Carol Danver's KFC Christmas Bash (Open, NO VIOLENCE!!!)

[John Kilroy]

CONTINUITY NOTE: THIS TAKES PLACE THE FIRST DECEMBER AFTER SECRET INVASION

Carol scrambled around the Avengers mansion as she decorated it with various holiday decorations. Tensile, a Christmas tree a chocolate fountain all that jazz. She even got her friend Harland Sanders. (Yes Him) to do the catering. Mainly as a favor. In truth she didn't know if anyone would come to the party but she felt the need to do something even if it was just going to end up being a party of One. What could she say? She was a party girl at heart and gave everything that had happened to her the last few years. She needed a return to normalcy of some kind.  She looked at everything to make sure everything was presentable and gave herself a nod. 

"Wow everything looks nice Ms Danvers." Carol looked over to see Sanders wiping his hands on an apron. 

"Aw thanks sugah, Ah tried giving it a winter wonderland approach. Thanks for being willing to do this on such short notice by the way."

"My pleasure. After that whole incident with the giant fire breathing chickens (OOC note: That's a Flashback solo thread for another time), I feel like I owe you for the rest of my life, and given the fact I'm a vampire that's going to be a long time." he chuckled. "How many do you think is going to show up to this party of yours anyway?"

"Honestly Ah don't know. Ah'm hoping at least a few people show up but it may just be a party of one. Either way Ah'll make sure you and your staff are well paid for your time." 

"Well while we work on the cooking how about you send out invites? People are more likely to come if they know about it."

Carol nodded and began to fly around the city posting fliers that read as follows.

TO ANY AND ALL FELLOW HEROES: BACK DURING MY TIME IN THE AIRFORCE MY SQUADRON HAD A TRADITION WHERE WE THREW WHAT WE CALLED A KFC CHRISTMAS BASH WE'D ESSENTIALLY ORDER A BUNCH OF KFC AND HAVE A TWO-WEEK PERIOD OF JUST HOLIDAY FUN. GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD IDEA TO BRING BACK THIS OLD TRADITION. SO I'M FORMALLY INVITING EVERYONE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR'S KFC CHRISTMAS BASH. FROM DEC 20TH TO JAN 1 (OOC Note: In-Universe not real-time), THERE WILL BE NONSTOP FUN, GAMES, MOVIES, AND OF COURSE KENTUCKY FRIED CHICKEN, SO IF YOU DON'T HAVE ANY PLANS FOR CHRISTMAS OR NEW YEARS THIS YEAR FEEL FREE TO STOP BY. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

TO VILLIANS: IF YOU CAN BEHAVE THE DOOR IS OPEN TO YA'LL TOO BUT KEEP IN MIND THIS IS A PERIOD OF PEACE. YOU CAUSE TROUBLE AND YOU'LL BE KICKED OUT!!! 

With that, she sent out the invites. She only hoped people would show up.

[Rift]

Flash Thompson emerged from the basement of a church. The meeting had just wrapped up and given that it was the holidays, there were more people in attendance than usual. Christmas was hard on lots of folks for varying reasons, but for an alcoholic like Flash it was particularly grueling. Falling into a pit of doom and gloom, of self-pity and despair was a quick way to fall off the wagon. It was why he kept to routine. Whether it had been on the gridiron, in the service, or acting as a hero routine helped him keep his mind on the tasks at hand rather than wallowing in remorse and regrets. Routine was also a useful tool given his addiction. Familiarity and structure helped him focus and reminding himself that others had the same struggles was added comfort.

Normally during this time of year he'd of had plans. In his youth it meant holiday break and laughing it up with his pals. As he aged it had become visiting with his mom while pretending everything was fine, trying not to ruin his repaired relationships with people by raging at his father, or being deployed in a warzone and catching what moments of joy he could when not out beyond the line. More recently it was just as possible he'd have been on some top-secret mission for Project Rebirth 2.0, doing all he could to make the world safer while praying the alien suit he wore didn't fly off the handle and eat anybody. This year...there was none of that.

