Heroes of the Storm
Author Notes: So I've been having trouble with Harry's hero name. I eventually realized it was there all this time. He will go by Mesmer for this chapter, but his name will be Phoenix from now on and in future chapters.
Chapter 30: Brothers of Differences
Harry softly strokes Kitana's long hair as she cuddles and sleeps on his chest.
Harry was currently seated in his chair with his eyes closed, simply listening to silence.
Kitana was reverse sitting in Harry's lap as the two were relaxing after spending some time apart.
The murder once again got Harry's mind thinking about what the killer wanted.
A clap of thunder could be heard as Lord Raiden appears in the courtyard.
"Lord Raiden," said Harry as he sits up.
Kitana stirs as she holds Harry tightly, unwilling to let him go.
"How are you feeling?" asked Lord Raiden.
"Strange," admitted Harry.
"Have things calm between you and Empress Kitana?" asked Lord Raiden.
"Very much so. I trust the talks went well," said Harry.
"They did. The Asgardians were very welcoming to the idea of the Alliance. Some Asgardians are asking to come to Earth to settle within the Empire," said Raiden.
"I have no problem with that. What's going on with Asgard?" asked Harry.
"Thor is traveling the cosmos protecting Asgard's allies from the chaos of the Convergence. He's leading the Einherjar into battle against marauders," said Raiden.
"I bet Thor is having the time of his life," chuckle Harry before he looks at Raiden seriously.
"Did you acquire what I asked?" said Harry.
"I did. The Asgardians understood the situation," said Raiden present a medallion to Harry.
The medallion lights up, revealing the list and names of known species across the galaxy, those who were friendly, and those who were hostile.
Before the Invasion of New York, no one thought the Terrans were worth any thought. That change with some galactic governments considering the value of Terrans.
"Any races we should be wary of?" said Harry.
"From what I've been able to gather, the one race we should be careful of are called the Kree. They are Galactic Conquerors," said Raiden.
"Make sure we put them on the index. What of Outworld?" said Harry.
"The Outworld Civil War is at a stalemate where neither side is winning. Unless a major change happens soon, then it could go on for years. That was until recently," said Raiden.
"What happened?" asked Harry.
"Kotal Kahn and Shao Kahn agreed to a Mortal Kombat tournament. Shao Kahn also wants Earthrealm to participate so he can finally overtake this world," said Raiden.
"Did you agree?" said Harry.
"I didn't. But the Elder Gods did, stating that Earthrealm must participate under the terms if we win, no invasion will take place," said Raiden.
"Then we need to put a team together," said Harry.
"Indeed, you and Kitana will participate along with Jade, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero. Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, and Jax Briggs will also partake in these events," said Raiden.
"There are others who can partake in the tournament. Captain America and Wonder Woman," said Harry.
"I will consider them, but we have time till the tournament," said Raiden.
"How long?" asked Harry.
"In three Earth years," said Raiden.
"Then we have time," said Harry.
"Perhaps, but you shouldn't underestimate Shao Kahn. In terms of strength, he may even be stronger than Superman," said Raiden.
"Not to mention he can't be trusted," said Harry.
"No. I don't trust Shang Tsung, who currently serves Shao Kahn," said Raiden.
"I've heard of him. A dark sorcerer who is nearly immortal," said Harry.
"Not quite. He's lived for a thousand years, it is true. He lives by stealing the souls of others to prolong his own life. It's how he maintains his youth," said Raiden.
Harry knew Shang Tsung was bad news. Kitana spoke of his dark sorcery in the creation of Mileena. Her genetic evil twin sister.
"What bothering you?" said Raiden.
Harry conjurors the parchment left at the crime scene and tells Raiden about the murder and how a person or persons unknown was targeting him in a set of mind games.
"I understand why this is bothering you, but you can't always control everything. Not even I, an Elder God has control over anything," said Raiden.
Harry smiles.
"If I make you feel better, I'll look into the incident to see who is responsible," said Raiden.
"Thanks," said Harry.
Raiden nods his head before he disappears in a clap of thunder.
Harry stands up, holding Kitana in his arms as she continues to sleep peacefully.
Harry places Kitana on their bed before he walks into his workshop and sees his golem standing in the middle of the room.
Harry places two fingers on the golem's forehead, and it comes alive at once.
Harry stares at himself, finding it very unusual.
"This will do nicely," said Harry.
Having the golem being his duplicate in the world would give his hero persona a cover if he was seen action elsewhere.
Harry finally understood the name he wanted to take despite being granted the name Merlyn and Seraph.
Mesmer, Lord of Magic.
Harry's powers had manifest to the point he could rival Lord Raiden in terms of raw power.
