X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach

by abcd12344321

As the fabric of the omniverse come undone, it does so with consequences, now, doorways are opening up not to the marvel universe, but also between the universes. And with it, their world is growing, now, they must rise to the occasion, new alliances will be formed, new enemies will be made, and the omniverse will never be the same.

10. Chapter 10

X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach

Chapter 10: Timeline 3, and Delicate Negotiations

…

The grand city of Neverwinter, with its spiraled towers and bustling marketplaces, lay nestled amidst rolling green hills and dense forests. This heartland of Fearun, home to countless tales of magic, monsters, and mortals, was about to witness a revolution.

A diverse group approached the city gates. Silvanus, a godly presence in his own right, led the charge, representing the pantheons of Fearun. His mere presence gave their mission an aura of significance. Faela, the tiefling druid with horns gracefully curving from her forehead, walked with a sense of purpose, her connection with the natural world evident with every step.

Behind them were the enigmatic Letho, a towering figure of raw strength and skill, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Leonardo, with his leadership and wisdom, discussed the intricacies of the printing press with Donatello, who was ever eager to understand the mechanics of this new marvel. Michelangelo, in his ever-playful demeanor, tried his hand at juggling some ink pots, while Raphael looked on, ever the skeptic. Dante and Lady, having faced countless supernatural threats, remained ever vigilant, their eyes scanning the horizon. Kirby floated along, embodying innocence, while Ahsoka Tano, the wise Togruta, offered insights on diplomacy and interaction.

As they entered Neverwinter, the sheer majesty of the place left them in awe. The cobblestone streets, the grandeur of the buildings, and the air thick with anticipation set the stage. They were here to introduce the printing press, a technological marvel, and share insights at the esteemed University of Neverwinter.

Their first demonstration was set in the main square. Crowds gathered, their curiosity piqued. Leonardo and Donatello worked in tandem, setting up the press, placing parchment, pouring ink, and finally, with a flourish, revealing a freshly printed page to the audience. The crowd gasped in amazement. The idea that thoughts, tales, and knowledge could be replicated and shared with such ease was groundbreaking.

At the university, a grand hall had been prepared. Scholars from distant lands, eager students, and even lords and ladies had come to hear tales from beyond their realm. Ahsoka spoke eloquently of galaxies far away, of the importance of understanding and unity, and of how shared knowledge could bridge even the vastest of distances. Letho recounted tales from his homeland, emphasizing the shared human experiences that transcended worlds.

Dante and Lady took a moment to train with some of the local warriors, sharing techniques and discussing the nuances of combat in their respective worlds. Kirby, ever the charmer, became an instant sensation, especially among the younger members of the audience.

…

Inside the grandeur of the Kingpin's penthouse office, situated high above the bustling New York City streets, everything was in perfect symmetry, from the polished mahogany desk to the meticulously arranged pieces of art that adorned the walls. Yet, a single shimmering portal, defying the very laws of physics and reality, disrupted this perfection. The breach pulsed, seeming out of place amidst the cold, calculated luxury of the room.

The Kingpin, Wilson Fisk, was not one to be flustered easily. He was a man who held dominion over much of the city's criminal underworld. But this? This was out of his control. Picking up his encrypted phone, he dialed a number he hoped he'd never have to use.

"Kroako," he began, his voice betraying a hint of unease. "We have a situation."

Kroako, recognizing the gravity in the Kingpin's voice, replied, "What's going on, Fisk?"

"There's a breach in my office, right in the middle of it. It's disrupting... business."

Upon receiving the word, Kroako rallied his team. Logan, with his rugged demeanor, Jean, ever the level-headed psychic, and Laura, who was just finishing her parental duties, geared up. This mission, however, had an added layer of complexity - Kitty Pryde from Timeline 3 would be joining them.

As they converged on the Kingpin's location, the memories weighed heavily on Kitty. Timeline 3, her world, was a place of stark contrast. It was where the X-Men's code, "to protect those who fear and hate them," had shifted to something far darker during the Hellfire Gala. The weight of the lives she'd taken, even in self-defense, pressed on her like a physical burden.

