Really sorry this took such a long time. I could give you a lot of excuses, but I figured the next three chapters would be better. Please review! In case you couldn't tell I LOVE reviews.

Mastermind fidgeted anxiously while he was waiting outside of the entrance to Magneto's office. Noticing his reflection in the large metal door he began to pull the leaves out of his hair in an effort to look presentable. It was no secret to anyone that Mastermind was scared of Magneto, the reason being that Magneto was the only one who had the power to resist the illusions Mastermind could project into people's heads. When he was first recruited the other Acolytes would single him out because of the way he sucked up to Magneto, but after a few mishaps with Mastermind's powers, including one where Remy mistook Colossus for a French prostitute, they left him alone.

Mastermind jumped when one of Magneto's surveillance cameras turned suddenly to focus on him.

"Come in."

Magneto's voice sent a chill running down his spine, and he prayed silently that what he had to report would be considered good news. The giant steel door slid open, allowing Mastermind to enter. The first thing he noticed was that Magneto, who was standing to the side of his desk, was wearing his helmet, so Mastermind's powers would be useless against him. The door closed as soon as Mastermind was inside, shutting excess light out of the dimly lit room. The only source of light came from the fire that cast an eerie glow on all the metal surfaces. Mastermind began wringing his hands and he could feel sweat beading down his neck.

"Sit down," Magneto insisted, pulling a chair from the side of the room in front of his desk with a wave of his hand. Magneto sat in his own metal revolving chair on the opposite side of the desk and gazed at Mastermind expectantly. Mastermind sat down grasping the arms of his chair rather tightly. The assortment of sharp metal objects that Magneto displayed on his desk was doing nothing to ease Mastermind's nerves.

"Report?"

"Well, uh, I followed the boy home last night, and I listened in on their conversations. It sounded like they weren't planning on following orders from what I heard, and I began to worry, but it just so happens that one of the members, uh, took matters into their own hands to persuade the others…"

"The fire?" Magneto asked.

"Umm…yes. You knew?"

"Of course I knew. It's going to be all over the news, continue."

"Yes, well, the fire served its purpose, but there was another loss besides the house. Fred Dukes…the Blob, is dead."

"Interesting…well out of the Brotherhood members he was the least useful, so it isn't that painful of a loss. I take it the others went to Xavier?" Magneto asked thoughtfully. Mastermind couldn't help but be amazed at the way Magneto talked about these living, breathing teenagers as if they were pawns in a game that could easily be replaced, two of them were even his own children, but Mastermind couldn't help but feel that Magneto would have been more upset if the weather didn't agree with him.

"Yes," he answered simply, deciding that it was better them than him.

"Very well then. Excellent job Mastermind. You may leave, and expect a bonus with your next payment.

"Thank you Magneto," Mastermind said graciously, as he stood up to leave. He was halfway to the door when Magneto called out to him.

"Oh, and Mastermind…"

Mastermind turned, "Yes?"

"Remember that those who are loyal to me are always rewarded. If you ever decide to leave, I'm afraid that things would be a lot more difficult for you. You know what happens to my enemies, don't you Mastermind?"

Mastermind swallowed nervously, "Yes."

"…That is all, you may go now."

Mastermind sighed with relief when the heavy steel door slid shut and he was out of Magneto's sight. Happy that things didn't go too badly he went to his room, which was only three doors down the hall from Magneto's office and went to sleep.