On the stormiest nights in New York City's history, the city continues to be as lively as it has for the past. Even the heavy rain hasn't slown Manhattan's arachnid guardian, Spider-Man. Although, he wasn't exactly too pleased to be out in the cold, swing from building to building.
Spider-Man: Of all the nights Johnny has to call me, he picks tonight. I'm soaked to the bone enough as it is.
Nevertheless, Spidey continues to swing his way towards the Baxter Building, home of the Fantastic Four. As He begins to approach his destination, a sigh of relief was uttered. However, he could feel in the air that something was off.
Not far from the wall crawler's location two figures on a nearby rooftop kept watch of Spider-Man's movement.
Figure 1: Come on! what're we waiting for?! He's right there, ours for the Taking!
Figure 2: Silence, you fool…
The figure then brings his companion back into the cover of two remained hidden in the shadows, hoping that their prey did not hear the outburst.
Figure 2: If the rumors are indeed truthful, then Spider-Man will be ours in due time. Let him get close..then we will strike.
Figure1: It better be soon, man.
Though a bit uneasy, Spider-man continues to scale up the side of the Baxter building. he continues to climb for at least a good 15 stories, just as he comes across a large door, and next to it a numeric keypad, accessible to a few individuals, such as himself. Anxious of getting out of the cold rain, Spidey presses the large intercom button on the pad, setting off an ringing. After waiting for some 20 or so seconds, Spider-man's host himself, Johnny Storm, answers through the intercom.
Johnny: *through intercom* Who is it?
Spider-Man: You know very well who it is.
Johnny: HEY! Spidey, my man! Give me sec.
After several seconds of waiting, Spider-man can see the doors of the Baxter Building's launch bay opening up. When the doors reached an accessible size, Spider-man swung in without hesitation, eager to get out of the rain as soon as possible. soaked from the cold rainy night, Spider-Man begins making his way down the long path, shivering in the process. By the time he made it to the tunnel's end, who would be sitting at his desk, comfortably warm in a bathrobe he was wearing over his suit than the Human torch himself. However Johnny was not lost in his own little world, unaware of his company's presence. Spidey was not at all pleased. being called in the middle of the night, trudging through cold rain, only to have one of his closest friends simply ignore him. spider-man the proceeds to snatch the earbuds by the cord out of Johnny's ears.
Johnny: Hey! I...Oh...hey.
Spider-Man: You've got about 30 seconds to start explaining to me why you called me at 12:30 in the morning, had me swing here in the heaviest rain in manhattan's history, and soaked to the bone while you're cozy in your bathrobe, or else we're gonna be having some problems!
Johnny: Whoa, whoa, whoa! Take it easy buddy. Look, I'm sorry to call you this late. BUT!...This is something I knew you JUST had to see.
Johnny then hands Spider-man a towel to soak up the rain from his suit. he gestures his arachnid comrade to follow him through Reed Richard's lab, filled with wondrous technology, and various chemicals, all with sticky notes say "DO NOT TOUCH, JOHNNY!".
Spider-Man: You mind explaining why we're in Reed's lab. You know very well that "stretch" dosen't like it when you screw around with his things.
Johnny: Relax, will you? I know what I'm doing. Besides, this'll knock those soaked socks of yours off.
Spider-Man: Oh, it better.
As the two were approaching a large circular door way, Johnny stepped up to a card reader. He then proceeded to pull out an access key, which he swiped from Reed, and slides it through the reader. The lights on the door turned green, and the doors begin to open. as the doorway cleared, a bright glow can be seen from the inside, revealing the object inside.
Johnny: Vawala! Feast your eyes on this, buddy!
Spider-man: Is..Is that what I think it is…?
Johnny: Mmhmm.
Standing in front of the two superheroes was a large metallic arch like construct, hooked up to computers a numerous as the stars. Spidey was at a loss of words at the sheer majesty of the technological wonders before him.
Spider-Man: This is Reed's experimental interdimensional portal! This was mentioned in Science weekly magazine!
Johnny: Yeah, Reed's been working on this for months. he's only just got it up and running a few days ago. He, sue, and ben went down to Florida to pick up a volunteer from N.A.S.A, won't be back for a few...
