New Orleans, where a fabulous pride parade celebration is underway. An assortment of brightly-colored flags promoting the rainbow communities are waved, as musicians perform and people celebrate. Observing the event from a balcony nearby are Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit and Felicia Hardy the Black Cat. 'Be honest with me, chere -' Remy begins, to which Felicia interrupts him and tells him that she resents the implication that she has ever been anything less than honest with anyone – ever. '... right. Sooooo, what really brings Felicia Hardy all the way to the Crescent City?' Gambit asks, curiously, which causes Felicia to remark that she thought that New Orleans was supposed to be “The Big Easy”. 'If you're a tourist, maybe' Gambit smiles. 'Ouch' Felicia responds, before informing Remy that it is easier here than in New York – none of her exes live here. 'Aha. There she is' Gambit remarks as Felicia drops down from the balcony.
Gambit follows Felicia as she walks past a stall selling confectionery and swipes two large trans-pride colored lollipops. 'There who is?' Felicia asks. 'Heartbreak' Gambit explains. 'Please. My heart's made of adamantium' Felicia quickly responds. 'Oh?' Gambit asks. 'Wait. Crap. Not really' Felicia tells him, explaining that was a metaphor. 'Don't go around telling people I'm -' Felicia begins as she and Remy make their way through the crowd, and Gambit tells Felicia that he knows what she meant. Felicia then tells Remy that she isn't heartbroken. 'Why would I be?' she asks. 'Well, there's -' Gambit begins, to which Felicia asks 'What. The thing with Odessa Drake?' Gambit begins to tell her that he was thinking of Spider-Man, but Felicia claims that the thing with Odessa wasn't a big deal. 'I don't even like the New York Thieves Guild' Felicia adds, declaring that Odessa knew what she was getting into, that she knew there would never be a future between them. Felicia reveals that it was a one-night celebration – with maybe a few other celebrations after that.
'When I say “Rigid,” you say “Conformity”!' a protestor nearby calls out, and supporters do as requested, while Gambit starts to ask 'Right, but how about Spider-M-' to which Felicia alerts Gambit to the protestors something on his right. 'Good catch' Remy notes. 'Just give 'em a little one' Felicia suggests. Gambit begins to charge the lollipop that Felicia gave him and he tosses it back above the anti-pride protestors. 'It's me. You can talk to me' Gambit assures Felicia, who points out that she has been talking. 'Okay, but how about you and Spider-Man?' Gambit enquires. 'Who? I didn't quite catch that. Did you say “Spider Gland”? Because mine's doing just fine, and -' Felicia responds, to which Gambit tells her that she is tougher than shoe leather. The lollipop suddenly explodes above the protestors, causing a sticky substance to drop down on them.
Felicia looks somewhat downcast as she glances aside and tells Gambit that there is just nothing to say about Spider-Man. 'The two of us are...' her voice trails off. 'Are...?' Gambit asks. 'Nothing. We're nothing' Felicia utters, before telling Gambit that she thought he was going to show her how fun this city is. 'Ain't cha having a good time?' Gambit replies. 'Well, sure. But nothing that's made me want to stay' Felicia admits. 'To stay? You didn't mention you were considering relocation' Gambit responds, surprised. 'Didn't I?' Felicia asks, and Gambit suggests that if Felicia moves down here for good, she might see fit to join the Guild. 'The Thieves Guild? Why, I plumb forgot there was a New Orleans branch' Felicia claims. Gambit offers to show Felicia the Guild's headquarters, but tells her to keep her hands to herself. 'As if you even need to ask' Felicia responds casually.
Shortly, Gambit and Felicia arrive at the Guild's headquarters, and Gambit informs Felicia that he used to be king of this joint – before the big remodel. “Used to?” Felicia quotes, before asking Remy what happened – but Remy tells her that yarn is too long to spin right now. Felicia takes a glass of champagne from a cloaked Guild member who stands nearby, holding of champagne, and Gambit remarks that he was the one who suggested they ought to have a bottle service. 'I love the way you think' Felicia grins. They continue on to the library, where Remy explains that it is full of reference texts and storage, and claims that he has Scott Summers' diary. 'Is it juicy?' Felicia asks, but Gambit claims that it ia drier than saltines. 'Ugh. Of course' Felicia mutters.
