Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Erik
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The rise and fall of an kingdom — from King of Genosha to Refugee — Magneto was accustomed to never being allowed to keep nice things. For three minutes — the time it took to share a waltz with his beloved Rogue — he’d had it all. The promise of her being his Queen — even if the majority of her heart belonged to another — they were going to lead their people into a bright future. A future where they wouldn’t be oppressed, could show their true colors be they blue skinned, winged, red eyed, protruding bones, fanged, or simply monstrously strong.

And then of course the horrendous sentinels arrived that destroyed that dream in its infancy, crushed not only the bodies but the spirits of the Homo superior. Magneto’s very abilities targeted him for destruction. Those same abilities that had saved countless lives and doomed others. The power over magnetism that kept his body from aging — still the healthy body and mind of a forty-five year old in a man who should be in his nineties. And while the toll of those years didn’t show themselves physically, Erik’s heart was weighed down by those countless tragedies.

He would be dead once and for all, but for the ingenuity of a young boy who nullified his powers temporarily, but doomed the rest of them to be crushed under the infrastructure of what should have been the crowning achievement of the Mutant race.

Memories of Erik’s childhood and the insurmountable feeling of loss as he was thrown into the tragedy of the Holocaust where his powers over magnetism initially emerged. He lost his family for the first time, never learned what became of his sister, but gained the ability to manipulate the very atmosphere of the earth. Later, Erik found peace in a rural village. He’d been a simple factory worker with a wife and a precious daughter Anya, It had been grating to hide his powers, but he’d do it for a quiet life. All he really needed was to return home to his wife and child — reading bedtime stories to his little girl was his favorite pastime. It was during those evenings that his heart had truly known peace.

Then he’d used his forbidden ability to save a coworker from being crushed to death. His reward? It was for the hateful humans called forth by the very man he saved to find his home. Those monstrous men murdered his daughter while he’d been helpless but to watch and his wife had wanted nothing to do with him afterwards — because he was a mutant. She’d taken her own life to join their precious lost daughter. No longer a father and no longer a husband, that’s when hatred filled his heart and hope was squashed forever— or so he thought.

Years later, he would meet Charles Xavier. The man was his opposite — faithfully optimistic. Though, if Xavier had gone through half the horror that Erik survived, surely he never would have guilted Erik into trying to champion his dream of peace amongst the humans. It was a dream doomed to fail for all its naivety because hate and fear cannot be reasoned with, only quelled through power.

It would be years later that someone would enter Erik’s life again that made him smile. She’d not only been beautiful, but her Southern charm and sweet disposition mocked the absolute ferocity her fists contained.

He was de-powered in the Savage Lands when he first met the adopted daughter of Mystique. Rogue — as she was known. The young woman was brave and kind, in spite of being rejected by her birth family and with her powers making it impossible to connect with others physically. The pure joy on her face when he’d held her hand unharmed, naturally immune even after Rogue’s powers had returned — he would never forget. That pleasant memory sometimes was the only things that stopped his simmering anger. And even when his Brotherhood faced off against Xavier’s X-men, Magneto always enjoyed seeing Anna’s power even when it was focused in opposition to him. Honestly, seeing her engaged in the midst of battle wondrously strong is what ensnared his heart resolutely in her direction.

The humans feared him? They should. He could destroy the protective magnetic field that made the very earth habitable against the solar radiation. They hadn’t tipped him to destroying their very world just yet, but there were days when it took all his restraint to resist.

As the world faded to black, the scent of blood and the sounds of whimpering from those dead and dying around him, Magneto, King of Genosha gave up and waited to finally join those that had left their mortal coils before him.
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OoO

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Anna Marie
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This couldn’t be happening. One minute, Rogue had been asked to become Queen of Genosha, and was dancing with Erik on cloud nine in front of a fledgling nation. She’d looked across the ballroom and her gaze settled on the crimson eyes of Remy and she knew that while there was comfort with Erik and affection, her heart belonged to the Cajun.

And before she had a chance to tell him, the sentinels came and the damned fool sacrificed himself. “The name’s Gambit — Remember it!” She flew off with the thief before he could be incinerated, her skin burning from the intensities of the fires. At least he died in her arms and she knew as their eyes met that he knew of her love. He died with a smile on his face and peace in his heart knowing that he’d stolen her heart in the end.

Which just left Anna with the void in the pit of her stomach. The Mutant Nation of Genosha was in ruins and so many were dead. It was only when her brother found her, Kurt’s warm gloved hand on her shoulder — that she realized she needed to get up. There were people trapped in the rubble and she needed to help them.

And that’s when she realized she didn’t know where Erik was either. She couldn’t lose him too! She cared for him — deeply — always had. This was his dream and it had become a nightmare. She had to find him, or else, he might finally lose it and destroy all of humanity once and for all. She knew he was capable and frankly, she probably wouldn’t be able to stop him this time.

And that’s when she felt it — a familiar, calming sensation settle over her mind. The responsibility of reasoning with the Master of Magnetism wouldn’t fall upon her shoulders.

‘My children! Calm yourselves, I have returned and brought help,’ the soothing voice of Charles Xavier echoed in the minds of everyone in the Nation of Genosha. The wayward professor had returned and he’d brought allies from the Shi’ar empire.

Rogue snorted and after pressing a kiss to Remy’s cooling lips, she allowed Kurt to help her stand. Once again, Xavier was too little and too late. “Kurt, help me find Erik.”

“Meine Schwester,” Kurt whispered. “Let’s go. Plenty of people need our help.”

She took a deep, shuddering breath. “Let’s go.” Rogue’s gaze lingered a moment longer on Gambit’s ruined body. Then she rolled back her shoulders, straightened her spine and got to work. Remy died taking out that sentinel so that others might live. She would not let his sacrifice be in vain.

Nightcrawler nodded, his tail twitched in agitation. “Der Professor has returned. He’s brought allies.” He gripped both her shoulders, drew Rogue in for a hug and then teleported them towards a large area of rubble.

The scent of blood was strong and with fear gnawing at her heart, knowing no matter what she found, she would be too late for some, Rogue used her super strength and slowly and methodically moved away the steel and concrete. The first person she saw was Leech — the emerald skinned young boy.

His breaths were shallow, but he lived. She handed the boy to Kurt and then continued to extract the trapped souls. Miraculously, they were all alive! Weak, but breathing. “That brilliant boy must have nullified their mutant powers so the sentinel couldn’t sense them,” Rogue mused, tears springing to her eyes.

A familiar dark purple cape, tattered but recognizable caught her eye. “Erik,” she whispered, moving the debris with renewed vigor. His crystal blue eyes fluttered, his heart sluggish as he fought against the pull of unconsciousness.

“Anna,” Erik’s voice was weak, raspy.

“Shhhh, it’s alright now, Sugah, I got ya,” Rogue murmured, tears anew streaming down her face as she pulled the King of Genosha into her embrace, hugged his larger frame against her, relieved beyond all measure that she wasn’t too late for him.

He was the last one to be pulled from the rubble and it was just as well, since Rogue’s strength had ebbed. Kurt’s hand was once again on her shoulder squeezing briefly before he teleported away leaving the smell of sulfur in his wake.

Rogue settled Magneto’s head and shoulders in her lap, running her gloved fingers through his pale silver hair. Each rise and fall of his chest was the motivation she had to try and live just a little longer.
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Chapter Text

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Anna
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Genosha was trashed — it looked just like her childhood home in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina had devastated everywhere. She could have flown, but that felt like flaunting her health when so many were barely holding on to life in the make-shift medical tents. And she didn’t want to miss hearing anyone cry out for help and if she were hovering ten feet above the ground, she might not notice who needed help.

The Red Cross had shown up — proof that not all humans were anti-mutant. The doctors and advanced practitioners worked diligently with the mutant doctors — Hank, Cecilia, Nemesis.

The Professor and his Shi’ar allies had called a meeting and Erik, his arm in a cast and a bandage over his forehead was there. Then King Namor of Atlantis had shown up as well with a delegation as well as Storm’s ex-husband King T’Challa. King Magnus would permit no other nations to enter their borders.

A team of Avengers had shown up — including Iron Man, Rescue, Hulk, Captain America, and Black Widow. Rogue could see them looking through the rubble for survivors as well.

Rescue waved Rogue over, indicating that she’d found someone. The two women worked silently, side-by-side, removing the rubble. Rogue had borrowed some of Erik’s power of magnetism to make the process easier and low and behold, a woman covered in diamonds shown brilliantly.

“Sugah, I got you,” Rogue cooed, lifting the woman into her arms.

“Thank you,” the familiar, soft voice of Emma Frost rasped.

“Emma? Why didn’t you use your telepathy?” Rogue gasped in surprise. “And since when can you turn into diamonds?”

“Secondary mutation, I suppose,” Emma said with a weak smile. “It seems I cannot use my telepathy in this form.”

“Well, I got you,” Rogue promised. She met the visor covered gaze of Pepper Potts. “I’ll be right back.”

Rescue nodded. “Roger that. I’ll scan this area and when you get back let you know what I find.”

While clutching Emma — who was very heavy in her diamond form — Rogue took to the sky and started for the medical tents.

Her mind flashed back to her childhood experience with Hurricane Katrina again. The tragedy of that period had triggered her mutation, but she didn’t know that yet. And while absorbing others abilities was useful, she hadn’t gained the powers of Ms Marvel's invulnerability and super strength. The schools had been closed for a couple of months, so it was like summer break got extended and of course, there was a boy. Because wasn’t there always?

She thought of Cody and that first kiss and the realization that she was different now. And she remembered her Daddy telling her she wasn’t welcome because no daughter of his was a mutant. She also remembered seeing her mother’s black eye and how she cowered in the corner of the living room. Her father shouting accusations of infidelity because he wouldn’t have a mutant for a child.

“I don’t have to be psychic to see you’re lost in thought,” Emma murmured.

Rogue glanced down to see the woman staring up at her. Her eyes in this form were a brilliant blue. “Wow, your eyes are really pretty like this — blue diamonds.”

Emma laughed, the sound like crystal tinkling as it echoed through her. “Well, I can’t really feel anything like this. So I’m glad to know I’m pretty at least!”

Rogue frowned. “Can you change back? Release your diamond form?”

Emma closed her eyes and sighed. A tear slipped out of her eye and the salty liquid transformed into a tiny diamond halfway down her cheek. “I've been trying ever since I was pulled out of the rubble.”

“Oh,” Rogue whispered, heart breaking for the woman. She knew what that was like — not being able to control her powers.

“Yeah, oh.” Emma opened her eyes and stared over the landscape. “Maybe someone like me deserves this. I’ve had my share of being too selfish, using my powers for personal gain. But this place was supposed to be a haven and a fresh start. What happened? How did the sentinels get stopped?”

“Ah, Gambit blew up the monster one. It’s been three days,” Rogue explained. “And now the Avengers, Atlantis, and Wakanda have showed up to help. The Red Cross is here. And Professor Xavier returned with some Shi’ar buddies.” She landed outside the Red Cross tent and made a bee-line for Hank and Reyes hoping they’d be able to evaluate Emma in her new form. “And King Magnus is okay. Heartbroken, but he’ll survive this. He’s a survivor.”

“Aren’t we all — heartbroken and surviving — but this time, I wanted to live, you know?” Emma whispered when Rogue laid her out on an empty medical cot. Emma snatched Rogue’s hand before she could head out again. “And how are you? How is our Queen?”

Rogue snorted. “Ah, ain’t no queen. Erik is our leader, I’m just doing my part.”

“We can only survive so much, Rogue,” Emma murmured. “We need him. And he needs you.”

“The Professor has come back,” Rogue insisted.

Emma’s grip on Rogue’s hand tightened and if Rogue had been anyone else, she’d have a broken hand right now. “We need Erik. And Erik needs you.”

Rogue nodded, but said nothing because Hank came over at that time. She escaped the medical tent and hurried back to Rescue to continue the search.
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OoO

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Erik
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He was still considered the King of Genosha, chosen leader of mutant-kind. Erik was content to listen while the other men spoke, his mind in shambles. His attention would occasionally drift to the regal woman standing at the back of the room with the lavender-skinned behemoth of a guard next to her. Who was she? Charles waxed poetic about humanity not being responsible for the attack and Erik could see the narrowed eye look of Namor who obviously disagreed. T’challa of Wakanda was human — he seemed decent enough. And the Avengers had shown up to help, so that was somewhat nice.

“Humans can’t be trusted — they are fearful and jealous,” Namor argued. He scanned the room. “Where’s your pretty queen, Erik? I thought she’d be in this meeting.” He gestured towards the men in the room. “It’s easier to tolerate these sort of meetings when there is a pretty face to focus on.” He glanced behind him briefly at the alien woman and cleared his throat.

“Queen?” Xavier asked, blinking in confusion.

Erik felt a little smug as he folded his muscular arms over his chest, it was only a little awkward with one in a cast. “What? You thought you were the only one to find someone in our old age?” Honestly, he wasn’t sure how things stood with Rogue. She hadn’t exactly agreed to be his queen. Their waltz had been the best three minutes of his life, but she’d made it clear that the thief was her preferred partner. Was she still going to be his queen even if they weren’t a couple? And what now that the Cajun was dead? He wasn’t above being her second choice. It didn’t change his feelings for Anna at all.  The very act of loving her made him want to be a better person -- whether the love was requited or not.

“Your queen should be here,” T’challa agreed. “However, I just want to point out that Wakanda does not condone what has occurred here on Genosha. I would be happy to help offer our support as you rebuild.”

“She’s busy looking for survivors,” Erik explained. “Since I can’t be out there, she’s borrowing my powers.” He turned towards the Wakanda leader and met his dark eyes. “I appreciate the offer, King T’challa. And I assure you, my queen will be consulted before any decisions are made for our people.”

“Borrowing your powers?” Xavier repeated, his eyebrows arched high into his forehead. “Rogue?”

Erik met Xavier’s surprised gaze and jerked his chin into a single nod of acknowledgement. “So, you’ve been alive this whole time but in a completely different galaxy?”

“I felt the cries of distress,” Xavier explained. “I had to come back. Help however I could, but I cannot stay.”

“We have a possible solution for you,” Empress Lilandra said quietly, standing behind Xavier.

“There is no need for something so drastic. Earth is our home — their home,” Xavier corrected, his voice laced with frustration as he turned in his seat to face Lilandra.

“What solution?” Erik demanded. He looked between Xavier and the alien empress whom he abandoned his kind for.  Maybe Erik was a little resentful.

Xavier sighed. “There is a planet we can travel to with Shi’ar technology. It’s in a mirror dimension, the same geologic history as Earth here, but with one stark difference. It has animals and flora, the same atmosphere, but never had humans. It’s an utopia basically — no pollution.”

“Sounds like Heaven,” Namor murmured. “A place where humans haven’t poisoned their home through their greed and carelessness.”

“We could transport your people to this planet — away from the humans and you could live in peace without worrying about future attacks,” Gladiator explained.

“Mutants are humans,” Charles insisted.

Erik held up his hand, directed his attention to Lilandra and Gladiator. “I am the chosen ruler of the Homo superior, Charles, not you. Tell me more.”

“Yes, tell us more,” Namor chimed in, leaning forward eagerly. He was King of Atlantis but also a mutant himself. He was as old as Erik and the two had been on the receiving end of human villainy time and time again. Charles thought them both unnecessarily antagonistic against the lesser humans, but they in fact were reactionary, not the instigators.

“There is no need to abandon your home, Magnus!” Charles pleaded.

Erik began to laugh, it was a quiet rumble at first and then eventually shook his whole body. “That is rich! Coming from you! The man who faked his own death to abandon Earth! You gave up!” Erik stood, sweeping his tattered purple cape behind him like the regal majesty he was. “I will consider your offer, Empress,” he said, looking past the gaping Charles.

The alien woman nodded. “We could transport your people there within the week" she said. "We could also set up a Stargate that would allow your people to travel between there and here if you would like.”

Erik nodded and then left the meeting. He wasn’t sure about a Stargate. If mutants could travel back and forth, what was to stop the humans from following after to ruin whatever utopia they might settle?

It didn’t take long for him to track down Rogue. He was sensitive to his own power and felt her manipulating the magnetism of an area halfway across the island. Erik took to the air, taking note of Iron Man hovering in the air. He and Anna hadn’t spoken since he’d been found. She cooed at him and whispered sweet nothings— he wasn’t sure what she said because the buzzing in his ears had drowned out most of her words.

He needed to know — did she accept the mantle of queen? She might not love him, as he loved her, but she loved their people. She would feel duty bound to step up to the opportunity.

“Rogue,” Magneto called out, landing softly beside her. She was just stepping out from a pile of rubble. He assessed the situation and held his arms open, accepting the small child she placed in his arms-- cast be damned. “We must talk.”

“Just a moment, Sugah,” Rogue answered, diving back inside the tunnel she’d created with his own power of magnetism. She came back this time with an older woman — likely the child’s mother. “Follow me back to the medical tent. We can talk on the way.”

Magneto flanked her side as they carried their precious cargo to the healers. “We have been given the opportunity to settle on a world separate from Earth and away from the humans. A world that will be only for mutant-kind.”

“What?” Rogue turned towards him, her green eyes wide in disbelief. “How is that possible?”

“The Shi’ar have a way,” Magneto explained. They landed at the tents and handed off the injured people.

“So we would be giving up the dream of living in harmony with the humans,” Rogue said softly.

Magneto reached for her, his hand gently tucking a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “That dream turned into a nightmare.”

Rogue sighed and reached up to catch his hand. She turned her cheek against his palm. “Ah know you’re right,” she whispered. “So are you going to take it? Move the citizens of Genosha to the other world?”

“Living with humans on this world is Charles' dream, not mine. He abandoned that dream. His empress has offered us this alternative.” Erik took a deep breath. “I need help in this decision. I asked you to be my queen, Anna. Help me lead our people.”

Rogue sniffled, a single tear streaked down her cheek, landing on Erik’s hand. She nodded once. “Ah’m tired, Erik. Ah’ll be your queen. Ah want a home safe from all this.” She gestured towards the destruction on their would-be island nation. “Ah want to live with our kind, not keep visiting graveyards.”

Erik nodded, letting his hand fall from her face. “Then I believe we have our answer. Come with me, you should be present for the rest of the discussion.”

“Wait,” Rogue gripped his hand, pulling it back towards her. “Though, if someone has a child — two mutants have a child but that child has no mutations — would they be welcome?”

Magneto nodded. “Of course.”

Rogue sucked in a deep breath and then flashed Magneto a weak smile.

He started back towards the meeting he’d abandoned, Rogue following after him. He didn’t point out that not everyone would choose to settle on the new world. The opportunity would cause a schism just as the Island Nation of Genosha had done so.

And when they returned to the meeting and Erik saw the shock on Xavier’s face when he entered hand-in-hand with Rogue? Well— there was something deeply satisfying about having one of Charles precious students choose Magneto’s side.

“Tell us more about this planet,” Magneto said, gesturing to his abandoned seat for Rogue and floating over a spare chair for himself next to it. “My queen is interested in the details.”

Namor smirked. “Well, Hello Queen Rogue. Long-time no see.”

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Anna
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She felt the hard stare of Professor Xavier as she sat next to Erik amongst the who’s who of Super-powered people. King Namor of Atlantis welcomed her with a warm, friendly smile. King T’challa was polite, but she couldn’t help but hold a grudge against him because of the messy divorce with Ororo a couple of years back. If they’d still been married, would the sentinels have been launched on Genosha if it was also an attack on the Sovereign Queen of Wakanda? She doubted that would have happened.

She tried not to think too much about Empress Lilandra — it wasn’t her business that Xavier and Lilandra had fallen in love. Love should be celebrated! She believed in the Professor’s dream as well — had for most of her adult life. However, Magnus was right — the humans would never allow them the peace to simply just be.

“So, what are you thinking, Queen Rogue?” Namor entreated, leaning forward, his eyes crinkling in a smile.

“Ah’m thinking that forty-eight hours ago, everything seemed right in the world until a murderous robot that was too expensive not to be bank-rolled by multiple governments trying to murder everyone with an X-gene on this island,” Rogue answered. She met Xavier’s eyes and felt a small sense of satisfaction at the chagrin on his face. He hadn’t been there for the battle. He needed to understand just how they suffered.

“Exactly!” Namor agreed punching his hand into the air. He glared at Xavier a moment before smiling towards Rogue and Magneto. Then he directed his ocean-blue eyes at T’challa. “Remember when those governments tried to steal away your Vibranium? You’ve a massive forcefield around Wakanda to keep them out.”

“True,” T’challa murmured frowning. His dark eyes met Rogue’s. “Pardon me, Rogue, but I would like to talk to you for a moment privately.” He looked towards Magneto momentarily. “If that’s all right with you, King Magnus.”

Rogue arched her eyebrow and turned towards Erik. He shrugged his unrestrained shoulder. “Why don’t the two of you step outside for a couple of minutes. I’d like to talk about the possibility of a Stargate and where it would be wise to place it on Earth.”

“Atlantis obviously,” Namor suggested. “I can make sure it’s housed in a very inhospitable place for humans, but welcoming for mutants and Atlanteans alike.”

“I still think you’re not giving humanity enough of a chance,” Xavier protested.

“Let’s go, Panther,” Rogue said standing and gesturing for T’challa to follow her. She adjusted her gloves, careful to cover her skin lest she be tempted to slap the arrogant man. Just because his voice was as rich as a sweet tea on a hot summer day, didn’t mean she had to like what he had to say.

