"Never waste your ammo on a good knife fight."

  Streets bustled with many colorful individuals as a familiar woman in black strolled with a red head on her right and a blonde on her left. Diana Essex and Madelyne Pryor had found their way to the mutant island of Genosha. During their escapades here, they had been able to find and rescue Seven who had began to go by “Sev” from Sinister. That was a story for another time though.

  The three women had grown close over the past few months. They were like three peas in a pod. Diana had helped guide both clones to understand themselves and become their own individuals to be more than what Sinister had designed them to be.

  Alongside helping her new sisters, Diana had been placed on the Genoshan High Council as the Head of Mutant Science and Research. With this promotion, the goth had been able to reconnect with an old friend who she had been wanting to see for the past year.

  “Meine Damen!” that friend called out causing the trio to stop. Diana turned first smiling softly when she saw the familiar figure of a fuzzy blue teleporter approach them.

  “Hello, Kurt,” she politely greeted which was repeated by both Seven and Madelyne. The clones looked at each other before turning to Diana with slight smirks on their faces.

  “We’re going to go ahead and go home, Di,” Seven gently said smiling at her sister who nodded at the blonde before looking to the red head. They walked away leaving Diana and Kurt alone.

 Kurt offered Diana an arm which she took smiling shyly. She knew he was only being a gentleman, but a part of her could not help but wish they could have something more than friendship. Diana respected Kurt’s boundaries though. He was a monk now a priest. She knew she could not get in the way of that. The understanding they shared though was beyond what either of them could understand. Two orphans shunned for how they looked…who better to understand the other? Diana knew she would always end up caring for Kurt from a distance though.

  “Genosha is only continuing to grow, don’t you think, Fräulein Xavier?” Kurt asked as the pair walked through the streets of Genosha.

  “It is,” she agreed looking around trying to keep from staring at the elf. Diana smiled softly though as she looked at him, “No need to be so formal…and you know I don’t go by Xavier anymore.”

  “Ah! Forgive me. I forget,” he chuckled looking to her with those big yellow eyes. Diana looked away from him not wanting to stare.

  “It’s alright…I’m still getting used to it too,” the goth replied causing the elf to chuckle quietly.

  Kurt stopped when they approached one of the vendors specifically an ice cream vendor. Diana’s eyes immediately snapped to look at the vendor before looking back at the blue man beside her. She lifted a finger pointing at him, “Don’t…”

  He merely grinned at her flashing his fangs as he pulled his arm from her arm and approached the seller. Diana rolled her eyes despite the warmth that was crawling up her neck to her ears.

  When Kurt returned holding out a chocolate ice cream cone to her, Diana gave him a scolding look but took the sweet treat all the same. She looked shyly for a moment before quietly clearing her throat, “Thanks…”

  “Of course, leibchen,” the Nightcrawler answered as he gently grabbed her arm and leading her down the street once again, “Come on. Let me take you home before Magneto arrives.”

  Small things like this did nothing but make Diana’s feelings for the monk grow. He’s too sweet for his own good…

  The Nightcrawler walked with the goth through the streets of Genosha. Many mutants greeted them with wide smiles and pleasant attitudes. As they arrived at Diana’s apartment building though, Kurt stopped just outside the building turning to smile at Diana, “I must take my leave now, fräulein. Thank you for letting me walk you home.”

  Diana opened her mouth to reply, but the elf gently grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it causing her to clam up. She offered him a shy smile before he teleported away. That shy smile remained on her face as she returned to her apartment where Sev and Madelyne were waiting. Both clones noticed the goth’s smile and looked to each other with their own large knowing grins.

  “He walked you home, didn’t he?” Madelyne mused as she watched Diana bustle past them to her room. Seven cackled watching the goth’s embarrassed expression.

  “You two should change. Magneto and the Ink Demon will be here soon,” the ravenette murmured as she opened the door to her room before moving to her closet. Seven and Madelyne followed her giggling as they saw how frazzled the shadow manipulator was.

  “What did he say to you?” Sev asked as she moved to sit on the edge of Diana’s bed. Madelyne leaned in the doorway crossing her arms as she smirked at her gothic sister.

  Diana absentmindedly rummaged through her closet trying not to listen to the teasing of her meddling sisters. They knew how to push her buttons though. That happened when living with meddling clones for the past four months.

  “Oh hush—” the goth grumbled as she pulled out a pair of slacks, “Go change!”

  Both women snickered and lifted their hands in surrender as they left Diana’s room. Once the door closed, the goth sighed before laying back on her bed clutching her pants to her chest trying to keep her beating heart from bursting out of her chest. She shook her head and sat back up before standing and changing from her skirt to her pants. Looking to the clock on her wall, Diana gasped quietly before quickly rushing from her room dragging her sisters with her. If they were not careful, they might be late to greet Genosha’s guests.

  A sense of belonging was going worldwide today with the admittance of Genosha into the UN. The citizens of the soon to be mutant nation eagerly awaited the arrival of Magneto who had come on the invitation of the UN for a gala.

  Magneto never went anywhere without his right hand though. Alison Chios sat in the co-pilot’s seat of the Blackbird. With them, Henry Chios and Rayna Vur had come as well. Rogue sat quietly behind Henry’s seat as did Gambit sit quietly behind the Firebird. Despite having come with his birdie, Remy had never felt more distant from Rayna. She seemed to be talking more with Henry and Rogue than with Magneto and the Ink Demon. Gambit wanted her to stay with the X-Men, but she seemed to want to go a very different path just as Rebel and Rogue did.

  He sighed heavily as he fidgeted with a deck of cards. Looking to the pilots, Remy grumped, “Dis is takin’ forever…”

  Rayna cast an unhappy glance at the Cajun who merely stared blankly back at her. Magneto did not even look back as he calmly replied obviously not liking the younger man’s attitude, “Gambit, please remember that should the new Blackbird suffer a malfunction, you are the only soul on board for whom gravity would most certainly be an issue.”

  “MAGS!” Rayna snapped not appreciating his comment. The Master of Magnetism kept his eyes forward not even acknowledging the pyrotechnic. Alison sighed aggravated before snapping as well, “All of you! QUIET!”

  Magneto immediately shut his mouth not wanting to face his wife’s unhappiness. He knew better than to be defiant against her in this kind of situation. A sentiment well known by the Firebird too. Gambit, however, did not know how to keep his mouth shut nor did he know that the Ink Demon was not someone to go against.

  “Why? Cause y’all hate me?” the Cajun said staring defiantly at the back of Alison’s head. Rayna made a choking noise hearing his attitude. Her eyes were glued to the back of the Ink Demon’s head as the woman’s horns returned to her head.

  Alison whirled around in her seat staring angrily at Gambit who stilled in his seat seeing her expression. She calmly but authoritatively spoke, “You were only allowed to come with us because Rayna asked if you could come. If she didn’t care about you so much, I would have tossed you out of this plane a long time ago.”

  “Ali…” Henry murmured trying to get his aunt to calm down. When her eyes turned to him though, he shut his mouth and looked away knowing now was not the time to try and keep her calm.

  The Ink Demon turned her seat back around and stared out the front glass of the Blackbird as the plane went eerily silent. For the next few minutes, everyone sat in silence not daring to poke Alison’s patience anymore than it had been.

  “Well would ya look at that…” Rogue said speaking up for the first time in the last probably thirty minutes. The group looked out the front glass of the jet feeling their eyes widen at the sight before them.

  Genosha was now a spectacle. It looked more inhabited than it had in the past five years. Rayna, Gambit, Henry, and Rogue stood from their seats moving to stand behind Erik and Alison.

  “They been busy doin’ a bit of renovatin’ since Gambit’s last visit,” the Cajun commented as he sneakily grabbed at Rayna’s hand which he held tightly in his own. The Firebird cast Remy a glance before looking back out the window.

  Once the Blackbird had been landed, the group of X-Men made their way down the gangplank. They were met with several familiar faces. Rayna immediately brightened when she saw a familiar head of black hair.

  “Di?!” the Firebird exclaimed before quickly rushing toward the goth who smiled upon seeing her friend. They met in a tight embrace that was filled with happy giggles and greetings.

  “Rayna, my friend! It is so good to see you!” Diana said as she pulled away from Rayna’s tight hold.

  “What about us?” Rogue asked causing the goth to laugh quietly as she moved to hug Rogue and Gambit as well. Henry hung back watching the scene before him with an almost somber expression.

  “Go say hello,” Alison gently whispered before moving forward to stand beside Erik. Henry watched his aunt walk away before sighing quietly and moving to stand beside Rogue who looked to him smiling brightly. Seeing her smile eased him slightly before he greeted the shadow manipulator, “Hello, Diana.”

  He extended a gloved hand to the goth who merely smiled at him as she respectfully took it shaking it, “Hello yourself, Henry.”

  “You couldn’t wait for me, could you?” another voice said causing the group to look over behind Diana who was smiling knowingly. Rogue and Firebird immediately gasped and moved to greet the red head who was smirking at them.

  “Well, would you look at you, girl!” Rogue commented as she hugged the clone who hugged back. When the pair separated, Rayna immediately swooped in. It had been made apparent that the Firebird liked this version of Jean better than the real Jean, “Lots of smiles at the mansion when we heard Madelyne Pryor scored a top spot amongst Genosha’s inner circle!”

  “The Interim Council wanted an X-Man,” Madelyne commented as she pushed away from Rayna’s hug, “Luckily, you guys could spare a Jean.”

  Gambit had approached at this point and could not help but be coy as he spoke up, “Hush, madame. Two always better den one, and far better den three or more. Most times.”

  Rayna rolled her eyes and elbowed him in the stomach causing the Cajun to huff out a breath as he threw the Firebird a playful glare which she returned with her own. Now that’s better…

  “You weren’t the only X-Man to join the Council, sister,” Diana commented as she approached the situation. Her eyes looking over caused the two X-Men to look in the direction the goth was. Their eyes widened seeing the blonde woman who had been in the mansion during the Goblin Queen incident.

  “Sev. Come here,” Diana gently called to the blonde who quietly and cautiously approached them. Sev reached out taking Diana’s extended hand, “This is Sev Essex, my sister.”

  Gambit ever the charmer reached out taking Sev’s free hand lifting it to his lips greeting her, “Bonjour, mademoiselle.”

  Sev stood still with wide eyes for a moment before looking to Diana who was trying her hardest not to laugh at the clone’s reaction. The blonde returned her confused glance to Gambit as she quietly greeted him, “Hello…”

  Before Remy could speak to the woman anymore though, Magneto pushed into the situation with Alison in tow both reaching out to shake hands with the three sisters, “Forgive Gambit’s passive adolescence. He insisted on coming after Rayna agreed to join Alison and I at the gala. I confess, the Master of Magnetism was surprised to receive an invite bearing the United Nations’ seal.”

  “Yeah, I hear it’s called ‘the future,’” Val Cooper commented from where she stood having been observing the reunions with a rather distasteful glance. Her next words were all business as she spoke, “Magneto, the Interim Council would love a word with you before tonight’s gala. Privately if possible.”

  “Whatever you have to say to me, you can say to Alison as well. She will accompany me,” Erik responded leaving no room for argument as he stared coolly at the human who merely glared at the Ink Demon who watched Dr. Cooper expectantly.

  “Fine,” she huffed before turning and beginning to walk away. She stopped though and looked to Magneto and Alison though.

  “Well…what about us?” Rayna quickly asked a sentiment that Rogue agreed with, “Hey yeah! What the heck are we supposed to be doin’ while all y’all go have your big talks?”

  Diana hummed as she commented, “Go sightseeing of course!”

  A loud popping noise caught the X-Men’s attention more importantly Rogue’s attention. Kurt Wagner appeared moving toward Rogue quickly through the air. The elf latched ahold of her greeting her in German.

  As Nightcrawler greeted the newcomers, Madelyne moved behind Diana whispering, “You’re drooling.”

