Avenging Shadows - Part 1

The Avengers Quinjet landed at Hydrobase after a mission to France to deal with a batallion of Kree soldiers who were attempting to slaughter as many humans as possible.

"It's good to be home", Black Widow said as she stepped out of the Quinjet.

"I agree", said Dane Whitman, aka 'The Black Knight', as he exited the craft. "That's the third time we've had to travel to Europe this week. Maybe now, things will quiet down long enough for us to get a break!"

"Yeah, right!", said Jennifer Walters, aka 'The She-Hulk'. "We're the Avengers. Us? Get a break? Not in this lifetime!"

"Oh pooh", said The Wasp as she flew from the Quinjet. "Why all of the griping? I love to go to Europe."

"I love it too", said Dane. "But not three times in a week. And especially not to fight crazed Kree soldiers."

"It's part of our job, soldier", said Captian America as he stepped from the Quinjet. "It's why we're the Avengers."

"Yeah, but next time aliens try to destroy Paris, let the Whackos handle the call", She-Hulk said.

"Hawkeye and US Agent in Europe? Our allies would never forgive us", Wasp quipped.

"OK folks. Go get cleaned up. We'll debrief in an hour and then we can all get some rest", Cap said.

As the Avengers all went their seperate ways to clean up and get ready for the debriefing, Captain America turned to the tall man who had quietly approached him and stood off to the side.

"Any messages while we were away, Jarvis", Cap asked.

"Yes sir. Miss Lieghton called and asked that you call her when you get the chance, but aside from that, it's the usual. Nothing seemed very urgent. They're waiting for you in your office."

"Diamondback called", Cap smiled.

"Thank you Jarvis", Cap said as he headed towards his office. "I'll go call Rachel and check these messages and then get to the meeting. Maybe this will be an easy night."

Roughly two hours later...

The Avengers sat around their meeting table after going over the latest mission and debriefing.

"Anything else on the agenda", Cap asked.

"I have a question Cap", said She-Hulk. "Have you ever given thought to having an Avengers team in Europe? I was thinking about it after we got back so I went and checked our charter and agreement with the United Nations. It's allowable under our charter, much like the Whackos out in L.A., and with all the recent activities going on in Europe as of late, it might be something to think about."

"Avengers Europe", said the Wasp. "That sounds like an interesting idea. I like it!"

"It's certainly something to think about", said Cap. "Anyone else have any thoughts about this idea that Jennifer has presented?"

"It bears looking into", said The Black Widow. "Especially with the recent Maggia crime waves in Italy and the recent surge in violence and crime all across Europe. We can't be everywhere at once, but it would give us an opportunity to maybe help more with those problems."

"I agree", said Dane Whitman. "We have pretty much gotten the U.S. covered and Alpha Flight takes care of Canada pretty well, but Europe is wide open for any criminal who wants to run rampant."

"I think Excalibur might disagree with that comment, but I don't", Wasp said.

"Tell you what", Cap said. "I'll check with our U.N. Liasons and with Nick Fury and get their imput and we'll table this for now until the next regular meeting next week."

"Sounds good to me. I'm exhausted!", said Wasp.

"Me too", said She-Hulk.

"So if there are no objections, this meeting is adjourned", Cap said.

As the Avengers left the meeting room, Captain America caught up with Janet Van Dyne, aks "The Wasp".

"Hey Jan, so what do you think of this whole Avengers Europe idea", Cap asked.

"I think it has a lot of potential", Jan said as she shrank down to wasp sized. "And I even have a few ideas on good potential members."

"Who?", Cap asked.

"Let me check into a few things first", Jan said. "But I think this idea could be big for the Avengers and for the world. See you later, Cap!"

Wasp flew down the hall and out of sight as Captain America watched. The Captain turned and walked towards his chambers.

"Time for a long shower and a quick nap. And then I think I'll see if Rachel wants to go out tonight."

Cap walked on down the hall and climbed into the elevator.

"I wonder if Rachel is in the mood for Chinese?"

****

A week had passed and the Avengers settled in for their regular weekly meeting. Calling the meeting to order was Captian America. Attending the meeting were regular members She-Hulk, The Black Knight, Janet Van Dyne aka "The Wasp", and the Black Widow. Also attending were the Chairman of Avengers West, Hawkeye, his wife and fellow West Coast Avenger, Mockingbird, and their team mate (and founding Avenger) Iron Man.

It had been a long and streneous week for the Avengers. More Kree sightings in Europe, New York City had been attacked by The Wizard and his minions, The Hulk had tore apart a small town in West Virginia, and AIM had tried to steal dinosaurs from the Savage Land.

After about ninety-minutes of de-briefing and talk, Captain America brought up the topic that had everyone's interest the most.

