DISCLAIMER:I DO NOT own Ultimate Spider-Man, Spiderman Noir, and Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions and any related/nonrelated characters, Marvel, Disney or Dynamite Entertainment

In short I don't own anything in this story. This is just for fun

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Chapter 20: The Calm before the Storm

New York – 2013 – Day

After their investigation at Chicago's public library, Ava and MJ are back in the S.H.I.E.L.D. fighter jet and have been discussing what they've learned hours beforehand.

MJ: I still can't believe we actually found this.

Ava: Me neither.

MJ opens the folder on her lap and starts reviewing its contents.

MJ: It's so weird though, I swear I've never heard of the Spider of New York or this Green Hornet. But something about them seems so familiar ... like nagging thought at the back of your head.

Ava: You don't think that Peter's actions in the past can be affecting us in the present?

MJ: Is that even possible?

Ava: Trust me MJ, during the short time I've known Peter, I've came across things a lot weirder than this.

From then onwards MJ spent the remainder of the flight asking Ava more questions about her time with Peter and her life as the White Tiger. At first the Latina heroine humoured her but quickly started to enjoy this bonding experience; swapping stories about Peter's early life and training alongside him as Spiderman. The two of them got so into their "girl time" that before they knew it they had already reached New York. Ava turned off the jets auto pilot and manoeuvred the vehicle's flight path manually towards the Tri-Carrier.

MJ: Is that where we're going?

Ava: The S.H.I.E.L.D. Tri-Carrier; we have to show what we found to Fury and the guys.

She guides the fighter jet closer to the Tri-Carrier and approaches one of its hangers.

Ava: This is White Tiger, authorisation code: AA20-39, requesting landing permission in landing bay 6.

MJ: I can't believe I'm going to see the S.H.I.E.L.D. Tri-Carrier ... This might just be the story that gets me a job at the Bugle.

Ava: Think again MJ, you're going to have to stay in the jet when we land.

MJ: Oh no, you are not leaving me in here! Not a chance.

Ava: Tri-Carrier, authorisation code: AA20-39 ... Why won't they respond?

MJ: What's wrong?

Ava: This isn't right ... Tri-Carrier do you read me?

After a few more minutes of silence, she presses a few buttons on the console.

Ava: Override code: 3639-1I.

The hanger doors finally begin to open and Ava flies the jet slowly inside the hanger.

MJ: Why do I get the feeling that you weren't supposed to know that?

Ava: For your information, Director Fury entrusted me with these codes in case of an emergency ... I just hope this isn't one.

Reid Mansion – 1936 – Night

After the destructive events on the streets of Chicago; Spiderman and his team regrouped back at Green Hornets mansion to better prepare themselves for the inevitable confrontation with Goblin and his forces. In a laboratory located in a secret basement inside Hornets mansion, Spiderman is working tirelessly on making anti-venom with assistants from Hornet.

Green Hornet: Are you sure this will work?

Spiderman: Of course it'll work. This isn't the first time I've made something like this, I memorised the formula so this shouldn't take long.

Green Hornet: You know, if we modify this into a gas, I can have it weaponized for a much easier dispersal.

Spiderman: You can do that?

Green Hornet: Kid ... This is kind of my speciality; you're not the only genius here.

Spiderman: Ok then, get on it. We have to get this ready now.

Hornet makes his way out of the lab, passing the Shadow on his way.

Shadow: How's he doing?

Green Hornet: I'm worried; I think he's taking Jackie's capture harder than all of us. He's hasn't stopped working since he got back. What's even worse is he hasn't cracked a joke in hours.

He starts to make his way towards the stair well, but as he gets up only a few steps he turns to ask Shadow about something that has been bothering him for a while.

Green Hornet: Do you ever get the feeling that the kids not telling us everything? I mean Goblin only showed up a year and but we knew next to nothing about him until Spider-kid in there comes seemingly out of nowhere with all the answers.

It didn't seem like Shadow was going to answer his question so Hornet just carries on to his next point.

Green Hornet: Look ... maybe you should talk to him.

He looks at Shadow for his response but all he gets in return is Shadow's trademark stare.

Green Hornet: Don't give me that look; I've seen the way you chew him out over the tiniest mistake. He's also told me of some of the things you've said to him and the advice you've given.

Shadow: I'm just trying to stop him from getting himself killed ... that doesn't mean I'm a Dutch uncle to the boy.

Green Hornet: No ... more like a mentor training a protégé. Admit it; you want him to be more like you.

And on that note Shadow turns away from Hornet and walks over to the Lab door but before he enters he looks over his shoulder to say one last thing to him.

Shadow: On the contrary; what I'm doing ... it's so he doesn't end up like me.