Upon entering the Kingpin's office, they were immediately drawn to the breach. It pulsed with an almost seductive allure, hinting at the world on the other side. Kitty approached cautiously, her hand hesitating inches from the portal. Images flashed before her eyes - the fall of Xavier, the desperate battles, and the choices she had made.

Laura, sensing her apprehension, placed a reassuring hand on Kitty's shoulder. "We've got your back, Kitty. Whatever's on the other side, we'll face it together."

…

Stepping through the portal, the room on the other side was eerily familiar, yet tinged with a shade of darkness. This Kingpin's office mirrored the opulence of the one they just left, but with a starkness to it - a result of the world's harrowing history.

As they took in their surroundings, their gaze was immediately drawn to two figures engrossed in deep conversation across the room. The imposing figure of this world's Kingpin stood opposite Emma Frost, her blonde hair immaculate, her white outfit standing out starkly in the dimly lit room.

Emma's eyes widened in shock when she noticed them, and more so when her gaze landed on Jean. "Jean?" she whispered, disbelief evident in her voice. "But you're... you're supposed to be dead."

Jean stepped forward, an empathetic look on her face. "It's a long story, Emma. But I'm not the Jean you remember."

Emma's typically composed demeanor showed cracks, the emotional weight of seeing a dead friend alive again affecting even her icy facade. "I can see that," she murmured, taking a moment to gather herself. She then turned her attention to Kitty, surprise evident on her face. "Kitty, why are you with them?"

Kitty met Emma's gaze, a blend of defiance and sorrow in her eyes. "Things have changed, Emma. We're here to mend the gaps, not widen them."

The Kingpin, ever the business mogul, cut in smoothly, "While this touching reunion is heartwarming, I believe we have a deal to finalize, Ms. Frost."

Emma shot him a cold glare, reminding him of the power she wielded. "This is more important, Fisk. Business can wait."

The atmosphere in the room was palpable with tension. Old wounds resurfaced, histories intertwined, and futures uncertain. The path forward was unclear, but one thing was certain - the past was catching up, and decisions would have to be made.

The room was filled with the hum of intense conversation. Each revelation seemed to top the last, making the very fabric of reality feel fragile.

Kitty started, her voice tentative, "Emma, there's a lot we need to catch you up on. This isn't just about what's happening here. It's about everything, every timeline, every version of us."

Jean took a deep breath, "We learned about the resurrection protocols. They weren't... they weren't really bringing us back. They were just creating... clones."

Emma blinked, her usually unreadable face etched with shock. "Clones? You can't be serious."

Kitty nodded grimly. "I wish I wasn't. But there's more. Different timelines, different events. Each more shocking than the last."

Laura interjected, "There's a darker multiverse, Emma. One where every conceivable nightmare has come to life."

Jean added, "And that's where Derrick comes in." She gestured towards the figure beside Laura.

Emma's piercing gaze turned to Derrick, noting the sharp, triangular teeth that seemed more predatory than human. But what surprised her more was the intimate manner in which Laura held his hand. There was a level of trust there that seemed impossible given Derrick's evident dangerous aura.

"Who are you?" Emma's voice was a mix of curiosity and caution.

Derrick's grin was chilling, but his voice remained calm, "The son of Mistress Death and the god creator of the dark multiverse."

Emma took a moment, her sharp mind processing the flood of information. "So, you're saying our worst fears, every bad decision, every horror story, it's all... real? In this dark multiverse?"

Derrick nodded. "In essence, yes. Every dark possibility has played out there."

There was a heavy silence. The gravity of their revelations hung in the air, each trying to make sense of their new reality. The world they thought they knew was just a fraction of the bigger, more intricate multiverse puzzle.

Emma finally broke the silence, her voice shaky and vulnerable, "And you're saying... I might just be a clone? That my memories, my emotions... none of it is real?"

Laura stepped forward, her voice gentle, "Emma, your feelings, your experiences, they're real to you. And that's what matters. But we have to come to terms with the fact that the resurrection we thought was happening... wasn't what we believed."

Kitty added, "We're all in this together, Emma. We're all trying to wrap our heads around it."

