Marvel: From the Void and Back Again, Part 2

Chapter 8: Weapons of X, Part 2

…

The night air whipped past Jane as she sped down the empty road, her motorcycle roaring like a beast unchained. The cool wind did nothing to temper the inferno of rage and betrayal burning inside her. Her mind spiraled, racing through the revelations she'd just learned. Krakoa, the sanctuary they had fought so hard to protect, was built on lies. It had been a trap, a ploy orchestrated by Sinister, and they'd all been played.

Clones. We were nothing but clones. The thought echoed in her mind, each repetition stoking the flames of her anger. The Krakoan dream, a paradise where mutants could be reborn and live free, was tainted. The resurrection protocols, once a symbol of hope and renewal, were now a twisted mockery, potentially tainted with Sinister's genetic meddling.

Jane gripped the handlebars tighter, her knuckles white under her gloves. How many times had they fought and bled for that island? How many of their friends had been brought back, unknowingly carrying the stain of Sinister's influence? The thought of it made her sick, a bitter taste rising in her throat.

Her mind flashed back to the countless battles, the sacrifices they'd made. She thought of the people she had killed, the lives she'd taken, all in the name of protecting Krakoa. Now, it felt like every drop of blood spilled had been for nothing, all part of a grand deception.

And Xavier... that sanctimonious bitch! The realization that their Xavier had known everything, could have been ready to potentially reset the timeline yet again like this worlds Xavier, hit her like a punch to the gut. How many times had they lived through this cycle without even knowing? The betrayal cut deep, reopening old wounds she thought had healed long ago.

As she sped through the night, the lights of the city in the distance blurred into streaks of neon. Jane's mind churned with memories and rage, her thoughts a chaotic storm. She felt herself spiraling, losing control. The facade of calm she tried to maintain was cracking, the raw emotions spilling out.

She had always prided herself on being strong, on being able to handle anything thrown her way. But this… this felt different. It was like the ground had been pulled out from under her, leaving her free-falling into an abyss of anger and confusion. The realization that she might never have known the truth about Krakoa if they hadn't come to this world was too much to bear.

Was this how it was going to be? A lifetime of fighting, only to discover that the battles were based on lies and manipulation? The thought gnawed at her, a relentless, insidious doubt that threatened to consume her.

Jane barely registered the speedometer climbing higher, the engine's growl growing louder. She needed to stop, to clear her head, but she couldn't. Not yet. She needed to feel the wind, the speed, the raw power of the machine beneath her. It was the only thing that made sense right now, the only thing she could control.

But even as she sped down the highway, Jane couldn't outrun the truth. Krakoa was a lie. The family they had tried to build, the future they had fought for, was built on a foundation of deceit. And as the road stretched out before her, Jane knew she had to confront that reality, no matter how much it hurt.

In that moment, something shifted within her. The betrayal, the anger, the sense of loss—they were all fuel for a new fire. Jane had always been a weapon, a force of nature. Now, she felt herself hardening, becoming something more. A weapon of vengeance, honed and sharpened by the truth.

As she roared down the road, Jane's mind was set on one thing: retribution. For herself, for her family, for every mutant who had been lied to and manipulated. And she wouldn't stop until the people responsible paid for what they had done.

…

Back at the bar where Jane had her outburst…

At the bar, the aftermath of the altercation had left a chaotic scene. Broken glass and overturned chairs lay scattered around, and the man who had been injured was still nursing his hand, wrapped in a makeshift bandage. S.H.I.E.L.D. agents combed the area, documenting the damage and taking statements from witnesses. The atmosphere was tense, with murmurs of disbelief at the nature of the attack.

Logan arrived at the scene, his expression grim. The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stepped aside, allowing him to approach the injured man. As Logan entered, his sharp senses immediately picked up the lingering scent in the air—familiar, yet distinctly different.

He crouched down beside the man, gently taking his hand to inspect the wound. The claw marks were deep, precise, and unmistakable. Logan's eyes narrowed as he ran his fingers over the gashes, his mind racing. The wounds were identical to what his adamantium claws would leave, but the scent... it was different. It was female, similar to his own, but softer, with subtle differences.

Logan stood up, sniffing the air again, trying to make sense of it. He turned to one of the agents, his voice low. "She had claws, huh? Just like mine?" The agent nodded, confirming the witness reports.

Logan scratched his chin, deep in thought. "And she was dressed... like me? Leather jacket, jeans, boots?" The agent nodded again, a puzzled look on his face.

