Respects Finally Paid (OPEN)

[Magneto]

The grounds of the Xavier Institute were amazing and quite beautiful. Every rose bush, every blade of grass was painstakingly cared for and at this time of year, the ivy which climbed and swallowed the stone school was blossoming. Elaborate statues and a grand fountain topped this site off giving an air of excellence about this place, but the basketball court and large swimming pool out back also lent the feeling of care to the place. There were several things added here and there for the comforts of the children who were brought here to learn about who and what they were and better yet, to learn how to control the gifts they were each given by nature.

However, the place where Magneto stood was a more sober and solemn one. In a private place, set apart from the rest of the school and yet very much part of the place was a graveyard dedicated to those who had given their lives in service to the mutant rights crusade. The center of such righteousness was perhaps the most important to Magneto...no....to Erik, for here was the large tombstone of his most trusted comrade Charles Xavier. The two may have had vast differences on the idea of the mutant stance with the other non mutants, but that was no different than any other differences that old friends everywhere could have had. After all, one simple did not quit being friends with someone because they like a different football team.

Dressed in black and a deep purple, helmet and cape to top it off, Erik stood silently, staring at Charles' grave. He draped part of his cape over his right arm and rubbed the fingers of his left hand together against each other, the rubber of the gloves he wore making a slight odd noise. His cold blue eyes carefully read the epitaph carved on the stone and for a moment, he held his breath before finally speaking softly, "True to the end you old fool," he said letting a small weak smile out, "I just hope one of your students is at least half the mutant you were," he said with a small bit of worry in his voice. Magneto may not have agreed with Charles' views or his ways of dealing with the problems mutants faced, but that did not change the fact that the man had done many great things for the cause and no one, not even Magneto would ever question Charles Xavier's dreams. Now that the mutant was gone, Magneto wondered if Charles' ideas perhaps lived on through one of them and if they were up to the challenge left behind by one stubborn old man.

[northstar]

Jean-Paul had looked out of his bedroom window and saw Erik standing there, looking at Professor Xavier's grave. He froze, unsure of what to do, he walked to the window and looked out, what could Magneto possibly be doing here? Jean turned and whizzed out of his room and into the graveyard. He stood behind magneto and cleared his throat, "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice full of authority, he had to resist giggling, he always found it silly to hear himself talk like a grownup. Jean watched Magneto closely, watching for any sign of an attack.

Jean had never met Magneto before, well now Jean was gone, the Northstar part of his personality in his stead. He was no longer a gay, franco-canadian teacher, he was an X-Man in training, and X-Man at heart, and all he wanted to do right now was make sure that all of the students remained safe and sound, that Magneto couldn't cause any more damage, the Institute had already lost so much, it couldn't afford to lose any more.

He stared at Magneto with an intensity that he had never known that he had had before today, he felt a strong urge, paternal almost, to help protect the institute and its students. He knew that he was no real match for Magneto, for all he knew Magneto had steel discs in his pockets, he might be able to dodge them, but not forever, and he couldn't run into the house for cover, the students were in there.

[Magneto]

Magneto felt the slight disturbance from Northstar's sudden appearance into the graveyard. Of course, the old man remained in his place, his eyes still fixed on Charles' grave, choosing to ignore the sudden interruption. Northstar was pretty much a nobody to Magneto, a mutant just like the other countless faceless mutants of the Institute, one he was sure that would rise to stand against him someday, just like almost all the others.

"Paying my respects to dear old friend," he said without turning and as he shifted his weight to his left leg, taking some of the pain off of his right. Magneto continued his little nervous tick of rubbing his fingers together and let out a slight sigh, "Of course, I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand respect, for if you did you would leave an old man to face his eventual future," he said rather coldly, finding no real threat from the young one behind him.

[northstar]

Jean-Paul's eyes narrowed, thinking back to his father figure, Raymonde Belmonde, he whizzed around to Magneto's front, looking him in the eyes now, "You don't know anything about me old man, I do know respect, which is exactly why am out here, i respect Charles Xavier's memory too much to run the risk of you hurting any of the students in this school, this place is his life's work, and I do not think that anyone here will appreciate your presence."

