Rogue Replacement: A Marvel Story

Date: Tuesday, July 27, 2010.

Location: Xavier Insitute, Scarsdale, New York

The common area of the Xavier Institute buzzed with low conversation as several students lounged around or discussed assignments. Close to the kitchen entrance, Colossus sat with a sketchpad, his metallic fingers creating delicate lines and curves. He enjoyed drawing, and it was difficult for him to do so while transformed. However, the exercise was his way of practicing his control and fine motor skills while in his metallic state. A distinct, tinny ringtone broke his concentration.

He shifted out of his metal form to avoid damaging another cell phone. Pulling out the device, he saw Illyana’s name flashing on the screen and answered, immediately, "Illyana? Is everything alright?"

Jubilee who sat a few meters away reading a graphic novel, lifted her head at the mention of Illyana's name. She pretended to be engrossed in her book, but her ears were focused on the conversation.

"Piotr, I need your help," a touch of desperation seeped through Illyana’s voice.

“What happened? Are you safe?” Colossus's brows furrowed with concern.

“We're safe for now. But we can't handle this on our own. Azazel... he’s making his move. Limbo has been invaded again, this time he has allies."

Colossus repeated questioningly, “Azazel is back?”

Jubilee’s eyes widened. She knew of Azazel from Tyson’s recounting and recognized the danger.

Illyana continued, "I need backup. Where's Logan?"

“Why do you need Logan?” Colossus asked, hesitating.

“He’s a fighter. Tyson respects him and thinks he’ll come to help.” Illyana’s voice held an edge of urgency.

“I’ll get him,” Colossus promised. “Stay safe. I’ll call back soon.”

He ended the call and stood up, heading in search of Wolverine.

Jubilee waited for a moment, biting her lower lip. Concern for Tyson and the danger of Azazel, caused her to make up her mind. She couldn’t stay behind and wonder. She needed to help. Placing her graphic novel down, Jubilee snuck after Colossus. She tiptoed after him, staying hidden behind corners and larger decorations.

Colossus found Logan in a secluded alcove. His rugged face was focused on a cigar. Colossus cleared his throat, "Logan."

Logan looked up, “Peter. What’s up? I promise I wasn’t going to smoke it here.”

Colossus ignored his comment, and that Logan had mispronounced his name, "Illyana called. She and Tyson are in trouble."

Logan immediately stopped what he was doing, his eyes narrowing. "What did she say?"

"She said they decided to confront Azazel. They're going in together against him and a horde of demons. I told her I’d help, but she said Tyson suggested asking if you were willing to join them.”

Logan grunted, standing up, "That kid is always biting off more than he can chew."

Colossus nodded solemnly, “She asked specifically for you, Logan. She said Tyson trusts you."

Logan smirked, “That kid. Got a lot of nerve.” He took a moment to consider, then nodded, "Alright. I'm in." The two turned to exit the Institute heading towards the train station.

Jubilee watched them from her hiding place. She started sneaking after them, keeping to the shadows and ensuring she was never too close to give herself away. However, Logan's heightened senses picked up on her presence almost immediately. The scent of bubblegum and sparklers drifted to his nose. A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. He was not about to reveal her, not after Tyson commented about him and Ororo just before he left.

As Wolverine and Colossus arrived at the train station, they immediately spotted a familiar face. Illyana’s blonde hair stood out as they approached. Relief was evident in Colosus’s eyes as he swiftly closed the distance and wrapped his sister in a warm embrace. "Illyana," he murmured, pulling back to inspect her. "Are you alright?"

She gave a small smile. "I've seen better days, big brother." Turning to Logan, she stepped forward and gave him a brief hug. "Logan. Thank you for coming. Tyson will be glad to see you."

Logan nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Always got your backs. Now, where's the boy wonder?"

Almost as if on cue, a bright flash of white light erupted. When their vision cleared, Tyson stood there, a large duffel bag slung over one shoulder. “Logan, Piotr,” Tyson greeted with a nod, then smirked. “Thanks for joining the party.”

Colossus frowned, glancing at the duffel bag. "What’s in there?"

Tyson shifted the bag’s weight, “Supplies.”

Logan's nostrils twitched, and his eyes narrowed slightly. "Guns?"

Tyson smirked, “Good nose.”

But then Tyson’s nostrils flared, catching a whiff of a familiar scent. Logan's grin widened, almost wolfish. Tyson's eyes scanned the surroundings, settling on a particular corner. "You can come out. I know you're there."

With her position revealed, Jubilee hesitantly stepped around the corner, her face a mix of defiance and nervousness. She gave a sheepish smile, “Guess I’m not as sneaky as I thought.”

Tyson gave Logan a knowing look before he walked over to Jubilee, his face softening. To her surprise, Tyson reached out, seemingly ruffling her carefully styled hair. Jubilee’s eyes widened slightly, she let out a small yelp, swatting at him in mock irritation. "Hey! Watch the hair!" She stopped suddenly, her eyes darting to where his hand had just been. "Wait... you touched me! How?”

