X-Men: The Unnatural Omega's Volume 3, Omniversal Breach
Chapter 22: Unraveling Threads
…
Inside a well-lit apartment in the heart of New York, Mary Jane Watson paced the floor. Her thoughts, clouded by recent encounters and raw emotions, felt like a storm she couldn't escape.
She had been trying to move on, to find a sense of normalcy again. Paul, her current boyfriend, had been nothing but supportive. But recent confrontations and revelations had left her questioning many of her past decisions, particularly regarding Peter.
The past echoed painfully, especially since her encounter with the other Mary Jane. The words still rang in her ears, "He was thrown into a mass grave... like garbage." It was an agony she couldn't fully comprehend.
Granny, a petite, feisty elderly woman from the world of loony toons, was in the kitchen, making tea to help soothe Mary Jane's nerves. The chirpy voice of Tweety could be heard as he comforted her, "It's gonna be okay, Miss MJ."
Baymax, his large inflatable body contrasting sharply with the apartment's decor, was on standby. "Your heart rate is elevated, Mary Jane. Would you like assistance in relaxation techniques?"
Before she could answer, a sudden flash from the television caught her attention. The news report showcased aerial footage of a street, crowded with onlookers. A familiar red and blue figure lay motionless, surrounded by paramedics.
The broadcaster's voice was grim, "...unbelievable scenes here in Manhattan as Spider-Man, the city's beloved hero, has been critically injured. The exact circumstances of the incident are unclear..."
Mary Jane's heart stopped. The mug she held slipped from her hand, shattering on the floor, the tea spreading in all directions. Paul rushed in from the other room, alarmed by the noise.
"What happened? Are you—" He froze mid-sentence as he saw the screen.
For a moment, time seemed to slow. The weight of reality, heavy and inescapable, pressed down on her. She felt a hand on her shoulder; it was Granny, offering a fragile comfort in the maelstrom of emotion.
She had to know. She had to be there. With a determination born of panic and need, Mary Jane grabbed her coat. "I have to go to the hospital. Now."
Baymax stepped forward, his voice filled with concern. "I will accompany you." Followed by paul saying, "So will I." As he grabbed his keys.
As the door shut behind them, the apartment was left in silence, save for the continued broadcast of the news report and the soft chirping of Tweety, who, for once, seemed at a loss for words.
The atmosphere in the waiting room was oppressive, the weight of anxiety and worry in the air. The sterile hospital lighting did little to warm the cold, unwelcoming space.
Mary Jane rushed through the automatic doors, Baymax following closely behind, his large frame causing some of the seated visitors to glance up in surprise. It didn't take her long to spot the familiar fiery hair of the other Mary Jane. She was seated, hands clenched in her lap, her face pale, repeating a mantra of disbelief: "Not again... not again... not again."
MJ approached hesitantly, unsure of what to say. "Hey... I... I saw the news..."
The other Mary Jane looked up; her eyes reddened from crying. Their gaze met, two souls joined in shared grief and worry. Words weren't needed.
Baymax, in his unique way of understanding human emotions, offered, "We are here to support Peter."
Time dragged on, feeling more like an eternity. The silence was occasionally punctuated by soft sobbing or whispered reassurances.
Finally, a door opened, and a doctor stepped out, pulling off his surgical mask. He looked weary but professional. All eyes were on him, every individual hanging onto the hope that he carried good news.
"He's out of surgery," the doctor began, sighing with relief. "The bullet was lodged in a tricky spot, but we managed to extract it. He's stable now but remains unconscious."
A collective sigh of relief swept through the room, but the doctor wasn't finished.
"There's something else. The bullet... it had specific markings, almost like engravings. We've contacted S.H.I.E.L.D., as it might be of interest to them. Director Nick Fury should be here shortly."
The announcement was met with a mix of confusion and concern. Who would want to harm Peter with such a specific, marked bullet? The underlying mystery only added to the tension in the room.
It wasn't long before the unmistakable figure of Nick Fury, with his signature eyepatch, entered the hospital. His demeanor was somber but decisive.
"We'll get to the bottom of this," he assured the room, his eyes scanning the faces of the two Mary Janes, "Spider-Man has more allies than enemies. Whoever did this will pay."
…
A few minutes later…
Nick Fury's single eye widened, a rare display of surprise from the hardened Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. He held the extracted bullet up, the dim hospital lighting through the bag, revealing the enigmatic inscriptions etched into its surface. They twisted and turned in a design that seemed almost... alive.
