Yay a new chapter right before Christmas and my birthday! I hope you all enjoy it!


Please enjoy!

Chapter Forty-Eight:

Late one evening, Magneto sat with Charles in his dimly lit study. In front of them was a roaring fireplace, a chessboard was set between them, and there was a small coffee table next to it, which hosted their teacups. The smell of earl gray mixed with the heat from the fire was pleasant even if Charles's playing was abysmal. His old friend's brow was furrowed as he fumbled with his bishops. Clearly, his mind wasn't fully focused on the game

"So, out with it, Charles. Why did you ask me here?" Magneto asked as he retrieved his cup.

"I thought we'd finished the game first," he deflected.

"With the way, you're playing?" he asked before taking a sip. He watched Charles hold in a sigh. "Out with it," he repeated.

"Very well," Charles said as he removed his hand from the bishop. "I've been dealing with an unusual set of circumstances at late," he said as he folded in hands in front of him; resting his arms against his chair.

"Unusual how?" he asked; his eyebrow raised with curiosity. "Considering the lives we live, the bar is rather high for what constitutes as strange," he commented before taking another sip.

"Indeed," Charles agreed. "This matter is of the intergalactic variety," he said.

"Good heaven, don't tell me the Skrulls have returned. They were menacing enough the first time," he said.

"No, no, not them. I've been in contact with a Shi'ar," he said.

"Shi'ar," Magneto repeated, testing the name against his tongue. "I've not encountered them before," he said as he returned the cup to the table.

"Neither had I," Charles said.

"So, what do these beings want?" he asked.

"Well, it's one in particular," he said. Magneto waited a moment for him to continue- yet he stalled.

"Go on," he prodded.

"Her name is Lilandra Neramani," he answered before stopping again- as he reached out for his teacup.

"And what does this woman seek from you?" he asked.

"She's experiencing some difficulties with her brother at late," he answered. Charles wasn't drinking any of the tea. He was simply holding the cup in both hands, as he stalled yet again.

"What sort of difficulties?" he asked.

"It's a complicated matter," he answered vaguely.

"Charles, you summoned me here tonight. I thought for a game of chess, not twenty questions. Do you wish to tell me or not?" he asked.

"Yes, yes," he said as he fumbled with the teacup- returning it to the table.

"Then out with it already," he ordered yet again.

"Alright look, Lilandra is- Well- she is a princess of the Shi'ar Empire. Her brother D'ken has assumed the throne. However, he is a tyrant and needs to be usurped," he answered.

"According to her?" he asked.

"Yes, according to her," he said.

"And how can you trust the validity of her claims? What proof do you have of her brother's misdeeds?" he asked.

"She and I have conversed on the astral plane. Lies are impossible there," he said. He raised an eyebrow at that but put it aside for the moment.

"You haven't met her in person yet," he stated his other takeaway from the previous comment.

"She's en route to earth as we speak," he confirmed.

"I see and what have your X-Men to say on the matter?" he asked.

"I haven't told them yet," he muttered.

"You haven't told them," he repeated in disbelief. Charles avoided his gaze. "Your charges would lay down their lives for you in service of your dream. Some of them already have," he reminded him. Charles's eyes shot to his, narrowed with anger and shame.

"I don't wish to discuss Jean any more than you'd like to discuss Avalon," he said firmly. Magneto's hand balled into a fist as he felt the sting of failure resonated to his core. He took a breath as he shook it off.

"Fine, fine," he relented as he unclenched his fist. "Have you told anyone besides me?" he asked.

"Yes, Moria," he said.

"Oh, wonderful," he said dryly picking up his cup again. "I hardly need to ask what her response was. Damn enabler," he grumbled. "I'm certain she told you it would be fine. By all means, Charles, feel free to go gallivanting out into space. She'd be more than happy to watch over the school while you interject yourself into the affairs of a foreign empire," he said before downing the rest of his tea.

"Not in so many words, but yes, she was supportive."

"Of course, she was," he uttered, shaking his head slightly in disapproval. Magneto held his gaze for a long moment before he allows it to escape him. "So, old friend, did you call me here tonight to talk you out of this insanity or to validate the decision you've clearly already made?" he asked.

