Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Then

Is….this mandatory?” Morph asks.

“Are you experiencing flashbacks from your horrors from Sinister?” Erik asks.

“No. Not recently.” Morph said.

“And you will tell me if you are otherwise?” Erik asks.

“Careful Boss. If you keep it up with showing concern I just might leave Logan for ya.” Morph jokes.

“Oooo does this mean ah have to date Logan for a couple weeks?” Rogue jokes.

Erik chuckles at that. “I don't think he can handle you Rogue.” He smirks.

******

Now

Morph looks around and sees that the coast is clear. They take a breath and carefully walk towards the door.

“Come on, you can do this.” Morph said. “Just put your hand on the door and open it. He'll listen. He said he would.” They mutter.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Erik asks.

“Oh shit!” Morph said.

“Did you need something Morph?” Erik asks.

“I was just um….” Morph tried to explain what they wanted. But for some reason. They can't.

“Are you here for professional or personal reasons?” Erik asks.

“Yes?” Morph asks.

“Is this about Sinister?” Erik asks.

“Kinda…no. Maybe.” Morph was…clearly nervous. 

“I'm willing to listen if you wish to talk.” Erik smiles. 

“Thanks Mags.” Morph said.

“Anytime Morph.” Erik smiles.

Then of course he opens the door and lets Morph into his office.

“Do you have nightmares still?” Erik asks.

“Kinda. But it helps when you have a big teddy bear sleeping next to you.” Morph jokes.

“Still I do appreciate you trusting me with this.” Erik said.

“Well…you're here.” Morph said. “I'm…sorry.”

“Sorry?” Erik asks.

“When I lead you into a trap. When I almost got you killed.” Morph frowns.

“People try to kill me all the time. You're hardly the first.” Erik shrugs. “Besides, you weren't in your right mind. You suffered an unimaginable ordeal. No one blames you for your actions. I do not blame you.” 

“I do.” Morph rubs their arm nervously. “I sent Jubilee to friends of humanity meeting because I was jealous of her. I got Storm SHOT, I caused Scott and Jean marriage to not be valid, I…hurt Logan.”

“It's never easy when you cause harm to the one you love. However, be thankful for two things. Logan can heal.” Erik said.

“What's the other?” They asks.

“Logan loves you. That is a fact that will never change. Besides you really think HE doesn't understand? LOGAN?” Erik asks.

“I ended up being another person who hurt him. I HURT Logan.” Morph said. 

“Ah but you feel guilty. Weapon X does not.” Erik said. “If it helps. I know how it feels.”

“You got experimented on too?” Morph asks.

Erik then removes his glove and shows Morph his Forearm. Their eyes widen with shock as they see the numbers on his skin.

“Oh.” Morph said.

“I was the baby of the family. But I was the only one to have survived.” Erik said.

“I'm sorry….: Morph said.

“Do you feel less alone now?” Erik asks.

“A little bit yeah actually.” Morph admits.

“Good. Then I'm doing a decent job.” Erik said.

“Meh you're alright.” Morph smirks.

“But to answer your question. During my villian days. I was…captured by a scientist by the high evolutionary. Alongside myself, my children and Wolverine.” Erik said.

“He never told me that.” Morph said.

“I take it he also didn't mention what HE did to him.” Erik said.

“W…what did he do?” Morph asks.

“Turned him into a monster. A ferocious beast. In the Mccoy sense.” Erik informs them.

“Oh this guy is officially on my shit list now.” Morph growls.

“Another thing you and I have in common.” Erik smiles.

*******

Soon Erik receives a call from X-factor. Apparently the brotherhood has kidnapped Valerie Cooper. Apparently since they are off on another mission it's up to them to save her.

“So are you up to this?” Erik asks.

“Haven't been evil in years sugah.” Rogue said.

“I mean fighting HER.” Erik said.

“Ah can do it.” Rogue said.

“You know if you guys get married. SHE'S your mother-in-law.” Morph smirks.

“I'd like to think there's some respect left.” Erik shrugs.

“If you kill her they'll either give ya a reward or arrest you again.” Logan said.

“No one is killing Mystique.” Erik said, rolling his eyes.

 “No one is letting Mystique kill us?” Jubilee asks.

“Does she care enough?” Erik asks her.

“As long as ya don't get in her way or the target.” Rogue shrugs.

“Oh we're going to fucking die.” Roberto said.

