Note: I am only going to focus mainly on the Empyre main comic and not the other titles that tied into it. And only certain parts while at it, so going to add the disclaimer again here; that these characters and properties don't belong to me (Disney/Marvel instead).

Leaning back in his chair, he keeps his gaze on her. "And why should I? You destroyed one of my warships and killed all those onboard. I had told your twin last time what would happen if this ever occurred again; consider yourself lucky, I am allowing this audience. And none of you are currently paying for your crimes." He states after a few moments of silence.

Remaining kneeling with her companions behind her, "they were trying to kill us. It may never absolve The Phoenix or I of anything we have done. But, Lord Gladiator, I beseech you. It is not for myself that I am here." He turns to his own telepath. Weighing his options, "Oracle?!" The female moves forward slightly. "She is telling the truth." "Show me." He sends the command out. The rest of the Imperial Guard remain where they are, awaiting any orders if or when things escalate. Each knowing that their history with The Phoenix only ever has one path.

"I see. It is interesting that you brought not just one but two godlike entities to my doorstep, Rachel Summers. If it weren't for our history, your current pacifying and what I have seen, I would take such a decision as an aggressive one. And it might still be. Each has shown that they are both unstable. Again, why should I? The Kree and Skrull's struggle for power is not our concern." Shutting off her connection to her companions.

"And what do you think they will do when they aren't satisfied with what they hope to accomplish. Kallark, you have seen it. You know I wouldn't be here, breaking the pact you and The Phoenix made after my death if it weren't important…" Rising from the throne, "leave us." "But Emperor?!" "All of you." The Phoenix and Kobik stare back before the door closes on them; Warstar and Starbolt remain with Oracle next to them. "If any harm comes to our Emperor, because of your choice…" The fire entity moves forward, "is that a threat?!" "Stop!" Kobik grabs her hand.

Rachel remains kneeling, her head bent as Gladiator stops within an arm's reach from her. "If what you say is true, then what is to stop them like last time." Raising her head, "they don't know I am here." "But you know it won't be long before they do, with what is happening and you being here; It is only a matter of time. You know that they will intercede on your behalf. So again, why should I, if history will simply repeat itself?" "They don't know I am here. And by the time, they realize, it will be too late. With all that has happened between our people, you know our word is true. And I would never go back on it, without a legitimate reason; and will do whatever I can to protect those I care about." "And that worked so well last time." "The Phoenix and the Xmen left without a further escalation in violence after I had sacrificed myself." Kallark takes a step backwards before turning his back to her; as Rachel bows her head knowing his decision has been determined.

"Rachel!" Kobik rushes her, wrapping her arms around Rachel's mid-section. "It is alright." She stares at The Phoenix answering the unspoken question, each is presenting. "We must not linger. All of Earth's heroes have been fighting. And they are struggling. We still need to make a couple of stops first; before we make our way back home to help them." "Where to first?" "We are definitely going to need a teleporter. And given where we are, and her vagabond ways, Cheney is next. Though, she could be anywhere in space, I am going to need your help finding her.

(scene change)

"…You've seen his eyes, right?" "Maybe not the way you have." "Really? You never noticed the eyes?" "…" "Your magic seems a little more...focused than usual…" "And I must say, I was hurt and offended that I hadn't been invited." "Rachel?! Where have you been?" "Aunt Red" Wiccan hugs her. "Yeah, I'm focused." "It will be okay. Now let's go get your man, William. Johnny, Carol." She takes William's hand in hers. Johnny and Carol follow with Lila, Kobik and the Phoenix behind them.

"It…it can't be true. I can't have failed him again." "You get used to it, Kurt. All that matters is what you decide to do now?!" "Trigger the pyre. You say? Really, accuser…" "Carol, Johnny, William, you have this right? I will deal the rest." Rachel tells them as she takes to the sky. Kobik, The Phoenix and Lila go to assist The Captain and The Human Torch.

(scene change)

"…it's called kindness. Don't ever mistake it for weakness." Rachel lets herself be anchored to the ground, catching the last of Ted's words. "Ted." "Rachel." "It is almost over. Let's stay put. Besides, we have things to handle ourselves at the moment. What say you, R'klll?" "You are all fools. And would think no one would know better that ideals held by my dear Dorrek than you, Rachel Summers; as the avatar of The Phoenix." "I have seen both, R'kll. Men who have led great teams with the ideals you seem to detest. But have also seen the tyranny of one who holds goals similar to you; and the damage they can do."

"Perhaps, my friend…And I have great faith in them. Long live the king." Rachel remains by R'kll's side. "You hear that. Your coup failed." "That may be; but there will be others that share my view. And they won't accept what has happened today." Rachel grabs the lapel of her collar pulling her like a rag doll. "I leave the rest to you." The two making their way to the makeshift prison. "You can do your worst; I would never break to the likes of you." "You must be mistaken; that the choice is left for me." The two turn to reveal Simon Williams, Wanda Maximoff, Viv Vision, and her father. "We heard that you hurt one of our sons…" Each moving toward R'kll; as Rachel stands by as R'kll begins to cower in fear.

(scene change)

Sitting next to him, "so a soulmate, huh?" "Yeah." "And her people are the reason you have powers?!" "Yeah." "I know you are not thrilled about the concept. But you aren't such a loser, that it was taken out of your hands. You should be lucky. You know not everyone meets the person meant for them." "It isn't just that. Yes, I may resent that the choice wasn't left to me. But what does this mean for Lyja and Torus?" "As much as you love her; and always will. You both know that it would always end this way; soulmate or not. The two of you are never completely on the same wavelength; and never will be, and that is the problem between you two. But as long as you keep doing what both of you have been doing; and be there for Torus it will be fine. He will understand." "That is the other issue; I would never abandon my family. How would things between Sky and I work? And you could have told me sooner?"

