Marvel: From the Void and Back Again
Chapter 21: The Battle For New York, and A Glitch in The Cosmos
…
The room was tense as Destiny began to relay the details of her unsettling vision to Peter-Knull, Nick Fury, and several other key figures gathered in the briefing room at Avengers Tower. Peter-Knull held Madelyn protectively, his symbiotic form coiling around her in a comforting embrace. Madelyn's hand rested on her stomach that was developing a slight bump, her eyes filled with concern as she listened intently to Destiny's every word.
Destiny's voice was steady, but the gravity of her vision weighed heavily on everyone present. "I saw Sinister, torn apart like a beast had mauled him," she began. "There was a trail of blood leading to Peter-Knull, who looked devastated. He was balancing on his symbiote sword, trembling and haunted by something unimaginable. And then... there were the celestials covered in symbiotes, and out of each one came a Knull, each ready to attack Peter-Knull."
Peter-Knull's grip on Madelyn tightened protectively. "Were Madelyn and our children in danger?" he asked, in a steady voice that was filled with anxiety.
Destiny paused, her brow furrowing as she recalled the vision. "At that part in my vision, I only saw you confronting those celestials and the Knulls. It didn't look like Madelyn and the children were in the area."
Madelyn let out a sigh of relief, rubbing her stomach soothingly. "That's a small comfort," she said softly. "It's not a guarantee, but it's better than the alternative."
Nick Fury, standing with his arms crossed, glanced at Peter-Knull and Madelyn, his mind already working through how they should prepare for something of this magnitude, Destiny's gaze was serious as she continued. "The future I saw was bleak, but it's not set in stone. We have the power to change it. But we need to act quickly and decisively."
After everyone left the room, Madelyn placed a hand on Peter-Knull's cheek, her eyes filled with unwavering support. "We're in this together, all of us."
Peter-Knull held her slightly tighter, "I know Madelyn, I know…" as they embraced and held each other close.
…
Meanwhile outside the city…
Hydra, Orchis, and Sinister had been biding their time, and now they made their move. It was an all-out assault, the scale and ferocity of which took everyone completely off guard.
Explosions erupted in the distance, lighting up the sky with fiery bursts. Hydra's aerial bombardments rained down like a relentless storm, their sleek, black jets streaking through the air. Nick Fury, stationed on the SHIELD helicarrier, was quickly notified of the situation. His eyes widened as he took in the magnitude of the attack.
"All units, this is not a drill!" Fury barked into the comms. "We have a full-scale assault from Hydra, Orchis, and Sinister. Mobilize all forces immediately!"
Hydra bots, with their menacing red eyes and sleek metallic bodies, advanced in waves, their weapons blazing. Nimrod Sentinels, towering and imposing, moved with deadly precision, targeting anything that stood in their way. Mutant clones, augmented with various enhancements, joined the fray, their powers wreaking havoc on the battlefield.
The ground shook as Sentinels, their massive frames casting long shadows, deployed in strategic locations. Their cold, mechanical voices echoed commands, coordinating the chaos. Above, Hydra's jets strafed the city, unleashing a barrage of missiles and laser fire.
…
Peter-Knull, sensing the impending danger, was already on high alert. He looked out from his vantage point half way across the city in avengers tower. saw the devastation spreading across the horizon. "Madelyn, stay close," he said frantically, as he guided her to the bunker inside the building where he sent a silent command to Mecha-Spike 2, 3, and 4 to stay with her to keep her safe.
Once he was sure she was safe, he slowly parted from her side, and turned to the three clockwork symbiotes. Keep her safe…. No matter what…."
With that he turned and exited the room, closing the door behind him and locking it before quickly making his way out of the building.
…
The SHIELD helicarrier's control room was a flurry of activity. Agents scrambled to their stations, relaying orders and coordinating defenses. "Get the Avengers on the ground now!" Fury ordered. "We need all hands on deck!"
Nick Fury looked down at the chaos below, the edge of the city under siege. Buildings were crumbling, and the sky was alight with the glow of explosions. The assault was causing significant damage, and the command center was in total chaos.
"Agent Hill, get a status report from all units!" Fury barked, his voice cutting through the cacophony.
Agent Hill, standing nearby with a headset on, relayed the orders. "All units, report in. We need immediate updates on your status and civilian evacuation progress."
The comms were a mess of voices, each trying to be heard over the others. "This is Delta Team, we're holding the line but need backup—now!" one voice shouted.
"Bravo Team here, we've got civilians trapped in a collapsed building—requesting immediate assistance!" another voice came through.
"Gamma Team to HQ, we're engaging multiple Nimrod Sentinels and mutant clones. We're outnumbered!"
Fury's jaw clenched as he listened to the chaos unfolding. "Keep it together, people! Prioritize civilian safety and hold the line!" He turned to the tactical screen, watching as red markers—enemy units—moved closer to the city center.
Peter-Knull's voice came through the comms. "Fury, I'm en route to the front lines. We need to push them back before they reach the inner city."
