Things are back to more of a linear frame at least in this story, instead of the chapters that where it looked like things were jumping around and made it no doubt appear confusing. Parts of the Secret Empire are still going to be taking place here. Though, I am fixing the timeline of another thing that happened later in the canon in here. And a certain Summers wanted to make an appearance before I had initially anticipated and planned. They were actually supposed to show up in the last chapter (which should be the next one).
The scorch of fire approaching is too much for him to be able to extinguish. The pressure of the heat actually too much for him to be able to take; as sweat starts appearing and running down his face. Shutting his eyes, he braces himself the best and only way he can. As one of his best friends and partner is screaming at him beneath him. At feeling no impact, he slowly opens his eyes; 'but this could only mean.' "I heard you have been losing your connection to your powers. And slowly dying because of it." "RACHEL?!"
He turns to indeed see her, along with someone he hadn't expected. His best friend appears touching down at the roof by them. "Rachel, Lyja." "Hello, Ben. I hear you two are dying in a certain sense without Reed and Susan. But I can help with that, I can do what I can to slow the process of you two losing your powers; as long as I stay with the two of you. My powers still aren't what they used to be. So, this is the new Fantastic Four." "It would be good to see you back on the team, Brimstone." "Guardian, it's Guardian now. And for our first mission, what do you say about a jail break?" "What did you have in mind?" Ben asks.
(scene change)
Staring at those before her, she remains standing. Johnny, Ben and Lyja behind her. "I'm sorry." She turns to look at the three behind her, indicating them as well. "There is nothing to forgive, Rachel. We are just you have returned to us; knowing that it was only a matter of time when it involves the Phoenix." Scarlett says. Looking at the stranger before her, an insipid young man, she notices some of herself in him. "Clearly, there are things that need to be discussed. However, there is something we must deal with." A light appears; as a young girl who has light features as well is left standing in its wake.
Turning the child, notices who she is looking for; a sword held at her side. "Hello, brother." "Who are you?" "My name is Valhalla, Val for short. Our parents sent me here." "Hello, child." She turns at recognizing that voice, straightening her posture even more. Val nods her head. "I may not have the capacity I did before; but I do know that The Avengers are going to need our help. As Xmen, we may not normally involve ourselves with other's problems. However, this time is different. Their threat is within. And we can't just sit idly by." "Rachel, you aren't the leader. You have no right to make such a decision." The person tells her as they enter the room.
"You're right, Emma. But I followed your lead for the most part when it involved The Avengers civil war. I won't do so this time. And I know that there are some who agree with me as well. Their loyalty has never been an issue. Charles Lensherr, Blink, Nightcrawler, Phoenix, Rachel Grey, Lorna, Alex, Warren, Paige and Anabel Worthington, Cable and Nate, Hope, both Jean's, Alison, William, Thomas, Ted, Kate, America, Torus, Hope, Katherine, Val, Norway, Kitty and Lockheed, Remy and Rogue, Roger Barnes and Dane go and stand by her and the rest of The Fantastic Four. "What will it be, Scott? The Avengers are our friends; and they have never needed more help than now." Rachel gives them a moment of pause.
"Well, alright then." She sees Miles, holding his mother's hand. Mariah standing next to Scarlett, holding Barbara in her arms. "I know the two of you wish you could come. But it is best, you two stay here. Those two should be your concern. Mariah, we found him." The surprise causes the young woman to tighten her hold on Barbara a little. "Bring him back to me then." "Don't forget about us." The group turns to see Luna, Tuc and Crystalia walking toward them. The look of concern doesn't go unnoticed before they leave, "it will be okay, Scarlett." Charles Lensherr speaks.
(scene change)
The arrow barely misses her. "Hello, to you too, Clinton." "Rachel?!" "I get all of you are on edge. And that is why I am here; and as you can see, I brought help. Clearly, all of you already know that Sharon Carter is a prisoner. James managed to escape due to others interfering the captain from taking him as well." "RACHEL!" The child runs toward her. A woman in a blue spider suit followed by a man similar to Captain America's garb follow. "James?!" "We don't know exactly what happened. He was our age one day, the next he was like this" America tells her.