Charles didn't respond right away- he held his hands before his mouth- seemingly reflecting on his last question.

"What would you have me do?" he asked.

"Gather more evidence before abandoning your charges to throw your support behind a woman you barely know. Not that you're going to. We both know you've already made up your mind," he said. "So again I ask, why did you call me here tonight?"

"I need your help, Magnus. Moria can't manage it alone," he said.

"The school," he stated.

"Yes, the school," he confirmed.


Magneto stood in his new bedroom within the mansion. He was placed in the guess wing, fairly far from the rest of the residents. A gesture, to grant him some privacy, which he greatly appreciated. He used his abilities to unlatch the window and pull it open. The room could stand to be aired out. The heat from the summer air was a bit stifling but better than the odd mothball smell which permeated the room.

A knock on the door caught his attention. He turned and used his abilities on the door as well. It opened to reveal Rogue with a pile of bedding in her arms. He noticed she was covered nearly head to toe; a long sleeve green shirt, black gloves, full-length jeans, white socks, and sneakers.

In this heat, even he was wearing a short-sleeve shirt.

"Hey, Magnus," she said with a smile, through the sweat across her brow and her frizzled shoulder-length hair gave her a sort of manic look.

Suddenly, a little red-haired lightning bolt of energy came charging into his room, running circles around the various boxes he was still working to unpack, making little train noises as she did so.

"Rachel, sweetheart, what did we say about running in the house? Ya know we're supposed ta use our inside feet," Rogue reprimanded lightly- though her tone sounded more like a plead rather than a command.

The child, perhaps three or four years old, proceeded to ignore Rogue who let out a tired sigh. He gave her a sympathetic glance before taking a step forward to retrieve the bedding from her arms.

"Thanks," Rogue said, her tone, as he now recognized as, exhausted. "Kate, a little help," she called out towards the open door, attempting to be louder than the small girl's train impression. He managed to sidestep Rachel's route as he placed the bedding at the foot of his bed.

"Coming," a voice called out before a female figure popped into the room. He recognized an older Shadowcat, her hair cut even shorter than Rogue's, just slightly above her chin. "Come here you little rug-rat," she said as she ran up and managed to scope the little girl into her arms.

"No," Rachel cried. "I gotta make the chu-chu zoom," she declared- her high-pitched voice bringing a smile to his face.

"We can make the chu-chu zoom outside," she answered.

"No," Rachel protested as she lightly hit Shadowcat's shoulder with her little fist. Rogue quickly stepped up to them and took hold of Rachel's fist.

"Rachel, what did we say about hitting?" she asked.

"Only bad guys get hit," she repeated. He felt his lip curve upwards as he had the fleeting thought to volunteer as a punching bag for the tiny girl's wrath but quickly dismissed it.

"And Auntie Kate?" she asked.

"Is not a bad guy," she said.

"So?"

"I gotta keep my hands to myself," she said.

"Attagirl," Rogue said before she leaned down and kissed the top of Rachel's head. "Kate, you mind tagging in for a little while, so I can finish up here?" she asked

"No, I don't mind. Just- where's her dad?" she asked.

"Scott's helping Hank. Something about the blackbird," Rogue answered.

"Uh, men," she groaned. Shadowcat's eyes locked with his. "No offense," she added.

"I assure you, none has been taken. I've been told we're exacerbating at the best of time," he commented. Rogue and Shadowcat both let out a laugh.

"And don't you forget it," Shadowcat smiled. The three of them shared another laugh as Shadowcat managed to keep the squirming child in her arms. "I think I'll go give the father of the year a little piece of my mind," she said.

"Kate, don't," Rogue pleaded. Good heaven, she sounded tired.

"Rogue, yeah, we're family, but he can't keep dumping his responsibilities on you. It's not right," she pointed out.

"He's still grieving," Rogue defended.

"Those are, like, two completely separate issues," she said.

"But," Rogue protested again as Shadowcat and Rachel were sinking through the floor.

"Say bye-bye, Rachel," she prompted.