"Understood, Peter," Fury replied. "We've got reinforcements coming, but it's going to take time. Hold the line until they get there."
Peter-Knull emerged from Avengers Tower, his symbiotic motorcycle roaring to life beneath him. He sped towards the battlefield, weaving through the chaotic streets. The sight that met him was one of utter devastation—Hydra bots, Nimrod Sentinels, and mutant clones swarming the city outskirts.
He skidded to a stop at the frontline, joining the Avengers and SHIELD agents fighting to protect the city. "We need to push them back!" Peter-Knull shouted, his voice cutting through the battle.
There were explosions and smoke everywhere. Explosions echoed through the streets, and the ground shook with the force of the onslaught. Despite the chaos, Peter-Knull continued to drive towards the chaos. He wouldn't let them take the city. Not today.
As he approached the frontline, he saw Logan, Jean Grey, and Colossus engaged in a fierce battle with three towering Sentinels. Peter-Knull didn't waste any time. He launched himself off his bike, hurling his body through the air towards the nearest Sentinel.
With a powerful impact, he crashed through the Sentinel's chest cavity, tearing through its circuits and causing it to malfunction. The massive robot staggered and then collapsed in a heap of sparking metal.
Peter-Knull landed gracefully and immediately manipulated his symbiotes to tunnel through the ground. Tendrils of symbiotic matter snaked through the earth and erupted beneath the second Sentinel, riddling its body and components like roots strangling a tree. The Sentinel twitched and sparked before toppling over, defeated.
The third Sentinel, seeing Peter-Knull's devastating attacks, tried to crush him underfoot. But Peter-Knull was far too tough for that. He ripped through the metal of the Sentinel's foot, slicing through its leg with a newly formed symbiote blade arm. The massive robot stumbled, but before it could recover, Peter-Knull shot upwards, delivering an uppercut that crumpled its head like tin foil. The Sentinel's head popped off, and it crashed to the ground.
The battlefield was total chaos. Explosions, gunfire, and the sounds of battle filled the air. There was barely any time to regroup before about four Nimrod Sentinels appeared, their advanced systems and deadly weaponry posing a new, formidable threat.
Peter-Knull and the others braced themselves as the Nimrod Sentinels advanced. "We need to take them down fast!" Logan growled, his claws glinting in the dim light.
Jean Grey's eyes glowed with telekinetic power. "Let's give them everything we've got!"
…
Halfway across the battlefield, Nightcrawler, She-Hulk, Captain America, Pixie, Jubilee, and Dazzler were occupied with taking out a few Hydra tanks and aircraft. The sounds of explosions and gunfire filled the air, a symphony of chaos and destruction.
Toon-Shade, Lunaris, and Beast-Shade took center stage, each drawing enemy fire with their unique abilities. Toon-Shade, with his cartoonish antics, pulled out a giant mallet from seemingly nowhere and dazed a Nimrod Sentinel. The machine's head spun, stars swirling around its metal cranium. With a flourish, Toon-Shade summoned an anvil out of thin air and hurled it towards another Sentinel, smashing its head in a shower of sparks.
Lunaris hovered above the battlefield, his gravity manipulation causing missiles to orbit around him. With a wave of his hand, he redirected the missiles towards the tanks that fired them, causing explosions that rocked the ground.
Beast-Shade, running on all fours, zipped and pounced between enemy fire. He slashed the barrels off several tanks with his razor-sharp claws and manipulated his furry symbiotic material to grab a few Orchis agents. With a powerful toss, he sent them crashing into more agents who were sneaking up on Pixie and Nightcrawler.
Amidst the chaos, they were all acutely aware of the civilians caught in the crossfire. Shield agents worked tirelessly to evacuate them, but the battle was intense, and the enemy forces relentless.
Suddenly, a massive explosion echoed in the distance. The ground shook, and they all turned to see a building start to crumble. Without hesitation, Toon-Shade zoomed over to Jubilee and Dazzler. In the blink of an eye, he scooped them up and whisked them away just before the building collapsed where they had been standing.
Jubilee, her eyes wide with shock, clung to Toon-Shade. "That was too close! Thanks, Toon-Shade."
Dazzler, her heart pounding, looked at him with deep gratitude. "You saved us. Thank you," she said, her voice soft and sincere. She leaned in and kissed Toon-Shade on the cheek, making his cartoonish eyes turn into hearts for a moment as he blushed.
Toon-Shade, visibly bashful, stammered, "Of course, my lady." His whimsical demeanor couldn't hide the genuine feelings he was developing for Dazzler.
Dazzler, her heart pounding, looked at Toon-Shade with deep gratitude. "You saved us. Thank you," she said softly, her voice sincere. She leaned in and kissed Toon-Shade on the cheek, making his cartoonish eyes turn into hearts for a moment as he blushed.
Toon-Shade, visibly bashful, stammered, "Of course, my lady." His whimsical demeanor couldn't hide the genuine feelings he was developing for Dazzler.