Once the two of them were outside, leaning against opposite walls in the hallway T’challa smiled shyly. “I cannot help but notice you don’t seem to like me.”

Rogue blinked at him. “Ah haven’t even spoken to you, King T’challa.”

“Well, Queen Rogue, some feelings are stronger than words,” T’challa answered. “I thought we were friends.”

Rogue wagged her gloved finger at him. “You were married to one of my best friends. Then you broke her heart and demanded a divorce —- because she’s a mutant and the Phoenix Force — an alien entity by the way — caused a tsunami. You blamed mutants because of a natural disaster.”

“There was nothing natural about that disaster,” T’challa challenged. “A large portion of my kingdom was damaged and many lives were lost!”

“Oh? Ah’m sorry to hear about the loss of lives, Ah always am. Maybe we should get King Namor here to explain natural disasters to you though. And Ah thought you were a scientist,” Rogue sneered. “The humans and the pollution that’s increased global warming at an unnatural rate are more responsible for the frequency and intensity of natural disasters.”

T’challa rubbed his forehead, sighing. “My sister is the scientist. I’ll admit, your point is valid, but that wasn’t the only reason for the divorce. Ororo and I simply wanted different things. I had to focus on my nation of Wakanda. She was more interested in representing mutant rights throughout the entire world.”

Rogue narrowed her eyes. “Maybe Ah’d find it easier to get over if you hadn’t remarried within three months.”

“Is there any chance we can be friends?” T’challa asked. “You’re a sovereign now and I want for Wakanda to be allies of Genosha. I would prefer working with you more so than Magneto.” He grimaced, “I mean King Magnus.”

“If Storm can get along with you, so can Ah,” Rogue offered. “Ah can be friendly, but that don’t make us friends, mind you, Sugah.”

“I can live with that,” T’challa murmured. He offered this black gloved hand, the panther claws retracted. Rogue accepted his hand and they shook.

“Looks like our kingdoms have a bright future together,” Rogue said quietly.

T’challa nodded. “I hope so. I really do. And I would also like to offer Wakanda as a site for one of the Stargates.” He smiled faintly as he released her hand. “Let’s head back in there.”
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OoO

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Erik

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His quarters were surprisingly spared in the attack. The fact that the sentinels’ deadly objective was aimed towards living persons and not structure was the terrifying reality. He’d been instructed to stay awake by the Doctors McCoy and Reyes due to his concussion. Fifty-four hours had passed since he’d last slept and he wasn’t sure he’d be able to sleep this night either. There were now new nightmares to settle over the old, familiar ones.

He’d taken a long, hot shower — grateful the water worked. He’d taken his arm out of the sling and ace wraps and gently cleaned it. It started aching pretty strongly, but Magneto’s tolerance for pain was greater than most. In the morning, Elixir would fix him up. Joshua Foley was one of Emma Frost’s Hellfire kids. He was fiercely loyal to her — especially since he was in a relationship with Emma’s unofficial daughters — the Stepford Cuckoos triplets.

While the brilliant young man had wanted to tend to his king’s fractured arm, Erik had redirected him to others in more critical conditions. So many mutants had powers of destruction — it was nice when there were those with healing and creative powers.

There was a knock on the window of Erik’s balcony. It was obvious whom was there, considering his rooms were on the twelfth floor. He pushed back the curtains and saw Rogue, her hair still damp from her own shower, hovering over his balcony. He smiled faintly, pleased at her presence. She was stunning in a pair of grass green yoga pants, a white racerback tank, white silk opera gloves and barefoot. He opened the door. “Fine night for a stroll is it?”

“Ah gave my room to Emma,” Rogue explained by way of apology. “May Ah come in?”

Erik gestured for her to enter. “You’re always welcome, Anna.”

“Ah won’t stay long,” Rogue continued, feet on the balcony before she walked into his apartment. She folded her arms over her chest, her moss green eyes scanned his body briefly head to toe, lingering on the exposed expanse of his broad chest. “Ah wanted to see how you were holding up.”

“Anna, you’re welcome to stay the night,” Erik murmured. After his trial, they’d slept in each other’s arms a couple of nights back in his room at the school. It wasn’t like their relationship back in the Savage lands where they couldn’t keep their hands off one another with unchecked libidos. They’d exchanged sweet kisses and he’d been content to hold her in his arms, enjoying the feel of her head on his chest and his nose in her hair. He had feared their kiss during the waltz would be their last. He never asked her to choose between him and the other man, but he couldn’t deny the familiar heartbreak when she’d rejected him. Nor, could he deny the ember promising to grow into a flame with his competition no longer in the picture.

“I always sleep better in your presence and I’m already dreading the nightmares,” Erik added. “McCoy has forbidden me from taking any sleep aides because of the concussion.” Tentatively, he pressed his fingertips against the abrasion on his forehead.

Rogue’s eyes darted away and she walked behind the couch, fingers trailing over the back of it. It brought back memories of those same fingers trailing over his arms, down his belly, to his waist. Erik’s mouth was suddenly parched.

“Ah’m sorry Ah couldn’t give you what you wanted before, Erik.” Rogue’s sorrowful eyes welled with tears and she took a deep shuddering breath. “Ah feel like all Ah do is apologize these days.”

Magneto arched his eyebrow. “Anna, I love you. Loving you makes me want to be a better man. You are my inspiration to continue when there have been so many times I would just give up and let myself die.”

“No! Don’t you dare!” Rogue cried, suddenly in front of him gripping the front halves of his open robe. “Ah can’t lose you, Erik,” her voice choked on a sob. “Ah couldn’t bear it.”

Erik drew her in against him, letting her rest her cheek against his chest, her warm tears falling on his skin. Would they have been as close if she was capable of touching anyone else? Or were their fates tied together and that’s why they could touch? “I know what it’s like to lose loved ones, Anna. My parents, my wife,” he said, his voice barely a whisper as he added, “and my daughter.”

“Ah can’t imagine my life without you. Even when we’re not together, just knowing you’re alive somewhere is a comfort.” She looked up at him, face streaked with tears. “It’s a little scary imagining moving to an entirely new world, but it’s the safest option for the future of our kind.”

Erik brushed his thumb across Rogue’s smooth, creamy cheek, wiping away her tears. “You are my True North, Anna. You give me direction.”

“You always have such a way with words, Erik,” Rogue said with a laugh. She slid her hands down to his uninjured arm and took his hand between hers. “Come, my king, Ah’ll help you fall asleep.”

Erik let her lead him towards his bed. “So long as you’re still here in the morning. There is a lot to work through before we can settle in our Utopia, far away from jealous and fearful neighbors.”
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OoO

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Anna
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Could it really be this easy? Erik just welcomed her into his room, into his arms without any hesitation. When she’d left Emma Frost in her own room, it had been only a little awkward. Everyone was reeling from the pain and disappointment of their crushed dream. Emma was still trapped into her diamond form. Her old student Elixir had been evaluating her when Rogue left.

“Ah do have a little gift for you, Erik,” Rogue said as they sat together on the bed. Magneto stretched out with his back braced against the headboard. Rogue sat next to him, sitting with her knees tucked under. She pulled off her familiar white gloves and her right hand was golden in appearance. “Ah might have run into Joshua and he might have let me borrow some of his powers.” She held out her golden hand of healing and wordlessly, Erik laid his shattered forearm in her hand. Rogue concentrated on the advice Elixir had given her along with his borrowed powers. The bones knit back together and she could feel the tension in Erik’s taut muscles relaxing. “Better?” Rogue released his hand, glad it worked. Part of her feared that since she didn’t absorb Magneto’s powers, she wouldn’t be able to apply the healing technique.

“Always under your touch,” Erik murmured, his voice a pleased purr that sent a shiver down to Rogue’s toes. He slipped his hand into her hair and drew her close to him, his lips ghosted across hers. “Anna, stay with me. Neither of us has to do this alone.”

“Ah’m so tired, Erik.” Rogue closed her eyes and let herself sink into the familiar embrace of her long-time on and off again lover.

“So am I, Anna. So am I.” Erik laid down and pulled her against him. He wrapped them in his black silk sheets, his arms banded around her waist, her head tucked under his chin. He sighed deeply.

“Sweet dreams, Erik,” Rogue whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to the underside of his jaw.

His arms squeezed her tight against his chest. “I’ll settle for no dreams. Rest well, my Anna.”
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It was still dark outside, when Anna woke up curled up against Erik’s warm body, her palms splayed across his muscular chest and her legs tangled between his long, thick ones. He wore loose pajama pants and she had taken off her own yoga pants, opting to sleep in her racer top and panties. Her gloves were tossed haphazardly on the nightstand. Erik’s arms were wrapped around her, hands pressed between her shoulder blades and her low back. His long, dexterous fingers had teasingly slipped beyond the edge of her panties and tightly gripped the roundness of her ass.

“Good morning,” Erik rumbled, squeezing his hands slightly, enough to leave bruises on her flesh, marking her as he often liked to do. He wanted her to have reminders of their intimacy — as if Anna would ever forget.

“Not sure that it’s morning yet, Sugah,” Anna rasped, her throat still raw from so much crying over the last few days. She pressed her nose against the side of his neck and breathed in his comforting scent and smiled at the ticklish sensation of the abrasive stubble of his early morning silver beard against her skin. It was that natural electromagnetic field that buzzed around his body like a shield that allowed her this moment of paradise. Once again, he’d made clear his feelings for her— love— and she’d greedily taken all he had to offer. She cared about him, probably more than anyone else alive save Kurt. But, it was too soon for her to return those coveted words, even though she knew it would mean so much for him to hear her say it. However, Magneto had always been a man of action, not of empty words. She would work hard to show him how she felt about him, until she was able to put those feelings into words. Though, knowing how perceptive he was, she might never need to voice her feelings. He always seemed able to see right through her anyway, no matter how many shields she tried to place around her brittle heart.

“In that case, can I interest you in some late night activities?” Erik murmured, shifting Rogue’s weight until she was laying directly on top of him and peering down into his crystal blue eyes. “Waking up with you every morning would go a long way in soothing my weary heart. Those emerald eyes of yours are an absolute treasure that I value quite sincerely when I am the only one you’re looking at.”

In spite of everything, looking down at Erik, her long dark hair forming a curtain around their faces, a giggle bubbled up in Rogue’s throat. “Our kingdom was destroyed and all Ah can think about is how good it feels to have your hands on me.”

Erik closed his eyes and sighed deeply. For a moment, decades of loss and pain flashed across his usually stoic face. “Anna, I must admit, you are my lifejacket in this tempest storm. Before I saw your face hauling me out of the rubble, I had thought of giving up and succumbing to the bliss of death.” He opened his eyes and the intensity of his gaze sent chills down Rogue’s spine. “Though, likely I’d end up in Gehenna for all my failures — punishment for all the lives I’ve failed to protect with this awesome power I was blessed with in the darkest days of my childhood. It was not enough to save my parents, my daughter, or so many others over the years.” His arms tightened around her. “If I ever lost you…,” he trailed off.

“Oh, Erik,” Rogue murmured, her eyes tearing up at the despair in his normally confident voice. She pressed her body against his and cupped the side of his face, her thumb traced under his bottom lip before she kissed him softly. When she pulled back to look down at him, she felt her heart constrict at the unabashed affection in his gaze. “We’re being given another chance, Sugah. Ah’ll be your lifejacket.” She traced along his bottom lip again. “You’ve always been my safe harbor. Ah don’t want to take you for granted.”

Erik’s gripped Rogue at her hips, his thumb moving in tiny circles over the soft dip of her groin, his fingers bruising on her butt as his hands tightened in desire. “Unless you’re ready to re-consummate our relationship — I suggest you let me up to shower again. We have a lot to coordinate before our exodus, my queen.”

Rogue didn’t get up immediately, but when Erik made a strangled sound, she reluctantly rolled off of him with a chuckle. “Ah don’t mean to be a tease, Erik. And while the idea of us reconnecting completely is incredibly tempting, Ah think it should wait until we’ve gotten to our new home. It doesn’t feel right when so many others are suffering.”

After running his palm over his face with a groan, Erik sat up and then swung his legs over the side of the bed. “Intimacy is about reconnecting, Anna. It means letting down one’s guard enough to truly be vulnerable and yet taking care of your partner.” He looked back at her over his shoulder. “You should stay here, Anna, until we leave,” he suggested. “Rooms are limited after the destruction. It seems selfish to have all this space to myself.”

“Ah—Ah’ll think about it, Erik,” Rogue agreed. She drew the sheets up over her chest and watched her would-be lover as he entered the bathroom for an undoubtably cold shower. She knew he wouldn’t have minded if she joined him, and she was sorely tempted, knowing just how much she enjoyed sex with the Master of Magnetism. However, she still needed time to heal after the loss of her beloved teammate.

Whenever she and Erik finally would come together again, she wanted there to be no ghosts between them. Because, they both knew it was a matter of when, not if.
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It was decided — one Stargate would be located in Atlantis and the other would be in Wakanda. He had no conflict with the Atlanteans, particularly with King Namor being a mutant himself. Wakanda was another country that had been targeted by various world leaders out of greed and fear— it gave them common ground. King T’Challa had seemed quite sincere in his desire to prove an ally to Genosha.

The Shi’ar had a huge intergalactic cruiser parked on the dark side of the moon. They would shuttle the interested mutants to the cruiser and then take them to the alternate dimension, the Mirror Earth. Once there, the building of shelters would be an exhausting achievement, though the Shi’ar also offered to help in that regard — as did Wakanda using the Stargate.

Within a year or two, they’d be able to transform Planet M into a larger version of the Island of Genosha, while leaving the majority of the planet pristine and natural. It would be an important priority to live in harmony with the rest of the planet’s inhabitants. They would live off the land, only disturbing the planet minimally. They would also not breed indiscriminately, having more children than parents could support. Part of the problem with Earth was the over-population — people having children and then either not having the resources or the emotional capacity to care for them. If one does not grow up in a loving, nurturing environment, is it any wonder that person grows up to be a hateful, fearful monster?

Magneto himself had been guilty of fathering children irresponsibly. He knew of his daughter Anya and had loved her beyond measure. Losing her had broken him in ways he would never recover. However, the mother of Pietro and Wanda had hidden her pregnancy from him as had the mother of Polaris. Though, did he blame those women for keeping his children a secret? Perhaps not. They had been attracted to him — he knew he was a handsome man in his youth — but their fear for him had been greater. They’d given him their bodies, but never their hearts. Erik hadn’t even been aware he’d had more children after Anya until he met them as adults. Planet M would be a new start for them all — to make wise and rational decisions without worry about violence.

It would be the Utopia he’d have loved to raise his daughter, Anya. Maybe, if Anna Marie was amenable to the idea, he might try his hand at fatherhood again. His feelings for Anna were very strong — they shaped his very core. In a world of darkness and disappointment, she was a shining light beckoning him to persevere. She was his equal in strength and the capacity of her heart was far superior to his own. He was certainly motivated to form lifelong attachment to Rogue, merge their bloodlines. Anna would make a wonderful mother — her heart so pure and kind. Would their theoretical children also be resistant against harm from her touch? Or maybe, in a less harsh environment she might finally learn to fully control her own power? She’d gone to Xavier years ago for help, but all Charles had done was brainwash her towards his agenda. Would another telepath be able to help her? One that didn’t have anything to lose by Rogue learning independence? Did Erik want to risk Rogue no longer needing him?

For her sake, he would risk it.

Erik leaned against a pillar, surveying the ruins of Genosha. Shaw and Frost had been part of the meeting that morning, discussing logistics of the move. They’d want to bring supplies, but if Planet M truly was identical to Earth, then they’d be able to hunt and gather like humans had done for a hundred thousand years before the last five thousand years where agriculture became the dominant pattern. The average height and health of humanity had diminished with the reliance on agriculture, a less diverse diet being the factor, yet art and architecture had flourished in that environment. Some basic agriculture would be wise, means of water purification, trash, recycling, sewers. The infrastructure for sanitation were essential. They’d utilize Earth, Atlantean, Wakandan, and Shi’ar technology. They’d leave the smallest carbon footprint possible while enjoying the luxuries of the future and avoiding the pitfalls of the stone age.

The last several hours had been spent doing one final sweep over the island in search of survivors. With Xavier’s telepathy, they were able to confirm if there were any more living trapped under the rubble. The Stepford Cuckoos triplets — Celeste, Mindee and Phoebe— would be on the island in a day or two, but by the time they arrived it would be too late for find any more survivors. However, at the four day mark, with Elixir’s healing abilities, even the most grievous of wounds had a chance of healing. Ten more souls had been saved that day alone! However, now, those that remained in the rubble were almost certainly corpses waiting to be discovered. Should they dig them out, or let them rest in peace where they were?

“It’s really an unexpected boon, King Magnus,” Emma Frost said, referring to the opportunity to move off world. She leaned on the pillar opposite to him. Her diamond flesh glittered in the afternoon light. “It’s frustrating not being able to read the minds of the others in the room. I can only hope there’s not some greater deception at play.”

“What choice do we have, but to hope?” Erik asked. He drew his gaze away from where Rogue and the Avengers still picked through the wreckage. Though, they were now removing bodies and not survivors. Anna would be especially raw that evening, so Erik would do whatever he could to comfort his beloved queen.

“So, I noticed Rogue didn’t return to her room until late this morning, and she packed a bag,” Emma pointed out. “I don’t suppose you know anything about that, King Magnus?”

“Ah, did you notice that?” Erik mused, a faint smile on his lips. “She is my queen after all.” He had felt pretty satisfied when he’d dropped back by his room that afternoon to pick up a notebook and noticed Anna’s things in the corner.

“I always thought there was something between the two of you,” Emma murmured. “I usually am right about these things.” She gestured towards the city ruins. "The last thing to decide is what we’re going to do with the bodies,” Emma added quietly. “Do we cremate? Bury? Bring them with us to Planet M? Take DNA samples like Nemesis suggested to try and clone them and bring them back to life—- snatching their souls from the great beyond?”

“I think we let the dead stay dead,” Erik said quietly, frowning at the idea. “If their souls have already departed, to force them back onto this plane of existence would be not only cruel, but unnatural.” He didn’t voice his private thought that maybe their souls would be reborn into the Utopian society he was going to try to cultivate — even if he died trying.

“Their premature deaths were cruel and unnatural,” Emma huffed. She folded her arms over her ample chest and the sounds of diamonds clattering together sent a shiver down Erik’s spine. “I have some training in Psychology,” Emma added. “I have a doctorate in the field.” She gestured towards her diamond face. “I’m more than my looks, which thankfully so, since I’m currently a walking diamond. I was thinking it would be good to include a mental health clinic as well as the general healthcare. Foley and I have put together a portfolio for you and Queen Rogue to read over.” She started to run her fingers through her hair, but stopped when she realized even her hair had turned to stone. “Though, it was certainly easier to help people deal with their trauma when I could visit their minds.”

“Your diamond skin is a secondary mutation, it didn’t erase your natural abilities. Perhaps you simply need to deal with your own trauma, Emma Frost,” Erik suggested. “If nothing else, I’m sure your daughters will be happy to offer their assistance.”

“You’re right, King Magnus.” Emma pushed away from the pillar and started towards the steps that would lead back to the street level. “I'm supposed to meet King Namor. He wanted to discuss some more details regarding the Atlantis Stargate.”

“I’m sure that’s part of the reason he wants to meet with you,” Erik teased. He caught Emma’s knowing look. They were both quite similar — often pegged as the villain when really they were simply trying to survive and protect their kind. It was hard to obey society’s rules when society kept changing the rules to ostracize you. “You mustn’t keep the King of Atlantis waiting. I hear he’s not a very patient man.”
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She smiled across the small table in Erik’s room — or rather their apartment. The survivors were coming together and busying themselves with the routine of life. That included cooks returning to the kitchen and not only offering a menu to the residents of the island, but also stocking up on supplies and making orders for what they would need to get started at their new home planet.

“Living on a planet certainly would be easier to sustain than the Astroid M idea I had,” Erik explained, slipping his fork into his mouth and humming with his eyes closed briefly at the taste of the Mediterranean bowl. “Saucier has done it again. This hummus is delicious.”

Rogue nodded. The yellow skinned, four-armed mutant was a close friend of Emma Frost, having worked with her for years. While his tusks and small horns took a little getting used to — not that she wasn’t used to a three fingered furry elf brother with a long tail — Saucier’s skills in the kitchen were without compare.

“He’s worked with the other professional chefs and cooks on creating a list of supplies that would be needed to get through two years of establishing our new colony,” Rogue answered. “It’s going to be hard work, but I’m looking forward to it. I think we all are.”

“You and I have never shied away from hard work, Anna. It’s one of the reasons I love you,” Erik stated matter-of-fact.

She smiled shyly for a moment and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Oh Erik, Ah can’t believe in just a couple of days, we’ll be off world.”

“Off this world,” Erik agreed. He reached across the table unexpectedly, took Rogue’s hand in his. The warmth of his flesh against hers sent goosebumps prickling down her arm. “Anna, once we settle, once we feel safe.” He took a deep breath, his lips twitching nervously. “I should like to have a family with you— be they children conceived of our own hopeful union or adopted — I know you will be an amazing mother. And I should like the chance to be a father — and truly be present for any child we have.”

