Marvel: From the Void and Back Again, Part 2
Chapter 7: Weapons of X, Part 1
…
One day later…
The bright, melodic laughter of Dazzler filled the room, creating an ambiance of warmth and joy. She was seated on a plush sofa, chatting animatedly with Jubilee and Rachel Summers. Rachel held her daughter Echo-Claw, who was cooing softly, while her other daughter, Flora-Claw, lay sprawled on the carpet. Flora-Claw was utterly engrossed with a ball, rolling it back and forth in her tiny hands. Each time Dazzler took a bite of the symbiotic musical note candies Toon-Shade had brought from his world in Peter-Knull's universe, the candy emitted a melodious note, prompting Flora-Claw to burst into giggles.
Jubilee watched her own son, who was playing beside Flora-Claw, equally fascinated by the singing candies. The atmosphere was light and festive, filled with the sounds of cheerful conversation and occasional peals of laughter from the children. Jubilee and Rachel exchanged a knowing glance as they noticed Dazzler's frequent, almost uncontrollable fits of laughter. It was infectious, her joy seemed to radiate outward, enveloping everyone around her.
"What's got you so giggly lately, Daz?" Jubilee asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking.
Rachel nodded, smiling. "Yeah, you're positively glowing... and giggling," she added, adjusting Echo-Claw in her arms, who was looking around curiously with her large, bright eyes.
Dazzler, clutching her sides as another wave of laughter washed over her, shook her head. "I don't know! Everything just seems so funny lately!" She managed between giggles, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.
Suddenly, Dazzler's expression shifted, her eyes widening. She clutched her belly and, through fits of laughter, exclaimed, "I think... I think the baby's coming!"
In an instant, Toon-Shade appeared at her side, his exaggerated, cartoonish form a blur of motion. He gently but swiftly helped Dazzler up from the sofa, supporting her as they started walking towards the hallway.
Jubilee and Rachel stood, eyes wide with concern and excitement. As they moved, the musical note candies, seemingly aware of the momentous occasion, began to emit a harmonious low whistle, melodiously singing the birthday song. The playful tune followed them down the hallway, blending with Dazzler's laughter and the children's innocent giggles, creating a uniquely heartwarming scene.
As Toon-Shade helped Dazzler towards the door, his usually goofy grin was replaced with a look of genuine concern and love. "Hang in there, babe," he said, his voice tinged with excitement and a touch of nervousness. "We'll get you to the med bay in no time."
Behind them, Flora-Claw looked up from her candy, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She crawled over to Rachel, who was already on her feet, Echo-Claw still in her arms. Jubilee, holding her son close, smiled at the scene, her heart swelling with anticipation.
The singing candies continued their cheerful melody, a fitting soundtrack to the joyful chaos that was unfolding. As they headed down the hallway, Dazzler's laughter continued… it was starting to creep them out actually.
…
Outside the delivery room, a small group had gathered, anxiously awaiting news. Jubilee paced back and forth, her arms folded across her chest, while Rachel Summers stood close by, cradling Echo-Claw. Beside them, Logan leaned against the wall, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation, everyone exchanging glances and murmurs, their eyes occasionally flicking to the closed door.
As they waited, the surreal nature of the situation began to unfold. From within the room, amidst the typical sounds of childbirth—Dazzler's strained cries and the midwives' soothing reassurances—came an unexpected medley of bizarre noises. At first, it was just the occasional burst of laughter, distinctly Dazzler's, echoing through the hallway. But then, as if a switch had been flipped, the sounds became increasingly peculiar.
They heard the unmistakable honking of cartoonish car horns, each beep accompanied by what sounded like a rubber squeak. Then, as if in a surreal symphony, the room filled with the melodious sounds of an operatic choir, only the voices were exaggeratedly high-pitched, like a chorus of helium-inflated singers. The next moment, a cacophony of sounds reminiscent of an animated construction site filled the air—clanking hammers, the buzz of saws, and the rhythmic pounding of imaginary jackhammers.
Logan raised an eyebrow, a bemused smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Ain't never heard nothin' like this before," he muttered, his voice low, yet tinged with a mixture of amusement and disbelief.
Jubilee paused in her pacing, her eyes widening. "Is that... a kazoo?" she asked, incredulously, as the unmistakable nasal buzz of the instrument cut through the air, playing an oddly cheerful tune.
Rachel exchanged a bewildered glance with Logan, then turned to Jubilee. "This is... not normal, right?" she asked, her tone half-serious, half-laughing, as if the absurdity of the situation was too much to process.
