darkness. Better to have some control than none. And if she helped, she'd still be able to guide the children. A chance was a chance. "Call Pietro," she said softly, "bring him here."

The hammering on the door could only be Quicksilver. Mystique suddenly found herself nervous. Her throat was dry, her heart raced, and she was frozen on the spot. "Raven," Irene said calmly, "you can still turn back." Mystique shook herself. "No Irene. I will do this." Irene sighed. "Remember Raven, tell him nothing but the plan." Mystique nodded. She gulped and stretched a trembling hand toward the door. She stopped, taking a moment to calm herself; eyes closed, deep breaths, then swung the door open. Pietro stood on the other side, his fist frozen in midair, his mouth frozen in a silent 'O' of surprise.

"What do you think you're doing, you insufferable lout! Trying to break the door in?" Pietro could only stutter in reply. "Oh shut up and get in here!" Pietro stepped in slowly. She slammed the door behind him and he jumped. "Uh, how goes it boss lady?" he asked, eyes scanning his surroundings so fast, she'd swear they never moved. She feigned aggravation. "Pietro explain to me how a mutant like yourself, with such exceptional powers, takes so long to get where you're supposed to be!" "But I-" "Did I say you could speak?!" He gulped audibly. "Listen you worthless cad, I have a job for you."

"I hope you understand what you've done," Irene said softly, once Pietro had left. "Yes Irene, I understand." She folded her arms over her chest. "Believe me. I understand."