[hr][color=white][sup][h1] [center][img]https://boweryboyshistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Xavier-s_School_for_Gifted_Youngsters_01.jpg[/img][/center] [b][right][color=FFDE15]XAVIER INSTITUTE[/color][/right][/b][/h1][/sup][/color][sup][h3][right][color=FFE650]// THE NEW YEAR[/color][/right][/h3][/sup][sup][h3][right][color=FFE650]// WINTER[/color][/right][/h3][/sup][INDENT][hr][/INDENT] [INDENT][INDENT][INDENT][color=DARKGRAY][color=LIGHTGRAY][INDENT]"It's truly a delight to be here with all of you today. These last couple of days might have been tumultuous for many of you. Adjusting to your new home is... difficult, to say the least. But each one of us is here to begin anew. And as you embark on this incredible journey, know that you have the support of faculty and your fellow classmates. You belong as part of this community. You don't need to hide your true self any longer. You don't need to be constantly afraid of not fitting in anymore. And most importantly, you can feel safe here. This place is a safe haven for each one of you. Everyone at this stage will do their utmost to protect you from harm. That includes challenging the harmful rhetoric against mutantkind. And ensuring that this little sanctuary is secured with help from the X-Men, who are making sure that my dream is achieved. What might that dream be, you ask? It's quite simple for everyone to understand: harmony. A world where humans and mutants love each other and co-exist in peace. A world that doesn't restrict mutants out of fear and ignorance. That world is possible, my students. Some of you might think of me as naive for having this silly little fantasy. And some know for a fact that the world I talk about is inconceivable. I understand your doubts and disillusions, for I used to believe the same for a long time. But I was reminded that being taken down a peg only makes you stronger. I have no doubt in my mind that all of you will be carrying the dream by the time you graduate. That's my promise to all of you. That's the promise your teachers and protectors will uphold. The promise of this school."[/INDENT][/color] The auditorium erupted in applause shortly after Charles Xavier concluded his speech to commemorate both the new year and the first day of school. Erik Lehnesheer couldn't conceal his smile, even if it was only momentary. It was fortunate that he wasn't standing with the faculty on that stage, or his old friend would've never stopped teasing him about it. To think, Erik was standing at the revitalized Xavier Institute as an ally, not its adversary. Still, it was better to keep his involvement distant despite Charles' obvious disapproval. He decided to join in the applause long before his friend began wheeling his way toward him. That was when he felt his phone vibrate. [i]Not now[/i]. Erik cursed himself, knowing precisely who was reaching him. It was also unfortunate that he didn't have enough time to hide his annoyance or silence the vibing. Charles' smile nearly became a frown upon the realization before he took his friend's hand to comfort. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"We should talk in the war room."[/color] That still surprised Erik, even if such actions were constant occurrences from his friend. Erik nodded and started following behind his friend as he took out his phone from his dress pants pocket. He knew for a fact that his anonymous 'associate' was reaching out for him, meaning that he was finally willing to talk—in person. And if his theory was correct, which was incredibly possible, then he would have exclusive knowledge of the new Brotherhood of Mutants. Not only that, but he might learn about its nameless leader, which would make dismantling the organization more manageable. At the war room, reserved for the X-Men and its leaders, Erik placed the phone on the wireless data transfer device. Then, the text messages appeared on the big screen behind him instantly. [color=LIGHTGRAY][indent][indent]you wanna talk so badly? fine. meet me at st. paul's right after morning prayer. don't cause a scene or you'll regret it, magnus.[/indent][/indent][/color] Charles tried to make sense of the meeting location, wondering if it was a genuine attempt at contact or an ideal trap. Then, seemingly unconsciously, he caught a glimpse of Erik and saw his apparent discomfort with the entire thing. More particularly the alias than anything else. There were still things neither side knew about the other that were left unexplored—for now, at least. Charles didn't like the idea, but he understood why his friend was reluctant to talk about his past. And given the recent return of the Brotherhood had clearly reopened old emotional wounds, it made sense to give him some space. Erik sensed that his friend was staring at him and began to speak. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"I can leave in the early hours and be in the city right as service ends."[/color] [color=LIGHTGRAY]"You sure that'd be wise? You could have the X-Men come with-"[/color] Charles bit his tongue, realizing too late it was a stupid suggestion to give. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"No, bringing them along will certainly spook our contact."[/color] Erik dismissed the idea more harshly than intended, which was why he grabbed his friend's hand reassuringly. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"I have to do this alone, Charles."[/color] [color=LIGHTGRAY]"I understand."[/color] Charles nodded before making his way out of the room. He stopped at the exit for a moment and then turned to his friend so he could bid him a temporary farewell with a warning. [color=LIGHTGRAY]"Just be cautious, Erik."[/color][/color][/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT] [hr]