Staring at the glass in his hand, he watches his wife do her duty and hobnob with these pretenders. "I see you are bored out of your mind. She is something to be able to bring you out here. Along with all that was hidden deep inside being more transparent than before and with any other woman you have ever been with." "Cousin, what are you doing here?" "Come now, Ikaris, Eros Starfox never misses out on a fantastic party and wonderful company. Oh, don't give me that look. I have already told you I would never cross that line."

"It's not that, Kingo has admitted the same thing. Then we also had an issue with Dane Whitman." "I did hear about Dane, you know that Kingo and I would never cross that line. But can you really blame us, knowing her?!" Sighing, "no, I suppose not. They know she is married but we haven't made it public still. And quite honestly, I prefer it that way for more than one reason."

"You are thinking of what happened to Margo?! Cousin, you know she is so different. She can handle herself." "And what of our children?" "Children?! I see that is a problem. I have been gone longer than I thought. But not even we can prevent everything, Ikaris. If we could, Margo Damian would be in her place. Are you okay, regrets and guilt usually aren't things that you let dominate you?!" "I just don't want a being that hates me to find out about them and use that to their advantage."

"The same for her then with being The Phoenix. I have heard whispers about what happened to the Grey family. And with what happened with Thena and her children, well, not even keeping secrets are a guarantee. I know I really don't need to hear the answers, but clearly you do. Do you love her, them?!" "Of course, I do. You know I would sacrifice everything for them." "Then maybe you should show them, her. I have also heard what happened between you two with this Toby Robson being involved."

"What are you talking about?!" "And that is my cue to leave." "No, Eros Starfox, stay!" "I apologize, Kathleen. But there is a red head calling my name. And who am I to disappoint!" Laying her head on his shoulder, she watches their friend leave, opening her mouth; she doesn't get far. "Ah, Kathleen Pryce." Feeling his wife tense, "It's that woman I told you about. The one that will read into everything." "It will be fine, Aikaterine." He wraps his hand around her, pulling her close as he kisses the side of her head.

"And who is this handsome man? Your husband or did you decide to take a page from Susan Richards book?!" Knowing she is about to rip the woman a new one, he steps slightly in front of them. "Isaac Harris, ma'am." "I see so you aren't her husband then, for she told me in our disastrous interview, that he doesn't have a last name?!"

Remaining stoic, "well, her husband is a fool. Letting someone like Kathleen Pryce search for companionship elsewhere. So, I guess I should really thank him. I am fortunately not dumb nor fool enough to let someone like her slip through my fingers." "But, Mr. Harris, what about the sanctity of marriage?! Clearly she doesn't respect it if she is stepping out on him!"

"This may be true." Kat gives him a scrutinizing look. "But clearly, whoever, he is doesn't either. Marrying someone, only to neglect and not support them. I really can't blame Kathleen for finding what she needs elsewhere. We are only human after all, one can't live their life without some kind of nurturing friendship and love. It can crush a person's soul and emotions; I have seen this."

"So, then you are a doctor of some sort?" "Excuse us." He leads her away. But not before, "and here I thought you were an independent woman; yet you have let him lead the entire time?!" Slipping out of his embrace, "Aikaterine!" "No, Ikaris. She needs to be put in her place better and more. Clearly last time wasn't good enough and I don't appreciate her insulting our friends." The smug look on the woman further infuriating Kathleen.

Getting in her face while drawing a crowd, "apparently you have a very limited attention span, for I told you last time. I am with men that value my independence and strength. Again, that doesn't always mean being a feminist. For I want a partner who knows when to step up and step down, and expects the same from me. So that the one who wears the pants in our relationship isn't archaic (much)."

Her eyes begin glowing. Stepping even closer, "and if you ever insult my friends again. Let's say that, that will be the last time you will have a job in this field or possibly any for that matter." The fear evident in the woman's eyes, before "are you threatening me?" "Me? But I didn't say anything. If I, had I would tell you that it isn't a threat, it would be a promise."

"Oh yeah, and how would you manage that? Your sporadic appearances in Hollywood don't give you enough power or money to accomplish such a thing." "Oh dear, despite my steady history of work, I can guarantee you I still have friends in high places. So, this would be accomplished easier than you think it would be. Keep that in mind next time you wish to be narrowminded and try to slight and defame people." Feeling her anger starting to become too much, she turns and takes Ikaris's hand, "Let's get out of here."


