Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Banshee flying Marrow away and he gets blasted for his troubles. Nightcrawler tries to teleport away but a sentinel pinpointed the exact moment he would teleport and so he got impaled as a result. Maddie gets blasted on all fronts and dies with a scream. It's the same dream again. He remembers it all clearly. He remembers his own death. Well...deaths really.

It's the aftermath he believes. The battle was over. He saved all he could. He did all he could. The adrenaline is running low and the pain is running high. He then looks down and sees he's covered in blood. He doesn't wonder who's blood is that. He knows it's his. He knows he is dying. He is no fool.

"Sugah." Rogue flies down. 

Oh. Oh no. She found him. He is happy that she is here. Of course he is happy! But rather sad....because now she has to watch him die.

"R-Rogue." Erik said.

"Shhh don't talk." Rogue said. 

"I-" Erik wants to say the words. 

Even in death he can't even spit it out. 

"Erik...please stop talking." Rogue said.

Rogue says she would have said yes. That she did choose him. But he thinks that's for his benefit. 

"Don't... blame you. Not...your fault.” Erik says weakly.

Erik wants to frown but everything hurts to move even a little bit. He is slowly starting to suspect that it was time to go now. 

“Papa.”

Oh…it's her. 

“Anya?” Erik asks.

Rogue holds him tighter. She cradles him. The last thing he hears her say is that she loves him. He's not sure if that was true either. But…it hardly mattered anyway. 

Then Erik thankfully woke up. 

*********

“Fuck!” Erik gasps. 

“Bad Dream mon a mi?” Remy asks.

“W-where?” Erik asks.

“The blackbird.” Maddie reminds him. 

“Oh..right. Where's going home.” Erik said. 

“You alright there shug?” Rogue asks.

“I…guess I was even more tired than I thought.” Erik said.

“Damn Maddie. What the hell do you council members talk about?” Remy laughs.

“Apparently making me King.” Erik scoffs.

“What!?!” Ororo and Remy said in unison.

“You didn't tell him?” Erik asks.

“Ah couldn't find him sugah.” Rogue shrugs.

“YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS!?” Remy asks.

“I know why you couldn't find him.” Erik smirks.

“Fuck you do?” Remy asks.

“Yeah I do.” Erik teases.

“H-How?” Remy asks.

“Well if you must know mon a mi.” Erik starts off.

“Oh fuck.” Remy said.

“Walking around the halls. And then a door opens.” Erik teases.

“Fuck.” Remy swears again.

“I gotta know. How? Because I do want a little payback.” Erik said.

“You slept with someone?” Ororo asks.

“......Yeah.” Remy said.

“Ooooooo.” Rogue smirks. “Come on Swamp rat. Spit it out.” 

“You don't know her.” Remy said.

“Frenzy.” Erik said.

“Woah.” Maddie said.

“Indeed. A girl with super strength. That's not telling at all.” Erik scoffs.

“Well fine Erik. If Gambit has a chance to sleep with a mutant magnet he'll take it!” Remy rolls his eyes.

“Ah but will they be attracted to you, my cajun friend?” Erik said

“DID YOU JUST MAKE A PUN!?!” Remy asks.

*******

When the X-Men returned to the school. Maddie hesitates getting off the blackbird. Erik sees this and becomes concerned.

“Are you okay?” Erik asks.

“No.” Maddie said. “I have to walk in there and explain to the father of my child that our son is not only alive…but he is also Cable.  

“I have to explain to my team that I'm leaving them. I have to tell the woman I love that I'm a telepath.” Erik said.

“......I'm having a mental affair with Scott.” Maddie blurts out.

“I…wait what!?!” Erik asks.

“Over a month I think.” Maddie said.

“I…Jesus fuck.” Erik said.

“I'm still in love with Scott Summers.” Maddie said.

“I'm not a therapist….but I'm going to assume that you love him because you , genetically speaking, are Jean Grey.” Erik said. “Jean Grey loves Scott Summers. That's a universal fact.” Erik said.

“In hindsight…I think I should have known I was a clone because I feel absolutely nothing for Logan.” Maddie said.

“Heh.” Erik chuckles. “So does anyone else know?”

“Jean caught us. Emma….saw us.” Maddie said.

