Apocalypse's plan isn't bad, perhaps in the hands of some, it's indeed a good strategy against the Phoenix.
As long as I run fast enough, loneliness can't catch up with me.
However, although he was an all-powerful mutant, Apocalypse's speed ability was almost never developed.
Mutant abilities are a kind of talent, but similarly, they require constant research and training to understand deeper usage techniques.
Since 3000 BC, Apocalypse always had others carry him, and when in a hurry, he could use telekinesis to fly. He never had the chance to train his running...
If he only relied on telekinesis flight, he was far slower than the Phoenix.
The area, once full of yellow sand, turned into a red, liquid-like state when the Phoenix attacked. Maybe in the future, this place will become a glass desert-like attraction, but with the Phoenix firmly targeting Apocalypse, he had no mood to enjoy the scenery.
For some unknown reason, the Phoenix seemed to hold a deep grudge against him, persistently chasing him.
After those fiery wings spread open, almost the whole sky turned red, as if everything was burning.
In the center of the Phoenix energy was a small figure. She didn't need to make any movements and could just watch everything expressionlessly.
Apocalypse added various protective shields to himself, but under the high temperature and flames, they were like layers of bubbles, vulnerable to one hit. And even though he fully unleashed telekinesis and started flying to escape, the distance between him and the Phoenix just kept getting shorter.
He activated his phase ability to become intangible, but the Phoenix still saw him and could harm him. He used his space-time ability to traverse, but the Phoenix broke through space and continued the chase.
A series of images flickered in and out; he tried every way imaginable, but the massive fiery bird continued to pursue him.
Despair, a feeling of despair spread in Apocalypse's heart.
At this moment, he spotted another direction, where several individuals were escaping on a 'magic carpet.'
His heart stirred, and he immediately fled towards Su Ming.
"Damn, this is a goddamn trap." Su Ming cursed wildly in his heart; this was simply life-threatening.
The Black Phoenix state basically recognizes no kin.
Originally, Su Ming's plan was just to have the ordinary Jean come over, use some Phoenix power to deal with Apocalypse and that'd be it, but he hadn't expected it to be the Black Phoenix state.
In such a situation, the Phoenix dominated the host persona and was completely uncontrollable.
After discerning her state, Su Ming immediately led several people to flee, but now it was clear Apocalypse intended to drag them all down.
"Kids! Block it for your god!"
"Fly faster, cloak. If you do well this time, I'll reward you when we get back. I'll find a professional to embroider a flower for you."
Only lunatics would block disaster for Apocalypse. Su Ming patted the cloak beneath him, urging it to fly faster.
By now, they had already flown out of Egypt, over the Suez Canal, sprinting towards the Indian Ocean.
Behind them was Apocalypse who was fleeing for his life, with a terrifying figure trailing him.
Wide red flames spread along this route, leaving only a scorched black path in their wake.
The cloak, upon hearing Su Ming's words, lost its spirit and nearly dropped everyone; it wasn't some tablecloth or couch cover, what did embroidery count for?
Even wanting to go faster was impossible; Su Ming wasn't a mage, lacking numerous supportive magic enhancements, it could only fly this fast.
If the user were the Ancient One, crossing the cosmos in an instant wouldn't be a problem, but for a warrior wearing it, they were limited to basic flying ability and gaining magic resistance.
At most, add in emulating the Spartans, perhaps gaining some morale boost.
But you have to strip down to just your shorts to make it work.
The Phoenix caught up; that giant beak opened wide, swallowing Apocalypse whole. Within the flames, Apocalypse let out heart-wrenching screams.
Frightening alien energy invaded his body; such power was beyond his resistance.
However, the Phoenix didn't intend to kill him. For some reason, she seemed to gradually regain some sanity, merely using Phoenix Power to immobilize Apocalypse and then turning back.
It intended to return Apocalypse to the Pyramid and place him back there.
"Hmm? Are we safe?" Wade sat on the cloak, pulled out a charred rabbit from who knows where, and started nibbling.
The rabbit was poorly cooked, its surface looking just like Wade's skin.
Seeing Deadpool lift his mask to eat wasn't something everyone could stomach. Little Rascal turned her face away, leaned over the edge of the cloak, and dry-heaved.
"No, we won't be safe until the Phoenix leaves this world."
Su Ming answered Deadpool's question while signaling the cloak to head through Country A, en route to Kama Taiji.
"Hey, cousin, there are things I've always wanted to tell you, but never had the chance."
Wade put down the rabbit he was holding, face full of sorrow as he spoke to Su Ming. He even stuck out his tongue to lick his greasy lips.
"What? Got any last words? You won't die." Su Ming retched in disgust.
"No, I wanted you to know, being with you brings me great joy. I truly cherish our time together; you're my only family now, I'll never forget everything we've shared." Wade tossed the half-eaten rabbit into the sea below, took off his mask, and looked sincerely at Su Ming.
"???"
Su Ming wasn't clear on what this scoundrel was talking about, what was wrong with him now? Depression?
"It's invaluable to me, really, very precious. I value you above everything..." Wade clutched his heart, while incessantly tapping Cable's shoulder, seemingly trying to make Cable sit up and speak for him as a witness.
Su Ming squinted his eyes; he seemed to understand.
"So... on your will, can the beneficiary column have my name? Cash, stocks, real estate—all fine. If you die, I think these will remind me to mourn you and ease my pain of losing you..."
"Hehe... my foolish brother..."
Su Ming's shoulders started to shake, as if broken, laughing, before swiftly drawing out the Nightfall Greatsword and slicing Wade vertically from head to chest, splitting him into a Y-shape.
The world suddenly went silent.
"Why do that?" Little Rascal, seeing Wade's brain splatter, finally threw up. She sprayed endlessly into the ocean below the cloak, only recovering with difficulty, before looking at Deathstroke with complex emotions.
She wasn't asking why he cut Deadpool; sometimes, if she had a sword, she would also consider cutting him.
She was asking why he chose such a disgusting way to cut.
"A vertical slice is good for force application, and it better destroys the vocal cords; you know just cutting off his head and he could continue talking, right?"
Su Ming retracted his sword, continued looking towards the rear. If his assumptions were correct, the Phoenix would keep tracking them.
After all, Cable was still here.
Whether it's Jean or the Phoenix, they're drawn by Cable; what the Phoenix intends to do with Cable, Su Ming couldn't say.
If the Phoenix wanted to give Cable a 'warm' hug, he probably couldn't bear it, and in her Black Phoenix state, she might want to kill Cable to affect Jean's psyche.
It first dealt with Apocalypse because he posed the most threat; instinct led her to make this choice. As for the others, dealing with them later would be easier.
Su Ming kneeled on the enlarged cloak, surveying the activity in each direction while rapidly considering his next moves.