Note: in the last two chapters I have been referencing things from comic storylines, as well as in the rest of the story. Even though, chapter 18 focused mainly on the MCU's version of The Infinity War. And may not have put that of course, that these characters aren't mine. And property of Disney and Marvel, almost all of them anyway. Since there is going to be a lot taken from a particular story arc. I had tried to incorporate as much as I could without using all of what happened in the story; so, it wouldn't exactly be word for word. But still kept to it as much as possible.


The fight had been going on, so her suddenly appearing pretty much goes unnoticed. Though it isn't long for this to sink in. She starts to awaken taking her surroundings in. "He's a boy. He had no intention of harming me." She shields herself when she sees that Wanda is talking to Dr. Doom. Knowing that with his response; her sister is safe for the time being.

She reaches out pulling the teenager to her. And starts doing her best what she can to heal him. Reading his mind in the process, "I would stop that Rachel if I were you." "Well, you aren't me. And you don't scare me in the least, Victor Doom. William, wake up." "It is no good trying to help the child. He has overstepped. And when someone does that on my land; well there is no longer any use for them."

She picks up on everyone's mental energy that is in the vicinity, knowing that there are more than enough reinforcements. Even if there are some who motives are questionable, it is enough to bring Doom down if need be. Sending the only signal, she can since she doesn't have a mental link and bond with most of those approaching. The Phoenix manifestation appears in the sky. It remains motionless though, waiting for her next decision.

"I am not surprised that you know about me. Acquiring knowledge is one of your fortes. So, you know that before I disappeared from this world, I was part of the Fantastic Four. And that I control myself unless those I care about are threatened. And we know between the two of us who would win the fight. You are far from stupid, Doom, back off."

"Clearly, you know me as well as I know you; so, you know the answer to that. Take care of the child, if it suits you. I have more important things to take care of." He walks past her as he approaches Wanda. Not even giving her and William a second glance. "William, they are on their way. I have let them know that I am here, which may have compounded the problem. And things are going to get worse, if anyone of them has their way. You need to wake up. We are going to need all the help we can get."

"Well, that was definitely weird. Is this what it always feels like for someone when you speak to them mentally. Who are you by the way?" "You get used to it. And there is no time for that. However, if things had been different, I would be your aunt. Come on, Erik, your team, the Avengers and the X-men are about converge on Latveria. And Wanda just left with Doom."

"Wait. It isn't the bit odd that Doom left us alone. Even if what you say is true, letting two people that he can consider opposition go unguarded, definitely doesn't sound like him. "You are right about that, Wiccan." Rachel moves to stand in front of him. "There is no need for that, if I really wanted him dead, he would have been already. And he knew this; besides we aren't the prize he is after. I was able to protect you." "She is right, Wiccan.

You may not know much about her, since she has come and gone between realities. But Rachel Summers-Maximoff isn't from this reality to begin with." William turns to her after her name is revealed. "Plus, upon recognizing her, attacking her would be far from the smartest decision. She houses the Phoenix entity and so far, the only one who has been able to harness its power without losing their sanity. Her loyalty to those she loves knows no bounds, so you can see that trying to corner the two of you would do more harm than good.

Though, Rachel if would allow me, I will strip Wiccan here of his ability. They are coming for Wanda. And you know they won't hesitate to consider him a threat as well, especially Wolverine. This will pacify them somewhat." "No. While your point makes perfect sense, Doom. It would also take an advantage away; I would never let someone die defenseless if they somehow get their way."

"I am still standing here. And while I am not comforted by possibly dying defenseless. You both have a point. And shouldn't it be my choice, and I thought there wasn't time for this. The two of you can have it out later. Whatever choice is made, it has to be now." "He's right. So, which is it, William?" He looks to her before Doom answering them.


The blast sends half of the wall to collapse. "Come on, I won't be able to hold him much longer." Wanda is the last to make it out. He gets the drop on her. "Wolverine. Stop! What are you doing?" She turns at hearing this. "What does it look like!" "It looks like you have just made a big mistake. Now hands off," Rachel replies hitting him with just enough energy to get him to back off.

