In summary - Moira is driven to despair by her unrequited love for Charles, and jealous of Erik...
Charles also has a dark past of his own - for instance how can he know with such certainty that Erik's will not find peace on killing Shaw? Too me it seemed like Charles was overcompensating in the film in a couple of areas but most mainly with his idealistic attitude, and Erik is going to realise this...and the truth behind it...
Disclaimer - All characters belong to Marvel and associates. Any similarities to other works entirely unintentional. Any and all mistakes my own...This is my first published story...I am still new to all the rules... please don't hate me too much!
Slowly Charles staggered out of the hanger, every inch of his body protesting the movement. It had taken a lot out of him to hold onto Shaw, who had been extremely powerful, and skilled in his mental defences. It had taken more out of him to participate in Erik's act of murder. But the worst of it had been Shaw's soul, laid bare - the essence of pure evil. They had screamed as Erik had driven that coin through their brain…for a long moment of infinity they had been one being, one person. He had been a monster. He figured he'd at the least passed out for a moment or two on seeing Moira's concerned figure leaning over him.
He had been dragged with Shaw towards the darkness, the dark abyss of death. Had been falling. Saved only by the thought of Erik, and Shaw's terrible smugness, even in death, believing himself victorious in creating his monster - Erik. Everything within Charles had repelled against that notion, giving him the strength to break away. He faltered as Erik emerged from the submarine, Shaw's corpse hovering in front of him, and still wearing that damned helmet...
He could not reach him mentally, and was becoming increasingly terrified of the gulf growing between them. Shaw's triumph echoing in the telepath's mind. "No…" He gasped, silent tears slipping down his face. "No…" For the first time in his life, his mind emptied, of all thought but one. Erik. He had to reach him. But even as he moved his body betrayed him, legs giving way beneath him. He flailed grasping at the wavering wall of the jet, as Moira's arms caught him. And it was too much - her concerning spilling around her, hitting him hard more forceful than a physical blow to his weakened mental controls. "Charles you have to stop him..." She murmured. He managed to send her away, a brief shove...Go check in...and was abruptly released. He sagged, unable to block out Shaw's lingering malignance. The monster's last growled promise. He stifled a scream, everything was too loud…too bright…too much…he couldn't shut them out…
Familiar welcome arms enfolded him - his sister. Raven. Crying his name over and over. But he couldn't…block her…A scream emerged from Raven's lips as she was enveloped in her brother's chaotic mind…
Erik laughed in jubilation. He had succeeded beyond his wildest expectations. Shaw was dead. His mission complete. In giddy disbelief, he paraded his ghastly prize before him, taking in the looks of astonishment from the remnants of Shaw's team. No one could stop him now. He had full control of his powers. He would teach the humans what fear was. He paused, looking for the one who had made it all possible.
And the universe tilted on its axis. Narrowing to focus on screaming sky-blue eyes.
Shaw's corpse was discarded, as he broke into a run, tearing the helmet from his skull. But he was too far to catch him as he fell. Too far to stop Raven as she cradled her brother in her arms. Too far to prevent the terrifying scream emerging from her lips. "Charles!" Erik stumbled, as he was struck by a powerful projection of soul-wrenching agony. Gathering the convulsing telepath in his arms, as he slid to his knees. Cursing himself inwardly. He Erik Lehnserr was such a fool…a damn fool. He knew Shaw, the tormentor throughout his tortured childhood. He knew what the man was capable of, and had at the least the awareness of the depths of his darkness. Charles, the innocent idealist, had no such background to prepare him. Charles who saw the good in everyone, in Erik himself. Charles had been left alone, abandoned by Erik to the essence of evil, with nothing to ground him against it. Biting his lip, Erik could not help recalling the mental exchanges he had held with the telepath. They had a deeply personal almost sacred intimacy to them. How much closer can you be to the very essence of someone, than they had? Erik swallowed thickly, a shudder passing through him. He had abandoned Charles, leaving him with no defence. Leaving him to face the monster's alone. So certain so consumed by the tantalising success of victory as he snatched up the frozen Shaw's helmet.
Tortured words spilled from the younger man's lips. "too many…" Erik held him, searching his thoughts for something…anything…before it came to him. The telepath had begun to teach him to project his thoughts, how to throw his mental voice. He could only hope it would work now, resting his forehead heavily against the others. Show me…Charles…let me in. He instructed, desperately. Charles…LET ME IN… And was enveloped in a swirling maelstrom, a nightmare beyond which he could have imagined.
Vague snaps of distant people impressions…swirling distant memorie …dark unpleasant memories…it seemed that Charles's past life had not been as rosy as it appeared…All of it however was overcome by a lingering presence that Erik could not fail to recognise. Shaw, pulling his friend down into the depths of hell...
Erik stilled. "No." Think. He commanded himself. His eyes snapping open as the answer came to him. "Between rage and serenity…" Charles familiar cherished voice echoed. And it seemed that everything would rest on that single moment in time. As Erik drew on his own limited, but fiercely intense happy memories.