The room was still, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. The weight of the revelations pressed down on everyone, but it was evident that Emma felt it the most.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I need a moment," she whispered, standing up abruptly. Her usually confident stride was replaced by a slow, deliberate walk, as she moved to the window. She gazed out, trying to find solace in the city lights.

Kitty looked around the room, sensing the general discomfort. "Maybe we should take a break. Give Emma some time to process."

Jean nodded, "It's a lot to take in. For all of us."

Derrick, observing everything silently till now, leaned against the wall, watching Emma from a distance. His enigmatic eyes revealing a depth of understanding. Whatever the dark multiverse had shown him, it seemed he was no stranger to heavy revelations.

Laura sighed, "We have a lot of work ahead of us. But for now, let's give Emma the space she needs."

Everyone slowly dispersed, leaving Emma to her thoughts. The magnitude of their situation was undeniable. Still, in the face of such earth-shattering news, they had to find a way to move forward and find answers.

…

Kitty Pryde leaned against a desk, her posture defeated, as she glanced around the room. "After the Hellfire Gala, things didn't pan out the way we hoped," she began hesitantly. "Orchis invaded and seized control. They didn't force us out; we had to leave under the mounting pressure and their sinister influence."

Jean furrowed her brow, concern evident on her face. "I recall Orchis from Timeline 2. They were a budding threat even before the Hellfire Gala. Their ambitions... they're concerning."

Kitty's eyes were somber. "Their invasion merely escalated matters. But... it's not just about them."

Emma took a deep breath, her immaculate facade showing signs of regret. "In the midst of this chaos, we made some... questionable choices. In an effort to strengthen our position and make a political statement, we brought back Ms. Marvel through resurrection."

Laura's eyes widened. "You used her resurrection as a pawn in your political games?"

Emma lowered her gaze, her voice full of remorse. "It seemed like a good move at the time, a way to rally support. But now, understanding the reality of the resurrections, and the influence Sinister might have had... it's sickening."

Kitty added, "It was a desperate play, and now we're living with the consequences."

Jean's voice was firm but understanding. "So, you're saying Ms. Marvel's return was manipulated for political leverage?"

Emma nodded sadly. "Exactly. She deserved better. And she deserves to know the truth."

Derrick chimed in, his tone unexpectedly gentle. "Then let's tell her. With Orchis dominating the landscape, it won't be easy, but she has the right to know."

Everyone in the room shared the sentiment, the weight of their choices, both good and bad, pressing down on them. They knew they had a duty to set things right, starting with Ms. Marvel.

Inside Kingpin's secure office, the group started brainstorming how best to approach the situation. There was a heavy burden on their shoulders, the weight of truth that needed to be shared.

Emma, ever the strategist, started, "We need a secure location, away from Orchis's surveillance. We must gather those who were brought back during the Hellfire Gala. The news we have... it's going to shake their world."

Jean nodded, her telepathic abilities coming into play. "I can reach out mentally, ensure our communication remains encrypted. It's safer that way."

Kitty added, "And the fewer people involved in the logistics, the better. Orchis might be powerful, but they're not infallible."

Laura, holding Derreck's hand, reassured, "Derreck and I have never undergone the resurrection process. And for Derreck..." she cast a meaningful glance his way, "it's never even an option. There are no other versions of him, in any reality."

Derreck smirked, "Unique to the core, right here."

The tension in the room eased momentarily with a round of soft chuckles, but the severity of the situation was not lost on them.

Emma continued, "I still have contacts in the city, loyalists from before Orchis took over. They can help arrange a discreet gathering."

After a few hours, and several silent telepathic conversations later, Jean looked up, "I've made contact with Ms. Marvel and a few others. They are intrigued and cautious but willing to meet."

They decided on a hidden underground bunker that Emma knew of, protected against psychic and physical intrusion. It was previously a fallback for the mutants of this world in case of dire emergencies.

Upon entering the dimly lit room, the tension was palpable. The eyes of resurrected mutants – like Ms. Marvel, Iceman, Storm, and a few others – bore into the group. They all knew that what was to be discussed would change everything.

