Well folks, this is it. After many days spent writing this story and countless hours reading, it has come to a close. When I started this in December of last year I had no idea that it would last so long or that so many people would read it.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone out there who has bothered to read this story. Thanks for letting me share my tale with all of you.

Enough rambling, on with the show!

FaDiNgSiLvErStAr – What was depressing about last chapter? I need to know! Still thank you for taking so much time to read.

Drake – As I promised everything will be revealed in this chapter. The fates of the Acolytes and everyone else will come to light. Thanks for reading.

UnknownSource – I’m glad you’ve liked the way that this story has gone. I’m also pleased that you spent so much time paying attention to details, details that I barely noticed when writing the story at points. As for Wanda’s and everyone else’s reactions, this chapter contains the answers you seek.

Keebler-elmo – Thanks for all the reviews.

Ishandahalf – You’ve been reviewing since the very beginning haven’t you? Sorry to disappoint with the Romy but I think Phantom has made up for that. Thanks for contributing.

Calamari Rings – Yes the crimson beam was from Scott. The chapter will contain full details about what exactly happened. Thanks for reviewing.

LadyTrunks – To be perfectly honest I got the idea for this story when I saw “Under Lock and Key,” the part where Magneto moves the gate. That got me thinking about Magneto using weapons like that in a fight and it just went from there. What did Xavier awake? You won’t find out this story, sorry to disappoint you. I threw it in only if I write a sequel. I suppose that if I get the desire to write a sequel or if there are enough requests then I will. Otherwise no dice. Thanks for taking the time to read and put this up on your site, it is much appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don’t own X-Men: Evolution. However through an intriguing technique I am developing called “Hypnotism” I am planning on making those who have those rights sign them over to me. Victory will at last be mine!!! MUHAHAHAHA!!!!

          Professor Charles Xavier sighed to himself as he wheeled out of his study. It had been three days since the epic battle with Magneto and the task of tending to the wounded had been difficult. The wounds dealt to his X-Men, besides those who did not survive, were all serious in nature and the extensive loss of blood only served to make matters worse.

          Fortunately he was not alone in caring for his X-Men. Piotr Rasputin had decided to stay at the Xavier Institute and take one of the newly vacated teaching positions. The former Acolyte had been concerned that Xavier would refuse his request, having thought that his past might have influenced the Professor’s judgment. Xavier was not one to hold grudges even if the Russian had been responsible for his actions. Besides he had atoned for them by taking Xavier to the battle in time to save the X-Men’s lives at Piotr’s own risk.

          Xavier was also aided by the most unlikely of people. Magneto’s children, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff, had decided to stay at the Institute and help the injured recover. Although Pietro was far more interested in Rogue’s wellbeing then anyone else, he proved to be most able at taking care of the patients, a skill he attributed to once having to care for his ailing mother. When he was not working, Pietro could always be found sitting at Rogue’s bedside, his hand grasping her gloved one.

          While Pietro was most helpful in taking care of wounded, Wanda was another story. Every time Xavier would speak to her she would pale and flinch visibly. When no one was watching her hands would tremble slightly and unshed tears would glisten in her eyes. She had become extremely withdrawn, even more so than usual. The only person she would talk to was Pietro and even then her remarks were in the forms of a single word. The past few days had taken a toll on the poor girl. She had lost two of her closest, and only, friends in the world. At the hand of her now deceased father no less. She had taken the deaths rather harshly, always muttering to herself that it had been her fault. Nothing Xavier could say would dissuade her from holding this point of view.

          Still, Xavier had been too busy dealing with other affairs to help Wanda deal with her grief. He had been far too concerned with the upkeep of the wounded X-Men. Calling upon his vast medical knowledge, he had been able to prevent the wounds the X-Men had sustained from becoming worse. In fact, most of them had regained consciousness. But being battered with constant questioning was wearing the old man out.

          In addition to dealing with the living Xavier also had matters to tend with about the dead. Upon returning to the mansion he had immediately contacted Evan’s parents and told them about the unfortunate fate of their son as well as Ororo. They had taken the news harshly but had not blamed Xavier for their son’s fate. They had requested that Evan’s body be sent home for burial, a demand to which Xavier acquiesced. When he had inquired if they also wished for Ororo to be returned to them they had declined. She had spent more of her life with him; they figured he would know her wishes regarding the matter.

