Captain America's greatest power has never been his peak-human physique, nor even the vibranium shield in his hand.
His true strength lies in the extraordinary influence he carries as a symbol—an influence that draws powerful allies to his side as naturally as breathing.
Unlike most superheroes who prefer operating alone, Captain America is never truly alone.
Across all three Captain America films, he is constantly supported by elite companions:
In the first film: Bucky Barnes
In the second: Black Widow and Falcon
In the third: half the Avengers themselves
Captain America continually gains allies of exceptional power. Now, even more formidable individuals had gathered around him, forming a group whose combined strength easily surpassed the entire human coalition of the Battle of New York.
A single Hulk could pose a threat to the entire planet, and yet Hulk willingly followed him.
But none of them had noticed where the real threat now stood.
---
Three Days Later
During the next three days, the X-Men focused on rebuilding their devastated academy.
Thanks to Magneto's control over metal, the structural frame of the mansion had been restored, though many details remained unfinished. Anyone could still see at a glance that the building had been subjected to heavy bombardment.
The wreckage of the downed Helicarrier was hauled into the underground base for study. To their surprise, the interior contained no bodies whatsoever. Every system—weaponry, navigation, targeting, defense—had been operated entirely by AI.
There were no clues to interrogate. Only twisted metal.
But the S.H.I.E.L.D. insignia was unmistakable.
To the X-Men, this was clear:
The attack had been authorized by the U.S. government.
It was essentially a declaration of war.
No mutant in America would join Captain America's Registration Act after that.
They still believed in him personally—but not the government operating behind him.
Negotiations would have to happen.
And those talks would decide the fate of both humans and mutants.
While the X-Men prepared for diplomatic talks with the new administration, Marcus—recently accepted into the academy—had spent those same days reshaping the students' minds.
It began harmlessly: a memorial service honoring the classmates who died resisting the attackers. Cyclops, still too young and inexperienced, failed to see the danger.
Then came the second step:
A "voluntary" combat-training program where Marcus personally instructed students on how to use their abilities against human forces. In essence, military training.
He even recruited Kitty Pryde as an instructor.
His popularity soared.
Soon, Marcus established a special organization:
The Phoenix Society
Publicly, it was a mutual-support group for mutants to help each other improve their abilities.
In reality, it was an organization dedicated to preparing for war against humanity.
Within three days, more than two-thirds of the student body joined.
The Helicarrier attack had done its work—Marcus had successfully shown them that humans viewed mutants as enemies.
"If we do not resist, we will be enslaved."
The slogan ignited fierce pride. Students flocked to Marcus's side, preparing for a future where war was inevitable.
By the time Cyclops realized how bad things had become and tried to disband the Phoenix Society, it was far too late.
The organization already existed in spirit, even without its name.
Xavier's old ideal—peaceful coexistence—looked like a naïve fantasy when faced with real artillery fire.
If only one side desired peace, then peace could only be achieved after victory.
After finishing a secret Phoenix Society training session and dismissing the students, Marcus bid farewell to Kitty Pryde and headed down the corridor.
Suddenly he stopped, smiling slightly.
"How many times is this now? Taking someone else's form just to observe me?"
The student behind him froze, then gave a faint, bitter smile.
"When did you notice?"
His body rippled. Skin and clothing peeled and shifted like layers of scales. Moments later, he had transformed into a curvaceous blonde woman—the hallmark power of a shapeshifter.
It was Mystique—Raven Darkhölme.
Her raw combat strength was modest, but her role throughout the X-Men's history was pivotal.
"You don't want to meet me in your true form?" Marcus asked casually.
He knew the alluring woman before him was only one of her many disguises. Mystique's true form—a blue-skinned, scale-covered mutant—was impossible to mistake for human.
"At least… this is the form I prefer to use," Mystique replied quietly. "And you know I can't reveal my real appearance here. My relationship with the X-Men is… complicated."
Marcus didn't push the subject.
"So then—why follow me? Even if we're both mutants, don't assume I'm as merciful as Magneto."
"I'm not here to harm you," Mystique said seriously.
After watching him for days, she understood her powers were useless against him. Against someone whose entire body could turn into living metal, her shapeshifting offered no route to victory.
"I only want to know…" she continued softly,
"Do you truly believe the attack was entirely orchestrated by the U.S. government?"
_____
T/N:
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