The Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters

Westchester, New York

The Headmaster's Office
Emma Frost could see it all.
She could see the battle taking place in the forest neighboring the mansion grounds. Sebastian Shaw
had been going toe-to-toe with Peter Rasputin, the X-Man Colossus. He had even seemed to have the
advantage when Wolverine showed up. Now the battle was beginning all over again and Frost wondered
if Shaw truly had the fortitude to defeat two seasoned X-Men. One way or another, it would be an
interesting conclusion.
She could see Donald Pierce, half-conscious, lying immobile somewhere within the confines of the
mansion. The Wind Rider had done a number on him.
She could see the storm outside growing with intensity. Though, she didn't need her telepathy to witness
that. The winds were blasting against the windows of the office, threatening to break them down. Frost
was confident that they would hold. The home of the X-Men had seen worse attacks than this.
What worried Frost--and she would never say worried aloud--was that she had lost track of the two
remaining X-Men that were still active on the grounds. After defeating Pierce, Munroe and Worthington
had moved on, disappearing off her telepathic radar. It probably had something to do with the storm
outside. Telepathy could be a tricky talent from time to time.
A twitch brought Emma's attention back to the bodies littering the office. It was Xavier. His body had
tensed up, an attempt to fight against the forces acting against him. It was a brief battle that failed in the
end. Xavier calmed, his body becoming immobile once more.
At her side, Martinique Jason smiled. Looking at the girl now--standing like she ruled the world--it was not
hard to see that she was special. A perfect protg. She possessed the power of her father, Jason
Wyngarde, a former member of the Inner Circle. Like her father, Martinique could manipulate perceived
reality like artists mold clay. It was power that was dreadfully meticulous. It was power that she was
using on the X-Men now.
Frost looked upon the fallen X-Men lying at her feet. Summers and Wagner were locked in a dream world
where their greatest fantasies were playing out before their eyes. "What are you showing them, child?"
the White Queen asked. She rose to her feet and stepped around the desk.
"Exactly what they want to see, Ms. Frost," Martinique responded. She motioned to Cyclops. "All he
wants is to be reunited with his lost love. She's a beautiful woman. Red hair. Perfect smile. Powerful
too."
"But a total and complete bitch, darling, let me assure you. Jean Grey is better off as vapor. It saves me
the trouble."
"Jealousy, Ms. Frost?"
Frost glared at the younger woman. "Watch your tongue. This has nothing to do with jealousy.
Unfriendly competition would be more accurate. But as always, the White Queen won out in the end."
She crossed her arms and smiled. "Learn that lesson now, darling. Never try to better your superiors.
Especially when it's me."
"Whatever," Martinique replied. She watched Wagner, her head tilted to the side. "This one is lonely too.
He yearns for the family that he never had. Being abandoned as a child has wreaked havoc with his
emotions. I'm surprised he hasn't blown up yet. His anger and frustration is masked only by his
supposed faith in God."
"Impressive," Frost said. "You're learning quickly."

Movement once more distracted the White Queen. It was Xavier again. He was fighting as hard as his
decrepit body would allow but he would not go free. Frost had taken the containment of Xavier into her
own hands. Being as powerful as he was, he would easily be able to see through Martinique's
deception. It required a more hands on approach to keeping him under wraps.
There was a burst of lightning and thunder! Frost turned back to the window and felt her eyes widen. Out
in the storm, she saw a person. No...there were two people! She took a step closer and saw wings on
the back of one of the figures. Worthington; it had to be. And the other one was Storm no doubt. It
explained why the storm had reached such a tremendous intensity in so short a time.
And the glass finally gave out.
The shards exploded inward. Frost said nothing as she raised her arm to protect her face. There were
two screams then. One from behind her--Martinique--and one coming from out in the rain. It was the
Weather Witch, coming for revenge.
The lips of Emma Frost curled up into a smile.
The X-Men didn't stand a chance.

