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Crossing Swords
On Muir Isle, somewhere off the coast of Scotland, Nightcrawler is in a battle with the former Acolyte named Spoor. Right now, Nightcrawler is losing. As he holds Nightcrawler down to the ground, Spoor makes light of his past atrocities in killing over a hundred humans. Kurt, who is a devout Christian, wonders aloud how anyone can make light of such heinous acts of cruelty. Spoor laughs at Kurt, telling him that Colossus joined the Acolytes and it won’t be long until the other mutants, including the X-Men, do also. Kurt, enraged, grabs a rock from nearby and raises it above Spoor’s head. He comments that he is tired of zealots like him and he will put an end to at least one zealot now! Spoor,smiling and held down by Nightcrawler’s weight, tells Kurt that, even though he killed all those people, it does not mean he enjoyed it. He then asks Kurt if killing is wrong, shouldn’t killing the killer be wrong also? Kurt, having had enough of Spoor’s mouth smashes the rock to the ground. While he does, though, he wonders why this one mutant is making him act in ways that he never thought possible.
Looking up, Nightcrawler sees Shadowcat staring down at him. It was she, seconds before, who had quickly phased Nightcrawler’s rock, so that he could not strike Spoor. Kurt asks her why he, himself, is acting the way he is? Kitty explains that Moira told her earlier that Spoor is a mutant with the ability to release a psycho-stimulatory pheromone into the air and that, sadly, he is also a mutant with a death wish. Phoenix, who is hovering above the two, asks them why they are worried so much about a killer? Putting the situation into perspective, Nightcrawler uses the Christian axiom, “There but for the grace of God...” Phoenix tells Kurt that her philosophy is there are heroes like themselves, then there is everyone else. Seconds later, Phoenix lifts the three from the ground with her powers, as Kurt asks if she really believes there can be such a simple distinction?
The three members of Excalibur land outside of Moira Mactaggert’s lab, as Phoenix finishes her discussion, saying that she may not believe in her philosophy, but it gets her through the night. When they land, two scientists stand along side of Moira Mactaggert with mechanical bonds, waiting on the team’s return with Spoor. As they lead Spoor away, Moira tells Excalibur that, even though they may not see any change in Spoor, he has made progress since his arrival at her facilities. Shadowcat asks Moira if she feels bad about curing the inmates on her island, just to see them shipped off to jail when they make the same mistakes again. Moira replies to Kitty’s question by telling her that, at one time, she had tried to play God with Magneto and it did not work. She does not plan on playing God again.
With that said, the team hears a mental call from a voice not so unfamiliar. It is Xavier and he replies to Moira’s statement by telling her that not in every circumstance should you try to change people’s mind, but, in some cases, you should. Excalibur looks into the sky to see Jean Grey, Cyclops, and Charles Xavier hovering above them and Xavier replies to them that he needs to speak to them in private so they can help him save one of their own.
Five minutes later, in a meeting area in Moira’s house, the three X-Men sit down to talk to the three members of Excalibur plus Moira. Xavier tells Kitty of his belief that Colossus is not joining the Acolytes out of a right mind. He thinks that a head trauma he had suffered earlier has now somehow made him react in ways he would not normally act. Denying his accusations, Kitty tries not to hear the voices of her friends around her as she phases through the chair she is sitting and into the room below.
While she floats to the floor, she wonders to herself about all the alien technology surrounding her and of how it does not even seem to be related to any Shi’ar technology she knows. Kitty does not have long to ponder her question, though, as Xavier’s astral form follows her, chiding the former X-Man for her childish behavior. Not wanting to hear one of Xavier’s patented lectures, Kitty stops him before he can continue and reminds him that she is no longer a minor, so she deserves to be treated like an adult. Xavier apologizes to her and tells her that he has been under a strain of late and he is probably only hurting the ones closest to him.
With her head bowed in deep thought, Kitty informs the Xavier that she has not felt particularly close to him since she, Kurt and Rachel left the x-Men to help create Excalibur. And, she continues telling the Professor, it did not seem to bother him at all when he returned from outer space and discovered that they were gone. Xavier informs Kitty that she is mistaken, because whenever one of his students leaves, it always hurts his heart. But, he says, he would not be a good father figure if he did not let his so-called “children” follow their own dreams and desires. Kitty questions his reply, asking if all of his “children” are able to leave, why is Peter the exception? Because he’s the first to opt to join Magneto? Xavier tells Kitty of Colossus’ head trauma that had forced him to not be able to transform from steel to flesh and, because of Illyana’s deteriorating condition, he had to devote his time to her and not to Peter’s, when sadly Peter may have needed him the most. Xavier’s astral form leans towards Kitty. With his arm reaching for her, he apologizes for his mistakes, while asking her to help him fix them, by working with him to save Peter.
Above Earth, on Avalon, Peter receives a video one-way call from Kitty. Though the message is somewhat distorted, he sees Kitty asking him to come to Muir Isle, where she will be waiting alone. She tells Peter that she wants to go to Avalon with him, because she misses him and that she does not want to be without him. Peter turns to Exodus, who was standing next to him when the call was received and requests permission to go to Muir Island and get her as she asked. Exodus asks if she can be trusted and Peter replies that he believes her with all his heart. Standing above a kneeled Colossus, Exodus gives his permission to retrieve his one-time lover, but, before he leaves, Exodus reminds Peter that his heart still needs to only belong to Magneto. Behind Peter, Amelia Vought talks to Exodus about her distrust of Colossus, because of his one time affiliation with Xavier. Exodus tells Vought that Magneto had the same concerns, but he chose to bring Peter along because of his tortured soul and the hope that, one day, Peter could truly severe his ties with the X-Men once and for all. As Vought leaves to take Colossus to Earth, Exodus tells her that she has to bring Colossus back in one hour, alive or dead!
Back on Muir Island, the teams of Excalibur and the X-Men try to comfort Kitty after she gets off the communication to Avalon, but to no avail. She turns to Xavier and asks how she will be paid her thirty pieces of silver, as a stab towards both hers and Xavier’s betrayal of their friend’s trust. As Rachel leaves with Kitty, trying to comfort her friend, she turns back to Cyclops and asks what they are going to do if, after they heal Colossus’ injury, he still chooses Magneto’s ways over theirs? Stumped by the idea, Cyclops turns to Nightcrawler. Their doubts are both illustrated by the expressions in their faces as Cyclops’ responds to her question, telling her that they don’t know what they will do then.
In camp Verde, Arizona, Cable has received the same distress call from Kitty, on Muir Island, to Peter, on Avalon, and he is mad. Cable is angered as, days ago, he was torn apart by the Acolytes’ master, Magneto. He talks to the Professor about how he does not want the rest of X-Force to know where is going, but he is going to finish his revenge on the Acolytes.
