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All original characters are the property of Celgress.

Spider-Man and Silk in Threads of Destiny – Episode Three: The Die is Cast

By

Celgress

"There are moments in your life that make you, that set the course of who you're going to be. Sometimes they're little, subtle moments. Sometimes they're not."

Whistler – Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Becoming Part I (1998)

Queens late September, afternoon

On a cloudy, blustery day in early autumn Benjamin James Parker was laid to rest in Cypress Hills Cemetery. Those in attendance would long remember the uncharacteristic chill that stung their faces. Thankfully rain held off until the final shovel full of earth was thrown upon the casket.

Aunt May, looking frailer than her forty-four years, stood with Peter besides Ben's gravesite long after all but a few others present had left. Her chestnut hair was now streaked with vivid white. By the calendar year's end Aunt May had turned prematurely grey. Many speculated it was because of stress brought on by Ben's untimely death and another tragic event yet to befall her family, they were only partially correct.

"We are so sorry May." Su Si Yeon Moon said embracing Aunt May. "If there is anything at all Walter or I can do for you or Peter don't hesitate to ask." Walter and Cindy Moon stood nearby their expressions solemn.

"Thank you Su." Aunt May said tears in her eyes. "Your and Walter's support means more than I can express right now. I can't believe Ben is really gone. What am I to do?"

"There, there May you'll get through this. You are one of the strongest, kindest women I know. Which is why Walter and I chose you and Ben, God rest his soul, as Cindy's godparents when we moved to Queens." Su said releasing Aunt May from her tender embrace. You'll get through this, it'll be hard but I know you will."

"As Su said we'll be here to help you and Peter every step of the way." Walter Moon said stepping forward and giving Aunt May a quick hug. "You won't be alone."

"Thank you both." Aunt May sobbed.

Peter turned his attention away from the small group. His eyes trailed along the freshly filled in grave. Watching puddles slowly fill in depressions left in the mud by mourners' feet Peter's mind drifted. Suddenly he found himself in another cemetery in Chicago twelve years before.

It was a sunny, spring day not a single cloud marred the vibrant, blue sky. A mild breeze stirred the budding leaves. Three year old Peter Park didn't understand why he was here? Where were his parents? Why had they left him alone? When would they come back?

A man and woman he vaguely recognized as his Uncle Ben and Aunt May each held one of his small hands in their own much larger ones. Once all the people, many of them complete strangers to the young boy, finished talking about his parents, Richard and Mary Parker, Uncle Ben coaxed Peter along. Upset and confused the young boy stopped in front of a large hole containing two caskets. Peter temporarily squirmed trying to get escape then stopped when Ben turned him away from the strangely disturbing sight.

"Its' going to be okay Peter," Uncle Ben said soothingly.

"I want my mommy and daddy." Peter said tears running down his chubby cheeks.

"I'm sorry son." Uncle Ben said scooping the crying boy up into his arms. "Your parents have gone to Heaven."

"When will they be coming back?" Peter asked innocently.

"Peter how would you like to come live with your Aunt and me in New York?" Uncle Ben asked gently.

"If I leave how will mommy and daddy find me when they come back?" Peter sniffed.

"Don't worry they'll find you." Uncle Ben said. "No matter where you go they'll always be with you Peter, in here." Uncle Ben said touching his right hand to Peter's heart.

Peter was jolted back into the present when he felt a hand gently touch his shoulder. Peter turned around water dripping from his matted hair. Standing there was Cindy an expression of deep sadness etched on her face. She offered her drenched best friend her umbrella.

"I figured you could use this." Cindy said. "I noticed you seem to have forgotten yours Pete."

"Thanks Cin." Peter mumbled moving next to Cindy so he'd be under the protection of the umbrella his eyes vacant.

Startlingly close a lightning bolt struck emitting a deafening crash. The rain intensified in tempo. The wind rose in fury. Soon a full-fledged gale tore through Cypress Hills Cemetery.

"I think we should leave." Walter said.

"Yes," Aunt May said absently. "Best we get out of this storm before we catch something."

Moon Residence, evening

"How could something so terrible happen in our own neighborhood?" Su Moon wondered aloud.

"Whenever tragedy strikes close to home people are more often than not in an initial state of denial," Walter said. "In security we term such a phenomena 'it can't happen here mentality'. The sad fact is bad things happen in good neighborhoods and to good people rather frequently these days."

"I wish the police would catch that dreadful Hobgoblin." Su said shivering. "He gives me the willies."

"Catching Hobgoblin won't solve the crime problem in this city." Walter said sadly. "Hobgoblin is one symptom of a much great disease. Eliminate Hobgoblin and another super powered criminal yahoo will take his place. What needs to happen is all the super powered hoods must be brought down by a concerted effort."