Emma stepped forward, her voice filled with regret, "I called you here to share a truth, one that we've only recently come to understand. And it's about the resurrection protocols."

Emma's voice was solemn as she continued, "The protocols don't bring us back, not truly. They've been creating clones, replications of our bodies, with all our memories and experiences. But..."

Before Emma could finish, Storm interrupted, her voice thick with desperation, "What of our souls? Are they... Are they still with us?"

The room grew heavier with anticipation of the answer. Laura took a deep breath, looking at each face, the weight of responsibility evident in her eyes. "The truth is, each time the resurrection process happens, your original soul... it moves on. The clone, though it feels and remembers everything as the original would, doesn't house the same soul."

There was a moment of stunned silence, the weight of the truth settling heavily. Iceman, his voice shaky, whispered, "So we've lost... truly lost our friends, our loved ones? Every time?"

Kitty nodded, tears forming, "It seems so. The body and mind may be an identical copy, but the essence, the soul... it has passed on."

Ms. Marvel, her face ashen, stood up abruptly. Without a word, she excused herself, and retching noises echoed from the next room.

Jean, deep in thought, murmured, "It's like we've been living a lie. We thought we were defeating death, but in reality, we were just... prolonging the inevitable."

Derreck, sensing the anguish in the room, commented, "In many realities, the concept of life and death varies, but the essence of a soul remains a constant. It's a tough truth to swallow."

Emma looked defeated, "We resurrected so many, thinking we were doing them a favor, thinking we were giving them another chance. And all this time..."

Laura, attempting to offer some solace, added, "At least now we know, and we can decide what to do next with this knowledge."

Storm looked up, determination in her eyes, "We owe it to everyone to tell them the truth. No more secrets. No more lies."

The mechanical grip of the Stark Sentinel tightened fiercely around Derreck, its internal systems pushed to their limits in a desperate attempt to crush him. The metal groaned and strained, the very air around them crackling with tension. But Derreck, despite the immense pressure, remained completely unscathed.

A palpable energy began to emanate from him, a brilliant luminescence that painted him as the very epicenter of power. His eyes, fierce and determined, locked onto the core of the Sentinel.

With a fluid, deliberate motion, Derreck raised his arm. What followed was a display of raw, unbridled force. His fist collided with the Sentinel, and the resulting explosion of energy was cataclysmic. The impact didn't just part the clouds — it altered the very composition of the atmosphere. The air around the epicenter of the collision turned into plasma, a glowing, ionized gas. An electric blue hue illuminated the entire bunker, casting surreal shadows.

The shockwave generated by the punch was so immense it felt like the very earth trembled beneath their feet. The Sentinel was not just destroyed; it was erased, atom by atom, from existence.

A silence, thick and heavy, settled over the room, punctuated only by the residual hum of ionized air. All eyes were on Derreck, awe and disbelief evident in every gaze.

With a soft thud, Derreck landed back on the ground. Everyone's eyes were wide with shock and awe, except for Laura's. The sheer magnitude of Derreck's power had been felt, but witnessing such a display of overwhelming might firsthand was something else entirely.

The ground rumbled once again, and four gargantuan Stark Sentinels descended from the breaches in the ceiling. They targeted Derreck, their systems recognizing him as the primary threat.

Before anyone could even shout a warning, Derreck was already on the move. The first Sentinel made a swing at him with a massive metal limb. With fluid grace, Derreck sidestepped and with a mere touch, the machine turned into a solid block of ice, shimmering under the dim lights of the bunker.

The next one launched a barrage of missiles. Everyone instinctively ducked, anticipating an explosion. But Derreck merely clapped his hands together, sending the missiles ricocheting back, obliterating the Sentinel in a fiery display.

The third one tried charging up a deadly energy beam. But in the blink of an eye, it found its form twisted and contorted. The Sentinel was no longer a menacing giant but an intricate piece of avant-garde sculpture, standing oddly out of place amidst the chaos.

The last one, witnessing the fate of its companions, attempted to retreat.

But Derreck wasn't done.

He sauntered toward it; every step laden with unmistakable intent. The Sentinel, in its electronic wisdom, launched a reinforced metal foot down at him, hoping to squash him like an insect.

