Note: this will go back and cover the AOA Rachel Summers and Pietro Maximoff's relationship. Before going more into the beginning of their one in the 616, from my perspective. Though not really a continuation from the last chapter. Basically, if these two versions ever were together and more of Katherine's insight/background growing up and Rachel (The Phoenix's) entanglement with other certain characters. Not exactly giving their names, however, if know enough, their description(s) are a dead giveaway.
Staring out the window, the only illumination is the light creeping in from the hallway. Her arms wrapped around her. "You've been here the whole time?!" "I hid myself from you. And while I am still not completely ready, I have to face the music." Turning and walking to him, "I am pregnant. And I don't know what to do?! I married you in spite of everything. I know you are in love with me. But there is also another, and I know that this relationship hasn't ceased.
Don't deny it." "Rachel, it is not as easy as that." "True. So, then you should have never asked me to marry you." "You didn't have to accept." "So, you are going to try to put the blame all on me?!" "No. Just that we are both adults. It falls on both of us." "Your choices have been rather immature." Laying his head against hers, "I love you, Rachel. Yes, I am in love with Ororo as well. But I chose you to be my wife, the mother of my child. Doesn't that show that I am more committed to you?!"
"So, then why can't you end things with her?! I am not asking for you to cut her out of your life. She is our teammate; it would be impossible to do this. I would never ask you to end friendships for me. I know you value her still very much. Expecting you to stop stepping out on me isn't that hard to ask." "I forgave you being with Kurt." "That was only one night. And a lapse of judgment on my part after seeing your heart didn't lay solely with me. You had just asked me to marry you before running into another woman's arms.
I may not lack in confidence, but seeing that, can have any woman doubt herself and the one that is supposed to love you wholeheartedly. But I have had enough of this conversation, debate, it just goes in circles. I love you. I always will. But I can't keep doing this, if you insist on being with her, I will have to consider our marriage a sham." "Rachel, I." "Is everything okay?!" The couple turn to see his twin standing in the doorway. "Everything is fine, Wanda. If anyone needs me, I will be doing rounds around the compound. I need to think and clear my head. But I appreciate your concern."
The cries cut through the silence. The squirming babe is laid in her arms. "You did good, Rachel." Thank you, Wanda." "It's okay now, little one." Erik, Rogue, Pietro and the others watching from the corner of the room. None willing to intrude on this moment of happiness and bonding. "Pietro?!" He sits by her side as she hands their daughter to him. "Erik, don't you want to meet your grandchild." Stopping inches from his son, "what are you going to name her?"
"Katherine Magda." The sad smile appears on his face, as he manages to control his tears. "Thank you, Rachel, son." "It is only right and appropriate she is named after the matriarchs of this family. They will never be able to meet, but at least, a part of them will live on through their namesake." "She will make them proud with you as her parents, especially your mother. From what you have told me about her, she would have been proud of you."
"Yes." Rachel whispers, turning her head. Doing her best to shut out the last image she can recall of her, as the plane became engulfed in flames. As Christopher and Katherine pushed her and her brothers out of the plane, clinging to each other despite the parachute ensuring their safety and survival. The screams cemented in her brain.
The hand on hers brings her back to reality. "I am only glad that Pietro and Wanda forgave me for what happened between Magda and I. I just. Not like what your mom and dad did, what loving parents are supposed to do." "Erik, you are a loving father. You may have made a mistake that cost you dearly. You are only human. And you have done your best to fix your errors. We, all of us, wouldn't be here otherwise. And you deserve to be happy again."
Turning his gaze to his son and granddaughter, "may I hold her?" Pietro passes Katherine. "Don't ignore me or try to change the subject, dad. Don't think I haven't noticed the looks and moments you and Rogue have been sharing. It is only a matter of time before the choice will be made. She can't string either of you along. This isn't something I would wish to get into the middle of and be forced to choose sides. I know what it is like." "Rachel, he loves you. You must believe that." "I used to. Now I don't know what to think. And it is a subject I try to avoid now." Erik looks down at the bundle in his lap as the conversation dies.