          After breaking the news to the Daniel’s family, Xavier had spent several hours trying to track down any family of Fred or Todd. He had been unsuccessful in this task, finding no trace of any relations. Deciding to let the rest of the Brotherhood decide what to do with their fallen comrades, Xavier’s attention turned to dealing with the myriad questions thrown his way.

          The first to regain consciousness was Hank, his wounds being the least severe out of all the X-Men. When he had awoken, his mind was still firing at all cylinders. It had taken Xavier nearly a quarter of an hour to calm the blue genius down, promising to answer all of his questions at a time that everyone could be present.

          Once Hank had awoken the flood gates opened. Lance, Scott, and Kurt had all woken up within twenty-four hours of Hank. They too pelted Xavier with questions; questions that he attempted to avoid answering until a later date. Even with those rapid recoveries, the others were not out of the woods.

          Bobby, Jean, and Rogue had all sustained extensive injuries, Bobby having the worst extent. His internal organs had ruptured and bone spurs had imbedded into several veins, blocking blood flow. Jean had an artery pierced, causing her to loose blood with every beat of her heart. Rogue’s wound was extremely deep, the spear having gone three-fourths of the way through her stomach. The wound was so extensive that Xavier feared removing the spear without being prepared to perform surgery on the girl, a procedure that Xavier wanted Hank present to perform. As it was Rogue was hooked up to several life support machines, dependant on the machines to keep her alive.

          Still Rogue’s condition was nowhere near Kitty’s. The poor girl had had most of her blood vessels exploded, making it all put impossible for oxygen to get through her body. The only thing that Xavier could do for Kitty was to give her a massive blood transfusion. However he had to be extremely careful with matching blood types and the only possible donors were currently lying in the infirmary, recovering from loss of blood. Until the possible donors got better all that Xavier could do was let Kitty recover naturally.

***

          Time flowed on. Like an unstoppable river, the currents of time moved on, stopping for nothing. And everyone caught in its powerful currents could only help but move along with the flow. As time swept forward it performed its usual miracle, mending wounds and fixing broken hearts.

          At least it did everyone but the Xavier Institute. Wounds had healed as a week had quickly passed by, but hearts could not be fixed in such a short amount of time. The deaths of those close to the X-Men had taken their toll and it would be some time before those wounds would heal. But before they could Professor Xavier would have to answer the questions that had been circulating in the minds of the students.

          Calling everyone to the spacious den, Professor Xavier decided that it was time to finally explain what had happened in the tower and what the results were afterwards. The students milled into the room, all anxious to hear from the Professor.

          Xavier waited until the students had finally found places to seat, a chore which took more time than usual due to the still frail bodies. Once everyone was seated and looking at him expectantly Xavier steepled his hands and began.

          “What I am about to say concerns the questions that you have all been asking me for the past few days regarding the battle with Magneto. I feel it necessary to walk over the entire fight since there was at no time when everyone was present and accounted for, or conscious, except from the outset. So if I go over details you already know I beg your patience so that everyone may be on the same page.”

          “But how do you know everything Professor?” Jean asked with a raised eyebrow. Xavier paused for a moment before answering.

          “There was only one person who witnessed the battle in its entirety. He is not present to give us a description of the events. I was able to obtain the information from him,” Xavier said, holding up his hand to prevent any more comments. “I will explain everything, just give me time.”

          With that said Xavier jumped into his tale.

          “Forgive me if I don’t go into detail in regards to some of the events that occurred. The last point at which everyone was present was when Pietro and Wanda were forcibly removed from the fight, so I will begin from there.

          “After removing his children from the battle, Magneto entered the chamber, displaying his new powers. After a short scuffle he set about showing you all how useless it was to fight him. But he was to be distracted by the three Brotherhood boys. After they had rejected his offer Magneto was intent upon destroying them, as a way to make them pay for their rejection. He set his sights on Lance first, only knocking him unconscious. Then he concentrated the iron in Fred’s bloodstream around Fred’s heart, preventing any blood flow, causing a heart attack. Then, to be blunt, Magneto skewered Todd with several spears, killing him instantly.

