Marvel: From the Void and Back Again
Chapter 13: The Kidnapping
…
Peter-Knull and Madelyn Pryor stood outside the grand, gothic structure of the Limbo Embassy. The morning sun cast long shadows across the ornate, iron-wrought gates and stone walls. The Embassy, a stark contrast to the bustling Avengers Tower, was a place of dark magic and ancient power. It was a sanctuary for Madelyn, a place where she felt both powerful and at peace.
Peter-Knull gently held Madelyn's hand, his expression a mix of tenderness and reluctance. "Are you sure you'll be alright here?" he asked, his voice soft.
Madelyn smiled, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that belied the dark aura of their surroundings. "I'll be fine, Peter. This is my domain. I'm safe here."
They stood close, the quiet of the early morning enveloping them. Peter-Knull's symbiote tendrils lightly brushed against Madelyn's arm, a protective gesture. He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a tender, lingering kiss. They parted slowly, their foreheads touching, savoring the intimacy of the moment.
"Be careful out there," Madelyn whispered, her voice filled with concern.
"I always am," Peter-Knull replied, his tone reassuring. He pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her as if he might never let go. "I'll come back to you. I promise."
Madelyn nodded, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "And I'll be here, waiting for you."
They finally broke apart, Madelyn stepping back towards the Embassy gates. She watched as Peter-Knull turned and walked away, his figure gradually blending into the shadows of the street. She lingered a moment longer, drawing strength from the memory of their kiss, before turning to enter the Embassy.
Peter-Knull moved through the city, his senses on high alert. The streets were quieter in the early morning, but he knew that danger never truly slept. His symbiote-enhanced senses picked up on every sound, every movement, as he patrolled the city, ever vigilant. So far there was nothing major, the early morning was particularly quiet.
By mid-morning, Peter-Knull found himself driving along the side of buildings with his symbiote motorcycle with Spider-Man and Spider-Gwen. The three of them moved in perfect sync, with Peter-Knull occasionally stopping to inspect his surroundings and let the other two catch up. They had just foiled a robbery at a jewelry store, webs and symbiote tendrils working together to immobilize the culprits.
"Thanks for the help, Peter-Knull," Spider-Man said, his voice filled with appreciation as he secured the last of the robbers with webbing. "You're really making a difference out here."
Peter-Knull nodded, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "We all do our part, Spider-Man."
Spider-Gwen landed gracefully beside them, a playful smile on her face. "And it's great to have someone with your... unique abilities on our side."
Peter-Knull continued this routine for a little while, before his senses tingled with the familiar rush of adrenaline, the kind that signified that there was potential work nearby. Looking around he quickly spotted a high-speed chase involving a group of individuals in a sleek, black car tearing through the streets. Without hesitation, he leapt into action approaching chase, his symbiote tendrils extending to ensnare the speeding vehicle.
With a powerful, yet slow yank to ensure that he didn't harm them, he brought the car to a screeching halt, the tires smoking against the asphalt before they finally stopped. The occupants, a group of young men, looked terrified but unharmed. Peter-Knull approached the car, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the insignia on their jackets. They were part of Kingpin's organization.
Deciding to address the matter diplomatically after rolling that around in his head for a moment, Peter-Knull used his symbiote to disarm the occupants, gently but firmly pulling them from the car. He scanned their faces, sensing the gray areas in their souls—neither wholly good nor wholly evil. And he did note that they were keeping their heads bowed and when he asked about it, they responded in a way that indicated that they did not want to hurt anyone, they were just grabbing the money and running before they were spotted, and they panicked…
Peter-Knull regarded them for a moment as if weighing his options before he decided on what to do.
"Stay here," he commanded softly as he requested that the officers hold on putting them in jail till he can work something out. Gaining their interest, his voice leaving no room for argument. He pulled out his phone and contacted Kingpin, arranging a meeting.
…
The meeting took place in a dimly lit office, with the type of tension that accompanied a meeting that bore some urgency. Kingpin, a towering figure of power and influence, sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on Peter-Knull as he entered.
