A/N: Sorry I haven't been updating a lot. I've been having a lot of trouble finding motivation to keep writing on this site at all. I got too much stuff stacked on my "to do" list, and this ain't even close to the top. I do have all the scenes corresponding with the actual Multiverse of Madness movie written out, and I'm currently writing out some scenes from another film that I'll be pulling from. But for the original material, like in this chapter, that's taking some time.
Anyway, here's the newest chapter, and we'll be seeing some familiar faces from the previous story, as well as a few new ones.
"No, no!"
Wanda scrambled towards the destroyed Darkhold, holding up the burnt cover in her hands. She watched in despair, seeing the pieces crumble between her fingers.
"No…" Wanda sobbed, staring at the ashes of the book. She was so close to get America… so close to her power…
Child… he must know a way…
Wanda slowly turned towards Wong, her eyes glowing red.
Yes…
The sorcerer looked at Maximoff in fear, as she suddenly flung him into the courtyard, sneering as he rolled across the ground, blood dribbling from his mouth.
"I need the spells from that book." she snarled, picking the sorcerer up with her magic. "You're the Sorcerer Supreme, you must know something."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Wong bluffed. Wanda narrowed her eyes, as she used her psychic power to brute force her way into his mind. Unfortunately, aside from a small inkling that he was hiding something, all she saw was a fortification of his mental defenses, illustrated by what appeared to be a brick wall to her. Maximoff seethed, lashing out with crimson tendrils, but they merely bounced back. Wong's mind was too strong to break.
"You will tell me." Wanda growled, pulling out her Desert Eagle and leveling it at Wong's head. Instead of looking fearful, Wong stared her down.
"I know you, Wanda. You are no killer." the sorcerer told her.
Maximoff glared at him, feeling her arm shake. He was right, unfortunately. She wasn't a killer. Hell, Frank stopped her from killing herself.
Wanda sighed in despair, lowering her arm.
"You're right… but I am."
Wong paled, seeing Wanda's eyes turn black, as Chthon lifted his hand. In front of them both, four bodies were lifted into the air, revealed to be alive, albeit barely.
"Tell us what you know, or they will all die. Starting with this one."
Chthon raised a finger, and one of the sorcerers- the one who inadvertently let Wanda in- was literally folded in half backwards, splitting him in two.
"No!" Wong yelled. Chthon merely laughed, flicking his wrist again, and the second sorcerer, a bald man with a thin mustache, had his head turned a hundred and eighty degrees, snapping his neck within seconds.
"Wanda fight him!" Wong pleaded.
Chthon continued the horrifying display, moving on to the Minotaur sorcerer and telekinetically ripped the horns and nose rings out of its head, before impaling them back into the skull.
"Wanda stop!" Wong begged. "The Darkhold was just a copy!"
Chthon's arm sagged, as his black eyes retreated. The magic waned, and the single surviving sorcerer collapsed to the ground prompting Wong to momentarily check on him.
"A copy." Wanda repeated.
"The infernal spells and incantations you seek are inscribed into the walls of Castle Wundagore." Wong revealed, standing up and putting himself in front of the sorcerer on the ground. "But no sorcerer has ever returned from such a journey."
Wanda scanned the area, seeing many dead men and women around her. The sight made her want to throw up again, but she could hear Chthon's voice, even now.
It is necessary. We need to find Chavez.
Wanda continued sifting among the bodies, spying an untainted sling ring. She reached over, scarlet magic enveloping the tool and launched it at Wong.
"Perhaps we will be the exception." she said evenly.
Music: Doctor Strange Medley
Frank hurtled through the air, just barely seeing Strange and America in his peripheral vision, as he was once again treated to the sight of different worlds.
One second they passed through a landscape of buildings with overgrown foliage, then seconds later, glass shattered, and they were in a futuristic city. Frank looked around, seeing thousands of individuals dressed in red and blue suits- looking like variations of Spider-Man- walking around, along with a shuttle bus that traveled high into the atmosphere.
Another star shaped portal opened, and they fell into a world that was completely black and white, like one of those old films from the 1930's. Castle noticed a billboard, depicting Steve Rogers in a suit, below him saying "Vote For The Star Spangled Man With A Plan!".
The trio fell through another portal, where they were treated with freezing cold. Once their sight adjusted, they all realized they were careening through a snowy tundra, right towards a mountain.
"Kid…" Frank called out, seeing the glacier get closer towards them by the second. America looked at the wall of eyes and her eyes widened in fear, and she gasped. Just in time, as right before they slammed into the wall, another portal opened, and they all fell through, falling into an alleyway.
"Dammit, that was too close." Strange grumbled, patting the snow off the cloak.
"I'm… I'm sorry." America looked down at her shoes. "I don't know how…"
Frank nodded, remembering what she said. She didn't know how to control it.
"It's not your fault."