"William, NO!" "It is okay." She keeps a close eye on him and Wanda; waiting for Wolverine's next move. The blast come out of nowhere separating the two; knocking James unconscious. "it has started. Rachel if you would be so kind as to time jump to the others." The newcomer tells them before taking the lead.

She quickly links them before doing so, which is when the attack comes. He can't even scream; the pain is too great. Though the mental backlash hits her, "VICTOR, STOP! YOU'RE KILLING HIM! PLEASE! HE'S ONLY A CHILD!" As she hears his screams in her mind, "Phoenix!" "I hear you, Rachel. I am here." A replica of her suddenly appears in front of Doom, cutting off the attack; to which has William fall to the ground.

"You heard Wanda Maximoff, Victor Doom." She steps back just in time. "DOOM!" Rachel nears Wanda who is now trying to shield William. He is up the next moment as the Avengers, Doom and Magneto start duking it out. "Come on, clearly you are well enough to move. We don't have much time before the diversion is gone."

They quickly come across the other Young Avengers. Not that it really matters, Doom and the others are almost immediately behind them. "WANDA!" "Too late." "That's the thing about time travel…" They are gone the next moment, just as Doom's attack would have hit them. The Avengers, Magneto and Quicksilver witnessing this from behind him.


The Young Avenger and Scott Lang start running when they see Jack of Hearts; knowing what is about to occur. "WANDA! COME ON!" "Don't worry, I've got her." "NO, Thomas, WAIT!" The explosion knocks the team to the ground; while she shields them as much as she can. "Everyone?" They all see the statue of Scott, "Then who did?" "Guys." "I did." They look up to see Wanda in her Scarlet Witch regalia, answering Eli's question.

Jessica Jones and Clint appear by the doorway as Wanda is explaining that she now remembers. She watches on as they are having their reunion. "Phoenix, something doesn't feel right. She is reliving that day, yet nothing is happening." "Rachel, it looks like…" "No, she wouldn't, she can't." "The Ultrons and the Kree aren't aiming at us!" "They're aiming at Wanda." "She's trying to kill herself." SPEED!"

"Wiiliam, Cassie," Rachel addresses them. "We need to get closer. We can't avoid this," William tells her. "Alright, though, I don't really need to tell you I won't let you go without me." "It's like she's possessed..." She reaches out at William's statement; picking up what she can from Wanda. But is unable to read anything or reach her as well. "Wanda, please…?!"

"…What if the Avengers were right about her?" She turns to Cassie, as William gets closer. "Be lucky that we are preoccupied, child. Otherwise, I would make you pay for your statement." She sees Cassie's slight reaction to her thought; as Wiccan and Wanda become in closer proximity. The backlash from Wanda testing William's theory has her and Cassie retreat slightly.

"What kind of mother doesn't even recognize her own son? Forgive me." "There's nothing to forgive." "There is quite a lot I'm afraid…I only wish I were worthy of you." "She's here, Tony…. So, who do we know who's desperate and stupid enough to be our former mutant guinea pig?" "That's easy...Jamie Madrox and X-Factor."


"How desperate and stupid do you think we are?" "Well…" "That was rhetorical, Jess…" "He would never, what you are suggesting is beneath him, right Wanda?" She turns back to the four men in front of her after seeing Wanda's expression. "Rachel, you are a telepath. If you don't believe us, all you have to do is read our minds. And you would know that we wouldn't be able to lie to one with your degree of mental prowess." "Such a big word for you, Jaime."

She steps back upon getting her answer. Wanda approaches Rictor. Holding her hands by his head, as she unleashes her ability. "I'm sorry…" "WANDA!" "RICTOR!" "What have I done?" "You've brought the whole building down…" "It wasn't her." "But how will I ever find them all?" "…That is, if the Xmen don't kill you first." "That's not a very friendly looking crowd gathered outside, Wanda…"

"You don't have to. She's the one who took your powers away in the first place." "Madrox is right, Rictor." "Never say that out loud." "Too late…" "Why would the Xmen have a problem with that?" "Have you met Scott Summers?" "I will try to do what I can to pacify him. But lately, not even I can reach him," Rachel tells them. "Guys, I hate to break it to you but it's not just the Xmen we have to worry about."