"Chu, chu," she called out instead before they both disappeared from sight.

He turned to look at Rogue, who somehow managed to simultaneously look both relieved and panicked. He watched her gaze cast downwards towards the bedding she had delivered.

"I know, I'm supposed to help ya make up the bed, but I've been on my feet all day. Ya mind, if I sit down? Just for a minute," she asked.

"Rogue, please, by all means," he said gesturing. A sigh escaped her as she slogged over and sat down on the bed. A moment later, she let herself fall back.

"I just need a minute," she repeated. "To rest my eyes," she added as she allowed them to flutter close and he waited for the inevitable.

As expected, no sooner had her head hit the bed, than an exhausted Rogue was softly snoring. He let out an amused huff as he made his way to one of the open boxes which were filled with his books. He debated if he should continue to unpack.

'No, better to let her sleep. No harm in putting the task off an hour or so,' he decided.

Feeling rather nostalgic, he rifled through the box, carefully keeping from making too much noise, until he came across his copy of "The Once and Future King." Taking a seat at the desk, he opened it and began to read.


About three hours later, Magneto's attention turned towards the bed as he heard Rogue begin to stir. In her tired state, she had pulled herself completely onto the bed and made use of the pillows she had brought for him. He watched her yawn as she rubbed her head against the pillow. A rather endearing sight, he found.

As she blinked and slowly became aware of her surroundings, he watched her face turn red with embarrassment. Swiftly, she sat up as they made eye contact.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled still half waking up.

"You've nothing to apologize for," he said simply as he closed the book. "Clearly, you needed the rest," he added. She let out a groan at that as she raked a hand through her bed-ridden hair.

"I think ya right. Ya know, I could fall back asleep right now," she said.

"You're welcome to," he offered kindly. She smiled at that. Though the blush wasn't leaving her face even as he saw her become more comfortable with her surroundings. He watched her eye focus on the book in his hand. "Have you read it before?" he asked as he turned the cover in her direction. He watched her take in the yellow book with its bright purple font.

"Can't say that I have," she replied.

"You can borrow it if you like. I've read it numerous times," he offered as she stood.

"Is it good for kids?" she asked as she stretched. Another yawn escaped her as she held her hands above her head. "Lord knows I could use some new material. Can't tell ya how many times I've read Fox In Sock. But if I ain't reading it to Rachel, it's just gonna collect dust," she said as he stood.

"I used to read it to my daughter," he answered as he walked up to her. "Please," he said as he gestured with the books in his hands.

"Thanks," she said, taking it from him.

Her bright green eyes met his and he found they were standing rather close to one another. It reminded him of their time in the Savage Lands, his mind lingered on a kiss that almost transpired. He watched her let out a short breath, her eyes widening, as it became apparent she was reminiscing upon the same instance. He started to lean down towards her until he felt her gently place her free hand on his chest.

"I- ah-" she said, hearing reluctantly in her voice while blinking. "I think I should go find my boyfriend and help him recover from the reaming he got from Kitty," she said.

"Boyfriend," he repeated almost to himself. "Yes, yes, of course," he said as he instinctively took a step back, her hand falling back to her side. "Pardon me, did I hear you correctly?" he asked looking at her in disbelief as he took in what she's told him. "You and Cyclops?" he asked surprised.

"Why? You don't think he'd go for someone like me?" she asked disheartened as she brushed some hair behind her ear and she hugged the yellow paperback book to her chest.

"No, no, no," he said quickly. "Please don't misunderstand. Any man would be genuinely lucky to have you by his side," he said as her eyes lit up. "I only meant- you said he was grieving," he pointed out.

"Yeah and he is," she nodded. "That's why we have ta take things slow," she said as he heard the disappointment in her tone. "And ya know," she sighed. He met her gaze with a raised eyebrow. "My powers," she elaborated with a shrug.

"Forgive me, my dear, I don't see what one has to do with the other," he commented.

"Well, it's difficult to work around the limitations," she said.

"If one lacks imagination, perhaps," he commented matter-of-factly. "And here I thought, Cyclops was merely devoid of a sense of humor," he added with a soft chuckle.

