Marvel: From the Void and Back Again
Chapter 22: To Those Who Falsely Dream, and The Wedding Favor
…
The bar in the outskirts of Nevada was a stark contrast to the daily lights of New York City. The older Cable sat hunched over a battered wooden table, nursing a drink that had long since lost its initial chill. His once strong and unwavering presence seemed diminished, shadows of regret and loss etched into his features. The weight of his past actions and the consequences they brought bore down heavily on his shoulders.
Cable downed the drink in one swift motion, wincing as the harsh liquor burned its way down his throat. He set the empty glass on the table with a dull thud, his mind replaying the events that led him to this point. The moment Hope Summers had confronted him played vividly in his mind, her words echoing with a painful clarity.
…
They had been on the move, traversing the vast expanse of Nevada, the sun beating down relentlessly on the desolate landscape. Cable had tried to keep his focus on their mission, but Hope's anger and betrayal had finally boiled over after another day of wondering aimlessly.
"You're not my father!" Hope had screamed, her voice cracking with raw emotion. "You were supposed to be my protector, my guide! But it was all a lie, wasn't it? Resurrection... it makes everything meaningless. You're just another stranger pretending to be something you're not."
Cable had tried to reach out to her, but she had pulled away, her eyes filled with a mixture of hurt and fury. "Hope, you have to understand," he had pleaded. "I did what I thought was best. I wanted to keep you safe."
Her laughter had been bitter and hollow. "Safe? You think this is safe? We're constantly moving around with no end in sight! What's the point? Why are we bothering having hope when none exists?! And all because of lies and deception. How can I trust anything anymore?"
She had turned away from him, her silhouette framed by the setting sun, and with a final, heart-wrenching look, she rode off into the vastness of the desert. Cable had called after her, but his words had been swallowed by the emptiness around them.
…
The memory was like a knife to his heart, reopening wounds that had never fully healed. Cable poured himself another drink, his hand trembling slightly. He knew he had made mistakes, but the loss of Hope's trust and respect was a burden he wasn't sure he could ever bear.
As he stared into the amber liquid, his thoughts drifted to the present. He had heard whispers of the ongoing battles, the chaos that had erupted in New York, and the rise of Peter-Knull. The weight of his failures bore down on him, driving him to drink more heavily than usual. He felt the familiar numbness creeping in, the comforting haze of alcohol dulling the edges of his pain.
But something caught his eye, pulling him back from the brink of oblivion. Across the bar, a figure sat in the shadows, their presence both familiar and unsettling. Cable squinted, trying to make out the details through his foggy vision. It was Exodus, the former member of the Quiet Council. The mutant's regal bearing and unmistakable aura of power stood out even in this dingy setting.
Cable's heart skipped a beat as he noticed who Exodus was meeting with—a shadowy figure whose features were obscured by the dim light. Cable strained to hear their conversation, his senses sharpening as adrenaline cut through the alcohol-induced haze.
Exodus leaned in close to his associate, his voice a low, conspiratorial whisper. "How many demonic mercenaries have taken up the bounty?" he asked, his tone cold and calculating. "We can't just send any mercenaries after Peter-Knull. We need the best of the best."
Cable's blood ran cold, the gravity of the situation hitting him like a sledgehammer. The thought of demonic mercenaries targeting Peter-Knull was chilling enough, but the implication that Exodus was behind this effort added a new layer of danger. He knew he had to act, but his mind raced with conflicting emotions and doubts.
For a moment, Cable considered confronting Exodus, but he knew better than to make a move without more information. Instead, he finished his drink and quietly slipped out of the bar, his thoughts racing. He needed to warn Peter-Knull and the others about this new threat, and he had to do it quickly.
Cable stepped out of the bar, his mind a whirlwind of determination and fear. He had to stop Exodus and Sebastian Shaw from unleashing demonic mercenaries on Peter-Knull. But just as he turned the corner into the alley, something hard struck the back of his head. Pain exploded in his skull, and darkness swallowed him whole.
When he came to, Cable found himself back in the bar, his head throbbing and his vision blurry. Thick restraints bound his wrists and ankles, securing him to the chair. Across the table sat Exodus, his eyes cold and calculating, and Sebastian Shaw, a smug smile playing on his lips.
"Welcome back, Nathan," Exodus said smoothly. "We were just discussing what to do with you."
Cable's head pounded, but his mind raced. "What the hell do you want from me?" he growled, straining against the restraints.
Exodus leaned forward, his expression serious. "We need you to forget everything you heard tonight. The plans we have in motion are critical, and we cannot afford any interference."
Cable's anger flared. "Forget? You think I'll just walk away and let you send demonic mercenaries after Peter-Knull? You're out of your minds!"
Shaw chuckled, shaking his head. "You always were stubborn, Nathan. But you must understand, this is bigger than you. Bigger than any of us."
Cable glared at them, his rage boiling over. "And if I don't forget? What then? You think you can just wipe my memories clean? Resurrection isn't available anymore, and even if it was, it wasn't really us! What are you going to do? Cloning?"
Shaw's smile widened as he shrugged nonchalantly. "Cloning, resurrection—what's the difference? We have our methods, and we will use them."
Cable froze, a cold dread settling in his gut. "You're still cloning mutants? Even after everything that's happened?"
Exodus nodded. "We've managed to acquire a few Krakoan seeds. There are still people willing to pay for them. It is our sovereign right, after all."
Cable's eyes narrowed, a mixture of fury and despair. "You're deluding yourselves. This isn't building a future for mutantkind. It's a trap, and you're all falling into it."
Exodus's eyes gleamed with a dangerous light. "Isn't that right, Xavier?"