She is now on the other side of the glass. "You know why we're here, Captain." Rachel remains in the air, seeing who delivers the first blow. Since for now, each team is keeping calm as much as they possibly can. And interfering would get escalate things; though things quickly become more heated especially when Magneto attempts to diffuse the situation.

"ENOUGH!" Which is followed by the atmosphere around them to shake. She simply moves further into the air, barely fazed by Rictor's ability. "The Avengers don't get to negotiate on the behalf of mutantkind…" As Magneto and Rogue are talking, Rachel makes her own plea. "Scott, surely, you can forgive Wanda. None of us have been innocent. ERIK, WAIT!"

"Father, stop this!" "Remy, please?!" He turns to the side. "My belle, I'm sorry." "After everything, so am I." "Cap!" "WICCAN, NO!" "Well, if it isn't the witch's sons…. All you have to do is come along with your Auntie Emma." "Yes, Auntie Emma," is said simultaneously. She picks up the message making her way to its location.

"Auntie Emma, you might want to check with their mother first because I hear she can be a real bitch." She lets Wanda continuing to knock the teams out. Rachel never leaves William and Thomas's side. Wanda's action is the last thing the Young Avengers and Wanda see and hear; before Wanda whisks them away back to Latveria.


"Billy…" "What have we done?" They all listen as Wanda and Doom tell them the missing pieces of what lead Wanda to lose control on the day that caused the Avengers deciding to disassemble. "Eli, NO!" She and William make their way to Wanda. Rachel pushes Eli away as William works on healing his mom. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." "What happened?" "I was trying to stop the spell."

While Eli shields Wanda from the assault, Rachel stays by William. She waits quietly once more as the conversation between Wanda, the Young Avengers and Doom continues. When Victor refuses to relinquish his power; they are unexpectedly teleported away. "Did Doom just send us home?"

William, Thomas and Rachel turn at Wanda's cry of pain. "Doctor Doom is the least of your problems because now you've upset Emma Frost…it's not your mind I'm interested in, its Wanda's." "Keep away from her! Clearly the last two times I warned you hadn't be enough; you still have yet to learn." Rachel steps forward, powering up as much as she possibly can.

She slowly walks on air until she is above them. "Rachel, stop. There has been enough fighting between us," Scott tells her. Rachel pulls Emma to her. And now standing in front of her; forcing the ice queen to transform to her diamond state. Reaching out, she starts closing her fist. "Belle, don't!" She ignores Remy's plea.

"Clearly, the other times I warned you haven't been enough. This time should have more of an impact; stay away from my family!" As Rachel's fist closes, Emma shatters into pieces. Her scream immediately dies the moment it is released. "EMMA!" The others look on helpless and in horror. Scott is one of the first to snap out of the shock.

Thomas is defending his mom's actions with William and Eli behind him. As Magneto and Pietro are by Wanda's side. William continues that everyone is apparently excused, except his mother. And where is the justice in that? The one that answers them isn't who any had expected. She lets the fragments of Emma fall to the ground. Readying herself to take Doom on when the time comes; 'the others were too naïve to believe one like Doom would ever change.'

Wanda and William band together after Cassie attacks Doom thinking she had killed her father. "It's working. He can only hold so much. Wanda don't, leave him." Wanda being who she is ignores her; still reaching out to Doom, hoping that she can ease his pain. His proud nature refuses to let him accept help. He disappears in the next moment.

The Avengers and Xmen are left circled around Cassie as Scott grows again; reappearing to the visible eye. "It's not too late to save her," Nathaniel says. He and Vision get in a heated discussion over Cassie. "Good riddance!" "Rachel, you can't mean that?!" "Well, I do. I will not tolerate anyone who tries to look down upon my family and friends in any way." Rachel crosses her arms; turning her head to the side looking at the horizon.

Iron Lad leaves after attacking and destroying Vision and without Cassie. Wanda is holding Vision's head as she insists that she is willing to give herself up. Followed by William and Thomas, Erik follows by saying that Doom is to blame for all of this. "No one is going anywhere." "Clearly, you are still harboring ill will, Scott.

And you have every right to be angry at me, even if she deserved it. Killing your lover added more to the chip you have on your shoulder. But all of you know what I am capable am, try to take the Maximoff's and it will be the last thing you will do" "Rachel, cherie, please!" "Remy, you still stand by them; after William recounted the less than perfect moments some of you have displayed. I defended you in Antarctica when everyone else judged you."

