Chapter 28: The Puppeteer’s Control
John pov
Looking at the blast, I couldn't help but feel a little satisfaction. Why? Because I made those bombs. Sure, I'm not at nuclear-level yet, but I can still wreck some alleys. The ones I set off just now? Weakest ones. Barely any damage, just a lot of noise.
I glanced over at Punisher, keeping an eye on Kilgrave. Honestly, part of me wanted to pull out my phone and make a video of it. Watching this play out was almost comical.
From what I remember, Kilgrave's range is about 100 feet, but there's no guarantee. That's why I'm parked 500 feet away, watching them from the terrace of a building.
I don't have to worry about hitting the target. Thanks to the Jason Todd template I have, I'm good. He was Robin before, and that's more than enough for me to feel confident.
But my real focus? Jessica. I know she only has the strength of about 2 tons right now, but in the comics, SHIELD had her listed as a Class 10 danger. That means her strength could keep growing. It's definitely more than mine. I can lift over 1 ton, maybe a little more if I push myself hard enough with adrenaline, but she's on another level.
She looks around 18 or 19, maybe a little older. I remember she was in Peter's class and had a crush on him, but I'm not sure what the situation is here. Things seem off.
I tossed another bomb, watching as it exploded in the distance.
Boom.
The blast was enough to distract Kilgrave for a moment, giving me the opening I needed.
I didn't want to kill him. He's way more useful alive. I can get everything he's gathered—money, gold, all the stuff he's hoarded. But more importantly, he knows things I want to know. Information on Kingpin, mutants, all the dark stuff that's been going on behind the scenes. That's the kind of intel that could make or break everything. I need him to stay breathing for now.
I pulled out Caliburn, feeling its weight in my hand. The sword's power was exactly what I needed right now. Time to end this.
Kilgrave was seething with frustration, his mind racing through the mess he found himself in. Shit, hell—Kingpin, where have you trapped me now? He was still unharmed physically, but everything was turning against him. He had no idea where the bombs were coming from, and now his latest puppet, Punisher, was useless. The whole situation was slipping out of his control.
Then, pain.
A howl ripped from Kilgrave's throat as he looked down in shock, seeing a blade sticking out of his stomach which goes back as the blood leaks wetting his shirt. His eyes widened in disbelief, the pain making his vision blur. He spun around, trying to see who had attacked him.
He didn't find anyone not even the blade he is attached with.
Kilgrave's mind raced, his thoughts clouded with confusion. Who the hell just hit me? Mutant ?He tried to focus, but everything was starting to fade.
He glanced over at Punisher, then at Jessica, who was still tangled up with Daredevil.
Tch, useless.
With a growl, Kilgrave pushed through the pain and shouted his final order. "You two—protect me! Kill anyone trying to kill me!" His voice was weak, but the command was clear.
Then, just as quickly as the words left his mouth, everything went black.
"Good," I muttered, watching Kilgrave collapse. The portal ability was seriously clutch for situations like this. If I can get stronger, I'll be able to travel through it myself. But for now, I just had to focus on taking down Punisher and Jessica.
I walked over to Daredevil, who was still on the ground, breathing heavily. Jessica had her back to us, guarding Kilgrave's body.
"Here, let me help you up," I said, offering him a hand.
He hesitated for a second, then took it. "You good?" I asked.
"Yeah," he replied, grimacing in pain as he stood, but it was clear he was still hurting.
"I didn't know you had bombs," Daredevil said, eyeing me.
"I've got a lot of things you don't know about," I answered, glancing over at the two "guard dogs" still in our way.
"Are you a mutant?" he asked, his tone a little more curious.
"Does it matter?" I shot back. I wasn't sure what he was thinking, but it didn't matter for now. I was out of his range, but not kilgrave , he should have found when I used the sword.
"No, it doesn't," Daredevil replied, but there was a small smile playing on his lips.
What the hell is he thinking? I thought, feeling a little thrown off by his response. But I couldn't focus on that. We had bigger things to deal with.
"They'll follow his orders for at least 10 to 12 hours, I think," I said, not wanting Daredevil to get any illusions about our situation.
He paused for a moment, then asked, "You know him?"
That was Daredevil for you—always quick to catch on.
"Yes, his name's Kilgrave. He releases pheromones that let him control others," I explained, before adding, "And neither he nor the girl are mutants. "
"No mutants?" Daredevil glanced at Kilgrave, then at Jessica, clearly processing the new info.
Are they like me ? He thought still staring with his covered blind eyes.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
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