#5 What If...
The End of The Dark Phoenix Saga Was a Facade
Part Five: Burning in Hellfire!
Written by Matt Hrubey
Oct 2006
"You have to be asking yourself how the hell you're going to get out of this one."
Wolverine chuckled as he held his extended claws to the neck of Sebastian Shaw, the Black King of the
Hellfire Club. Shaw had been all smiles until Logan had ambushed him from the trees. Now, the smiles
were gone and the fight had been put on hold.
"Get off of me, you insufferable animal!"
"Flattery isn't going to get you anywhere, bub," Wolverine replied. In the next moment, his smile
vanished. The pressure of his claws against Shaw increased. Why did you bring your little Hellfire
lackeys here, Shaw? What did we do to you?
The worst thing that you can do to any gentlemen, you animals, Shaw responded, the veins in his neck
bulging. You came into my domain and you embarrassed me. You should have heard the insults
whispered behind my back. When you X-Men attacked my club, you made no secret of it. The Inner
Circle, made up of the most respected members of the club, is now being seen as a biggest of jokes. The
New York Hellfire Club has become the black sheep of the entire organization. All thanks to the two of
you.
Its not too much of a loss, Wolverine responded. The way you all dress makes you look like idiots
anyway.

-2-

Shaw screamed and began bucking like a bronco. He stopped when he felt the pinch of insertion into his
skin.
That wasnt too smart, Wolverine muttered. A thin trickle of Shaws blood rolled down his claws. You
can take a lot of punishment but my claws can cut even you. Im only going to give you one last chance:
call off your dogs, Shaw. And then we can all go home happy.
You will be made to pay.
You think you can stomp around like a giant?
Shaw and Wolverine both turned at the voice. Colossus had been silent since Wolverines emergence
from the brush. He took a couple of steps forward, his body fully armored. His face was contorted into an
anger that Wolverine had never seen on the peaceful boy from Russia. We may have embarrassed you,
but you are partially to blame for murder. You tried to manipulate our teammate into doing your bidding.
If it hadnt been for you, Jean Grey would still be alive.
If you truly belief that, you are a moron, Shaw responded. I saw Jean Grey. If it hadnt been the
Hellfire Club that brought forth the dark side of the Phoenix, it would have been something else entirely.
Unfortunately for you, you were responsible, Colossus muttered. And I hold you accountable.
Wolverine cocked an eyebrow. Whatever youre going to do, ruskie, dont do it.
He didnt listen. Colossus knocked Wolverine aside and raised his leg. He brought down his foot upon
Shaws face, resulting in an audible crunch. Looking at his handiwork, Rasputin discovered that the
crunch was not Shaws bones breaking as he had hoped, but rather the ground cracking underneath his
head.
As for Sebastian Shaw, he had a smile on his face.

Jean Grey winced as lightning bolts broke through the clouds, lighting up the entirety of the grounds
surrounding the Xavier Institute. Everything was not as it seemed.
The rain slammed against her form and she had to turn away to protect her face. She reached out with
her mind but found only those standing at her back. The storm was interfering with long range
communications, thus Jean had no idea what was happening in this place that she had grown up in. The
storm, though an act of nature, almost seemed to be the creation of severe emotional distress. Jean
concentrated but she could not get through the feelings surrounding her and falling from the sky. This
was Ororos handiwork no doubt.
The original X-Man turned to the party that she had arrived with. I think the X-Men are in trouble. We
have to help. My telepathy isnt working through the storm so were going to be going in blind. Oracle, are
you having any better luck?
No, the Shiar telepath responded. But I can tell you that someone is angry. Theres an aura of pure
frustration and pain hanging over this entire place.
What do we do, Empress? the Guardsmen, Smasher, asked. Should we engage any potential enemies
or retreat until the situation has cleared itself up.

-3-

Lilandra Nermani took a step forward, her eyes sweeping out across the mansion grounds. The wind was
howling as if made of human screams. There was pain here and she didnt need psychic abilities to tell
her so. We engage. The X-Men are our teammates in arms. I will not leave them to defeat.
Thank you.
Lilandra was no stranger to telepathic conversations. She glanced over her shoulder and winked at
Jean. I mean what I say.
How are we going to approach this? Starbolt asked, his body burning like a beacon in the storm.
Jean, Lilandra said, you know the area the best. What should we do?
She thought for a moment. Countless hours logged in the Danger Room had made her mind fast and
sharp. Jean had a plan in moments. If something is wrong, we should probably take the mansion from
two sides for our own safety. Theres the front door and a couple around back. We have to split up.
A few minutes later, the plan was made.
Now came the hard part.

