Chapter 59: Meeting [2]
Fou's Delight Bakery – Morning
The aroma of freshly baked bread and the hum of a busy morning filled Fou's Delight Bakery, a small but bustling corner of the neighborhood owned and managed by Ritsuka Fujimaru. The bakery was a hit with the locals, and its charm was undeniable. Behind the counter, Ritsuka worked with ease, keeping the place running smoothly, while Fou, his ever-loyal companion, perched lazily on a shelf, occasionally letting out a small squeak.
The bell above the door jingled, and in walked Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, and Ned Leeds. They were regulars at the bakery, often stopping by for breakfast or to help out when they had free time. Today, though, they weren't here for work.
"Morning, boss!" Peter greeted cheerfully as they approached the counter.
"Morning, Peter, Gwen, Ned," Ritsuka replied with a friendly smile. "What's up? You three look like you're up to something."
"Well..." Peter began, scratching the back of his head nervously. "We're here to ask for a favor."
"A big favor," Ned added, grinning sheepishly.
Gwen nudged Peter gently. "Just tell him, Pete."
Peter took a deep breath. "We, uh, need to take a few days off. Our college is organizing a special visit to Oscorp Tower. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see some of Norman Osborn's latest tech and research. It's super important for our projects, so…"
Before Peter could finish, Flint Marko, one of the bakery staff, walked out from the back, carrying a tray of croissants. He raised an eyebrow at the group. "Projects, huh? Sounds like a fancy excuse to skip work."
Ned laughed nervously. "It's totally legit! It's for college, I swear."
Flint shrugged. "If you say so, kid."
Ritsuka crossed his arms, leaning slightly on the counter as he studied Peter. His expression was calm, but inwardly, he knew what was about to unfold. The fateful encounter that would change Peter Parker's life forever was just around the corner.
"Well," Ritsuka said, his voice thoughtful. "How many days are we talking?"
"Just one—uh, maybe two?" Peter replied quickly. "I promise I'll make up for it. I don't want to take more than I need."
Ritsuka smiled knowingly. "Take three."
Peter blinked, confused. "Three? But that's—"
"Perfectly fine," Ritsuka interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "You've been working hard, Peter. You deserve the break. Besides, if this Oscorp visit is as big as you say, you'll need the extra time to process everything you learn there."
"But—"
"No buts," Ritsuka said, cutting him off again. "Take the time, Peter. I insist."
Peter hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with taking more time off than he'd asked for, but Gwen placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "It's okay, Pete. He's right. You've earned it."
"Thanks, Ritsuka," Gwen added, smiling warmly. "We really appreciate it."
Ned gave a thumbs-up. "You're the best boss ever!"
Ritsuka waved them off, his smile tinged with a hint of sadness they didn't notice. "Go on, get out of here. And Peter…"
Peter turned back, curious. "Yeah?"
"Take care of yourself, alright?" Ritsuka said, his tone carrying more weight than the situation seemed to warrant.
Peter nodded, a bit puzzled by the seriousness in Ritsuka's voice. "Will do. Thanks again."
As the trio left the bakery, chattering excitedly about their upcoming visit to Oscorp, Ritsuka sighed softly, watching them through the window. Fou jumped down from the shelf onto the counter, tilting its head at him. Ritsuka gave another cake to him.
Behind him, Flint called out, "Boss, you good?"
Ritsuka turned, his usual smile back in place. "Yeah, I'm fine. Let's get back to work."
'looks like I need to change canon again,'
Fou jumped on him.
----
Norman Osborn Tower – The Fateful Day
The towering structure of Oscorp stood like a monolith against the skyline, a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of science and innovation. Inside, the air buzzed with excitement as college students from various institutions milled about, guided by scientists eager to showcase their work. Among them were Peter Parker, Gwen Stacy, and Ned Leeds, their eyes wide with curiosity as they followed their group leader, a professor who seemed equally thrilled to be there.
Unknown to them, a figure in a plain hoodie and medical mask trailed not too far behind. Ritsuka Fujimaru blended seamlessly into the crowd, his presence unremarkable. But his keen eyes never left Peter and Gwen, watching their every move with an intent that only he understood.
---
The Spider Exhibit
"Now, over here," the Oscorp scientist began, gesturing toward a glass enclosure filled with genetically modified spiders, "we have one of our most exciting projects: spiders engineered with unique genetic modifications. Their DNA includes traits such as enhanced strength, agility, and resilience. The potential applications of these modifications are endless, from medicine to military use."
