Ziggy and the King. (Gummy)

[John Kilroy]

Wilson Fisk had gotten word of a particular special girl. He hadn't seen her in person yet, but he heard she had a particular knack for technology. That was someone he needed. When Jackel seemingly split without a trace, he left behind some of his cloning technology. Cloning itself had seemingly proven to be a failure. So many failed clones only for them to prove to not be the original resurrected, but mockeries of the original. Still Kingpin wondered if maybe it was possible to repurpose them to regenerate cellular damage and decay. Instead of a cloning machine, it'd be a resurrection machine. 

His scientist seemed to make headway on the idea, only for them to hit a snag. The machine was advanced far beyond any of his men were capable of working with. Perhaps Stark, Richards or Doom could work with him, but they would not be willing to work with him. Then he heard rumors about Ziggy and what she was capable of. Perhaps she was the key to what he was looking for the Key to Bringing Vanessa back. Originally he was going to send one of his lacky's to represent him, but no not this time. This was a young woman he had to see for himself even if it was incognito.

as he approached the mansion he saw a handful of kids. Fisk cleared his throat. "Excuse me. I'm looking for Ziggy Karst?"
 

[Gummy]

Kurt was out for a gentle run sporting a few injuries. When he heard the man ask about Ziggy. This made him on high alert as he knew all too well what had just happened to the girl. He changed course to then walk gently up to Fisk, a wide grin on his face.

"Hello, we don't see you here often. I can take you inside but as for Miss Karst you will need to tell me a little about what it is you are looking for her for?"

He bowed a little stiffly and indicated for Fisk to walk with him. Straightening a little he inclined his head.

"I think inside will be a better place for us to talk and if needed then I will go and get Ziggy for you. Just need to sign you in as a visitor first. Unless you are open to talking and walking?"

He started walking down the main driveway towards the main entrance.

[John Kilroy]

"Of course, I mean no trouble." Fisk then shook Kurt's hand in a firm but very friendly manner. "Harold King, you must be Kurt Wagner. Your reputation proceeds you, a very positive reputation I assure you. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The thing about Fisk is that what made him so effective as a criminal and a leader was that it was that there was just enough honesty in his motives that all but the most astute were unable to know what this man was really capable of, in fact in many cases Fisk was able to full himself. In this case everything he had just said about Kurt was true, even down to it being a legit pleasure to meet him. Fisk had no more of a problem with mutants than he did any other type of Metahuman...so long as they did not get in his way of course.

"Harold" signed the visitor sheet and took a name tag. 

"As for why I'm here, Mr Wagner I won't beat around the bush. My wife is...well cancer, It's ravaged her. I've hired a small legion of scientists to help me find a cure but for the longest time, we hit a wall. We discovered a machine that we believe we found a machine that may hold the key for a cure, but well...we've only been able to partially reverse engineer it. Its makeup is too advanced and too alien. I've been searching far and wide for someone who can help me...Someone whose name is NOT Tony Stark, Norman Osborn, or Otto Octavius. I listen closely to the grapevine you see and I heard through said grapevine about a girl, who had a special knack for that sort of alien technology. I'm desperate to hire this girl to help me with this machine. Money is no object to me I am willing to pay her any amount with no negotiation as well as anything else she wants, A full ride to any school or university of her choice, her own car, a house anything, I would give everything I have to ensure my wife is safe and healthy in my arms again.

Fisk, started to tear up a bit. It was rare for him to show tears in front of anyone, it was beyond rare for those tears to be legitimate. This was one of those beyond-rare moments. 

"Please, As I said I am a desperate man. I have exhausted every single other option I can think of. Miss Ziggy may be my last chance. I just want my wife...healthy again. I don't want to lose her. You're a man of God, Mr. Wagner, surely you understand better than most how special a man's love for his wife is. Even the Bible compares Jesus's love for the church to it." 

Fisk was not a man to humble himself and resort to begging. After all, that was a weakness.... but his wife always was a weak spot for him. 

[Gummy]

Kurt listened intently, some of what 'Harold' said made alarm bells ring. He was hoping it was old news and not new that had caused this man to come calling. Somethings did worry him though.

"Having cancer is hard. Some cures are out there but sometimes natures takes hold. I know what it's like to lose someone close to you."

He had lost and gained and lost some people too many times. Jean for one. His friends when they had gone off track. So he understood but he hoped that his warning was there and would be heeded.