"Hello, Rachel." "Simon." She answers to the other party that has just appeared. "I have barely been able to pick up only certain things. I am sorry about Rick Jones and Natasha. Whatever we can do to help, we will. Though, my main objective at the moment is to bust Sharon and Sean out of their shackles." "Sean?!" "Yes, Tony." "I don't know how he did it but Rogers managed to keep him all this time. And that whoever that is, that person isn't Steven Rogers." "If it looks and acts like a duck" he adds.
"I know. I know that, Tony. My capabilities may not be what they once were; however, not a one of you can really tell me that is the Steven Rogers we know." Rachel turns her head slightly to the side. "If that is really how you want to do things, you are the leader now, Clinton. Like I said I am here for the jailbreak, I will take those with me. And go ahead, and continue with those with you to where you have in mind. Blink, if you could, Jean, Prestige, Cable, Nate and Charles once we are there; we are going to need all of you to keep our presence masked. And that still may not be enough, this Captain may still know we are coming."
(scene change)
"Let's see how strong you feel when those warships of yours start falling out of the sky." "Well, it seems like the jailbreak wasn't needed after all." Sharon turns to see Kitty raising from the floor, Rachel's arm around her. Pryde looking at her, "are you okay, Rachel?" "I am good. Besides, we can't stop now. Sharon, it is time we go. James is waiting for you." "He…How is he?" "Much better than all of you are about to be." The three see Vision phasing through the way; Wanda's hand in his. As the thunder lets them know that their teammate is not far off; as the tremble causes the ship to shift. "Get her out of here." "Guardian, you can't really…" "It doesn't matter if I am still not strong enough, Katya. We don't do these things to cut and run when we can't hack it. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time I have kicked the bucket." The concern evident in her friend's eyes. "You're right. I am sorry. That was insensitive and unnecessary. Now go, Katya. I will handle these three."
Closing her eyes, she breathes in deep. 'I really hope I don't become a liar, doing this. Phoenix, if you can hear me. Please…' "Indeed, Rachel Summers, let us begin then." The android tells her. "Very well, then." Just as Thor walks through the door way, just as Vision and Wanda send the initial attack out.
(scene change)
"Run…" comes out just as the explosion occurs. As the air clears, the Hydra Captain appears in his armor. Blink and Nightcrawler appear with the others. Before any can speak, those that had been on the ship appear as Phoenix releases her hold on them. The witch, android and god appear by their fleeting leader. As Rachel hits the ground, groaning from the pain; having been dropped as if she were of no consequence. "RACHEL!" "Hold it right there."
` The attack comes out of nowhere; as the man stands within reach of the twisted version of Rogers. "GET AWAY FROM MY SISTER!" Her brother reaches out; hoisting her up. Supporting her as she barely remains conscious. "Gabriel?!" Rachel whispers. "I am here, big sister. We will talk later." "Thor, you see what is happening. You can't really agree. You are the only one that isn't under any thrall." "…I…" Gabriel tightens his hold as he feels the slack of pressure from his side. Just as the Captain America they know materializes.
(scene change)
She feels the arm wrapping around her, hoisting her up as she is supported. "…" The slight breeze brought about the head moving reaches her. "What was that?" "What did I miss?" She manages to get out, this time. Reality comes more into focus, as "not much. Only things being righted." "Barnes." Following his gaze, she sees Sharon and James standing a distance from Steve; there still being a chiasm. "Sharon, I…" "Is it really you?" "Daddy?" The hurt and flinch demonstrated from him are unmistakable. Kobik takes ahold of his hand. Rachel releases herself from her brother's embrace; ignoring the stumble as she starts moving forward. "It's okay. Thank you, Gabriel."
"You know I would have never really done those things, right?" Sharon remains unmoved and uncertain. James rushes forward, wrapping his arms around Steve's legs; just as Rachel stops in front of them. "I know it is hard. But despite the shift in his ideals and principles, he was an exact replica of you. She wasn't the only one fooled. Some of them have known you longer than her; and they fell for the deception." "I appreciate it, Rachel. But she should have known I would never have done those things. Bucky being the only one who knows me best, besides her. And he didn't fall for it." "He has also known you the longest, even longer than any of the others; so, it is understandable why he wouldn't. All you can do know is go forward. James already has."
