Note(s): while still going to incorporate parts of Snapshots, this story is far from being over. However, do feel once again it is nearing its end (before hitting close to 100). And while Remy recalling her AOA memories was all supposed to be; yet the trajectory of telling more moments that hadn't been touched upon took root. Thus, this will be the last of that though as the Xternals have made/make their journey to space and back. And there will be a part that was left out of chapters 6 and 7.

"Why we here, belle?" "Because he says he is going to need us." "Would think both past them, femme?" "They are my family. And as if you really are, you have Lila to think about now. Besides, you were the one who came to get me." "Can't fault me for missing you." "I suppose not." "Th'ogh that incident was unusual."

Rogue and the stranger are locked in a backlash. 'I c'nt wait any longer' as Rogue in is pain, separating them. Rogue seeks comfort from her husband. While Pietro moves to separate Creed and Remy from each other. She appears. "Creed, you heard my husband. Remy, are you alright?" She asks after the expression on his face when told the news about Charles's existence. "If you had simply waited a few more moments, Rogue wouldn't have had to use her abilities." She tells them.

She turns to the stranger who is getting in Erik's face. She moves him backward a little telepathically. Her eyes start glowing. She goes into his mind without letting him know that she is there. What she sees is enough to affect her and give an emotional backlash. And cuts the mental probe she had been displaying.

Pietro is by her side the next moment. "Are you okay?" He asks. He is standing right behind her. "I'm good." She replies. Refusing to say what she really saw. Not wanting his comfort that he is offering, due to the distance that still exists between them. However, unfortunately the bond that they share lets the other knowing subconsciously what they are feeling or thinking.

The two stand before the father and son. "Wat, you call us here for, Erik?!" Seeing into his mind's eye, "you found out something didn't you?! Something that, NO?!" Her husband and partner look to her. "Rachel?!" "Wat, is it belle?" A frown appears on Pietro's face as Remy takes her hand in his, having acting on instinct. "It has something to do with this, Bishop." "Yes, come. It is better to show you

"Rogue may have already proved his isn't insane. And I saw the same myself. But we should have that choice. We live here, exist! What you are asking for is suicide! What about us? Rogue? Charles? Pietro? Erik, why?" "Father, what is she talking about?" "Like to k'nw the same, Erik?" "You're right, Rachel. Clarice, I know you are there. If you could gather everyone, please?!"

The teams are standing in the room waiting for him to speak. "I was simply going to assign missions, which is still going to happen. However, Rachel has made a very valid point. Especially since not all of you are Xmen. The Xternals are gathered around Gambit, save her who stands by Pietro, holding Charles in her arms.

What are you talking about, father?" "I'll show you." Glimpses of a happier reality play for all of them to see. Rogue clutches Erik's sleeve. "Belle?" "It's true…There, you have her." The joy, relief and hesitancy cross over her. "Where does that leave, Lila?! You have come to love her just as much, like I knew you would. Trust me, even though it will come with a heavy price, you won't make the same choice." 'You have shown you can live without her, having given her up. Lila, not so much. But its okay, Cheney is more worthy of you.'

They hear the last of the conversation before they enter the room. "Coolness, where's he been?" Jubilee asks. She enters turning her head. Her body shielding the other two. "He's been with me." She tells him. Her hands on her hips. Remy and Erik appear from behind her. Lila moves forward to greet them. Even Erik, which she does icily.

Rachel has been staring at Guido the entire time. While she has never trusted him and has told Remy this more than once. Something is different about him this time. Jubilee pretty much glomps her, knowing how much she tries to avoid being touched. "Phoenix has missed you." The child tells the red head. Roberto appears in view. The psychic projection of the mythological entity within her immediately moves toward her, the moment it sees her. She holds her hand out, which it perches on.

Before she can communicate with it, Magneto brings attention the reason for his visit. Lila not happy about being ordered around by him for Remy's sake. The others save Rachel are hesitant of taking orders from someone other than their leader. Remy tells them that they are going to take the job. "What is more worthwhile after all for thieves, than stealing the biggest crystal to ever exist? Besides, belle and I already discussed this with him." He leaves out about saving the world, because what the consequence will be of doing so.