Peter, ever the attentive student, hung onto every word, his notebook already half-filled with scribbles. Beside him, Gwen nodded along, her own curiosity piqued. Ned, meanwhile, leaned in close to Peter, whispering, "Man, imagine if one of those spiders got loose. Instant superhero powers, right?"
Peter chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, Ned, that's not how it works."
Ritsuka, standing a few feet away, smirked beneath his mask. Oh, Peter, he thought, if only you knew how wrong you are.
As the scientist continued explaining, a tiny, almost imperceptible movement caught Ritsuka's attention. One of the spiders had slipped out of its enclosure, dangling from a nearly invisible strand of web. Its tiny legs twitched as it descended, seemingly unnoticed by anyone else.
Ritsuka's eyes narrowed. He discreetly raised his hand, casting a subtle illusion spell over Peter and Gwen, ensuring they wouldn't notice the faint shimmer of his magic.
---
The Spider Strikes
The escaped spider landed lightly on Peter's hand as he reached up to adjust his glasses. Distracted by the scientist's lecture, Peter didn't notice until the sharp sting of a bite made him flinch. He winced, rubbing the spot. "Ouch."
"Peter, you okay?" Gwen asked, concerned.
"Yeah, just a—" Peter started but was interrupted as Ritsuka, using a touch of telekinesis, nudged the spider off Peter and onto Gwen's hand. It moved with surprising speed, sinking its fangs into her skin before collapsing, its task complete.
"Ah!" Gwen exclaimed, shaking her hand instinctively.
"Gwen! What happened?" Peter asked, alarmed.
"I think... I think something bit me," she said, inspecting the small red mark on her hand.
The scientist turned, frowning. "What's going on here?"
"Nothing!" Ritsuka interjected smoothly, stepping forward as a seemingly concerned bystander. "Just a mosquito bite. Probably nothing to worry about." they didn't notice it was Ritsuka under Mask.
Peter and Gwen exchanged uncertain looks but nodded. "Yeah, it's fine," Peter said. "Let's just... keep going."
As the group moved on, Ritsuka hung back, his gaze lingering on Peter and Gwen. He could already sense the changes taking root in their bodies, the spider's modified DNA merging seamlessly with their own.
Two Spider-People instead of one, Ritsuka mused. Peter will need someone strong to stand by his side, and Gwen... she's perfect for the role.
The thought of the comics' canon where Cindy Moon, bitten by the same spider, developed an uncontrollable attraction to Peter briefly crossed his mind. A future he couldn't allow to repeat here. By ensuring Gwen shared Peter's fate, he'd cemented their bond, making them partners in both love and power.
As the tour continued, Ritsuka silently slipped out of the building, blending back into the city unnoticed. His mission was complete, and his work here was done.
---
On the Way Home
Walking through the streets, Ritsuka allowed himself a rare smile. "Soulmates," he murmured. "That's what they were meant to be, and now, they'll have each other's backs through everything."
Fou appeared from his coat pocket, peeking out with a curious chirp.
"Don't give me that look, Fou," Ritsuka chuckled. "I'm not playing god. Just... making sure things work out for the best for them."
Fou tilted its head but didn't argue, settling back into his pocket as Ritsuka made his way home, already thinking of what lay ahead for Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy.
------
Hell - The Council of the Damned
The infernal throne room of Mephisto was a labyrinthine chamber of flame and shadow, adorned with grotesque sculptures and rivers of molten lava. At its center sat Mephisto himself, a devilish grin stretching across his red-skinned face as he toyed with the clawed fingers of his right hand. He had summoned the most nefarious denizens of Hell to discuss a plan that would shake the mortal world to its core.
Blackheart was the first to arrive, his massive form wreathed in black energy. His glowing red eyes burned with contempt as he stood by his father's throne, arms crossed. "Why call us here, Father? I have better things to do than humor your endless scheming. I already tasked to create new army by you, now tell me why i wastee my time here?"
Mephisto waved a dismissive hand. "Patience, my boy. This concerns the future... and your role in it."
Lilith entered next, her serpentine grace accentuated by her flowing, blood-red gown. Her laughter echoed through the chamber like a siren's call, seductive yet menacing. "Mephisto, darling, you always make things sound so important. I hope this isn't just another one of your little games."
Satana followed, her fiery hair trailing like a mane behind her. She twirled a finger lazily, flames dancing from her fingertips. "Games or not, I'm here for fun. Let's see what chaos you're cooking up this time, Daddy."