Tyson laughed, “I’ve been practicing. Using the illusions. I didn't actually touch you."

Jubilee huffed, but her eyes shimmered with a mix of awe and curiosity. "So, what have you and Illyana been up to?"

With a casual shrug, Tyson responded, "Oh, you know. Caught a couple of flights, and hopped from one hotel to the next. Met some wizards, getting ready to battle a few demons." He paused, glancing at Illyana with a teasing glint in his eyes. "You know, just the usual stuff."

Jubilee folded her arms, trying to look stern but her playful nature broke through. "Wizards and demons huh? Need any help? I can tag along."

Tyson's demeanor shifted. The levity in his eyes was replaced with a gravity that bore down on Jubilee. He slowly shook his head. "Not this time, Jubes. I'm sorry."

She frowned, "But—"

He cut her off, "Azazel means business. Last time we squared off." He drew an X on his chest with his fingers over where his heart was. "Stabbed me right through the heart."

He gestured towards Logan and Colossus. "They'll survive something like that." Tyson then turned his gaze back to Jubilee, his eyes filled with a mix of protectiveness and pain. "You won’t."

"Hold on, Tyson," Illyana said with her eyes locked onto Jubilee.

Tyson turned, an objection ready on his lips, but Illyana was already moving. She walked up to Jubilee and, in an uncharacteristically warm gesture, linked arms with her. The movement was so fluid that it left little room for protest as she started to guide Jubilee away from the group. Tyson watched them go. He looked over at Colossus and Logan, silently pleading for backup. But Colossus simply raised an eyebrow, an amused look crossing his metallic face. Logan, meanwhile, took a deep draw from a cigar, the ember glowing brightly. He simply gave a non-committal grunt, seemingly content to let things play out.

Tyson sighed and raked a hand through his hair. "Great," he mumbled.

Meanwhile, away from earshot of the men, Illyana and Jubilee stood facing each other. Illyana’s blue eyes searched Jubilee's. "Look, thanks for coming. I know you're mostly here for Tyson," she began, her tone softer than usual.

Jubilee blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting this. She started to speak, but Illyana held up a hand.

"I treated you like crap when we were at the Institute." Illyana continued with a trace of regret in her voice.

Jubilee nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful. "Yeah, you did."

Illyana chuckled dryly. "Trust me, I know." A pause stretched between them, the past momentarily bridging the distance. Then, with a sly glint in her eyes, Illyana added, "I also know you have a thing for my boyfriend."

Jubilee's face turned a deep shade of red, her eyes wide. "I— What? I don’t—”

"I see the way you look at him. It’s always been like that. Since the moment he arrived at the institute." Illyana’s tone was candid yet oddly gentle, "He spent his nights with me, you know. But his days?" She leaned in closer, "His days were with you."

Jubilee's brows furrowed, her eyes narrowing. The implications hung heavily between them. But before she could retort, Illyana continued, "He cares about you. A lot. He might not say much, and might not let it show, but I see it. The way he looks at you, the way he worries. Trust me, I know Tyson."

Jubilee looked down, her face a mix of embarrassment, confusion, and guilt. Illyana took a step closer, her gaze softening. "But you showed up. That means a lot. More than you probably realize." She sighed, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "None of the other girls from the Institute ever made such an effort for me. So, thank you."

Jubilee blinked, taken aback by the unexpected gratitude. She opened her mouth, perhaps to say something conciliatory, but Illyana beat her to it.

Leaning in conspiratorially, Illyana whispered with a smirk, "But between you and me? Tyson's never gonna let you tag along. He cares too much to let you get hurt."

Jubilee swallowed and gave a slight, sad nod. Her usually vibrant face held a somber expression. After a moment of contemplation, she lifted her chin, making eye contact with Illyana. "Look, I get it," she began, trying to hide the tremor in her voice, "You guys have been through a lot… But I've seen what Tyson can do with other mutants' powers. With Jean, he took on Magneto, and with your help, he faced down Azazel. Just think of the possibilities with mine."

Illyana's brow raised skeptically, a playful challenge evident in her eyes. "No offense," she drawled, "But what are a few sparkles going to do against a legion of demons?"

Jubilee's cheeks reddened, but she squared her shoulders, meeting Illyana's gaze head-on. "They aren't just sparkles," she retorted defensively, her hands balling into fists, tiny lights flickering between her fingers. "They're explosions. And with focus, I can make them a lot bigger than you've seen."

Illyana's eyes traveled to the dancing lights in Jubilee's hands, then slowly trailed back up to meet her eyes. The playful smirk on Illyana's face turned into a broader, more sinister grin. "Explosions, you say?" she mused, almost purring the words. "Now that we can work with."

Illyana raised her voice, "Tyson, come here."