Jean-Paul stared into Magneto's eyes, determined not to let him get too near the school, jean wasn't sure id magneto had come here to start trouble or not, but he knew that if Ororoe saw him out here she would start a whole lot of it. "Trust me, old man, Professor Xavier would not have wanted you to cause any trouble here, this place, and the people in it, meant far too much to him, now please leave" His eyes never left Magneto, his stare remained constant, his voice remained firm and polite, he knew that sooner or later someone was going to look out of the window and see Magneto, just as he had, and he knew what would happen. He did not want the grave of such a great man to become a battle ground, this land was almost sacred.

[Magneto]

Magneto locked his cold blue eyes onto Northstar and kept his face emotionless as the fool prattled on about things he had no idea about. He talked as if he knew Charles Xavier personally, an idea that made the old man chuckle openly and during the ingrates little speech, something which would probably agitate the fool even further. However, when Northstar finished, Magneto seemed to change his personality as if someone had flipped a light switch, adopting that of the mutant everyone so feared and respected. "His life's work. And do you really think Charles built this place all by himself? Not hardly," Magneto said with a sneer and a huff of annoyance, "I've known Charles Xavier longer than you've been alive fool. I helped lay every brick of this Institute, I helped him find a place for all those mutants who became outcasts in their families. So if you want to speak of a life's work, then know exactly of what you speak before you open your mouth and make yourself look the bigger fool than what you already are," he said quickly and sharply, letting his cape fall from his arm, readying himself if need be.

Magneto had always seen Charles as the only mutant who he could relate to and as whom who could understand him and his problems. He may have left the Institute, but Erik had never left the friendship he and Xavier had built over the decades and he never once looked down upon what Charles had done and accomplished in his life. Harming this school was the last thing on Erik's mind, these here were just boys and girls, innocents who were of no threat to him, but the X-Men, they would be the ones who would pay for their betrayal to mutants everywhere. However, Magneto's revenge upon the X-Men would be elsewhere, away from any innocent who could be harmed, he wasn't the monster he was made out to be.

[northstar]

"If I were you," began Jean-Paul his eyes still fixed on Magneto's eatching Magneto's now exposed arm through his peripherals, "I would pay my respects and leave... quickly." Jean-Paul didn't trust Magneto, well, how could he? Magneto had hurt and killed more then enough people to give him a very questionable reputation, Jean thought back to Alcatraz, he had watched Magneto's trick with the bridge on the news, he had been scared shitless, just as he was now. For all he knew magneto would dtrike him down as soon as his back was turned, he didn't want to take that chance, after all, the master of magnetism was hardly the most reliable chracter out there, was he?

((Too short, I know, but my muse is a fat lazy bitch who is currently on a cofee break))

[Sherridan Kaine]

"Let him pay his respects in peace, and give him as much time as needed. I don't believe that he would cause any harm here, simply because I wouldn't, and I am considered a savage." a voice comes from somewhere directly to the right of the two. There stands a young man, in his early twenties, with rich, shoulder long, golden blond hair let loose, tanned skin, black sunglasses, and wearing a stylish black suit, which probably costs a whole fortune. He is smiling a white-toothed smile, and seems completely relaxed in his manner. An odd thing about him, however, is that his hands seem quite hairy, although the hairs look somewhat normal. Somewhat.

Sherridan was talking to one of his rich friends in a secluded cafe when he saw his boss going by. Of course, the man was far from noticed by any other human or mutant, and Sherridan noticed him only by sheer luck and circumstance. Or perhaps not luck, you were never too sure with Magneto.

Saying quick goodbyes with the man and finishing his coffee, Sherridan moved out of the cafe and set off after Magneto soundlessly. Two reasons have compelled him to do this. The first, Sherridan saw the general direction Magneto was headed to, and wanted to make sure there was no trouble by having it reported about in the news thanks to paparazzi. The Second was the fact that cats are naturally curious, and this curiosity was overwhelming in Sherridan's case, since it is amplified.

