Belasco Rises

The Dark Consortium, a name... no one had ever heard of.

The only thing Strange was certain of was that these people truly were the very traditional, stereotypical sort of demons. Though they looked and dressed rather presentably, a demon's appearance itself meant nothing. For all anyone knew, their true forms might be utterly abstract.

Yet no one present, not even Belasco himself, realized that these people were not Belasco's helpers. They were merely helpers to the master of Hell's Border. As for who that master was, it had nothing to do with them.

That was strange. Strange looked at them, then turned to Illyana. "That doesn't make sense, unless you believe your master is two people at once. Or perhaps you..."

Given the abilities and way of thinking of demons, it was entirely possible that they had made Illyana's demonic form remember certain things while her human form forgot them. And it would absolutely benefit them; all one had to do was look at what they had been doing lately.

"No, we have not interfered with the master of Hell's Border's own decisions."

Seeming to notice what Strange was about to say, the leading Dark Consortium member spoke first. "We merely offered a suggestion. After all, the master of Hell's Border does not enjoy managing Hell's Border herself. She needs people to handle the trivial matters here for her, and we... are very good at that."

Strange could practically hear their snickering. With a sweep of his hand, he summoned not only Wong and Ghost Rider, but also Peter, Iron Fist, Blade, Moon Knight, and Doctor Voodoo. Peter looked somewhat confused after seeing the surrounding demons. "Wait, Mephisto didn't come?"

"No. I can now more or less confirm that Mephisto isn't coming." Strange looked at the demons, then at