Lord Raiden already confirm Harry was a pseudo-demigod and was ageless with longevity. Not to mention the healing factor that would heal him from any wounds, toxins, and poisons.
"Hello?" said a voice in his head.
Harry paused as he heard the voice, knowing the voice did appear in his head.
Harry focuses on his occlumency shields silencing the shield.
Harry walks out, seeing Jade standing there.
"I was hoping we could talk," said Jade.
Harry frowns before casting a binding spell on Jade.
The words may have from Jade's lips, but it wasn't her voice. Harry knew at once, someone was controlling Jade.
Harry then focuses on his legilimens to enter Jade's mind to see who was controlling her.
Harry finds himself standing in a white room with a bald man in a wheelchair.
"Who are you? Why are you invading the minds of my people?" demanded Harry.
"Forgive me, but I have been attempting to reach you for some time," said the man.
Harry glares, unsure of this man.
"Who are you?" demanded Harry.
"My name is Professor Charles Xavier. I was hoping we could talk," said Professor Xavier.
"Why did you control Jade?" demanded Harry.
"You are rather difficult to commune with, even with Cerebro," said Professor Xavier.
Harry frowns before he begins to use Legilimens on Professor Xavier to see what he wanted.
Professor Xavier sensed the attack and tried to block the attack but found Harry's strength in Legilimens was stronger than anticipated.
The scene disappears as Jade stands looking confused why she was standing before Harry.
"What happened?" asked Jade.
"We need to beef up our security," said Harry.
Professor Xavier was panting as Jean holds Cerebro in her hands.
"Professor, are you okay?" asked Storm.
"Yes, Lord Potter is unusually strong, especially in the telepathic," said Professor Xavier.
"How strong?" asked Cyclops.
"His psychic strength could rival Jean and myself," said Professor Xavier.
"You mean he could have killed you?" said Scott.
"If he wanted to, yes. He can shield himself from telepaths," said Professor Xavier.
"That would explain why he's so difficult to detect even with Cerebro," said Beast.
"He shouldn't have attacked you, Professor," said Cyclops.
"He may be married to Empress Kitana, but the woman I was controlling is one of his mistresses. He took offense to that," said Professor Xavier.
"Mistresses?" repeated Cyclops.
"Yes. Apparently, he has a rather interesting concubine," said Professor Xavier.
"I'll fire up the Blackbird. We'll head to the Empire at once," said Cyclops.
"I rather not aggravate him. We don't know the extent of his powers," said Professor Xavier.
"Tell me what you want to talk about," said Mesmer appearing before the group.
Mesmer materializes before the group in his new armor, holding his staff at the ready.
The small group looks surprised upon seeing Mesmer standing there.
An explosion shook the room and the mansion as many of the students heard the explosion, unsure what it meant.
The floor explodes, revealing Cyclops, who falls to the ground with a groan.
"What happened to you dickface?" asked Wolverine.
Beast and Jean both flew up as Jean uses her power to catch herself before she levitates in the air.
Cyclops stands up as Mesmer floats upwards. Cyclops ignores Wolverine and fires an optic blast at Mesmer, who calmly raises his hand, absorbing the optic blast.
Cyclop's optic blast begins to fade as some students began to disappear from the fight.
"I don't know who you are, but you chose the wrong house to break into, bub," said Wolverine unsheathing his claws.
Mesmer was momentarily surprised by Wolverine's speed before he places his hands in front of Wolverine and quickly sends him hurling into Cyclops.
Mesmer casts a gravity spell on Wolverine, making his body a lot heavier than normal, keeping Cyclops pinned.
A tall man walks forward with his skin turning gray before revealing a steel body.
Colossus steps forward, ready to fight. Shadowcat stood by his side with her fists raised.
"Where is the Professor?" asked Nightcrawler.
"Storm is looking after him," said Jean.
Mesmer said nothing as he begins to float up to face her.
Out of everyone present, she was the most dangerous.
Cyclops fires another optic blast, but Mesmer absorbs the blast. Before Cyclops could adjust his visor's setting, the visor began to change before turning into solid metal, covering his eyes and keeping him blind.
Jean begins to manipulate the space with Mesmer trying to crush him with the gravity before Mesmer swings his glaive, neglecting her attack.
Jean falls to the ground, surprised by this outcome.
Nightcrawler appears with a pair of swords, swinging at Mesmer.
Nightcrawler swords go through Mesmer before he disappears completely.
Mesmer appears in front of Colossus and holds his hand out, blasting the big man off his feet, sending him flying.
Shadowcat tries to phase through him, but he grabs her hand and tosses her into a stand with a vase.
"Enough!" came the telepathy cry from Professor Xavier.