He leaves Hornet and enters the lab. For a moment he just watches Spiderman as he's working at a table; combining different chemicals in order to produce his Anti-venom formula.

Shadow: Spiderman.

Spiderman: I don't understand, it's not mixing the way it should!

Shadow: Then focus your attention.

Spiderman: I am!

Shadow: Don't lie to me.

Spiderman: What! Did you read my mind?

Shadow: I don't have too; an agitated mind won't help us in our fight to defeat Osborn. Not to mention some of our comrades are starting to ask questions about your in-depth knowledge of our enemy.

Spiderman: Thanks for the advice Yoda; but I know what I have to do.

Shadow: Indeed?

Spiderman: Yes, I have to face Goblin; I have to fix all this ... and I have to do it alone.

Shadow: That's not only unwise but just plain stupid.

Spiderman: I'm serious; after I complete this I need to find Goblin ... and end this for good.

Shadow: Think boy, that's why he took Jackie, he wants you to come after him in a blind rage. And you can barley hold your own against him. How do you expect to defeat him, his Enforcers, those Spider Solders and a whole army at his command? Going up against him alone is a death wish.

Spiderman: Maybe, but I don't want anyone else is getting hurt because of me. I thought I could do this with you guys but look at what's happened; my friends get hurt, innocent people suffer and I'm the reason for it.

Shadow: Osborn is the source of this misery, not you...

Spiderman: BUT I CREATED HIM!

He slams his fist so hard on the table's surface that he makes a huge dent, causing some beakers to be thrown fall off and smash onto the floor.

Spiderman: If I hadn't become Spiderman, I wouldn't have drawn so much attention to myself; Osborn wouldn't even have become the Goblin, he wouldn't have hurt my friends. Even Jackie's home town wouldn't have been destroyed, it's my fault that he's took her ... it's my entire fault. I cause nothing but misery to those around me. Maybe Goblin was right ... maybe I'm the real villain here.

Shadow doesn't say a word; he just lets Spiderman have his outburst before going back to his work. He then walks over to the same table that Spiderman was working at and kneels down to pick up bits of broken glass off the ground. Thinking the entire time about what he should say to the emotional teenager this time, but in the end he decided to tell him something he'd never told anyone else before.

Shadow: Have you ever heard of the legend of Ying-Ko?

Spiderman: What ... no?

Shadow: Ying-Ko; the Butcher of Lhasa, a brutal warlord and opium smuggler of Mongolia. He destroyed many lives in his rise to power. Murdered, enslaved and extorted. One night he was kidnapped and brought before the mysterious Tulku; a man of great wisdom and foresight, so that he would be judged for his crimes. However the Tulku wanted to reform the warlord; he knew that for as long as Ying-Ko remembered, he struggled against his own black heart ... and always lost. Ying-Ko watched as his sprit, his very face changed from the years of conflict during the Great War. The Tulku told him that every man pays a price for redemption ... and this was his.

Shadow: At first Ying-Ko laughed at the Tulku's offer; he told him that he wasn't looking for redemption and that his humanity was lost. So the Tulku used the power of his evolved mind to restore Ying-Kos humanity to him and from then onwards the Tulku taught Ying-Ko to use his black shadow to fight the evils of this world. It was the price for his redemption, payment to humanity for his past evil misdeeds.

Spiderman just stares at him, not knowing what to say. Shadow places the glass he collected back on the table.

Shadow: I know what evil lurks in the hearts of men, for I have seen that very evil in my own heart ... I tell myself that every day to remind myself of what I have done, and what I have to do.

He turns to look directly at Spiderman.

Shadow: Peter ... that same evil does not hold sway over you. You don't cause bad things to happen, bad things just happen around you. Even the best of us have that beast inside, readying to claw its way out from within. It's only if we let it that we become the villains of this world...

Spiderman: You know just for once ... could you just speak plainly?

At first Shadow did nothing; but then in an uncharacteristic manner, he places both hands comfortably on Spidermans shoulders and spoke not as the Shadow ... but in the voice of Lamont Cranston.

Shadow: No matter what you believe; the world is not spit into good guys and bad guys, we all have both light and darkness inside of us. What matters is what part we choose to act on ... that's who we really are.

He turns away from Spiderman and heads for the door. But before he leaves, he says something out loud so that Spiderman couldn't fail to hear.

Shadow: At least that's what the Tulku was trying to teach me.

He walks out leaving Spiderman alone with his thoughts and to carry on with his work. Only this time he seems more focused on his task and before.

Island of Manhattan – Night

Slowly, Swift Cloud starts to regain conciseness. Last thing she remembers is helping Peter after an ambush. Though still feeling a little dazed she looks around the room she finds herself in; it appears to be some kind of office filled with expensive furniture. Cloud tries to move but realises that she's been tied down to a chair. She starts to struggle with her bonds, but to no avail, they are tight round her wrists and ankles. Giving up on freeing herself for the moment, she looks out of the large window looking out onto the city.

