The atmosphere inside the war room of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters was thick with tension.
Mutants of all backgrounds filled the expansive chamber, their expressions ranging from concern to outright hostility.
The walls were lined with monitors displaying real-time reports, energy readings, and a looping news broadcast of an unnatural energy surge in Egypt.
At the center of it all stood Professor Charles Xavier, his expression grave, hands resting lightly on the polished table in front of him. To his right, Magneto stood with arms crossed, his helmet placed beside him. Though they had been adversaries more times than allies, tonight, an unspoken truce existed between them.
"This is bigger than us," Xavier began, his voice steady. "Apocalypse has returned, and he is not merely seeking control—he intends to reshape the world in his image. If we do not act, neither humans nor mutants will have a future."
Magneto's sharp eyes scanned the room, assessing each mutant present. Cyclops, Jean Grey, Beast, Storm, and Wolverine stood firm with the X-Men, their loyalty unquestionable. On the opposite side, the Brotherhood—Mystique, Sabretooth, Pyro, and several others—held less conviction.
Mystique leaned forward, her arms resting against the table. "And why should we care?" she asked, her voice cold. "The Avengers lost, so let humanity deal with its own mistakes. They wouldn't lift a finger if it were mutants being wiped out."
Cyclops shot her a glare. "This isn't just a human problem, Mystique. Apocalypse doesn't see a difference between them and us. He believes only the strongest deserve to survive—and that doesn't include those who refuse to kneel."
Pyro scoffed, flicking a flame between his fingers. "So what? He's got power, sure, but how do we know we can't just stay out of his way?"
Magneto, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. His voice was calm, yet it carried a weight that silenced the room. "Because I know what he is."
All eyes turned to him. He exhaled slowly, his gaze distant. "Apocalypse does not seek equality. He does not seek justice. He seeks conquest through annihilation. I have fought for the rights of mutants my entire life, but this… this is something else." He looked directly at Mystique. "If he is not stopped, there will be nothing left to fight for."
Mystique's sharp expression faltered, her fingers tightening against the table. Even she could not deny the truth in Magneto's words.
A soft beeping interrupted the discussion. Xavier turned his attention to the central monitor as an incoming transmission flickered to life. The grainy image of Steve Rogers appeared, his appearance looking a bit worn out but the deep resolve in his eyes remained.
"This is Captain Rogers. If anyone is listening, we need reinforcements. We engaged Apocalypse in Egypt, but he was far beyond anything we've faced before. We're regrouping, but he's already begun transforming the land. He's building something… a kingdom."
The room fell into silence as the message played. The implications were clear—Apocalypse was not waiting for them to strike. He was already solidifying his reign.
Wolverine cracked his knuckles, his claws extending with a familiar snikt. "I say we hit him before he gets too comfortable."
Jean frowned, crossing her arms. "Rushing in won't work. The Avengers barely made it out alive, and they had Stark tech and super-soldiers. We need a plan."
Magneto nodded. "Agreed. A direct assault would be suicide. We need to strike strategically, weaken him before he grows too powerful."
Storm's voice was measured but firm. "Then we should take the fight to his army. Cut off his forces before they can expand."
Cyclops turned to Xavier. "We can't do this alone. If the Avengers are regrouping, we should coordinate with them."
Xavier exhaled, nodding. "I will reach out to them. But for now, we must prepare. We are no longer simply the X-Men or the Brotherhood. We are the last line of defense."
Mystique narrowed her eyes but said nothing. Slowly, she nodded, as did Sabretooth and Pyro. The Brotherhood had no love for humanity, but they had even less love for submission.
"Then it's settled," Magneto declared. "We fight."
The battle against Apocalypse had begun.
But the reason such cooperation could exist now was all because of one man with whom they are trying to contact right now.
Tony Stark.
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