Then a thought occurred to the Human torch, something He knew reed would never approve of, given his reckless record.
Johnny: Say...what do you say you and I save them the trouble, and give this baby a test run?
Spider-Man: Absolut...wait a minute! Why would Reed Richards, one of the most responsible men in the world, give you access to a highly advanced piece of equipment to someone with your track record in reckless bantering?!
Voice: A very good question, Pete!
Both Spidey and Johnny looked back to see that the voice belong to none other than Eddie Brock, a.k.a Venom. But he was not alone, accompanying him was the venom symbiote's offspring Carnage, hosted By Cletus Cassidy.
Carnage: Thanks for leaving the door open for us, guys!
Johnny: ….oops…
Spider-Man: OOPS?! You forgot to shut the door!?
The two heroes were then bombarded with carnage's attacks, throwing darts right at them. Both heroes took action and cleared the enemy's line of fire. Johnny took to the air, and spider-man leaped onto a nearby wall. But then their foes gave chase, scaling the walls after the two.
Venom: You can't run from us forever, Pete!
Carnage: I love a good chase for the kill!
Johnny: I'll take on red, if you'll take on black!
As the four clashed with one another, Carnage took on Johnny storm who used basic fire attacks on the red symbiote, who took cover behind various objects, while he too took to the attack stance, firing projectiles from his body, and even extending his claws out at the Human torch. Meanwhile, Spider-man was taking on venom, his most dangerous of clashed with one another, punch after punch, hit after hit. however, venom did hold the upper hand against Spider-Man, for he could not use his spider sense to pick up on venom's movements, he did however use the sense of hearing as Venom clattered through the metallic equipment both high and low. Spider-Man was now on the defensive stance waiting to be struck. just as he predicted, a heavy kick was hurled at him by an oncoming Venom on webbing of his own. the blow launched the arachnid hero into the air, and landed on an old fax machine, which began to make its noise of mish mash of beeps and screeching sounds.
Spider-Man: Ugh..this noise...wait! That's it! Johnny!Does Reed have any ultrasonic equipment?!
Johnny continues to keep Carnage at bay with his flames.
Johnny: I'm pretty sure he does! Why?!
Spider-Man: I'll need you to keep them busy! I've got an idea!
Spider-man the fires a line of web, and swings over to what appears to be an arsenal of weapons. Meanwhile, johnny continues to throw blasts of heat towards the symbiotes. Venom, and carnage take cover behind some of the equipment, as the rain of fire continues to hail upon them.
Venom: Carnage! Time to douse the flames.
Carnage: No problem.
Carnage looked around, and found a conveniently installed fire extinguisher near the chemical portion of Dr. Richard's lab. Using his web like appendage, Carnage grasped hold of the extinguisher, and forcefully ripped it off the building's wall. As Johnny continued his assault, he did not notice Carnage sneak around back through various equipment. When the Human torch was in his sight…
Carnage: Hey Hot head!
...Carnage then unleashed the extinguisher's forceful blast upon Johnny Storm, cutting off his fiery supply, bringing him down to the ground. As Johnny continued to get his flame on again, he felt the firm yet slimy hands of carnage wrap themselves around his throat. Carnage's hand then begins to shift and mold into the shape of an axe blade and begins to raise it high.
Carnage: Well, flame boy. I guess I can say that you…"Axed" for this! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Venom: Enough of the joke. Now, finish him!
As Carnage prepared to finish of the Human torch, there was then a loud, humming like sound that came from not too far. however, the sound didn't bother Johnny's ears. But, it did however bring excruciating pain to both symbiotes, who howled, and shrieked in agony. The symbiote lets go of his target, and begins to back away in a pin. Johnny looked to see that it was Spider-man wielding a small handheld sonic blaster.
Spider-Man: I should've figure he'd label this under "S".
Johnny:Yeah...well, thanks Spidey.
Spider-Man: That's two you owe me.
