pixieledmemes | Test Drive Meme #2

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Test Drive Meme #2

TDM #2 - March/April 2025

🦋 Introduction

Welcome to the Pixie Led Test Drive Meme!

The prompts will always be game canon, provided both characters who participate in a thread are either already in the game, or get accepted in the next application round.

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Please indicate character name and canon in the subject line of your top-level. For current characters, you may also indicate your character's court.

For prospective players, Invites open on the 18th, Reserves on the 20th, and Applications on the 22nd. Thanks for checking us out and we hope you'll join us!

🦋 The Party

You wake up at a party.

You're not sure how, exactly, you got here. You may have just been walking in the woods or at a meeting for work or doing any other normal activity for you. But you know you weren't supposed to be at this party, you're fairly certain.

Anyone you ask about it will say the party is for you. You and the others also waking up and looking confused. Further questions will lead to the partygoers insisting you have something to eat. You're starving and others are eating the food without repercussion, so you figure there's no harm in a bite. You finish your portion.

It's a garden party at the crack of dawn, with the sun still in its early stages of climbing through the yonder, casting a good mix of pastel hues of blue, pink, and beige on everything. Heralding the first day of spring, the Ruler of the Spring Court has found it fitting to arrange this gathering where guests can feel the blades of grass touching their ankles, as well as the rich soil beneath their feet. Flowers of all kinds surround the party as if they were carefully curated. With spring as the "dawn of seasons," which marks a transition from winter's latency to the resurgence of life everywhere, the Ruler of the Dawn Court has also seen it fit to host aspects of this party during the one time of the year that dawn occurs the whole day. Tall candles and torches grace the outskirts of the garden party, providing warmth and an orange glow everywhere. Not one flame goes out even with the occasional wind, the Duchess always makes sure of this.

There are also freshly picked blossoms and branches with leaves on every table accenting the festive spread of food and drinks. This time, a lot of the food prepared for the Adopted guests are familiar to them with a little bit of a twist. Burgers might come in small packages and in toothpicks, while hotdogs in buns are also diminutive. Cookies look delectable but they have a flowery flavor to them, as if eating freshly picked daisies or daffodils. Fruits that may have been present in an Adopted's home, such as pineapples and watermelons, have seeds in odd places. Picking this selection of food is an attempt to be more welcoming and to appease the lovely guests the fae have invited.

As the party winds down and everyone's eaten, a tall, stately woman stands up and speaks. You feel her voice more than hear it.

I am the Lawspeaker of the Fae, elected by Seelie and Unseelie alike, and you are all, now, subjects of Faerie. You cannot leave this realm once you have eaten our food, and even if you could, there is no saying how much time has passed back where you're from. Your loved ones are likely dead, your problems have likely played out. We require assistance in various matters, and each of you has been chosen for your talent and skill. You will be adopted by one of the Seelie or Unseelie Courts based on your strengths and personality. Your Court will decide what to do with you from there.

As suddenly as she stood, she sits back down.

🦋 Chance at a Dance

A party is not complete without dancing, of course, and while during the last gathering held for the Adopted, different fae danced to music exclusively for them around a glowing tree, this time they are insisting their guests to join in.

This is a party for you, after all.

If the prodding of the different fae hosts won't convince you, perhaps the music will. They play easily recognizable tunes that their wonderful guests must have heard before. These melodies have certain unique effects to their mortal attendees, which are as follows:

Upbeat Music: You will believe that you and your dance partner have been friends forever and have known each other a long time.
Romantic Music: You will become amorous and flirtatious towards your dance partner.
Slow Music: You will develop some tension with your dance partner. It may be negative or sexual; completely up to you.
Quiet Music: You will assume your dance partner is a threat and try to fight them.

🦋 Flower Power

At the Spring King's behest, every Adopted should wear a flower corsage or boutonnière to the gathering. After all, this is to celebrate the coming of spring and what better way to do that than to honor everything in bloom.

The thing is, though, the King of Spring, while amorous and friendly, also has a penchant for playing with mortals' memories, if not also affect their desires and despairs.

So, mischievous as he is, he made sure to enchant the different flowers present in every corsage and boutonnière for the party with the effects below:

Rose: You will recall a horrific trauma
Carnation: You will see a vision of your future, whether it's good or bad
Orchid: You will remember a time you lost someone
Chrysanthemum: You will believe someone among the Adopted is your soulmate
Dahlia: You will believe you betrayed someone important to you, whether you actually did or not

It is perhaps a good thing that no one but the Adopted are allowed to see these visions and memories, but everyone who wears a corsage or boutonnière will be able to see each other's memories and visions when in close enough physical proximity to the vision-haver, for better or for worse.