They continue on through the Guild, and come to the vault, which is guarded by two Guild members. Gambit adds that he called ahead and had extra layers of protection added, on account of Felicia being in the building. 'You know, nobody ever talks about how sweet you are' Felicia replies, looking at vault, which is also surrounded by a laser system and chains. Shortly, they stand before a large statute of Candra, which Gambit calls the pride and joy of the Guild. Gambit tells Felicia that Candra is the Goddess of Thieves, and that this statue was cast in mysterium they lifted off Eden Rixlo. 'He still doesn't know we're the ones who took it' he adds, before motioning to the pool of water at Candra's feet and reveals that it is supposed to be the water of eternal life, flowing down from Candra to the Guild.
Felicia looks wide-eyed at the statue and thanks Gambit for showing it to her. She then shoves Gambit's face into the water: 'Love you! Gotta go!' Felicia calls out as she leaps up the statue, then grabs the glistening red gem in the statue's hand. 'Chere, don't you dare!' Gambit calls out as he pulls himself from the water and looks up at Felicia. 'Sorry! No time to chat! I've gotta see a girl about a jewel' Felicia responds, as she suddenly finds herself transported trough the jewel into a chamber where a very large Candra sits on a throne, gold and jewels cover the entire floor of the chamber. 'Felicia Hardy' Candra remarks. 'I prefer Black Cat, if you don't mind' Felicia responds, while quietly telling herself that it worked. 'You seem surprised. Did you think you wouldn't find me?' Candra asks. 'I mean, everyone's been saying you're dead. But I figured, who stays dead these days?' Felicia responds.
Candra tells Felicia that “dead” is a funny word, and explains that her mutant friends thought they could trap her in a magical gateway – a pathetic effort, as such toys will always crumble, and she will always return. 'Tell me, little cat, why have you come to me? What is it you seek?' Candra enquires. 'Well...' Felicia begins sheepishly. Candra stands, towering over Felicia, and tells her that she knows her kind – selfish, predictable, always wanting the same thing. 'What will it be, then?' Candra demands. 'Riches beyond the wildest limits of your tiny, fragile imagination?' Candra suggests, as she suddenly materializes and assortment of jewels on Felicia. 'I can get those any old time' Felicia boasts. 'Eternal life?' Candra proposes. 'Ugh. Been there. No thanks' Felicia responds. Candra asks Felicia if she would like her loved ones, returned from beyond the veil. An image of Felicia's long-dead father appears, but Felicia tells Candra that she still needs a little space from him.
'Then it can only be one thing, and my answer is no' Candra frowns. 'What?' Felicia exclaims. 'You've come to try to get me to take the New York Thieves Guild back into my good graces. I will not' Candra declares sternly. Felicia pauses, before bursting into laughter, then informing Candra that is not why she is here. 'Good one, though' she adds. 'I...do not often experience confusion' Candra frowns as she reduces her size down to that of Felicia's. 'I'm not here for any of that' Felicia assures Candra. 'I'm here for you' she announces. 'Yes. For an audience with me' Candra notes. 'Not quite an audience. I was thinking something more like...a date' Felicia reveals as she takes Candra by her hand and kisses her. 'What?' Candra snaps. 'You know. Me. You. Dinner and... whatever' Felicia offers. 'But aren't you in love with Sp-' Candra begins, but Felicia cuts her off: 'Just for fun. No strings attached'.
Candra sits back down on her throne and remarks that she doesn't see what this would gain Black Cat, and states that she wouldn't grant additional favours, aside from her company. 'Oh, I can think of some favors we could grant each other' Felicia suggests, adding that there is no pressure, and that the company of a beautiful goddess who loves theft is all she asks. Black Cat leans into Candra and promises her 'Whatever you're into, I promise I'm good at it' and asks her what she says. Candra goes wide-eyed and is speechless.