The two heroes continued to unleash the vibrating sounds of the sonic blaster upon the two symbiotes, who continued to back away from the painful sounds. Unable to bare the noise any further, Venom lashed out in a last stand against the noise. With what strength he had left in him, the black symbiote grasped hold of a large cylindrical piece of equipment, and hurled it towards the two heroes. The object however was avoided, as they ducked. But, in the process, the blaster was shattered, and the object crashed into what appeared to be the control panel for the portal systems. As the four looked at the damaged controls, the sparks of electricity began to burst and sizzle as a large violante explosion engulfed the room, knocking them all of their feet. After recovering from the forceful push, they gazed upon a bright glow of light that began to manifest itself inside of the portal frame.
Johnny: Uh…
Spider-Man: Oh…
As the portal grew, the strength of the suction began to pull on anything that wasn't bolted down. Venom and Carnage attempted to flee, and shot out their web like grappling lines, and began to scale the floor. Likewise the webslinger himself shot out his web fluid and began to scale away from the forceful grip of the portal. As they all crept away from the ever growing portal, they individually began to feel the tension as their scaling became difficult by the inch. Unfortunately, due to being exposed to the sonic blasters' effects, Carnage's grip began to fade, and loosen. He could feel his grip give every second.
Carnage: No...NO….NO!
After being through much stress, the line gives on Carnage, and in a matter of seconds, the red symbiote and host begin to flip through the air in the general direction of the portal itself.
Carnage: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!
The screaming maniac continued his course towards the portal until he the phases through the gateway, and then there was silence. Venom knew he would not last any longer, for he too felt very weak from being exposed to the high vibrations. But, he also knew very well that he was not going to go without taking his sworn enemy with him. he looked up to see Spider-Man being hoisted up onto a stable ledge by Johnny Storm. it was just about that time when Spider-man's hand was about to grasp Johnny's when a black web like rope had latched itself on Spidey's arm.
Venom: Oh No you don't! If we are going down. WE'RE TAKING YOU WITH US!
Without any hesitation, the black costumed nemesis leaped off the wall, and just hug there, applying his own weight, and the portal's suction to drag spider man - with him, or at least rip him apart in the process. Spidey continued to struggle himself up to the ledge, aided by Johnny with what strength he had left in him. At first, the two thought that they'd actually do it, and pull through. But to Johnny's horror, he saw that another web line from venom had wrapped itself around Peter's neck, causing him to suffocate. Johnny could feel Peter's grip loosening, and gradually slipping away. As it became more difficult for him to breath, Spider-Man initially let go of his grip, and both Peter Parker, and Eddie Brock were pulled right into the portal, hurtling into who knows where. As darkness began to engulf peter Parker, he could here his close friend scream out his name, and then a bright shining light engulfed him…
Elsewhere…
In what appeared to be a pine barren, surrounded by vast mountains. the only sign of any intelligent life was a column of smoke, rising from a small fire. This, however was not any natural, or untamed fire. No, this was a simple hand made fire, tended by none other than the Thunderian cleric Cheetara. She was just finishing placing the last of the firewood into the crackling flames.
Cheetara: Now, that's what I call a fire.
Wily Twins: Whoa…
Lion-O: Nicely done.
Cheetara: It was really nothing to it, guys.
Tygra: That's my girl.
There was then a sudden silence. Cheetara couldn't help but notice some slight discomfort from Lion-O. For the pain he was inflicted from the loss of Pumyra was still very fresh to the young king's heart. Rather than release his emotions in front of everyone else, Lion-O calmly departs for a little stroll. Fortunately for him, the barrens were dense enough to hide them from the enemy, and yet easily navigated...with the right means. Under the start light, Lion-O ponders over the past experience, trying to figure what went wrong with his relationships, if any he had. However, he glanced over to see that he was not alone. He could see that the cleric was not willing to let this go.
Cheetara: Lion-O...She betrayed us, betrayed you most of all.
Lion-O: I know...But…*sigh*...
Cheetara: You still think she can be saved.
Lion-O: I..I honestly don't know. A part of me is still heartbroken, and...and furious after what she did. But, another part of me says…
Cheetara: Lion-O.