"Yeah, that's what we've got from the witnesses. Three claws from each hand, and she threw the guy across the room like it was nothing. Didn't say much, but the way she moved and fought... it was like watching you in action."

Logan's eyes narrowed further, his mind piecing together the clues. The outfit, the claws, the scent... it all pointed to one possibility. "She's a variant," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "Or a clone, but... feels more like a variant."

The S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, already familiar with the recent influx of variants appearing across dimensions, exchanged knowing looks. The concept of variants wasn't new to them, but the idea of a female version of Logan was unexpected.

One of the agents, a seasoned field operative named Jones, stepped forward, his face serious. "We've been dealing with variants for a while now, Logan, but a female version of you? That's definitely a first."

Logan grunted, still trying to process the implications. "Yeah, tell me about it. But the scent... it's close, but not exactly the same. And the way she fought, the precision of the claws... it's like looking in a mirror, but with a twist."

Another agent, a younger woman named Ramirez, looked at the claw marks on the man's hand and then back at Logan. "Do you think she's dangerous? More dangerous than... usual?"

Logan nodded slowly. "If she's got my abilities, then yeah, she's dangerous. And if she's here, there's gotta be a reason. Could be she's hunting someone, or something. Or maybe she's just... lost, like a lot of the others."

As the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents continued to survey the chaotic scene, Agent Ramirez noticed something glinting on the floor. She crouched down and picked up a small photograph, its edges slightly worn and frayed. Perhaps a few decades old. The picture seemed out of place amid the wreckage of the bar.

She studied it for a moment, her eyes widening as she recognized the figure in the photo. "Hey, Logan," she called out, drawing his attention. "You might want to take a look at this."

Logan walked over, raising an eyebrow in confusion, as he took the photo from Ramirez. It was a candid shot, taken from a distance, but the subject was unmistakable—Victoria Creed. The image looked old, the colors slightly faded, but the details were clear enough. Victoria was standing with a man—Peter, Logan presumed—and several children, all with distinctive features that hinted at their mixed heritage.

As Logan flipped the photo over, he read the scrawled words on the back: "Creed, Peter, and their bastard kids... Never forget what she did to us!" The handwriting was jagged and angry, each word underscored with intensity.

Logan's expression darkened as he processed the message. "This isn't just a random visit," he muttered, his voice tinged with suspicion. "She's got a grudge, and it's personal."

Jones, peering over Logan's shoulder, raised an eyebrow. "Victoria Creed... isn't she the one living in Avengers Tower with Peter and their kids? This must be old, but the handwriting suggests something deep. This variant of yours has a serious vendetta."

Logan nodded, his mind racing. The photo and the message were clear signs that this female variant had a history with Victoria Creed—a history filled with bitterness and unresolved anger. The question now was what she planned to do with that anger.

"We need to find her," Logan said, his voice serious. "If she's gunning for Victoria and her family, this could get ugly fast. And if she's anything like me, she'll be damn hard to track down."

Ramirez pocketed the photograph carefully. "We'll put out an alert and start searching for any leads. But if she's got your skills and mindset, she won't be easy to corner."

Logan stared out into the distance, the weight of the situation settling on him. "No, she won't. But we can't let her go unchecked. Not with something like this in play."

…

At avengers tower…

Back at Avengers Tower, Logan informed Victoria Creed and the Savage Lands Peter variant of the situation. As he relayed the details, he noticed Lupin's ears drop and the twins, Ferra and Nyx, shudder, as if recalling a distant memory.

Victoria answered the unspoken question. "Yes, you know by now that I have a past similar to this world's Sabretooth. I've made many mistakes and messes before I was sent to my Peter's world. From what I've gathered, you've gone through the same things due to this world's Creed, my family went through similar situations because of me."

Victoria paused, rubbing her pregnant belly, showing a vulnerability that Logan had never seen on his world's Victor Creed. "A little bit less than fifteen years ago, we invited her to our Savage Lands to finally put our rivalry aside when we learned she was in our world. We even prepared a feast among the tribes to make her the guest of honor. But she didn't believe the sincerity behind it, something I don't really blame her for."

Victoria sighed, her eyes reflecting a deep sorrow. "Eventually, she tried arguing with us, and it got so bad that my love banished her from the Savage Lands, saying that as long as they stay within their territory, she is not allowed to enter, and they won't come seeking her. Lycan witnessed the whole thing, and Ferra and Nyx were infants at the time. They also witnessed the argument. It was a whole mess, and I vowed for my children's sake that I would be better than I once was. I buried my rivalry, and I have no intention of passing it onto my children."