His mom was a wreck with this being the first Christmas since his dad's passing, but his sister was staying with her. His dad was gone and despite despising the man his death was still something he hadn't fully come to terms with. The on again off again relationship with Betty was off for the time being as she believed he had been lying to her and was already back drinking. Things with Peter were...different after he'd learned exactly why Flash had been lying to Betty, his family, and really everyone. In short he was all alone.

Well, not completely alone. You are always available aren't you? he thought.

"Dammit. Get a grip Thompson, he...it isn't here right now either," he said under his breath.

It was true too. The Venom Symbiote was not currently on him. It was secure as tests were being run to see if there was any way to extend his time with the alien before the bonding process became permanent. Still, he'd become so used to the symbiote being there, it's dark voice whispering in his mind, that it was easy to forget it wasn't there.

Real good Flash. Your suit is basically your best friend and at this rate your only friend. The healthiest relationship you have is with an alien parasite that wants to eat people and has on more than one occasion tried taking over your body! But then again, he did come back for me out there in the ice. I mean it may have been self-preservation, but on the other hand Venom is always there for you. He helps when you don't know or admit you need it. He has your back. In a way its almost like one of your battle buddies from the sandbox. Exactly like that even.

Despite the fact the symbiote and he may have been coming to a better understanding of each other, he wasn't blind to the dangers and neither was anyone else in the know. Sooner or later they'd end up being separated permanently and that was not something he wanted to dwell on. Life after being Agent Venom was not something he was looking forward to.

Face it Eugene, even you have to know that being Venom has become a new addiction. It isn't booze, but its just as thrilling. More so even! That's why you've lied about how influenced you've become by it and why you push for more autonomy by officially acting as a registered hero, because even if it is street thugs instead of monsters, you love the action. That's why you let Tony and the brass run their tests. Not only in hopes they can extend the time, but also because you knew how this time of year gets you and having Venom feel and feed off of that could have been bad. Likely, because you'd of liked it, he thought just as something floated down to the ground near him.

Spinning his chair around he reached down and picked it up, reading the invitation several times over to be sure he'd read it properly.

"Heh. Well, I'll be damned. I mean why not? I don't have any plans and I am technically a reserve Avenger so why not? Better than sitting around in an empty apartment with nothing to do," he said.

Hailing a taxi he decided to go and enjoy some company, eat some chicken, and maybe forget for a little while. Still, he couldn't help but wonder if it was unfair to Venom to let him linger in some containment pod on Christmas...
----------------------------------------------------------
Across town at Avenger's Mansion

The X-Men tended to have their own Christmas celebrations and as was tradition, Logan would stick around for as long he could stand the cheer and Christmas tunes on repeat before ducking out to be alone. Sometimes alone meant a bar. Sometimes it meant tracking deer. And sometimes his attempts at solitude were turned into unexpected fights where sugar and spice were gone and only things getting sliced remain. This year, he skipped the first part altogether. The manor was just not for him, not today.

Things had been rough ever since his return. Scott tried to make things as they were, but willing it wasn't causing it to happen. The others didn't trust him anymore and after what happened with Apocalypse, with him killing Jean? He didn't blame them. He didn't trust himself. Now that he had other ghosts from his past popping up, people like Daken? He had less reason to trust himself or his memories.

The plan had been to get drunk in a dive somewhere. It morphed into his attending the Avenger's party. Sure it was likely to be just as annoying cheerful if not worse than the X-Mansion's festivities, but at least there he wouldn't have to see young students eyeing him suspiciously, risk getting the riot act from Nate, or hear the whispers whether real or perceived. Plus it was the mansion, so there was certain to be top shelf liquor.

Stark may not partake, but he still has good taste in drinks. Not much else though, he thought.

"Scan initiated," a computerized voice announced.

"C'mon you hunk of junk, I've been a member of just about every team at one point or another. That tin plated pretty boy's other systems already cleared me at the door and I've been here for over fifteen minutes. Now I don't know if you are one of Stark's or if Pym has new gizmos that are gonna try to murder us all, but you are interrupting my crispy wings and beer and I ain't known for my patience or for being besties with scrap metal. In honor of the season I say we test the saying. Every time the claws snikt, a Roomba gets its wings!" he threatened.

"Scan complete. Identity confirmed. Welcome Logan."