Images of his family, before the holocaust, unlocked by - Charles…
Intense joyous moments of the last few weeks…being so in tune with another - Charles…
Teaching the kids, and the joys of success, shared with - Charles…
The moment it began - when he was saved, by a voice in his mind…Charles…pulling him from the water…
Realisation shot through Erik like a thunder bolt, immersing him in a heady rush of understanding…Charles, was behind each of the sparse sparks of light in his predominantly dark life…
Stirring he slowly felt a deep peace vibrate through him…becoming aware of soft frantic murmured words from lips pressed against his brow. In German…? That couldn't be right…"Erik…" He murmured in panic. "Shh…" A deep familiar gravely voice commanded against his ear, and he realised with a start he was lying in the metal kinetic's arms. His eyes shot open, Brilliant emerald green eyes pinned him, and he was startled to realise the strong sensation of calm flowing from the elder man. How…? He tried to keep up with reality, but wasn't really certain what had happened. He had passed out? The last thing he remembered was Erik - hauling the macabre spectre of Shaw before him…he shivered, when Erik's voice spoke in his mind, and he had no time to wonder at the mechanics of it, overcome by the depths of his friend's conviction.
…Don't you see Charles, you are a healer…
This from Erik - the man who believed himself to have no compassion - no goodness within himself. He could not stop the tears slipping free, mirrored in the others eyes. It seemed like hours, yet was mere moments…when in alarm he remembered his sister. God's Raven. "Raven-" He gasped attempting to sit up, only to be restrained by a firm hand on his chest. "Charles focus. You need to calm your mind." Erik, instructed steadily, using his favourite phrase back on himself. At that Charles laughed softly, seeing Erik's humoured belated realisation of this.
"You idiots!" His sister exclaimed harshly, suddenly leaning over them. She shifted, berating Erik in Charles's form "Do you have any idea what happens when you die in a dream - you could have killed him!" She exclaimed, then shifted into Erik's form, turning to berate her brother. "Why did you not let go Charles? Why? You knew what could happen?" Charles winced - calling her name as she took off once more - hiding. "Raven…Raven-" He was drawn to his feet, Erik's hands firmly on his shoulders. "She's right. Why did you not release Shaw?" He asked quietly, and Charles's stilled, searching the other's eyes. "You would have died. Shaw fought to the end." Erik's hand snagged his wrist tightly, dragging the telepath round, so they stood, faces just inches apart. "I was prepared to die." He snapped out. "Do you believe your life so worthless?" That note of gentleness - it was too much, deflating his anger. He turned away, stopping at the smooth fingers that suddenly clasped his jaw, jerking his chin down so their faces were inches apart. "Listen to me very carefully Erik Lehnserr." Your life is not meaningless! Erik could only stare, as the sky-blue iris's shifted to an intense silvered turquoise colour, flashing in angered frustration. Beautiful…he thought, loosing a wry grin as Charles picked up on it. His friend stepped back, loosing a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Erik..."
Suddenly Raven embraced them both. Erik smiled with that characteristic grin, as Charles's started, "Uh - Raven-" he blinked as she kissed his forehead. "You are very distracted today." She teased, drawing the two men together. Kill me now… Charles thought in exasperation. Erik smirked, drawing him closer from the metal elements on his clothes. "Erik…" Charles began again, but whatever he was going to say was abruptly cut off, and he stiffened. Raven looked at Erik helplessly. With a frown, he gripped the telepath's chin. "Charles what is it?" Pain crossed his friend's features. "Moira, she can't contact command…she's hysterical…" He noted in a distant voice. Erik realised he was partly elsewhere reached out again...Charles not now…you don't have the strength…
And was immersed in the distant hum of minds…rival countries ships…almost enemies…captains…conversing…agreeing a unified joint strike against the bigger threat… "Against the bigger threat…" Erik repeated, absently, his arms protectively enfolding the younger man in his arms. "So it begins." His tone, accompanied by the gentle brushing of his fingers against the telepath's neck…all belied the controlled fury raging beneath his surface thoughts. Metal rattled ominously from the broken jet, as Moira belatedly reached them. "I can't reach command they're not responding…" She stuttered to a stop, eyes fixed on the scene in front of her. A sharp flash of jealousy sparking in her eyes, as she regarded them. Their closeness. "Charles-" Erik raised his palm stopping her coming any closer. "Stay back." He commanded sharply. She glowered, "Charles - what-" He raised his head, from Erik's shoulders, regarding her quietly, "They see us as the bigger threat - are joining forces against us." A hand flew to her mouth as she shook her head in denial. "They wouldn't - they know we are friendly." Erik flexed his gift now, just the lightest pressure, a warning stopping her advance. "They have witnessed today a power they can never hope to possess - or control. And they fear it." He broke off, in concern, as Charles twisted round in alarm…"Erik - they are launching missiles…" Moira frowned, leaning to grasp his arm "Charles it's not true." He looked down at her, a frown on his lips, "Moira-" He began, before the approaching shadows caught his attention. "Erik you were right." At the desolate admission, echoing in his mind, something settled within himself. It would be alright now. Charles understood.