Swift Cloud: Where am I?

Goblin: Awake at last Miss Kane.

Swift Cloud looks round to see that the Goblin had entered the room without her noticing. He's accompanied by his Enforcers Hammerhead and Pretty Persuasion. As he drew nearer she couldn't help but notice the outfit he's wearing; a brown pinstripe suit, a brown fedora and carrying a cane.

Goblin: You are in the tallest building in the world, for the moment at least, located in the big apple itself.

Swift Cloud: Where in the States Building?

Goblin: Yes, but soon it will be the birth place of my new kingdom.

Swift Cloud: You ... a king?

Cloud starts laughing hysterically, while gaining the evil eye from both of Goblins Enforcers.

Swift Cloud: Is that a bluff or do you mean it for real play? And who are you two going to be ... his jester and whence? Although I'm not sure which is which?

Hammerhead growls and strides over to Cloud, grabs her by the throat and lifts her up off the ground, chair included.

Hammerhead: What's wrong little princess? No Spider freak to save you this time.

Swift Cloud: Go ... to ... blazes!

Hammerhead: Say that again?

Goblin: Lorenzini!

Hammerhead: Right boss.

He lets go of her throat and lets her drop hard onto the floor and on her side.

Swift Cloud: (gasping for air) knew ... you had no ... balls!

Hammerhead: Little runt!

He kicks her a few times hard in the stomach, causing her to wince in pain.

Goblin: I think that'll do. Bring her over; I want to show her something ... wonderful.

Hammerhead picks her back up and drags her to face the window of the office. Goblin takes out a set of binoculars and holds them up to Swift Clouds face.

Goblin: Take a look at the paradise I brought to this city.

Swift Cloud looks down onto the streets of Manhattan. The streets are busy with activity, cars driving by; crowds of people are walking across the busy streets. Suddenly the doors of the Empire States Building burst open and a horde of Symbiotes poor out onto the streets, attacking civilians, turning over cars and destroying everything within the nearby area. As people try to flee in terror they are effortlessly caught by Symbiotes some are killed while others are infected, creating more and more Symbiotes and spreading even more further into the city.

Swift Cloud: You're ... insane, all those people!

Goblin: So my therapist keeps telling me. Soon my children will infect this entire city and after that, my new Kingdom will rise from the ashes of the old world.

He looks over to Persuasion.

Goblin: Is everything ready for the final phase?

Persuasion: Just say the word and everyone gets a new makeover.

Goblin: Perfect.

Swift Cloud: He'll stop you.

The three of them turn to face Swift Cloud, who just stares at them with a sly smile across her face.

Swift Cloud: They all will ... and when they get here; you'll be planted 'neath the daisies.

Goblin: What a colourful expression. In fact I was intending on giving you the honor of rolling out the red carpet for them.

Goblin reaches into his Inner jacket pocket and takes out a small vial filled with a familiar black substance.

Persuasion: Oh please Mr Osborn ... let me.

Goblin hands her over the vial and she walks up to Swift Cloud, turning her chair round and sits on her lap so that they are both face to face.

Persuasion: Awe why so glum, afraid your knight in shining armour is not going to rescue you?

Swift Cloud: I'd take a good look in a mirror next chance you get; because when Spidey gets here, you'll end up on the Montgomery Ward with all the other Crowbaits.

Persuasion: Well, we girls have to look our best don't we? Tell you what, why don't I help you with your makeup?

She opens the vial and slowly pours it over Swift Clouds head, she quickly gets off of her and allows the venom to engulf Swift Cloud, and she tries to scream but to no avail as the venom soon covers her entire body turning her into a ... nightmare.

Reid Mansion – Chicago

About 20 minutes later; Spiderman enters the lounge to find the rest of his team waiting for him. Shadow, Hornet, Rocketeer are all sitting in armchairs while Phantom, Zorro and Kato are standing over by the fire place listening to the ham radio placed on top of it. All of them (with the exception of Shadow) have their masks off, so Spiderman takes off his.

Spiderman: The anti-venom is ready guys, but look there's something I need to tell all of you ... About how I know Goblin.

On that note, everyone in the room was hanging on Spidermans every word.

Spiderman: Goblin was once ... a man named Norman Osborn; a rich businessman, a scientist, technical master and a genius level intellect ... and he's psychotic.

Green Hornet: That part we pretty much know already ... It's your connection to him that we want to know about.

Spiderman: You see ... I kinda helped create him.

Rocketeer: Create him?

