Author's Note: Boy, it sure has been a while. Fixed the physical impossibilities in the last chapter, thanks Snitter.

This is set in first person (or rather, first people), throughout the days and weeks after the defeat of Apocalypse at the hands of our favorite mutants. I'm going to try to keep this completely in character, which means couples and relationships are what has been shown.

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To What Awaits Us

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27 September, 2005

Erik Lehnsherr

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My house on the outskirts of Bayville is small, but homely. Odd for someone like Erik Lehnsherr, I suppose. People never seem to believe that I don't mind living in anything short of a castle. But what others think has never really mattered to me. People are idiots.

I had been here for three days now, lying low as my son would call it. Yes, my children knew as much about running from the authorities as their father did. That would be a bad thing to most parents…

But of course, everything is different when you're part of the homo-superior race. I never meant for my children to be borne into this world. This world, where people like us are hated and abused just because of our genetic structure.

Idiots.

Already I have three different units of Police hunting me down. You would think they could at least giving me a week after being revived from a death-like state. I hadn't 'waged war' on humans for over a year, hadn't sent my Acolytes out to cause mayhem and the like in a long time either. Of course, I had been pronounced dead for over a month so there really wasn't much chance of that happening in the first place.

My henchmen. I wonder what happened to them after my death? Mastermind, he would undoubtedly run. It was fear for his measly life that was holding him to me. The fool never realised no one would bother to chase after him if he ran. What good was he to me, when he was often too afraid to be of any use?

Pyro… That foolish child. Probably tried to burn down the base.

And it looks like Colossus finally got his family out of my stronghold and turned over a new leaf in the process. Not that I ever expected him to be loyal to my cause. I only have myself to blame for his violent reaction towards me on the X-Jet. It was a mistake to try and force someone like him into being a henchman.

Gambit. What do I know about Gambit? Nothing. That boy is a Wild Card, never ceased to surprise me. I can't trust my judgement when it comes to him.

So that leaves Sabertooth. That stupid animal would be long-gone, probably after raking the base for anything he could smash.

A sigh escaped my lips and I stood up, pushing myself away from the old, worn armchair. I left for Ararose.

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With a wave of my hand, a giant hole opened in the dome. My creation.  I took a moment to admire it before I entered, just like old times…

But something is most definitely wrong.

It doesn't hold me the same way it used to. It's nothing. I felt a tingling in my hands and my fingers began to twitch.

With power.

Yes, I could feel it in my entire body now, pulsing with my heart. I could level the entire structure with a thought, if I wanted.

Was this some sort of personal evolution, or had Apocalypse changed me, somehow? Could it be that he hadn't completely vanished from my mind? I hadn't used my powers at all since Sunday, it's possible…

The notion was frightening, but I dismissed it. I can't unravel this on my own; I will have to contact Charles. If he is suffering the same symptoms I am it could most definitely mean trouble.

With my coat pulled tightly around me I entered.

And I was surprised to find that Ararose Base was not levelled at all. In fact, the main compound was virtually unharmed. There were a few scorch marks, but nothing major at all.

How… Odd.

I stirred when I heard a familiar bout of insane laughter float from one of the adjoining rooms.

"Yeah! Take that! Ahahahaha! AHA-HA!".

My heart sank. What was that boy still doing here? Don't tell me he, of all people, remains in this base. I walked towards the stream of laughter almost angrily.

I'm insulted by him just being here.

The sight I was greeted with was a mere stones throw from disturbing. He sat with his back to me in the middle of the room in his underwear, surrounded by a sea of junk food and beer cans. How could he live like this? In my base? Arrogant child.

He gestured wildly with his hands and two giant flaming animals rose out of the candle in front of him.

"Round Two!" he shouted excitedly. "Mammoth Moose takes on Señor Spikey!"

My eyes narrowed and my mouth turned down even further. This boy certainly had problems.

I cleared my throat and he screamed. The animals dissipated.

Pyro turned to face me slowly, a look of terror on his paler than usual face.

"I don't believe it… I watched you die!" he squeaked. "I watched you die seventy-three times before the power was cut off." he added quietly, then chuckled to himself. I sighed and pulled my hat off. Current Events was obviously not a point of interest for him.

"Pyro…"

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"But I've got nowhere to go!" he protested, his horrible accent growing thicker with each word. "Come on Mags, I can't live on the streets!"

I turned my chair to face him. He stood before me in some obviously burned civilian clothes. He gulped dramatically and started to rub his hands together, making whimpering noises like some scorned puppy. I glared.

"Get out of here. Now."

"I'll freeze my bloody limbs off in this weather!" the boy moaned, throwing his hand to his head, ever the dying swan. My eyes narrowed.

"Pyro," I growled. "Get out before I throw you out!" I heard the sound of screws wheedling their way out of walls, and metal panels grating against each other. I can't believe I am fighting for control of my powers.

He looked around him in confusion, eyes widening with fear once again. He took a few steps back.