"Yes it is." Chavez shook her head. "If I could control my powers, I wouldn't have lost my parents."
"What?" Frank stepped back in confusion. America looked up, realizing what she said, but pushed on.
"It's my fault my moms are dead."
"They're not… they're not dead-" Strange started.
"If they're not dead, they're lost on some desolate universe, because I sent them there!" America shouted, as tears formed in her eyes. "If you don't believe me, then cast a spell to look into my memories!"
Stephen looked at her in shock, even when Chavez held her ground.
"Come on, do it!"
Frank finally stepped forward, holding out a hand.
"Kid, it's okay. No one is blaming you."
America slowly began to calm down, although still refused to meet either of their eyes.
"I blame me. And I want to show you why."
Music: "Don't lose hope America" from Multiverse Of Madness OST
Castle looked at Stephen, who sighed and held up his arms, beginning to conjure runes. Within seconds, mystical rings appeared around their feet, while the Eye of Agamotto opened up. A surge of magic was expelled from the artifact, and the scenery around them changed from a dirty alleyway to a lush meadow. Two women in blue robes walked down a path, in front of them was a girl wearing a similar tunic, who was playing with flowers.
"Your… your mothers?" Frank asked, seeing America nod.
"This was the last time I saw them." Chavez whispered, watching her parents give each other flowers. The little girl, whom Frank realized was the younger America, picked up a flower in the glass, not noticing there was a bee resting on top. The insect crawled onto the girl's hand, making Chavez shake her arm to try to throw it off. That only succeeded in agitating the bee, and before it flew away, it stung the poor girl on the back of her hand.
The younger America let out an ear splitting scream, and Strange just barely noticed her eyes light up blue. At the same time, a star shaped portal ripped through the empty space behind the older women, sucking them into the multiverse in an instant. The girl desperately grabbed at a broken tree branch, but she prolonged the inevitable, eventually losing her grip, and fell into the portal as well, flying across space and time.
America shuddered, as the memory spell faded, with Frank looking at her in pity.
"I… I killed them. Or they're lost. Just like how we're lost."
"No." Frank shook his head. "No, you didn't kill them, alright? You didn't mean that."
"It doesn't matter if I meant it or not." Chavez said sadly. "They're gone."
"I doubt that." Strange told her. "If your parents are anything like you, who's survived for years in different universes, then they're still alive."
America looked back up, her mouth forming a small smile.
"Thanks."
Frank nodded, before looking around. It looked like… New York, but much older. Like the late 1900's.
"Where the fuck are we now?"
"Home, I hope." Strange murmured, as they exited the alley. Frank looked up, seeing skyscrapers that looked similar to the ones in New York, but they looked… older. What's more, it seemed that the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were in the distance. Did they go back in time?
Music: "On The Run" from Multiverse Of Madness OST
As the trio kept pondering, several civilians began running past them, screaming loudly. Frank and Strange turned in the direction they were running from, and what they saw made them pause. It appeared some kind of monster made entirely of ribbons was attacking downtown, overturning cars and throwing bystanders every which way. Ever stranger was when it noticed Frank, Strange, and America- or more accurately, Strange and America- it roared loudly, beginning to extend its tendrils over to them.
"That's the same monster who was in my dream with America." Strange murmured, conjuring shields.
"It's the same monster that killed the other you." America added, slowly stepping behind Frank, who loaded his shotgun. Stephen expanded the shield around them, while Castle fired round after round at the monster's limbs, taking out bits and pieces of the ribbons. Unfortunately, the creature didn't seem to notice, and began bashing itself against the shield, forcing Strange to concentrate on reinforcing the spell. Realizing they couldn't stop the monster on its own, America pulled out the pistol Frank gave her and began firing it at the thing's head. That only agitated it more, especially when it remembered her, and it suddenly poured more strength into striking the shield, eventually smashing it to pieces.
"Shit!" Frank yelled, seeing a tendril reach out and grab America. "Kid!"
America screamed, as the monster roared in her face. This was it. This was the end-
A bolt of lightning suddenly struck the monster, causing it to reel back. It wasn't allowed to recover, as a car was suddenly thrown at it, forcing it to let go of Chavez. Before she hit the ground, a familiar figure in a red and blue suit suddenly swung by, scooping her up and landed safely on the ground.
"What- Spider-Man?"
The person turned around, revealing that indeed, it was Spider-Man, but he looked… off. Like his eyepieces were goggle lenses, rather than fabric in the mask.
"Foul beast, go back to Hell from whence ye came!"
Strange looked behind him, seeing a man wearing a fur pelt and helmet, wielding a large hammer.
"Thor." Stephen guessed, while the man sent another bolt of lighting from the hammer to the monster.
"Aye, good sir! And here be my good ogre friend, the Incredible Hulk!"
Just then, a large green man, wearing jeans and having a green afro jumped down, roaring loudly. So he must've been the one who threw the car.
