Redemption

The two men seated in the room faced each other. Both were big men, easily 6'8' in height. The one behind the desk was dressed in an Armani suit with Gucci loafers. While the other was dressed in jeans, a red T-shirt and running shoes. The one in the suit reached towards a device, then switched it on. He then indicated his guest should speak.

"You wish me to speak my full name, place of birth and present occupation? Do you not already know these things, tovarisch? Ahh, `for the record'. Very well. My name is Piotr Nikoleivitch Rasputin. I was born on the Ust-Ordynksi Collective in the Soviet Union. Excuse me, the former Soviet Union. My present occupation is that of handyman for Dr. Moira MacTaggert.

"No, I do not miss the State. I was not happy to hear of it's destruction but I do not mourn it either. The Party made many things possible but at such a great cost. You wish for me to tell you about my early life? I was always large for my age, stronger than most men by the time I was 14. Growing as I did on a farm, I worked with the men during the spring, summer and fall, and watched it snow during the winter. To alleviate the boredom I tried my hand at drawing and found I had a talent for it. Many of the local girls asked me to draw their pictures. Which led to other things.

"I feel no shame for what I did with them. Why should I? They pursued me, it is not as if I was chasing them through wheat-fields lustily bellowing at them. Regardless, I was not without friends. My marks in school and my physical abilities caught the eye of the Party. They were interested in having me join the GRU. That was the military intelligence arm of the People's Army. You were expecting me to say KGB? It would be very difficult for me to blend into the local scenery when following a spy... A month before I was to transfer to my school, my sister, Illyana, was playing in a field when a tractor ran out of control and started towards her. Having no other recourse I transformed myself into my organic steel form and stopped the tractor. Those on the collective knew of my abilities, it being extremely hard to hide something of that nature in a small community. They appreciated my abilities for the simple reason that I could remove obstacles in the fields quicker and safer than using a tractor or dynamite.

"Although they knew I had no choice they reported the destruction of the tractor. Tractors being a resource of the People, they needed to be accounted for. That is how I believe Xavier learned of me. Why was Xavier allowed to take me out of the country to the United States? I do not know. Colonel Vashin of the KGB told me that it would serve the best interests of the Party if I went. So I went.

"Do I regret leaving the Soviet Union? I still do not know for sure... There are many things I did for the world as an X-man. Many things that I saw, worlds that I traveled to, people that I met... You wish to know about Nereel? Who spoke to you of her?

"Ahh, Logan. Why do you not speak to him as you are to me? I have only killed two people in my lifetime. Yes, Proteus and Riptide. As I was saying, Logan has killed more people than I have known and yet you are not talking to him... Warren was converted by Apocalypse into the Angel of Death and killed, how many he killed I do not know, but I know it was more than I have killed... Bishop when he came here killed the fugitives from his time... Yes I put him through a wall, he annoyed me...

"Regardless, you are not talking to them. Have you talked to Rogue? She has feelings of isolation from the simple fact that she could not touch anyone and throws herself at the first man she can safely touch. I did not say, however, that was the man she loves. Yes, I know she is with Magneto... I know he calls himself Joseph but he is Magneto. Have you talked to Sam about the possible alienation he will feel when everyone he loves dies of old age around him while he remains untouched? Or to Tabitha, Sam's former girlfriend, about her feelings of guilt over freeing Sabretooth? And how it effected Sam's trust in her? Or to Betsy who is clearly withdrawing from humanity by her recent altercation with the Crimson Dawn?

"Or to Ororo who still suffers from claustrophobia? Or Robert Drake who is trying to deal with his conflicting emotions regarding Emma Frost? Or to Emma Frost who is dealing with conflicting emotions in regards to Robert Drake? Or Gambit who's mysterious past cost him the woman he loves? Note, I am not speaking of his time as a thief... Or to the Professor for manipulating the lot of us for years and then betraying our trust? For doing so several times. And telling us it was for our own good.

"Perhaps you should talk to Kitty and ask how she feels about betraying me on Xavier's order at Muir Island? Or perhaps you should ask how quickly she forgot about it? No, I will say nothing about Pete Wisdom. He is treating Kitty as she deserves to be treated. Perhaps he is to old for her, but that is her choice. The one thing I truly regret is hurting him. He did not deserve that.