Cable's breath caught in his throat as he turned to see Professor Xavier, or rather, a version of him, standing with the familiar visor. Another figure stood beside him—an exact copy of himself. Cable's stomach churned as the full horror of the situation hit him.
"This... this is madness," Cable whispered, his voice shaking. "You're playing with forces you don't understand. Resurrection, cloning—it was never about building a future. It was always a trap about manipulation!"
Xavier's clone stepped forward, his expression cold and detached. "We are building the future we deserve, Nathan. You will either be a part of it or be erased from it."
Cable's eyes blazed with defiance. "I'll never be a part of this. You're no better than the enemies we fought against."
Exodus and Shaw exchanged a knowing glance. "So be it," Exodus said quietly, until the procedures ready you'll be confined. Take him away."
Cable struggled against his restraints, but it was futile. As they moved to carry out their plan, he could only watch in silent horror, realizing that the true battle for the future of mutantkind wasn't against humans or some big bad, but against themselves and their ambitions that have spiraled completely and utterly out of control.
…
Cable was thrown into a dimly lit cell, his restraints unceremoniously removed before a heavy metal door clanged shut behind him. He looked around and saw familiar faces, a painful reminder of the cost of defiance. Iceman sat in one corner, his usually cheerful demeanor replaced by a cold, hardened look. Beside him were three lesser-known mutants: Cipher, who had the ability to become invisible and intangible; Indra, a young mutant with invulnerable exoskeleton armor; and Trance, a mutant with the ability to project her astral form.
"It's good to see you, Cable," Iceman said, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Though not like this."
Cable nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of their shared captivity. "I didn't think it would come to this. That our former leaders would do something like this." He paused for a moment and walked to the edge of the cell and ran his hand through his hair, before the frustration finally made him snap and he shouted, "DAMN IT!"
Cipher leaned against the wall, her form flickering in and out of visibility. "None of us did. But here we are."
Indra's eyes met Cable's, filled with a mix of determination and sadness. "We couldn't stand by and watch them corrupt everything we fought for."
Trance, her astral form glowing faintly, added, "They won't stop until they've bent us all to their will that much is apparent now more than ever."
Before they could continue, a guard approached with a power-dampening collar. Cable knew what was coming, and in a last desperate attempt, he activated his psychic abilities, reaching out with his mind. He sent flashing images and a single, heart-wrenching message.
…
In the Limbo Embassy, Madelyn Pryor was engrossed in paperwork when she suddenly felt a jolt. Images flashed before her eyes—Cable, her son, restrained and surrounded by other mutants in a cell. She heard his voice, clear and anguished.
"Mother... I'm sorry..."
The connection was brief but unmistakable. Madelyn's heart raced as she stood up abruptly, knocking over her chair. It was not a figment of her imagination. It was too sudden, too vivid.
She clutched her chest, struggling to process what she had just experienced. The realization hit her like a ton of bricks: Cable was in danger, and someone, somewhere, had taken him prisoner.
Without hesitation, Madelyn pulled out her list of contacts and called for her most trusted allies. "Nick! I just received a psychic message from my son, cable, I don't know what it means, but he's in danger I… I need your help on this one."
…
Back in the cell, Cable's moment of connection was cut off as the collar snapped around his neck, dampening his powers. He winced at the sudden loss of connection but took solace in the knowledge that his message had reached his mother.
"Hold on, everyone," he said, his voice filled with a renewed sense of hope. "Help is on the way."
The mutants in the cell exchanged glances, a flicker of hope igniting in their eyes. They would hold on, for as long as it took, until they were free again.
On the command bridge of the SHIELD Helicarrier, Nick Fury, Agent Hill, and the Japanese styled, fox like symbiote Kitsura were busy tracking the recent movements of Cable. as they sifted through a month and a half of data, trying to piece together his whereabouts.
Logan, Laura, and Captain Marvel were on a secure line, their faces showing a mix of concern and determination. Peter-Knull, having received leads from Madelyn Pryor, was also connected, his expression serious.
"We've tracked Cable's movements to Nevada, but the trail goes cold there," Agent Hill reported. "Based on the data, it seems he's gone into a drunken spiral after Hope Summers left him. He's been off the grid for a while now."
Logan frowned, his keen senses picking up on something. "One of my contacts mentioned that Bobby, who was also going through a tough time, suddenly disappeared. It might not be related, but it still could be worth looking into."
As they processed this information, Deadpool and Tigra called in, their expressions equally grim. "We've got a lead," Deadpool said, his usual humor absent. "Whoever is behind these disappearances has access to Krakoan seeds."
The room fell silent as they processed the implications. Peter-Knull was the first to break the silence. "If they've got Krakoan seeds, they might be in the same spot as the missing mutants. We need to contact Krakoa. I can be there within ten to twenty minutes on my symbiote motorcycle, but it's probably best if I go alone. Given my recent... incident where I helped purge Sinister's influence from the island. I might have a better chance of getting their cooperation."
Nick Fury nodded thoughtfully. "It's worth a shot. You've earned a measure of trust with Krakoa after the Sinister incident. If anyone can get the information we need, it's you."
Peter-Knull's form shimmered as he prepared to head out. "I'll update you as soon as I know more. Stay ready."
…
On the shores of Krakoa, the once vibrant living island now stood vacant, a stark reminder of the fallout from the Sinister incident. Peter-Knull's symbiote bike roared to a stop as it reached the beach, having crossed the ocean with ease. He dismounted and looked around, feeling the eyes of the island upon him.