One week later, in New York City, Black cat sits on a gargoyle head that protrudes from a building overlooking a pride parade on the street below. 'So? What did she say?' Spider-Man asks as he drops down from above. 'For a guy with eight legs, you've sure got no manners' Felicia remarks. 'For the last time, the spider didn't give me invisible-leg powers. I always just have two' Spider-Man exclaims. 'That must be embarrassing for you' Felicia replies, before telling Spider-Man that there is no way that she can answer his question. 'A lady doesn't kiss and tell!' Felicia grins.
Seventh story:
'Thank you so much for taking this on at the eleventh hour' Northstar remarks as he appears on a video call. 'You're a lifesaver, Jumbo!' Viv Vision and America Chavez join in and say with Northstar, all three of them on separate video calls, on separate phones – all held up by the multi-limbed costume designer Jumbo Carnation. A chicken perched on Jumbo's shoulder wears a rainbow-colored vest, and remarks 'That's three super heroes who need last-minute outfits. The Pride Fashion show is in less than twenty-four hours. What the cluck are you going to do?' the chicken exclaims. Jumbo glances at the chicken and reminds them that his last boss was Emma Frost. 'I know how to cope under pressure!' Jumbo suggests that the flow of caffeinated products commences, and points out that if they can pull this off on Drag Race with a paltry two arms, then this will be a breeze to make Jumbo Carnation's ultimate creations! 'Send in the first super hero!' Jumbo exclaims, waving a fan in one hand.
'I can't believe I let you talk me into this, Bishop' America Chavez complains to Kate Bishop, while Jumbo measures her. Kate sits on a seat nearby, with the chicken at her side, perching a champagne glass on the chicken's head. Kate reminds America that she has been moping about her ex Ramone like it is a full-time job. 'We agreed you need to step out of your comfort zone' she reminds her. 'You agreed. I was just in the vicinity at the time' America responds. America glances at Jumbo and asks if it can be demin, before telling him that it has to have pockets – non-negotiable. 'Pockets? My sweet beloved, this is high couture! What could you possibly need pockets for?' Jumbo asks, shocked. 'Where else is a lady supposed to keep her pocket bacon?' America asks, matter of factly.
A short time later, 'Ladies and chicken-men, the category is... Boricua Realness!' Jumbo exclaims. 'She's giving glamour, she's serving...pocket bacon?' Jumbo declares as America appears wearing her denim blue, white and red costume, complete with...pocket bacon sticking out of her jean short pockets. 'Okay, you win, Bishop. I look awesome. Ramone who?' America smiles. 'NEXT!' Jumbo calls out.
Viv Vision appears and Jumbo notes that she seems a little distracted. Viv Vision tells Jumbo that she is sorry that this is all so last minute, and that she isn't even sure she should be taking part in the fashion show. 'Why would you say that?' Jumbo asks. Viv confesses to only ever dating one girl, and explains that she is just starting to figure out it all out. 'I don't even know that I really belong at a pride event' Viv adds, before asking if it is too late to back out. Jumbo tells Viv that being queer isn't about notches on your bedpost, it's about how you feel inside. 'However... you'll be swatting the ladies away with your superhuman strength when they see you like this!' Jumbo exclaims as he provides Viv with her red, green and yellow geometric pattern. 'It's illogical, but somehow I feel 84% more confident than standard operating parameters' Viv smiles. 'How is that possible? It's just fabric' Viv points out. 'It's FASHION!' Jumbo shouts.
