Lost Soul

AFTERMATH OF THE RITUAL 2

QUEEN'S BAKERY

NEW YORK

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the bustling city as Johnny Storm and his pregnant wife, Lyja, sat at a corner table in a quaint café. The café, known to its regulars as "Queen's Bakery,". The café's atmosphere was a blend of homely comfort and regal elegance, a reflection of its enigmatic owner.

Johnny glanced at Lyja, her hand resting gently on her swollen belly. She smiled at him, her green eyes filled with a mix of excitement and serenity. Despite the turmoil of recent years, moments like these brought him a semblance of peace. But beneath the surface, Johnny's mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

The Fantastic Four, once the world's greatest superhero team, now existed in name only. The tragic death of Peter Parker had shattered the group, sending them all spiraling in different directions. The loss had been especially hard on Johnny, whose jealousy and overprotectiveness toward his sister, Susan, had caused irreparable friction between him and Peter. He had always suspected that Peter harbored feelings for Susan, a suspicion that had driven a wedge between him and his best friend.

In the aftermath of Peter's death, the family dynamics had crumbled. Susan's anger toward Johnny was palpable, and the rift had grown so wide that he only got to see his niece and nephew sporadically. Ben Grimm, the ever-loyal Thing, now split his time between his wife and helping Reed Richards, the brilliant but increasingly distant leader of their fractured team. It was a fragile semblance of the camaraderie they once shared.

Johnny's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden commotion from the café's television. Medusa, with her striking red hair flowing like a living entity, had just turned up the volume. The news anchor's voice filled the café, drawing the attention of everyone present.

"In breaking news, Parker Industries is set to make a groundbreaking announcement today. Kaine Parker will be stepping down as CEO, and in his place, a familiar figure will take the helm. Stay tuned for this unexpected revelation."

Johnny's heart skipped a beat at the mention of Parker Industries. The name "Parker" still had the power to evoke a tempest of emotions within him. His mind raced back to the times he and Peter had fought side by side, the camaraderie, and the bitter fallout that followed.

Lyja placed a reassuring hand on Johnny's arm, sensing his turmoil. He glanced at her, grateful for her steady presence. The screen shifted to a live feed from the press conference. Kaine Parker, looking solemn, stood behind a podium.

"Today, I announce my resignation as CEO of Parker Industries. I leave you in the capable hands of someone who needs no introduction, someone we all thought was lost to us."

The anticipation in the café was palpable. Johnny leaned forward, his breath catching in his throat. Who could it be? The camera panned to reveal the new figure, but before the identity could be revealed, the screen cut to black.

The café erupted in murmurs and gasps. Johnny felt a surge of frustration and curiosity. He needed to know who this mysterious figure was, and what it meant for the fractured remnants of the Fantastic Four.

As the patrons speculated about the news, Johnny's thoughts swirled with memories, regrets, and an unspoken hope for reconciliation. The identity of the new CEO of Parker Industries held the potential to change everything. For better or worse, only time would tell.