“She did?” Erik asks.

“During the meeting…” Maddie said.

“Wait Emma AND Jean caught you at the same time?” Erik asks. “Okay the only way to make this even more messy if Jean somehow slept with Logan.”

“God if only.” Maddie chuckles. “Say is this our little bonding moment now” she smirks.

“I…did Scott tell you that?” Erik scoffs.

“Yeah.” Maddie said. 

“And…he didn't tell you about me and Rogue because he didn't know.” Erik said.

“No he did not. He still doesn't know.” Maddie said.

“God damn.” Erik sighs.

*******

Soon enough Maddie took Scott to another room much to Jean's chagrin. Erik of course addressed the…his team. 

“I have…something to tell all of you.” Erik said.

“You and Rogue getting married?” Morph jokes.

“No.” Erik and Rogue said in unison.

“Wait what?” Jean asks.

“I…did you not know?” Morph asks.

“Know what?” Jean asks.

“Rogue…Magneto.” Jubilee said. 

“You're dating Magneto!?” Jean asks.

“I…you didn't know?” Hank asks.

“It would appear Scott and Jean are the only ones.” Erik said.

“Jesus Christ.” Roberto said. 

“When did this even start!?” Jean asks.

“That's actually a good question. When did it start?” Morph asks.

“That's not what I wanted to address.” Erik said.

“Was it before she joined the team?” Remy asks.

“.......Yes.” Erik said. “But!” 

“Oh course there's a but.” Morph said.

“Ah left. Ah joined the x-men.” Rogue said.

“Uh huh.” Remy said.

“As I was saying!” Erik said. “I have…an announcement.” Then he turns to Morph. “And no Rogue isn't pregnant or I have any more secret children!”

“That we know of?” Jubilee asks.

“That what we know of.” Erik rolls his eyes.

“Continue.” Morph said.

“The council of Genosha has offered me an opportunity to officially be the chancellor of Genosha. To lead the nation.” Erik said.

“So you'll officially be the king of mutants.” Roberto said.

“Basically.” Erik said.

“And…you said yes.” Hank said. 

“I did.” Erik said. 

“And…you're leaving the team?” Jubilee frowns.

“I am.” Erik said.

“But…you just got here!” Jubilee said.

“I know.” Erik said.

“And now you're leaving us. You're leaving ROGUE.” Jubilee said.

“Actually…ah'm going with him.” Rogue said.

“You are?” Jubilee asks.

“Ah am.” Rogue said.

“Oh sure that's cool. You and Magneto can be mutant royalty. And you'll leave us peasants behind.” Jubilee said.

“Jubilee.” Erik said.

“I'm sure we'll see each other at weddings and god forbid funerals.” Jubilee said.

“Jubilee.” Erik repeats.

“Then you'll forget all about us. You'll lead a new team and get yourself a spunky sidekick to throw parties with!” Jubilee asks.

“JUBILATION!” Erik said. 

Jubilee then gets up and leaves the room and Erik goes after her. Rogue sighs.

“Yer not gonna go on a rant now are ya Swamp rat?” Rogue asks.

“No.” Remy said. “Maybe tomorrow.”

“.....I'm gonna miss him.” Morph admits.

“We're not leaving immediately.” Rogue said.

******

Erik knocks on Jubilee's door. “Can I come in?”

“Why? So you can say goodbye personally.” Jubilee scoffs. 

“I didn't mean to upset you.” Erik said.

“Well it turns out I like having you here!” Jubilee said. “You're like..my evil adjacent grandpa!” 

“Nice to know you think so highly of me.” Erik chuckles. “If it helps….you didn't let me finish.”

“What? You taking Morph now?” Jubilee scoffs.

“No.” Erik said. “I'm not foolish enough to separate Morph and the Wolverine.” 

“Yet Jubilee and Magneto: Dynamic duo no more.” Jubilee rolls his eyes 

“Actually…I was rather hoping you and Sunspot would come to Genosha.” Erik admits.

“Really?” Jubilee asks.

“Genosha has a lot of mutants. Young mutants like Leech.” Erik said. 

“How is he?” Jubilee asks.

“He's made some friends. There's this girl with Pixie wings who I think you'll enjoy.” Erik smiles. “I am very old. You are not. So I need an X-man who is not only hip but… down with the kids.” 