Soon, Northstar and his husband Kyle are waiting nearby, while Jumbo is busy creating Northstar's outfit. A can of energy drink on one hand, Jumbo appears to be swearing and remarks 'Northstar, the fastest man alive, and I'm the one running around like a headless chicken'. The chicken, perched on Jumbo's shoulder, makes a BKOK noise, to which Jumbo remarks 'No offense, Mr. Cluck'. Northstar kisses his husband and thanks him for coming, adding that he knows all of this super-hero stuff can get a bit crazy sometimes. 'Literally one hundred percent of the times' Kyle smirks. 'Ready for your close-up, Mr. Beaubier?' Jumbo asks. Northstar appears wearing a black and white suit, with his trademark star symbols on the jacket and shoes. 'Let's move! Let's move! The show is about to start!' Northstar smiles and remarks 'X-Men, Alpha Flight, X-Factor. I've been a part of so many groups over the years. Sometimes it can be hard to hold on to who I am in all the chaos...but at least once a year, I'm reminded that there's a group where I will always belong'.
Shortly, Viv Vision, Northstar, Shatterstar, Negasonic Teenage Warhead and America Chavez strut down the runway in their spectacular fashions, while the audience looks on in delight. 'America, take my phone number!' someone cries out. 'He can shatter my star any day!' another remarks in reference to Shatterstar. 'We love you, Negasonic Teenage Warhead!' another yells. Mr. Cluck is perched on Jumbo again and sips a drink through a straw, while commenting 'Spectacular show, Jumbo. You must be so proud'. Jumbo doesn't answer, just snores as he sleeps through the show!
Eighth story:
(Now)
'And that's when I was sure my dreams of being in the X-Men were over' Carmen Cruz a.k.a. Gimmick tells her girlfriend Buddy Bartholomew as they sit on a sofa inside Buddy's apartment in Queens. 'Come on, Carmen – it couldn't have been that bad' Buddy replies. But Carmen tells Buddy that it was so embarrassing, and painful. She adds that Bishop keeps Triage on healing duty for training sessions, but that it felt like getting hit by a truck. 'Well, clearly you didn't give up' Buddy points out. 'No, I think I way overcompensated' Carmen remarks. Buddy smiles and tells Carmen to just take a deep breath and start from the beginning.
(Earlier that day)
'Can I please be matched up with mutants on my skill level next time?' the ungraceful winner of the training sessions asks as she stands with her hands on her hips on the shore of Krakoa, while Gimmick lies nearby, clutching her side. 'It was one against five, Transonic. But noted' Bishop tells the red-haired mutant, before dismissing her. Transonic strides past Bishop, who helps Gimmick up off the shore.
(Now)
'And meeting your heroes is a lot less cool when you just keep letting them down' Carmen remarks. Buddy tells Carmen not to talk like that, and points out that it's not as if the rest of her squad did any better. 'No, we're, like, definitely the misfits' Carmen remarks. She explains that Graymalkin has field experience, but is fairly sheltered, and she thinks Bishop wants him on the squad so he can make friends – and she is 99% sure that he and Specter are an item, so Bishop's plan must have worked. Carmen explains that Specter is a Crucible kid, lost his powers on M-Day and now way over-eager to use them. Carmen informs Buddy that D-Cel used to insist she wasn't a mutant, and while she seems to have gotten over that, she still fronts pretty hard – and then there is poor Kafka, who just wants to fly around in peace.
(Earlier)
As Gimmick's teammates dust themselves off, D-Cel turns to her and asks her if she is ever going to ditch the Gambit cosplay, referring to her outfit, inspired by the X-Man Gambit. 'I'm still working on designs' Gimmick replies without looking at D-Cel. 'Hey, Carmen just wants to stand out. Why do you think I still wear my old Corsairs outfit?' Specter remarks as he stands proud in his blue and white costume. 'Enough chitchat' Bishop tells the students, pointing out that they aren't acting like a real team. He reveals that he used to struggle with that, too and explains that sometimes it takes experiencing real danger in the field for you to trust each other. Suddenly, a holographic image of Firestar appears through Bishop's communicator. She apologizes for interrupting the class and informs Bishop that there is a situation she thought he should know about. 'What's going down?' Bishop asks.