Lion-O: I know…
Lion-O was begining to continue his walk, when he felt two arms wrap around him. He looked to see that Cheetara was the culprit This was not a hug of sympathy, but more of a sign of reassurance. Despite this hug coming from the opposite sex, Lion-O was not stimulated in anyway. when Cheetara's grip loosened, he turned to her direction and made eye contact.
Cheetara: You know very well that we all support your decisions, no matter how we feel about them. If you really feel that there may be hope for her still, then you can only do what you can to help her. But, I you also may have to realize that if …
Lion-O: I know...I know. But, I have to try. I refuse to believe that the Pumyra on Avista was the real her.
Cheetara then firmly placed her hand on Lion-O's shoulder, and slightly nudged him towards the direction, back towards the campsite. As the two walked, they can see the glow of the campfire grow as they drew closer and closer.
Cheetara: You remember what I said, when we were in the forest of the pedlars, don't you?
Lion-O: *noded* "We have each other, we have the sword…"
Cheetara: "More importantly, we have hope."
The others could see the two returning, only to have the twins bombard Lion-O with terrible news. Though he could see right through them that their emotions were a bit exaggerated, and over dramatic.
WilyKat: Lion-O! It's horrible! It's Disastrous!
WilyKit: It's unbearable to speak of it….
Lion-O: Hey! hey, what?! What's the matter, you two?
WilyKat: We couldn't , but we must tell you. It's..
WilyKit: It's…
Panthro: Ugh!...Enough with the theatrics, already! It's the food. The food's the problem.
Lion-O: What? What's wrong with it?
Tygra: *holding meat* That wild game we caught few days ago's gone bad.
Tygra then hands over the piece of meat over to Lion-O, who the further inspects it, to find what exactly was wrong with it. Upon his inspection, Lion-O discovers that several sickly parts were located on the clump of flesh.
Cheetara: Mold?
Lion-O: Looks like it.
He then discards the spoiled good into the fire, incinerating it. The king then takes a seat next to a small cooler container, which held bottles of drinkable water. He pried open one bottle, and drank from it. As he drank he pondered on why the freshly hunted meat spoiled so badly.
Lion-O: I just don't get it Panthro. We've worked on that refrigeration unit on both the Feliner, and the tank, and still the food goes to waist. Are we missing something here?
Panthro: Aw, don't go beating yourself up, kid. Sometimes technology just doesn't want to work the way you want it to.
WilyKat: Like the tank before the berbils touched it up?
Panthro: Hey!
Cheetara: Kids.
WilyKit: Well...It's true.
Letting out a small chuckle, Lion-O then got up and paced a bit before stopping.
Lion-O: Anything else anyone wants to mention?
Panthro: Well…
Cheetara: Our supplies are on the verge of being dangerously low.
Lion-O then begins to search through one of the few cases of electronic equipment developed by the berbils. One case in particular intrigued Lion-O the most. It was a small silver container, one in which Lion-o proceeded to open from the buckles, and opened up the case. He then pulls out a small gridded pad, surrounded by a light metallic ring, with a few small buttons. He then proceeds to press one button, revealing the device to be a holographic map. The map began to display simulated pine trees surrounding a red dot, indicating that to be the whereabouts of the group presently. He then used his index finger to scroll over a few times up to the point in which a large urban structure was constructed.
Lion-O: You know...Dog city isn't exactly a long way away. Maybe Jorma can help with the refrigeration equipment. After all he know a little more about technology than either of us Panthro.
Panthro: Hmmm...I guess it's worth a shot.
Lion-O: And while we're doing that, I'm sure I can count on you and cheetara to find the supplies we need.
Tygra: we'll go through what we need the most.
Lion-O then turned his attention towards the Wily twins.
Lion-O: And you two…
WilyKat: We'll check the streets for any tip offs,or any sources we can dig up.
Lion-O gave the twins a look of concern, and smirked.
Lion-O: Hmm...Hope that when you mean tips, you're not referring to scarfing down on Bone stew, now would you be?
WilyKat:...Not entirely.
The young lord of the ThunderCats simply smirked, and let out a slight scuff of air, and turned to snarf , and smiled at him. Snarf in turn smiled back at his master.
Lion-O: Make sure they don't get into trouble, will you snarf?
