Quick recap of things that did and didn't happen in the Misfitverse: Apocalypse got free thanks to Mesmero controlling Rogue's mind and Mystique using her. That happened. Magneto showing up at Scott and Jean's graduation and Mystique turning to stone: Didn't happen. At least…not yet.

More Unlikely Allies

Deep in a remote valley in Massachusetts two figures were conversing in the shadows of an old building on the campus of the Massachusetts Academy. "I merely inquired about the progress that Apocalypse has made recently. There is no reason for you to be so defensive Mesmero. Things have not been progressing as quickly as you promised," Emma said. "You cannot blame the Inner Circle of the Hellfire Club for getting a bit edgy."

"It takes time to not only plan world domination and the evolution of mutant kind, but to map out the future social structure of a society that is to come," Mesmero shot her a look. "Besides, you stay trapped in a vault for thousands of years and see how fast you recover!"

"He seemed to do rather well against Magneto and the X-Men," Emma reasoned.

"One short skirmish proves nothing," Mesmero said. "Apocalypse is wise enough to know this. He has been strengthening his powers since that day. He can not afford to take any chances."

"Neither can we. We have not hidden you from Magneto and the X-Men for nothing," Emma told him. "Nor have we agreed to help find your precious relic out of the goodness of our hearts."

"Apocalypse is aware of what you have done and he will reward you when the time comes," Mesmero told her. "If you can find the Eye of Ages, the final component Apocalypse needs to bring in the New Age."

"As you can see, I have my most valued pupil working on it," Emma opened up a curtain. It covered the hidden side of a two-way mirror. A blond teenage boy about fifteen years old and wearing a school uniform was working on some documents. Shaw was with the boy as well.

"A child?" Mesmero shot her a look. "You put our future in the hands of a boy?"

"This boy has a very unique mutant ability," Emma told him. "He can translate any language and he is a genius."

"Are you sure you have it Douglas?" Shaw spoke to the boy.

"Yes sir," Douglas gave him the translation. "It was a bit difficult until I figured out that there were several similarities between this dialect and Sanskrit."

"Excellent," Shaw grinned. "Our archeology team will be thrilled. If you will excuse me." He left the room. Soon he entered the back room via a secret passage.

"He's done it?" Mesmero blinked.

"Here are the coordinates for the Eye of Ages," Shaw showed him.

"Are you sure?" Mesmero examined the translation.

"Douglas has never failed us," Emma told him. "He is one of our most promising students."

"There's always a first time," Mesmero mused. "Still this does look correct. According to this the way to the Eye of Ages will not be available for at least a few months."

"That should give you plenty of time to prepare then," Shaw said.

"We also got you someone who is willing to assist you," Emma grinned. "You remember your old friend Mystique?"

Mystique walked out from the shadows. "Vividly," Mesmero bowed lightly.

"She will help you again as she did before," Emma told him.

"Yes and this time I don't want you dumping me so I'd be forced to go crawling back to Magneto!" Mystique made a fist. "Remember I want to make sure that my children are assured a place in Apocalypse's new order as well!"

"You will get what you deserve," Mesmero told her. "Have no fear. You realize of course we will need Rogue's…assistance again."

"Again? Why?" Mystique asked. "You've already used her as a battery to recharge Apocalypse! What are you trying to do? Kill her?"

"Let's just say her particular talents will be very useful," Mesmero said. "Do you want her to be saved or not?"

"Very well," Mystique folded her arms. "But if anything happens to her…"

"Nothing will happen to her," Mesmero smiled. "You have my word. Now let us go make our plans."

They left for another room leaving Shaw and Emma alone. "Do you really think we can trust them?" Emma asked. "If it wasn't for those mental barriers I placed on all the Inner Circle Mesmero would have enslaved us without a thought."

"I am more than aware of that," Shaw said. "I trust him as much as I'd trust a starving crocodile. But he is still an investment nonetheless."

"Besides," Shaw opened an old book with strange writing on it. On one page was the picture of a phoenix. "If for some reason the alliance with Apocalypse does not work out…We always have a back up plan."