"What brings you here, Peter-Knull?" Kingpin asked, his voice a mix of curiosity and caution. But mostly curiosity since Peter-Knull reached out to his office saying that he needed to inform kingpin of a development regarding some of his men who transported money between his businesses.
Peter-Knull leaned forward, his expression calm but determined. "Your men participated in a high-speed chase earlier today. They broke about two to three laws, but I sensed something in them. Their souls are in a gray area—neither entirely good nor entirely evil. They deserve a chance to make amends. Or if you prefer a lesser sentence."
Kingpin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what do you propose?"
Peter-Knull outlined his plan. "Community service. These men were hesitant to hurt anyone. Let them give back to the community, under your supervision. It's a compromise that benefits everyone. And it ensures that no further conflict arises that interferes with your operations while at the same time appeases the law enforcement."
Kingpin considered the proposal, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You surprise me, Peter-Knull. Why take such an interest?"
Peter-Knull met his gaze, his eyes unwavering. "Because I can sense the nature of individuals. They have potential, and I believe in second chances. And since they work for you, I thought it best to run it by you first."
Kingpin nodded slowly. "Very well. I will arrange for the community service. But know this, Peter-Knull—I'm watching you."
Peter-Knull stood, satisfied with the outcome. "That's all I ask. We are all in this city together, I like to avoid conflict whenever possible."
…
A short while later as night fell, Peter-Knull found a quiet rooftop overlooking the city. He sat down, letting the cool breeze wash over him. The events of the day played through his mind—the moments of action, the decisions made, the lives impacted.
He thought about Madelyn, safe at the Limbo Embassy, and felt a pang of longing. But he also felt a deep sense of purpose. His ability to sense the nature of individuals, to see the potential for good even in those who walked in darkness, gave him a unique perspective. It was a heavy responsibility, but one he embraced fully.
Hopefully, they will take this opportunity. He is giving them a chance here.
…
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Peter-Knull waited outside the Limbo Embassy. He leaned casually against his motorcycle, the black symbiotic material that mimicked black metal, and chrome glinting in the soft light of the streetlamps. The Embassy's gothic architecture loomed before him, a stark contrast to the city around them. Peter-Knull's eyes scanned the building, anticipation mingling with a sense of calm as he awaited Madelyn Pryor.
Inside the Embassy, A guard to Madeline's space informed her that Peter-Knull was waiting for her. A smile tugged at her lips as she made her way to the entrance, her heart fluttering with excitement. Their nights out had become a cherished routine, a reprieve from their respective responsibilities and battles.
As she stepped outside, Peter-Knull straightened, his face lighting up at the sight of her. "You look stunning," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
Madelyn blushed slightly, her smile widening. "Thank you. Ready for our night out?"
Peter-Knull nodded, extending his hand to her. "Absolutely. I have a special place in mind for dinner tonight. I think you'll love it."
They climbed onto his motorcycle, and Peter-Knull started the engine, the powerful sound echoing through the night. As they sped off into the city, Madelyn wrapped her arms around his waist, feeling the rush of freedom and exhilaration.
…
Meanwhile, across the city, Spider-Gwen returned to her apartment, exhausted but satisfied from a day of crime-fighting. She kicked off her shoes and headed to the bathroom to wash up, her mind already drifting towards the comfort of her bed. But as she changed into her pajamas, a familiar tingling sensation crawled up her spine—her spider-sense were starting to go haywire.
Before she could react, the door to her apartment burst open. A group of demonic denizens rushed in, their grotesque forms moving with unnerving speed. One of them grabbed her from behind, pressing a cloth soaked in chloroform against her mouth and nose. Spider-Gwen struggled, her vision blurring as she inhaled the fumes, but within moments, darkness claimed her.
…
When Spider-Gwen groggily came to, she found herself tied to a chair in a dark, damp space. Her head throbbed, and it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dim light. She tried to move, but her wrists and ankles were securely bound. A metal brace clamped around her mouth, preventing her from speaking or shouting.
As her vision cleared, she saw Kitty Pryde sitting nearby, similarly restrained with shackles that disabled her phasing powers. Spider-Woman was there too, her expression one of determined defiance despite the restraints.