"Magnus, it's nothing to joke about," she exclaimed- the blush returning to her cheeks before she turned away from him, taking a few steps towards the window. "I could kill someone," she added.

She couldn't honestly think that, could she?

"Because you're the only one capable of putting on a pair of gloves?" he asked incredulously. He heard a gasp escape her.

"It ain't that simple," she mumbled.

"Respectively, I disagree," he said as he felt the urge to move towards her. He resisted, planting his feet firmly where he stood. "Anyone who entertains the notion of being your partner must take the time to properly assess how best to engage in a perfectly healthy aspect to many successful relationships. If you're expressing an interest and that boyfriend of yours isn't taking every feasible action to adorn you with the care you so rightly deserve then he is a fool and you could do better," he stated.

Having said his peace, he waited for her response: be it a comment or simply fleeing the room, the choice was hers. He was pleased, however, when he heard an amused sigh escape her.

"Good lord, give me strength," she muttered before she let out another sigh.

"For what precisely?" he smirked.

"Not for the reason you're thinking of," she mumbled as she turned to look at him.

He saw she was trying very hard not to smile. But her amusement showed in her gaze whether she intended it to or not. He found himself chucking in response.

"Ya know, I almost forgot how intense you can be," she smiled as she placed her hand on her hip, his book pressed lightly against her side. "It's ah- kinda all or nothing for you, huh?"

"I don't believe in half-measures," he replied. "I see little point in conducting myself in any other matter," he answered.

"It's been a while. I might not've come on so strongly," she teased.

"In my defense, I didn't broach the subject, you did," he pointed out.

"Did I? 'Cause I'm pretty sure you started it by giving me the eyes," she said which he let out a hearty laugh in response.

"If we're pointing fingers, perhaps, my dear, I should remind you who collapsed into whom's bed?" he asked. She snorted at that before laughing. She quickly stopped herself.

"Yeah, yeah, we're flirting a little too much considering I have a boyfriend," she said.

"In name only from the sound of it," he said.

"Yeah, okay, yeah," she said fluttered as she rolled her eyes. "Maybe it's in name only and maybe half the reason-" she said before cutting herself off. She turned away from him again, ranking her hand through her hair.

"Go on," he prodded curiosity.

"No, it's nothing. Just the stress talking," she said dismissively. "I should go," she decided as she started to head towards the door. He considered that as she made her way across the room.

"Perhaps half the reason he's with you is for the free unlimited childcare?" he asked, attempting to finish her sentence- as her hand grasped the doorknob. "Is that what you were going to say?" he asked as she stood frozen.

"Shit," she muttered under her breath. She turned right around and began pacing back and forth, from the door to the window.

"Hit the nail on the head, did I?" he asked crossing his arms over his chest. She let out an aggravated groan.

"You've been here for five minutes and even you see it," she said. "No, no, no, no, no, no," she said chanted under her breath before she stopped and looked directly at him. "You're biased," she declared, pointing at him with the book.

"In wishing you happiness? Yes, consider my judgment skewed in your favor," he replied. She rolled her eyes.

"Not helpful," she said before she started pacing again. His eyes marched back and forth, matching her steps.

"What would be?" he asked.

"I don't know," she exclaimed, as she threw her hands up in a defeated gesture.

"Alright, alright, forget about me. To hell with me, in fact," he said before she snorted. "What made that thought cross your mind in the first place? What prompted Kate to intercede on your behalf?" he asked.

"I'm just... tired," she answered as she stopped pacing. "Actually, I really need to sit. Can we sit?" she asked.

"Rogue, of course," he answered. He watched her nervously glance at the bed, it seemed she felt sitting on it again would be inappropriate. "I'll take the chair if you prefer the bed?" he asked. He watched her shake her head, as she dismissed whatever thought had caused her hesitation.

"Okay," she said with a nod as she made her way back towards the bed. He followed suit by going where she had designated. He took a moment to adjust the chair to face her as he heard her getting settled. He noticed she had placed the book on the edge of the bed.

"You were saying?" he asked.

