Note: This will actually have taken place after chapter 32 (Back to Reality aka Through the Looking Glass). And Chapters 33 Shenanigans and Silly Love Songs. And in between parts of Chapter 34, Stolen Moments. And as usual when say Storm referring to Johnny; and not Ororo. And will be broken into two parts, possibly three, since it wound up being longer than I had expected.
The images assail her causing her to jerk up in bed. Running her hand over her face, "what's wrong?!" Turning slightly, she looks at Ikaris. "It is nothing." He sits up, looking at her. "Why are you bothering, I know at this point when you are lying; and when you are telling the truth?!" Getting off the bed, she begins to put her clothes on. "Aikaterine?!"
Her shoes on at this point; "I can't talk about this, Ikaris, at least not yet." Ignoring the dejection on his face, she leaves the room. "I'm sorry. I really wish I could explain right now. I know we promised to be honest especially after the current hurdle we went through; but I need to rectify this myself first. Assess it before I can even hope to share it with you."
Jaycen, Margo, Constantine and Zuras asleep around her as Eros Starfox stands behind her. "I see. That is quite a revelation. They definitely won't be happy about this. Nor will Ikaris when he finds out I knew first. Why didn't you tell him?!" Continuing to stare at the horizon, "it is enough I told you. We are meant to serve and protect them.
And the solution in my mind isn't going to sit well with the others. I may trust you no less than Ikaris and the others. But you aren't governed to this world in the way the others are." "Gee, thanks!" Standing, she turns and faces him. "This isn't an insult. It means that I know you won't interfere." "And what if Thena or the others bother to read my mind?" "I will already be gone. I know you will care for them. And tell Ikaris and the others I am sorry. I just can't overlook this treachery." Eros Starfox reaches out to take hold of her hand but it is too late she dissipates before he can make contact; leaving his appendage hovering in the air. 'Oh, Kat, you and Ikaris just bridged the gap between you. This might destroy it completely…And if you think I would really stay silent…'
The tinkering and conversation are pretty silent as she materializes, at which everything halts. The group turns as two of them put their safety googles on their heads. "Kat?!" Looking around, she spots who she is searching for, the two children playing near her. Letting her true entity envelop her, while keeping her physique and eyes unchanged. The flames follow as she steps forward, ignoring them. As her companion remains silent.
"Alicia Reiss Masters-Grimm, I had blamed Johnathon Storm for what he had done. Which I had believed him of until recently, and now I see that I was very wrong." Jo-Venn and N'kalla begin to approach her. She halts their movements, "this is nothing that concerns children." "Release them, Kat. And what are you even doing, kid?! And why did you bring her?!" The rest of the team on edge, with Alicia placed behind Grimm.
"I am only here for your wife, Ben. I know that none of you will give her up easily. But there is something she must pay for, and I can't have anyone get in my way." "So then, tell me why my ex-wife is here?" "She is actually connected to what happened, Johnathon Storm. And she deserves a chance to know just like you what really happened." "And even if this is the truth, Kat, you know we really can't in good conscience allow you to take one of our family.
And since none of them are here, clearly, they don't know what you have done. What would they say? What would Ikaris, at this betrayal of your duties, to him?!" Sighing, "I figured as much, Reed Richards. But I was really hoping that the reason would rectify everything given our history; and I see I was wrong. Very well then, the hard way it is."
The group moves as one while Lyja remains still. "We'll deal with you, later!" Johnny tells her. Kat sends a pulse of energy that hits them, causing the four to become stationary. "JOHNNY!" "Ben, what is going on?!" Reaching out, she is able to take a hold of Alicia; both gone before Lyja can reach them. As the six are released, the last thing they hear; "MOM!" "ALICIA!" "MOM, DAD, UNCLE JOHNNY!"
The shield blocks the fiery attack and fist about to come down, "SUE?!" "Attacking her won't get us anywhere. Though, you are going to need to tell us where Kat is, Lyja?" Franklin, Valeria, Jo-Venn, N'kalla, Ben, Reed and Johnny look hostile. "I know that none of you have any reason to believe me. Nor do I blame any of you, but I honestly don't know. And I wish to help. Not just for Johnny's sake, but I owe it to Alicia, after what I did to her. And it about time I worked on fixing that lapse of judgment." The adults look to each other at this before finally backing off. "Well then, we are definitely going to need help."
Landing, Alicia scrambles up. And tries to make a run for it. Taking to the air, she has the other woman by the collar the next moment. "A really valiant effort; however, even if I did bother to let you get away, there is nowhere you could hide, not here." The green, white and blue of the Earth can be seen. "Knowing them, they will be here before too long. So, I am going to have to make this quick. And I am sorry about this. But after what you did, I see no alternative, Alicia Reiss Masters-Grimm."
"We see. And while normally, we don't team with any of you. If she really has gone rogue then, we have no choice. She may have kept a good reign on herself but doing this could undo all of that." Howlett says. "And if what Lyja said is the truth?!" "It is." Rachel Grey cuts Johnny off. "Johnny, we know why you and the others have doubts but she isn't lying, not about this." Rachel adds. Lyja looks to her with gratitude.
"And since she can't really help us; it is good you came to us." Jean replies. Turning to the deity's counterpart, "she is the only one who can help us at this point." Shaking her head, before looking to the FF, their family, Kurt and Ray; and the rest of their allies present. "I hadn't thought it possible. But somehow, she has shut me out. I can't pick up anything from her; not her location nor what lead to this?!" The group look a disheartened at Phoenix R.S. Wagner's words.
"Maybe, I can help?!" Turning at the voice, to see the last person they could expect. Those closest to them, running to the newcomer. "RACHEL!" Alex once more passes through her, falling flat on his face. Gabriel and Scott remain by his side, as Dane and Lorna help him up. Adam keeping a slight distance behind them. "You must really learn to think before acting, little brother."
Facing the rest of her family and friends, "as you can tell I am not completely here. I appreciate you living for my sake; and glad you found your own happiness. But I could use your help, for the time being;" Looking to one of her counterparts. "Why are you here now, Rachel?!" "You are right, Johnathon Storm. I never planned to leave the White-Hot Room and return. While I can't blame Kathleen Pryce for her choice, either way it is hurting those I care about; you know I couldn't let such a thing to happen, Johnny,
Phoenix R.S. Wagner if you please could?!" The entity shifts to its true self before entering its previous avatar's essence. "That is better. At least, it will keep me anchored until we accomplish this." Alex and their brothers pass her around, each greeting her with a bear hug. "We really don't have time for this!" After being released, "Ben Grimm, I am sorry for what has happened. My connection to it through the White-Hot Room, has actually shown me where Kathleen Pryce has more than likely gone."