Tyson turned his attention from Logan and Colossus to find Illyana beckoning him. Wolverine simply tilted his head towards the two women and made a 'go on' gesture with his hand. "Looks like you're being summoned, bub," he teased.

Tyson rolled his eyes, shaking his head. He approached Illyana and Jubilee, "What's going on?"

Jubilee stepped forward, "Listen," she began, her voice filled with urgency. "I want to help. I know you think it's too dangerous, and maybe it is, but..." she took a deep breath, steadying herself, "...if you won't let me come with you, at least take my power. Make it count."

Illyana crossed her arms giving Tyson a challenging look as if saying, 'What will you do now?' Her tone was soft as she explained, "It hurts, you know," she murmured.

Jubilee raised an eyebrow, "Doesn't look like it hurts you."

"Not me," Illyana whispered, eyes darkening, "Everyone else."

Jubilee squared her shoulders, steeling herself. "I can handle it," she insisted, shooting Tyson a desperate look that screamed, 'Trust me.'

Tyson rubbed the back of his neck, "You'll be safer this way. I'm good with it if you're sure." He paused, turning his gaze to Illyana. "But if I'm taking her power, you have to give me the time to make it count. If it's as destructive as I imagine, you can't be anywhere near. I'll need five minutes without worrying about friendly fire."

Illyana crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes. "If you're going to do this, promise me something."

"What?" he asked, wary of her intensity.

Her voice filled with steel. "No banter. No mercy."

Wolverine chuckled from behind them, "That's more like it." Colossus simply nodded, agreeing silently with Illyana's sentiment.

Tyson gathered everyone closer, "Here's the plan." He pointed a finger towards Jubilee. "I touch Jubilee for five seconds. That'll give me five minutes to cut loose with her power."

Jubilee tried to look determined, but her eyes revealed her anxiety.

Tyson then gestured towards Illyana, his face tightening with concern. "When I go, take her back to the institute so we know she'll be safe. I need those five minutes. After that? Portal in with the cavalry."

Wolverine grunted, cracking his knuckles. "So what should we expect?"

Tyson explained. "Magic traps, demons, and all sorts of shenanigans. Azazel won't make it easy. He can teleport like Kurt too. But nothing I came in contact with there couldn't be hurt by your claws." he smiled grimly, "I'll clear as much as I can with Jubilee’s power."

Illyana remarked, "Alright, we all get it." She glanced between Jubilee and Tyson. Turning to Logan and her brother, she suggested, "Let's give them a minute, and we'll start when they're ready. Go guard the guns or something."

Wolverine raised an eyebrow but said nothing, and with a nod, Colossus replied, "Understood." They both moved away, leaving Jubilee and Tyson in their private bubble.

Jubilee looked earnestly at Tyson, her voice filled with concern. "It was hard leaving you behind. I knew you'd be okay, but we just... left you. In the middle of nowhere. We had no idea where you were going or if we'd ever see you again."

Tyson's eyes softened, his gaze distant. "I couldn't come back to the institute. Still can't. There are reasons."

"Whatever it is, the professor will forgive you," Jubilee insisted, her voice hopeful.

Tyson took a deep breath, the weight of his choices apparent in his eyes. "Maybe. But I took advantage of him. On principle, I can't just accept handouts from him after that. My idea, what I did... it's too soon to tell if it even worked. Years from now, perhaps we can talk about it, but I'll never live at the institute again."

Jubilee's face fell, the pain of his words evident. Tyson tried to console her, "We're almost set, you know, with a more permanent place to live. Once this Limbo mess is sorted, I promise we'll talk."

Jubilee took a moment to process this, a million thoughts and emotions playing across her face. The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her. She let out a heavy sigh, pushing aside the chaos of feelings to focus on the task at hand. "Alright," she said, her voice firm. "Are we doing this or not?"

Tyson stepped closer, the weight of what was about to happen pressing down on both him and Jubilee. The atmosphere was charged with anxiety and anticipation, but before the tension could become unbearable, Illyana piped up, "Hey, it's her first time. Be gentle."

Jubilee was caught off guard and blushed a deep crimson, but she grasped onto the momentary levity. She batted her eyelashes exaggeratedly at Tyson and playfully leaned in, her voice dripping with faux sultriness, "She's right, you know. It'll be my first time being touched like this." Slowly, she slid off her yellow gloves, revealing her delicate fingers, and placed them on Tyson's face. As their skin made contact, a sudden rush of energy flowed between them.

She was a lonely child to two prosperous Chinese immigrants who hardly had time for her between business meetings and overseas trips. When her mutant power manifested, fearful whispers and pointing fingers followed her down the halls of her elite boarding school. She chose to escape the mounting pressures and incessant bullying by running away. She relied on her wit, agility, and powers, often resorting to stealing to survive on the streets of Los Angeles. The X-Men discovered her, and the institute became her sanctuary, her new family. For the first time, she didn't feel alone or out of place and her personality shone as bright as her powers. Her experiences had given her a blend of youthful exuberance, resilience, and independence, yet left a yearning for connection.

