Note(s): was about to continue where the last two chapters left off, however have decided to do another moment that is lost in time before wrapping up the story this time. And when the younger generation had been reverted to children, so too had Rachel yet she was still a young adult (18-21). And keeps the age after they are changed back, thus shortly after the secret invasion storyline. And this is just for fun (when they are out). And while it is very short lived, Rachel takes the moniker of Kid Phoenix as well before Kathleen temporarily used it as well. And for some reason whenever I hear Let It Rock, I think of Red and Remy's friendship. And none of these properties are mine. The last part is definitely just for fun.
Standing straight after applying the last of the color to her lips, the whistle comes from behind her. Turning she sees someone she hadn't expected, "Lila, this is a surprise." "And what about us, belle?!" Grabbing the knee-high shoe, looking to them. "Oh, you." She puts it on. "D'mn, belle. Non need to be so mean." Ruffling his hair, she puts her arm through the others first. "Come on, it's all in jest, boyo. Johnny where are we going?" "…Besides, that is why Lila is here." "Katya, will definitely be ecstatic then."
Standing in front of the building, "I don't understand. This can't be it." Staring at the nondescript structure. "This looks like it hasn't been occupied for years." "And it hasn't." "So then why are we here?" "Come on, Red. I thought you had a sense of adventure. Besides, with having some of the greatest telepaths here, our party can go undetected. I thought you didn't mind breaking nor bending the rules." "Lila, this is something different. If we are caught it can cause a problem for everyone. It is one thing for me to do so, however I would never risk any of the others."
"Lila's right. We didn't come all this way to leave. This isn't like you, Rach." "Johnny, you know it is more than that." "We are all adults here. We don't need you to always protect us." Scarlett opens the knob ignoring the argument that is going to rear its head. The others quickly follow, leaving Rachel by herself. Sighing, she shakes her head before falling them inside.
The beat thumps as Lila takes the stage as Katya begins fangirling out. Ilyana and Rachel Grey on either side of her. Kurt watching from the rafters. Castle, Cable, Ben and Howlett find a booth obscured and in the corner as Wade starts making their way to them. "If you are going to join us, Wilson, you are going to need to keep quiet."
Holding the microphone close to her, "I am actually going to try something different. And give being a DeeJay for the night a try. Though Alison Blaire and Scarlett Mackenzie if you could join me up here. And each of you will start the selection I am going to choose from." Red makes her way to the podium. "I will start off; I have something in mind."
Using her telekinesis, she moves the turntable, letting the record be placed down. As the music begins, she turns to face Rogue as Somebody's Eyes by Karla Bonoff begins. "Rachel?! You are playing a dangerous game." "It's okay, Alison, Lila. It is merely a warning. She knows exactly what it means at this point." Ignoring Remy staring at her, she never wavers from Rogue. The light reflecting in her eyes.
Making her way back the stage, she grabs Remy's hand. Following her lead, he lets himself be taken to where she is going. She hoists herself onto the stage as he is right behind her. The record hovers before being placed under the needle as the beat begins, she grabs a mic. Dancing her way to Remy as he follows suit. Their friends and family continuing to enjoy themselves while glancing their way throughout "their performance." As she gets down from the stage her family surround her as he looks on, before stealing a glance at the woman that comes first.
Grabbing the flute and bottle she makes her way to the table that is currently housing her team. Taking a seat next Ted, she hands the bottle to Gabriel who walks up to them. "Here, try it. I know it has been a while since you have been on this planet. And things here are basically new to you again. She sits back, glancing to Thomas as another of their peers' approaches.
"Red, ah was hoping we could talk?!" The Young Avengers look to her. "Its fine." "Aunt Rachel, are you sure?" "I am. I have been avoiding this for too long. Besides the last time we were interrupted." Ted, Loki, America, Thomas, Kate, get up and start leaving as William stands there looking to her. Ted and Thomas turn to look at him, waiting. "Go on, I will be fine. I can more than handle her. They are waiting for you."
Betsy rises from the shadows, placing the glasses on the table. "Thank you, Elizabeth." She is gone as quickly as she appeared. "Just don't let it get out of hand this time, Rachel." Handing one to her, Rogue takes the glass in her hand. "My devotion comes from knowing things can be taken away at any moment. Any joy that can be found should never be squandered. I know all of you understand this on a certain level. But until you have had the life I and my niece have had; it will never completely be comprehended. Here this will better explain why some relationships run deeper than others."
She stays, even after Remy has convinced Rogue to leave Erik alone…The scene between Rogue, Erik and Remy enters the back of her mind.Landing she sees the intimate scene playing before her. "Erik, thank you, thank you." The two leaning into each other, the tears falling down Rogue's face. The anger quickly being displayed on the onlooker. "Remy, wait?!" "CHIEN! Traitorous dog! I'LL KILL YOU!" "Gambit, that's enough, you are crossing a line." Putting her hand out, blocking him. "Rachel?!" "I don't like it anymore than you. But Remy needs to get it out."