"Damn it," Fury murmured, cursing under his breath. His fingers rapidly danced over his phone's screen, sending a secure message to Krakoa.
The urgency of the situation wasn't lost on those in the waiting room. The two Mary Janes exchanged worried glances, waiting for someone to shed light on the gravity of the situation.
Within the hour, a portal opened nearby, revealing the figure of Gandalf the white. His eyes, usually filled with wisdom and light, were clouded with concern. He strode over, staff in hand, and Fury handed him the bullet without a word.
Gandalf examined the inscribed projectile, his fingers tracing the markings. "It's akin to the Black Speech," he said gravely. "This is a design I hoped never to see again."
He looked up, meeting the gazes of those present. "This bullet is reminiscent of a Morgul blade. Such blades are forged in the land of Mordor, and those wounded by them, if not treated in time, can be transformed into wraiths, shadows of their former selves, bound to the will of their attacker."
Fury's jaw tightened, "So, what you're saying is...?"
Gandalf took a deep breath, "If the effects of this bullet are akin to that of a Morgul blade, then Spider-Man's very soul is in jeopardy. We must act quickly to reverse the effects and save him from a fate worse than death."
The room fell silent, the magnitude of the revelation weighing heavily on everyone. The mission had now shifted from merely saving Peter's life to saving his very essence.
…
A short while later…
Emma frost was in the hospital when suddenly, she got a call that stops her blood in her veins, nightcrawler... he's been hit with the same bullet... he's in critical condition...! and while they were processing that Jean received a call of her own, She-Hulk was on the other end, she was frantic, Tony... he's been hit while at a fundraiser...! It got him in the shoulder...!
The heroes exchanged worried glances. This wasn't a random attack. This was coordinated, deliberate, and far-reaching.
Captain America adjusted his shield, his face grave. "This isn't just about injuring us physically; it's about breaking our spirits. He's telling us to back off."
Ms. Marvel, her expression filled with concern, asked, "Sauron? But why now? And why use Black Speech?"
Deadpool, tightening the grip on his katana, quipped, "Maybe the big bad eye decided to upgrade his tactics? But he's picked a fight with the wrong crowd."
Gandalf, stroking his beard, said gravely, "The Black Speech is no trivial matter. Using it in this manner, Sauron's message is clear. He sees all of you as a genuine threat."
Spider-Gwen, after checking her web-shooter, added, "Reports are coming in from all over. It's not just us. Heroes worldwide are being targeted."
Jean Grey, eyes closed in concentration, stated, "There's an orchestrated plan behind this. It's vast and intricately weaved. Sauron is flexing his muscles."
Logan, claws out, snarled, "Then we flex back. Harder."
The metallic-armed Logan from the Dark Multiverse, alongside his version of Laura, agreed. "We can't let him dictate the terms of this battle. We decide our fate."
Emma Frost, her eyes teary, whispered, "Kurt... Tony... We won't let Sauron win. Not this time."
She-Hulk, clenching her fists, said, "We rally. We fight. And we remind Sauron why it's a bad idea to mess with Earth's mightiest."
Just then jean received another message from her phone. After answering the call and thanking the person on the other end she hung up. "We may have caught a break; they managed to track and capture the goblin that shot tony."
…
10 minutes later…
The dim, oppressive atmosphere in the interrogation cell weighed heavily on everyone present. The Goblin, despite being restrained, seemed almost at ease, its gnarly green skin glistening subtly, and its yellow eyes darting around as it appraised each individual.
Upon swallowing the Specter Elixir, Geralt's yellow eyes began to glow faintly, revealing the contours of the room in a different light. Notably, a small chip, nestled within the Goblin's skull, became apparent. The Witcher leaned in, whispering his findings to Gandalf and Letho, who both seemed deeply concerned.
Aragorn was the first to approach. "You will tell us who sent you," he declared, his kingly ranger evident. Yet the Goblin simply snickered in response. "Do it… I dare you to kill me."
For a moment Aragorn glared at the goblin as if considering it, but instead broke his gaze, knowing that they needed the information out of it, so he decided to let the others have a chance.
Geralt and Letho, standing side by side, shared a brief nod before both Witchers focused their energies simultaneously. Their irises glowed a deeper shade of amber as they aimed to cast the Axii sign on the creature. If this Goblin's will was like that of a regular man or beast, Axii would easily sway it, making it more amiable and truthful.