Storm appears from the hole in the ground, holding Professor Xavier in her arms.
Storm looks at the defeated X-Men, surprised by the outcome.
Mesmer took on some of the best X-Men and won.
"Why were you trying to reach me?" said Mesmer turning to Professor Xavier.
"I wasn't sure if your powers were mutant or not. I also wanted to have a conversation with you regarding the Convergence," said Professor Xavier.
"You were the one who attacked me first. A mental attack is still an attack," said Mesmer.
"I apologize. Can you release the people you have under your hold?" said Professor Xavier.
Mesmer nods his head as Wolverine gets up as Cyclops glares at Mesmer. His visor back in place.
Jean stands ups looking surprised at this outcome.
Mesmer looks at his staff, feeling it vibrate in his hands. Almost as if something was trying to pull it out of his hands.
His staff shoots out of his hand before pointing at his face.
"Eric," said Professor Xavier.
The door opens, revealing Magneto, Emma Frost, Mystique, Domino, Avalanche, Blob, Pyro, Toad, Domino, and Polaris walks through the front doors.
"Enough, this is not why we're here," said Magneto.
"Guys, something is wrong," said Jean.
"What's wrong?" said Jean.
"She's in distress," said Emma Frost.
"It's not me," said Jean.
Jean's body began to glow orange as her red hair began to whip upwards.
Everyone was blasted backward as Jean's telepathic powers went berserk. The house was blown apart as Jean was in the air screaming as the orange glow began to glow more violently.
"JEAN!" shouted Cyclops.
Telepathic shockwaves erupted in the area forcing tremors and earthquakes.
Mesmer stood there feeling something calling him. Something pulling him like he was on a leash.
Mesmer calmly floats upwards, heading towards Jean.
Jean was clearly in pain, screaming, releasing telepathic tremors every second.
Magneto and Polaris had to use a magnetic force field to shield everyone. Even he felt the backlash from Jean's power.
Jean lets out one final scream as the orange glow left her and took the form of an enormous phoenix.
The Phoenix lets out a loud cry flapping its wings as Jean falls to the ground.
"JEAN!" shouted Cyclops.
"I got her!" shouted Emma Frost.
Emma Frost telepathic catches Jean before she hits the ground and brings her closer as she looks up, seeing the Phoenix Force flapping its wings before Mesmer.
Professor Xavier himself was in a state of shock, as he didn't expect anything like this to happen.
The Phoenix Force was a power no one could control. Not even Jean. Professor Xavier and Jean had to place mental wards in her mind to keep the Phoenix Force at bay.
The Phoenix Force lets out a loud cry as Mesmer stares at the Phoenix.
Without a word, the Phoenix Force embodies itself inside Harry's body, as Harry accepted the Phoenix Force.
Once it was over, Harry floats back down and lands on the ground softly.
"What did you do?" demanded Cyclops.
"I think the Phoenix inside the red-head came to me," said Mesmer.
"That is extraordinary," said Professor Xavier.
"I'll say. No one could control the Phoenix Force," said Emma Frost.
"Why you?" asked Beast.
Mesmer looks at his hands.
"Perhaps because my aspect is a Phoenix," said Mesmer.
Harry's wand core was a Phoenix Tail Feather from Fawkes.
Even if the Phoenix Force wasn't Fawkes, the Phoenix Force could sense the Phoenix within Harry.
Mesmer stood there as Cyclops had an angry face behind his visor.
Mesmer begins to move his hand, but the house was instantly repaired, and all the injuries were already healed.
Mesmer looks at his hands.
"I'm a lot more powerful now," said Mesmer.
"The Phoenix Force is capable of amplifying one strength. It's something many have sought, but no one has ever controlled its power," said Jean standing back up.
"What business do you have with me?" said Mesmer.
"I do apologize for controlling Jade to speak to you, but I wanted to talk to you more about the convergence," said Professor Xavier.
"Why?" demanded Mesmer.
"The convergence has left us with many answers," said Professor Xavier.
"Charles asked me here in hopes we can find answers, as well as peace," said Magneto.
"I know who you are. You're on S.H.I.E.L.D.'s radar. They call you a world-destroyer," said Mesmer.
"I have no intentions of destroying the world. I'm interested in protecting my fellow brothers and sisters," said Magneto.
"Meaning?" said Mesmer.
"Mutants, Mesmer. We are hated and feared. I know some seek to eliminate us. Others seek to weaponize mutants for their own benefit. The public has no awareness of our existence. It's only a matter of time before they learn of us," said Professor Xavier.
"So you're seeking my protection not only as a World Leader but in case things go south," said Mesmer.