"Remy? What are you doing?" "ME? What am I doin? You're the one standing here…touchin her…looking at her like, like…Why Erik? Why? You were my friend...MY FRIEND?!" "My husband is right. You need to back up now, Remy. Erik?" "I am fine, Rachel. Thank you."
"And YOU! I saw the look in your eyes when he touched you…" "Remy, please don't…" "Just cause you gave Wanda your vow to look after the old man doesn't mean you have to." "How dare you?!" Her hand starts glowing as Pietro blocks her way. "Didn't I tell you if you break his heart…" "Maybe I deserved that. But where you know it not, chere; you goin to have to choose real soon, either him or me."
"Come, Rachel, this is becoming awkward and an invasion of their privacy." "Wait, I am not going to leave him like this. Not after I knew what her choice is going to be." "You mean?!" "Remy, ah don't know what you think happened here, but. The alarm." The four, look to their home. "Pietro!" "I am on it."
Erik and Rogue in the air the next moment. As Remy lights a cigarette, "the alarm doesn't mean you can sit this one out, thief." His jacket is grabbed the next moment as the two are traveling through the air as well. "Another one of Apocalypse's horsemen."
Opening the link, "Rogue about what happened back there…I think we should talk." The attack distracts them. "ERIK!" "We're okay." She projects to Rachel.Her and Erik are ambushed before she can respond.
"Belle?" "There is no time, Remy." Pulling her arm back, she sends him flying ahead of her. "I still got some feelin's left for the lady." Smacking and sending him backward, "That's nice, cajun. But from what I saw she doesn't have much for you!"
"REMY! Alright, boyo, now you've made me mad?! And then you weren't looking close enough!" Her fists turning red hot. "Rogue, get away from her." Moving she blocks the assault from occurring once more, "Rogue?!" "I'll be okay. Is he?!" "Yeah." "Thank you, Rachel." "I am not the one you should be really thanking." The blade comes out of her stomach, the next moment. '
Remy comes out of nowhere. Taking another shot at protecting all of them. He is sent flying away again. "REMY!" Rachel yells. Their attacker grabs her by the ankle pulling her. Rogue goes to Erik's defense. She kicks out hitting their attacker in the face. He brings his blade out ready to strike. She moves instinctively taking the hit. The blade entering her stomach.
Rachel lets the Phoenix take over, shoving their attacker out of the way. He grabs Rachel's head shoving her into the ground. She manages to get up in spite of her pain. 'I have to protect them', even though she feels the world spinning.
The sight she sees isn't exactly one she expected. She knew his betrayal was approaching. She just hadn't anticipated this particular situation. Nanny is demolished, in pieces. Guido standing over the former functioning robot. About to take her charge, who is trying to put up a fight. Not that a two-year-old can do much, relying on everything being instinctive. Afraid of the stranger, his subconscious magnetic shield forms a barrier, which Guido quickly absorbs.
Just as Jubilee arrives, "get out of here!" "Guido? Rachel?" "Now, child, quickly before he." Guido punchs a hole through the shield, before Charles can create another one. Tears streaming down his face. Wondering why no one has come to save him. The stranger grabs him. A scream to be put down, and to be left alone erupt from him. Shielding Jubilee, "don't move!" "But?!" "I am about to handle it." She reaches out to him mentally, in order to soothe Charles.
So, he can hear when she speaks. "It will be okay, Charles. I won't let anything happen to you." She speaks. Recognizing her voice, he turns to where she is standing. "Rachel!" He says happily, reaching for her. "Touch him again. And you will see why I should scare you more than Apocalypse.
She is about to take her brother-in-law in her arms, when Apocalypse speaks "really, child. Let's test that theory?! And to think somehow you managed to stay under the radar after taking their side. Sinister clearly misplaced his trust in the wrong people." "Tyrant, spare the girl. And I will go easy on you." She prevents Guido from moving as she says this.
She tightens her hold on Guido. Creating a psychic shield around Charles, as she is thrown into the wall. Making sure the barrier is and will remain intact, she starts to move. "Why you doin this, Guido?" "…It's Gambit I hate. I've always hated him." "Betrayin us to Apocalypse aint going to make Lila Cheney love you!"
Her eyes flash yellow and red, some of the energy spilling out, climbing up her face. "She's got that right. And I knew about the psi tracker from the beginning." "Yet you never?!" "What makes you think I didn't?! Boyo and I have no secrets between us. But wasting time talking to trash like you. Jubilee, seriously, I need you to run now! "Oh yes, child, do try." The giant tells them. Her brother starts crying at the being in front of them. Jubilee quickly forgotten for the moment.
