Note: This chapter is going to have Rachel Summers-Maximoff tortured in more than one way. So, this is a warning that it will be a little graphic. And that despite being really powerful; and harboring an omnipotent creature, Rachel is still only human. And this is one of those moments where I will show it more than I have previously done. Last chapter, this one and the ones following will focus on the Secret Invasion story arc. And when I say Christopher, I mean Cable to differentiate from Nate Grey.

And not Christopher Summers; who Rachel will call dad. And will be a flash back (less detailed then in the Children's Crusade) of Rachel meeting the Young Avengers (and the previous chapter; which had more detail). And since more or less focus on The Secret Invasion; this comes before. And yes, I know I am screwing with the structure of how the timeline is presented pertaining this story. And Sam is Guthrie, not Wilson; just mentioning since certain Avengers are going to show up. Apologize about the note length. On to the story now.


He puts the helmet on, "this is so cool, we are going to space. I wonder what it's like?" "It is unlike anything you have ever experienced; as equally beautiful as it is horrifying, William." The com comes on, "Are you ready, Maximoff?" "We are." "Okay, then. You remember this strictly a recon mission. I know that they will make it difficult if any of you are discovered; but do what you can to limit interacting with them. And are you sure about the decision?"

"We all have it at this point. Yes, I realized no place is safer for them than with me. I know it may not be the smartest or wise choice; but if we fail then not even you can keep them safe or hidden forever. At least, I will do everything to make sure this doesn't happen." "Fury, out then." The com goes dead.

"You know what he is asking isn't likely or probable. The Skrulls will do everything they can to prevent us from our mission. We should really tell them. Despite the amount of growth, they have shown in the training you gave them; they are still kids. To ask this of them isn't right." "You may be right, Alex. But this is why he picked them, for the potential they have. We just have to make sure do what we can to make sure they don't pay for this decision."

"When I say kids, I wasn't just including the adolescents." "It will be alright. The Skrulls may hate us with a passion; but their infiltration shows murdering us isn't their intent. The children will be safe. The most they will try to do is exploit them. And none of us would let that happen

"My aunt Is right. If there had been another way, they wouldn't be here. And getting more training on Earth. Or the children being left behind as well." "Christopher's right." She cuts the link, Alex and Christopher initiated. Taking her seat, "now that everyone is secure. Christopher since you have the most experience piloting something; let's get this mission started."


"Wow, I take that, that is it. That ship is massive." "Chris, put the ship's cloaking system on now." "That is definitely it. We are still far enough way that spotting us is out of the question. Plus, I have been masking our ship since we entered their solar system. If things go wrong and it comes to a firefight; all we can hope to do is retreat. This ship wouldn't be able to handle a fight."

She takes her helmet off. "You all can take yours off now. I would say our suits as well. But what some of wear would just be a dead giveaway." " I am still not comfortable with the plan, Aunt Red." "Well, it's the best we have at the moment. Besides, separating is going to require each of us going with the group assigned. It isn't just because we are telepaths and telekinetics, Nate; it is because each of us we be the line of defense if something goes wrong.

Along with the three that had been part of the group added at the last minute. We must do everything to prevent the others from being captured." The teams are standing next to each other. "Kate, William, Natasha and Rachel. Nate, Steve and Sam; James "Bucky", Alex and Cable. And you and Hope already know you are with me, Ted."

"You know the three we left on the ship weren't exactly thrilled being stuck there." "No. But they will do what they have to. They know why they were picked. Besides, if something goes wrong with the ship; we are going to need and trust Sharon, Clint, Johnny, Sue, Reed, Katya, Hank and Kurt to handle the situation. Plus, they will keep the kids entertained while guarding them, Sam."


The three see that the corridor that leads down actually gets smaller. "Are you sure about this?" "Of course, you?" "I could also morph into something that will be able to squeeze through." "Good, you do that then. Hope, just mimic whatever Ted morphs into." She hoists herself onto the pipes, the two right behind her.

The three travel this way for a time and when the path becomes too narrow; they see that two other corridors having emerged on either side, connecting the one they are in. Each wide enough to be able to move freely. Hope and Ted switching back to their original forms. "Well, this is unexpected. I guess we are going to have to check each one.

I will stay here and make sure that no one is coming your way. We will be linked after this. Try not to take too long. The longer you take the more I will have realized something went wrong. Though, I know you two can handle yourselves. Do what you can to keep each other safe." "Stay safe as well, Aunt Red. God, I hate that nickname, but if you and my cousin weren't the same, I wouldn't have to use it." "I know. It's alright. I don't mind it so much anymore, since Jean went by it as well."