As the noises continued—a playful whoopee cushion sound here, a comically exaggerated slide whistle there—the group began to murmur amongst themselves. What should have been a tense, silent vigil had transformed into a scene out of a surreal comedy sketch. The sounds, though bizarre, were strangely fitting, given the presence of Toon-Shade, Dazzler's partner, whose cartoonish nature seemed to be influencing the very atmosphere.
Inside the room, Dazzler's laughter intertwined with the sounds, creating a bizarre yet oddly harmonious symphony. Every now and then, a new, unexpected noise would emerge—a trumpet fanfare, a drumroll followed by a cymbal crash, and even the classic "wah-wah" of a trombone signaling a comedic flop. The entire spectacle had an air of orchestrated chaos, as if a cartoon world had come to life around them.
The oddity of it all left the group outside both bewildered and amused. They had seen and heard many things in their time, but this was entirely new territory. Logan shook his head, chuckling softly. "Kid's not even born yet, and he's already making a grand entrance."
Jubilee grinned, shaking her head in disbelief. "Leave it to Dazzler and Toon-Shade to turn childbirth into a full-on cartoon production."
Rachel, still holding Echo-Claw, couldn't help but laugh. "I guess we shouldn't have expected anything less," she said, her voice warm with affection.
As they continued to listen, the sounds from within grew even more bizarre, culminating in a grand crescendo of noise—a triumphant trumpet blast, the joyful ringing of bells, and a final, triumphant "Ta-da!" as if announcing the grand finale of an otherworldly performance. The group outside exchanged wide-eyed looks, caught between disbelief and laughter, as the door finally opened, signaling the end of the most unusual childbirth they had ever witnessed.
…
As the commotion inside the room began to settle, Jocasta and Victaraena emerged, looking thoroughly exhausted but relieved. Jocasta's usually composed demeanor was tinged with a mix of astonishment and bewilderment, while Victaraena's expression was more subdued, though her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Jean, who had been assisting in the delivery, followed them out, a similarly bewildered look on her face. She glanced around at the gathered friends and family, her mind still processing the bizarre spectacle they had just witnessed.
"It's done," Jocasta announced, her voice carrying a hint of incredulity. She exchanged a glance with Jean, who nodded in agreement.
Victaraena continued, "They've named him Sonic-Shade, in honor of his fathers name and his mothers powers. He's... quite the unique little one."
The group exchanged curious glances as they stepped forward to see the new arrival. Inside the room, Dazzler lay on the medical bed, her face flushed with joy and exhaustion. Beside her, Toon-Shade sat with a proud grin, his expressive features shifting between joy and relief.
Cradled in Dazzler's arms was their newborn son, Sonic-Shade. The baby had a symbiotic appearance, with a jack-o'-lantern-like face that constantly shifted and changed expressions. His skin was fluid and ever-changing, a vibrant display of colors that danced across his form. Four tiny arms waved about excitedly, and as he giggled, he burped up bubbles that floated and popped in the air, each burst accompanied by a soft, melodic note.
The sight was mesmerizing and surreal. The baby's face morphed from a wide, toothy grin to a playful smirk, then back to a contented smile. His eyes sparkled with a myriad of colors, reflecting his fluid, ever-changing nature. The group watched wide eyed as Sonic-Shade played with the bubbles, his tiny fingers reaching out to catch them, only for them to pop with a soft "plink."
Jubilee stepped forward, her eyes wide with wonder. "Wow… just, wow." she whispered.
Rachel, holding Echo-Claw, nodded, her gaze fixed on the newborn. "He's beautiful," she said softly, a warm smile spreading across her face. "And so unique."
Logan, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, his gruff voice tinged with amusement. "Well, if that ain't the most fitting name I've ever heard," he remarked, a chuckle rumbling in his chest.
As the group gathered around to admire the new arrival, Toon-Shade gently stroked Sonic-Shade's head, his face beaming with pride. "He's a little bit of both of us," he said, his voice filled with love and wonder. "And he's already bringing so much joy."
Dazzler looked up at him, her eyes shining with tears of happiness. "He's perfect," she murmured, leaning into Toon-Shade's embrace.
As they stood there, watching the newest addition to their extended family, the room was filled with a sense of warmth. The bizarre, joyful noises that had accompanied Sonic-Shade's birth seemed to linger in the air, a reminder of the extraordinary world they all shared. And as the baby giggled and cooed, his ever-changing form was an example to the boundless possibilities of life.
In Dazzler's arms, Sonic-Shade's playful energy seemed to crescendo. Suddenly, with a flourish, he produced a tiny party hat and a harmonica, seemingly from thin air. The room fell silent, anticipation thick in the air, as the baby symbiote raised the harmonica to his lips.