"Is such an operation even possible?" Su asked.

"Possible but not easy and certainly exceedingly difficult, but a worthy endeavour none the less," Walter said.

"An endeavour I hope somebody with the proper skill set undertakes soon." Su said. "Otherwise I fear for the future."

"As do I," Walter said.

Unnoticed by her parents Cindy stood in the hall listening intently. Through the half open living room door she took note of every word that was exchanged. What she heard gave her pause. Was she being selfish denying her new abilities? She'd been granted great power was it wrong not to use it for the greater good? If she could make even a small positive difference in this corrupt city, why shouldn't she try? Quietly creeping upstairs to her bedroom Cindy pondered her future.

Parker Residence three days later, afternoon

"I want to join you." Cindy said after taking a deep breath.

"Join my doing what?" Peter said stacking some boxes in one corner of the basement. "Damn this place needs tidying up." Peter muttered to himself brushing dust off his hands.

"Pete are you listening to me?" Cindy asked mildly annoyed.

"I heard you Cin." Peter said not turning around. "The answer is no."

"Why," Cindy said taken aback both by Peter's negative response and its' rapidity.

"Because I'm giving up the super hero racket Cin, if that is what you meant." Peter said turning around to face his best friend.

"It is," Cindy confirmed. "May I ask why?"

"Sure, I wasn't any good at it." Peter said simply. "For God's sake I got my own Uncle killed Cin. How can I be counted on to protect others when I can't even safeguard those I care about? Face it I'm a big, fat failure at being a super hero."

"Peter what happened wasn't…" Cindy started only for Peter to violently cut her off.

"Bullshit it was my fault Cin! It was entirely my fault!" Peter shouted rampaging around the basement kicking or throwing anything that blocked his path.

"Peter you're frightening me." Cindy whimpered taken aback by her best friend's abnormal behavior. She had never seen him so worked up before. "Please stop Peter you're going to upset your aunt."

"Upset my Aunt May, I've already done that!" Peter ranted. "Have you seen her recently Cin!? She's a shell of her former self! I've ruined her life!"

"Don't say that Peter." Cindy said in dismay.

"Why the hell not its' true," Peter roared. "If I'd only stopped Hobgoblin when I had the chance, none of this would be happening now! Uncle Ben would be here not buried six feet under in Cypress Hills Cemetery!"

"Peter, Cindy is everything okay down there," said the concerned voice of Aunt May through the basement door.

Cindy rushed to the foot of the stairs. "Everything is fine Mrs. Parker. Peter is just a little upset!"

"Should I could down dear?" Aunt May asked.

"No Mrs. Parker! I can handle it!" Cindy shouted.

"Are you're sure dear!?" Aunt May said.

"I'm sure." Cindy said turning her attention back towards Peter. He glared at Cindy saying nothing. "Peter punishing yourself isn't helping matters. It won't bring your uncle back."

"Please leave," Peter said.

"Peter…" Cindy said.

"Go," Peter said firmly. "I need to be alone right now."

"W-What about Spid…" Cindy said.

"Spider-Man is dead, and you know what Cin. He deserves to be." Peter said turning away. "If you'll excuse me I have work to do. This mess won't cleanup itself."

"Peter please," Cindy said putting her hand on his shoulder.

"Go away," Peter said shrugging off Cindy's reassuring touch. "I'm busy."

"Okay, if that's what you want." Cindy said fighting back tears. "I'll leave."

"Good," Peter said picking up some scattered magazines he'd knocked around during his tantrum.

"Goodbye Pete." Cindy said mounting the staircase. Her head low. She was determined not to let Peter know she was on the verge of breaking down.

"Goodbye Cin." Peter grunted while continuing his work. "Cin don't come here again if I want you I'll come see you, okay?"

Cindy froze her hand on the doorknob. She couldn't believe what Peter had said. She bit her lower lip. "If that's what you want Pete." She said almost choking on her own words. "I won't bother you again."

Hearing Cindy's faltering reply Peter immediately regretted what he'd said. "Cin wait…" It was too late she was already gone.

Secret Chamber below Osborn Mansion, late afternoon

"I thought you'd never arrive." Norman Osborn said as Hobgoblin zoomed in on his noisy glider.

"I had other pressing matters which demanded my attention." Hobgoblin said circling around Norman who stood stock still in the middle of the large chamber. Banks of computers lined three of four walls from ceiling to floor. The remaining space was taken up by a large, circular, metal door that was currently open.

"Remember you work for me not the other way around." Norman said. "Your primary missions are to keep a close eye on Mendel Stromm and solidify my clandestine control of the criminal underworld."

"Of course how could I forget oh great master." Hobgoblin said in exaggerated fashion performing a mock down when his glider came to rest several feet in from of Norman. "Want me to fetch your dry cleaning when I have time?"