Yet, as seconds passed, their efforts proved futile. The Goblin merely tilted its head, its wicked grin broadening. Letho grunted in frustration, pushing more power into his sign. Geralt's eyes flared brighter as he too intensified his efforts. But the Goblin just laughed, a grating sound that echoed around the chamber.
"It seems your tricks won't work on this one," remarked Aragorn, his grip tightening on the hilt of his sword.
Letho frowned. "He's resisting Axii. That's not normal. There's powerful magic at play here."
Legolas quickly nocked an arrow, its point shimmering mere inches from the Goblin's eye. "Speak, creature, before I decide you're not worth keeping alive."
But the Goblin's amusement only seemed to grow. "You think these parlor tricks can break me?" it taunted.
Seeing the others' attempts falter, Gandalf advanced, his staff glowing. "Do not mistake our patience for weakness," he intoned, his voice echoing with magic.
Yet even the formidable wizard's presence seemed to leave the Goblin unimpressed. "So many attempts, so little result," it cackled.
It was then that Kratos, ever the embodiment of controlled balance between rage and calm, approached, Leviathan axe in hand. The icy enchantment of the weapon glinted menacingly. Drawing the blade close to the Goblin's throat, everyone watched in astonishment as the icy aura of the axe began to dissipate upon contact with the Goblin's skin. It was clear that some potent magic protected the creature.
Eyes locked onto Gandalf's; the Goblin grinned wider. "Sauron sends his regards. You may have dealt with his lesser minions, but this is a new dawn."
The weight of the Goblin's words sank in, and the chamber was filled with a sense of foreboding, as everyone realized the gravity of the situation they now faced.
Then finally, it was Derreck's turn, who pulled up a chair and sat in front of the goblin…. With an irritated look on his face.
"I'm going to be honest with you and you're going to listen". He said with every ounce of seriousness that commanded even the goblins attention.
"I don't have time to entertain you, so I'm going to use a method I usually wouldn't use, but you've forced my hand".
And without wasting a moment, he held up his right hand, as his index and middle finger turned into two black, worm-like, slithering tentacles and while grabbing the goblins mouth and pulling it forward…. shoved them up the goblins nose, as the goblin screamed in agony and it started bleeding out of the nose and ears everyone could only watch in shock at the gruesome but necessary act.
Derreck's intense interrogation method sent shockwaves through the room. Heroes like Aragorn, Kratos, and even Letho, who had seen many a cruel act in their time, were taken aback. The chamber, thick with tension, was now punctuated by the goblin's agonized screams.
Gandalf's ancient eyes glinted with an understanding of the dark magic at play, while Geralt and Letho exchanged glances, each acutely aware of the urgency of the situation.
After an agonizing stretch of time, Derreck finally pulled away, his fingers reverting to their normal form. The goblin lay panting and twitching, its eyes wide with terror.
Derreck straightened, brushing off his hands. "We have a problem," he announced, his voice grim.
The room waited in hushed anticipation.
"Sauron has orchestrated these attacks on our friends to keep us distracted. The Morgul bullets, the ambushes, the challenges - all were designed to keep our attention away from the bigger picture. He's targeting Eren and Historia's world," Derreck paused, his expression grave. "They're on Paradise Island, and Sauron's forces may already be there."
Gandalf's face darkened with realization. "This is a coordinated assault. We've been reacting to his moves, playing right into his hands."
Kratos' grip tightened on the Leviathan axe, "Then we move. Now."
…
Sometime later…
The soft hum of the portal faded, leaving the group standing on the sun-kissed shores of Paradise Island. The expansive horizon stretched out before them, with dense forests cascading down to the shimmering water's edge. A brief moment of calm greeted the group, offering a stark contrast to the uncertainty they had left behind.
Levi, Mikasa, Jean, Connie, and Hange were already there, having set up a makeshift command center amidst the ruins of a once-thriving settlement. Their faces etched with concern and fatigue, they turned to greet their arriving comrades.
"Any updates?" Kratos grunted, his eyes scanning the horizon as Mimir, hanging on his belt, took in their surroundings with curiosity.
Eren and Historia, flanking Levi, exchanged glances. "We've been patrolling the interior," Eren began, his voice laced with worry. "Some scattered Uruk-hai, but nothing major. Yet."
Gandalf, staff in hand, stepped forward. "Any signs of Sauron's presence here?"
Levi shook his head. "Nothing direct. But there's an unease in the air. As if we're being watched."
As they conversed, the pristine beauty of the island masked an underlying tension, with distant cries and the occasional plume of smoke hinting at scattered skirmishes not far from their location.
