eachdraidh | 1. {video :: both courts}

[ The face that comes onscreen after a few obvious jostles might be one you're familiar with (if you are, sorry, he's probably not the one you're looking for). Johnny's half-concerned, half-amused with the general state of things and it shows in the way he's looking into the locket, clearing his throat. ]

Ever wonder how this feels like some weird State of the Union address? Except with a lot less people. Or maybe it's like making a YouTube video. Here I am, talking to you guys, and I can't even see your faces. [ He shrugs. ] Oh, well -- anyway.

What's up, strangers of Drabwurld? I have three questions: [ Holds up one finger. ] one, why is it called Drabwurld? Did its founders hate being here, or does Brightworld just not have the same ring to it? Ha, there's your thought of the day.

[ Two fingers. ] Two: Anyone seen a big orange walking rockpile lately? Grumpy, looks like he lost a bet with a mudslide? Failing that, how about a guy who can stretch to grossly disproportionate levels, or a girl who can turn invisible? If found, let me know; they can be pretty ornery, and reach dangerous levels of boring when put together for too long.

Three, and I can't believe this didn't come first. It's a very important question, so I'm gonna need all of you to be honest with me, whoever you are.

[ He leans closer to the screen, loses the smile and gets serious. This is crucial. ]

Which side's got the hotter babes? The Seelie, or the Unseelie?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It's exhilarating, the rush that comes with igniting; and while Johnny had read no such thesis, had known no discrimination -- he knows what it means to have someone who shares what you have, this one thing that others don't have. Gifts should not have to be hidden from the world, treated like it's something shameful.

The look in the other's eyes is all he needs; and he's smiling even if it can't actually be seen all that clearly. Another burst of flame from his palm, and Johnny makes a perfect rotating circle of fire, imitating Erik's gift, letting the flames bend like a serpent. It takes a lot of concentration, and he barely gets it, even if it's rough at the edges and dissipates a heartbeat quicker than he'd like.

Mutants, he'd heard earlier. Does this mean there are many more of them out there? ] Yours is pretty great, too. I bet you don't even have to bother with weapons.

[ All Erik can do for now is watch, fascinated. He hasn't seen anyone like Johnny before and all he wants to do is take him to one side, to educate him on his power, on who he is. He is genetically superior, the next step, and Erik is enchanted by the power he can see in him. The chance to start anew here, people with mutations and powers he had never met before, gives him new life and it's refreshing after the months of nothing.

Lips twitching, Erik nods before he lifts a coin, moving the gaps between his fingers and he nods. He needs practice, it seems, and needs a little work on finer control, but Erik thinks he might be able to do that. He could make this man stronger, encourage him. (He doesn't dwell on how alike to Charles he sounds for different reasons. ]

I don't, but I like them. [ He likes taking advantage of guns. ] You should see what I can do with blood.

[ (You sound so much like Charles right now, Erik. (Only probably a lot more terrifying.) Johnny's oblivious to what he's thinking, but Johnny powers down, attention drawn to the expertly deft way Erik manipulates the coin, moves it like it's become a part of himself. That right there is a fine exercise of control, and Johnny stares, gaze following the trajectory of the coin.

He's been at this longer than Johnny has, that much is obvious -- that kind of polish and skill is unmistakable. But he blinks, surprised at that last comment. What even -- ] Blood?

[ Shut up.

Watching him go from flame to human is interesting and Erik leans back. He's sitting on the ground, back against the wall, locket hovering in front of him as he plays with the coin; he's showing off his control and he loves it, loves to show the kind of power he has. He isn't just the man that can lift a submarine; he can draw out the most minor of metals, more and more as he goes along.

He can't help the pleased little lift up of his lips, the coin hovering now. ] Iron in the blood. Metal in the blood.

[ ERIK AND CHARLES, SITTIN' IN A TREEEEE

Johnny was enjoying the show right until the whole blood thing, Erik, why do you gotta ruin a good thing with something so morbid and weird? He makes a face, because what? ] ...You mean you can manipulate the iron in the blood?

[ ARE YOU GOING TO DEMONSTRATE? YOU DON'T HAVE TO DEMONSTRATE. ]

[ C R E Y I N G -

Erik can't demonstrate because he has nothing to use save himself and his finer control isn't strong enough - he only realised he could do it thanks to the power the moon had given him not so many weeks before. He hadn't done it since, hadn't had a reason or a chance, and he keeps that tidbit to himself. ]

I can. Not as well as I can move my coin, but enough.

[ You're safe, Johnny. ]

That is both awesome... and a little gross.

[ Evidently, Johnny can appreciate powers in whatever form as long as they're not actively trying to kill him -- or anyone, really. He eyes the coin curiously, distracted. ]

Is that coin from here?

I'm glad you think so.

[ Awesome, of course, not gross. Erik flexes his fingers and lets the coin move forward; it looks like an average American quarter. ]

A replica. I was practising recreating things I'm familiar with.

[ Huh, looks like the real deal! But wait -- ]

You made this?

I did.

[ He manipulated the metal, twisted it to what he remembered. That was far too easy. ]

Don't tell me this is what surprises you.

Everything about you surprises me.

[ He says without thinking. Then, realizing that he doesn't actually know who he's talking to -- ] What's your name?

Good.

[ No one ever said he was modest, after all. ]

Erik Lehnsherr.

[ Excellent, modesty's annoying -- why hide your light under a bushel? Johnny decides that he likes this oddly intense, charismatic man who makes him instinctively want to impress him. ]

Johnny Storm. Let me guess, not-Seelie?

Unseelie.

[ Erik can't help leaning back, the way his smile spreads over his face. ]

Not that I live in Caer Scima.

[ Wait, what? ]

Huh? So where are you at?

Maupertuis, south of Caer Scima and West of the Station.

Wait, you aren't from this world, are you?

I thought that was obvious.

No -- I mean, I just wanted to make sure. You can get your own place outside of the castle?

Exactly. I live with a... Friend.

You guys came here together?

No, we met here.

Cool. Man, I'm gonna need to look for one outside the castle, too. Get some privacy, you know? The imps can be pretty creepy.

There are castles and keeps, alongside spires. You'll fine somewhere.

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