Meanwhile, She-Hulk, Captain America, and Pixie were in the thick of the battle. They encountered a group of cloned mutants, their appearances and abilities a horrifying blend of familiar faces. The first clone was a combination of Pixie herself and Laura, a lethal mix of agility and fairy-like wings paired with razor-sharp claws. The second was a combination of Nightcrawler and Colossus, featuring demonic teleportation abilities and unbreakable metal skin. The third was a grotesque fusion of Toad and Magik, blending teleportation with toxic saliva and incredible agility.
The sight of these abominations made the mutants present furious. The clones taunted them, their voices a twisted echo of their original counterparts. "Did you really think Sinister wasn't cataloging your DNA while you were on Krakoa?" one of the clones sneered.
The taunts only fueled the fury of Pixie, Jubilee, Dazzler, and Nightcrawler. Pixie's wings flared with a bright, magical light as she launched herself at her clone, wielding her Soul Dagger with precision. "You're a perversion of everything we stand for!" she shouted, her eyes blazing with determination.
Jubilee unleashed a barrage of her pyrotechnic blasts at the Colossus-Nightcrawler hybrid. "You won't tarnish what we've fought for!" she yelled, her fireworks lighting up the battlefield.
Dazzler, still buzzing with adrenaline from Toon-Shade's rescue, focused her energy into powerful sonic blasts, directing them at the clone of Toad and Magik. "You're nothing but a cheap imitation!" she cried, her voice ringing with defiance.
Nightcrawler, his heart aching at the sight of the twisted version of himself, teleported around the battlefield, using his agility and teleportation to outmaneuver the clone. "You mock our sacrifices!" he growled, his voice filled with a mix of anger and sorrow. He struck with precise, devastating blows, teleporting rapidly to disorient and weaken his cloned counterpart.
She-Hulk, muscles rippling with power, charged at the Pixie-Laura hybrid. "You're a disgrace to their memory!" she roared, smashing her fists into the clone with all her might. Her strength and ferocity made her an unstoppable force, each punch sending shockwaves through the ground as she attempted to hold her down.
Captain America, wielding his shield with practiced skill, engaged the Colossus-Nightcrawler clone. "We fight for the real heroes, not twisted copies!" he declared, using his shield to block attacks and deliver a sudden uppercut dazing the metallic clone for a moment.
Pixie, driven by righteous fury, clashed with her clone, their wings fluttering in a dazzling display of light and power. "You don't deserve the magic you've stolen!" she shouted, her Soul Dagger slicing through the air with deadly precision. The clone fought back fiercely, but Pixie's was relentless.
Dazzler, channeling her rage into pure energy, unleashed sonic waves that shattered the defenses of the Toad-Magik clone. "You'll never be us!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the battlefield. The clone stumbled, its form destabilizing under the relentless assault while Nightcrawler, teleported around his counterpart and the other two clones intervening once as the Toad/Magik clone was getting ready to slice caps arm off.
Beast-Shade and Toon-Shade moved swiftly to assist in restraining the three clones. Beast-Shade, with his powerful feline form, tackled the Pixie-Laura hybrid to the ground, his claws sinking into the ground to hold her in place. She-Hulk joined him, her immense strength pinning the clone down.
"Stay down!" She-Hulk growled, her eyes blazing with determination.
Toon-Shade, using his cartoonish agility, produced an oversized mallet from thin air and brought it down on the Colossus-Nightcrawler clone's head, dazing it long enough for Captain America to deliver a powerful shield bash that knocked the clone unconscious.
With the Toad-Magik clone, Dazzler's sonic waves continued to destabilize it, and Nightcrawler teleported in, delivering a series of rapid strikes with his swords. As the clone stumbled, Toon-Shade conjured a giant anvil that fell from the sky, knocking the clone out cold.
As they caught their breath, a massive explosion rocked a building in the city. Out of the smoke and debris charged Peter-Knull, dragging a cloned Colossus mixed with Wolverine. He lifted the clone effortlessly and delivered a devastating punch, sending it flying into a group of Sentinels and Nimrod Sentinels, causing a cascade of destruction.
"Shit! They keep coming! We need a new strategy!" Peter-Knull shouted over the chaos. Toon-Shade, his eyes narrowing in thought, quickly responded, "We cut the head off the snake! Their command structure is at the back of the formations! If we get to Sinister and Red Skull, we can shut them down!"
Logan and Captain America exchanged a determined look. "Let's do it," Logan growled. He activated his comms, relaying the plan to Fury on the SHIELD helicarrier. "Fury, we're going for the head. We need all units to converge on the massive Sentinel structure that's retrofitted into a Hydra/Orchis base. It's their command center."
Fury's voice crackled through the comms, steady and authoritative. "Understood. Diverting all available units to that location. We'll give you the support you need. Take them down."
Peter-Knull, Logan, and Captain America led the charge towards the command center. The battlefield was a chaotic mess of explosions, energy blasts, and the sounds of clashing metal. SHIELD agents and Avengers fought valiantly to hold back the tide of enemies, giving the team a chance to reach their target.