"Krakoa," he called out, his voice steady. "I need to talk to you about something that's come up. Someone is abducting a few mutants, but we think they have access to some of your Krakoan seeds. Deep down, I know why someone would want those items, though I'm still hoping I'm wrong. And yet, I know that's most likely not the case. Did anyone have access to these particular seeds? Any that you've noticed have gone missing?"
From the edge of the forests, the face of Krakoa emerged from the trees, ancient and knowing. The living island seemed to ponder his words before speaking. "The day the mutants were sent away, I noticed Exodus... he slipped something into a bag when he left. He was near the area where my seeds were kept."
Peter-Knull's heart sank. He had hoped to be wrong, but the evidence was clear. "Can you track these seeds, Krakoa? It may lead us to the missing mutants."
Krakoa's face shifted, and the ground trembled slightly as it checked its vast network. "They are in Nevada. And there's more. Based on the information I'm receiving, they've already cloned Xavier and another Nathan, also known as Cable. I don't think they've killed Nathan or the others yet, but it's only a matter of time before Exodus does something he cannot undo, like so many times before."
Peter-Knull nodded grimly. "Thank you for this information, Krakoa."
As he turned to leave, Krakoa's voice rumbled once more. "When you find Exodus and especially those seeds... if you can't bring them back, destroy them. They only create death in the end, under the guise of rebirth."
Peter-Knull met the ancient eyes of the living island and nodded. "I will. Thank you, Krakoa."
With that, he mounted his symbiote bike, revving the engine as he prepared to head back. Zooming at high speeds over the waves as symbiotic material formed beneath him before a portal opened up and he disappeared.
Nick Fury stood around the table, listening intently as Peter-Knull informed him of the situation. Hill, Logan, Laura, Jean, and Scott Summers were present, along with Iron Man and Captain Marvel. Each of them processed the information in their own way.
Jean was awfully quiet, her face reflecting a mix of sadness and resignation. "So... they know it's just cloning, but they're still going to do it anyway," she murmured. "I can guess that our nation was always going to collapse at this rate... since we let someone like Exodus on our council... when we still had a council, that is."
Logan had to take a moment to process this dark path their former allies had gone down. His face was grim, his hands clenching and unclenching as he struggled with his emotions.
In the meantime, Peter-Knull described the coordinates that Krakoa had given him. "They're being held somewhere in the middle of the desert," he said, pointing to the map. We should set up search teams to find their hideout. "Somewhere in a canyon or rock formations."
Before they headed out, Peter-Knull walked over and sat down at the same table where Logan was staring blankly at nothing. Peter-Knull sat there for a moment, then decided to lighten the mood by describing one of the universes he had visited.
"This one universe I visited, it was the second universe out of the seventeen before this one," Peter-Knull began. "Logan, one of the more reasonable Logans I've met, went through something similar to this, even if it was under different circumstances. His Krakoa, they knew it was cloning and they kept it anyway. He and quite a few other mutants never trusted that Krakoa for good reason, and they wisely stayed away. Then one day, it collapsed due to the whole world uniting against them. Your counterpart was forced into a corner where he had no choice but to make the hard decision in the end and kill his Xavier for the final time. Though he always kept a lookout for another clone, just in case."
He took a moment, collecting his thoughts, before continuing. "Logan, I've seen what that action can do to you. When we confront them, if you wish, I can be the one to confront Xavier. I've done it before, and this will be the second time I've confronted him in this universe. I don't want your grief to continue to grow if I can help prevent some of that unnecessary pain. If you wish it, I'll handle him. But in the end, I'll respect your wishes. Whatever you decide, I'll let you decide it."
Logan looked up, his eyes meeting Peter-Knull's. The room was silent, the weight of the decision heavy in the air. After a moment, Logan nodded. "I appreciate that, Peter. And I'll think on it before I come to a decision."
Peter-Knull nodded, understanding the burden Logan carried. The team prepared to head out, ready to face whatever awaited them in the Nevada desert.
…
In the Nevada desert, Team 3 consisting of Deadpool, Peter-Knull, Laura, Logan, and some SHIELD agents led by Agent Hill made their way into a canyon.
Mid-sentence, both Logan and Peter-Knull smelled it first—the distinct scent of Nathan. They exchanged a glance, their senses on high alert. Just as one of the agents stepped forward, a shot rang out from the cliffs. Peter-Knull moved faster than anyone could see, pulling the agent out of the line of fire. The shot grazed the agent's arm, leaving a burn mark before multiple more bolts hit him in the back which barely rippled before they sizzled out.
"Take cover!" Agent Hill ordered, as the team scrambled behind rocks and outcroppings.
Peter-Knull remained standing, his eyes scanning the rocky terrain for the shooter. He zeroed in on the cloned Nathan, hiding behind a rock formation. Without hesitation, Peter-Knull launched himself like a missile, shattering the bedrock beneath him. He smashed through the rock formation which quite literally blasted the cloned Nathon off his feet, grabbed the gun, and tore it in half with ease.
Nathan retaliated with a powerful psychic blast that would have shattered any other being. Peter-Knull barely flinched. "Okay, fun's over," he said, before thwacking Nathan on the head, knocking him out cold.
He dragged the unconscious Nathan back to the others, where Logan was already returning with another Nathan clone, whom he had dragged back from the opposite direction. This clone looked genuinely confused.
"What exactly are we carrying?" the clone asked, looking around. "There's no one here."
Deadpool arrived at the same time, also dragging an unconscious Nathan. The second Nathan clone looked at the spots where the other clones were and said, "All I see is the ground."
It was then that agent Hill got a hunch. She pulled out a scanner and began scanning each Nathan clone's head. As she scanned, her expression grew grimmer. "There's a chip in their skulls," she said, her voice tight. "It inhibits their awareness of certain individuals."