"I spent nearly every waking minute taking care of Rachel. Don't get me wrong, I love that girl. Losing her mom so young, I remember what that's like. I was four when Priscilla passed. Didn't find Raven and Irene till I was eleven. I didn't want Rachel ta have ta go any amount of time without having a woman in her life to help her, ta care for her, ta teach her all the things only a woman can," she said.

"Raising a child is an admirable endeavor. Not all are suited for the task. However, given all that, I believe you already know what you should ask yourself," he said. She looked at him blankly. "It's the proverbial question of the chicken and the egg?"

"Huh?" she asked confused.

"Which came first?" he asked as a look of realization slowly crossed her face. "Your desire to act as a mother figure for young Rachel or Scott's desire for you as a partner," he elaborated.

"Fuck," she exclaimed as she let herself fall back onto the bed.

"Rogue," he started to say.

"Don't, okay," she said firmly. "I need ya think," she said- closing her eyes again.

"Please, take all the time you need," he said. "Would you mind if I continued to unpack?" he asked gently.

"It's better than you sitting there staring at me," she mumbled.

"I agree," he said before he stood. He set to work on the boxes as she laid on the bed, taking the time she needed to sort her thoughts.


A while later, as he was placing some books on top of his desk, he heard her sitting up.

"Okay, so, me and Scott aside, I need to ask you something," she said as he turned to give her his attention. "There's something I assumed about ya and now I ain't so sure," she said.

"Please go on," he said.

"But I know you got something on your mind too and I think what you wanna say might answer my question. So, I'm gonna let you go first," she said.

"Are you certain?" he asked. To which she nodded. "Alright," he said as he sat down on the chair again. "I believe, my interest in you is apparent. You're a caring woman, Rogue. Anyone who's had the pleasure of fighting by your side knows that you have the tendency to bring out the best in those around you. I know you're one of the few capable of bringing out the best in me," he said.

"That's what I was getting at. We were fighting the good fight, right?" she asked and he nodded. "Then my powers come back and I ain't useless anymore but all of sudden I'm untouchable again and you just take off," she said bitterly.

"Good god, no, no. The point of offering you aid was to restore your powers. That had nothing to do with it," he said.

"Ah-uh," she said dismissively as she rolled her eyes. "That's what they all say until I'm actually in a relationship then it's all 'we should take things slow, Rogue. You could hurt me with your skin. I'd like to take things to the next level but I'm sorry we can't kiss and I can't get in the mood otherwise," she muttered bitterly as she avoided his eyes

"Rogue, were you not currently in a relationship and should you permit me, I would gladly demonstrate how unencumbered I am by the so-called limitations of your abilities," he said as he once again fought the urge to go to her on the bed. He kept himself sitting on the chair but was finally able to catch her gaze. "Mark my words, my dear, should we, at any point in the future, venture down this road both of us would be highly satisfied," he said with conviction.

He watched her shiver in anticipation, the blush returning to her cheek before she rushed off the bed. She marched towards the windows as he listened to take deep breaths.

"I apologize for the overt nature of my statement and please know my intention is not to make you uncomfortable. But if we're to have an honest conversation, I believe we both require a proper assessment of where the other stands," he finished. "Which I suppose brings us back to your question. I do understand the conclusion you've drawn based upon your past experiences with other men, but it's simply not the case with me," he said.

"So why did you leave?" she asked.

"An old wound and the fear of history repeating itself," he said. She turned back to look at him, waiting for him to elaborate. "Upon learning I was mutant, my late wife left me. I'll never forget the look in her eyes. Those humans killed our daughter and yes- I lashed back with my powers- I had no control at the time- not that I regret exacting revenge on the men who held me down as I was forced to watch my daughter burn to death," he explained as he felt rage building within him. He heard Rogue let out a small gasp. "She looked upon me with such abhorrence as she fled calling me a monster," he said.

"Magnus, that's terrible," she said taking a step towards him. "But we're both mutants. I pretty much killed Cody by putting him in that coma and what I did to Carol? You ain't the only one who's made mistakes. I mean, come one, you ain't even the only one in this room who used ta be a terrorist," she pointed out.

"Perhaps, but only I was an adult when engaging in those activities," he said.