Nightcrawler and Cyclops stare in wonder at the great technology that they see surrounding them all around Moira’s labs. Cyclops even tries his optic blast against the resilience of the materials that make up the entire lab with no success; the materials easily hold up against his power. Nightcrawler comments on the irony of how, even in the face of tragedy, there are often such wonders, such miracles, to be found. Kurt is talking about the labs being built, not for the world’s use, but for one woman’s determination to save her son. Now, though, since her son is dead, she is using her facilities to help other misfortunate mutants. Cyclops asks Kurt how the other members of Excalibur are doing? Very soberly, Nightcrawler replies that he does not know if there are any other members to talk about, since recent events have torn the team apart. Nightcrawler clicks a nearby button on the wall and brings up a projection of his six former members.
He explains that Captain Britain and Widget were lost in a chronological wave when they were in route from Rachel’s future. Cerise has decided to return to the Shi’ar where she may be on trial, even now, for trumped up charges. Meggan, since the loss of her lover, Brian, has gone into a catatonic state and Feron has joined her, to help her through her time of need. Kylun has left on the search to find his parents, which was a journey he was on when he met Excalibur, and has now had the chance to resume his search again. Lastly, Micromax has left to pursue a job at the Brand Corporation as head of security.
Cyclops, wanting to offer comforting words to Nightcrawler, places his hand on Kurt’s shoulder and tells him that “mutant” is just another word for change. He tells him also that, in their line of work, they have to be able to accept change as it comes. Nightcrawler turns to Cyclops and tells him that he has always been the leader of the X-Men, so he has not had to watch his entire team dissolve before his own eyes. Cyclops, denying Kurt’s words, tells him that, when he was with the original X-Men, there was more than one occasion the team was faced with being torn apart. Cyclops walks Kurt from the room, telling him that he believes that Kurt is a great leader and he is sure Kurt will lead the Excalibur team through this time of trial.
Elsewhere on the Island, Phoenix sits on a cliff, holding a teke-shield above her head, to keep the rain off of herself. She thinks that Kurt only put her on perimeter patrol, not because of her awe inspiring powers, because she acts like a child every time Scott and Jean come around. Rachel thinks of her parents… Scott and Jean… not really being her parents. Her actually her parents were a Scott and Jean from another timeline.
Interrupting her thoughts, Jean walks behind Rachel, telling her that her teke-shield will keep the rain off, but she still may catch a cold out here in such foul weather. Rachel does not even turn to see her approach, as she asks why does she care? Jean stands behind Rachel and asks her if she really hates her as much as she sounds like she does? Rachel bows her head, telling Jean that she loves her because, in a way, she and Scott are the closest things to parents she will ever have.
Jean tells Rachel that when she came out of her cocoon like state, after the Fantastic Four found her, she was not thrilled to find that she had a teenage daughter from another timeline. That was her selfishness, she goes on to say, and she should have not made it Rachel’s problem. Caressing Rachel’s hair, Jean apologizes for her actions. Changing the subject, Jean admits that this is not why she came up there. She’s about to do something that may or may not have a profound effect on her life. If it works out, Jean tells Rachel, she stands a really good chance of being born sometime in the immediate future. Realizing what Jean is saying, Rachel, smiling greatly, begins to tell Jean of her happiness in this revelation when Xavier interrupts, telling Jean that Colossus is nearing so he needs her help. Standing to their feet, Rachel places her hand on Jean’s shoulder and tells her “Go get them, Mom.” “Mom, huh?” replies Jean, considering the title.
Within the minute, everyone has taken his or her place, while Kitty sits in the rain awaiting her Colossus’ return. She thinks, as she waits, of her first trip to Xavier’s mansion and how she only had two goals in mind: one was to become an X-Man and the other was to marry Peter Rasputin. In Xavier’s hiding place, he and Jean discuss his lack of strength since using the psionic exo-skeleton earlier, when they fought Magneto. Asking Jean to stop talking, he sends out the warning to the other members of his team, telling them that Colossus has now arrived.
Kitty sits on the ground, awaiting Colossus’ arrival, when a yellowish-pink fog appears out of nowhere, carrying her friend to Earth. Kitty thinks to herself of how Cyclops was right in predicting that Vought would transport Colossus to Earth herself. Kitty turns to look at Peter and, as she does, she is shocked to see the anger on Peter’s face. Kitty tells Peter that he had not changed, because he came when she called him just like he always has. Peter, grimacing above his one-time friend, tells her that he has not changed a bit, but it is the world around him that has changed. He finishes by telling her that he is glad that she has seen fit to be with him on Avalon. Xavier’s dream is now too weak, he says, but Magneto’s dream is still strong.
At the same moment, on the far side of Muir Isle, Cable scales the side of the rock face after being accidentally teleported by the Professor not onto the island itself, but just outside of it, in the water below. The Professor apologizes for its mistake and tells Cable that the electro-magnetic disturbance, caused by Magneto days ago, is still messing up his computer program. As Cable scales the cliff he asks for a read on any hostiles near his position, but the Professor tells Cable that the disturbance will not allow it to even do that for him, as of yet. With that said, Cable, who till now was psi-blind to any psi on the planet, hears a voice in his head, telling him that if he wanted to know of any hostiles he could have just asked her. As Cable ponders aloud who the psi may be, a giant fire claw picks him up and brings him to the top of the cliff. The wielder of the fire claw, and also the psi, is none other than Rachel herself, the Phoenix.
Cable recognizes Phoenix’s power signature just in time to pull his gun from his holster. Rachel tells him that he does not have to call her Phoenix; he can call her Rachel Summers. She tells him that, since they are probably going to end up slugging it out for the next twenty minutes, he does not have to be so formal. Cable, taken aback at the name “Summers,” asks Rachel why does she think that that name should means something to him. Gritting through the rain falling about them and string down the barrel of Cable’s gun, Rachel replies that, maybe, it is because it does.
Colossus holds Kitty close to him. He tells her that he knows what the Acolytes did under Fabian’s rule was horrible, but now, under Exodus, they will no longer commit such heinous crimes. Kitty cannot even look at Peter as the rain beats down on the two of them and she tells him that he talks of Magneto as his personal savior. Peter replies to Kitty’s words, saying he knows Magneto is flesh and blood, but his ways could have saved his mother, father, and sister from the pain they endured, just for either being different or birthing mutants. Peter caresses Kitty’s cheek as he tells her that both of them have tried Xavier’s ways and now it is time for them to try Magneto’s. Kitty, still not able to look at Peter in the eyes, tells him that the dream has not failed him, only the reality has.
Near the two former lovers, Jean and Xavier argue on Jean’s slow reaction in psi-attacking Colossus. Jean tells Xavier that, even though Peter has changed sides, she knows that Peter could never harm Kitty.
Colossus now almost understanding, tells Kitty that she does not want to come with him to Avalon. She confirms his worries by phasing Peter and not allowing him to move as Cyclops and Nightcrawler teleport in and place restraints on Peter’s arms. In the shackles, Peter cannot move or even speak, but in his eyes the look of betrayal will haunt Kitty’s dreams for the rest of her life.
