u/SoulForgedInLimbo

The massive rift in space-time left behind by the White Queen loomed high above Bar Sinister. From that fracture in reality, a falling star emerged and flew across the night sky like a bullet. Her flames were sputtering out and she quickly crashed into the ocean, sending a massive explosion of crashing waves and cosmic fire in every direction. For a while the fallen star just floated, letting the current carry her toward the closest shore.

The mind of Rachel Summers was fried. Her recent encounter with the newest wielder of the infinity stones left her drained, but at least she could piece together the fragmented memories that led to this defeat. Irregularities in the psychic energies of the universe, a brutal fight for survival against this newly enhanced telepath, a well-manicured hand grabbing her around the throat, the flames of the Phoenix within growing cold, the life force of her assailant beginning to burn white hot.

When her feet brushed solid ground Rachel opened her eyes and scowled, staring up at the red crystalline towers of Bar Sinister itself. Normally she’d prefer to continue floating than deal with that narcissistic madman, but she noticed numerous familiar minds present as well. After verifying everyone seemed to lack Sinister’s usual brand of corruption, she telekinetically swung the massive doors open and limped inside.

“Not too sure where I am in the timeline, but Frost just went crazy and stole the Phoenix Force. I’ve fought through darker futures in the past, but someone here better have a plan to fix this mess before that b!+@# breaks everything!”

Illyana was on a mission, though for a moment she forgot what that was. Her elongated demonic limbs carried her through Bar Sinister as quickly as she could go, which wasn’t much faster than a stumble. Her wings hung lazily from her back. Her head was dizzy and everything was a tad fuzzy. She paused, leaning against a wall and giggled as she thought through the recent events.

How’d she get here? Oh yeah, drinking at the bar with Agatha. The new Sorcerer Surprise (think that's the name) was fun to chat with. Magic, Limbo, eldritch gods. y’know, girl stuff. That vodka coffee drink was also pretty good, she had at least… idk 4 is a small number right? She’s had more than 4 before. If being evil doesn't work out, those Essex’s clones could get far in bartending.

So then how’d Illyana get into this state? Oh yeah, one too many drinks. Despite how evil Mother was, she definitely had a cruel sense of humor. The “enhancements” she bestowed on Magik seemed to have completely reset the tolerance to alcohol she had been building for who knows how long. So now she had accidentally drunk far past her limit and was incredibly tipsy.

So then why was Illyana drunkenly stumbling through the rebel base? Well, the chat with Agatha led to Magik’s recent rescue from Mother’s control. Wow she’s so happy to be free again especially cause the one to save her was… um… Whoever it was they were super nice and cool and cute and made her blush. Why was she looking for them again? The mention of that person made her want to find them and she wanted to tell them something.

Illyana strained her eyes for a second to think and look around, before spotting a blurry blond-haired pink shape across the room. Hey, that looks kinda like... Oh yeah! Gwen!!! Gwen Gwen Gwen!! Magik smiles wide with a chuckle and quickly starts to stumble forward, trying to go straight for her girlfriend but quickly zig zagging. Upon reaching her, Magik slumps against Gwen’s shoulder for support. Her face is bright red and she's slowly swaying, her tail curled around Gwen’s leg to keep her upright.

“Hiiiii Gweeeenie. I’ve been lookin hic for youuuuu.”

(Despite the photo, Magik is still trapped in her Darkchylde form.)

Without warning, a stepping disc crackled into existence at the center of Bar Sinister, the atmosphere around the hideout instantly became tense. Had Mother’s forces discovered the location of the resistance? Were they coming to exterminate the last hope for restoring normalcy? Sinister wasn’t going to find out and was already out the door, the cocktail he was sipping spilled onto the floor.

For the next few moments the tension remained, until the familiar head of Gwenpool appeared from the portal. She assured everyone that this was not an attack and she had successfully rescued another of Mother’s brainwashed minions, so everyone had better be very nice to them. Gwen proceeded to fully emerge from the stepping disc, immediately followed by the imposing visage of the Darkchylde, who Gwen was leading by the hand.

Magik glanced between the survivors, recognizing most and spotting a few she dreaded speaking with. While under Emma’s control, her darker impulses had been impossible to resist and she had committed numerous heinous acts in Mother’s name. Thanks to the telepath’s tampering, Magik was trapped in this demonic form, a grim reminder that Mother wouldn’t allow those around her to forget her atrocities.

Ellie, Teen Emma, Mia, the other Minions, there were many people she had hurt and most had loved ones here. Illyana did not claim those actions as her own, but that didn’t remove the delight her dark heart felt while committing them. She took a deep breath and resolved to just silently follow Gwen with a neutral expression, the pair taking a seat nearby

Gwen… Things have changed and only gotten more confusing. They only ever made sense after our last fight… Can we meet again?

Gwen heard Magik’s voice across Mother’s telepathic connection, quiet and subtle to hopefully not be detected by the others. Along with the words was a vision, a shawarma restaurant left in ruins by the recent apocalypse, one Gwen recognized immediately.

Upon arriving, the large imposing Darkchylde is found perched atop the serving counter like a gargoyle. Her massive wings folded neatly behind her back, one of her claw tipped hands is held out and absentmindedly rolling hellfire through the air, the other arm is curled tightly around her stomach, her tail slowly sways back and forth like a pendulum. Illyana doesn’t seem to notice Gwen’s arrival, faced away from the entrance and staring off across the room, lost in deep thought.

I thought I was done with that hellhole, but it sure likes causing problems. I sensed some strange activity in Limbo, so unfortunately I’m back. Gonna have a stern chat with everyone involved in this Limbo War.

Teen Emma and Surge had fled into the city a while ago, intending to escape Mother’s impending apocalypse. Unfortunately for them, Mother had a skilled teleporting sorceress under her control, making tracking them down relatively easy.

A large stepping disc appears at the center of the city street, crackling with energy as the monstrous form of the Darkchylde emerges. Magik’s soulsword held at her side, sparking as it is dragged along the ground. She smiles with sadistic joy upon spotting the two mutants.

There you are, running away from your destiny. Mother has arrived, Emma, she ascends as we speak. You knew this day was inevitable, give in or this will be brutal for you and your friend.

(Teen Emma and Surge only)