From within the X-Men's Treehouse in New York City, Firestar observes a situation going on in Central Park – a couple of mutant teenagers are harassing tourists. Firestar reports that the mutants are called Infestation and Snot, neither were exactly upstanding citizens before Krakoa. 'But now that you're keeping an eye on the younger generation...' Firestar's voice trails off, as she watches Infestation frighten some civilians with an assortment of creepy crawlies, and Snot blasts a projectile of... snot... from his nose. 'You're letting me go collect these kids before the X-Men have to' Bishop sighs. He tells Firestar that he appreciates this, and reports that he will meet her at the Central Park gate in five minutes. 'Wait! I think I have an idea!' Gimmick suddenly announces.
Minutes later, in Central Park: 'Don't you like my pets?' Infestation asks as she chases some civilians away with an assortment of spiders and bugs. 'Orchis is right about you – you freaks!' a woman exclaims as Snot covers her in... snot. 'Stay scared, flatscan!' Snot retorts. Suddenly, 'This is a terrible look for mutant-human relations' a voice calls out. Snot and Infestation look over and see Bishop leaning against a tree nearby. He tells them that if perhaps they showed up for training sessions, they would be able to channel their feelings in healthier ways. 'Sorry, “Teach.” We're not really in the learning mood anymore' Snot declares. He announces that Krakoa has been holding them back, and that their little Pit isn't so scary these days. Snot blasts his...snot at Bishop, striking him in the leg. 'Ew, gross!' Bishop mutters – but it's not really Bishop, merely Gimmick in disguise. 'Now!' she calls out when she reveals her identity.
(Now)
'Using your morphing powers to catch the troublemakers off guard is brave, not stupid' Buddy remarks as she holds Carmen's hand as they continue to sit on the sofa. 'It was at least a little stupid. Mr. Bishop can take a much harder hit than I can... but it did give us the advantage of surprise'.
(Earlier)
'Finally – a chance to let loose!' Specter exclaims as he and Graymalkin drop down behind Snot. 'Not too loose, Dallas' Graymalkin cautions Specter. 'Huh?' the confused Snot asks, turning towards Specter and Graymalkin, who slam him up against a large rock. 'Whuu wrong with muh snaht?' Snot asks as he finds himself unable to attack the other mutants. 'Yeah, that would be me, slowing your mucus flow down to a dribble' D-Cel announces as she appears nearby.
'That, uh, leaves the other one to us, right?' Kafka asks nervously as he flies over to Gimmick. 'Right. Carry me over her head and I'll -' Gimmick begins, while Infestation grins: 'Fangirl and Butterfly Boy? This is too easy!' and unleashes a horde of insects on Gimmick and Kafka. They try to brush the insects away as Gimmick asks Kafka if he can't talk to insects. 'I can understand bug, not speak it!' Kafka responds, adding that he really, really, wished he didn't know what these bugs were saying right now. 'Get them off of me!' Kafka cries out, while Infestation just laughs, and D-Cel reports that she can't slow Snot down much longer.
Firestar asks Bishop if they should step in now, but Bishop tells her not yet, as they watch from a distance. He explains to Firestar that he told these five that they weren't acting like a team, and then Gimmick volunteers for this field mission. 'There's something to that one. I want to see how she plays it' Bishop remarks.
'Now you've really ticked me off!' Snot shouts as he breaks free of Specter and Graymalkin, shoving them both aside, while D'Cel loses her hold over Snot and apologizes, explaining that his runny nose is weirdly strong. Specter looks over at Graymalkin and smiles: 'Need a boost, babe?' he asks. 'Yes, please' Graymalkin smiles back. The boyfriends get to their feet, and Specter uses his living shadow to surround Graymalkin. 'My boyfriend is super strong in the dark, and you...you just got your $#&% wrecked!' Specter exclaims as Graymalkin leaps forward, enhanced by Specter's powers, and slams his fist hard into Snot's face, sending him careening backwards across the park. 'I'll slow him down before he crushes a taxi or something!' D'Cel calls out as she rushes after Snot.
