8 The World's Reaction

11:40 AM. 30 minutes after the first "raindrop".

Outside of Paris. News about Paris's pandemonium was already widespread. It was a major catastrophe that was threatening humanity.

Although the mass public saw the news, most of them were skeptical about it. Mostly because they thought it was just a hoax or government propaganda. Until another 30 minutes later, they saw the videos covering the internet.

At this time, there was no video-sharing website nor social media. Only e-mails and websites. But it was enough. The mass public could access the internet since 1990 even though it was only the minorities that could afford to.

Unlike the videos that were blurred on the tv, the one posted on the internet wasn't censored. There were hundreds of them showing to the gory and terrifying scene of Paris. How roads were jammed with flaming cars. People running away screaming and shouting for help. How the monsters that chasing them fell from the sky.

If in a town, there was only one person that could access the internet and saw the videos or pictures, that person would show his family members what he found. Then, those family members would tell their friends. And their very friend would also tell their own families. The cycle kept going and going. In less than an hour, the public was thrown in mass panic. Terrified of the possibility of those monsters falling on top of their head.

...

Meanwhile, Governments around the world just started to ban the media in covering the pandemonium in Paris. They also took down the countless files posted on the internet. But, it was too late.

Actually, the one that spread the videos on the internet where the government of France themselves. They wanted the whole world to know the severity of the matter. They already mobilized all of their military forces, including their airforces. They also sought help from the United Nation and Europe Union. Although the former was hesitant toward the request. The latter couldn't refuse France's request, fearing that they would be next if France fell. Both of them might be the same type of group, but the former was only a messenger, a string that tied the knot. They didn't have real power, the nation behind them was the actual powerhouse.

However, they couldn't deploy the majority of their forces to save Paris. The problem was how the group of monsters could infiltrate Paris without anyone noticing was still unknown. They already aware of the attack only after the disaster has begun. If that could happen to Paris, who could promise them that the same would not happen to the others as well.

And also, France's Government was pessimistic about the help on its way. Even if they come, it would take hours until the closest forces arrive. By that time, there would be nothing left for them to save. It was a race against time.

...

Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

Inside the highest floor of US Umbrella Headquarters, a meeting involving the highest echelon was taking place. Spearheaded by the Vice President himself, Joel Allman. Joel was an old man in a suit, wearing a transparent glasses. Tomorrow was his 60th birthday, but somehow he got an early birthday gift today and it put him in a good mood. He sat on a luxury chair, personally designed by his request. He started the meeting by greeting his fellow colleague.

"Good afternoon gentlemen. Today, I gathered you all in this meeting to discuss how we continue our research."

His office reek with the smell of cigar was truly huge, almost covering the whole floor. He was facing a huge monitor screen on the wall which showed the executives and leads researchers of US Umbrella. Some of them were businessmen that were in charge of the company's trading business in the US. While most of them were the lead researchers still in their own lab coat. It seemed the meeting held abruptly as some of the scientists were not in a good mood. But orders are orders.

"I apologize for the sudden call of a meeting, but there's an important event that will need your attention. I'll cut straight to the case." Joel stood and walk around his table and stood in front of the monitor. He put out the cigar on his finger and continued, " Some of you may have known about the state of Paris now, and some might not. Today Paris was being attacked by thousands of unknown creatures."

The response of the executives and researchers varied. Some already expected it, some were seen commanding their subordinate to ascertain the Vice president word. While another would smile, knowing where this meeting going.

"I, Joel Allman, as a responsible leader, wanted to suggest that we helped our precious fellow sister branch," said Joel sarcastically. They chuckled for a while and he continued. "I planned to deploy our special forces. Of course, their forces were to gather data and DNA from these mysterious creatures."

"Hold on, doesn't our sister company the one that caused this incident? I heard they were successfully merged the three T-103s we gave them with their own developed mutation virus. I also heard that they called it Nemesis." One of the lead researcher that just got the news of the attack asked.

"Sadly no. The Nemesis Project didn't use any other type of mutant virus except the one that they used on T-103s. I tried to get my hand on that mutation virus before, that's why I knew it wasn't them. By the way two of them tried to escape, but regretfully the other one was completely obedient to them."

The relationship between the US Umbrella and Europe Umbrella was like a rival company. Even though they were the same corporation, they still wanted to outdo each other and take control of the opposite side. One of the executives with a red tie interjected, "But, isn't too risky. There would be too many eyewitnesses. Isn't it safer to use this chance as a means to infiltrate the European branch and steal their data?"

