a;

[ Takakage isn't often seen in the corridors of the Institute anymore, instead spending every minute of his free time at the hospital or District X. He seems only to return to teach classes and sleep - while the quality of his lessons haven't gone down noticeably (save for the occasional factual slip), the exhaustion is evident in his features and his paled complexion has only gotten worse.

It's evening when he finishes up his last class and locks up the classroom, textbook and notes tucked under one arm. Uncharacteristically he fumbles and drops the key, picking it up again with something mutterred faintly in Japanese. Sleep deprivation hasn't exactly been kind to his constitution.

A few steps down the corridor he seemingly trips over thin air, half-collapsing against the wall and inadvertently scattering a dozen sheets of paper on the floor. ]

b;

[ He looks much better the next morning, showing up in the staff lounge with tea. The television is turned on, screening the news that had been flying about the previous few days. ]

Even the political situation is growing worse. With Genosha so hostile and the activists stirring things up - perhaps we have played entirely into the expectations of those who seek to profit from our exploitation.

[ As the news program progresses, his expression becomes more grim. ]

When a human is hurt by a mutant, it makes headlines worldwide. But when humans get violent towards mutants, the act is unnoticed if not celebrated. There is inherent bias here, compounded by the obstinacy of a significant part of the population.

But how do we overcome basic human psychology?

[ Is there truly no option left except to prepare for the worst? ]