The team's blood ran cold as the implications set in. Not only were their enemies openly cloning them, but they were also making multiple copies who apparently didn't know there were other copies. Worse yet, these clones couldn't process the existence of certain individuals with those chips in their brains.
Barely a moment passed before all three Nathan clones burst into flames, causing the conscious one to scream in agony. The flames consumed them rapidly, reducing them to bones within seconds.
Logan's claws extended with a metallic snikt, his rage reaching new heights. "What the hell?!"
Laura's fists clenched, her eyes blazing with fury. "They just... incinerated them. Those bastards!"
Peter-Knull's symbiote form rippled with barely contained anger. As he starred at the bones on the ground. Letting out a low growl at the pointless bloodshed they just witnessed.
As Hill called in the grizzly scene, her voice was steady despite the horror. "This is Agent Hill. We've just witnessed an auto-termination sequence on three Nathan clones. Confirming presence of neural inhibitors. Situation critical."
Before she could say more, her communicator crackled to life with Captain Marvel's voice. "Team Two here. We've found the entrance."
Peter-Knull turned to the others, his expression serious. "Let's move. We need to shut this operation down."
…
The team moved quickly to the other part of the canyon, where they discovered a hidden latch. It led to an underground bunker, its entrance obscured by rocks and debris. Logan, Deadpool, Laura, and Peter-Knull secured the area, ensuring no one would escape, then descended into the bunker, closing the latch behind them.
From Hill's perspective, the next two hours were excruciating. She stood outside with the Avengers, coordinating the lockdown of the area. The silence was heavy, broken only by the occasional shuffle of feet or the rustling of leaves in the wind. Jean Grey, visibly tense, picked up psychic distortions from inside the bunker. "It's Xavier," she murmured, her voice tight with anxiety. "He's using his psychic abilities."
The tension grew as the silence stretched on. Thirty minutes later, the latch finally creaked open. Logan, Deadpool, and Laura climbed out, followed by the original Nathan, Bobby, and two other kidnapped mutants. They looked shaken but alive.
Hill was relieved, but her eyes darted around. "Where's Peter-Knull?" she asked, her voice betraying her concern.
"He's destroying the resurrection pods," Logan replied, his voice grim.
Logan, Deadpool, and Laura were holding down the now cuffed Exodus, Xavier, who appeared to be in a coma, and Sebastian Shaw. Exodus and Shaw were defiant, their eyes burning with indignation.
"This doesn't change anything!" Shaw spat, his voice filled with contempt. "We gave you all life! A chance to live again, and you throw it all away!"
Logan had had enough. His claws sheaved as he punched Shaw, knocking him out cold. Shaw hit his head on a rock, unconscious. "SHUT UP! WE'VE HAD IT WITH THIS LIE YOU'RE PREACHING!"
Jean stepped forward, her eyes softening as she looked at Nathan and the others. "It's over. You're safe now," she said gently, her voice a soothing balm to their frayed nerves.
Jean's gaze shifted to the non-responsive Xavier, his limp form carried on a stretcher. Concern furrowed her brow. "What happened to him?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
Laura stepped forward, her expression serious. "He tried to take control of Peter-Knull's mind," she explained. "Something he regretted... too much chaos in there." She glanced at Xavier's inert form. "Peter-Knull's mind is a battlefield. Xavier couldn't handle it."
Jean nodded, understanding the implications. As Xavier was carted away into the transport, the scene was one of grim resolution. They had secured a victory, but the cost was evident in the battered and bruised bodies of their friends and the shattered remnants of their once time leaders.
Nick Fury who was nearby spoke up; his expression as unreadable as ever. "Good work, everyone," he said, his voice steady. "We'll take it from here but first things first. Let's get these people to safety." While Deadpool, logan and the others helped the former captive mutants on the transport.
Jean, however, couldn't shake the growing sense of unease. She noticed the smirk playing on Exodus's lips, a smirk that sent chills down her spine. Finally, unable to contain her frustration, she snapped. "What!? What is so funny?!"
Before she could continue, a massive explosion erupted underground, shaking the very earth beneath their feet. The ground for half a mile around exploded upwards and then collapsed, creating a massive sinkhole. Chaos ensued as everyone scrambled for cover, the deafening noise and flying debris adding to the pandemonium.
Jean's mind raced as she quickly scanned Exodus's thoughts, her eyes widening in horror as she realized the truth. "He planted a tactical nuke in the bunker!" she shouted, her voice barely audible over the chaos. "Peter-Knull was still inside!"
As the ground continued to rumble, a figure burst forth from the bedrock, sending chunks of stone flying in all directions. Peter-Knull emerged, looking absolutely furious. Despite being undamaged, his eyes burned with a cold, murderous rage as they locked onto Exodus.
For a long minute, Peter-Knull just glared at Exodus, his intense gaze filled with unspoken fury. The silence was intense, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Finally, he turned to the others, his voice a low growl. "I'll meet up with all of you later. I need to cool off." With that, he summoned his symbiote motorcycle and sped off into the Nevada desert, the roar of the engine echoing into the distance.
Exodus, still smirking, took the opportunity to gloat. "Everyone eventually breaks," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "It's only a matter of time until he breaks too."
Jean, Logan, and the others could only stare at their former ally with a mix of disgust and disdain. For Jean, the horror of Exodus's actions was almost too much to bear. She turned to Logan, her eyes filled with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "How did we fall so far?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Logan shook his head, his jaw clenched tight. "I don't know, Jeanie. But we'll make this right. No matter what it takes, starting with him…!" He said directing his glare towards Exodus.