“Jesus Christ never say down with the kids again.” Jubilee said.

“Oh thank god.” Erik said. “But in all seriousness I do think you could benefit more from being on Genosha.”

“.....boy I really am your second favorite huh?” Jubilee smirks.

Erik chuckles at that. “My dear girl, you have no idea.”

Chapter Text

Then

“Do ya really think ah'm Queen Material?” Rogue asks.

“What's a Queen to a goddess?” Erik shrugs.

“You somehow managed to take a fucked up situation and switch it around so you'll have another excuse to tell me ya love me.” Rogue smirks.

“I don't deny my absolute bias of you. I freely admit that you are my favorite.” Erik smiles. “Doesn't make my other reason absolutely true.” 

“We'd probably have to tell everyone about us.” Rogue said.

“That is a possibility.” Erik said.

“We'd have to get our stories straight.” Rogue said.

“Indeed.” Erik said.

“We'd have to tell the team.” Rogue said.

“You'd have to tell Remy.” Erik said.

“We'd have to find replacements.” Rogue said.

“I have several candidates in mind.” Erik admits.

*****

Now

“So who's first on the list?”

Erik looks around raised his eyebrows. “Oh great YOU.”

“Well you're a dangerous telepath.” Cable smirks.

“Because of you. I'm like this because of YOU!” Erik scoffs.

“Which makes it my responsibility to make sure you don't kill anyone until Mom trains you properly.” Cable said.

“Is there a future where things don't go to hell?” Erik asks suddenly.

“Define not going to shit?” Cable asks. “You need to get very specific.”

“I hate you.” Erik said.

“I know.” Cable said.

First recruit on the list: an actual doctor who isn't Hank. Finding her was easy because she was in Charles's files of X-men failed recruits. As in people who said no. Of course they said no to CHARLES. Charles wanted soldiers. He needed X-Men. Erik is asking for something else. 

“Absolutely not.” 

The person in question is Cecilia Reyes. Her mutant power is the ability to create a defensive shield around her body. When she discovered her powers Charles trained her in hopes of being an X-man. Now she is a doctor. And that is exactly what Erik needs.

“You haven't even heard what I'm asking.” Erik said.

“I'm going to tell you what I told Xavier. I'm not joining the x-men.” Cecilia said.

“I have X-Men.” Erik said. “I need a Doctor. Hopefully one who doesn't constantly shed.” Erik said.

“Is this for Genosha?” Cecilia asks.

“No. The school. Where yes there are mutants however you don't have to deal with these racist assholes.” Erik said.

“Well you're certainly better at the recruitment drive than he is.” Cecilia said.

“I try my best.” Erik said 

*********

Recruit number 2: The accountant.

Bobby Drake aka Iceman enters his apartment. When he sees Erik he immediately ices up.

“Magneto!” Bobby said.

“Hello Mr.Drake.” Erik said.

“Why are you here!?!” Bobby asks.

“I'm here to offer an opportunity.” Erik said.

“There is no way in hell I'm joining the brotherhood!” Bobby said.

“I'm not here for that.” Erik said.

“There is no way in hell I'm rejoining the X-Men!” Bobby said.

“I don't need an X-man. I need an accountant.” Erik said.

“You do?” Bobby asks.

“Charles Xavier left me in charge of everything. And I have…recently gotten a new job opportunity. And I don't want to leave the school until I make sure that they are taken care of.” Erik said.

“And…why should I believe you?” Bobby asks.

“Why would I lie?” Erik asks. “Don't get me wrong, I believe you are powerful in your own right. But of all the x-men to try to corrupt. You truly think I'd ask you?”

“Fair enough.” Bobby said. “So tell me then. What is in it for me if I joined the school faculty?” 

“You know the best part about being the school financial advisor. You get to tell the X-Men on how to spend money.” Erik said. “You get to tell Cyclops what to do.”

“Oooo I like that.” Bobby grins.

“I figured you would.” Erik laughs.

Cable glares at Erik. Erik just smirks at the time traveler. 

/You did that to spite me./ Cable said.

/Two birds with one stone./ Erik shrugs.