"Don't get smart with me." Norman threatened not the least bit intimidated by Hobgoblin's frightening appearance and fearsome array of weapons. "You were nothing when I found you. I can easily fish another replacement out of the gutter, if need be."

"Why are you upset?" Hobgoblin growled. "I've done everything you've ordered, and more."

"Precisely," Norman said. "I didn't order you to go on a rampage killing an innocent civilian because some clown sold unflattering pictures to a media hack."

"Hey I have a reputation to uphold." Hobgoblin said defensively. "I can't allow every Tom, Dick and Johan to run articles about me with impunity or turn catching photographs of me into an Olympic sport. I must keep a low profile if our schemes are to succeed. If people stop fearing me we've already lost."

"Correction if my schemes are to succeed." Norman said.

"If you don't approve of my methods take over." Hobgoblin said. "Ah but you can't. You might possess the same enhanced physical capabilities due to Stromm's serum however you lack my anonymity and experience."

"You forgot one other vital factor." Norman said. "As CEO of a multinational corporation I can't go gallivanting around town in a ridicules getup. I have neither the free time nor inclination to do so. Somebody must do the dirty work and that somebody is you."

"Lucky me," Hobgoblin grumbled.

"Cry me a river." Norman scoffed. "Now listen carefully you are not to undertake any further rash actions such as turning anymore bystanders into road pizza without my express consent."

"Sure thing master," Hobgoblin grumbled. "Will there be anything or may I go?" Norman waved his hand dismissively. On his signal Hobgoblin whizzed out of the chamber.

Midtown High School one week later, morning

Over the course of the ensuing week Cindy avoided Peter whenever possible. The previously inseparable duo now hardly grunted at each other. The pair's actions didn't go unnoticed by their small, yet loyal, circle of friends.

"What's up with you and Peter?" Mary Jane Watson asked Cindy between classes. While the red head and Cindy didn't share much in the way of common interests they'd become close friends none the less after they met in dance class last year.

"He told me to leave him alone." Cindy replied. "I'm honoring his wishes."

"When did this happen?" Mary Jane said.

"About a week ago," Cindy said. "I came over he told me to buzz off, so I did."

"A week ago, wasn't that right after Peter's uncle died?" Mary Jane said.

"A few days after," Cindy said.

"And you took him seriously?" Mary Jane scolded. "Cindy the guy lost his father figure. No doubt he was in tremendous pain."

"I know, but its' more complicated than that okay." Cindy said.

"What do you mean?" Mary Jane said.

Cindy sighed heavily. "I wish I could tell you Mary Jane. I really do. Its' a personal matter I know Peter wouldn't want me spreading around."

"Wow sounds serious," Mary Jane said. "If you change your mind I'll be here."

"Thanks," Cindy said.

While Cindy was walking home from school later that day, having got a head start to avoid Peter, she sensed a presence at her side. Sure enough it was Peter. Before Cindy could say anything or run away Peter cut her off by saying.

"I'm sorry I've been a total jerk lately. I don't deserve a best friend good as you. Will you please forgive me?"

"Why have you been avoiding me all week?" Cindy asked calmly.

"Because I thought you were mad at me." Peter said. "Besides you deserve better."

"Pete I'll always be your friend." Cindy said. "For the record I wasn't angry with you. I was hurt you'd cut me out of your life when things get tough."

"I'm sorry." Peter said studying his shoes.

"If we are going to stay best friends no subject can be off limits, including super heroes." Cindy said.

"You're right Cin our friendship has always been built on total honesty." Peter said.

"Good, out of mutual respect I won't bring the topic up until we both agree we're ready." Cindy said. "Sound good Pete?"

"It sure does Cin." Peter said with a sheepish grin.

"I've missed you Pete." Cindy said smiling back.

"Same here Cin," Peter said as the two walked home chatting happily about everything and anything per their usual routine.

Mr. Negative's Headquarters Chinatown, night

"My eternal apologises master." A bald, heavyset Chinese gangster with a thin mustache wearing a business suit said slapping several color photographs down on Mr. Negative's desk. "Our humble agents have once again failed in smuggling the final ingredients for your Dragon's Breath through the port of New York."

"Why have they failed me yet again?" Mr. Negative asked his eyes narrowing dark energy sparking around his form. Behind him stood two Chinese gangsters in dark sunglasses and wearing business suits.

"Ever since a new security firm took over dock inspections our smuggling business has suffered greatly." The Chinese gangster answered. "The dogged efficiency of this new group seems attributable to a single individual they're supervisor ex-Army office Walter Moon." The Chinese gangster pointed to a head shot of Walter. "The man's honor is above reproach master. By all indication he cannot be bought off"

"Hmmm," Mr. Negative mused. "Then he must be neutralized by other means."