The family is laying against the ground, watching the horizon above them. Katherine gets up and starts running. "Pietro?!" "She will be fine. Clearly, she is running before she can technically walk. I wonder where she gets that from?!" "Must you always be such a…" "MAMA! PAPA!" Katherine starts laughing, making her way back to them.
Looking to her daughter, "what did you find, my little one?!" Pietro moves, taking Katherine in his arms before sitting them by her side. Katherine hands the petal and rock to her. "Where did you find this?! Pietro?! Flowers, color hasn't really been seen in Earth's terrain since Apocalypse took over." Before he can answer the obvious statement, Wanda touches down next to them.
Picking Katherine up in her arms, at which her niece smiles upon seeing her. "Father has an assignment for each of you. Go, I will watch her." The two are gone the next moment. "Well, it's just us now. What should we do?" "PLAY!" "Okay then, let's see…"
"As more members have joined and been recruited, it is time I separated everyone. I have officially put this off long enough. When I am not around Wanda has been in charge of things, and this is how I wish it to remain. However, Pietro and Rogue will be taking my place when it concerns the teams being mobile and the decisions will fall to them if and when I am unavailable.
Pietro, you will be in charge of Ororo, Sean, Alison, Paris and Robert. Rogue will take over and be in charge of Morph, Clarice, Victor, Wild Child, and Sunfire." "And I, Erik?!" "I have something else in mind for you, Rachel. But it will have to wait until everyone is dismissed. Which is over, though, Pietro and Rogue, stay there is still much I need to discuss with you."
The rest of the team make their way out of the room. Ororo stops and looks back at Pietro. The gaze isn't lost to anyone left, Erik and Rogue look at her as Rachel chooses to ignore it. "Erik, what is it, you wish of me?!" "Rogue, my love, you and I are going to go check out a new location. Wundagore Mountain isn't as safe as it used to be. And hopefully get to come to better terms with the Human High Council.
Wanda will stay here while we search for this, keeping the students safe. Pietro, Rachel, I have come across a promising new and possible recruit." "And what is this recruit's name?" "Remy LeBeau. And he won't be easy, this isn't the first time I have tried. If you need to pack anything, go now. And I am really hoping you don't return empty handed." "Well, we will definitely do our best, won't we, my dear husband?!" Pietro remains silent by her side, the insult not comforting him at all.
The jet soars through the air as the structure is left behind. Wanda is standing by Pietro's side. Rachel on his other side. Katherine in Wanda's arms. "Are you sure this is how you want to travel?!" "We'll be fine, Wanda." "And the others?!" "Clarice is going to use her ability. Pietro and I need to discuss certain things. And I know you are concerned, but don't be. And don't feel bad that you don't usually go out on missions, especially after Anya's death.
Your father always needs someone here to watch over this place and the students. And while he does trust us, there is no one more so than you. And so too, do Pietro and I, my sister. I wouldn't leave my daughter in just anyone's care. Plus, Nanny finally works properly, so there is another here to help you. Be safe."
"You too. Both of you. Say bye, Katherine." At these words, Katherine begins squirming. "Mommy, Daddy, NO?!", reaching for them. Pietro moves, taking her in his arms. "Your mom and I will be back before you know it. You need to be good for your Aunt Wanda." Rachel leans down, "your dad is right. You can do this, right?!" Katherine nods her head. "Good girl." Rachel kisses her forehead before she is back in Wanda's arms.
"Ah, it is good to see you again, cherie. And as beautiful as ever." "And you are definitely as charming as ever. You know why we are here. I am really hoping that your answer is different this time?" "And tell me why I should't' this t'ime?" "You are a good man, Remy LeBeau. Surely, sticking it to Apocalypse isn't worth it?! Besides, you wouldn't be alone anymore."