With a deep, surprisingly mature voice, Sonic-Shade began to sing, his words resonating through the room with a whimsical melody:
…
"I'm Sonic-Shade, a joyful sprite,
A symbiote born of song and light.
From Toon-Shade's realm, I've taken flight,
To fill your days with endless delight."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"My face can change, a shifting mask,
A jack-o'-lantern glow in every task.
From a smile to a grin, or a playful ask,
In every form, I bask and bask."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"My four small arms, they reach for the skies,
To catch the bubbles where joy lies.
Each pop a note, a sweet surprise,
A symphony of giggles, in your eyes."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"My nature's fluid, ever so bright,
Changing hues with the morning light.
From a shade of pink to a neon night,
I dance through colors, pure delight."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"Though small I am, my spirit's grand,
A symbiote with a playful hand.
I bring forth music, a merry band,
In every heart, I help you stand."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"From Dazzler's light, my life does spring,
A legacy of sound, I proudly bring.
To every tune, I add a wing,
A soaring joy in every sing."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"I'm Sonic-Shade, a name so bright,
Born of laughter, music, and light.
With every note, I chase the night,
Bringing dawn in my joyful sight."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
"So here I am, with song and cheer,
To bring you joy throughout the year.
With every laugh and every tear,
I'll be the note that you hold dear."
"With a jiggle and a wiggle, I play my tune,
Bringing laughter and light to the darkest room.
A dash of color, a burst of fun,
In every shadow, I chase the sun."
…
As Sonic-Shade finished his song, his tiny symbiotic form seemed to relax, and with a soft, contented sigh, he instantly fell asleep. His four small arms curled up as he nestled into Dazzler's arms, his jack-o'-lantern face settling into a peaceful expression. The room, which had been filled with the colorful echoes of his voice and the surreal sights of his symbiotic powers, suddenly felt quiet, almost still.
The gathered heroes and family members stood in stunned silence, their faces a mix of dropped jaws and bewilderment. Jean Grey exchanged a look of disbelief with Jocasta, both still processing the unexpected performance. Jubilee, still holding her son, shook her head slowly, her wide eyes reflecting her amazement. Rachel Summers, with Flora-Claw still happily munching on symbiotic candies, let out a soft laugh, unable to believe what they'd all just witnessed.
Wolverine, standing near the doorway with his arms crossed, could only mutter as he blinked in shock, "He ain't even a minute old, and he's already said more words than most infants do in two, three years..."
The absurdity of the situation struck everyone. Here was a newborn symbiote-mutanthybrid, already expressing himself in ways that defied all norms. The room filled with murmurs and exchanged glances, as everyone tried to comprehend the extraordinary display.
Jubilee finally broke the silence with a soft chuckle, "Well, I guess Toon-Shade's influence is pretty clear." Her voice was light, but there was an undercurrent of lingering shock.
Dazzler, still cradling the now-sleeping Sonic-Shade, smiled warmly at her son. "It seems like he's already got a flair for the dramatic," she said, her voice filled with maternal pride and amusement.
Toon-Shade, standing beside the bed, grinned broadly, clearly delighted with his son's theatrical debut. "That's my boy! Always one for a grand entrance!" he proclaimed, his voice bubbling with joy.
Jean shook her head, still in mild disbelief. "I've never seen anything like this... It's like he's a fully formed personality already."
Logan nodded slowly, his brows furrowed as he processed what he'd just seen. "Kid's got a head start, that's for sure. If this is how he starts, I can't imagine what he's gonna be like in a few years."
…
Meanwhile in a shield hospital…
In the SHIELD med-bay, Victoria Creed lay on the examination table, her hand clasping her version of Peter's as the ultrasound technician prepared the equipment. The gentle hum of the machinery filled the room, blending with the quiet murmur of medical staff. As the technician began the ultrasound, the screen flickered to life, displaying the developing fetus that was about four and a half months along.
As the ultrasound image sharpened on the screen, Victoria Creed and Peter Creed's faces shifted from expectant smiles to expressions of sheer disbelief. The technician, who had initially approached the task with routine calm, blinked rapidly at the sight before him. "Uh, ma'am, sir... we, uh, need to take a closer look at this," he stammered, trying to maintain a professional demeanor.
The screen clearly displayed the developing features of their unborn child—small, sharp claws, including two small stubby claws on each hand between the knuckles on the hand, a pronounced snout, and a furry outline that resembled a honey badger or grizzly bear with slight hind legs like one would expect in a honey badger, and even a little tail forming in there. The technician hurriedly adjusted the equipment, his brow raising in quite a shock. "This... this can't be right," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. Another SHIELD agent joined him, both staring at the screen in shock.
