Things Best Forgotten
I followed Professor Xavier into his study. Wolverine, Summers, and Grey were already there.
"I asked you all here because I believe that Eternal here owes us all an apology for this attack."
I started. "Me? I think that you have me and Magneto confused, Professor."
"No, I am fully aware that you are not Magneto. I also am aware that you are keeping secrets from us."
"Who isn't?"
Xavier opened his mouth, but before he could reply Wolverine jumped in.
"Listen bub, I don't appreciate you disrespecting the Professor, so you can shape up, or we will go elsewhere and talk in private."
I raised one eyebrow. "Is that supposed to be scary? What are you going to do, kill me?"
Wolverine snarled.
"Logan, that's enough."
Wolverine, glanced at the Professor, then backed down.
"That...was unnecessary."
Xavier looked at me. I could see him flinch at the steel in my gaze.
"I had hoped this would not be necessary. Logan, Scott."
Summers and Wolverine immediately stepped forward, grabbed my arms, and pinned me into my chair.
"What is this?"
"I have reason to believe that you are working with Magneto. I need to check. Jean?"
Grey nodded, and in union with Charles raised her hand to her temple.
I inhaled. This wasn't the first time I have been attacked by telepaths. All I had to do was direct them to what they weren't looking for.
Yesterday...
"I have a job for you."
"Look mista', I don' know who you are, but 'round here we don' take kin'ly ta strangers givin' orders."
"These five hundred dollar bills in my hand say otherwise."
"Well, that's something else. What'cha need done?"
"I need you to get rid of the mutants at Bayville high. My son is going to be attending, and I don't want him to have to deal with those filthy mutants."
"Sure. We can do that. Only, what if the police get mad at us?"
"Simple. Get mildly drunk first. That way you can say you weren't responsible for your actions."
"Tha' sounds good. And the money is ours to keep for no other favors?"
"None."
Two months ago...
"Why are you leaving?"
"Because I didn't find what I was looking for."
"You came to us. I was under no obligation to oblige your request to join. Now you just want leave and shame my hospitality."
"More than that, there is nothing you can do to stop me."
"You are a puzzle, Eternal. I would have enjoyed piecing you together."
"To be honest Magneto, I think that that is beyond even you."
I can feel your minds wanting to leave. But before you go, I need show you something.
Twenty-five years ago...
"How did it go?"
"Not well."
"What happened?"
"Layli died."
"Are you alright? What happened?"
"She copied Titan, and one of his goons shot her in the back."
"Are you alright?"
"Fine. Why?"
"Your wife, the love of your life for 153 years is dead, shot right in front of you, and you are fine? Eternal, are you even human?"
"No. Not anymore. Humans feel, and I no longer do."
"You need help."
"Say that again and I will remind you what I can make you feel."
"But..."
"Enough."
Charles looked at me, and the iron was no longer there. "Eternal..."
"Save it. I didn't lie in any of those images, and you and Grey both know it. I have not earned my place in your school. Until I do, or you ask me back, farewell."
I was outside the institute. I wasn't entirely sure how I had gotten there, and I didn't care.
This had been the worst day of my life in 25 years, and I would need time to remind myself why emotion was a vice to avoid.
I doubted I would ever return. Both Magneto and Xavier had failed my test. I would survive. It was what I did.