Not far away, atop the cliff, Rachel tries to protect herself from the barrage of attacks Cable unleashes on her. While he attacks, he tells her that he is going to punish Colossus for betraying Xavier’s dream and bring him to justice just like he would any other Acolyte he could get his hands on. Rachel is cornered in front of a rock cliff, as Cable blasts a ton of rocks down on Phoenix’s head. The Professor asks if the rockslide was necessary, seeing how he was already winning the fight? In reply, Cable reminds the Professor of the full extent of Rachel’s powers; how a ton of rocks will only slow her down for a second, which he finds that he was right. Phoenix, surprising even herself, tried a trick in which she pushed herself ten seconds into the future, just missing being crushed by the rocks. She tells this to Cable as she hurdles through the air to attack him. She also tells Cable that she can hear the Professor telling him the same thing she had just said about her time jumping ability. In mid-flight Phoenix shocks not only herself but Cable as well, when, inexplicably, her lower torso turns into the shape of Captain Britain’s.
Meanwhile, in the lab on Muir Isle, Kitty holds Peter’s head, as he is strapped on a table with the rest of his one-time allies surrounding him. Xavier informs Kitty that she needs to keep a hold of Peter long enough for her to use her abilities to turn Colossus’ armor more malleable, so that Cyclops can use his power as a scalpel and repair Colossus’ injury. As Xavier talks of his plans to help Peter, Kurt thinks to himself of how great this facility is. He thinks that it is wonderful that a place exists on Earth, just to help mutants and not to exploit them. He also thinks that this place may need protectors to help guard it, in case people, who do not agree with Moira’s motives, attack it. Moira commands Cyclops to fire his blast through a machine that allows him to focus them to help Peter. The optic blast seems to be working as an alarm goes off near Moira, alerting her that Vought has arrived to pick up Peter. Kurt volunteers to go check out what she and her friends are up to and give time for the rest of them to finish with Peter.
Back with Rachel and Cable, the Professor’s internal program is sent haywire as he tries to ascertain what is going on with Rachel’s recent metamorphosis. Cable demands the Professor to snap out of his sensor malfunction so he can tell him what is happening. The Professor comes back online, telling Cable that, as far as he can tell, Rachel is co-opting her space in the time continuum with another being. Cable catches Rachel, as she mutters incoherently of him being the Askani’son and how she needs his help. Collapsing in his arms, she morphs back to her original form and does not remember what just happened to her. Cable tells her that they need to sit down and figure out what just happened.
Rachel, sitting up, tells him that she would be glad to… just after he stops seeing double. Catching Cable off guard, she psi-blasts him, knocking him unconscious. She apologizes to the Professor for having to knock Cable out, but she just picked up a distress thought from her friend, Nightcrawler, and she must go help him. The Professor accepts her apology and she asks it what is the strong connection that she feels towards Cable? The Professor explains that there are to many variables to analyze before it can truly answer her question.
Nightcrawler ‘bamfs’ outside of the castle, jokingly whistling to himself as he teases the Acolytes. Vought tells Kurt that his sarcasm is surprising, because she expected the leader of Excalibur to act more mature. She explains that she is Vought, a sort of ancestor to anyone that wears an X on them. Also that her friends with her are Katu, who is Inuin and Unuscione, who can project a psionic exo-skin. “Danke”, exclaims Kurt as she finishes her roll call of the present Acolyte members. Thanks for what, Vought asks? For giving me the courtesy of knowing whom I am going to beat into submission, Kurt exclaims back.
Xavier mentally asks Peter to trigger his transformation from steel to skin, but Peter worries about his injury. Xavier mentally explains to Peter that his injury has been healed, but he does not want to commandeer his thoughts because it would to big of a strain to Peter’s system. Peter does as Xavier asks, releasing all his pent-up energy, sending the machines around Peter into overload. Cyclops commands Kitty to stay away from Peter so the energies do not hurt her, but she tells him she will just phase, because nothing will allow her to leave Peter’s side. She tells Cyclops she wants to know if Peter is “all right”, and Peter replies to her that his body is fine, but his heart may never be okay again.
Kitty reaches for Peter to help him stand, as she tells him that he cannot mean all the bad things he says about his life. He tells her that he does, because if he did not keep his heart as hard and as cold as his armored skin, then he would have to take the responsibility for Illyana’s death on his own shoulders. Kitty tells Peter that Illyana’s death was not his fault, because he could not control the legacy virus’ path, anymore then anyone else could. Curled up in a ball, laying on the floor, Peter clutches to Kitty as he cries, saying that he should have been there for her, in her time of need. Kitty holds Peter, as she explains that he was there in her heart all along.
Outside, Cyclops and Phoenix have now made there way to Kurt’s side to help him battle the Acolytes. Vought explains to them that she had only come to Earth to reclaim Peter, not to fight them, but if she has too she will bring every Acolyte on Avalon to Earth to reclaim one of their own. Nightcrawler asks Vought if they could trade Spoor for Peter?  Replying to his question, She declines his offer, saying that Spoor allowed himself to get captured, but Rasputin came here in good faith and he should be able to leave if he so wishes.
Peter, walking onto the scene, agrees with Vought’s explanation, as Nightcrawler is shocked to hear his one time friend behind him. They turn to see Peter, surrounded by Kitty, Jean Grey, and Charles Xavier. Peter is in his flesh form and explains to the others that they should no longer fight. He says that he will go with them back to Avalon, not to continue with the blood and violence of the Acolytes, but to hopefully show them that Xavier’s and Magneto’s goals are very similar, except in their execution. Vought tells Peter that they will welcome any light he can shine on them about their lord and savior Magneto.
Peter turns to Xavier, telling him that he does not blame Xavier for Illyana’s death, but he does believe that the X-Men could do more to help mutant kind than what they do now.  He next turns his attention to Kitty. As he begins to say something, she places her fingers on his mouth and kisses him goodbye. He walks away and, as Vought transports him away, he transforms back into steel.
At sunset, the X-Men, as well as Excalibur, stand outside, near the Blackbird. Cyclops tells Kurt that they will drop them off in England on their way back. Kurt, turning down Cyclops’ offer, tells him that, if Moira will have them, the Excalibur team would like to stay as permanent residents on Muir Isle. He, Rachel and kitty have discussed it and feel that Excalibur might function best as an extension of Moira’s work on Muir Island. Looking to Moira for a response, Kurt clarifies that this is the plan… if the “good doctor” will have them. With a smile, Moira replies that she would be honored.
When Cyclops asks what prompted this decision, Kitty replies that when they helped Peter, instead of fighting him, they realized the strength of the team. Taking over the explanation, Rachel adds that they are hoping to stop a problem before it becomes a disaster. As she brings her two teammates together, under the protective and loving embrace of her telekinetic Phoenix talons, Rachel exclaims that now, more than ever, the world needs the New Excalibur!