*********

Erik then begins his first x-men potential recruit. And his stop the u

United nations. And this time it's not for his own trial. 

“Magneto!” Val said calling out his name.

“Oh. You.” Erik said.

“We need to talk.” Val said.

“You always want to talk.” Erik said, rolling his eyes.

“Damn it Magnus.” Val then pulls him aside so they can talk privately.

 “How may I help you today?” Erik asks.

“How long?” Val asks.

“How long, what?” Erik asks.

“How long have you been in a relationship with Rogue?” Val asks.

“Ah, So this is personal.” Erik said. 

“You fucking hypocrite!” Val said.

“I never said I disapproved. I was far too busy laughing.” Erik smirks.

“Out of all the mutants. And it's Rogue!” Val said.

“You haven't told Raven.” Erik said.

“What the hell do I say? Hey honey I'm back from work. Funny story Magneto is screwing your daughter!’ Val said.

“Screwing is crass. It's much more than that.” Erik said.

“What are you engaged now?” Val asks.

“No. But…I must confess. The idea isn't horrible.” Erik softly said.

“I…what?” Val asks.

“I'm trying this new thing where I'm truthful all the time. How is it going?” Erik asks.

“I…you love her.” Val said.

“I do. Very much so. That is not a question.” Erik said. “And it never will be.” 

“.....Why are you here Magneto?” Val asks

“I'm here for Sabra.” Erik said.

“You're replacing Rogue for her?” Val asks.

“Of course not. She's Gambit's replacement.” Erik said.

“Gambit? He's quitting?” Val asks.

“Not yet.” Erik smirks.

********

Recruitment for X-Men number 2: Jean-Paul aka Northstar. He figures that with Wolverine losing Jubilee; Erik figures that he could use a friendly face. And since that Genosha wasn't destroyed by Sentinels like it wasn't supposed to. He could sacrifice a speedster.

“You want me to join the X-Men?” Jean-Paul asks.

“I do.” Erik said.

“There's enough for 13 x-men?” Jean-Paul asks.

“4.” Erik said. “There are four on field X-Men. The team could use a Speedster. The team could use YOU.” Erik said.

“Why isn't Logan asking me then?” Jean-Paul asks.

“Logan doesn't know I'm here. I'm here to appeal to your close friendship with Wolverine and hope it works.” Erik said.

“Nice start but I still fail to see why I should join.” Jean-Paul said.

“It's not Alpha Flight?” Erik asks.

The Canadian Speedster couldn't help but smirk at that. “Well when you put it like that.”

******

When Erik returned home he decided to face the music and confront Gambit. He's been avoiding this

conversation because…how do you explain? How do you explain to someone who was supposed to have died.

“Big boss Maggie up to somethin.” Remy said as he plays with his throwing cards.

“I am.” Erik said.

“And what does that to do with Remy?” He asks.

“....Cable is Nathan.” Erik blurts out.

“Oh fuck.” Remy said surprised

“Indeed.” Erik said.

“Rogue died?” Remy asks

“What?” Erik asks.

“Only reason why Cable does anythin is to fix somethin with time travel. Only reason why he involve you is because of her.” Remy said.

“No. Rogue wasn't the one who was supposed to have died….you were.” Erik said.

“Dat explains the danger room.” Remy scoffs.

“Turns out my subconscious was trying to fight Cable's brainwashing. Maybe even train you to keep you alive.” Erik said.

“Careful Boss people might accuse ya of liking Gambit.” Remy smirks

“I don't hate you enough to let you die.” Erik shrugs.

“Did ya die?” Remy asks.

“Yes a couple of time actually. Bastard made me relive my own death.” Erik said.

“Is that why ya were sleeping in the blackbird?” Remy asks.

“Yes.” Erik said.

“Wait…how many times did he-” Remy asks.

“10.” Erik said.

“What the fuck!?!” Remy asks. 

“Cable claims Sinister.” Erik said.

“I wanna kill him.” Remy glares.

“The line is very long on that front.” Erik said.

“Why are you telling Gambit this?” Remy asks.

“I was going to come in here and ask you to come to Genosha and make it a 5 man team.” Erik said. 

“Are you out of your fucking mind!?!” Remy asks.