Logan nodded, understanding the weight of her words. "It ain't easy, letting go of the past. But sometimes, it's the only way to move forward."

Victoria smiled faintly; her eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Logan. I just hope that Jane can find her way too, without letting the past destroy her."

Logan sighed, "Me too, Victoria. Me too."

Logan decided to give Victoria, Peter, and their children some space to process the situation. As he walked into the hallway, his mind raced with thoughts of Peter and Victoria. This Peter variant had accomplished something seemingly impossible—changing Victoria Creed, a person Logan had known to be as ferocious and unyielding as Sabretooth, into someone who appeared to be genuinely remorseful and caring. He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

Making his way to another part of the tower, Logan found Laura, Daken, and Gabriella hanging out with Wild-Claw. The room was filled with a sense of ease and warmth, quite literally, as Gabriella snuggled against Wild-Claw's thick, soft fur. The creature's presence was comforting, and Gabriella seemed to relax completely in his embrace.

Logan cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the group. "Got some news," he started, trying to gauge their reactions. "Seems there's a female variant of me running around. She's got a serious grudge against Victoria Creed."

Daken raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. "A female you? Now that's something I gotta see."

Gabriella, still nestled against Wild-Claw, looked up with curiosity. "What's her deal?"

Logan sighed, leaning against the doorframe. "Apparently, she's got a bone to pick with Victoria. Probably something from their past. And from the looks of it, she's not gonna let it go easily."

Laura frowned, her protective instincts kicking in. "Do you think she's dangerous? Like, 'need-to-be-worried' dangerous?"

Logan nodded. "If she's anything like me, yeah, she's dangerous. But there's more to it. This ain't just about a fight. There's a lot of history and bad blood involved. We need to be careful how we handle this."

Gabriella looked back at Wild-Claw, who seemed to sense the tension. She ran her fingers through his fur, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Whatever it is, we're here to help. Right, big guy?" Wild-Claw rumbled in agreement, his eyes meeting Logan's with a calm yet alert gaze.

Daken smirked, always ready for a challenge. "Well, this should be interesting. Another Logan, and she's got claws too? I can't wait to meet her."

Logan couldn't help but chuckle at Daken's enthusiasm. "Yeah, well, let's hope we can talk some sense into her before things get too messy. The last thing we need is a full-on war in the tower."

…

Meanwhile back in the motel, a short while later…

Elsewhere in a motel room outside the city, the atmosphere was tense. Daken, Gabriel, Laurent, and Badger were gathered, each lost in their thoughts. They hadn't heard from Jane in a while, and worry was beginning to gnaw at them. Gabriel was focused on the tablet, skimming through the recent events in this world.

As Gabriel scrolled, his eyes suddenly widened, and he stopped, staring at the screen in disbelief. "Guys, you need to see this," he said, his voice unsteady.

Daken, who was reclining on the bed, sat up, sensing the urgency. "What is it?"

Gabriel looked up, his expression a mix of shock and confusion. "The Phoenix Force... in this world, it's dead."

Laurent and Badger, who were playing a quiet game of cards at the small table, turned their attention to Gabriel, stunned by the revelation. "Dead? How?" Badger asked, incredulously.

Gabriel took a deep breath, trying to wrap his head around the information. "The Knull variant here, Peter-Knull... he pulled the Phoenix Force out of this world's Hope Summers and... broke her neck. The Phoenix died almost immediately afterwords and based on these reports, his presence was weakening her already the longer their fight went on."

Daken blinked, her usual cool demeanor shaken. "You're saying Peter-Knull killed the Phoenix? Just like that, and weakened her the longer they fought? Just by being in her presence?"

Gabriel nodded; the shock was still evident on his face. "Yeah. The report says he completely severed its connection to Hope, and without a host, the Phoenix Force of this world couldn't survive after he damaged the phoenix by visibly breaking her neck."

Laurent leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. "That's... that's impossible. The Phoenix Force is one of the most powerful entities in the multiverse. And he just... ended it, even if it's just a small piece, he still killed it?"

Badger, usually calm and collected, couldn't hide his disbelief. "If Peter-Knull is that powerful, we have a serious problem. Especially if he has symbiotes with unique abilities."

Gabriel looked around at the group, the weight of the situation sinking in. " Their still piecing it together, but the best way they can explain it is that the phoenix died, but pieces linger in the multiverse. Up until they also are extinguished, like aftershocks that hit neighboring buildings during an earthquake till they all fall down, This guy isn't just dangerous. He's building an army of symbiotes with powers we've never seen before. And if he's already taken out the Phoenix, there's no telling what else he can do."