Rogue blinked at him for a few moments, stunned into silence. She knew Erik had three grown children — Pietro, Wanda, and Lorna. He wasn’t particularly close to any of them. Honestly, it was a little weird with Pietro and Wanda both being older than Rogue. Lorna was only a few years younger than Anna herself. Sometimes it was easy to forget this man was ninety years old when his mutation kept him from aging at the same rate as everyone else. With as beautiful as he was now, she could only imagine the heart-ache those irresistible baby-blues were capable of in his younger years. Erik’s voice was absolutely sinful — all he had to do was read her two lines of an encyclopedia and she’d soak her panties in desire. If he even tried to lay on the charm — what woman could resist?

However, none of that was the point. Rogue didn’t know if her ability would allow her to have children. Did she want to risk it? Would she be able to live with herself if her body harmed any theoretical children they might have? Did the magnetic forcefield that surrounded Erik prevent him from fathering children? Obviously not, he’d fathered four in the past. They’d had unprotected sex before — back in the savage land. Maybe the timing had been off, she hadn’t been particularly familiar with the idea of ovulation and conception back in those days. But they’d certainly had enough sex during those six months that something probably should have happened.

“Try not to over-think it, Anna,” Erik said, rubbing his thumb in soothing circles over the back of her hand.

Anna used her free hand to pick up her glass of water to try and quench her suddenly parched throat. She set the empty glass back on the table and met Erik’s piercing gaze, squeezing his hand gently in hers.

He smiled faintly at her, but said nothing.

Sometimes, words were simply not necessary.

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Earlier that morning, Erik had left before dawn. He had a lot of meetings and details to hash out for their Mutant Exodus, scheduled in two days time. He was also working with various mutants with backgrounds in engineering and architecture. While Rogue was a pretty decent mechanic, thanks to spending a lot of her free time with Logan in the garage fixing cars and bikes, she knew nothing about construction.

It was tedious work and Rogue hadn’t really wanted to sit through strategic planning for the next several hours with the Professor staring at her accusingly. It was frustrating that so many of her X-men teammates hadn’t come to Genosha. It had been only her, Nightcrawler, and Gambit. And well….now it was just her and Nightcrawler. It was hard to think of Magneto as an X-men. He was never a teammate, but always a leader in Rogue’s experience. And she’d follow him to the ends of the Earth this time — literally.

So with an agenda of meetings, Erik had suggested Rogue to sleep in, rest after she’d spent the last several days going through the wreckage of their broken dreams. Yesterday had been particularly hard. Almost all the citizens of Genosha has been accounted for, but yesterday, Rogue and the rest of the rescue team had only found bodies, no living souls amongst the debris. There were only three people unaccounted for and it was possible given their mutant abilities that there might not be any thing left to find.

She’d cried most of the previous night, wrapped up in Magneto’s strong embrace. There were no words of comfort. What could one say with such an experience? Considering Erik had survived the Holocaust, he wasn’t about to give empty words of platitude. The warmth of his solid body against hers had been all the comfort she needed.

Which was why now she and her brother were holed up in her apartments, playing a game of Chess and sipping iced tea. For years, her German brother claimed hot tea was best, Rogue’s Southern heritage insisted on sweet iced tea. Kurt claimed it was way too sweet for his taste, but the wagging of his tail seemed to betray his true feelings.

Regardless of the argument of hot tea over sweet tea, it was better than discussing the depressing scenes of carnage they’d both witnessed on the rescue team throughout the week. The mass candlelight memorial service for all the victims was scheduled for that evening. The rest of the X-men were supposed to arrive later that day to offer their condolences. Both Wakanda and Atlantis intended to have armed forces around the islands perimeter and in the air to keep uninvited guests from attending. The offer had stunned Magneto into silence and it had warmed Rogue’s heart to see. The only thing that was missing was the presence of his grown children. While Quick Silver and the Scarlet Witch were both members of the Avengers, their absence was keenly felt during the rescue efforts. Perhaps they were off world? It was hard to say, but their absence had certainly been a painful barb to Erik.

The two siblings, Anna and Kurt, both focused on their next moves in the chess game. Erik absolutely loved the game so it hadn’t taken long to find the game in his rooms. As Rogue studied the board, she realized she could capture Kurt’s King in two moves, but she’d have to use her Queen to do so. Wasn’t that the Queen’s job? Do whatever was in her power to protect her King?

Before Rogue had a chance to play her move, there was a brisk knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” Kurt offered, giving the board one last look of consternation. His tail flicked behind him in frustration. Likely, he’d seen the move as well. The best tactic on his side of the board would take three moves to complete. Nightcrawler was a kind, patient man, but he also didn’t take well to losing.

Rogue gathered their empty glasses and took them to the kitchen to rinse. She just turned off the tap when she saw just who was at the door. It shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise, and yet anytime she saw any of Erik’s grown children it was like a sucker punch to the gut. She’s always gotten along best with Pietro, but then again Rogue always seemed to get along better with males than females.

Wanda didn’t seem to like Rogue at all, probably because of her friendship with Danvers. However, Lorna and Rogue had only crossed paths a few times — back when she’d been with Scott’s brother Alex. That relationship apparently had fizzled. Today was the first day she’d seen the green-haired beauty in nearly three years. She smiled faintly, glad for Erik’s sake that his youngest daughter had come.

“Oh,” Lorna said blinking in surprise at the occupants — first Kurt, then Rogue. “I think maybe I’m at the wrong apartment. I was looking for my father — Magneto?”

As if anyone didn’t know the Mistress of Magnetism was the daughter of the Lord of Magnetism! “Guten Morgen,” Kurt greeted with a bright, friendly smile. “You’re at the right place. Anna and I were just finishing a glass of tea and you’re more than welcome—-,” he trailed off. That tail of his flickered in agitation before it went ramrod straight and Kurt crouched to peer behind Polaris. “Um, hello little one.”

“Hi,” a small voice answered shyly. A little girl giggled. “You look like me.”

Rogue stared in shock as a tiny little girl — likely around three years old stepped out from behind Lorna’s legs and held her three fingered blue furry hand out towards Kurt. A tiny tail flickered excitedly. Rogue met Lorna’s flushed features. “Ah think y’all should come inside.”

With a sigh, Lorna ushered in the small child that looked remarkably like Kurt. She closed the door behind them and leaned against the frame while the child danced excitedly around Kurt —pointing out their similarities.

“So, I had hoped to speak with Father first and get his advice, but I suppose it is just better to rip off the bandage,” Lorna said with a grimace. “Kurt, this is your daughter — Talia.”

“You two?” Rogue asked, gesturing between Kurt and Lorna, in shock. She knew Kurt wasn’t a monk, even if he had been raised by them, but this was completely unexpected.

“No! Of course not!” Lorna said quickly, too quickly.

Rogue narrowed her eyes. Her brother was quite the catch and didn’t deserve to be discounted quite so fast. “Okay,” she drawled. “Maybe start from the top? Y’all want something to drink?”

“Just water, please,” Lorna said gratefully, running her fingers through her bright green hair. “I was talking to Wanda about coming here. I’m planning to go to Planet M. She plans to stay because she values her role as an Avenger — her husband Vision is here and their boys…” she trailed off. She cleared her throat. “Apparently, there was a short period of time when she and Vision were on a break.”

“Mein Gott! We were only together that one night!” Kurt exclaimed, quickly covering his own mouth, his eyes wide in panic at the girl who was currently comparing their tails.

“She got teleported to another realm, just got back about three months ago, wasn’t sure how to tell you and then —yeah,” Lorna explained. She gratefully accepted the cool glass of water from Rogue and guzzled the liquid greedily. “Talia wants to go to Planet M and live with our kind. So, I figured either me or Father would care for her.”

“Sie ist meine Tochter,” Kurt stated. “She’s my daughter.” He crouched at Talia’s level and smiled at her. “I know we are just meeting, my Sweet, but I love you and will protect you and provide for you.”

“Okay!” Talia swept past Kurt and began to explore the apartment. “You and Auntie Lorna can take care of me.” She paused in front of a framed photograph of Erik with the X-men taken only a month prior. Rogue had been standing at his side in the picture. She picked up the picture with her tail. “Is this Opa?” She looked over at Rogue with the same molten gold eyes that Kurt had. “Are you my Oma then? I saw you and Opa on the television together.”

“Anna is my sister,” Kurt explained. “So, she’s your Tante.” He scratched his head, looking overwhelmed and excited at once. “Though, I suppose before too long she might become your Oma as well. She and your Opa are very close — they’re the King and Queen of our people.”

Lorna scoffed into her water glass and then attempted to hide her disdain by finishing off the drink.

Rogue smiled charmingly, ignoring the anger burning in her gut. It wasn’t like Erik needed Lorna’s approval for his relationship with Rogue. And frankly, Rogue wasn’t about to ask for anyone’s approval either. She took the empty glass and returned it to the kitchen. “Kurt and I were just about to make some pimento cheese sandwiches — would you like one, Talia?”

The little girl nodded eagerly and then took a sip from her glass of water. “I love cheese!”

The smile that spread across Kurt’s face was so precious. “Me too, mein Liebling.”

With a sigh, Lorna pulled out the chair that Kurt had abandoned earlier. “Black wins with the Queen in two,” she observed.

Rogue smiled and sat across from her. Lorna really was Erik’s daughter. She nodded. “That was the plan. I’m sure Kurt is glad for the interruption in more ways than one.” Her gaze drifted towards her brother and his new found daughter. “He’ll be a great dad.”

“I’m sure he will be,” Lorna agreed, watching the two for a moment. Then she folded her arms over her chest and stared at Rogue. “I really made an ass of myself didn’t I?”

Rogue smiled sweetly, trying to channel every bit of her Southern Charm. “Just a bit,” she agreed, before tacking on the ultimate Southern lady’s insult, “Bless your heart.”

Lorna snorted in amusement. “I deserved that. You’re good for Father. I won’t pretend to know him that well, certainly not as well as you do, but I do hope to improve our relationship. It’s part of the reason I will be going to Planet M. I don’t know if I could have made a difference for Genosha if I’d been here, or if I’d have just gotten myself killed in the attack.” Her gaze drifted towards the single bedroom and the large king-sized bed. “So you’re Queen of Genosha.”

“I was,” Rogue agreed. “For about fifteen minutes. I don’t know if we’re going to call our civilization Genosha on Planet M? Erik is partial to Utopia. I also don’t quite know what our title will be called.”

Polaris’ green lips spread into a genuine smile. “Welcome to the House of Magnus, Anna. For what it’s worth, I would be honored to consider you my step-mother.” Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “And my Queen.”

Rogue scratched the back of her neck and chuckled awkwardly. “Yeah, being that we’re only two years apart, that feels a little odd. But, I will stand by Erik’s side and support him.”

“You love him?” Lorna asked, her voice a whisper.

Rogue sucked in a breath. She hadn’t even truly confessed to Erik yet. “Ah never stopped loving him, Lorna. Ever since I met him nearly a decade ago. Loving him has never been the problem. We had different priorities.”

“But now those priorities align,” Lorna said.

“Yeah,” Rogue nodded biting her lower lip. “Now that those priorities align, Ah’ll support him any way Ah can.”

Lorna pursed her lips and then leaned back in her chair with a laugh. "You’re good for him, you know? I saw the live-feed of the waltz you two shared before the attack.” She closed her eyes and sighed. “I’ve never seen him look so at peace.”

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The name Genosha would stay on Earth, be commemorated for those whom lost their lives to such a heinous and violent act of terrorism. Planet M would be a fresh start. He was partial to the name of Utopia for their future civilization. Erik had an interest in architecture, a hobby he nourished whenever he wasn’t trying to keep the humans from destroying mutant-kind. Growing up in Europe, he’d seen countless examples of architecture that had survived the centuries — castles, cathedrals and synagogs particularly. He’d also been lucky enough to travel the world — his ability to fly making it simply a matter of effort to visit the ancient stone temples of the East in India and Thailand or the ruins of the Aztecs or Incas in the West.

He already envisioned concentrating the mutant populace into a single kingdom. Maybe over the generations those kingdoms might multiply, but they would need to maintain the same objectives — clean energy and not disrupting the local wildlife too much.

And when not only Anna, but his daughter Lorna, had shown up for the meeting wearing complimentary emerald green and silver gowns appropriate for a queen and princess rather than their usual style of uniforms, he felt something in his belly twist. The woman he loved and the estranged daughter her felt such kinship towards were at his side. Of all his prodigy, Lorna took after him the most — even inheriting his same gift towards magnetism. Pietro had inherited his silver hair and blue eyes, but with the difference in their powers and aging — his son looked older than Erik. It wasn’t like Erik was the oldest mutant — both Mystique and Wolverine were over two hundred years old.

Seeing the two women walking together, amiably just the ember of hope Erik was nurturing in his heart started to grow into a steady flame. Could he truly be so lucky that they would get along?

“So, will you and Rogue marry? If you’re the king shouldn’t you be married to the queen?” Foolishly, they’d allowed a reporter to interview him and the council after their meeting had adjourned and they’d finished discussing sensitive information. Mostly, he suspected this was Hank McCoy’s attempt to earn points with his human girlfriend. Since Beast would be one of the mutants staying on Earth, it was important that he cultivate such relationships.

Magneto on the other hand, didn’t much care for the intrusive questions on his personal life — especially when he was trying to figure it all out himself. Rogue sat in the empty chair to his left, but said nothing, only smiled sweetly for the reporter. He could sense her anger and it took all his resolve not to take her hand in front of such a nosy journalist.

“Hello, I’m Lorna, the daughter of King Magnus,” Polaris said, slipping into the empty chair on his right. “I suspect the wedding of King Magnus and Queen Rogue will be the first major event on Planet M. It will give us settlers an opportunity to create our first independent holiday as a society.” She cast an adoring look upon both him and Rogue before staring back at the journalist. “It will be a private event for our kingdom and the House of M. Next question?”

“Will there be a broadcast of tonight’s memorial?” Trish asked, glancing down at her notes briefly and flashing them her practiced journalist smile.

Erik’s muscles tensed. Did the humans really think the Homo Superior would offer the humans a livestream of their grief? Suddenly, Anna was holding Erik’s hand. “That will be private as well,” Rogue answered, smiling like saccharine and making the human squirm in her seat as Anna’s fiery emerald eyes stared through her. “If you don’t mind, we have some family business to attend to. Any more questions?”

Trish cleared her throat and consulted her notes. She quickly shifted her attention to Hank standing in the corner of the room and then towards her camera man. “No, I think we’re done. Thank you, for your time, King Magnus.” She smiled between Anna and Lorna. “Ladies.”

Erik had been grateful to leave the conference room and return to his apartment. There was another two hours before the memorial and honestly, he wanted a nap or a massage — or both. It was only with a small amount of smugness that he, Anna, and Lorna left the conference room and flew through the air — godlike to the mortals in their gravity-defying ability. “Thank you for the save,” Erik murmured, looking between the two most important women in his life.

“Ah, well, there is someone you need to meet,” Anna said, taking his hand again as they landed on the balcony outside their apartment.

“I’m sorry, I’m late,” Lorna apologized, smoothing her hair over her shoulder when she landed beside them. “I had planned to come, but then the attack happened, and I had to make sure it was safe before…”

Polaris’ abilities would have been helpful in a battle, but not in the massacre that had taken place. Erik was glad his daughter’s life hadn’t been endangered. He really couldn’t handle any other tragedies. He squeezed Anna’s hand and then entwined their fingers. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”

“Let’s give Lorna a minute before we go inside,” Anna suggested.

Confused, but willing to abide by any of Anna’s suggestions, Erik nodded. Lorna slipped inside, closing the sliding glass door behind her while they waited on the balcony. Erik used his free hand to trace along the edge or Anna’s jaw, down her throat, and over the swell over breasts, lingering over the emerald and silver jeweled necklace covering the majority of her chest. “This is nice.” He leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.

Anna smiled into his kiss and her warm fingers grasped the back of his neck gently before slipping into his hair. He loved the feel of her nails against his scalp and sighed at the calming sensation, the tension easing out of his muscles. “Ah’m glad you like it, Erik,” Anna said, pulling back. “Ya can thank Emma — she’s a bit of a clothes horse and her jewelry collection is pretty impressive.” She stepped back, but kept hold of his hand while she brushed her free palm over the bodice of the gown. “She apparently had these commissioned for Lorna and me — before everything went down.”

“Watching my queen and princess stroll into that interview looking like goddesses? I couldn’t have been prouder,” Erik murmured gazing down at her. Maybe he didn’t need a nap or a massage. Maybe—-.

“So, Lorna didn’t come alone. It seems, Erik, that you have a granddaughter,” Anna explained.

Erik blinked down at her speechless. He cleared his throat, but still, no words came to his tongue.

“Apparently, about four years ago my brother and Wanda conceived a little girl. Her name is Talia and Lorna is her guardian. Kurt met her this morning and now — we were hoping you’d be ready,” Anna explained.

“Kurt and Wanda?” Erik snorted. The idea was not one he’d have considered. “I didn’t realize those two….”

“Ah think it’s just something that happened,” Anna interjected. “But, Talia is very excited about meeting her Opa.” She squeezed his hand. “You mentioned children, but how do you feel about starting with your granddaughter?”

He sucked in a deep breath. “I think there’s a lot going on these days.”

She lifted his hand to her lips and kissed the back of his knuckles. “By the way, once we get to Planet M. I think I want to be called Queen Anna. I don’t feel very Rogue much these days.” She opened the sliding glass door. “Come on.”

With a faint smile on his lips and no longer feeling tired, Erik followed her inside their apartment. The House of M had been established — he had his queen and her brother, his daughter, and his granddaughter linking their bloodlines together. What more could he want?

Chapter Text

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The memorial has been exhausting both mentally and emotionally.  While Kurt and then Erik had given speeches of comfort, Anna had stood with Lorna, Talia, Emma, and Joshua.  The Professor had been on the other side of the crowd and he caught Anna's eye a few times. He prodded at her mind, but she politely declined a conversation with him.

It had been a huge relief when the service ended and they return to Erik's rooms. It turned out what she thought was a closet, had been a rather large guest room. Funny how he didn't mention it the other night and only offered to share his own bed. Anna was grateful to be honest. She had needed to be held in his arms the last few nights. But, now, someone else needed his attention more than her. If she was meant to be queen, then she needed to pull her big girl panties on.

Not twenty minutes after their quiet dinner, Talia was a blue ball of energy and boredom.  It was clear from the faint, fond smile on Erik's lips, he was both charmed and bewildered. 

So, Anna had made sure that her gloves were secured over her hands and forearms. It would probably be fine if she accidentally touched Talia.  She was able to touch Kurt, his fur serving as a barrier, but she would never risk it.  Nervously, she watched as Talia jumped onto Kurt’s back and giggled hanging off him like a monkey, crawling to his head and playing particular attention to his muscular tail. The two of them had been playing hide-and-seek, but after the smell of sulfur started to stink up the apartment Kurt had put an end to the game. No one called them out on the smell of rotten eggs, no one wanted to be the one to spoil Talia’s unabashed glee at playing with someone that was ‘just like her!’

Rogue had discretely opened the large window to the breakfast nook, hoping to let in some fresh air. She caught Erik’s relieved expression and they shared a knowing smile. He also was willing to put up with the smell if it meant hearing the sound of an innocent toddler's infectious laughter. There was too little to laugh about these days and they would savor these precious moments.

“Ah was wondering, Talia,” Anna said, crouching beside the girl who was now sprawled out on the floor panting from the play with her father. “Have you ever gone on a Bear Hunt?”

Golden eyes grew wide as Talia turned towards Rogue. “A bear hunt? Really?”

“Well, it’s pretend. Ah’ll show you how to play, follow what I do,” Anna explained. There were plenty of things from her childhood that were worth forgetting, but before her abilities manifested, her birth parents had been good to her. She remembering reciting the children’s book with her mother while her father pretended to be the bear.

“We’re going on a Bear Hunt, we’re gonna catch a big one. Oh what a beautiful day! I'm not scared! Oh! A field — can’t go over it, can’t go around it — we have to go through it! Swish swash, swish swash.” Anna mimicked the movements of wading through a tall field of grass. Kurt caught on quickly and Talia imitated them. Rogue caught Kurt’s golden eyes and his shy smile. It felt so good to see him having fun, especially after he had delivered such a emotional eulogy an hour ago.

“A cave! A deep, dark cave!” Anna started towards Erik. He arched a silvery eyebrow as the trio approached. No doubt, he wasn’t aware of this game either. “We have to go through it! Tip toe, tip toe. Oh!” Anna reached for Erik’s ears and Talia jumped onto her grandfather’s lap and copied her movements. "Two round ears,” Anna said and traced her gloved fingers over Erik’s ears. Talia did the same. Erik snorted. “A wet nose ,” Anna said tapping the tip of his nose and earning a narrow-eyed look at this point. “Two eyes.”

Erik closed his eyes while Anna drew her fingertips over his eyelids, Talia’s nimble fingers doing the same. “Sharp teeth,” Anna said, touching either side of Erik’s lips and forcing it into a smile. Talia giggled. “It’s a bear!”

Erik’s icy blue eyes snapped open and he let out a “Roar!”

“It’s a bear! Run!” Anna snatched Talia into her arms and flew around the room while Erik gave a slow, lumbering chase, keeping his feet on the ground and half-heartedly reaching for them.

Then Talia teleported until she was on Erik’s upper back. “Opa Bear! I caught you!”

“So you have, Meine Enkelin!” Erik rumbled, his voice sounding very bearish.