Trailing her was Satanish, his hulking form casting a shadow across the room. "This better be worth my time, Mephisto. I have mortals to corrupt and souls to devour."
Finally, Dracula strode in with regal poise, his black cape billowing behind him. His pale face held an amused smirk. "Ah, the great Mephisto, gathering his... friends. This must be serious if you've stooped to asking for help."
When they were all seated—or standing impatiently—Mephisto began. "Welcome, my dear fiends, to the beginning of the end. I've called you here because the time has come to enact the prophecy of the Seven Apocalypses. The first of which will be The Red Apocalypse: Fire and Blood."
Lilith's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Fire and blood... how poetic. Does it involve turning mortals into my lovely demons?"
Satana clapped her hands, giggling like a manic schoolgirl. "Ooh, I like this already. Will it involve enslaving mortals? I do so love breaking their spirits."
Blackheart sneered. "You two are fools. If you want chaos, you crush them under your heel, not play with them like dolls."
"Quiet, Blackheart," Satanish growled. "Your father's plan better account for the Ancient One and those accursed Ghost Riders. Or are we doomed to fail again because of your incompetence?"
The mention of the Ghost Riders brought derisive laughter from Satanish and Lilith.
"Tell me, Mephisto," Lilith purred, leaning forward, "why is Musashi still alive? Decades of embarrassment on your part, I hear."
Satana added with a sing-song tone, "Maybe Daddy can't handle a little samurai spirit."
Mephisto's grin never wavered, but his eyes flared with anger. "Musashi was a... miscalculation. One I've already accounted for. This time, my plan is foolproof. I've fed the Ancient One false information, leading her astray. And as for the Ghost Riders, let them come. I've spent billions of years amassing an army, one they cannot hope to defeat."
Blackheart's lips curled into a sinister smile. "About time you stopped playing defense, Father."
Mephisto leaned forward, his voice dripping with honeyed malice. "So, my friends, will you join me in this grand endeavor? Together, we can bring Hell to Earth and reduce humanity to ash."
Lilith tilted her head, considering. "I'll join you... but I won't be your servant. I work for myself, darling."
Satana chimed in, "Same here. I'll bring the chaos, but I'm no one's pawn."
Satanish growled, "I'll fight, but only for my own gain. Don't think for a second I'll follow your orders."
Mephisto chuckled. "Fair enough. I don't need loyalty, only results. The Red Apocalypse begins on New Year's Day. A fresh start for humanity... and its end."
One by one, they departed, their plans and ambitions already forming in their minds.
As the room emptied, only Dracula, Blackheart, and Mephisto remained. Dracula, standing by the door, smirked. "Fools, all of them. They're nothing more than tools, and I'll be the one to stab them in the back when the time comes."
Mephisto laughed heartily, his voice echoing through the chamber. "Oh, Dracula, you never change. But that's why you're here. Tools they may be, but together, we'll make the Earth burn."
Blackheart glanced between them, his expression unreadable, before silently following Dracula out.
Mephisto leaned back in his throne, his smile widening. "New Year's Day will be a celebration unlike any other. Let's see how the mortals handle Fire and Blood."
The meeting was over, but Blackheart remained. His towering, shadow-wreathed figure glared at Dracula as the vampire lord prepared to leave.
Blackheart's voice dripped with disdain. "Why is he even here? Dracula may be a predator, but he's still tethered to his mortal instincts. He's no demon. What scheme are you playing at, Father?"
Mephisto's smug grin faded, his usual playful malice replaced by a rare seriousness. His crimson eyes glinted as he leaned forward on his throne, steepling his fingers. "Sit down, boy."
Blackheart, for once, obeyed without retort, unsettled by his father's sudden shift in demeanor.
Mephisto's voice dropped to a low, resonant tone, each word laced with ominous weight. "You want to know why I tolerate Dracula? Why I've called all of you here? Listen closely. Something... far beyond us is coming. A force so destructive that it will not only annihilate this world but all creation itself."
Blackheart scoffed, though unease flickered in his glowing red eyes. "And how do you know this? Some prophecy?"
Mephisto leaned back, his grin returning, though colder than before. "Not a prophecy. A fact. As the First Servant of The One Below All, I have access to... certain privileges. I've seen glimpses of the future. I've watched the fabric of the multiverse unravel, torn apart by something even we cannot comprehend."
Blackheart's fists clenched. "If that's true, why not let it come? Let creation burn. We can rebuild in the ashes."
