Mystique's voice cut through the tension like a blade. "Nobody move, or we all die together!"
At her command, the two mutants stepped forward, shielding her and the captive Charles Xavier. Her tone was steady, but everyone could see the twitch in her jaw. The mission was a disaster—Quicksilver down, Ryuuto standing tall, and half the Brotherhood scattered. All she had left was her hostage.
"Mystique," Ryuuto said, walking forward like he was out for a casual stroll, "you've lost. Stop pretending this is still your game."
Bobby and Colossus tensed behind him, their eyes darting to the gun pressed against Charles's throat. "Captain, we have to get Professor Xavier out of there!" Bobby hissed.
"I know," Ryuuto said, voice low but calm. "Leave it to me."
The two mutants in front of him barked warnings. "Stop! Take one more step and we'll kill him!"
Ryuuto didn't even slow down. His eyes narrowed, and a wave of killing intent rolled off him like a cold storm. The two mutants froze where they stood, shivering despite themselves.
"Move aside," Ryuuto said softly. "Or die where you stand."
They couldn't answer—fear had stolen their breath.
"Help me! Mystique, do something!" Quicksilver's battered voice rang out. Blood dripped down his chin, but panic gave him volume. "If I die, Magneto will—"
A punch silenced him. Ryuuto's fist cracked across his skull, sending him to the floor with tears, snot, and shame.
"Prisoners should stay quiet," Ryuuto said coldly.
Mystique snarled. "What do you want, Ryuuto? You think you can just walk away from this?"
Ryuuto grabbed Quicksilver by the collar and yanked him upright. "Actually, yes. Let's make this simple." He pointed to her hostage. "You release Professor Xavier… and I return Quicksilver. Everyone walks away breathing."
The room fell silent.
Scott, Bobby, Colossus, even Arlo—all waited for Ryuuto's next move. Mystique's grip on the trigger tightened, her eyes flickering between fury and suspicion.
"Why should I trust you?" she snapped.
"You shouldn't," Ryuuto replied, grinning. "But it's either that, or you find out how fast I can move before you pull that trigger."
The Brotherhood soldiers looked ready to cry. They knew Ryuuto wasn't bluffing.
Mystique exhaled sharply, brain spinning. "We're not afraid of death. The Mutant Brotherhood—"
"Then die proud," Ryuuto interrupted, digging at his ear as if bored. "Makes no difference to me."
Her focus wavered for half a second—and that was all he needed.
"Shadow Imitation: Engage."
His shadow darted forward like a viper, slithering across the floor before merging with hers. Mystique's body went rigid, her gun hand freezing midair. The same dark tendrils caught her two mutant subordinates, locking them in place.
Quicksilver's eyes went wide. "Wait—no! Don't fall for that—!"
Too late.
"Heh. You're done," Ryuuto said, his voice light, almost amused. He brought his hands together in a seal, smirking. "Professor, you're clear."
Mystique's pupils trembled as her muscles locked. The tension snapped all at once. Bobby and Colossus surged forward, subduing the remaining hostiles in seconds.
Quicksilver hung his head, muttering in defeat. "It's over… completely over…"
The battle for Xavier was won.