Peter leaned in, his eyes widening. "Is that... is that normal?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and wonder. Victoria, still processing the sight, could only nod slowly, her hand tightening around Peter's.
The SHIELD staff quickly moved into action, running additional scans and simulations. The results that came back left everyone in the room speechless. "According to these readings, your son... Grizz as you've decided to name him... will be nearly eight feet tall at maturity," one of the agents reported, disbelief clear in his tone. "And... he appears to have a healing factor similar to Logan's."
Wanda Maximoff, Colossus, and Cable, who had been passing by and noticed the commotion, stepped into the room just as the simulations finished. The projected image of Grizz as an adult showed a massive, powerful figure, combining the imposing size of a grizzly bear with human-like musculature and posture while looking like a honey-badger, his face a mix of bestial and human traits as was the rest of him.
Wanda gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "Is that... is that possible?" she whispered, eyes wide.
Colossus, known for his composed demeanor, stood in stunned silence, his steel form reflecting the light from the screen. "He will be... quite capable," he finally managed to say.
Cable, always the tactical thinker, could only shake his head. "This kid's gonna be a force of nature," he said, both impressed and concerned by the revelation.
Gabriella and Laura, having overheard the conversation and curious about the commotion, entered the room just in time to see the final image. They both nearly choked on their drinks. "Is that... is that real?" Gabriella asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
Laura, equally stunned, nodded slowly. "It seems... our family's about to get a whole lot bigger... and hairier," she added, half-joking to break the tension, though her voice was tinged with shock.
The room buzzed with murmurs as everyone tried to wrap their heads around the reality of Grizz's future. Victoria and Peter, still in shock, exchanged a look of mutual wonder and anticipation. Their child was going to be extraordinary, even by the standards of their unusual world.
As the SHIELD team delved deeper into Grizz's genetic profile, they unearthed more details about his unique mutation. The analysis revealed a complex blend of grizzly bear and honey badger genetics, intertwined with human DNA. This extraordinary combination provided a clearer picture of his potential capabilities and characteristics.
One of the scientists looked up from the data, eyebrows raised in astonishment. "It seems Grizz's mutation incorporates both grizzly bear and honey badger traits," he announced. "This explains the physical characteristics we're seeing, including the claws."
Victoria's Peter variant, trying to process the information, asked, "So... what does this mean for him?"
The scientist continued, "Well, for one, his size is off the charts. At full maturity, he could reach around eight feet tall. That's... quite significant, even for mutants with enhanced growth traits."
Wanda, still digesting the earlier revelation, shook her head. "Around eight feet tall, combined with powers akin to logan... that's overkill," she murmured, a mixture of awe and concern in her voice.
The scientist nodded. "Yeah. And the claws—he has two claws on each hand, reminiscent of a honey badger's not to mention the fingers and feet that have claws that are similar and are shorter but are no less sharp. They're powerful, designed for digging, climbing, defense and combat. Much like Logan's but adapted to his unique physiology."
As the implications of these findings settled in, a sense of intimidation filled the room. Even among seasoned mutants like Colossus and Cable, the prospect of a being like Grizz—a towering figure with formidable physical attributes akin to logan with a healing factor to boot—was daunting.
Gabriella and Laura exchanged glances, the reality sinking in. "Meeting him in the future is going to be... interesting," Laura said, her tone a mix of curiosity and trepidation.
However, the scientists soon shared some unexpectedly reassuring news. "Despite his formidable physical attributes and what we might assume about a feral nature, Grizz's genetic code shows something quite remarkable," one of them explained. "He has a natural mastery over his emotional state. Essentially, while he possesses a feral nature, he's in control of it. It's akin to how adrenaline can enhance physical abilities without overwhelming the mind."
This revelation brought a wave of relief to the room. Peter and Victoria exchanged a hopeful glance, their concerns about their son's future tempered by the understanding that he wouldn't be ruled by his more animalistic instincts.
Wanda nodded thoughtfully. "So, he has the physical prowess, but he won't be a slave to it. That's... that's good."
Colossus, who had been quietly absorbing everything, finally spoke up. "It means he'll have the strength to protect, but also the wisdom to know when not to use it. A true balance of power and restraint."
As the room began to relax slightly, the reality of Grizz's potential still lingered in their minds. The mutants and SHIELD agents alike couldn't help but feel a bit reassured that he would have control over his abilities.