"Right… Well, guess I'll be going then." he said carefully, eyes darting from side to side. It wasn't long before he turned and ran outright towards the opening in the wall I had created. Just as he passed, I closed it over and rose from my seat. It took a while, but I forced myself to relax, and the walls stopped shaking. Interesting.

My powers had never, never been linked so closely with me as this.

All I can do is wonder what else is happening to me. At least until I can contact the X-Men

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Five pairs of identical eyes stared up at me in dismay.

"M-Magneto," one choked out.

"Yes. If you would be so kind as to take me up to Professor Xavier's office, Jamie?" The five boys huddled and seemed to melt together. Suddenly he looked up and nodded, his forehead beginning to sweat.

"Okay… I mean, yessir. I mean…" I tried to smile at him, but it came across as something of a scowl, and he turned quickly, leading me inside. Ah, it's been so long since I've been in this mansion. Such a pity that Charles and I have ended up as enemies…

The nervous boy led me up the giant staircase and past a myriad of rooms. A few gasps and confused stares followed us, but seemed to be calmed by an unseen presence. A smirk crossed my face.

Oh Charles, ever the watchful one. I heard Scott mutter a few words under his breath as we passed. Unfavorable words. I swept my eyes over him and his mouth curved down at the sides.

It was nice to see that some people never change.

Please refrain from scaring my students, Erik. a calm voice inside of my head chided. Jamie reached in front of him and pushed the door open.

"We're here, Mister… I mean sir… Uh… Magneto." I waved the boy off and he bolted down the hall to join the group of other New Recruits at the stairs. Well, looks like I gave the child something to be proud of. Leading Magneto, megalomaniacal mutant terrorist, to the headmaster's office.

"Why have you come, Erik?" he asked, almost immediately. "I realise this isn't a friendly visit." I tipped my hat in greeting, offended as I was. Had I really become so different to the man he shared his hopes and dream with, all those years ago?

"In that case, Charles," I said, voice laced with a sting "Let's get to the point. My powers are manifesting in ways I don't understand… And I think it may be connected to Apocalypse." He leaned back in his chair, his thoughtful mask well in place.

Oh yes, I had shocked him.

"Ah, so you are not experiencing this?" I asked, sitting myself in the chair across from him. He shook his head and clasped his hands in the way only he could do.

"No, I am not. However, you're not the only one. Ororo, too, has been suffering from the same fate, I'm afraid."

"Storm? Does that mean… What if…" His eyebrows gathered high on his forehead, the deep lines showing on his face.

"For all our sakes, Erik, I hope not." I nodded and stood up, gathering my coat around me again. I smiled at him. A true, sincere smile that one can only reserve for their closest friend, and turned away.

"Unless you can make the world wag better than it does at present, Charles, your reign will be an endless series of petty battles..." I heard a sigh from behind me.

"There is nothing except the power which you pretend to seek." he mumbled in reply. My hand rest on the doorknob a moment longer than it should have, but I left in the knowledge that he remembered. Yes, it seems old ties still hold strong.

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I hope you were pleasantly surprised with the fact this chapter was on Magneto. It was originally going to be Kurt's turn, but… That would be expected with the way Chapter Three ended. Nope, can't let that happen. I got too comfortable with writing about the X-Men and company… And Erik is definitely a nice change. Whether you think he has 'turned over a new leaf' or not, he'll always be the same person at heart- and I hope I got that through. Argh, Magneto is a favourite (I love the guy, what can I say?); I hope I didn't make a mockery out of him…

Thought I had better mention, the last two lines of dialogue between Erik and Charles is from The Once and Future King by T. H. White. Yeah, movie reference, yay! I figured hell, both of them would be likely to read it when they were younger (and still friends), and… You know, they could do the whole 'Dude!', 'Sweet!' thing. Come on, I'm sure my friends and I aren't the only people out there who do that. Besides, the quotes they say remind me a lot of the people they're saying it to. Think about it ^_^.

And apologies to all about the lateness of this chapter. School swept me away, I guess. Can't believe it's almost been two weeks. I promise to get chapters out quicker than this…

To the Reviewers:

Risty: Funny, I thought the shower/towel scene made him look like a complete ass. ^_^

todd fan: Thanks, but I disagree with the brilliantly part x_x. And I'm sure the people outside your mind are just as afraid…

Snitter in Rivendell: *rubs head* I really can't believe how silly I was, not realising the whole wings thing. The Kurt thing: I think the reason Kurt hasn't revealed himself yet is because he doesn't want people to be afraid of him. Honestly, I'd say Kurt would much rather walk around the halls blue and furry if he knew it wouldn't scare the pants off everyone, but because he's Kurt- he has too much respect for other people to do that.

nessie6:  Well, it all depends on your view of Magneto, doesn't it? Personally I love him, but eh... I don't know about everyone else. Guess this chapter put a damper on your expectations, huh? Sorry about the lateness.

Rogue14, Flame31, and DoWriter12: *bows* Thankyou for your kind reviews. Hope the long wait between the last and this chapter won't stop you from reading.

Don't be afraid to review, people!