Snarf, unable to say any word in an understandable tongue, nodded in compliance, and let out a giggle or two. There was then a small sound that was heard from one of the little kittens. Kit had simply yawned. realizing the time it was, the situation became clear to all of them that they needed to get some sleep. Cheetara took the two twins back to the tank to get some sleeping bag. of course Panthro soon followed closely, and took his usual spot on the tank. the only two beings that stayed by the fire were Lion-O, and Tygra, who volunteered to take the first watch of the night. As they tended to the flames, the twins were making themselves comfortable, not too far from where Cheetara laid down her bag. Just as the cleric was about to lie her head down onto a rolled up sheet often used as a pillow, Cheetara couldn't shake the feeling that the twins wanted something from her. Unable to get it out of her head, she then turned to the twins, who were sitting up, smiling innocently. Cheetara simply smirked, seeing right through their beady eyes.
Cheetara: Alright, you two. What do you want?
WilyKat:Well…
WilyKit: We were just wondering if you could possibly…
Cheetara: Possibly what?
WilyKat: Would you tell us the story of El-Dara to us?
WilyKit: Our parents used to tell it to us before bed, and honestly...we've been feeling a bit…
Cheetara: Homesick.
The twins both nodded in agreement.
Cheetara: I know where you both are coming from.
WilyKit: So...could you?
Cheetara: Well…
Twins: Please?
The cleric simply smirked, and finished on rolling her sleeping bag. Cheetara then patted on each side of her, gesturing to the twins to come and sit themselves next to her. Making themselves comfortable for the coming story ahead. Once the two were seated, and made themselves comfortable, Cheetara then cleared her throat, and collected her thoughts.
Cheetara: Now...where to begin…
Sometime had past since the cats called it in for the night, panthro snored away with snarf nested on his bald spot, while Cheetara and the twins slept peacefully close to one another. The only other two living souls wide awake were the royal brothers themselves. To help pass the time, they both talked throughout the night about various things.
Tygra: So...when Chee went looking for you. What were you two…?
Lion-O: Nothing. It was nothing. Really.
Tygra: Nothing huh?...I should've figured. You're still obsessed over Pumyra aren't you?
Lion-O: Look, all I know is that I firmly believe that the Pumyra we saw back there wasn't the real one, or...at least who she isn't usually. I can't help but feel that there is at least some part of her is still there. some part of her that is good, and…*sigh* You must think I'm crazy.
Tygra: At times yes…
He then firmly puts his hand on Lion-O's shoulder.
Tygra:...But, I also know things haven't been easy on you, in a lot of ways. I know Pumyra's betrayal was hard on you the most. I just don't want to see you get hurt again. For all we know, you may be right. There may be a chance we can save her, if she's infact being manipulated. But, there's also that chance that she isn't. I...I just want you to be careful. I'm supposed to look out for you, Lion-O. I am your big brother after all.
Lion-O: yeah yeah. You can stop with the whole…
Tygra: I'm serious, bro. Look, just don't get emotional if things don't go the way you want them to. Okay?
Lion-O gave his brother a more annoyed look, a glare that indicated that he wasn't willing to let this conversation go on any further than necessary.
Lion-O: ...Alright. I won't get "Emotional" as you put it.
Tygra: Good. Cause believe it or not...we need you...Though I'm not going to say that out loud to anyone. Believe it or not , I'm not a bad leader myself.
Lion-O: Oh really? Would the attempt on entering the Black Pyramid to get the Sword of Omens back while I was gone?
Tygra:...
Lion-O: Aaww, relax. I'm only busting your chops, Ty.
Tygra: *sigh*...Can we talk about something else?
Lion-O: Like what?
Tygra: I don't know…
The tiger prince then looked up, up to the night sky. He was a bit impressed by how clear the sky was.
Tygra: It's a nice night.
Lion-O: The night?...That's what you want to talk about?
Tygra: Well, it's not bad is it?
Lion-O:...No, I suppose not. *looks up* Actually, it is kinda nice.
Tygra: Say, you remember that time when father took us camping that one summer?
The two continued to reminisce their past as the smoke column continued its ascent into the clear, starry night sky, blessed with vast beauty of the stars.