A Reunion

[367]

What's Up?

It's been a month since Professor Charles Xavier fell into an enigmatic coma, leaving his institute and his protégés to continue on without him.

It's been three days since the mark that had appeared on Xavier also appeared on his first eight students, the original X-Men. While none of them have followed their mentor's lead into oblivion, word of this strange shared circumstance reached them all quickly and they've agreed to gather and discuss the situation.

For better or worse, it seems that they're in this together.

It's dark, cold, and snowing outside when they gather in one of the mansion's parlors, a large room with double doors (which they close behind them) and a lit fireplace. The flames inside crackle and dismiss the worst of the night's chill as they arrive one by one, taking positions on two couches and three chairs scattered around a low table. The antique furniture and built-in bookshelves make the space reminiscent of Charles Xavier's office and the man's presence seems to hang over the gathering.

...But at least the bar cart is well-stocked.

Volunteer Slots

Scott Summers had the foresight to prepare a snack for the group before they met up. Or maybe they just needed a distraction. Regardless, they arrive armed with enough deviled eggs for everyone!

During the discussion, Kitty Pryde says something about themselves or their life that is just...not true. They don't know why they said it or where the thought even came from. How strange.

Near the end of the discussion, Kurt Wagner's mark begins to glow, bright enough to be visible through or around anything that might be obscuring it. One by one, the others' marks follow suit, ending with Emma Frost. The glow of their mark persist for several long moments after the others go dull and seems to pulse within their skin...before they suddenly collapse back with a gasp and fall unconscious.

When Emma wakes, only minutes later, their friends are around them and they recall nothing but a blinding light.

ARRIVALS ⮾ DURING THE TALK ⮾ AFTER THE TALK ⮾ OOC

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Comments

ARRIVALS: Evie & Manny

[empata Manuel de la Rocha (Empath)]

As a rule, Manuel doesn't drink much. With his powers, a lapse in control or judgement can have devastating repercussions for everyone involved. But tonight, well, he thinks he deserves it. He doesn't plan on overdoing it and even if he does, Emma's here to keep him in line, so there's no real problem. More importantly than any of that, though, when Evie's concocting something it's always worth trying.

So he temporarily abandons his spot on the sofa before the discussion begins and heads her way. He reaches out a hand toward one of the cocktails but pauses before actually picking it up, meeting her gaze and nodding toward the glass instead in a silent request for permission.

He offers her a dry smile.

"...Nothing ever fazes you, hm? Are you planning to turn this into a party?"

ARRIVALS: Evie & Manny

[stroboscopic dazzle 'em]

Evie grins and gestures with a (sparkly, light-lined) hand. "All yours, babe."

Actually, Manuel, some things phase her. She writes songs and bass lines about those. But honestly, things get weird a lot around here. A girl can't be fretting constantly, it's bad for the skin. ♥

"Just softening the landing," she chirps, winking. "Coma talk. It gets serious."

ARRIVALS: Evie & Manny

[empata Manuel de la Rocha (Empath)]

Nodding his thanks, Manuel picks up the cocktail and looks at Evie again, as if he's searching for something he can't quite find. Then he takes a sip of the drink. It's right on the edge of being too sweet, but it doesn't disappoint.

"Coma talk," he agrees before his lips tighten into a sharp line for a moment, "And...whatever the hell these things on us are talk." With his free hand, he gestures to the mark concealed by his shirt, assuming that she'll understand his meaning.

ARRIVALS: Evie & Manny

[stroboscopic dazzle 'em]

Evie nods, swirling her drink with a swizzle.

"I try not to think about mine," she says. "I know that's like, avoidant or whatever. But it's not like I can actually forget." Hard to do when it's emblazoned in the middle of your (formerly perfect) chest.

ARRIVALS: Evie & Manny

[empata Manuel de la Rocha (Empath)]

"Or you're not dwelling on the things you can't control," Manuel responds, shrugging and taking another sip of his drink, "I hear that's supposed to be a good thing." He wouldn't know, though. He's more the type to fret and seethe over anything he can't control.

He pauses, something clicking in his mind as he stands across from Evie. Kurt's mark is on his tail. Scott and Jean's are on their hands, Emma's is on her shoulder... He's spotted almost everyone's since arriving. Except hers.

"...Where is it?"