Sooner or later, well, actually much later, Toad found himself in front of the huge barrier that led into the Briefing Room. Toad's devious mind thought up some fun as he approached the small machine on the wall. As soon as he saw the small blue line try to read his face, he quickly forced his feet into the air and stood on his hands. He smirked and chuckled aloud as the machine uttered its confusion.

"Error. Please face Recognition Initiator and stand still." Toad just wiggled his feet in response.

This was just too much fun! He now did upside-down pushups, his nose almost grazing the floor. The machine continued to scold him, but he really didn't notice.

"Warning: Initiator will send flaming death ray toward slimy frog and cremate him."

Toad still stood on his palms, having stopped pushups; it took a second for the meaning of the words to penetrate his brain. Still upside-down, Toad raised his head and saw Sabretooth staring down at him with bulging arms crossed. His eyes were cold and empty, but Toad thought he saw a slight glimmer of amusement in the feline's eyes as he spoke:

"Come on, we've been waiting for you long enough!" 'Tooth turned on his heel and Toad somersaulted onto his feet in one fluid movement.

Slowly, he sauntered into the room and hopped into his seat. Immediately, he was thrown dirty looks from Mystique. He returned them right back, as she was hanging on Magneto. She caught the obvious complaint and undraped her arms from around him and paced to her seat.

Sabretooth watched as Mystique gracefully sat down. It took his brain a minute to register that he needed to look at Magneto for the briefing, but eventually, he lazily turned his head to listen.

"As you all know," Magneto stated firmly, "the Brotherhood is unfortunately growing smaller."

Sabe heard Toad scoff, no doubt making fun of something that Mags had said. He didn't try to figure it out; he knew he wouldn't get it. Magneto continued:

"The X-Men are exponentially growing larger."

'Tooth was confused. He growled as Toad peered his way for confirmation of this. Mags seemed to be oblivious, either that, or he just knew that he wouldn't be able to cease the constant "fights" between he two of them.

"This mission will finally bring us closer to power! This single mission will bring the X-Men to their knees, and they will join us in our cause."

Toad shook his head. Every mission was "going to bring them closer to power". He couldn't help thinking, however, that this mission would change everything.

Erik Lensher a.k.a Magneto glared at his brothers in a determined fashion. This plan would work. Finally, the Brotherhood would be supreme, not that catastrophe of Xavier's. Pushing his vengeful thoughts away for the moment, he finally explained his master plan.

"As you all know, Mystique has been absent from the fortress for many hours scouting Xavier's mansion." He waited for somewhat respectable nods until he progressed.

"Every time we try to 'take the place' of someone close to anyone, we are always failed for lack of knowledge of the person that we, rather Mystique, is portraying. This time, she should be flawless. As long as she stays away from the Wolverine..." He glared at her shortly and she nodded deeply, her eyes downcast.

Magneto continued, "Mystique will dispose of the girl, Kitty, then take her place. She will lead the other girl to a specific area where Toad will be waiting." He faced the green mutant and saw that he held his entire attention.

Amazing, Erik thought.

"Toad," Magneto held the amphibian's gaze. "This is the most important part, and it belongs to you."