Witnessing Erik more at peace and happier than she’d ever seen him in the decade of knowing him, Rogue made her decision. While sharing Erik’s bed for the last few evenings had helped keep her own nightmares at bay, it wasn’t fair to him. He had a chance to live stress free with his daughter and granddaughter. Lorna’s arrival was a gift and she wouldn’t let her selfish desire to be close to Erik rob him of his chance to get to know his family better. It did make Anna realize he’d be such a great father. She really hoped Planet M allowed him to simply be Erik or King Magnus. She didn’t want him to have to be Magneto anymore.

“What are you thinking?” Kurt asked, standing at Anna’s side. He laid his hand over the center of Anna’s upper back, between her shoulder blades. She could feel the heat of his body even through her shirt and his gloves. This wasn’t the first time that Kurt seemed attuned to exactly what she needed. She leaned against his shoulder.

“Me? You’re the one that’s suddenly a father,” Anna whispered. “She looks just like you.” She smiled, tears springing to her eyes. “You must have been so adorable as a child, Kurt.”

“Ja, I was,” Kurt agreed, a cocky smile on his face. “She will stay with Lorna and Erik for now,” he said quietly. “Gott has certainly blessed us with kleine Talia.”

“Ah gave Emma my room. Do you think Ah could stay with you for now?” Anna whispered.

Kurt’s hand tightened gently on her back. “Naturlich. Of course. Though, surely it’s not necessary. You and Erik are—?”

“Ah don’t want to be selfish,” Anna worried. “All Erik has ever really wanted — was a family. And here Lorna and Talia just showed up on his doorstep.”

“Ja, ich verstehe. I understand,” Kurt sighed. “It’s starting to get late.” He teleported next to Talia and with his tail wrapped around her waist plucked her off her grandfather. “Precious one, it is almost bedtime. Tante Anna and I need to head home for the night. We will be back in the morning for breakfast. Would you like that?”

“Yes, Vati!” Talia smiled, having already picked up the German word for father.

Kurt laughed and met Erik’s solemn gaze. “We shall have our little one Deutsch sprechen.”

“I suppose we will,” Erik agreed. Kurt and Lorna carried Talia to the bathroom where she’d start a bath. “Anna?” He rose from the couch and started towards Rogue. “Are you leaving? I would like you to stay.”

It was so tempting! “Ah should give you time with Lorna and Talia,” Anna argued. “You and Ah will have time once we settle on Planet M.”

“No. I wish to share quarters with you on the ship,” Erik confessed. “Would you accept?”

Anna opened her mouth and then snapped it close. She almost retorted with a denial, but she’d agreed to be his queen. She nodded. “Alright.”

The relief that flashed across his face shamed Rogue. She didn’t think he would care that much! “It’s just a couple of nights. Kurt and Ah will be here in the morning for breakfast, if that’s okay?”

“Certainly,” Erik said, continuing towards Anna. He took her hand in his, slipped her glove off. He traced his fingertips along the length of her forearm towards her palm, running gentle circles. “Sharing family in Talia brings me such hope on the eve of such an auspicious beginning for our kind. While I am overjoyed at a chance to be a grandfather.” He looked down into Anna’s eyes. “And while I’m sure adoption is a noble option, I should like to have a child with you, Anna. If it’s at all possible.”

“You’re taking this monarchy business serious, eh?” Anna teased. She hoped her jest would mask how her heart rate sped up. She would love to have a child, but she wasn’t so greedy to even hope for such a possibility. “Let’s focus on the people right here and right now. Ah don’t want to spend all my life building castles in the sky.”

Erik laughed. He slipped his free hand into her hair, cradled the back of her head and pressed his lips gently against hers. “Meine Liebe, we are literally taking to the skies to build our new home.”

He was right, she couldn’t even think of an argument with her lips still buzzing from his kiss.
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Erik
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He had watched in disappointment as Rogue packed up her bag. It had been his hope to change her mind while Lorna and Kurt were busy bathing little Talia. Unfortunately, Anna was a stubborn woman. It was a trait that inspired both his admiration and his irritation. Kurt had left about ten minutes prior while Lorna helped Talia settle down for the night.

“I wish you would reconsider, Anna,” Erik tried once more to reason with her.

Anna shook her head, dark hair tumbled down her shoulders. “It’s been years since you and Lorna have spent time together. Talia has had an exciting evening. Kurt and Ah will be by in the morning.”

“Anna,” Erik said quietly, laying his hand gently on her shoulder. When she looked up at him, those emerald eyes of hers shimmered with tears. They dried up immediately. The woman was tough as nails. “You don’t have to go.”

“You need time with your family without your girlfriend around, Erik,” Anna murmured.

She was so much more than his girlfriend. “Very well, Anna. I will see you in the morning.” Erik reluctantly stepped back from her. He wanted to protest more, but he recognized that stubborn tightening of Rogue’s lips and the tension in her spine. How he wanted to pry those lips apart and hold her close until she melted in his embrace!?!

Erik had pushed Anna away in the past when he tried to force her to stay by his side. If you love someone, let them go. If they love you, they will return to you.

It had only been a few months ago that he had honored Charles’ dying request to lead the X-men in the dream to co-exist with the humans. He felt like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. That dream turned into a nightmare and Charles wasn’t even dead!

However, it did bring Anna back into his life. When he’d been riddled by uncertainty upon coming to the X-men’s school, Anna had been there, building his confidence. There were some days, when he felt particularly low, that he wondered if her only attraction to him was her ability to touch him. If that had been the case, they’d have fallen into bed under the sheets by now. Instead, there were words of encouragement, shoulder rubs, hand holding, soft kisses and late night cuddles.

She was back in his life and they would be starting a new life together, leading their people, on a virgin planet without the threat of another Holocaust. He’d heard stories of Bishop’s future, mutants wearing power-dampening collars, placed in concentration camps and forced to labor for the base humans. He would do everything in his power to make sure that future never came to pass. His hands fisted at his side and the metallic pieces of his chest board vibrated before he forced his anger to subside.

He would do as Anna suggested, give her space and focus on his relationships with his Lorna and Talia. He would be forming a monarchy with Anna as his queen. And he fully intended to have more children and watch the House of Magnus grow. Nothing had brought him more joy in his life than fatherhood and he wanted Anna to be part of that journey. 

Erik leaned heavily on the railing to his balcony watching as Anna flew across the fallen city towards Kurt’s apartment. As if sensing his gaze upon her, Rogue turned to face him, waved and then ducked inside the other building out of his sight.

The Shi’ar shuttle was in the middle of the city in an area that had been cleared out only that morning. His citizens were working diligently to load goods onto this shuttle and the first wave of those refugees would be settling onto the star cruiser by tomorrow afternoon. He glanced up at the full moon, amazed to know that on the dark side of the moon the long promised salvation for his people had finally arrived. He hoped, nay, he prayed that this was truly the Utopia he craved and not another dream ready to be destroyed.

He honestly wasn’t sure his old heart could tolerate another crushed dream. The endless grief he’d suffered since childhood was almost crushing.

He let his gaze sweep across the fallen city once more. Erik was so done with Earth and was ready to lead his people to their new home. He stepped back inside his apartment, turned on his stereo at a low volume so as not to disturb his granddaughter in the guest room. He stretched out on his sofa and stared up at his ceiling while listening to some classic seventies rock music. Even he could admit that while only human, The Eagles were talented musicians.

“I’m sorry, Daddy,” Lorna said softly, after putting young Talia to sleep and closing the door to the guest room. “It wasn’t my intention to come between you and Anna.” She sat on the arm of the couch near his feet.

“Do not be sorry, Lorna. I’m very pleased to have you here. And little Talia is an absolute blessing,” Erik said calmly, turning to look at his beloved daughter. He knew without a doubt that Lorna and Anya would have gotten along. They had similar dispositions — big hearts, brilliant minds, and courage for miles. The fact that he and Polaris shared the same mutant ability truly made him both proud and excited. It also gave him hope that any child he might have with Rogue might be similarly blessed. In a perfect world, she would be able to carry a child and then be able to hold and cuddle that child like any other mother. She deserved to be able to touch more than just himself. He wasn’t one-hundred percent sure about the reason behind her tears earlier, but he suspected it was his voicing his desire to have a child with her.

“She is, isn’t she?” Lorna leaned forward and braced her forearms on her knees. “I was pretty surprised when Wanda showed up on my doorstop with a little clone of Kurt.” A faint smile curved her lips. “Talia is incredibly mischievous, but she’s so sweet natured. Thank God, she takes after her father.” She sat up and ran her fingers through her long, bright green hair. “Wanda has quite the temper. I can only imagine what a terror she was as a child.”

“Pietro has told me some stories,” Erik murmured. It was a sore point, knowing that he had three grown children and yet had no part in their upbringing. All he’d ever longed for in life — safety for mutant kind and a family of his own. Perhaps now, he would be able to taste both. He so sincerely hoped so. “Anna and I had actually talked about our interest in children — hopefully in the near future. I just hadn’t realized we’d be rewarded by having such a darling come into our lives at just this moment.”

“Yeah, sorry about that. I’ve never been one to beat around the bush. I figure if you want something, you proclaim it and then take it.” She yawned and covered her mouth with a fist. “You know, I was serious about the first major celebration at our new colony should be the union between you and Anna. I assume she is agreeable?” Lorna asked. She turned towards him, her green eyes dancing with amusement.

Erik found himself lost in her Spring green gaze for a moment. He had a thing for green eyes. He didn’t remember much about Lorna’s mother, except her green eyes. Though he’d only truly been captivated by one woman’s green eyes. He sincerely hoped that he would father children with Anna and that they would have her beautiful emerald green eyes. He cleared his throat. “I went all out to propose to my first wife back in my youth. I should wish to do something elaborate and special for Anna. She’s very low-maintenance, but I know she’s a romantic at heart.”

At least, Erik thought she was low-maintenance in general. However, under the sheets, Anna Marie was insatiable and he was eager to taste her again. He had to remind himself, it was all in due time. They needed to prioritize and he had a lot to do — lead their people, establish a new colony on an Eden of a planet, make sure Anna was unquestionably in love with him, reconnect with the progeny that wanted to connect with him. He was thrilled to have Lorna at his side and Talia as well. The fact that Talia was Anna’s niece and their family tree was entangled made his chest ache in a good way.

“So, the House of Magnus,” Lorna mused. “I talked to some other people on the island — they’re thrilled to have a Royal Family. There is some concern about Mystique — she has made quite a few enemies.”

“Anna, Kurt, and Talia are part of the House of Magnus. Raven is not,” Erik said firmly. He’d dealt with Mystique for the better part of half a century. She was slippery as an eel and not to be trusted. “I’m going to turn in for the night. Good night, Lorna. It’s really good to have you here.”

“It’s nice to be wanted, Dad,” Lorna said, smiling softly.
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She clinked the long neck of the beer bottle against Kurt’s as they sat side by side on the roof of his building. Neither said anything for the longest time, merely watched the stars in the sky. She wondered if the constellations would be different on Planet M or if they would be opposite. How did a Mirror Dimension even work? Would she become left-handed on their new home world?

“What are you thinking, Schwester?” Kurt asked.

“Just wondering if I’m going to become left-handed when we reach Planet M,” Anna answered. She waved around her empty bottle in her left hand.

Kurt chuckled, stretching his arm over Anna’s shoulders and drawing her to his side. He tucked her head under his chin. “I don’t think that’s how it works.”

“Ah guess we will find out,” Anna answered, closing her eyes and enjoying the simple affection of family. Kurt was another person that touched her without even thinking. He said his fur gave him a protective barrier, but that wasn’t something she was willing to risk with little Talia. “What are you thinking, big bro?”

“I am thinking that my best friend has chosen to stay behind,” Kurt said. “Logan and I spoke over the phone earlier. Several of the X-men are staying behind to continue to try and find a place of co-existence with the humans.”

That was unfortunate. Logan was one of Rogue’s closest friends and was Kurt’s best friend. However, Jean planned to stay on Earth and so did Ororo. She wasn’t surprised he would choose to stay with them. “You know he taught me everything I know about being a mechanic.”

“Did he now? I never considered patience as one of Logan’s strengths,” Kurt mused. “What do you think about Mutter? Have you heard from her?”

“Honestly?” Anna leaned back to meet Kurt’s pensive expression. “She’s probably been here all along masquerading as someone else. She and Erik don’t exactly have an amiable relationship.” Just like Kurt, she had mixed feelings about her foster mother. “She has made a lot of terrible decisions, but I do think they have all stemmed from her desire to survive. It is hard to be kind when you are constantly struggling with persecution. Sometimes I forget she’s two centuries old.”

“Raven’s natural form is distinctly other. I am grateful that Talia will have a chance to grow up without being persecuted for her appearance,” Kurt said quietly. “I suspect this is why Wanda had her brought to me, though I would have preferred to have known about her before.”

“You know about her now,” Anna said sagely, reaching for Kurt’s gloved hand and threading their fingers together. “Ah guess it’s important we stop dwelling on past woes. We can’t fix them, can only move past them.”

Kurt squeezed her hand. “Is that why you’re staying with me instead of with Erik? Are you worried about past woes?”

“Nothing like that,” Anna argued. “Ah don’t want to depend on him too heavily. Ah need to be strong enough to pull my own weight. He’s Lorna’s Daddy, not mine. He asked me to be his partner, his queen, so I gotta focus on being strong enough to do that.” She sat up and turned towards her brother. “Ah thought it might be helpful to talk to Remy. Tell him goodbye one last time.”

“Ja, that might help. Closure is important, Anna,” Kurt murmured. “The Memorial was nice, but the wounds in our heart are still fresh. At breakfast tomorrow, I should like to discuss building a church on Planet M. Do you think Erik will be open to the idea?”

“He’s always been one to support religious freedom, so long as it didn’t infringe upon others,” Anna answered. The desire to provide safety for his people to practice their faith had always been paramount for Erik, his childhood experience of persecution uniquely shaped him. “He’s not particularly religious himself.” Honestly, aside from his being circumcised and the tattoo on his forearm, she wouldn’t even know he was Jewish. And that was more by a happenstance of birth rather than a choice.

“Do you want me to go with you? To talk to Remy?” Kurt asked.

She was tempted to go by herself, but Gambit was Kurt’s friend too. She wasn’t the only one missing his witty banter and charming personality. “Yeah, Ah’d appreciate the company.”

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Chapter Text

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She and Kurt stood over the Memorial, his arm over her shoulders as they stared at the name of the fallen. She’d already kneeled on the ground until her legs had gone numb, silently talking to Remy. She told him about the chance to live on another world. She apologized that what they had together was never enough for her. She hoped that he was at peace finally and promised that she’d do her best to live her life to the fullest, for all those who had their lives snuffed out prematurely.

“Logan,” Kurt murmured, glancing behind them.

Anna followed his gaze to see Wolverine in his familiar plaid lumberjack styled flannel shirt walking towards them, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his bomber jacket. His bright eyes shifted between the two of them before they settled over the memorial stone. “Elf, Rogue,” Logan greeted. “Chuck contacted me. He reached out to all of us back at the mansion.”

“It is good to see you, old friend. Will you be coming to Planet M with us?” Kurt asked. He squeezed Anna’s shoulders once more before turning to fully face Wolverine.

Logan’s eyes stayed trained on the long list of names of the Genosha victims. “No. I ain’t ready to give up on Earth just yet. However, I couldn’t join you if I wanted to. I’m an Avenger. I don’t have permission to leave the Earth.”

“These are extenuating circumstances,” Anna pointed out.

Logan looked up this time, a faint bittersweet smile on his lips. “I appreciate you saying that, Queen Rogue.”

“Ah’m not used to hearing that title from you, Sugar,” Anna admitted, feeling heat up her neck at her friend calling her queen.

He pulled a cigar out of the front pocket of his flannel shirt. “Yeah, well, Darlin’, you looked pretty regal on the television. You’ll be a good leader.” He snapped on his lighter and lit the cigar, puffed a few breaths then balanced the cigar between his teeth. “Though, your tastes in men still remains questionable.”

“Anna’s taste in men may be unique to those with painful pasts,” Kurt protested. “However, she seems to have a talent of encouraging former villains to seek redemption.”

Logan snorted. “Not sure Magneto counts as a former villain.”

“He’s been a victim time and time again and he’s our elected king. He’s not perfect, but there is no doubt he’s tried his best and sometimes his worst, to protect our people,” Anna said defensively, clenching her hands into fists at her sides.

Logan smiled around his cigar. “You have a habit of making men want to do better, Darlin’. I have no doubt about the hopeful future for mutant kind with the two of you as his council.”

“Gott has heard the cries of our people and Planet M is the answer to many prayers. Speaking of the future of mutant kind,” Kurt said, tail twitching nervously. “It seems I have a daughter.” He rubbed his forehead. “My Tochter’s name is Talia.”

“Oh?” Logan pulled the cigar out of his mouth, his eyes wide, the smoke curling up from the cigar at his side. “And who’s the lucky baby mama?”

“She’s no longer in the picture, but her mother is Wanda Maximoff,” Kurt answered. “We were never in a relationship, but did comfort each other once many years ago. Gott apparently saw fit to bless the union.”

Logan burst out into laughter. “Wow. Magneto is your kid’s grandpa.” He gestured towards the two of them. “I guess you two truly are part of the new royal family, eh?”

“Why don’t I leave you two boys to catch up?” Anna suggested, feeling tired. “Ah want to check with Emma before I call it a night.” She hugged Kurt once more, enjoying the feel of his strong, familiar arms banding around her. And then she stepped towards Logan for another hug. Her friend may have been gruff, but she had no doubt that they cared for one another. “It really is good to see you again, Logan.”

“You too, Darlin’. Go get you some sleep,” Wolverine grunted, hugging her back. “I need to give the Elf some advice about learning about children from baby mamas years after the fact. I just hope Talia is nothing like Akihiro. It took a long time to get that boy’s brainwashing cleared up.”

“Luckily, Talia is a sweet young girl and her mother only had kind things to say about me,” Kurt assured him.

She flew off towards her old room, leaving her brother and his best friend to catch up. Logan may have claimed he would be staying on Earth because of this status as an Avenger, but she suspected it was more related to the search for his son Daken— whom they hadn’t seen in more than a year.

As she began to lower herself towards the balcony of her old room, she crossed paths with another flying mutant, the tiny wings at his ankles fluttering madly.

“King Namor,” Anna greeted the dark haired Atlantian ruler.

Namor smiled, hovering in place. “Queen Rogue,” he answered back. “I was just visiting your lovely roommate. She was surprised when you dropped your bag off earlier. I would think you’d be staying with the king.”

“Eric has got some family business to attend to,” Anna answered. “Ah wanted to afford him some privacy to sort his own affairs without his girlfriend around as a distraction.”

Namor cocked his head to the side. “I must say, while girlfriends are a pleasant distraction, partners are essential when handling stressful family affairs. You might want to be more supportive in person rather than leave a man with the fate of an entire people by himself.”

That was surprisingly good advice. “Ah’ll keep that in mind. How is Emma?”

“She’s a resilient and remarkable woman,” Namor said. “Her body may be hard as diamonds at the moment, but her heart is heavy. She could use a friend.” He started to fly past her again, pausing near her side. “Or a fellow queen.”

Rogue wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but she’d probably find out sooner once she talked to Emma. The door on the balcony was cracked open a bit and she pulled it the rest of the way open to slip inside. Emma sat on the couch, her legs raised in front of her on the ottoman and her arms folded over her glittery diamond chest. She wore a white robe cinched around the waist.

“Hey,” Rogue greeted flopping down on the armchair across from the sofa. “Ah so you had a royal guest.”

“I suppose two royal guests,” Emma answered. She gestured towards the bedroom. “The bed is all yours. I can’t get comfortable, so I’ll just sleep on the couch. Were you able to use Elixir’s powers?”

Anna nodded. “Yeah, his powers are fun to use and Ah don’t much mind his thoughts running through my head. He’s a good kid.”

“Young man, perhaps, but hardly a child, Rogue,” Emma pointed out. “Namor asked me to be the diplomat between Planet M and the Kingdom of Atlantis.”

“That sounds right up your alley, to be honest,” Anna said, leaning back and closing her eyes. She hardly needed the bed. She could fall asleep right then and there in the chair.

“Yes, well, he also said he was in want of a queen himself, if I might find myself interested being the White Queen in more than one way,” Emma added. She chuckled ruefully. “He’s optimistic that my diamond form is only a temporary challenge for me to learn to control. I think he’s right.”

“Well I agree on that too. It might take time, but Ah know you got this, girl,” Anna said. She opened her eyes to study the woman across from her. “So he’s interested in you romantically?”

Emma shrugged. “Maybe. Everyone knows about his doomed love affair with Sue Storm before she became Mrs Reed Richards. Blonds are his type.” She gestured towards her diamond encrusted hair. “I am decidedly not blond at the moment.” She sighed. “He’ll lose interest soon enough, but it would be a big honor to serve as diplomat. King T’Challa made it clear he wanted to deal with you whenever our two kingdoms needed to work together. He holds no love for Magneto.”

“T’Challa and I were once friends, back when he and Stormy were together.” She nodded her head at Emma. “Back to you and the King of Atlantis. I don’t think he’s interested in you because he likes blonds. There are plenty of blonds. Something else you and Sue Storm-Reed have in common — you’re strong, confident, brilliant women.” She leaned her head back and sighed. “Ah’ll go take that bed Ah guess. See you in the morning, Emma. Ah’m planning to be on the first shuttle to the way station on the moon.”