"That is not my job. Besides if it had been, as The Phoenix's avatar, there had been other things going on. And even with that power, I am not here to force things on others. I know what it is like when your free will is taken from you. It is all up to you. All I want is for you to be happy, Johnny." "Happy, huh. It would have been easier and less complicated if it had just been you. At least, I know even if we had problems, you would never permanently leave." "Oh, you wish. But nice chance; still trying to work your magic." She bumps his shoulder with hers.

(scene change)

The scream is ripped out of her without restraint. "Rachel?!" She sees Clarice, Phoenix S. Wagner, Kurt Wagner and Kobik standing in the doorway. "Phoenix, I need you." The cosmic entity is by her side immediately. Opening herself to the astral plane and her mental connections, Rachel reaches out to all the heroes available. "Hear me…"

(scene change)

"I told you I would make things bigger and better." The sword slices right through her. "And so, you did…" "AGENT BRAND?!" "But here is the thing you should have kept in mind; and clearly forgot. No one messes with my family. Thank you, Korvus." She hands the bloody blade back to its owner. Making her way to her target; as Vision, Simon and Wanda surround William. Kneeling down she cups his cheek, "Ted." "Ra…Rachel?!" "It's me. I am here and it will be okay." The sea of heroes watch on in the background.

(scene change)

"You know that you don't need to kneel." "You are a king, Ted. You earned that title and all the respect it comes with." "You are also part of my family; and I trust you. You showing reverence is really unnecessary and unwarranted. But if you feel that strongly, then if you would agree and isn't a burden; I would like to bestow the title of ambassador to you."

(scene change)

"Is this really want you want?" "Yes." "We could stay with you." She looks to Alex and the rest of their friends and family who share the same thought. "I really appreciate it. But all of you have your own families and responsibilities now. After all that I have done, especially upon returning to the land of the living; it is time I did things for myself. And find out exactly who I am; I have always had a label attached to others' decisions, and never truly doing my own thing."

Remy and Anna Marie LeBeau, Korvus and Simon Williams stand by her. "Please, Rachel. There is nothing for me there anymore." He stares at Wanda and Jericho as he says this. "I'm sorry, Simon Williams." "Why couldn't she ever love me the way I love her?!" "For what it is worth due to the ties that connect us; I consider you a good brother. You are a good person, Simon." "It is time to go, Guardian." "It isn't that anymore. It's Interstellar."

"Do you hear that? What is that?" Rachel's eyes close as calmly as she can at Tandy's question. Taking to the sky, she surrenders to her fate. 'I should have known it was too good to be true. I will never be truly free.' "Youdo know that being a Summers is always going to leave with you with a stigma. Your kin will always attract The Phoenix. You came to me with no ulterior motives or agendas; and so I will uphold my end of the bargain again. As I know you will again; you know as long as this tie exist, you will always be the sacrificial lamb." Kallark tells her.

"I know." She responds as a lone tear makes its way down her cheek. "And I always will as long as they remain safe." "Even if your sacrifice(s), tear them apart?!" "Yes. They are still alive. And they know it comes with the territory of being a hero. And that I would never watch by helplessly; as the make the choice instead of me. Despite all their faults and mistakes, they aren't as damaged as I am." "Very well, I know that to spare them from this, this time. You are going to keep it secret." "Yes." She says just as he places the bomb in her. "Just like you, I wish I could spare them from this knowledge. Therefore, it will go off when you least expect; and only when I consider the situation preventing a further catastrophe. I will be watching, Summers."

Phoenix picks up on this image. Following her avatar; "no. Not again. Not this time, Rachel." No sooner has she entered Rachel; her fiery entity surrounds the Summers. As Rachel brings her arms out to her side; her head tilting up as the sphere appears just as the detonation goes off. Protecting Earth's heroes from the fallout. Each looking on helplessly as the nightmare plays itself again in front of their eyes.

As the cloud clears inside the sphere, Rachel's body is limp. As the Phoenix takes its original form, hovering outside of the bubble, crying out in pain and torment. The structure is released as the demigod embraces her. "Thor?!" "There's a pulse. Its faint though." "I am sorry, that I couldn't do more." Rachel's voice comes from the Phoenix. "Rachel?!" "I am too weak. And I am tired. I have never wanted any of you to suffer for me. Your happiness has been all that mattered to me. Even when my selfishness kicked in while I had been lost." "How can we really be happy with you not here; knowing what you always give up for us?!" Alex asks. The sentiment evident in all those closest to her. Looking to him and Gabriel, "I am sorry. Though, it is my job as the bigger sister to watch out for you two; and I haven't always done that or been the best at it."

"There may still be a way. She may never recover for the longest time; however, with her pulse still there she has a chance unlike last time. Though, she is going to fade soon and fast. The choice will be left to you." The person nods his head; never relinquishing his hold. "I will take her to Asgard." "It is good, Thor Odinson. The connection between her corporeal and psionic being can be restored. And no longer disjointed like they currently are."

Pryde steps forward, "in the meantime, there may be a way." She turns to some of the brightest minds. "We could use the principles of how my powers work. And if I have the Phoenix, Reed and Tony's help, we could make an avatar similar to how the Phoenix manipulates beings. Though, she might resemble the Vision more if I am the blueprint." "Katya?!" "It will be fine, Piotr. Besides, she would do no less for me. We shouldn't waste any more time, Thor?!" Ferguson moves toward them. "Let me be the gateway, Odinson, if you could be the guide, I will take us there." The pink energy glowing in her hand, is released; before piercing the ground around them and grows. The five disappear before any objections are raised.