  Diana squeaked as she swatted at the red head who cackled and walked away. The goth shyly returned her eyes to the German as he talked animatedly to the X-Men. She made a quiet noise in frustration before huffing out a breath as she straightened her shirt. Sev chuckled quietly before moving to follow after Madelyne wanting to leave the ravenette in her personal torment, spending time with Kurt. Rayna looked in Diana’s direction when she heard the squeak come from her gothic friend. She chuckled quietly seeing the way that Diana was staring at the elven monk. Subtly, the Firebird elbowed Remy getting his attention. When he saw the look on Diana’s face, he snickered. That was an expression he had not seen on the little goth’s face before.

  “Kurt joined the Council not long before Madelyne and I did,” Diana said as she calmly approached the group who looked to her inquisitively. Before any of them could open their mouths though, Kurt teleported them from the landing platform down to the stairway. Diana sighed quietly before quickly following after them.

  “Thank you for bringing me with you, Kurt,” she gently teased. Kurt whirled slightly from where he sat looking horrified, “Forgive me, Diana! I-I got too excited.”

  His rushed apology made Diana’s expression soften significantly. Rayna and Rogue smirked at each other seeing how gentle the goth’s expression was. She did not look at anyone else like that.

  “Oh hush. I’m not upset with you,” Diana mused as she moved through the four X-Men to ruffle the Nightcrawler’s hair. His blush went unseen by her, but the others namely Rogue saw the look on her adoptive brother’s face. She hummed knowingly. Even the monk was not entirely immune to the sweet girl’s charm…even less so than the others…

  Kurt looked back to the city of Genosha as he tried to get his heart beat back under control. He spread his arms apart as he spoke, “Such things to see! So many wonders in this city.”

  “Long as he left those faithful killer monks of his back at the monastery,” Gambit commented causing Kurt to look to the Cajun lifting a finger of his three fingered hand, “Ah, a scimitar tongue, Gambit, you remain as always. We have much to discuss since our gothic adventure amid the Alps. Come!”

  The Nightcrawler held his hands out offering them and his arms to the group surrounding him. The others were careful to place their hands on his arms leaving his hands to be grabbed by Rogue and Diana. In a puff of purple smoke, the group disappeared from the landing bay reappearing in a bustling street.

  There was a welcome feeling as instead of being attacked for appearing so suddenly they were merely looked at with welcoming smiles and chuckles. Several young mutants ran through the streets laughing as they played. One of them who they recognized as the Morlock, Leech, stopped when he saw them. He waved at them causing Henry, Rogue, and even Rayna to wave back. The boy seemed to want to approach them, but one of his friends pulled him away.

  “Woah…” Henry suddenly murmured seeing how…mutant this place was. It felt so…welcoming.

  “It’s just like he said,” Rayna whispered as she too looked around. Gambit’s eyes snapped to look suspiciously at the Firebird, “Who? The Professor?”

  As if noticing her blunder, the Firebird cleared her throat quietly before answering, “Uh… yeah…course…”

  Rogue sensing the tension between the couple spoke up, “He did always used to say we’d have a place all our own one day.”

  “More than a place, Rogue,” Diana said as she strolled around behind them greeting a few people with a small smile. Kurt appeared by her crouching on a barrel, “A home.”

  Gambit still did not seem satisfied. When he saw the prices on some of the produce, he could not help but comment, “Daddy’s chargin’ pretty high rent…”

  “Birthing a nation overnight is not without its share of stumbles,” Nightcrawler replied as he teleported over to the vendor who Remy had been eyeing. Rogue rolled her eyes and approached the vendor holding out some money Henry had handed her. The mutant took it with a soft smile. Her voice oozed with sarcasm as the southern belle commented, “Ignore him. Fly can’t help but ruin honey.”

  Gambit huffed and crossed his arms as he looked around spotting the large statues of Professor X and Magneto, “Or maybe Gambit’s willin’ to ask questions no one else will. Like, why is Magneto suddenly mutant MVP?”

  Ignoring the man’s grumbling, Henry quickly reached out taking Rogue’s hand in his right hand and Rayna’s in his left dragging them towards a street performance. Gambit watched with a sour expression as he watched Rayna talk quietly with Henry and Rogue who were standing a little too close. Something was wrong, and Rayna still had not told him what was up with her and Henry Chios. On top of the fact that Magneto seemed overly protective of the Firebird, an observation that Gambit was not been keen on. He had his suspicions, but he would not push. Seeing her begin to dance with Henry though, made a jealousy that was akin to Rayna’s flames begin to flicker in the Cajun’s chest.

  “For a man named Gambit, your poker face is very poor,” Nightcrawler mused as he leaned against the taller man. Remy quickly (but gently) grabbed Kurt by his face pulling him away holding him down slightly, “Hey, mind your beeswax, furball! Didn’t go ringing for no priest!”

  “You need one though,” Diana teased as she moved to stand on Gambit’s other side. The Cajun looked to her as he let Kurt go, “Don’t need no gothic bookworm neither!”

  Diana rolled her eyes as she moved behind Gambit as Nightcrawler teleported to lean against Remy’s other side now. The elven priest commented as he looked at the Cajun, “It does not take a priest nor a ‘gothic bookworm’ to see that the Firebird’s heart burns for you.”

  “I don’t think dat’s the burn she be lookin’ for,’ Gambit somberly replied as he watched Rayna with Rebel and Rogue. Henry’s hands were too close for Gambit’s comfort as he watched them dance. The pink haired woman noticed Gambit’s gaze smirking and waving at him before looking back at Henry as he leaned forward and said something to her. Her gaze returned to Rebel almost begrudgingly though something that Kurt and Diana seemed to take note of.

  “Do you remember what I told you, Gambit? To give her some space but not too much?” Diana asked as she looked to the mutant man in question who was just staring at the Firebird with a look of such infatuation it was almost sad.

  Kurt however found it comical as he laughed and patted Gambit on the shoulder, “You Americans! So theatrical! Life is violins und close-ups. I blame soap operas. Just marry the girl and be done.”

  “Scoundrels like me, we don’t get no white picket reward. We too busy for love. Too busy sinnin’…” Gambit huffed as he brushed both of them off of him taking a step forward. Diana could hear the pain in the Cajun’s voice. It only made her heart ache.

  “There is no love without sin…for love is best measured in what we forgive,” Nightcrawler mused as he smirked almost darkly at Remy who looked back at him before looking back to Rayna who was trying to get away from Henry and Rogue who had started to dance along with the street performance leaving Rayna to her own devices now.

  Diana cast a glance in Kurt’s direction listening carefully to his words. It confused her how carefree he had said such a thing for a celibate priest. She looked away when his yellow eyes turned in her direction. The goth was overthinking what his words might have meant. A slight hope flickered in her chest. She pushed it down as she quickly moved to approach the trio near the street performance.

  They needed to finish this tour…before Diana passed out from swooning…

  Ramona stood back quietly as she listened to the painful interviews at hand. She rolled her eyes when Scott began to rant. Storming from the mansion, the Ghost Rider found herself in the gardens of the Institute. The blonde sighed heavily before finding a spot to sit down. Ultimately, she just laid down in the grass. A few memories came to mind as she lay there staring up at the bright blue sky.

  Memories of her little sister giggling as their father twirled her around in the air. Memories of the sandwiches and pies that their mother would make for their picnics that they always had once a week during the spring, summer, and fall. Ramona sighed quietly as she sat up and looked around. The silence made her heart ache. At this age, she should be married…have a couple kids that would run around in a garden like this laughing and playing. All of that had been stolen though.

  Ramona’s gloved left hand tentatively moved to touch the left side of her face. She did not blame Rayna not one bit. The phantom pain still lingered at times though. Those flickering flames haunted her dreams when she slept…

  “Now what are ya doing over here?” the familiar voice of Logan asked as he approached the blonde. She huffed and glared at him having been startled by his sudden appearance. Wolverine chuckled at her jumpiness as he stood idly a few feet away from her.

  Ramona rolled her eyes before extending her gloved left hand beckoning him closer. When he slowly moved over and sat down beside her, the blonde looked at him before gesturing to his face, “You wearing pretty pink lipgloss now?”

  Logan’s eyes widened in horror at her observance. He quickly wiped his mouth off on his jacket sleeve as he grumbled, “Jean’s confused…girl kissed me…”

  She laughed and shook her head looking down at her lap as her right hand fidgeted with the glove on her left hand, “Poor girl…can’t blame her for being confused though. The stuff that  you’ve told me about…sounds like hell.”

  “You can say that again,” Logan mumbled as he leaned back on his hands leaning his head back to stare up at the sky. He cast a glance in her direction though as he watched the blonde stare down at her hands. Sighing quietly, the feral mutant spoke, “Something’s on yer mind, blondie.”

  Ramona huffed not appreciating his observation, “Can it. You know I don’t like to talk about my problems.”

  Wolverine chuckled quietly always appreciating her lack of wanting to overshare and feel like she needed to be heard. Ramona had never been the typical woman. That was what drew Logan in. She was not like all the other women he knew especially not Jean. He never wanted to admit how attached he had grown to the Ghost Rider though. They both knew they were both too dangerous to try something.

  Ramona sighed quietly before standing and looking down at the feral mutant. She opened her mouth to say something but closed it deciding against saying whatever was on her mind. The blonde looked up and around the garden before murmuring, “So my sister decided to go to that mutant nation?”

  Logan knew Ramona did not mean it bad. She just sometimes had poor control over how her voice sounded. It commonly sounded like she may have hated mutants to those who did not know her very well. Those who did know her though knew she was only worried about the Firebird.

  “She did…don’t know why,” Wolverine replied with a slight shrug as he got to his feet as well. He stared at Ramona who was at eye level with him a trait that always made him smirk.

  The Ghost Rider did not say anything as she looked at the garden. Finally after a few minutes, she huffed, “I gotta go.”

  Ramona attempted to turn and walk away, but Logan gently grabbed her arm making her stop and look at him. He gave her a look as if knowing something was wrong. Even if she never wanted to talk about what was bothering her, the feral mutant always knew she just needed someone to keep her grounded for awhile.

  “Just stay a little longer. Quit listening to that spirit for a few hours. Stay here…with me?” he asked as the blonde just stared at him blankly. Ultimately, Ramona sat back down on the grass. She would stay…just to please the man beside her.

  Alison stood silently beside Magneto in the doorway to the Interim Council. The Ink Demon took note of the individuals that made up this council. Her expression soured upon seeing two members of the Hellfire Club. A long time ago the Hellfire Club and the DCC had had major problems. Those problems had mainly been caused by Alison’s idiotic brother, Joey.

  She took note of Moira who was sitting quietly. When Alison saw Banshee approaching though taking a seat next to the Scotswoman, the Ink Demon sighed quietly glad to see that the only human in the room who actually cared about mutants had someone who would protect her mainly from the Black King and White Queen.

  Alison was not listening for several minutes until she heard Magneto speak up snapping her back to attention, “This concerns me and my X-Men, how?”

  “We need a handsome jawline that begs trust and respect…a poster child king,” Emma Frost spoke up causing Alison to sour. She glared at the woman in white who glared back equally as hatefully.

  Moira spoke up quickly trying to correct the psychic, “Careful, Miss Frost. Don’t go filling this man’s head with such notions.”

  Alison tried to keep from snorting upon seeing the look that flashed across Frost’s face. Her amusement quickly faded though when the White Queen sneered, “Whose charitable idea was it to let a human be on the Council? Were no others available to weep over semantics?”

  That did not go with Madelyne who quickly piped up sounding aggravated, “Moira’s a fierce ally to mutants! And we all agreed to Chancellor.”

  “You eclectic social climbing fools wish for Magneto to rule Genosha? Very funny,” Alison asked sounding skeptical. Erik subtly poked the Ink Demon in the ribs causing her to shut her mouth and scowl. Magneto was obviously thinking about the offer though as he walked away from Alison who stood idly by the door still. She watched him with a cautious gaze. If she knew anything, he would accept this…under certain circumstances.

  “One could argue, and many sadly do, that none of us would be here today were it not for you and your publicity stunt,” Emma Frost mused as she watched the Master of Magnetism with a smirk. Alison immediately glared at the White Queen not liking how the blonde had said that.

  “Are there no others better tempered to stomach the squabble of human…diplomacy?” Erik quietly asked as he hung his head slightly.