…
Elsewhere inside a bar just outside the city, a woman with a rugged look known as Jane Howlette nursed a glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling lazily in the tumbler. She sat at a corner table, her posture slouched, the brim of her hat pulled low to obscure her face. It was clear she wasn't there for conversation; the quiet intensity of her presence radiated an unspoken warning to anyone who might consider approaching.
However, not everyone heeded the silent signals. A man, already several drinks deep, staggered over, his grin too wide and his steps unsteady. "Hey there, sweetheart," he slurred, leaning on the table. "Why don't ya let me buy you a drink?"
Jane's eyes flicked up, the cold steel in her gaze a stark contrast to the warmth of her whiskey. "Fuck off, bub," she said flatly, not even bothering to mask her irritation. "I'm not interested or in the mood."
Undeterred, the man chuckled, misinterpreting her lack of enthusiasm as playing hard to get. "Aw, come on, don't be like that. Just trying to be friendly."
Jane clenched her jaw, her fingers tightening around the glass. "I said, fuck off."
But the man, emboldened by alcohol and hubris, made a fatal mistake. He reached out, grabbing her arm. "You don't mean that," he insisted, his voice tinged with a hint of anger and entitlement.
In an instant, the atmosphere in the bar changed. Jane's eyes flared with a dangerous glint, and before the man could react, she plunged her three claws, extending with a metallic snikt, into his hand. His scream pierced the air, the sound of his pain mingling with the sudden silence that fell over the bar as everyone turned to witness the commotion.
Jane stood, her movements fluid despite the alcohol in her system. With a swift motion, she spun around, hurling the man across the room. He crashed into a table where his buddies sat, sending chairs and drinks flying. "I SAID, FUCK OFF!" she roared, her voice carrying the raw edge of a barely restrained fury.
Leaving chaos in her wake, Jane stumbled out of the bar, still holding her whiskey. Her other hand fumbled in her pocket for the keys to her bike. The night air hit her, cool and sharp, as she tried to steady herself.
As she found the keys and mounted her bike, a flashback replayed in her mind. Mephisto's voice, smooth and insidious, echoed in her ears from that fateful conversation back on her Earth and the same offer he made her here.
…
"Jane, dear," Mephisto had said, his tone almost soothing, like a serpent offering a forbidden fruit. "You know, while your sister hides away in the Savage Lands, she's beyond your reach. But here... she's vulnerable. Imagine the satisfaction of finally settling the score."
Jane had scowled, her hatred for Victoria simmering beneath her skin. "Why do you care?" she'd snarled.
Mephisto had smiled, a cold, cruel thing. "I simply enjoy watching events unfold. And let's not forget what she did to you over the years. Betrayal, manipulation… the deaths. She made you a weapon. And now she's trying to play the role of mommy dearest?" He'd leaned in, his voice a whisper that sent chills down her spine. "Take a night, think about it. What happens here stays here. This is your chance, Jane. One you'll never get again."
…
The memory brought a bitter taste to her mouth as she recalled the scene in the Savage Lands of that one earth next door to their own, over a decade ago. It was etched into her memory, a constant reminder of the betrayal she could never forgive.
…
Victoria had stood there after the dinner got increasingly tense, all of them cradling her twin daughters and her son was barely able to stand as he hid behind her leg, with his wolf-like features complete with lupin ears and a tail, a reminder of their lineage. "I'm done with our rivalry, Jane, I cannot infect those I've come to care for with my past hatred, I'm done with that life, and I'm done trying to hurt you, I hope that someday you can move on as I have," Victoria had said, her voice soft but firm, as if trying to offer an olive branch.
Jane hadn't believed her for a second. The anger and resentment she felt were too deep, too ingrained. "How can you just forget everything? After all you've done to me, to our family?!" she had shouted, her voice cracking with emotion. The argument had escalated quickly, Jane pushing and prodding, trying to provoke a reaction from the sister who had destroyed her life.
Then Peter, Victoria's partner, intervened. He was an alternate version of the Spider-Woman from Jane's world, but here he was, Peter, and he had defended Victoria. He had looked her in the eye and declared, "The children are mine, Jane. They're our family." His words had been like a knife, cutting through the tension.
Peter had invited her to join their little kingdom in the Savage Lands at a dinner with their allies among the tribes, to talk things out, but Jane had only seen red. She had insulted their love, sneering at the idea of them playing house, and she had threatened Victoria, her words dripping with venom. The reaction had been swift and brutal. Peter, despite his generally calm demeanor, had banished her from the Savage Lands, declaring her a threat to their peace and as punishment for threatening his family.