🦋 GEIS

You feel a vibration in your pocket sometime after the Lawspeaker addresses everyone. When you search for the source, you will pull out your Leaf, the device the Fae use to stay in touch with each other. Anyone who's used a smart phone will easily recognize how it works.

Greetings, Adopted. This is your Lawspeaker.

Tell us all of a time you gave someone a gift. Perhaps a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates. Was it appreciated or not? A reward might await the most meaningful gift given.

🦋 Link to Overflow Post

ｎａｖｉｇａｔｉｏｎ

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ He can almost hear all those things Charles thinks of saying, but doesn't. It's hard to know where to begin at times, but that has always been them, hasn't it? The longer they've known one another, the more lies unspoken. And the truth of it all is that nothing with them was ever simple, Charles was only naïve to think it was.

But things were good, the last he'd seen Charles. The past decade has been kinder on them both, keeping in touch was easier, a truce of sorts, even if a true mending of their relationship only began when Erik was suddenly brought here. He thinks it unfair that Charles should now appear from ten years before (saying it was a few years was putting it mildly, really), but it's... better than a lot of other options.

Charles's words of concern manage to etch a smile on his face. He doesn't feel especially worn down, perhaps he's just starting to look old. ]

And I am glad to see you. Even if I would rather you too weren't trapped here with us.

[ He can't really talk of a next meeting when Charles has just joined him in Genosha. But it has been two months since, so. ]

We really are trapped, then?

[ Charles looks thoughtfully down at his cup and saucer, cradled carefully on his lap. The shortbread that had accompanied it-- god, he hadn't thought anything of eating it. But then that woman, the Lawspeaker, had announced that they were all here to stay if they'd eaten the food. A ridiculous rule, but one that Charles faintly remembers from his readings on mythology.

Thus far, fascination has carried his mood, keeping him relatively cheerful despite the bizarre situation. He'd sensed no real intent to harm from any of the Fae, and so, it had been easy to stay light. But the concept of being trapped-- no, he has to get back to the school, to his students, to the fight for equality. What use is he if he's trapped here?

His mouth slants into a discontent line, but he busies himself by taking a sip of tea. ]

You've been here for a while, then. [ It's an assumption, but he's sure he's right. Erik doesn't look surprised by any of this, only by Charles' presence. Charles gaze rakes over Erik a second time, probing. He doesn't look injured, or in serious distress. ] How long?

Unfortunately so, yes.

[ He too had been tricked the same way, having found it difficult to resist the food after a while. He wouldn't be surprised if magic had been at play then too, given how he likely wouldn't have helped himself otherwise.

He pulls a chair from nearby, so he can sit beside Charles, just far enough away from the dance floor not to disturb or be disturbed. His gaze studying the telepath all the while, guessing easily what weighs on his mind when it's much the same on Erik's own. ]

Two months, now. Several of us arrived at once, exactly in this same manner. [ Dragged into a party, told that it was for them. Some activities are different, but otherwise it's all the same. ] We didn't know there would be more people brought in.

Months.

[ It could be worse. It could have been years. But it's still not pleasant to hear that one of the smartest and most ruthless people Charles knows has been stuck here for months and hasn't found a way out yet. Erik's powers don't lie in world-hopping, true, but if there was a way, he likely would have found it by now.

Charles sets his cup down onto its saucer, gaze stuck in the middle distance as he doesn't quite watch the people dancing. The colorful swirl of fabric and hair and jewels and laughter isn't quite holding his attention, funnily enough. Where before it had seemed almost enchanting, now it seems-- distracting, and little else. ]

Well then. [ Charles takes a deep breath, and seamlessly switches from discontent to decisive. Sitting around feeling lost won't help anyone. ] You should tell me everything you know about this place, then.

[ Charles's shock is both reasonable and expected, and there's really not much Erik can offer in way of comfort. It's far from the worst he's been through, admittedly, but then Erik's bar when it comes to truly horrible things is particularly high; very little is comparable. There are dangers here too, and worse yet, an utter lack of knowledge of what the Fae may want from them in the long run.