Mephisto barked a short, humorless laugh. "You fool. There will be no ashes. No Hell. No us. Only oblivion. And the world knows this—its response was to summon a... hero."
Blackheart's lip curled. "A hero? What kind of hero could stand against the forces of Hell?"
Mephisto's smile widened, but his eyes burned with a rare mix of respect and menace. "His name is Ritsuka Fujimaru. A warrior of the void, summoned from a realm far removed from our reality. He's no ordinary mortal. No tedious do-gooder. This one is... different. He destroys the root of evil, erasing it entirely. No theatrics, no redemption arcs—just cold, calculated action."
Blackheart's sneer faltered as unease settled in. "Then we should kill him now, before he becomes a threat."
Mephisto slammed his clawed hand down on the armrest of his throne, his voice sharp as a whip. "Idiot! Do you think I haven't considered that? Ritsuka Fujimaru commands an army of beings so powerful they could erase three of us before we could blink."
Blackheart stiffened. For once, he was speechless.
Regaining his composure, Blackheart asked cautiously, "Then how do you plan to stop him?"
Mephisto's grin returned, wicked and self-assured. "Simple. I don't need to stop him—I need to trap him. The great Ritsuka Fujimaru has one weakness: his compassion. His desire to protect his friends and allies. I've prepared the perfect snare, one that will lead him and his army into a web of their own making. And I have... contingencies."
Blackheart's eyes narrowed. "Contingencies? What kind of contingencies?"
Mephisto chuckled, leaning closer. "Let's just say I've acquired a tool. Something forbidden, powerful, and utterly capable of breaking even the strongest mind and soul. With this, I'll reduce Fujimaru to nothing but a husk—his power mine to command."
Blackheart's curiosity flared. "What is this tool?"
Mephisto wagged a finger. "Ah, ah, my boy. Even you don't get to know all my secrets. Trust that when the time comes, Fujimaru will kneel before me—or he'll cease to exist entirely."
Blackheart's brow furrowed. "What's the endgame, then? If the destruction of creation is inevitable, why fight it at all?"
Mephisto stood, his form towering as the flames of Hell rose around him. "Because I don't intend to die with this multiverse. With Fujimaru's power, Dracula's management of humanity as cattle, and my dominion over Hell, we'll carve a path through this multiverse and into the unknown beyond. While everything else burns, we will endure. And when we're free from the shackles of this doomed reality, we will create our own... paradise."
Dracula, who had lingered silently, smirked and straightened his cape. "Ambitious as ever, Mephisto. But I'll play along... for now. After all, I do enjoy a good apocalypse."
He turned to leave but paused, throwing one final barb over his shoulder. "Just don't underestimate this Fujimaru. He sounds like the kind of man who thrives on destroying plans like yours."
Mephisto's grin faltered for a fraction of a second before returning, sharper and colder than ever. "Oh, I won't underestimate him. In fact, I look forward to breaking him. Body, mind, and soul. Let the New Year come. Let the games begin."
Dracula left, leaving only Mephisto and Blackheart.
Blackheart hesitated. "Father... are you sure about this?"
Mephisto turned to his son, his expression unreadable. "No one ever wins against the hero, Blackheart. Not truly. But this time... I'm not aiming to win. I'm aiming to survive."
Blackheart's unease deepened as he silently departed. Mephisto remained alone, his infernal laughter echoing through the chamber.
"Hahaha... Ritsuka Fujimaru, you'll soon learn what it means to face the Devil himself. Let's see how unbreakable you truly are."
-----
Note:
Mephisto profile:
Mephisto is perfect counter for Ritsuka fujimaru. Mephisto is CAPABLE of breaking Ritsuka fujimaru mind PERMANENTLY if given chance with his hidden tool. But this is not which makes mephisto perfect counter for Ritsuka fujimaru. Its because of his skills and mentally.
His skills "CUNNING RUTHLESSNESS" and "INTUITION "
Unlike other villains, Mephisto fears Ritsuka fujimaru and never underestimate him at all. Mephisto knows how willing Ritsuka fujimaru is to save humanity. Therefore Mephisto doesn't gave any time to prepare for Ritsuka or his friends. Mephisto become unpredictable to kill Ritsuka.
I'm saying this because In this arc i will give plot armor to Mephisto not for Ritsuka.
Lets see how Ritsuka go against mephisto who had Plot Armor.
Also From onwards Chapter will upload lately, weekly one chapter but i will try my best to make long chapter. I'm busy with my real life shit.
Also This War arc biggest one so it will take few months to complete.
Peace out
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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