Gabriel continued to scroll through the reports, his eyes widening with each line he read. "This guy... Peter-Knull, he's no fucking joke," he muttered, his voice tense. The others leaned in, sensing the gravity of what Gabriel was discovering.

He looked up at them, disbelief and concern etched on his face. "He's got an entire symbiotic universe that he can access. Every world, every star, every entity there... all of them are symbiotic creations he's personally made."

Daken's eyebrow rose in confusion. "A symbiotic universe? That's... How does that even work?"

Gabriel shook his head, still processing the information. "I don't know, but per his own words it was a blank slate, where everything there was the void, he woke up from that was initially him much like the knull we know of, and it gets worse. In the 17 Earths he's visited, he's... eaten 19 Knulls. He absorbed their power, ending them for good."

Laurent visibly recoiled, the news hitting him hard. "Wait, 19 Knulls? How is that even possible? I thought there was only one Knull per universe."

Gabriel nodded, grimly. "That's what we thought, but apparently, he found and consumed them. As for why there's nineteen instead of seventeen, one of the universes he visited had three Knulls. He consumed all three of them and their symbiotic kingdoms."

Badger's eyes widened in disbelief. "Three Knulls at once? Including their entire kingdoms? That's... insane."

The room fell silent as they absorbed the implications. This Peter-Knull was unlike anything they had faced before—a cosmic entity of unimaginable power, capable of creating and destroying entire universes. And now, he was here, in this reality, with unknown intentions.

Gabriel finally broke the silence, his voice serious. "We need to find Jane and figure out what we're going to do. This isn't just a threat to this world—it's a threat to every world."

Daken nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah. We need to warn the others and come up with a plan. We can't afford to underestimate this guy."

As the group processed the staggering information, a sudden knock on the motel door broke the tense silence. Laurent paused, his senses on high alert. He sniffed the air, his keen nose picking up a familiar yet subtly different scent—Jane's, but distinctly male.

Laurent shot a look at the others before cautiously moving towards the door. "Smells like Jane, but... different," he whispered, his hand hovering near the doorknob. With a deep breath, he unlocked the door and slowly opened it, revealing a man standing there.

It was Logan, this world's version of Wolverine. His rugged appearance was instantly recognizable, from the iconic mutton chops to the piercing eyes. Behind him, a group of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stood at attention, their expressions serious.

Logan's gaze met Laurent's, a mixture of caution and familiarity in his eyes. "Need to discuss some things with you lot," Logan said, his voice gruff but not unkind. "It's about Victoria Creed."

Before anyone could respond, another figure came into view behind Logan, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. It was Peter-Knull himself. The sight of him made the group freeze, their hearts pounding in unison. His presence was unsettling; he wore a relaxed, almost nonchalant expression that seemed at odds with the aura of power and danger that emanated from him.

Gabriel's eyes widened in disbelief, his voice barely a whisper. "That's... Peter-Knull?" The contrast between Peter-Knull's casual stance and his notorious reputation as a cosmic threat created a chill to sweep through all of them.

Peter-Knull glanced at the group, a faint, amused smile on his face, "Hello," he greeted them, his voice smooth and calm, a stark contrast to the dread his name invoked. "Don't mind me. Just here to observe."

Laurent felt a chill run down his spine. The relaxed demeanor of Peter-Knull was somehow more intimidating than any overt display of power. It was as if he was completely in control, unfazed by any potential threat they posed.

Logan, sensing the group's unease, gestured towards the room. "Mind if we come in? This conversation's better had indoors."

Laurent nodded, stepping aside to let them enter. As Logan and the agents filed in, Peter-Knull remained by the door, his eyes scanning the room with a detached interest. The group couldn't shake the feeling that they were being scrutinized, evaluated by a being far beyond their understanding.

The presence of Peter-Knull loomed in the background, a silent reminder of the gravity of the situation. Logan, however, took the lead, his gruff demeanor and no-nonsense attitude setting the tone for the conversation.

"Alright, listen up," Logan began, his voice firm but calm. "We're here to talk about Victoria Creed and her family. I know some of you have your own... experiences with a Creed, but this isn't about that. This Victoria, she's not the same person she was in the past."

Daken, the female variant, crossed her arms, a skeptical look on her face. "So, what? We're supposed to just believe she's turned over a new leaf? Just like that?" Her tone was laced with disbelief, clearly struggling to reconcile the image of a redeemed Creed with her own experiences.

