「 The Professor & I 」VOLUME II

(256) Destiny

Charles' POV

The sheer magnitude of her reluctance beamed brighter than any burning star but, understandingly comprehending that this was basically the only thing I required in that moment, Lynn graciously endorsed nonetheless.

And it was the least I could do, to keep her in the loop.

"Charles Xavier," Erik welcomed in a mocking tone and the whole setting was rather similar, almost flawlessly re-enacting my previous visit, as I was escorted into his personal chamber once again by Officer Laurio.

"Have you come to rescue me?" Erik teased, finally spinning around from his prior stance that faced out into the black blankness surrounding his isolated prison.

"Sorry, Erik, not today," I replied plainly, scrutinizing the unnatural pose he sported as he had one hand caressing his right cheek and the corresponding elbow rested onto his other palm that hovered across his torso.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Erik investigated in an amused tone, but I merely eyed Laurio, watching discreetly as he backed away, allowing the secure chamber doors to seal themselves shut again, before I leaned closer to my old friend.

"The assassination attempt. What do you know about it?" I grilled quietly, gazing intently into his eyes.

"Nothing. Only what I read in the papers," Erik answered nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders in a casual, unconcerned motion.

"You really shouldn't have to ask," Erik emphasized in a cheerless tone and shakily lowered his hand from his face, revealing obvious internal bruising throughout the length of his jaw.

"What's happened to you?" I enquired anxiously, frowning at him in dismay.

"I've had frequent visits from William Stryker," Erik announced in absolute resentment and a smile began to twitch onto my face ironically at the arrogant man's mention.

Erik had had an equal to zilch concept of Stryker, and all his deeds, the last time I saw him, simply cursing the team of meddling youngsters for foolishly foiling his decorated plans of promoting natural selection.

Surely, his artificial methodologies would have produced results greatly contrasting the gradual evolution process Darwin initially envisioned but Erik, then muddled and still under the influence of whatever Stryker had put him under, was determined his acts were nothing but legitimate and no amount of persuasion or retelling of our history, not to mention over strategic board games as Lynn conscientiously suggested, was capable of convincing him otherwise.

"You remember him, don't you? His son, Jason, was once a student of yours, wasn't he?" Erik deliberately taunted but not even his ridiculing could douse my flames of reignited euphoria.

"Erik, you remember," I commented in amazement, grinning automatically as a surge of exhilaration bolted beneath my skin.

"Yes, Charles. I remember," he spat bitterly.

"Peter, Wanda, Lorna, Lynn, Raven, Hank, the X-Men, do you remember them?" I prodded, the names eagerly spilling through my teeth in an unrestrained torrent, as I peered up at him with an expectant gaze but he was clearly not too fascinated himself.

"I remember all of them," Erik croaked in a dismal tone.

"Where are they? I can help you get them," I offered, smiling encouragingly at him.