          “You retaliated but your efforts were not enough to stop Magneto. After defending himself from your attacks he shattered Evan’s spine. And then killed Ororo and Logan. He then set about defeating you, each time you all avoided a killing blow. Still your powers were no match for Magneto’s. You all fought valiantly but you all fell. At that point Magneto was intending to simply grab Wanda and Pietro and flee, destroying the tower in the process. However he changed his mind, deciding to force Pietro to voluntarily work with him by using Rogue as bait.

          “Magneto’s plan was flawless. He had engineered at fight against the X-Men in a place where he would hold the advantage. He made sure that you would come by injuring me. But he made one mistake. My wounds were bad enough to incite your wrath, but not horrible enough to keep me out of it until he had disposed of you. I awoke and persuaded Piotr to take me into the tower so that I might be able to aid you in time.

          “I arrived almost too late to help. I tried to tell Piotr to remove Magneto’s helmet so that I might be able to attack him but he had failed. While Magneto’s attention was focused on other matters I performed a quick mental scan to ascertain how you all were doing. I discovered that Scott was hovering on the realm of consciousness, with only a few moments left to act. I gave Scott a mental urge to blast Magneto, which he did.

          “Caught unaware Magneto was knocked backward by the blast, his helmet knocked off. I delved into his mind and ripped out his control of his powers, assuring that the tower to collapse under the wayward magnetic energies. In order to get you all out of the tower in time I taped into Jean’s mind and took control of her powers, thus safely removing you from the tower before it fell,” Xavier concluded his speech. He let silent for a moment, letting the information soak in before speaking once more.

          “Have I answered everyone’s questions?”

          “What about the Acolytes?” Scott quickly spat out, eager for Xavier to answer the question that had been on his mind.

          “They will give us no more trouble. Without Magneto to guide them they will split up and go their own ways.”

          “That doesn’t answer my question Professor. Are they still alive?” Xavier frowned as he contemplated the answer.

          “From the information that I have gathered from all of you, I can not truly say. Omega Red was still frozen when the tower collapsed. Even he could not have survived that. Sabretooth was permanently dealt with by Logan. As for the Juggernaught…” Xavier trailed off as he shook his head.

          “His skin is invulnerable. Outside of depriving his body of oxygen or ripping his mind out with a psychic attack there is no way to kill him. Despite the magnitude of Gambit’s attack, he is still alive.”

          “What about Pyro?” Wanda asked, her voice quivering a little.

          “And Gambit?” Rogue threw in from her place beside the leering Pietro. Xavier shrugged.

          “I do not know. But Magneto would have selected only the most skillful and most powerful mutants he could find to be his Acolytes. I would venture to say that they most likely found ways to survive.”

          “Charles, are you certain that Magneto is dead?” Hank asked from his position beside Xavier, the last remaining teacher. Xavier nodded his head firmly.

          “Magneto is gone. There was no way for him to escape,” Xavier said his voice thick with determination. Everyone else in the room nodded slightly, accepting Xavier’s statement.

          “That brings me to what I was going to say next. Tomorrow is going to be a trying day for day for us all. I know that Todd and Fred are being laid to rest back at the Brotherhood house while Ororo and Logan are being buried here. In addition to those funerals there will be a small memorial for Evan at noon. I hope everyone will attend,” Xavier said, shooting a glance in Pietro’s general direction.

          “That is not all. At dusk tomorrow there will be one last funeral,” Xavier said, his comment catching the rest of the Institute by surprise.

          “I will be performing a service to an old friend and fulfilling the request that I was asked to do. This might come as a shock to you all but I hold a copy of Magneto’s will and serve as the executor of his estate. Tomorrow at sunset I will hold a funeral service in his honor. I do not expect for anyone to attend, that choice is yours. But it will be held and I hope that you will at least show some courtesy and respect.”

          Before anyone could respond to Xavier’s statements, he turned and wheeled himself out of the room. He heard the commotion spring up behind him but he paid no attention to what was being said. He had a long day ahead of him.

