Norrin Rodd suddenly stopped when John said that. He flew down again. Now he was interested. He had only only heard once Galactus spoke of Black Winter in all his life and there was fear in his voice when he said that.
Even though he didn't know what it was, he understood that Black Winter must be something extraordinary to even scare the devourer of worlds.
"Tell me more,"Norrin said.
"Well Black Winter is coming. Imagine Galactus on a multiversal scale. That is Black Winter. That's what it does. And that's what it has been doing since ages. Including eating the same cosmos that Galactus came from." John said.
"Oh so all our multiverse is at stake?" Norrin asked.
"Not exactly. The Gods of the multiverse have decided to isolate my universe so that Black Winter doesn't devour everything. So we are alone now and only Galactus can help us in dealing with Black Winter." John said
"Why are you sure that Galactus would help you? For all I care, he will join Black Winter and devour the universe as he loves doing that." Norrin asked.
"You are a herald of Galactus. Do you like it? Being trapped and not able to do anything." John asked.
"Though I have freedom now, I always have to look on my back, if that's what you are asking. I can never enjoy a life of full freedom." Norrin said. His tone was sad. He wanted to go back home but he couldn't. In fear that Galactus would come one day again and devour Zenn-la. He could never take that risk.
He even needed to leave his lover and be the servant of Galactus for such a long time.
"That is what Galactus feels. Just like you. Because he is the herald of Black Winter. Just like you." John said as finally dropped the main bomb of Galactus' true story in front of him. Norrin's eyes went wide when John said that. He got visibly agitated.
"What did you say? Say that again." Norrin said.
"You heard me right. He is the herald of Black Winter. Like you he was sent to guide him to this multiverse, which he hasn't done. For this reason I believe he never came after you. Because in you, he sees himself." John said.
"This.. How is this possible.. All my time with him, I could sense a cold person who doesn't have any emotions. He is just hungry all the time." Norrin said.
"His mother was a hero in her home planet. Do you think that won't rub on him?" John said. Norrin got silent when he heard that. He didn;t know what he needed to do based on the information he just got on Galactus.
"Are you sure he will help you? if Black Winter is so powerful, he might not even show his face. As you said, the Gods have isolated your universe. He could just hide away. Like me." Norrin said.
"He can. But this time, he has me. A host of Phoenix Force and a huge team of powerful Avengers. I am sure he will help us." John said.
"So you are banking on Phoenix Force. the power which you have no control of as of now." Norrin asked sceptically.
"Yes. But I want to try. Let me see if I can convince him."John said.
"But if I go, I will never be out of his clutches ever again." Norrin said sadly.
"I promise you this. After this you will be out of his clutches forever." John said. And John was really going to free him from the clutches of Galactus forever. It would be easy for him to do that. He felt nothing but pity for Norrin so he decided to help him.
"Are you sure about that?" Norrin said.
"You yourself said, my watch is more dangerous than the Ultimate Nullifier. I will use it." John smiled as he showed Norrin his omnitrix. Norrin got silent. He was contemplating now.
This could be his chance to get away from Galactus, but this could be his doom too as he was sure that if Galactus thinks of confronting Black Winter he would have to fight Black Winter.
He could easily die in that confrontation. But on the other hand, if John kept his promise, he would be free forever.
"This is the only option I can give you, Norrin. I would meet Galactus, whether you like it or not. I just want you to be free and this is your chance." John said.
"Hmm.. Alright. I will go with you and find Galactus. I just hope you have enough strength to talk with him face to face." Norrin said.
"Oh you don't worry about that." John replied with a smile. And thus they both set off. Norrin and John vanished from their place and were in the spaceship now. Norrin looked around the spaceship and asked.
"This thing is alive?"
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Thank you.