'At least the others are doing okay!' Kafka exclaims as he tries to brush the insects off of his wings. Gimmick declares that she has had enough of this, and removes her jacket as she states that she volunteered for a field mission, but is not going to let it become a complete disaster. 'I've been playing an X-Man... time to be one!' Gimmick exclaims as she manifests a purple and black jumpsuit costume, and purges the insects from covering her body. 'Whoa, you look great!' Kafka exclaims as he is knocked backwards. Gimmick thanks Kafka and tells him that she designed it to still look cool, when she goes into beast mode. She switches into wolfen form and lunches at Infestation, knocking her backwards.
(Now)
'You are not committing to that catchphrase, right? It's no “clobberin' time”!' Buddy remarks. Carmen looks up at her and explains that it was spur of the moment, and that she is still workshopping it, before revealing that is where things got a little hellish.
(Earlier)
Snot groans as he lies face-down on the ground, while Infestation land near him. 'Thought we'd get to have our fun a bit longer. Better cut to the end of the plan now' Infestation decides. 'What plan? Plans sound bad, right?' Gimmick remarks as she, Specter, Graymalkin, D-Cel and Kafka gather nearby.
Five minutes later,:'We're losing them!' Gimmick shouts as Kafka struggles to carry her as he flies down a street, following Infestation who is in a cab, frightening the driver, while Snot clings to the rooftop. 'Do you know...how hard this is?' Kafka puffs as he struggles to carry Gimmick, while Infestation snaps 'Pull over there! Now, meatsack!' to the driver. The cab comes to a stop, and Infestation gets out. 'Open up!' Snot shouts. 'We're here for the offer!' Infestation exclaims. The War College students all arrive, and D-Cel tells her teammates that she thinks this is above their paygrade now. 'What do you – mean?' Gimmick asks as Kafka puts her on the ground. 'Oh' Gimmick utters as she looks up at the building in front of her – the Limbo Embassy.
'Hell yeah!' Snot calls out as the gates surrounding the Limbo Embassy open and he and Infestation step through to safe haven. The gates slam closed before the War College students can enter. 'Nuh-uh. Can't touch us in here!' Snot warns them, while Infestation reveals that they applied for a transfer as she grins at the War College students through the bars of the gate. 'This isn't fair! We were actually working together!' Gimmick begins, but Bishop arrives and explains that Krakoa has no authority on the other side of those gates. 'That's the deal' he adds, while Firestar can be seen giving the cab driver a phone number and instructing him to call it to seek reimbursements for any damages suffered.
Bishop explains to his students that Limbo is under new management, and are offering amnesty to their own. 'To some of the nastiest $#&%s around' Bishop adds. 'So this was just what...a joy ride before Snot and Infestation got another clean slate?' Gimmick asks, annoyed. A demon approaches Snot and Infestation and asks them to follow him so that the welcome rituals can begin. 'This is gonna be sick!' Snot calls out. Bishop assures Gimmick that her squad handled itself better in the field than it does during training, thanks in no small part to her, so she shouldn't see this as a bust. 'Plus, your new look is great' Firestar smiles.
(Now)
'You're on an island of beautiful mutants and you're flirting with the Avenger?' Buddy asks. 'Oh my god, let her live!' Carmen laughs, before pointing out that Firestar is too old for her. 'And I have you right here' Carmen adds as she and Buddy kiss. 'I'm very grateful, my hero' Buddy remarks, before telling Carmen that it was a bummer outcome ot the mission, but that she can see it now: 'Carmen Cruz a.k.a. Gimmick...future X-Men superstar!'
(Earlier)
'I really don't think I'm cut out for this' Kafka complains as he follows Bishop and Firestar as they lead the way from the Limbo Embassy. Graymalkin and Specter walk with their arms around each other and D-Cel follows them, while Gimmick turns back to look at the Limbo Embassy, where Madelyne Pryor can be seen standing at a window, peering out from behind a curtain. 'Hmm...' utters the Goblyn Queen.