"I know I reacted badly. I was tired and felt unwell. That could have and should have gone better. But I notice that Xavier who nearly slaughtered the whole team, destroyed a majority of New York, who has killed a significant number of the heroes that you as well as I knew and yet did he go through counseling? No. I know that it is felt he is not responsible for the actions of Onslaught. However, Onslaught came from him. The only reason I am here, is for the simple reason that Xavier holds a grudge that I turned my back on him by siding with Magneto.

"Yes, I believe that. If you review what I have told you, you may come to this conclusion as well. Kurt asked for this and not Xavier? I did not know that. Interesting.

"Ahh, you wish for me to get back to Nereel. Yes, I met her in the Savage Land. She is a member of the Fall People. Yes, we were... intimate. Then she and I grew apart, mainly because I could not be there. Yes, I know she has a son. Actually, I did know his name was Peter... He is my son? Logan and Betsy told you this? YES, this is news to me!"

The man behind the desk looked over at his patient. Then he turned off the recorder. "Would you like to be alone?"

"Da. I will go for a walk. I will be back in an hour after I have thought on this." Piotr then left the room.

There was a knock at the door then it opened and a hover-chair came into the room. "Professor Xavier."

"Dr. Samson. What do you think?"

"That is one confused young man. When are you going to start therapy with me, Charles?"

"Leonard, I will think about it. Is he getting better?"

"From the way his actions of before were described to me, yes he has been getting better. Why is it no one told him that Nereel's son was his as well?"

"We assumed he knew."

"He did not. Charles, that is a young man with no ties or anchors to hold him in check. The only reason that he is not in jail for the murder of Peter Wisdom is the simple fact that Piotr on some level knew he was wrong. Charles, that man went toe-to- toe with the Juggernaut, lasted a full round against the Champion, has fought Gladiator and Sasquatch. If he had hit Wisdom with his full strength they would have been washing him off the walls."

"We felt that with what had happened in his life that it not be discussed."

"Why? I have read the file on him, all his life he has been under the influence of another. The Soviet Union, yourself, your dream and Magneto. The only time he was free was when he went through the Siege Perilous. When he was the artist Peter Nicholas. Charles, I met Peter Nicholas at an exhibition. I saw his art. It was beautiful, the work of a master in touch with his craft. It was the art of a well- adjusted man who was happy with where he was. He has talent, yet he can't use it for an outlet because of the simple fact that if he uses it, it brings back feelings he doesn't want to experience. I know he paints, but he paints for other's not himself. He is trying to overcome his loss of control. He just doesn't know how. I will help him, but you need to speak with him."

"I will try to make time."

"Charles, have you been listening to me? This is a man who doesn't have much time. If he can not get beyond his resentment of you for the death of his sister and of other things, then all my work would have been for nothing. Charles, you broke him when you turned an artist into a warrior. He has also told me that the GRU was going to recruit him and that you appeared to take him away to the West."

"Are you saying that he would have been happier in the Soviet military?"

"We'll never know. It may have helped him to be around those who spoke his language, had his values and understood his background. Instead you stick him in a house with a circus performer, a former spy and assassin, a former Interpol agent, a Native American war hero, a winged millionaire playboy and a `goddess'. The last two must have really appealed to his Communist Party learning. He had the least in common with anyone in the house. I won't even speak of his age compared to the others. And then his mutant power makes him one of the worst possible choices to fight your friend, Magneto. Which he does out of duty."

"Leonard, are you finished?"

"No. The entire time he's an X-man his main duty has been to stand in front of the important ones and take the hits they would get. He fights those who also have enhanced strength but most of the time he is outclassed. His fights with Juggernaut and Gladiator are two prime examples of a boy who tried to live up to the expectations placed upon him. Then there is what happened with Proteus. He is uncomfortable on Muir Island for more reasons than just the fact that he nearly killed Peter Wisdom. He also killed Kevin MacTaggert there. Yes, I know he had no choice. Did you speak to him about it? No. Instead that is the time you convinced Kitty Pryde to join and the Phoenix situation got out of control."

"We thought he had adjusted to having done that."

"Charles, I know that at times you have had to be pragmatic in the pursuit of your dream. And that several people have confused your pragmatism with cruelty. But are you going to tell me that you never paid attention to what Piotr must have been feeling? Don't answer that yet. I need to get something to eat. Piotr will be back in 55 minutes. Try to talk to him."