  “Well it’s definitely not your woman here,” Sebastian Shaw spoke up again. He eyed the Ink Demon with a look of disdain and twisted desire. Alison gave no mind to the Black King. She had had enough of him when she had been running the DCC. There was no use to try and even be civil with the man.

  Magneto cast a glare at Shaw hearing what he had said about Alison. She was not just merely his “woman.” Alison was his right hand! And unknown to most, she was his wife.

  “Charles be gone, Magneto…” Moira spoke up trying to pull the tension from the room, “And I may not like; but if Charles trusts you with his X-Men, he’d trust you with this…”

  Alison sighed quietly and looked down at her shoes. The Ink Demon knew that Moira was right…this was something that Xavier would have wanted Erik to take over in his absence. There were so many variables though, and Alison could think of three right now…

  Henry…Rogue…and Rayna…

  And if Rayna had her way, Gambit would join them much to Alison and Erik’s chagrin. They wanted Rayna to get away from that man. He was not good for her…or so they thought.

  Alison had lost concentration on the conversation again something she very rarely did. She was supposed to be the one with the business sense, but she was starting to slip. Alison was tired. Having lost so many people in her life…seeing all the children play in the streets of this wonderful haven…. It brought back memories for the Ink Demon. Some good. Some bad.

  A loud chorus of voices pulled Alison from a particularly fond memory as she looked up to see everyone looking between Magneto and her. She stayed cool pretending that she had been listening.

  “You want…what?” Frost quickly snapped glaring at the Master of Magnetism who glared back.

   “I will become your Chancellor if Alison is allowed to join me as my aid,” he said obviously repeating something Alison had not heard. She merely stood there not at all shocked he had made that counter offer. What he said next shocked her though, “And for three to four of the X-Men to reside here as…heirs…”

  “Rayna…don’t—” Alison attempted to speak but was interrupted by the loud shouts of an upset Firebird.

  “NO! YOU WANT ME TO JOIN YOU?! AND WHAT? BE A PRINCESS?! I’M UNSTABLE ENOUGH AS IS! YOU WANT ME TO STAY HERE WHERE THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE?!”

  Magneto was slowly becoming aggravated with the young woman’s attitude. He stood from the seat he had been sitting in and glowered at Rayna causing her to snap her mouth shut as she cowered slightly. Seeing her glare and cower made both Erik and Alison’s hearts ache. They did not like what had happened to the little girl that Alison had found on the streets all those years ago.

  With a sigh, Magneto calmly spoke, “We are merely offering you a place with us. We do not want to make you do anything you do not want to. You’re too stubborn and independent to make do anything. We know that better than anyone. And you know we don’t fear you or your powers.”

  “But I don’t want to leave what I have…I can’t!” the Firebird murmured as she stared back at the white haired man. He sighed and looked out the window not knowing how to answer. Alison spoke up taking over the conversation, “You love the thief, don’t you, Rayna?”

  Rayna looked away from them both hanging her head. She knew the issues that Alison had with the Guild of Thieves that Remy had once been part of. Magneto just did not like the thought of his little girl being all grown up…falling in love with someone he did not approve of.

  Alison sighed and stood moving to the pink haired pyrotechnic. She placed a hand on her adoptive daughter’s shoulder making the Firebird look to her, “I may not like him…but maybe he’s not as bad as the others. Make him an offer to join us just as we are offering you. Whatever he decides could help influence your decision.”

  The Firebird stayed silent obviously indecisive. She wanted to stay with them, but a part of her wanted Gambit more than them. Looking away once more, Rayna whispered, “He can’t stay anywhere where I could hurt him…even if I care about him…. I don’t want anyone I care about to be near me anymore…”

  Alison’s shoulders that had been tense drooped slightly hearing that whisper. She looked to Erik who looked just as shocked. He moved to stand near the two women placing a hand on each of their shoulders.

  “Rayna…” Magneto murmured trying to get the young woman’s attention. She huffed though brushing them both off of her.

  “I have never forgiven either of you for what you did to me,” she sneered changing the subject as she took a step back. Alison closed her eyes looking heart broken. Magneto merely looked away feeling shame and guilt flood through him.

  Tentatively, the Master of Magnetism placed his hand back on Rayna’s shoulder, “We didn’t want to leave you. We just…”

  “We thought we were keeping you safe…” Alison finished when Erik could not finish his statement. Rayna continued to keep her gaze averted. Her hands clenched into fists though as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

  “It was the worst decision we ever made,” Magneto continued as he gently moved his hand from Rayna’s shoulder to carefully grab the Firebird’s chin, “I regret letting Joey keep you under his control during the most vulnerable part of your life.”

  “I should have known better,” the Ink Demon whispered sounding shameful as she did not even look to the pink haired young woman.

  “So what? You regret leaving me? Taking precious Henry instead?” Rayna snapped becoming defensive. They knew that was coming. Looking to each other before looking back at her, they made a silent agreement.

  Magneto began, “Henry was an adult. He joined us willingly as any of the other mutants did.”

  “As much as I hated it, I couldn’t tell him no. You though…I should have told you yes,” Alison continued as she gave the Firebird a tearful gaze, “You always have been stronger and braver than any of us. And if what you’ve told us is true, you’re more powerful too.”

  Rayna looked at them flickering her gaze between them as she thought. She turned her eyes away out of stubborn defiance, but the Lehnsherrs knew they were breaking her walls down…again.

  “I taught you how to control your powers, little bird. If your powers are becoming more powerful, I will do everything in my power to help you again,” Erik softly said as he watched Rayna carefully.

  They stood there for several long minutes as the Firebird thought their words over. She knew that deep down they were the only ones she trusted with her dangerous powers. They could keep her under control better than anyone ever had been able to. Gambit had slowly started to be that person though. So many times on missions when her flames had started to grow too strong, Remy always was there shouting at her distracting her from the panic and anxiety of the moment.

  “I’ll join you…only if Gambit can join with me,” the Firebird finally countered as she looked at them again. The couple looked at her nodding curtly understanding why she wanted that. They did not like it; but if they could bring her back to their care, they would take it any way they could.

  “Deal,” Alison agreed as she clamped a hand on Rayna’s shoulder. Magneto nodded in agreement.

  Rayna would make one of two choices now…join them…or stay with the thief…

  “And what about Henry and Anna?” Rayna quietly asked looking between the couple who had raised her. Alison sighed quietly casting a glance to her husband before returning her eyes to the Firebird, “They’ve made the decision to stay…”

  Rayna nodded as her eyes turned to look in the direction of the door. A sigh came from Magneto as he murmured, “Quit being stubborn, Rayna. Either you go patch things up with that man of yours, or you’ll feel lost for a long time. Tell him the truth…about everything. Like I told you to do a few days ago.”

  She looked at her adoptive father then to her adoptive mother before nodding slightly. Slowly, she moved to the door but stopped once her hand gripped the door handle.  Rayna’s lime green gaze turned to the Lehnsherrs as she contemplated asking something. Alison noticing this desire to question something spoke up, “Ask your question, little one.”

  “What will you do if Remy does choose to join me?”

  “We’ll be cordial…welcome him as best we can. Then get used to him being…more than a coworker,” Erik replied almost strained causing the Firebird to scoff slightly. Her scoff was more out of amusement than aggravation though.

  Before any more words could be shared, Rayna quickly left the room rushing down the hall to get to Gambit’s quarters where he had been for the past few hours. She knew he was getting ready for the gala. Fear and panic gripped at the pyrotechnic’s heart as she approached the door.

  Rayna stood at Gambit’s door for several minutes hyping herself up. A part of her knew how difficult of a conversation this would be though.

  “Rem? Are you in there?” Rayna muttered while standing outside Gambit’s door with her hands in her vest pockets. She had not heard any noise come from inside for several minutes and had started to grow worried. Knocking weakly one more time and hearing no response, Rayna cautiously reached for the doorknob twisting it. The door clicked signifying it was unlocked as if he had hoped she would show up.

  “Knock knock?” she called out as she entered the room. It was large much larger than a simple room for a few days should be. Rayna’s gaze immediately landed on Gambit who was straightening his bowtie as he looked in a mirror. He was dressed in a crisp white suit with a purple scarf draped over his shoulders. The Firebird had to stop for a moment as she stared at him with wide eyes. He looked good.

  As if feeling her stare, Remy turned to look at her. He eyed her for a second obviously thinking about whether he should talk to her or not. She was in his room though. He did not want to seem rude so he greeted her, “Wasn’t expectin’ a lady caller…”

  The expression that crossed Rayna’s face though caused Gambit to pause. His brow furrowed as his frustration with her disappeared in a few mere seconds. Remy was at her side in an instant as she looked away from him. Guilt written all over her features.

  “Pigeon? What’s wrong?” Gambit asked as he gently grabbed her arm, “Ray?”

  Rayna’s shoulders drooped and the grip on her vest pocket tightened as something crashed down on her as she realized how little she had told him. Gambit knew little to nothing about the real Rayna Vur.

  “Sit…I have something I need to explain to you,” the pink haired pyrotechnic whispered as she looked at him. He nodded curtly as he moved to sit down in one of the chairs in front of the large fireplace of his room. Rayna followed close behind him kneeling down beside his chair. She was silent for several long uncomfortable moments unsure what to say…how to approach this.

  Gambit looked to her expectantly for a moment before looking away out of frustration. He reached into his jacket pulling out a deck of cards beginning to fidget with them. A quiet sigh passed Rayna’s lips as she decided to be blunt.

  “I…never have told you about my past…”

  Remy turned his gaze to her as his hands stilled their movements.

  “When I was seven, I had a nightmare…. All I saw were flames…all I could hear were screams…”

  Gambit’s brow furrowed at her words. He was confused but knew that she needed to tell this story herself without any of his interference.

  “It wasn’t a dream…it was real…. My powers came to me in the night. I thought it was just a bad dream…until I knew it wasn’t…”

  He watched her as she lifted her gaze to meet his.

  “My parents were screaming as they tried to reach my room…and Ramona’s…that scar she has…that was my fault. In my frightened state, I couldn’t get those flames to stop. They just kept going until they turned into a vibrant green. That’s why I’ve always hated my powers…”

  Remy’s heart ached hearing her story. He had never expected this strong young woman to have such a broken past.

  “For the longest time, I thought I was the only one to survive that fire. I ran the streets of New York City for an entire year. I was a thief…stealing food so I could survive…burning buildings to try and figure out how to control this curse of mine…”

  His heart broke even more. They were more alike than he had ever expected.

  “When I was eight…I was found…. I was taken in by a very kind woman…Alison Chios.”

  Gambit’s breath hitched in his throat. He could not help but murmur, “You’re…”

  Rayna nodded, “My legal name is Rayna Chios-Lehnsherr…I just have always gone by Vur to both spite them and remember my real parents.”

  The expression on Gambit’s face was hard to read. He did not know how to react to such life altering information. His gaze pulled from hers for a moment before returning, “But Rebel…”

  “He’s my adoptive cousin…or in our case, my chosen brother…he’s the same age as Ramona…. Henry was there when I mourned her before we knew she was alive. He…He’s been trying to help me…”

  “Help you?”

  “My powers…I’ve been having…problems…”

  Problems?! Why hadn’t she said anything?

  “You been havin’ problems and haven’t said…anythin’?!” Gambit exclaimed betrayal evident in his voice. He stared at her with wide eyes before looking away and returning his shuffling of his cards.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, Remy!” Rayna snapped as she stood and stared down at him. He ignored her though as he flicked a few cards into the fireplace. She grit her teeth running her hands through her hair trying to keep from losing her cool.

  “Gambit has a feeling that…the Ink Demon offered you somethin’…” he coolly spoke causing the Firebird to snap her gaze to him again. Rayna sighed exasperatedly.

  “I can’t control my powers! Do you want me to accidentally hurt you?! I can’t live with myself knowing that’s a possibility!”

  Gambit harshly threw one final card into the fire before standing and looking at her, “And I can’t help? Am I not good enough?!”

  Rayna stalled. She stared at him trying not to lose it. There was no need to. The Firebird could see the hurt in those red on black eyes that she loved so much…loved…. A concept she had not even considered.