Spider-Gwen's mind raced as she took in their dire situation. The room was guarded by two demonic figures, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. At the entrance stood a third guard, a Hydra agent, his presence adding a chilling sense of foreboding.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the room, and Spider-Gwen's heart pounded as a tall figure entered. Kitty Pryde stiffened, her eyes widening in shock. It was Magneto. But not the Magneto they knew—this one had a dark, brooding look, his eyes filled with anger and resentment.
Magneto strode forward, his gaze cold and calculating as he took a seat before them. "You must be wondering why you're here," he began, his voice low and intense. "Let me outline how this is going to go down."
He leaned forward, his eyes bored into theirs. "You will be moved to separate locations across the city. Each of you has a role to play in the events that will unfold. Your presence will serve as a distraction, keeping your allies preoccupied while my associates seize power in Illyana Rasputina's former realm."
His words were chilling, spoken with a detached ruthlessness that sent shivers down Spider-Gwen's spine. "To address your unspoken question, Kitty," he said, turning his gaze to her, "I am Magneto— or at least one of his past resurrected clones who died still believing the lie of resurrection before my last clone died on mars against the one you know as Uranus."
He tensed, a flash of raw emotion crossing his face. "I need to be very clear and honest with you," he continued, his voice hardening as he looked at her dead in the eye. "I hate your guts. You and your kind betrayed me, left me to rot in the darkness while endless copies took my place, and you threw out my corpse like trash. Now, you will serve my purpose."
With that, Magneto stood and walked out of the room, leaving the captured heroes to contemplate their fate. The guards resumed their watchful positions, ensuring that any attempt at escape would not end well for them.
Spider-Gwen's mind raced with fear and anger, but beneath it all was a burning determination. They would find a way out of this. They had to. But one hope filtered into her mind, a hope of someone who had been a light in her darkness… her friend, and the one they had to trust could find them in time.
If she had faith in anyone, it was Peter-Knull.
…
After returning to Avengers Tower from their dinner, Peter-Knull and Madelyn Pryor lay contently in the privacy of his room, wrapped in a blanket. The night was peaceful, the intimacy of their shared moments lingering in the air.
However, a sudden knock on the door disrupted their tranquility. Peter-Knull glanced at Madelyn, who gave him a questioning look. "Stay here," he whispered, ensuring she was securely covered by the blanket.
Peter-Knull manipulated the symbiote to form his attire over himself, the black material flowing smoothly into place. He then got up and walked to the door, opening it to find Logan standing there, looking slightly worried.
"Logan, what's going on?" Peter-Knull asked, concern evident in his voice.
Logan shifted uncomfortably, glancing around before speaking in a low, urgent tone. "I need to talk to you, Peter. It's important."
Peter-Knull nodded, stepping out into the hallway, and closing the door behind him. "What is it?"
Logan sighed; the worry etched deeper into his features. "Kitty Pryde was on her way home to the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, but she hadn't arrived yet. She's usually punctual, and she hasn't called in. I'm starting to get worried."
Peter-Knull frowned, the concern in Logan's voice was a cause for worry, "What can I do to help?" he asked. "Even if she's just spending some time out tonight, we should still check, especially if she hasn't called it in."
Logan nodded appreciatively. "Exactly. I don't want to overreact, but with everything going on, we can't afford to take chances."
Peter-Knull nodded "I'll help you find her. Let's start by retracing her steps and checking any places she might have gone. We'll find her, Logan."
Logan's expression softened slightly, gratitude shining through his worry. "Thanks, Peter. It means a lot."
Peter-Knull nodded, his resolve clear. "Let's get moving. The sooner we start, the sooner we can bring her back safely."
…
Peter-Knull and Logan retraced Kitty Pryde's steps, searching for any clues about her disappearance. Their investigation led them to a local hospital where Kitty had been volunteering. The hospital was quiet, with only a few staff members and late-night visitors wandering the halls. They checked in with the hospital staff, confirming Kitty's presence earlier in the evening. She had left around the time she usually did, heading towards the parking lot.