As the foot descended, Derreck simply looked up, his gaze filled with growing disappointment. The metallic behemoth pinned him into the ground, each second an eternity as the earth around him shattered and cracked. Yet, Derreck was unharmed, his form untouched. He appeared almost... sad. The once playful and smug grin he wore had faded, replaced by a forlorn expression.

He looked around as if yearning to feel something, anything. As the pressure intensified, he whispered, almost to himself, "Is this all there is?"

Suddenly, his eyes hardened with resolve. "Okay... I'm done now."

And with those words, he swung his fist upwards. The connection was soundless, a silent cataclysm. The vast Sentinel was not just propelled — it was flung with such ferocity that it ripped through the fabric of their universe, disappearing into the nebulous void of the neighboring cosmos.

The dust began to settle, and the group was left standing in awe and disbelief. The sheer force of what they had witnessed was unimaginable.

Iceman, finding his voice first, stammered, "Did he just... punch it into another universe?"

Ms. Marvel was still in shock, trying to process the events, her voice barely a whisper, "I've seen many things, but nothing like this."

Derreck, slightly out of breath but otherwise looking perfectly composed, shrugged nonchalantly, "I did warn you — unique to the core."

Laura walked over to him, wrapping an arm around his waist and looking up, "And that's why you're my favorite."

Kitty, trying to bring the focus back to the task at hand, interjected, "Impressive as that was, we still have a mission. Orchis knows we're here, and they'll send more."

Emma nodded in agreement, "We need a plan, and fast."

In the stillness following the destruction of the Stark Sentinels, everyone turned to Derreck as he began to speak. "I've got a plan," he said, his voice laced with an almost eerie calm. "Just give me a sec."

Before anyone could ask what he meant, there was a brief blur, a slight distortion in the air, and suddenly Derreck was gone.

The X-Men and their allies exchanged worried and confused glances. Was this part of his plan? Did he leave them?

After what felt like an eternity but was only a few moments, there was another distortion, and Derreck reappeared. This time, he wasn't alone. Bound tightly in an absurd amount of duct tape, ribbons, and various restraints was a figure many of them recognized — the head of Orchis. The woman, a mastermind behind many anti-mutant movements and strategies, was so cocooned that she couldn't even twitch.

Derreck, seemingly unaffected by his lightning-quick expedition, dragged the incapacitated Orchis leader beside him as he rejoined the group. "Got her," he said flatly, his expression as unreadable as ever, though a touch of boredom was evident.

Laura raised an eyebrow, "That was... quicker than I expected."

Jean, ever the empath, tried to read the thoughts of the bound Orchis leader but found her mind shielded. "She's still conscious," Jean commented, "but she's blocking me out."

Emma gave a smirk, "Leave that to me. Sometimes the old-fashioned methods work best." She approached the captive, her white heels clicking menacingly on the floor.

Kitty sighed, "Well, Derreck, you certainly have a flair for the dramatic."

Derreck just shrugged, "I do what I can."

Storm, ever the voice of reason, interjected, "We need to find out what Orchis is planning. They won't stop just because their leader is in our hands."

Derreck, still looking rather bored, replied, "Well, now we've got a bargaining chip. Let's use it."

In a dimly lit room, Devo, the Orchis leader, was seated on a metal chair, still bound by the restraints Derreck had put on her. The X-Men had gathered, watching the situation unfold with bated breath. Derreck stood across from Amanda, his face a mask of detached curiosity.

Derreck began, scratching his head, "So, Devo, right? I have a question. Why do you folks keep attacking when, well... you can't really hurt me?" He paused, looking genuinely puzzled. "I mean, I haven't felt anything in... I can't even remember. And it's a little disappointing."

Devo's eyes darted around the room, gauging her situation before responding. "We don't attack you because we think we can hurt you, Derreck. We attack because you stand with them," she spat the words out with distaste, nodding towards the X-Men.

Derreck tilted his head, "Oh, so it's like... a team thing?"

Devo's lips curled into a sneer, "It's more than that. Mutants like them, and whatever you are, pose a threat to humanity's survival."