The woman with the fiery red hair looked up lazily when she heard the door to her cell squeak
open. Whats going on? Jean Grey asked, still half-asleep. Thoughts of her home drifted from her head.
Lilandra Nermani stood with hands on hips. Ive taken into consideration what you asked of me. I have
thought on your request for many hours now. And while I realize that my decision is going to be massively
unpopular, Ive decided to grant your wish.
For a moment, Jean believed she had heard the Empress wrong. Finding herself suddenly alert, Grey
jumped to her feet. Are you saying what I think youre saying, Lilandra?
Im saying prepare yourself, Jean Grey, the Empress replied with a smirk. We leave for the Milky Way in
one earth hour. Youre going home.
Jean couldnt fight the tears as she wrapped her arms around Lilandra. Her body shook with the torrent of
emotion. Thank you so much. I will never forget this.
Lilandra pulled back and grasped the other woman by her shoulders, holding her at arms length. I just
hope that you realize that being with the X-Men again is not going to change your sentence.
I understand, Jean replied.
Lilandra turned and made her way out, closing the cell behind her. One hour, Jean, she
repeated. Please dont make me regret this.

Lightning crackled in Storms eyes. Your villainy is over now.

Laughter escaped the luscious lips of the White Queen. You should know by now, Wind Rider, that
nothing is ever over when you say it is. The X-Men will fall and your home here will become a country
side getaway for the more prestigious members of the Hellfire Club.

-4-

Over my dead body, witch.

Frost shrugged. That can be arranged. She looked to the secondand silentmember of the X-Men
that had come to oppose her. What about you, Wings? No banter? Youve been awfully quiet.
Im going to kill you, Warren Worthington the Third muttered. His arms were wrapped around himself
and he was staring at the ground like a frightened child. However, when he stared at the White Queen,
there was no fear. Only hatred.
What was that? I couldnt quite hear you over the wind. Maybe if you could take it down a notch? Frost
suggested to Storm, a smile ever present.
I said Im going to kill you, Warren repeated, voice strong and shoulders square. His wings spread out,
his wingspan nearly half the width of Xaviers office. You ruined me.
You think youre going to lay a hand on me? Emma asked. Her smile vanished in favor of an
unattractive snare. I dont think so. And lets face it: my mind is superior.
A cry of anguish came from Angel, startling Storm. It was a psychic assault; one she could not aid
Warren in combating. He was on his own. Angel fell to his knees and then to his stomach. It was a
losing battle.
If you try your mind tricks on me, Frost, Storm said, I will burn you alive. It wont be pleasant. I promise
you that.
You cant stop me, Emma Frost responded, her smile devilish. Just like you cannot stop the Hellfire
Club. The X-Men will be our slaves.
The lightning came flying in through the shattered windows. Two bolts, streaking through the air toward
the figure of white. Emma felt a scream rise her throat, but she denied giving the weather witch the
pleasure of hearing her scream. The bolts struck the floor at her feet. The room was quiet for a moment
but laughter was quick to fill the vacuum.
You almost had me believing that you would kill me, Frost said, but I should have known. Ah well, I
guess you had your chance. Say goodnight.
Reality hiccupped and a girl stood behind Storm. She was none the wiser as Martinique Jason clubbed
her in the back of the head with a candlestick she had found on Xaviers fireplace mantle. Storm
crumbled to the ground, the storm instantly beginning to clear away outside. The thunder ceased and the
rain trickled away.
Emma winked at her protg. Very good. She didnt even notice that you were here. You truly are
becoming powerful.
Thank you, Ms. Frost.
Emma felt her telepathy beginning to return to her. The fighting was still going on. Sebastian was out
there somewhere, occupying a few of the X-Men. The rest were now lying at her feet. Emma tilted her
head to the side. That was strange then because she was picking up more thought patterns.
There were four of themnothere were five
Emma gasped as realization hit her. Thats impossible.

Jean Grey stopped mid-step. Oh no. Emma?

-5-

Looking back over her shoulder, Lilandra spotted Jeans sudden stop and repeated the action. What did
you say?
I know whos responsible, Jean replied. Now that the storm is clear, I can see everything as clear as
day. The Inner Circle is a group of high class mutants that crossed paths with the X-Men right before my
fabricated death. They attacked the mansion and now they know were here.
How?
They have a telepath on par with me, Jean replied as Starbolt joined them. At least, on par with what I
used to be. Now I have something Emma Frost doesnt.
Absolutely not, Jean, Lilandra said, crossing her arms. There is no way.
Whats going on? Starbolt asked; his body dimmed so his presence wouldnt be too obvious.
She wants to use the Phoenix as a weapon in this struggle, Starbolt, the Empress answered. She faced
Jean. That I cannot allow, Jean. If the Phoenix were to break free once more, we would all be in
danger.
Jean smiled.
What are you so happy about, Jean?
Who said anything about the Phoenix, Lilandra? Jean asked as she took off at a run toward the front
entrance of the mansion. I was going to say that Ive gained a lot of experience since the last time
Emma Frost and I crossed paths.
Sure you were, Lilandra muttered. Her eyes fell on Starbolt. Watch her. Im not going to let my
compassion come back and bite me. If you start to see any resemblance to the Phoenix, fry her.
Starbolt nodded. Understood.