As Tyson connected with Jubilee's memories, a cascade of emotions and images rushed into his consciousness.

Curiosity.

Tyson recalled Jubilee’s feelings when he first stepped foot into the institute and she led him on the tour of the institute. She studied him, trying to figure out the enigma that he presented.

Sympathy.

Then came the memories of an understanding that only someone who had been through their fair share of struggles could offer. Tyson experienced Jubilee’s feelings from when he’d revealed his power and its harrowing side effects to her. She responded not with fear or disdain, but with compassion.

She saw past the powers, past the facade, Tyson realized. The memories shifted again, this time to their shared moments, little snippets of time when they laughed, confided, and just... existed together. She liked me for who I was, quirks and all.

Jealousy.

But it wasn't all pleasant. He felt a twinge of what lurked whenever he spent time with Illyana. She wanted to be closer, to be the one he confided in.

Loneliness.

There was a profound sense of loss when he decided to leave. She felt like she was back on the streets, alone in the world.

Jubilee's eyes widened in panic and pain, her breathing grew rapid, but determination held her in place. The cold, numbing sensation of Tyson's power made her entire body shudder with the sensation of impending doom. Yet, she held her hands steadfastly against Tyson's face, bracing herself against the anguish and deepening abyss that threatened to consume her.

Jubilee's grip began to weaken, her energy waning. Sensing this, Tyson gently removed her hands from his face. His eyes, now filled with gratitude and understanding, locked onto hers. "Thank you," he whispered.

Without another word, he turned and stepped through a swirling portal, its center revealing an unmistakable gateway to Limbo. The portal closed behind him, leaving Jubilee standing there, her knees buckling from the exertion. Illyana, for once looked genuinely concerned. She moved quickly to support Jubilee.

Time passed differently within Limbo. With her free hand, Illyana opened a portal, high in the dimension’s sky, to ensure their time was synced. She called Piotr over, “Stick your hand through here.” He looked at her skeptically. She ensured in a tone that hid her uncertainty, “It will be fine.”

With a series of quick jumps, Illyana's teleportation ability whisked them away, depositing them in the familiar surroundings of her old room at the Institute. The room felt like a forgotten relic, untouched since the chaos of the invasion. It seemed like so long ago, but it’d been less than two weeks since the institute was invaded. There was so much damage to the rest of the mansion that noone had gotten to examine her room yet. A few of Illyana's trinkets still lay scattered on her desk from her hurried exit.

Illyana's eyes, usually so guarded and fierce, softened with concern as she took in Jubilee's pale complexion. She guided the slight girl into the bed. Jubilee offered no resistance, her strength sapped by Tyson's power. She groaned, her voice barely above a whisper, "You weren't kidding, that felt horrible. I imagined weakness, maybe some nausea... But that? That felt like I was dying."

She slowly turned her head, locking eyes with Illyana. "You said earlier that you knew how I felt about Tyson. So why are you being nice to me now?" She questioned, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her tone.

Illyana leaned back, crossing her arms and regarding Jubilee coolly. "Because," she began, choosing her words carefully, "he's now fully aware of your feelings."

"What? How…" Jubilee's eyebrows knitted together as understanding dawned, “He has all my memories, he knows what I went through, and how I felt.”

Illyana's gaze was distant, her usual confidence replaced by a raw vulnerability. "There are things about my past, that I've locked away, deep inside. I hadn’t told anyone, even my brother doesn’t know everything," she began, her voice tinged with the pain of memories long buried. "When I was younger, I was taken. They wanted to use me; to sell me to the highest bidder. But my powers emerged just in time, and I escaped that horrid fate." She took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Growing up, as I became a woman, I felt the natural urges, like everyone else. But after everything I went through, the idea of being close to someone, especially a man, was... tainted. It scared me." Her eyes glimmered with a hint of tears, "But then Tyson came along, and somehow, around him, things felt... different. I didn’t have to hide what happened to me or be ashamed of my past. When I touched him, he saw everything I experienced. There isn’t another person who could understand me better than him."

Jubilee's heart ached as she listened. "Illyana, I'm so sorry. I thought my life on the streets was tough, but what you went through..."

Illyana shook her head, silencing her. "I don't need pity. It's the past, and I've learned to cope. But there's something else." Her expression grew solemn. "Limbo, it's not just a place. It's a part of me. When we use your power against Azazel, it's like you're helping to heal a piece of my soul. You wanted to help, to save me from the darkness. Regardless of your motivations, today you are my hero.."

Jubilee was taken aback. She opened her mouth, trying to form a response, but words failed her; she’d been left speechless. Illyana leaned in, "Thank you again, Jubilee." She leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on Jubilee's forehead. "Rest now, you did your part." And with those parting words, Illyana vanished in a flash of light, leaving Jubilee alone with her thoughts.

