[ It really all comes down to how selfless people are. Whether they want to use their powers to change the world, to help others, or themselves. Or if they simply want to live their lives as though they don't have those powers at all.

Erik has gone back and forth between all those options, admittedly. Right now he's come to a more balanced approach, where he really doesn't want to get involved in the issues plaguing the world, but he also isn't going to deny his own powers anymore. He's as close to feeling at peace as he has in a while, despite the recent losses and the grieving that has come with it.

There's an air of tired recognition as Steve mentions oversight. He nods. ] Same in my world. Various governments certainly tried to keep a hold over us, in some form.

[ Charles works with them now, but frankly, Erik could never bring himself to trust them. One wrong move, and they will again be labeled the enemy in the public eye. Mutants, a constant danger and threat to mankind as they know it. ]

At one point, I... was with them. At the beginning. [ The pause isn't hesitance so much as him reminiscing. ] I have helped on a few other occasions, but you could say we don't often see eye to eye.