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Maximus is feeling rather…awesome, these days. He has a smattering of friends. He's done some terrible things that have resulted in him having some nice clothes and a brand new apartment space, and he's managed to be rather heroic here and there, which is always good for an ego boost. So, he decides to come on down to the Xmansion and try to talk some sense into his smitten cousin. He comes rolling up in a caddy with a hired driver, who is human…just a worker sort, rather than a minion.
*
Well, not a minion is progress, at least.
Crystal isn't inside today. With both Erik and Charles back from their sojourns away from the school, she's declared that she is not responsible for things for just one day, and has retreated to the rear grounds of the school, out near the lake. It's a chance for her to refuel, being at peace with the elements and replenishing herself from a few too many trips into the city.
She sits at the edge of the dock that extends out into the lake, one leg tucked beneath herself and the other dangling toward the water, eyes closed and head tilted to the sun as she leans back on her hands.
No doubt her peace is destined to be short-lived.
*
Definitely shortlived. Maximus asks around of some of the students when he enters the mansion, and no one really recognizes him enough to get themselves into trouble. When not opposed, when he wants something, he is harmless enough, so directions to Crystal equals no one getting harassed by his abilities…or really even his personality. He's saving alllll that for Crystal. Finding her out in the back yard is a delight, since it smells like teenagers in the mansion. "My /dearest/ cousin…we really should talk about your love life." He says boldly as he makes his way across the grass. He is wearing a white suit and a blue tie, hair in black ringlets and only a little bit of make-up today.
*
Crystal doesn't open her eyes for the first moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out through her nose. Well. She did try to have a relaxing day. "We really shouldn't, Maximus," she replies, half turning after a moment to arch one brow in his direction. "It's none of your business, or anyone else's for that matter. Didn't we have a discussion about your visiting this place?"
*
"That was some time ago…when I was not outcast. You hide here, so…how else am I supposed to see my cousin? And…" Maximus finishes walking up beside her and stops, looking over and smiling at the powerful lady. "I believe we should. Mutants are a threat and its a confusing situation with you being so attached to one."
*
"Mutants are not a threat, Maximus." Crystal stays where she is, eyes rolling upward. "And there's nothing confusing about my relationship with Erik. And it's still not any of your business. Now if there's something else you'd like to discuss, you're welcome to take a seat," she invites, gesturing to the dock next to herself.
*
"We need terrigen crystals. Mutants do not. Their evolution is…not carefully selected, and balanced, but completely free. Long have we been the true powered people on this planet. Mutants are a threat, if they mean to be or not. They are humans, with powers, so they care nothing for the environment, and act without a supporting environment. How can you truly say that they are not a threat to Inhumans…the same way a invasive species takes over a garden. Our blooms will be /strangled/." Maximus sits down beside her and takes off his coat, casually. "Inhumans are my business." He looks over at her, pointedly, "That is one thing I came to see you about. Do not dismiss my words…think about it, what it means for /Inhumans/."
*
"On the contrary, Maximus." Crystal stares out over the water of the lake, calm. Apparently she's had more than her share of thoughts about this. "We have a distinct advantage over the mutants. Terrigenesis is an advantage. We are able to prepare, able to plan. And when we come into our powers, it isn't terrifying or unexpected. There are people who are able to shepherd us into it. Mutants rarely know what they are before they manifest their powers. And when they do? It's as the result of trauma, usually during puberty when they're already under stress. There are few people to show them how to use their powers, there's no genetic oversight. The nazis did us no favors there," she grimaces.
*
"Yes, so they are reckless and unbalanced and fall to destruction so easily. What if my brother were a mutant? He would have leveled a /country/ before anyone figured out how to help him. And that /will/ happen with mutants, eventually. It is their unsophistication that makes them dangerous. Like hordes of Huns." Maximus puts his hands on his knees and then reaches down to take his shoes and socks off.
*
"Or," Crystal arches a brow, "We could help them. Show them how to come to terms with who they are. Demonstrate that having powers is a gift and a responsibility, not something that simply happens to you, with no consequences. You sound like the Kree talking about us," she points out. "You know they felt the same about their little 'experiment.' Difficult to control, dangerous. I personally appreciate that they never got around to wiping us out."
*
Maximus wets his lips. "If they formed a nation, a city, as we formed Attilan, they could destroy us, by sheer numbers. We regulate and monitor. That is the threat. Not individually, not that they are evil people, but that they are powered, they are numerous, and they are often uncontrolled." He should talk about control! "Just tell me that you will be on the side of the Inhumans, if there comes a time when mutants and Inhumans are at war for survival."
