Chapter 15

Erik

Everything was going according to plan, or so Erik thought. He had his sights on a handful of people that would help him achieve his goal of mutant supremacy, and he was willing to do whatever it took in order to get them over onto his side. He needed something to use against Xavier and the humans, though Erik wasn't entirely confident that Charles's little band of two students was going to be much of a threat. Granted Charles also had Weapon X, and Weapon X could prove to be a tipping point later on as his plan progressed.

He needed to make progress with forming his team, even though he was extremely far ahead of Mystique, who had been going solo since the get-go. He figured she needed time, though. The plan was for her to go after teenagers, and no teenage mutants had proved to be extremely useful throughout the past six or so years.

There were a few young men in particular that Erik wanted on his side, and he knew he could pull some strings to make them eager to follow. He'd heard rumors of these men from the locals who lived near them, and it had been enough to peak his curiosity. He'd heard of a young man in Australia who could manipulate fire, though not create it… If Erik could come up with a way to supply the man with fire, he could almost guarantee the pyromaniac's allegiance.

The thief would be a little trickier, though. He was young, maybe 17 or so, but from what Erik had gathered, the thief hated his adoptive father, and would do anything to get away from the man. He couldn't help but let his mind drift to Pietro and Wanda. There was no doubt in his mind that the two detested him, especially after the little stunt he had pulled. Still, in time, they would see reason and join him in his quest for mutant supremacy, as if they really had a choice in the matter.

More difficult still would be the Russian, a huge, metal man that would definitely prove useful, if only he weren't so kind-hearted. But like all men, a weakness existed there, and if Erik could just make a few subtle threats, a few unkind gestures, that would be enough to get the Russian over to him as well. He hoped.

At the very least, he didn't have the twins to worry about anymore. Granted he knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to be re-involved in their lives, or at the very least, Pietro's. The boy could prove to be a huge asset in the war Erik wanted. Super speed would be a huge advantage to his team, one he wouldn't overlook. But he would have obstacles to overcome if he were to even have a hope of recruiting the boy. There was no doubt in Erik's mind that Pietro blamed him for Wanda, as well he should, but that was beside the point. He would have to work past that aggression, by whatever means necessary.

"Magneto," Mystique said from behind him.

"What is it, Mystique?" Erik sighed and turned around. He would not stand for having his time wasted; it had always been a pet peeve of his.

"Someone here to see you," Mystique replied. "Thought I would warn you before he showed up."

"Before who…" Erik began, but was cut off when he saw an old friend-turned-enemy, Xavier.

"Magnus," Charles greeted with a curt nod.

"Charles," Erik replied, ice in his tone. No doubt Charles had found Erik with his little Cerebro machine, which Erik was certain Charles had used in order to find one of the weaker-minded mutants working under him.

"I wanted to have a word with you, about your children," Charles leaned forward in his chair, hands folded, chin resting on them. Erik had seen that posture many times, and it usually ended with Charles telling Erik something he most definitely did not want to hear.

"What about them?" Erik crossed his arms.

"The boy, Pietro," Charles began. "I feel as though he'd be a good fit at the Institute…"

"Absolutely not," Erik shook his head furiously. The absolute last thing he needed was Xavier meddling in his affairs, especially when they involved a mutant as powerful as his son was sure to become.

"He's not happy at home," Charles ignored the outburst. "If he were to be around others like him, then maybe…"

"Then maybe he'd be swayed to the wrong cause," Erik replied evenly.

"He's only 15, Magnus…"

"And what about Wanda?" Erik changed the subject.

"I want to work with her," Charles answered calmly. "See if I can help calm or stabilize her mind."

Erik contemplated that for a moment. If Wanda would become less of a threat to herself and everyone around her, he could definitely have use for her in the future. "Fine," he agreed. "But she stays where she is." He wouldn't have her escape and come after him. That would be disaster.