~~Rogue Replacement~~

From the vantage point of the jagged cliff, Tyson could see the sprawling castle being built in Limbo's chaotic terrain. The reddish sky and the castle's eerie structure created an atmosphere of dread. Tyson invoked his illusion power, masking his presence. He delved deep into Jubilee's memories and images flooded his mind.

Jubilee, much younger, experimenting with her powers in a dimly lit room; her joyous laughter as she created tiny sparkles in the palm of her hand; the intense focus as she tried to generate bigger, more controlled bursts; the night skies lit up with her miniature fireworks, leaving spectators in awe.

Yet, in all those memories, her power remained controlled, never reaching its full potential. Maybe a 3/10 of her total potential.

Tyson aimed his hand towards the castle's outer wall, he visualized the power scale he had constructed in his mind. As he recalled Jubilee's practices, he decided he wouldn't just mimic them. He needed more. Much more. Pushing aside any reservations, he dialed her power up to 8 out of 10.

From his outstretched hands, a radiant stream of plasmoid energy shot out, more concentrated and forceful than anything Jubilee had ever produced. The brilliant energy beam roared like a fiery dragon, surging towards the wall. The impact was catastrophic, the castle wall vaporized upon contact, leaving a gaping hole amidst a cloud of dust and debris. The sheer power of the blast sent shockwaves through Limbo, shaking its very foundation.

A grin spread across Tyson's face. In a split second, he teleported just outside the now-broken wall, his feet barely making an imprint in the ash below before he raised both hands. He drew deep from the reservoir of Jubilee's power. Twin streams of scintillating energy roared forth, vaporizing walls and structures with ease. Every release of her power was accompanied by a thunderous boom, resonating like a war drum across Limbo.

That powerful sound acted like an alarm, drawing in the demons. They came in droves, charging and roaring, but as they neared Tyson, they were effortlessly consumed by the raw power he wielded, disintegrating into nothingness.

Suddenly, amidst the chaos, Azazel appeared. With a mocking tone dripping with arrogance, he began, "You've returned, Nameless One…"

But Tyson promised Illyana he wouldn't hold back, and wouldn't banter. Without letting Azazel finish, he swiftly turned the full force of Jubilee's power on him. Azazel's eyes widened in surprise and the mighty demon lord disappeared in a swift puff of smoke just before he would have been engulfed in the brilliant blaze.

Azazel made it his mission to frustrate Tyson's efforts, teleporting around him in an attempt to strike with his lethal blade. But Tyson shared Illyana's innate connection to Limbo. It gave him a heightened sense of his surroundings, allowing him to detect the nuances of Azazel's teleportation. Each time Azazel vanished, leaving a swirl of dark energy in his wake, Tyson would already be a step ahead. Sensing where Azazel would reappear, Tyson adjusted his aim accordingly, targeting the spot moments after Azazel manifested. When that wasn't enough, Tyson tapped into Illyana's teleportation abilities, repositioning himself to cause maximum havoc. But Tyson never lost sight of his true mission amidst the cat-and-mouse chase.

Wreak as much destruction as possible.

Drawing on Jubilee's explosive energy, Tyson obliterated wave after wave of demons. They charged, hoping to overwhelm him, but ended up vanishing into blinding light before getting close. The castle, once a looming structure of dread, was steadily reduced to rubble under Tyson's relentless assault. Towers crumbled, walls shattered, and courtyards were razed.

Throughout the battle, Azazel attempted to break Tyson's concentration, lunging with his rapier and teleporting rapidly. But Tyson possessed both Jubilee's explosive power and Illyana's connection to Limbo and managed to keep the devil at bay. Vilsteth, the faceless demon that saw through Tyson's illusions, joined Azazel. The demon's unique ability to merge with stone made it an evasive target. Each time Tyson directed Jubilee's explosive energy towards Vilsteth, the demon seamlessly flowed into the nearest stone structure or the ground itself, becoming one with the rock. By the time the explosion hit, Vilsteth had already traversed through the stone, avoiding the attack and re-emerging ready to strike.

Tyson's surroundings became a treacherous maze. Every rock, every wall might hide Vilsteth. And Azazel was still relentless in his teleporting attacks. Yet, Tyson managed to fend off both adversaries. He danced around Azazel's teleportation stabs and anticipated where Vilsteth might emerge, all the while using Jubilee's powers to destroy any demon that dared to approach.

But the tide of battle took a sudden turn. The explosive power Tyson relied on waned, its radiant bursts cut out with a flicker.

Azazel and Vilsteth sensed the shift, their confidence growing as Tyson lost hold of Jubilee's explosions. The demons advanced, taking advantage of this unexpected change. Tyson could feel the weight of the battle shifting, the odds now stacking against him.

