Potential

[Erik Lehnsherr]

Magneto was currently in the mall, doing what he often did: eluding the authorities. He only embarked on journeys such as this when he had to gather important supplies or information. Otherwise, it was far too dangerous to venture far from the secrecy of the Brotherhood headquarters, considering he was one of the most wanted men in the world. He need only wear sunglasses to disguise his eyes, for the mall was extremely busy with all those around. It was why he had selected a Saturday evening to get what he needed without detection. Besides, it wasn't as if he actually feared the authorities. His arrogance allowed him to believe that he could easily overtake them if they interfered with his business. After all, mutant superiority was something he strongly believed in. He nonchalantly made his way through the crowd, casual, without so much as a second glance around him to suggest any paranoia. He was not at all paranoid, but rather, just focused on what had brought him here. Or well, that had been his intention. But fate seemed to have selected an alternate path for him. Because as he walked by, he happened to catch a glimpse of someone. Someone very special. Someone who was no longer the little girl he had seen a few years ago. Jean Grey.

While Magneto had a rather good memory anyway, he especially remembered her. Because there was something very remarkable about her. She had so much potential, and Erik had to admit that he was indeed a little disappointed that she had gone with Charles rather than with the Brotherhood. But alas, she had been young. And if there was one thing Magneto did not do, it was force others to join the Brotherhood against their will. They had to believe in the cause. They had to want to fight, not feel forced to. But intrigue had now distracted Magneto from his initial mission, for he was curious to see what had become of Jean; how Charles had handled her exceptional powers. It had not been so long ago that she was unrecognizable, but long enough that it was clear she was growing into a rather lovely young woman. He knew that either way, he would have to approach the situation carefully, for if she was still with Charles, then her loyalty would remain with him. And that left her perception of Magneto rather ambiguous. Besides, he was unsure if she even recalled him from their first encounter at her home.

Magneto was looking at some shoes through a window, and he walked toward her, casually standing next to her as he feigned interest in what she was looking at by resting his gaze on it as well. "Forgive my intrusion," he began to say, his voice calm, steady, speaking to her with a tone of familiarity. "I happened to be passing by and felt it rather difficult to refrain from approaching you to see how you have been faring since the last time we met." He paused there, turning his head toward her a little, seeing if she would recognize him. Not necessarily just as Magneto, but perhaps as the man who had gone along with Charles to help her with her powers. She either recognized him as a wanted man, or as a stranger who offered his help -- or company rather. For Charles had already known what he'd wanted to do, and merely wanted Erik there for the additional support he supposed. Regardless, Magneto was about to find out her perception of him as he awaited calmly for her response.

Tag Jean

[tudorrose]

"Really?!"

The teenager groaned at the sight of her running shoes.  The material was ripped apart leaving her no choice but to toss them out.  She took them out of the washing machine, holding the damp shoes in her hands.  She flicked her gaze to the top of the washing machine, letting her telekinesis close the lid for her.  She sighed before dropping them in the waste bin in the corner of the room.  

Since junior high school she'd been a fan of running.  Jean had been a member of her school's track team until she'd joined Xavier's school.  Now at Xavier's she ran to train, as well as to keep from being stressed.  Her running shoes had suffered an encounter with a multitude to muddy puddles the day before.  It had rained buckets earlier in the week and the teenager had foolishly decided to go running a day after they ceased.  She figured that the puddles would be somewhat dry by that time.  However she'd misjudged the absorbency of the trails in  the woods beyond the school.  

Washing her running shoes was the logical choice after her muddy romp through the woods.  Unbeknownst to her she had a small tear forming near the toe-end of her left sneaker.  The washing machine had caused the tear to grow to the point where she could no longer wear them.

A few hours later found her at the mall after begging a ride off of Dr. McCoy. She had her learner's permit, although she couldn't yet drive by herself.  She couldn't wait for the day that she was handed her actual license; she hated being driven around like a child.

Money wasn't much of an issue when it came to the Grey family.  Her father's position at Bard's College kept the family from wanting.  The Greys sent her a monthly allowance to help with any purchases or such that she needed while at Xavier's.  Still, she was frugal; she wasn't about to buy an expensive pair of running shoes if she didn't need to.  She traveled through the busy mall, dodging groups of giggling girls and mothers pushing strollers.  She was momentarily distracted by the record store stationed beside the shoe store which she sought.  Her gaze rested on the advertisement in the window listing the newest cassettes of that week.  Toying with the idea of returning after purchasing her sneakers for the latest Asia cassette, she reluctantly moved onto the next store.  

Appraising the sneakers in the window, she didn't notice the arrival of the man at her side until he spoke.  

Her head turned as he spoke to her, recognizing him after a moment.

"Mr. Lehnsherr," she recalled, a bit of surprise in her tone.  "I....I haven't seen you in ages."  Not since he first visited her with Xavier back when her abilities first emerged.  She remembered being intrigued by his power of metal; it was a unique gift.  

Magneto.  He was referred to as Magneto by the authorities.  

"I've been well, thank you," she replied, taking care to hide the bit of apprehension she felt.  She knew that he and the professor used to be the closest of friends.  The schism between the two over their difference in ideals reminded her to be on her guard.  "And you've been....well?"  

She wondered if she should have asked Dr. McCoy to accompany her.