The Phoenix Force: A New X-Men Narrative Unfolds

Expanding the imaginative realm of Marvel's \"What If...?\" series, Random House introduces a captivating new X-Men narrative. This unique story diverges from established canon, presenting a reality where Kitty Pryde, rather than Jean Grey, becomes the wielder of the formidable Phoenix Force. The novel delves into an alternate 1990, where the absence of the X-Men casts a long shadow, and a solitary Kitty Pryde, under the tutelage of Emma Frost, embarks on a journey that blurs the lines of reality and time. This fresh take promises a compelling exploration of familiar characters in an entirely new context, inviting readers to reconsider the destinies of these beloved heroes.

The central premise of this alternate universe begins in a grim 1990, where the X-Men are no more, and Kitty Pryde leads a secluded existence, shaped by her upbringing under Emma Frost. Her quiet life is disrupted by unsettling visions of another reality, a world where the X-Men still thrive. These glimpses into a different past set the stage for an extraordinary adventure. The narrative gains momentum with the appearance of Betsy Braddock, who proposes a startling theory: their current reality has gone awry. Convinced of a historical anomaly, Kitty and Betsy decide to undertake a perilous journey back to the 1970s. Their mission is to pinpoint the exact moment history diverged, believing the key lies within Xavier's School and the nascent emergence of the Phoenix Force. Simultaneously, a shadowy antagonist known as the Whisperer actively works to ensure the unraveling of this altered reality.

A pivotal scene unfolds in a retro-themed diner, Mama's Maple Bacon and Eggs, at the ungodly hour of 2:30 AM. Here, Kitty Pryde, cloaked in a crisp white trench coat concealing a boning knife, confronts Betsy Braddock. Betsy, impeccably dressed in a double-breasted suit, sits before a plate of plain toast, her demeanor remarkable amidst the diner's motley clientele. Kitty, assertive and wary, challenges Betsy to quickly state her purpose, hinting at her own pressing schedule. Betsy, however, bypasses Kitty's bravado, posing a deeply personal question about loss, a tactic designed to penetrate Kitty's emotional defenses. Kitty, initially resistant, dismisses Betsy's inquiry, attempting to disengage from the unsettling encounter.

Despite Kitty's attempts to leave, Betsy persists, revealing a profound and persistent sense of loss, a feeling she's been unable to shake for three days. She describes it as an emotional echo, a "wound without an answer," far stronger than any similar premonitions she's experienced before. Betsy, a telepath, explains that her abilities, which manifested at sixteen, have often presented a jumbled array of thoughts, but this current sensation is different. She believes she's following a psychic trail, a metaphorical path through a dense forest, and to her surprise, Kitty is on that same path. This revelation leaves Kitty both bewildered and annoyed, as she struggles to comprehend Betsy's strange claims and the unsettling implication that her own life might be intertwined with this mysterious psychic phenomenon.

As the conversation deepens, Betsy's conviction about a misplaced or lost entity strengthens. She elaborates on her difficulty in convincing her superiors at RCX, a covert British agency overseeing superhuman affairs, and even her brother, Captain Britain, of the urgency of her premonitions. Kitty, growing increasingly impatient, challenges Betsy's vague assertions, questioning what she, Kitty, is expected to do with such an ambiguous problem. Betsy, however, sees deeper into the psychic trail when Kitty is present, observing a bright, intense light ahead, which she interprets as either sunlight or fire. This vision leads her to a crucial conclusion: the trail is heading into the past, indicating that time travel is necessary to resolve this unfolding mystery. Kitty, incredulous, questions the feasibility of such a journey, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Betsy's request.

The tension escalates when a waitress interrupts, prompting Kitty to declare her intention to leave, expressing her frustration that Betsy's unexplained issues have forced her to consider relocating again. Betsy, angered by Kitty's dismissiveness, leans in, her stunning face sharp with fury. She accuses Kitty of operating from a place of fear, revealing that she had glimpsed Kitty's surface thoughts. Kitty, attempting to maintain an air of indifference, retorts that she is merely "bored." In a final, dramatic gesture, Betsy flips a business card with the RCX logo across the table, urging Kitty to call when she's ready to acknowledge the truth, both to herself and to Betsy. With a stack of bills left on the table, Betsy departs, leaving Kitty with the card and a cascade of unresolved questions, hinting at a profound connection that transcends their current reality.