His hopeful expression is directed to Sharon; as Rachel kneels by his side, in front of the child. "It was you, wasn't it?! The one that called to me; the reason I am here now?!" The child tightens her grip on Steve's hand. He looks down, "its alright. If there is any one that will get someone messing up; letting their abilities go haywire. It's her." Kobik keeps her gaze on him before turning to Rachel, who's hand is out, reaching for her.
"He's right. Thank you, I know that you kept him safe." Rachel feels the embrace; as the arms tighten around her neck, Kobik laying her head against her shoulder. "I'm sorry." Rachel holds onto her as she rises. "You feel it don't you? Another threat that is rapidly approaching. And we are going to need all the help we can get. I will show you how to control yourself better." The only affirmation is her hair being gripped. Sean and the others waiting for her, just as she sees Sharon take a few steps closer to Steven.
"Mom?!" "Sean." "What happens now? I may have become a stranger to this planet; and this family, but I know after what he has done; not everyone is going to readily forgive him." "This is true, Gabriel. But he knows as his friends we will be here for him; and that we aren't if anything forgiving. It wouldn't be the first time one of us has gone on a rampage; nor will it be the last time. Being judgmental is something we have pretty much become immune to; you are here after all." "She's right." "Thank you, Tony. Clint" she addresses Hawkeye. "Let's go home."
(scene change)
The images flash before her as her eyelids flutter; as everything around her goes into disarray. "RACHEL! RACHEL! She awakens to see Kobik pulling on her sleeve; as the door opens to Johnny, Ben, Torus and Lyja standing there. The concern and worry unmistakable. As the entity materializes, "Phoenix?" They stare at the miniature version before them; that perches itself on the surface of the cabinet, staring at her.
"It is time, if you so choose?! I had to accept Jean's rejection. And have yours for a while now as well. Just as Norwegian and Valhalla had been forced to accept yours of them before they vanished; the kids are still not happy about this as well, especially Sean. He loves and cares about them, especially his brother." "I never asked for my life to be determined for me. I have been back in the world of the living, remembering, very long. I want to live for myself; not things that should or could be." "That is not a luxury you can really afford; not for the life you have chosen, nor for who you are, what you stand for. I will leave if that is really what you desire; however, the time is nigh. And having my help could mean all the difference. Through you, Jean and your niece, I have learned what it means to be human. And how to control myself now, the best I can."
"Rachel?" Ignoring Johnny, she remains sitting in bed. Reaching for Kobik; "it will be okay." She lets her feet touch the ground as she has just put the child on her bed. "I know and understand your hesitancy still. It is why you rejected Thor after he came to you wanting to try. But wanting to escape this life isn't possible surely you know that. Your love for those you care about and wanting to do the right thing; and right wrongs that have been done would never allow this. It is what makes you, you and a hero?!
It is still up to you; however, with the things to come, they will suffer greatly. More than they have before; this threat is unlike anything they have experienced. And it will reach far and wide, for it won't just impact Earth's heroes." Reaching out further, the Phoenix shows Rachel the glimpse of the shift, of the things to come. "And while nothing is definite, this is the trajectory things are on. The choice is yours; but you know what is now at stake. All that will be lost if you aren't there at the end?!"
Now within arm's reach of the godlike entity; "I guess I don't have much choice; and my decision doesn't mean much, but if it will save them. I will do what it takes." The creature nods its head; before moving forward. The rest of the Fantastic Four remain watching in silence, as flames engulf Rachel. Once the illuminance is gone, they see that she, Kobik and the entity are gone.
(scene change)
"Sean, I am going to need your help." "Go away, mother. I still haven't forgiven you." "This is more important than that." "No, no, it's not. They were your children. And you just let them go as if they meant nothing. I won't stop searching for my brother and sister, no matter what it takes." Rachel keeps quiet at the unspoken words concerning Mariah and Barbara Jean. "If that is really what you want?!" "Yes! I don't even know you anymore. You had always put your family and us first. Yet you couldn't do the same for them?!" Rachel looks down, "that is what you aren't getting…I will leave if you really want me to?!" Turning his back to her is the only answer she gets. "Alright. Come on." Rachel says looking at Kobik and Phoenix's questionable and concerned expressions. "I would never force anyone. My feelings don't matter. They are what caused this bridge between us to begin with; I can't go and let the hurt at his rejection take over. As much as I don't like it and disagree with it, his emotions and reasoning are justifiable. We will find help elsewhere."
