Disclaimers
All characters appearing in Marvel Comics are copyright Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Company. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are not authorized by the copyright holders.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
Spider-Man and Silk in Threads of Destiny – Episode Twenty-Five: Hell Week
By
Celgress
Osborn Mansion mid-October, morning
"I'm touched you again came to me with your problems." Norman Osborn said with a smile. He leaned forward in his leather chair. He rested his elbows on top of his desk. "What you ask is well within my power, however, I do require a favor in return. It's a small matter really."
"What do you want from me in return for helping Cindy and I be legally emancipated?" Peter asked from across the desk in trepidation.
Peter had not wanted to ask Harry's father for another favor after all the man was already picking up Aunt May's medical bills, but Peter felt there was no choice. Unless they came up with a solution he and Cindy would be separated and showed into the foster care system. Sure it would only be for a couple of years, still, that was too long. Who knew where they would end up or even if they would be in the city. He could not stand the thought of either he or Cindy being shipped upstate while the other remain in or around Manhattan. Their well-being depended upon convincing the powerful, politically connected tycoon to assist them. Peter was willing to do whenever he must to do so, within reason.
"From you my boy, nothing. From your good friend Spider-Man, plenty. Let us begin with another hit, shall we?" Norman said the smile never leaving his face.
"'Another hit', I don't understand?" Peter said genuinely confused by Norman's words.
"Come now Peter I've always thought you were a smart kid," Norman said then added. "Very well I'll use street slang, perhaps that will clarify the situation. I want Spider-Man to put another supervillain on ice like he did Hobgoblin."
"Hobgoblin's death was an accident." Peter blurted out horrified by Norman's insinuation. He quickly added. "Spider-Man told me so."
"Of course it was, accidents do happen." Norman said with a knowing wink. He leaned back in his chair. "I want Spider-Man to arrange another 'accident' to befall a certain crime lord. Who goes by the colorful moniker of Mr. Negative."
"I,, he won't do that Mr. Osborn," Peter said getting over his initial shock.
"A dreadful pity," Norman said. His smile faded. He got up from his seat. "My butler will show you and Ms. Moon out. Good luck solving your problem Peter."
"Wait," Peter said after a long moment of tense silence passed between them when all that could be heard was the ticking of Norman's antique desk clock. "I'll see what I can do, no promises."
"Splendid," Norman said his smile returning. "Once I receive confirmation of Mr. Negative's demise I'll get right to work resolving your unfortunate situation." Norman extended his hand. Peter got up and reluctantly shook it. "Remember, time's a wasting," Norman said tapping his watch with his opposing index finger. "By my estimation, you have roughly two and one-half weeks left. Best have your friend move fast. The longer he takes to deal with my problem the harder it will be to deal with yours in the time frame allotted."
"I understand," Peter said.
"Good, we are on the same page, if you'll excuse me. I'm a very busy man. Farewell Peter Parker. As always, it was a pleasure doing business with you. I trust you can see yourself out?" Norman said before departing.
"I can," Peter said simply.
In the foyer of Osborn Mansion Cindy anxiously await Peter's return. Things became rather tense when Jason happened by. He was less than happy to see her. He asked why she and Peter felt the need to invade his home on a continuous basis. Only the intervention of Mary Jane prevented a full-blown confrontation from occurring. Mary Jane wanted to show Cindy the promise ring Harry had recently given her. Jason grumbled about having to be somewhere else then left.
"I apologize." Mary Jane said after flashing Cindy a diamond that was bigger than many actual engagement rings. "Jason can be a jerk sometimes. In truth, I don't think he's gotten over you dumping him for Peter. He hates your guys' guts."
"We, I never intended to hurt him." Cindy sighed. "I was going through a very rough patch when we were together."
"I know." Mary Jane said patting Cindy's shoulder in a reassuring fashion. "I can't imagine the grief you've been forced to endure. I don't think I could handle half of it."
"You'd be surprised MJ what you can deal with when there is no other choice," Cindy said. "So when's the big day?" She asked changing the subject.
"If everything goes accordingly the summer after we graduate." Mary Jane said. "I hope you'll be there. I do need a maid of honor."
"Of course I'll be there," Cindy said happily. "I wouldn't miss your big day for the world. Wild beasts couldn't keep me away." Cindy and Mary Jane hugged.
"Who knows, maybe you can convince Peter to pop the question before then. Make it a double wedding." Mary Jane said.