He doesn't know if Charles's resolution will make much of a difference, but it's better than seeing him lost and defeated. It's also different to have him to discuss the complexities of this place, someone who understands him deeply and has known him for so long.

So, he'll share what he knows gladly, even without knowing if it'll hold any true weight. ]

So far, we haven't learned much. Everything here seems largely tied to what we would consider myth or legend. You'll see and hear of Fae just as you will other creatures here, and magic is common as well, tied closely to how everything in this place works. Those of us who come from worlds without magic are the odd ones out, I'm afraid.

[ Not that mutants are ever strangers to being marginalized, but this is not really the same. ]

It seems that whatever force pulled us here can reach out to different universes, parallel realities, and various points in time. I've met mutants from well in our future, and others that might know different versions of you. [ Evidently speaking from experience, here. ] We don't really know what the Fae want from us yet, but they want something. About a month past, a dragon attacked the castle grounds and surrounding settlements. As most of us have unique abilities, we were able to stop its rampage, and by the end of it, the Fae expressed their interest in us... paying for our way back, in a way. Be of use to them, and be granted a right to go home.

[ Asking the question, Charles had expected one hell of a story. After all, they seem to have been shunted to an entirely different world with an entirely new-to-him species, any information that Erik will have gathered is likely fantastical and bizarre.

But he hadn't quite been expecting... all of that. Charles stares, and then surprises himself by breaking out into laughter. The kind of laughter he's not overly given to these days -- open and unrestrained. ]

Oh, Erik, I know you're telling me the truth, I don't disbelieve you, but you have to admit this is all ridiculous. Magic? A dragon, of all things?

[ It is interesting that the Fae have promised a way home, but Charles is still caught up on the whole dragon thing. And the magic thing. And the eating-means-you-can't-go-home thing. Luckily, he's very used to the bizarre and unusual, so it won't take him long to process, but he still has to set aside this moment for amusement.

On the heels of that comes a wave of relief. He has Hank here. He has Erik-- he may not be entirely sure where they stand with each other, or on Erik's priorities, but having him here is nonetheless... reassuring. ]

Alright. Magic and dragons, I can accept that. [ He sobers a little, but there's still amusement sparkling in his eyes. ] And the Fae themselves? How have they treated you?

[ He's not expecting the laughter, and it shows in the way his eyebrows arch, stunned for just a moment. It is a rare sound, indeed, but rather than off-putting, it feels almost like it soothes something in him, uninvited fondness settling beneath his ribcage. He tries, and fails, not to show it in his smile, but at least it's a brief thing as he shoots Charles a pointed look at those words instead, head tipping ever so slightly. ]

It didn't feel ridiculous when it actually set me on fire.

[ He's fine now, obviously, so Charles doesn't need to worry. But it certainly didn't seem like some strange, elaborate prank then. The destruction all around them looked all too serious, too. ]

They treat us sufficiently well. Mostly, I expect, because they believe we'll be of use to them. They don't necessarily rationalize in the same way that we do, it can sometimes... create an obstacle in terms of mutual understanding. Regardless of motive, a healthy amount of distrust seems like the safest approach, at the moment.

[ Erik Lehnsherr, paranoid? Never. ]

[ Charles expression twists into something more appalled, then, because really? It had set him on fire?

He looks fine, thankfully? There'd been no pain in his body language when he'd sat, so Charles supposes he'd survived just fine. But it's still highly alarming.

It's reassuring to hear that they're treated well, though. Charles hadn't been sure what to expect after the party-- were they all going to get thrown into a cell? Or tossed into the wilderness to survive for themselves? No, it seems there's a castle, which he gathers is where they must stay. He's not surprised that Erik is advocating distrust. ]

I'm... inclined to agree with you. [ Charles, ever the optimist and pacifist, cannot bring himself to freely trust people that just kidnapped him. ] Still, I sense no real intent to harm, beyond spiriting us away to their world. Did they ever say why they've brought us here?

[ He is fine, really. Like he said before, there are many among the Adopted with unique abilities, among them some healers, so Erik has not a mark on him from the confrontation with that dragon. He still would have lived, to be fair, but he would have had some scarring as a memento. Perhaps even lost some of his hair. (Tragic, really.) ]

Oh, I doubt you'll be able to glean much from the Faes' minds. I'm not even sure that I'd advise you to try.