The soft rustle of the trees and the distant calls of wildlife became drowned out as everyone focused intently on an approaching Uruk-hai. Jean, having taken a sniper position on a nearby elevation, had fired the first shot. The metallic clang of the bullet ricocheting off the creature's thick armor sent a wave of unease through the group.
"What the- "! Jean uttered as he fired another shot at the creature in the same spot with a loud, BANG! Only for it to have no effect as the bullet bounced off, hitting the ground in front of it.
It was immediately clear that conventional tactics wouldn't suffice against this opponent.
Then it started running towards them.
Mikasa's fingers danced with practiced precision, arming her Thunder Spears as she shouted, WHY WONT IT GO DOWN!
Kratos, known for his fierce combat skills and fearlessness, took a moment to gauge his enemy. Summoning the weight and might of his Leviathan Axe, he hurled it with deadly intent. Yet, the creature's inhuman reflexes were astonishing. It snatched the flying weapon out of the air twirling it for a brief second, before flinging it back towards its owner. The God of War narrowly managed to reclaim his weapon, the wind from the returning axe ruffling his beard.
Logan-2's eyes narrowed, claws extended, emitting a feral growl that resonated with the mounting tension. He'd faced numerous foes in his time, but the audacity of this creature was new territory.
Ciri's fingers tightened around her sword, her elder blood abilities tingling with anticipation. Atreus, beside his father, nocked an arrow, its tip glowing faintly with a magical enchantment. Both of them exchanged a quick, wordless strategy, readying themselves for the oncoming battle.
When Mikasa and connie finally unleashed their Thunder Spears blanketing the area, a blinding explosion illuminated the dusk, the force of it sending shockwaves through the vicinity. Yet, as the dust and smoke cleared, the Uruk-hai's silhouette, still charging forward, was an ominous testament to its resilience.
Gandalf, ever the sage, whispered words of ancient power, his staff glowing brightly. "Be prepared," he murmured. "This is a foe that Sauron has meticulously crafted. It's unlike the normal Uruk-hai we've faced."
The enhanced Uruk-hai charged with such a ferocity that for a moment, the air was sucked out of the battlefield. The ground rumbled under the sheer might of this creature. Mikasa and Ciri unleashed a volley of attacks which didn't get very far into its armor with Mikasa's swords shattering upon contact, but the Uruk-hai swatted them away like they were mere annoyances.
Logan-2, with his sharp claws extended and eyes narrowed, launched himself at the creature, but the Uruk-hai's speed was mind-boggling. In one swift motion, it gripped a medium sized wboat which was next to it at this point, hoisting it overhead with a roar. And before anyone could react, it brought the boat crashing down onto Logan-2, burying him under the weight and sending shards of wood and debris in all directions.
A war cry echoed across the battlefield, as Kratos, a god in his own right, charged. But even he found himself matched, blow for blow, by the monstrous might of the Uruk-hai. Every clash of their fists sounded like thunder, creating shockwaves that reverberated across the island.
The very ground beneath them splintered and cracked as their duel continued. Buildings crumbled, and the ground gave way, opening a massive fissure that stretched about forty to fifty feet. As they locked arms, trying to overpower each other, Kratos's eyes locked onto the Uruk-hai's, and he was met with the haunting sight of the omega symbols, a techno-organic imprint glowing with a dark, malevolent light.
That moment of recognition was all the Uruk-hai needed. Using its slight advantage, the creature pushed Kratos back, sending the God of War crashing through several structures. The might and resilience of the Uruk-hai, seemingly insurmountable, filled Kratos with a dread he hadn't felt in centuries. If Sauron had managed to produce an army of these... The very thought was chilling.
Around them, Atreus, Gandalf, and the others rallied, launching a combined assault. Spells, arrows, and blades rained down on the creature, but it seemed unfazed, its focus entirely on Kratos.
As the battle raged on, it was clear that the enhanced Uruk-hai's strength was not diminishing. If anything, it was growing stronger, becoming even more ferocious. The berserker rage driving the creature made it a relentless and unstoppable force, seemingly immune to pain or fear.
Jean, seeing the chaos unfolding, channeled her psychic abilities, attempting to penetrate the Uruk-hai's mind and calm its frenzy. But the dark energy surrounding the creature seemed to form a protective barrier, deflecting her efforts.
Ciri, using her powers of space-time manipulation, teleported above the creature, attempting to plunge her blade into its neck. But the Uruk-hai reacted with astounding speed, catching her mid-air and hurling her away. She skidded across the ground but quickly regained her composure, darting back into the fray.