Before any of them can get a word out, the psychic screams are heard. Rachel turns to Pietro. "Quicksilver; Katherine, Wanda, the others?!" "Cherie?!" "We have no time. I can't leave you here. There are others we must get first." The Phoenix pushes through her barriers soaring in the sky in the direction the other Xmen went. Pietro and Remy levitating right behind her.
The ground begins to crumble beneath them as the students start running. "HURRY!" Paige, Jono and the other Gen Next team pass her. Katherine screaming in her arms, she rubs her back. "Shh, Katherine, it will be, okay?!" "Wanda?!" "Piotr, Katya, I will deal with this. Help the rest of the children escape. I will stay and safeguard our home." "Wanda, surely, you can't do this alone?!" "There is no time. Besides, you can get all of them away, safely, Katya. And my father has entrusted you to teach them. Take her."
Wanda, Katya and Piotr move just in time as the attack separates them. "YOU?!" "Ah, Lensherr's misbegotten kin. It is nice to finally meet you, Wanda Maximoff." "Wanda?!" "GO, there is no more time. I will handle this." "We'll come back." "What do you want?" "A great deal of things. Though at the moment, her."
Wanda tightens her hold on her niece. "Your sister-in-law stole something from me. Years of work wasted, so now I have thought this the best alternative. And I can see it in your eyes, though, you will most likely fail like last time. I know all about my ally gunning for you years ago. Though, I still don't know exactly how you survived, but I have a really good theory. But she isn't here now, to test it out.
And when she realizes, I will have made sure we are long gone. Now come, let us not prolong this any longer. Nanny rapidly approaching, in the distance as the attack comes out of nowhere once more. Barely able to shield them and move out of the way, Wanda stumbles forward. Just as he manages to force the barrier to come down. "Did you really think I would come unprepared?!" Releasing Katherine, Wanda turns around, before looking up. "Do what you feel you have to, but know that I won't do my best to stop you. Nor will she, they won't stop coming for you?!"
The jet lands as those with the ability of flight take to the source. "And you sure you heard her?!" "Really, Erik, you are questioning me?!" The others not far behind. Each seeing the horror simultaneously. Rogue takes Erik's hand as Rachel and Pietro rush forward. "WANDA?! WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?!" Seeing her mouth move, "Pietro, really?!"
Taking her sister's hand in her hers, stroking her head with the other. The grip tightens, "Rachel, Piet…I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I tried…I tried." "We know. It's okay, Wanda. Rest. We are the ones who failed her." The hold is relinquished as Wanda's struggle to hold on is lost. "Wanda?! WANDA?!" Rachel gets up before standing by her husband's side, placing her hand on his shoulder as he kneels by his sister's body.
"My love. We have to worry about Katherine and the others." "Sean, Paris, see what you can find. Pietro, bring your sister. Rachel, find out what Nanny saw, if anything." Erik turns to leave with Rogue following behind him, looking back at her best friend's body. "Remy LeBeau, welcome to the Xmen if you so choose. And wish you had seen us on a better day." The white and red blur leaves the wind whipping their hair.
As she nears the android who happens to be powered down, she feels the hand wrapping around her shoulder, pulling her backwards. Just as the tears start, "it is okay to feel, non?! Your daughter was taken after all. And your sister in law and friend died protecting her. Though, I mus't' say your husband is quite charming." The sarcasm isn't lost on her. "Thank you." "This group is definitely interesting. I 't'ink I will like it here after all."
As he places the slumbering child down, her eyes begin to flutter. She sits up looking around before up at him. "Who are you?! Where are my Mommy, Daddy, Grandpa and Aunt Wanda?! I want them!" The tears beginning to well in her eyes as her body trembles. The black and red on his makeshift cowl moving with him walking toward her.
