Heroes Assemble

Chapter 5: The Storm In Germany

A short while later, S.H.I.E.L.D found Loki. He was at a museum patron gathering that was celebrating the opening of a new museum, in Stuttgart, Germany. Fury had sent Black Widow and Captain America, but his instincts told him that they may need backup. He knew exactly who to call in that situation. He pulled out his phone, dialed the first number on speed dial, and called the only person he's fully trusted since losing his eye. It rang, twice, but someone picked up.

"Xavier Institute." Charles' voice came over.

"Nick Fury." Fury introduced.

"Ah, afternoon, Director." Charles said pleasantly. Fury heard a growl and a soft, "Logan, please."

"Sorry, Charles." Logan's voice said distantly.

"Apologies, what can I do for you?" Charles' voice came back to the phone.

"We've found Loki in Stuttgart, Germany." Fury explained. "I've sent two of my people in, but they may need backup, can you spare any X-Men?"

"Slash Fire's all ready there, meeting a contact of ours. She'll be notified to help if needed. Gambit and Angel are in vicinity as well, they'll be alerted too."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Of course, Director. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

They hung up and Fury turned his attention to the monitors.

Meanwhile, in the elegant white marble building, the gathering was taking place. Molly Tennyson was there in a lovely gold and red gown, still with the ring on her wrist along with other jewelry. Her hair was tied up with little braids around her head. She gazed at the crowd that filled the marble room with balconies on the edges, until her eyes fell upon a man in a far corner. He was an elderly man, with white hair, and wrinkled skin, but his electric blue eyes had power in them. He was dressed in a black suit, with a red tie and a purple flower pinned to his shirt. He met Molly's eyes and made his way over to her.

"Cider?" he offered her a tall glass of sparkling apple cider.

"Thank you." Molly said politely, taking the drink, "I have to say, Eric, you have a way of picking your meeting places."

"How do you suppose your dear uncle learned it?" Eric said respectfully, "How is he, by the way?"

"He's doing quite well." Molly answered, "He sends his regards. What's going on? You sounded pretty worried when you contacted us."

"Two of my children." said Eric with a slight hint of sorrow in his voice. "Pietro and Wanda, are missing."

The man's name is Erik Lehnsherr, a former super villain, but the X-Men knocked some sense into his head. He was trying to subjugate the humans, believing that mutants were meant to reign supreme, and that it was the only way for them to coexist. Charles believed differently than his friend. The Professor believed that if it was introduced slowly to the world, and the humans were shown that mutants were not going to be a threat, rather more of a protection for many, they would be more accepting of them. This was also from a mental flash he had received one night, about a world of chaos and people, innocent people, children even, being killed and other things occurring. It's safe to say that he didn't sleep well long after this.

Eric soon began to call himself Magneto, due to his mastery of magnetism, and formed an organization called The Brotherhood Of Mutants, they sought to overthrow mankind. Charles, to counter Eric and right any other wrongs, formed The X-Men. He also reached out to help anyone, superpowered or not, with anything they were struggling with. The X-Men have always tried to keep things peaceful between mutants and humans, but Eric soon overcame that. However, after being beaten in battle, Eric changed his ways. He made a island, called Genosia, just off in the Atlantic Ocean, to give mutants a place to settle down. He sent those who were struggling to Charles.