The storm above Xavier's Mansion had not been summoned by nature.
It was destiny.
One by one, allies arrived. The air trembled as the Fantastic Four's craft descended onto the lawn, Reed stepping out with purpose, Susan's shield shimmering protectively over her family. Behind them strode S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, armored transports rumbling, Fury's single eye sharp as ever. Greta, Candy, Louis, and Mona with her two demons followed in their wake, drawing wary glances from soldiers who tightened their grips on their rifles.
A low rumble shook the ground as the Thunderbolts convoy rolled in from Liechtenstein, black armor gleaming. Helena and her Sisters disembarked with cold focus, exchanging a brief nod with Xavier. Behind them, Ghost, Moonstone, and the others of the Thunderbolts radiated unease but readiness.
Then came the sound of rotors — the Avengers' quinjet, landing with a hiss. Out stepped Captain America, Black Widow, and Thor, lightning crackling faintly in the storm overhead. But it was Silvanna who drew every eye — her crimson aura, the scent of iron on the wind, and Tony Stark walking beside her with an odd mixture of confidence and protectiveness.
Finally, with a hiss of repulsors, the Big Hero 6 team touched down in San Fransokyo's high-tech jet. Hiro bounded out first, wide-eyed at the sea of legendary faces. Baymax followed, beeping cheerfully. And from the hatch stepped Varisa and Jessica, their presence carrying the weight of the keystones they bore.
A hush fell across the courtyard. For the first time, the world's strangest and strongest stood side by side.
And then the ground shook.
The trees bent backward as a figure in crimson armor smashed down from the sky like a meteor. Juggernaut, towering and unstoppable, stood tall. Beside him strode Vanessa, calm and unscarred despite the aura of destruction swirling around her, her presence defying reason. Luna Snow followed, icy mist curling off her fingertips, her expression unreadable.
Dozens of eyes turned to Juggernaut with open hostility.
"Relax," Vanessa said, her voice steady, cutting through the murmurs. "He's here for me. And I'm here for all of you."
For a moment, silence. Then Thor stepped forward, Mjolnir in hand, studying her. "The blood of your father runs strong in you, girl… but I see no fear in your eyes."
Vanessa met his gaze without flinching. "I don't plan to die with any."
Tension rippled across the factions — Avengers eyeing Thunderbolts, X-Men wary of Mona's demons, SHIELD soldiers stiffening at Juggernaut's presence, and Big Hero 6 feeling very small among giants.
Xavier's voice rose above it all, telepathically steadying their hearts.
"Enough. This is not a gathering of suspicion. It is a gathering of survival. Alone, the Black Serpents will crush us. Together…"
The hologram of the Serpent stronghold flickered to life again, casting red light across their faces.
"…together, we are the dawn."
Delilah stepped forward, flames igniting at her fingertips, her voice a roar that shook the air.
"Then let's end the night."
And so, for the first time, Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, Big Hero 6, S.H.I.E.L.D., and their newest outliers — demons, outcasts, and juggernauts — stood united beneath the same storm.
The Black Serpents' time was running out.