The war room of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters pulsed with energy. Around the great holographic table stood a gathering unlike any the world had ever seen: Isolde, her body gleaming like living adamantium; Mausgrau, shadows curling at his fingertips; Delilah, her aura of ancient fury barely contained; Mona, flanked by her two demon guardians; Greta, Candy, and Louis, the unlikely trio who had proven themselves again and again. Alongside them, the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. bristled with anticipation.
At the center, Professor Charles Xavier's calm voice steadied the storm.
"My friends… the Black Serpents can no longer hide. Their main stronghold has been uncovered."
The hologram flared alive — a jagged mountain range cloaked in eternal storm, deep within an uncharted corner of Eastern Europe. Red veins pulsed across the projection, showing ley lines of unnatural energy feeding into the Serpents' nest.
A hush fell over the room. Even hardened warriors felt the chill of that place.
"They intend to finish what they started," Xavier continued, his voice firm. "And if they succeed, the world as we know it will end."
Reed Richards leaned forward, eyes sharp with calculation. "Then we take the fight to them before they're ready."
Nick Fury crossed his arms. "That's the idea. But this isn't just another mission — it's the mission. Everyone we've got, every ally, every weapon."
Mona's crimson eyes narrowed. "Then what are we waiting for? Let me and my demons carve a path—"
"Not yet," Xavier interrupted gently, though his tone carried unshakable authority. "We cannot strike alone. We must strike together."
He closed his eyes, his mind expanding across continents like a tidal wave. With effort that made veins stand out across his temple, he reached into the minds of their scattered allies.
---
San Fransokyo – Big Hero 6 Headquarters
Varisa and Jessica froze mid-conversation as Xavier's voice filled their minds.
"Young ones… your courage is needed. The Black Serpents' nest has been found. Prepare yourselves. The time of unity is here."
Hiro Hamada's eyes widened, staring at Jessica and Varisa as if realizing for the first time just how deep this war went.
---
Liechtenstein – Government Safehouse with the Thunderbolts
Helena and her Sisters, flanked by the Thunderbolts, felt Xavier's message pierce their minds.
"Your fight is not finished. Join us at the stronghold. Together, we will end this."
Helena clenched her fists, fire in her gaze. "Finally."
---
Avengers Tower – New York
Silvanna, still tasting iron on her lips from her last battle, stiffened as Xavier's voice resonated in her mind.
"Silvanna, Avengers… the moment has come. We strike as one. Your strength, your fire, is needed now more than ever."
Tony glanced at her sharply. "Judging by your face, I'm guessing that wasn't a telemarketer."
Silvanna smirked despite herself. "No. War's coming."
---
Seoul – Rooftops with Juggernaut, Vanessa, and Luna Snow
Vanessa gasped, her knees buckling as Xavier's calm but urgent voice echoed inside her skull.
"Vanessa… Juggernaut… Luna Snow… the hour has arrived. Your choices will shape the fate of us all. Come."
Luna's eyes narrowed. Juggernaut growled low in his throat. But Vanessa's lips curved into something fierce — a smile without fear.
"Finally. A chance to prove what I am."
---
Back at the mansion, Xavier opened his eyes, his voice filling the war room once more.
"They know. They are coming."
The hologram shifted, showing lights of approaching allies across the globe converging on one point of darkness.
And for the first time since this war began, the impossible felt within reach: a united front against the Black Serpents.
The silence that followed was heavy — until Delilah stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with battle-hunger.
"Then let us march. The dawn will be ours."