Long Have I Lived
Originally a drabble that wasn't going to ever be published, Dholefire appreciated it. Her comments poked me until I decided this should be published.
---x
You all know who I am. I've met all of you. We have a lot to learn from each other. Each of you will walk your own path, but you will never again be alone. Those you stand beside you will be with you for as long you live.
Long have I lived.
I've seen the most dangerous of foes become the closest allies; I've stopped dear friends from destroying the world. I've seen the darkness within all of us take form, and peace grow from evil intentions.
Long have I learned. Long have I taught.
I have watched my students grow from children to warriors, diplomats, healers and teachers. I also watched them weaken, age, and slip from this mortal plane. We stood watch, we defended, every continent, every ocean, beyond the sky.
Our enemies have been many. Humans and mutants, gods and demons, wizards and madmen, aliens and machines. They have come from many worlds, many times, but always we have stood before them. We are the guardians of this world.
Over the decades I've been the outcast, the teacher, the fighter and the wanderer. As we've changed and evolved, I became the leader. I became the old man. For one hundred, twenty six years, I've watched young people come to this place, because they were destined to be special. I remember them, all of them, as I shall remember each of you.
Be worthy of your future, and of your teammates. I, Logan the Wolverine, welcome you, the one hundred twenty seventh class of the Xavier Institute, and the newest members of our family.
Welcome home, X-men!
[opening speech from Headmaster Logan to the incoming students of the Xavier Institute, 2162]