Blackheart struggled violently against the barbed chains that held him. The two devils, that had pulled him from the fetid pit of hell he had been banished to after his defeat at the hands of the Ghostrider, leered at him obviously enjoying his discomfort. They were both massive reptilian creatures with heads of both goat and rooster twisted into an evil amalgamation, ragged red feathered wings grew high on their shoulders, their legs ending in huge cloven hooves.
Blackheart looked up at them from the floor of his father's private chambers, a villainous smile crossing his face, "Tiskliginian and Forzz. My father must want this to be a private affair sending you two to bring me here." he stated coolly blocking out the pain of his bonds.
The two devils looked at each other suspiciously; they were not renowned for their genius or cunning but more for their staggering capacity for violence, even among devils, alongside their complete loyalty to Mephistopheles.
Of both these traits, Blackheart was acutely aware, and he proceeded with extreme caution, "You both know that he will forgive me soon enough?" he asked, keeping his voice calm but commanding.
Forzz waved his huge scaled arm at Blackheart, "You'd do best to shut your mouth little prince." He snarled as Tiskliginian growled in agreement.
Blackheart smiled and slightly bowed staring back up at them, "I thank you for your wise council, but you know what I say is true. Soon enough I will be free again, and perhaps someday I will not fail," he challenged slyly.
Again the two devils looked at each other but this time they began to emit a terrible braying clucking hiss that passed for their terrible laughter.
The two devils advanced on Blackheart until they towered over him as Blackheart stared fiercely up at them, "Why you so stupid to think you ever going to win? You never beat the boss; you not even able to beat little messenger. You try, and then you fail, and you get punished. That how it always been, and how it always going to be." Forzz bleated at him mockingly sending Tiskliginian into another fit of maniacal laughing as they turned away crossing the room and departing through the only door in the dark room.
As they left, Blackheart seethed with anger. His father had done well to choose those wretched twins to bring him here. 'Between their shortsightedness and their loyalty, they are immune to my temptations or threats. They simply can not comprehend Mephistopheles being defeated,' he thought to himself as he returned to trying to free himself from his chains. Blackheart's frustration rose as it was becoming more obvious and more painful the futility of his escape attempts, "Soon enough father, you will suffer my wrath! Hell will be mine, and all shall suffer!!" he screamed angrily into the empty room.
Emma Frost, AKA: The White Queen, stared across her desk at the stately older man in front of her. He was dressed in the finest classical fashion. She could respect the style, but to someone of her ability, it did little to hide the truth.
As she smiled back at him, Mephistopheles went along to charmingly tell her the situation of his unruly son. She saw plainly enough the black pit that was his aura, a terrible and savage evil that was barley kept in check regardless of outward appearances.
She smiled again and nodded concernedly noting his son's repeated attempts at patricide as if it were of no more concern than taking the family car without permission. None of this shocked her anymore; it had been a long time indeed since she was the naive daughter of a tyrant. Emma Frost was now the headmistress of a very special place indeed, The Hellfire Academy, an aptly named institution as it turned out for this potential applicant.
When Mephistopheles had finished, he held his hands up in a helpless gesture that she believed Mephistopheles rarely used, "As you can see Emma, I can call you Emma?" he asked politely.
"Of course you can." She answered sweetly.
"I can not possibly tell you how frustrating it has been. Your reputation is impeccable as are your results from what I have learned," Mephistopheles complimented as he straightened the front of his suit.
Emma grinned broadly as she leaned forward placing her hands on her desk, "We here at the academy are very proud, and we work very hard to see that all of our students receive the best instruction and guidance that is possible. There is no extent we will not go to in order to insure the success of our students." she said proudly.
Mephistopheles smiled widely showing his large white predator's teeth, "Well then, do you think you can help me with this matter? I must be candid, this is my last alternative before I must make certain FINAL choices concerning my son," he said calmly.
Emma responded kindly but with firmness, "He must be bound into his human form at all times until the completing of the curriculum, and he will not be allowed visitations or be allowed to leave the campus without my express permission. My methods are mine, and are not to be questioned or even discussed except at my discretion. You do you understand these stipulations are nonnegotiable?"
"Of course, the matter will be in your complete control." Mephistopheles stated confidently.
Emma again smiled, "Well then, as long as we are in agreement on payment, I see very little left to discuss." she said as she stood. Her cloak fell into place, barely covering the thigh high leather boots, corset, and small bottoms she wore as her only attire. All were a brilliant white; she was a startling vision of beauty. Her long blonde hair framed her comely and intelligent face, and her stunning blue eyes were filled with confidence.
The lord of Hell stood slowly appreciating the sight presented before him, "Very well. Upon completion, you shall receive all the information you desire about Victor Von Doom and his harlot mother. As we've agreed, no implications of success for Blackheart have been given. I am gladly leaving my only son in your capable hands. He will be here in the morning." he stated contentedly leaning forward and taking her hand in both of his to gently place a vibrantly warm kiss on the back of her hand.