Preparation[]
These events take place following Part III: The Champion of the Gods/Mission: The Not-So-Good Book.
Hunter awakens in the middle of the night to find Agatha in their room. Agatha is upset that despite everything they have tried, the prophecy is still unfolding. She feels useless; all she can do is haunt the Library when she should be helping to bring the team together.
As Agatha departs, Wanda barges in, having overheard Hunter talking to her. This is the first time someone other than Hunter has been able to hear Agatha. Hunter handles Wanda for now, and the next day tells Agatha what happened. Agatha she decides to meet with Wanda that evening to tell her the truth.
That Night[]
Agatha asks Hunter to come to her shrine as Wanda is there calling for her. When Hunter arrives, Wanda demands to know the truth. Hunter tells her that Agatha is already here. Wanda cannot see Agatha, but when she speaks, Wanda can hear her.
Agatha tells Wanda that she should not bear the burden of her death. Wanda wants to take the blame, saying that she lost control, but Agatha tells her that it was her own fault as she pushed Wanda too hard too fast.
Agatha then tells them both that she wants to aid them in their fight against Lilith, but her connection to this world is too tenuous right now, thus her power is too weak. She knows of a secret ritual that can bind her to this place, but she will need a memento that is in Caretaker's Quarters. She cautions the two of them to not let Sara know of the ritual.
Hunter enters the room while Wanda stays outside as lookout. As Hunter searches for the memento, Nico happens to pass by and asks Wanda what she is doing there. Wanda makes up a story that she's waiting for Hunter to confess her feelings for them. Nico is shocked, calling it the hottest Abbey gossip since Blade and Captain Marvel, and wishes Wanda the best.
Just as Hunter finds the Memento of Agatha, Caretaker arrives at her room, tired and ready for bed. Wanda manages to draw her away, promising to tell her about a wonderful memory of Agatha speaking fondly of her. When Hunter exits Caretaker's room, Magik is passing by and questions what they were doing inside. Hunter defuses the situation.
Wanda and Hunter meet Agatha back at her shrine. Agatha explains that the memento is needed for the Gray Seneschal, a binding ritual in the Libris Inlicitus. Wanda knows of the spell, and warns that it is dangerous. Agatha replies that circumstances are so dire that it is worth the risk. She details the main concern: during the first part of the ritual, the spirit is extremely vulnerable to dissolution or possession.
If the ritual works, everyone at the Abbey will be able to see and hear Agatha, and she will be able to help when it is needed. They all agree to perform the ritual the next time the moon is right. Agatha again stresses the importance of keeping this from Sara, as she made the ritual and knows how great the risk, and slim the odds.
Next: Part III: The Champion of the Gods/Mission: Crossroads
The Ritual[]
These events take place following Part III: The Champion of the Gods/Mission: Crossroads.
Wanda sends Hunter a Superlink message saying that it's time for the ritual. When Hunter arrives at Agatha's Shrine, Wanda tells them that Agatha asked her to recruit a few of the others. All of the Midnight Suns will be there, as well as Doctor Strange and Logan.
Wanda leads Hunter to Agatha's Altar, where the others have already gathered. Hunter checks in on everyone.
Robbie thanks Hunter for doing all of this... although he doesn't really understand what they're doing. He's just there to support Hunter, Wanda, and Agatha.
Nico is a little pissed! She's upset that Wanda and Hunter weren't really a thing.
Magik now understands what Hunter was doing in Caretaker's room.
Doctor Strange has been anticipating this for a long time, as he knew Agatha wasn't completely gone. He didn't say anything before because he trusted that she had some elaborate plan that she'd put into motion when the time was right.
Blade has no idea how any of this is possible, but believes that Hunter and Wanda working together can do anything.
Logan always knew Agatha wasn't really gone. She always had a backup plan.
Agatha asks Hunter not to tell Sara if this doesn't work, so she doesn't have to lose her again.
At Wanda's request, Hunter lights the ritual braziers. She explains that they mark the ritual space. As long as nothing crosses the boundary, everyone will be fine. If something goes wrong, they will contain it.
With the braziers lit, Hunter touches base with the group one last time. Nico and Magik are both feeling positive. Strange cautions that Wanda should not be distracted during the ritual. Agatha feels more hopeful than she has in months.
Wanda begins the ritual, with everyone around her focusing and lending their strength. The others begin to be able to see and hear Agatha, when suddenly Caretaker approaches. She couldn't the keepsake Hunter had taken, and tracked it here using a spell.
Caretaker realizes that they are performing the Gray Seneschal and is angry, rushing in and breaking the boundary. As she does, there is a flash of red energy around Agatha. She begins to say horrible things to Caretaker, making it clear she has been possessed. The possessor soon reveals themself to be Mephisto.
Mephisto wants to strike a bargain; he will release Agatha if they turn over Illyana to him. Hunter stalls for time and speaks with her. She reveals that she has a plan to banish him, but in order to do it, she needs to channel a spell through someone here. It is painful and will cause injury to the individual, so she makes Hunter decide who she will focus the spell through.
On Hunter's signal, Magik casts her spell and forcibly ejects Mephisto from Agatha's spirit before banishing him. It works -- Agatha is back to normal, and everyone can see and hear her. The group gives Caretaker and Agatha some time alone.
Next: Part III: The Champion of the Gods/Mission: Backdoor