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.
Small Town Spider-Man – Episode Thirty-Four: Christmas Catastrophe
By
Celgress
Suburbs of Boulder Colorado eight days before Christmas, night
"Are you Santa?" The doe eyed young girl in the frilly pink night dressed asked.
"Nah, I'm one of his helpers." Cletus Kasady said with a warm smile. He was dressed in a form fitting Santa suit minus the white hair and beard. Behind him a trace of snow drifted into the cheerfully decorated living room through the broken window Kasady had used to gain entrance. "Where are your parents munchkin? " Kasady said playfully ruffling the young girl's dark curls. "I have an extra special, early Christmas gift for them courtesy of the big guy at the North Pole himself."
"What about me? I've been oh so good this year." The young girl pouted.
"Don't fret munchkin you'll get your due, I promise." Kasady said a sinister gleam in his eyes.
"Cross your heart and hope to die?" The young girl inquired innocently.
"Cross my heart and hope to die." Kasady repeated cutting an x with his fingers through the air above his chest. "Now let's go find your folks." Kasady gripped the young girl's small hand. "Lead the way munchkin."
"They'll be so surprised." The young girl said skipping towards the stairs Kasady in tow.
"You don't know the half of it." Kasady smirked.
Ten minutes later Kasady, his face and Santa suite now speckled with blood, stood over a young couple securely tied to two adjacent bedposts, the grinning maniac paced back and forth in front of them. The Wife was crying hysterically. The Husband glared at Kasady tracing the intruder's every move with his eyes.
"Nice kid you had." Kasady said bending he picked up the now red stained frilly pink nightdress off the floor. Inhaling the fragrance deeply Kasady tossed the garment aside. "She was real sweet."
"You monster," The Husand said angrily.
"What's that you want to see a monster?" Kasady mocked standing in front of the Husband. "Ask ye shall receive." Kasady's Santa suit was rapidly replaced by the frightening form of Carnage. "Alright up which orifice should I stick my tendrils first?"
"Leave my wife alone!" The Husband yelled.
"Who said anything about her pal?" Carnage said crouching in front of the Husband his left hand on the Husband's chin. With inhuman strength Carnage forced the Husband's mouth open. A large harpoon shaped tendril slithered from his chest making a beeline straight for the Husband's maw. "Open wide here I come."
Cider Falls Mall seven days before Christmas, evening
Mary Jane Watson frowned. No Peter wouldn't like it she thought placing the headphones back on their display. MJ was finding buying her boyfriend a Christmas gift far more difficult than usual this year. What do you buy a superhero?
Mary Jane knew what Peter desired most. He wanted her by his side while he fought crime. However she wasn't ready. Unlike Peter she didn't enjoy constantly putting herself in danger even for the benefit of others. What if she got hurt? Worse what if she got killed? Her mother would be left alone. Mary Jane couldn't do that to her mother. Not after what her father had done to them both.
Continuing her quest Mary Jane sighed heavily browsing through the latest movie releases. She wondered what her life after high school would be like. She loved Peter deeply, but she feared for their future together. She vividly remembered both Peter's recent severe beating at the hands of Scorpion and his confinement by the Chameleon. She pictured endless nights of watching the clock praying Peter would arrive home unscathed. Could she live that type of life? Did she want to live that type of life? What about their children? What sort of life would they have? Mary Jane had always wanted to have a house full of kids. Now she was reconsidering her stance. Was it fair bringing innocent children into the complicated mess her and Peter's life would no doubt be? Perhaps she could talk to Gwen about her worries? Gwen and Eddie will face the same hurdles as her and Peter. Mary Jane was lost in thought, only subconsciously aware of the insistent buzzing in the back of her skull, when a familiar voice whispered in her ear.
"Hello Mary Jane. I haven't forgotten what you and your boyfriend did to my family, happy holidays." Mary Jane spun around confronting a smiling Lily Osborn. "Aw did I frighten you?" Lily said with mock sympathy.
"Leave me alone Mrs. Osborn." Mary Jane said leaving the electronics store in a flustered state.