Gandalf, his staff glowing with arcane power, chanted incantations, hurling explosive fireballs towards the beast. Each explosion rocked the docks, leaving clouds of smoke and ash in their wake. But as the smoke cleared, the Uruk-hai, singed but still standing, let out an earsplitting roar.
The distant sound of galloping hooves and the rumbling of boots signaled the arrival of additional reinforcements. Bursting onto the scene, Thrud, Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn quickly took in the devastation. Without missing a beat, they charged towards the still recovering Uruk-hai.
The creature, momentarily disoriented from its earlier skirmish, tried to defend itself. Aragorn, with some strain and his usual precision, parried its strike making its fist crash into the ground beside him. while Legolas unleashed a barrage of arrows. Each shot was aimed at the weak points in the Uruk-hai's armor, distracting it from the imminent, combined assault from Thrud and Gimli.
Drawing strength from deep within, Thrud summoned the might of her lineage and hurled Mjölnir straight at the creature. The hammer's path was unerring, targeting the left side of its head. Almost simultaneously, Gimli, using all his dwarf might, swung his axe given to him by the dwarves of the same universe as the Asgardians. at the right side of the Uruk-hai's cranium.
The combined force of the attacks was unparalleled. The sound of metal striking flesh was thunderous, echoing across the devastated docks. The Uruk-hai's final cry was abruptly cut off as the two mighty weapons connected, effectively ending the monster's reign of terror.
Gasping for breath, the group gathered. The scouts, among them Mikasa, Jean, and Connie, took a moment to regroup. Mikasa was looking down at a piece of thunder spear thinking to herself, "How, how could it withstand all that?"
While Mikasa was lost in her thoughts, Jean's attention was focused on the fallen behemoth. Its massive, armored form lay sprawled across the ground. but there was something unnerving about its posture. Hange, ever the curious scientist, approached cautiously with her equipment which was nearby in tow.
"Something isn't right," she murmured, examining the beast.
To everyone's horror, the Uruk-hai's limbs began to twitch spasmodically. Its fingers curled and uncurled, and its thick limbs shuddered. Even though it showed no signs of rising, the sheer unnaturalness of its movements sent chills down the spines of those watching.
"Can it regenerate?" Connie asked, taking a few steps back.
Legolas nocked another arrow, eyes fixed on the creature. "I've never seen an Uruk-hai behave this way."
Thrud, still holding Mjölnir, looked just as puzzled. "The force with which we struck should have killed it instantly. There's something at play here that we don't understand."
Gimli, hefting his axe, growled, "It might be some dark magic that Sauron infused into these monstrosities."
Hange, intrigued and slightly unnerved, began to take samples, poking and prodding the beast in-between it's armor. "We need to understand this. If Sauron has indeed created a new breed of Uruk-hai that can resist even fatal blows, we're facing a challenge the likes of which we've never seen before."
Aragorn knelt beside the twitching monster, his experienced eyes examining its form. "This is beyond the usual dark enchantments. It's as if the very essence of this creature refuses to let it die."
Gandalf, who had been silently observing the aftermath of the skirmish, slowly approached the twitching Uruk-hai. His eyes, always filled with wisdom and understanding, now held a depth of concern that spoke volumes.
He knelt, placing a hand on the armored beast, his fingers gently probing its hide. His brow furrowed as he closed his eyes, trying to sense any dark enchantments. After a moment, he pulled away, looking deeply troubled.
"This is not the simple work of dark magic or craftsmanship," Gandalf murmured, more to himself than to the group. "This... this is an abomination of nature, a creature forged from the very depths of Sauron's malice."
He turned to face the gathering, his gaze meeting Kratos's. "I share your concerns. If Sauron manages to amass an army of these behemoths, it would not just be Middle-Earth that would be in peril. All realms, all worlds, would stand on the brink of annihilation."
Thrud stepped forward, Mjölnir in hand, "Then we must act swiftly. We cannot allow him to continue this."
Gandalf acknowledged her with a nod. "We must find a way to counter this new breed, and quickly."
He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "We need to rally our allies, gather intelligence, and strike at the heart of this new menace before it can grow any further. Sauron has thrown down the gauntlet, and we must be prepared to meet it head-on."
The sense of urgency wasn't lost on anyone. Everyone present realized that they were standing on a precipice, and the choices they made in the coming days would determine the fate of countless lives across multiple worlds.