She is starting to become concerned. For some reason; the link she had created with Ted, Hope and the others has been going in and out, 'as if there were some type of interference. But surely, they didn't know we were coming. I trust everyone on this team. It would have helped if the teams on Earth had been able to determine those who are being kept captive; and those who are masquerading as us.

But then it would have made our mission unnecessary. That's it. I am going to end this.' "Hank, Katya." She doesn't get a response. "Clint, Sharon, Johnny, Reed, Sue, Kurt…" Still nothing. 'Okay. This has apparently gone from a recon to a rescue mission.' She starts walking back the way she came and not a moment too soon; as she hears running coming from one of the corridors.

'Definitely a bust'. She is about halfway, when her head is slammed into the pipes. 'What the…?!' Her face greets it twice more in rapid succession. She slumps over the next moment. "Good job. You have definitely redeemed yourself to us. Go back before they suspect anything, I will handle her. We know how much you can't stand her; but leading us to her will have to be sufficient for you. If they discover you now, what we have accomplished and still working on will be for nothing. It is more than enough trouble her and the rest of her kind have found us out. And it may complicate the situation, but we haven't given up yet." They grab her by the arm before they start dragging her.


She is dropped hard enough to the floor that a moan escapes her. "Rachel! Rachel! RED! Wake up" "That is enough of that," The Skrull knocks the speaker out. "Restrain her. And how did this one escape their bonds? Clearly, they aren't secure enough. Fix that. I want that the ship they came on and all those on board that our ally told us about."


The crowd is gathered around. A guard to each of the prisoners, in case of retaliation. She starts to come to, "well it's about time you awakened. You were starting to bore us. Though, your beloved teammates were starting to fear the worst. Can you imagine you, brought down by your face being slammed three times? Granted, the surface was a hard one. But still, we know you have endured more than that."

"I can imagine you being quiet." "There is no need to be rude, Rachel Summers-Maximoff. We have the upper hand. There is nothing you can do to worm your way out of this. "You don't believe me. I can show you." Bring them here." Upon seeing all those that had been on their ship in front of her; she jerks forward when the shock stops her.

She falls backward, the restraints around her wrists disappearing. Her chest rapidly moving up and down. "is this all you have? I have endured more suffering than this." "Yes. We know. But we know the amount of pain we have in mind is something new to you. Shall we begin." The next shock administered lasts longer.

When she regains her breath, "clearly, you intend to continue this. Take them away. They shouldn't have to see this. Katherine, Sean, it's okay. Mommy will be fine." This doesn't reassure them as their crying is still heard. The guard that has been watch over them is gone the next moment.

"We can keep this on for a while. But know that the longer it does; the harder I will come after you when I get out of here." Another shock interrupts her, one that lasts even longer. She barely manages to keep the scream in. Alex shoves his guard to the side in his attempt to make his way to her before he hits the ground.

"You are going to pay for that." Another jolt courses through her as the first of many screams to come escapes her. "Either you really believe that, or all your suffering up until this point has driven you insane. How can you be sure any of this is even happening then? Hosts of the Phoenix tend to suffer this fate. And there is no chance we would ever let you escape; you currently the greatest threat to our plans and the all universes. Let us see how long you can endure; your limits being much higher than the rest of your comrades due to the Phoenix.

Begin." Each electricized jolt is slowly intensified. After a few turns, he rushes forward before he is dragged backward. "You are worth more to us a mere hostage. But if you do that again, we have no problem doing the same to you." The laughing catches them off guard. "You really think you can manage the same with him…Then you fail to see that I…"

She writhes as it is now starting to become too much; for even her to handle without the Phoenix, which she wouldn't be able to contain with being too weak at the moment. Her screams becoming weaker. The others looking away unable to see her torture any longer. And not being able to do anything. Somehow, she finds enough strength to turn over and try to move, not that she gets far.

Upon seeing her continued defiance, the subsequent electrocution jolts cause her to slump forward. "STOP!" "We have already warned you. Remember your place." "STOP! I SAID STOP! YOU ARE KILLING HER!" "Then good riddance, she will be one less threat to us and all of existence." "I SAID STOP!" as he sidesteps his captor. His eyes starting to turn blue with energy as he takes a step forward.

"It can't be. The restraints are supposed to negate your abilities." "Didn't I tell you." It is barely a whisper. He closes his eyes for a moment. "Good, you've made progress. All of you have. Though, you are special, even among them. That is the main reason I accepted training you. I may house and am able to control a cosmic entity; you already have that magnitude inside you. You, along with another, similar to you. You were born with it.