  “I’m trying to keep you safe…” she whispered.

  “Why? Why do you feel so compelled to keep me safe? It’s not like ya ever wanted to before!”

  Rayna grit her teeth before quickly growling out, “BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, YOU IDIOT!”

  Both froze upon hearing her words. She had not meant to say that…not yet…

  “Rayna…” he whispered hoarsely. She shook her head though; and before he could reach out and grab her, Rayna fled from the room…just like a flighting bird… 

  “Diana?! Have you seen my slip?!”

  “No? Why do you need your slip? That dress doesn’t need one!”

  “I was just wondering where it was cause it’s not in my drawers!”

  “Did you ask Sev?”

  “No. SEV! DO YOU HAVE MY SLIP?!”

  Diana, Madelyne, and Sev were currently getting ready for the gala to welcome Magneto and the Ink Demon. The trio had been hollering at each other asking to borrow something or get a second opinion. Madelyne was having the most trouble since she had not really picked something out. Diana and Sev were picking at their red headed sister relentlessly. It was all in good fun though.

  “I have it!” Sev shouted from her room in the girl’s shared apartment.

  “Why do you have it?” Madelyne asked as she poked her head out from her room looking down the small hall.

  “I don’t like how this material feels,” the blonde replied as she poked her own head around the corner of her room’s doorframe. Their eyes met, and Madelyne nodded in understanding. Both Maddie and Diana knew that Sev had many sensitivities especially when it came to fabrics of her clothing.

  “Alright. Just checking!” the red head replied before retreating back into her room. 

  Diana peeked out now seeing that both women had returned to their rooms. She looked down the hall that led to the living room and kitchen of the apartment before quickly and quietly making her way out there. The goth had left her satchel on the couch. Quickly snatching it up, she retreated to her room once more while digging through it. Rayna had brought something with her that Diana had forgotten when she had left the mansion. A pair of earrings that the Professor had given her on her sixteenth birthday.

  Upon retrieving the case from her bag, Diana sat down behind her vanity again opening the jewelry box gingerly. The earrings were not anything too spectacular, but they held great meaning to her. If this was going to be a gala to remember the past and celebrate the future, what better way than to remember her father figure.

  Diana gently pulled out a pair of twin bats. Nothing extravagant just simplistic charm. She stared at them for a moment before sighing quietly. Why did he have to go? Why did Gyrich have to be so impulsive and hate-driven? She would never understand.

  “Diana?” Sev’s voice gently called from the goth’s doorway startling her. Her blue on black eyes met the blue eyes that stared back unsure. Diana looked to her sister’s dress knowing Seven was silently asking what the goth thought about it.

  With a gentle smile, the goth spoke, “You look beautiful, Sev.”

  Seven smiled happily at Diana’s words before quickly moving to Madelyne’s room asking the same question. Diana chuckled softly before quickly putting her earrings on and standing to go to her red headed sister’s room. The pair of clones inside were already laughing and dancing playfully. It was a welcome sight to Diana. She liked seeing them both able to enjoy themselves and be themselves.

  “Come on, you two,” the shadow manipulator said as she beckoned her sisters, “We should get going.”

  “You just wanna see that little priest of yours,” Madelyne mused as she gave Diana a knowing look. The goth shot the red head a glare before turning and moving to the front of the apartment.

  “No comment?” Sev teased as she quickly followed after her black haired sister. Madelyne quickly trailed behind the blonde as they both tugged their shoes on.

  “Absolutely not,” Diana snapped defensively as she quietly put her own shoes on. The clones snickered at their gothic sister’s defensiveness. They knew how much of a soft spot the shadow manipulator had for the elven priest. A part of them both felt bad though knowing how Diana would not get a happy ending with that man…his celibacy would keep him from ever getting a romantic happy ending. Madelyne had a sneaking suspicion though. She saw the way that the Nightcrawler looked at Diana. It was obvious he was fighting some feelings.

  “Alright that’s enough,” the psychic mused as she tried to stifle her giggles. The three young women soon left their apartment and moved to the gala hall.

  So many people both mutant and human bustled about the gala. Some looked uncomfortable in the setting while others looked overjoyed to be at such an extravagant event. Diana had taken to a corner with Seven keeping her company. Madelyne was wandering around the gala greeting people and socializing. That was the part of her that resembled Jean most anymore.

  Magneto stood with Sebastian Shaw and Emma Frost speaking with them cordially. He held a glass of champagne in hand as he silently waited for his wife to make her appearance. His eyes watched Rebel and Rogue as they danced on the dance floor talking and laughing quietly. 

  Rayna was no where to be found leaving Gambit to sit at the bar and drink. The Cajun looked especially unhappy from the fight that he and his Firebird had had. He hoped she would show up whether it be just to snub him or let him in. Remy would take either at this point. He just wanted to see her. Their conversation had ended long before it should have. Gambit did not want to join whatever was going on, but it did not mean that he wanted Rayna to join them just to spite him. He knew how she worked…sometimes better than she herself did.

  “Now what are two beautiful young women doing over here sulking?” Kurt asked as he approached Sev and Diana who had taken up standing in their shadowed corner. Diana had nearly choked on her own spit when the Nightcrawler approached them. Seven quickly greeted him happily, “Hi Kurt!”

  He chuckled and greeted Sev in return. Kurt’s attention turned to Diana though as he subtly looked her over. Perhaps a priest should not do such a thing, but something about Diana always made him want to break those vows of his. He tried not to stare at the split in Diana’s dress. That was the most of her skin he had ever seen though. Quietly clearing his throat, Kurt quickly prayed a silent prayer to help him keep from possibly doing something sinful.

  “Fräulein Essex,” the elven priest spoke softly to Diana calling her the correct surname this time. She smiled at him noticing how he had remembered this time.

  “That’s good,” Diana commented. Sev rolled her eyes before gently hitting her sister on the arm as she started to walk away, “I’m going to go find Madelyne. Behave.”

  Hearing the way Seven said “behave,” Diana swallowed thickly before looking to Kurt again. She really did not know what to say so she merely looked away from him and to the small dance floor that had been set up.

  “You know…” Kurt spoke up as he looked over to the dance floor as well, “A priest can dance…and a pretty young woman like you should be dancing not hiding in a corner.”

  Diana huffed and rolled her eyes. Her cheeks warmed slightly as she crossed her arms. With a sigh, the goth looked back at him again commenting, “You sure about that? I wouldn’t want you to get in trouble.”

  Kurt chuckled before offering a three fingered hand to her. She stared at it for a moment before sighing as she carefully placed her hand in his. He hummed happily in approval feeling butterflies flurry in his stomach.

  As Nightcrawler led Diana to the dance floor and began to (respectfully) dance with the goth, the doors of the gala opened revealing Alison Chios. The horned woman was standing confidently as she surveyed the room. Her dress was very befitting of her. Alison wore a tight fitting black dress that displayed some of her inky skin. The Ink Demon spotted Magneto across the room and quickly moved to him. 

 Alison whispered something in Erik’s ear causing him to listen carefully. His expression hardened hearing what his wife whispered. He looked around for the Firebird sympathetically. Upon spotting the other individual who he had been looking for, the Master of Magnetism subtly gestured in Gambit’s direction whispering something to his wife who looked in the same direction. A glare crossed her features before she sighed.

 “Something wrong, Magneto?” Shaw asked quirking a brow at the hushed conversation between the Lehnsherrs. Alison quickly piped up sneering coolly at the Black King, “Everything is and will be fine. As long as you keep your mouth shut and don’t make me mad.”

  Shaw chuckled darkly as he took a sip from his drink and snarking, “Wouldn’t dream of it, sweetheart.”

  The use of the term of endearment made the Ink Demon fume. She had had her problems with the Hellfire Club in the past, and it seemed those problems were still prevalent in her mind. Before Alison could say something harsh in return, Val Cooper approached calling to Magneto and the Ink Demon.

  Rayna was not at the gala. She sat on the roof of the building overlooking the city that Genosha had become. Everything in her told her to stay here where she could not hurt the man she loved so much. Something else in her told her to let him help instead…quit relying on Alison and Erik when she could not handle what she had been cursed with. She needed more in her life than them.

  The breeze flowed through her long pink hair. She had cut out some purple that had mixed in almost like someone’s hair would go white from stress.  Something that had started to become a common trait. Rayna did not want to change. It was something she feared more than anything. That was why she feared letting people close.

 Henry and Rogue were dancing and talking quietly. Even though the couple had agreed to stay on Genosha to help lead, they felt guilty realizing how hard of a decision this was for Rayna. Henry was used to his chosen sister’s defiance and stubborn nature, but this was different.

  “I missed her for so many years…and now she’s having to make a life altering decision that might either reunite us or drive us further apart…” he suddenly whispered capturing his dance partner’s attention.

  “Oh sugah,” Rogue cooed as she moved her hand that rested on his shoulder to gently caress his cheek, “This isn’t your fault, hon…”

  “But what if it is, Anna?” Henry gently asked as he moved himself and Rogue off the dance floor. The couple found a small table to sit down at. With a quiet sigh, the infamous Rebel looked down to his lap. He had caused this turmoil in his sister’s life. This was his fault.

  “Henry,” Rogue spoke up noticing how Henry was acting. He did not look at her knowing her expression would be one of scolding. This was not his fault.

  “I shouldn’t have tried to help her…” he murmured lifting his hands to run through his hair, “You weren’t there…Gambit was ready to knock me into next year when he found us in the Danger Room. Now…she’s not here…I drove a wall between them…”

  “Henry,” Rogue repeated much more commanding this time causing his eyes to turn to look at her. Once his big brown eyes met hers, Anna sighed quietly, “Ya’know. Remy tried to get with me when I first joined the X-Men. After Rayna came along though, you know what happened?”

  Henry shook his head.

  “He almost had a heart attack when he first saw that head of bright pink hair. Man admitted to me more than once how much he wanted to grab it,” she replied shrugging slightly as she smiled almost fondly. Rogue’s eyes spotted Gambit sitting at the bar. Her dark green eyes returned to Henry, “You should go have a talk with him…like any good older brother would to his lil sister’s suitor.”

  Henry sat there quietly. He still felt horrible. He always did tend to get Rayna into more trouble than she herself could find sometimes. His gaze lifted to stare at the back of Gambit’s head.

  “I can’t…he hates me…would not trust me if I talked to him…”

  “Now why do you believe that? I know that overgrown swamp rat. He cares more ‘bout Rayna than he’s willin’ to admit.”

  The youngest Chios sighed heavily as he looked to Rogue. His eyes turned away seeing the look on her face. Henry looked to where Anna had been watching their Cajun coworker at the bar. Rebel sighed lifting a hand and running it over his slicked back hair.

  “And what would I say?” Henry huffed. Rogue hummed quietly knowing he was struggling to make a decision. Ultimately, she replied, “Just talk to ‘im.”

 Gambit sat the bar on the other side of gala. He was attempting to drown his sorrows in alcohol a habit he had grown too accustomed to. His eyes left the shelf of liquor bottles when someone sat down beside him. Although the Rebel was thinking about approaching him, the Cajun was surprised to see the blonde that Diana had claimed was her sister take a seat beside him.

  “You’re hurting,” Seven said as she watched him. Gambit huffed and looked away from this blonde haired clone. He did not answer right away not wanting to have someone pity him.

  “You’re hurting,” she repeated trying to garner a response from him. Remy sighed and looked to Sev with an unhappy expression.

  “Ya sound surprised, petite,” he coolly replied. He did not want anyone around right now. He just wanted to be alone…drown his sorrows…

  “Why say that? I sense it. I know what you’re thinking,” she answered gesturing to the bartender for another drink for the Cajun who seemed pleased by that at least. With a sigh, Seven looked from Gambit in the direction she had sensed Rayna…sitting on the roof of the building overlooking the gala hall.

  Hearing her words, Remy looked to her with a furrowed brow, “You…”

  “I’m a psychic…like Maddie…like Jean…like Charles Xavier…” she said looking to him knowing he was confused, “I don’t know what I am…but I know…that I’m more than what I was created to be…”

  “She’s a clone. Like me,” Madelyne spoked up startling Gambit who jolted as he looked over to her. The red head ordered a drink and looked to Remy saluting him with her glass, “Here’s to our dashing Cajun.”