Logan nodded, understanding her hesitation. "I get it. It's hard to believe, but it's the truth. The Savage Lands Peter—her husband—he's changed her. They're raising a family, and they're serious about staying out of trouble. They don't want any more conflict, especially with a baby on the way, on top of their twelve other kids. She's got her hands full, and she's not interested in digging up the past."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "Victoria's buried her old life. She's trying to move forward, and she deserves the chance to do that. She's not looking for trouble, and neither should any of you. Respect her decision, respect her family."

Laurent, sitting quietly, finally spoke up. "But how can we be sure? People like her, like us, we don't just change overnight."

Logan looked around the room, meeting each person's gaze. "She's made her choice. She's not asking for forgiveness or a clean slate. She's just asking to be left alone. And that's what I'm here to ensure happens. There are lines you don't cross, and going after her or her family is one of them. If you have a problem with that, you take it up with me."

Gabriel, still processing the earlier revelation about Peter-Knull, chimed in, his voice measured. "And what about him?" He nodded towards Peter-Knull, who had remained silent, watching the exchange with an almost amused expression.

Logan glanced at Peter-Knull, then back at Gabriel. "He's just here to observe. He's not part of this discussion, but let's be clear—Victoria and her family are under my protection. Anyone trying to mess with that will have to go through me."

Peter-Knull smirked slightly, the gesture unsettlingly casual given the circumstances. "I'm here because Victoria and her family have caught my interest. Their transformation is... something that I've seen before when I last visited them in their universe. But Logan's right. I'm not here to interfere. Just watching."

Daken shook her head slightly, still processing the situation. "It's just hard to believe, that's all."

Logan sighed, the weight of his words heavy. "I know. But people can change. I've seen it happen. Victoria's trying to be a better person, and she's got a lot at stake. Give her the space to do that."

There was a moment of silence, the room filled with a mix of emotions—skepticism, caution, and a hesitant willingness to believe in the possibility of change. It was clear that the group had a lot to process, not just about Victoria Creed but also about the larger threats looming over them.

As the tense conversation inside continued, the muffled sounds of a commotion filtered through the walls. The noise grew louder, a cacophony of shouting and snarling echoing in the hallway. The group exchanged concerned glances, and Logan's keen senses picked up the familiar, yet distinct, scent of Jane Howlette—female, intoxicated, and seething with rage.

Before anyone could react, the door was flung open with a force that rattled the walls. Jane stormed in, her eyes blazing with fury. Her appearance was disheveled, hair wild, clothes rumpled, and the unmistakable stench of alcohol clinging to her. She looked like a woman teetering on the edge, her usual controlled rage now unrestrained and chaotic.

"What the FUCK do you want?!" she demanded, her voice a venomous growl as she locked eyes with Logan. The bottle of whiskey in her hand was nearly empty, and she took a long, defiant swig, draining the last of it before smashing the bottle against the wall. The shards scattered across the floor, mirroring the shattered state of her composure.

Logan, taken aback, recognized the signs—he'd been there himself more times than he cared to admit. But there was something different, something more disturbing in Jane's demeanor. It wasn't just the typical Wolverine rage; it was as if all her inhibitions had been stripped away, leaving raw, unfiltered anger and despair. He felt a chill run down his spine, an unsettling realization that this wasn't just a bad day or a drunken outburst—Jane was spiraling out of control.

Peter-Knull, who had remained silent until now, observed Jane with a calculated gaze, noting her instability but choosing to keep his thoughts to himself. His presence, a silent reminder of the power and danger he represented, added a menacing undertone to the already volatile atmosphere.

Jane's attention snapped back to the room, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the others. "Where is she?" she snarled, her voice dripping with venom. "Where's that bitch, the hypocrite who ruined my life and now thinks she can play MOMMY?!" She arched her fingers in a mocking gesture as she spat out the word "mommy," her tone laden with bitterness and contempt.

Logan took a cautious step forward, trying to calm the situation. "Jane, listen—"

"Don't 'Jane' me!" she interrupted, her voice rising. "I want to see her! I want to see that fucking hypocrite who thinks she can just bury the past and play happy family!" Her fists clenched, and for a moment, it looked like she might lash out physically.

Gabriel, Laurent, Badger, and Daken watched in stunned silence, the raw emotion in Jane's voice cutting through the room like a knife. Badger stepped forward, trying to reason with her, but Jane's focus was solely on her rage, the alcohol only fueling her descent.

Logan held up his hands, trying to diffuse the situation. "Victoria's not here, Jane. And even if she was, this isn't the way to handle it."