"Maybe," Cindy said blushing.
"I just wish Gwen could be there." Mary Jane said gloomily.
"She still isn't returning your messages either, huh?" Cindy said.
"Even since she was placed with that family in the Bronx we've been out of touch." Mary Jane said.
"She's going through a lot. I'm sure she'll reach out, give her time." Cindy said secretly fearing she would soon share Gwen's foster home fate.
"I hope so." Mary Jane said. "There you are Peter. We were just talking about you." Mary Jane stated smiling at Cindy.
"Nothing bad I hope," Peter said.
"Depends on your definition of bad." Mary Jane said. The redhead wore a mischievous grin on her face as she spoke.
"How did it go?" Cindy asked nervously.
"I'll tell you outside." Peter answered. He took Cindy by the arm. "Sorry MJ, Cindy and I have to leave now. It was great seeing you. Give Harry my regards."
"Sure thing, bye." Mary Jane said waving.
"That was rude Pete," Cindy said when they were outside. He expression one of annoyance.
"I have my reasons Cin," Peter said.
"They better be good ones. Mary Jane is one of your best friends." Cindy said unconvinced by Peter's words.
"Mr. Osborn said he would help us," Peter said as they hurried along.
"Finally, some good news," Cindy said in relief.
"There is a major string attached," Peter said.
"Like what?" Cindy inquired.
"He wants, Spider-Man to kill somebody in return," Peter said.
"Who," Cindy said loudly. She was shocked by the revelation.
"Keep your voice down," Peter warned. They were presently walking down on a bustling street. "Does it matter?"
Peter knew if he told her the target was Mr. Negative she just might urge him to reconsider his stance against killing. Not that he would totally blame her. Mr. Negative had taken away Cindy's parents.
"No," Cindy said. She knew cold blooded murder was wrong no matter who was involved. "What are we going to do Pete? Mr. Osborn was our last hope."
"We'll think of another way out of this mess. I won't become a hired gun." Peter said. Peter then winced in discomfort.
"You okay, Pete?" Cindy asked concerned.
"Yeah," Peter said. His spider sense had been going off like crazy since they left Osborn Mansion. Unbeknownst to him, Cindy's spider sense was behaving in a similar fashion. "I'll be fine."
Osborn Mansion
Norman Osborn stood in a small room viewing a video/audio stream on his tablet. He did not trust Peter Parker to keep his end of their bargain even though Parker and his live-in girlfriend desperately needed Norman's help. He could tell by looking in the boy's eyes Peter was reluctant to order a hit. Which is why he launched the stealth micro-drone. It would tail Parker until he met with Spider-Man then follow the wall-crawler until it uncovered all the secrets of the Spiders. Blackmailing those do-gooders directly would prove far easier plus less time-consuming. He probably would grant Parker's request of assistance anyway as a show of goodwill. Afterwards, however, the proverbial gloves would come off.
Spider-Man and his teammates would belong to Oscorp. No doubt Beetle, Chameleon, Dr, Miles Warren, and that weird Morlun character who hung around Warren would be less than thrilled at the prospect of working hand in hand with the Spiders. Tough, Norman thought. They would have to get over their petty jealousies, hatreds, and disappointments. Far more important things were at stake, such as the safety of his family along with the future of his company. Perhaps after the Spiders definitively dealt with Mr. Negative the Green Goblin could step into the void left by the slain crime lord. Yes, Norman's supervillain persona would craft a shadow empire that would mirror his corporate holdings.
"I'll be the lord of two worlds." Norman chuckled. "Ruler of both light and darkness. Master of all I survey."
Midtown High School the next day, afternoon
Peter felt out of sorts. He could hardly concentrate no matter who hard he tried. While he could not put his finger on what was wrong he knew when it started, right after he left Osborn Mansion. A mild buzzing had persisted in his head from yesterday afternoon through today, only letting up for short intervals like when he took a shower that morning. The lingering fuzziness of a sleepless night made for a miserable day, even if you were Spider-Man.
Here he sat in physics class, one of his favorites, in a daze. Half of what the teacher said went right passed him. An alert vibration from his smartphone pulled him out of his stupor. He glanced inside his desk. Darn it, the police were battling 'some wacko in a black costume' near Grand Central Station! It would appear Venom was on a rampage! Great timing big guy, Peter thought with a groan.