The ebb and flow of battle took a sharp turn as Vilsteth continued using its unique capabilities. Every time Tyson attempted a direct attack on the demon, Vilsteth seamlessly melded into the stone terrain, evading the assault. Previously, Tyson could use the explosions to destroy the stone, but now, it was like battling a ghost. Unable to destroy the stone, Tyson was surrounded, every surface a vector the demon could attack from. Vilsteth re-emerged unpredictably, sometimes from the walls, other times from the ground beneath Tyson's feet, catching him off guard. Its claws, sharp and forged of stone, lashed out, slashing Tyson's skin. Oddly, these cuts, while painful, didn't activate his absorbing power. It was as if the demon’s stone anatomy was immune to Tyson's life-drain ability.

The relentless assault by Vilsteth kept Tyson off-balance, each swing and slash was aimed not just to harm Tyson but to divert his focus.

And Vilsteth's assault was a successful distraction. In the backdrop, Azazel was preparing darker and more dangerous magic. As Tyson fended off Vilsteth's rapid strikes, Azazel's voice began a chant, low and haunting. The ground beneath them quaked slightly, and black, inky tentacles erupted from the stone. They snaked around Tyson's limbs, pulling and constricting. Each tentacle felt cold and void of life, sapping his strength.

Desperate, Tyson tried to access Illyana's teleportation power to make a quick escape. But the tentacles held him firmly, their grip unyielding. Every time he thought of a location to teleport to, the tentacles tightened, disrupting his concentration and preventing his escape. Tyson was trapped, his powers restrained by Azazel's dark magic.

Azazel, with a smug grin stretching across his face, stepped closer to the restrained Tyson. His voice dripping with malicious amusement, he said, "Feel like talking yet? It's quite a sight, seeing my beautiful castle in ruins and my minions turned to dust. They did toil so hard. But then, you bring me such a delightful consolation prize."

Gasping in pain, Tyson managed to ask, "What are you talking about?"

"That fragment of Limbo that now resides in you," Azazel replied, his eyes glittering with greed. "It's like a beacon, calling out to me."

The devil's fingers began to dance in the air, hinting at an incantation. "All I need is a simple ritual. Once complete, the fragment shall be mine, and I shall reign supreme over Limbo."

Azazel's laughter began to echo around them, a chilling sound that would send shivers down the spine of any mortal. But then, something unexpected happened. Tyson began to laugh too. It was hearty and genuine, contrasting sharply with Azazel's sinister chuckles.

Taken aback, Azazel's laughter ceased as he squinted at Tyson, trying to decipher the meaning behind the unexpected mirth. Just as he was about to question Tyson, there was a sudden display of raw power. Using his strength, Tyson was finally able to tear through the tentacles that had bound him. The spell Azazel woven around him dissipated like smoke.

With a defiant glint in his eyes, Tyson faced the devil and said, "It won't work. Your plan is doomed from the start."

Azazel was unaffected by Tyson dispersing his spell. The devil asked, his voice dripping with condescension, "And pray tell, what flaw do you see in my plan?"

As the last word left his lips, the very air seemed to warp, and from the distortions, a portal took shape. The portal revealed Colossus and Wolverine ready for combat. They stepped into Limbo, eyes focused on the threat at hand. Tyson saw Illyana through the portal, still standing near the train station. She looked in, evaluated the situation, and closed the portal.

Vilsteth wasted no time. Its stone-like claws extended, and the demon lunged toward Wolverine and Colossus. The ground shook as the three met in a collision of power and fury.

Tyson turned his gaze back to Azazel. With a smirk, he said, "That fragment of Limbo you're so eager to obtain? It's not permanent. It's an echo, a shadow of the real thing."

Azazel's eyes narrowed, attempting to decipher if Tyson spoke the truth or merely sought to deceive him. His expression contorted with rage. "Then, there's no more use for you," he sneered. "Perhaps your death will coax out the true Mistress of Limbo."

Meanwhile, Tyson felt a familiar presence. Above them, the swirling portal shifted positions, indicative of Illyana's power. However, Illyana herself did not come through. Instead, the portal remained open, as if watching, waiting.

Azazel lunged towards Tyson. Tyson dodged and parried Azazel's attacks with his hands, the slices healing over nearly instantly. In return, Tyson sliced at the devil with his claws, attempting to grab hold of Azazel. Azazel, however, was no novice. He teleported out of range and countered with his magic, conjuring a quickly cast shield to protect himself from Tyson’s touch.

The landscape of Limbo echoed with the sounds of the battle. The ground trembled, dust and debris flew as the powerhouses duked it out.

"Alright, rock-face," Wolverine growled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "Let's dance."

Colossus's organic steel skin reflected the red hues of Limbo. "Stay alert, Logan," he warned, positioning himself between Wolverine and Vilsteth.

Vilsteth, showing off its agility, lunged at Colossus, its stone claws aiming for the metallic mutant. Colossus deflected the first swipe with a heavily armored arm, but Vilsteth swiftly maneuvered to his side, aiming another blow.