The tree cracked underneath Wolverines body mass. All the air was pushed from his body as he
collapsed to the forest floor. He looked up just in time to see Colossus grappled with Shaw. The kid
wasnt going to do any good. He was probably going to get hurt in the end, in fact. Colossus was
impulsive and hadnt learned from his last encounter with the Hellfire Club. Attacking Shaw head on
wasnt going to do anything.
Logan popped his claws. He was prepared to do what he had to. If that meant killing Shaw to end this
conflict, then so be it.
He stopped.
Raising his head, Wolverine inhaled deeply. There was something there. Something that was very
familiar. The scent was sweet. It wasnt a perfume. More of a natural odor.
Wolverines eyes widened. There was no way SHE could be alive. Not after everything that had taken
place in the Blue Area of the Moon.
He took off at a sprint toward the mansion. Leaving Rasputin alone was a bad idea but he and Shaw
would most likely continue beating each other to a stand still. Personally, Wolverine had more important
things to do.

-6-

He had to see Jean Grey with his own eyes.

With the storm ended, it was much easier for Jean Grey to keep track of the Shiar Guardsmen that she
had arrived with. Her team had already moved inside the mansion and was heading up the stairs toward
Xaviers office. The other teamOracle and Smasherwere a step ahead of them. Jean turned the
corner in the hallway and was greeted by the sounds of destruction. Smasher stood in front of Xaviers
office, the remains of the door dropping from his fists. Coming up to them, Jean saw an identical look
displayed by Smasher and Oracle. It was complete astonishment.
What is it? the girl who was one of the first X-Men asked.
I followed a strong psychic source to this location, Oracle responded, her head tilted to the side. But
theres no one here.
Jean Grey looked into the office of the headmaster for the first time and found that what the Shiar telepath
said was true. Stepping inside, Jean shook her head. Thats not possible. I felt it too. Her name is
Emma Frost. Shes vermin. And shes definitely here. Its just a matter of finding out where.
If she is, Oracle responded, shes blocking our telepathy.
And I cannot register any heat signatures, Starbolt added in. I am seriously in doubt that weve come to
the right place.
Jean shook her head. Oh no. Shes here alright. Powers can be negated. I can do that myself if I try
hard enough. This is just a matter of finding the source.
It was as if a veil of anonymity hung over the room. Jean reached out, her telepathy going to work. There
was something present, just on the edge of her consciousness. It seemed that no matter how far she
reached, whatever IT was remained beyond her grasp.
Jeans eyes widened when she felt a familiar presence. It wasnt Emma. It wasnt even someone she
consciously recognized. It was someone she knewyet different at the same time. It was
Her surprise became anger very quickly as she muttered the name. Mastermind.
Who? Smasher asked, drawing Jean out of her thoughts.
But she didnt respond. Her anger was growing into a fire that threatened to overwhelm her once again.
Jason Wyngarde had been responsible for manipulating the Phoenix and driving it insane initially. Jean
blamed the man for what had transpired on the Moon and everything that had taken place since then.
Of course, he wasnt the only one to blame.
With a shriek, the once Marvel Girl ripped away the veil that clouded her vision. Emma Frost stood
revealed to the group of Shiar warriors. At her side was a younger girl, dark hair and all attitude. It took
but a moment inside her mind to realize why the girlwho Jean had felt earlierwas so similar to
Mastermind. He had a daughter, Grey said. That makes sense.
Bitch, Martinique Jason muttered under her breath. Ruining everything.
Jean ignored the comment for her focus was solely on the figures lying immobile on the ground. Storm
and Angel were still down after the attacks they had sustained prior to Jeans arrival. Xavier was slumped
over in his wheelchair, his chin resting uncomfortably against his chest. And when she saw the last body,
she felt the breath desert her. Scott.

-7-

Hes still alive, Emma informed the former Phoenix.