"Do I know you?" Spider-Man asked, just as another man wearing all black and having a black cloth covering his eyes jumped down. Frank raised an eyebrow, realizing this must be Daredevil from this alternate world.
"Red?" Frank blurted out.
"Who's Red?" Daredevil asked, while the sound of motorcycles could be heard in the distance.
"Castle?"
Frank looked over his shoulder, seeing two men pull up on bikes. The first looked like Captain America, but he wore a blue motorcycle helmet over his mask, and the second…
"Frank." the Punisher nodded, seeing his variant. The other Castle nodded to him, before dismounting from his motorcycle and loaded his machine gun.
"It's good to see a friendly face." Frank-4 told him, while firing at the monster. At the same time, Captain America threw his shield, while Spider-Man fired his webs and pulled, slowing the creature down. Seeing his chance, Doctor Strange fired spikes of ice at the creature, freezing it in place.
"That won't kill it." Chavez said grimly. "The other you tried."
As soon as she said that, the ribboned monster broke free of the ice, growling in frustration, as the Hulk jumped toward it.
"HULK SMASH-"
The creature shot out a tendril, stabbing the Hulk in the heart.
"No!" Thor yelled. "Friend ogre!"
The monster roared loudly, throwing the Hulk's body into a building, while the god of thunder shot more lightning from his hammer. That only agitated the thing, as it made its way forward, despite both Punishers shooting at it. Even America joined in, firing her own pistol, with Spider-Man hitting the monster's face with webs to blind it temporarily.
"Do we know how to kill this thing?" Frank-4 asked, just as Daredevil jumped up and dodged a falling car.
"I don't think we can!" America shouted, as Doctor Strange flew up and hurled discs of magic at the monster, slicing several of its tentacles. "The other Strange I met tried to freeze it, but that only slowed it down!"
"What about burning?"
Strange looked down, seeing a man with curly hair, a mustache, and wearing a red and golden cloak over a onesie with a star strolled forward, holding out his hand. A ring appeared, and when he closed his fist, flames shot out, engulfing the creature and burning it alive in a brilliant flash of light. The monster screeched in agony, as it slowly turned to ash, blowing into the wind.
The man exhaled, lowering his arm, while Strange approached him.
"How did you do that? What spell was that?"
"The Seven Suns Of Cinnibus." the wizard explained. "Capable of driving out the darkness."
"Cinnibus… I've heard of that." Stephen frowned. "Who are you?"
The man smiled, holding out his hand.
"My name is Dr. Strange. And you are?"
"Doctor Stephen Strange." Stephen replied, shaking his hand. "I assume you're my variant."
"You'd be correct." Dr. Strange smirked. "Our mutual friend Frank Castle told us some… interesting stories."
"You remember?" Frank-1 asked, looking over to his alternate self.
"I do." Frank-4 nodded. "After what happened at the statue, I went to talk to my Dr. Strange, and he explained this whole alternate worlds thing."
"Indeed. That's when I assumed that one day, we would see you again." Dr. Strange added. "I see I assumed correct."
"Friend Hulk!"
Everyone turned towards Thor, seeing him cradling the body of the Incredible Hulk, who slowly reverted into his frail human form. Frank-1 hung his head, while Doctor Strange and America looked solemnly.
"I'm sorry, Thor." Dr. Strange apologized, walking over and resting his hand on the Asgardian's shoulder. "David was a good man."
"David?" Doctor Strange raised an eyebrow. Not Bruce Banner?
"I… I must take his body to his kin." Thor murmured, before flying up and away.
"Well…" Dr. Strange murmured, looking back at his variant. "Despite the tragedy that just happened, would you three be willing to accompany us to our headquarters?"
"Of course." Stephen nodded. "We'll still need to find a way back, however."
On our Earth, a portal opened up upon a snowy mountain, followed by Wong and Wanda stepping out onto a ledge. In the distance directly ahead of them was a dark, stony tower. Maximoff grit her teeth, already beginning to feel the chill. Despite being led by Chthon, she still couldn't help but feel irritated in the moment.
"You couldn't have portalled us closer?" she grumbled, giving Wong the side eye.
"My magic will only take us so far." the sorcerer replied. "Not many sorcerers have ever travelled this far. And fewer have returned from this wretched place."
"That right?" Wanda scoffed, before flying up. In the process, Wong was enveloped in scarlet energy, being carried right behind her, to his chagrin.
Maximoff had to blink the snow out of her eyes, as she reached the top of the castle, setting Wong down behind her. In front of them was a darkened chamber, which Wanda lit up, casting fireballs with her magic. She conjured a torch out of thin air and handed it to Wong, who looked grimly up at a statue. A shift of the light revealed it of a skeletal figure, wearing a hood and folding his arms.