…
The memory of that day burned hot in her mind. The way the child had stared up at her, confused and frightened, his innocence contrasting sharply with the bitterness in her heart. And Victoria, soothing the crying twins and the whimpering son of hers with his ears drooped and holding onto his mother, had made her stomach churn. How could she just pretend nothing had happened? How could she bury the past so easily, as if all the pain and sacrifice meant nothing? Like what she had done didn't matter?!
Jane's hands tightened on the handlebars as she drove, the rage and hurt bubbling up inside her. It made her sick, the thought that Victoria believed she could simply walk away from their history, from everything Jane had given up finding her. All the Earths she'd scoured, all the dangers she'd faced, and for what? To find her one and only adversary continuing to play the part of a mother, pretending to be something she wasn't?
Mephisto's offer loomed large in her mind. The chance to finally make Victoria pay, to exact the vengeance she'd craved for so long. But even as she thought about it, there was a part of her that recoiled, that questioned whether this was the path she wanted to take. As she drove through the night, the wind whipping against her face, Jane knew she had a decision to make. One that would define the rest of her life.
And whether or not she's willing to live with the consequences.
…
Jane pulled up to the rundown motel on the outskirts of the city, the neon sign flickering above the office. She parked her bike, the engine's rumble dying down, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. The night was still, the air thick with the scents of asphalt and distant rain. She swung off the bike, her boots crunching on the gravel as she made her way to their room.
Inside, the small group was gathered, a mix of tension and anticipation was all over their postures. They were the Wolverine family, each bearing the scars and brutality of their shared lineage from their earth. Gabriel, the equivalent of Honey Badger, lounged nearby, his usually cheerful demeanor subdued. He glanced up as Jane entered, his youthful face creased with worry. "You okay, Jane?" he asked, his voice a mix of concern and curiosity.
Laurent, their equivalent of X-23, sat cross-legged on one of the beds, sharpening his claws with a file. His expression was one of quiet contemplation, the weight of their mission evident in his eyes.
The last member of their group, Jane's younger brother, was a broad-shouldered man with a rough, rugged demeanor. He went by the name Badger, a nod to their shared animalistic traits. He looked up from the table, where he was cleaning his weapons. "What did Mephisto want?" he asked bluntly, his voice carrying a gravely edge.
Daken, their female counterpart, leaned against the wall, arms crossed. Her eyes flickered with a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Tough night?" she quipped, though her tone lacked its usual sharpness.
Jane sighed, tossing her helmet onto a chair. "Same old devil's bargain," she muttered, running a hand through her hair. "He wants me to go after Victoria. Says she's vulnerable here."
There was a moment of silence as the group digested this. Laurent set down his file, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "She's got twelve kids, right?" he asked, his voice quiet but bearing the seriousness of their choice. "And... I heard she's pregnant again."
Gabriel frowned; his usual optimism dimmed by the gravity of the situation. "I don't know, Jane. I mean, we're talking about going after a mom with a lot of kids. And if she's really pregnant..."
Daken smirked, though it lacked her usual edge. "Pregnant or not, she's still a Creed. And she's done a lot of shit. But going after her now... it feels wrong." She said as she became more serious.
Badger nodded; his expression serious. "We need to think this through, Jane. We've all got our grudges, but this is different. We're not just dealing with her, but her whole family. Are we ready for that kind of fight?"
Jane stared at them, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. The hatred and anger she felt toward Victoria were undeniable, but the idea of attacking a mother, especially one surrounded by her children, gave her pause. She could see the uncertainty in her family's eyes, their loyalty to her clashing with their own moral compasses.
She sank onto the bed, her shoulders slumping. "I know," she said quietly. "I know it's not simple. But... she's done so much. To me, to all of us." Her voice trembled slightly, the pain of their shared history weighing heavily on her. "How do we just let her get away with it?"
Laurant moved closer, placing a hand on Jane's shoulder. "Maybe we don't have to let her get away with it," he said gently. "But we need to find a way to confront her without hurting her kids. They're innocent in all this."
Gabriel nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah. Maybe... we can find a way to make her face what she's done, without becoming like her."
Daken shrugged, though her eyes held a rare glint of empathy. "Either way, we need a plan. And we need to know if this is what we really want."
Badger nodded in agreement, his face set in a grim expression. "We've come this far, but we need to decide if this is the line we're willing to cross."
Jane looked around the room, seeing the concern and care in their eyes. It was a reminder that she wasn't alone in this, that they were a family, bound not just by blood but by their shared struggles. She took a deep breath, the decision weighing heavily on her heart.