Piercing green eyes fell on the platinum blonde standing across the room. You messed with my mind.
And then you lost it, Frost retorted. Its nice to see that youre still alive.
It wont be in a moment, Jean responded venomously. Im going to make you wish I had died when
everyone thought I did.
An aura of fire surrounded Jean at that time. It was faint, barely noticeable to the human eye. But
Starbolt was not human. His eyebrows rose when he saw the psionic fire build with intensity. Being a
master of flames, it wasnt hard for him to notice. Empress, he said. I think it is happening. Shes
losing it.
Lilandra muttered a silent prayer to herself and shook her head. Do it, Starbolt. I dont care who this
Emma Frost is. We cannot let the Phoenix go free.
Turning to face the empress, Jean shook her head. For a moment, any trace of the fire was gone. Im
not losing control, Lilandra. Im fine. At least, I will be once Im done with this poor excuse for a human
being.
Emma took a step back, the fear obvious. I was doing what was demanded of me.
The fire returned. Jean took a step forward, her hand outstretched. Youre pathetic. I can read your
mind like an open book. You hide behind this poor childs illusions as a way to mask your insecurities.
And then you call her your protg while youre afraid that shell surpass you.
Shut up! Emma shrieked. You cant do this to me. Youre supposed to be dead.
Im sorry to disappoint, Jean said. However, before she could act, there was a loud crash from the door
behind her. She spun and was shocked once more.
When the eyes of Sebastian Shaw fell on Jean Grey, it looked like he had seen a ghost. The figure
thrown over his shoulder dropped to the ground. How?
Peter Rasputin, now flesh and blood, landed in a pile at Shaws feet.
I guess I shouldnt be surprised, Sebastian Shaw said. He moved to Emmas side. You are the
Phoenix after all.
Youre a bastard, Jean responded.
Thank you, my dear. His eyes floated over the Imperial Guardsmen. My Inner Circle overpowers the
X-Men and you show up with your own cavalry. Brilliantly played. Your teammates were almost
defeated.
Youre despicable, Lilandra chimed in.
Jean crossed her arms. Leave.
Oh no no no, Shaw replied with a smile. Were not done yet.
They broke off between seconds. Shaw leapt, his fist striking out and connecting with Starbolts jaw. He
landed in front of Smasher just in time to catch Smashers fist in his stomach. The Black King laughed
aloud at the look of confusion on the Guardsmens face when Shaw didnt move.

-8-

Exactly, Shaw responded.

And then he hit back.

Emma grabbed the hand of Martinque Jason and snared. Concentrate, darling. Were getting out of
here.
The psionic energy that rolled off of the two hit Jean like a brick wall. Fortified as her defenses were,
Jean still fell back onto her knees, her head spinning like a top. A thin trail of blood trickled down from her
nostril as she struggled to remain conscious. A backward glance showed her that Oracle and Lilandra
were facing similar consequences. Oracle was using her own considerable power to protect both herself
and the mind of the Empress. That meant that it was left to Jean to solve this problem. Before all three
women were beaten.
Frost and Jason were moving forward, passing Jean but not relenting in their attack. As she passed her
up, Emma made contact with Jean and felt her body stop.
Freeze, Jean commanded as flames spread through the whites of her eyes to the entirety of her body.
She was no longer struggling against Emmas power. The onslaught had been reversed and Emma
found herself down on her knees, holding her head in pain.
This isnt possible, Emma Frost whispered.
Believe it, witch, Jean responded, standing over the fallen White Queen. I have more power than you
can imagine.
Thats when Emma Frost began to scream.

Smasher cried out as the fist of his enemy connected with his chin, throwing his head back. The
Guardsmen collapsed, his vision darkening. He tried to stand, his anger fueled by Shaws laughter.
Smasher continued to rise, his head swimming. He felt a foot push against his muscular chest, knocking
him back down to the office floor.
Confident that Smasher was defeated, Shaw turned, his face set in a smile, gloating. He looked around,
taking stock. The two alien males had been downed by his hand. Grey was still fighting valiantly while
the other two women struggled against Emmas telepathy. It was time to end this battle.
The X-Men were finished.
Xaviers dream was over.
Shaw moved toward the woman in the battle armor. There was an aura of regality surrounding her. She
was the key, he knew it deep down inside. As he closed the gap, Shaw saw this was going to be easier
than he thought. The woman was not even paying attention to his presence. He reached for her
SNIKT!
A pained cry emanated from Shaws mouth as the pain swept through him. He looked down his arm and
found a metal stake skewering his hand. But upon closer inspection, Shaw found it wasnt a metal stake.
It was a claw. One that retracted quickly, sending a new wave of pain through Shaws well-toned body.