Returning they find Olympia is disarray. "Ikaris, the children?!" Touching down right behind him, they hear the cough. Grabbing a hold of the beam, "ready?!" Glowing, "I'm ready." The two lift the broken debris. Ares starts crawling forward, Venus in one arm as he drags Apollo by the other. "Ares?!" "Those blasted Deviants of yours! They somehow got the drop on us and as you can see." "What about Eros Cupid, Psyche and Hedone?" "They are fine. Or as much as I know, Hercules was helping them."

"And our children?!" "We don't know much on that either. Before we could hide them, the fighting broke out." "Ares interrupts them, "our home has been laid to waste. All thanks to you and yours. Sure, we let you in to cohabitate but your kind has been nothing but trouble lately.

And if something happens to your children then maybe they are paying for the sins of their father." "WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Ikaris says nearly exploding. Feeling the hand on his, "brother, they are innocent. And don't pretend you aren't soft on them." Apollo replies. "Our brother is right, my love." "Aphrodite?!" "Fine!" Ares replies. "For whatever reason, The Deviants have done this, the Pryce children shouldn't be blamed. And we know that they couldn't have accomplished this alone." Aphrodite adds.

"Venus, do you know what they wanted?!" "We do." The group turns to see Eros Cupid, Psyche, and Hedone approach. "They wanted to hurt you, Ikaris and the rest of The Eternals. However, since you weren't here, we became their target." "And my children?!" "We're really sorry. We did the best we could, but you know we aren't known for our fighting skills." "That couldn't be all they wanted. If they were after Ikaris, then that means!" Lady Ikaris says, cutting her husband off; looking to him she sees that he is about to take off.

Halting his movements, "Kathleen?!" "My love, please. This may always be a sore topic between us. And I have supported you nonetheless. I will handle it just please find our children?!" Seeing the conflict on his face, "but, I promised?!" "Please?! For once when it comes to him, keep your promise to us first?!" "I…I…" "Please! You know you can trust me to handle it!" "Okay." "Thank you, my love." As she begins to leave the group, she lays her hand on Ares's arm, squeezing it. "Thank you, Mars!" She takes to the sky, leaving the rest to search for their comrades. As Ikaris takes off the other way, once being released. "When we return, we will help you rebuild and find out who was behind this and make sure they pay accordingly." Kathleen adds.


"MOM! DAD!" He tries to approach their limp bodies. "Toby Robson, you have caused enough problems." Scrambling backwards, "NO! NO! PLEASE!", before his back hits a wall. A beam of energy making its way to him, squeezing his eyes tight, bracing himself. "It is alright, Toby!" Opening his eyes, he barely catches Kathleen touching the ground in front of him; her arm held up, causing the attack to deflect and shoot out to their side. Her arm hanging limply at the side, bone and blood showing.

Her other hand causes him to levitate and placed near his unconscious parents. "You?! But where is Ikaris?! Is he okay?" "He's fine, Toby. I know he promised to watch over you which is why I am here. He had something else to take care of. Just watch over your parents, and as long as you are surrounded by this barrier, nothing will happen to you." "You're hurt!" I'll be alright, kid. I just need time to heal this." She flies toward their tormentor quickly finding out it is more than one.

Karygmax, Ghaur, Maelstrom, and Lugner emerge from their hiding place. Bringing her leg out, Kathleen attempts a roundhouse kick aimed at Karygmax which fails before quickly righting herself and trying to swipe Lugner's legs out from under him. This works and when he goes down, she moves onto Ghaur and Maelstrom dodging their attacks, she is able to counteract them.

The cry is loud as she pitches forward. As The Deviants reach for her, the movement catches her eyes. "TOBY!" '$HIT!' Pushing up on her functioning hand, she takes off through the air. Shoving him out of the way before tightening her hold just as the kicks and punches hit her. "Kid, are you trying to get us killed?! I told you to stay put. I had this handled." "But you're hurt…All for." "Not all for you, and it was my choice.

I am going to create a diversion. I need you to get back behind that shield and not move from it again. No matter what, do you understand me?" "But?!" "Think of your parents and Ikaris then. You would hate to disappoint them by something happening to you, right?!" "He won't be happy if it came at your expense!" "He will be just as upset if I fail, Tobias." Shoving him, "GO!"

Just as Karygmax, Ghaur, Maelstrom and Lugner manage to restrain her. She starts laughing at this. "Have you gone mad, child?!" "Oh, quite on the contrary, I made it so easy for you. Sure, you are big and strong males. But if you really think I can be hold by such beings you are mistaken." "Really, then what about this?!" Sensing what is about to occur, "Mr. and Mrs. Robson, he shouldn't have to witness this."

