Note: not too much action here. And there are certain moments in the comics centering on certain characters, that I am taking and trying to mirror Rachel going through the same. A character introduced her, will show up again later. And if anyone knows issues referencing; then will know what event and character I will have parallel Rachel and the OC in this specific thread. And toward the end could count as another flashback; due to Rachel meeting some characters she already has (in a previous chapter).


The waitress has just finished putting their order down; but not before flirting some more and leaving her number on a napkin. She gives him a pointed look. "What? I can't help it if women find me attractive?" She snatches the piece of paper from where it is laying on the table. "That isn't the point, Johnny." "Sis, he has every right. We are both single adults. We aren't tied down like you seem to be."

She brings the cup to her lips before placing it back onto the table. "Is that so, Alex? So, then what about Lyja and Lorna?" "Rachel, must you always bring her up?" "Of course, Johnny. We have had this discussion before, you have done a good imitation of trying to move on. Yet, every time she reenters your life, the friction from the attraction and love between you two is evident."

Lightly smacking Alex on the back of the head, "as if you have the right to talk, little brother? Lorna and I had a conversation recently where she told me about the debacle of what should have been your wedding day. Men! You are so different from the Alex that I knew; so, when she told me, it was a little hard to believe. But then I saw it, it may have passed some time ago, her hurt and pain at the rejection is still there."

"It is?!" "Yes. Both of you two should just make it official again. I know as we know as you do also, that no matter who else you two try to move on with; it always comes back to these two for you both. Why keep wasting your time?" "As if you are one to talk, what about you and Pietro or this other man you have alluded to that you are supposed to be with eventually?" Johnny asks.

"Unlike you two, I have never strayed. Even with the one night stand I had; Pietro has always had my heart. He always will. It didn't matter that he was also in love with another woman as well. And that he would cheat on me with her. At least not enough to leave him, it helped that there was always something else going on to actually be bothered with personal things.

That was on me. As well as having a bias of how the counterparts of those I knew from my reality were the same way here. I know I made it difficult on some of you and us becoming friends especially you, Alex. This showed me my perception of Pietro was skewed as well. This one may be more loyal. But he is definitely harder than the Pietro I knew and loved, more guarded. And I let myself be blinded by this for so long."

"Though, I have never been a big fan of Crystalia. Nor did I ever see what he saw in her, our relationship has been better lately; though this is mainly for Luna, Tuc, Katherine and Sean's sakes. But I have to say she is tolerable. But enough about us and our failed relationships with the love of our lives, what do you the rest of you have to say?"

"That we wish we weren't here; that was embarrassing and awkward." She is about to answer when a person runs by followed by a crowd, all of them screaming. They all get up from their chairs, "what is…Red?" "Those that can fly get to the sky now." Part of the building starts falling. Nate, Cable, Hope, Rachel and Angel are trying to do what they can to minimize the debris from hitting anyone.

She and Johnny are about to help them making sure the area around them is clear on the ground; as a straggler appears running right into a mother holding her child. The last of the panicked crowd sweeping her away. The child starts crying before calling for her mom after not seeing her. He notices this before she does, "Rachel, the kid!"

She looks to see a good chunk of the building is heading straight for them. "Johnny!" "I'm on it." She is in the air snatching the child out of the way just as he incinerates it, before he joins the others. Spotting a police officer and firefighter EMT that have just arrived; she makes her way to them. "Its alright. She seems to have gotten separated from her mom." When she tries to hand the girl over, she clings to her.

"its okay. These two can take care of you. I need to go help my friends." "NO!" The child raises her voice, clinging tighter to Rachel. "Aunt Red, we could really use your help." "I'll be there as soon as I can. I am occupied at the moment. You all have this anyway…" Warren goes flying through a window. "Or maybe not." "WARREN!"

"Paige, hold on. Phoenix." The entity materializes the next moment. "I am here." It is again resembling her. "You sure you can manage this?" "Of course, you are going to help us after all." "Okay, then. Paige?" "I got it." She raises Paige in the air, one arm out; while continuing to keep the other one around the still unsettled child.

The Phoenix's arm is out as Rachel keeps Paige hovering above it. "Whenever you are ready, Phoenix Rachel." Paige is hurtling through the air as Red tries to cushion her fall as much as possible. She knows Paige's abilities will only protect her from the fall only so much; being mindful of Paige Worthington's pregnancy. The Phoenix masquerading as her, turns to face her. One of its eyebrows raised, "Phoenix Rachel?" Red simply shrugs her shoulder at this.

The group surrounds them. The Phoenix is perching on her unoccupied arm as she is glancing over her everyone to make sure they are okay, for the most part. Paige is in Warren's arms. Rachel (her counterpart) is passed out in Cable's arms; as Lorna and Hope are levitating in the air supporting Alex. Kurt appears with Nate by his side; as Johnny releases his hold on Hank as they get close enough to the ground.

They hear the shout turning toward it, just as the girl lets go of her. And starts running toward the person, who embraces her the next moment. Kurt, Hank and Johnny appear by her side with the others behind them. She doesn't miss the glance Nightcrawler gives her Rachel. They are about to leave when she feels the tug on her hand.

"Thank you!" "You're welcome, kid. What's your name?" "Caitlin." "Well, Caitlin. It was nice meeting you." "I want to be you when I grow up!" This brings a smile to her teammates who are still conscious, though Johnny takes it a step further. "Good luck with that. There is no one like Red!" The statement leaves Caitlin crestfallen; her mom appearing behind her, gripping her shoulder.

