A new little fluff bunny. Enjoy!

Note: This story doesn't follow the X-Men timeline at all. For example: Alex Summers and Scott Summers are roughly the same age in this story. Also some back stories have been slightly altered to fit this storyline.

Thank You!

Their enemy was indeed far more fearsome than Elrond had anticipated. Elves, Dwarves, Men and Wizards even combined could not defeat this foe a second time. He also knew that Gandalf was right. They could not in good conscience leave Frodo to finish this task alone. It would be sending the newly recovered Hobbit to a cruel death. Elrond looked up and braced himself when he saw that oh so familiar glint in Gandalf's eyes. "There are…others we could turn to. Their leader would be sympathetic to our plight." The Wizard murmured thoughtfully.

It did not take Elrond long to understand Gandalf's meaning. "Surely you cannot suggest the Mutants would help Gandalf? They have more cause than anyone to watch Men burn. They have no reason to aid the world that cruelly cast them out."

In a way that was both understanding and yet condescending Gandalf nodded his head as he stared out the window "Perhaps some of them feel that way. Just as some Elves no longer consider this world their home or duty any longer. And yet they will defend it because you will. The same will go for the mutants. If their Prince chooses to fight. So will they."

Elrond bowed his head. It would be asking much he knew. There was great chance that the mutants wouldn't even deign the plea for aid with a response. And yet what other choice did they have? He sat wearily down at his desk and considered his paper and ink before him for a long while before the quill began to write.

Dear Prince Charles,

I and many others will understand if you cannot be moved by this call to aid. None can argue that Man's treatment of you warrants no warmth of feelings. But Middle Earth is in peril and Man, Elf and Dwarf have all pledged to put aside past grudges for the benefit of all. I, Elrond Lord of Rivendell, ask for your aid. Not as a favor to Men, but as a favor to Elves and Dwarves who have always treated you and your people with kindness and respect.

The fate of the One Ring rules as all even if we do not all choose the same path. This threat is greater than ever it was before and I have my personal doubts that we can succeed without your aid. Gandalf the Grey has also voiced the belief that your specialties are needed if we are to defeat not only Sauron but Saruman as well. The White Wizard has chosen to fight against us making our list of allies thin and the threat great. I am calling an assembly of all those who wish to be included in the discussion of The Ring. Consider this your invitation to attend even if you do decide not to aid us.

Lord Elrond of Rivendell

"Just burn the damn thing." Charles was startled out of reading the letter he had received in much haste by the curt voice of his guard coming from over his shoulder. He frowned and looked up at Erik before considering the letter before him.

The elf who had brought the letter was currently being refreshed and even with Elfin ears nearby there was no threat their conversation would be overheard. Charles shook his head as he smiled down at the paper, his slender fingers combing through his thick brown hair until they reached the silver circlet that crowned his brow. "Erik you can't be serious? They need our help. As Lord Elrond states this is more important than old grudges. We must send aid."

At once Erik was in front of him kneeling so that they were equal on the dais his throne sat on "Aid them? Do you forget what Men did to us? What they did to you? If the Elves and Dwarves chose to side with them then they have chosen their fate. Let them burn in the weight of their past sins."

Charles looked up in to Erik's cold grey eyes and gently reached forward to caress his hands along the tense features. "I know Erik…I know your pain is great…I know that the hate is even greater. But I have chosen to forgive them. This is the opportunity for a new start and a better future. I will not force you to follow. But I will go and offer what aid I can."

Looking down at those peaceful features Erik reached up and gripped the hands caressing the side of his face as he closed his eyes and took steady breaths even as the metal around them started to vibrate. His armor shifted form until it turned from his day to day armor to full battle gear. He looked at Charles and shook his head "You know very well my Prince that where you lead I will follow. Even if it is to the ends of this earth to save those who deserve none of your kindness."

The blinding smile that Charles gave him made the rage calm inside of him. He had lost everything to Men and the persecution of their kind. It wasn't until he found the small kingdom that Charles had built that he was able to move past that hate and come to fully master his abilities. Charles had built a safe haven for all of mutant kind and though he had at first balked at being their leader he was forced into the title of Prince. For they would follow no other.

Even now the images in his mind haunted him. His mother died protecting him from the villagers that wanted to burn him at the stake. He had sworn to himself that he would have revenge for his mother and for his lost childhood. He had become a cold man, killing for profit like the one who had trained him and given him a purpose when he had none. Then he met Charles and all had change. Charles's everlasting kindness had changed him.