“We did say we hope you survive the experience.” Jubilee said.

“Oh my god.” Roberto said.

“I died once.” Erik said.

“You did!?!” Roberto asks.

“Had a whole funeral.” Rogue said.

“Really? Why?” Erik asks.

“The professor arranged it.” Rogue said.

“Of course he fucking did.” Erik mutters. Then after a few moments of silence. “Was it a nice service?”

“Yeah bastard got real Sentimental about it.” Logan said.

“You went!?!” Erik asks.

“You might have liked it.” Hank said.

Erik became silent again. But Rogue knows better. “Do ya want to see after we're done?”

“Honestly….I do.” Erik admits.

“Wait did I have a funeral?” Morph asks.

“Yeah bub.” Logan said.

“Well shit.” Morph said.

Soon the team lands at the location of the last known sighting of the brotherhood. The team is well aware that it's a trap however they don't know what the endgame is. So they split up and hope they overcome this. Morph goes with Logan, Rogue with Jubilee, leaving Erik went with Gambit and….Sunspot.

“Why Gambit with Maggie?” Remy asks.

“Because if things go to hell. I can provide a distraction. And you can get the boy out.” Erik said.

“Voluntarily being de sacrifices now? Careful might seem like ya care mon a mi.” Remy smirks.

“If I let you die. Who will be there to steal things for us.” Erik retorts back.

Soon enough they track down Cooper. She was tied up in a very empty room. Erik walks in first so if they accidentally activate a trap Erik will take the hit. When he unties her the trap is set and soon the door behind them is closed. 

“Well well. Looks like we got ourselves a couple of X-men.” 

“Blob.” Erik said.

“Oh shit it's mags.” Pyro said.

“Fuck.” Blob said.

“Are you going to fight me Fredrick?” Erik asks.

“She doesn't pay me enough for that!” Blob said.

“Fredrick?’ Roberto smirks.

“Um….magnets lose their charge when heated!’ Pyro blurts out.

“Well well I'm impressed you know that.” Erik said. “So you actually remember my teachings.” He smirks.

“Hey you know me mate. Always give a shit if it comes to burnin.” Pyro said.

“Here is another lesson. Your strategy to weaken me is all well and good. But for your power to work you will need something very important.” Erik informs said.

“....The power to believe in myself?” Pyro asks.

“No.” Erik snaps his fingers and soon Pyro's built-in flamethrower is no longer operational. “A lighter.” 

“FUCK!” Pyro said.

“So….does this mean we won?” Roberto asks.

“Oh not yet. There is one more player we must deal with.” Erik said. Then he quickly turns around with glowing eyes. “Raven old friend, how are you?” 

Remy tried really hard not to chuckle at the idea. But honestly considering how she once tried to frame him for the murder of Robert Kelly he wouldn't put it pass her to fake a kidnapping, pretend to be the hostage and lead the X-Men into a trap.

“Wait TAHT is Mystique?” Roberto asks.

“The boy wants a demonstration.” Erik smirks.

“Damn it.”

 Soon ‘Val’ skin turns blue and her blonde hair turns red. 

“How the hell did you know it was me?” Raven asks.

“A couple of red flags. The rope you tied yourself up wasn't as tight and you didn't use your regular knot. Two I am experienced with your work. I have seen it with my own eyes. I must admit that using X-factor's communication line to the school is a nice touch.” Erik said.

“I told you this wouldn't work!” Raven said. “Bastard is too smart for his own good.”

“Well I say it worked out better than we expected.” Valerie at least the real one enters the room.

“She's alive?” Erik asks. “You didn't kill her.” 

“No.” Raven said.

“That doesn't sound like her.” Remy said.

Erik then looks at Raven and and then Val. “Oh my god they work for you.”

“Wait seriously?” Roberto asks.

“Never thought I see the day.” Remy said.

“Although the real question. Why?” Erik asks.

“ You inspired me to turn my life around.” Raven said. “Your willingness to turn over a new leaf made me want to do the same.’

 “Raven please. Don't insult my intelligence. You can be honest.” Erik said.

Remy looks at her with a raised eyebrow. Raven looks at Erik. Erik stares back. 

“I need money.” She replied.

Remy smirks.

“Ah.” Erik said.

***********

Soon the X-Men team head back to the Blackbird. But Remy pulls Erik to the side. “You don't really believe that it's JUST about the money do you?”