-9-

Hey, bub, Wolverine said, his lips parted in an animalistic smile. Miss me?
Animal!
Sometimes, Wolverine responded. And then he stabbed the Black King in the chest.
Shaw heard a scream and thought for a moment that it was himself. When he looked to his rear, he saw
that Emma was on the ground, bracing herself against the psionic attack of Jean Grey. The roles had
apparently been reversed in that battle. Everything was becoming unraveled. Sebastian became dizzy
moments before falling to the ground. Blood was pouring from the three wounds in his chest. Was he
dying?
As the darkness crept in, Sebastian heard someone yell.

Wolverine! What have you done?

The Canadian looked up to find the eyes of Charles Xavier on him. And he was mad. Logan retracted his
claws and shrugged his shoulders. I did what I needed to, Chuck. From the way things looked when I
got here, you were having yourself a little nap. You have no idea what has been going on here since
Frosty caught you off guard. This was necessary.
You could have killed him, Xavier responded.
Yeah, I couldve, Wolverine replied, nonchalantly, but I didnt. Besides, I think there are other things
you should be focusing on at the moment.
Following Wolverines gaze, Charles turned and felt his jaw drop. Jean was standing over Emma Frost, a
full fledged Phoenix raptor surrounding her body. Both of them recognized the look that was in the eyes
of the woman that they had thought dead.
It was uncontrollable rage.
And it was all directed at Emma Frost.

The screaming had long since ceased. Emma lay on the ground, drool dribbling from her mouth. She
had long ago given up control over her body. It was taking every iota of energy that she had to keep her
mind in tact. She had mistakenly assumed that Jean Grey was beaten. The woman had proved her
wrong and the battle had turned sharply at that moment. Just when Frost thought Grey had reached the
pinnacle of her power, it grew even stronger. Frost knew that she was beaten. Her goal now was to stay
alive and now live the rest of her life as a vegetable.
Jean, stop it.
The comment took both Emma and Jean off guard. Frost felt the force against her lessen the slightest bit
and she thanked whatever God would listen for the small favor. The pain was incredibly intense and any
reprieve would be helpful.
With Wolverines help, Charles had been returned to his wheelchair. He had positioned himself a few feet
away from Jean, a sour look on his face. Jean, Im warning you.

- 10 -

For a moment, all of the onlookers werent sure what was going to happen. Jean didnt seem prepared to
back down. After the seconds began blending together, Jean let her body relax and the fire surrounding
her body vanished.
The onslaught ended abruptly. For a moment, Emma Frost swayed on her knees, her eyes rolling into
the back of her head. Like a chopped down tree, her body tipped over and collapsed onto the carpet.
Drool trickled from her mouth as she harshly inhaled.
Jesus, Jeannie, Logan said. It looks like she overdosed on something.
Charles gritted his teeth. You almost killed her, Jean. Shell be lucky if shes not a vegetable
permanently.
A shrug was his answer. She had it coming.
How can you say that?
How can you not? Jean asked, turning on him. Charles, the Hellfire Club invaded your home and
attacked your students! If we hadnt arrived when we did, who knows what would have happened.
We? Xavier asked, cocking an eyebrow.
Hello, Charles.
The voice caused Charles to go rigid. He turned his chair and saw her, rubbing a kink out of her neck.
Lilandra.
Its good to see you again, Lilandra responded.
Xavier took her hands in his. What are you doing here? Its as if the world went crazy today.
Lilandra looked to Jean and sighed. Charles, we need to talk.

When Scott Summers opened his eyes, all he saw was red. That wasnt what surprised him. After all, he
had been seeing in one color for almost as long as he could remember. What caused the breath to leave
his body was the woman huddled over him, holding his body.
Jean?
Jean Grey wiped the tear from her eye and smiled. Hey, one-eye.
I love you, he replied, the words escaping in barely a whisper. He felt the darkness returning, but before
it claimed him, he also stated, I never believed that you were dead.
Jean kissed him on the forehead. I came back for you. Rest now. Well talk when you feel better.
Then, in the arms of the woman he loved, Scott Summers felt the world fall away.

Next Issue: The Hellfire Club is defeated but the battle over the Phoenix isnt finished yet. Find
out what happens in the double-sized conclusion of M2Ks first What If? story appropriately
called Rising and Falling with the Ashes.

- 11 -

- 12 -