Piotr was sitting at the dock by the boathouse. He knew that someone was watching him. He turned to see Bishop standing there. "Hello, Bishop."

"Colossus."

"Are you my guard?"

"I'm here to make sure no accidents occur. Some of us still don't trust you."

"Does that include yourself?"

"Yes."

"At least you are honest about it. Thank you for that. Can you get a hold of Wolverine and Psylocke for me? I need to talk with them. Please."

"Very well." Bishop spoke into his communicator.

"They will be here in five minutes."

"Spaceeba."

Piotr turned so that he was facing the path that Logan and Betsy would have to take to the lake. He saw them come walking towards him.

Piotr rose to his feet when they were ten feet from him. "No closer. I want Bishop to have a clear view of this."

Logan looked him in the eye. "What's this about, Petey?"

"Why didn't either of you tell me that Nereel's son was mine?"

Logan looked over at Betsy. Betsy looked to Piotr. "Honestly? You would not have been a good father for the child. And we needed you on the team."

"I see. Logan, your thoughts on the matter?"

"It was Nereel's choice, bub. She should have told you."

"So... Thank you. You may leave now. And yes, that was not a request."

Logan and Betsy looked at Piotr and then went back up the path.

"Bishop, I would like to speak with Magneto now."

"He says his name is Joseph, Colossus. But I'll get him. Piotr, I know what it is like to lose family. To have everything you value ripped from you and destroyed. Wanting to strike back is not wrong. What you did was." Bishop then called up Rogue to get Joseph.

Rogue and Joseph both flew to the lake. Landing on the dock they went to Piotr. "Rogue, this is a private discussion. Please wait over by Bishop."

"Ah want to hear this, Petey. Ah don't want ya'll to mess with Joseph's head."

"Rogue, he is the master of magnetism. I turn into steel. He has little to fear from me."

"Go, Rogue. I will be fine."

After she had left, Joseph turned to Piotr. "What did you wish to talk to me about?"

"Why the charade, Magnus?"

"Excuse me? My name is Joseph."

"No, you are Erik Magnus Lehnsherr. The mutant known as Magneto. Anything else you say about that is a lie. You have done many reprehensible things in your lifetime. Among them the destruction of the Leningrad, unleashing your magnetic pulse around the world, using your son and daughter as soldiers in your crusade against humanity, attempting to use the New Mutants as your personal enforcers when you were the White King of the Hellfire Club and your ripping the adamantium from Logan's body. The most disgusting and diabolical thing you did was to destroy any chances for Rogue and Gambit to reconcile. Did you think of telling Gambit about the Z'noxx chamber? No. You decided to have Rogue for yourself. Regardless of the fact that she doesn't love you. She stays with you for the simple reason that you can touch her. Have you used the Z'noxx chamber to help her gain control of her mutant power? Have you told her if she was in the Z'noxx chamber, anyone could touch her?"

"Be silent." Magnus whispered.

"What did you say, Magnus? Was that a command? I did not rescue you from Avalon so that you could destroy the X-Men. Tell them or I will."

"Hold your tongue. Or I will ensure your silence."

"Is that a threat? This is what we will do. Meet me in the Danger Room in five minutes. You win, I keep silent. I win, you reveal everything. Your word Magnus?"

Magneto looked at Piotr. "You really think you in your organic steel body can defeat the Master of Magnetism? Then so be it."

"Just be there." Piotr then got up and left. Bishop followed him to the Mansion.

Bishop looked over at Piotr. "Why did you have me record that?"

"Some things need to be changed. Why am I being treated as I am and yet Magnus is allowed almost free reign with Xavier's technology? Ask yourself that, Bishop. Also, remember what Xavier did to the team as Onslaught? Why is he even here?"

"You do not trust the Professor do you?"

"At one time, Bishop, I would have died for him. Now... I do not know."

Word spread quickly through the teams gathered in the Mansion. Colossus had challenged `Joseph'. Odds were given, bets were placed and the time came.

The control room was cramped. Everyone wanted to see the fight. Storm, Jean, Cannonball, Sunspot and Meggan were chosen to be in the Danger Room to prevent anyone from going to far. Dr. Samson was curious to see how this was going to come out. He knew the two had a history.