Erik could feel them all, feel their approach even before they appeared on the horizon. Extending his arm he managed to slow, and catch them all in mid-flight. The release of his gift instinctive now. Difficult to control so many at once…yet infinitely lighter than the submarine had been. Aided in his focus by the man at his side. Oh Erik well done! He basked in the joy reflecting in Charles's eyes, absorbing the whistles of jubilation from the 'kids'.
The 'kids'. The government would begin their anti-mutant campaign with the attempted murder of children. Grimly he turned the missiles round. Erik? Charles asked softly. They fear us Charles…if they are so willing to dismiss the lives of children now - what of later?
"No you can't! There - are thousands of people on those ships - they are just following orders!" Moira cried. Erik glowered, "I have been at the mercy of those just following orders before." She broke off, seeing the depth of his murderous rage. "Never again." She shifted her attention to his friend. "Stop him…Charles!" Before faltering at his mental voice, Are we also not 'people' Moira? She swallowed, observing their united stance. The 'kids' gathering behind them in unison.
Erik could not resist a fierce glare back at the agent, that needed no interpretation. You will not come between us…no one will. Before dismissing her insignificance from his mind. "You understand?" He asked. His question for Charles alone, as they hovered on the brink. The telepath met his gaze neutrally, "I can feel their minds Erik, they are frightened…" but desperation flickered in his blue eyes. "They are barely children…and there are so few of us to win a war…" You hold our future in your hands Erik, whichever path…I will stand at your side. Erik felt tears blur his vision, Charles managed a wry smile, despite the situation. I told you - you are no longer alone. With a soft cry, Erik pressed his lips against his unruly brown hair, before regaining his composure. We need more time…he conceded. Releasing his grip on the missiles, letting them fall in a brilliant firework display, over the bows of the vessels.
The sound of the gun going off was muffled by the explosions overhead. Caught up in the jubilation, it took Erik a moment to realise. Charles with a split second head start attempted to shove Erik backwards - only to be dragged with him as the elder man's defence training took over - and their motion was enhanced by the sharp pull of metal. They fell backwards. Erik rolling into a crouching position to shield, the younger man, instinctively snapping his palm up. The second round of bullets stopped bare millimetres from their targets. Charles's gasped, as they brushed, almost gently against his skin, before dropping to the ground. Erik was then on his feet, as more shots fired, facing Moira with a deadly light in his eyes. "I was ordered to take action - if you were compromised." She stated desperately.
Charles struggled to focus, his mind sluggish. What was the point of firing a gun with metal bullets at Erik? True he had been distracted with the missiles. He watched as Erik let her move closer, teasing her with the idea that she might succeed. Something was wrong here…He thought hazily before picking up on Moira's intentions.
…Oh…clever...
She was hoping it would work, because otherwise she was dead. She was moving ever closer with Erik's death sentence. Close enough so the last bullet…a special plastic bullet…would travel far enough to enter his heart. A perfect trap. She took another step forwards, knowing she had only milliseconds now, as she met his taunting glare.
Charles simply reacted, exhausted as he was his controls on his powers were not what they should have been. And at that moment he did not care. Static snapped around him as he extended his arm towards Moira - and she instantly went flying backwards through the air to collide heavily against the metal of the broken jet. Erik spun, observing with interest the familiar silver-turquoise flare of the telepath's eyes, reaching to catch his shoulders as he rose unsteady to his feet. "Are you alright?" He demanded leaning forwards to observe sky-blue eyes return. "I heard her - she was going to kill you Erik." The metal kinetic frowned. "I am the one who can deflect metal remember?" Almost missing the response, so faintly spoken. "Trap...plastic - bullet…needed to - close range…" In comprehension, Erik spun, sending the gun flying out of the stirring agents reach, into the salt ridden waters. With a contemptuous flick of his wrist she began to choke her metal necklace becoming a deadly noose. "Erik - control yourself - the kids…" Charles admonished, observing as Shaw's people stepped forwards.
Seeing this Erik stepped protectively in front of him, unsure as to their intentions with the 'kids' moving defensively behind them. "We should not have to fight each other, Shaw was right in that." He paused, "However, he was guilty of killing my mother." So saying he extended his arms, and after a moment they slowly stepped forwards. "I can take us away from here." Azazel stated, his eyes fixing on Raven's form, as she helped her brother. Erik's attention drawn by the sharp hiss of pain emerging from the Charles's lips. Beast moving forwards to help, held up his hands up in a placating gesture, as Erik strode past. Observing as he simply lifted the telepath's arms around his neck, before smoothly sweeping him from his feet. "Erik-I can walk-" Charles began, falling silent at the sharp imperious glare. "Shut up." Erik scowled. Alex laughed. "Someone's getting bossy." He broke off as Erik's sharp glare pinned him… "Or not…its all good…" he swallowed. Erik gave a smug smile. Despite everything it felt good, incredibly good. The kids surrounded them, and Azazel transported them away…
Reviews appreciated...may turn into multi chapter if enough interest. I have a few ideas for an obsessed crazed Moira...
