Author's Note

Disclaimer - All characters owned by Marvel and associates, not myself. I'm just borrowing them for a while here...

This is a dominant/submissive AU world designed by the wonderful Camiyo whom this story is in collaboration with. However all mistakes are author's own. The characters, and world will diverge heavily from canon. The outline is in 10 parts, please review and let us know what you think. Will try and update on a regular basis (and keep up to date with my other stories)...

AU World Summary:

Erik is a powerful Sentinel who has no idea he needs a Guide to complete him when he finally tracks down Shaw. Then Charles rescues him from the ocean, and he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the younger mutant…

Part 1: Drowning

Charles's reaction is immediate. Instinctive. His mental shields slam into place, protecting himself, and Raven.

No…No…No…

On that ship was the one person they had spent the last five years evading. A different face, a different name but there was no mistaking the familiar evil aura radiating from the luxury yacht across the water.

Sebastian Shaw.

Charles probably could take him down, but for his blond female mutant companion. Moira's report had neglected to include mention of the mystery woman's secondary mutation - telepathy. Now her presence effectively neutralised any effect he may have on Shaw.

On any other day Charles may have attempted to try his strength against them both. Not today, there is too much risk to Raven. He had to get her out of here, before their enemy realised just how close they were…

The diamond telepath's attention is distracted - and Charles distantly observes another mutant slipping through the water - landing on the yacht's deck…A man radiating such intense determination that his mind is lit up like a beacon. Her attack is ruthless. She dredges up terrible scenes of torture, more devastating for them being true memories - the man slips to his knees as Charles is caught up in the exchange.

A young boy in war torn Germany, torn apart from everything he had ever known. Forced to watch as their mother die in front of them. Murdered, so calmly, so cruelly by Herr Doktor. Schmidt.

Charles can feel everything…such pain…courage…brilliance… It's instinct again. Sheer instinct. As he throws out his mental shield to encompass the man. Sending her reeling backwards - forcefully out of their mind. Charles feels her confusion as he clouds his own presence. Her sharp mental tendrils snake outwards as she seeks him. She knew there was another telepath close…

"Charles are you alright?" Raven calls, wrapping her fingers round his wrist. Distracting…

Charles is it? Hello my dear…

He fights to block the female telepath's sinuous mind, capturing a name in return. Emma - her name is Emma… She gasps, and slips out of his reach sending projected crystal daggers to ward him off.

He stumbles, catching himself. "Charles!" Raven demands again, and he blinks, giving her a reassuring smile. Inwardly he is screaming. Turning as Moira steps up. "I don't think I'm going to be much use here on in I'm afraid…his telepath is blocking me…" The agent's eyes widen at this, and Raven's grip on his wrist tightens as she looks at him with wide eyes.

This is bad. So very stupid. Why did he bring his sister here?

Erik struggles to fight against the double images juxtaposed on his vision. Those of the camps - his past - against the present of the shiny wooden deck he's knelt upon.

Hold on Erik…

He blinks, coming back to himself with shocking suddenness, feeling her recoil from his mind. She gives no physical indication that anything has happened, as Shaw's hand falls upon her shoulder. "Emma…where are your manners? We don't attack our own kind…"

Hold on… Hold on… Hold on…

A voice of the ocean wind, a light soothing whisper against his bowed neck. Leaving in its wake a startling clarity of calm.

Is she - Emma - still speaking to him? What ploy is this? Shaw stands looking somewhere beyond Erik's line of vision - distracted.

It's a chance and he takes it - plunging over the edge of the deck into churning waves which reach up as though to embrace him. Furious frustration bursts forth within his heart. He has planned this moment - this confrontation between himself and his mother's murderer for so many long careful years…and…in a single moment lost.

He believed he was the only one…just a singular isolated freak of nature…never considered the possibility of there being others…

It only highlights that Shaw has knowledge and resources that Erik alone can never hope to match. Rage grants him the strength to draw the anchor chains upwards to his call - rising from their watery berth to coil like living snakes around the ship's deck.

Erik has the satisfaction of seeing Shaw run.