"Grrr," was his only response as he pushed past the floating security drone and towards one of the various food-filled tables.

"Man! Carol knows how to throw a party! I mean who cares if it isn't traditional Christmas food? KFC is to die for any day of the year. When I first got back from K'un-Lun..." a familiar voice said from besides him.

"Nope. You wanna keep that glow fist of yours attached, take the holly jolly crap somewhere else Rand," he warned.

"Oh come on! It's Christmas Logan! Stop with the Grinch stuff and lighten up. You can't seriously be against all this. Food, friends, music. I mean look! That tree even has a little Wolverine ornament. Quit with the bah humbug and get in the spirit dude. You make Luke seem absolutely chipper," Iron Fist responded as he took an annoyingly loud bite out of a candycane.

[John Kilroy]

"Actually believe it or not KFC parties are a huge thing in Japan especially around the holidays. So Ah guess you can say we're partaking in a Japanese Tradition." She washed her hands and then proceeded to give both Danny and Logan a hug. "Ah'm so glad ya'll were able to come." After she hugged Logan she actually gave him to two keys. "hey Ah know how you like to roll during the holidays so here. now Ah gave most of my private collection of liquor to Odin because Ah'm tea totalin' but Ah still have several cabins full of Liquior for guests, Royal Stag, Jack Danials, Captain Morgan Rum, you name it." She also gave him a second key. "you know where the combat room is, feel free to make as big a mess as you want whenever you are ready."

What could she say? She knew what James liked, in fact of all the Avengers she probably understood him the most.

There was a knock at the door. When Carol opened the door she saw a woman in a white and pink outfit and with short blonde hair. She had recognized this girl as Gwenpool

"Um hi, my name is Gwen Poole. I know I'm not exactly an adventure, but may I participate? I don't really have anywhere to go."

"Oh hey my interdemensional superfan, Ah remember you! Sure come on in."

Gwen geeked out on the inside. She was in the Avengers Mansion.

[Rift]

"Wouldn't miss it darlin', 'sides ain't got nowhere worth being. Between Mcoy's lectures on the origins of the holiday and Jubilee likely to smother me with cheer, last thing I need is to be at the manor," Logan replied.

He couldn't help but smirk. Maybe it was the old soldier in him, but it was always refreshing to be in the company of others who had walked a similar path. Sure, Carol wasn't nearly as old as him, hadn't seen battles across multiple wars in multiple eras, but she'd had her fair share of experiences. Air Force aside, she'd not only been an Avenger, but also battled among the stars and there was a level of comradery with fellow combat vets that he didn't even have with some of his fellow X-Men.

Not that many of them are overly fond of me these days. And for good reason, he thought.

As for Rand, Logan knew that Danny was likely surprised. So many of their peers in the superhero business walked on their tiptoes around Danvers and Stark because of their problems with alcohol. They worried and fussed and wanted to make certain that they were not tempting them back into vices and would thus avoid drinking as well so as to not make them uncomfortable. Logan on the other hand, didn't care for the niceties and walking on eggshells. Every warrior had their own problems, their own demons, and no soldier worth their salt would want to be coddled by friends no matter how well intentioned.

"Thanks for having me. I needed to get out tonight. Jeryn is busy taking care of his mom so for once he isn't hitting up my phone every two seconds stressing over me giving most of the Rand Corporation's non-executives generous bonuses and extra time off. Luke and Jessica have their own family stuff and I don't want to intrude. So, unless Steel Serpent decides to make another run at me or the Seven Cities have a sudden crisis, I'm free from now through New Years...assuming a certain red clad Defender doesn't keep with his annual tradition of Michael Bay worthy chase scenes through downtown. Somehow that always seems to pop up around this time of year," Danny said.

As she answered the door and Gwen entered, Danny raised an eyebrow. "Huh, new girl? You know her?"

Still deciding between which key he wanted to try out first, Logan glanced over and shook his head. "Don't know, don't care. Probably one of those Avengers Pre-School brats Rogers and Stark are trying to make into the next generation."

Danny smiled, "Don't you mean Avengers Academy? Does everyone look like a kid to you?"

Logan shrugged. "Just rookies. Now go find Pym or Stark or even Girlpool over there. They could use some holly jolly BS."