Charles who had perhaps suffered more than all of them continued to see the good in those useless Men. While Erik's mother had tried to defend him Charles's mother had been a lady of breeding and resented her son for not following the norm. As always Erik found himself reaching forward to caress Charles's legs. Crushed. That was how Charles had changed him. They had meant nothing to each other and when Charles had found him he had protected him at the cost of his legs. Erik knew that Charles had forgiven him, just like he had forgiven Men. Erik was unsure if he could ever forgive himself.

Decision made Charles wheeled his way out of the throne room to the Entrance Hall where the elfin messenger was waiting to hear the news. The elf's face was impassive as if he had already anticipated the answer. Seeing the elf getting flustered at Charles's simple offer of aid was nearly worth it in Erik's mind.

Preparation for the council meeting was monumental. First though all in their small community wanted to go Charles insisted that some would have to stay and ensure that there was a home to return to. Therefore he placed his adoptive sister, Raven, in charge until his return. Erik knew that no matter what Charles may decide he would be going with him to the council meeting. In the end they decided to only bring those they would most need. Logan and Scott were also asked to accompany them. While Scott's brother Alex was asked to stay and take over as Captain of the Guards until Erik's return. He hoped the upstart didn't get too comfortable in the position.

Hank was tasked to creating a new chair to help Charles navigate outside on varying terrain. Of course Erik was privately thinking that if there was any fighting to be done He, Logan and Scott would be doing it. However it wouldn't hurt to indulge Charles in this at least for now. And so they set out with Scott dutifully following with only the slightest words of doubt, Logan grumbling they were on a suicide mission; and Erik expecting the worst they left for Rivendell to assist Middle Earth in its hour of need. Heaven help them.

Rivendell

From his window Elrond watched as those called to council assembled. Men, Dwarves, and Elves all came as expected. The messenger had returned with the news that Prince Charles had accepted their call for aide. He promised himself and three of his best men. It was more than Elrond had ever hoped for. Gandalf was right. Though he knew that the Prince had forgiven Men for their transgressions against him there was no doubt that his men would follow only because he led the way, not because they themselves would have forgiven the past. Still…It was more than he had thought he had and would gratefully take it.

He indulged in a few minutes in observing the Mutants. Though he had heard plenty of rumors about them. They were said to be hideous, the ones before him were as comely as Elves. Though he was a powerful leader Prince Charles was frail in his appearance. He was carried by a strange chair-like device that helped him navigate over the land. So the rumors were true then, his legs had been crushed in some misadventure. His heart must be great to carry such forgiveness. Lord Elrond would have doubted it if did not see the look of peace that covered his features. His clothing was simple yet stately, much like the man himself. His eyes were a bright clear blue that seemed to shine with warmth and hope.

Those following behind him were much hardier looking. The one who stood closest to him and appeared to be always on guard had sharp dark eyes that constantly followed the movement of those around him. His hand lay protectively across the back of their leader's chair; if his knowledge was true then this should be Erik, Charles's personal guard and General. The other two were unfamiliar to him. One seemed to be almost animal like in the way he moved. His eyes were shifty like a wolf's as he continuously played with his knuckles. He smoked as he walked and snarled at any who got too close to them. The other wore a curious device over his eyes. He seemed perfectly capable of seeing…there was a red sheen to the device that made Elrond's curiosity peek and about the chair as well. He knew that the Mutants had a keen inventor in their midst. These must be some of his inventions. Alas that conversation would have to wait. He left his window perch to go and welcome these guests personally. And to perhaps prevent any trouble from the groups of Men that had arrived from happening.

Lord Elrond was everything that Charles had heard of him to be. He was gracious, kind and his eyes held knowledge and wisdom. Charles was more certain than ever that answering his call was for the betterment of all. He was tall and graceful in his long robes and hair that seemed to fall flawlessly from his brow in a truly Elvin manner. He welcomed them and personally showed them the way to their rooms.

Erik was pleased they were being given the respect that was their due. He knew that despite those around them trying to be discreet that they were being stared at. Especially Charles and Scott because of Hank's toys. He despised them even more for it.

Next to him he could hear Logan muttering what a bad idea this was and Scott whispering for him to shut up. He had his own doubts about this endeavor. But he would wait to see how the Council Meeting went before making his final decision.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Thank You!