Post by emmafrost on Nov 9, 2006 16:22:37 GMT -5
A letter sat in Mystique's bed, covered by the sheets so no prying eyes that happened to inspect her room would be likely to find it. Once read, it would become apparent that it had been placed there by - perhaps even written by - a member of the Brotherhood who had remained behind when Mystique went to America. But, the memory erased from whichever individual had been made as the go-between, the letter sat and patiently awaited Mystique's return.
Dear Friend,
At last the repercussions of Baltimore are done with. Government officials have finally completed their task of finding that I am a mutant, as I have known they would for quite some time. It puts no wrench in my plans; as they have no way to prove one way or the other that I am responsible for Iceman's actions that day, they have let him go free and can do nothing but threaten me with some far-off future punishment which I hope they don't truly have any fantasies of being able to complete. I will even let them remember the incident, and my supposed involvement; I am not above the law, and if they can do their jobs well enough to find me out one day...well, then I'll deal with them. But until then, I'll let them chase their tails for a while.
I don't know whether or not in your reflections with Pyro you have fully understood my involvement in his actions that day as well. Understand that I would not have placed him in a position in which he would truly be in sure danger of death or capture if I didn't think he could get himself out of it. Charles Xavier put him through Danger Room training sessions in order to make him see this ability in himself; I simply put him to a real-world test. I don't ask for agreement from yourself or from Pyro, nor even understanding. This is not a letter of apology, it is a letter of information.
I had thought that soon would come the time when I could actively, outwardly engage in the mutant battle, on whatever side, in whatever place, in whatever way I chose. Perhaps I even hoped so. But I see now that it is not the time. The business and the social world still snap at my heels, and with secret eyes on my back now it will be doubly difficult to uphold all that I do.
But it is a challenge which I find refreshing; it will be a welcome change from what was becoming a monotonous life of the same old lies and deceit and solidarity. I don't like those things, my dear friend, no matter what some might say. I can only say for myself that I wish they weren't necessary, and by saying so, leave myself open to the opinions of critics who will say that they aren't necessary. To those people I ask that they start at my beginning and live my life, and see if they could have done any better. Which is impossible, and so I am the one with the best judgement on what is necessary for me to do.
I spoke vaguely and briefly about my plans when you stayed with me what now seems like so long ago, and I have since rethought them. Your group welcomed me (if even that) only because they had to, and because I was needed at the time. Which is as it should be. Those I would be contacting if I went through with my plans would be far less inclined to work in accordance with me. It is something that I thought I could go around, but quite frankly, I am tired of mettling in minds for these purposes. The gain I would get is nowhere near a fine enough prize for all the work, so I will stick to the path I have already beaten for myself in the unforgiving rocks and brush.
I don't need to tell you that this is the closest I've ever come and likely ever will come, until the Judgement Day (if such a thing does indeed exist), to speaking as one...one considerably more at peace than myself. By which I mean: acknowledging criticism and even admitting (though not apologizing, as my steadfast will will have me trumpet again) to past actions. By which I also mean: acknowledging something that has miraculously remained unmutilated and unplundered, though it is something very close to me (which I don't pretend does not often cause such regretful ends). And that thing is my friendship with you.
Don't change a thing; for you are a survivor, a rare gem in the rock that society has become. Please don't misunderstand this letter; this is no final testimony or depressing good-bye. I will not be going into hiding or retiring from any aspect of my life. I'm sure we will keep in touch. I just felt the need to say these things to you. If you feel that you deserve an apology or an explanation for some thing, please do not be insulted that it was not sent. My subconscious is the only part of myself that I have no control over, and if I feel the need to give you an apology or an explanation that I have not already given, my subconscious is where it lies.
Whether for business or for pleasure, I do hope that we spend some time together in the future. My home will always be open to you singularly, and if you have need of any further involvement from me in the future, I ask only that you singularly come to me with the matter first.
May all of your dreams come true; and I mean that, my friend. You deserve them.
With Love,
Emma
Dear Friend,
At last the repercussions of Baltimore are done with. Government officials have finally completed their task of finding that I am a mutant, as I have known they would for quite some time. It puts no wrench in my plans; as they have no way to prove one way or the other that I am responsible for Iceman's actions that day, they have let him go free and can do nothing but threaten me with some far-off future punishment which I hope they don't truly have any fantasies of being able to complete. I will even let them remember the incident, and my supposed involvement; I am not above the law, and if they can do their jobs well enough to find me out one day...well, then I'll deal with them. But until then, I'll let them chase their tails for a while.
I don't know whether or not in your reflections with Pyro you have fully understood my involvement in his actions that day as well. Understand that I would not have placed him in a position in which he would truly be in sure danger of death or capture if I didn't think he could get himself out of it. Charles Xavier put him through Danger Room training sessions in order to make him see this ability in himself; I simply put him to a real-world test. I don't ask for agreement from yourself or from Pyro, nor even understanding. This is not a letter of apology, it is a letter of information.
I had thought that soon would come the time when I could actively, outwardly engage in the mutant battle, on whatever side, in whatever place, in whatever way I chose. Perhaps I even hoped so. But I see now that it is not the time. The business and the social world still snap at my heels, and with secret eyes on my back now it will be doubly difficult to uphold all that I do.
But it is a challenge which I find refreshing; it will be a welcome change from what was becoming a monotonous life of the same old lies and deceit and solidarity. I don't like those things, my dear friend, no matter what some might say. I can only say for myself that I wish they weren't necessary, and by saying so, leave myself open to the opinions of critics who will say that they aren't necessary. To those people I ask that they start at my beginning and live my life, and see if they could have done any better. Which is impossible, and so I am the one with the best judgement on what is necessary for me to do.
I spoke vaguely and briefly about my plans when you stayed with me what now seems like so long ago, and I have since rethought them. Your group welcomed me (if even that) only because they had to, and because I was needed at the time. Which is as it should be. Those I would be contacting if I went through with my plans would be far less inclined to work in accordance with me. It is something that I thought I could go around, but quite frankly, I am tired of mettling in minds for these purposes. The gain I would get is nowhere near a fine enough prize for all the work, so I will stick to the path I have already beaten for myself in the unforgiving rocks and brush.
I don't need to tell you that this is the closest I've ever come and likely ever will come, until the Judgement Day (if such a thing does indeed exist), to speaking as one...one considerably more at peace than myself. By which I mean: acknowledging criticism and even admitting (though not apologizing, as my steadfast will will have me trumpet again) to past actions. By which I also mean: acknowledging something that has miraculously remained unmutilated and unplundered, though it is something very close to me (which I don't pretend does not often cause such regretful ends). And that thing is my friendship with you.
Don't change a thing; for you are a survivor, a rare gem in the rock that society has become. Please don't misunderstand this letter; this is no final testimony or depressing good-bye. I will not be going into hiding or retiring from any aspect of my life. I'm sure we will keep in touch. I just felt the need to say these things to you. If you feel that you deserve an apology or an explanation for some thing, please do not be insulted that it was not sent. My subconscious is the only part of myself that I have no control over, and if I feel the need to give you an apology or an explanation that I have not already given, my subconscious is where it lies.
Whether for business or for pleasure, I do hope that we spend some time together in the future. My home will always be open to you singularly, and if you have need of any further involvement from me in the future, I ask only that you singularly come to me with the matter first.
May all of your dreams come true; and I mean that, my friend. You deserve them.
With Love,
Emma