"Your master. The first demon, Chthon." Wong growled. "Eons ago, he carved his spells and incantations along the walls of this tomb, much of which his followers copied into the Darkhold. He proceeded to mate with a select few of his devotees, and his spawn scattered to other universes. There's no telling what soulless monstrosities could be lurking here."
Wanda cast a fireball at the pyre in the middle, illuminating the chamber and revealing four hulking, armored black creatures with glowing red eyes. The monsters roared, startling Wong, who backed up towards the center, dropping the torch and manifesting two swords. Maximoff joined him, floating up above a hexagonal dais, as magic poured from her hands. The monsters began to advance, but upon seeing Wanda's power, they stopped, getting down on one knee, with their hands over their chests.
Child… they've been waiting for you. Turn around.
Wanda did as Chthon instructed, seeing a massive statue of… herself. The hair was parted everywhere, and the body wasn't quite clothed, but the headpiece gave it away. It was the same one that Maximoff herself wore.
"This isn't a tomb…" Wanda murmured, looking back at the creatures.
"It's a throne."
Dr. Strange led the heroes of his world, and the variants of another, to a derelict building on the outskirts of New York, using magic to teleport them all into an open warehouse.
"This is your compound?" Doctor Strange raised an eyebrow, seeing the boxes upon boxes. "It looks like the place you'd store the Ark of the Covenant."
"You don't have Stark paying the bills?" Frank-1 snorted.
"Stark?" Captain America asked. Stephen's eyes widened in mortification.
"Tony Stark! Iron Man?"
Everyone looked at the variants in confusion, while Daredevil cleared his throat.
"We've never met a person like that. I'm assuming he was a hero on your Earth?"
"Yeah, he led your little super friends team here." Frank-1 revealed. "But you weren't on it, Murdock. And Strange and the Spider-Boy joined up later."
"I was kind of hoping I'd meet my doppelganger." Spider-Man complained. "Or is it called variant? Anyway, our Frank told us some really cool stories about you guys!"
"That right?" Frank-1 raised an eyebrow, looking at his variant.
"I only told them about meeting you." Frank-4 shrugged.
"So… do you shoot webs out of your butt?" America asked mischievously.
"Uh… no?" Spider-Man asked. "I just… shot them out of my wrists…"
Chavez started giggling to herself, making Frank crack a half-smile. Maybe this was her way of coping with everything that has happened in the last few days.
"So…" Frank-4 asked. "Why are you visiting our Earth?"
"We got here by accident." Strange revealed, looking over to America. "Our friend here can open up portals in the multiverse, but my Frank and I believe that her powers are only triggered when she's afraid or in pain."
"So similar to the Hulk…" Daredevil murmured, looking down.
"Yeah…" Frank-1 murmured, while America's eyes glazed over. Frank-4 folded his arms, looking between his variant and the kid.
"You know what I do when I'm scared? I go to the range." the alternate Castle revealed. "Gives me a sense of control, right?"
Frank-1 nodded, barely noticing America perk up in curiosity.
"Okay." Frank-1 said. "You lead the way, yeah?"
"Right." Frank-4 agreed, walking out of the warehouse. Frank-1 and America followed after him, walking down a lengthy hallway and passing other rooms, which appeared to be the chambers for the team members.
"Pick up the pace." Frank-4 called out. "You're not here to sight see." Frank-1 arched an eyebrow, but nevertheless increased his gate, while America practically had to power walk to keep up with him.
Eventually, the trio arrived in an open area with several paper targets. Frank-4 walked over to a desk, picking up three pairs of headphones and safety glasses, and handed them to Frank-1 and America.
"Okay. You ready to learn, kid?" the Punisher asked Chavez. The girl widened her eyes, as the gun attached to her pants suddenly felt heavier.
"I… I guess…"
Frank-1 frowned, as he knelt down slightly to look her in the eye.
"Hey, if you don't think you're ready yet, you don't have to do this-"
"No." America shook her head. "You're right. It might save my life."
Music: "War On Our Doorstep" from Punisher Season 2 OST
She turned back towards the targets, pulled out her gun, and pulled the trigger.
Click.
"Huh?"
Frank-1 slightly smiled, pointing to the barrel.
"Safety's on."
America let out a nervous laugh, as she turned the gun to the side, seeing a small switch that Frank was pointing to. She flicked it down, repositioned, and fired.
Bang!
Chavez gasped, taking a few steps back, feeling a shockwave run through her body.
"Hey, be careful for the recoil." Frank-1 told her. "Recover. Place your foot behind. Fortify your stance. And look through the sights on top."
America did as told, taking a step forward, and aimed down the sight.
Bang.
Still some recoil, just… not as much.
"There you go."
America took a breath, calming herself down, and began firing again.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
"Hm. Let's see how she did." Frank-4 suggested, pressing a button on the desk. The paper targets were ushered forward, coming to a stop when they were a foot away. Frank-4 grabbed the middle target, showing it to the girl.