"Should we kill him and his family master?" The Chinese gangster asked a sinister glint in his eyes.

"No," Mr. Negative replied steepling his hands. "That would draw too much unwanted attention, however if he and his family were to disappear of their own volition our problem would evaporate."

"What do you have in mind master?" The Chinese gangster said.

"It has been awhile since one of my opponents felt the touch of corruption." Mr. Negative smiled wickedly. The Chinese gangster smiled back in awe of the devious mind of this dark genius.

Moon Residence two days later, late afternoon

Walter had just gotten home from when the doorbell rang. Su was in the kitchen fixing supper and Cindy was upstairs in her room surfing the internet. When Walter opened the door a smiling, clean shaven East Asian man in a white business suit at once extended his hand.

"Hello," Walter said.

"I'm Martin Li." The East Asian man said introducing him. "May I come in?"

Martin Li's eyes flash pure black. Walter found himself dumbstruck. Unable to deny this stranger anything he may desire Walter let Martin Li inside closing the door softly behind him. Martin Li then shook Walter's right hand. In an instant Walter's eyes and clothing turned pitch black as did Martin Li's own. Walter Moon was now under fully under Mr. Negative's spell.

"Lead me to your wife." Mr. Negative ordered.

"Right this way master." Walter said robotically.

Upstairs Cindy had a terrible headache. Her skull buzzed loudly. The sensation was almost unbearable. Leaving the laptop on her bed she got up. Walking out the door she heard creaking. Someone was coming up the staircase. Her discomfort grew more intense. She felt something horrible was growing near. She was right. What looked like the solid silhouette of a man appeared in the hallway. He was surrounded by an aurora of crackling dark energy. Behind him or it were her parents both had been changed. Their eyes and clothing were now totally black.

"Mom, dad," Cindy gasped.

"They are mine now girl." The shadow man said. "They only obey my commands."

"Who are you?" Cindy said trembling. "What are you?"

"Your new master Mr. Negative," the shadow man sneered.

"What have you done to my parents?" Cindy said noting more closely their zombie like state.

"The same thing my corrupting touch shall do to you my dear." Mr. Negative said lurching forward. Cindy jumped out of his way. Mr. Negative lurched towards her once more and she again dodged. "Stop her corrupted ones. She must not elude my touch."

"At once master," Cindy's parents said in unison trying to block their daughter's desperate movements.

"Dad, mom its' me Cindy your daughter please help me." Cindy pleaded.

"Silly girl they belong to me now, body and soul." Mr. Negative laughed. "Isn't that right corrupted ones?"

"We live only to serve our master Mr. Negative." Cindy's parents said in unison.

Seeing she was being boxed in and knowing she couldn't let Mr. Negative lay his hands on her. If he did all would be lost. She'd end up enslaved forever to this evil entity along with her parents. Cindy turned away. Running fast as she could Cindy hurdled herself through the nearest window. Landing on her feet in the back yard without looking back she sprinted away.

"She has escaped." Mr. Negative snarled. "No matter she knows nothing of my plans nor possesses the skills to pose any sort of serious threat. Come corrupted ones we must leave this place before she summons the authorities." Mr. Negative departed the Moon house the altered Walter and Su Moon in tow.

While Mr. Negative was making his getaway a battered and bruised Cindy Moon frantically pounded on the Parkers' backdoor. Finally after a seeming eternity Aunt May unlocked and opened the door. Cindy all but fell in inside nearly knocking over Aunt May.

"Good lord Cindy you look terrible child." Aunt May exclaimed. "What has happened to you?"

"My, parents, dark, man," Cindy spit out between ragged breaths.

"You're not making any sense dear." Aunt May said. "Calm down, take it slow."

"Home invasion, call police," Cindy at last blurted out.

"Aunt May who's at the door?" Peter called from inside.

"Cindy, fetch me the phone Peter," Aunt May said.

"Here you go Aunt May." Peter said a few seconds later passing Aunt Man their cordless house phone. "What the Hell," Peter stammered seeing Cindy's condition.

"Peter," Aunt May said. "Watch your language."

"Sorry Aunt May." Peter said. "Cindy are you alright?"

"I-I'm n-not sure, Peter." Cindy said her body going limp from shock Peter and Aunt May half drug half carried her inside their house.

When the police arrived Mr. Negative and his latest recruits were long gone. Cindy told them everything she could recall about Mr. Negative and his inexplicable power over her now missing parents. Captain Stacey insisted Cindy see a doctor to make sure she was okay. Aunt May and Peter accompanied her to the hospital. Once given a clean bill of health, other than a number of minor cuts and contusions suffered during the fall she was perfectly healthy, they took Cindy back to their home. They put her up in their spare bedroom for the night where she cried herself to sleep over the loss of her parents.

To Be Continued