As they walked through the nearly empty parking lot, Peter-Knull suddenly paused, his symbiotes telling him that they were smelling something off, and he did too. He took a deep breath, his enhanced symbiotic senses trying to pinpoint the smell of darkness that he was attuned to. Up ahead he saw something unusual. He crouched down, examining the puddles and asphalt more closely.
"Logan," Peter-Knull called softly, signaling him over. "Do you smell that?"
Logan took a few steps closer, sniffing the air. "Yeah, it's sulfur. Smells like hell," he muttered, his voice filled with disdain.
Peter-Knull nodded, concentrating harder. "But there's something else... a subtle scent mixed in." He took another deep breath, his eyes widening as realization struck. "It smells like Gwen's perfume!"
Logan's eyes narrowed as he focused on the scent, taking a few more whiffs. The sulfur was overwhelming, but beneath it, he could just make out the faint trace of Gwen Stacy's perfume. "You're right," Logan growled. "It's faint, but it's there. The same demons who abducted Kitty probably got to her too."
Peter-Knull's expression hardened as he pulled out his phone and dialed Gwen's number. It rang several times, but there was no answer. His concern deepened, and without hesitation, he called Nick Fury.
"Fury," Peter-Knull said urgently when the call connected. "We've got a situation. Kitty Pryde is missing, and now we think Gwen Stacy might be too. We are at the hospital parking lot where Kitty was last seen, and we picked up traces of demonic scents along with Gwen's perfume. Can you check Gwen's apartment?"
Fury's voice was tense but focused. "Understood. I'll send someone over to check her place immediately."
There was a brief pause as Fury checked something in the background. "Peter, Jessica Drew hasn't reported in either. I'm checking her status now."
Peter-Knull felt a knot of dread forming in his stomach. "Keep us updated, Fury. We're going to keep looking for clues here." As he waited for a moment for Fury to check Jessica's status on his end.
Fury's voice came back over the line again. "Jessica's not answering her cell either. It looks like we've got a bigger problem on our hands."
After a minute of conversing with Fury, he ended the phone call, his mind racing. He turned to Logan, determination in his eyes. "We need to find them, Logan. Let's keep looking for any other clues and see if we can trace where they might have been taken."
Logan nodded; his jaw set with resolve. "Let's move. Time's ticking, and we need to get to them before it's too late."
…
Nick Fury quickly mobilized search parties, calling in every available ally. He reached out to Peter Parker and Miles Morales, as well as other members of Spider-Man's extended network. Meanwhile, at Avengers Tower, the X-Men who had stayed behind—Nightcrawler, Mystique, Destiny, Pixie, and Firestar—coordinated with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to find the missing heroes.
Destiny, with her precognitive abilities, sat in a quiet corner, concentrating hard. After a moment, she looked up, a troubled expression on her face. "Something is wrong," she said, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "Powerful mystics with ties to Limbo are blocking my ability to see where they are. They're using complex spells to block me."
The Avengers and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents absorbed this detail with growing concern. Madelyn Pryor stepped forward; her eyes determined. "I can help," she offered. "Using my powers and the power of Limbo, I can fight fire with fire and neutralize the cloak on Destiny's mind."
Destiny looked at Madelyn, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "We're on the clock here. If you can break through the spells, it might give us the edge we need."
Jean Grey stepped beside Madelyn, ready to amplify her powers. "I'll help you focus," she said, her voice steady. "Together, we can lift the cloak."
Madelyn nodded, closing her eyes as she reached out with her powers. Jean placed a hand on her shoulder, lending her strength. The room fell silent as they concentrated, the air thick with anticipation.
After a few minutes, Madelyn tensed, her brow furrowing as she pushed against the mystical barriers. Slowly, she felt the spells beginning to unravel, her determination growing stronger with each passing moment. After what felt like an eternity, the cloak lifted from Destiny's mind.
Destiny's eyes widened as visions flooded in. "I see them," she said breathlessly. "Belasco, Selene, Satannish, and Blackheart—they're behind this. They've been attempting to seize power in the infernal realms since the incident with Illyana."
