Chapter 6 – New beginnings

The next day the power of the three horsemen had returned to normal. But as soon as Storm stretched her hands people duck and covered… just in case and most people were wary around the professor. This actually enjoyed it a bit and sometimes faked sneeze just to see people, including Logan jump or duck. Pietro was having a blast watching it. Storm chuckled softly but didn't try to scare the other poor mutants.

"Stop doing that Chuck", Logan grumbled and rose after a sneeze from the professor.

"I got a cold Logan", Charles said and smiled. "I can't help it if I sneeze. Hank declared the three of us back to normal."

"You can never be too careful Chuck."

Charles smiled and looked at all the assembled, X-men, Brotherhood and Acolytes.

"Thanks to you all", he said. "We have averted catastrophe. It was not without its prize however. But steel forges through fire and like it we have been made stronger we have prepared for what the future brings. I know this because I have glimpsed into the mind of Apocalypse. Many challenges still await us. But I saw some who have been our enemies become friends and with a heavy heart I saw the dearest of friends become the most terrible of enemies. I saw my X-men grow and change and of course I saw that some people never change. That one thing was clear that no matter what awaits us, terrible or wondrous, the X-men will always be there ready and of that I am proud." Everyone smiled then Magneto cleared his throat.

"We will take our leave now Charles", he said.

"What", Kitty asked. "Like aren't you gonna stay?"

"No Ms. Pryde, we have fought on the same side but now it is time for us to go back to our headquarters and begin to work for the future we are trying to get."

"But Eric", Charles said.

"No buts Charles. However I will not force anyone to come with me."

The Acolytes looked at each other and all three rose and went over to Magneto.

"No way yo", Todd said from his place on the couch beside Tabitha and Amara. "I ain't going."

"Me neither", Lance said and crossed his arms.

Fred looked at his friends and then sighed and walked over to the Acolytes. Lance didn't say anything but he felt a bit betrayed by that so did Todd. Wanda and Pietro looked at each other.

"However", Eric spoke up again. "We will take a break to rest after these terrible events. Pietro, Wanda I want you to come with me."

Ororo put a hand on Pietro and Wanda's shoulders.

"No Ms. Munroe it's nothing like that", Eric assured her. "I just want to spend some time with my children and then they can decide on what to do."

"Really", Wanda asked happily. "You mean it?"

"Yes I've done very wrong when it comes to the two of you and I want to try to fix it… if you'll let me."

Wanda hurried over and hugged him but Pietro stood where he was. Then he shrugged and walked over to his father.

"Are you sure ya wanna go with him Tro", Lance asked as the Brotherhood was ready to part ways.

"I'll just go with him to spend some time with him and then I'll come back here", Pietro said and then added in a whisper. "I'm sick of his stupid dream anyway. The only reason I helped him was under threat."

"What do you mean?"

"He threatened to do something to Wanda… and later on you guys."

"Don't worry Tro, we're safe with the X-men."

"Yeah you're two of them now."

"I don't want you to go yo", Todd said and threw his arms around Pietro's leg, Todd was crouching down on the ground. "It will be slow without yo and my Snookums around."

"Hey don't worry Todd", Pietro said. "I'll be back soon."

"Magnus I still think you should join us", Charles said outside. "The future you are working for are too hard to get."

"And so is yours Charles."

"Father we're ready", Wanda called.

"I'll see you Charles." Eric started to walk away.

"Yes… and Magnus."

Eric turned around to face him again. "Yes?"

"Don't force them."

"I won't."

Soon the X-men watched as five metal spheres went into the sky and disappeared in the horizon. Lance sighed.

"Well Bayville will be quiet without the Brotherhood", he said to Kitty.

"Yeah but it's like better this way… right?"

"Yeah it is." He put his arm around her shoulders.

The End

(Keep an eye open for the sequel… Brainwashed)