[ The last thing he wants is for Charles to be put into some magical coma on his first week here, or worse. Taking risks is all fine and well, but this is an entirely different situation than anything either of them have been involved in. ]

[ Charles tends to keep the details of his telepathy close to his chest; most people are made uncomfortable when he reveals exactly how much he overhears even when he's not actively trying, let alone how much he can dig up if he is actively trying.

But Erik's assumption is wrong. He can sense most of the Fae at this party just fine, their thoughts largely turned toward the present, enjoying the festivities. There are a few whose thoughts are more difficult to catch, like trying to trap a breeze. And the King and Duchess holding court? Their thoughts are so slippery that he cannot glean anything from them -- but he knows that if he gets a foothold, he might eventually be able to decipher their wild minds.

So he smiles, small and private, and says: ]

Underestimating me again, old friend? Their minds aren't any different than yours or mine.

[ He has not attempted to actively dive in, but if he did, his target would be those of note; the King and Duchess, who are more likely to have important information. But he will have to work on them slowly.

He nods over at the King, drawing Erik's attention to him. ]

His mind, however, is like... a hurricane. Like trying to catch a thousand butterflies with a tiny net, or to separate all the fish from the ocean.

[ He didn't exactly mean that Charles would hear nothing; simply that trying to dig for the information they might actually want (why they're here, how they were captured, how they can go back home) won't be easy, if at all possible. And yes, there is a sense of trepidation that, no matter how powerful Charles is, he will find himself well past his depth at some point.

His gaze flicks briefly to the King, though he doesn't have to in order to know that's precisely who Charles is talking about. He's silent for a moment, studying Charles intently, a small nod that still carries the same level of concern. ]

I simply don't want you to get swept up in the current. This place, these people— they're unlike anything we've ever dealt with.

[ And at his point in time, Charles hasn't even engaged with Nur yet. ]

I'll be fine, Erik.

[ Said with the amused, casual arrogance of a man who has (almost) never failed to achieve anything telepathically, except for perhaps when he was a child. ]

Still, it may take me some time to learn to navigate that current. Some minds truly are as you fear-- liable to swallow up an incautious telepath and leave them severely damaged.

[ Logan's mind had been like that. A howling gale of lost memories and jagged recollection, with the connection of time travel layered on top of it, an impossible current of energy and chronology. Charles had only been able to find his way out with his older self's help. ]

But when I do, I can only hope that I can find something useful. [ He rubs his chin thoughtfully. Strategizing with Erik feels like... like coming home. Like something so natural, it's easy to forget they were ever on opposite sides of a philosophical argument. ] Who would you judge to be the most useful mind to read?

[ While his expression doesn't change, his emotions range from amused to unsurprised, because of course Charles would be arrogant enough to think that he of all people would be alright simply because of his abilities. Not that Erik hasn't taken risks in the past, but it's different; he's taken them fully aware of the possible consequences, whereas Charles seems to think his mental prowess will spare him.

But he won't linger on that, for the time being; there's little purpose to it when it's all hypothetical for now. His attitude may yet change whenever Charles decides to be reckless about this. ]

As do I, believe me.

[ He would want nothing more than for Charles to be right about this. That the arrival of one single person could change everything. He doesn't have high hopes about it.

But it feels nice, discussing these possibilities with Charles. It makes him feel just a little more purposeful, a little more driven. If to Charles it's as if he forgets their differing views in the past, it might be because they're not quite so on opposing sides in Erik's own time. He's certain that's a topic that will come up eventually. ]

The Lawspeaker, undoubtedly. [ He has exactly zero hope that will lead to anything, though. ] The Court Rulers might know something of use. None will answer questions directly about our presence here, and there's no real information about this place's history, or what lies beyond what I assume must be some sort of magical barrier keeping us from the rest of this world.

Excellent. I'll get to work immediately. It shouldn't take years, at least.

[ At least, when he's not distracted by a party, and by Erik's presence. Even when he's doing other things, Charles is capable of studying a mind in the background, turning it over in his hands like a rubix's cube that's proving particularly puzzling.

Elbows on his armrests, Charles steeples his fingers, and gives Erik a significant look. ]

Until then, I think we should debate the merits of having you tell me all about my future. Or, better yet, letting me watch it.