"You didn't even hit the paper."
"Sorry." America murmured. "I've never shot one before."
"That's okay. My CO personally taught me how to hold a rifle." Frank-1 told her. "It's the practice, right? You gotta practice to be good at it."
"Yeah… yeah!" America nodded.
"Ready to go again?" Frank-4 asked, pressing the button again, and the targets began to move farther away. Chavez smiled, getting ready again, and lifted the pistol.
On Mount Wundagore, Wanda levitated above the altar, as a hexagonal rune glowed red. Around her, the four monstrous creatures were still kneeling before her, while Wong clenched his fists.
"You're wondering what happens now." Wanda murmured, knowing without a doubt what Chthon would most likely do.
"No. I've accepted it." Wong said solemnly. "But I do wonder, when you can force America to send you to any universe of your choosing, why do it?"
"What?" Wanda blinked in surprise.
"Why do you need America's power?" the sorcerer elaborated. "Why not just have her transport you to a world with your kids? Why does the child have to die?"
"Because they could get sick." Wanda stated. "What if the universe they're in doesn't have a cure, but an alternate one does?"
"Wanda… you have the power to manipulate reality." Wong reminded her. Maximoff bit her lip, looking down.
"There are… there are some things even I can't do. But, if I have America's power, I can find a solution. Every solution, to every problem. I won't- I can't lose them again."
She didn't want to say the real reason: because there were some things Chthon wouldn't let her do. Just like how, back at the Statue of Liberty, he helped her immobilize everyone fighting Frank and Spider-Man… except the Green Goblin.
Why did he do that? Why didn't he freeze the villain in place?
"Try as you might Wanda, you cannot control everything." Wong told her, bringing her back to the present.
"But I can." Wanda smiled, looking up at the statue of her. "Look around, it's carved in stone. I was meant to rule everything… but I don't want that."
She looked back down at Wong, her smile widening.
"I just want my boys."
"And what of Vision? Or your brother?" Wong asked, making Wanda pause.
"I… I did not look for them." Wanda murmured. "But I'm sure I can find them as well."
"But at the cost of a child's life!" Wong argued. "Do you not have peace, knowing there are other worlds were you are happy? Is it not enough to know that?"
"Enough."
Chthon suddenly took over, and with a flick of his wrist, Wong was lifted into the air, black magic coalescing around his limbs. The sorcerer struggled, feeling his arms begin to bend.
"You will interfere no longer…"
The black eyes suddenly faded slightly, as Wanda fought for control.
"NO!"
With every bit of willpower, Wanda did the only thing she could do before losing control of her body- she threw Wong out of the chamber. As she heard his scream of surprise, everything went dark again, and she was lost in the void.
Do not question me again, child.
"But why?" Wanda's voice echoed in her mind. "He didn't have to die."
He is a nuisance, trying to stop us from our goal! Chthon roared. Now, if you challenge me again, I will relinquish what little freedom I have afforded you.
While the Franks and America were at the shooting range, the two Doctor Stranges made their way to the sorcerer's personal chambers, away from the rest of this world's Avengers.
"Do you believe the girl can be trained in controlling her powers?" Doctor Strange asked.
"Anyone can gain control of their abilities." Dr. Strange replied. "It's just a matter of practice."
"Speaking of…" Doctor Strange cleared his throat. "I noticed you were able to teleport without a sling ring."
"I don't know what that is." Dr. Strange frowned.
"It's something that helps the sorcerers on my world create portals." Doctor Strange explained. "I only know one other person who has done that, named Constantine."
"Ah yes. I've heard of him." Dr. Strange smirked. "He fancied himself as a petty dabbler in the dark arts, which he credited as how he has performed such feats."
"So it can be learned?" Doctor Strange asked hopefully. "To traverse across space without the aforementioned ring?"
"I have never needed one myself."
To prove his point, Dr. Strange waved his arm in a circular motion, and a ring of fire opened up in front of them, showcasing the streets of New York.
"If both myself and Constantine can conjure these without your 'sling rings', I don't see a reason why you can't." Dr. Strange declared. "But it will take some practice."
"That… that's fair." Doctor Strange murmured, lifting his arms the same way he would if he had that ring. As he began rotating, he concentrated hard, thinking on opening a portal… where?
A few sparks formed, but no portal.
"Perhaps you should try something simple, such as the range both Frank Castle's are at." Dr. Strange suggested. Stephen nodded in agreement, and began to concentrate, still creating sparks in midair. Unfortunately, that's all that happened, despite his arm still rotating.
"Focus." Dr. Strange told him. "Imagine the place in your mind."
Doctor Strange did as instructed, continuing to rotate his arm, and the sparks grew, forming a small hole.
"That's it. Keep going."