He frowned slightly, looking slightly hurt. "But I just want to have fun and feel something, you know? It's all... numbing."

The Orchis leader tried to maintain her defiant facade, but the sincerity in Derreck's voice unnerved her. "Life isn't about fun. It's about survival. And if your existence threatens that survival, then you are the enemy."

Derreck's eyes darkened, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "Look, I didn't ask to be like this, okay? And just because I'm... different, doesn't mean I don't have feelings."

Devo's thoughts shifted momentarily, a shadow of recognition flickering across her eyes. It was something she hadn't intended for anyone to pick up on, but with the presence of Derreck and other mutants in the room, some things were hard to keep hidden.

Derreck's frown deepened. "So, Colossus is being controlled by his brother? Working for Orchis this whole time?"

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the X-Men. The betrayal stung deep. Colossus had fought alongside them, been a part of their family, and now he was revealed as a mole within their ranks.

Kitty Pryde's voice was barely above a whisper, "Piotr... How could he?"

Storm, taken aback by this revelation, replied with a mixture of anger and sadness, "This has to be Orchis's manipulation. They've twisted him."

Derreck let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "This whole thing is a mess... and it's not like either side is blameless here."

Devo, the leader of Orchis, sneered at him. "Blameless? You're one to talk! Mutants isolate themselves on an island, acting like gods. You even throw your own kind into the pit for 'justice.'"

A tense silence filled the room; her words seemed to hang in the air, challenging anyone to dispute them.

Devo continued, her voice rising with each sentence. "You think you're blameless? You mutants have abandoned humanity, built an island nation based on a lie, and now you're playing judge, jury, and executioner! You've created a divide, and you call us the bad guys?"

Derreck's frown deepened, her words finding their mark. Laura, standing beside him, noticed the change in his demeanor. She could see that Devo's diatribe was getting to him, making him question the moral high ground that mutants thought they stood on.

Devo locked eyes with Derreck, a triumphant smirk on her face. "So what do you have to say for yourselves now? We have all the cards. You've betrayed humanity first when you gave up all hope in coexistence!"

The room was thick with tension, each side grappling with uncomfortable truths. Derreck looked at Laura, then to the rest of the X-Men, his eyes finally resting on Devo.

Devo's rant continued, her voice growing more and more piercing with each word. Each sentence was like a verbal dagger, and Derreck's composure was crumbling fast.

Finally, he stood up abruptly, a frown on his face. "Give me a sec. I'll be back in a few hours."

The room fell silent as he walked out, the tension almost unbearable. Everyone exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing, left to ponder the weight of Devo's accusations and the uncertainty of the situation.

…

Hours passed. Laura kept stealing glances at the door, the worry clear in her eyes. Emma busied herself with reading files on her holographic interface, while Jean maintained a telepathic link with Scott and the others who were securing the area around the bunker. Kitty, Storm, and the remaining X-Men tried to keep themselves busy, but the atmosphere was filled with an unspoken anxiety.

Finally, the door creaked open. Derreck walked back in, but he was not alone. Bound and gagged were a series of individuals, some instantly recognizable: Charles Xavier, Colossus, Nimrod the Sentinel, and a handful of Orchis agents. Derreck unceremoniously dropped them beside Devo, then pulled up a chair to sit facing them.

"Okay," he began, locking eyes first with Xavier, then moving on to Devo, "here's the thing. I'm going to speak, and you're going to listen. So please pay attention. My patience is thin as it is."

The room was frozen in stunned silence, eyes darting between Derreck and the bound captives. Derreck took a deep breath and began.

"Firstly, I've heard enough from everyone to know that nobody in this room is innocent, and yeah, that includes me. Orchis, you have your grievances, but let's not forget your methods involve genocide. Mutants, we've isolated ourselves and made mistakes that cost lives too. But continuing this cycle of hatred and violence will get us nowhere."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing.

"If you think what you're doing is for the greater good, then you're just as deluded as the people you criticize. Both sides have fallen short, and it's time to own up to it."

His eyes flickered to Devo, then to Xavier, challenging them to dispute him.

"We either find a way to coexist, or we destroy ourselves. The choice is yours to make."