Colossus came into the Danger Room first. He had asked that there be no special environments in use, just that there be a featureless room. He stood off to the side. He hadn't said anything, but he had nodded his head to Storm and smiled at Meggan.

Magnus came in and immediately took to the air. He appeared bored, confident that the battle was not in doubt. What was in doubt, to his mind, was just how long it would take for him to win.

Cyclops' voice came over the intercom. "OK, guys. No one tries to kill the other. Anything else, is pretty much within reason. The winner is the first to knock his opponent unconscious or gets him to surrender. Jean and the other's will not interfere but if your opponent gives up and you continue, they will stop you. Any questions?"

Magnus looked up. "Has Colossus always been this obtuse? He's made of steel, I control it."

"Joseph, you haven't won yet. Piotr, any questions?" Scott asked.

"Nyet."

"OK. Begin."

With an arrogant look of dismissal on his face, Magnus started getting closer to Colossus. Colossus had yet to move. When Magnus was within 50 yards of him, Colossus pulled his right arm back and then threw something at Magnus. The small black ball rocketed towards Magnus who increased his magnetic shielding.

The ball flew through the air and went past Magnus. He sneered at Piotr's poor aim. The ball bounced off the wall and ricocheted back towards Magnus. It then hit Magnus in the back of the head. He fell to the ground from a height of five yards. He shakily rose to his feet. While he was getting to his feet, Colossus ran over to him.

Colossus got within eight feet of Magnus, then switched to his human form and drop-kicked him. Quickly rising to his feet, Piotr kicked Magnus in the ribs, then the side of the head. Piotr moved towards him again when Jean yelled out. "Stop!"

Piotr turned to her. "Shto?"

"Piotr, he's unconscious. You won."

"Ahh, thank you Jean. I would not wish to permanently harm him." Piotr looked up to the control room.

"Bishop, make sure he honors the deal." Piotr then picked up his handball and left the room. As he passed by Sam, they high-fived each other.

Meggan was the only one to heat Piotr mutter, "That was fun."

Gambit looked over at Archangel. "Pay up, homme. All of it."

"35-1 odds and I covered it. My accountant's going to kill me."

Rogue looked at them. "That psycho just tried to kill Joseph! And you're worried about MONEY!"

"Rogue, if Petey had tried to kill Joseph, he'd be dead." Logan told her.

"`E's right, luv. I been on the receivin' end of Comrade Terminator's fist's before. He was under control. A psycho would have had to have been pulled off." Pete Wisdom said from the back of the room.

Kitty looked over at Pete. "You sound like you respect what he did."

"He took out one of the most powerful mutants on the planet with a bleedin' handball and he didn't use his mutant strength to hit him when he was down. Besides, the two of us have been talkin'. We ain't friends, but we don't hate each other. He understands me a bit more and I understand him. One more thing, Kitty."

"Yes?"

"He finally convinced me that he outgrew his infatuation with you. I don't mind if you speak to him without me bein' around. Just don't do it all the time."

"You mean that, Pete?"

"Would I have said it if I didn't?"

Rogue looked at Wisdom. "You actually forgave that psycho?"

"`Ey luv. All he did was beat me up and put me in hospital. Because of his love for Kitty. It's not like he drained me of me powers and memories because his adopted mother asked him to. Or tried to kill a mutant singer for the simple reason that she had everything he might have wanted. You know stuff like looks, career, the ability to sleep with someone without killing them. He at least knew he did something wrong. How's by you?"

The control room got very quiet.

"Kitty, get Pete out of here before Rogue kills him." Cyclops ordered. Kitty grabbed Pete and phased him through the floor.

Dr. Samson put a hand on Rogue's shoulder. "If you want someone to talk to, I'm here."

"Ah don't need no shrink!"

"That's what the Hulk told me once. Look at him. Cain Marko said the same thing, look at him. Rogue, being in therapy might help you. Ask Rahne about how much I helped her."

Rogue looked into Samson's eyes. She then nodded her head.

"We'll begin after Piotr's through for the day."

When Dr. Samson returned to the office he had been lent, he found Piotr waiting for him. "Did you enjoy your break, Piotr?"

"Very much so, Doctor."

"We were starting to discuss your relationship with Nereel and the fact that you are the father of her son."

"Yes. I asked Logan and Betsy about that. Logan told me that it was Nereel's choice to tell me that Peter was mine. Betsy told me that they thought I was not ready for the responsibilities of fatherhood. And that they needed me on the team."