Strange-1 strained, enlarging the hole even more, until he could see Frank-4, Frank-1 and America on the either side. With a smile, he stepped through, followed by Dr. Strange. Just in time too, as the portal destabilized and closed immediately after.
"Not bad." Dr. Strange nodded. "But you'll need to work on maintaining it."
"Right." Doctor Strange agreed, as Frank-4 folded his arms.
"I see the girl's not the only one learning new tricks."
"We're gonna need a whole bag of new tricks, for what we're facing." Doctor Strange muttered, causing Dr. Strange to raise an eyebrow.
"What exactly are you facing?"
Frank-1 sighed, looking down.
"Someone who used to be our friend, the Scarlet Witch, is after the kid." he explained. "She's the one who sent that monster here, and there's something else pulling her strings."
"The demon Chthon." Strange-1 added.
"I see." Dr. Strange nodded.
"The last Doctor Strange who tried to help me almost got to the Book of Vishanti, but this one thinks it's a myth." America blurted out, while Stephen gave her the side-eye.
"I can assure you, the book is very real." Dr. Strange announced. "Where it is, however, I do not know where."
"But you used it yourself?" Doctor Strange asked hopefully.
"I did. In a battle against the demon known as Nightmare." Dr. Strange replied. "Unfortunately, I lost it in a mystical vortex long ago."
America looked down in disappointment, when a glint of light caught her eye. She looked up, just barely seeing the reflection of the Scarlet Witch in a glass window.
"It's Wanda! She found me!" Chavez screamed. The reflection shrieked, appearing to fly towards the girl, and her eyes sparkled. A moment later, a star shaped portal ripped through the space behind her, and with another scream, she was sucked in.
"Kid!" Frank yelled, diving in after her. Doctor Strange soon followed, and the portal closed, leaving Dr. Strange to stare at the window, only to see… nothing.
Frank felt himself hurtling throughout the multiverse again, this time seeing billboards and giant monitors with what looked like Tony Stark, but in his Iron Man armor without the helmet. Below him was the title Emperor Stark emblazoned in red and gold.
Before they could process the strange world, the trio fell through another portal, and Frank instantly felt his insides become jelly-like. He looked over to Strange and America, seeing they became… yellow and blue paint? Confused at what he was seeing, Castle looked at himself, seeing that he was now some red blob hurtling through the air.
The moment was gone however, when they all fell through another portal, this time showcasing a world that appeared to be made up of cubes. Strange suddenly screamed in pain, as did America, as Frank watched the two of them be divided into cubes, which began to pull them apart. Castle grunted, feeling the same sensation, but luckily, Chavez instinctively opened up another portal.
The world that they fell through this time luckily reverted their bodies to normal, albeit that the colors of their outfits looked brighter than usual. Frank glanced at the ground, just barely seeing a brick road that was painted yellow. Further off in the distance was a beautiful city, shimmering green. Like emeralds.
If he was honest, it would've reminded him of a children's book he once read.
A final portal opened, and Frank, Stephen, and America fell through, landing in what looked like an industrial plant. Castle groaned, getting up, while extending a hand to America, who gratefully accepted.
"Know where we are?"
Chavez shook her head, making Stephen sigh.
"I'm sorry! I still can't control my powers!"
"Yeah." Frank murmured, looking down at the the gun she held. Somehow, she never let go of it, even when they were falling through the multiverse.
"Maybe that's what you should learn next."
Chavez frowned in confusion, while Strange raised an eyebrow.
"That's actually a good idea." Stephen nodded thoughtfully. "It took time for me to learn how to create a basic sling ring portal. But if we're able to apply that to America…"
"Hey Jonny, look at this!"
Frank looked past America, seeing a group of five men, all dressed in leather jackets, were sauntering towards them.
"Looks like we got some fresh meat in our territory!" the leader, a man with a full grown black beard and red bandana, licked his lips. "Dibs on the girl, and that cape!"
America widened her eyes, realizing what he was implying, as Frank put himself in front of her.
"You touch her, I'll rip you apart." he said in a low voice.
"Yeah, sure." the leader chortled. "There's five of us and only three of you-"
Frank whipped out his pistol, shooting not only the leader, but three of his cronies in the head.
"Just one now." Castle muttered, staring at a scrawny boy with a buzzcut. The criminal looked at his dead compatriots in shock, and in a split second decision, turned around to run. Frank probably would've let him go too, if a figure didn't suddenly jump down in front of him, punching him in the face.
Music: Darkman Main Titles
"Oh no. You don't get off that easy!" the man growled, in a voice that sounded rough as sandpaper. The newcomer grabbed the thug by the collar and threw him singlehandedly into a steel beam, causing him to cough up blood, and that's when Frank got a good look at him. The man in question wore a long black coat, but his face was what got Castle' attention. It had slicked black hair that was parted at the top, with a square jaw, and unfortunately, looked very similar to a face he knew.
"Mysterio?"