Just as they are about to cover his eyes, the blade comes out of her windpipe. The blood flows as she struggles to breath. Her hand at her throat. "NOO!" Toby screams, pounding on the barricade. "When Ikaris finds out what you have done, you better be prepared. You think he has been tough on all of you before…"

Grabbing her by her hair, pulling her up to her knees; her throat mostly healed at this point. "Defiant to the end, I see Lady Phoenix!" "If you are going to do it, get it done with quickly, I have no reservations for dying alone." Her voice comes out scratchy. "A pity that you should die as such." He picks up her by her head, "see this is what happens when you oppose us" Ahqlau remarks. "Wait until Kro, Ransak and… find out about what all of you have been up to."

A portal appears with a pink woman coming through followed by a multitude of heroes. "But Kathleen Pryce isn't alone. We know you can heal and handle yourself, but they should be able to buy you time. As we deal with them, Exodus, Wanda and Danny Rand, see to her. Kathleen feels the power surge through her, looking at the trio working on her. "Thank you, Bennet, Wanda, Danny!"

The rest of you, you know what to do." "They aren't the only ones here to help and I brought reinforcements." Ikaris lands by the Robsons'. The Eternals with him. "Aikaterine?!" "I will be alright. I am surprised they appeared." "Of course, we did. You don't know how loved and missed you have been, Kathleen Pryce." Phoenix R.S. Wagner responds. "They aren't the only reinforcements I brought."

William, Sprite, Thomas." Ikaris adds. "Right!" Thomas moves his twin and Sprite away from the field, while using their abilities. William's hands glowing blue. Taking in her cuts, bruises, the dislocated arm with the blade sticking out of it still. Along with the one in her throat. "Clarice was smart putting us here to help you. Between Rand, Wanda and I you should be healed in almost no time, Lady Ikaris." Remaining silent, Kat merely puts her hand on Exodus's arm, squeezing it.

The adolescents appear holding the Pryce children in their arms. "It is a good thing I made sure they had been put to sleep. Seeing her like this would terrify them." "What do you need help with, Uncle Ikaris?!" "First, take them and place them in that barrier. And stay with them, your parents wouldn't be thrilled if you are hurt. Plus, you can calm them if they awaken."

"Listen to him." Kro adds, appearing through another sphere. Ransak by his side. "We know you want to help and are more than capable of doing so, but helping them and the Robson family is the best thing for you right now. Sprite, they can use your help." Puck looks to Ikaris. "He's right." "Aw man, you guys don't let me have fun anymore!" Kingo, Eros Starfox, and Heracles appear. The men standing in front of Kathleen as she continues to heal.

Picking her up, Ikaris lays his head against her, holding him close to his chest. "I get it now. I could have lost all of you caring for him and his family." Her hand grips his hair, "I will be okay. We will worry about that later." "I see you all are up to your tricks again. Though don't you think involving innocents has gotten old?"

Ikaris and Kathleen turn at Kro's words, to see the psychic barrier begin to shrink as it becomes enveloped in black. As its inhabitants begin to scream, Jaycen, Margo and Constantine now awake, their hands pressed against it as they stare at their parents in fear. Donald and Deborah doing their best to calm them. Mr. and Mrs. Robson holding Toby between them. Sprite doing their best to break the barrier with the magic they possess.

He supports her as she steps out of his embrace. Her wounds still healing and leaving her weak enough. "Kro, focus on the children and the Robsons. We don't have time for things to stretch out. I am going to have to overextend myself for the moment. And if you try to backstab us for seeking power from Ikaris afterward, I will still be strong enough to take you on if I have to.

Sprite, get out of the way." She begins to run. "Aikaterine, NO!" Picking up speed, she manages to side step Ikaris despite his speed. He hits a wall trying to correct his path, looking at her with hurt and betrayal. He reaches for her again, just as she jumps, letting herself sink into the concrete in front of the shield. "AIKATERINE!"


"Please, Mrs. Robson, don't get in my face." "NO! This is all your and the rest of the Eternals fault. We were fine before Ikaris came into our lives." "Thank you, Donald, Deborah. It will be okay, Jay, Margo, Constantine. I know I look scary still but the damage is causing things longer to heal than I anticipated. But Mommy will be okay. And what do you think would have happened if Ikaris never approached you, all of you would have long been dead, Mrs. Robson."