Raven is gripping Charles's arm - his fear projecting across to her. "There's someone else out there…" He explains, racing up the stairs onto the upper deck. She gasps as the heavy steel chains rise from the ocean like living tentacles of some great leviathan, cutting through the middle of the luxury yacht as easily as scissors through paper.

Charles…we should get out of here.

But all he can feel is the blackness closing around that brilliant sparkling mind. …No… He responds.

She's startled enough that her faster reflexes are delayed. Left grasping air as her brother leaps over the deck and dives into the churning ocean.

"Charles!" She screams, looking desperately back at Moira as the agent curses, shaking her head, disbelief in her expression.

Erik struggles. It's a moment before he realises that its another person pressed against him. Strong arms locked around his chest - attempting to drag him upwards - away from Shaw.

…You are not alone…

Explodes with all the brilliance of a star's light in Erik's mind. Stunning him into releasing his magnetic grip on the descending submarine. Abruptly aware of a painful burning sensation in his lungs.

Air…lack of…air

Then he's being dragged with unnatural speed towards the surface.

Drawing in harsh gulps of air as they break above the churning waves, Erik regards his unlikely saviour. Impossibly boyish features, framed by a mop of dark hair.

Just who is he to interfere in Erik's plans?

Now Shaw has escaped. "What did you do - I had him!" He growls angrily, above the roaring waves.

…blue… His rescuer's eyes are blue. Impossibly blue. Abrilliant blue which Erik can see so brightly even in the dark. Such a colour is not natural.

"I am not your enemy!" His saviour responds equally forcefully. "I didn't realise you could breathe underwater - forgive me - do continue…" Gesturing with his hands that Erik is free to go ahead with his suicide mission if he wishes. The exasperation in his expression dispels some of Erik's frustrated rage.

Without this man's intervention he would never have broken his magnetic lock on the Shaw's escape vessel. Erik would have died - for nothing. It appears he isn't the only freak of nature - but he is as alone as he has ever been. Those few others of his kind have demonstrated their allegiance to Shaw.

He lives, yet so does his mother's murderer. Shaw is defended by people that Erik can barely contemplate exist. People like himself. Now his tormentor will be more careful, Erik has lost his advantage, and the odds are now stacked further against him. Exhaling he closes his eyes, closer to despair in that one moment than he has ever been in his life.

"You are not alone my friend…"

Starting at the warmth of the hand that brushes his face, Erik looks into the impossibly blue cerulean eyes. Radiating a deep calm certainty that causes a strange spark of hope to ignite in his chest. But he cannot mean…

"I saw what you did - with the chains - I'm like you - a mutant…"

The moment imprints into Erik's memory. Its another impossibility. Never in his life has anything like this happened before, never. In this one instance he can almost believe in angels. In miracles - for his saviour cannot be anything but to come Erik in his hour of greatest need…

Charles swallows, treading the water, feeling as though he is the one drowning as Erik's intense gaze spears him with such power.

Another Sentinel…just like Shaw…

He's certain of it, from the depths of aggression radiating outwards from the honed muscled frame. There is more to the metal manipulator's anger than the simple dredging up of past memories…

It is a startling the image that pops into Charles's mind. The joyous laughter on his friend's face. Oh, but Talbo would laugh at him so for his panic. The young monk would state something like "Charles…see the tiger here - even his stripes are marking you…" With a wistful sigh he closes his eyes. He's missed Talbo's kind eyes, his smiling features so much. Missed their too short time amongst the high mountains, the tranquillity of the temple and the peaceful serenity that had dwelled there. Raven had enjoyed walking in her natural form amongst them, revelled in the monk's quiet simple acceptance of what they were. She hadn't wanted to leave. Neither had Charles. For those few weeks in Tibet they hadn't had to hide, hadn't had to run…and it had been perfect…

But they had lingered too long forgetting just who pursued them…Shaw…

He's drawn sharply back to the present, as a large wave crests around them, drawing in a bitter mouthful of salty water. He hates water. Absolutely hates it. Surprised at the sharp bite of laughter that escapes Erik's lips. "Let me get this straight - you absolutely - hate water - yet you dived into a stormy pitch black ocean to save me?"