***

          The next morning at sunrise Ororo Munroe and Logan were laid to rest. The morning air was chilled, the atmosphere bleak. The New Mutants attended the funeral as well, the injuries they had sustained from Juggernaught’s vicious assault a few nights before finally healed. The looked on as their instructors’ coffins were placed into the recently churned ground.

          The Brotherhood attended the funeral as well, out of respect for all that Logan and Ororo had tried to do for them. They said nothing for the entire service, departing at the end to bury their fallen comrades.

          The students spoke reverently about Logan and Ororo, their last comments about their teachers filled with praises for the two. Each recalled a special memory of the two, a moment that they would always cherish. They even cracked a smile when Bobby reminded them of the time he had carved his name into Logan’s sideburns. The pain and grief that had been welled up inside of them for so long was finally released, tears falling down everyone’s sobbing faces.

          Xavier watched on sadly as his first two X-Men were laid to rest. They had helped him found the Xavier Institute; they had helped him train the first batch of X-Men. It wouldn’t be easy to go on without their comforting presences there but it was something that he would have to do. As Xavier watched Logan’s casket descend into the bowels of the earth, he reflected on the decision he had about where to bury them.

          He originally planned to place Ororo and Logan side by side, in her garden. But Xavier knew that Logan would object to spending eternity with flowers. After countless hours Xavier had decided on placing the two on top of one of the small hills on the mansion’s grounds. From there Ororo could look down upon her garden and the forest, giving her a chance to spend eternity marveling at the beauty of nature. The hill was often where Logan used to stand to oversee outdoor training sessions, giving him the opportunity to always watch over the development of the students. Inadvertently, the small hill resided directly above the Danger Room.

          After the funeral the students had gone their separate ways. The Brotherhood, Kitty, Rogue, Kurt, and Jean had gone to bury Todd and Fred. The New Mutants had returned indoors and returned to sleep. The rest spent the morning aimlessly walking along the serene mansion grounds, letting their old friends go peacefully.

          At noon everyone reconvened to pay tribute to Evan. This ceremony had taken place in the lower levels of the mansion. Xavier had a plaque engraved into one of the walls in memory of Evan. Plaques had already been put up for Ororo and Logan, but Evan’s also included a small picture of a skateboard. Piotr had volunteered his services when Xavier mentioned the idea and had performed a beautiful job.

          There were a few spoken comments made about Evan, the kindest one coming from Pietro, who had admitted that Evan, while not better, was his equal. The rest had shared a few memories about the boy before breaking up again. For most their day was over. For Xavier, the most difficult part had yet to come.

          As the sun slowly sank behind the horizon, Xavier prepared himself to say goodbye to his oldest friend. He had known Magneto since his early twenties, over a quarter of a century had past since they had met. They were always the greatest of friends; even their disagreement about mutant status couldn’t alter their friendship.

          Despite everything Magneto had done, Xavier still cared for his friend and was deeply saddened by his death. He did not regret his decision; merely that it could have been avoided. Steeling himself Xavier set out to bury his old friend by himself.

          Wheeling out to Ororo’s garden, Xavier approached the far edge of the garden, the former location of Ororo’s sculpture. A small stone had been placed there, Magneto’s name engraved on it. That was all Xavier could do for his old friend. The garden was, as he expected, mostly empty. None of his students had chosen to attend. Xavier hung his head slightly; he had hoped that at least a few of them would show up. Only Pietro and Wanda stood near the small stone, ready to say goodbye to their father.

 A ruffling noise caught Xavier’s attention and he turned, surprised by what he saw. The rest of the Institute, minus the New Mutants, stood at the edge of the garden, ready to bid farewell to their foe. Rogue slid over to Pietro’s side as Xavier sent a warm smile in the direction of his students, proud that they had shown up.

Moving behind the small stone, Xavier took a moment to look upon those present. Most wore looks of determination, letting Xavier know that they were present for him not for the deceased. Pietro’s eyes were welling up with unshed tears, tears held back only through his determination not to cry. Wanda was silently sobbing, tears streaming down her face, slicing through her heavy makeup. Looking down at the small stone that would remind all those who past that Magneto once lived, Xavier began to tell his oldest friend good-bye.