"I've got to go, family emergency!" Peter shouted bolting from his desk and out the door before his teacher could utter a word of reprimand. He texted Cindy who met him outside a few minutes later. "We've got trouble with a capital V." He said.
"I could use the distraction," Cindy said with a shrug.
Near Grand Central Station, sometime later
"Puny cops you cannot stop us!" Venom roared upending a car. He then threw it at the riot police who were shooting at him from behind an improvised barricade comprised of previously ruined vehicles. The bullets bounced harmlessly off the creature causing no visible effect.
When the officers reloaded Spider-Man and Silk dropped out of the air performing a double dive kick on Venom. The composite entity was knocked off his feet. Snarling in rage Venom quickly scrambled back upright.
"We knew you two would come." Venom hissed. "In fact, we were counting on it."
"Shut your fanged mouth big, dark and slimy." Silk said. "This time we're putting you away!"
"In your wildest dreams lady bug." Venom laughed.
Quicker than seemed possible Venom covered the distance between himself and the young heroes. His hands encircled their necks. He proceeded to rag doll them. He threw Silk through the welcome to Grand Central Station sign. She landed in a heap atop the main terminal building. He leaped into the air with Spider-Man. They landed atop a passing train where he smashed Spider-Man clean through the metal roof, no small feat. Spider-Man landed inside startling the passengers in the dining car. Venom swung after him.
Venom grabbed Spider-Man by the torn front of his uniform. "How disappointing," Venom said. "We hoped you and your whore would provide more of a challenge."
"The day isn't over yet!" Silk called out. Using a strand of webbing she hit Venom in his face with a heavy silver tray. In surprised Venom dropped Spider-Man.
"Are you alright?" She asked Spider-Man running to his side.
"Did anyone get the number of the train that hit me." He joked weakly. Beneath her mask Silk could not help but smile. "Watch out," Spider-Man warned. He saw Venom ready to strike.
Silk pushed Spider-Man aside. She dodged Venom's incoming tackle then exchanged blows with the beast. Even though she was the stronger of Spider pair she was easily outmatched by Venom who possessed the combined strength of both she and Spider-Man. While her landed blows only had minimal impact on Venom his were wearing her down.
"I wish I could kill you pests." Venom said. "If only Mr. Negative didn't want you alive."
The mention of her hated nemesis spurred Silk on. With a herculean effort, she unleashed a flurry of intense punches, elbows, knee strikes, ending with a standing dropkick that staggered Venom. By this point, Spider-Man was back on his feet. He joined in peppering Venom with blows of his own.
"Pests," Venom roared.
Inky black tendrils lashed out in every direction. They sought to engulf, suffocate, crush their foes. Somehow in the confined space Spider-Man and Silk avoided the deadly appendages. The roof and floor, however, were not so lucky. Venom's tendrils ripped them apart. Sparking, burning metal rained down on the trio of meta-humans.
"He'll tear this train apart unless we stop him," Spider-Man said.
"I know." Silk said. "We've got to get the passengers out safely."
"At least they've fled the car," Spider-Man noted glancing around.
"I'd worry more about yourselves if I were you." Shocker said. He and Black Cat appeared seemingly from nowhere.
"Ghettoblaster and Kitty Kat," Spider-Man said. "Long time no see. How are tricks?"
"See I told you, listening to the police scanner would pay off." Black Cat said. "We've found our targets. Once we've terminated them, Rose will surely allow us to join his new group."
"What is this I hate spiders day?" Silk said.
"Hey, look on the bright side. It's nice to be popular." Spider-Man joked.
Shocker fired a twin blast of sonic waves at Spider-Man. Black Cat tried to slash Silk with her poisonous claws. Both heroes successful dodged these strikes.
"Away with you, they are ours!" Venom screamed he physically inserted himself between Shocker, Black Cat and the heroes.
"I have an idea." Silk said as she and Spider-Man took cover behind an overturned table while Black Cat and Shocker tried to deal with Venom.
"Good, because I'm drawing a blank. At this point, I'm all ears." Spider-Man said.
'Okay, listen closely." Silk said she whispered something in Spider-Man's ear.
He giggled. "I love it when you talk sciencey."
Spider-Man and Silk emerged from their hiding place a few moments later. Silk engaged Venom while Spider-Man engaged Black Cat and Shocker. After dodging several attacks each Spider-Man taunted Shocker.