"As if we aren't now." "Please, you are going to scare the children. Your son included. And not yet, I have figured things out, I am going to need you to take all those you can, I am about to become very hot. And the window of opportunity is going to be brief, I will do my best to shield all of you from the temperature. Sprite, you are going to need to hurry as well."

"What does she mean the temperature is about to be raised?!" Mr. Robson asks. "You are really going to want to close your eyes. Kathleen is able to go supernova though this is usually a last resort." Donald answers "No wait, if that is a last resort." Mrs. Robson adds. "If you wish to survive, you will do as I say. Sprite, be ready, this is going to happen pretty fast. Try to grab the children first, I am about to blow a hole in this cursed barrier."


"SPRITE! I don't understand what is taking so long?!" "Ikaris, you should really be concentrating on the fight on our side." Dodging the attack, "I am!" As Kro, Hercules, Kingo, Eros Starfox and Earth's heroes are doing their best to ward The Deviants off. The hole grabs the attention of those closest to it. "MAKKARI!" Sprite hollers as they reach in, Ikaris whips his head at this, only to see the two assisting The Robsons as The Ritters help the Pryce children.

"Ikaris, now really isn't the time?!" Kro tells him. Though, the warning wasn't fast enough, as the punch moves his head sideways. Turning back to face his attacker, his face is one of fury. As he begins to hover in the air, before releasing his speed. Leaving a wake of Deviants in his steed. "I have had enough of these games."

Kathleen lands on her hands and knees, breathing heavily as she begins to stop glowing. "KAT!" Sprite runs toward her. "Stay there, Puck! Give me a moment!" Raising her head, she sees the heroes beginning to slowly lose ground. Putting her hand on one knee, she manages to get up. Concentrating, she takes to the air. "Phoenix R.S. Wagner, I am going to need your help."

The entity enters her as she becomes bright once more, before unleashing the energy, uncrossing her arms. The white and gold garb evident appearing on her. "Hear me now, Deviants, you have caused more than enough trouble for far too long. And while this isn't a permanent fixture, you have threatened the wrong families for the last time. Constantly involving innocents and not taking the adults on instead. Well, it stops now!

That includes you, Druig! You who orchestrated all this, betraying your people then hiding behind everyone; hoping they would destroy each other and make it easy for you to then usurp the power you have long sought. Well let me help you with that as I burn everything to the ground for you." "KATHLEEN?! PHOENIX?!" The Deviants and Druig begin to slowly be consumed as steam slowly exits their bodies. "Whoever, doesn't wish to see this should avert their eyes. This won't be like the mercy I gave The Frightful Four. They burned up pretty quickly. You, you all however will not. You will slowly boil internally, unable to do anything to stop it. And no one will hear your screams." She mutes their voices to prevent their screams from being heard. The flames reflecting in her eyes.


"Kathleen?!" The entity leaves her as she catches herself, supporting herself on one knee. Kurt embraces his wife before they turn back to The Eternals present, Raymond and Tuc appearing behind them. Looking up as she sees the feet appear in her view, to see Ted and William in front of her. Slowly rising, "thank you for your help, Lady Ikaris." "You are welcome, Kro. We must now come up with a new accord, to prevent such a thing again. You have shown you can work with us; now that we share something in common, we should once more." She turns to the children. "My love!" She adds. Ikaris nods.

"Rachel?! Kathleen, sorry. We may still never get use to that. But we do know the difference even if we refused to and drove you away. While you once again took her likeness, you are nothing like her. You act and sound totally different from her. What we mean is that you can come home now if you wish, we miss you!"

Looking to her family, she sees the fear and uncertainty in Ikaris's and their children's eyes. "Alexander Summers, William Kaplan-Altman, and Johnathon Storm, thank you. I appreciate it and what I have longed to hear. I will now make more visits that being accepted has been realized. However, I am home now. He and the other Eternals gave me one when I thought I had none."

Ikaris envelops her tightly in his embrace, his head laying in the crook of her neck. "I was afraid. I could have lost you. I meant what I said, I get it now. It may be hard but I won't neglect duty to our family and The Robsons. If you ever left me, I wouldn't be able to handle it. And if I have to sacrifice them I will, nothing is more important to me than you and our family!"

"Don't say that. I love you, all of you. And your commitment to doing the right thing and your duties are just one of the many ways. You wouldn't be you otherwise. And I really admire that you haven't changed too much given what this trait has cost you in the past." "I will be alright. Let us go home now."