Rand rolled his eyes. "No holiday spirit huh?"

"Grr. Only spirits there's going to be is in my hand once I get the cabinets opened and yours leaving yer footie pajamas if you don't shut up."

Meanwhile, a car pulled up across the street from the mansion. After a short while and having paid the driver, Flash exited and began to roll across to the main gate. The sheer size of the mansion never failed to impress him. These were the hallowed halls of heroes, men and women he looked up to since he was a kid. Sure, he was a low-level reservist, but it was still hard to believe that he was counted as an Avenger at all. Every single time he thought about it, he was instantly transported back to his high school years where he ran the first official Spider-Man Fan Club.

Knowing what I do about the Webhead now, I'm even more embarrassed. That whole time I was geeking out and he knew, even as I shoved him into lockers and made his life hell, he thought.

Rolling up to the door he pulled out his Avenger's ID card and realized that it almost seemed strange, the act of reaching into his jacket pocket.

Normally Venom would have...the symbiote would have fished it out for me. Strange. I get so used to him...it that I almost forget I don't have the powers without. Damn, I'm even calling it by name now. Maybe the brass are right to be worried. Pete too, he thought.

"Thompson, Eugene. Corporal," he said for the security measures as he held out his card to be scanned.

[John Kilroy]

Carol looked at Danny as he showed an obvious face of concern. "Dan it's ok. Look it's not the alcohol itself that's the problem. if Ah just drank it straight my metabolism would dilute it long before it had the chance to give me a buzz. My problem was...and maybe still is that Ah had a nasty habit of suppressing my powers specifically so Ah could get drunk. Ah'm tea-totiling for myself just to be on the safe side and to be an example to others going through the same thing. But don't deprive yourself on my account. It's ok Ah promise."

When asked about Gwen Carol responded. "First time we've met face to face but Stark and Phil told me a bit about her. From what they describe she's as big a superhero fan as Phil is, apparently, she helped Tony defeat some sort of horror movie evil version of himself "

"Guilty." Gwen mumbled sheepishly

Carol couldn't help but giggle at Danny's comment. "Danny Considering Logan's served both World Wars, Ah think even the likes of Magneto would be considered a kid to him."

After Logan's comment regarding Gwen Carol looked over, and couldn't help but notice Gwen wearing her eagle globe and anchor necklace. "Hey Logan, Ah wouldn't count this woman out just yet. Looks like we have a Marine on our hands." She gave a small salute which Gwen responded in kind.

Meanwhile, outside of the entrance Josh Parker AKA the Spidercide decided to show. To be fair the invitation didn't specifically say Avengers all costumed heroes and even villains were invited so long as there was no funny business, and it wasn't like Spidercide had anything better to do during the holiday season so why not?  He didn't know if Peter was going to be there. It was going to be awkward if that case. In any case he kept his costume on. He didn't know if Peter had revealed to any of his fellow heroes if he was Spider-Man or not, but if he hadn't and Josh showed up out of costume, then he imagined that after seeing Peter's identical twin who just so happens to have the exact same powers as Spider-Man it would not be hard for them to put two and two together. Josh wouldn't have felt right about that. It was not his place to expose Peter like that. So unless he learned something different the suit stayed on. Awkwardness could not be avoided as he ran into Flash who was accessing his credentials. 

Josh being a clone had all of the memories of Peter including Flash bullying him AND burying the hatchet and becoming friends thanks to Gwen Stacy. Still, he wasn't sure how he'd react to someone who looked like he had a Chinese bootleg recolor of a Spider-Man costume on.  Speaking of Gwen Spidercide learned after the Devilgate riots that Gwen Poole was an Avengers superfan so if she even caught wind of those invites he knew there was no way she would pass it up...and considering how she looked and sounded exactly like Gwen Stacy he wasn't sure how Awkward it'd be for Flash if the two locked eyes. 