“No.” Erik said.

“Gambit didn't think so either.” Remy said. “So what she up too?” 

“I'm not entirely sure.” Erik admits. Then he watches Rogue enter the Blackbird. “But I give you my word that I will find out!” 

Chapter Text

Erik begins writing notes on the members of Mystique's new freedom force. The worst part is he knows of them. The usual suspects: Blob, Pyro, Unus and Avalanche. But the last one….the feral one is an unknown variable.

“Wild child.” Erik mutters. “God hope he's not half Sabertooth.” 

“Hey bub. Yer gonna be late for lunch.” Logan said.

“Jesus I must be working really hard if they sent YOU to get me.” Erik scoffs.

“Rogue is busy in the danger room. So ya get me.” Logan said.

“Ah.” Erik said.

“What are you doing anyway?” Logan asks.

“Doing research on this freedom force. Mystique is up to something. And knowing her it will probably involve Rogue being the end game.” Erik said.

“Anyone we know?” Logan asks.

“Most of them. But this last one. WILD CHILD.” Erik said.

“Kyle!?!” Logan asks.

“You know him?” Erik asks.

“Yeah Alpha Flight flunkie. Don't know how the Americans got him.” Logan said.

“Really? Good to know.” Erik said. /Very interesting./ He thinks. 

“So what's Magneto's next move?” Logan asks.

“I'm not sure.” Erik admits.

“Let me know when you figure it out bub.” Logan shrugs.

“Before you leave. There's something I've been meaning to discuss with you.” Erik said.

“Uh oh. Am I getting an emotional journey with the boss?” Logan jokes.

“What?” Erik asks.

“Jubilee, Morph, clearly Rogue.” Logan lisits.

“I doubt you're getting anything like that but let me give it a shot.” Erik jokes. “Morph still blame themselves.”

“Oh. Damn.” Logan said.

“Indeed.” Erik said.

“Must be really serious if they told you.” Logan said.

“That concerned me as well.” Erik said.

“I definitely need to speak to them.” Logan said.

 “He loves you and he feels terrible about being another person who hurt you.” Erik said.

“Compared to Weapon X. I'll take pain by Morph any day of the week.” Logan shrugs.

“Do you remember anything about your past life?” Erik asks..

“Nah. Everything is still a blur.” Logan said.

“Maybe it's your healing factor taking effect.” Erik said. “It's trying to protect you by making you forget.”

“Damn….never thought of it that way.” Logan said. 

*******

A week later Valerie Cooper enters her home. She has had a rather stressful day and would very much like to unwind with a glass of wine.

“I hear booze calms the nerves.” Erik smirks.

“Magneto!” Val said. “W-what are you doing here!?!”

“I thought you and I had a little chat. In privacy of course.” Erik said.

“Is this about Freedom Force?” Val asks.

“Correct.” Erik said.

“With your succession in your reformation.” Val starts off.

“Results are still pending.” Erik said.

“The government wanted to offer the same opportunity to reform to others.” Val said.

“Uh huh.” Erik said. “You know I was trying to wrap my head around how Wildchild could possibly fit in all of this. But then I did a little digging. Turns out his connection was YOU.” 

“So you found out he was my patient.” Val said.

“You're FIRST patient.” Erik said. “Am I too suspect that this is a trial run for him to see if the treatment for him is working?”

“You wouldn't be wrong.” Val said.

“Now then what does Raven benefit from this?” 

“She gets a pardon from her crimes.” Val said.

“Valerie please. This is Mystique.” Erik retorts.

“.....She is put in the spotlight.” Val said.

“So that's her plan. She's plotting to bring someone out.” Erik said.

“That's…. bold.” Val said.

“Now then my next and final question.” Erik said. “When did this start? Before my trial?”

“Well the idea was going around. Your trial simply pushed it around.” Val said.

“Oh No you misunderstand. I asked when you started doing this.” Erik said. “How long have you been sleeping with Rave”

“WHAT!?!” Val's eyes widened with shock. “How on earth did you come to that conclusion!?!”

“So long enough.” Erik said. “Is it a relationship or just sex?’

“That is….that is absolutely none of your business!” Val said.

“So it's true.” Erik smirks.

Val stares at Erik. Erik stares back. Then she sighs at him.

“Fine yes.” Val admits.