Henry Corbeau and Magneto are explaining about Lila's ability. Cheney is doubtful. Rachel briefly scans her mind. "It is actually true." She speaks. "You knew about this?" Remy asks her. She turns to him. "I suspected." She answers. Lila puts the helmet on. As the others, stand around watching what is about to occur.

Rachel stands by Remy. As his second in command, it is only right. As everything starts going sideways, he moves forward. She puts her hand on his chest, stopping him. "I'll handle this. Stay close to me. I'll pull the others to us. She is inexperienced. I will help her the best I can but if she tries to fight me. It will be more difficult." She tells him. The air around them becomes too harsh sucking them and the others in.

She manages to anchor them at the last moment. Holding them in place. She brings her knee up a little bit, closer to her body. And her arm out raised in front of her. Her hand in a fist. Her eyes start glowing, as she concentrates. They are gone the next moment sucked into the abyss that is space. Going where no man has gone before.

The vacuum opens for them. As she halts their movement, "I tink I goin to be sick." "That was awesome! Let's do that again!" Lila is passed out in her arms. "Roberto?" "I'm okay." "Remy?" "Think be okay." Though he still appears green at this, "how is she?" "She's good. It will take her some time to get used to her ability. This first time proved too much. And I would ask how you are Rictor, but then I could really care less. I will send the phoenix to see what is out there."

"How is she?" "She good, she's asleep right now." "Care to join me for a walk." "Sure, belle. Grateful, to Deathbird for taking us in. To t'ink about to pull off the biggest heist." "Hmm, not always about the score, Remy. In fact." She causes a hatch to open as the others start coming their way from down the hallway. "We didn't get a chance to situate ourselves, well now's the chance."

She holds her hand out to him as she hovers in the open space. Taking it without hesitating, the two are amongst the cosmos before their team can stop them. "To think the phoenix came from such an atmosphere. How really miniscule we are, compared to the bigger picture."

Both staring at the stars twinkling. "Are we doing the right thing, Remy? What about all those we care about? Sure, it will free all of us of what this reality is; but we think, feel." Turning to her, "belle, I?!"

The onlookers forgotten. Pulling her to him, he closes the gap. Both wrapping their arms around the other as they close their eyes. "Oh my?!" "Lila?!" "I…I…" Relinquishing her hold the next moment as he too recedes, "damn, belle. Now I know why 'Silver so hooked. Always been curious myself." "Can't say I haven't wondered about you myself. And a one-time thing, you have Lila after all.

I am afraid, boyo. Yes, I want to fix this hellish world. But I don't know if I really could if it meant sacrificing you, Nate, Charles, Pietro and the others?!" She leans into his comfort. He places his head on hers. "It be okay, belle. You won't be alone." His arms around her. "Take us back now." The others back up as they appear.

She is cradled in his arms, clutching him. The tears freely flowing. "Remy?! I saw…if you could please explain. Rachel has always been able to handle herself. We need to talk about." "NON, Chere." He lowers his tone at Lila's expression. "Sorry, but belle need me right now." He keeps walking, leaving them behind.

"What did we get ourselves into, Remy?" She asks him. He hugs her from behind. "We may be loyal to him. But here we are. Chasing down an item that can fix all the damage done to this world, Involved ourselves in an intergalactic war. All on the hopes of righting the wrong that caused this reality to exist in the first place. We may be doing the right thing. And what needs to be done. But we will cease to exist. So again, why are we doing this?" She asks.

"If we don't belle, then who will? It may suck that we are giving up our lives doing so. But who else will? Though, you're right. Can't decide which is worse? Living in the world we are now, with a tyrant ruling it. Or becoming nothing to make sure he can't hurt another living thing again." He responds. Kissing near her temple. Knowing that she is afraid, even though she may not be being showing it. And being a good friend.

"Will you be okay now? If I stay any longer Lila may start wondering." He tells her. He releases her. "Tell her I'm sorry. I hope she forgives me, us." Looking back once more, she is still staring out the dome shaped window in her room thinking of her husband. He once thought he might have a chance with her. But life interceded showing them that the love of their lives were other people. It has become enough though, that he is one of the few who she has let into her interior.