[ Because Charles is very on the fence about it. On one hand, knowing too much about the future seems like a dangerous thing, and when Logan had traveled back, he had been cautious not to tell them too much beyond the necessities. On the other hand, Charles is eternally curious, cannot help himself, and it would help get he and Erik on the same page -- because he cannot shift the feeling that they're... out of step with one another. ]

[ There's still uncertainty in Erik's expression, a sort of reluctance that he really can do nothing about. Because Charles will do what he wants, whether or not it's the smartest decision, and... well, given their circumstances, some part of him wonders if that's perhaps a risk worth taking.

It's not something to worry about right at this moment, at least. He'll be sure to keep an eye on any developments, and he'll try to stop Charles if it becomes too dangerous. Whether or not he'll succeed, well, that's a whole other matter entirely.

The shift in topic gets a huff from him, smiling as he tips his head. ]

I'll tell you some things about our future. But I'm not going to tell you everything.

[ The implication there being that he would rather Charles not go looking for it in his head, because there are some details, some losses that he's better off not knowing about. Erik doesn't know that those will be kept from him for long in a place like this, but for as long as he can keep it to himself, then he will. ]

[ Charles wants to protest. What's the point of knowing some of the future but not all of it? The things Erik wants to keep him ignorant about are clearly important events -- why else would he withhold them?

If Charles were slightly less ethical, the point would be moot. He could simply look at Erik's memory in its entirety, and Erik wouldn't know he did it. Charles only puts his fingers to his temple as a politeness, a gesture to alert other people that he's using his ability. Without that, he could be as silent as a thief. But, no. To do so would be to betray Erik's trust-- however much of that he currently has, in the future Erik is from. ]

Understandable. Slightly regrettable, but understandable.

[ Erik could just tell him. It would be easy enough, if incredibly slow and undetailed. But Charles wants to see it. He wants to understand it in the language he knows best. ]

I'd prefer to see your memories, if you don't mind. [ Charles says it delicately, because frankly, he's not sure if Erik will mind or not. He hadn't had that helmet on the last time Charles contacted him, but he's not sure if that's a welcome. ] Anything you don't wish me to see, you can hide behind a metaphorical locked door, and I won't go snooping. I can show you how, if you like.

[ Oh, he's well aware of how easily Charles could take what he wants from his mind, but there is indeed a level of trust here, a belief that he won't push past that boundary when Erik is explicitly telling him he doesn't want to share all of it.

More trust, undoubtedly, than there was between them the last time Charles might remember seeing him. Things have changed, at Erik's point in time. Not all for the better, but between them? Absolutely. ]

I'm familiar with how it works. [ Charles may be the telepath, but Erik has learned how to express when he wants to keep a specific memory to himself. This is not the first time that Charles explains to him how to do this, even shows him, so. He doesn't need the tutorial.

He doesn't need the time to think about it, which is telling in itself; he just gestures between them, palm up, stance relaxed. ] Go ahead.

[ Ah, excellent, either himself or another telepath has taught Erik that little technique, then. Charles would have been happy to do so here, but not having to do so does save time.

The offered hand gives him pause, makes his heart skip the tiniest of beats, an uncertain gaze flicking up to Erik's face. He doesn't need physical contact. Erik knows that. Physical contact doesn't even make it easier. And yet, it's being offered. Tentatively, hopefully, he reaches out to grasp Erik's hand, fingers curling securely around his.

It's the work of a moment to dip into his mind. Some minds simply shine brighter to a telepath, and Erik's-- god, Erik is like a forest fire among candles. It's not just his power, though that immense magnetism is more powerful than most. It's how neatly they slot together. It's how precious this particular mind is to him. It's how much their chance meeting in that freezing ocean meant. It's how much it meant when Erik left him on that beach, or dropped a stadium on him, or tried to kill Raven. It's how much it meant when Erik let him in, halfway across the globe, sick with grief and En Sabah Nur's influence but still open to Charles' telepathic touch.

He takes them to a mental space he fondly dubs the lobby, a space in between memories. Charles' own landscape looks like a massive library, with books as his memories, some out in the open, some tucked away in darkness, some gathering dust. He will let Erik's own landscape fill out with his own unique signature.

As it builds around them, Charles says: ]

Thank you, my friend. I know this is not an easy ask.

[ The gesture is there, whether or not Charles wants to take it. Erik doesn't explain why he offers, but he supposes he will see enough into Erik's mind to have that answer. This doesn't scare him in the slightest, and there's a calm in him, compared to the excitement that nearly shines in Charles's gaze.