*
"Inhumans and mutants are not going to be at war for survival." Crystal's jaw sets as she turns toward him with a warning look. "These people are my friends, Maximus. They are like us in very many ways. And there is no resource for powered people that is going to be run out because we exists along with mutants. Frankly, as a kingdom, as a people with a long history and a deep scientific advantage, as people who control their powers, we are at a vast advantage when dealing with the rest of the world."
*
Maximus draws a deep breath. "Well, I did try to convince you they were dangerous. Maybe I just don't like that simpering girl, Lorna. I have other news, besides that." He lifts a hand after he sets his shoes aside and wiggles his fingers. "We have new company. A /new/ exile. Sort of. He says he is on a mission." He teases and trolls with the information.
*
"Maximus, please do me a favor and leave Erik and his family out of your little crusade," Crystal sighs. "Preferably leave the entire mutant race out of your crusade, but there do seem to be some that go too far, and I can already hear you being difficult the minute I'd actually need your assistance with one." She pushes a hand through her hair, giving up on her dreams of a peaceful day. "Who have you come across now?"
*
"I do not go out of my way to bother mutant-kind. I merely recognize that they are dangerous…and I would gladly help you put them down…if you need my skills. I am certain I could create an anti-mutant device for such a task." Maximus flashes a smile. "An old companion…the stomping, thumping Captain of the Royal Guard himself, /Gorgon/. He's here, in New York."
*
"I am not putting down mutants, Maximus." Crystal leaves the issue at that, though the news of their cousin earns a surprised look. "That is…interesting news," she says after a moment. "I'm glad he's well, at least." Which is to say, she's pointedly not saying anything about Gorgon's part in Maximus' reign. "I wondered if the council might include him in their ruling on the rest of us."
*
"I am meeting with him later this evening, again. I had the impression, upon our first meeting, that the answer is yes…and /no/. He is not outcast, but the result is the same. He is on a mission…one I suspect he wishes he were /not/. To protect /me/. That makes sense of course, being a member of the royal house and an heir to the throne. Black Bolt is so busy hiding from everyone that he doesn't really need protection, but I do not mind it at all." He stretches his arms out and then leans back to lay on his back with his legs dangling off the dock. "I will enjoy the company." He can spin with the best of them.
*
"Well, I am glad that you will not be alone then," Crystal sighs. "Since you think so little of the other people here who are anything like us. I will have to see if I can meet with him some time. It seems like it's been a very long time since I had any real interaction with our people."
*
"Yesssss, I wished to chastize you for that as well. Wasting away in Baxter Building…never any visits from my dear, dear cousin. And whatever became of Medusa…I know nothing. As I said, I have made friends. They have powers…but…I do not think they are mutants. Plus I am not allowed here." Maximus flashes an overbroad smile.
*
"Medusa has her own issues to deal with," Crystal grimaces, leaning back on her hands once more. "And with Black Bolt seeking out his own answers, she's free to seek hers as well. And I thought you would enjoy the Baxter Building," she protests. "Really, it's the height of science, or what passes for it here. The closest you'll find to Attilan without going home."
*
"The building is fine." Maximus agrees, willingly enough. He stares up at the sky. "I keep having a dream…that I am a Knight. I am starting to believe that I may be…cursed or…under a spell of some sort. Have you had odd dreams, here, beyond Attilan?" His tone seems totally normal and conversational.
*
Crystal's brows rise at that, head tilting as she considers her cousin. "I can't say that I've had any dreams like that, no," she says slowly. "But I also spend most of my time here, away from the city. You know it doesn't…agree with me." As in, spending more than a few days in the city will put her under for a week at least.
*
"I will bring you something to help with the pollution." Maximus then sits up and picks up his shoes like he's getting ready to depart, already. Maybe she will get some time to herself after all!
*
"That's kind, Maximus, but I do all right. Besides, I like it here," Crystal points out, a faint smile touching one corner of her lips. "Whatever you may think of mutants, this place is the closest I've been to home in a very long time. And you of all people should know what that means. I've spent more of my life out here, in this world, than I did in Attilan, thanks to you. You've only yourself to blame if you find that I prefer it and mutants."
*
Maximus snorts faintly. "If you think you have spent more time here than in Attilan, you need to go back to school. Regardless…I will find a way to let us all go home." It seems Maximus is just…full of various purposes in life…some more dangerous than others. But, at least with a variety, it'll keep him very busy.
*
"Not here at the school, but outside of Attilan," Crystal shakes her head ruefully. "Anyhow. Please be careful, Maximus. It's a very large world out here. We're not alone in it."
*