"And now, let's talk about this 'Avengers Europe' idea. I spoke with our people at the U.N, Nick Fury, and several people at the White House as well, and this seems to be a popular idea. It's well allowed in our Charter and the general consensous is that it would help increase our effectiveness and repsonse time in moments of crisis overseas."

"So it's a go then?", She-Hulk asked.

"If we want to do it, it's definitely sanctioned and a go", Cap said.

"That's great" said The Black Widow. "But who would be the member of this team? Who would lead it?"

"I think that's obvious. You, Madame Natasha..", said Cap with a smile.

"What? Me? But....", Black Widow stammered.

"I think it's a great idea. For both a team in Europe as well as having Natasha act as the chairman."

"Yeah, we see how well being a chairman worked for me and my Whackos", Hawkeye quipped as Mockingbird punched him in the arm.

"But why me? Why not Janet.. or Iron Man?", Widow asked.

"Because you're well respected in Europe. You've been an Avenger for quite a while and have worked with pretty much everyone on the Avengers Roster", Cap said.

"You've got great legs", Hawkeye quipped once more, getting a big jab once again from his wife, Mockingbird.

"You're a natural leader. You were the Chairman of the Avengers once before...", Whitman added.

"That didn't work out too well", Widow said quietly.

"Nonsense. It worked out fine", Wasp said. "You're the best choice for this job. The question is, will you do it?"

"Come on girl, do it", She Hulk said.

Widow looked around at all of the faces looking at her. It would be a big responsibility to set up the team. She would have to cut back on her extra-curricular activities for a time, such as the Sheild war against Hydra and her own personal battle against the Kingpin of Crime here in New York. Could she do it? Did she want to? A range of emotions went through Natasha Romanav as she looked from face to face at her allies and friends here in the Avengers. Finally, she settled on the face of Captain America, looking him squarely in the eyes.

"Yes, I'll do it!"

The sound of cheers filled the room as the other Avengers quickly rose to congratulate the Black Widow, the soon-to-be Chairman of Avengers Europe.

After things settled down, the meeting resumed. Jarvis had interupted to bring drinks and snacks for everyone and to remind both Wasp and The Black Knight of prior engagements, as well to to let Hawkeye know that Tigra, Wonder Man, US Agent and Hank Pym had called from LA - a gang-war had broken out in central LA and the police had requested their assistance.

"I guess we should hurry back to the West Coast before Simon beats up all the baddies", Hawkeye quipped once more as he and Mockingbird headed towards their Quinjet, parked on the landing strip at Hydrobase. "How about you, Shellhead? You flying with us?"

"No, I'll fly back under my own power. It'll take you about 90 minutes in the Quinjet. I can do it in 20 on my own." Iron Man said.

"Well, hurry back then and provide backup for the rest of the Whackos. Tell them that their fearless leader and his blushing bride are on their way", Hawkeye said. "And if they need back-up before we get their, call Spider Woman and Living Lightning on their ID Cards. They're on active reserve-status and should be able to help out."

"I'll do that, Hawk", Iron Man said as he took off into the sky.

Minutes later, after some quick goodbyes, Hawkeye and Mockingbird, along with the She Hulk, who decided to tag along, were gone as well, headed out to the West Coast to prevent some gang warfare.

Wasp excused herself as well. There was a sale at Macy's that she just couldn't miss. And Dane Whitman had an experiment going on in his lab that he had to attend to. That just left Captian America and The Black Widow standing alone.

"So Madame Chairwoman, how do you feel?", Cap asked as the two walked back towards the Mansion.

"As if the weight of the world has been placed upon my shoulders", Widow said.

"Not the world... just Europe, Asia and Africa", Cap said with a smile. "I'm sorry if I surprised you in there. I didn't get the chance to talk to you before the meeting."

"It's not a problem", Widow said. "In our business, you have to be able to take surprises."

"Very true", Cap said.

"So what's next", asked the Widow.

"We discuss possible locations for a headquarters, possible members for the roster, and set objectives for the team and our future in Europe. And we get to prepare a presentation to take before the UN Security Council for approval."

"Sounds like a long night ahead of us", Widow smiled.

"Probably!", Cap agreed.

"I'll tell Jarvis to keep the coffee and tea coming", Widow said. "Any ideas for potential members?"

"A few. Jan has already given me a list of suggestions, with contact information, backgrounds, list of powers and abilities, and so on. I think she misses being the Chairman of the Avengers."

"She can have my spot", Widow laughed.

"No, Jan loves Europe, but to take her away from Macys and Bloomingdales would cause a national financial crisis in this country. You're the perfect person for this job", Cap said.

"Famous last words", Widow smirked.

"Just extreme confidence", Cap said. "Now, let's go get ready for a long night of making things happen."

"Why me?" Widow smiled as they walked into the Mansion.