Red bends down in front of her as the Phoenix adjusts itself, crying out. "You have to ignore Johnny. He's a goofball. What he means is that you don't need superpowers to be a hero. It matters what is in here and here." She touches Caitlin's heart and head as she says this. "Thank you." Her mom says. "So, then why do some people think you are monsters?"

"Caitlin, you will learn as you get older that what we do and who we are or how we look is accepted. It isn't evident but my niece and I have scars on our faces that we usually mask with one of our abilities. And you saw what all of them did, you and the rest of the crowd are safe. Would a monster really do that?" These two may look different from the rest of us, but they are some of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met."

Hank and Nightcrawler remain quiet, though Kurt moves his tail in a circular motion. "So, you aren't scared of them at all?" "No." "Then I am not scared of them as well." "You seem to be a good kid, Caitlin. Just continue to do as your mom says; and who knows you can be a hero one day. There are many occupations that fill this role, so just continue working hard in school as well. And who knows, we may cross paths again one day."

The group turn to leave, Kurt and Hank remaining by her side. Before they leave Caitlin's vision, she sees Hank tell Red something as Kurt puts his hand on her shoulder. Red laughing is unmistakable. The others looking at her smiles on their faces, even Cable's. "Come on, Caitlin. Let's go home. You can tell your dad when we get home."


She sees the door open before entering the house. She puts Katherine and Sean on the porch. "Don't move. If a stranger shows up, you know what to do, right?" "Yes, mommy." "Good girl." The psychic chain she creates remains at her side, ready just in case she needs it. Entering the living room, she makes it disappear.

"Explain yourselves?" "Come now, Cherie. I left the door open so you would know there was no danger." She crosses her arms. "And how could you have really known that, Remy. I don't keep my powers on 24/7. And you have company, well, you are definitely different from the you I have become used to, Fury"

"My belle, I've missed you. Surely, you've missed me?" Save it, LeBeau. After what happened the last time, we saw each other; it appears our viewpoints have become very different." "If we could get back to the reason I am here; and save what appears to be a lover's spat for another time." "Sure, Fury, let me just get my kids and take them to their room."


Sam, Alex and Nate are right behind her. The three occupants of the room that she has come to meet are behind Fury. "I am glad you are here. I had a slight doubt you wouldn't come after all." "You really thought I would back out. Not only will innocents being caught in this, those I care about will be stuck in the middle as well. There could never be a way, I would sit this out."

Getting nearer to the trio Fury wants her to train more. "Hello, I'm…" "I know, you are Rachel Summers-Maximoff! Wanda Maximoff's sister in law from another reality. I am William Kaplan, though you can call me Billy!" "Well, William; you definitely work fast at acquiring knowledge considering I haven't been in this reality very long.

So, then you know that this is my brother, Alexander Summers. And that this is Samuel Guthrie." "Hello!" "Since you have introduced yourself, I take it this is Theodore Altman and Katherine Bishop." "We prefer Teddy and Kate." "Okay. William, Sam, Alex, if you could stand in the center of the room. Ted, Kate, so you two aren't left out, run laps until I tell you to stop. I want to test the level of your endurance.

I need to focus more on these three for they can expand how they can exhibit their abilities; they just need help getting there. And when I feel that they have mastered this; I will switch my attention to the two of you, for what I have in mind for both of you is going to be drastically different. These are going to be long days though; with what we are up against there is a specific window of time for this to be accomplished.

She sits Indian style in the middle of the gymnasium floor, closing her eyes. "I want the three of you to come sit in front of me. And take the same position. Each follows her instruction as she raises them off the ground. "Woah, we are off the ground!" She keeps him from falling. "William, you need to focus. You aren't here to be a fanboy.

You are here to help Earth from its invasion and intended future enslavement of an alien race who would love nothing better to treat us like we are a backwater species." "Wow, no pressure." A frown creases on her face at this. "Take this seriously!" "Rachel, ease up on him. He is still technically new to this." "Sam's right, sis."

"Okay, what is your excuse then, Alex? You have only showed that your ability doesn't have to manifest in your hands only once. All of our abilities are energy based; and while I can only accomplish this with the Phoenix entity, I have long ago figured out how to use its powers in countless ways. Based on your response, you need a lot of work. But again, the limited amount of time we have means I am going to have to cram everything I can in teaching you, William.

All three of you focus on your abilities and channel it in your mind's eyes on other body parts besides where they usually manifest. And we will go from there; it shouldn't take the two of you long, since being in this game far longer than Kaplan has. And it is best that you watch where you are running, Ted Altman, instead of staring at William. Training is no place for distractions, otherwise what is the point. "William, I am going to try a different approach with you. However, it will also be extremely intense. If you aren't ready to help save this world and eventually be Avengers material, tell me now."

"No. You're right. I'm sorry. I will try to turn my excitement off and not have anymore nerd moments." He turns to see that it is just the two of them. "Where are we? Where are the others?' "We are in my mind. And there is nothing wrong with admiring any of the heroes, what you need to learn is to shut this out, when dealing with a crisis. You have done well enough without me, for you haven't yet lost control of your ability.

But that is the main reason I was asked to train you, there is always a possibility that you can do so. For now, this is the crash course and hopefully becomes the foundation; when we have more time, I can train you properly. But for now, like I told Alex and Sam; search for and find the core of your power. Concentrate and you will be able to hear it call to you. Once you do this, try to expand it as much as you can…"