Jane laughed, a harsh, mirthless sound. "Oh, isn't it? After everything—everything—that's happened, you think I'm just gonna walk away?" Her voice cracked, the weight of years of anger and betrayal pressing down on her. "She owes me. She owes me my life back!"

Logan's face tightened with concern, seeing the depth of Jane's pain and the dangerous path she was heading down. He knew this was more than just the recent revelations—it was a lifetime of unresolved anger and betrayal coming to a head.

"Jane, you need to calm down," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "This isn't the way to find closure."

Jane glared at him, her eyes brimming with unshed tears and unspent rage. "Don't you tell me to calm down, Logan," she spat, her voice trembling. "You have no idea what she took from me. Or maybe you do?! You're me, after all, right?! Look me in the eye and tell me that this world's Creed has mended his relationships and changed like she claims to have done…!"

Logan hesitated, searching for words, but found none. The truth was, in their world, Victor Creed had never truly changed. Though Creed had willingly confined himself as a favor to Peter-Knull, the dark undercurrents of their rivalry remained. Logan knew that once Creed was free, their old conflicts would likely reignite. There was no way to give Jane the reassurance she needed, and the weight of that realization was heartbreaking.

Jane's gaze bore into him, her voice dripping with bitterness. "I didn't think so... That's what I thought."

The room was silent, tension hanging thick in the air. Logan felt a pang of sympathy for Jane, recognizing the impossible situation she was in. She had come looking for answers, for some semblance of justice, but all she found were more questions and the cold reality of a world that seemed intent on keeping her trapped in her own past.

Jane took a deep breath, then looked Logan straight in the eye, her voice cold and resolute. "Tell Victoria to come to me, or I might do something I regret."

There was an underlying threat in her tone, one that sent a chill down Logan's spine. He couldn't be sure, but his gut told him she was referring to Victoria's Peter, the one person who had seemingly brought peace into Victoria's life. The thought of Jane's rage being directed at him was a disturbing one.

Without another word, Jane turned and walked out of the room, carrying another bottle with her. Logan watched her go, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He knew he had to do something, but she seemed determined, and he realized, how dangerous the path of unrefined vengeance could be… something he wished he knew before.

He looked at Laurent, Gabriel, Badger, and their Daken, seeing the concern mirrored in their eyes. "Listen," he began, his voice heavy with the gravity of the situation. "I've seen versions of myself go down this path Jane's on... and it never ends well. The anger, the rage—it eats you alive. She needs someone to reach her before it's too late."

Logan paused, the weight of his words sinking in. "For what it's worth, I'll tell Victoria what's going on. But whether she decides to come and confront Jane or not, that's up to her. I can't force her to face something she's buried, especially with everything she's dealing with now."

He took a deep breath, the weariness of years of battles and scars evident in his eyes. "Talk to Jane. Help her find a different way, before she does something she'll regret for the rest of her life. There's still a chance to pull her back from the edge, but it won't be easy."

With that, Logan nodded to them and turned to leave, the room filled with a tense silence.

The weight of his words seemed to linger. And they didn't know what the right choice was anymore.

…

At Avengers Tower, Logan had just finished explaining the situation to Victoria Creed and her partner, Peter. the gravity of Jane's threat hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Victoria sat quietly, her expression a mix of shock and contemplation. She held her pregnant belly, her breaths coming in shuddering gasps as she processed the information.

Peter stood by her side, his face a mask of concern and determination. He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, offering silent support. Victoria closed her eyes, taking a few moments to collect her thoughts, her grip on Peter's hand tightening.

After a tense silence, she finally spoke, her voice steady but tinged with a deep sadness. "It's obvious she won't let this go until she confronts me," she said, her eyes meeting Logan's. "I've been running from my past for a long time, trying to make amends in my own way... but it's clear that this won't be resolved until she gets what she wants."

She glanced down at her swollen belly, then back up at Peter, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "Alright," she continued, her voice firmer now. "I'll let her confront me. It's time to face this... and maybe, just maybe, find some kind of closure."

Peter squeezed her hand, offering a small, supportive smile. "We're in this together, Victoria. No matter what happens, we'll face it as a family."

Logan nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "I'll arrange it," he said, his tone serious. "But remember, this isn't just about Jane. It's about all of you. Be ready for anything."

Logan stepped out into the hallway of Avengers Tower, his phone in hand. He scrolled through his contacts, finding Gabriel's number, which he had received before leaving the motel. With a deep breath, he dialed the number and waited, the tension of the moment making his muscles tense.