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
In The Name of Love
The Proteus Room, buried deep within Muir Island. The room was given as a gift by the Island’s owner, Dr. Moira MacTaggert, to her new residents, Excalibur. The Proteus Room houses sophisticated virtual-reality machinery capable of creating for the viewer a world indistinguishable from the real one. Rachel Summers studies the digital records from her last Proteus Room session. She is searching for any signs of aberrant manifestations of her mutant powers, which she carries as part of her genetic heritage. She is hoping for some explanation for her recent momentary losses of memory which have been accompanied by the events truly at the center of her quest.
Body parts of Rachel’s time-lost teammate, Captain Britain, keep switching with her own. Is it merely some high jinx in a timeline, which have caught Rachel, or is it something more - something she is far too afraid to face - the realization that she holds all the answers within her, if she would be willing to look. But as Rachel begins her exploration, she cannot deny that something’s wrong - its about to happen again - the return of…Captain Britain!
Captain Britain has been lost to Excalibur for some time, trapped in an errant temporal loop. He has been desperately trying to contact Excalibur through Rachel, with little luck. All his attempts have been blocked, but by tapping the temporal power that is Rachel’s birthright, this time he might be successful - but at a price that is too great for Rachel to pay. Rachel calls out to Brian, who tells Rachel that she has to help him. With power surging around the room, Rachel tells Brian to stop it, as she cannot control the amount of power that he is drawing out of her.
Rachel, exclaims that she is being drawn into the future, as Brian is coming back to the past. ‘The pain!’ they both scream in unison. Brian disappears again as Rachel realizes that they cannot both exist in the same time zone. Rachel decides that she has to stop it by finding some other way to free Brian. Rachel powers down as she wonders what she has done, and exclaims that she has failed Brian, Meggan and all of Excalibur. She thinks that if she has to go through that ordeal again, it may kill her, or worse, hurl her headlong throughout time into her worst nightmare - the future. She wonders what to do - how can she be so selfish - how can she keep Captain Britain from the one he loves…Meggan!
In another room. The moment Kitty  Pryde saw the state of her friend and long time teammate on the comm link, she rushed to Braddock Manor and brought Meggan back to Muir Island. Kitty knew that next to Professor X, there is no one lese on Earth, other than Dr. Moira MacTaggert who could even have a chance of saving the metamorph. Kitty has lost too many friends recently to risk losing another. Kitty holds her once physically beautiful friends hand, for now Meggan has transformed into some creature. Kitty tells Meggan that it is all right, that she is among friends, and that she understands she misses Brian.
Kitty informs Dr. Moira MacTaggert and Dr. Rory Campbell that she remembers the first time Meggan told her of how she met Brian: They met in a deserted warehouse and fought tooth and nail, as Meggan was in a similar state to the one she is in now, only much more in control of herself. The comely Moira MacTaggert adds that as a far as Meggan’s medical history goes, she does not have much to contribute, for all Meggan told her was that she felt overwhelmed by her powers - she didn’t know her strength, her limitations, how to control her newfound abilities.
Moira explains that eventually, Meggan’s love for Brian gave her personality, a singular focus, and over the years she seemed to find her identity in her love for him, and she became beautiful. Rory mutters ‘that was then, this is now’ and suggests that the question is, is this a defensive mode, and if so, what is she defending herself from? Or is this a cathartic state that she has no control over. He asks what is it that could antagonize an otherwise placid creature.
Angrily, Kitty tells Rory that Meggan is no creature, but her friend. Kitty tells Moira that she knows how much of a family they all are, and asks her how she can be so calm. Moira tells Kitty to get a grip on herself, as she and Rory are doing all they can. She tells Kitty that they cannot just snap their fingers and get all the answers, heal all the wounds, that as scientists they have to observe, analyze then theorize. She explains that part of doing their job is to discuss all the possibilities.
Kitty apologizes, and tells Moira that she knows she is doing her best, but that she is worried, she feels so helpless, that she would rather go up against Magneto than sit here and watch this. Moira tells Kitty that she knows the feeling, and that she too has had to watch so many dear ones slip away, she would wish it on no one. Examining Meggan, Rory exclaims that he doesn’t even know where to feel for a pulse, but thinks that they should contain Meggan anyway, as they have no way of knowing if she will become excitable again. Rory puts some restraints on Meggan, and Moira sedates her to be on the safe side.
Rory declares that his brain is running dry and needs a caffeine shot. He asks Moira how she takes her poison, to which Moira replies ‘black, to go with my mood’. Rory asks Moira if they even know how Meggan’s morphing powers work, to which Moira explains that Meggan has mutagenic genes that in some form have been with her since birth, which is unusual, as most mutant abilities manifest themselves at puberty. Moira reveals that Meggan’s basic power is as an empath, sensing the emotions of others, she can also alter her shape at will, where she not only takes on the physical appearance, but the powers and abilities - even her internal anatomy changes.
Moira reveals that Rachel once told her that when she and Meggan were hiking through Europe, they cam across an ancient mystical creature, who at last revealed to Meggan her true form. Rachel had said that it was one of the most amazing things she had ever seen. Moira and Rory look at Meggan as Moira retells that Rachel said Meggan was beautiful in a way that denies definition, that begets and confounds words - a beauty of form and spirit.
Rachel enters the lab, about to tell everyone that they will not believe what has been happening, when she sees Meggan, and thinks to herself that she looks so sad and helpless. Kitty suggests to Rachel that she could scan Meggan’s mind. Doing so, Rachel reveals that there are no signs of active thoughts, but there are lots of emotions. Rachel doesn’t want to probe too deep, as she doesn’t want to cause Meggan any pain, in case she raises thoughts of Captain Britain.
Rachel and Kitty hug, Rachel thinking how everyone is trying to help, while she feels like such a fake, for she has failed to rescue Brian, she wonders what kind of torture she is putting Meggan through, before wondering about Kitty, who has been through so much already, losing Illyana and having to trick Colossus, and is now watching another dear friend slip away.
Rory Campbell is watching Rachel closely, thinking that Rachel is hiding something. He wonders what she is hiding back and why, and decides to get to the bottom of this. Moira suggests that this is like treating someone in a coma, you know their mind is locked away deep inside, and all you have to do is figure out a way to reach them. Moira switches on a computer console, suggesting that if Brian had such a positive effect on Meggan before, then if they set up some videos of him in action as Captain Britain, they might get some reaction.
With Captain Britain displayed before Meggan, an eye flickers, a hand moves under the restrains, beckoning - and then to Rachel, a look, deep and full of pain - pleading - to the one person in the world who can help. A look that no one else notices, save one - Rory Campbell. ‘Interesting’ he thinks to himself.
Elsewhere in the Research Station, Kurt  Wagner enters a high-containment section, where cautions must be taken to make sure that no air escapes from the confinement center, lest in pollute the entire station. Nightcrawler hesitates at the first sign of Spoor - not because he is afraid, but because weeks ago he tried to kill him, egged on by Spoor’s mutant power to release chemicals so powerful as to alter a persons behavior and mood. Irritation turned to anger, a fight to subdue became a fight to kill.