And with that, he sat back, his expression grim but resolute, waiting for their responses.

Xavier shifted in his restraints and locked eyes with Derreck. He attempted to venture into the depths of Derreck's mind, but what met him was a force so overpowering that he recoiled in mental agony, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Derreck sighed deeply and raised his arm, tearing open a portal to a future none had witnessed before. It was a realm devoid of stars, galaxies, or any signs of life. A dark void that was the inevitable result of their constant warring—a universal collapse.

"It always ends this way," Derreck said, his voice tinged with both resignation and urgency. "Whenever one side or the other wins, it always ends with this. This is your judgment for thinking you're always in the right."

Everyone stared into the emptiness, the bleak future that awaited them, and a chill ran down their spines.

"And I'm guessing that neither side wishes to see that," Derreck continued. "The worst part is, if you don't stop, this may be of your own doing. Besides, neither one of you wants me as an enemy, just so you know."

He waved his hand, and the portal closed, sealing away the horrific vision of their possible future.

For a moment, no one spoke. Then Nimrod the Sentinel, who had been silent all along, finally found its voice.

"Analyzing data... Probability of universal collapse if current trajectory continues: 99.999999999999999999999999999999999%. Recalibrating objectives…"

Xavier, wiping the sweat from his brow, looked defeated yet thoughtful. "We've been blind. I've been blind. The future you showed us is a future we must strive to avoid at all costs."

Devo looked at Derreck, then at Xavier and her Orchis companions. Her eyes were not as defiant as before. She sighed. "I'm not saying I trust any of you, especially you, Derreck. But I'd be lying if I said I wanted to see everything collapse. If there's a chance, even a slight chance, to change the course we're on, then…we should take it."

Derreck leaned back in his chair, his eyes meeting each and every person in the room.

As if on cue, a portal shimmered into existence behind him, its radiant light cutting through the tension that had filled the room. He stepped through it, followed closely by Laura, Logan, and Jean from timeline2. As they disappeared, the portal snapped shut, its luminance dissipating as if it had never been there at all.

Shadowcat, left behind to monitor the situation, turned to the communication device at her side. "They've gone back. We'll keep an eye on things from this end," she said, before severing the connection.

…

On the other side, Derreck and the others arrived back on the island of Krakoa, but this time in their original timeline—timeline1. It was like stepping into a familiar yet different world, one where the air was filled with the scent of Krakoa's unique flora and the sounds of its unique fauna.

Logan from timeline2 inhaled deeply, the unique fragrance of Krakoa filling his senses. "Damn, it's good to be back in this crazy paradise," he sighed, a palpable sense of relief spreading across his face. Jean from timeline2 nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the landscape as if reacquainting herself with a long-lost home.

As Derreck stepped onto the soil, he felt Krakoa's consciousness brush against his mind—a quiet welcome, accompanied by a wave of relief, as though the island itself was glad for his return.

Laura looked at him, her eyes communicating everything her words didn't have to. "We did what we could," she said softly. "Now, their future is their own to shape."

Derreck's eyes wandered to the horizon where the setting sun painted the island in rich shades of orange and gold. "Let's go home," he said, his voice tinged with finality, laden with the unspoken challenges and choices that lay ahead for them all.

Making their way to the island's unique daycare center, Derreck and Laura found their children, Orion and Arora. Despite being only about a year old, the toddlers were surrounded by an array of educational toys, overseen by the repurposed interrogation droid and Grogu. Kira and Triss from Geralt's world were also there, serving as caretakers while their parents were away.

As Derreck and Laura entered the room, the twins' eyes widened and their tiny faces broke into smiles. Orion let out a happy squeal, raising his arms to be picked up, while Arora babbled delightedly, crawling at top speed toward her parents.

Laura bent down to pick up Arora, holding her close and savoring the sensation of her daughter's tiny arms around her neck. Derreck lifted Orion into his arms, the young boy giggling and clutching at his father's shirt.

Both parents exchanged a knowing look; this, they understood, was home. And for the first time in a long, complex journey, they felt a simple, overwhelming sense of being exactly where they belonged.