…
As Peter-Knull drove through the desolate expanse of the Nevada desert, the roar of his symbiote motorcycle echoed in the emptiness. He needed time to think, to process the events that had just unfolded and the dark path that their former allies had taken. The wind whipped against his face, carrying the weight of his thoughts as he sped across the sandy terrain.
But as he drove, he sensed a familiar, unwelcome presence. Slowing down, Peter-Knull let out a sound of annoyance. Ahead, standing in the middle of his path, was Mephisto, his devilish grin unmistakable. Peter-Knull came to a stop, his eyes narrowing at the demonic figure.
"Mephisto," Peter-Knull growled, "say what you're going to say and be done with it."
Mephisto chuckled, a sound that grated on Peter-Knull's nerves. "Always so impatient, Peter-Knull," he said, his voice smooth and mocking. "But I respect that. It's one of the things I find... intriguing about you."
Peter-Knull crossed his arms, his expression darkening but allowing him to say his piece. "Get to the point, Mephisto."
With a theatrical flourish, Mephisto bowed slightly. "Very well. I've made arrangements for three demonic assassins to collect the bounty on your head, as per Exodus's request. However," he paused, his eyes glinting with amusement, "I thought it only fair to give you a heads up. Consider it a gesture of... mutual respect."
Peter-Knull's eyes narrowed further, suspicion creeping into his thoughts. "And why would you do that, Mephisto? What's your angle here, what could you possibly hope to gain?"
Mephisto's grin widened. "Oh, let's just say I admire your ability to cause such delightful chaos within the cosmic hierarchy. It's not a truce, mind you, but an act born out of respect for a worthy adversary. I detest you, yes, but I also respect your power and ability to unsettle those that are beyond me and place themselves at the top."
Peter-Knull let out a low growl, his patience wearing thin. "As long as they focus on me and not Madelyn or the others, they're welcome to try."
Mephisto's grin remained, but his eyes darkened slightly. "Oh, I'm sure they'll find you quite the challenge. But remember, Peter-Knull, the game we play is one of survival and dominance. And while you may be strong now, the cosmos has a way of testing even the mightiest."
With that, Mephisto vanished in a swirl of dark energy, leaving Peter-Knull alone once more in the desert. He revved his motorcycle and continued his journey, the words of the demon lingering in his mind.
But if he knew one thing, it was that he would protect Madelyn and his family, no matter what.
…
Kingpin sat at the head of a long, polished table in a dimly lit room, surrounded by his closest associates. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cigars and the low murmur of voices discussing business dealings. Despite the usual gravity of their conversations, today had a slightly different focus. Kingpin listened intently as Tombstone brought up a delicate matter—his daughter's upcoming wedding.
"We need to ensure the safety of the guests and family," Tombstone said, his voice gruff yet tinged with a rare softness when speaking of his daughter. "I'm considering asking Peter-Knull to send one of his symbiotes for protection. Given our relatively good terms with him, it seems like a logical choice."
Kingpin nodded thoughtfully, remembering past interactions with Peter-Knull. He respected Peter-Knull's neutrality and his knack for running things by him first, like that time he negotiated community service for three rookies who had been in over their heads. It was a gesture Kingpin had appreciated, and it made him more open to the idea.
"Go ahead," Kingpin said, his voice decisive. "Hire the protection. This wedding is important, and we can't afford any risks. Have Peter-Knull send one of his symbiotes. Ensure everything runs smoothly."
Tombstone nodded, pulling out his phone and quickly composing a text to Peter-Knull. The room fell silent, all eyes on Tombstone as they awaited the response. It didn't take long—within a minute, Tombstone's phone buzzed with a reply.
Kingpin raised an eyebrow at the rapid response time, a smirk playing on his lips. He glanced at the message and read it aloud for the benefit of the room:
"I'll send a symbiote known as Shell-Shock. He'll be in the waiting area of your building. Feel free to ask him any questions you wish... P.S. if you wish it, I can also be present if you deem it necessary."
The room hummed with approval, and Kingpin leaned back in his chair, pleased with the arrangement. "Efficient as always," he remarked. "Let's make sure everything is set up. Tombstone, meet with Shell-Shock and handle the details. We can't leave anything to chance."
Tombstone nodded, already standing to leave. "I'll make sure it's done right. Thank you, Kingpin."
As Tombstone exited the room, the others resumed their discussions, but there was an undercurrent of anticipation now. The wedding would be secure, and with Peter-Knull's involvement, they felt confident that nothing would go wrong. Kingpin's gaze lingered on the closed door, a rare moment of satisfaction settling over him. This wedding, delicate as it was, would hopefully proceed without a hitch under their careful watch.
…
Tombstone entered the waiting area, the file on Shell-Shock clutched in his hand. He had read about the symbiote but wasn't quite prepared for what he saw. Sitting patiently, almost as if meditating, was a massive symbiotic figure resembling a giant snapping turtle. Tombstone couldn't help but do a double take, his usually stoic demeanor faltering for a moment.
"Shell-Shock, right?" Tombstone began, clearing his throat to mask his initial surprise.
The turtle-like symbiote opened his eyes and nodded, his movements slow and deliberate. "Yes, that's correct. How can I assist you?"
Tombstone, regaining his composure, glanced at the file before looking back at Shell-Shock. "I've got a few questions. First, everything I've heard about Peter-Knull's symbiotes—about their healing abilities—is it true?"
Shell-Shock nodded. "Yes, it is. I can heal others with my shell-like symbiotic material. It's incredibly durable and can also form bulletproof shields if the situation calls for it."