"I already contacted our spies in their HQ. While the building is in tatter, the secret lab underground was safely guarded and untouched. It will be too hard to infiltrate them now as this was a crucial time. Their security level would be put on the max. They will, of course, expect us to come." explained Joel while he lit another cigar. He then continued, "The monsters that attacked Paris, resembled the T-Virus Project that our Virologist develop. I want to take this chance to upgrade our Bio Organic Weapon (B.O.W.) to the next level. So, our precious lead scientist, please be prepared."

"Sir, how about Dr. Birkin. Do we ignore command from the higher-ups?", asked one of the Umbrella's special forces leader.

"No. Send HUNK and his team to retrieve the G-virus, if William still refuses to hand over the virus. As he was one of our fellow contributors, tell him to give up all of their data until the 23rd of September. If he still refuses, I want NEST to be cleaned and take every single data no matter what the cost.

"Understood."

...

X Mansion, Westchester, New York.

Three people were walking into a jet hangar. They were in a hurry, they were given an emergency mission. Storm, Scott Summer, and Jean Grey were going to fly to Paris. Jean sat on the pilot seat, while Scott and Storm tighten their seatbelt.

After turning on Blackbird, Jean briefed them about the mission for the last time. "Again, I remind both of you. The mission this time is different than the usual. We are not looking for mutants to be saved, but civilians. This will be a covert mission and you should not, under any situation reveal yourself as a mutant."

"Okay, relax, Jean. We understand how severe the situation right now. But please, just focus on the flight and let's go as fast as possible." assured Scott.

Before the media knew about the disaster of Paris, Charles Xavier, or widely known as Professor X, already commanded them to depart to Paris immediately. He already foresaw the tragedy in Paris. It was a terrible vision. He saw a mass slaughter, commenced by mysterious beings without batting an eye. Nobody was spared. Children, Adult, Elderly. Human or animal. That creature only sought death and destruction.

He knew normal weaponry wouldn't kill the monsters. Only Mutant powers would have an effect on fighting the monsters. However, there were too many of them, and it still increasing. They had to help to evacuate the resident to safety. If not, Paris will be no more. Perish into history.

However, there was still hope. Aside from the violence and massacre, he saw them. Two bright lights were moving toward the pit black darkness surrounded by small shadows. But somehow, every shadow they encountered, vanished one by one. It sparked Charles's interest.

"Do you like coffee Mr. Fury?" he was in the relaxation room brewing a coffee. Behind him, a black guy wearing an eyepatch on his left eye was sitting on one of the sofa watching TV. The various News Media were still discussing Paris's situation, even after the government telling them to stop the broadcast.

"I'm not in the mood, Professor," said Nick Fury standing up. He took a remote on the table and turned off the TV.

"Mood can be changed, Mr. Fury, and that is why people start drinking coffee."

Nick finally gave in stood beside Professor. They watched the bubbling black liquid called coffee. "I'm quite curious Director. May I ask you a question?"

"Only if you add another cube of sugar on my cup.", answered Nick. Charles took a spoon and add a cube of sugar in his cup.

"What makes the director of SHIELD seek help from our school?"

"That's a tough question. Add one more." Charles smiled and add another cube before pouring the hot coffee into Nick's cup.

"Responsibility could sometimes trip someone down, Professor. If I have to pick between the world's peace, and my Nation's safety, without compromising I would pick the latter. Because my responsibility lays on our people."

Charles didn't interject or said anything. He just keeps listening while waiting for the coffee to cool down.

"But this time, it was too heavy, professor. It's not the war in the middle east. Neither was it the world war where Captain America fought. It was a completely different kind of being. I once faced this kind of war before with a strong woman. But she's already gone, and the scale was completely different."

"So knowing that you come here to seek help from us?" Asked Charles.

"No, Professor. I'm here just for a cup of coffee." Nick smiled and watched the kid playing outside in the yard with Charles. He knew, even if he didn't come. The X-men would still depart to Paris. He was here to show that SHIELD was on their side. So the X-men members didn't need to be concerned about the school's safety while they were gone. It also shows the other powerhouses, to not lay their hands on Charles' mutant students.

...

On the other hand, inside a room with a computer turning on. A woman was covered in tears, as she looked for any updates on the situation in Paris.

"Chris... Edward... Please, don't leave me alone. No matter what it takes. Please, stay safe."