Spiderman: You see my blood has ... unique qualities. Osborn was hoping to harness my powers as a weapon for him to mass-produce; the first attempt resulted in the Symbiotes and eventually those Spider Solders of his. But before all that, he was injected with an augmented version of my D.N.A. by an employee of his. It changed him, mutated his body and mind into the monster that you see today.

Zorro: My God...

Phantom: Those creatures ... are of your blood?

Spiderman: Yes.

Green Hornet: I've read scientific journals regarding genetic research ... but nothing remotely close to the level of those Symbiotes.

Rocketeer: Those things seem like something out of a comic strip or a monster movie.

Spiderman: Yeah ... but if you thought that part was weird. Then what I'm going to say next might be too much to hear. You see...

(Spiderman) Well ... looks like this is it guys, let's hope they don't freak out too much.

Spiderman: Goblin and I ... aren't from this era.

(Spiderman) And that was it ... from that point on I told them everything; from how I became Spiderman, to joining S.H.I.E.L.D., my team, how the Goblin was created, all the way to getting trapped here. They didn't talk; they just sat there and listen to every word I had to say.

Spiderman: And there it is ... that's the whole truth.

Green Hornet: Well ... that explains so much and yet also so little.

Phantom: The 21st century ... unbelievable...

Zorro: But when you are finished here, how do you plan to return?

Rocketeer: You mean apart from going the long way round?

Spiderman: I don't know, I really don't know. But for now all I can do is stop Goblin.

Spiderman wanted to give them time for this revelation to sink in; however he couldn't help but be confused by their initial reaction.

Spiderman: I got to say ... you guys are taking this surprisingly well. I was half expecting to be strapped into a straight jacket by now.

Green Hornet: Kid, before we met the worse Kato and I dealt with was corrupted politicians and wise guys. Now we've been dealing with futuristic weapons, monsters and a mythical metal that has the power to destroy this planet

Kato: You being from 79 years in the future ... least weird thing yet.

Rocketeer: Yeah and what Hornet said before; It actual explains a lot ... like you?

Spiderman: Huh?

Rocketeer: Face it kid, you never exactly blended in well here ... with the way you walk and talk.

Zorro: What are your thoughts about all this Senior Shadow?

Everyone's attention turns towards Shadow, who hadn't said anything during the course of the conversation.

Shadow: What do you think?

Green Hornet: I think you knew all along ... didn't you?

Rocketeer: The Shadow knows after all.

Shadow: Would any of you have believed me if I told you?

Green Hornet: Coming from you ... no. Luckily the kid has an honest face, unlike some of us right spooky?

Hornet chuckled and offered Shadow a sly grin, who in turn gave Hornet a slight nod.

Kato: Everyone! You need to hear this.

Everyone turns their attention to Kato as he turns up the volume of the Ham radio.

News Reporter: "This is an Emergency broadcast! Priority one alert, Monsters has been reported to be wreaking havoc in midtown Manhattan. Repeat, monsters have taken over the entire Island."

Shadow takes out his pistols one by one and reloads them, Phantom does the same with his and Rocketeer picks up his newly acquired grenade launcher.

News Reporter: "There have been multiple casualties, multiple hostages – civilians and police."

Zorro draws his sword slowly and runs his thumb slowly across its edge and sheaths it again. Kato takes out a set of Nunchukes and twirls them around before attaching them to his back, on his belt. Hornet takes out his gas gun and Hornet sting and examines them before placing them back inside is coat.

News Reporter: "Again we have lost Manhattan. Detective Tracy is calling on anyone, anyone for assistance."

Spiderman looks down and examines his black mask; he looks back up and sees that everyone else has their masks on and looking straight at him.

Spiderman: I was expecting to finish this fight alone; you all have done more than enough. After everything I just told you if any of you want to back out now, I wouldn't blame you. But if you do come with me, chances are we won't live through this.

Rocketeer: Hey my Jenny would kill me anyway if I let a kid go to his death. And you don't seem to get that if you go alone and fail, then we'll all lose.

Zorro: I know Señor Spider that you feel that the Goblin is your responsibility, but whether you like it or not he's ours now too. It's our responsibility to ensure that there is a future for you to go home to.

Spiderman: But even if you guys come with me, I don't know if we can beat him. At first I thought so but he's been one step ahead of us all this time, I could be leading you guys to our deaths.

Green Hornet: Maybe, but we don't have the luxury to think like that.

Kato: Do you really think you can win all by yourself?

Spiderman: I have to try...

Phantom: A man's strength comes not from just brawn and intelligence, but also from his allies.

Spiderman: Thank you ... all of you. Alright then, let's do this!

Zorro: How are we going to get there in time?

Shadow: I've already taken care of that.

(Spiderman) Just hold on Jackie, we're coming.

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