  Seven rolled her eyes, “That is not going to help, Madelyne! Can’t you tell he’s hurting?”

  “Oh I can tell. He needs to suck it up. I never figured Rayna to be one who would stick around,” Madelyne mused with a shrug of her shoulders as she raised her glass to her lips. Gambit’s shoulders dropped hearing the red headed clone speak. His heart squeezed in his chest. Was what she said…true? Did Rayna really just string him along?

  “Don’t listen to her,” Sev piped up placing a hand on his arm causing him to look at her, “Look…don’t listen to those nasty thoughts in your head. Listen to that heart of yours instead.”

  Gambit stared at Seven for a moment. His brow furrowed as he thought about she said. The Cajun sighed and looked at his glass.

  “I know Diana told you…that Miss Vur needed space…but I think my sister was wrong,” Sev murmured watching him, “Rayna needs someone that she knows she can trust…that isn’t the people who have made you drift apart…”

  Gambit sat quietly as he thought about what Seven said. He took a deep, shaky breath before slowly standing. He needed to talk to her. Rayna would not come to him out of her stubbornness, but Remy could go to her.

  “You read his mind,” Madelyne said looking to her blonde sister who merely smiled softly as she watched the Cajun begin to leave the gala in search of his flamey love.

  “No…I’m just observant…” Seven mused as she watched Gambit as well, “I’ve wondered if it’s something I inherited from my original…”

  Madelyne hummed as she finished off her drink setting the glass on the bar as she watched the people in the gala. She smiled softly to herself seeing Diana dancing with Kurt a wide, joyful grin on the goth’s face. Something…suddenly seemed very off though.

  Seven looked to her sister as if sensing the sudden turmoil in the red head’s mind.

  “Maddie?” the blonde whispered as she tentatively reached out to Madelyne who suddenly looked out of the large bay windows of the gala building.

  A loud gasp came from Sev as she saw the explosion in the distance. She froze unable to stop Madelyne from leaving the bar to go outside and see the explosion better.

  It took all of thirty seconds for destruction to suddenly crash down on the once peaceful island.

  Screaming suddenly resonated throughout the streets of Genosha. The people in the gala tried to look out the windows. A bright green light and loud crashing could be heard until the glass of the gala hall shattered.

  Panic set in as a large Sentinel like being emerged from the ground. Rayna stared at it with wide eyes. She immediately looked to the gala hall feeling her heart begin to beat frantically. Everyone she cared about was inside that building.

  The Firebird stalled though. A wave of heat passed over her body causing her to freeze out of fear. Rayna grit her teeth though. She looked down to her hands as that purple flame she had grown to fear began to flicker at the fingertips.

  Many of the people under the gala rubble began to awaken from their unconscious states. Diana was one of the first as she pushed rubble off of her body sitting up to look around. Fear gripped at her heart when she did not see Kurt…nor her sisters…

  “Diana!” she heard someone shout. Her gaze immediately turned to see the Nightcrawler teleporting closer. He immediately dropped to his knees when he was close enough. Reaching out to help her up, Kurt teleported her away from the crumbling gala hall. They reappeared on the roof of a neighboring building.

  “Stay here,” he whispered before disappearing in a puff of purple smoke. Diana quickly scrambled to her feet staring at the Sentinel like death machine as it began to approach them.

  “What…”

  A large blast came from the machine before a familiar popping sound pulled her attention from the large Sentinel. Rogue and Henry stood before her now, but Diana’s attention immediately took note of Nightcrawler as he was flung back across the roof. She gasped loudly before shouting his name as she rushed to his side. Rogue followed close behind.

  “Diana?” the southern belle choked not daring to try and touch her brother. Diana sighed in relief as she replied, “He’s alive…”

  A sigh fell from Rogue’s lips as well. Diana looked away from the Nightcrawler after situating him in a more comfortable position. She stood and turned to view the horror before her and her fellow X-Men.

  Sudden swearing in Alison’s voice pulled the trio away from their staring. Henry immediately moved to his aunt’s side as she flailed out of her inken form. She was screaming and shouting in anger as she got to her feet shoving her nephew away. The Ink Demon moved to stand between Diana and Rogue watching the Sentinel with a murderous glare. She looked more angry than Henry or Rogue had ever seen her.

  “Alison…what do we do?” Diana whispered looking to the Ink Demon who grit her teeth. Alison snapped her gaze to the goth pointing a finger as she spoke firmly, “You stay here. I promised your mother that I wouldn’t let anything happen to any of her children.”

  Diana’s brow furrowed hearing Alison’s words. The Ink Demon had said something about knowing her mother before, but the way she had said that almost sounded as if…

  “Wha—?…you’re hiding something,” the goth murmured causing the Ink Demon to stiffen as she realized that had slipped from her lips. Alison sighed in aggravation before taking a step closer to Diana whispering, “I also promised your mother to keep her eldest a secret…even from you.”

  Diana felt her heart quicken. She had a sibling…supposedly older than her…probably from a different father by how Alison was talking…

  “Tell me…”

  “We don’t have time!”

  “I don’t care! You can’t just drop that and not explain!”

  Alison sighed heavily and looked away from the younger woman. She had messed up. In the heat of the moment, she had broken a promise…. Diana needed to know though.

  “Henry!” Alison shouted pulling her nephew’s attention to her. The goth who stood beside the Ink Demon noticeably stiffened.

  “Yeah?” Rebel asked as he approached. Diana stared at him with wide eyes. He took notice of the goth’s gaze furrowing his brow in confusion, “What’s going on?”

  “Something I should have told you a long time ago…both of you…”

  In the debris of the gala hall, Rayna was rushing through it directing civilians as best as she could. She was looking for her people though. Coughing caused the Firebird to look in a certain direction. With a slight gasp, Rayna was at Magneto’s side in a second. Sure he had blown the debris off of himself, but the Firebird still worried.

  “Mags!” she shouted as she reached his side. He looked to her with wide eyes. Worry was evident in his features as he reached out grasping his adoptive daughter by the shoulders giving her a once over to see if she was ok. He sighed when he saw she was ok. His eyes immediately scanned the area obviously searching for his wife.

  “Have you seen your mother?” Erik asked looking back to the Firebird. She shook her head looking around as well, “No…I-I haven’t seen her…”

  The quiver in her voice made Magneto pause. He clasped Rayna by the shoulder trying to ground her, “He’s ok, little bird. He’s capable.”

  Rayna looked to her adoptive father for a moment. She nodded curtly before suddenly turning lifting her hands as a large chunk of a nearby building plummeted towards them. Magneto had not even noticed but was proud that Rayna had.

  However, the heat shield caused him to pause. His brow furrowed upon seeing that it was not the usual vibrant green but instead a violent purple. Before Magneto could ask, Rayna reached out grabbing him by the wrist dragging him away from the scene. He followed willingly until he had to grab her by the waist and pull her out of the way of one of the Sentinels that had begun to roam the city.

  Before Erik could try and defeat it, a familiar ink black creature tore the Sentinel apart. Magneto quickly spotted his Ink Demon with a wickedly angry expression as she released her demonic looking form standing not far from where he and Rayna were. He called to her causing that anger to disappear from her face as she turned to look in his direction.

  “There you are!” Alison snapped as she approached Erik. His expression held relief until he flinched as the Ink Demon hit him on the shoulder as hard as she dared. Magneto chuckled quietly at his wife’s antics.

  “I should throttle you for making me worry!” she huffed before softening when she saw Rayna. Alison immediately reached out wrapping the Firebird in a tight hug, “There you are!”

  Rayna hugged her adoptive mother back relieved to see the Ink Demon safe as well. Pushing away from the Firebird, Alison looked around before turning and whistling. Henry, Rogue, Diana, and Gambit approached. When Rayna’s eyes landed on Remy, she was clinging to him in only a matter of moments. He did not hesitate to wrap his arms around her in return.

  “There ya are…ya ok…” he whispered sounding relieved. Rayna sighed quietly before quickly putting a short distance between them knowing Magneto would be looking on with disapproval. Rayna was right, but Alison did not let Erik stare at the Firebird for long as the Ink Demon turned her attention to her husband.

  “Did you see it?” The Ink Demon asked. Magneto looked to his wife nodding curtly, “I did. It’s Sentinel technology, but…this is on a different scale.”

  “It’s some kinda vile Godzilla Sentinel,” Remy spoke up staring at the Lehnsherrs. They looked to him listening to him, “You go at it, ya end up dead. Can’t even dent it…. We’re tryna evacuate folks, but…the Morlocks…they stuck in the bay…. Right under its belly…there’s no way to ‘em.”

  Alison’s expression hardened as she looked to Magneto who turned to her. She spoke firmly, “A promise was made.”

  Magneto looked to the group before him as he began to bark orders, “I will draw its fire away from the gardens. Rogue and Diana will clear a path for Gambit and Rebel to the Morlocks. Rayna and Alison…I need you two to save as many as you can.”

  With a plan in place (despite how much Alison wanted to scream at him for making her not able to help), the group began to part ways Magneto’s parting words echoing in their minds…

  We shall not live our days wondering if we could have saved more.

  “Ya know…never much cared fo’ roulette,” Gambit commented as he ran through the streets with Henry on his heels.

  “I know the feeling,” the Rebel agreed before stopping in his tracks spotting a couple of motorcycles. He whistled catching the Cajun’s attention, “Lookie lookie!”

  Gambit chuckled seeing the set of motorcycles before sneering playfully, “I get the pink one.”

  Henry smirked slightly, “Is that a jab about my sister?”

  “Maybe,” Remy mused throwing the youngest Chios a glare, “She still mine.”

  “I know. I know. She’s happy. Couldn’t ask for anything better for her,” Henry replied lifting his hands in surrender as he reached for a green motorbike, “Plus. My eyes are more on Anna anyway.”

  Gambit’s gaze snapped to look at Rebel, “Rogue? Really?”

  “Yeah! You’d be shocked how far you can get with that girl when you can touch her.”

  A smirk twisted onto Remy’s features. He did not say anything else as they started their found motorcycles and zoomed off.

  Not far from them, Rogue and Diana were following. The southern belle had a disadvantage to the goth, or so it seemed.

  “You sure you can keep up, hon?” Rogue quietly asked Diana who nodded slightly.

  “I can keep up,” she replied before dissipating into the shadows. Rogue laughed quietly before flying off after the boys on their cycles.

  A distance behind them, Alison and Rayna were directing people to the gardens. They hated it wanting to be in on the action, but this was still an important job. Alison was on edge though. She had no power here. The ink machine she had requested be built under the city had not even been approved. She was high and dry without any form of power. Rayna however was starting to feel far too warm. Usually, heat did not bother her. Something about what was happening though…it felt as if something was awakening deep in her mutation.

  Loud explosions in the distance pulled mother and daughter from their task. They looked to each other before quickly moving in the direction of the noises. The others needed help.

  Gambit and Rebel had found the Morlocks just in time. A Sentinel head had somehow been knocked into the Morlocks’ hiding spot but was quickly destroyed by Gambit who threw a few charged cards at it. Henry smiled seeing the small green boy who his aunt had told him about.

  “Kindly follow us,” Gambit said snapping Rebel from his sudden daze. Henry gestured for the Morlocks to follow. However, a harsh explosion from a nearby car made them stop and duck slightly.

  What Henry saw made him pause. Magneto was slowly being worn down. He was bleeding from several different wounds. His clothes were torn. Henry attempted to move to his uncle’s side to help, but someone grabbed him roughly.

  “Don’t!” Rogue exclaimed as she wrapped her arms around Henry’s middle tugging him to a side alley. He tried to get away, but she was stronger than him.

  Shadows wrapped around him to keep him held back. Henry’s gaze looked to Diana who appeared from the shadows. She averted her gaze not wanting to see the pleading look in Henry’s eyes.

  Gambit had been thrown back. A pair of hands reached out to help him up to his feet. He looked seeing the Firebird behind him. She was watching the scene with a look of terror in her lime green eyes. The Cajun’s heart ached noting the panic on his pigeon’s face.