"You're right," she finally said, her voice steadying. "We'll think this through. We'll figure out the best way to handle this."
She then turned to Gabriel, "What do we know about this world?"
Gabriel spoke first, his tone serious. "We've learned that there's a Knull variant here, calling himself Peter-Knull. He claims to be the first Knull variant in the multiverse, which is... alarming. He's been traveling from world to world, and it seems he's been gathering power."
Daken nodded, adding her piece. "He's involved with this world's Madelyne Pryor, who's basically the female equivalent of the Goblin King. She's a clone of Jean Grey and has some serious influence in Limbo. It's a lot like our world's Mat, but this one... she's on another level since she's become his queen in red as they call it. His bribe if you will."
Laurant continued, "Peter-Knull's symbiotes are different from the ones we're used to. We've been piecing it together, but the information is fragmented. Apparently, these symbiotes have unique abilities and forms. It's like nothing we've seen before. And they don't need a host to survive, also…. They are resistant to fire, and sound waves to a massive degree."
He handed Jane a tablet displaying a list of some of the symbiotes logged in the S.H.I.E.L.D. database. As she scrolled through, her eyes widened in disbelief. The names and abilities were staggering. Candivore, a candy-based symbiote with healing properties derived from sugar. Toon-Shade, a cartoonish entity capable of animating inanimate objects and warping reality in comedic ways. Beast-Shade, Wild-Claw, Mecha-Spike-1, Victaraena, and more—all residing in Avengers Tower, alongside Victoria and her family.
Jane's brow furrowed as she read the descriptions. "Is that... a candy symbiote?" she asked, incredulously.
Gabriel nodded confirming it, "Yeah, Candivore. It's apparently very sweet and... actually makes candy."
Jane couldn't help but chuckle darkly. "This just keeps getting weirder," she muttered. She continued scrolling, absorbing the data. "Toon-Shade, with cartoon powers. Beast-Shade, a predatory animal symbiote. Wild-Claw... Mecha-Spike-1... Victaraena...Seraphis symbiotes." The list seemed endless.
Laurant added, "Peter-Knull seems to have an affinity for creating symbiotes with unique themes and abilities. And it doesn't stop there. There's Mystra, a magic-based symbiote; Seraphis, a guardian of the afterlife who can repel hellfire and demons with a trinity-based form that moves in sync; and Shellshock, who has healing abilities and resembles a snapping turtle as well as having his symbiote be like his shell which makes him bullet-proof without thinking about it."
The gravity of the situation settled in, and Jane looked around at her family. "These aren't just any symbiotes. They're something else entirely compared to the symbiotes we know, it's like a separate species compared to normal symbiotes. We need to be careful. If Peter-Knull is as powerful as they say, and if these symbiotes are under his control..."
Daken finished her thought, "It could be a disaster waiting to happen. We need to gather more intel and figure out a plan. But we also need to decide if this is the fight we want to pick."
Gabriel nodded; his face serious. "We need to think carefully. There's a lot at stake here, and it's not just about revenge. We have to consider the consequences."
Jane sighed, feeling the weight of the decision ahead. The room was silent, each member of her family lost in thought. The task ahead was daunting, and the implications of their actions could ripple across worlds. But one thing was clear: they had to act wisely and with purpose.
After Gabriel finished speaking, Daken chimed in, "He's involved with this world's Madelyne Pryor, basically the female equivalent of the Goblin King. She's a clone of Jean Grey and has serious influence in Limbo. It's like our world's Madelyne, but this one... she's on another level."
Laurant continued, "Peter-Knull's symbiotes are different from the ones we're used to. We've been piecing it together, but the information is fragmented. Apparently, these symbiotes have unique abilities and forms. It's like nothing we've seen before."
He handed Jane a tablet displaying a list of symbiotes logged in the S.H.I.E.L.D. database. As she scrolled through, her eyes widened in disbelief. The names and abilities were staggering. Candivore, a candy-based symbiote with healing properties derived from sugar. Toon-Shade, a cartoonish entity capable of animating inanimate objects and warping reality in comedic ways. Beast-Shade, Wild-Claw, Mecha-Spike-1, Victaraena, and more—all residing in Avengers Tower, alongside Victoria and her offspring.
Jane's brow furrowed as she read the descriptions. "Is that... a candy symbiote?" she asked, incredulously.
Gabriel confirmed, "Yeah, Candivore. It's apparently very sweet and... actually makes candy."
Jane couldn't help but chuckle darkly. "This just keeps getting weirder," she muttered. She continued scrolling, absorbing the data. "Toon-Shade, with cartoon powers. Beast-Shade, a predatory animal symbiote. Wild-Claw... Mecha-Spike-1... Victaraena..." The list seemed endless.