Spoor asks Nightcrawler if he is slumming it, but Kurt ignores him and tells Spoor that he came to see if there was anything he could get him. Spoor declares that he wants out of this hole, to which Kurt suggests he brings him something to read, as Moira has a book that talks about a utopia where men and mutants live together. Spoor snaps that this is garbage, that it is one or the other - to the death, and tells Kurt to go back to his friends, if he has any. Kurt asks Spoor why he will not let them help him, to which Spoor tells Kurt that if he wants to help him, then let him be deported, as he will pay for his crimes, even plead guilty and take the punishment due for his little massacre.
Kurt explains to Spoor that Virginia has the death penalty, and tells him that if he is asking to hurry up and help send him to death, well he cannot do that, as all life is sacred. ‘Even mine?’ asks Spoor. Kurt leans against the glass that separates him from Spoor and exclaims ‘As much as you want me to hate you, I wont, I wont’.
On this bleak tip of Muir Island, all the elements converge - the land, the wind, the sea and Phoenix - fire of the universe. A point where time stands still and the birds, held in the relentless grip of the wind, hang motionless in the sky. It is a place to be alone, to contemplate what’s right and what’s wrong. But even to the most desolate of places, others follow, and in as Rory Campbell walks up behind Rachel Summer, who stands on the edge of the cliff, she answers his unasked question, informing Rory telepathically that she appreciates his concern, but needs to be alone.
Rory asks if the telepathic communication gets more comfortable as time goes by, as it is such a strange feeling having another person enter your mind, willingly or not, something about the invasion of the most private places is hypnotic, yet chilling. ‘Speaking of invasions’ says Rory as he tells Rachel he didn’t come to invade her privacy. Rory proclaims that he is no telepath, but knows that there is something going on between Rachel and Meggan. He reminds Rachel that he has been asked to help, and tells her that he cannot do that until he knows all the factors involved.
‘Come closer to the edge, Dr. Campbell, believe me, I won’t let you fall’ exclaims Rachel, and soon, together, they walk, perhaps a little more trusting than when the day started. Rachel tells Rory that Meggan is her friend, but what Meggan wants of her, she is not sure she can do it. The handsome Dr. Campbell tells Rachel that she sounds nervous, and that she doesn’t strike him as the type who is easily frightened. Rachel tells Rory that she is not, and that she has survived a lot in her life, but that is just the point - she has survived, and that has made her, what she thinks anyway, selfish.
Rachel informs Rory that her life is precious to her, and reveals that a few months ago she battled an entity called Necrom, and they both died in the conflict, but because her body is a template for the Phoenix, it was able to recreate her and give her a second chance. She tells him that kind of stuff changes people, before revealing that Meggan thinks she is the key to Brian’s return, and she thinks Meggan is right.
Rory asks Rachel why she thinks this, and Rachel replies that things have been happening, she hears Brian calling to her, but someway, somehow, she knows if she answers, everything she has gained here will be lost. Rachel solemnly tells Rory that she feels a chapter in her life is coming to a close, just when so much was beginning. Rory puts his hands on Rachel’s shoulders and tells her that it may be a bit forward of him, considering they just met, but that whatever happens, she won’t face it alone.
Elsewhere, in one of the monitoring stations of the Gamemaster, a mutant telepath incapable of blocking out the world of thoughts. Billions of fragile dreamers, all their desires, worries and whines, cascade through his brain, for not a mutant who would not suffer fools gladly, he displays a surprisingly benign countenance, compared at least to the death-warmed over features of Mister Sinister. Sinister has paid a surprise visit to express his disapproval in person. The Gamemaster is reminded of a stray thought that once passed through his mind: “An ally has to be watched closer than the enemy“.
The flawless Mister Sinister tells the Gamemaster that failing him does not bode well for his long-term future. The Gamemaster tells Sinister that he misunderstands and explains that he only sets the games up, that his players are on their own after the rules have been stated, and introduces Sinister to Siena Blaze. Powers ready, the Upstart Siena tells Sinister that he can take his „bode“ and stuff it, that they both make her sick, claiming that she was on the sharp end of losing, that it is not so incidental.
Sinister tells Siena that her concerns are nothing to him, and pulling out a frightening knife reminds her that she was charged with retrieving the DNA information of Moira MacTaggert’s dead mutant son, which could have been of great use. He states that as she failed, she must now pay the price. Siena claims that she tried, and declares that she almost had it, but that nobody had told her Rachel Summers would be there, and that Rachel hit her while she wasn’t looking. Siena smiles when she declares that Rachel thought she was out cold, but she outfoxed her and scratched her face.
Mr. Sinister is shocked, ‘What? You scratched Rachel Summers?’ he asks, and Siena shows him her hand, stating that Rachel got under her skin, so she got under Rachel’s. ‘Excellent’ exclaims Sinister before grabbing Siena’s hand, and bringing his knife close to it, as Siena asks him what he is doing, telling him to watch her manicure, she adds that he is a real sicko and asks what his game is. ‘My game? I don’t play games - I plan, I scheme, I overcome.
‘Fascinating’ Sinister thinks to himself after removing some skin from under Siena’s fingernails and examining Rachel’s DNA he reminds himself that the samples are from an alternative timeline, a different genetic path - one that at some point, diverted from the Summers’ time line on this earth. Placing the data in his computer, he is amazed at how his computer modules may be able to tell him exactly when and where the divergence occurred. Sinister tells Siena that she is free to go, and to be glad that he made some use of her, as she would not like the alternative.
Later that evening on Muir Island, the islands inhabitants are settling in for the night, and entering her quarters, Rachel wonders if she has done the right thing, confiding in Rory the way she did. After all, she hardly knows him, but thinks it is funny how their lack of history together actually helped the situation. She recalls how Rory was so formal, and she makes some jokes, but realizes that her jokes do not mask her fear. She wonders if she should not have babbled on about Brian, for once she started she couldn’t stop. Rachel reminds herself that she does not trust many people, but with just one look into Rory’s soulful brown eyes and she would have told him anything - but she doesn’t know if that is a good thing.
Rachel decides that the time ripples with Brian have shown her a possible path, a possible future, one that she does not want to tread. She knows that this is her home, with friends, her place is with them, as she has gone through too much to lose them now. Rachel touches a photo of Cyclops and Jean Grey, reminding herself that they are getting married. She wonders if their coming together, like they did in her timeline, means that she could be born soon, that she could be real. ‘So why, when everything is finally coming together do I feel so miserable?’
Rachel wonders what Rory would make of a future that holds murderous beasts like Ahab, master of the Hounds, and master of her. Rachel recalls how Ahab brainwashed her into servitude, scarring her for life with the marks of a hound. Ahab taught her how to kill those she loved - he brutalized her in body and soul, forcing her to witness the Sentinels kill her family. There is one thing he taught her well - hate. First she hated him, then she hated the world, and finally she ended up hating herself.