The phone rang a few times before Gabriel picked up. "Hello?" Gabriel's voice was cautious, the worry evident even through the line.

"Gabriel, it's Logan," Logan began, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the news he was about to deliver. "I've talked to Victoria. She's agreed to confront Jane."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line before Gabriel responded. "She has? Is she sure about this?" His tone was a mix of surprise and concern.

"Yeah," Logan confirmed, glancing back towards the room where Victoria and Peter were. "She's thought it through, and she knows this needs to happen. We're planning to head over in about an hour."

Gabriel sighed, the tension clear in his voice. "Alright. We'll make sure Jane's... prepared for it. She's been... unstable."

"I know." Logan replied, "Just keep her calm if you can. This is gonna be tough on all of us. But maybe, it can help both of them find some peace."

Gabriel was silent for a moment, then replied, "We'll be ready. Thanks, Logan. For everything."

Logan ended the call and pocketed his phone, feeling the gravity of what was to come. He re-entered the room where Victoria and Peter were waiting, giving them their quiet moment where peter felt the slight kicking of his unborn child through Victoria's stomach. "They know we're coming," he said simply, meeting their gazes. "Let's hope this goes as smoothly as it can."

…

As they drove towards the designated confrontation area outside the city, the atmosphere was tense within the vehicles. Victoria Creed and her family were accompanied by Captain America, Scott Summers, Logan, Laura, and Gabriella. Their S.H.I.E.L.D. escort ensured the trip was safe and controlled, ready to intervene if necessary.

Victoria's children, each a unique blend of their parents' strengths and traits, were spending this uncertain time closely with their mother. Lycan Parker, the eldest, sat protectively beside her, his wild mane of dark hair a stark contrast to his intense, contemplative gaze. The twins, Ferra and Nyx, who often shared an unspoken understanding, were unusually silent, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Theron, Jarek, and Kael, the triplets, were huddled together, their expressions a mix of concern and readiness. Elara, Selene, Draven, Rhea, Lyra, and Orion, the youngest of the family, all exhibited varying degrees of worry, clinging to their parents and each other.

As the convoy approached the clearing where the confrontation was to take place, they saw Peter-Knull leaning casually against his bike. His eyes, however, were not on the arriving vehicles but rather on Jane, who was already there, sitting surrounded by empty bottles. Her disheveled appearance and the aura of despair and rage around her were unsettling. Her family, off to the side, looked distraught, clearly unable to reach her despite their best efforts.

Logan shared a glance with Peter-Knull, the unspoken consensus between them was clear: something was seriously wrong with Jane. The rage in her eyes was more than just anger; it was the look of someone who had lost all hope and was spiraling into a dark place, not unlike the Victor Creed Logan knew too well. This realization sent a shiver through Logan; the parallels were too close for comfort.

Victoria, bracing herself, stepped out of the car, her hand clutching her pregnant belly. Savage Lands Peter, ever the supportive partner, held her close. As they approached, Jane's eyes, red and glassy, snapped up to meet Victoria's, her fists clenched tight as she struggled to keep her composure. This moment would be pivotal, not just for Jane, but for everyone involved.

Jane staggered forward; her eyes locked onto Victoria with a venomous glare. The sight of Victoria's younger children, visibly shaken and clinging to their mother, only fueled her anger. Her lips curled into a sneer as she spoke, her voice dripping with disdain. "Look at you, all of you. Quivering behind your mother like scared little puppies. Is this what you've become, Victoria? Playing house and pretending everything's okay while you keep hiding from what you are?"

Victoria stood her ground, her eyes filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. She said nothing, just kept her gaze steady on Jane, taking in every harsh word without flinching.

Jane scoffed, taking another unsteady step forward. "Don't you have anything to say for yourself? Or are you just going to stand there and let your past catch up to you? You think playing the good mother erases all the blood on your hands? The things you've done, the lives you've ruined?" Her voice rose with each word, the air thick with tension.

Logan, Jean, Gabriella, Laura, and Fury stood nearby, watching with growing unease and anger. Jean's face twisted in a grimace, Logan clenched his fists, and Fury's usually impassive face showed signs of disapproval. This wasn't the wolverine they knew and logan would never do this to such innocent children, her behavior was not only unnecessary but alarmingly aggressive.

Victoria finally spoke, her voice calm and clear. "I know what I've done, Jane. And I'm not hiding from it. But I've chosen a different path, for my children and for myself. I'm not that person anymore."