“I saw and felt myself die. "I stopped caring.” Erik said. “As I was saying I was going to come in here and ask you to come. Give you a speech and all that. But then it occurred to me. I don't have too. I don't have to.” Erik then starts laughing.

“Um…Erik are you doing okay?” Remy felt…unsettled.

“I don't need to do anything because you'll come anyway of your own freewill. You don't have a choice.” Erik laughs.

“Explain.” Remy said.

“You justify it all you fucking like. You're looking out for Jubilee. Trying to win Rogue back. Hell ,join to make sure I don't blow up Mexico. It really doesn't matter.” Erik said.

“Why would you-” Remy tries to ask.

“You hate me.” Erik blurts out. “That's a fact. You fucking hate me.”

“You…are not Gambit's favorite person.” Remy said.

“But Rogue is. And because of that I know you'll randomly show up on Genosha regardless of the mental gymnastics I would have done. It doesn't matter anymore.” Erik said. “My hands are clean from any potential manipulation.”

“You are an absolute bastard!” Remy said.

“Ah but you forget my cajun friend.

 I'm the bastard who emotionally manipulated Cable to change the timeline for you.” Erik smirks. “I'm the bastard who is going to keep you alive.” 

Chapter Text

Then 

“Are you okay?” Erik asks.

“No.” Maddie said. “I have to walk in there and explain to the father of my child that our son is not only alive…but he is also Cable.  

“I have to explain to my team that I'm leaving them. I have to tell the woman I love that I'm a telepath.” Erik said.

 *******

Now

Erik brings Rogue to his office. It is most important that they speak privately. Rogue wondered why the secrecy.

“Cable is Nathan.” Erik said.

“What!?” Rogue asks.

“Cable is Nathan summers.” Erik said.

“Oh mah god.” Rogue said.

“Wait…how do you know?” Rogue asks. “Oh god who was it?”

“Last time….Remy.” Erik admits.

“Last time!?!” Rogue asks.

Erik nods. “10 times. Genosha burns. We die. You and Emma survive.”

“Oh mah god.” Rogue said. “Is that why you left for that emergency meeting?” 

“Yes..because Cable and I have been working together it would seem.” Erik said.

“Did that bastard wipe your memory?!” Rogue asks.

“Yes. My…headaches was my subconscious fighting Cable's telepathy.” Erik said. “And then he made me remember. He made me remember everything. Even my own deaths.”

“DEATHS. As in PLURAL. As in more than ONE!?!” Rogue asks.

“It all ends the same..That nightmare I had on the way back home. I was reliving my own death.” Erik said.

“Mah god Erik. Ah had no idea.” Rogue said.

“It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I died in your arms. Then I…sad Anya. Granted it sounds selfish of me. Having you watch me die….but it felt rather calming at the end. Besides, there are worse ways to go.” Erik said.

“Do…Ah ever die?” Rogue asks.

“No.” Erik said. “Thank god.”

“Who else?” Rogue asks.

“The morlocks..all of them last time. Leech, Tommy, Ape and Erg died I think. It was…so hard looking at them the next morning.” Erik admits. “Leech introduced me to his friends. God he looked so happy.” 

Erik's hands shake. Rogue gently holds them in her own hands. Rogue carefully wraps her arms around him. Erik welcomes the hug gladly. Out of all the mutants on the planet he's in the only arms that are strong enough to hold him.

“The truth did have some consequences. Emma unlocked a secondary mutation that made her turn into a living diamond.” Erik said.

“Oh.” Rogue said..”The trauma must have unlocked it.”

“And not just Emma I'm afraid.” Erik said softly.

“Who else?” Rogue asks.

/Me./ Erik replied.

“You said that in my mind.” Rogue said.

“I did.” Erik said

“Holy shit.” Rogue said. 

“I know.” Erik closes his eyes.

“So that's why ya added that helmet to yer outfit.” Rogue said.

“Yes.” Erik said.

“Magneto the telepath.” Rogue said. “Yer not going to call yourself Mentallo are ya?” 

“Don't be ridiculous. That name is already taken.” Erik said.

“Of course you'd know that.” Rogue said. 

“Mentalneto on the other hand is up for grabs.” Erik smirk.

“Erik Lehnsherr making jokes. Morph has been a terrible influence on ya.” Rogue laughs.