And that kind of energy isn't easy to reign in. It takes more time than I am currently allowed to make sure you are able to accomplish this. Keep this in mind. If things start going wrong, you mustn't let your emotions get out of hand. You can wind up hurting someone without meaning to. You will need to show me you can channel everything; and my training isn't for nothing. If it helps, have one thing in mind then focus on it before you release your energy, striking out.

"Well, here goes nothing." "Good. Now show them what you are made of." The Skrull turns to look at her just as the blue lighting hits the ground around them. But before he can short circuit, the machine that is torturing her; he is hit from behind. The setting is at the level she has just experienced. Being taken by surprise, doesn't give him an opportunity to scream. His eyes rolling into the back of his head before he becomes unconscious.

Ted stares in amazement at the level of power his teammate has just exhibited. "Switch them out. Clearly, he hasn't learned his place like her." The final jolt she feels leaves her on the verge of passing out, but not before "help!" "But there is no one who is coming to help you. It's over." As the guard that has been watching over him, starts bringing him forward.

"Wait! Surely, there is no joy in torturing a kid?! One who happens to be defenseless in his current unconscious state; your objective has been to torture us, her. Where is the enjoyment in what you are about to do?" He looks at the speaker who is avoiding direct eye contact with him. Looking sideways at Rachel instead.

The Skrull goes and turns her over. He looks down at her. "Maybe there is logic in this, Alexander Summers. You hear that." He grabs Rachel by her shirt lifting her up. Being to weak to move much she just stares at him, hate in her eyes. He drops her as her back hits the ground. The grunt is only heard by him.

"You definitely lasted much longer than I had hoped for. But your brother is right. Killing a defenseless being is even beneath us. Keep that in mind for next time. And for good measure, so you and the others don't think of trying to escape…Take them away." As an extra jolt hits, her; this one becoming the worst and longest. She has trouble struggling to breathe when it stops.

Her inhales and exhales extremely limited. Before her team is escorted out of the room, the explosion rocks the part of the ship they are at. 'Finally'. "You're busted now" He turns to her.
What did you do? Clearly, you need more therapy. You haven't learned your lesson." Before she can experience another round of torture, he is hit from behind.

He reaches for her as another shot rings out. "Hands off. No one messes with my children! Ch'od if you would." The alien moves forward gently picking her up; putting her over his shoulder, while his other hand never releases his weapon. "Corsair, it would have been wiser if you and your crew had never come here. The bounty on space pirates tends to be high."

"What I am stealing from you is worth more than the risk." Ch'od stands behind him. "Now release the rest of my family and their friends." He is still pointing his gun. "Dad?!" "Hey, Alex. It's a long story. Now come on, I don't have a lot of time." Um, Dad." He looks to see the gun pointed at his son's head. "It's your choice, Major Summers. Your daughter; or the rest of your family that is here and their friends?"

He turns around before starting to run. "Ch'od." The alien follows him. "No. We can't leave them! Wait." She barely gets out. The last thing she sees is the expressions on all of their faces. It will haunt her for a long time to come. Her system unable to handle anymore as she finally passes out. Her father and his crew are barely able to make it back to their ship. And getting far away from the Skrull ship.


"Your food. Make sure you eat it. We can't have any of you starve on us." He ignores the Skrull. His knees to his chest. 'All that training; and for what? We got captured. And becoming expendable to her.' "Ted, Kate, come here." The two, stand in front of her. "I have been tested how much you can endure with the laps. Now I want to test your stamina. William, you are included in this.

All of you are good at what you do. However, this isn't enough. There will be times knowing, how to fight properly comes in handy. Just throwing punches isn't sufficient enough; nor is wielding a bow and arrow, along with enchantments and lighting. All three of you come at me and I will show you. The three are hesitant with it being an unfair fight.

"Come on. Do you really think any of our enemies are going to spare this just because you are considered novices?" He is picking up the tray before he has realized he had moved; throwing it against the wall. Ignoring as it and its contents clatter to the floor. He slides down and returns to his original position.

The exertion has him breathing hard. Kate and William are on the mat, down for the count. "If this is what you plan to show any of our enemies; that this is what you are made of, then I am sorely disappointed?! As well as have done nothing but waste my time. Another purpose of these lessons is to be able to work as a team. If it were all about self-reliance, I would already be half way on my way back with the information we need.

The same with William. However, having godlike powers doesn't make us gods. Just because our prowess is on an astronomical level; doesn't mean or give us the right to abuse them, what we were fortunate to be blessed with. Now let me know are you going to continue or quit? Let me know so I can go look for another team. A better team!"