"That doesn't excuse my actions," she said.

"It does, actually. You were a child exploited by those who should have protected you, not turned you into a weapon," he said strongly. "Charles isn't much better, in my option," he muttered under his breath.

"Hey," she reprimanded. "The Professor gave me a home and the chance to do better. I don't know where'd I be right now if it weren't for him. I won't hear a bad word about him," she said.

He kept himself from sighing aloud. He almost forgot the savor complex Charles had instilled upon his charges. There was little point in contesting their point of view. He wouldn't get anywhere for his effort.

"Alright, alright," he relented, regretting his comment.

"Okay- so I don't-" she said fluttered, "I don't understand what any of this has to do with you leaving me high and dry in the Savage Lands," she said.

"Zaladane was a threat. In fact, she reminded me of myself when I was younger. When I was more impulsive, violent. If that machine of hers had been successful," he said.

"But it wasn't. She just had a bunch of crazies on her side, that's all. We've dealt with worst, Magnus. No one got hurt, we made sure of that," she said.

"Because you asked me not to," he said. "I had originally intended to... dispose of Zaladane," he elaborated.

"Ya saying if I hadn't of been there?" she asked, her eyes widened as it dawned on her. He nodded, confirming. "Oh," she said.

"If the machine had worked, if she had managed to gain access to my magnetism, my hands would have been tied, regardless of your presence and as I suspect your disgust. When I realized that and I knew you hadn't, I saw my wife's abhorrence once again. I saw you fleeing from me in horror."

"So you bailed first so I wouldn't have the chance to leave you?" she asked.

"Essentially, yes," he said.

"That's um-" she said.

"Not my finest moment, I'll admit. I had hoped given the chance to reconnect, to set things rights between us, and perhaps something more than friendship. Alas, you are spoken for," he said. "Sort of," he added playfully. Once again he watched her attempt not to laugh as she mulled over his statement.

"I've got a lot going on in life right now and I don't think I'm in the right place ta- I don't know- consider you in that way," she said.

"What you do with this knowledge is entirely your choice. Please know that I expect nothing from you. I completely understand if I've missed my opportunity and I wish you nothing but happiness. Any man you choose to give your affection to would be all the better for it," he said. He saw her let herself smile at that.

"Well, as far heartfelt confessions go, that ain't the worst I've heard," she smiled before shrugging. "I should go talk to Scott," she said.

"Or perhaps get some more sleep first," he suggested.

"Sleep does sound amazing right now," she said as she made her way to the door. He doubled back to the bed and quickly grabbed the book as she opened the door.

"Please," he said holding out the book to her again. She sighed before taking it from him.

"Thanks for this, and ya know, all the unsolicited advice," she said, giving him a knowing smile.

"My pleasure," he chuckled as she walked out of the room. She looked back at him, a soft smile gracing her face, before turning and heading down the hall.

He felt satisfied with the exchange as he closed the door after her.


Magneto sat in Charles'- no, his office, working on the laptop on his desk. He was going over the roster of active X-Men, as well as the finances of the school. Charles had left a significant sum at their disposal, but if not handled correctly the future of the school could be short-lived. He had much to consider.

He looked up briefly as the door to the office open and saw Moria holding a file in her hand. The doctor was dressed in her normal attire, black shirt, and pants, mostly covered by her white lab coat.

The site of her stirred up old feelings of resentment, which he quickly pushed aside. They had agreed to move beyond the past. Despite her inept tinkering, he had been restored to his prime, no worse for wear.

He turned back to his work as she walked up to the desk.

"We're got the last of pre-scheduled appointments this afternoon. They should be here any minute," Moria said with her thick Scottish accent. Using his senses, he felt a car passing through the gates of the institute. As usual, the timing of her announcement left something to be desired.

"Very well," he said, not looking up. "Set them up in the common room. Rogue will perform her access of the child's abilities as you and Kate engage the parents. Leave the file. I'll review it before joining you for the end of the interview," he ordered.

"Alright," she said dropping the file, unceremoniously, on his desk. She quickly departed. He paid her attitude no mind. Bygones being bygones, after all.