“Funny.” Erik chuckles. Then he stares at her. “Would you believe me out of all the minds here? Yours have been the most soothing for me.” 

“Ooo reading my thoughts now?’ Rogue smirks.

“I'm inexperienced with this newfound power. Madelyne has been teaching me the basics. Quite frankly I rather not know what everyone things.” Erik said.

“You must really love me if you like what's going on in MAH head.” Rogue said.

“More than life itself.” Erik assures her. “And besides I like knowing you're safe and nearby.”

“My knight in shining red armor.” Rogue said.

“Obviously the red is from the armor of the enemies I've slain to save you.” Erik said.

“Of course.” Rogue said.

“I know I have made my feelings clear but…I'd kill you to keep you safe.” Erik said.

“Ah know.” Rogue said.

“I would gladly give whatever was left of my soul to keep you all safe.” Erik said.

“You changed timeliness for me to keep Remy alive so I say yer proving it sugah.” Rogue said. 

“I emotionally manipulated Cable to try again by reminding him you delivered him.” Erik admits. “Clearly I'm capable of doing anything at this point.”

“So what happens now?” Rogue asks.

“Obviously first things first: Kill Sinister.” Erik said.

“You're not going to bring Scott into this are ya?” Rogue asks.

“No. Madelyne informed Scott of Cable and that's it. I will not allow any of my X-Men to get their hands dirty. That is my response and burden to bear.” Erik said. “I'm telling you because you will soon join the council with me. And I will not keep any secrets from you.” He swears. “ Never again.’

******

Early in the next morning Erik takes Remy for a private mission. Gambit is…very confused on why he is being brought here. Especially to a graveyard! 

“Why bring Gambit here?” Remy asks.

“This is where we bury you.” Erik said.

“Oh.” Remy said.

“It was a nice service.” Erik said. “Kurt did your eulogy.”

“Oh.” Remy said. “What um…what did he say?”

Erik closes his eyes ans think back on.his last life. “Remy LeBeau would be the first to remind you that life just like the cards is wild. Yet he moved through life as a force that believed better times lay ahead. That luck always won. Per his kinetic gifts. Gambit had endless faith in potential yet he always seemed so blind to his. Haunted by the life of the baou crime into which he was born: A sinner beyond saving. Such as the cards as he would say. I think he was bluffing. How could Remy so attuned to potential fail to see how sins had made him into a hero. Every gambler had a tell. Modesty was Gambit's.”

Remy couldn't help but wipe a tear off his face. “Damn it Kurt. Managed to make an X-man Swamp rat cry.”

“It was nice. Lovely set up.” Erik said.

“What did you plan it?” Remy jokes.

“I did.” Erik admits. “It was the least I can do for failing to save you. To let you die.” 

“Jesus fuck.” Remy said. “Who the hell did you get to show up?”

“Belladonna, Your brother Bobby, your friends Byron Kelly and Pierre, and lastly Singer. The last one was hard to track down.” Erik informs him.

“And did Rogue show up?” Remy asks.

“No.” Erik said.

“.....But you did!?” Remy asks.

“I was still recovering from my own injuries. Rogue was…too lost in grief. She was the one who found you. She didn't let go of your body for hours.” Erik assures him. “The reason why she didn't show up. Was because she was hunting down Gyrich and Trask. She was trying to avenge you.”

“Oh.” Remy said. “Did she?”

“I don't know. After the funeral was over. I asked Cable to try again the moment I saw him.” Erik said. 

“It took you that long to ask?” Remy asks.

“I was using your damn staff as a cane. At first I thought of buying you with it. But I figured playing cards would be better. Besides….I wanted something to honor your memory.” Erik said.

“You could have switched that cape for a trenchcoat.” Remy jokes.

“I did.” Erik said. “Black armor. No cape.”

“Oh holy shit.” Remy said. “Can Gambit ask another question….what is the plan now?”

Erik looks at him with a raised eyebrow. “What kind of question is that?” He asks. “Haven't you been paying attention? I'm going to kill Sinister.”

“Oh.” Remy said. “Gambit doesn't have a problem with that.”

“Good.” Erik said. “I'd hate to fight you in front of where you're grave was supposed to be.”