…
Sometime later… On the island of Kroakoa
In the dimly lit council chamber, Gandalf convened with the leading members of the coalition. The room was thick with anticipation as they awaited updates on their fallen comrades.
A holographic projection flickered to life, displaying a report. The face of Tony Stark appeared first. Images showed the trajectory of the Morgul bullet and how the nanobots swiftly moved to envelop the injury site. The visual shifted to a readout of Stark's vitals, which were stable. Narration accompanied the visuals, explaining that Tony had used the cutting-edge nanotechnology of his suit to construct a protective barrier around the affected area, preventing further spread of the bullet's toxic influence.
The image changed to Nightcrawler. His condition was serious but not critical. He was being held in a specialized containment unit to monitor any changes, but the impact of the Morgul bullet, while damaging, hadn't hit a vital organ.
The mood shifted when Peter Parker's image appeared. The brutal impact of the bullet followed by the car crash had left him in a precarious state. The report indicated severe cranial trauma and showed nanobots working tirelessly to stabilize the affected region. A graph displayed his vitals, which were worryingly erratic.
Gandalf's voice broke the silence, thick with concern. "Tony's resourcefulness may very well save him and Nightcrawler, but Peter... His situation is dire. The nanobots are doing what they can, but the trauma to his brain is profound."
Jean Grey, her face etched with worry, added, "I tried to reach out to him telepathically, but his mind is in turmoil. It's a maelstrom of pain and confusion."
Logan , his usual stoic demeanor replaced with concern, clenched his fists. "Is there anything we can do? Anything at all?"
Gandalf shook his head slowly. "Time and hope are what he needs now. And perhaps a miracle."
…
The dimly lit corridors of the hospital echoed with muffled sobs and whispered conversations, providing a solemn backdrop for the ongoing tragedy within. The smell of antiseptics and the faint rhythmic beeping from numerous machines painted a picture of clinical urgency. One room, in particular, drew the most attention.
Inside, Peter, the Spider-Man of both worlds, lay ensconced within a cocoon of wires and tubes. The normally vibrant hero now seemed pale and vulnerable, a sight that deeply affected everyone who knew him. His steady breathing, amplified by the machines, was the room's only reassurance that he was still fighting.
MJ from the dark multiverse sat next to him, her hand gently cradling his. Her red eyes, devoid of their usual sparkle, fixated on his face, seeking any sign of life beyond the artificial support. Memories of her own Peter cascaded through her mind, the hurt and pain of that loss making this situation almost unbearable.
This world's MJ, with her boyfriend Paul by her side, stood at the foot of Peter's bed. The weight of the scene pressed heavily on her, causing her to lean on Paul for support. Each silent tear that ran down her face spoke volumes about the depth of her pain.
Spider-Gwen, mask off and placed beside her on a table, stared out of the window, the city lights offering a stark contrast to the dimness inside. Her posture, rigid and tense, reflected her internal turmoil.
Other heroes had come to show their support. Captain America, usually a beacon of hope, looked unusually weary, his iconic shield resting against the wall. Ms. Marvel, her vibrant costume seeming out of place in such a setting, tried to hold back her tears. Even Deadpool, usually the irreverent one, had his mask pulled back slightly, revealing eyes filled with genuine concern.
Time seemed to stand still in that room. Each heartbeat, each breath felt drawn out, as everyone waited, hoped, and prayed for Peter to make it through.
The MJ from the dark multiverse prayed, she prayed harder than she ever had in her life she cried out in her head to the one who helped peter in the past, to the core, the god of the original universe with all she had, Please, please help peter, my peter, he's lost so much already.
The room, which moments before was drowning in somber silence, suddenly became a whirlwind of activity and gasps. The monitors Peter was connected to began displaying rapidly changing readings, drawing the immediate attention of medical staff who rushed in.
The stark, black veins that had ominously spread across Peter's pale skin began to retreat, receding back to the wound at the base of his neck. As they did, the pallor of his skin was replaced with its natural color, signifying the ebbing away of the dark magic that had threatened his life.
MJ from the dark multiverse, feeling the warmth return to Peter's hand, looked up to meet his eyes. The familiar glint was back, though clouded with confusion and pain. Her voice, choked with emotion, barely more than a whisper, managed to utter, "Peter?"
He tried to speak, his voice raspy from disuse, "MJ? Wha... what happened?"
But the moment was truly defined by the two MJs. This world's MJ, with tears streaming down her face, hugged Paul tightly, her happiness evident. The other MJ, still holding Peter's hand, silently sent her heartfelt gratitude to the core, the god of the original universe. Her prayer had been answered. The pain of her past losses made this moment even more poignant.
