thoughtformed | [ audio ]

I beg your pardon, but there are a few bars along 12th avenue, um, and they say that the Four Saisons bar has a good selection as well. I'm not sure I can speak to the quality, though, I'm afraid.

You don't drink?

Well, I have in the past, but I, ah... It was mostly trying new things, or at a club. And that was some time ago. We used to have rather an authority on the subject, but he was released a few cycles ago now.

Released? So people do leave. I had heard otherwise, but reports were . . . conflicting.

[ mind-reading isn't always objective ]

Yes, they do, but it isn't voluntary... Oh!

[Her voice perks up a little, but luckily it isn't insufferably bright.]

You're new here, sir? Welcome to New Moore! I'm sorry, my name is Sheska. Pleased to make your acquaintance! I'm sure the hospital told you about how they're keeping us all isolated to help get us ready to face the new world outside the force field? They usually do. Or at least give you the pamphlets.

Being released is... Well, they say it's supposed to be when you're ready to go outside. The government collects you and sends you out into the real world without any warning or giving you a chance to say good bye to your friends or anything.

I'm Professor Charles Xavier. I only left the hospital recently, but it is rather tricky for someone like me to get around.

Professor! Wel-- That is, well, would you like some help? I'm just down the street from the hospital, if you like.

That would be lovely, actually. Give me a few minutes and I'll try to be there promptly.

Of course! Take all the time you need.

[ Once he arrives, he searches for the mind who had spoken to him. Sheska, it seems. Finally he manages to arrive at her doorstep, knocking on it twice ]

[She's a mundane creature, this one, certainly no mutant, with the fuzzy quality to her thoughts that denotes someone who has been utterly exhausted for several days. As such, she's a little scatterbrained, but all her thoughts do seem to be focused around him. A younger him. Walking at a college he doesn't recognize, unless he's already wandered down to the New Moore university. ...She's also wondering if he's allergic to walnuts.

The knock somehow takes her by surprise, but she's at the door in a moment, hanging on to the collar of an enthusiastic beagle/basset hound mix intent on lavishing their visitor in ridiculous, slobbery affection.]

Professor Xavier!

[She blinks a little in surprise, adjusting her vision down to meet his face with a sweet smile.]

Won't you come in? Or would you rather go find that bar right now?

I wouldn't mind coming in, thank you.

[ Her view of him was a little jarring, especially since it's been ten years since he was so . . . naive and kind. Still, he was not interested in hurting her illusions of him so he wheels himself in politely ]

[Sheska manages to get the dog under control and ushers her guest into the living room, coated wall to wall in books as it is. There's enough space near the coffee table for him to sit comfortably if he wants to.]

I'd just been baking when I saw your message on the Network... I don't suppose you like red currant and walnut cookies, do you? Or perhaps something to drink? Ah, rather lighter than alcohol, I'm afraid.

That's all right. And I'd love a cookie.

[She lights up and darts off, more than happy to be of use, bringing back a tray of cookies and lemonade, which she sets within easy reach on the table before seating herself on the couch.]

So how can I help you, Professor? You must have a million questions. Almost everyone does, when they first arrive.

[Except, perhaps, for Mr. Holmes. But that was to be expected.]

Not really. I was briefed rather well. But I am curious to know . . . the last Charles Xavier who came here. What was he like?

There are actually several reputable bars in town, at least by reputation.

I couldn't actually speak to them myself, being underage.

Reputable bars aren't the best kind, necessarily.

If that's the case, you probably want Madame Red's.

All right, why not?

Would you like me to show you the way? I can just send you a map, if you'd prefer.

Certainly. I could use the company.

Where are you? I'll come find you.

I'll be outside the hospital.

I'll be over in about ten minutes.

*****

[A short while later, Koizumi walks up, giving Charles an enigmatic smile and extending a hand in greeting. He doesn't seemed the least bit fazed by the wheelchair.] Professor Xavier? I'm Itsuki Koizumi, it's a pleasure to meet you.

[On the surface, he seems a perfectly pleasant and charming individual - but the moment Charles touches his mind he'll know it's entirely a facade. Behind that smile is a mind that's fighting with severe apathy and depression, intense loss and despair nearly threatening to overcome him. A older woman with grey hair, battle scars, and the confidence of a warrior flashes into his head, bringing a fresh wave of both grief and determination - followed by a letter, obscured expect for the words "I love you" emblazoned at the bottom.

It's taking all his remarkable willpower to try and care about the world around him - by taking the time to come and talk with Charles, he's actually engaging in the world around him for the first time in months.]

[ The intense depression doesn't surprise him. In fact, it seems too familiar to Charles so he pulls back almost immediately. The last thing he needs is to spiral again, not after the Sentinel event. It would be disrespectful to the ones who need him . . . not to mention himself. Grinning sardonically, he shook Koizumi's hand neatly ]

Professor Charles Xavier, nice to meet you.

[ audio ]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

[ Audio -> Action ]

[ Action ]

Re: [ Action ]

[ Action ]

Re: [ Action ]

[ Action ]

Re: [ Action ]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio]

Re: [Audio]

[Audio] -> [Action]

Re: [Audio] -> [Action]