Charles is certain he hasn't spoken that thought…has he? Perhaps he's more tired than he realises. Spitting out the awful salty taste, he sighs gathering his wits, and effecting what he hopes is a nonchalant shrug. "Shall we start again?" Holding out a hand. "Charles Xavier - at your service." Come on Moira! He mentally projects their location. Cutting off as he feels her angry response.

Another overly large wave, leaves him spluttering. Could this get any worse? Evidently so as strong arms wrap around him, and lift him bodily above the surface. A range of emotions too swift to name or identify sweep across the handsome chiselled face. "Who is saving who?" He asks, and the metal kinetic finally smiles. "Erik." He responds cordially. His voice sends a shiver sweeping through Charles that has nothing to do with the cold. "My name is Erik."

Their faces are just inches apart, and he's very aware of the strength in the arms holding him. Covering his confusion he prods further. "What just Erik? No second name - no Smith, or Jones, or-" Breaking off as the light swings across them, followed by Moira's voice barking out of the fog horn. "There - we see you hang on…"

Erik takes the lead, climbing easily up the ladder as the boat reaches them. Charles stumbles over the last rung - so lost in thought he doesn't realise he has already reached the deck. A strong hand catches his wrist - steadying him. He stares at the muscles in the toned arm evident through the black watertight outfit. Erik has the perfect honed body of an athlete.

"Charles - Charles…" Raven is charging towards him - towel in hand. Moira hands one rather more cautiously to the man beside him. You idiot! Raven berates him. I thought you were leaving me! He brushes the tears from her eyes. "Don't be silly…" He teases softly.

Holding out his hand to Moira in introduction. "This is Erik…" The metal kinetic however is warily observing the guards surrounding them. Seeing this Charles casts a glance at the female agent. Moira…? He's hardly a criminal…

No? He just sank a luxury yacht…

Did he? I didn't see a thing…and I doubt anyone else did either…

She scowls. Don't you dare Charles.

He steps in front of Erik, with deliberate precision. "A mutant - like myself." He states calmly. In a perfect show of solidarity. A sigh of frustration escapes her lips, before she relents, dispersing the guards with a wave of her hand.

"I apologise for the rude greeting, we have learned to be careful…I am Agent Moira MacTaggart." She extends her hand, glancing at Charles as she does so. No second name? The taller man moves between them suddenly radiating power. Enfolding her hand in a strong grip. "Erik Lehnsherr."

Raven carefully watches him. The metal manipulating mutant radiates certainty and power. Just like Shaw. Shit. His gaze flickers to Moira before settling on her brother with a look that she definitely does not like. Stop it… She projects - hoping Charles will realise what he's doing. The more Guide's used their abilities the stronger the siren call to any nearby Sentinel. Sentinel's just like the man standing before them.

"You say you're like me? So…just what is your ability?" Erik questions, leaning over her brother's smaller frame. Charles's shrugs. "You had a taste of what I can do in the water…" She steps decisively forwards, resisting the shiver that runs down her spine as the Sentinel assesses her. "You could say - we each have our own gifts…I'm Raven." Shifting into her brother's form - water soaked clothing included.

"You…" Erik breathes in an amazed tone, looking back and forth between them. "Just how many of us are there?" Charles laughs, expanding his arms… "Honestly…I don't know Erik…but believe me when I say you are no longer alone."

Oh no. She knows that look. No Charles. She steps between them, "I would like a word - with my idiot brother alone." Clasping his arm - she propels him along the deck, and puts some distance between them. "What the hell were you thinking Charles? You know what they want…he won't be any different!"

"We need help Raven - we can't take on Shaw alone - and neither can Erik…"

"You want to work with him? Charles - he's a Sentinel. Its too dangerous. What if he-"

"So we just run again? Its him Raven...I sensed him...he must have gained a new name - Shaw now...you know he's not going to stop..."

She pulls back, a pale look in her eyes. "Its really him?" He nods. Yes, I'm sorry Raven... She closes her eyes, "Stop thinking at me Charles." pressing her fingers against his temple. "You're only attracting him to you…" They regard each other for a long moment. "I'm sorry…" Charles whispers, and she sighs reaching forwards to brush his sodden hair from his face.