"That is the base of what we are asking. We also want to know what caused the Convergence," said Professor Xavier.
Mesmer became aware of how everyone was looking at him.
"We still don't know. We've used every possible means to learn all we could of the Convergence, and we haven't learned anything regarding the Convergence," said Mesmer.
"How's Fury?" asked Wolverine.
"Last I saw, he was doing fine. Do you know him?" asked Mesmer.
"I've done my fair share working along S.H.I.E.L.D. Is it true Cap is back?" said Wolverine.
Mesmer glares at Wolverine. His eyes glaring dangerous white as he looks at Wolverine.
"I fought alongside Cap during World War II. I was a member of the Howling Commando's," said Wolverine sensing the distrust in Mesmer.
"What do you want?" said Mesmer.
Professor Xavier explains the mutant's existence and how many mutants were gifted with extraordinary abilities. Some humans feared mutants and believed mutants were on the rise and a threat that had to be dealt with immediately.
"What does this have to do with me? Or the Avengers, for that matter?" said Mesmer.
"The Invasion of New York as it's being called has drawn in a lot of questions from Washington. It's only a matter of time before their attention is drawn upon mutants," said Professor Xavier.
"Charles is far to sentiment. They won't be seeking any peaceful resolution. They will try to exterminate us," said Magneto.
Mesmer's mind went back to the Dursley's and their known hatred for magic and anything that was 'abnormal.'
"I fail to see what this has to do with me," said Mesmer.
"Some of us are willing to join the Avengers so a good word can put in for this school, or at least shelter the school from any attack," said Wolverine.
"Don't be stupid. Mankind can never be trusted," said Mystique.
"You two remind of Professor Dumbledore and Grindelwald," said Mesmer.
"Who?" said Wolverine.
Mesmer begins to explain his mentor and his best friend, Grindelwald, who became a Dark Lord. How the relationship between the two became strain during the war.
Professor Xavier and Magneto listen closely and with interest.
"I will not get involved in your affairs. The world is unbalanced enough as it is, and I rather avoid any sparks. Those who wish to help are more than welcome to help," said Mesmer.
"How do I know that you'll respect mutants?" said Magneto.
"It doesn't matter to me. I don't care what's your race, gender, human, enhanced, alien, or mutant. I care about you as a person and the actions you take," said Mesmer.
"I wish everyone would think like you," said Professor Xavier.
"Well, they don't," said Wolverine.
"So you're not going to help us?" said Magneto.
"I never said that," said Mesmer.
"Political speaking Eric, he can't intervene, not on American soil," said Professor Xavier.
Magneto said nothing as he looks on.
"You are far to sentiment, Charles," said Magneto.
"I believe we can introduce ourselves as a friend to mankind," said Professor Xavier.
Mesmer chuckles the moment he heard the words from Professor Xavier.
"You can't honestly believe that," said Mesmer.
"I do," said Professor Xavier.
"You must be living in a fantasy world then. That's not how the world works," said Mesmer.
"I have told you that many times, Charles," said Magneto.
"People don't care about anything other than what affects their personal life. What shapes their aspect of reality. A majority of people live their lives in a lie. Refusing to accept reality or truth. So what is truth? Truth is nothing more than what we accept from our point of view, and truth can be a lie while an illusion can hold truth," said Mesmer.
Professor Charles Xavier narrows his eyes upon listening to Mesmer's explanation.
"Politicians have long sought for weaponizing living people for war. Publicly they won't say anything in this regard. If anything, they'll regard anyone without special abilities as a threat to public safety. Uniting the people behind a common enemy is far more effective than trade talks. Whether out of jealousy or fear, the fact won't change that there will be people who use your gifts to push their own agendas," said Mesmer.
"I like him," said Mystique.
Professor Xavier looks at Mesmer firmly.
"I cannot promise to protect you from your own government. I will welcome those upon my land if you agree to obey our laws," said Mesmer.
Cyclops glares at Mesmer coldly as Jean looks on.
The other X-Men also watch with interest, with Colossus returning from the other side of the mansion after being thrown by Mesmer.
"Perhaps you can help us," said Magneto.
"Meaning?" said Mesmer.
"Mystique has discovered plans within the United States Government. They are planning on creating an army of giant robotics called 'Sentinel's.' We believe they are meant to eliminate mutants, the Avengers… and possibly," said Magneto.
"The Alliance," said Mesmer.
"Most likely," said Magneto.
"I'll speak to the Avengers regarding this matter. Meanwhile, I want you to put together a team that will support the Avengers for the future. Choose your own leader. Then come to Avengers Island. I'll have a Quinjet stop by here in a couple of days," said Mesmer.
Mesmer turns and dissolves.
