Shaa*
The raindrop hit the ground as the troops with skull masks crept to the capital of Wakanda. They had high technological equipment and they were all superhumans with great combat experience. Their sole reason for targeting this country was to disrupt the chain of international security where Eden and Wakanda play vital roles.
It was nigh impossible to invade Eden, so they targeted Wakanda despite their great barrier.
" Soldiers, standby!"
Shuri, M'Baku stood before the barrier, looking at the soldiers with serious faces. Wakandan soldiers raised their shields with spears while snipers took positions. Surprisingly, the one leading them was Eric Killmonger who was a criminal before accepting the proposal of Arthur and T'challa. He was the high-ranking noble who could involve himself in the politics of Wakanda despite the queen's questioning.
" All units, standby! Fire when I signal."
Eric activated his panther suit, observing the soldiers from a great distance. To his surprise, a single man flew toward them slowly. He was wearing a helmet and he was a familiar face.
" Oh no!"
Shuri who recognized him immediately tried to deploy the barrier but she found it was useless because someone was intervening in the electromagnetic field of Wakanda.
" Aim at him and fire!"
Eric didn't wait for them as he knew they were facing one of the strongest mutants in the world aka Magneto. He didn't know the reason for his alliance with them, but one thing was sure. He was their enemy and he had to shoot him down before he killed them.
The vibranium bullets made through to him, but even they weren't able to pierce his field.
He was beyond simple level 4 mutant after gaining insight into his power. He became a monster who could alter the entire planet system. However, that wasn't his goal, he was here to secure Wakanda.
" Surrender, Wakanda. Your king is away and your people have no way to defeat me. I don't want any unnecessary bloodshed. I can assure your safety if you surrender."
His voice echoed through the plains as he looked at them. Wakandan soldiers raised their spears as they chanted.
" Ibambe, ibambe! Wakanda Forever!"
They rushed into enemies with valiant looks, they understood they would probably die here but they were dying for their family and their home country. They hoped to believe in Eden and that didn't disappoint them as a plane landed near them.
The belt with the X sign caught their detention as a group of people landed.
" Eric, why are you helping them? You realize they are destroying our world, right?"
Charles flew down from the plane as he looked at his old friend. Eric whom he knew was a man who valued his kind.
" You don't understand, Charles. If we defeat Arthur and his allies, the world will be peaceful for mutants. His existence is poison for us."
Eric rebuked his words, believing Arthur was the key to their success. However, Charles didn't agree with him. To him, Arthur was a savior and hero who were trying to meditate mutants and humans together for peaceful coexistence.
" You are wrong, my friend. He is trying to save us. Why do you think we are being hunted down because we are too strong? Humans fear us because they fear the unknown. They believe our existence can cause chaos in their peaceful society, yet Arthur believed us. He even integrated our families into his allied countries and people are accepting us who we are."
The X-men nodded at his words, but Eric shook his head. Even though Arthur was trying to help them, he was still a human. Humans accepted them because they believed that great heroes like Arthur would suppress their kind.
" I see no point here, Charles. It is either them or us. Come with us!"
He extended his hand with hope on his face, but Charles didn't accept it. He silently stood there with his team, watching him with pity in his eyes. Eric was bound to be sent to prison or worse he could be killed by other heroes.
" I am sorry, Eric. My stance is with them."
His words made Eric sigh. His face darkened with sadness in his tone.
" War is it?"
This was a civil war between mutants.