An unavoidable destiny

[Gildarts]

Magneto’s demanding and rapid response was fueled by anger and rage. The clutches which both were wrapped in tight coils around Erik’s mind. Charles quickly analyzed all he could from the situation and responded in the calmest manner possible, as when he usually did when answering questions of any of the students at his school. Erik was not pleased with his manner, and always found it condescending to his power. The wise, grandfathering tone Charles always used, made Erik feel almost human. And he couldn’t have that.

Charles easily put Magneto’s assumption all together, hearing his stream of thought was somehow nostalgic after being many many years without his friend. Apparently, in the universe where Erik had come from, Charles had died. This was probable and not un-surprising, especially in his current line of work. This did however, make their current matters significantly more uncomplicated. The Magneto that Charles was currently speaking to was not the one he once knew. Xavier could only guess some of the horrors that this Erik had seen and caused.

It was interesting how “I” soon had become “we” when Erik tried to immediately appeal to Xavier’s patriarchal instinct. Charles still believed the best, and could only dismiss the suspicion that so easily accumulated with the building plans in Magneto’s head.

Charles could feel the spewing of Magneto’s intent coming off of the greenhorn Prime. But, the professor and ever-optimist, offered the metal-bending mutant a choice.

“In a few moments, some knights are going to storm the doors. They will be broken down, and undoubtedly there will be civilians who breach the door and trample their way through before either you an I have a chance to stop it. But,” Charles paused, hoping to bait out Eric’s humanity, “You can choose not to fight. And I, should you choose this, will be by your side to ensure there are no casualties.”

A fair choice. Simple enough. Walk beside the influential man in the wheelchair and cling to Charles of all people to set him free. Magneto may have even done so too, had he regretted storming this town and shredding all the humans in his path.

Now that Magneto had arrived, Xavier’s thoughts hung in the moment, of all the possibilities and repercussions of Erik’s new arrival. The Mutant’s arrival was no different than when Charles had once recruited and found up-and-coming mutants and invited them to his school. Most were lost and looking for refuge, which is why most agreed to join. However, there were those like Magneto who felt betrayed by the humans, and sought to wage constant war over any attempt at peace.

The professor’s stone face remained composed as Erik had but a few moments to make his decision and realize his future fate in the Omniverse would come to fruition all because of this moment. This monumental choice. It all came down to responsibility.

Charles had to note that even if Magneto made the correct choice, the professor would have to keep a constant eye on him. For he was the only one who knew -and would believe- what Magneto was capable of.

Brown eyes wearily held on Erik as the events played out as Charles foresaw them.

The wooden door that had been closed behind Charles was ruptured, splinters scattered in the air as swarms of people- most human, some mages- rushed into the room wearing knighted armor. The next thing Magneto knew, he was crushing them to the ground in an epic retaliation. Some of the mob had tried to seize and apprehend the mutant. Charles could only fold his lips into a frown of disappointment as he oversaw what happened next. A group of armor-covered guards rushed the room and the rebelling Magneto was quickly stunned by nullifying magic and lowered toward the ground.