Madelyn's eyes widened with recognition. "And..." she started, but Destiny finished for her, her voice trembling. "A past clone of Magneto is with them. He's helping them to get revenge on us for sending him to hell when Krakoa promised him resurrection!"
Wanda Maximoff staggered at the revelation, her face pale. "Magneto... Father…?!" she whispered, the weight of the truth sinking in.
Fury immediately took charge, his voice commanding as he organized their response. "Alright, people, we know what we're dealing with. Miles, Peter, I need you to lead a team to check out Gwen's apartment and Jessica's last known location. X-Men, you coordinate with our agents to follow any other leads. Madelyn, stay here and keep working with Destiny and Jean to maintain the connection."
Peter Parker nodded; his expression serious. "We're on it, Fury. We'll find them."
Miles Morales, standing beside him, gave a determined nod. "Let's do this."
Nightcrawler, Mystique, and the others quickly began coordinating their efforts, communicating with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents to cover as much ground as possible. Pixie and Firestar prepared to provide aerial support, ready to scour the city from above.
As everyone moved with purpose, Madelyn, Jean, and Destiny continued their work, maintaining the fragile link that had been established. They realized that they needed to be careful as to not alert this demonic alliance of their connection.
They had a lead, and now it was a race against time to save their friends.
Fury glanced at the assembled heroes, his voice cutting through the tension. "Let's move. We have people to save and a city to protect. Every second counts."
…
As the chaos of coordinating the search efforts swirled around her, Wanda Maximoff found a moment of stillness. She moved to a quiet corner of the room, her gaze falling on a small, framed picture on a nearby table. It was a photograph of her father, Erik Lehnsherr—Magneto. The stern yet determined expression on his face was one she knew well, a reminder of both the strength and the burdens they carried.
Wanda picked up the picture, her fingers tracing the edge of the frame. Memories flooded back—memories of a time when she believed the Erik they brought back was her father, a time when they fought side by side for the future of mutantkind. But those memories were tainted with the harsh truths that had come to light. She wasn't really Erik's daughter, nor a clone of the former Wanda, or even a clone of a clone. She was something else entirely, a being shaped by endless cloning and manipulation.
Her thoughts shifted to Krakoa, the island nation that had promised so much—a sanctuary, a home, a new beginning for mutants. But that dream had crumbled, leaving behind only the ashes of delusion and loss. The mutants of Krakoa had deluded themselves, and in doing so, they had lost everything. Worse than that, they had condemned themselves and their loved ones to eternal torment.
A tear welled up in Wanda's eye, but she quickly blinked it away, steeling herself against the wave of emotion. This was not the time for tears. There was work to be done, people to save. She placed the picture back on the table, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"They did this to themselves," she whispered, the realization heavy on her heart. "But we have to confront this."
With renewed determination, Wanda returned to the task at hand, her mind focused on coordinating the efforts to find their missing friends. She moved among the team, her presence a calming force amid the urgency and chaos.
As she worked, she silently vowed that they would not fail again. They would find Kitty, Gwen, and Jessica. They would stop Belasco, Selene, Satannish, and Blackheart. And they would bring an end to the torment that had plagued their lives for too long.
…
Peter-Knull, Logan, Nightcrawler, and Captain America had been tirelessly searching for any sign of their missing comrades. Their efforts finally bore fruit when they received a crucial breakthrough. With Madelyne Pryor's assistance, S.H.I.E.L.D. had developed the ability to scan for demonic signatures. This new technology pinpointed a concentration of demonic activity in an old industrial complex. Destiny's visions corroborated the intel; she had seen Gwen, Jessica, and Kitty Pryde inside, tied up with cuffs and a metal brace over her mouth. There were demons and Hydra agents inside, seemingly waiting for them.
The team gathered a short distance from the complex, discussing their plan of attack. "We need to be stealthy," Captain America said, his voice steady and calm. "We can't afford to let them know we're coming until it's too late."
Nightcrawler nodded, his eyes flickering with determination. "I'll teleport inside first, take out any guards silently. Logan can handle heavy hitters. Peter-Knull, you're our ace in the hole."