Jane's eyes flashed with outrage. "A different path? You think you can just walk away from all the shit you've done to everyone on our world over the years? That your new life makes up for all the pain and suffering you've caused? You ruined lives, Victoria! You destroyed people, killed them before you ran off with your boyfriend! And now you get to play the happy family while the rest of us live with the consequences?"

Victoria's expression remained unchanged, her hand tightening on Savage-Lands Peter's arm for support. Her silence, her refusal to engage, seemed to infuriate Jane even more. She could feel the weight of her words falling on deaf ears, and it drove her to the brink.

"Say something!" Jane shouted, her voice cracking with raw emotion. "You owe me that much! You owe everyone you've hurt!"

Victoria's eyes softened; a deep sadness reflected in them. "I'm sorry for the pain I've caused, Jane. Truly. But I can't change the past. I can only do better now, for my family. I won't go back to being that person."

As Victoria and her Peter began to turn away, deciding that there was no more to say, Jane's rage boiled over. With a guttural snarl, she lunged forward, claws outstretched, aiming straight for Victoria. But before she could reach her, Jane was tackled to the ground, not by Logan or Victoria's family, or any of their allies, but by her own.

Gabriel, Laurent, Daken, and Badger pinned her down, their faces a mix of desperation and sadness. "Stop it, Jane! Just stop!" Gabriel shouted, his voice cracking with emotion. "You've caused enough damage as it is!"

Laurent, his eyes wet with tears, pleaded, "Please, Jane, enough. This isn't you. We can't keep doing this."

Daken, unable to meet Jane's eyes, muttered, "Just shut up, Jane. Shut up and listen for once."

Badger, his voice steady but filled with pain, added, "We're not going to pursue her anymore. This ends here."

As Jane struggled beneath them, their words began to pierce through her rage. The sight of Gabriel and Laurent weeping, Daken looking away in shame, and Badger's firm yet pained expression hit her with a wave of realization. For the first time, she saw the impact of her actions on the people she loved, of dragging them into this with her. The hurt in their eyes, the tears streaming down their faces, broke through her fury.

She stopped struggling, her body going limp as the weight of her actions settled over her. The anger that had driven her was replaced with a deep, hollow emptiness. She looked up at her family, seeing them clearly for the first time, and felt a crushing guilt. The truth of her behavior and its effect on them was undeniable, and it left her feeling utterly broken.

Just then a new presence materialized, catching everyone's attention. Mephisto, the one who had orchestrated Jane and her family's arrival, stepped into view. His crimson eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and disappointment. He clapped slowly, the sound echoing in the sudden silence.

"Well, well, well," Mephisto drawled, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "This isn't quite the spectacle I envisioned. Jane, dear, after all the trouble you went through to confront and kill Victoria Creed, and this is how it ends? With your own family holding you back?"

Peter-Knull's eyes narrowed, sensing an underlying threat in Mephisto's words. Something was off, more than just the manipulative demon's usual games. He kept his eyes trained on Mephisto, his instincts screaming that danger was near.

Suddenly, the air was shattered by the deafening crack of a gunshot. It was too fast, too unexpected. The bullet zipped past Victoria, barely missing her, and struck Savage Lands Peter square in the chest. The force of the impact sent him collapsing to the ground, blood quickly spreading across his chest.

Chaos erupted as Victoria screamed in agony, her children joining her, their cries piercing the air. Shield agents rushed forward, surrounding Peter and applying medical attention as best they could. Victoria knelt beside him, her hands trembling as she pressed against the wound, trying to stem the flow of blood.

Mephisto vanished as quickly as he had appeared, leaving behind a scene of utter turmoil. Peter-Knull scanned the nearby rooftops; his usually calm demeanor replaced with urgency. He knew Mephisto's games, and this felt like a setup from the get-go, a cruel twist to incite further chaos.

Logan, with his enhanced senses, scanned the area, but the shooter was gone. He turned his attention to Victoria and Peter, the weight of the situation bearing down on him. He felt a surge of guilt and helplessness; this wasn't supposed to happen. They were supposed to talk, to find some kind of closure, not end in bloodshed.

Jane, still pinned by her family, watched in shock as the scene unfolded. The full weight of the situation, the gravity of what had just happened, crushed her remaining rage. She looked at her family, at Victoria's sobbing children, at the blood pooling around Peter. Her actions, her thirst for revenge, had led to this moment.

Gabriel, Laurent, Daken, and Badger released their hold on Jane, the reality of the situation dawning on them as well. They had stopped her from one disaster, but another had unfolded right before their eyes. The Shield agents worked frantically, calling for medical evacuation, as Victoria held her husband's hand, her tears falling onto his pale face.Top of Form

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