Legends of the Dead X: Final Struggle Michael Maillaro "Erik Magnus Lensherr, you stand before us today to answer for your crimes against the New World Order as well as against humanity as a whole. The extensive list of charges is well-known by those gathered here today to watch your trial. You are accused of terrorism, murder, insubordination, stirring up revolutionary feelings in thegeneral populace, treason, as well as for numerous other crimes which show a refusal to submit to NWO law. How do you plead?" Even shackles and a neutralizer collar did nothing to take away from the stern resistance that burned in Magneto's eyes. He pulled his body as tall as his chains would allow and faced his accuser. With great strength and pride, he said, "Guilty on all charges." The man who had accused him, a lowly bureaucrat named Granger was taken back. The small group of observers, who had come to watch the mutant terrorist face justice, all flinched back. Never before had anyone admitted to such crimes with so much passion. Granger paused a moment to give the courtroom, as well as himself, a moment to gather their composure. He licked his dry lips nervously, "Guilty?" "Yes, that is what I believe I said," Magneto said as he glared up into Granger's eyes. A shudder passed through the younger man's body. He had figured Magneto would be malleable after months in prison...especially at his age...but he now knew he had been mistaken. Even with the neraulizer cancelling out his mutant powers, and chains holding down his body, Magneto was still a force to be reckoned with. "I see....do you have anything to say in your defense?" Even as the words left his mouth, Granger knew that was a big mistake. "In my defense? No. I do have a few things to say in your defense though?" Granger's mask of composure finally broke. "My defense? I am not the one in chains, Lensherr." The crowd seemed to take strength from Granger's words. Magneto smiled, sympathetically, as he held up his chains towards Granger, "Yes you are, the sad part is that mine are at least visible. You do not even know there are chains wrapped around your existence do you?" Granger avoided answering him, "May I get on with the trial?" "No," Magneto said, calmly. "I am not the only one on trial here. In your accusations of me, you have condemned yourself. My chains were placed on me of my own free will; I surrendered myself to your judgement. Your chains were locked and latched while you foolishly told yourself that you had the power to rule your own life. I am my own master; while your master is whoever holds your leash this week." Granger's face grew red. He tried to stammer out some retort, but Magneto kept talking, "I am the one accused, but which of my crimes have you and your 'masters' not guilty of, as well? Treason? Is it not treasonous to betray your own citizens? Terrorist activities? Is it not terrorism to destroy a hospice just because the patients are not strong enough to serve their country?" The entire audience was intrigued by the prisoner's words. His display of power, combined with Granger's fading control of the situation had an effect on them which they would later recognize as the last dim remnants of hope. They looked at Granger to see what answers he could give Magnus. Realizing he was losing control over the crowd, Granger stood up and screamed, "Kill him!" At this, Magneto closed his eyes. The neutralizer around his neck began to glow. Finally, it shattered and a orb of magnetic energy formed around him. His chains fell to the ground in a heavy metallic crash. "You will not have the chance to judge my crimes until you are done answering for yours." The NWO soldiers who were acting as guards were stunned. Never before had such strength been displayed during one of these many "trials". They had seen men break down in tears, or hold up their chains feigning power before crying like children before being put to their death. Never before had one brushed aside his chains as toys. Never before had they faced a mutant whose powers shrugged off the collar without any difficulty. They wanted to run, but somehow the mere presence of the menace known as Magneto drew them near, much like a moth to flame. Magneto gestured and magnetic energy wrapped around Granger. The shimmering field of energy pulled him down from his podium and forced him to look directly into Magneto's powerful blue eyes. "You are accused of corrupting a world. Of destroying people's hopes and dreams. And most of all, for attempted genocide. Also, on a personnel note, your stand accused of killing my students, the Acoltyes. How do you plead?" Granger fought back tears as he said, "But those things weren't my fault." For the first time since the trial started, anger appeared on Magneto's face, "I am sorry, you are under oath. The crimes of your Masters are your crimes as well!" His magnetic field began to crush Granger's windpipe. "I ask again, how do you plead?" He watched Granger fall to the floor, clenching at his throat. After a few seconds, he released him. A wet stain had began to spread over the crotch of Granger's light grey dress slacks. The entire crowd was frightened but amazed by the powerful mutant's display of power. No one attempted to leave, mostly because no one wanted to miss what was easily the most exciting thing they would ever see in their dull lives. And no one attempted to help Granger, partially for fear of their own life, partially because they felt Magnus was doing what they had always wanted to do. "By the power vested in me, by my genetic birthright, I judge you guilty," He paused momentarily to take in the crowd's reaction. Much to his surprise, they seem to approve of his actions. "Your punishment....I will allow you to keep your worthless life. This world is punishment enough." The crowd seemed diappointed, they had wanted blood. Magneto smiled, knowing they would soon have some. What happened next solidified the name Erik Lensherr as an underground legend. With a smile, he turned to the guards. "As for my own crimes, you have no power to punish me. Only I do." And in a display not one of its witnesses ever forgot, Magneto magnetically forced one of the guards to fire his weapon at him. Magneto allowed his forcefield to drop and the blast hit him dead in the chest. Erik Magnus Lensherr fell to the ground, smiled grimly and said his last words, "Case closed." A bubble of blood appeared on his lips, it carried with it Magnus's last thoughts, "I know that is not how you would have done it old friend, but when were our ways ever the same, Charles?" As for Granger, he tried to move on. Unfortunately, he found out he was not even half the man Magneto was. He would never be that strong; he could never feel such conviction in his own words. Granger was found, days later, dead by his own hand. A note left behind said: The NWO have proved themselves to be wrong. Our crimes are more grievous than I could have ever imagined. As a result, I have decided to resign, not from service, but from life. In my death, I hope to follow in the footsteps of someone who has shown me the true meaning of being called Favorable. So good bye, and I will see you all in hell.