"What do you think?"

"I can see that Logan was correct. It was her decision to make. However, I am of the opinion that Betsy was wrong in not telling me because they needed me for `the team'."

"Why do you say that?"

"At the time we were thought dead. We were living in Australia and at the time I was having difficulties transforming from steel to flesh. I feel my contribution's to that team could have been handled quite easily by Rogue. And in many cases they were. All I do is stand in front of people and get hit. Do you know that except for Kurt, none of the X-Men have ever offered to teach me how to fight? I'm the strong man for the team and yet, I have no fighting skill. How sad is that?"

"Piotr, did you ever ask?"

"I brought the subject up with Xavier several times. I was ignored. Which in many way's was typical of the relationship I had with the man."

"Do you even like Professor Xavier now?"

"To be honest, no. Nor do I trust him. I have heard of the so called `Xavier Protocol's'. The man developed way's of killing the X-Men. This was the height of arrogance. He did not even trust those he himself picked. Tell me, is that the thinking of a well man?"

"To be truthful, I can't tell you that. I would have to speak with him myself."

"And he is avoiding that, is he not?"

"Yes, he's not talking to me."

"And there are those who say I have problems. What do you wish to talk about now, Dr. Samson?"

"The events that led to your joining with Magneto."

"Oh. That. Can we deal with that tomorrow? It's getting late."

"I'll see you at nine then Piotr."

Piotr went down to the kitchen. He was rather hungry and perhaps there was something in the refrigerator he could enjoy. He was not pleased to find Rogue waiting for him.

"Hello, Piotr."

"Rogue."

"We need to talk. So grab whatever it was you were going to eat and then sit down."

After Piotr had made himself a sandwich he sat across the table from Rogue.

"Why did you make Erik do that?"

"Do what? Tell the truth?"

"Yes, that."

"You and Gambit love each other. Even I could see it."

"What do you mean, `even Ah could see it'? Ah don't think you're dumb, Petey."

"Then you must be in the minority."

"Petey, you have no talent for machines. But you can look at someone and draw their soul. You are the only one Ah know who has that gift. Stay here, Ah want to get somethin'."

When Rogue came back she had a pad and a pencil. "Draw what you're feeling right now. Don't draw me. Draw how you feel."

Piotr took the pad and the pencil from Rogue. He started to draw. After five minutes he was through. He pushed the pad over to Rogue.

The drawing showed a man in a cemetery. Alone. The man was Piotr.

"You do have friends, Petey. Ah consider you a good friend. You were the first of the X-Men to stand up for me. Ah would be happy to be part of your family. Remember, that not everyone who loves you is dead."

"I want to be with all of my friends. Yes, that includes you. But I have made so many mistakes. Can you even trust me?"

"Petey, Ah know what you're feeling. Wisdom said something to me about you. He said that you at least just beat him up for your love of Kitty. And he could understand that. Ah did what Ah did to Carol Danvers and Dazzler out of a less nobler pursuit. Remember, Ah came to the team after being with the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. Ya'll had reason not to trust me. But you did."

"That is true. Was I wrong for telling Katya about Zsaji? Would it have been better to live the lie? I have always been a simple man with simple dreams. I wanted to work the land in Siberia or anywhere else and raise a family. Not become a hero like I thought my brother was."

"Petey, Ah can't touch people without absorbing their minds and powers. How do you think Ah feel?"

"You still have not made any progress on that? Have you been working on it? Has not Xavier kept his promise to you?"

"Yes, Ah have. And no he hasn't. Ah still can't seem to make it work on my own."

"Try. Succeed where I failed"

"You're not a failure, Petey. You just stumbled on the way."

"If only it was that simple. If I can help in any way, ask. Rogue, I need to be alone to think. Can you give me that time?"

"Sure, Petey. Petey, if Ah only had had control of my power when Ah first met you... or at least before I met Gambit. Well goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Rogue got up and left the kitchen. "You can come out now, Gambit."

"How you know I be dere?"

"I saw your reflection in the window. What do you want?"

"I wan' know why you help me? We never be frien'."

"Yes, we were never friends. Think of it as this. You two deserve each other. And I felt that it was time you got something out of life besides misery."

"You mean like what you get out of life?"

"Something like that."