Part 60 - Displacement

"As unexpected as that was," Richardson said, clearing his throat and straightening his coat, "I can say I'm not entirely surprised. How did you find your way back?"

"It was a bit difficult to navigate," the other man nearly growled, "But I suppose when one is determined enough."

"Erik, I never intended to send you back with the others," Richardson assure, giving him a coy smile and stepping back from the other man, who glared at him intently. "Our goals are hardly different from each other's, and I would prefer your support, rather than your protest."

"Explain yourself."

The other man paced in the demolished room thoughtful, and then with a curious twitch of his face, the rubble below their feet began to move. Magneto looked down and saw that everything was skittering in odd directions, and backwards.

"I sent your remaining kind back in time simply to displace them, but in that moment, something hadn't occurred to me. Displacing them could alter history in an undesirable way."

"A time traveller like you? That should have been the first thing you thought of," Magneto scoffed.

"Heat of the moment, my apologies. As I was saying, history might alter in a way I didn't exactly anticipate, and in order to alter it the way I do desire, I need to bring them back."

"Bring them back? Why not just kill them?" Magneto asked immediately. Richardson raised his eyebrows.

"So quick to condemn your own kin, are you?"

"I'm only trying to think from your perspective," Magneto assured.

"Indeed."

The rubble beneath them shifted further, and Magneto moved to dodge some of it. It moved slowly enough to avoid easily, but it was a distracting pain.

"I need to bring them back, and then kill them. Considering what I've known of them, they are meddlesome, and may alter things unintentionally. You, however, I could still use, if you are willing to offer your services. I would much rather have your assistance in this matter than kill you. And believe me when I say I will not offer this a second time."

Magneto stared as the room repaired itself slowly and the other man stared at him calmly, waiting for an answer.

"You've destroyed the Brotherhood. Why?"

"They were insignificant."

"But if they were to follow me, and I followed you, what's there to be insignificant?"

"I understand your point," Richardson nodded, "But believe me, I'd rather not change their fate now."

"You changed mine."

"You're a man of principle, Erik. A very intelligent man of principle, it would be a shame to destroy you."

Magneto blinked and was unsure of how to answer. He watched the room, narrowed his eyes, and then took in a slow breath.

"You bring the Brotherhood back, and I'll add to your cause."

Richardson frowned, but rubbed his chin, looking around. "The X-Men?"

"I couldn't care less about them." Magneto narrowed his eyes.

"Your choice. Very well, and I assure you, your choice is well made."

The room around them continued to piece back together, and the air around them grew hazy from the dust of past explosions.