"Hey!" he said as he closed the distance with Flash. "Um, look just to give you a heads up. I'm betting there is an 85% chance that there is going to be a woman to show up who'll look and sound exactly like Gwen Stacy minus maybe having a haircut with pink highlights. She claims to be a random girl from an Alternate Universe that just so happens to look...and sound exactly like Gwen...and just happens to share the same first name, but as you can probably tell I'm not convinced. She knows WAY more about her than some random stranger should. I don't know if she's a surviving Jackel clone or what." Realizing he almost blew his secret then and thereby giving Too much information that he probably should not have known about he quickly added "...Just thought I'd give you a warning just in case. Spider-Man told me that you and Peter were good friends with her."

Realizing the awkwardness of coming out with a revelation like that out of nowhere he offered Flash a handshake. "Spidercide."    

[Rift]

Rand couldn't help but smirk.

"You're right Carol, I sometimes forget that Logan is old enough to have known the people that invented alcohol," he joked. "But that must be awesome huh? Having a fan that isn't just a groupie, but who actually became a hero in their own right? Very cool. Always does the heart good to know we have an impact on the next generation. Its why I'm focusing more on the dojo these days than not."

Ignoring the jab about his age, Logan twisted the top off a bottle and fixed Gwenpool with his best grimace. He'd spent enough time around some of the students at Xavier's school to know that folks in the hero business expected certain things when meeting the infamous Wolverine and that instantly being chummy with them gave off the wrong impression.

"Jarhead huh? Well Oorah kid. Pull up a seat and grab a drink. 'Tis the season and all that crap. 'Sides anyone who has had to partner with Old Shellhead deserves a strong drink," he said.

The season of remembering all the deaths, the pain, the loss and pretending like it ain't no big thing for the sake of those still able to be happy over twinkling lights and pretty wrappings, he thought grimly.

"Ignore him Ms. Poole. Logan's our resident Grinch regardless of the time of year. Pleased to meet you," Danny said, introducing himself. "I'm Danny Rand."

Grumbling, Logan began to stand. "'scuse me fer a moment. We just got to the 'I'm the Immortal Iron Fist, Champion of K'un-L'un, Living Weapon, and master dance choreography portion of the evening and it'll be on repeat with each newbie that steps in. I'm gonna need something stronger before he gets to the master of Kung-Fu part and starts philosophying things. Let me know when he gets to the balance and inner peace segment."
--------------------------------------------

At the entrance, Flash blinked several times. He'd known there were a number of wallcrawling, web-slinging heroes as of late but he wasn't familiar with Spidercide.

Accepting the handshake, Flash smiled. "I'm Flash. Thompson that is. Always nice to meet someone like Spidey!"

Realizing he sounded like he was back in high school, leading the charge for the official Spider-Man Fan Club, he blushed. Even after becoming a hero himself Spider-Man was still the person he looked up to most.

"Someone that looks like Gwen huh? Alternate dimension stuff or not, that can really mess with a guy's head. Thanks for the heads up. Everything going on lately, I appreciate it. Surprises are not my favorite thing these days. Say, you uh, you know Spidey? You kind of sound like him actually. Way more than I did when I pretended to be him once."

Hard to believe that I went from the gridiron, to the battlefield, and now I'm front and center for stuff about other dimensions, aliens, weird timeline stuff and all of that freaky stuff, he thought

Realizing that it was not yet common knowledge that he was the new host of the Venom symbiote, he laughed and added, "When I was young that is. Kind of caused a lot more trouble than I did good, but you know, Spidey's the best! It's why I help out the Avengers when I can. You know, offer a military perspective sometimes. I mean not that they really need me, they have Cap, but you know I was in much more recently."

Yeah, like that was believable. Real good Flash. Why did I come here again? I mean I'm only a reserve member. They call me in when someone they actually need can't make it. And who can blame them? Can't trust the symbiote. If we could, he would be here with me, he thought.

Changing the subject he asked, "So, uh, you looking to join up or something? I bet the Avengers could use a dull-time spider-person on the team."

[John Kilroy]

Gwenpool gave logan her best grimace back. Contrary to what others might have thought, She probably had more of a kindred spirit with Logan than anyone else in the room. Both were trained to kill, both were betrayed by the organizations they served, and both clung onto what little optimism they had left by being heroes.

She scooted over to his table. "Normally I don't drink, but in this case, don't mind if I do." She poured herself a bottle of jack and took a gulp. "Stark is...well he's stark."

