Excalibur #12 Spoilers

Spoilers: At Krakoa, Apocalypse summons the High Lords, also known as the Externals. Apocalypse explains that all of mutantkind has conquered death, much like the Externals themselves, but that doesn’t mean they’re obsolete as they have one final purpose. Apocalypse asks them to sacrifice themselves and give their ancient bones to empower the gateway to Otherworld. Rictor emerges from the earth and Apocalypse says he is the future just as much the Externals are the past. Selene and Gideon side with Apocalypse while the other Externals fight them to avoid certain death as those who die to empower the gate won’t be able to be resurrected. Rictor is hesitant but agrees to perform the ritual with Apocalypse, Selene and Gideon. Rictor unleashes his powers and defeats Crule, Nicodemus, Candra, Saul and Absolom. All of them perish, except for Absolom. Apocalypse requests Absolom’s help as he needs four Externals to perform the ritual. Apocalypse realizes Candra has played him as her bones have been empty for a while.

Back at Otherworld, Rogue suspects Gambit knows more about the gem stone than he is letting her know. Candra’s spirit from the gem stone reaches Gambit and attempts to convince him to save her from Apocalypse’s clutches. Candra had placed her life energy into the stone and stored it at the Starlight Citadel because she knew Saturnyne would stop at nothing to protect her castle against Apocalypse. Elsewhere, Saturnyne tells Betsy she is not her only Captain Britain. Ever since the Captain Britain Corps were destroyed, Otherworld has been in chaos and Brian was her most trusted warrior. Saturnyne then leads Betsy to a room where the has kept the alternate Captain Britain versions of Rogue, Gambit, Jubilee and Rictor (from issue #10) in stasis. Saturnyne explains that as a mutant, the nation of Britain is destined to turn its back on Betsy. The duo is interrupted by Rogue and Gambit being chased by the White Priestesses for stealing Candra’s gem. Saturnyne demands to have the gem back. Candra’s spirit gives Gambit a choice: he either helps her and gives the gem back to Saturnyne or he helps Apocalypse. Gambit is conflicted, but ultimately decides to get rid of Candra once and for all as he throws her gem through the Otherworld gate at Starlight Citadel. Candra’s energy completes the ritual as a much larger, permanent gateway to Otherworld emerges from the earth beneath them leading straight to Krakoa.