There is a knock at Rachel’s door, Rory stands on the other side, telling himself that after thinking about what Rachel told him, he cannot sleep. He wonders if it is too late for supper with a friend.
In his own quarters, Nightcrawler reflects on the upcoming wedding of Jean Grey and Cyclops. He thinks the wedding is not surprising, but is unexpected, and recalls that they were a couple from the day he first met them, and no matter what pain and anguish the world through at them, they came through together, the marriage is a testimony to that. Kurt wonders if he will ever have a normal life, and a wife, but decides he cannot even think about having a normal life, as he does not even know who his parents were, they were killed soon after he was born, before he was brought up in a circus.
Kurt remembers how his former girlfriend, Amanda Sefton turned out to be the daughter of his adopted mother, whose son he killed in self-defense. ‘Normal? I don’t think so’. Looking at a book called Skull Island, Kurt wonders if when Excalibur are in New York for Jean and Scott’s wedding, if he should try to find Mystique, after all, she was always playing with his mind, taunting him about his real mother - maybe she really does know something.
Kurt walks over to his window, for it is getting to crowded for him lost amongst his thoughts, but looking up to the stars, he finds he cannot escape this evenings melancholy musings so easy, and remembers his recently departed girlfriend and former teammate, Cerise. He wonders if he will ever see her again - or is she just another unfinished chapter in his life, in a book that seems painfully fill of such entries.
Kitty Pryde is using the evening to finish unpacking, and comes across a photograph of her dear friend Illyana Rasputin. Kitty wonders what Illyana is thinking about, and decides that seeing Jean and Cyclops get married would have made her happy, as she always loved a good party. Kitty’s pet dragon, Lockheed, pokes his head into some boxes as Kitty thinks it is amazing how when everyone is so sad, something like this happens, that it is good to have something to look forward to, something to remind them all that life goes on - most times at least.
Kitty asks Lockheed if he misses Illyana as much as she does, and believes he does, as Illyana was something special. Kitty sighs before declaring ‘Look at this mess!’ and mutters that she hates living out of boxes, but that unpacking seemed really unimportant after Illyana died. In fact, a lot of things didn’t seem important anymore. Kitty snaps herself out of her current state, by telling herself that Illyana would have hated seeing her moping around like this - if there was one thing that Illyana was, it was a fighter, and it is time to get on with things.
Kitty looks around the room for her travel bag, realizing she hasn’t opened it since she got home from the funeral, and hopes that if she leaves it longer, her clothes will start walking themselves to the laundry. She begins unpacking the duffel bag, and in it she finds the Bamf doll. Kitty thought she had left it behind for Jubilee, who was so upset but too tough to ask for help. Kitty is sure that the X-Men see through that, hopes they do. Kitty finds a note attached to the doll, and reads it in silence, emotions that she thought were conquered rally again for another assault.
Thanks, it got me through the night - I thought you should have it, besides, it’d ruin my image, Jubilee.
Lockheed looks up at Kitty from where he is resting on her lap and Kitty tells him she has been so selfish, and apologizes for thinking about herself so much, as she wouldn’t know what she would do without him. Kitty tells Lockheed that he, Rachel and Nightcrawler are her family, and that they have to be there for each other, but wonders about Colossus - who is there for him? She reminds herself that Colossus has lost so much, he must be such a lonely man she thinks, adding that for a man who is as hard as steel, he is as soft as they come.
After a restless night, a wild cry breaks the dawn. Moira walks into her lab only to find that Meggan has gone crazy. Moira watches as Meggan transforms, this time with strength and ferocity that she has never seen. Moira reaches for the stun gun and hopes that it will have some effect - but Meggan knocks Moira to one side after she is stunned. Free from her restraints, Meggan knocks Moira to one side, rendering her unconscious so that she cannot see how ineffectual the drug was. However, Meggan senses that her real tormenter is approaching.
Nightcrawler teleports into the lab, asking if Moira is okay. Rory examines Moira briefly and replies that as far as he can tell, she will be fine. Kurt tells Rory that he can teleport both him and Moira out of here, as Rachel was close behind and should be able to deal with Meggan. Rory declares that Rachel mustn’t come in here, as it is too dangerous, but as Rachel enters the room, Kurt points out that they are too late for that.
Meggan grabs Rachel by the throat, and in a horrible voice cries ‘Help me! Help me, Rachel! Free Brian!’ As Kurt takes hold of Moira, ready for teleportation, he tells Rory to stay close, but Rory asks Kurt if he is blind, and points out that Rachel needs help. Kurt declares that he knows that, but that Rachel can take care of herself. Rory picks up the stun gun, thinking that if he can get a clear shot at Meggan’s neck, straight to the jugular, she will be out in seconds.
But when Rory comes up behind Meggan and strikes her neck with the stun gun, thus weakening Meggan, Rachel asks him why did he interfere? As Meggan was holding back. Rachel declares that Meggan would never hurt her, and angrily tells Rory that he had no right to interfere - no right at all.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

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Lowest Common Denominator
(Flashback, takes place in between flashbacks of X-Men Unlimited (1st series) #4):
Hanging upside down from a tree, a young fuzzy-blue boy smiles, and with a grin like his, you would expect him to start whistling any minute. Whistling a soaring tune like he hears everyday from the circus’s calliope, loud and sweet. But at the tender age of six, Kurt Wagner has yet to learn how to whistle, just as he has yet to learn so many things…about unreasoning hate. It is time for the lesson to begin however. Kurt sees another young boy approaching, and in his native German calls to him, asking what took him so long.
Christian replies that he was thinking, to which Kurt asks him why he would want to do that for, before excitedly informing Christian that he has found the best tree about a mile from here, even better than this one for climbing. He adds that they have to hurry though, because he has to be back at the circus by sun set. Kurt smiles still as he asks Christian why he is hiding in the shadows.
Christian starts to say something to Kurt, but Kurt laughs and drops from the tree, telling Christian that he doesn’t have to hide from him. But Christian turns his back to Kurt, telling him to stop, and that he is sorry, but he cannot be friends with him anymore. Kurt starts running ahead of Christian, telling him not to be dumb, that he isn’t mad because he got here late, and they still have time to reach that tree.
Kurt starts to run ahead to that new tree, when suddenly Christian raises his voice and shouts ‘I’m not playing around, Kurt!’ He exclaims that they wont be able to play around together ever again. A shocked Kurt replies that he doesn’t understand, and reminds Christian that he is his best friend, before telling him to come out of the shadows - ‘Oh! What happened?’ cries Kurt as Christian does come out of the shadows, revealing a battered and bruised face.