  “MAGS!” Rayna loudly exclaimed as she tried to get to her adoptive father. Just then, the large beast of a Sentinel shot a blast at him.

  Rayna was flung back. Gambit reached out to her grabbing her in his arms holding her close. She struggled and shouted as she tried to break free. Large pieces of metal suddenly began to wrap around the Firebird and Gambit. 

  “Dad! Please! Don’t do this!” Rayna screamed as she tried to break away from the metal that held her down. Gambit could sense the pain in her voice as he tried to soothe her, “He’s tryna protect ya, pigeon!”

  Erik stared at the familiar lime green eyes that he had grown to adore. His little girl…

  She had finally called him her father…

  The only thing on his mind was how sorry he felt for everything. He had never said how much he loved her…. Alison always told him it was the main reason why Rayna was so defiant against him. He understood now.

  Alison…his beloved Alison…

 She had given him a second chance when no one else even dared. After being defeated by Xavier, Alison had helped get him back on his feet…shown him that he could be worth more than just a mutant rights terrorist. He could fight for those he cared for…

  Henry…Alison’s nephew…their son for all intents and purposes…

  Erik had taught him so much. And although Magneto had always had high expectations for him considering who Henry’s father was, the young man had proved to be so much more than his father ever had been. Magneto had never told him how proud he was of Henry…

  Rayna’s voice pulled him from his thoughts though. He looked to her one more time before looking to the young boy, Leech, who clung to him.

  “Hab kiene angst…”

  The next few moments were quick. Once the Master-Mold turned away from where Magneto and the Morlocks had once been, a loud crash could be heard as the metal around Rayna and Gambit broke away. The Firebird kneeled in the dirt for a moment as she grit her teeth heaving breathes. Her rage overwhelmed her as hot, angry tears fell from her eyes and down her cheeks.

  “Ray?” Gambit whispered as he watched her. Her rage was changing her. Rayna’s once vibrant pink hair was starting to streak with purple. The temperature rose dramatically as she suddenly erupted into bright purple flames. Gambit stumbled back falling back on his rear as he lifted a hand to shield his eyes from the fire.

  His breath hitched when he saw her suddenly zoom off in flight. Gambit quickly scrambled to his feet looking around. He had to find a way to stop her before she got killed herself. Spotting his pink motorcycle, Remy quickly moved over to it.

  Rayna was consumed by her rage. She was not even aware of what she was doing. The only thought running her mind right now was revenge…

  Her attention was suddenly diverted though when she heard the roar of a motor. Before she could register what was happening, she was blown out of the Master-Mold’s eye just as it shot a blast right where she had been. Rayna’s consciousness slipped away as her back hit the ground. She was buried beneath the debris caused by the motorcycle’s explosion.

  Someone immediately tried to dig her out though. The Ink Demon had been standing on the other side of Magneto’s sacrifice. He had not seen her, but she heard those final words he had spoken. A pair of young ink covered hands attempted to help her dig Rayna out of the rubble.

  “Here, Miss Chios!” Leech quietly said as he found Rayna. Alison immediately began to dig in the spot that the young mutant was.

  “Rayna?” Alison whispered when she spotted her adoptive daughter, “Rayna? Come on, girl…. Don’t you dare die on me too!’

  “Ma?” The Firebird choked as she returned to consciousness. Her eyes widened when she suddenly spotted a sight over Alison’s and Leech’s shoulders more horrifying than anything she had ever seen. Alison looked over her shoulder and gasped when she saw the figure of Gambit being held up by the Master-Mold. Rayna attempted to try and get to her feet, but the Ink Demon stopped her, “No no no…stop…don’t try it…”

  A vibrant pink began to glow over the area though. Rayna made a noise of both pain and fear as she continued to try and get away from her adoptive mother. The Ink Demon was stronger though keeping her held down.

  Seeing that vibrant pink gave her pause. Alison moved to shield Leech and Rayna from the impending blast that was. When the explosion occurred though, a loud scream rang out from nearby. Debris never hit Alison. Instead, the sound of shrapnel hitting flesh echoed in the Ink Demon’s ears. That was when she recognized that scream…Rogue…

  A bright light resonated behind Alison before it disappeared as the sound of a body hitting the ground rang in the Ink Demon’s ears. She slowly looked over her shoulder with already watering eyes. There bleeding out on the ground was her nephew…her precious Henry. Alison made a noise between a pained shriek and sobbing gasp. She turned away from Rayna and Leech moving to cradle a bleeding Rebel in her arms.

  “No no no no no…don’t do this, Henry. Please!” she sobbed as she gingerly caressed his hair. Henry was choking quietly as he stared up at his aunt. With a broken smile, he whispered, “It’s ok, Ali…it’s all going to be ok…I’ll tell Boris hi for you…”

  Rogue was at his side as soon as Alison had grasped him. Her hands were shaking as she tried to reach out to him. His gaze turning to her caused the southern belle to choke out a broken sob, “Sugah…”

  Henry lifted a hand and ran his knuckles over her cheek as he whispered, “Don’t cry, skunk…I’ll be ok…”

  He inhaled a shaky breath though as his movements stilled and his hand fell from Rogue’s cheek. Rogue shuttered out a loud broken sob as she gripped a hold of Henry’s jacket and placed her head against his still chest.

  Rayna was glued to the crater that now resided in the middle of the city of Genosha. Even though Leech tried to calm her and keep her seated, the Firebird scrambled to her feet and stumbled over to the smoldering crater. Her movements stopped when she reached the edge. She stood there for a moment before slowly staggering to the unmoving figure in the pit.

  Her knees hit the ground just a few feet from the body. She did not even feel the tears fall from her eyes as she scrambled closer. Reaching out with shaking hands, the Firebird cradled the limp form of Gambit. 

  A small group of had gathered at the top of the crater watching the Firebird as she wailed. Diana was trying her hardest not to start crying as well; but when she felt the familiar touch of Kurt’s hand on her shoulder, she broke down moving to curl up against the Nightcrawler’s chest. He held her close soothing her as best he could.

  No one could soothe the heartbroken Firebird as she kneeled in the dirt sobbing over the man she had pushed away. She was too late. There was nothing she could do now…everything she wanted to tell him now was lost on her tongue as the world around her shattered.

  “Sharkie…don’t leave me too…!”

  Alison kneeled not far away from either of them. Rogue near her as she sobbed over the corpse of the Rebel. The Ink Demon had no body to mourn over though. She was left to cry alone…. Her heart was finally losing its final crack. Everything seemed to be stripped from her when things were going ok. A small set of arms wrapped around her though.

  The Ink Demon hated to cry…but as the tentative touch of young Leech reached out to her, Alison allowed herself to shed a few tears. Just this once. She sniffled and quietly cried unlike the two young women who sobbed harshly.

  Soon, her eyes lifted and watched Firebird and Rogue as they sobbed over their lovers. Alison hung her head as she clenched her hands into the dirt. Why did this always happen? Why do I always lose everything?

With all the noise Vox was making, he thought he was mourning over Valentino and Velvette.

It never occurred to him that Vox was piggy-backing on the imp rebellion for his own against heaven.

Blitz knows for a fact that Hell cannot take two rebellions happening at the same time. Lucifer would have no choice but to intervene.

That cannot happen.

And it will also get in the ways of his plans.

He stands on top of a building in Pride, seeing the large crowd gathering near the Vee building.

“Nic.” He whispered, feeling a twitch in the air as Nicodemus appeared next to him in a bow.

“Yes, sir?”

“I need you to deliver a message to Overlord Vox and call the M&M’s to my office.”

He glanced at the lion shadow.

“Tell Vox we need to talk”

***

The next time Blitz sees Vox, the overlord is wearing a white suit while standing on a stage. The media sinner saw him and grinned.

“Hey, you must be Blitzo.” He said with a smile, “Oh wait, the O is silent right?”

Blitz eye twitched, yup he hates this guy.

“You know, I could tell we are cut from the same cloth.” Vox said, circling around Blitz like a predator, “You want to help your people and I want to help my people.”

Vox stopped behind Blitz and put his hands on his shoulder.

“Think about it.” Vox purred, “With my help, we could crush not just the snobby royals, but also the deadly sins. Hell, we could even take Lucifer himself.”

Blitz doubts that, but doesn’t say anything. He notices the crowd seems to be watching them with interest.

“And then,” Vox continues, “We can take over heaven, killing all those fucking angel-do-gooders.”

He suddenly appeared on Blitz’ side, pulling him closer.

“We could be gods!”

Blitz glanced at Vox, seeing the wild look on his face.

“I killed Valentino and Velvette.” He deadpanned.

Vox releases him suddenly, his screen glitching wildly, but he quickly recovers.

“Oh don’t worry about that.” Vox says with a smile, that Blitz noticed it was strained. “They got in your way, I can respect that.”

Vox extends a hand.

“So, what do you say, we got a deal?”

Blitz looked at Vox's hand and first snorts, which bleeds into snickers and then finally laughter.

“Holy shit.” He laughed, wiping his face, “He was right about you.”

Vox looked confused and saw anger slowly growing on his face.

“Who-“

“The radio demon.” Blitz clarified, seeing shock on Vox's face, “He told me all about you.”

“H-H-How…” Vox stuttered, his voice becoming more mechanical, “How do you know Alastor?”

“Oh, come on.” Blitz grinned, “Who do you think helped me get these powers?”

He could see the wheels turning in Vox's head. There are very few demons that have shadow abilities.

“And to answer your question, it's a no.” Blitz sneered, “I would rather jerk off with sandpaper than join you.”

Vox looked shocked by the rejection but he then sneered.

“Is that right?” the overlord sneered, and then turned to the crowd, “Do you hear what he said?”

The crowd roared, making Blitz roll his eyes.

“He doesn’t want to join us!” he continued, “He wants us to stay in his place; he doesn’t even want to help his fellow demons.”

Blitz watched as the crows jeered at him, and some started throwing garbage at him. Oh please, Versika said worse to him. He dodged a soda can that was aimed at his head, and he had enough.

“QUIET!” he roared, the crowd and Vox silenced in surprise.

“You have one chance.” Blitz said, “Leave right now and I promise, I won't kill you idiots.”

The crowd didn’t move, some looking at each other in confusion and some started laughing at him nervously.

Nic’s voice whispered in his head.

“Boss, Lady Millie has evacuated everyone in the vicinity.”

Blitz sighed, looking at the crowd that hadn't moved.

“Fine.” He growled out, suddenly disappearing in a whoosh of shadows. He popped up on top of a building nearby, surveying the crowd.

He took a deep breath and reached down into the deep part of his mind.

765 shadows.

765 souls that were killed and brought back by him.

He could feel each of them, squirming to get to the surface. It can be nauseating, feeling all those minds grabbing at him for attention. He had to learn how to push them down and silence the noise.

But right he needs them.

All of them.

“Everyone.” He whispered, “Come out.”

***

Vox felt it before it happened.

Something shifted in the air the moment Blitz left.

Like gravity became heavier and air grew stale.

He then sees Blitz on top of the building and then…

He can’t really explain it.

It was like Blitz' shadow became larger and spilled out from his perch. It went all the way to the ground and that’s when Vox saw it had eyes.

A lot of eyes.

Shapes came out of the large form, so many shapes. Vox recognized some of them from dead demons recently. They looked at the crowd and charged.

The crowd started screaming, trying to get out of the way, he saw some of them were getting trampled in their haste.

Vox stood there in shock, noticing the shadows were armed with angelic weapons. Blitz made sure they were prepared.

He has to get away.

Vox started to rise up with his wires when some sinners grabbed his legs.

“Help us!” they screamed, “Why aren’t you helping us?”

He snarled and kicked them off, going quickly into the sky when a gunshot whizzed by him.

“The fuck!” he snarled, whirling around to see his assailant. He stopped cold, his body freezing up.

“T-Tino?”

There stood Valentino, but he wasn’t alive. He was under control of Blitz, his form in just black and red, flickering in the air. The shadow raised its gun again and fired.