"I will pray for you both. Just know that you will see each other in the afterlife, one way or another."

He should know, he knew what heaven was like and how even there it didn't feel comfortable all the time.

"Gott works in mysterious ways. If Miss Krast can help, I am sure she will. It is her decision and you must know if she isn't capable of helping there might not be anything else you can do."

He touched the man's arm gently with a smile.

"If you are ok to wait here?"

He showed Fisk into an empty classroom with multiple languages displayed all over. Kurt turned to leave him only to find a Bamf at his feet. He smiled.

"Can you get Ziggy please?"

"Sure!"

Came it's little voice. In a BAMF it was gone and soon reappeared with a confused Ziggy wearing fencing outfit. She wobbled just as she was jabbing with the foil.

"Ahh man! I was about to get a point!"

Kurt looked at her and smiled.

"Miss Krast, this is Mr King. Sorry to pull you from your fencing lessons. He has an interesting proposal."

Ziggy turned and looked at Mr King and took off her face guard. She was a little sweaty.

"Hi. Nice to meet you."

She held her hand out.

[John Kilroy]

Kingpin bit his lip slightly. He couldn't lash out or he'd reveal himself. Kurt was trying to help in the way he best understood. "Thank you father." Wow, how long had it been since he referred to a priest as father or brother? Heck when was the last time he had stepped foot in a cathedral or a church?

"Of course, take as much time as needed."

Kingpin's jaw dropped as he saw Ziggy's face. Her face, her eyes She looked just like Vanessa, except for his jawline which was remarkably similar to Wilson's father. His mind was reeling. 15 years ago Van was pregnant with a 2nd child but she claimed that the baby was lost...no it couldn't be could it? Frisk shook his head slightly, trying to shake off that "I've just seen a ghost" look on his face. He admittedly didn't do it very well. he shook her hand, his own hand shaking itself.

"Hello Ms...Krast. My name is Harold King as...well Mr. Kurt has told you." For the first time in his life, he was getting nervous. He actually had to clear his throat, he kneeled down on one knee so that they would be on equal eye level. "I've heard stories of your abilities and would like to know if you would be interested in a job that deals with handling rather alien technology. It's for my wife you see. I'm seeking to cure her of cancer and I believe that the key lies within a cellular regeneration machine that my scientists have been working on. But their knowledge and their abilities are limited, and I think with your special gifts, you can help me.  I'm willing to concede to any demands you would have to get you on board, neither money nor scarcity is an object for me. Whatever you want you can have. What do you say Ms Krast?"

[Gummy]

If his words had fallen on deaf ears Kurt could only hope the man's heart heard it. Being called father made him incline his head. He didn't deserve that title currently. He had still a way to go.

Ziggy on the other hand frowned at Kingpin's reaction and backed off a little. Just to give the scared man space. She wasn't short but he was definitely tall. The word alien technology sent a shiver down her spine at the same time make her eager to hear more. Her hand reached into her pocket as she fiddled with something in there.

"I'm no physician. I can work technology yes. As for cellular regeneration it is possible but if the basis of the cell is too far gone there might not be anything I can do. Yet... a ...."

She physically shivered and Kurt stepped forward gently putting a hand on her shoulder and looking down at her. She looked up to him still frowning deeply. Yeah, there were things that could go wrong and could go right. Cloning could help to determine if the cells viable. Stem cell work had come a long way. It all came down to how far gone the wife was.

"I'll need to do some research first. Technology is easy, biology is another matter. Simple forms are easy to manipulate but a human is on completely 'nother level. I can have a look at the technology yes, it won't take me long to do the research. I take it you have had others look into it already? If they were unsuccessful then there might be other issues that they don't know about. I have a feeling I know of one way but..."

She looked up at Kurt who then looked at Kingpin.

"Ziggy is recovering from recent events. We are working with her to help. It takes time."

Ziggy nodded and smiled at Kingpin then took something metal from her pocket.

"I don't know if I can help but I can certianly look. There is no harm in that. As for payment. I don't know. My school fees are all paid for. I have an income. I think what I would like in return is for this technology to help others. If it doesn't work then just time."

She turned to Kurt.

"Mr Wagner? Can I take a Bamf with me please? They are very good with technology too. I'm sure it will be good."

The Bamf that had remained looked suddenly all innocent. Kurt raised one eyebrow at the Bamf then nodded.