She looked up to Danny and shook his hand. "Pleasure to meet you. out of curiosity do you have any openings? I want to learn more martial arts."

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Spidercide sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah I know him better than most probably more than he'd prefer."

Seeing flashes face he could tell what the man was thinking even if he could not read the details. "Flash, you're a good hero and a good person. don't let those thoughts in your head overtake you. They'll try to choke you out. trust me I know"

Unbeknownst to everyone in the room a mysterious figure was walking her way through the walls. Using her powers to block everyone's awareness of her presence. she had actually snuck into an alternate entrance...or rather she made an alternate entrance by rearging one of the windows. Slowly she walked down the stairs. As Carol and Gwen were talking they both covered thier eyes as they were blinded by an otherworldly glow. Carol looked up and her mouth dropped to the floor as she stiared directly at the figure 

"Excuse me, is James here?" It was Jean Grey...back from the dead.

[Rift]

Danny smiled. "Yeah, we've got plenty of openings left for all ages and would be happy to have you. Plus if you are interested, we also have some positions open. I like to make sure that the kids who drop by after school have resources on hand to help them with homework or even if they just need someone to talk to. It's as much about teaching them balance and letting them know there is a support structure as it is self-defense. Contrary to what some people think, even folks in our business need that from time-to-time. I imagine a former Marine may have some firsthand knowledge about that kind of thing."

It was just about then that a blinding light filled the area. Closing his eyes against it, Rand took up a defensive stance, his hand slowly curving into a clenched fist. It was a sign those that had known him had come to learn pretty readily. He was often calm, almost Zen-like in his approach to things, but the Living Weapon was just beneath the surface.

Iron Fist eased a little, shoulders returning to a more relaxed state. He recognized the voice and knew that either the woman was not a threat or if she was, he wouldn't have time to do anything about it anyway.

Logan meanwhile had caught the scent before he heard the voice. His heart skipped a beat and his mind raced. He'd always known that this was a possibility, after all she'd died and returned before, but there was never a guarantee that she would and even less of one that she'd be herself. After the way it had happened, by his hand, Apocalypse meddling or not, he didn't know how things would go.

Maybe she's looking for payback. Lord knows I would be and that I have it coming. Still, I can't trust anything. It isn't an LMD, but there are other ways to fake things, he thought.

"Jean? Red is that you?" he asked.

His senses screamed that it was. The smell, the rhythm of her heartbeat, the sound as she walked. All it said it was Jean, the Phoenix once more back from the ashes, but Logan had long ago given up on the idea of hope.
---------------------------------------------------------------

Flash smiled at the costumed wallcrawler.

"Nice of you to say," he responded, thinking he sounded a lot like some of the regulars from his meetings. "Harder than usual lately to remember that."

And I bet he'd change his tune pretty quickly if he knew about the symbiote. I'm honestly surprised I could even get in here. Reserve Avenger or not, the way they look at me, as if I'm going to freak out and be just like Brock, it wouldn't have shocked me to have had my limited access revoked. And there goes those intrusive strangling thoughts again.

"So, you here for the food or to see someone in particular? I know Spidey likes to be a lone wolf these days, but I'm not really familiar with the rest of you webslingers. Wasn't sure if anyone actually applied for the team or not," he said, before noticing commotion within the mansion.

[John Kilroy]

"Yeah Lord only knows how underdeveloped mental health wellness is for supers..."

Gwen's jaw dropped as Jean Grey Aka the phoenix. Walked through the door. When Jean asked if Logan was in the room, she found herself almost instinctively pointing at said mutant in front of her. Carol was equally shocked but something in her awoken, unbeknownst to about everyone in the room, The Shadow King never left Carol Danvers after Mckinny, in fact, due to events that had happened since Mckinnly she was now his anchor host. the Crime Boss known as Amahl Farouk had enimies and said enimies took advange of his compromised state while in astro form, in the here and now the shadow king was not looking for trouble, especially with the freaking Phoenix. Phoenix was able to recognize its presence. Looking into Carol's eyes Jean smirked. Speaking to the Shadow King Telepathically.