Gandalf, who had just arrived at the hospital, sensing the shift in magic, observed the scene from the doorway. "Sauron's dark magic is powerful, but there are forces out there that are beyond even his power."
…
The hospital's private room was filled with a sense of quiet wonderment. The medical team had been attending Peter for hours, running tests and double-checking their results, looking for some logical explanation. But the reality defied all scientific understanding.
Doctor Helen Ramirez, a renowned neurologist, held Peter's scans from before and after the miraculous recovery. "This is unprecedented. Not only has every trace of the injury been erased, but old scars, healed fractures... they've disappeared. As if they never existed."
Beside her, geneticist Dr. Timothy Markov analyzed the DNA samples. "The anomalies in his DNA, the inconsistencies due to the spider DNA, they've been resolved. It's like a perfect fusion. I've never seen anything like it. It's stabilized. Everything is in perfect harmony."
Gandalf, leaning against the door frame, had a thoughtful expression on his face. "This force that healed Peter... it's ancient. Older than anything I've encountered. It didn't just heal his physical body; it went deeper, cleansing and illuminating his very essence. His spirit is glowing, purer than before."
Spider-Gwen, sitting next to Peter, remarked with a laugh, "Sounds like you got a software update, Peter."
He chuckled weakly, "Feels like it. Everything seems... clearer. More vibrant."
MJ from the dark multiverse took Peter's hand gently, her eyes brimming with tears. "I'm just glad you're back, and better than ever."
Emma Frost, who had been silent, spoke up. "His psychic signature is different. Calmer.
Gandalf, gazing out of the window, took a deep breath, collecting his thoughts. In all his long years, he had come across many beings of great power. Some were benevolent, while others wielded their might for nefarious purposes. But the force that had touched Peter was on a different level entirely.
It was neither magic nor any known force in any universe. It was divine, stemming from a place of such purity and benevolence that even the evilest entities couldn't fathom its depth.
"The Core," Gandalf murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
MJ from the dark multiverse, sensing his contemplation, looked up. "The Core? You mean the god you all have interacted with in the past? That's who helped peter?"
Gandalf nodded. "The Core is the foundation of all realities, the original universe's God. It's a force beyond comprehension, and its mercy knows no bounds. I've known of it, respected its power, and understood that it oversees everything, even us."
He turned to face the room; his eyes filled with a wisdom that spanned ages. "Regardless of where we stand in the cosmos, or how mighty we believe ourselves to be, we're but a mere speck in the grand design. The Core's influence is beyond measure. And today, it chose to show mercy to one who earnestly asked for it."
MJ's eyes shimmered with tears. "I prayed with all my heart. I've lost Peter once; I couldn't bear to lose him again."
Gandalf walked over and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your heartfelt plea reached the ears of the divine. Your love for Peter, combined with the Core's boundless compassion, brought about this miracle."
…
Inside a fortified chamber, fitted with state-of-the-art monitoring devices and a gloomy atmosphere, lay the dissected form of the Uruk-hai. It was securely bound, with an eerie sporadic twitching that was enough to unsettle even the most seasoned of the group.
Gandalf peered at it, a worried furrow on his brow. "This creature is a testament to Sauron's malevolent craftsmanship," he murmured.
Hange, known for her intense curiosity, was the first to lean in, her tools ready. Before making her incision, she halted, observing a curious feature. "Look at this," she pointed out, gesturing to the creature's hands.
Batman, his ever-analytical mind at work, remarked, "It appears as if it's been burned...from when it grappled with Kratos."
"Exactly," Hange replied. "Yet, it continued to fight despite the visible harm. It's evident that while the pain was inflicted, the creature either didn't register it or just didn't care."
Mr. Fantastic, his gaze fixed on the creature, contemplated, "The melding of dark sorcery and technology... Sauron has crafted a being that blurs the line between machine and organism."
While the group discussed the implications, Kratos, usually a figure of unwavering strength, had a contemplative expression. "For it to withstand my power," he rumbled, "is no small feat."
Lego-Batman, despite his miniature form, was deeply engrossed in the enigma in front of him. "It's well-engineered, no doubt. But there must be a way to counteract these creations."
Dr. Strange, his fingers moving in mystic patterns, provided an arcane perspective. "The dark magics embedded within this creature are intense. It's a blend of two formidable forces. However, it also means it could have combined weaknesses."