So there he is, standing in his "rich innocent diplomat, the last of the Kaine family" style, something Magneto hasn't had the opportunity to actually see yet. "I am not going to say anything about Charles Xavier, since I never met the man personally, but I know a few things about the man in front of you, and he is not going to cause any trouble." he says, addressing the unidentified mutant.

[Magneto]

Magneto found Northstar's attitude to be a uncouth and childish, not to mention borderline rude. The fop seemed to think something of himself, as did most young mutants and this was something that both he and Charles had always worked so hard to keep down. Arrogance was one thing, but when coupled with the ignorance of youth it became just downright dangerous. The concerns Northstar may have had were genuine though, the school was a primary concern but Magneto had not come here for that and if he had, well, lets just say things would be much more chaotic right now.

"Last time I checked, this school was founded on an open door policy, welcoming all mutants who dared to walk through its gates, and I should know, I helped write those rules," he said as he diverted his eyes just briefly to catch sight of Ferus before he spoke up. The presentation Sherridan put forth was quite becoming, reminding Magneto of Beast in a way. He was curious how the cat man had entered the estate unnoticed, but thought to ask that question at a more opportune time. The words Sherridan spoke stuck true to the mutants admiration he seemed to hold for Magneto and the old man also took this into consideration. It seems he had found another worthy of his trust and if Sherridan kept this up, he would find himself a member of the Brotherhood's most inner circle.

[northstar]

Jean-Paul's gaze shifted momentarily, from Magneto to the guy with furry hands, he paused for a second then whizzed back behind Magneto. "Fine..." he said, "But please, be quick, there are more then enough people here who would rush out of the school with guns blazing at the mere sight of you, don't let Professor Xavier's resting place become a battle ground."

Jean-Paul wanted to beleive that Magneto wasn't here to cause any trouble, but he couldn't leave it to chance, Jean would wait there till Magneto was done, he looked at the guy with the furry hands, that guy had to be fast, but Jean was probably faster, he wasn't going to take any chances here.

[Sherridan Kaine]

"He won't." Ferus says simply, and then retreats a few steps back to where he came from, still facing Magneto and the other mutant. He just stands there, waiting for his "boss". In any case, he knows that if there actually comes to some problems, Ferus should be there, even though Magneto is more than capable of taking care of himself.

The other mutant is extremely fast. That does not bode well if a fight occurs. Ferus is fast, but not that fast, so it's best to try and keep everything at the unstable peace as long as possible.

He is silent, and no emotions show on his face, his eyes being hidden by the black sunglasses. Ferus is simply waiting, but his eyes are scanning every single window there is. His sight is excellent, far above any normal human level, and if anyone shows up on any of the windows, Ferus will notice them before they notice Magneto.

With his hands behind his back as they are now, he seems to be a perfectly normal, although rich, human individual. That probably helps, since a wild-looking, bare-footed, cat-man was probably the last thing that could keep any sort of peace. Earlier, Sherridan had only known a little about the special friendship that was existent between the two opposing mutant leaders, but now, as he sees one side standing above the grave of the other, it is clear to him that it was indeed extremely strong. Which makes this whole dreadful situation seem more like a private game of chess, a private war, much like those played by Sherridan and the rest of the higher human society, although at a global level.

[northstar]

Jean-Paul looked up at the furry handed guy, he saw how he was watching the windows and didn't like it, jean flew up to him and stood poised in the air, "Don't think about it, mittens, I almost beleive you about Magneto not causing any trouble, but I'm not so sure about you, so watch your step..." Jean watched the furry-handed guy with caution, mittens here had even called himselfa savage, Jean wasn't if it was a good idea for Mittens to be here, he seemed odd... sort of shifty.