Laurant added, "Peter-Knull seems to have an affinity for creating symbiotes with unique themes and abilities. And it doesn't stop there. There's Mystra, a magic-based symbiote; Seraphis, a guardian of the afterlife; and Shellshock, who has healing abilities and resembles a snapping turtle."
Jane felt the gravity of the situation settle in. "These aren't just any symbiotes. They're something else entirely. We need to be careful. If Peter-Knull is as powerful as they say, and if these symbiotes are under his control..."
Daken finished her thought, "It could be a disaster waiting to happen. We need to gather more intel and figure out a plan. But we also need to decide if this is the fight we want to pick."
Gabriel nodded, his face serious. "We need to think carefully. There's a lot at stake here, and it's not just about revenge. We have to consider the consequences."
Jane sighed, feeling the weight of the decision ahead. The room was silent, each member of her family lost in thought. The task ahead was daunting, and the implications of their actions could ripple across worlds. But one thing was clear: they had to act wisely and with purpose.
Laurant broke the silence, "There's more. This world's Krakoa collapsed, and... there's a rumor that they were just creating clones and not resurrecting based on the evidence we've collected. Sinister of this world was tainting them with his genetics and those resurrected in the local populace, even infecting Krakoa itself."
Jane's face darkened, her claws instinctively flexing as she let out a low growl.
Daken continued, "But apparently, they've developed a cure that purges the Sinister influence. They released it into the water and air supply, making this whole world lethal to Sinister now. He's moved his operations off-world, but the damage was done... Krakoa banished mutant-kind from its shores after that."
Gabriel added, "And this world's Xavier is dead. Peter-Knull broke his neck before he was cloned. The clone is currently in a supermax prison. Apparently, this world's Xavier was planning to reset the timeline and knew everything Sinister did. This was the tenth time he's reset the timeline when things went wrong, using a mutant named Maria. She was a mutant all along, with the power to reset her life after her death. No one's seen her since the incident."
As the gravity of the revelations settled, Jane sat in silence, absorbing the information. Her eyes were fixated on the tablet, but her mind raced through the implications. The idea of Krakoa, their supposed sanctuary, being a place of manipulation and deceit gnawed at her. The thought of Sinister's genetic taint potentially affecting them all was sickening.
Her hands clenched into fists, the claws almost breaking through her skin. Finally, she spoke, her voice dangerously low and trembling with barely contained fury. "So you're telling me... that our Krakoa... was just making clones that potentially could have had that bitch Ms. Sinister's genetic code inside of us... and we fell for it...?" Her voice quivered with rage, each word laced with venom.
The room seemed to hold its breath, the tension thick and intimidating. Gabriel, Daken, Laurant, and Badger exchanged uneasy glances, the reality of their situation hitting them just as hard. The betrayal, the manipulation—everything they'd believed in was now in question.
Jane's eyes burned with a feral intensity, her body trembling with the effort to keep her anger in check. "We were used," she continued, her voice rising. "Played like pawns in their twisted game. And Xavier, if our world was like this one, she knew! knew and was ready to reset everything, again. How many times have we been through this cycle without even knowing?"
Daken stepped forward cautiously, her expression serious. "It seems like this Xavier was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his vision. But now that we know, we have a chance to act. We can still do something about it."
Jane abruptly shut off the tablet, handing it back to Gabriel with a sudden, almost robotic motion. The room watched in silence as she stood up slowly, her movements deliberate and controlled. The intensity in her eyes was unnerving, a storm of emotions barely contained behind a mask of cold determination.
"After we're done here..." she began, her voice low and chilling, "I'm going to tear that bitch Ms. Sinister's head off. And our bitch Xavier... and anyone else that crosses us." The words seemed to echo, a vow of vengeance that sent a shiver through the room.
Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode towards the door. The sound of her boots echoed in the silence, each step a testament to her unyielding resolve. Reaching the door, she paused briefly, as if gathering her thoughts then she said finally, "Regardless of how this turns out, I'm going to confront Creed…", then she suddenly slammed the door shut behind her with a force that rattled the walls.
The room remained silent, the intensity of Jane's anger lingering in the air. Her family exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of her words pressing down on them. They knew the depths of Jane's fury, and it was clear that she would not rest until justice—her brand of justice—was served.
Outside, the cool night air hit Jane's face, but it did little to soothe the fire burning inside her. She needed another drink, something to calm the storm within. As she walked away from the motel, her mind was set on one thing: making those responsible pay, no matter the cost.