... no one counts? There's no census or anyth -

- oh, right, you guys barely even communicate with the outside world. Forget that.

[A flash of disgust as he remembers those humans being torn apart in such grotesque and imaginative ways. They were just humans, but - eurgh.]

I know, trust me. We fought mutant registration about as hard as we could.

... well, the Brotherhood did. I was stuck back at Xavier's. [Sulk sulk.]

But they still keep track of the world's population as a whole.

[He flashes her a dirty look for that. No pity, especially not the kind that means pats.]

I'll be in the next fight, I can promise you that much.

[Then he stops glaring to think for a minute.]

I dunno who does the world census. NATO? The UN?

They try to keep humans from tearing one another apart, pretty much. Like I said, when they're not worrying about us, they'll just turn on people who aren't like them in some other way.

[An idle shrug.]

That's just how it is. Someone's always fighting someone else. You hit the top of the food chain and the only satisfying fight left is your own kind.

[He smirks a little.]

They should be thanking us for stopping them from killing one another.

[He frowns deeply.]

Thanks to the Professor, mutants aren't doing much better. Every time Magneto tries to stop humans from pulling another asshole move, the X-Men have to get in the way. Hard to believe they actually worked together last time.

Yeah, but he's way younger than in my time. Way younger. So's the Professor, both times he's been here, and Mystique.

[He blinks in surprise, then shrugs, a smile playing on his lips.]

After what you said to the Professor, you earned it. Besides, I don't own him. Talk to him whenever you want.

[... well, he wasn't worried about that until she said it.]

Just say you know me and I've mentioned that he's my boss. No details.

And for god's sake, don't mouth him off. For your own sake. I barely get away with it, when I forget who I'm dealing with.

... keep your opinions about mutants versus witches to yourself. You're not human, so you've got a leg up - don't lose it by getting all superior on him.

[At this point, he can't help but laugh.]

Basically, be the exact opposite of how you are with me. How do I get you to behave this well?