***

The time passed quickly and The Avengers dealt with several threats including the return of Ultron, a team-up with the X-Men to take on Apocolypse, several more battles against the Kree, a rampage by the Asorbing Man and his wife Titania in downtown Manhattan, and an attempt by The Mandarin to take over China. Rosters had changed as the Vision and Hercules had rejoined the Avengers East, while the Whackos had lost Tigra due a leave of absence, but had picked up War Machine and The Scarlet Witch once more. Also, Captain America's girlfriend, Rachel Leighton, aka "Diamondback" had joined the team as a probationary member and member of the support staff.

During this time, Cap and The Widow had several meetings with Representatives of the UN, as well as Nick Fury, Professor Charles Xaiver, the founder of the X-Men, and Reed Richards of the Fantastic Four. Cap and Widow had also gone over the names and ideas of numerous potential members for the new team. A location for a base of operations, a small castle just outside of London, was quickly settled upon and Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) had personally flown over many times to supervise the remodeling of the entire castle as well as the necessary upgrades to make it a proper headquarters for Avengers Europe.

And finally the day had arrived. The Widow and Captain America had both had meetings with several members of the NSC to provide updates and secure backing for this venture. Names had been agreed upon and a list of members had been selected. Captian America called a meeting of all of the active Avengers at Hydrobase to let everyone know what was going on.

".... So we've got the headquarters set up and ready to go. There will be a full-time staff of eight, including a landscaper and a cook. All have been checked out by Shield and cleared. And as for the team itself..we, the Widow and I, wanted to make this team really multi-national, as to not ruffle any feathers with the people of Europe. So we've picked a team that should be able to meet our goals. Our liason with the local authorities will be Allistaire Stuart, of 'W.H.O.".

"Who?", Diamondback asked?

"That's the 'Weird Happenings Organization', luv", Stuart responded. "Kind of the UK equivilent to SHIELD, but much smaller."

"Oh", said Diamondback.

Captian America continued.

"There will be eight members on this roster to start with."

"Hey, the Whackos only got to start with five", Hawkeye interjected.

"But your entire team was of seasoned veteran Avengers", Cap said quickly. "This team will have several new members and we decided that it's better to be safe than sorry and provide some extra coverage to begin as we see how things develop."

"Sounds fair to me", said Mockingbird, giving her hot-headed husband a dirty glare for interupting Cap's announcement.

"So anyhow, let's run down the roster and meet the new Avengers Europe. As Chairperson and leader will be Natasha, aka 'The Black Widow'. Leaving the East Coast group to join her will be the Greek demi-god, Hercules. Coming to join the team from the West Coast roster is Manuel Sanchez, aka 'The Living Lightning'. Also re-joining the ranks of the team will be former Avenger and the Celestial Madonna, Mantis."

The four Avengers stood up to be congratulated and hugged by their collegues.

Cap continued his announcement. "I'm proud to announce that a former ally of mine, from 'The Invaders', Lady Jacqueline Falsworth Crichton, aka 'Spitfire', a native Londoner by the way, will be joining the team in England as well"

. A tall, confident woman dressed in bright yellow and red stepped forward from behind Cap to be acknowledged.

"Another new member will be coming to us at the recomendation of Reed Richards. Please allow me to introduce Lyja Storm."

A green skinned woman in a Fantastic Four outfit stepped forward from the back of the room where the roster of the Fantastic Four had been sitting quietly.

"She's a Skrull", US Agent quickly shouted out. "What the....??"

"Hold it Agent", Reed Richards quickly interupted. "Lyja is a Skrull, but she's also a valued member of the Fantastic Four.."

"And she's my wife", Johnny Storm quickly injected.

A mumer went up among the room as Captain America pounded his gavel to restore order.

Lyja quickly spoke up.

"Yes, Agent, I am a Skrull. But I'm also a member of the Fantastic Four and the wife of Johnny Storm. I've proven myself to these people, my family, time and time again. Now The Captain and the Widow have offered me a place with their group. And after discussing it with Johnny, Reed, Susan and Ben, I've decided to accept. It's an honor and a privilege for me and I hope we can get along and possibly be friends. But don't you dare doubt my loyalties or sincerity based on my race."

"I'm not...", Agent tried to say, but Lyja cut him off.

"The Avengers are supposed to be above that", she said. "If you have a problem working with me because I'm a Skrull, that's your problem. Not mine. After all, there are quite a few humans who aren't really outstanding characters or members of society either. And from what I understand, looking at your background in particular, you should be the last one to judge anyone".

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?", Agent bellowed as he stood up and began moving towards Lyja.

Cap raised his voice. "Agent, that's..."

"Hold it Cap", another voice raised above the rest as Hawkeye stood up. "I'll handle this. Agent, sit down and shut up.. NOW!"