Toon-Shade, Lunaris, and Beast-Shade stayed close, using their unique abilities to clear a path. Toon-Shade pulled out all the stops, summoning giant hammers, anvils, and even a cartoonish wrecking ball to smash through enemy lines. Lunaris manipulated gravity to redirect missiles and enemy fire, creating a protective barrier around the team. Beast-Shade, with his ferocious speed and agility, tore through Hydra bots and Sentinels alike, clearing a path for the others.
As they approached the massive Sentinel structure, it loomed over them like a colossal fortress. The amalgamation of Master Mold Sentinels and Hydra/Orchis technology made it a formidable sight. Logan, his claws extended, led the way with Captain America beside him, shield at the ready.
"Remember," Peter-Knull shouted, "We need to take down Sinister and Red Skull. Once they're out of the picture, the rest will fall apart."
The team moved swiftly, their combined efforts making quick work of any resistance. They fought their way into the heart of the structure, facing waves of augmented mutants, Hydra bots, and advanced Sentinels. The closer they got to the command center, the fiercer the resistance became.
Inside the command center, Red Skull and Sinister monitored the battle, their faces twisted with frustration. Red Skull barked orders, his rage barely contained. "We need more firepower! Deploy everything we have!"
Sinister, his eyes gleaming with malevolent delight, added, "They're getting closer. But they won't reach us in time. Activate the defenses. Make sure they don't get through."
…
20 minutes later…
As the team breached the final defenses, they burst into the command center, weapons ready. The sight that greeted them was one of pure chaos—Red Skull, surrounded by advanced Hydra weaponry, and Sinister, his twisted creations standing guard.
"This ends now!" Captain America declared, his shield raised defiantly.
Logan growled, "We're taking you down, once and for all."
Peter-Knull didn't waste any time. He launched himself at Red Skull and Sinister, baring his sharp symbiote teeth. With incredible speed and ferocity, he tore through a robot, caving in the skull of another Hydra-bot. His chains with bladed meat-hooks on the ends lashed out, enveloped in black flames, slicing through a Nimrod Sentinel that got too close. The metal screeched and groaned as it was ripped apart.
Just then, the red blaring sirens of a countdown echoed through the facility. Red Skull, with a twisted smile, taunted, "You're too late! In a minute, this whole makeshift facility will go thermal-nuclear!"
Peter-Knull's eyes widened as he quickly assessed the situation. "EVACUATE NOW!" he shouted. "I'LL MOVE IT, BUT YOU ALL NEED TO GET CLEAR TO ENSURE YOU WON'T BE CAUGHT IN THE BLAST!"
Lunaris, Beast-Shade, and Toon-Shade sprang into action. Lunaris, using his gravity manipulation, floated gracefully out of the hole in the structure, carrying Pixie and Jubilee. Beast-Shade, with his powerful, agile form, grabbed hold of Nightcrawler and Logan, leaping out to safety. Toon-Shade, ever the dramatic, picked up Captain America and Dazzler, his cartoonish agility allowing him to bounce out of the collapsing structure with ease. While they were followed by the others.
Logan, eyes wide with panic, shouted, "WHAT ABOUT PETER-KNULL?!"
Toon-Shade, even amid chaos, managed a reassuring smile. "DON'T WORRY, HE'S MOVING IT TO HIS PERSONALLY TAILORED PRISON IN HIS UNIVERSE WHERE IT WON'T DO ANY HARM. BESIDES... HE'S SURVIVED WORSE!"
…
Meanwhile inside the facility…
Peter-Knull, surrounded by the whirling chaos of the countdown, focused his energy. He enveloped the facility with his symbiote, creating a massive cocoon of black, pulsating matter. With a powerful, concentrated effort, he began to transport the entire structure to his symbiotic universe, ensuring the imminent nuclear blast would be contained.
The seconds ticked down, and just as the countdown reached zero, Peter-Knull and the facility vanished in a blinding flash of symbiotic energy. The ground where the facility once stood trembled, but the expected explosion never came.
Outside, the team landed safely on the ground, watching the spot where Peter-Knull had disappeared. Jubilee and Logan noticed that the brunt of the Hydra and Orchis forces were losing. With their command center cut off, the basic Sentinels deactivated, and the remaining Hydra and Orchis forces were quickly overwhelmed.
Toon-Shade, eyes still reflecting his cartoonish demeanor, confirmed, "Peter-Knull is okay. He's on his way back from his symbiotic universe. Let's get back to the battle. We've still got work to do."
As he spoke, jets were falling out of the sky, crashing into the cityscape below. The battle raged on, with the Avengers, X-Men, and their symbiote allies throwing themselves back into the chaos.
…
An hour later, the tide had fully turned. Peter-Knull rounded up the last of the mutant clones and the remaining Orchis and Hydra agents. Their communication network had descended into chaos, and without direction, they were easily restrained. Peter-Knull used his symbiotic appendages to bind them or secured them with SHIELD cuffs, ensuring none could escape.