The feeling is as familiar as ever, and what differences he senses, he's sure it's entirely because of the discrepancy between their points in time. It's not bad necessarily (it would be stranger if Charles were much younger still), but there's a sort of intimacy in the act that's a comfort to Erik, more than he can put to words.

His own landscape shapes against Charles with an ease that seems almost too natural, that in itself likely letting Charles know that this is not the first or second time he's done this. His construct will be even more familiar, as what he will see is a familiar hallway of his beloved institute, several doors along the walls. Some shut tightly, others unlocked, plenty ajar enough to welcome a curious visitor. Which Charles very much is, of course. Beyond any window in sight, there's an endless forest and nothing more. ]

I think you underestimate how familiar I am with having you in my mind, Charles.

[ Erik's mind builds a visual around them, and--

Oh.

There are many theories on why minds look the way they do. He and Jean have talked extensively about it in their telepathy practice, and he's sure if he ever spoke to Emma about the subject, she'd have her own theories too. Charles thinks it speaks to what a mind finds most comfortable; it's primal, most instinctual grasp of home. And if that's true...

He finds himself having to take a deep breath, briefly overwhelmed by the emotion that threatens to swamp him. ]

Yes. I rather think I have underestimated that. [ His reply is quiet and thoughtful, looking at Erik with new regard. He'd only been thinking of the future in the vaguest terms, and as he now realizes, he'd assumed that he and Erik would have just... continued their relationship as-is. Half antagonistic, half friendship. The most complicated and yet the most treasured connection Charles has ever had.

He gathers himself, smoothing a hand over his sweater. Here, even in this mental landscape, he is still in his wheelchair. He needn't be, but it's habit by now. ]

Going chronologically would be our best bet. Why don't you lead the way?

[ He expected this to surprise Charles, just as he expects some of his memories to do the same. After all, the past ten years have been the ones with possibly more growth for them, if nothing else then for the simple fact that Erik hasn't just vanished entirely.

There's a small part of him that feels pleased for catching Charles off guard. He'll spare him the teasing, though he watches the other mutant intently, waiting until he's ready to begin. ]

Very well. [ Erik guides them to the first memory, his own handle on this projection not quite as smooth, but then he's not a telepath. It's like trying to materialise a thought, or a dream, and it feels like holding water with his bare hands. Charles being there makes it steadier, but still. ]

This isn't going to be particularly pleasant. I'm sorry.

[ That will be, he hopes, enough warning for the set of memories that follow. It's more of a summary than anything, all the events stitched together, from the last thing Charles remembers to the aftermath of Nur's downfall. The attack on the school, Charles's kidnapping, his futile attempts at reaching Erik all the while. Erik can't share memories of what Charles went through with Nur himself, because he didn't experience that himself, but everything else he shows, both his betrayal and his later intervention on their behalf. On Charles's behalf, actually.

All down to the impressive display of Jean's powers, unlike anything he'd seen before at the time. He shares a glimps of the aftermath (sorry Charles, you are indeed bald there), with Erik helping rebuild the school, and their conversation before parting ways again.

You're sure I can't convince you to stay?

You're psychic, Charles. You can convince me to do anything. ]

[ They go through the first door, and Charles allows himself to sink into Erik's memories.

The grief is a fog, a deadening, a rage, an overwhelming choking miasma. He sees En Sabah Nur, and the cursed remains of the camps, and the incredible heights of power that Erik is able to achieve as he reduces everything to dust. He sees himself, unconscious in his wheelchair, getting kidnapped. He feels the Earth's magnetic poles under Erik's hands, and the mutants around him, and the sight of others come to try rescue Charles. He sees himself on rocks; confronting the ancient mutant; afterward, obviously having been through something.

He sees Erik on the verge of absolute destruction before making the kinder choice. He sees power pouring out of Jean like fire.

And then, afterward. The school, destroyed, and being rebuilt. Alex, dead. The new X-Men being formed, with Raven at its core. And then Erik leaving once more.

By the time the memory shakes loose and Charles is left staring at that open door, he finds his breath hitching with that unique form of grief that comes every time Erik leaves. He rubs at his temple, willing the memories to settle, to pass by without overly affecting him -- but how can they not?

He couldn't quite tell if En Sabah Nur had corrupted Erik in some way, or if all of that had been his choice. But... if it had been his choice, he's not entirely sure he could blame Erik. The loss of his family, the disconnection from his community. Erik must have felt like he truly had nothing left, nothing but a world full of humans who wanted him dead. That he'd been so close to destroying the entire world over it, mutants included, that's certainly not a good choice, but...