“Namor said the Shi’ar engineers could have the Stargate in Atlantis functional within a month,” Emma called when Rogue was standing in the doorway to the bedroom. “I will come join you on Planet M through the Stargate. My three daughters will accompany Joshua on the maiden flight.”

“You take your time, Emma. There will be a place for you whenever you’re ready,” Anna vowed.
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OoO

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Erik
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He woke up early, finding it difficult to stay asleep when his bed felt too big and too empty without Anna’s presence. At first, he flew up to the roof of the complex, but staring down at the wasteland that was Genosha, he had too many memories dredged up from other times in his life when his home had been razed by petty, greedy, fearful humans. So, he went to the medical tents. Years ago— decades to be honest, when he’d been hiding his mutant identity, he worked at a hospital as a Medical Aide. He knew basic first aid, wound care, how to manage IVs, give injections, and whatnot. He also wasn’t above delivering food to those recovering.

“Oh!” Elixir looked up from where he was dozing in the staff rest area. He scrambled to his feet, his body completely golden in color as he focused on his healing gifts. “King Magnus!” He bowed at the waist. “It’s an honor to see you this morning.”

“No need for such formalities, Joshua.” Erik raised his hand placatingly. “I am here to offer my assistance in whatever way is needed. I am at your disposal for the next ninety minutes or so.”

Joshua stared at him for a solid ten seconds before he broke out into a smile. “That’s very kind of you, King Magnus. I’ve taken care of all the injuries. I sent Doctors Reyes and Nemesis home some hours ago. Doctor McCoy had already left the island with his girlfriend before I got here. Mostly our patients just need rest. The volunteers will be handing out breakfast in about half an hour if you want to help in that area?” His golden eyes glowed. “I wanted to try something, if you’re okay? I have been studying telomeres and the process of aging as a disease.”

“Okay,” Erik said, arching a silver eyebrow. He sensed a great deal of eagerness in the young man’s tone. “Did you want to study the delay in my own aging from my mutant power?”

“Partly,” Joshua said. “Our bodies run on electricity, so I imagine your power over magnetism delays the degradation of the telomeres and their subsequent shortening. I was wanting to check something, if I may?” He held his hand out towards Eric with his golden palm up. “May I examine you? If you’ll place your hand in mine, palm up.”

Without hesitation, Erik did as was asked. Almost immediately, he felt a tingling sensation from his toes to the top of his scalp.

Elixer grinned and then dropped Eric’s hand. “Your DNA was in even better shape than I expected. Go find yourself a mirror later. I think you’ll be pleased, King Magnus.” He waved at the futon behind him. “If you don’t mind I’ll be getting back to my nap. The kitchen volunteers are in the mess tent halfway between here and the shuttle.”

Erik laid his hand over the younger man’s shoulder. “You have done a great service for your people, Mr. Foley, thank you.” He wasn’t exactly sure what the healing mutant did, but he did feel an even greater flow of energy than usual.

“Ah, I see what you did there,” Joshua said with a laugh. “It feels rude to call you Erik though. And you are my king. I appreciate how you keep stepping up to lead our people. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. I’m just here to help wherever I can.”

“We’re all friends,” Erik said. “Though, in battle, please feel free to call me Magneto. Or if we’re in front of a crowd, King Magnus is fine.” He smiled ruefully. “I am trying to grow accustomed to the various formalities and titles myself.”

“Riiiight,” Joshua drawled. “Well, Erik, as a man with three mind-reading girlfriends that are identical in appearance, I’m used to calling the same person by many names,” he joked. An absent smile spread across his face. “They’re hoping to set up a mental health clinic, along with Ms. Frost to help everyone deal with their traumas. The triplets and I learned a lot in Medical school and in our Residency. We’re eager to put that knowledge to good use.”

Erik did not envy the young man being involved in such a complicated relationship with a trio of psychic women. Though, the idea of a mental health clinic made him glad. “That sounds like a fantastic idea. I fully support it.” He would likely sign up for such services and hopefully, he could convince Anna to do the same. She’d gone to Xavier for help so many years ago, but it seemed his old friend had mostly channelled her talents to his cause, and not done much to help her deal with her traumas. But then, what did Xavier know about helping people deal with painful memories? His own stepbrother Cane had tried to kill him multiple times, not to mention Erik’s own tumulltuous past with the man.

Erik made his way towards the mess tent. The smells of fresh food — eggs, hashbrowns, oatmeal, and fresh berries wafted towards his nose and he felt his stomach growl. Maybe he’d have a little snack? He had about an hour before he needed to return to his quarters for the family breakfast.

The Head Cook was happy to have the extra help and with Eric’s power over magnetism, the metal trays would be easy to deliver. What he didn’t expect, was to see Charles Xavier standing in an exo-suit ladling oatmeal into individual bowls.

Xavier’s bald head jerked up abruptly as Erik drew closer. “Magnus,” Charles murmured. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“It has always been my objective to help our people, in whatever capacity I can,” Erik retorted with an imperious sniff. “Shouldn’t you be spending time with your empress? She has offered so much to mutant kind.”

“Liandra is both kind and noble of heart,” Charles agreed. “We have a lifetime to spend together. I have only a month here on Earth before we must head back to the Shi’ar capital planet. I had hoped you would continue to lead my X-men in my absence.” He stared down at the large stock pot. “I honestly had no idea about the alternative planet.”

“It must be difficult being in a relationship with another psychic that can hide their thoughts from you,” Erik said sarcastically expressing an empathy he did not feel. “They are not your X-men. You do not own them,” Erik scoffed. “You never seem to understand that we are not your playthings. We are more than pawns to move about your chess board. Knowing people’s thoughts doesn’t mean you always know their hearts.”

“I have never considered you a pawn, Magnus,” Xavier said quietly. There was such an intensity in his eyes that it gave Eric pause. He wasn’t a mind-reader, but he did know how to read people. Years of experience with comparing people’s words with their actions afforded him the skill.

He had always suspected that Charles’ feelings for him were more than merely platonic. While Erik had no issue with people finding love with whomever they found love with — for it was such a precious emotion in a life more prone to pain and suffering — he himself had only been in love twice in his life. His childhood sweetheart and dead wife, Magna was the first time and Anna in his more recent years. It didn’t mean he didn’t have his fair share of relationships— all doomed before they ever began. His friendship with Charles the most complicated of all of them— best friends and mortal enemies depending on the weather.

“Charles, you have been trying to reason with me for over thirty years and when I don’t agree with your foolish notions, you then attempt to force me to mentally relive my greatest traumas. How many times have you snatched the memory of my parents and sister being taken from me by human soldiers in the Great War? Or perhaps you want to show me the human mob in the rural village I’d tried to live quietly in when they were murdering my daughter?” It made him angry how many times Xavier forced him to relive his most painful memories. However, it was even more upsetting that the pretentious man didn’t even seem to notice the irony of repeatedly displaying the cruelty of humanity. It was supposed to weaken Magneto and make him docile, but all it did was empower him and strengthen his resolve to prevent such atrocities from happening again. Yet, Genosha was another victim. “Perhaps you’d like to make me revisit the mass murders that happened on our newly founded island nation?” He tapped his temple. “Go head, snatch away the most recent traumatic memory and force me to relive it time and time again. It’s quite fresh, I’m sure it will be easy for you to find on the surface of my mind.”

Xavier sighed. “I am not perfect, Magnus. I admit, I tried to convince you in unsavory ways in the past.” He stared down at the stock pot seeming to be searching for the right words. “Have I not always come to your aid when you have truly needed me over the years? Have you not done the same for me? It does not have to be us versus them.”

“Ah, but you see, it was this time that you really did convince me of your impossible dream, Charles,” Erik continued. “I wanted to believe in the possibility of coexistence so much and then once again, the humans proved the folly of such a naive notion.”

“I admit, I didn’t expect you to feel so sentimental about my supposed passing, Magnus,” Charles said quietly. “I feel your love for me dead is greater than it is for me alive.”

“You have been both my greatest friend and foe, Charles. But, the love of my life you are NOT. That position has been filled since a young woman wormed her way into my heart in the Savage Lands many years ago,” Erik said, laying his palm upon the counter. He needed to settle this chapter with Xavier once and for all. They needed to part as friends, for his own peace of mind. “You want to know why I wanted your dream to work? Because it became Anna’s dream— or as you call her — Rogue. More than anyone, she convinced me to try with all my might and sincerity.”

Erik gestured towards the entrance of the tent. An early morning breeze ruffled the flaps, revealing the waste that had been laid upon Genosha. “This level of destruction was not the result of a single entity against mutant-kind. The amount of fiscal clout necessary for this would involve many powerful countries. The only way for our people to be safe, is through Isolationism. It is the method that has worked for the kingdoms of Atlantis and Wakanda. If you look at the historic oppression of peoples throughout the past five thousand years of humanity, genocide and slavery is a pattern that repeats itself time and time again. I will take this opportunity to truly isolate our people to protect them from further harm of jealous inferior humans. Perhaps life will not be perfect on Planet M, but we will be free to make our own mistakes and learn from them.” He narrowed his eyes.

“We will be able to grow and raise families without the constant threat of oppression and concentration camps looming in the future,” Erik continued. “Those of us that cannot pass as the baser humans will be safe. They won’t have to hide away through shape-shifting powers or living underground like the Marauders. They won’t fall victim to predators like Sinister or Apocalypse out of their desperation to fit in with the sapiens. Genosha was supposed to be that home.” His thoughts fell upon his newly found grand-daughter and her demonic appearance. She was the sweetest child he’d ever met, yet he knew her innocence would be ruined before long if she were to stay on this hateful world. He wanted a better life for her, for all of mutant kind.

“I understand,” Charles said quietly. “I have only ever wanted for peace as well.”

Erik gathered up the trays and was only momentarily startled at the sight of his own reflection. He now understood what Elixir had done to him earlier. It was like staring at his old face from his thirties. The crow’s feet had faded and the lines that had marked his chronically furrowed brow were no more. He cleared his throat, unsure how he felt about the changes and then started to make the patients’ breakfast delivery, leaving Xavier behind to stew on his own failures.

Then Erik would enjoy a family breakfast for his last day on Earth.
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Chapter Text

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Anna
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It was an unremarkable Tuesday morning, considering it would be the last time to look at this sky, breath this air, walk on this ground. Rogue looked out the window and thought for her last day on Earth it seemed pretty mundane. The weather was fair and the pale sky that made her think of Erik’s eyes had a smattering of white fluffy clouds. The sparse leaves on the trees that survived the attack fluttered in the mild wind.

Rogue glanced at the full length mirror in the room’s corner. She wore her hair in a high ponytail with a pair of jewel encrusted barrettes on either side to keep the flyaways secured. She ran her palms down the skirt of her green sundress with tiny white daisies embroidered in a repetitive pattern. She’d bought the dress for her last birthday on a shopping trip with Ororo the year before and she’d never been brave enough to wear it. There was a lot of skin exposure, but her long legs looked good in it and the strappy sandals were flattering with her freshly painted hot-pink toenails.

Emma had given her the sandals and the nail polish since she couldn’t properly wear either herself. She’d stressed the importance of Anna dressing up for the breakfast with Magneto and his daughter this morning. Rogue didn’t think it was that big of a deal, but Emma argued and said it would be good for the people to see her dressed up casually, yet appearing elegant — she was their queen after all. And shouldn’t the queen dress up nice for the king?

Anna might have thought that was a bit sexist, but to be honest, she liked getting all gussied up. After spending the majority of her adult life hiding behind layers and layers of clothes, she liked the idea of showing off her body, especially around the one man that didn’t seem to have a problem touching her. Well, one of two men — Nightcrawler’s fur seemed to insulate him from her touch as well. That had been a pleasant discovery. She had to use a great deal of concentration to absorb his powers.

Considering Talia also had the blue elf fur and Polaris had her father’s ability with magnetism, Rogue should be safe to show a little skin in the company of those four. They were probably the only four people she could afford to let down her guard around.

Kurt knocked on the door to the apartment at precisely fifteen past seven. Emma rested stretched out on the couch in the den. The poor woman had slept fitfully throughout the night and had only fallen into a deep slumber within the past two hours. It must have been hard for a telepath to find herself in silence, no longer privy to the minds of those around her.

Rogue could sympathize, having been haunted by the constant banter of the minds she absorbed over the first few years of her power manifesting. It had only been after the professor created the mental barriers that she finally found peace — the manifestations of Cody and Carol no longer haunted her every waking moment.

Anna opened the door and found her brother dressed casually in a pair of custom jeans, modified for his tail, and a button up red shirt. The custom-made combat boots on his feet looked plenty comfortable for his larger than average feet.

Nightcrawler glanced over her shoulder and noted Emma’s slumbering state. “Ready?” He asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Rogue nodded and stepped into the hallway with him, closing the door securely behind them. “How was your conversation with Logan?”

“Bittersüß,” Kurt said. He smiled faintly. “Bittersweet. I am going to miss him, but he had good advice for fatherhood,” Kurt said. He gestured towards her oufit. “You look very pretty. Erik should be pleased.”

“Ah dressed up for myself, not for him,” Anna countered, straightening the elbow length white silk gloves she wore out of habit.

Kurt nodded. “That is wise to dress for yourself and not someone else.” He grinned, his fangs prominent in his amusement. “That doesn’t mean your fiancé won’t appreciate you.” They started down the stairwell. “Are you sure you want to walk? It would be faster to fly to Magneto’s apartment.”

“It’s our last day on Earth. I think we should walk, appreciate the small things,” Rogue explained. And while she worse a pair of bicycle shorts underneath her dress, it didn’t mean she wanted to provide any free shows to people that might be on the ground should she fly above. “We’ve both been in space before, but we’ve not been on a one-way trip to our new home world.”

“Ah, that makes sense,” Kurt agreed. “Are you all packed?”

“Yeah, I actually dropped off my trunk a couple of hours ago. I was feeling restless,” Anna admitted. “I volunteered for a few hours securing the cargo ships.” She looped her arm through Kurt’s once they exited the building and started navigating their way past the debris. “I’m actually a little nervous about seeing Erik.”

“Why?” Kurt’s tail tapped her on the shoulder playfully. “What is to be nervous about?”

“It’s just, he probably would rather spend time with his daughter and granddaughter,” Anna explained hurriedly, her free hand waving back and forth to punctuate her words. “I don’t want to get in the middle of his family business, right?”

“Schwester, we are all family now, connected by Talia if nothing else.” Nightcrawler hugged Rogue against him and teleported the two of them to the top of the next building over. He waved his hand slowly to indicate the island’s shoreline to the south. “We are leaving this world behind and venturing beyond the stars to our new planet. When we settle, you will become Queen Anna Magnus. Magneto has asked you to be his partner. If anything, my conversation with Logan last night reminded me we need to appreciate things day by day, because before you know it, time will have passed us by.” He turned to face her, his luminous yellow eyes staring straight into her. “And unlike Logan, we won’t all live to be two-hundred years old. We must figure things out sooner rather than later with our brief mortal lives.”

“You always sound so poetic,” Anna murmured, looking away and folding her arms over her chest, unnerved by the intensity of her brother’s stare. She saw a gray feral cat wandering the rubble, ears tucked back in a hunting stance, tail flickering back and forth. What would the animals be like on Planet M? Would the felines be the size of bobcats instead of a tomcat?

“Ja. I do favor the book of Psalms,” Kurt agreed. “Are you sure you don’t want to fly at least part of the way?”

Anna laughed and performed a little twirl on her the balls of her feet to send the skirt of her summer dress to flare out. “Ah do have on undershorts, but Ah was hoping to avoid giving folks a peep a show.”

Kurt chuckled. “Not many people are awake. Es ist alles gut,” he assured her.

Rogue peered down over the edge of the building. The scent of fire and brimstone associated with Nightcrawler’s teleportation had started to fade with the fresh air. “Since we’re way up here, Ah suppose there’s not much choice unless we want to take ten flights of stairs down to the ground.”

Nightcrawler was right, there weren’t many people walking around the city this early in the morning. Most of the residents were sleeping in, busy packing, or snuggling with the ones that they would be parted with across the known universe. After a somewhat leisurely flight around the city, Anna and Kurt showed up at Magneto’s apartment. She tried to finger-comb her hair, annoyed that their little aerial stroll messed up her carefully styled hair.

When Erik opened the door, Anna knew that Kurt was as equally dumbfounded as her at the significantly younger appearance of their King Magnus. Magneto aged slowly as a result of his powers of magnetism, but something had obviously happened the previous evening.

“Come in,” Erik greeted, his voice even more vibrant than usual. He stepped back to allow space for Rogue and Nightcrawler to enter the residence.

“Guten Morgan,” Kurt greeted with a polite dip of his head before moving past Erik to join his daughter and Lorna in the breakfast nook. A large feast had already been laid out on the table and filled the entire apartment with mouth-watering scents of a full breakfast.

Rogue hardly noticed. She couldn’t draw her eyes away from Erik’s youthful appearance. He looked hardly older than her now! The crow’s feet that she liked to trace were absent. His hair looked more white-blond than silver. Would it feel softer too? Her fingers twitched with the desire to find out. She curled her hand into a fist.

Noticing her distraction, Erik arched a silvery eyebrow, his upper lip curled in amusement. “Do you like what you see, Anna?” His voice was low and smooth like bourbon.

She cleared her throat and with a confidence that was mostly faked, tossed back her long auburn hair, having given up on that high-ponytail from earlier. “Ah’m certainly not disappointed,” Anna admitted, keeping her tone prim.

Magneto’s glacial blue eyes bore straight into her, seeing right past the bluster. “I am glad to hear you’re not disappointed,” he murmured with a chuckle. He smiled softly. “You look beautiful, Anna.”

“Tante Anna!” Talia shouted, waving across the apartment. “Come and sit by me!”

“Just a moment, Enkelin,” Erik called, taking Anna’s hand and pulling her with him into the bathroom. He closed the door and braced his hands on either side of her head, caging her against the door. He brought one hand to her hair and plucked out a leaf and let it fall to the tiled floor before tucking the loose strand behind her ear. “Are you okay?”

Anna yanked off her gloves and let them fall onto the edge of the vanity, then laid her hands flat over his chest, curling her fingers into the front of his magenta t-shirt. She could see the ridge of every one of his muscles through the form-fitting material. He wore a pair of custom-tailored slacks that would be as comfortable as sweatpants, but likely cost more money than tickets to the Super Bowl. “Ah’m fine. Did you find the Fountain of Youth, Erik? What happened?” She raised one hand to brush her thumb at the corner of his eye, touching the smooth skin.

Erik smirked, leaning in closer to her space. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. “Elixir applied some of his anti-aging knowledge. I honestly hadn’t realized how tired I felt or how much my joints ached.”

Rogue patted his shoulder and smiled teasingly. “Does that mean y’all don’t have interest in my massages?”

Erik’s hand shifted to cup the side of Rogue’s face, his thumb traced lightly over her bottom lip. “On the contrary, I’m quite looking forward to having your hands on me when we share quarters on the ship. And while circulation hasn’t even been a problem for me, when I woke up this morning I was very disappointed you weren’t around to appreciate my newfound energy.” He leaned in close and Anna gripped his shirt tighter. “I’ve always thought green was a good color on you, but I like it more when it’s off of you.”

Anna sighed as Erik’s lips pressed against hers in a slow, purposeful caress. His strong hand slipped into her hair, holding her close. Rogue felt her knees go weak at the same moment Erik’s other arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her flush against him.

He lifted her up and her legs wrapped around his hips, his calloused palms ran along the expanse of the bare skin of her leg.

There was a sharp knock on the bathroom door. “I need to use the potty!!!!!” Talia whined. “It’s an emergency!!!!”

Erik pulled back with a growl and looked down at Anna. “Verdammt. I am starting to remember what it was like to have young children. I’d prefer if we wait a while before we try to have one of our own.” He brushed his thumb back over her lower lip again and squeezed her thigh. “I don’t want to share you just yet.”

“Hurry!!!!” Talia called out.

With great reluctance, Anna slipped out of Erik’s embrace and opened the door for Kurt’s daughter. The small elfish girl zoomed into the bathroom, heading directly for the toilet for her emergency.

“Why don’t you get started with the breakfast, Ah'll stay with Talia in case she needs some help,” Anna suggested, gently but firmly shoving Erik out of his bathroom. He opened his mouth to protest, but Rogue covered his mouth with her hand to stay his words. Erik narrowed his eyes and she knew he was going to get her back for this. No one held a grudge like Erik Lehnsherr. She closed the door and leaned heavily against it, taking a deep, steadying breath.

“Are you okay, Tante Anna?” Talia asked. She swung her short legs back and forth from her perch on the toilet.

“Ah’m fine. You let me know when you’re all done, so Ah can help you clean up, alright?” Anna asked.

From the other side of the door, there was a thump from Magneto’s forehead hitting the wood softly. “We will continue this conversation later,” Erik’s low rumble came through the door.
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Erik
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Breakfast with his family was both a delicious and frustrating event. Rogue was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever known and standing on his doorstep in that little slip of a dress that he wanted to rip off, made it hard to focus. He just needed to wait a few hours and then she’d be all his.

The fact that she felt confident enough around their family to show so much skin made him glad. He loved the fact that she didn’t have to hide around them and could be comfortable. His and Polaris’ magnetic powers and Nightcrawler and Talia’s fur seemed to offer them all a measure of protection from her absorption powers.

He also had a great deal more energy since Elixir’s treatment and he wanted to channel that passion into an enjoyable pastime with his queen.