Sitting her on his lap, "it will be alright. Your mother took something from me. And I have been trying to find her, in order to get back what I lost. But you will do instead. I promise you; no harm will come to you. Not much anyway. How about I tell you a story about when your mom was little?!" It isn't long before he places Katherine back on the bed, covering her.
"Anything?!" Shaking her head, "I just don't understand it. It is as if our link never existed?!" Taking her in his arms, she wraps her arms around him, laying her head on his shoulder. "It will be okay. We won't give up." "She must be so scared!" After composing herself, she moves away from him. "Don't think this changes anything between us." She starts walking away, as the voice is heard from the shadows.
"You are a fool, non?! Marrying such a woman, yet not treasuring her enough. I am n'ot' blind. I have seen how you look at Stormy. Don't' know what belle sees in you after knowing that you aren't loyal?! If Rachel were my wife, my flirting aside, I would show her that she would mean the world to me. I could never cheat on such a woman." Remy begins to leave; the smoke lingers from his cigarette. "I must say, you Xmen, definitely don't' make things boring."
Huddling in the corner, the rags not doing much to keep the cold out. The hope once in her eyes lost long ago. Her hair matted. "Mom, Dad, why did you never come for me?! Didn't you love me anymore?!" The seconds continue to creep by, leaving the girl forgotten once more. Not that it matters, she had lost track of time years ago.
The fiery entity approaches as she attempts to recede further into the corner. "Have no fear, Katherine Magda Maximoff. I mean you no harm. You are about to lose everything here. However, I can guarantee that this isn't the end for you if you wish it." "Who are you?" "A version of your mom has yet to discover. You are about to leave this form; the damage has been done. But you can be returned to your parents, if you come with me.
Though know this, your mom loves you. Your parents always loved you and never stopped looking for you. So, I am hoping you make the right choice. And while she may be the same person as she is here. In the world we will be going to, Pietro Maximoff is different from the dad you have come to know. But there will be no shortage of people that will love and care about you. Keep that in mind. Don't forget."
Hearing the yes, the deity takes Katherine in her arms as she breathes her last. The bird manifests in the background, crying out. Just as things fall into place, as this reality begins to crumble. A madman who recalls a different time and place is discovered. A boy makes his way to fulfill his purpose.
As the cosmic entity shifts, opening a door to another parallel, "Julia Williams, I thank you for tethering me to this world as brief as it has been. I see now, that I wasn't wrong with choosing Rachel as my avatar instead of just a temporary anchor. You two may be the same biologically. But couldn't be any more different in constitution. However, I have been tied to you long enough, that not leaving you isn't an option. Though, knowing your black heart. I will put you in stasis. And hope that no one ever finds you nor that you awaken.
Staring at the stick, "well this is definitely a problem!" The knock is heard before the door opens. "Well, what is it?!" Turning to face him, "I am pregnant." Placing her hand on his chest, halting his movements. "I love you. I always will, Pietro. Even if you are different from the one, I knew, the core of you is still there. But your marriage to Crystal is still an issue.
I wish that I could have met you before. I know that you may be more rigid here. However, that doesn't excuse her cheating. You cheated on me in my reality. And it is bad enough, I am pregnant due to a moment of lacking judgment and outside interference. I refuse to be considered more of a homewrecker than I no doubt already am?!"
"You're right. Some may not see it the way it happened. And focus too much on my still being married. I care about you. And as much as I love her, Crystal and I haven't been fine for a long time. So, you really wouldn't be a homewrecker. Not that I am not committed to my marriage, I very much believe in the institution. But I would never leave you to raise our child alone."
Nodding her head, "you may have more of a stick up your ass here. But I see him in you. Despite cheating clearly being a theme in our relationship, you have never shrunk your responsibilities as a father. If we have a daughter, her name will be Katherine Magda. We had one, who became lost to us. We tried to find her, but for some reason, a trace of her had never been recovered. Not even a mental connection." Seeing her begin to close on herself, "what was she like?!" he asks.