Tombstone's interest piqued. "Impressive. And tracking? Can you really zero in on someone in a crowd?"
"Absolutely," Shell-Shock replied confidently. "My sense of smell is highly developed. I can pick out individual scents in a crowded area and track them if needed."
Tombstone was visibly impressed but continued with his questions. "What about underwater capabilities? Can you really swim fast?"
Shell-Shock nodded his turtle-like head, "Very fast. I can breathe and move underwater with great speed and agility. It's one of my primary strengths."
Tombstone nodded, satisfied with the answers. "Good. We need your help to ensure the safety of an upcoming event. I trust you understand the importance of this task?"
Shell-Shock stood up, his towering form casting a long shadow. "I understand. Rest assured, I will ensure the safety of everyone at the event."
Tombstone extended a hand, which Shell-Shock grasped firmly. "Thank you. Welcome aboard, Shell-Shock."
As they finalized the details, Tombstone couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. With Shell-Shock's abilities, the wedding would be well-protected. He glanced at the file one last time before heading out to relay the good news to Kingpin.
…
One day later…
Shell-Shock and Peter-Knull conducted surveillance for Tombstone's daughter's wedding with meticulous attention. The grandeur of the event was undeniable, with a sprawling venue, opulent decorations, and guests arriving in their finest attire.
Peter-Knull had decided to blend in for the occasion. Wearing his usual dark attire, he had added a symbiotic tie to his ensemble, giving him a more formal yet still menacing appearance. The tie, made from his own symbiotic material, adjusted and shifted subtly, perfectly complementing his look.
As various crime bosses and high-profile guests arrived, Peter-Knull kept a close eye on the proceedings. His heightened senses were on high alert, scanning for any signs of trouble. Shell-Shock, ever vigilant, stood near the entrance, his imposing figure ensuring a sense of security.
Peter-Knull's attention was drawn to Madame Masque as she made her entrance. There was something off about her, a lingering unease that he couldn't shake before the scent hit him making him narrow his eyes slightly but waited for her to pass by before he felt obligated to inform tombstone.
He subtly approached Tombstone, leaning in to whisper, "She's got this scent on her... like explosives. She's either handled them recently or has been in close proximity to them. It's faint, but recent."
Tombstone's eyes widened slightly, and Peter-Knull continued, "I also noticed the scent originates from her limousine in the parking lot. I'll have Shell-Shock stand outside the door to confirm it and keep an eye out for any explosives."
Tombstone nodded, his expression hardening. He trusted Peter-Knull's instincts and knew that any threat to his daughter's wedding had to be dealt with swiftly and discreetly.
Peter-Knull made his way to Shell-Shock, who was stationed at the entrance. "Shell-Shock," he said quietly, "I need you to check out Madame Masque's limousine in the parking lot. I suspect there might be explosives. Keep an eye out and confirm it."
Shell-Shock nodded, his expression serious. "Got it," he replied, his voice a low rumble. He moved with purpose towards the parking lot, his keen senses already on high alert.
As he approached the limousine, he scanned the area carefully. The scent of explosives was faint but unmistakable. His enhanced vision picked up the slight shimmer of C-4 hidden beneath the vehicle. Additionally, he noticed the peculiar scent of the guards—vampires.
Shell-Shock quickly returned to Peter-Knull and Tombstone. "There's a pack of C-4 under her car," he reported. "And her guards are vampires if their smell is anything to go by."
Peter-Knull's eyes narrowed. "We need to neutralize the threat without causing a panic," he said. "Shell-Shock, disable the explosives. Tombstone, we need to handle Madame Masque and her guards discreetly."
With a plan in place, Shell-Shock headed back to the limousine, though he knew better than to confront them directly, he positioned himself within thirty feet of the vehicle and from his turle like feet, sprouted greenish blue symbiotic material that slowly extended into a tendril that slithered over in-between and around cars to go around the vampires line of sight and he subtly burrowed his tendrils into the c-4, disengaging the circuits then the wiring… rendering it harmless before retracting the tendril and walked back inside, with the vampires none the wiser.
…
Meanwhile, Peter-Knull and Tombstone approached Madame Masque, their expressions calm but serious.
"Madame Masque," Tombstone said smoothly, "a word, if you don't mind."
She looked up, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Of course," she replied, following them to a more secluded area of the venue.
Peter-Knull stepped forward. "We know about the explosives," he said bluntly. "And your guards. You're not going to cause any trouble here."
Madame Masque's facade cracked for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, though her voice wavered slightly.
"There's no point in lying," Peter-Knull said, his voice low and just as blunt as before. "You're here to fake your death and frame Tombstone. It's not going to happen."
Realizing her plan had been uncovered, Madame Masque sighed. "Fine," she admitted. "But you have no idea what you're dealing with."
"We know enough," Tombstone said coldly. "You're done here."
As they led Madame Masque away, Shell-Shock returned, confirming that the explosives had been safely disarmed.
Shell-Shock briefed Tombstone on the situation.
"The bomb is disabled," Shell-Shock reported. "And the vampires haven't noticed due to the discreet handling."
Peter-Knull added, "There's something else. Some of the crime lords' heart rates have increased since we led Madame Masque away. They're watching us."
Tombstone frowned, and Peter-Knull continued, "Don't turn around. Some of them have this look in their eyes... like they're ready to snap. People backed into a corner are dangerous. Let them plot for now. Let the wedding proceed, but after the wedding, we'll go through them one by one and read their responses to Madame Masque's plot we stopped. It's the safest bet we have right now."
Tombstone nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Peter-Knull then suggested, "I'll stand next to the bride and groom to ensure their safety, and Shell-Shock will stand by you, just in case."