“Tino, it's me!” Vox yelled, dodging each shot as he moved through the air. He tried to say something else when red arrows attacked. He looked to his right and saw it was Velvette, but her shadow was like Valentino, already notching her bow to attack.

Oh this was a total shitshow.

He summoned electricity in his hand and attacked them both, each shadow yelping in pain.

Christ, it even sound like them.

Valentino's shadow shot at him again and this time, it hit him in the shoulder, startling Vox and making him fall to the ground. He felt many hands grab at him, making him stay put.

“Get off of me!” he screamed, struggling against the other shadow's grip. He looks up and sees Blitz staring down at him, clear indifference in his eyes.

How dare he?!

How dare this little shit look down on him?! Just a few months ago, he was going to be executed just for sleeping with a royal! He should-

Vox suddenly felt hot pain tear into his chest and looked down, seeing two angelic spears poking out.

Shit.

His body falls to the ground, his breaths choking as blood filled his chest.

This is how I die?

This is how I die again?

What comes after this though?

What comes after your second death?

But I didn’t do enough; I didn’t even get Alas-

His thoughts trailed off, Vox screen finally flickering out.

***

Blitz looked down at the carnage, seeing the dozens of bodies with a grim satisfaction.

Good.

No more of Vox followers and it will be a healthy warning for anyone else thinking of doing this.

Now the important part.

He raised his hand and forced his will out.

Dozens of shadows sprouted from the ground and bowed to him. He sees Velvette and Valentino shadows, glancing at Vox's body.

Blitz sighed and rolled his eyes.

Fine.

He snapped his fingers and the Vees shadows disappeared into mist. He wasn’t going to bring Vox back anyway. The Vees are no longer under his control.

Sharp pain suddenly filled his head, Blitz fell to his knees as his shadows disappeared.

“N-Nic, take me…”

“Yes, sir.” The lion shadow said, taking Blitz into his arms, and disappearing into the dark.

Demons that were hiding slowly came out and looked at the bloody scene in awe and shock. No one saw the red figure walking slowly to Vox's broken body.

He stared at it and sighed, sitting down next to it while shaking his head.

“You stupid picture box.”

AN: OK, full disclosure, I wasn't planning to do anything with Vox. but then @quiet-most-times noticed with the second season with Vox rebelling and this specific song how it would fit Blitz in my fic. so that got me thinking and thats how this chapter was born.

A special shout out to them and check out their own Hellaverse Fic,

The imp Revolution

Also we finally get an idea of how Blitz got his power and you will see why in a few other chapters. Also, if this is scene looks familiar, i got the idea from Hellsing Ultimate.

Thank you for your time and patience!

  “Gambit found a little extra. Here, pigeon, have some sugar with it,” Remy said as he sat down in the seat beside Rayna who was staring somberly at a coffee cup in front of her. She perked up and looked over at him. The smile on her lips was small and somber as she replied, “Sorry sharkie…but Magneto already beat you to it…”

  The Cajun’s expression soured hearing her words. As if knowing she had mentioned him, the man in question sat down in the chair beside Rayna at the head of the table. Magneto spoke up staring directly at Gambit as the metal creamer cup moved through the air to place some of its contents into Rayna’s cup of coffee, “It’s cream…actually…”

  “Oh leave him be,” Alison’s voice chastised as she entered the kitchen. She grabbed her own mug of coffee before moving to sit at Magneto’s right, “Do you have to be so mean?”

  Erik glowered at the horned woman before asking, “Where’s Henry?”

  “Probably still upstairs—”

  “Right here!” Henry exclaimed almost breathlessly as he clambered into the kitchen. Alison hummed before chuckling and lifting a hand gesturing to her lips as if telling him something. The young man lifted a hand touching his lips which Rayna and Gambit noticed were lip stick stained. Gambit’s brow furrowed in confusion casting a sparse glance to the woman beside him. Rayna was wearing some lipgloss today. It did not match, but it was still suspicious to Remy…

  “OH…” Rebel huffed before wiping his mouth on his sleeve turning to the coffee to save himself the embarrassment.

  Alison chuckled at his antics before looking to the door as it opened revealing Rogue. The Ink Demon hummed knowingly and looked at her coffee cup.

  “Ya know…if ya takin’ orders, I’ll take a cappuccino,” Gambit spoke up ignoring the awkwardness of being in the presence of Magneto, the Ink Demon, and Rebel.

  Magneto huffed before answering, “No. Luckily, I’m giving them.”

  Gambit soured glaring at the older man who merely stared at the Cajun over the rim of his coffee mug. Alison huffed quietly and gently kicked Erik under the table. Magneto’s eyes widened slightly as he choked a bit on his coffee. He glared at her as she stared back with a disapproving look, “After breakfast, the X-Men will report to the Danger Room for drills. We must be ready should Mister Sinister resurface.”

  The others soon began to quietly file into the kitchen taking various seats at the small table as Magneto spoke. Henry stood behind Rogue’s seat leaning against the back of it.

  “Surely our youngest member deserves some jubilation on her 18th birthday!” Hank quietly commented as he grabbed his own cup of coffee. His large hands moved to grab a second mug, but he stalled…Diana was not here…

  “I second the blue Rogaine ad. Birthdays deserve excitement,” Henry mused as he finished his cup of coffee. Rogue smacked him causing him to huff quietly and throw the southern belle a soft glare.

  “Kid deserves it,” Wolverine agreed as he sat down beside Morph who was reaching for a muffin.

  “Jubilee will see far more birthdays should she learn to master her powers to face a world that despises her,” Magneto retorted sounding very unhappy. Alison kicked his leg under the table again causing his free hand to subtly reach out and grip her thigh to make her stop.

  “Yoho! Someone’s daddy didn’t get him a pony for his sweet sixteenth,” Morph hummed while munching on a muffin.

  “My parents perished when I was a child,” Erik deadpanned causing Alison, Henry, and Rayna to roll their eyes. Morph’s expression changed at Magneto’s words.

  Silence settled over the room before the door slammed open revealing a very excited Jubilee. Rayna chuckled quietly as she watched the teen.

  “Who’s got two thumbs that blast fireworks and turns eighteen today? ME!” she exclaimed excitedly as she twirled in a circle as she had her thumbs up emitting sparkles from her hands.

  “Happy birthday, sparkles!” Rayna said offering Jubilee a big, lopsided grin. Rogue chuckled as well as she spoke up too, “Aw! Happy birthday, sweet pea! Boy, do we got some surprises for you!”

  Jubilee’s smile widened impossibly more as she seemed to start vibrating with excitement. Wolverine held up a box of muffins specifically muffins that Morph had snagged one from.

  “But how do you wanna celebrate the big eighteen, kid?” Henry asked leaning on Rogue’s chair watching the teen with a lopsided grin. He had grown found of Jubilee. Alison had taken notice knowing the infamous Rebel had a soft spot for those younger than him.

  “We’re all ears,” Logan piped up offering her a very small, very gentle smile.

  Jubilee took a muffin and held it in her hand gesturing with it, “Big shocker, I know, but let’s go to the arcade! It’ll be just like old times! What do we think?”

  “Excellent—!” Rayna attempted to respond but was very rudely interrupted by Magneto, “You would have the Master of Magnetism seen in a bar of childish make believe?”

  Alison quickly glared at Erik who merely ignored her. Rayna also cast a disapproving glare at the man. He blatantly ignored them both as he stared at Jubilee.

  “Let the kid have some fun! Sheesh! You don’t have to go, you know?!” Rayna huffed as she leaned back in her seat and crossed her arms.

  “I agree with Rayna, Erik,” Alison said as she glared at the man to her left. He sighed heavily and narrowed his eyes at the Ink Demon, “I’m not going to allow—”

  Alison kicked him under the table again causing him to grow quiet and look away and out the window pouting slightly. The others could not tell he was pouting, but Alison could. It took a lot in her not to laugh.

  Returning her gaze to Jubilee, Alison smiled softly and replied, “Let’s do our morning drills first. Then we can have our fun.”

  Jubilee stared at the horned woman for a moment before smiling and nodding as she plopped down in one of the dining table chairs. The X-Men ate their breakfast rather quietly.

  Alison’s promise had been shot down though. Jubilee had retreated to her room very upset at Magneto who did not seem to care one bit. She had dragged a very confused Roberto with her as she retreated to her room.

  No one had seen Magneto and the Ink Demon in the past few hours. They most likely were arguing. Rayna and Henry had disappeared as well. No one knew where they were.

  Gambit was not at all happy when he noticed his Firebird’s absence. Sure they were not truly officially a thing, but Remy cared about her…more than he wanted to admit. He merely worried about her distance as of late. Something had happened since Magneto had taken over with his two goons. The Goblin Queen’s mind messing definitely did not help keep him off edge.

  Absentmindedly, the Cajun wandered the halls trying to find something to do. Rounding a corner, he stalled in a hallway though when he saw Rayna and Henry murmuring near the Professor’s old office.

  Quickly deciding to eavesdrop, Remy ducked behind the corner listening carefully to the conversation. He needed answers; and if Rayna would not give them to him, he would find out for himself. What Remy heard though caused his heart to lurch.

  “Gambit can’t know. I won’t let him get involved in all this,” Rayna huffed, “I don’t want to hurt him.”

  “He’s gonna find out sooner or later, Rayna,” Henry countered.

  “Not if I don’t let him,” the Firebird sneered, “Not yet anyway…”

  Gambit stood there dead still. What was she saying?! Did…she not want him anymore?

  “Get lost, con-man. Go bother Rogue or something,” Rayna quietly snapped.

  Wait…what did Rogue have to do with all of this?! Was she…was this…some kind of…

  Gambit shook his head not wanting to let his mind wander there. He knew Rayna…at least…he thought he did.

  Footsteps could be heard coming towards his hiding spot. He pressed his back flush against the wall holding his breath as he hid in the shadows. Rayna stormed by not even noticing him much to Remy’s relief. His eyes followed her as she moved down the hall obviously moving to go to her room.

  A twang of hurt and jealousy pricked at his heart as his grip tightened on a playing card that he had not realized he had pulled out of his deck. Gambit looked down at it and cringed slightly seeing which card it was.

  A Queen of Hearts…

  Oh what are you up to, pigeon?

  Knocking could be heard from the front door causing him to break from his daze. Gambit quickly and quietly left the hall and moved to the foyer to the front door. As he opened the door, he fully expected to see Diana standing there.

  Remy froze when he made eye contact with a pair of familiar cold blue eyes. He swallowed thickly before greeting, “Hey…Ramona…”

  The blonde standing on the front porch greeted him coldly in return, “Hey yourself, Cajun.”

  Gambit stood there unsure of what to do. Loud foot falls could be heard approaching the foyer though. Wolverine appeared in a doorway of the foyer looking to the front door with a cold (but rather hopeful) expression.

  Quickly, Logan pushed Gambit from the doorway, “Move, gumbo.”

  A short laugh emitted from the the blonde on the front porch. Gambit rolled his eyes and stalked away leaving Wolverine to talk to the woman.

  Logan stared at Ramona for a moment before gruffly muttering, “Why you here, blondie?”

  “Well it’s definitely not for your company,” she sassed as she pushed Wolverine out of the way as she moved into the mansion. Ramona looked around before looking back to Logan, “Where’s my sister?”

  “Dunno…probably with that little twerp Henry,” the feral mutant replied with a shrug.

  “So that means Magneto and the Ink Demon are here, yes?”

  “What else would it mean?”

  “Look. I’m not here for a friendly visit as much as I wish this was one,” Ramona sighed turning to face Wolverine fully, “I’m here to judge the Ink Demon.”

  The Firebird and Rebel had been in the Danger Room training after having unknowingly been caught talking by Gambit. They were playfully bickering as they sparred.

  As Gambit approached the Danger Room, he could hear it in use. Gambit could hear voices. What he heard was not what he had expected. There was laughter and a few amused hollers.

  A loud swear from Rayna caused Remy to suddenly rush into the room with a charged card drawn. He stalled when he saw the scene before him.