As the team continued their examination, Hange's scalpel finally pierced the creature's cranium, revealing a complex web of circuitry interspersed with organic matter.
"By the gods," muttered Gandalf, "It's more machine than creature."
Batman, ever the detective, probed further. "This level of fusion between machine and being... it's unparalleled. The robotic parts seem to be in control, effectively erasing sensations such as pain."
Hange, closely examining the mesh of circuits and tissue, speculated, "This is why it was so relentless. It doesn't understand fear or pain."
Lego-Batman added, "The more we understand this, the closer we get to finding a way to disable them."
Mr. Fantastic postulated, "If we can break down its technological aspects and understand the sorcery binding it, we might be able to find a countermeasure."
Gandalf, his voice carrying the weight of centuries, declared, "We need to be prepared. If Sauron has managed to create an army of these, the future battles we face will be unlike any before."
Amid the discussions and analysis, Lego-Batman's keen eyes caught an anomaly on one of the monitors. "Wait a minute," he interjected, pointing at the fluctuating readings on the display, "Do you all see that?"
The group's attention zeroed in on the erratic energy patterns emanating from the Uruk-hai's hands. The readings indicated an abnormal energy buildup, a sign that the creature's internal systems were on the brink of overload.
Mr. Fantastic, examining the data closely, nodded in agreement. "It's like... it's reached its threshold for damage absorption. The artificial system is beginning to fail."
Within moments, the chamber echoed with the unsettling roars of the Uruk-hai, its mechanical and organic components now at odds with one another. The creature writhed in evident pain, the burn marks on its hands now the epicenter of its anguish.
Gandalf, with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy, commented, "It seems Sauron's design, while formidable, isn't infallible. There's a limit to how much pain this creature can ignore before it catches up."
Lego-Batman, analyzing the data, deduced, "There's a time-delayed reaction. Like a buffer system. Once that buffer is breached, the creature becomes vulnerable."
Reed, always quick to experiment, already had an idea forming. "Pain receptors," he mused aloud. "If we can manipulate its ability to feel pain, we can control its functionality." Pulling out a compact device with an intricate interface, he quickly began inputting a sequence.
After a moment, he pressed a button and the room watched in anticipation. The Uruk-hai's roars gradually subsided and then, with another push of a button, they intensified again.
"This device," Reed began, holding it up, "can now toggle its pain receptors on and off. It's a temporary solution, but it gives us a significant advantage."
Batman, his mind already strategizing, said, "If we can mass-produce this technology and integrate it into our weapons or tactics, we'd have an effective means of neutralizing these creatures."
Dr. Strange, impressed, responded, "It's a blend of science and magic, just like the creature itself. A fitting countermeasure."
Then the next moment, the group was taken aback as, without warning, the Uruk-hai's head burst open in a violent explosion, sending shards of metal and organic matter flying. The secured room's reinforced walls contained the blast, but the shockwave knocked several of the team members off balance.
Smoke rose from the lifeless form of the Uruk-hai, and the once twitching creature now lay still, its bio-mechanical brain completely destroyed. The smell of burnt metal mixed with the acrid scent of singed flesh permeated the air.
Lego-Batman, the first to recover, immediately checked the monitors for any data spikes before the explosion. "It seems there was a rapid increase in temperature within the brain just moments before the detonation," he reported.
Hange, face covered in soot and brows furrowed, added, "So, not only does the pain buffering system have a limit, but there's also a risk of overheating if that limit is exceeded."
Kratos, who had seen many horrors in his lifetime, looked genuinely surprised. "Even the mightiest of weapons has its flaws," he commented.
Gandalf, stroking his beard thoughtfully, mused, "Sauron, in his quest for power, might have overlooked the basic principle of balance. By trying to create the perfect warrior, he might have inadvertently designed an unstable one."
Dr. Strange nodded, "It's the age-old folly of hubris. Pushing the boundaries without understanding the consequences."
Reed, carefully inspecting the remains, contemplated, "While this does provide a vulnerability, we need to be cautious. If these creatures have a tendency to self-destruct, they can pose a significant threat in close combat."
Batman concurred, "Agreed. We need strategies to exploit this weakness from a distance. And perhaps tech to accelerate the overheating process."
The room buzzed with discussions and plans. The discovery, though unexpected, provided them with crucial insights into Sauron's new weapon and a possible avenue to counteract it. But they all knew that with an adversary like Sauron, nothing was ever straightforward. They had to be prepared for the unexpected.