***

          Two weeks had past since the burials. Peace had once more settled over the Xavier Institute, peace that came with several new recruits. Among those that had joined the fold were the former Brotherhood members Lance, Wanda, and Pietro. They had already been living at the mansion but had made their decision official when the new flock began arriving. Another person joining the fold was Scott’s younger brother Alex. He had been shocked to hear what had occurred over the past months but had been pleased to learn that Scott had not been seriously harmed in any of the fights.

          Most of the new recruits had been accepted with open arms, immediately accepted into the mansion’s community. This had not been the case for one girl. She had come to the mansion just after Alex and her appearance was most intriguing. Her hair was shoulder length and green, the color being the most interesting feature about her appearance. The reception to her arrival had been generally warm, until she revealed her powers.

          When asked for a display of what she could do, the girl made a paperclip float towards her from across the room. This had done nothing as many members of the mansion were capable of more astounding feats. When she explained that she could only control metal objects, the warm tone receded. The X-Men had fallen extremely silent, sending out nasty glares at the girl. Wanda had stormed out of the room, tears glistening in her eyes. Pietro had sped off after her.

          This reaction to magnetic powers led Xavier to wonder the effects of the battle between the X-Men and Magneto. Xavier was still pondering this matter in his study, overlooking the training session of the recruits, when Hank entered the room.

          “Charles?” Hank called out softly, making his way over to Xavier’s desk. Xavier grinned in Hank’s direction.

          “Hello Hank. How are you doing today?”

          “Fine Charles. I was wondering what you were doing up here. Shouldn’t you be overlooking some of the training today?” Hank asked with a raised eyebrow. Xavier shook his head.

          “No. I have decided that Scott and Jean will become new teachers here. There will be no need for me to get involved with the active training of the new recruits.”

          “Then why are you looking down upon their training?”

          “I was merely thinking.”

          “Lorna’s powers?” Hank asked knowingly. Xavier nodded in agreement.

          “The reaction that the students had makes me wonder if they are truly over the battle with Magneto.”

          “I doubt that they are Charles. They all lost friends in that fight. It’s not something they can forget.”

          “Of course not. While their physical scars have healed, I wonder if their emotional ones ever will,” Xavier mused.

          “Time heals all wounds Charles,” Hank replied as he walked out of the study. The door clicked shut, preventing Hank from hearing Xavier’s answer.

          “In this case I’m not sure it will.”

***

          “You miss him?”

          “A little bit I guess. Natural to miss a parent,” Pietro answered Rogue’s question. The two were walking through the blooming garden and their eyes were unconsciously drawn to the small stone residing at the end of the garden’s path.

          “I mean I loved him. I’m just not sure he loved me. Or Wanda.” Rogue reached down and grabbed Pietro’s free swinging hand.

          “He made sure that nothing happened to either one of you. Ah think he did. In his own way.” Pietro nodded as he swung his other arm around Rogue, bringing her into his embrace. They stood there for a moment, saying nothing, comfortable with the silence.

          “Do you wonder about the Acolytes?” Rogue asked, her gaze still on Magneto’s stone.

          “No.”

          “Ah do.” Pietro sighed as he rolled his eyes.

          “I wonder if you like him more than me.” Rogue playfully shoved him in the ribs.

          “If Ah did then Ah wouldn’t have saved ya in the tower.” She made to shove Pietro again but he grabbed her arm and pulled her into him, their eyes inches apart.

          “No second thoughts?”

          “Never.” Pietro cracked a wide, genuine, smile.

          “Good to know.” The two embraced again, this time their gazes upon each other. So intent upon each other they failed to notice the large shadow that had engulfed them.

          “Good day,” Piotr said in his deep voice. Rogue jumped slightly and turned around. Pietro looked slightly annoyed at the disturbance.

          “Hi Piotr. Going to get your sister?” Piotr nodded gleefully.

          “Da. As soon as I take care of an errand for Professor Xavier.”

          “What type of errand?”

          “Large trail of fires have erupted in Canada. Fires that go along with a mutant signature,” Piotr said, letting them fill in the identity of the arsonist.