With their plan set, they returned to the wedding, their vigilance heightened. The event continued, but beneath the surface, tension simmered, with everyone aware that they were walking on a tightrope.
Peter-Knull stood at the podium, scanning the faces of the crime bosses. Shell-Shock stood between Mister Negative and Tombstone, occasionally sniffing the air for anyone who might pull out a weapon or cause violence. So far, everything has been calm.
…
Meanwhile outside the parking lot…
Outside, a Grey-sym with its large, grey man-like form like one of those old sci-fi UFO movies, scanned the area down the street on Peter-Knull's behalf picking up the occasional echoes of the passerby. Peter-Knull knew better than to leave anything to chance. The Grey-sym noticed a motorcycle approaching, signaling potential trouble.
…
Back inside, the wedding was wrapping up. The groom aka, Randy Robbinson and the bride aka Janice Lincoln said their vows, and everyone clapped and offered their congratulations. As the newlyweds left under protection, Peter-Knull shared a nod with Tombstone. They needed to talk to Diamondback, Crime Master, Mister Negative, Black Mariah, and Owl.
They went one by one, asking questions about the recent events. Mister Negative seemed genuinely surprised and cooperated, understanding the full implications of the situation. Peter-Knull and Tombstone picked up on verbal cues and the slight intakes of breath, along with the nervous gestures that the final four tried to hide. Peter-Knull and Shell-Shock could sense the fear growing in them, noting their increasing heartbeats and the slight dilation of their pupils at certain questions.
When they questioned Diamondback, Crime Master, Owl, and Black Mariah, their responses were increasingly tense. Black Mariah, in particular, began to panic and tried redirecting the conversation.
"It's absurd and insulting that you think I was in on this plot involving the C-4," she said, her voice rising defensively.
Peter-Knull looked at her coolly. "I never said anything about the C-4 that was under Madame Masque's limousine."
Black Mariah's eyes widened, and she faltered, her fear evident. Peter-Knull's gaze remained steady, his presence intimidating. The room grew silent as the weight of his words sank in. Tombstone leaned in, his voice low and menacing.
"Now, why don't you tell us what you know about this plot?" he asked.
Black Mariah, Crime Master, Owl, and Diamondback exchanged uneasy glances, realizing their ruse had been discovered. Under the intense scrutiny of Peter-Knull and Tombstone, they had no choice but to start talking, revealing the extent of their involvement and the true nature of Madame Masque's scheme.
As the interrogation continued, Peter-Knull tilted his head slightly, listening intently. He then whispered to Tombstone, "One of my Grey-Sym symbiotes caught Jensen J.R. Walker on a bike headed to this building. He was fully decked out and armed to the teeth... specifically with a shotgun. From what he's communicated to me after dealing with him, you were his target."
Tombstone's eyes narrowed, and he gave a subtle nod. Just then, a knock came on the door. Tombstone gave the go-ahead to let Grey-Sym in. The door opened, and Grey-Sym entered, carrying a struggling Jensen J.R. Walker who was completely restrained in grey symbiotic appendages like ropes. Grey-Sym set him in a chair, the tendrils holding him down firmly.
Peter-Knull's voice was calm but deadly. "Just so you know... he was also hired by these four and Madame Masque. It was all a plot to try and initiate a gang war on the streets where they all could seize power... not to mention claim ignorance in this plot."
The four crime bosses—Diamondback, Crime Master, Black Mariah, and Owl—felt their blood run cold. The realization that they had been caught left them visibly shaken at how meticulously this plot had been dismantled and backfired on them.
Peter-Knull looked at each of them, his eyes cold and unforgiving.
"You thought you could manipulate and turn the odds in your favor while I'm here?" he said in a casual manner. "Guess your now having second thoughts?"
Tombstone stepped forward, his demeanor menacing. "You came to my daughter's wedding and posed as guests, all so you could start a war in the streets? Well, you got one. But it's not the kind you planned for and certainly not in the streets."
Grey-Sym tightened the restraints on Jensen J.R. Walker, ensuring he couldn't escape. The crime bosses knew they had no way out. The room was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the sound of their labored breathing.
Peter-Knull turned to Tombstone. "Let's make sure they understand the gravity of their situation."
Tombstone nodded, his expression hard. "Oh, they will. Trust me."
As the reality of their predicament set in, the four crime bosses knew their schemes had backfired spectacularly. They were at the mercy of Peter-Knull and Tombstone, and there would be no escape from the reckoning that awaited them.
…
Tombstone's sly grin spread across his face as an idea wormed its way into his cranium. Something sweeter than death or physical torture—a fate far more punishing for the likes of these traitors. Death was too much of a mercy, and torture in the physical sense would be too simple. Instead, he imagined the life they each would live once Kingpin heard about this. All five of them, including Madame Masque, would face a reckoning that would strip them of everything they had built.
"Peter-Knull," Tombstone said, his voice low and menacing. "We're going to contact Kingpin first. Inform him of their behavior that went behind our organizations' backs. Then, if Kingpin allows it, we'll hand them over to Nick Fury to face the rest of their lives—if it can be called that. We'll watch as their meticulously built kingdoms crumble before their eyes, their assets frozen either by their boss or by Nick Fury himself. And the sweetest aspect of all? Watching as they rot in cube cells, abandoned by both the law and the underworld."
Peter-Knull nodded, understanding the plan. They contacted Kingpin, who listened intently as Tombstone laid out the details of the betrayal.
Kingpin's voice was cold and resolute. "That's a proper punishment. We've dodged a literal bullet-storm this time. Hand them over to Nick Fury. Let them rot."