"She is insignificant to me. I could care less if the girl lives or dies." "Go ahead then, though know I won't make it easy on you." "The child is here and can speak for herself." The highest level of pyrotechnics hits him in the eyes. Laughing, "I am actually impressed. But that was more than an annoyance; I have no time for traitors that can't be bent." His arm comes down, as she moves shoving Jubilee out of the way. "NOW, GIRL! GET OUT OF HERE! THERE IS NO TIME FOR ARGUING! Before being grabbed by her hair.
"Strong Guy is it. If you could take the child." She hears as she attempts to fight. Apocalypse shoves her before bringing the ceiling down on her. "Seemed pretty easy to me." The last image she sees before passing out is Bishop and Erik appearing from out of nowhere, charging the intruders, despite the recklessness. And Jubilee standing by the way in her sorrow and dismay. "Fear not, child. It is okay to be unsure after being betrayed. Just stay safe!"
"Watch out!" The two see the red headed child standing on a step, looking at them. "Belle?!" "Rachel?!" "…" Before she vanishes into thin air. "Remy…? What did you run into a wall?" "What are you doing here? You were supposed to be leading Rictor away from the main tunnels." "…Charles?" "Take a wild guess, idiot...Only you got sold out, Gambit!"
As Rictor hits the pillar, "NO! THE BABY!" Flaming from top to bottom, the red headed child stands between them. "HEY, MORON!" "Charles?" "I got 'im. Where's Lila?" "Bout twenty yards away. I t'ink I can reach her." "GET HER, LeBeau!" "But Rogue's son an' the crystal shard, Lila."
Seeing her brother in tears once more, "Charles, it will be okay, I promise." "Rachel, Rachel?!" "Hurry, Remy!" "The baby, the crystal. How will we get them back?" "I don' know…And have to put our trust in Rachel, she will know what to do." Both unaware the phoenix comes forth, crying out for their allies to see.
"You're sure, Paris?" "Positive…" "Rachel, told us our help was going to be needed." She hears the noise from above her. And the rubble being moved off of her. She is free not too long afterward. One of them pulls her into their embrace. It takes her a moment to realize it is her husband. "Thank god, you are okay. I felt your stress and desperation through our link. We had been on our way back when your distress reached me." He tells her.
The others on his team remaining silent. "I like this look. Now tell me what happened? If you can't, then show me." He tells her. She pulls out of his embrace. But keeps her hand in his. She looks at him. "They took Charles, Erik and Bishop. Now we have to go into the heart of the devil's tower to get him back…"
They are all in the war room. Where they practice, since it is big enough to hold all of them. Coming up with strategies of how to go about it when they reach their enemy's stronghold. Everyone becomes quiet when Gambit walks into the room. The next moment becomes chaos. Clarice glad Remy is being punished.
He goes flying through the wall, hitting the ground hard. And if he hadn't used his ability to absorb the impact, he would have been gone for. "REMY!" "Easy there, Lila. I'll handle this." Rogue yelling at him. Blaming him for what has happened, since he trusted Guido in the first place. The others know better not to get involved. Rogue has a right to be reacting this way (at first).
Rachel takes to the air, blocking Rogue's way. Remaining in the air "Remy you, okay?" She asks. "I'm good, belle." He answers. She sees Rogue take a step further. Rachel's eyes start glowing yellow. And her body begins to surge with energy. "Make one more step toward him. And you will have the fight of your life." Rachel tells her.
Rogue backs up shocked. "Rachel?" She asks managing to keep her voice from breaking. "Rogue, you and the rest of your family matter to me. I would give my life for each and every one of you. However, this also includes and most especially Remy. I know you are angry. And have every right to be. But taking it on someone who couldn't have prevented this, no matter what isn't the right thing. We are going to get them back." Rachel tells her. Rogue and the others remain motionless at this, knowing that Rachel has yet to fail at what she says she will do.
The gasp breaks the visual. "Ah…?!" "It was because of moments like that, that I stuck by him no matter what. Knowing that despite everything, there is, was a good man and person in there. And no matter how life got, Remy was one of the rocks I knew I could stand on, trust. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for him." "Even murder?!"
"Especially murder since he did his best to prevent it when clarity had reached him. Remy may be a lot of things, but no matter what, he could never do any wrong. Now even if I care about Erik, here he hasn't really come to regret anything. No better than the Nazis that terrorized him.
And that is what I can't condone, no matter how much I favor someone. I am just concerned you would just wind-up breaking Remy's heart again." Each taking a drink, "how c'n you st'd all that?" "Taking it a day at a time, a moment at a time. Someone with my past can never be rushed. Remember that. But enough of this morosity, and until I know for sure, I will never be a big fan of you. We came to have a good time and that is what I am going to do." Getting up she makes her way to the dance floor.
She hasn't left the knit of her close friends as the beat changes signifying another song is beginning. She grabs Ted's hand as Sean Paul's Get Busy is heard. As they pass William, she grabs his hand as well as they switch. The two quickly pair off but not leaving her vicinity as she turns to Johnny. All of them slowly being raised from the ground as flames begin to appear around them. As she makes her way to Remy before finally winding up in Pietro.