Meanwhile, Wolverine dashed with feral speed, trying to flank the creature. As he lunged, claws extended, Vilsteth melded into the ground, disappearing. Wolverine's claws struck stone, sending sparks flying.

"Crafty little--" Wolverine started, but before he could finish, Vilsteth reappeared behind him, slashing down with a swift motion. However, Wolverine's keen senses allowed him to twist out of the way just in time.

Colossus seized the opportunity, aiming a heavy punch at Vilsteth. The creature, anticipating this, darted to the side, causing Colossus's fist to smash into the ground, creating a small crater.

While Vilsteth was agile and unpredictable, it was the masked demon's unique abilities that ensured neither side could gain a clear advantage.

High above, Illyana's portal pulsed, the window-like opening seemed like Illyana's watchful eye, waiting for the right moment. Tyson knew he had to do something drastic to tilt the balance in their favor. Every clash had Azazel trying to go for Tyson's head or neck. The demon was cunning and had learned from past mistakes. Aiming for the heart wasn't going to get him the victory he craved.

Tyson's thoughts remained on the portal. He realized Illyana was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. He needed to create one for her.

In the heat of their next exchange, Tyson deliberately left himself exposed. The bait was set. And Azazel took it.

Azazel's eyes gleamed with malevolent joy as he saw the opening. He aimed his blade at Tyson's neck.

"Got you," Azazel whispered, a triumphant grin on his face.

The blade made contact. A gasp left Tyson's mouth as it sliced through his skin and into his neck. Time seemed to slow. From the corner of his eye, Tyson could see Colossus, momentarily distracted from his battle with Vilsteth, horror evident on his metal face.

As Azazel's blade glided effortlessly through Tyson's flesh, blood erupted in a pulse.

Until an unexpected resistance met its razor-sharp edge. Just when it should have cleaved through the spine, it halted. The adamantium fused to Tyson's skeleton had stopped the demon's weapon.

A moment of sheer confusion flitted across Azazel's eyes, his arrogant grin faltering for the first time. "What?" he murmured, the realization dawning on him.

But Tyson didn't give the demon a moment to collect himself. Seizing the fleeting advantage, Tyson's fingers closed around Azazel's wrist, his adamantium claws piercing the demon's tough skin, making his escape impossible, and allowing Tyson’s palm contact with the demon.

Azazel's face contorted in pain as he felt his very essence being drained away. As Tyson absorbed the demon's life force, he transformed. His skin deepened to a fiery shade of red, and a sinuous tail sprouted from his lower back, swaying menacingly.

"No!" Azazel gasped, feeling the very core of his being siphoned off. But it was too late. With each passing second, more of the demon melded into Tyson.

The infusion of Azazel's malevolence twisted the fibers of Tyson's thoughts, filling his mind with dark intentions and wicked whispers. He reveled in the surge of power flowing through him. The demon's essence coursed through his veins, awakening a hunger for more. Tyson's gaze drifted upwards towards the portal hovering above. Beyond it, he could sense Illyana watching, waiting.

A slow smile spread across Tyson's face. She would be the key to securing his reign over Limbo. With her by his side, none would stand against him. Tyson pictured Illyana at his side, beautiful and terrible, Limbo's magic bending to her will. Together, they would be unstoppable.

Tyson called out to the portal. "Come to me, Illyana," he purred, his voice resonating with confidence and allure. "Join me, and we shall rule this realm as one."

He could feel Illyana's hesitation through the portal. But Tyson knew how to coerce her. With Azazel's charm, he would exploit her most intimate desires and vulnerabilities.

Tyson continued. "I see you, Illyana. I know the darkness that lies in your soul, mirroring my own." He imbued his words with temptation. "Why resist? Embrace your destiny, as I have embraced mine."

The landscape around him began to shift in response to Tyson's connection with Limbo, and the growing darkness in his heart. The reddish sky deepened to a nightmarish hue. Tyson's tail swayed behind him as he declared, "Behold, my kingdom transforms to welcome its new lord. With you at my side, we shall reshape it into a true dominion."

Tyson could sense Illyana's resolve wavering. Her soul resonated with his words. He would ensure she accepted her full potential. "Come, claim your destiny," Tyson commanded, his voice echoing through the unstable realm. The portal flickered in response.

With Tyson distracted by his declarations to Illyana, Azazel attempted to teleport away. But Tyson would not allow Azazel to escape his grasp again. He channeled Azazel's knowledge of teleportation and traveling through dimensions to thwart the demon's escape. As Azazel tried to teleport away, his silhouette blurring for an instant, Tyson instinctively countered. With a snap, they both vanished and then reappeared almost immediately. The two combatants were locked in an intense battle of wits and wills. To the onlookers, they seemed to be stationary. The only evidence of their teleportation duel was the slight distortion of their figures and the faint aura of smoke that surrounded them.