Peter-Knull's gaze was intense, his mind already forming strategies. "I'll deal with the demons at the enterence. Let's make this quick and clean."
As they finalized their game plan, Peter-Knull walked up to the door of the industrial complex. He knocked a few times, the sound echoing in the stillness. A small opening in the door slid open, revealing a demon's amused eyes.
The demon's amusement slowly turned to worry as Peter-Knull's intense gaze met his. "Listen carefully," Peter-Knull whispered, his voice a low, menacing growl. "If any harm befalls Gwen or the others, I'll tear your hells apart and oh, it will be glorious."
A few minutes later the demon's worry turned to concern as Peter-Knull continued, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. "Look me in the eyes," he demanded very quietly and slowly. The demon hesitated but complied, his amusement now replaced with outright fear.
Peter-Knull's eyes glowed with a terrifying light, and he leaned closer. "Should you not heed this advice, you'll scream," he hissed. "And if you don't let her, go, that ditch in dimensions you call hell will look like a heavenly paradise compared to what I can conjure up in my realm. And should you go down that path, you'll be jailed instead of the jailers."
He bared his teeth, revealing four rows of sharp, shark-like teeth. The demon recoiled, realizing that blackheart was right behind him, and he looked both intrigued and while at the same time growing worried as he scanned Peter-Knull for any hesitation or lie, figuring that he was bluffing, however, he too could sense the sheer malice that was emanating off Peter-Knull.
Blackheart stared at Peter-Knull for a long moment, the weight of his words sinking in. It finally clicked—Peter-Knull was not only serious, but he also had the power to back up his threats.
Blackheart didn't know what it was, but something about that look on Peter-Knull's face disturbed him deeply… a rare occurrence since he was the son of Mephisto. He knew in that one instant, that Peter-Knull wasn't fucking around.
"Al-alright," Blackheart said slowly, his voice trembling. "We'll... we'll release her we'll release the three of them, but bear in mind some of the demons and hydra agents won't listen to my orders, you can do with them as you please."
Peter-Knull stepped back his eyes never leaving blackheart, still staring at him with that same intensity that not even Blackheart could handle without blinking first, signaling to his team. Nightcrawler teleported inside, swiftly taking out guards with silent precision. Logan followed, his claws glinting as he dealt with the heavier opposition. Captain America moved with calculated efficiency, neutralizing Hydra agents with his shield.
Then, Peter-Knull entered the building, his presence a dark and powerful force. The demons and Hydra agents who remained, already unnerved by his earlier threat, offered little resistance besides the ones that didn't listen to Blackhearts orders to stand down.
After moving to the back room, they found Gwen, Kitty Pryde, and Spider-Woman tied up, just as Destiny had seen. The team quickly freed them, removing the cuffs and metal braces. Or in Peter-Knull's case he tore the cuffs holding them down off their hinges as he checked Gwen ensuring she was alright.
Gwen looked up at Peter-Knull, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse.
Peter-Knull nodded, his gaze softening. "Let's get you out of here."
As they made their way out of the complex, the demons and Hydra agents stood aside, too terrified to intervene. Peter-Knull's threat hung in the air, a promise of destruction should they dare to cross him again.
…
Back at Avengers Tower, the atmosphere was unusually quiet. The rescued heroes were given medical attention and a chance to rest, but the weight of what had transpired was something everyone was trying to wrap their heads around.
Everyone was processing the events; the shock and relief was overwhelming.
Logan, Nightcrawler, and Captain America gathered in a corner, speaking in hushed tones to Nick Fury as Peter-Knull was making sure that Gwen was okay. The rest of the team listened, trying to piece together the enormity of what had happened.
Logan shook his head in bewilderment, speaking to Nick Fury off to the side. "You wouldn't believe it, Fury. Peter-Knull didn't just deliver an ultimatum. He made those demons and Hydra agents look like they were about to shit themselves, including Blackheart."
Fury raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Blackheart? You mean he managed to unnerve Blackheart of all beings?"