Checking the time, some twenty minutes had passed, Magneto let out a sigh as he closed the laptop. He grabbed the file before stalking out of his office and towards the interview.

They had agreed, he and Moria, that she would act as the face of the school. Considering who he was, they both knew it was the right decision. But he was still required to make an appearance at the end of each interview to ensure no one was blindsided by his presence. A few prospective students had left, upon learning of his involvement. With each rejection, he was questioning his decision to take residence at the school. Wondering, if they would be better off without him here.

He opened the file as he walked. However, he barely had a chance to glance at the page before a surge of magnetic energy caught his attention. He rushed to the common room as he saw a teenaged brown-haired girl, sitting in front of Rogue, as both of them were radiating with magnetic energy.

"You," a woman called out in anger as he heard footsteps. He glanced up as a brown-haired woman promptly slapped him across the face, the file dropping out of his hand and its contents onto the floor. He took a moment to reline his jaw as he took in the sight of his former lover.

"Hello, Suzanna," he said.

"Oh boy," he heard Shadowcat say.

"Okay, not a coincidence, then," he heard Rogue mutter before she shook her head and focused back on the girl in front of her. "Sugar, you are doing so good. I want ya to keep up that energy and get comfortable with it, okay?" she asked.

"Okay," the girl nodded. He let out a sigh as he realized the reality of the situation.

"Hey," Suzanna called out before he made eye contact with her again. "Do you have any idea how many Michael Xaivers there are in the United States alone?" Suzanna asked him.

"I choose the name to gain anonymity. Hundreds, perhaps," he answered.

"And do you know how many I contacted before I saw you on the news?" she asked.

"A significant amount, I'd wager," he said.

"It was," she said she said bitterly. "Why'd you lie about your name?" she asked enraged.

"You saw the coverage of my activities. Do you really need to ask?"

"You lied to me," she screamed.

"And you were married," he replied in kind, his voice raised. "Had I known you were pregnant, I wouldn't have sent you back to your husband. But there is an ample amount of blame to go around, Suzanna. Don't delude yourself into thinking otherwise," he said firmly. Her narrowed gaze held his, as they were at a bit of a statement.

"Mom," a young voice piped up, "who's this guy?"

Both he and Suzanna turned to look at the-

'I don't know her name,' he realized as he hastily reached down to retrieve the contents of the fallen folder. As he gathered the papers, he spotted a name- 'Lorna,' he read to himself. 'Her name is Lorna,' he repeated as he stood up.

"This is your father," Suzanna announced, her tone having a hostile sting to it.

"Oh," Lorna said- her eyes widening in shock.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lorna. I apologize that this is the first time," he said. "Might I join you? I believe our powers are rather similar. It'd greatly enjoy sharing my knowledge with you, should you allow it,"

"I- hm-" she staggered.

'Too much, too quickly. I need to give her time to acclimate,' he realized.

"Well, Rogue's showing me," she said nervously. His eyes shifted to Rogue's for a brief moment, as she gave him an apologetic look. He quickly gestured with his hand dismissively, none of this was her fault.

"Of course," he said, not wanting to force his presence upon his daughter. "Well, then, perhaps your mother and I should go talk and allow you two to continue to train," he said.

"Oh- okay," Lorna said, her voice sounding relieved. He made eye contact with Suzanna, who turned towards the exit. He joined her, his pace beating her to the door.

'Thank you," he mouthed towards Rogue, as he held the door open for Suzanna.

'You're welcome,' Rogue mouthed back before she turned back towards his daughter.


"Magneto, how could you?" his noticeably older daughter asked as she stared at him with contempt. Mid-twenties- he believed- her hair was now green and shorter than he had seen prior- shoulder-length, worn down loose.

His eyes lingered for a moment on the large yellow X across her chest, which adored the mostly green uniform she was wearing. Despite his efforts to reconnect with his daughter- she had been claimed by Charles. As the twins had been snatched up by SHIELD.

"All those people in New York. Dead. And for what?" she asked in disgust.

"That wasn't me, Lorna," he found himself responding.

"Let me guess. It was a robot again, wasn't it?" she asked mockingly.

