"But, Alex..." Charles began to voice his thoughts, only to be abruptly cut off by Alex.
"Charles, listen to me," Alex interjected, his tone urgent. "Politicians excel at rhetoric and manipulation. When Jean was speaking, people were receptive, but then along came Congressman Kelly, spinning his narrative. He played on their fears, painting Mutants as threats to their very existence. And you know what? They bought into it, hook, line, and sinker. They applauded him because he fed into their prejudices, making them see Mutants as villains."
Charles looked conflicted, his expression reflecting the internal struggle between idealism and pragmatism.
"Are you still clinging to this idealistic notion?" Eric's voice cut through the tension as he approached, dressed impeccably in a suit and tie.
Charles frowned at Eric's presence, his skepticism evident. "What are you doing here?" he questioned, his tone guarded.
"Why ask questions to which you already know the answers?" Eric retorted, a cold edge to his words.
"Let's not abandon humanity," Charles murmured softly, a plea for compassion.
"It's not a matter of abandoning humans, Charles. They've already abandoned us," Eric countered bitterly. "They see us as monsters, as threats to their way of life. Can't you see the cheers for Kelly? The applause? They've bought into the fear mongering."
As Alex and Eric exchanged greetings, a flicker of warmth briefly illuminated Eric's cold exterior. Their brotherhood, however, couldn't mask the underlying tension between Eric and Charles.
"It's been too long," Eric remarked, a genuine smile gracing his features. "I hope you've saved that bottle of wine for me at the manor."
"Of course, it's been waiting for you," Alex replied with a smile of his own.
"I'll make sure to visit," Eric promised, his smile sincere.
But the pleasant exchange was short-lived as Eric's demeanor shifted abruptly, his gaze piercing as he turned to Charles.
"What were you delving for in my mind, Charles?" Eric's tone dripped with accusation, his features hardening into a steely resolve. "Were you seeking hope, perhaps?"
"I seek hope for our kind," Charles responded earnestly, his gaze unwavering.
"I'll grant you hope, Charles, but under one condition: do not impede my path. The future belongs to mutants, even if it spells the end for humanity," Eric declared, his conviction palpable. Despite their shared past, the chasm between their ideologies remained as vast as ever.
Pressing the brim of his hat, Eric cast a fleeting glance at Alex before bidding farewell, "Goodbye, Alex, my old friend. I hope that when we next meet, we won't be adversaries."
"Absolutely not, unless your aim is to bring about the world's destruction. And do visit more often; Anya misses you terribly," Alex replied with a faint smile.
Eric returned the smile before departing without a backward glance, his parting words echoing in the air, "I will."
Observing Eric's departure, Alex shook his head in resignation. "Even if our beliefs diverge, we're still friends, aren't we?"
"Yes, but I cannot idly stand by while Eric endangers humanity. It will only stoke further animosity towards mutants," Charles remarked, frustration etched on his features.
"Well, I should go console Jean," Alex remarked casually, taking a step forward.
As he approached the door, Alex spotted a red-haired intellectual beauty with glasses emerging, accompanied by a blond, blue-eyed woman exuding an air of arrogance – Emma.
"Jean, that was quite the speech," Alex greeted with a smile.
"Alright, Professor, I don't need your comfort. That speech was dreadful," Jean pouted, her frustration evident on her face.
"Congressman Kelly was utterly repulsive. He kept interrupting me, refusing to let me speak, and relentlessly targeting mutants," Jean huffed, shaking her arm in annoyance, resembling an irate child.
"Hmm, half a month later, he will roll off the stage, and then a series of accidents will happen, leading to poverty and depression." Alex chuckled lightly.
"This guy deserves it!" Emma smiled and nodded. She couldn't tolerate being pushed around earlier; it made her teeth itch.
"Haha, this guy was stared at by Eric. He'll probably have a stroke of bad luck soon. Study Mutants? Let him be the subject of study first." Alex smiled lightly and remarked.
"Let's go. After the speech, how about taking you to a big meal," Alex asked.
"Definitely." Jean laughed.
"OK, then seafood or steak?"
"I'm sorry, dear, I still have a lot of things to deal with; I can't go with you, have fun." Emma walked up to Alex, kissed him, turned around, and was about to leave.
"That's a pity." Alex shrugged, looked at Jean, and smiled: "It seems that we are the only two left."
"Alex, Anna escaped." Suddenly Charles' voice rang in Alex's ears.
Alex felt a pang of frustration. "Really, Charles? Have you taken an oath that you won't ever let me eat."
(End of this chapter).
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