She barely manages to avoid the punch. "There that is more like it. Never forget and always keep this motivation in your mind and focus." She moves as William's attack is within a hair's width. She pulls her arm back before striking forward; hitting him square in the face. Kate uses this as her opening, which she fails at as well.

The three of them are now barely able to support themselves against the mat. "I am nowhere near done. There is still much you three have to show me." "Maybe, you should call it a day, sis?! They are worn out. And you have admitted that they improved; even if it was only a little. Pushing them too hard is just going to be counterproductive. Then you really will have wasted your time."

She turns and walks away at this. "I will let you handle them then, my brother. Get them cleaned up and make sure they are ready for me tomorrow. If they think today was tough, wait until they see what I have in store for them tomorrow." 'And she hadn't been kidding, I don't know how we survived that.

But if what we just witnessed; she went through, she wasn't wrong to push us the way she had. If someone of her caliber can't escape, what chance do we really have? I can't blame her. But did she, they really have to leave us like that.' "Hey kid, what choice did she have?" "Rachel?"

"Yeah. Given the circumstances we can't blame her for being left behind. We deserve it for failing." "You aren't much older than me." "Old enough, so seeing you as kids fits." "My sister is right. Our Aunt had little choice in what happened, this isn't on her." "Christopher? Rachel? Did you link us?" "Yes." "But I thought, they had put power suppressors on us?!"

"They had. But once they threw us in different cells; they took them off not thinking there would be a problem." "Cable is correct. Though apparently, they don't know us enough. But making a move needs to wait until we know if all of us are okay. William is waking up." Sam tells them. He leans his head against the wall, staring at the ceiling. 'She still didn't have to leave us.' "Maybe not; but if we had been stronger, we could have stopped her from being tortured. I could have stopped it; then of us would be in this situation now. She wouldn't have been forced to leave us behind," William answers.


She jerks awake. "Oh, good. You are finally awake. I was beginning to worry there." He tells her, moving away from leaning against the wall. "What happened? How did I get there? And how are you here?" She gets up from the bed. However, before she can even manage to take a step; she crumbles to the ground, as if she were nothing more than a piece of paper, that has floated listlessly down to the ground due to gravity.

He bends down before taking her in his arms. "I am here now." She recoils able to recall everything. "NO! This is your fault! I hate you! You made me leave them!" "Rachel, please?! You still haven't recovered. Pushing yourself is going to do nothing but harm." His embrace on her tightens. She starts beating on his chest, struggling to get out of his embrace.

To which he refuses to let go, as she reiterates her curses. It isn't long before the energy she has regained disappears amongst the verbal and physical harm, as she lashes out and direct toward him. He picks her up in his arms after she passes out again, placing her in the bed. She doesn't stir as he leaves the room.


She is staring out the window, like she had all those years ago. The first time that we met. She leans her head against the glass. "I am still having problems." She turns to him. He is shocked by what he sees. She turns, feeling disgraced and rejected. Her face tattoo not hidden, since she doesn't have enough mental fortitude to do so, at the moment.

"It was wrong of me to blame you. If it is anyone's fault that they got left behind, its mine. I didn't do enough. And I picked some of them, they are only kids. If you hadn't come, I would have died on them. How could I have done it?" She looks to the floor. He approaches her; putting his hand on her cheek, he raises her face to look at him.

"You're my daughter. This makes you precious to me. But this is my fault. I left the rest of our family and those I have fought beside. If I had really tried, we all would be safe right now." "They were going to shot Alex in the head, what could you have really done?! Though a band of four space pirates against a ship full of Skrulls is quite impressive."

She breaks down some more at this. "I left them. How could I…?!" He wraps his arms around her again. Her head leaning against his shoulder as she grips his shirt. "I am here. I am not going anywhere. We will get them back. If the friends that I saw, the ones you have clearly just made are anything like us, they will be fine.

The Summers' aren't the type to give up; Christopher, Nate, Rachel and Alex will be fine. And they wouldn't blame us either. The same for Sam. My team and I may not have recovered the team that you had been with, though there is another we had. Get some more rest then I will take you to see them." She pulls away from him, "something the Skrull says is nagging me. They knew we were coming how did they know that, I trusted my team.

There was no way there was a spy on board." "Rachel, you really need to calm down. And get some more sleep before we tackle what we are going to do next. Don't make me get a sedative, have us restrain you before injecting you." "As if you could?" "Try me!" She makes her way toward the bed. "Thank you." Despite her thoughts, the moment she lays down her body takes over, as she is out within the next minute. He keeps watch over her for a while.