[ video ] [ day ]

[bitchimmagneto]

[ When the video comes on, the PORTAL is obviously on the floor, focused upward on nothing in particular. In the background the sounds of someone stomping around and moving things - heavy, metal things - can be heard. Some soft curses in what might be German and then suddenly a swish of red flashes by the screen. Was that a cape? Is Batman's gay

Comments

voice; 1/2

[arethebettermen]

[ This isn't happening. It's one thing for the apparent child to bring Sean and the mansion, it's another to bring Raven and Erik. Charles drops his own PORTAL, which hits the desk with a very loud clank that is heard over the feed. He stays quiet, staring at it, unsure if he should answer. They'll learn he's in the city in one way or another, but they don't know he's... he hasn't seen them since--his friend and his sister-- ]

voice;

[arethebettermen]

Raven... Erik.

[bitchimmagneto]

[ He doesn't get how this thing works, man, but he can hear Charles somewhere. Not in his head, but speaking with him without actually being there. ]

...Charles? GET OUT OF MY HEAD CHARLESSSSSSSS.

[arethebettermen]

[ It really is them. He's... honestly not sure how he feels about it. He's relieved to see them alright and together, but he's also now extremely worried for Sean and the people he has met, because if Erik sees the city as a threat--and he hasn't seen him since Cuba, but he isn't angry at him--well, there's one thing he's angry about and it's currently on his bloody head--forgive the long pauses, Erik. ]

It's been some time, hasn't it?

[bitchimmagneto]

[ He furrows his brows, following the voice until it brings him back to that strange device he just flung around. He carefully picks it up, and when Charles' voice echos through again he almost flinches. ]

A few weeks at best. How are you doing this?

[arethebettermen]

[ There's a rather small and pathetic laugh. ]

I am afraid it's been closer to two months for me. [ Over a month back home, a month at the city. More or less. ] It's good to see that you are well, my friend.

[ Another pause. ] The device you see operates similar to a phone. It allows people to speak through it as either their voice, or through a television feed.

[bitchimmagneto]

Ah.

[ So Charles wasn't in his head. Though he should have known with how the other's voice lacked that distinct echoing he had heard time and time again when he had been in his head. ] Two months. How is that possible? You're speaking nonsense, Charles.

[arethebettermen]

[ As much as he would have liked to be in Erik's head, it was clear he wasn't welcome. Or trusted. That is what hurts. More than the bullet in the spine. Erik, nor Raven, can see it but he leans forward and presses his forehead to his palms, elbows resting on the desk. It's too much too soon. Noah gone, Erik and Raven showing up--]

When I arrived, it was December 7th... that is seven weeks since I last saw you. Now, I've been here a month.

That would make it two months since I saw either of you.

[bitchimmagneto]

[ He doesn't get it. Time paradoxes on top of all this nonsense just make him all the more irritated. Seeing Charles so soon after all of that was just...too soon? Maybe. Or maybe it was because he had assumed the next time they met would be on the battlefield. ]

Again, how is that possible? Where is here and how did we arrive so suddenly? Is this the humans doing? Are they rounding us up already?

[arethebettermen]

[ At that he leans back against his wheelchair, running his hand through his hair. Again, Raven and Erik can't see it, which is probably best for them. ]

Don't start this, Erik. Do not start this. If you would just calm your mind, maybe I could explain without you jumping to conclusions!

[bitchimmagneto]

Then explain, Charles! I'm not standing idly by while whoever took us here laughs and watches as we squirm like rats. Do not tell me to calm my mind.

[arethebettermen]

This is a world made up of dreams, Erik. Our minds have been brought here. You went to sleep and woke up here, and when you go to sleep you will still be here. The city is governed by rules during the day and night, set up by the Queen and King. There is already a movement to learn more and find a way home!

[ That all came out in a burst of anger. He sighs and presses his palms to his forehead again. ]

If you actually took the time to think about things and do them in a calm manner, I wouldn't have to tell you to calm your damn mind.

[bitchimmagneto]

This is all nonsense, Charles. Are you actually listening to yourself? Talk of dream worlds and fantastical monarchs. How do you know this 'king and queen' haven't just been collecting mutants--

[ He pauses. Someone just saw his mirror. ]

[arethebettermen]

[ He takes that moment to try and calm himself down. He sighs. ]

I have several friends here, who are not mutants. That is how I know.

[bitchimmagneto]

[ Sorry, Charles, he's not listening right. Too busy watching the mirror. ]

[arethebettermen]

[ Actually, he's thankful for that. It means he has more time to collect himself and actually try to be the proper version of himself that Erik knows. Not all of the crazy emotions he keeps bottled up inside. ]