  Instead of a couple locked in an embrace which Gambit had fully expected, what he saw shocked him. Henry was gently holding Rayna’s hands in ungloved hands. He was watching as a purple flame flickered from the Firebird’s hands. That was not the normal green flames that Remy knew…

  “What’s goin’ on here?” Gambit spoke up glaring suspiciously at the pair. Rayna perked up and looked at the Cajun with wide eyes as she immediately turned her body hiding the purple flames from his view. Henry’s breath hitched as his gaze snapped from Rayna to look at the Cajun who was obviously fuming. He immediately pulled his hands away from Rayna’s quickly reaching for his gloves shoving them back over his exposed skin. However, Henry’s countenance seemed rather…uneasy…

  “I asked what was goin’ on here,” Gambit repeated keeping his glare locked on Henry who swallowed nervously.

  “Uh…” Henry uneasily huffed as he looked to Rayna for help. She turned and narrowed her eyes at Gambit.

  “This is none of your concern, Gambit,” the Firebird coldly replied causing Remy’s heart to crack.

  Seeing her almost downright glare, Remy growled quietly before quickly approaching Henry, “You wanna take Gambit’s girl?! You fight him for her!”

  Rayna’s eyes widened as she quickly realized how her words had affected him. The Firebird placed herself between Gambit and Rebel who had quickly turned on his feet. She exclaimed, “WOAH! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves!”

  “Move, cher. I ain’t gonna let one of Magneto’s goons take what’s mine,” Gambit snapped as he grabbed Rayna by the shoulders and gently moved her out of the way.

  Henry quickly got into a fighting stance having expected this, “I’m not trying to take your girl, Gambit…”

  “Nah. You just tryna get all the girls in dis mansion, ain’t you?” the Cajun grumbled as he swung at Rebel who ducked out of the way.

  “You have this all wrong, my friend,” Henry retorted trying to keep from having to fight Gambit who seemed hellbent on smacking the other man around.

  “Oh yeah? Then why you two sneakin’ ‘round like ya got somethin’ ta hide?”

  “Really, Remy? You’re jealous?!” Rayna asked moving to stand between Remy and Henry again.

  “Yeah, I am! You been sneakin’ around behind my back always in da company o’ dis lowlife! And lets not get started on how much him and Rogue tiptoe ‘round too!” Gambit retorted looking down at Rayna with angry eyes.

  “You don’t own me, Remy!” she shouted pushing his shoulders slightly, “But this isn’t what it looks like!”

  Her words and shove made Gambit stall. He stared at her with wide eyes his thoughts suddenly rushing with the vision that the Goblin Queen had forced him to see. Remy squared his jaw before muttering, “This ain’t what it looks like? Fine. I don’t own ya…but I ain’t gonna stand by. If he’s who ya want, then Gambit ain’t stickin’ ‘round to just be a side piece…”

  The Cajun turned beginning to leave ignoring the sudden shouting of Rayna who sounded absolutely heartbroken. Henry stood back quietly for a moment before seemingly realizing what had just happened. With a quiet gasp, he moved to Rayna’s side as she suddenly started to break down into a sobbing mess.

  As he tried to console her though, Rayna pushed him away shouting, “WHY DID YOU HAVE TO COME BACK INTO MY LIFE?! I WAS HAPPY! WHY DID ANY OF YOU HAVE TO COME BACK INTO MY LIFE!”

  “Ray—”

  “SHUT UP! YOU JUST RUINED THE ONE GOOD THING I HAVE HAD IN THE PAST SIX YEARS! THIS IS YOUR FAULT!”

  Rayna rushed from the Danger Room trying to go after Remy who had disappeared to his room.

  Loud shouting could be heard from the depths of the mansion. One of the voices was Magneto as he was attempting to defend himself against someone. The other voice although familiar had an eerie unworldly edge that most of the X-Men recognized.

  Cyclops had returned in time to hear this loud shouting causing him to sigh heavily and approach the situation. What he saw startled him.

  Wolverine stood beside Magneto attempting to talk someone down. The sight of Alison wrapped tightly in a chain did nothing but cause a pit to settle in Scott’s stomach.

  “What is going on here?!” he quickly asked pulling the attention of the four in the room to him, “Why are you here, Vur?”

  “She said she’s here to judge Chios!” Logan huffed narrowing his eyes at the blonde who rolled her eyes and gripped the chain in her gloved left hand tighter.

  “Oh lighten up! I’m just going to do this, and then we can go eat dinner and drink a couple beers,” Ramona snapped looking to the feral mutant before looking at Cyclops, “Leave the situation. This is between the Demon here and the demon in my head.”

  “I know you don’t want to do this…” Magneto quickly asked trying to take a step closer. Ramona growled quietly at the Master of Magnetism though causing him to not take his step forward.

  “I don’t get to pick who gets judged…” the woman murmured as her grip on her chain slackened slightly.

  “Rayna wouldn’t be happy with this,” Erik commented causing Ramona groan quietly.

  “Don’t bring her into this…just…don’t,” she grumbled as she squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head.

  While her attention was diverted, Magneto reached out a hand pulling the chain out of Ramona’s grasp and off of Alison who coughed loudly as her breath had almost been squeezed out of her.

  Ramona did not even flinch. She just sighed and lifted her hands rubbing them over her face. Alison scrambled to her feet and looked at the blonde.

  “What’d I do?!” the Ink Demon quickly snapped.

  “I don’t know…the Rider wasn’t very specific…”

  “Oh great. That voice in your head keeping secrets from ya now?” Wolverine sarcastically remarked causing the blonde to glare at him, “Keep your mouth shut, fuzz.”

  Ramona sighed and held a hand out silently asking Magneto to give her chain back. When he did not return it, her blue eyes glared daggers at the older man.

  “Give it.”

  “Not until I know you won’t kill my wife.”

  The blonde growled quietly before approaching the Master of Magnetism snatching the chains before swinging them around herself.

  “I can’t promise she’ll survive if she steps out of line again,” Ramona said as she stared at Magneto coldly before moving to leave the living room. The X-Men present watched her leave. Wolverine quickly followed after her, and Magneto quickly moved to check on Alison who was getting to her feet.

  Cyclops rubbed his hands over his face feeling so very tired of the sudden changes and turmoil in the mansion. I shouldn’t have ran Diana off…

  “Erik…” Henry’s voice gently called out to the Master of Magnetism who looked away from Alison to the young man.

  “What is it?” he asked watching Henry as the young man fidgeted with his gloves.

  “We have a situation…”

  The Firebird had pounded on Gambit’s door for a good thirty minutes. When the Cajun did not even acknowledge her presence at his door, Rayna had broken down just outside his room. Her forehead leaned against the door alongside a hand as she brokenly sobbed.

  Silent steps could be heard approaching her. She did not look to whoever was approaching her until she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her helping her to her feet.

  “Come, little bird…”

  Rayna was steered away out of the corridor to her own room. Once inside, she pushed away who had pulled her out of the hall. Her tear stained face made the man before her heart ache.

  “Really?” Rayna sneered as she turned and gave him her back.

  With a sigh, Magneto replied, “I’m not going to ask why you were sobbing in the hall…”

  “Oh no! Because I’m sure Henry already told you all about it!”

  “Quiet.”

  Rayna huffed before moving to sit on the edge of her bed. She crossed her arms before angrily muttering, “Where’s Ali? Shouldn’t she be doing this?”

  “You’ve never listened to her,” Magneto replied as he moved to sit down beside the Firebird, “You always listened to me though, little bird.”

  Rayna lifted her gaze glaring at him, “Who says I ever listened to either of you?”

  “Your control over your powers is proof enough.”

  “What control?! I’m slipping more and more every single day! It’s just a matter of time before something happens! A-Again…”

  She clamped her mouth shut looking away. Her bottom lip still quivered. The older man beside her sighed quietly before gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

  “I…know you’re afraid,” he began sighing unhappily, “But…if what Henry says is true, don’t be stupid. You cannot push everyone away. So many people care about you…even that…hillbilly…. He deserves to know just as everyone else does. Your powers don’t define you. The people around you do.”

  Magneto slowly stood and moved to leave Rayna’s room. She watched him leave with a somber expression.

  “Mags?” the Firebird quietly called out causing him to stop and look at her, “I still haven’t forgiven you…”

  “Ramona’s downstairs,” Magneto hummed quietly after he stared at her for a moment. Then, he offered a curt, somber nod and cold, regret filled expression before leaving the room. Rayna sighed quietly before looking around her room. She looked down at her lap for a moment as it registered that her sister was here.

  Her eyes drifted again before landing on a specific shelf on her bookcase. Rayna stood and went over to it looking to the collection of small metal birds that decorated it. She sighed quietly as she reached out to a turned down picture frame picking it up and looking at it.

  Gambit deserved to know…I have to tell him…everything…

  She could not bring herself to do it though. Rayna had not wanted anything to do with Magneto and his Ink Demon since they had shown back up. Henry just did not know how to leave her alone even if he tried to “help” which only added to the fire that Rayna knew she could not control for much longer.

  Angrily, the Firebird clutched the picture tightly in her hands before throwing it across the room. It hit the wall causing the frame and the glass to shatter as it clattered to the floor. Rayna swore loudly before collapsing to her knees as she began to cry.

  Magneto sighed quietly from where he still stood just outside her closed door. She’s too stubborn for her own good. Where did I go wrong?

  The Master of Magnetism’s presence in front of her door did not go unnoticed. Gambit was peeking out of door watching the older mutant stand outside the Firebird’s room. His hand clenched around the doorknob seeing the almost sickeningly soft expression of Magneto’s face. What do any of them want with my girl?

  “You’re leaving already?”

  “You know I cant stay in one place for long. The Rider won’t let me stay, fuzz.”

  “Not even for a night? You didn’t even see your sister, Ramona!”

  Ramona and Wolverine were standing in the front hall of the Institute talking. Logan was very adamant about the blonde staying for a bit at least long enough for dinner and maybe a couple of drinks with him. The Rider was calling her away though just like usual.

  Despite knowing how dangerous Ramona Vur could be, Logan could not help but find her appealing. She was rough and tumble just like he was. Her past was riddled and scarred just like she was.

  “If I stayed for dinner, would that make you feel better, fuzz?” She asked giving him a look as she crossed her arms. The Wolverine smirked in response as he nodded, “Would be nice. Plus…it is Jubilee’s birthday.”

  “WAIT. WHAT?! NO ONE TOLD ME WHEN HER BIRTHDAY WAS!” Ramona exclaimed causing the feral mutant to chuckle.

  “Now you have a reason to stay.”

  The blonde narrowed her blue eyes unhappily at Wolverine before rolling her eyes and conceding to his pleas. She brushed past him into the mansion just as Jubilee and Roberto were meandering down the stairs. They were talking quietly until Jubilee spotted the Ghost Rider.

  “Mona!” she happily shouted as she bounded down the stairs quickly grasping the blonde in a hug. Ramona huffed from the impact but laughed as she hugged the younger now woman back.

  “Hey kiddo! I heard it was someone’s birthday,” Mona said as she pushed Jubilee away slightly so she could look at her, “And I know someone who might like to go fast on this special day.”

  Jubilee gasped knowing what that meant. She beamed at the older blonde exclaiming, “Really?! We can go drive those winding roads as fast as possible?!”

  “Wait…what?” Logan spoke up giving Ramona a disapproving glance. She smirked at him, “Oh don’t worry you old sourpuss. I’ll be driving. I promised little sparklers here that I’d take her for a ride with me and the Rider when she turned eighteen.”

  Wolverine sighed unhappily before turning and walking muttering swears as he wandered away. Ramona chuckled quietly before Jubilee speaking to her dragged her attention away from the feral mutant.

  “Oh! I want you to meet Roberto!” Jubilee happily said as she gestured to the young man behind her. Ramona gave him a once over before bluntly saying, “Your boyfriend?”

  Both of them blushed at her comment as Jubes quickly spoke up, “N-No!”

  “Not yet then. Ok,” Mona mused as she took a step towards Roberto who looked at her uneasily, “She’ll break your heart, kid.”

  “HEY!” Jubilee shouted causing Ramona to laugh.

  “Oh hush. I’m just messing with you two. Now come on. I think we can squeeze that drive in before dinner!”