"Sure."
Kurt looked to Kingpin and indicated the mini Kurt.

"This is a Bamf."

She grinned from ear to ear and couldn't help but bounce a little on her feet. The Bamf also looked just as excited to be going out.

"Cool! Right. I'll need access to any medical papers, past test logs, the equipment itself, decent coffee and any other information both regarding the origin of the equipment and access to medical journals for this type of cancer."

[John Kilroy]

Kingpin had to hold back the moment nightcrawler mentioned that Ziggy was "recovering from recent events" as his first inclination was to go "what happened and who do I have to kill?" Kingpin knew in his heart of hearts Ziggy was his and Vanessa's lost daughter. Not only was she the right age but those big beautiful Blue-Green eyes were unmistakable... Vanessa's eyes. She had to be his daughter... and if any harmed the daughter of the Kingpin, then that is something they'd pay most dearly for.

But he had to refrain himself. First of all Gut was not the same as absolute proof. He'd need a DNA test to know for sure and regardless if he went into full Kingpin mode now then that'd be a surefire way to get in a fight with Nightcrawler and he'd lose his last chance before it even began.

Still his face softened into a smile upon seeing the little curt looking all cute with its tongue sticking out like a stuffed animal.

"Fascinating. I'll make sure my head scientist on the project gives you everything. We can leave when you are ready., real quick though I do need to speak to Mr Wagner about something... privately.

Once he made sure he and Nightcrawler were out of earshot Fisk proceeded to whisper. "I don't know if you are at liberty to tell me this but... was Ms Karst by any chance... adopted?"

[Gummy]

Ziggy nodded.

"Let me get showered and changed. I'll get a few things ready before I leave. I have an experiment going in Chemestry and will need to excuse myself from fencing. Mr Wagner is it ok?"

Kurt nodded.

"Take the Bamf with you it can try and help you."

As Ziggy left the room she was muttering away to herself and Kurt watched Fisk.

"I am not able to say. That is up to her but she might not remember yet. Memory can be delicate. The Bamf will get her back here when it is needed. May I ask where you are taking her?"

Kurt was worried for the girl but knew the Bamf would be a goodish escort even if it might get into some mischief making of its own.

"I must ask that you please don't push her to remember things. She is under protection currently so we will need her back here by 9pm but she can leave at 8am each day. No doubt she will bring some of her work here with her. I hope and pray she will be able to help you. She is a good kid."

[John Kilroy]

"I have a wing rented out at Mercy General Hospital. It's one of the best hospitals in America, a mortality rate of less than 1%...also one of the last privately owned ones.


Fisk wasn't exactly happy about Nightcrawler's warning to not push her to remember things. If there was a problem then he was willing (and wanting to throw the book at it) he had an army of psychologist assassins and spies, heck if this was an issue that came about from magic he had a few magically inclined people he could get ahold of on speed dial...but for her sake he was willing to be far more discreet. 


"I understand Mr. Wagner. I won't ask questions of her. She's been through enough..." That was the part he said out loud. The other half of that sentence he kept inside of his head.

*...I have ways of finding things out on my own.*

[Gummy]

Kurt kept Harold talking about a few different things but it was made quicker with Ziggy being teleported in various locations. It was no wonder that when she Bamfed back into the room she was looking a little dizzy. She had a backpack which looked heavy along with a folder under her armpit. For a moment she looked wobbly but Kurt held his hand out to steady her. She grinned thanks before talking faster than normal.

"Right, I think I have everything... That was fun! Did you know it takes a lot out of going from room to room all over the school I'm surprised you don't Bamf more often Mr Wagner."

She was excited and not just finding her balance. Kurt however smiled.

"It is good exercise not to Bamf also it can be tiring to keep doing it. As you are going to find out. The dizziness is just the beginning. No more Bamfing until time to come home."

Ziggy frowned and humphed like a true teen the Bamf just looked a little forlorn as if too had been chastised.

"Anyway, I was saying. I got everything I need to start with and a few other bits. I won't need anything else until we get there. I presume there is a computer. Also I know I won't be there long today but that should be long enough to get my head around what has been done in the past."

Kurt reinforced the time limits and the location she was to be going.

"Any issues then just come straight back."

He added at the end. Ziggy nodded then turned to Harold.

"I'm ready when you are Mr King."