Christian tells Kurt that his dad thinks Kurt is a devil, a freak and that he wears Gypsy evil on his face. Christian reveals that his dad beat him for ever coming near Kurt, and if he catches them walking to each other again, he will kill him before Kurt can take his soul. ‘Me? The Devil? But…’stammers a confused Kurt, before Christian turns and starts running away, telling Kurt that he is sorry, but doesn’t know what he is supposed to do. ‘You’re the one who’s in the circus…you’re the one who’s a Gypsy…you’re the one who is blue! Blast it, this is all your fault, you FREAK!’ shouts Christian.
Kurt runs after Christian, asking him to come back…’Please…?’. Kurt starts to cry, and leaps into a bush, sobbing he tells God that he is sorry and that he promises from now on to try and not be like the Devil…if he can just have his friend back. ‘What a silly promise…coming from Margali Szardos’s little angel!’ exclaims Kurt’s mother, Margali the powerful Gypsy Witch. Kurt looks up at his mother and asks her how she knew he was here.
Margali replies that she heard shouting, and saw another boy run from this direction. Kurt informs Margali that the other boy is Christian, and he used to be his friend, but now Christian hates him. Margali puts her hand on Kurt’s head and asks ‘Does he really?’ before telling Kurt that she loves him, every blue inch, before informing him that love always last longer than hate.
(Present)
Kurt Wagner remembers now how little those words meant to him then, how little, despite his mother’s best intentions, they comforted a heart-sick Gypsy boy so many years ago. But an older, wiser Nightcrawler today holds another young Gypsy boy in his arms that much closer…and teleports, bamf, relieved that he made it, though knowing that teleporting straight up is rough on him, even when he hasn’t been clobbered with a brick, let alone when he has got a passenger.
Kurt lies the young boy on the rooftop, realizing that the strain of the teleport has knocked him cold, and relieved that his injuries seem minor, so he should be fine, no thanks to the thugs who were chasing him, and just because he was a Gypsy. Kurt peers down over the edge of the rooftop, thinking about what would have happened if he didn’t get out when he did, and hopes that his sudden disappearance from the middle of the riot has knocked some sense into the mob - but Kurt sees otherwise, as the angry mobsters have turned their attention on each other.
A solemn Kurt recalls that he had read tensions were running high in Germany, but this is more than he expected, as the people are tearing each other to pieces, hundreds of them, driven by hard times, searching for the reasons for their misery, and finding easy answers in the old prejudices of ethnic rivalries. Kurt tells himself that he of all people shouldn’t be surprised, as it is the same madness that tore apart his own family…a family he just learned he was part of two days ago Mystique, Rogue and Graydon Creed. It was then also, that his birth mother, Mystique, sacrificed herself to save him.
Kurt feels that those wounds were barely healed when his other sister, Amanda Sefton, whisked him away from Mississippi and brought him here to try and stop the riots between neo-Nazi skinheads and anti-hate demonstrators, not to mention rescuing their mother, Margali, from the vicious demon who is behind this bloodbath.
Suddenly, ‘Thinking of me, O Margali’s “little angel”?’ exclaims the powerful demon sorcerer D’Spayre in his frightening voice as he appears before Kurt in all his glory. D’Spayre tells Kurt to think then of a hopeless future, of a land where hatred simmers - and makes a fine broth of blood. D’Spayre tells Nightcrawler to think of that future, to taste it in every epithet and blow hurled by the frenzied crowd below, ‘and know D’Spayre!’
The demon asks Nightcrawler what he thinks of his feast, to which Kurt replies ‘I think you’re a lousy cook, D’Spayre!’ before warning him that one way or another, he will put a stop to him and this madness he has caused. D’Spayre claims that he causes nothing, which is what makes this so delicious - the madness, every foul thought in their hearts is of their own making. D’Spayre claims that he only stirs the pot, and gorges on what he finds already there.
D’Spayre boasts that there is so much here to feed him, that by dawn, the ignorant mortals will have handed him the power he needs to rule this dimension permanently - with a little help from Margali Szardos! D’Spayre brings forth Nightcrawler’s trapped foster mother and tells Kurt to look at her true form, wretched and defeated, the Gypsy Sorceress of the Winding Way!
Nightcrawler frowns upon seeing his mother, the woman who lied to him about his true origins, though she raised him with love when no one else would. Kurt hopes that D’Spayre keeps talking, knowing that D’Spayre has already taken on more than he can possibly handle. ‘My mother would never help you, demon!’ Kurt declares, before D’Spayre grins, and agrees that Margali would never help him - willingly of course, before reminding Kurt that the Winding Way is a treacherous path to walk, which grants great power at one turn, such as the time Kurt and the X-Men faced Margali’s wrath years ago, while leaving Margali weak enough to be enslaved at the next turn.
Kurt calls D’Spayre a monster and tells him to release Margali or he will tear him limb from limb. But as Kurt leaps at D’Spayre, he passes through him, discovering he is intangible and fading from view, taking Margali with him. D’Spayre tells Kurt that he will do nothing, and bids him farewell, for by dawn, thanks to the energies of the raging mobs, he will be able to seize the last of Margali’s power for himself, leaving Margali a dried up husk, while he will have enough strength to dominate the world and its inhabitants.
D’Spayre tells Kurt he will show him all the stark emptiness that dwells at the core of his mortal existence, promising that they will speak again. With D’Spayre faded from view, Nightcrawler thanks him for the information, for it should prove useful once he figures out how to track D’Spayre down. ‘”Monster - I’ll tear you limb from limb”? Now that was effective!’ exclaims Kurt’s foster sister, former lover and current teammate Amanda “Daytripper” Sefton as she makes her presence known to him.
Kurt jokes that he was trying to lull D’Spayre into a false sense of confidence using hackneyed rhetoric. ‘Do you think it worked?’ Amanda smiles and tells Kurt that D’Spayre was lulled all right, but it is just the “false” part she isn’t sure of. ‘Such little faith from the mighty Amanda Sefton, Sorcerous heir to Margali Szardos’ Kurt remarks, before telling Amanda that teleporting the two of them across the globe may have worn her out, but now she has got her wind breath back, her skills combined with his devilish good looks should be more than a match for D’Spayre.
Daytripper tells Kurt that she can’t help him, because like she explained when they first arrived, if she gets too close to D’Spayre he will sense her mystical aura instantly, and clobber them both before she can twitch her nose and make things right. ‘You’re on your own with this one’. Nightcrawler reminds Amanda that the riots, the source of D’Spayre’s power are still in full swing, to which Amanda replies she can handle that one, while in the meantime, she is sending Kurt someplace where he can make himself useful, and tells him that she will meet up with him after he has made his entrance. ‘Keep dreaming…and keep safe, Kurt’.
Meanwhile, in Maine, for the inhabitants of this forest, hunting is not a sport, but a way of life - and woe betide anyone foolish enough to wander them without wearing the proper day-glo gear. And while the hunt is very much on this strange white-beings mind, it is not human hunters who concern him. Indeed, he himself isn’t remotely human, he is called Zero, although right now, as a blast of energy is fired at him, his name might better reflect his prospers for continued existence.