The aftermath of the battle was brutal. Several dozen buildings were leveled, and the city was left in ruins. Teams were already working to clear the debris and search for survivors, with Peter-Knull's symbiotes assisting in the cleanup. Despite the devastation, one thing was apparent: Hydra and Orchis were finished. No one in their right minds would support them now. Their organizations, already under scrutiny by the public, had become outright enemies of the people.
As the last of the captives were secured, Logan walked up to Peter-Knull, his expression one of weary relief that they finally managed to show Hydra and Orchis' true colors.
"We did it. Hydra and Orchis are done, after this display, no-one will openly support them now."
Peter-Knull nodded, his eyes scanning the ruined landscape. "Yes, but the cost of half the city. We have a lot of rebuilding to do."
Captain America joined them, his clockwork enhanced shield strapped to his back. "We'll rebuild, stronger than before. The people will see what we've done here and know that we stand against those who caused such chaos."
Nearby, Jubilee and Dazzler helped to clear debris, their faces showing a mix of exhaustion and determination. Toon-Shade bounced over, his demeanor more subdued than usual. "There will be lingering remnants, but we've dealt a significant blow to them. They won't recover from this and in the end, they only damaged their reputation."
Peter-Knull nudged Captain America to the side. "Steve, I need to talk to you about something."
Captain America turned, giving Peter-Knull his full attention. "What is it?"
Peter-Knull took a deep breath. "When I transported the Hydra/Orchis facility to my universe's prison, Red Skull went down in the blast. I want to know what you wish to do with him. This is personal for you. He may be dead, but we should decide whether to imprison him in my prison or let him pass onto this world's hell. Sending him to my prison is the safer option, so no other big bads can get ahold of him. Take your time and talk to Nick Fury about it. You don't have to decide right now."
Captain America frowned, his mind processing the information. "I appreciate you bringing this to me, Peter. I'll discuss it with Fury. Red Skull has caused a lot of pain and suffering. We need to make sure he can never do that again."
Peter-Knull nodded. "Take your time. Just let me know what you decide."
Captain America sighed, looking out over the devastated city. "We have a lot of work ahead of us. But we'll get through this, we must."
Peter-Knull nodded, "We will."
As Captain America walked away to discuss the matter with Nick Fury, Peter-Knull turned his attention back to the ongoing cleanup efforts. This was going to take a while to clean up…
…
As the cleanup efforts continued, Peter Parker, Spider-Gwen, and Miles Morales worked alongside Thor, searching through the wreckage with Peter-Knull's symbiotes. Pestilence-Bane, the rat-like symbiote, summoned local rats to assist in searching for survivors. His sharp, intelligent eyes scanned the surroundings as his small helpers scurried through the rubble.
Nearby, the angelic Seraphis symbiotes with their trinity-based forms moved gracefully, healing the wounded civilians with their radiant light. Their wings spread wide, casting a calming glow over the chaotic scene. A few Greysym symbiotes used their psychic abilities to sense life signs beneath the debris, providing critical information to the rescue teams.
Lunaris, with his moon-like form, hovered nearby, assisting She-Hulk and Titan, the Hulk clone, in lifting massive pieces of debris. Their combined strength was instrumental in clearing paths and uncovering trapped individuals.
"Over here!" Miles shouted, spotting a hand protruding from the rubble. He and Spider-Gwen rushed over, carefully clearing the debris to free a woman trapped underneath. But it was too late, she was already dead.
As they pulled her out, one of the Seraphis symbiotes approached. With a serene expression, the symbiote wrapped its wings around the woman, who had sustained severe injuries. Spider-Man and the others watched wondering what they were doing.
a soft light emanated from the symbiote, enveloping the injured woman. Miraculously, her wounds began to heal, and she slowly regained consciousness.
"You're okay," Spider-Gwen reassured her as the woman blinked in disbelief, tears streaming down her face.
"Thank you," the woman whispered, her voice filled with gratitude.
The Seraphis symbiote nodded and continued its work, moving gracefully to the next injured civilian. Ghost Rider, who was nearby, looked on in astonishment.
"They... pulled her back from the afterlife and put her back inside her body?" he muttered, his fiery eyes wide with disbelief.
Peter Parker turned to him, his mask unable to hide his curiosity. "What do you mean, Ghost Rider?"
Ghost Rider's expression was one of awe and confusion. "That woman is living past her appointed date. She's supposed to have passed on, but these symbiotes can... they can defy cosmic decrees?!"
Everyone around them stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening as they processed what Ghost Rider had just said. Spider-Gwen looked at Ghost Rider, her voice filled with shock. "You're saying they can defy the cosmic decrees that govern this universe and its laws?"
Ghost Rider nodded slowly, still grappling with the implications. "Yes. The cosmic decrees are the fundamental laws that dictate life, death, and the natural order of things. For them to bring someone back who was meant to pass on... it means they can alter these cosmic laws. This is beyond anything I've ever seen."
Thor, nearby, looked equally astonished. "Such power... it is not to be taken lightly. These symbiotes wield a force that transcends the very fabric of our universe."