Both jump as the shadow looms over them. Erik. "Is something wrong?" And though Raven is still wearing her brother's form - the metal manipulator's eyes merely flicker over her, before fixing on Charles. Like a magnet. Irked she snarls, stepping back to face him. "Yes - you. Just stay the hell away from us." She is stunned when he silently turns, and follows her suggestion.

Charles winces at the bite of anger, of crushed hope projecting from the metal kinetic. Erik hadn't asked to be brought here. He hadn't asked to be found - or for their help. He wouldn't stay where he wasn't wanted.

"Raven…" Charles scolds before pushing past her - tearing after the elder mutant. "Erik - please wait-" His fingers brush the metal manipulators - and he stumbles. Gasping at the roiling wave of anger that hits him, sweeping forcefully through his mind…like scissors though paper. Overpowering his mental defences.

Then Erik is leaning over him in the narrow gangway space. Holding him up against the wall. "Are you alright?" He pulls himself together with what little strength he has left. Nodding, but he needs to ease the pain that Raven's caused with her rejection.

"Don't take it to heart - she's just very overprotective…" Erik tilts his head silent for a long moment, and Charles simply watches the effect of the calmness he is projecting take hold. He wouldn't normally - ever - do such a thing, not unless it is an utmost emergency. But the metal kinetic has suffered, been through so much already - he doesn't need to think the remaining mutants he has met are also against him. Not when he's just begin to have hope…

And the fact that Erik still can hope after everything that has happened in his life utterly amazes Charles.

The choice is still his to stay or go. Charles would never take that away from him - from anyone.

Releasing the breath he didn't realise he had been holding when a decisive flash of humour sparkles in those intense green eyes. "Hmmm…she doesn't think you can look after yourself?" He flushes, glad for the darkness, but Erik smirks…his fingers reaching out to brush his cheeks. So close…and Charles can feel his heart pounding in his chest. Held by the other's powerfully magnetic gaze. What is wrong with him…?

There's no telling what would have happened if Moira hadn't intervened then. "Erik, Please come with me I think I can find you some dry clothes…" She looks at Charles with an exasperated sigh. "You too - come on Charles."

Erik considers his outwitted goal. Shaw. If Charles's hadn't pulled him from the water he would no doubt be dead by now. He should be furious with the man…and yet…he wants nothing more than to pin him down. Spread his body over the younger man's and -

Shaking his head at his unusual thoughts. It must be the adrenaline - their closeness in the water…an entirely natural response… Yet the tantalising image won't leave him alone, since Charles's arms wrapped round him - Erik has become honed to his presence. To his unique magnetic field…

"Moira - I am perfectly capable-" Charles is saying, attempting to divest himself of his sodden shirt - and failing miserably. A flash of interest sparks in the woman's eyes, as she observes his bare skin. "Are you sure you're alright in there Charles?" Erik catches her shoulder, propelling her towards the door. Her protests cut off as he shuts it firmly in her face, and moves to assist the younger man.

"Umm Moira - I'm fine…" Charles breaks off, as he finally sees who is leaning over him. Stumbling back against the wall in surprise. Erik holds his divested shirt. "Oh…" He swallows, "Err…thank you…" Erik shrugs, a knowing smile, indicating his own wet suit. "Perhaps you could return the favour…"

Hearing the sharp thudding of the younger man's heart, Erik smirks. Charles misses it - looking down. "Oh…erm…of course…" Doing little to diminish the sharp awareness Erik has of him as he steps forwards. The metal manipulator breathes in deeply, perhaps it's because they are both different…maybe the closeness in the water or now. But this man is already imprinted upon his senses, Charles's sharp iron rich pulse like a tantalising scent…his magnetic field a steady thrum of which he's vividly aware.

The brush of fingers against the metal of his wetsuit is delicious. The younger man is in such a distracted state he doesn't consider that Erik can do it himself. He waits enjoying the contact, as its pulled down around his shoulders, and lets Charles's pulls away. Running a hand through his damp hair. "Is that enough-" He nods, letting his eyes roam over the younger man's body for a moment longer. "Yes, thank you."

He lifts a lazy hand towards the door, watching amusedly as Charles's eyes widen. As the lock engages with a sharp click. "You never did tell me - what your ability is."

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