[John Kilroy]

Fisk nodded but admitidly this was all new to him. He hadin't exacly teleported before. Was that even what they wanted him to do. 
"So what should I do? Do I hold on to you, or should I call us some transportation? He then looks to Kurt. "I'll make sure to have her back here by cerfew. You have my word.

In truth, Fisk was really uncomfortable around Nightcrawler, how long before he'd get suspicious (If he wasn't already) and started to investigate things? Of all the schemes that Kingpin had created, this was surprisingly one of the moments where he was honestly doing something some could consider benevolent, but considering the kind of person that Kurt was, he'd probably try to shut the whole thing down before it had the chance to make some actual progress, and again he really didn't want the X-Men of all people on his butt. So he'd have to play things carefully.

[Gummy]

Kurt smiled to the man.

"The Bamf will take you if you don't have your own transport. I must warn you, it can cause you to feel a little unstable."

The Bamf grinned at both of them shook its head and at its lightest touch they reappeared at the side of the hospital they were destined for. Ziggy was giggling and a little wobbly. She put her hand out to steady herself the books and bag falling to the floor.

"I'm going to love that! I can't think what it feels like but that was fun."

The Bamf gave a bow. Kurt was left behind, he sighed as he sat down looking at the vanishing cloud. The teleport was far better than if Kurt had done it on his own. There was definitely one thing to say about travelling by Bamf it was smooth.

"So, hospital. I can work on the technology and see what I can figure out. Then work on what might be going right and wrong. Finally I can come up with a plan as to how to go forward. I make no promises but to try my best."

Yep, chatty bouncy Ziggy was happy and back to her old self.

[John Kilroy]

"I assure you your best is all I ask." his big beefy hand holds onto Ziggy's shoulder and then...

*BAMF!!!*

In a flash, Fisk found himself at Mercy General Hospital. he was on the verge of throwing up but he didn't want to show any form of weakness beyond what he had shown up to this point.  The interior of Mercy General was a mixture of modern sleekness and classical architecture. Fisk was one of the few of his kind who knew the true origin of Mercy. It was created and staffed by vampires. 


Over a hundred years ago members of a vampire clan called the Mystikos pooled together their financial resources in order to create Mercy General Hospital. It was an easy way to gain blood without causing harm, and thus avoiding rather unwanted attention. The Mystikos were not like other vampire clans. They embraced the modern world and actively integrated themselves into modern society, business, politics, and so forth. In truth, as a clan it had the highest concentration of, for lack of a better term, good vampires.


Mercy was one of the last privately owned hospitals in the nation, and it had the lowest mortality on the planet of 0.001%.  The hospital was kept afloat by the top within the Mystikos Clan and donations by other organizations and benefactors. Seventy percent of the hospital's donations were to cover expenditures and promote medical research while the other Thirty percent was donated to various humanitarian aid foundations. What was the cost for the patients and their families? It was a small admin fee no more than an urgent care co-pay. Of course, Blood donations were always appreciated, and more often than not most families were more than happy to oblige. A lifesaving surgery for little more than $35 dollars and a pint of blood? It was a small price to pay indeed.  

nearly all of the medical staff were vampires, though unless one knew what they were looking at, they probably wouldn't notice anything too out of the ordinary beyond the fact that they looked dark and gothic and possibly unnerving...that and the necklaces or other pieces of jewelry they all seemed to wear. In truth these pieces of jewelry were lightbenders, devices that allowed the vampires that war them the ability to walk in the daylight freely. The orginal design was a lightbender amulet roughly the size of a hubcap however, the Mystikos were able to advance the technology enough that just about any form of jewlry could be made. From pendants to something as inconspicuous as an ear or navel ring.


"Don't be afraid of the staff. they don't bite." Yes that was Fisk's bad attempt at a dad joke. He was not like Spider-Man. Anytime he tried to give a quip or a joke. It fell flat. they then reached the front desk of one of the nurses.

"Ms Bluestien?"

the nurse looked up and gave a smile.

"Ah Mr....King. Wonderful to see you again."


"How is she doing?"

the nurse shook her head. "No progress but obviously she's not getting any worse. I guess it depends on your point of view whether that's good or bad."

Bluestein looked down and saw Ziggy. "Oh, hello who is this little thing?"

"Hopefully the key to making some progress with my wife. Ms Krast this is Rachel Bluestein, Rachel this is Ziggy Krast."