Tombstone's satisfaction was apparent in every sense of the word as the plan was set into motion. Within hours , Kingpin personally ensured that the five traitors were handed over to Nick Fury. Tombstone reveled in the sweet satisfaction as he received notifications that all their assets had been frozen and passed on. They were done, their kingdoms dismantled, their power stripped away.
Mister Negative, understanding the gravity of the situation, also helped manage the assets, ensuring everything was handled properly. The traitors, led away into their new cozy cells on the Raft or even deeper prisons, faced solitary confinement indefinitely. Their lives, once filled with power and influence, had crumbled into a bleak existence of isolation and regret.
As they were escorted away, Peter-Knull and Tombstone watched with grim satisfaction. They had ensured that the traitors would live the rest of their lives in a hole they would never climb out of. The law and the underworld had turned their backs on them, permanently.
The last image of the traitors, stripped of everything they had, was a fitting end to their treachery.
At Avengers Tower, Peter-Knull finished recounting his day to Iron Man, Captain America, Logan, and She-Hulk. The room fell silent, their jaws practically on the ground after hearing the intricate and ruthless plan Peter-Knull had executed to deal with the traitors.
Iron Man was the first to break the silence. "You mean to tell me, you orchestrated all that? The surveillance, the disarming of the explosives, the confrontation, and then the entire takedown of their assets?"
Peter-Knull nodded, his expression calm. "Yeah it was easier than one would think when all the pieces were in play. It was necessary to ensure they couldn't come back from this. They needed to be completely dismantled."
Captain America shook his head in disbelief. "That's... incredible. The level of planning, the precision. You didn't just stop them; you obliterated any chance of them rebuilding."
She-Hulk crossed her arms, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I've seen some intense takedowns in my time, but this was on a whole other level, and the fact that kingpin helped? You not only handled the immediate threat but made sure there was no chance of retaliation."
Logan, who had been silent, finally managed to speak. "Wow... Just... wow. I mean, I've dealt with some nasty characters before, but the way you dismantled them... it's both baffling and ingenious. They never saw it coming."
Peter-Knull gave a slight shrug. "When it comes to threats like these, you have to be thorough. They thought they could manipulate and betray without consequence. I made sure they understood the price of their actions."
Iron Man let out a low whistle. "Well, remind me never to get on your bad side. That was a masterclass in tactical planning."
Captain America nodded in agreement. "You did good, Peter. The world is a little safer because of your actions today."
Peter-Knull nodded "Yeah. Just doing what needed to be done to keep a war from breaking out in the streets."
…
Later that evening, Madelyn Pryor made her nightly visit to Avengers Tower. As she entered the infirmary, Peter-Knull was already there, waiting for her. Jocasta, the resident medical AI who was truly alive now, his presence a comforting reassurance.
"How are you feeling?" Peter-Knull asked softly, taking her hand in his.
Madelyn smiled, her eyes warm. "Better, now that you're here."
Jocasta approached with a medical kit, her movements precise and efficient. "I'll need to take a blood sample to ensure everything is progressing well," she explained.
Peter-Knull noticed something unusual about Madelyn. There was a subtle shift in her aura, something he hadn't sensed before. As Jocasta prepared to take the blood sample, he kept a close watch.
The moment the needle pierced Madelyn's skin, there was no blood. Instead, bright red symbiotic material oozed out, moving around like a raw symbiote. It pulsed and shifted within the confines of the vial, almost alive.
Jocasta's sensors whirred, analyzing the sample. "This is... unexpected," she said, her voice tinged with surprise. "The material isn't blood. It's pure symbiotic matter."
Peter-Knull's eyes widened slightly. "Madelyn, did you know about this?"
Madelyn shook her head, equally astonished. "No, I had no idea. What does it mean?"
Jocasta continued her analysis. "It appears that your body has fully integrated with the symbiotic material, to the point where it has replaced your blood entirely. This could be due to your prolonged exposure and connection to Peter-Knull."
Peter-Knull squeezed her hand gently but remained silent processing this in his own way.
Jocasta continued. "From what I can tell, the symbiotic material is perfectly stable and functioning as blood would, if not better. The twins are also showing no signs of distress or abnormalities."
Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to run some more in-depth numbers and analyses. What Jocasta found next shocked her. "At this rate... it's permanent... and..." She turned to Peter-Knull, her mechanical eyes wide. "If you are a Knull, a King in Black, that means Madelyn is effectively your Queen in Black—or Red in this case."
Peter-Knull looked at Jocasta, absorbing the implications of her words. "So, what does that mean for her abilities?"
Jocasta hesitated for a moment before continuing. "It's possible that your previous Madelyn was so early on in the integration process that none of these symptoms manifested before you lost her. That's the only explanation we have right now."
Madelyn's eyes widened. "So, what does this mean for me now? Can I do all the crazy things you can do, Peter? Summon symbiotic weapons, create symbiotic soldiers, manipulate symbiotic matter?"
Peter-Knull looked at her with a mixture of pride and concern. "It seems you might have those abilities now. We'll have to explore them together, but we need to be careful. The power you could wield is immense."
Jocasta nodded in agreement. "We'll need to run some tests, but it's clear that your connection to Peter-Knull has fundamentally changed you, Madelyn. Your new symbiotic nature could grant you abilities similar to his, but we'll need to see how they manifest and how you can control them."
Madelyn took a deep breath, her mind racing with the possibilities. "I guess we have a lot to figure out." She said as she nibbled on one of the symbiotic mushrooms that Mycosis gave her at the baby shower to help stave off her cravings along with a piece of candy from the symbiote Candivore.