Spider-Man's voice was filled with a mix of awe and concern. "This changes everything. If they can do this... what else are they capable of?"
The revelation about the symbiotes' abilities left everyone deep in thought as they continued their work. The shock and awe of what they had just witnessed permeated their minds, each processing the implications in their own way.
Thor, his usually confident demeanor shaken, moved with a newfound reverence as he lifted debris and searched for survivors. "To defy cosmic decrees... such power is both a blessing and a burden," he murmured to himself. "If they can alter the very fabric of our universe, then what is the limit of their abilities? Could they indeed stand against the Living Tribunal, the very arbiter of cosmic balance?"
Spider-Man, swinging through the wreckage to find those in need, couldn't shake the thought. "If they can bring back the dead, what else can they change? Could they fix things that seem unfixable? Could they stop the greatest threats we've ever faced?" The possibilities seemed endless, but the potential dangers were equally daunting.
Nearby, Ghost Rider continued his work with a heavy heart. "The balance of life and death is delicate," he thought, helping an injured civilian to safety. "If these symbiotes can override it, it's something we've never thought of before… what does that say about us? About me and my creators?"
Captain America, his clockwork enhanced shield strapped securely to his back, moved with a sense of purpose and determination, even as his mind raced with the implications of what he had witnessed. "We have always fought to protect the balance, to uphold justice and the natural order," he thought. "But if these symbiotes can defy those fundamental laws, then our understanding of justice and order must ensure that we continue to prove ourselves worthy of this chance.
She-Hulk, her muscles rippling with every effort to clear debris and search for survivors, couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and apprehension. "The potential to defy the natural order of life and death... it's a power that could save countless lives, but also one that could cause untold chaos if it falls into the wrong hands. We need to ensure it is wielded with the utmost responsibility."
Pixie, her wings fluttering gently as she used her abilities to heal the wounded, pondered the ethical implications. "If we can bring back the dead, do they have to be intact for it to work? Or can they reconstruct their bodies if the wounds aren't so bad?"
…
Meanwhile, Kamala Khan, also known as Ms. Marvel, was busy addressing the people who had lost their homes and were worried about loved ones in the collapsed buildings. Salamander, one of Peter-Knull's symbiotes, was helping take stock of their losses and took a moment to check up on her.
Salamander approached Kamala, his iridescent skin catching the light. "Ms. Marvel, how are you holding up?" he asked gently, noticing the pain in her eyes.
Kamala sighed, trying to put on a brave face. "It's been tough. My family hasn't spoken to me since the resurrection fiasco, and now this... it's a lot to handle."
Salamander nodded understandingly. "I can see you're hurting inside, beyond any physical damage. But there's something else... something drawing my attention. The X-gene in your body, along with the Inhuman gene, is slowly becoming unstable. With your permission, I can fix it so your body doesn't destabilize."
Kamala looked at him, surprised and hesitant. "You can do that?"
"Yes," Salamander replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "I can stabilize it for you. It won't hurt."
After a moment of contemplation, Kamala nodded. "Okay. Do it."
Salamander's arms transformed into brightly textured symbiote tendrils that wrapped around her hands and wrists, spreading subtly through her body. Kamala couldn't explain it, but she suddenly felt something change inside her—like something had stabilized, something was fixed.
She smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thank you, Salamander. I think I'll still talk to Reed or Tony, but I'm grateful you brought this to my attention and stabilized me."
Salamander nodded, his vibrant patterns shimmering. "It's my pleasure, Kamala. You're a vital part of this team, and we need you at your best."
As Salamander returned to his duties, Kamala paused, turning back to watch him for a moment. The way he moved with a sense of purpose and dedication, his vibrant, iridescent skin shimmering in the light, caught her attention.
A small smile spread across her face, and she felt a slight blush warming her cheeks. "Salamander... huh?" she murmured to herself, finding him kind of... cute, for a salamander, that is.
Shaking her head with a soft chuckle, she turned back to her tasks, feeling a bit lighter in her heart despite the chaos surrounding them.
The Living Tribunal, his many faces emanating an aura of supreme authority, convened with his allies in the grand cosmic hall. The air was thick with anticipation as they discussed the exact timing for Hope Summers to confront Peter-Knull, their strategies meticulously laid out.
But then, a powerful tremor of cosmic disruption rippled through the fabric of the multiverse, catching the Tribunal's attention. His eyes widened slightly as he felt it—this time, on a more massive scale. At least three dozen lives on that particular Earth were surviving past their appointed time, some even being pulled back into their bodies from the afterlives, defying the cosmic decrees.
Peering closer with his omniscient gaze, the Living Tribunal noticed something that sent a chill through his being. These resurrected individuals, like Jocasta, were no longer bound by his cosmic verdict that had governed the multiverse for eternities. They had been revived past their appointed hour and now existed outside the cosmic laws he upheld.
For the first time, a flicker of panic crossed the Living Tribunal's faces, even though he tried to mask it. His allies, Mistress Death and Mephisto, keenly attuned to the nuances of cosmic balance, noticed the subtle shift in his demeanor.