“Well well.” Erik chuckles.

“Oh shut up.” Val said. “So what now? You blackmail me now with this information?””

“Don't be ridiculous.” Erik scoffs. “I'm not evil enough to give a shit.”

“But you have no problem in attempting to murder a Senator?” Val asks.

“I'm evil with standards.” Erik shrugs. “Might have a little laughter later with a nice glass of wine.” 

“Dear god you're an absolute bastard!” Val groans.

“Of course I am.” Erik grins at her. “I'm Magneto.”

********

3 days later Erik was working with Hank in the lab. Hank was…a little nervous about it. Because Magnus has NEVER spent one one time with him.

Yet here they are. Building something together.

“Is it my turn?” Hank asks.

“Your turn?” Erik asks.

“You had a session with Rogue, Morph. You and Jubilee threw a party. And then Logan.” Hank points out. 

“Well I only plan on increasing security so I figured we work on together.” Erik said.

“Oh wow it really IS my turn.” Hank said

“I suppose I can….say some poetry.” Erik said.  

“How thoughtful.” Hank laughs. “So what do you call these…little machines anyway?” 

“Widgets.” Erik said.

“No really.” Hank said.

“I'm serious.” Erik said.

“I….really?” Hank asks.

“Yes.” Erik said.

“Okay Widgets.” Hank said.

When Erik was done for the day he went to his office. However to his surprise when he entered the room he found himself being pushed up against the wall.

“Raven old friend, how are you?” Erik asks.

“You scared the shit out of Valerie!” Raven said.

“And here you are defending your girlfriend's honor. How noble.” Erik teases.

“That's not…damn it Erik why did you do that!?!” Raven asks.

“Oh you'll deny it. You're quite good at lying. I'd have no real way of knowing you were telling the truth. Cooper however is a different matter.” Erik smirks.

“I should kill you where you stand!” Raven growls.

“What's this? Showing concern that's not for Rogue now? Well that's not you at all.” Erik said.

“What the fuck do you want Magnus?” Raven glares.

“Is your endgame Rogue?” Erik asks.

“No.” Raven said.

“Who are you trying to lure into the light with you? Graydon?” Erik asks.

“No.” Raven said. “Why do you care that much?” 

“This is my school. These are my X-Men. Any potential threats to them GREATLY concern me.” Erik said. “And I'd KILL to keep them safe.”

“What's this? Showing concern that's not for Rogue now?” Raven scoffs.

“Fair enough. So who has you so worried that made you take this directly?” Erik asks.

“Carol Danvers is no longer at the hospital.” Raven explains.

Erik's eyes widened with shock. “She regained consciousness?”

“Worse.” Raven said. “Someone TOOK her.”

“Oh.” Erik said. “Okay….that is very bad.”

“No shit!” Raven said.

“And you're worried that if someone…tries to weaponize her. Danger might come for Rogue. So you put yourself in front of a camera so she doesn't put her in danger.” Erik rubs his temples. “Do you have any leads?”

“Sinister or Apocalypse.” Raven admits. 

“Of course it is.” Erik rubs his face.” Then he looks at Raven. “If you are lying about this. If it turns out you are not explaining the whole story. You will not like the results of my anger, Raven Darkholme.”

“Careful now. You kill me, X-Men won't like that.” Raven scoffs.

Erik rolls his eyes. “Get out of my school.” 

******

Hours later Rogue checks in on Erik. Erik doesn't even notice her walking in. Now she's greatly concerned.

“Damn sugah. Must be really busy.” Rogue said.

“Rogue!” Erik said surprised. “I didn't hear you come in.”

“Something wrong?” Rogue asks. 

“Having to deal with Mystique's potential plans.” Erik said.

“Ah admit this freedom force sounds concerning. But ah wouldn't worry about it.” Rogue said.

“What makes you say that?” Erik asks.

“Cause now we have you.” Rogue smiles.

“What a nice thing to say.” Erik chuckles.

“Ah'll give ya 15 more minutes then ah'm dragging yer ass to bed.” Rogue said.

“Now I feel safe with you taking care of me.” Erik smiles.

When Rogue leaves he takes a breath. He is the leader. He leads the X-Men. If Raven truly is telling the truth….than Rogue is in danger. And he cannot have that! He will KILL to keep his team safe. He will kill to keep HER safe.

Erik rubs his temples again. “Fuck!"