          “Pyro’s still alive? Didn’t know the little git had it in him,” Pietro cracked while Rogue nodded in agreement. Piotr nodded.

          “Professor Xavier hopes for me to convince Pyro to join us here. I doubt such a thing will be possible but I must try.” Rogue blanched at the thought of Pyro joining them at the mansion.

          “The house would burn down in a week. He better not come here.” Pietro nodded in agreement. Piotr looked over their heads towards the small stone. His expression didn’t change.

          “I remember that Gambit once called him ‘King of Spades.’ I never understood why he said that. I still wonder why.”

          “It’s a reference to the Civil War. The King of Spades was a nickname given to Robert E. Lee because he was never beaten or caught. Same held true for Magneto. Ah guess that’s why he gave him the nickname.”

          “Thank you Rogue.”

          “If that’s everything I would like to spend some time with my girlfriend alone,” Pietro replied, his underlying tone telling Piotr to scram. The Russian shook his head.

          “Professor Xavier says that you come with me to find Pyro. We leave now.”

          “What? Now?” Piotr nodded. Before Pietro could argue with this, Rogue clamped her gloved hand over his mouth.

          “Ah ain’t going anywhere. Ah’ll see you in a day or two.” Seeing that it was going to be pointless to argue, Pietro nodded and began to walk away with Piotr. Rogue remained in the garden, her gaze wandered back towards the stone. Tentatively Rogue approached the stone, something she hadn’t done since the service.

          As she neared the stone Rogue noticed something out of place. Lying on the bleak gray stone was a bright white rectangle. As Rogue approached the rectangle came into focus. It was a playing card. The King of Spades to be precise.

          Rogue gently smiled as she bent over and picked up the card. He had survived the explosion in the tower. While she had picked Pietro, it was still good to know that he was alive. Pocketing the card with a grin, Rogue tossed a mock salute at Magneto’s plaque and walked off to watch the new recruits training.

***

          In his study Xavier watched Pietro trudge off with Piotr and Rogue join an amused Wanda in watching the new recruits attempt to survive an obstacle course created by Hank. Xavier watched this with an amused air. His gaze roamed over to see Kitty and Lance walk along the gravel path, hand in hand. Xavier shut his eyes for a moment, his thoughts wandering.

          “You did what you always wanted Erik,” Xavier said, speaking his thoughts.

          “You always wished that mutants could unite together, that they could accept one another. And here they have begun to do that. Because of you old friend.

          “I don’t think you saw this as the result of your actions. But this is what happened. You finally brought mutants together, united them so that they might show the world a unified front. Ironic that they would first united against you.”

          Xavier paused as he turned to face his desk. Withdrawing a key from his pocket he reached down and unlocked one of the drawers. Pulling the drawer open he withdrew an object that he had kept hidden from his students, believing that they would react negatively to its presence. It was a token that reminded him of his friend, a token that he had inadvertently taken from the tower.

          It was Magneto’s helmet.

          Xavier looked at the helmet for a moment before wheeling himself over to the fireplace in the study. Reaching up he placed the helmet on top of the mantle, facing it towards his desk. He could picture his friend looking out from the depths of the helmet, his gaze always watching.

          It would serve him as a reminder of what he was fighting for, of what he was trying to achieve. Knowing that Erik was looking down on him from his old helmet would still give him drive.

          Xavier wheeled himself to the door of the study, pulling the old oak door open. Xavier started to leave the study but paused, his gaze falling back on the empty helmet residing on his mantle place.

          “Good-bye old friend. May the next world treat you better than this one.” With that Xavier shut the door and turned his gaze and his energy towards the future.

All done.

I’m so sad. I started this so many months ago and I finally finished. It’s depressing that I no longer have this story to write, but I’m also glad that I finished this.

Earlier on I said that there may or may not be a sequel. To hell with that. There will be a sequel to this story, whenever I get the chance to write it.

I look forward to continuing the storylines and the character developments that I started in this one.

Thanks to everyone who read this story, I’m glad that you took the time to do so. If you really liked this story then I recommend you read my other fic, “The Phantom of the Institute.” It’s much better than this one in my opinion. Check it out.

Until we meet again.