The vigilante paused, looking over to Frank.
"Who the hell is Mysterio?"
"Frank." Stephen murmured, gaining the Punisher's attention. "Different Earth."
"Right." Castle shook his head, as the man turned back towards the criminal, grabbing his arm and snapping it with ease. The thug howled in pain, grasping desperately at the man's face and pulled, tearing the skin off. Chavez widened her eyes, as the face peeled away, revealing a bald, scarred head, with an exposed jaw.
"No. You!" the criminal cried out.
"Me."
The vigilante wasn't done, grabbing his neck and twisting, breaking it and killing him.
"So who the hell are you?"
The man paused, sizing them all up.
"I am everyone and no one. I am everywhere and nowhere. Call me… Darkman."
Strange raised an eyebrow, but nevertheless reached forward.
"Doctor Strange."
"That's a stupid name." Darkman said gruffly.
"If that's not the pot calling the kettle black…" Stephen muttered, folding his arms. Darkman narrowed his eyes, while pulling some bandages out of his coat and wrapped them around his face.
"I've never seen you people before. Why are you here?"
"Easy." Frank told him. "'We're just visiting."
"For what exactly?" Darkman growled, stepping forward. Frank noticed the vigilante's body tense, and he sighed, realizing he wasn't getting anywhere.
"Okay."
Castle began to step forward, when Darkman punched him in the stomach, making Frank stumble back a few feet. That hit… it reminded him when Wilson Fisk beat him, years ago. How the hell…
The Punisher groaned, looking back up, just in time to see Darkman throw another punch. This time, Frank ducked, then threw his own fist, hitting the vigilante in the shoulder. If he felt it, he didn't show it. He barely even moved.
"Dammit."
Darkman hissed in anger, grabbing Castle by the throat and lifted him up, forming a fist. Just as he was about to punch Frank again, a red cloth suddenly flew in front of him, wrapping around his arm and immobilizing the limb.
"That's enough." Strange told him, as the cloak worked to free Castle. "We come from a different universe."
Darkman looked at Stephen, while slowly lowering Frank, before letting him go completely.
"Come with me." the vigilante said gruffly, walking down an alleyway.
"GOD DAMN IT!"
Wanda yelled loudly, as the monsters of Wundagore looked at her in concern, she opened her eyes, glaring up at the various crimson orbs. All of them representing a different universe. All branching out from one another. But the one that the child America was in, with Frank and Strange…
She didn't sense a variant of herself in that world.
Child… you know what needs to be done. You've already done it twice before.
Yes, that was right. She had sent those monsters after America, instead of chasing her down herself. It had been an act of mercy, though Strange would disagree, but it was the only way that the girl would not suffer her wrath… or Chthon's.
But maybe, she thought, as she closed her eyes again. Maybe, it was time to summon another, one that could traverse into that universe…
Darkman stepped into an old warehouse, trudging across a dirty floor, sidestepping machinery. Frank and Stephen followed close behind, with America staring in mortification.
"What is this place?"
Darkman turned, his eyes filled with sorrow.
"My home." he murmured. "It was my lab, where I would have been able to perfect my work, before it…"
The vigilante stopped speaking, placing a hand over his face and closed his eyes. Frank looked around, seeing burn marks everywhere.
"Yeah." he murmured, understanding what he meant.
"I lost everything. My home. My face. My Julie…"
Darkman paused, looking up.
"I learned to live with becoming a monster… but no one else could. So I hid myself away. Wore masks. Became who I am today."
The entire time, Strange stared at the man in pity, likening his situation to his own with Christine. In the end, he became a sorcerer to protect the world, but at the cost of his relationship.
Darkman cleared his throat, turning to look at the visitors.
"I've heard the theory of different universes. You're not the first ones I've encountered to claim that." he revealed.
"I'll bet the last one you came across can't conjure portals on their own." Strange said dryly.
"You're correct." Darkman nodded. "But if you can do that, then why not leave?"
"That's the thing. I can't control it." America grumbled.
"Then how did you get here?" the vigilante asked.
"I… I got scared." Chavez murmured, staring at the ground.
"Just like the last few times." Frank muttered. Darkman looked at the Punisher for a moment, before closing his eyes.
"Whatever it is you fear, learn to live with it." he suggested.
"Or, instead of waiting for Wanda to show up, we can try training you now." Strange interjected, while Frank nodded in agreement.
America looked between the three men, gingerly nodding.
"Yeah. Let's do it."
Castle and Stephen looked at each other, as if in a mutual understanding, before turning to the kid.
"Okay. Try focusing on where you want to go, yeah?" the Punisher instructed. "If it could be anywhere, alright? Try picturing it."
America smiled, closing her eyes, and held out her hand. For several moments, nothing happened, and Darkman began to walk forward… toward Chavez.
"Hey."
Frank grabbed the vigilante's arm, causing him to turn around.