"A pleasure to meet you ms, Krast." Rachel said with a genuine smile.

[Gummy]

Ziggy looked at Fisk with a little concern. If he was joking that the people there bite that could only imply they were vampires. Which didn't surprise her one iota. She let out a little nervous laugh before the nurse addressed King... was that a pause in the name she heard. Another bit of information to put in her mind. Ziggy's eyes took in the nurse and she was drawn to the necklace. There was something.... her hand popped into her pocket and she pulled out a similar looking device to the pendent. Just a few differences in it looking planer as she examined it for a second or two.

"Interesting tech. Ability to allow the wearing protection from the sun... using technology and other... that is interesting."

She placed it back in her pocket where no sign of it could be seen from the outside.

"So, do you happen to have a full cure for your condition? Nice to meet you Ms Bluestien? I would like to check on what has been done in the past, so any notes, memos or doodles would be useful. I would like to see how you have got her stable and what the condition actually is. I might be able to find a technique which is un-thought of. You will have to help me with the biology a little as although I can learn it is not my expertise. I also need somewhere to work. Plus coffee.... I'm not picky. I have a curfew which I have to follow and this here is a Bamf, he will stay with me just in case. Hopefully it won't get into too much trouble. Will you?"

The Bamf waved at Bluestien and looked a little bashful. Ziggy continued talking.

"He might even be able to help. At least he will be able to help fetch things for me. I think that will do."

Ziggy was trying to hide her excitement about trying things but the amount she was talking showed she was both anxious of the vampires and excited over the prospect of working on something challenging.

[John Kilroy]

Bluestien couldn't help but raise an eyebrow and smirk as Ziggy seemed to mumble something about her pendant. Her suspicions were confirmed when she asked Bluestien if the hospital had found a cure for her condition.

"And just like that, you uncover our secret. You  really are smart Ms Krast...but it's more than that isin't it. that look tells me you are well experienced with my kind. A sibling or perhaps a close friend?" She chuckled. "To answer your question, no dear we have not found a cure for vampirism..yet but we have found ways to overcome some of the shortcomings of being a vampire. Take this pendent of mine for example it allows me to walk in full sunlight without risking harm to myself allowing me to help with medical emergencies during the day as well as the night. This is only as big as it is because it's generation 1 and I've not bothered to get a different piece of jewelry. we can now make the technology as small and inconspicuous as a earring or a bracelet. Navel rings are  becoming a popular choice with ladies of the night who want to stay with the triends. If your friend would be interested in such a device tell them to stop by the hospital and we can set them up. We can even set them up with blood if they are in need."

As Ziggy asked for notes Bluestein could not help but look to Kingpin. "You haven't told her yet?"

"No...I was going to get to it." he then sighed. "The truth is Miss Kaust. My name is not Harry King...it's Wilson...Wilson Fisk. Unfortanity you may know me as The Kingpin thanks to the X-Men. I want to be clear though. I'm not here to hurt you or to hold you hostage against your will. I truly do need your help. I will give you everything I promised and more. No strings attached. Even if you wish to leave you are free to. You can use your little friend to teleport back to the mansion and pretend we never met. I'll be hurt, but I'll understand."

"As for her condition Ms Krast, she can't get anymore unstable...because she's already dead." Bluestien added. "Cancer took her life quite a while back. Mr Fisk has managed to get a hold of a device that was used for cloning. Our scientists have tried to make adjustments to make it repair cells as opposed to copy them but every attempt we have made at reviving her meets the same end. It works for a very brief time but she immediately goes through cellular degeneration and dies within seconds. 


"1 minute..." Fisk said softly. "That's the longest they've been able to keep her alive after reviving her."

"The end results get...gory. Right now. She's a literal skeleton on an operating table. We thought at first it was a biological limitation but we truly believe now there is something wrong with the machine itself. A piece of either code or hardware we are missing. But we can't put our finger on it...which is why need your help."

Fisk then kneeled down to match Eye level with Ziggy. "I know my reputation. I know that I am probably the last person you want to help, but I am about to do something I do to no one else." He knelt down to where he matched eye level with her. He actually would have lowered himself more if he could have.  "I am... begging you...please...help me. I just my wife alive and in my arms again. If that means I must humble myself before you so be it. I'd give my wealth, my kingdom, my very soul just to have her again. If you help me I will forever be in your debt no questions asked."