*Remember the rules, sister, Villains are welcome here, but if they cause trouble they get kicked out. Carol may not be able to kick you out, but I most certainly can.*

The Shadow King was surprised. It had been Eons since he had been referred to a feminine pronoun and eons longer since the Phoenix had referred to him as "Sister" in fact he didn't even think it was possible unless.

*You Remember?*

*Everything.*

Carol's posture changed both relaxing while showing just a tinge of fear.

*I bring no trouble. I fully intend to enjoy 12 days of hedonistic feasting and festivities through my new host. I am in no mood for a brawl*

*Keep it that way during the season and beyond, and I won't reveal your presence.*

Phoenix got closer. *But hurt Carol or attempt to hijack or turn her evil and I will drag you into the astral plane and I will scatter you so thoroughly across the universe it will take you ten thousand years to re-manifest. Do I make myself clear? *

The Shadow King Mentally gulped. This wasn't an empty threat, this was a promise, one that she could and would easily follow through on.

*noted...sister*

Gwen raised an eyebrow not sure why Jean was staring at Carol for so long. Carol herself was also confused. However, concern faded and turned to curiosity as she approached Logan. She did so in a very timid shy manner, giving him a smile with almost a high school girl like demeaner. She even bit her lip and pushed back the right side of her hair. 

"Hi James...um Merry Christmas."

She caressed his cheek with about the warmest smile a person could muster but then for her look turned sad and she pulled away turning her face. She looked happy to see him overjoyed even, but at the same time she was...sad.

"Look I'm...I'm not Jean Grey...I mean I am but at the same time I'm not...it's...it's so hard to explain..." Tears began to flow from her eyes as she wrapped her arms around Logan squeezing him with the strength of a bear.

"I've...I've missed you so much! Where I've been, Time stretched into an eternity. I don't know how long it's been for you but it's felt like 10,000 years for me maybe even longer...I love you so much!" She kissed his neck and cheek, no hesitation no encouragement from Mistletoe she just kissed him, and Both Carol and Gwenpool's jaws could not have dropped any lower to the floor. The Phoenix tried desperately to surround Logan with an aura of warmth, not the kind that burned and brought destruction like the Dark Phoenix would have...but a warm cozy glow that brought joy and comfort, something very befitting of the Christmas season, and
she desperately wanted Wolverine to feel it even if it was just for a moment she wanted him to feel no fear or despair, just peace warmth and happiness, to put bluntly she wanted him to feel safe enough to unashamedly cry like a baby yo let his emotions flow freely and let all of the darkness go into the void. she even cast a sensation projection where in theory Logan would feel like he was being cuddled by two giant soft, fluffy and cozy wings, phoenix wings trying to embrace him and cradle him like an angel snuggling an innocent newborn, but it would be on him to embrace it and feel her warmth. Carol cleared her throat when she got over the shock having to hold back a huge grin. 

"Uh, James, Ah don't know what you did to get put on Santa's VIP list, but you must have done something right. Cause Ah think he just gave ya the best Christmas present ever."  

*Best Christmas party ever!* Gwen thought. and to think this was just the start of the first day. 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

"Ah I'm just here because I have nowhere to go during the holidays. The invitation says all were invited so I figured I'd come. Yeah, I'm sick of the whole lone wolf stick myself." Spidercide crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side. "So you're wheelchair-bound, color me curious. Did the Avengers give you one of Tony's spare suits or did the military decide to experiment with a symbiote? I'm not seeing any cool buttons so...Symbiote I'm guessing? Hey if it is I won't judge."

[Rift]

Jean Grey was back from the dead. Again. Even as someone who had escaped the cold embrace of the grave several times previously, it was never a sure thing. One could not just assume that the host of the Phoenix Force would return just because she'd made something of a habit of it. The X-Men, for the most part, hadn't seemed to think it would happen again and thus hadn't taken her death (At the hands of am Apocalypse brainwashed Wolverine this time) for granted. Nobody was simply expecting her to return.

Thus when she waltzed into Avenger's Mansion as if nothing had happened, as radiant and powerful as the day she'd been turned into a shishkabob, guests in attendance were no doubt shocked. Flash Thompson for instance, blinked and was thankful that he didn't have to have the symbiote present to remind him how unprofessional a dropped jaw would look.