The food was of course delicious— a traditional full Jewish breakfast. The spread included fried wurst and eggs, latkes, coolant, toasted challah and sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes. There was also a bowl of fresh fruit. The company was beyond measure — members of the Magnus royal family. Rogue was within arm’s reach, but his enthusiastic granddaughter sat between them. Talia had wanted to sit across from her father so she could look at his face directly during the meal. Lorna sat between Kurt and Erik.

“I haven’t had a kosher breakfast in ages,” Lorna murmured, digging into her eggs and stabbing her fork onto his plate after she finished hers off.

“Stick to your own servings,” Erik said frowning. He didn’t like when people took from him and he was hungrier than usual. Probably another side effect of Elixir’s work.

“Ah, you can have some of mine,” Anna murmur, lifting plate and scrapping off a large portion of her eggs onto his. She picked up one of the peaches and diced it with practiced ease before. “Here you go, Kurt. I chopped up the peaches for you,” Anna said, gathering the little cubes of peaches she’d cut to transfer to his plate. “I know you have that texture issue.” She held a serving out to Talia. “Would you like to try it this way? Your dad sometimes has a hard time biting into peaches because of how juicy they are, but he really likes them like this.”

Erik stared in amazement as Anna just mothered half the table. A faint, long ago memory of his own mother from his childhood, before tragedy struck came to mind. She used to cut up his meals for him into bite-sized pieces.

Talia nodded eagerly and accepted the diced fruit.

Erik cleared his throat, catching Anna’s emerald gaze. “I don’t mind juicy things in my mouth,” he teased. He resisted the urge to smirk when her face flushed knowingly at his inuendo.

“Behave,” Lorna muttered quietly. “You’re starting to act like a thirty-year old.”

She was right of course. There was more to the anti-aging effect than just relief from aching joints. “I have a meeting with Namor this morning,” Erik announced. “We’ll be discussing his plan for the Stargate’s installation. Lorna you’ll come with me.”

“Of course, Daddy,” Lorna murmured. She burst out laughing when Talia threw a fistful of diced peaches at Kurt. Nightcrawler opened his mouth wide and caught each and every one, chewing them with his cheeks puffed out in a grin while his daughter clapped gleefully.

“Do not throw food during meals,” Erik snapped.

“Yes, Opa,” Talia murmured, staring down at her plate with her lower lip quivering.

“It can be dangerous,” Erik explained in as gentle and patient tone as he could muster. “Not everyone is your father and able to catch things with such ease. You wouldn’t want to hurt someone accidentally.”

Luminous golden eyes stared up at him and Talia shook her head empathically. “Oh, no! I wouldn’t want to hurt someone, Opa!”

“Do you want to join me, Talia? You can come with me and Tante Anna this morning,” Kurt offered. “We’ll be leaving on the ship in a couple of hours to our new home.”

“Oh yes!” Talia cried out, clapping her hands excitedly.

Erik looked over his granddaughter’s head and met Rogue’s eyes again. “Would you prefer port or starboard side of the ship? Our window can either face the great expanse of the universe or Earth in our departure.”

Her eyes widened in childlike wonder and Erik felt his heart clench at the sight. He wanted to see such genuine joy on her face time and time again. There was a lot of pressure in being the chosen leader of their race. He needed the reminder of why he should fight so hard — the people at this table were a big part of that reason.

“Ah think Ah would like to see Earth, especially since Planet M is going to be the mirror of it. Ah would like to compare the visual.” Anna smiled faintly. “Though, I didn’t realize we would have a porthole. Is that safe?”

“It is Shi’ar technology. Even Earth’s technology has created safe windows on spaceships.” Though Erik didn’t point out how the humans often failed to protect sufficiently against the solar radiation. That’s where his ability had saved him multiple times in space. He picked up his glass orange juice and finished the tangy beverage. He was eager to leave this rubble behind and start on a civilization not marred by human fear and ignorance.

The Homo superior would be allowed to make their own mistakes and their own achievements without interference.

Anna rubbed her hands over her bare arms, chuckling nervously. “Ah’m excited, but Ah kinda feel like Ah swallowed a jar of lightning bugs and they’re buzzing around in my tummy.”

“Oh, Tante Anna, you shouldn’t eat lightning bugs. That’s not good for them,” Talia said, patting her shoulder with a worried frown on her young face.

“Ja, I know what you mean,” Kurt agreed. “It’s both exciting and scary.” He gestured towards those around the table. “We are founding a new society.”

Lorna lifted her glass of orange juice and gestured for the others to do the same. “To the founders!” She clinked her glass against Kurt’s and then the rest of them.

Erik smiled faintly as he finished off his juice. He caught Anna’s eye over the rim of his glass. “Try not to fret too much, Anna.” He set his empty glass on the table and then stood and gestured for Lorna to do the same. He stepped past Talia’s chair and stood behind Anna briefly. He leaned over her until his lips were pressed against her ear. “I shall do my best to sooth your worries later tonight.” He kissed her cheek and then strode towards his bedroom to finish dressing into a more regal outfit.
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Chapter Text

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Erik
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“Are you ready?” Lorna asked, her hand gentle on her father’s shoulder.

Erik turned towards his youngest daughter, his feelings caught between excitement and sorrow. Since he was a child, he’d seen the very worst of humanity. There were moments during his long life where there had been glimpses of joy and happiness living on this world.

His relationship with Magda had been a bright spot during his time in the concentration camps, they’d given each other hope. Their perilous escape and flight to the rural northern-most reaches of the European continent had led to the start of a quiet life and a precious daughter Anya. Then the loss of his daughter and his pregnant wife abandoning him to his grief.

Erik couldn’t quite think of Magda without being overwhelmed with both love and bitterness. She’d left him, given their children whom he’d never known about to strangers, and then died. For decades, Erik had been in a cruel state of ignorance about his twins. Then he’d met Lorna’s mother. Their affair had been very brief before Erik grew restless. She had been human and she’d been nice enough. However, she didn’t understand his pain. He was not about to try and blend in with the humans, hide his gifts-- never again.

Erik clasped his hand over the back of Lorna’s and nodded. “One last fly over before my meeting,” he agreed. “Let us bid farewell to this scorched earth before we voyage to our new home.”

Lorna’s bright green eyes— brighter with her powers swelling within— softened in sympathy. “Are you sure you want to do this with me and not Rogue?”

Erik looked back at the debris of this once golden city that should have been a safe haven for mutant-kind. “No. I don’t want Anna’s last memory of this world to be of this destruction. I have shared so much sadness with her and do not wish to burden her with more. One is supposed to share their hope and their grief with loved ones.” Erik turned back to meet his daughter’s attentive gaze. “Anna’s shoulders are strong, but I cannot only share my grief with her.”

He would meet with Rogue in a couple of hours. She was spending time with Emma Frost preparing for the televised boarding of their spaceship. It would be broadcast several hours after the Homo Superior departed from this doomed world. It was a compromise Erik had agreed to with Xavier. Not that he owed his old friendemy much, but it was the X-men founder’s connections that had provided this escape.

“I understand, father,” Lorna said, smiling at him with a sadness darkening her eyes. “She is not the only one that loves you. Our family may be small, but it will grow. Let me share in this bittersweet goodbye to our fallen city.”

Erik nodded, then Magneto and Polaris took to the sky. He scanned the rubble and the piles of concrete and rebar. Surprisingly, it was easier to ignore the ruined buildings. People— his people — were walking the streets carrying bags over their shoulders with their belongings. They were laughing and children were playing chase.

His daughter’s soft chuckle drew his attention. “What do you find amusing?”

“The resilience of our kind,” Lorna sighed. She abruptly dived down to a particularly crumbled stretch of sidewalk.

Magneto followed after her and hovered a meter off the uneven ground. There in the midst of the destruction was a lone dandelion — yellow petals on proud display. Erik had a rush of nostalgia regarding the flower— Anya would blow the wispy white seeds about the yard so many years ago and even during Erik’s time in the camps during the Second World War, they would sometimes find the flower growing in the mostly barren soil. It made for a decent herbal tea— especially when the alternative was boiled leather.

“Some might consider it a weed,” Lorna said quietly. “I like to think of it as a hardy beacon of hope.”

Erik touched down upon the ground and crouched over the plant. He ran his fingertips over the soft petals. “Our kind are like the dandelion — diverse forms, resilient, and widespread roots.”

“Should we take it with us? To plant on our new home world?” Lorna settled beside him on the ground and angled her head up to her father.

Magneto shook his head. “No. I do not wish to disrupt our new home with what might be considered an invasive species. Though, since it is supposed to be a mirror to this world, I would like to think we shall find some familiar flora.”

“Ah,” Lorna said, nodding. She rubbed her jaw. “I suppose McCoy did mention something about invasive species on the meeting the other day.”

Erik wound his arm around his daughter’s shoulders and drew against his side in a hug. “I do occasionally listen to my advisors.” He kissed the top of her head, lips brushed against her silken green hair.

Lorna wrapped her arm around Erik’s waist and hugged him back. “My dad is a genius, don’t let anyone say otherwise.” She gestured towards the building off to their left a few dozen meters away. “We’re here. You want me to stick around while you talk to him?”

“I’m a big boy, daughter. Why don’t you go check on my granddaughter. I imagine Kurt might be overwhelmed with the adjustment,” Erik suggested.

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When Erik met with Charles for a cup of tea and one last game of chess, it was both familiar and foreign. Their decades long conflict was finally coming to a conclusion.

“I know, I cannot talk you out of this,” Charles stated, moving his knight two spaces forward and one space left.

“No, you cannot. I tried it your way — more than once.” Erik used his bishop and took the knight. His collection of captured pieces dwarfed his rival’s. “If you don’t want me to retaliate against the humans — send an electromagnetic pulse that destroys all their electronics and send them back to the dark ages, you won’t try to stop me.”

“I understand,” Charles added. He leaned his elbows on the table and settled his chin on top of his laced hands. “Then perhaps I can ask you to give Rogue space. I feel you are pressuring her.”

Erik could feel his temper rising. “My relationship with Anna is frankly none of your business.” He used his queen to align against Xavier’s king. “Check.”

Charles knocked over his king, forfeiting the victory. “She has been through trauma same as you.”

“I have known Anna longer than you have. Your failed solution was to not offer her professional healthcare — a therapist would do much better than busying her with one mission after another while you sealed off her traumas into tidy boxes that leak over unexpectedly,” Erik argued. He tapped his temple. “I would know. I haven’t always dealt with my traumas in the best ways, but I am willing to improve. She also wants to work through her demons. Together, we will help each other. I have no intention of keeping her isolated from basic human touch and affection.”

He pushed away from the table. “I thought you wanted a last conversation before we went our separate ways. I am grateful your alien allies are providing this opportunity and you are welcome to visit this new home we are emigrating towards.” He smiled faintly. He remembered emigrating to various new homes over the expanse of his long life.

“You do look significantly younger,” Charles pointed out, tilting his head to the side. “How is that?”

Surely Charles knew of Elixir’s abilities. If not, Erik wasn’t about to tell him. It wasn’t his business unless Elixir wanted him to know. “Perhaps, it is just the result of having hope and spending time with a loving family.”
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She tugged on the chiffon sleeves of her gown. “You don’t think this is a bit much?”

“Did Jackie O wear anything less than decadent as the First Lady of the United States? You’re the Queen of our people, Rogue. You shall be nothing less than decadent,” Emma assured her.

“Maybe I should pretend to know who Jackie O is?” Anna grimaced. She really should have studied more in history, but back in the public schools all they talked about was the civil war and world war one and two. It was dreadfully boring and depressing. Her teachers made her memorize the dates and locations of long-ago battles. She’d have preferred studying the culture of societies. And she would have liked if those old stuffy teachers had bothered to explain about the Holocaust.

She was ashamed that prior to meeting Erik in the Savage Lands all those years ago, her only knowledge of the Holocaust had been gleamed from a single scene she’d caught on television (before her father abruptly changed the channel) from a black and white movie where a little girl wore a red dress.

After meeting Erik, Rogue had joined the X-men, desperate to learn how to cope with her abilities and the voices in her head. Professor Xavier silenced the voices, but hadn’t helped her with her ability much — it was a journey she had to figure out on her own. Rogue had been older when she joined the X-men and having dropped out of public school in the seventh grade was a little embarrassed to let the others know.  Only Remy had known about her lack of schooling and he'd been kind enough to never judge her.  

She didn’t have the benefit of attending all the courses offered and it was to her shame that she didn’t bother to take any of the electives aside from Mechanics. She’d learned English, Sign Language, Geometry, Chemistry and Biology, and finally History. Though, when she realized exactly what her former (and current/future) lover survived in that Second World War, she was flabbergasted by the strength he displayed.

Emma tapped Rogue gently on the forehead. “I am missing my abilities right this minute. I would love to know what rabbit hole your brain just went down.” Emma sighed then leaned over towards the nearby table to pick up a tiara encrusted with emeralds. “ Jacky O — Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, First Wife of President John F Kennedy and known for her fashionable wardrobe. He was the president that set in motion the Americans flying to the moon — appropriate since King Magnus will have us flying to another world.”

“Oh wow. I must have missed that chapter,” Anna mumbled, feeling her cheeks heat up in her ignorance.

“None of that really matters in the grand scheme,” Emma assured her. “A fashion icon from sixty years ago doesn’t compare to you making history right now — Queen of our kind, Rogue. King Magnus chose you because you are uniquely capable of understanding him and caring for him anyway. He doesn’t care if you can recite history.” She grinned, her diamond teeth flashing brightly. “You can always ask me, your resident genius.”

Emma stepped forward, the diamond-encasing of her body sparkled in the late morning light streaming in through the open balcony of the apartment. Emma held the tiara out for Rogue.

“Anna. Call me Anna. I do not need to go by the moniker anymore. I’m no longer a rogue,” Anna murmured, bending her head forward enough for Emma to place the crown on her. The weight of the tiara was a little heavy, but Anna was strong. “I do like the emeralds.”

Emma smiled. “They look good on you.”

“You’re sure you don’t want to come with us?” Anna asked again. “I might need a resident genius so I don’t do anything stupid.”

Emma laughed, the sound tinkling amongst the diamonds. “You won’t do anything stupid, Anna. I will come later by way of the Atlantean Stargate,” Emma answered. “King Namor can be quite persuasive.” She looked away and sighed. “And I need to become comfortable in my own skin again. I need to know if this diamond body is who I am now, or if I can learn to control it. Colossus has agreed to work with me.”

“Ah,” Rogue said with a smile. She remembered one summer in particular when the Russian country boy had tried to help her with her abilities. Though, he’d probably be more useful with Emma than he’d been with Rogue. She mostly just remembered fooling around with the sweet man. He had been after Erik, but before Remy. “He’s a nice man.”

Emma turned back towards her and arched a shimmering eyebrow. “So, were the rumors true? Did you and Piotr?”

Anna laughed and ran her fingertips over the emeralds of her tiara. “A lady never kisses and tells.” She winked and then started for the door. “I’ll see you around, Emma. Don’t be a stranger, now, you hear?”
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The shuttle was full of his precious people to transport to the cruiser parked on the moon, save himself and Anna. He waited just outside the door, the film crew busy taking video of the other passengers and the crowd of well-wishers. Their ship would be the first and only space craft to voyage to the new world. If anyone else wished to join them, they would need to use the stargates. Erik would not risk a possible sabotage of a future ship that he wasn’t there to protect his people.

Worse case scenario, he and Polaris — and Rogue if need be— could hold the ship together with the power of magnetism if there was an act of terrorism onboard. If Erik couldn’t personally be there to ensure his people’s safety, he wouldn’t risk it.

It had been a hard lesson to learn, but he didn’t trust anyone fully. Though, Anna and Lorna and even Kurt he trusted a great deal. He certainly knew not to trust Xavier. Part of him also suspected his other longest alliance — Mystique — was likely hiding within the ranks. She’d reveal herself in time. There was no way she would stay on earth when both Nightcrawler and Rogue moved off-planet.

He was about at the end of his patience when he saw her. Erik smiled faintly at her, glad for his own crown now that he saw Anna wearing an elegant tiara. She looked every bit the queenly figure their people deserved. He pulled Anna to him as soon as she was within reach, his large hand possessively held upon her hip as she pressed against his side.

“You look amazing,” Erik whispered in her ear, her long, silky dark hair brushed against his lips. “Though, I admit I cannot wait to see you in nothing other than that tiara.”

Anna snorted. “I expect to be wined and dined, mister.” She turned towards him and her emerald eyes sparkled with amusement. She tipped her head back and kissed his cheek then slid her lips close to his ear, her warm breath ghosted across his skin. “Though, seeing King Magnus down to this crown sounds nice too.”

Erik smiled and the camera man in the front row shifted nervously at the sight. It only made Erik’s smile spread wider.

“King Magnus, do you have any last words before you depart from earth?” The reporter asked, tucking her blond hair behind her ear.

It took Erik a moment to remember the woman’s name. He looked forward to quickly purging it from his memory in the very near future. “Thank you for asking, Trish.”

Erik scanned the crowd that had gathered, Xavier was in the back in his exo-suit standing tall, while Wolverine stood on one side and his alien empress and her entourage on the other. Without his helmet, he could feel Xavier’s thoughts pressing on his mind.

“Let this final message be one of hope, Erik,” Charles pleaded.

Erik’s smile was brittle as he glared at Charles with irritation. “Get out of my fucking head, Charles.” He cleared his throat. “Today marks the history of mutant kind separate from humanity. I am not fool enough to believe we will eliminate all challenges by our exodus, but I am hopeful enough that the mistakes we make will be our own. We will no longer fall victim to the petty, fearful whom would wish to tear down those greater than themselves in order to stand tall.”

Anna took Erik’s hand, squeezed his hand reassuringly and he looked down to meet her encouraging smile. Erik smiled back softly, his heart warming under her blatant affection. He turned back to the camera man and the reporter. “I look forward to leading my people in a society where we can grow and build one another up. Perhaps one day, we shall call the humans of earth friend, but for now, we will think of earth as the land of our ancestors.”

“Queen Rogue? Is there anything you’d like to add?” Trish asked, holding the microphone towards Anna.

“Sugah, we’re ready to get going. Y’all play nice while we’re gone now, ya hear?” Anna squeezed Erik’s hand once more and he waved his hand absently and the microphone forcefully lowered in the reporter’s hand. He was careful to avoid the camera so he didn’t disrupt the film with an inadvertent electromagnetic pulse.

Then Magneto and Rogue flew from the clearing on the ground up to the shuttle’s door. “The flying off was a nice bit,” Anna giggled. “It was a good way to remind the non-super powered humans that we don’t have to play with them anymore.”

Erik chuckled, feeling a tension in his chest loosen as he and Anna landed inside the shuttle. The door sealed behind them, closing them off from the world of human folly. “I remember telling Anya if she was uncomfortable with the neighborhood children that she should run on home.” He smiled fondly, thinking about his first born. It had been a long time since he’d felt settled enough that he could think of her fondly without the ache of longing.

Anna’s hands were warm against his cheeks as she pulled his face towards hers. She brushed her lips to the corner of his mouth. “Let’s run on home, Sugar.”

Before Erik could say anything more, a blur of blue poofed into his space, forcefully separating him from Anna. “Opa! Tante Anna!” Talia’s fuzzy arms were looped around Erik’s neck and his granddaughter hugged him fiercely, but her luminous eyes were focused entirely on Anna. “Tante! You look like a fairy queen! So beautiful!” She reached a three-fingered hand towards the emerald encrusted tiara.

Anna smiled and pulled off her crown and settled it on Talia’s head. “I guess that makes you our fairy princess,” she teased.

Talia’s eyes grew even wider. “Wow,” she whispered.

Erik hugged his granddaughter and for a few moments, allowed himself to simply soak in the love of his family. “Wow, indeed,” he agreed.

Chapter Text

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Anna
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The space ship was massive. At least half the mutants from the nation of Genosha were brave enough to embark on this voyage into the unknown. They were all putting their faith into an alien people. The professor had married their empress, so it was probably okay to trust them.

Lorna started for them in the hallway. Talia settled Rogue’s crown back on her head and then she poofed out of Erik’s arms and stood at the side of the green-haired mistress of magnetism. “Bye!” Talia called waving at them before she tugged Lorna away.

“It’s been a while since I’d been so thoroughly dismissed,” Erik mused with a chuckle. “I need to attend to the bridge. Would you like to come? Or do you want to rest in our room?” Erik asked. He gestured towards the starboard side of the ship. “The window of our room has a good vantage point of Earth if you want to watch as we depart.”

Rogue bit her bottom lip. “Ah don’t want to be by myself, but I do want to see Earth as we bid goodbye.” Maybe she could ask Kurt to join her? His room was down the same hallway as hers. So many of the other X-men, her friends for the past decade, had chosen to stay behind.

Erik’s large hand settled on Anna’s shoulder and he peered down at her, his face softened in affection. “I will fulfill my obligations on the bridge and join you shortly. Lilandra and her crew will be the ones actually flying us. She just has some information she’d like to tell me before we are underway. ”

“Ah’m a big girl, Erik. It’s fine,” Anna murmured, feeling her cheeks burn under the attention. She was a strong, independent woman. Though, it was nice to have a partner that was equally as capable and yet considerate at the same time. And she wasn’t alone — her brother was making this journey with them. As well as so many other mutants — people whom now considered her their queen.

Erik leaned down, pressing his forehead against hers. “I won’t tarry long.”