Charles understands. His own grief had been self-destructive, Erik's outwardly so. Grief has no rules. And in the end, Erik had made the right choice. ]

No. I'm displeased to report, that wasn't pleasant at all. [ His wry attempt at a joke falls flat even to his own ears. ] But I'm glad you showed me nonetheless. I'll... need some time to digest it all, I think. But we ought to move on to your next set of memories.

[ It was certainly not his proudest moment, but it's not something he wants to hide from Charles. To be honest, not even he can say how much of it was Nur's influence on him, the weight of his shadow in Erik's mind, and how much of it was just his grief bursting from him as violence, a language he's far too familiar with.

There is a level of detachment from it all, though, solely due to how long it's been for Erik since these events, when to Charles they're still in his near future. He wouldn't be surprised if Charles was just too upset to want to keep going, if he chose to just walk away, and the fact that he doesn't brings him a sense of relief that might just be palpable through their shared connection. ]

It is a lot. I know. [ He doesn't apologize again. Instead he moves on to the following set of memories— snippets, flickers here and there, because ten years are difficult to parse, but also they were fairly stable for them, all things considered. Erik's memories are largely of his work in Genosha, building a community over the years, growing in numbers. It's a life largely isolated from the world, but it is peaceful. Doing something actually good for their people, for a change.

There are also fragments of memories of sending letters back and forth, the occasional visit from Charles's mind into his own, undoubtedly making use of Cerebro for Definitely Not X-Men purposes. It's largely through their continued contact that Erik knows how the school is doing, what Charles has been keeping busy with. Every time it stops short of either of them asking the other to come over, but Erik could not hide the fact that was on his mind when Charles was quite literally in there.

These memories of peace fade into something else, dissolve into a blur, a thick fog that Erik pours all his focus into; and then, they're standing in front of a firmly shut door. This is a memory he doesn't want Charles to see. ]

[ Erik can be both comfortably predictable and wildly unpredictable at times, and Charles cannot quite decide which of those he applies to the memories that happen next. He watches Erik establish an island nation for mutants, a place of safety, a place meant to be a home, and-- ]

Oh, Erik. What an incredible thing you built.

[ If Charles' eyes are bright with a sudden swell of almost-tears, he doesn't bother to try hide it. He has always known that Erik is capable of great things, and he has shown that over and over again. In the good; in the bad. He has the power to destroy the world if he wanted to, and here, in these memories, is the opposite side of that coin: the ability to create a wondrous thing.

He wants to remark about the island of it all, the secluded nature of it. Hiding away from the humans, not even bothering to take part in human society. But he holds his tongue, because... he understands. Regrettably, horribly, he understands. There is a very serious case to be made that the American government have proved themselves untrustworthy after the Sentinel incident.

And then, there is a firmly locked door, and Charles frowns. ]

Why don't we steer away from this one? [ He swivels his wheelchair, ready to head to the next open door. Oh, he cannot deny that he is incredibly curious. But Erik is already trusting him with so much, he will not push for more. Not yet. ] What's next on the agenda?

I think so too, yes.

[ He's not going to feign modesty here, it took effort and dedication, and it took the strength and willingness to move past decades of hatred, grief, anger growing in him, festering. He knows he would not have done so if not for Charles's own influence, at least in part, but so many other things he's experienced. Love, peace. A normal life. A sense of safety that he wishes all other mutants could feel, as well.

He still can't quite bring himself to live among humans, not like he once did. One can still find a semblance of peace without full coexistence.

There's some surprise when Charles doesn't insist, at least try to get Erik to open the door for him. Not that Charles would really need him to do so, but Erik chooses to trust that he wouldn't force it unless he absolutely had to. ]

That's fairly recent. [ Meaning the locked door. ] There's one more, though.

[ Just to get Charles on the same page he is, or at least the knowledge of where Erik stands with regards to their current relationship. He steps through an open door, onto a sunny street in Paris. Charles will recognize himself sitting at a café, even with his hair gone, that knowing look on his face even before Erik comes into his line of sight. The scene plays out with perfect clarity, both because it's fresh in Erik's mind, and because it's important to him.

The sun feels warm, surprisingly. Even in his mind.

I'll go easy on you.

No, you won't. ]

Test Drive Meme #2

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