Logan himself, despite being intimately familiar with the situation and having gone through losing Jean at least once before, seemed to be at a loss for words, a man who had taken on monsters, mutants, and armies stunned into silence. Clearly he had not expected this, not this day or any other.

Danny Rand however? Once the blaring light died down and the Phoenix began speaking to Logan, Danny merely smiled. Not exactly a smirk, but a smile. Maybe it was his deep connection to Chi, to life force itself that left him unsurprised. Perhaps his years of training in martial arts had simply conditioned him to remain calm. Or maybe the power of the dragon that beat within his chest, a primordial creature of immense power itself, subconsciously knew that the Pheonix would rise from the ashes. Whatever the case he remained, as usual, very chill and collected.

Raising a glass in salute he said, "Glad to see you back Ms. Grey. Hey, Gwen was it? How about we give these two some space. You can tell Carol and I more about the training you hope to receive and I can fill you in the kinds of programs we offer at the dojo. Speaking of which, you are a Marine right? Would you be interested in maybe partaking in a mentorship program? We have some kids that could really use some guidance."

Logan for his part remained dumbstruck. Every day since it had happened, since he'd been manipulated into killing friends, he relived it. Violent nightmares that resulted in plenty of shredded pillows and impaled mattresses. The guilt was always there, the reminder of what he had done ever present not only in his mind and memory but also in the haunted, accusing eyes of those at the mansion. The surrogate family he'd found in the X-Men didn't trust him and he didn't blame them.

Now, it seemed like the latest of his long line of great failures, was back and staring him in the face. Not only that but she was telling him she wasn't Jean, not really. He didn't know how to respond to any of it. He'd been fooled before, been in the presence of Madolyn Pryor and not known it wasn't Jean, but this was...this was different.

Why here? Why now? Where has she been and why didn't she go home? he wondered. More importantly how can she claim to love me? Not only because of Scott, but after what I did, how could anyone?

"Jeanie... Red...what are you on about? Darlin' I don't know much these days, everything has been topsy turvy since...since Apocalypse, but I know you. You look right, smell right, and the whole cosmic bird thing never has made much sense to me, but yer definitely you."

But there has to be a catch. Always is. Carol's optimistic, but I ain't on anybody's nice list, Saint Nick included, he thought.

[John Kilroy]

Gwen looked at Jean and Logan and then looked tp Danny, "I'll tell you when we get out of the room but I think right now Loagan and Jean need a bit of private space and time."

Carol could not help but grinn. "You heard the lady everyone. Come on now. Shoo shoo shoo."

Jean couldin't help but chuckle but once she knew everyone was out in the next room she sighed. She was about to have this conversation once since returning and that was with scott and she was not sure if she explained things well before and she wasin't sure if she could explain things well now.

"I Mean...I am Jean Grey but I'm...also not I'm more than that..."

She scarmbled around trying to find somthing ANYTHING that she could use as an anology. She found Clay. This could work.

She sat at a table next to Logan and seperated the clay into a bigger piece and several smaller pieces. "When I died I was whisked away into a place called the White Room, and was confronted by the Phoniex force. But there were these others. They were host. They all looked like me.


They were like me from different time periods all throughout history. The Phoenix force attacked me. I thought it was trying to destroy me. These different Phoniex host and I we fought it I don't know how long it lasted but in the end we all…merged together. The Phoenix force wasn't trying to destroy me. It was fragmented and trying to put itself back together….I was trying to put myself back together “

She merged the different fragmented clay parts back into the bigger piece.

“I'm not JUST Jean Grey James, I'm the Phoenix. I was ALWAYS the Phoenix. Jean Grey was a part of me, a fragmented piece of me that I was always missing…now I'm whole…I'm complete. I remember everything from the very beginning all the way up to now. James I don't know how to describe it. It's like my mind has been in a fog and that fog has been lifted. This may be a bad analogy but it feels like I had Alzheimer's this entire time and I've been cured…”

She sighed. “I know I'm not making any sense I'm sorry. I guess the best way I can some it up. I guess what I'm saying is Jean Grey and Phoenix are one in the same cosmic being. They always were even from the very beginning. Jean Grey is just the human name she takes…does that make any sense?”