Mistress Death, her eyes like voids of eternity, observed him closely. "You sense it too, don't you?" she said, her voice a whisper that echoed through the cosmic hall.
Mephisto, his devilish grin faltering for the briefest moment, added, "It appears our multiversal overseer is rattled. What has you so unnerved, Tribunal?"
The Living Tribunal, striving to maintain his composed facade, responded with a slight tremor in his voice, "The balance... is threatened in a way we have not foreseen. Peter-Knull's actions, his ability to revive and sustain life past their appointed time, defies the very decrees we have upheld for eons. These individuals are no longer bound by our cosmic laws."
Mistress Death and Mephisto exchanged a look of concern and intrigue. The ramifications of such defiance were immense, and they could sense the underlying fear in the Living Tribunal's normally unshakeable presence.
"We must act swiftly," the Tribunal continued, his voice regaining some of its usual authority. "Hope Summers must confront Peter-Knull, but we must also prepare for the possibility that our very order is at risk. This cannot continue unchecked."
Mephisto's eyes narrowed as he observed the Living Tribunal, sensing the underlying turmoil that the multiversal overseer was struggling to contain. The tension was there. No doubt about that. , a stark contrast to the Tribunal's usual composed demeanor.
"Tell me something, Living Tribunal," Mephisto said, his voice dripping with curiosity and a hint of amusement. "Are you frightened? Your fixation on Peter-Knull... it feels like it's bordering on obsession."
Rather than responding immediately, the Living Tribunal's many faces flickered with uncertainty, a sight that sent a chill through the cosmic hall. The Tribunal, an entity bound by the very fabric of cosmic law and order, was experiencing a profound disturbance that defied his nature.
The cosmic space seemed to shimmer as the Living Tribunal's form glitched, his heads spinning around as he struggled to process the ramifications of what Mephisto had pointed out. The cosmic decrees were the backbone of his existence, the laws he upheld unwaveringly. Now, faced with the potential collapse of those laws, his very essence seemed to waver.
Glitching and flickering, the Tribunal's form destabilized momentarily, a phenomenon that left Mistress Death and Mephisto staring in astonishment. This was unprecedented—a cosmic being of such magnitude experiencing a breakdown.
The Living Tribunal's voices overlapped in a chaotic symphony of confusion and authority. "This... cannot... continue... unchecked... I must... uphold... the balance... but... Peter-Knull..."
His form flickered dangerously, his essence threatened by the sheer weight of the paradox he faced.
The Living Tribunal's form flickered dangerously, his essence threatened by the sheer weight of the paradox he faced. His three faces, symbols of equity, necessity, and revenge, began to crack, fine lines spiderwebbing across their once flawless surfaces. The cosmic energy that held him together seemed to ripple with instability, and a low, ominous hum filled the chamber.
"This... cannot... continue... unchecked... I must... uphold... the balance... but... Peter-Knull..." His overlapping voices became a cacophony of dissonance, the authority mingling with raw confusion and distress.
The cracks deepened, and the Tribunal reeled, his immense form swaying as if on the brink of collapse. The cosmic hall trembled with the force of his internal struggle, and a bright, blinding light began to emanate from the fissures in his faces. It was as though the very fabric of his being was about to tear apart.
Mistress Death, her eyes widening with genuine alarm, rushed forward. "We must stabilize him, or he will explode!"
Mephisto, dropping his usual air of mocking curiosity, moved swiftly to assist. "AH FUCK! YOU OWE ME FOR THIS ONE! HOLD STILL!"
The cosmic entities, including Eternity and Infinity, converged around the Living Tribunal, their combined powers weaving a stabilizing net of energy. The hall filled with a chorus of incantations and the hum of otherworldly power as they worked together to contain the impending explosion.
The Tribunal's form convulsed, the cracks glowing with an intense, almost unbearable light. The cosmic beings poured their energies into him, creating a web of stability that wrapped around his faltering essence. For a moment, it seemed as if the effort might not be enough, the Tribunal teetering on the brink of an irreversible breakdown.
Then, slowly, the light began to dim. The cracks in the Tribunal's faces started to mend, the shimmering fissures retreating as the cosmic energy knit his essence back together. The cacophony of voices subsided into a single, steady tone, and the trembling of the cosmic hall ceased.
The Living Tribunal stood once more, his form stabilized but visibly weakened, a shadow of his former omnipotence. He looked at the gathered cosmic beings, though he was shaken…
"Thank you," he said, his voice now a single, unified tone. "I... was not prepared for this. The balance must be maintained, but the path forward is... unclear."
Mistress Death and Mephisto nodded in understanding, giving the Tribunal some space as he needed time to process the recent events. The cosmic beings gradually retreated, allowing the Living Tribunal to gather himself and regain his composure.