"He'll come around. They all will…" "Rogue!" "Rachel, let's go." "No. You are still willing to forgive me after what I have done. But can't excuse Wanda, I stick by the decision I made after Jean's death. Just like I had after Gambit's trial, you are my brother. And in time our relationship will be repaired, but for now, I can't condone or rectify the person you have become. This isn't what an Xmen stands for."

Madrox leaves after talking to Wanda. She keeps her distance along with the Young Avengers, Erik and Pietro. "Wanda…" "Simon…" "Wanda…" Erik speaks interrupting the meeting. Rachel by his and Pietro's side. Giving the two privacy still looking at her nephews. "I'll leave you to your family for now; but know I'm here for you no matter what." Simon is gone the next moment.

"It's time for me to take responsibility for myself and be there for my children," Wanda tells her father and brother. She comforts Scott Lang the next moment. The Avengers keep their distance still. Hulking embracing Speed and Wiccan. After giving her family enough time; she stands behind the Scarlet Witch, she puts her hand on Wanda's shoulder.

"Wanda?! If it isn't too much, I would like to accompany you, William, Thomas and the others?!" Wanda hugs her. "Thank you, Rachel. You have given me more than I have deserved." Rachel immediately refuses this, shaking her head. "There may not be a Rachel Summers that actually exists in this reality. But I was married to your brother nonetheless. It doesn't matter if I am from a another reality.


"And you're okay with this? So, the Young Avengers are just you and me?" "Just you…. You could have an actual life for a change…" "Sounds like hell…" "…You might enjoy it." "Have you met me?" "Enough with the gloom. If you guys want to break up, then you have every right too. Ted is right. All of you are still young; you should go enjoy life. There has been a lot going on. I've learned since coming to this reality that kicking back can be a good thing.

And if you really don't know what to do with yourself, you can come with me, Thomas?! But for now, I will take all of you home. "Aunt Rachel, how is my mom?" "Why don't you ask her yourself, William." She turns her head to where a tree is; they all see Wanda standing by it, waiting. "We just finished going through her things. She is ready to move everything."

But it might as well be lost on the wind, as Ted, William and Thomas run to meet Wanda. "Such children!" She turns to Kate, a smile on her face. "Let them. They deserve it. They never had a chance to be raised by her. They need it, especially Thomas. If the two of you ever want to come back, you know how to find us. Death is the only thing that can truly sever a mental link and bond. Let them come back before I keep walking you guys home."

She is the last to enter the building. The four turn, "Rachel?!" "I am not going anywhere, but I think I am going to work on finding my own place. I am here for as long as you guys need me. But I do think putting some physical distance between us would be good. We all need to rebuild what was stripped from us. And I don't want to crowd and complicate things more than necessary.

The woman comes out just as she is leaving. "Wait. After everything you have done, you aren't a burden in anyway." "Thank you, Mrs. Kaplan. But I am not just doing this for them, but myself. There were things I discovered that I need to contemplate as well. Though if it isn't too much to ask, I would like to come to dinner tomorrow?!" "

"Yes, of course, Rachel." "Take care of him, Ted. Thomas, come on." "Actually, Aunt Rachel, I think I will stay here." She hugs him. "Okay. I am going to take care of some things as well. But the moment I am done, the visits will be frequent." She turns and walks back the steps. As she starts walking down the street, she pulls the jacket closer together, in a vain attempt to fight the sudden chill. As the last light of the sun is about to disappear for the day.


"What are you doing here?" "Relax, James. I am just here for my daughter and things. I won't be long. She bypasses seeing anyone, knowing that she is no longer welcome. She enters the room to see the girl turn at the noise. "MOMMY!" She opens her arms embracing the child. Picking her up, "my, you have grown. How long was I away? How old are you?"

"I am ten, "Katherine answers. Rachel puts her down, but takes her hand. "Come on, you can tell me everything as I pack. We are going to have our own place now. Don't worry, you will still have friends. There are children where we are going." The two walk further into the room as Rachel starts assessing what they can leave behind. And what is essential at the moment, 'I mean I hope to return one day. But that is still very much down the line; there is still time…'