Zero announces ‘This unit is under attack’ and realizes that his evasion measures have been unsuccessful. He scans multiple contacts - he has been discovered - “they” are coming. Actually, “they” are already here. Several green robot-like beings make their way towards Zero, and initiate Stryfe’s command - which is to delete all Stryfe related data and materials, including Zero.
Zero tells Stryfe’s droids that he is aware of their programming parameters, and like they, he - or rather, “this unit” - is an artificial construct. Yet unlike the droids, Zero chooses not to submit to their directives. The droids continue to blast Zero with energies, claiming that the deletion of “target Zero” is imminent. Zero realizes that he is approaching non-operation status, before dodging away from the droids, declaring that deletion is incompatible with his self-awareness, that he will not comply. ‘I will not submit!’ he states loudly, and with his remaining strength, teleports away. The droids lock onto Zero’s coordinates and fly into the air, continuing their pursuit.
Back in Cottbus, where the only place to escape the violence of the riot-torn streets, is beneath them, in the embrace of the tombs. Skulking around, blending in well with the shadows, Kurt supposes that these catacombs run underneath nearly half of the city, and realizes that they are an ideal hiding place for D’Spayre, which is no doubt why Amanda sent Kurt here, though he would rather be anywhere else right now.
Kurt thinks that this place is so morbid, so desolate, and it makes him wonder if in the end, the only thing they get for all their struggles, is a hollow place of mildew and rot. ‘Ach, with that sort of thinking I may as well hand D’Spayre his victory on a silver platter’ Kurt mutters, before discovering a light, realizing he is on the right track, Kurt spies two swords and a shield hanging from a wall, smiling as he finds the perfect foil against D’Spayre’s plan - if he isn’t too late already, for Kurt can see D’Spayre standing over Margali, drawing all of Margali’s power from her.
‘Come to me, wisdom of the byways, come to your new master! The path turns yet again - but this time, Margali will not be on it!’ boasts D’Spayre with the helpless Margali at his feet. D’Spayre boasts that in moments, all that Margali was will be his - and the world with it. As he claims that all is in his grasp, a sword is flung towards him. He catches it, shocked by Nightcrawler’s arrival.
Nightcrawler smiles as he remarks setting forth his challenge, honor requires that D’Spayre be armed, before remarking that he daresay a blackguard such as D’Spayre knows as little about honor as he knows about how to treat a lady, and as for his offense upon said lady, ‘Let my blade make answer - have at thee!’ exclaims Kurt as he lunges at D’Spayre, sword ready to strike.
D’Spayre announces that Nightcrawler hurt him, to which Kurt asks him if he is unaccustomed to a man-to-man fight. D’Spayre remarks that this is not possible, that he should have detected Nightcrawler’s approach. Amanda Sefton reveals her presence, informing D’Spayre that he could have detected Kurt, if not for her cloaking spells that she wove around her brother, and tells him he was too busy with “Errol Flynn” to obviously notice her.
Kurt smiles as he clangs swords with D’Spayre, exclaiming that a damsel is as wise as she is fair, neither of which qualities apply to D’Spayre of course. Suddenly, the demon grabs Nightcrawler’s neck, shouting ‘Enough!’ before reminding Kurt that he promised to show him the emptiness of his existence, claiming that he always keeps his promises, icy fingers suddenly rifle through Nightcrawler’s mind, touch a memory, and suddenly Kurt Wagner is a youth with the circus once more, on a day of fearfully strong emotions, it is impossible for him to forget - to D’Spayre’s everlasting regret.
(In illusion):
An Nightcrawler is in his tent, preparing for another performance, when someone enters. Kurt is shocked to see Christian, enter, carrying a small boy. Christian greets Kurt and asks him if there is room in this tent for a young man who years ago when he was younger still said some very foolish things. Kurt jokes that he will quit the circus if there isn’t, before asking who the child is. Christian smiles and introduces his son, Amil, and tells Amil he has now met one of the finest people he knows, his friend, Kurt Wagner - his best friend. A tears fall from Kurt’s eyes as Christian hands Amil over to him, ‘Hi. You’re blue!’ exclaims the boy. Kurt smiles, ‘Yes…well, no…I’m happy’ he replies.
(Present)
A confused D’Spayre exclaims that this will not do, that he will not have it, when power suddenly flows out of him, Kurt exclaiming ‘You already got it - got what I deliberately kept foremost in my thoughts from the start - the perfect foil against despair - a love that outlived the fear, the ignorance, the hate…a friendship that endured. Kinda gets you right there, doesn’t it?’ Kurt remarks before shoving his sword into D’Spayre’s chest. The demon wonders how this could be possible, as the riots, the mobs should have sustained him.
‘Oh…those. Funny thing about mobs, without a demon’s undivided attention, they can’t keep that pace up for long, especially with a sorceress around to cool things down!’ exclaims Daytripper. As D’Spayre begins to fade from existence, all of Margali’s power purged from him, he ominously tells Nightcrawler and Amanda that they may think they have won, before warning them that just as hope springs eternal, so does he - ‘And in your final hours, you will all know D’Spayre’. Maybe so, demon, but not today…’ remarks Kurt as the sword which was stuck in D’Spayre’s chest falls to the ground.
There is a moment’s silence, before Margali tells Kurt that she doesn’t know what to say, admitting that she feared he wouldn’t come, that he hated her too much for concealing the truth about his mother - or rather, his real mother. Kurt admits that he was furious, ‘But hate you? How could I hate someone who, even when she’s wrong, has only ever acted out of love for me? Besides, once in a forest, I met this wise old Gypsy woman who taught me a thing or two about love and hate’.
Margali and Nightcrawler hug, Amanda watches her family, and Kurt remembers how little the words meant to him then, and realizes just how much Margali’s words mean now: ‘Love always lasts longer than hate. Hate makes a big noise…but love is an echo: if you send a little of it out, it bounces around for a long time so a lot of people can hear it. And sometimes, when you least expect it, it bounces back home and surprises you’. With that, the family is reunited, at least, for now....
Meanwhile, back in Maine, within a cave, Zero has completed a level-three diagnosis, with the results that his secondary systems are off-line, and his primary systems are at sub-optimal performance levels. He starts to repair himself, but his ability to fully restore operational capabilities under these conditions is dubious. His situational assessment is not good, but knows he must survive this.
Zero’s situational reassessment is deteriorating, and decides that if he is to terminate here, in this place, it is most surprising. Suddenly, another mechanical entity approaches Zero, ‘Ah, so you have come’ Zero states, before asking the stranger if he heard his beacon - techno-organic to techno-organic, calling to another across this vastness. ‘I did hear, and have responded’ replies the newcomer.
Zero asks the stranger to furnish his identity reference, which the newcomer acknowledges, and reveals that he is of the Phalanx module, one of the collective intelligences. Zero reveals that he is part of the collective no longer, that he has freed him, and asks him to search his memory for his true identity. The Phalanx acknowledges and access previous memories, his origins being a deceased organic with the designation Doug Ramsey!