"To the best of my understanding, it was Xorn's brother, pretending to be me, pretending to Xorn," he explained dryly.

"What?" she exclaimed, her contempt turned to exasperation. "Dad, that makes no sense," she said. "You're just embarrassed about your Kick addiction. You should own up to your mistakes," she said. He felt his powers flare up as anger threatened to overtake him.

"Under no circumstances would I ever touch that vile drug," he said repulsed. Her harsh expression softened slightly. "Lorna, I swear to you, it wasn't me," he said firmly.

"Well, why would Xorn's brother go through all that trouble?" she asked.

"The devil if I know," he muttered. "I can't control what others do in my name. I wasn't on earth at the time," he said.

"That's the problem. You're always in space, dad," she yelled. "Maybe you should spend less time in space and more time on earth-," she said.

"What? Seeking your company?" he asked as he took a step towards her. "Would you welcome that?" he asked, his tone hopefully. Her eyes widened.

"I don't-" she said turning her back to him. "I don't know-" she mumbled.

"I only recently got back and my first course of action was, indeed, seeking your whereabouts," he said.

"Why? What do you need?" she asked. With effort, he held back a sigh.

"Nothing," he said simply.

"Really?" she asked, her tone guarded.

"You're my daughter, Lorna. I only wished to talk to you," he said, taking another step closer. "To check on your welfare," he said, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"Well- I'm fine," she said, shrugging his hand off, before hastily stepping away from him.

"I'm glad to hear it," he said dejectedly.

"You don't have to worry about me. I've found good people. X-Factor, we take care of each other, look out for each other," she said.

He opened his mouth- to continue speaking- to attempt to engage his daughter- this stranger he knew so little about- but words fell short.

"You should probably get out of here- before anyone else notices you're here," she said, still not looking at him.

He wasn't making any progress here- what did he expect after being absent from her life for so long.

"Of course," he said before he reluctantly backed away from Lorna and turned to leave.

He could effortlessly inspire crowds to take arms- set nations to war with ease- but attempting to connect with his daughter on an emotional level- he was lost.

"I apologize for disturbing your evening," he said before he swiftly departed.


Magneto's eyes snapped open as he recovered from the flashbacks. It was later that evening as he laid on his back in the bed, in his bedroom. He had a series of flashbacks on the gazebo before Rogue had advised him to return to their room. Once he laid down another batch of memories had resurfaced. The flashbacks had been relentless, one after another, like tidal waves hitting him ruthlessly with one painful truth after the next.

He felt restless and his head was killing him.

He didn't understand how he'd functioned at all, without this knowledge. He didn't understand how he could forget so many significant moments from his life, be it from the past or his current lifetime. There were many things he didn't understand at late. In particular the last two days. He was thankful to have Rogue by his side to explain- to attempt to heal his fractured mind- which he now recognized was precisely what it was- fractured- missing crucial details.

'Natalya,' he thought- grief-stricken. 'No, no- you can't afford to think of her, not now,' he told himself as he turned on his side. 'For the twins' sake, put it out of your mind,' he told himself yet again as he fumbled with the blanket in an ill attempt to get comfortable on the bed. Not that he was having much luck in that regard.

Rogue had been forced to leave him for a short while- something about Kitty and keeping her word. She had instructed him to sleep it off if he could. Or focus on Lorna if he couldn't. As sleep was alluding him- he had settled for the latter.

'I can't retrieve my daughter- not while the mere thought of her propels my mind inwards,' he reminded himself as he held a hand to his head. The throbbing was unyielding. Still- he persisted- attempting to picture her face in his mind. 'How did I acquire a second chance? Why did Lorna's age change?' he asked.

And with that, he felt himself drowning once more- another wave taking hold of him- pulling him under.


Hey! Hope you all enjoyed that super long chapter! So many flashbacks! Please let me know your thoughts!

Kirouge: Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it! I've laid the groundwork with SO MUCH FORESHADOWING. Like a serious amount of random foreshadowing and I'm so glad it's shining thought on a reread. And thank you for enjoying my story so much you want to reread it! I hope you liked this chapter too!