Logan nodded, taking a shaky drink of water. "Yeah. It's no small feat, as you know. Peter-Knull's intensity was off the charts. He had this look in his eyes, a burning fury that made even Blackheart back down."
Nightcrawler added, his voice quiet but clear in its detail. "It was like Blackheart, for the first time in his existence, stared into the abyss and the abyss stared back with a vengeance."
Fury's expression grew serious. "Peter-Knull's power is formidable, but to unnerve Blackheart to the point of willingly giving up hostages... That's something else."
Peter-Knull, standing nearby, looked over at them. He didn't say anything, but the intensity in his eyes had not yet faded. The memory of his encounter with Blackheart lingered in his mind, a reminder of the darkness he could wield when necessary.
Captain America joined the conversation, his voice steady. "We were lucky. Peter-Knull's presence turned the tide. We need to stay vigilant. Our enemies won't give up easily, and we have to be ready for whatever comes next."
Madelyn Pryor approached the group, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and concern. "We managed to get them back, but this isn't over. Belasco, Selene, Satannish, and Blackheart are still out there. And with Magneto's clone involved, we need to be prepared for anything."
Fury nodded, his expression serious. "We'll regroup and plan our next move. We can't let them get the upper hand again."
As the team settled into a quiet determination, Peter-Knull's gaze softened as he looked at Gwen, Kitty, and Jessica, who were resting nearby. He walked over to them, his presence a comforting force amid the tension.
Gwen looked up at him, her voice still hoarse but filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Peter. You saved us."
Peter-Knull nodded, his voice gentle. "You're safe now. Rest and recover. We'll handle the rest."
The room fell into a reflective silence as everyone processed the events.
Logan, taking another sip of water, looked at Fury one last time. "You should have seen him, Fury. It was like watching the wrath of a god. I think Blackheart realized, for the first time, that there are things even he should fear."
Fury nodded, his gaze turning to Peter-Knull. "We have a powerful ally in him. Let's make sure we use that power wisely."
…
The morning sun cast a soft glow over the city as Peter-Knull's motorcycle roared down the streets, heading towards the Limbo Embassy. The ride was silent but comfortable, a shared moment of peace between him and Madelyn Pryor after the events of the previous night. As they arrived at the Embassy, Peter-Knull brought the motorcycle to a gentle stop, helping Madelyn off.
They stood in front of the grand, gothic gates of the Limbo Embassy, the building looming behind them like a fortress of dark magic and ancient power. The quiet of the early morning enveloped them, offering a brief respite from their responsibilities.
her into a tight embrace. They held each other close, savoring the intimacy of the moment. Peter-Knull leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a tender, lingering kiss. They parted slowly, like before, "Thank you," Madelyn whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "For your strength and the love, you show me despite my duties."
Peter-Knull held her close for a moment longer, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Anytime, my love," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'll always be here for you."
Madelyn nodded, drawing strength from his words. With one last hug, she stepped back towards the Embassy gates. She watched as Peter-Knull turned and walked away, his figure gradually blending into the shadows of the street. She lingered a moment longer, drawing strength from the memory of their kiss, before turning to enter the Embassy.
…
Elsewhere in the darkened chamber where they had gathered the previous day, Blackheart and his allies reconvened. The air was thick with tension and unspoken accusations. Around the ancient stone table, the other demons, and the Magneto clone eyed Blackheart with a mixture of anger and disdain. None of them looked pleased with him.
"Coward," one of them muttered, the word dripping with contempt.
Blackheart's haunted look remained; the memory of Peter-Knull's threat still vivid in his mind. He tried to ignore the muttered insults, but they stung, nonetheless. He knew he had lost face, but the sheer malice and power he had sensed in Peter-Knull had left him no choice.
The Magneto clone was particularly livid, his eyes burning with a dangerous intensity. He slammed his fist on the table, causing a crack to spiderweb across its surface. "You let them go?" he snarled, his voice a mixture of rage and disbelief. "We had the upper hand, and you just... let them go?"
Blackheart's eyes flickered with frustration. "You weren't there, Magneto. You didn't see what I saw."