In those brief moments, the Watchers, who had been observing from a distance, took notice of the Living Tribunal's meltdown. Uatu, the Watcher of Earth-616, had a profound realization. "In the end, we are no different than mortals in our need for control," he thought. "Not even you, Tribunal, are beyond that baser instinct. Something that I feel will cost us in the end..."
With a heavy sigh, Uatu stood up and addressed the Living Tribunal. "If you don't mind, my fellow Watchers and I have universes to maintain and guide in the right direction."
The Living Tribunal, still slightly out of breath from his ordeal, gave a nod of acknowledgment. "You may go. Continue your duties. We all have our roles to play in this grand tapestry."
Uatu bowed slightly, his gaze lingering on the Living Tribunal for a moment longer before turning to leave. The other Watchers followed suit, each returning to their respective duties, their minds filled with the weight of the events they had witnessed.
As the Watchers departed, the Living Tribunal remained in the vast, cosmic hall, his thoughts a swirling maelstrom of uncertainty and determination.
Though… the unsettling, shaken feeling remained.
…
Meanwhile in the limbo embassy…
Back in the city of New York, within the darkened confines of the Limbo Embassy, Madelyn Pryor walked into her office, her mind preoccupied with the recent turmoil and the impending responsibilities of motherhood to her twins she vows to protect.
As she stepped inside, she halted abruptly, her eyes narrowing as she found an uninvited guest lounging in one of her chairs. Mephisto, the Lord of his hellish dimension, regarded her with a sinister smile.
"Ah, Madelyn," Mephisto purred, his voice dripping with false charm. "Limbo politics are complex at best, wouldn't you agree? It's so easy for a leader down here to lose their position... and their head."
Madelyn's hand instinctively moved to her stomach, a protective gesture as her eyes hardened. "What do you want, Mephisto?" she asked, her voice steady but laced with underlying tension.
Mephisto's smile widened, his eyes gleaming with malice. "I merely wanted to remind you of the precarious nature of your current situation. I wonder, Madelyn... are you loyal to us, the denizens of Hell, or are you loyal to Peter-Knull?" He leaned forward, his gaze piercing. "Being a mother or being a ruler of Limbo? Choose wisely, Madelyn Pryor, for you may find that you cannot have both."
Madelyn's heart pounded in her chest as Mephisto's words sank in. The implication was clear—her position was threatened, and her loyalty questioned. She stood tall, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination. "My loyalty is to those I care about," she replied firmly. "And I will protect my family at all costs."
Mephisto chuckled, a dark, foreboding sound that sent shivers down her spine. "We'll see how long that resolve lasts," he said, rising from her chair he was occupying. He gave her one last lingering look before passing by his presence, a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurked within Limbo's political landscape.
As the door closed behind him, Madelyn stood in the silent room, her hand still protectively on her stomach. Doubts and fears swirled in her mind. Had she made a mistake becoming the ruler of Limbo? Could she balance her roles as a mother and a leader in such a treacherous environment? The answers were unclear, but one thing was certain—she would fight with everything she had to protect her unborn children and maintain her position if only to keep someone like Mephisto from getting the satisfaction of obtaining that power, no matter the cost.
…
Peter-Knull stood in the center of the command room, receiving word from Captain America, who had just finished speaking with Nick Fury. "Since Red Skull perished in the explosion when you moved the fortress to your prison in your universe," Cap said. "We've decided that your prison is the safer bet for keeping him contained, so no one in Limbo can have him or revive him. But we want you to bring him here first, so Nick and I can confront him one last time for closure."
Peter-Knull nodded solemnly. With a gesture, he manipulated his symbiotes to open a portal to his universe. After a few moments, a jailor symbiote emerged, leading Red Skull out. The Red Skull's form looked slightly burned and ghostly, restrained by black symbiotic material that gagged his mouth and bound his limbs.
The jailor symbiote was a towering figure, its body covered in dark, armored plating. It had a menacing visage, with eyes that glowed a malevolent red and sharp, jagged teeth that could be seen through a partially open maw. Chains rattled behind it, each ending in a combat knife-like hook. The jailor spun one of these hooks in its hand with practiced ease, standing silently behind Red Skull as it awaited further instructions.
Captain America and Nick Fury stepped forward, their faces hard with resolve. Fury's eye glinted with a mix of satisfaction and anger. "Red Skull," he began, his voice steady and cold. "Your crimes have finally caught up to you. You've caused untold pain and suffering, but now, you will face justice."
Captain America stepped closer; his eyes locked onto Red Skull's defiant gaze. "You've sealed your fate, and no one will mourn your passing. It's time to face the music, Red Skull."
The Red Skull's muffled protests were ignored as he was led away by the jailor symbiote, his struggles futile against the unyielding restraints. The jailor's chains clinked ominously as it turned to follow Peter-Knull's command, dragging Red Skull back towards the portal to his eternal prison.
With a final nod from Peter-Knull, the portal closed behind them, sealing Red Skull's fate in the dark confines of the symbiotic universe. The room fell silent, a sense of closure settling over Cap and Fury as they processed the end of one of their greatest adversaries.
Red Skull has finally faced his due, out of his own making…