WARNING: The following contains spoilers for X-Factor #9 by Leah Williams, David Baldeon, Israel Silva, and VC’s Joe Caramagna, on sale now
As part of their investigation into the deaths of mutants from across the world, X-Factor has is contending with a mystical threat within the heart of Siryn that they weren’t immediately prepared to deal with. The Morrigan, an Irish Goddess of Death, has been controlling Siryn and forcing her to kill herself in various different ways. X-Factor’s investigation ultimately got the team slaughtered, but upon resurrection, Northstar’s team was able to overwhelm and briefly contain the death spirit.
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While exploring Siryn’s memories in X-Factor #9, they learn how the Morrigan was able to breach her mind and take control of her. Luckily, thanks to Prestige’s telepathic powers and Daken’s quick thinking, the X-Factor team is able to force out a prophecy from the mystical being that gives the team a clue as to which mutant is the key to stopping the malignant force.
The prophecy calls for “A father to his father, a warrior who is no killer, a traveler who goes nowhere, a secret keeper who shares everything. Bring an impossibility to battle and win, and only then will the Morrigan admit defeat.” Prodigy realizes that the prophecy refers to Shatterstar, a veteran member of both X-Force and X-Factor currently trapped within the Mojoverse. The team had already been planning to rescue Shatterstar and the other mutants captured by Mojo, but Siryn’s condition forces them to expedite their plans. With a little help, X-Factor is able to liberate Shatterstar and bring him back to Krakoa.
As soon as Shatterstar is safely back on the island, he challenges the Morrigan and nearly effortlessly defeats her in combat. It’s an impressive showing from the young hero, helping restore one of his former teammates and cementing his place in the current era of Krakoa. Unfortunately, there was an unexpected cost connected to the battle. With her final breath, the Morrigan curses Shatterstar, sending a strand of crimson energy through his chest.
The curse passes through his emotions and memories before it strikes at the heart of Rictor, Shatterstar’s former lover and current member of Excalibur. Although the full consequences of the curse are unknown, this could potentially could have an impact on Krakoa, especially considering how important Rictor has become to Apocalypse and his plans.
While the mystical threat to Krakoa has been nullified, the victory of the mutants came at great cost. Even in defeat, the Morrigan has found a way to strike at the X-Men and their allies at a time when the victory over her and Mojo should be cause for celebration.