(no subject)

[tutorem]

I'm afraid, Mx. Mundane, that we're at an impasse.

You see, I've absolutely no intention of leaving my responsibilities. It's imperative that I change the world. Arrogant, perhaps, but I suppose it's always been a flaw of mine.

Even if, ultimately, I fail to alter the past, I refuse to let Bishop and his team fight this war alone. I refuse to leave Julian and Sarah. [A wry, rueful little smile.] Even if she may prefer it.

[His expression turns solemn.] My home has been destroyed. Most of my X-Men - my family - are dead. It is tempting, yes, to escape it all; to, perhaps, regain those who I've lost.

But I will not abandon those who remain. Always, I have fought for all mutants, and I will do so with my last breath.

Comments

[wedonot]

What on Earth happened? [pls ignore that this much younger you is sounding a bit like an exasperated parent, he doesn't really mean to be impudent.

... except he kind of does whoops.]

[tutorem]

[Oh dear god what.

Xavier is just going to stare for a bit, but then he realises that's really rather rude.]

I'm still trying to piece it all together, actually. I'm sorry, are you - ? [But you have hair. That's just not fair.]

[wedonot]

[He's not blonde either, alternate universes are weird.

At least no one's tried to suggest he's your kid yet.]

I'm assuming [Praying, really, even though he's never been at all religious.] we're from separate but parallel universes.

[tutorem]

[Well, hey, his kid isn't blonde either!]

I suppose that's possible, yes. [A wry, weary smile.] And here I thought communicating with the past was rather fantastical.

[wedonot]

It's an unfortunate reality of being thrown into arenas like this.

[tutorem]

A pity we didn't get a say in the matter. [That's happening a lot lately, and it's annoying.]

[wedonot]

Another unfortunate reality. [Although this is said more dryly.]

I'm sorry for being so forward, but I'm sure you understand how distressing it is to hear that sort of thing without any warning.

[tutorem]

Yes, and I apologise for concerning you. [If this isn't even - his younger self's future, then he shouldn't need to bear the burden of it.] I wish I could assure you that your future would be different than...this. [His tone is mournful, and a bit guilty.

He wasn't there.]

[wedonot]

What happened? To the best of your understanding.

[tutorem]

...Are you aware of the sentinel program?

[wedonot]

Thanks to another conversation with someone from a parallel world, yes.

[tutorem]

You've read, I assume, what can happen when an AI becomes too advanced.

[wedonot]

And we've got a few examples of it on the ship I've been assigned to. [Looking at you, David, you weird little freak.]

[tutorem]

Ship? [...No, right, apocalypse.] I'd be careful, then. Our robots are...well. [If you don't mind, Charles, Charles is going to project some images - namely, the immense, towering sentinels and the sleek, clawed hounds.]

They've a central intelligence that allows them to act as a single unit. They learn, they adapt, they grow.

[wedonot]

It would almost be impressive if they were being used constructively.

[tutorem]

[The images fade with a wave of his hand.]

As can be said for a sad amount of human invention.

[lookedtothestars]

It's rarely arrogant if there are few others willing and able to do the same. Hope is vital for change to occur.

[tutorem]

Very true. [His smile, however, is a sad one.] It's not that people aren't willing, however, not this time. It's simply that most who have tried...have failed. [And now he just looks mournful. Too many lives have been lost in vain.]

[lookedtothestars]

[Failure at something important is something he knows all too well.]

Even failure is a reminder that there's something to be done, rather than ignoring what can be done.

With a bit of wryness: At least if you are sent there, you would be able to return to continue your efforts.

[tutorem]

True enough, and mistakes are, at least, a learning experience.

[His brow furrows, as he realises the man's meaning.] And you cannot. I'm sorry.

[lookedtothestars]

As well as a sign that progress can be made.

[There's the slightest change of tone to his voice, not quite one of regret. More wistful, than anything.] I was able to do everything I needed. There is nearly nothing to return to, even if I were able.

[tutorem]

I'm afraid there's not much left here, either. If we win...we must rebuild, as best we can.

Assuming, of course, that I can't prevent it all.

[ozren]

And that's why I never want to be an X-man. I like breathing.

[Nevermind the potential her mun thinks she has. Wren's not having any of it]

[tutorem]

[Ouch, okay.

blanches, guilt and grief written all over his face.]

The mortality rate was never meant to be this high. And it wouldn't be, if we hadn't gone to war.

[ozren]

[Now she feels bad, seeing that expression] I'm sorry. I didn't mean it quite like- [Except she did. Be honest, Wren]

I don't want to lose anyone else. And if anything happened to me, my aunt...I'm all she has left. [Wren gives a shrug then, pulling her box of chalk out of her pocket] I'm not sure how useful chalk drawings would be in a fight anyway.

oops wrong charles

[tutorem]

[Charles shakes his head.] It's quite all right. [A soft smile, as he peers at the chalk.] You can animate art?

[ozren]

[She smiles back, kneeling as she pulls out a green piece] Yep. I'm not the best artist, so things look a little weird sometimes.

[Wren sketches out a foot-tall Godzilla, standing up as it rises from the ground and lets out a soundless roar] I can also do mice and edible food. Cookies and muffins, anyway. Um, I'm Wren.

[magnetic_magpie]

Charles.

[ How can someone sound so exasperated and fond at once? Because he does. ]

Your devotion to your student, your children, you X-Men, and your occasional prowess with the art of persuasion not withstanding, I think you will find neither matter much when dealing with these mundanes.

[tutorem]

[His smile is utterly genuine. He's missed you, Erik.]

I've gotten quite used to impossible odds, my friend.

[magnetic_magpie]

[ He's missed you too Charles. ]

I think we both have.

[redevelop]

A list of demands. And here you were supposed to be the reasonable one.

[tutorem]

I think I'm being perfectly - [Wait.] Erik?

[redevelop]

Charles. [ hello, old friend. ]

You look as well as can be expected. [ he allows a slight smirk. ] But you were saying?

[tutorem]

[Dry as dust.] Thank you. [Why isn't your hair white.]

I think I'm being quite fair, considering the circumstances.