> The battle with Kuras sent ripples through the arcane and mutant communities alike. The Avengers begin investigating Garou's appearance as the X-Men grow suspicious of Rogue's disappearance. With Garou now on Earth's radar, alliances form—and so do fears.
---
The Raft – Avengers Containment Facility
Tony Stark stared at the security footage on the holographic screen. The visual was fuzzy, but the energy readings were undeniable. A massive impact crater, destabilized ley lines, and the corrupted remains of Kuras—one of Doctor Strange's ex-disciples.
"Tell me that's not another alien invasion," Tony muttered.
Steve Rogers stood beside him, arms crossed. "Not yet. But the body count says it will be."
"That's not a meteor strike. That's a tactical strike with sentient intent." Natasha's voice cut through, clinical as always.
Carol Danvers hovered near the screen. "I've fought Kree warlords and Skrull emperors. This isn't like them. That man—Garou, you said?—he's different. The way he moved…"
"Calculated," Steve added. "Every strike precise, like he's done it all before."
Tony's eyes narrowed. "If he's half the problem Kuras was, we need to find him fast."
"And if he's the solution?" asked a new voice.
Doctor Strange stepped through a portal, cape billowing behind him.
The Avengers turned.
Strange folded his arms. "This Garou might be the only thing that's held Dormammu at bay so far."
Tony arched a brow. "You're saying we trust a cosmic brawler who flattened one of your own sorcerers like a pancake?"
"I'm saying we watch him closely," Strange replied. "Because if Dormammu wants him dead, then we need to know why."
---
Xavier Institute – Cerebro Chamber
Jean Grey pulled the helmet off with a sharp breath. "Found her."
Storm looked up, surprised. "Rogue?"
"She's in Canada. Deep wilderness, near old Weapon X territory."
Logan's ears twitched at that.
"She went off the grid two weeks ago," Jean said. "But her mental signature... it's changed. She's not alone."
Wolverine growled. "She's with him."
"Who?" Cyclops asked.
"The one who dropped a demon sorcerer like a sack of flour," Logan muttered. "I smelled his power from three countries away."
"Dangerous?" Scott pressed.
"Beyond," Logan said. "But there's no fear in Rogue's scent. Just... curiosity."
Professor Xavier wheeled into the room, his voice calm but urgent. "If what Jean felt is true, this individual may be tied to the recent leyline distortions and Dormammu's sudden aggression."
Jean nodded. "Garou. That's what the mind called itself."
Charles frowned. "Then we must send a team. Before the Avengers find him first."
---
The Canadian North – Forest Outskirts
Rogue and Garou stood on a cliff edge overlooking a half-frozen river.
He was quiet again. Always thinking.
"Why don't you run?" Rogue asked, pulling her coat tighter. "Most folks would after dropping a magic nuke in the woods."
"I've run before," Garou said. "Didn't fix anything."
"You always talk in riddles?" she asked with a smirk.
He looked at her, eyes faintly glowing.
"No. Just tired of being seen as a threat before I speak."
Rogue's smile faded. "That's… fair."
Suddenly, the wind shifted. Garou's body tensed.
"They're coming."
Rogue blinked. "Who?"
"More wolves. And they're hunting."
---
Ten Miles Away – Stealth Jet, Blackbird
Cyclops stood at the front, gazing out the viewport. "This is the place. Cerebro confirmed."
Beast tapped his tablet. "Energy residuals match the fight with Kuras. Whoever this Garou is, he's leaving breadcrumbs."
Wolverine snorted. "Not breadcrumbs. Warnings."
Jean looked at Logan. "You don't think he's dangerous?"
"I know he is," Logan replied. "I just don't think he's the enemy."
Cyclops frowned. "Let's not make assumptions. We go in, we talk. If things go south—"
"We hold back Rogue," Logan finished. "She might be the only one who can stop him without a war."
---
Meanwhile – Avengers Tower
FRIDAY's voice echoed in the war room. "Sir, satellite scans just confirmed the X-Men jet heading toward the same area."
Tony groaned. "Of course it's a turf war."
Carol smiled. "You love it."
"I love being right," Tony shot back. "But if they reach him first, and he decides to make a move…"
Steve clipped on his shield. "Then we better make sure we're there too."
Strange opened another portal.
"Coordinates are locked."
In moments, Earth's mightiest heroes stepped into the cold forest of the north.
---
The Standoff
Garou and Rogue stood in a clearing as the forest seemed to part.
From one side, the X-Men emerged—Jean, Logan, Scott, Beast, and Storm.
From the other, a shimmering portal dropped the Avengers into position—Captain America, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, Doctor Strange, and Black Widow.
Garou exhaled. "So this is what fear looks like."
Rogue stepped slightly in front of him. "Don't do this."
Jean stepped forward. "Rogue. You alright?"
"Ah'm fine, sugar. Y'all need to put the guns down."
Scott's visor gleamed. "We're not here to fight. Just talk."
Iron Man's faceplate clicked. "Speak for yourself."
Strange raised a hand. "We need answers."
Carol crossed her arms. "Who are you, really?"
Garou stepped forward, eyes unreadable.
"I'm the last consequence of a broken multiverse."
Silence.
"I was forged by cruelty. Trained by monsters. And released upon creation with one purpose—to evolve beyond limits."
Wolverine narrowed his eyes. "You're not lying."
Garou nodded at him. "You know monsters when you see them."
Storm stepped forward, wind curling around her. "Why are you here?"
Garou looked at the stars.
"Because this world called out. And someone answered."
He glanced at Rogue. She looked back, steady and certain.
"I didn't come to conquer," Garou said, voice low. "But if I'm pushed, I will survive."
Jean felt the truth in his words. So did Strange.
Carol finally broke the tension. "Then maybe we don't have to be enemies."
Tony sighed. "Unless Dormammu shows up with fireworks."
"Trust me," Garou said, his voice like distant thunder. "When he does… you'll need me."