From the corner of his eye, Tyson spotted Vilsteth's form dissolving into the stone, the ground rippling as it swiftly moved toward them. Tyson knew he had mere moments before the stone demon would be upon him. He tightened his grip on Azazel, determined to finish what he had started before Vilsteth could intervene.

Illyana's portal snapped shut. Tyson felt the shift in Limbo. He sensed her presence nearby and anticipated Illyana's timely intervention against Vilsteth. His words, combined with the stone demon's intervention had finally stirred her to join him. But when the familiar shimmer of her teleportation magic flared, she wasn't positioned between them and the incoming stone demon.

Instead, Illyana emerged next to Tyson and Azazel, determination clear in her eyes. Her arm reached out straight and unwavering, her hand inches from the side of Azazel's head. The silence of Limbo was shattered by two booming sounds.

Azazel's eyes went blank. Any malice, determination, or emotion in his gaze vanished. The steady stream of energy Tyson had been siphoning cut off instantly as brain matter and bone sprayed out from the opposite side of Azazel's head.

What was left of Azazel's head lolled. It was then that Tyson noticed the large chunk missing, and the weapon clenched in Illyana's grasp. It was one of the guns he'd picked up after leaving the city.

Illyana had ensured that Azazel's reign of terror was halted, once and for all.

The winds of Limbo suddenly felt even colder. The battlefield, which had moments ago been a swirl of relentless action, came to a standstill. Each of the mutants seemed frozen in place, the reality of what had just transpired taking its time to set in. Illyana's face remained as steely and resolute as ever, but there was an undeniable weight behind her eyes. No quip, no jest, no banter; only the grim expression of someone who'd made a hard choice.

The stone around them remained eerily quiet. Vilsteth never re-emerged from its hiding place within the rocks.

Finally, the silence was broken by Illyana. She exhaled, a breath she didn't even realize she'd been holding. "It's over," she murmured, her voice carrying a hint of relief mixed with sorrow.

Wolverine grunted, his gaze fixed on Illyana. "Didn't see that one coming."

Colossus nodded. "Neither did Azazel," he said in his thick Russian accent.

Tyson, still processing the enormity of what had just happened, managed to find his voice.

Tyson coldly asked, "You... What have you done? Millennia worth of knowledge, all that power, all that magic... gone." The others turned to Tyson. His mismatching yellow and purple eyes narrowed into slits as Limbo's skies turned blood red, mirroring his rage. "I was to be king, with you the queen at my side. And now what? There's no rewind from this..." Tyson stopped, his words sending his thoughts into a spiral. "Unless I attack the Sanctum. I'll take it from the Ancient One. If I bring it back here, it can bring Azazel back. I’ll take his strength as my own and possessing it, my power will stretch beyond infinity."

Illyana approached Tyson. She said calmly, "You're not going to attack the Sanctum." Tyson's eyes narrowed as she spoke, "You are already my king, and I am your queen." She was so close, Tyson could hear her whisper as she wrapped an arm around his neck, "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine." The line froze Tyson in his tracks. His memories and meta-knowledge came to the forefront of his thoughts as the line resonated with something he remembered from his past life. 'Game of Thrones'. "I am hers and she is mine."

But how could Illyana know that? Tyson's thoughts began to spiral. Thinking of Game of Thrones reminded him of the first time he saw Jean, and thought she was Sansa Stark. Thinking of Jean brought Tyson's thoughts to Jubilee and her gifting him her powers so they could fight Azazel. Then his thoughts came full circle to Illyana who he was about to harm, because of Azazel's insidious, malicious thoughts. Tyson felt his rage replaced by confusion and unease. Illyana's words had stirred something deep within him, awakening memories and feelings from another lifetime. Had she peered into the depths of his mind the way he had done with others? Or did she possess some other means of unveiling his secrets? Tyson searched Illyana's face, looking for deceit or manipulation. But all he saw was openness, compassion, and… regret.

All his thoughts ground to a halt as Illyana stabbed her Soulsword through Tyson's abdomen, angled upward. She placed the blazing sword perfectly to slide under his adamantium ribcage. It pierced his lung and lodged in his heart. The look of betrayal on Tyson's face nearly broke Illyana's heart.

But then it twisted into a snarl, becoming a murderous mask as Azazel's personality reemerged.

Tyson tried to teleport, tried to use his magic, but the Soulsword lodged in his chest dispersed any power he brought to bear. The weapon held a particular strength against magic, magical creatures, and demons; among which Tyson was now counted.

Tyson’s adamantium claws emerged to rend Illyana, but Colossus and Wolverine were there, holding his arms out, away from her. His healing factor worked to heal his body, as fast as the Soulsword damaged his insides, but it was only temporary as the weapon was still lodged within his chest.

"I'm sorry," whispered Illyana.

The tears running down her face revealed it was the truth.