[Sherridan Kaine]

"I am merely here as a just-in-case. I am watching the windows so that we can get out of here before any possible attack comes. Personal insults, or mere attempts at them, are not going to get us anywhere, and neither is fighting. I am here as Sherridan Kaine, and I am here because I wanted to see something and make sure, not because I want to start any fights. In case you haven't noticed, my hands are behind my back. Now please, be quiet." he replies coolly, none of his features moving for but an inch, his eyes still looking at the windows, and partially through the hyper-speed mutant.

His name should mean something to the mutant if he watched the news, although Sherridan didn't give neither the news, nor him much credit. Besides, what could the media tell him anyway? Sherridan Kaine, last of the Kaine family, may or may not still have the enormous wealth, and is definitely quite frequently seen in higher society circles, being friends with everyone.

Sherridan almost laughs at the sum of what the media know. Especially the last part- being friends with everyone. Oh how he only enjoyed playing the private war game so frequently initiated by the rich and the bored.

[Magneto]

The way Northstar talked, it was if he -wanted- a battle to take place. Sure he said it would be horrible, but Magneto suspected that the twit would love for nothing more than to show off and impress his groupies or some other such nonsense. Ferus seemed content enough to act as a distraction of sorts, buying Magneto the time he desired and that was something Magneto would thank the cat man for later. Magneto didn't have time for childish rants and chest bumping as this Northstar fellow so longed for but if the fool wished to see just how insignificant he was to someone of Magneto's stature and reputation, then the old man would be more than willing to show him. Of course, Magneto suspected that Northstar would have to come through Ferus first and while the first was certainly faster than the later, Ferus was more than likely the more savage which made him a tad more dangerous.

"Thank you Mr. Kaine," Magneto said as he directed his attention to Xavier's grave once more, his voice falling back in line to that of his usual leadership authority. The old man knew this might be a bad idea, but so what. The X-Men wouldn't openly attack him without cause, that much he knew but those who were not properly trained just might be foolish enough to try something that stupid.....as Northstar was undoubtedly heading.

[northstar]

Jean-Paul floated backwards a few feet, so as not to crowd Mittens, he watched him like a hawk, Jean began to fel silly, almost paranoid, for being so serious, but his eyes never left Mittens, or "Mr.Kain" as Magneto had referred to him, he looked sort of familiar, but Jean could not place his face. He wondered if anyone else had seen them yet, if anyone was on their way down here, he hoped that there wouldn't be an overeager mutant on his way with a bloodlust for Magneto, I mean, there isn't a single kid in the entire school who was incapable of doing at least some damage here. Jean tensed up, he wasn't sure why, but the air didn't feel right, as if something bad was coming, he had felt like this before, the night before that day at Alcatraz, he had felt exactly like this, then the next day he had watched the news and made the decision to turn his life upside down. He desperately hoped that nothing of that cailbur would happen any time soon, he had only recently started to adjust to his new lifestyle as a teacher. Jean twiddled his thumbs behind his back, his feet pointing downwards toward the ground below.

The Devil makes work for idle thimbs, that was Raymonde's saying, he snorted and whispered to himself, "The devil can do what he wants, hes no match for some of the people here..."

[Sherridan Kaine]

"Depends on who you refer to as the Devil." Sherridan replies. What did this guy think? Cats are known well for their excellent hearing, sight, and speed as just the basic abilities. Amplify the most powerful of those, and apply them to a human, and you have someone who is able to hear whispers three rooms away, and see ants at night from afar.

"Relax, there can hardly be a student here whose noticing skill is high enough to match my reflexes. And if there is, he or she still won't be fast enough because of his or her age. I would evacuate the two of before anyone could shoot a warning shot and yell an emergency shout." he says lazily, his eyes never leaving the windows, and quietly not to disturb Magneto.

The man needs his alone time, and this is obviously as close as he is going to get to it, so let's all at least try and be as respectful as possible. "As I said, I am here as Sherridan Kaine, and as such, I do not attack physically, but socially. And there's hardly much I can do that way if a fight occurs, so we'll make sure it doesn't." his voice is cool, and his words have a doubled meaning, but this time it is the less dangerous of the meanings behind them.