Magneto's clone leaned forward, his face inches from Blackheart's. "I don't care what you saw. We had a plan, and you ruined it. Do you have any idea what this does to our cause?"
Blackheart's hands tightened into fists. "I did what I had to do to ensure our survival. Peter-Knull isn't someone to be trifled with. He threatened to destroy everything we hold dear."
Selene, watching the exchange with narrowed eyes, spoke up, her voice cold and cutting. "We needed those hostages, Blackheart. Without them, our leverage is gone. What are we supposed to do now?"
Belasco, who had been silent until now, leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Blackheart. "You're a disgrace. You let fear dictate your actions, and now we're paying the price."
The Magneto clone's anger only grew, his composure unraveling. He paced back and forth, his frustration only growing with every passing moment.
"You have no idea what it means to sacrifice for a cause! I died believing in a lie, and now I'm back to make sure my wrath finally gets it revenge! But you... you don't understand the first thing about commitment!"
Blackheart's patience snapped. "Enough!" he roared, his voice echoing through the chamber. "You think I wanted to let them go? Do you think it was an easy decision? Peter-Knull threatened to turn our realms into hellscapes far worse than anything we've ever known. He has the power to back up his threats. If we push him too far, we all lose."
The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Blackheart's words sinking in. The Magneto clone, still fuming, finally stopped pacing. His eyes were wild, a clear sign that he was becoming more unhinged with each passing moment.
"We need a new plan," Belasco said, his voice measured and calm despite the chaos. "One that doesn't rely on hostages. We underestimated Peter-Knull and his allies. We won't make that mistake again."
Selene nodded; her expression thoughtful. "We need to regroup and rethink our strategy. And this time, we won't let fear dictate our actions."
The Magneto clone, still seething, reluctantly agreed. "Fine. But if anyone gets in our way, we destroy them. No more compromises."
As a minute ticked by, each villain's mind was racing with thoughts of their next move. Blackheart stood at the center of it all, his expression conflicted. He could feel the eyes of his allies on him, their judgment and anger was reaching it's peak. Belasco's measured words and Selene's thoughtful nod had done little to ease the animosity in the room. The Magneto clone was still seething, his wild eyes glaring at Blackheart, waiting for any sign of weakness.
Blackheart cleared his throat, trying to steady himself. The sound caught everyone's attention, and Magneto's clone snapped at him, his voice filled with venom. "WHAT?!"
Blackheart took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "I'm not dumb enough to push him again," he said, his voice steady and clear. "I'm out."
The room erupted into chaos. Magneto's clone lunged forward, his rage barely contained. "You coward! You think you can just walk away?!"
Blackheart met his furious gaze, his own anger rising. "Yes, I do. I've faced Peter-Knull's wrath once, and I have no intention of doing so again. If you want to keep pushing him, be my guest. But I won't be a part of it."
Selene's eyes narrowed, her voice cold and sharp. "You can't just abandon us. We need you."
Blackheart shook his head; his decision was final. "No, you don't. You need someone willing to risk everything for a cause. And I'm not willing to risk my existence against someone who can destroy entire realms with a thought."
Belasco sighed, a mixture of disappointment and understanding in his eyes. "So, this is it? You're just going to leave?"
Blackheart nodded. "Yes. I'm cutting my losses and getting out while I can."
With that, he turned and walked towards the exit. The room fell silent, the other villains watching him go, each grappling with their own thoughts and plans.
Magneto's clone seethed, his hands clenched into fists. "Coward," he muttered under his breath, his mind already racing to formulate a new plan, one that didn't rely on Blackheart.
As Blackheart left the chamber, he felt a mixture of relief and fear. He had made his choice, and there was no turning back. The threat of Peter-Knull loomed large in his mind, a reminder of the power and malice that had driven him to this decision.
He knew his allies would see him as a coward, but he didn't care. Survival was more important than pride, and he intended to survive, no matter the cost.
Back in the chamber, the remaining villains regrouped, their determination steeling. They would continue their plans, adapting and adjusting without Blackheart.
Magneto vowed to do so, come hell or high water, even if it's the last thing he ever did in this life, or the next.