“Ah think I’ll actually go to the mess hall,” Anna answered, closing her eyes and enjoying the feel of Erik’s flesh pressed against hers and the familiar buzz of magnetism. “I want to pick up a few snacks.”

“Very well.” Erik leaned back. “I’ll see you back in our room within an hour.”

Rogue watched as he strode down the hall, his purple cape billowed behind him majestically. He looked every bit like a king. Feeling somewhat like an imposter herself, she made her way to the cafeteria. She’d toured the ship earlier in the week when she’d helped haul cargo onboard. It would take them a few weeks to travel to the alternate dimension. The Shi’ar technology could have used wormholes and their light-speed technology to make the trip faster, but it would be very difficult on the passengers to adjust to such a drastic environmental shift.

There were quite a few people milling about in the mess hall. The brilliant and beautiful telekinetic Psylocke — sat at a table alongside Shiro Yoshida — code name Sunfire. They were two of Japan’s strongest mutants. She hadn’t realized they were both aboard. Neither had been in Genosha.

Rogue and Shiro were friends of a sort, having worked together during her Brotherhood days. It had been a disaster of a mission, Sunfire had even lost his legs. As if feeling her attention, the dark-haired man raised his hand and gestured for Rogue to join them.

“Queen Rogue,” Shiro greeted with a somber smile.

“I’m going by Anna these days, Shiro,” she answered. She sat next to him and across from Psylocke. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from Warren.” She smiled warmly. “I’m Anna, though I usually go by Rogue.”

“Soka. You no longer feel like a rogue,” the purple-haired woman reasoned with her light Japanese accent. “You likely heard of Betsy from the Angel. I am Kwannon. For a while Betsy Braddock had possession of my body.” She tapped her temple. “But I am back in control and she’s back to being a blond bombshell princess in Avalon.”

It took a moment for Anna’s mind to wrap around that this was the same body, but a different person. She was used to Psylocke’s British accent and not the musical undertones of Kwannon’s Japanese dialect.

“Rogue— gomen nasai, Anna, would understand about having someone else’s memories on her mind.” Shiro’s dark eyes twinkled in amusement. “You had my personality for quite some time after that battle with Lady Deathstrike.”

“There are definitely worse personalities to adopt,” Anna countered. She shifted her attention back to Kwannon. “He’s so cautious and determined. And he cares so dang much!”

Kwannon smiled faintly. “Yes, Shiro is a fine example of Bushido.” She shifted her purple gaze to Rogue. “Queen Anna, I look forward to getting to know you better on our new world.”

“Actually, it’s good that you are here, Anna,” Shiro added. “I was hoping to approach you at some point. I wanted to offer my services as part of your royal guard.”

“Royal guard?” Anna blinked at him. “Ah don’t think a guard will be necessary,” she trailed off. Who was going to attack them on their new world? Then again, who was gong to attack them on their peaceful island nation.

“You are our queen,” Kwannon agreed. “I should also be honored to serve on your guard.” She tapped her temple. “My abilities include telekinesis as well as some telepathy. When Betsy inhabited my body, she left behind the ability.”

“Both traits would be very useful in regards to protection and communication,” Shiro added. “You’re familiar with my powers. I am also eager to do whatever I can to help with growing food on our new home.” He gestured between himself and Kwannon. “We have both studied agriculture and horticulture.”

“That actually sounds amazing,” Anna murmured. “Ah’ll talk to King Magnus about it.”

Kwannon arched a lavender eyebrow. “King Magnus? Do you call him that in bed too?” The knowing smile that crossed her plump lips made Rogue blush.

Anna cleared her throat. “If you’ll excuse me. Ah was going to pick up some snacks and then settle in to my room to watch our departure.”

“I am glad to call you queen, Anna,” Shiro said, bowing his head respectfully.

As Anna took a re-usable canvas bag packed with snacks, she didn’t notice the nondescript woman observing her from the back of the mess hall. If she had, she might have noticed when those eyes flickered to a familiar luminescent golden color.
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When Emma Frost decided to stay behind on Genosha and work on the clean up, she hadn’t expect so many volunteers to show up. It had been a couple of days since the Shi’ar had transported the refugees off world. Colossus had shown up two days ago and she’d been relieved to discover she could transform out of her diamond form.

However, while clearing out the debris, that diamond form of hers was exceedingly handy.

“Professor Frost!” Julian Keller — aka Hellion — called out, as he lifted a massive collection of rubble out of the way with his telekinesis and sorted it neatly into organized piles.

Emma stepped into the protected bubble that had been formed with telekinetic energy. The crimson hair of the woman within caused Emma to release a sob. “That’s Madelyn,” she murmured, crouching over the unconscious woman and brushing that bright hair away from a damp forehead.

Julian flew to her side and hovered. “Elixir once mentioned that the human body could survive three weeks without food. The limiting factor was water.”

“It looks like her power may have kept her in some sort of stasis,” Emma murmured. She dropped her diamond form and probed past Madelyn’s telepathic barrier. “Definitely still alive.” She transformed back into diamond and picked up the clone of Jean Grey.

“Is everything okay?” Peter Rasputin — aka Colossus — asked.

“We found another survivor,” Emma called out. “Can you help Hellion finish sorting out this area?”

“Of course,” Colossus agreed.

Emma carried the unconscious woman towards the medical tent. It was unfortunate that Elixir was no longer on the planet, but she couldn’t fault the young man from wanting to be part of the exodus. Hank McCoy would have to serve in this case. At least he wasn’t prejudiced against Madelyn.

What she didn’t expect to find in the medical tent was King Namor and Quicksilver. Before departing Earth, King Magnus had ceded authority of Genosha to Namor, making it a territory of Atlantis officially. She wasn’t surprised to see him ashore, but Magneto’s son’s presence was a surprise.

Beast looked up from his desk, his eyes widened at the sight of Emma’s charge. “Surprise, we have another survivor.”

Pietro was at Emma’s side in a moment and gently extracted Madelyn from her arms to settle her an empty cot in the medical tent. Beast was immediately focused on reviving her.

“I’m surprised you didn’t join your father,” Emma commented, transforming back into her flesh and blood form and tossing back her blond hair. She caught Namor’s appreciative look at her body. Emma knew she was gorgeous, that didn’t mean she was going to just fall over for a good looking, immortal king of a somewhat mystical people.

Pietro scratched the top of his head, ruffling his somewhat unruly white hair. “Well, I am half Romani. Wandering is in my blood.” He grimaced. “I want to join my father eventually, but I want to clean things up here first. I’m an Avenger and I have responsibilities. Lorna has less baggage with our father and I don’t want to make things more difficult for him. He’s got a fiancée, an estranged daughter, and a granddaughter to focus on as well as building a whole new civilization.” He gestured towards King Namor. “I was just securing my passage through the Atlantian Stargate at a future date.”

Emma merely stared at Quicksilver for a moment, processing the info dump he sputtered out at rapid pace. Not only did he move fast, but the man spoke so quickly that if she’d not been supplemented with her telepathy, she likely wouldn’t have caught half his words. “Okay, well, we are grateful for your presence.”

The flap to the tent snapped and Charles Xavier walked inside wearing his exosuit. Wordlessly, he took in Emma’s appearance and then joined Hank at the hospital bed. “Madelyn’s mind called out to me,” Xavier explained. “Should I call Scott?” He looked uncertainly between Hank and Emma.

It was so strange to see the founder of the X-men look so lost, but then again, his wife was escorting his best friend to another world entirely. Neither believed in his dream. Emma studied Charles’ face, unable to penetrate his mind with his Omega level mutant status. Was he more mad about Lilandra or Magneto leaving him behind?

As if sensing her interest, his pale eyes met hers and his mental barriers dropped for just a moment to answer her question. Emma sucked in a harsh breath at the revelation. Charles Xavier was in love with Magneto!

“He has never seen me in the same way,” Charles continued in her mind. “It was more than his physical beauty, but the size of his heart. Magnus has always loved more fiercely than anyone I have ever known. My wife is aware. It’s part of the reason she’s so involved in this rescue. I knew Magnus would never reciprocate my feelings, but I had hoped that we could share the same dream for humanity and mutant kind.”

Emma didn’t know what to say to that, so she said nothing. Part of her felt sorry for Xavier, but after so much death and tragedy, Emma’s heart had hardened. They’d all lost so many on Genosha.

“I am glad to see you’re able to shift between your forms,” Namor said, his deep voice startling Emma out of her reverie. “Now that you won’t immediately sink in the ocean, I would like to extend my invitation to Atlantis once more.”

“Right now?” Emma asked.

Namor laughed and shook his head, dark curls bouncing. “Maybe not quite this moment, Emma. I’m here to help with the clean up.”

“Oh, well, come on. I could use another super-strength back,” Emma murmured.
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She chatted with Kurt briefly. He was planning to watch the departure from Earth from Lorna’s quarters. They wanted to both be there with Talia. He’d eagerly invited her, but Anna declined. It should be a special moment he could share with his daughter. She was so happy for Kurt to have a chance at fatherhood. He was the best person she knew and Talia was truly blessed.

The room she was sharing with Erik was bigger than most — which made sense. The king and queen of a people would have a bigger suite. Anna laid her palm over the cold glass of the porthole window. A magnetic field buzzed against her senses. The entire ship had a magnetic forcefield that protected them all from the deadly radiation of space. Earth’s magnetic field was the reason life thrived on their planet, as opposed to a place like Mars where the atmosphere had been stripped away over time.

From this distance, in spite of the blight of countless satellites orbiting Earth — the blue, white, and green marble was stunning. Anna felt tears in her eyes as she absorbed the sight. The whole world was right there! It looked so peaceful and beautiful. How could so many bad things and so much tragedy have occurred on a place that looked so serene?

She heard the swoosh of the suite’s door open and close as Erik stepped inside.

“We’ll be leaving in the next couple of minutes,” Erik said by way of greeting. He unhooked his cloak and draped it over the back of the chair in front of the desk. He set his crown next to her tiara on the desk and then strode towards her, standing right behind her, hugging her from behind.

Anna allowed herself to relax against him, closing her eyes to enjoy his warmth. “We’re really leaving,” she whispered.

“Hmm,” Erik hummed, the vibrations of his voice comforting. “It’s bittersweet. Life on Earth has been full of so much pain and yet hope as well.”

“I haven’t seen my birth parents in almost twenty years,” Anna said quietly. “I wonder if they will see the footage of our departure. I wonder if they will think about me.” Did they ever think of her? Rogue had been a superhero for years. Or had her mother and father from that small town in Mississippi blocked her from their minds and hearts after they disowned her when her powers manifested. “I wonder about Mystique too. And the friends that we’re leaving behind.”

Erik swept Rogue’s long hair over her shoulder, exposing the side of her neck and pressed a lingering kiss to her flesh. She felt a shiver at the caressing touch. “We cannot chase ghosts, Anna.” His arms tightened around her waist. “I do not wish to dwell in the disappointments of humanity and this world. Seeing it from this distance, it was never the planet that was at fault but the petty jealousies of man.” He began to trail kisses down her neck then to her shoulder where the sleeve of her dress had slid part-way down her arm.

The ship began to drift slowly away from Earth and they were both silent. Then the speed began to increase and the marbled planet grew smaller and more distant until they were no longer within their old solar system.

Anna turned away from the window, staying within Erik’s arms. She looped her arms around his neck and tilted her face back to look him clearly in the eyes. “Ah want to focus on the present with you, Erik.”

His glacial eyes twinkled. “I would like nothing better, my queen.”
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Chapter Text

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Anna
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There was always a pleasant tingling sensation that she associated with Erik. When their skin touched, there wasn’t the innate pull of his powers and mind into her, but simply warm flesh, gentle caresses, and strong embraces. Part of her wondered, if she had a better command on her abilities if she would have still fallen for the Master of Magnetism quite so hard. Fifteen years had passed since the two had first met back in the Savage Lands — depowered and then later, realizing she could still feel his touch. He’d been the epitome of a prayer answered — someone brave, smart and handsome that wasn’t afraid of her. He’d checked all the boxes.

Her attraction wasn’t just based his ability to touch her skin without consequence, but her heart’s draw towards the world weary man who simply tried time and time again. He’d been blessed with great power and burdened with a a big heart and sense of responsibility. Erik had seen the absolute worst of humanity time and time again. Some of his methods had been questionable, but if you beat a dog enough times, that dog eventually snaps back.

It didn’t hurt that he was ridiculously handsome.

“What are you thinking about?” Erik’s calloused thumb ran gently down the furrow between her brow, smoothing the tension.

Anna’s arms wound around his neck and she drew him back down to kiss him. He didn’t protest one bit and his lips even smiled against hers briefly before she traced the seam of his. He opened his mouth and Anna dived in, tangling her tongue with his, enjoying his minty breath. Peppermint. He loved it and she loved it as a result.

Then they were levitating and somehow her dress, his shirt and pants were on the floor and she was just wearing a pair of black panties and him a pair of black boxer briefs. She wasn’t sure if he was flying them or if she was, they were just suddenly floating through the air, his right palm splayed between her shoulder blades and his left hand firmly clenched around her butt cheek. His pinky traced lazy circles massaging her perineum and the base of her slit. She groaned against him and Erik had the audacity to chuckle as he laid them on the bed.

Rogue looked down, her hair free and cascading own her back as she straddled his waist. She closed her eyes and sighed, feeling his bulge press against her. He stared up at her, pupils blown wide in lust, but with her on top, the decision was all hers upon what to do about it.

“We sure lost our clothes fast,” Anna mumbled, glancing over her shoulder to the pile of their discards. Her attention was abruptly re-centered on Erik when his hands cupped both her breasts, his nipples rolled between his thumb and index. She hissed down at him and he had the audacity to smile.

“I like looking at you this way,” Erik confessed, gaze shifted between her face to her chest and then back up again. Then he hissed, when Anna ground their groins teasingly. “I really hope I’m not sleeping on the floor tonight.”

“Ah think this bed is big enough for the both of us,” Anna said softly, smiling down at him fondly before she shuddered. Leaving Earth behind, starting on this epic journey, seeing him wear his regalia earlier — she wanted him. “Ah think we need to lose one more piece of clothing each though, don’t you?”

“I must confess, I would like nothing more, Anna,” Erik admitted. He sat up, bringing Anna into his lap and somehow when he shifted their position, he’d also managed to yank off their underwear. The man was a magician. She could feel his blunted tip pressing against her. “Already soaked, my queen.”

“Y’all have been teasing my nipples,” Anna pointed out. She shifted her hand to his scrotum, massaging his balls with familiarity, knowing exactly what he liked best. His sharp inhalation of air and the subsequent glower he sent her made her smile. “Y’all know you like it.”

“True, but I would at least like to penetrate you before I cum, Anna,” Erik answered with a grimace as he released her breast and grabbed hold of her wrist and guided her hand away from his balls. He laced their fingers together momentarily before he settled her hand to rest behind his neck. He closed his eyes briefly. “What do you want? Condom? Inside? Pull out?”

“Ah want to feel every inch of you, Erik. Ah want to feel you explode inside of me.” Anna rocked her hips against his and positioned her slit to start taking him inside. It had been a while, so she knew it was going to take a while to adjust to his girth. The Master of Magnetism was a big man and he was generously proportioned.

“Anna, you’re going to kill me one of these days,” Erik groaned, as she slowly took him inside, centimeter by centimeter until he was fully sheathed. They simply stayed in that position for several seconds, both breathing heavy. Anna pressed a lingering kiss to the pulse point at the base of his throat, drawing back to see a violent red mark from her lips. “I had intended on a little foreplay.”

“Ain’t that what the crown was for?” Anna whispered angling back to meet his eyes. The smile on his handsome face was enough to almost send her over the edge by itself.

Then one of Erik’s hands splayed across her hip, his thumb ran circles around her clit and she started to slid back from his cock before easing back down on him. Their eyes remained focused on one another, enjoying the micro expressions and the alternating moments of laser focus and rapture. And when Anna’s muscles clamped down around him when he was buried deep inside, his seed painted her inner walls.

She cried out and he grunted before the two of them collapsed back on the bed, bodies still connected, panting and slick with sweat.

“If you’ll permit, I’d like to try that again,” Erik rumbled. His fingers trailing gently up and down Anna’s spine. “I just—-need a little time to recover.”

Anna chuckled. “It’s alright, Erik. Ah was just as eager to get to the finish line. Ah missed you. Ah missed this.” She closed her eyes. “Ah hadn’t even realized how much.”

“I’m right here,” Erik whispered. “I’ll always be right here.”

He might have said something more, his deep voice had a soothing effect and Rogue was so very tired. Eventually, she nodded off, happy, sated, and maybe a little bit sticky.

When she rose a while later, she was covered by silken sheets and was stretched across Erik’s torso. They were still naked and his half-hard erection was nestled snuggly at her apex.

“Hello, mein Schatz,” Erik greeted, his voice groggy with sleep.

“What’s that mean?” Anna asked. “Schatz?”

“Sweetheart. Hello, my sweetheart,” Erik explained. “I will try to stick to English.”

“No, no, Ah like it when you speak German to me. Ah just wish Ah understood it a little better,” Anna explained. “It looks like Ah will have time to finally learn though, won’t I?”

“I would be honored to teach you.” Erik pressed a kiss to the crown of her head and they laid there in silence for a while.

“Can you…tell me about Magda?” Anna asked, tracing her index finger over Erik’s pectoral, playing with the fine white hairs that scattered across his chest. She felt his heart skip a beat at the question before the rate evened back out to the calm cadence prior to the inquiry.

“I had hoped to go another round with you, Anna. Not talk about past relationships.” He sighed tiredly and shifted her weight so that she wasn’t quite rubbing on his half-hard cock. “Why do you want to talk about her?” Erik asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Why did she want to talk about his first love? Probably because Rogue was a gluten for punishment. It felt too good to be with Erik like this and she was eager for round two herself. She was honestly just waiting for the rug to get pulled out from under her. What if the planet they were traveling to was a frozen wasteland? What if the Shi’ar were just trying to get rid of them once and for all and she and Magneto were leading their people to a short existence before they succumbed to the void of deep space?

“Because she’s the mother of your children,” Anna answered. She thought about earlier, when his seed filled her to overflowing. It wasn’t the first time they’d had unprotected sex and she’d never gotten pregnant. Did her powers destroy the semen? Or had it just not been the right time of month? She’d find out soon enough because there would be a lot of the two of them coming together — of that she was certain. She had to get these feelings of inadequacy out of her head first though.

“And your first wife.” Rogue didn’t even open the can of worms that Lorna was born of yet another lost love. What if Anna wasn’t able to give him children? She thought she was fine with that, but after spending so much time with Talia these last few days, she wasn’t as fine with that as she thought. She liked seeing how Erik was around Talia. He was an amazing grandfather. And it made her yearn to create a child with him and see that same adoration upon her child. Though, the idea of adoption crossed her mind, but if she couldn’t touch her own child — adopted or blood — what kind of mother would that make her?

“Anna,” Erik’s voice was gentle as his thumb brushed away a tear that fell from her eye. “Is this about Magna or is this about Talia?”

“Ah don’t know,” Anna whispered. She felt jealous and small and she didn’t like the feeling one bit.

Erik sighed and drew Rogue against him. His right arm secured around her back, her cheek pressed against his chest with her ear over his heart. Magneto’s other hand cradled the back of her head, strong, long fingers entwined in her hair. When he spoke, his deep baritone rumbled against Anna’s face.

“Magna and I met in the concentration camps — we were little more than adolescents. My parents didn’t last long and it was strange to be imprisoned for my religion when I never even had a chance to practice Judaism. Believe it or not, I never even had a bar mitzvah. Magna was a gypsy and her people were often hated for their migratory habits, locals would blame the Romani when jobs were scarce. She fell in love with Max Eisenhart — the skinny orphan boy. I fell in love with the dark haired beauty that still shown with brightness in that dark, gray hellscape. Magna never really cared one way or another for my abilities, except that it helped us escape the camp.”

Erik grew silent, lost in his own memories, he continued to play with Anna’s hair soothingly — for both himself and her. “Then she asked me to hide those powers — so that when we lived in rural Russia our family could live in peace. After spending our youth in a concentration camp, we both wanted to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Then a coworker at my machinist job was going to die if I did not interfere. The human I saved reported my actions to the government and that led to my daughter Anya’s murder — she was a mutant as well. Magna blamed me for using my powers — I know she was grieving. We both suffered with the loss of our beloved daughter.”

Erik grew quiet, his fingers continued to run through the length of her hair repeatedly as the seconds turned into minutes. Anna said nothing and simply enjoyed his warmth of his body and the sound of his heartbeat.

“If she had stayed maybe we would have been able to work through our grief together, but she left. I had no idea she was pregnant with Pietro and Wanda at the time. Though, they both inherited my mutant gene. I would not have allowed them to hide away their gifts and that would certainly have caused turmoil in the marriage. It would be a long time before I ever learned about them. I ended up befriending Charles.” His wandering hand settled on the top of Rogue’s back.

“Frankly, Anna, when we met in the Savage Lands — you were the first woman to accept me — sordid history and great powers both. You didn’t agree with all my choices, but I never felt you judge me for them. You left, but it was to seek help from the man whom I had boasted about finding comfort with myself. How could I blame you for running the Xavier when I am the one that led you to him?”

Anna braced her hands on Erik’s shoulders and pushed herself up to stare down into Magneto’s face. He peered back up at her silently, his icy eyes piercing, the tiny crows feet at the corners indicating his experiences. He’d had far too few smiles in her opinion. Even after Elixir had done whatever he did to Erik, he still carried at least three lifetimes worth of tragedy that would break even the strongest of spines.