"Boy, you have bad aim Ghettoblaster. I bet you couldn't hit the broadside of a barn with those things. C'mon prove me wrong. Hit me with your best shot!"
"Oh, you bet I will!" Shocker said. He charged his gauntlets to their maximum output. They sparked and sputtered on the verge of overload before releasing a massive wave of sonic energy that shock the very walls with its intensity.
Spider-Man and Silk jumped aside. The sonic wave hit Venom square in his chest. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE," Venom screamed in pain.
The living suit was literally peeled from Eddie Brock's body but not before the tendrils lashed out. Black Cat and Shocker were thrown against the nearest wall. They slumped to the floor unconscious. The tattered remains of the Venom symbiote collapsed limply to the debris-strewn floor.
"My other is dead, noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!" A naked Eddie screamed falling to his knees. He lovely cradled a portion of the apparently dead creature. His eyes filled with tears. He glared at Spider-Man and Silk. "This is your fault! You took it from me just like you took everything else! You ruined my life! I hate you!"
Eddie leapt at the duo murderous intent in his eyes. Silk caught him with a punch to the jaw in midair. He landed in a heap. "The feelings mutual pal." She said standing over his unconscious form.
Their triumph was short-lived however. An instant later the train rocked violently knocking Silk and Spider-Man over. When they regained their footing they exchanged worried looks.
"I hope Venom didn't cause permanent damage when he trashed the place." Spider-Man said.
"We've got to reach the reach the main car." Silk said.
"What about them?" Spider-Man asked pointing at the vanquished villains.
"They'll be fine here." Silk said. She and Spider-Man webbed Shocker, Black Cat, Eddie Brock and the inert remains of the Venom symbiote to the floor.
"What's up, Mr. Conductor?" Spider-Man asked an extremely worried train conductor a minute later.
"The brakes are jammed. I can't stop the train and we are coming up to a crossing. If the train isn't slowed down soon she'll jump the tracks. Worse, she'll plow right into that power planet," The Conductor said pointing at the looming industrial structure.
"Don't worry we'll think of some way to stop this train before that happens." Silk said. She added under her breath. "I hope."
Spider-Man and Silk left the compartment. They made their way outside where they stood atop the speeding locomotive. "My turn," Spider-Man said. "I have an idea. It's really risky, but it might just work." He told Silk his plan.
On different sides of the train, they each landed on the ground. Using as much webbing as they could muster they created large slings. They throw the ends of the slings around the breaking mechanisms of the front cars then pulled with all their might. They managed to slow the train enough to avoid a collision with the power planet. The conductor then managed to stop the slowed train two miles down the line. Once again Silk and Spider-Man were heralded heroes by a grateful city. Later the proper authorities arrived, they took Shocker, Black Cat, Eddie Brock along with the symbiote remnants into custody.
Parker Residence, evening
Peter answered a knock at the front door. He wondered who it could be at this hour? When he saw who stood there he would not have been more shocked to find the Pope on his doorstep. In front of a stunned Peter stood the man, the myth, the legend SHIELD Director Nick Fury! Director Fury was dressed in a gray trench coat. A neutral expression on his dark complected face.
"Who's at the door, Pete?" Cindy asked bouncing downstairs. Her eyes grew wide when she saw Director Fury.
"May I come in young man and young lady? We have much to discuss." Nick Fury said.
"S,S,Sure," Peter stammered.
Osborn Mansion
Norman Osborn sat in his study lost in thought. He could scarcely believe what the stealth micro-drone had shown him before its demise during the train battle. That twerp Peter Parker didn't know Spider-Man he was Spider-Man and Parker's squeeze Cindy Moon was Silk. Although Norman would not have believed they were unless he had seen them suit up and then swing into action with his own eyes, in retrospect it all made perfect sense. The two were involved in the "accident" last year. No doubt they gained their extraordinary abilities from the enhanced spiders Hobgoblin so carelessly destroyed. Aside from the identity of Scarlet Spider, only one question remained. How best to utilize what he had learned?
"Peter, Peter, Peter, Cindy, Cindy, Cindy you've been holding out on me kids." Norman whispered. A sinister smile spread across his features.
To Be Continued
A special thank you to everyone who has helped make this one of my most popular stories (along with being one of the most popular Spider-Man themed tales overall). I greatly appreciate your support. Please let me know what you think of my latest chapter as well as the story overall either by leaving a review or senting me a private message.