"What are you doing?"
"You said her powers are triggered by fear." Darkman raionalized. "Maybe she needed a little motivation."
"We're trying to get her to control that fear." Strange narrowed his eyes, looking back to the child. America continued holding out her hand, as a sparkle of blue appeared a few feet in front of her.
"That's it." Frank murmured, watching the sparkle form into a small star. "That's it kid, you can do it."
The star enlarged, getting bigger and bigger, until it towered over everyone. It took a moment for an image to form, but when it did, Frank looked in…
And saw what looked like a town from the old west, with a blonde haired woman in cowboy clothes facing off against an older man with side burns and wearing a black coat. Truth be told, the scene reminded Frank of those pistol duels cowboys would have in those old western movies.
"Stop, stop!" Strange yelled, and America opened her eyes. Frank stared at her, seeing her orbs were sparkling blue, similar to the portal. That spark faded, replaced with brown spheres filled with confusion.
"Sorry." Chavez whispered. "I… I must've been distracted from thinking of…"
She stopped, looking down. Frank sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Hey, I get it. You're scared." he told her. "But you gotta move past it. If we make a mistake, people could die, right?"
"But how?" she asked, her eyes watering. "How can I stop thinking about Wanda?"
"Well, there's two things." Frank explained. "You can think about where you want to go, like how Strange makes his own portals."
"True." Strange confirmed.
"And the other?" America asked.
"You face your fear." Castle suggested. "You run at what you fear. Look it in the eye. Until it whimpers and backs down."
America looked up at Castle, her face scrunching with determination, and nodded. Frank stepped to the side, and the girl held up her hand again, concentrating. After a few minutes, a star formed in front of her, which began to get bigger.
"That's it, kid." Frank murmured. "Come on, America, keep pushing."
Chavez narrowed her eyes, continuing to open up a portal, when Darkman noticed a shadow cast on the opposite wall.
Music: "Rage/Peppy Science" from Darkman OST
"What the hell-"
The warehouse's windows were suddenly blown in, and dozens of people barged through, rushing at the four individuals. Strange created a shield around them, while Frank pulled out his pistols, aiming at two men. Just as he was about to fire, he saw their eyes.
They were pitch black, and their faces were pulled up in a grotesque smile.
"If you shoot us, Frank, you'll kill these innocent vessels!"
"Chthon." Frank growled. "Let em go, asshole."
Another possessed civilian, a woman with blonde hair cackled, as she bashed her head and created cracks against Strange's shield.
"There's only one way this will stop, Castle. You know what you have to do. Give me the child."
"Not a chance." Stephen grit his teeth, as he tried to reinforce the shields. "America, get us out of here!"
"I'm trying!" Chavez shouted, concentrating on her powers. "But I don't know where to go!"
"Anywhere!" Stephen yelled, as more cracks in the shield formed. "Take us anywhere-"
The shield suddenly burst, and the possessed crowd began to swarm the heroes.
"Here they come!" Darkman called out, punching a civilian, while kicking another. Frank grabbed the arm of one citizen and threw him to the ground, headbutting another, while Strange cast fireballs at the civilians, harmlessly knocking them down.
"Kid, now would be a good time!"
"Working on it!" Chavez called out. "But I can't concentrate-"
One of the civilians rushed at the girl, grinning madly in her face.
"America Chavez, mine at last!"
America screamed in fear, and her eyes lit up, a star shaped portal suddenly formed, and seeing his chance, Frank shoulder charged the civilian in front of Chavez, ramming him into the rest of the crowd.
"Strange, we're leaving!" he called out, grabbing America and jumping through.
"Go!" Darkman told the sorcerer. "I'll hold them off!"
"But you'll die!" Stephen pointed out.
"Maybe, maybe not!" the vigilante retorted, while grabbing two civlians and bashing their heads together. "But I've fought worse!"
Strange slowly nodded, before flying into the portal after Frank and America. With the visitors gone, Darkman backed towards the gateway's entrance, punching and kicking any possessed that close, until the portal closed.
"You can't get to them." Darkman announced, as an overweight man bald man narrowed his black eyes.
"Not here I can't."
Before he could do anything else, all the citizens collapsed to the ground, as the black faded from their eyes.
"Hmm." Darkman looked curiously, as the the civilians slowly woke up in a confused daze. "That's not what happened last time."
A/N: Hope everyone liked that I brought back Frank-4, as well as combined several of the old 70s and 80s Marvel shows. They might or might not reappear. Probably not, given that they didn't have a lot of feats because of the time they were made.
Darkman might also appear again, especialy if anyone knows what I was alluding to when he said that the heroes aren't the first ones he's encountered from the multiverse.
Speaking of, the next chapter will feature more returning characters from the No Way Home story, and it'll be a lot closer to the tone of that film, as well as the original MoM film.
Take care everyone. And happy April Fool's Day!