“The thing is, Erik, I’ve seen how you are with Talia and Lorna too. Ah want nothing more than to share the experience of a family with you,” Anna admitted. “And the fear that Ah will never be able to give that to you — and you deserve so much peace after everything you’ve been through.”

Then Erik surprised her by laughing.

Suffice it to say, that wasn’t the reaction Rogue had been expecting. “It’s not funny,” she huffed. She pulled herself out of his arms and he let her go. She folded her arms over her breasts in annoyance. Erik shifted his arm across his belly and continued to laugh, tears streaking out the corner of his eye.

Anna started feet like a fool having confessed her heart only to be laughed at. With a huff, she started to get out of the bed, planning to retreat to the bathroom to have a good crying lag. Before she could get very far, Erik reached out and grasped her wrist. He drew her against him in another hug, pulling her back to the bed.

“Oh Anna, I do not deserve you. You bring me so much joy with your sincerity. I have done so many questionable things over the long years, that I might just start believing in Yahweh again,” Erik murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

“Kurt will be happy to hear that,” Anna muttered, trying her best not to hiccup. Stupid hormones. It was that time of month after all. Ugh. It didn’t help that her nipples were pebbling as they brushed against Erik’s muscular torso.

“Rogue. Anna Marie. I love you — more than I could have imagined possible to be frank. And the more I learn about you, the more time I spend with you — the more I love you,” Erik confessed. “You are the only family I need and if we were to have children — I would be overjoyed. But I don’t want a life with you for the purpose of procreating. I want a life with you because I think we make each other strive to be our best person.” He cradled her face again, his hands gentle and warm, and slanted his lips across hers.

Anna practically melted against him and was grateful when one of his arms banded around her waist. Eventually their lips parted and they were both breathless, icy blue meeting emerald green in adoration.

“And Anna, children are anything, but peaceful,” Erik whispered. “If you wish to have children, we will find a way. But that would be because you feel the need. I would welcome children, but I only need you.”

“Okay,” Anna sighed, feeling a laugh starting to form in her throat. Why did she doubt him? How did he always seem to know what to say? She shifted her position and felt his hardened length nudge her belly.

“A-a-are we going to k—keep having this conversation?” Erik asked, his voice stuttered.

“Ah don’t know.” Anna bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling. She heard his words and she knew he meant it, at least now, but when you’re thrown away by your own parents at the tender age of thirteen, it’s hard to believe in unconditional love.

“Then I’ll repeat myself as many times as you need,” Erik murmured with a smile as he slanted his lips across hers again. And this time, there was quite a bit of foreplay.
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OoO

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Kurt
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When he learned that Magneto — er…King Magnus —er….Erik —-er…Opa — had arranged a chapel on the ship he thought he might cry. This new home world was truly a chance for mutants to find peace and hopefully God. Kurt knew his appearance sparked terror in humans, but his daughter wouldn’t share that same negative experience. She would grow up in an environment where being different was cause for celebration and not lamentation!

And oh! Praise the Lord! He had a daughter!

Talia was absolutely a gift from above.

His daughter made him feel like he was truly part of a family. Part of him resented Mystique for giving him up as a child. He understood why she felt she had to— his appearance made it impossible to pass for a non-mutant. Shape-shifters survived by blending in after all. When they’d met, he’d been a man grown, and he could see the pain of giving him up to the monastery had given her.

When one cannot provide a stable environment to their precious child, sometimes relinquishing control so that someone else might be able to do so is the only real option. Kurt has only know Talia for days really and he couldn’t image the pain of a parent losing their child in such a way. It made him sympathize with Mystique in a way that softened his own bitter heart.

Knowing what he did of Mystique, growing up with her would have been an unstable childhood at the very least. She’d spent most of her life struggling to survive. Kurt’s very core personality had been shaped by the life in the church. Life was about trials and tribulations with a sprinkling of good will and peace and the occasional joy. It takes a little bit of suffering to finally appreciate happiness.

While he continued to make notes about surviving in adversity and choosing to do good even when others heap grievances upon you, he heard the door to the chapel whoosh open. Kurt glanced up to see an unfamiliar woman with light-brown hair enter. She smiled shyly at him and sat at the the back of the pews, her head dipped immediately down in prayer.

It was important to Kurt that the chapel be kept accessible 24/7. He didn’t know this woman, but he knew that he’d eventually have the pleasure of her acquaintance. He was excited for the opportunity to get to know everyone on this ship and later on their new planet. She was part of his flock and he would do his best to help her find comfort when there had been so much fear thrust upon their kind. It had been his dream to serve as a leader of Faith. It was so much more rewarding than fighting an endless battle under Xavier’s command.

“Guten Morgen,” Kurt greeted cheerfully. She looked up briefly at him, surprised to be addressed, but nodded politely before bowing her head back in prayer. Kurt returned to his notebook.

At least twenty minutes passed in silence between them before the woman stood and moved up the aisles to sit in the front pew, closest to Kurt and the little desk he’d been making his notes. She cleared her throat and Kurt closed his book and set aside his pen before he turned to face her with his full attention.

“This is a good thing you are doing,” she said, her voice a raspy whisper— as if she wasn’t used to speaking. She gestured her hand vaguely around the chapel. “Offering us the illusion of hope.” She met his eyes, her golden brown eyes so very sad it made Kurt’s heart ache for her.

Ah. So she wasn’t a Believer — yet. “Nein. It’s not an illusion. Hope is as essential as breathing.” Kurt smiled, hoping his fanged teeth wouldn’t be too off-putting for this woman. She was a fellow mutant. It likely wouldn’t bother her too much. “I’m Kurt.”

She shifted her weight and pressed her lips together for a moment, but it was enough for Kurt to realize she was more than likely coming up with a fake name. “Brenna,” she answered. “You can call me Brenna. It’s been a long time since I’ve had hope.”

“I understand, Brenna,” Kurt said gently. “We can talk about anything you’d like. This chapel is a safe place.”

“I—I had a family once,” Brenna said, closing her eyes and releasing a shuddering breath. “A partner. A son. A daughter. They’ve all been lost to me over time. I miss them.”

He knew better than to assume she lost her family to death, being separated by circumstance could be equally tragic. “If you could talk to them now, what would you say to them?”

“I would ask their forgiveness,” Brenna whispered. She bowed her head against, her long light brown hair curtained in front of her face, obscuring her from view. “I let them all down. I just kept making the same mistakes over and over.”

Kurt moved from his chair and crouched in front of her. He took her hands in his and offered his most sincere smile. “Then Brenna, you must start by forgiving yourself.” He waited until she looked up and met his eyes, he felt a shock of recognition from her gaze. Brenna meant Raven in another language. He squeezed her hands in comfort. “And by making better choices. We’re all getting a fresh start with this exodus. And hopefully, when you have the chance to reunite with your loved ones — in this life or the next — they will give you the opportunity to be your best self.”

“Thank you, Kurt.” Brenna squeezed his hands in return and for a moment her golden brown eyes shown with that hope she was starting to feel. “When is your next sermon?”

Kurt grinned and released her hands, his tail flicked back and forth in excitement. “In about three hours. I hope you’ll come, Brenna.”

“I think I would like that,” Brenna agreed.

“And I apologize in advance,” Kurt added with a chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck. “My daughter Talia will be in attendance and she might be a little energetic.” He wanted to be taken seriously in his role as High Priest, but it was also important that Talia know that no matter how busy Kurt might be, she was always welcome and he wanted her to grow up having Faith and knowing Kurt wasn’t the only Father that loved her. And it was another way Mystique could get to know her own granddaughter.

“I look forward to meeting her.” Brenna rose from the pew and retreated without another word.

“And she will be happy to meet you too, Raven,” Kurt whispered to the empty room. He ducked his own head in a prayer of gratitude that his birth mother, would also be given a chance to live in peace. And while Kurt had always longed for a family as a child, he was beyond grateful that his daughter would be blessed in that regard at least.
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Chapter Text

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Anna
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Rogue had never considered herself much of a morning person. She could wake up at dawn, usually that would be the time she’d go for a run back on earth while it was still chilly, enjoying the feel of the cool air on her bare skin. She was always so busy covering up every inch of her flesh, it was the only time she really felt like she could breath.

Or if she didn’t go for a run and wanted some company, she’d sometimes venture down to the garage on campus. Logan enjoyed tinkering on the motorcycles and the cars. He’d patiently show Rogue what he was doing and she marveled at the feel of how those cogs and gears worked. Maybe, in another life, she’d have enjoyed studying mechanical engineering. In this one, she’d become a bit of an amateur mechanic.

And if she really wanted to banter and flirt, she’d join Remy in the kitchen. That Cajun really knew his way around the stove — apparently the only real parental figure he’d had growing up was Tante Matte and the elderly woman had taken a lonely boy and taught him everything she knew about cooking.

Now, on this space ship, cruising into the unknown, Anna started her mornings wrapped up in the warm embrace of her lover. She didn’t have to sweat it out on the trails to feel comfortable in her own skin. With Erik— she didn’t have to worry about harming him accidentally. She could truly let her guard down. She missed both Logan and Remy, but at least she had fond memories.

She just needed to focus on the here and now. It had become habit for her and Erik to share breakfast in the mess hall — usually before most of the other voyagers awoke. He’d head out after eating to the bridge to talk with the empress. Anna had been welcome to accompany him, but after the first couple of times, she opted out. She just felt so tired all the time lately. Rogue didn’t think she was depressed— maybe still a little sad at times, but overall she was pretty content.

Instead of forcing herself to suffer on the bridge while Erik and Lilandra talked about government and food supplies, she wanted to be approachable to their people. Let King Magnus focus on the logistics of establishing a kingdom. Queen Anna would listen to their subjects.

So, she brought her journal and wrote out her thoughts and ideas. She created lists and wrote entire entries about her hopes and dreams for the future — a future that wouldn’t involve serving as one of Xavier’s warriors. And after an hour and a half, she’d meet Erik again in the chapel for one of Kurt’s daily sermons. Her brother had really taken a shine in his role as spiritual leader.

Anna took a sip of her peppermint tea, hoping the herbal blend would sooth her indigestion. Maybe she was just nervous, but she’d been feeling nauseated every morning for the last couple of weeks. It would go away after an hour or two though, so it was probably nothing serious. She smoothed her hand over the skirt of her soft emerald green sundress. Her hair was loose about her shoulders, but it felt freeing to be dressed so casually in a pair of slip-on sandals. She felt pretty. It really was nice to wear things other than her old uniform. Emma really had excellent taste in clothes and had filled Rogue’s suitcase with quite a few surprises.

“Mind if I join you?” A soft-spoken brunette carried her tray to Anna’s table.

Anna smiled sweetly and gestured to the seat across from her. “Welcome! The more the merrier!” She closed her journal, fingertips lingering on the metallic designs inlayed on the cover and secured the pen with a bit of dark green ribbon tied around it. “Ah’m Rogue. I mean — Anna. Ah’m trying to use my given name rather than my old team moniker.”

The woman sat down gracefully. She stirred her spoon blending her steaming mug of tea. The aroma was a familiar blend of blueberry, chocolate and vanilla that made Anna think of home. “I’m Brenna,” the woman said by way of introduction. “I’ve had a few names over the years myself.” She picked up the tea and after blowing on it briefly sipped the sweet smelling brew. “I’m glad King Magnus asked you to be our queen. I’ve always respected you.”

Anna arched an auburn eyebrow. “Oh? So we have met?”

Brenna smiled faintly. “You have quite the reputation,” she answered evasively. “Does he treat you well? I couldn’t help, but notice how he seems to dote upon you, always seeming to find an excuse to touch you.”

Anna laughed. “Since he’s the only that’s ever been able to do so without harm, Ah think he’s just trying to get me used to the feeling.” She gestured towards the tea. “That’s not a common choice of beverage. Mixing vanilla and chocolate into your tea? Most people pick sugar or honey.”

Brenna smiled faintly again. “I suppose, I’m not like most people.” She sipped from her mug again.

They sat I silence together. Brenna finishing her tea and Anna looking out towards the door that led into the hallway. Erik would return soon so they could attend Kurt’s sermon together. Anna had never really enjoyed going to church when she was a kid — it felt like the pastor was always screaming about fire and brimstones while she had to sit perfectly still. She still remembered the glare her birth mother gave her that one time she opened a peppermint candy wrapper too loudly when she was only ten. She shivered at the memory. Mystique and Destiny had certainly not been perfect parents, but her foster mothers had been kinder to Anna— all things considered — than her human parents.

“Can you believe this time tomorrow we’ll be on our new home?” Brenna asked, her tone wistful and hopefully. “I only wish…,” she trailed off with a sigh. “I only wish my partner could have seen this.”

Anna understood the sentiment. There’d been so many lives lost on Genosha— mutants that would have loved to live on their own world apart from those that hated them. “Will you be attending Kurt’s sermon?”

Brenna blinked up at her, seeming to rouse from a daze. “I thought about it. He invited me, but I don’t know. I don’t know that I belong.”

Anna smiled at her. “We’re all just trying to find our footing, Brenna. My brother is definitely the best of us. Ah’m confident with his council King Magnus will lead us well.”

“And your council as well, Anna,” Brenna added.

The door to the mess hall opened and Erik stood in the entryway, his eyes immediately found Anna, before he started striding towards her. She smiled faintly at the sight of him — his silvery-white hair smoothed back, his plane white button up shirt rolled up to his elbows, allowing a tantalizing view of his toned forearms. The dove gray slacks suited him, but not nearly as well as the black combat boots. You could take the man out of a war, but you could never take the solider out of Erik Lehnsherr.

“That is the look of a man whom would shake worlds for the woman he loves,” Brenna mused quietly.

“Anna,” Erik greeted, holding his hand out invitingly.

She placed her ungloved hand in his, enjoying the warm tingles from where their palms touched. She let him help her stand and laughed when he pulled her against him playfully. “Erik,” she answered breathless. “This is Brenna.” She gestured to the woman that had stood silently on the opposite side of the table.

Erik nodded in acknowledgement, but only had eyes for Rogue. “Let’s go. Kurt will be starting soon.” He used his powers to carry her journal and it’s metallic embellishments and tuck it into the satchel she had strapped across the back of her chair.

“You should come,” Anna said to Brenna. She grabbed her bag and slipped it over her shoulders.

While she did so, Erik picked up her mug and drained the last of her tea. He grimaced slightly. “Peppermint?”

Anna shrugged. “It’s calming.”

His brow furrowed in thought, but he shook his head and finally looked at Brenna. “You really should come. It’s the last service Kurt will give before we land. Everyone is welcome.”
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OoO

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Erik
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It hadn’t been his intention to sit on the front pew. Frankly, he’d have been happy sitting in the very back where he could keep an eye on everyone. Years of being hunted had bred the instinct to always be on guard and wary into Magneto’s very persona.

However, this ship was only home to allies. There were none trying to persecute him out of fear. These people looked up to him, chose him as their leader, and had willingly left behind all they knew to follow him.

He also didn’t like to deny Anna whenever she asked anything of him. If she wanted to sit on the front row, then they would sit on the front row.

And some how, Kurt Wagner was insightful enough, wise enough, and kind enough to somehow speak directly into Erik’s heart. And sitting next to him on the front row was Anna on his left, holding his hand, fingers entwined. On his right was his granddaughter Talia and his daughter Lorna. He thought of the man from his youth— Josef Lowe— back at the synagogue before the Nazis took power and destroyed his family. The lion tamer — as was the old man’s nickname — always drew a crowd when he began to tell stories of his experiences. He’d been through many struggles and like Daniel in the lions’ den, survived amongst his would-be enemies.

Erik didn’t think about Josef too much these days because he’d been one of the first men to die when he fought back against the soldiers. However, he’d always appreciated the bravery and the charisma of the man. Would old man Josef have been proud of Erik— or rather Max? The surname Erik had been born with was Eisenhart — meaning strong as iron. It was rather fitting given his affinity for metals. The name he took after he’d escaped the concentration camp had been Lehnsherr — meaning feudal lord.

“So you see, meine Freunde, it is important to remember our roots, but willing to embrace the unknown of our future,” Kurt continued. “No matter if you grew up Protestant,” he looked at Anna. Then he walked down the aisle, pausing in front of different members of the congregation. “Or Catholic, or Jewish, or Hindu, or Muslim, or Dao, or Agnostic — we are all one people and one society now. We must learn to live in harmony and share our experiences and knowledge. We are the foundation of our new world. Whether our society will flourish or fail, is up to us.”

Kurt offered his hand to a rather bland looking woman. Erik felt Lorna shifting curiously on the other side of Talia. “I also believe our society must be built on forgiveness, trust, and openness.” The woman took Kurt’s hand and he led her to the front of the chapel. She looked understandably nervous.

“What’s he doing?” Anna leaned close and whispered into Erik’s ear.

Erik squeezed her hand, but said nothing. He didn’t know what Kurt was doing, but knew it would soon be revealed. It was interesting that manners he picked up at the synagogue so many decades ago came back to him. You didn’t talk during a d’var Torah, you gave the rabbi your full attention.

“Brenna, please, if you will introduce yourself to your fellow brothers and sisters. You are welcome here.” Kurt smiled encouragingly at the woman.

Erik wasn’t surprised when Brenna’s appearance morphed into a familiar blue-skinned, red-head. Her luminous yellow eyes found his and she grimaced as he stared back at her blandly. Of course, Mystique would join them on their new world. She’d been at the mercy of humans for at least a century longer than Magneto.

Anna however sucked in a surprised breath and Erik squeezed her hand in reassurance.

“For those of you that do not know, Raven is my mother,” Kurt explained. “Brenna is simply a Gaelic moniker for the name. As I’ve suddenly found myself thrust into the role of fatherhood, I feel I can understand a little of what she must have felt.” He pulled Mystique towards him and hugged her in front of the entire congregation.

“Oma?” Talia whispered, looking up at Erik, her eyes the same glowing yellow as he father and grandmother’s.

“Hmmm,” Erik hummed, noncommittally. He was going to stay out of labeling his granddaughter’s family.

Mystique cleared her throat and scanned the audience — it wasn’t a huge portion of the crew. It was early in the day and religion wasn’t something too many mutants gravitated towards. Kurt hoped to provide a safe haven rather than organized religion for their people. Still, there were at least two dozen people present.

“I’m eager for a fresh start on this new planet,” Mystique started, letting her eyes linger on Rogue. She set back her shoulders as if steeling herself then turned back to Nightcrawler. “However, I wish to be completely honest about who I am.” She took a deep breath. “I am not Kurt’s mother — but rather his father.”

“Oooooooh,” Talia hissed. “So she’s my Opa too?”

“Darling, all you need to know is she’s your family,” Lorna whispered.

Seeming satisfied by the answer, Talia leaned against Erik’s side, snuggling against him. He stretched his arm over the back of the pew, making more room.

“Ah am gonna need some time to wrap my mind around that one,” Anna murmured. She shook her head and forced a smile upon her lips and then stood and started to clap. “Welcome!”

Erik looked up at her. What sort of strange custom was that? However, when Talia imitated Anna, standing on the bench and clapped enthusiastically as well, Erik also stood.

Soon all the audience members stood and welcomed Mystique into their fold.

Honestly, it felt good to be welcoming— Erik had always tried to be inclusive with his Brotherhood. All were welcome, so long as they had the mutant gene. Charles had been somewhat similar with the initial foundation of his school..

“Vielen Dank. Many thanks for joining us today, everyone.” Kurt gestured towards Erik. “King Magnus, would you like to say anything before we’re dismissed?”

Erik pressed his lips together. It seemed people always expected him to be prepared for a speech. He felt Anna slip her hand back into his and felt empowered by the small sign of affection.

“We are due to land on our new world within the next ten standard hours. It shall be a little chaotic as we work to build our shelters and establish our new home. Regardless of past griefs, we must all learn to let go of our antiquated grudges. If we are to succeed in building a successful civilization, we must come together as one people with a commonality — to live harmoniously with one another.”

Talia sighed. “Opa is so smart,” she murmured.

Erik smiled faintly at the praise.

“That shall be our goal — to live harmoniously with one another — to celebrate our differences and appreciate our sameness at the same time,” Kurt added. “You’re all dismissed. Geh in Frieden. Go in peace.”
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OoO

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Anna
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She stood on the deck as their cruiser drew near their destination. Erik’s arm was secured around her waist, his large hand splayed over her hip. Everyone was silent as the beautiful blue and white marble world came into view. It looked so much like their old home, sans the plethora of satellites that had marred the outer orbit. This version of earth was pristine and pure.

Anna prayed that they wouldn’t ruin it.

Erik was of the opinion that humans ruined Earth.

However, Anna didn’t point out to him that mutants were also part of humanity, whether they were accepted by the rest or not.

“I don’t think Planet M is a sufficient name,” Erik murmured, breaking the silence.

“Nein,” Kurt agreed. He stood nearby, Talia balanced over his shoulders, her tail wagging eagerly at the sight of the planet.

This was to be their new home. It needed a name that signified a beginning and also hope. Anna rubbed at her sternum, that weird indigestion acting up again. She smiled up at Erik as he looked down immediately, his pale eyes wide with worry. “What about Eden?” She suggested.

Magneto’s face softened and he brushed a kiss to the tip of her nose, careful of the tiara on her head. “Das ist perfekt. It’s perfect.”

Anna smiled. It really was perfect.
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