"Who the hell do you think you are, Barton", Agent turned toward Hawkeye.

"I'm your Chairman and your boss. And if you want to stay on the team, you'll shut your mouth and sit down.. NOW!"

"You can't fire me", Agent said.

"Try me!", Hawkeye retorted.

The two men locked eyes for a moment in a stand-off

"Fine! But I'll be watching you, Skrull", Agent said as he sat down.

"We'll talk when we get back to LA", Hawkeye whispered loudly to the Agent as he sat back down.

"Bite me!", Agent muttered.

"And if that's over", Captain America resumed talking, "I'd like to introduce the next new member of our team, at the suggestion of Charles Xaiver and his X-Men, please allow me to introduce a founding member of the X-Men, who is also a former member of the Defenders and the Champions as well.."

"Where he was a valiant and noble ally of both Hercules and myself", Black Widow interjected.

"Please allow me to introduce Robert Drake, better known as Iceman.", Cap finished.

From another section of the back of the room, occupied by several members of the X-Men, including Cyclops, Angel, The Beast, Jean Grey, Storm, Rogue and the team's founder, Professor Xaiver, a young man stood up and acknowledged his introduction.

More applause and cheers from the assembled crowd.

"And for our final new member", Cap continued. "Please welcome, from Atlantis, at the recommendation of Prince Namor himself, this is Andromeda. A tall, blue-skinned lady, clad in the uniform of an Altantean warrior, stepped forward from behind Cap to be acknowledged.

Cap steps back and hands the gavel over to The Black Widow, who accepts it and steps up to podium.

"So this is my team, our team, that will help to keep Europe, Asia and the Eastern Hemisphere safe, to uphold the laws of the land and promote justice and understanding, to defend the opressed and help those that can not help themselves, in the battle for good, against evil.... these are..."

Natasha motions for the members of her team to step forward and assemble behind her.

"This is the newest weapon in the battle against evil, please welcome Iceman, The Living Lightning, Spitfire, Lyja, Hercules, Mantis, Andromeda, and myself, The Black Widow. We are The Avengers Europe!"

A cheer rose among the crowd of assembled heroes of Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, and friends. Everyone gathered in small groups and celebrated the birth of the newest additions to the Avenger's family of groups.

"And I'll be joining as well", a voice rang out from the doorway, quickly silencing the noise in the room.

Everyone turned to see the figure of Dr, Druid standing in the doorway.

"Druid?", Cap said. "What the...??"

"Sorry I'm late, Captian. I meant to be here sooner, but I had an encounter with a para-demon that tried to bite my head off...literally."

"Bite your head off?", Iceman asked.

"Para-demon?", said Spitfire.

"A nasty little monster. Very strong, very disgusting. Usually only found in the outer realms of hell.", Druid explained.

"What do you mean you're going with the European team? You're joining as well?", Widow asked.

"I'll explain it to you as best I can later", Druid said. "But to be brief, part of my powers, as you know, include the gift of precognition and glimpses of what is to come. I had a vision that shows a great battle with demons and creatures of mystical natures in Europe. And I know that the Avengers will be paramount to stopping this evil. And I know that I must be there as well."

"My God! What are you saying man?", Cap asked.

"I don't know what exactly, but sometime soon, the Avengers Europe will be facing a major evil. And we have to be ready", Druid said.

"Let's go talk in private", the Widow said to Druid and Cap as she took them by the arm and led them to a private room. "Hawkeye, please come too. You too, Reed.", Widow said as they left the room.

Hawkeye and Reed Richards quickly followed Captain Amercia, The Black Widow and Dr. Druid as the others watched and then began to talk among themselves.

About twenty minutes later, Captain America, Back Widow and Hawkeye reappeared, flanked closely by Dr. Druid and Reed Richards. Everyone quickly settled down and took their seats as Cap began to talk once more.

"Well, this is a surprise, but after speaking with Dr. Druid and the other Avengers chairpersons, as well as Dr. Richards, we've concluded that it's better to be safe than sorry. Thus, Dr. Druid will be accompanying the others and joining the new team in Europe. We'll keep you all informed on the possible danger that Druid mentioned earlier at the regular meetings, but right now, the information is sketchy. So I guess, we'll just send out a press statement announcing the new team for Avengers Europe. And please, everyone, let's give a warm hand to our new team, The Black Widow, Hercules, Spitfire, Iceman, Mantis, The Living Lightning, Lyja, Andromeda and Dr. Druid. These are 'The Avengers Europe'. Madame Chairman, if you will.", Cap said, stepping aside for the Black Widow.

Black Widow stepped up to the mic, looked around at her team and at all of her allies and associates. She cleared her throat. And spoke loudly and clearly...

"Avengers Assemble!"