"Here I thought you'd be happy to see me?" Lily said perusing Mary Jane out into the throng of shoppers.
"Why would I be?" Mary Jane snapped.
"Temper, temper," Lily admonished falling in lockstep with the teenager. "I thought you'd be grateful I've let you and your family live in peace. I could have lied gone after you in secret, kids today."
Mary Jane froze she whispered. "My mother has nothing to do with this. She doesn't even know what I am. Why would threaten her? What do you want from me?"
"Justice, however I'll temporarily content myself with your continual suffering." Lily said softly.
"I'm telling Chief Stacey…" Mary began only to be cut off.
"Tell him what? I threatened you. Don't make me laugh. Mary Jane dear if I wanted to harm you or your mother do you truly believe the police could stop me, bye." Lily finished swiftly walking away.
Mary Jane was dumbstruck. She could hardly believe her own ears. After two months of calm Lily Osborn had blatantly threatened her and her month. Should she tell Chief Stacey what Lily had done? No it would only make matters worse. It was unlikely Chief Stacey could arrest Lily for her actions. Even if he did Lily would surely retaliate in some terrible way against her and her mother. Letting Peter know would result if anything in more trouble. He'd want to personally confront Lily. The result would no doubt be another physical fight between the two.
Deeply upset by the unexpected encounter Mary Jane wondered aimlessly through the mall. By the time she reached the food court the supper rush was in full swing. Standing in front of an outside door Mary Jane felt her warning sense tingle for the second time that evening. Moving away from the doorway she narrowly avoided getting caught in a shower of broken glass. A red & blue shape flew through the air crashing into the nearest, thankfully, vacant table. It took Mary Jane a moment to recognize the prone form was Peter! Spider-Man groaned. He picked himself up from the now broken table dusty several fragments off his costume. Scanning his surroundings Spider-Man's eyes briefly locked with Mary Jane's. Their stare was broken by a high pitched whirring and an insane cackle.
The Hobgoblin swooped through the ruined door heading towards Spider-Man. Hobgoblin was followed by a pale skinned, man wearing a green jumpsuit with yellow lightning decals running down the arms, legs and across the chest with a jagged edged, yellow star shaped combination hood/face mask. The brightly dressed newcomer shot a stream of what looked like lightning at Spider-Man from his fingertips while Hobgoblin bombarded the wall crawler with pumpkin bombs from the air. Spider-Man skillfully avoided the dual attack.
"Better clear out people!" Spider-Man yelled at the food court customers over the din of battle. "Things are about to get real ugly between Hobby, Lightning Bug and I. That includes you miss." Spider-Man finished again looking directly at Mary Jane.
"Hey the name's Electro insect, don't you forget it." Electro said directing another surge of lightning in Spider-Man's direction.
"No one appreciates a good pun anymore," Spider-Man lamented cartwheeling out of the way.
The crowd didn't need any further prodding. They stampeded to safety fast as their legs would carry them. Only Mary Jane remained behind riveted to the spot. Mary Jane was unsure of herself. What should she do? On the one hand she felt she should honor Peter's wish and get to safety. On the other hand she could tell Peter was struggling against two powerful opponents bent on his destruction. Could she leave him to his own devices? She hadn't brought her Arachnia uniform, or web shooters. What if somebody saw her assisting Spider-Man?
"Get out of here, now." Spider-Man said pushing her away from the battle zone nearly getting caught by a pumpkin bomb in the process.
"You should worry about yourself first and the dimwitted civilians second Spider-Man." Hobgoblin taunted holding another pumpkin bomb in his right hand.
"The poor girl isn't dimwitted she's scared of your ugly mug. The sight of you paralyzed her with fear." Spider-Man fired back.
"Foolish adolescent," Hobgoblin said. "I grow weary of your childish banter, prepare to die!"
Hobgoblin threw his pumpkin bomb at Spider-Man who caught it in midair with a strand of webbing. Next Spider-Man swung the Pumpkin bomb and web line like a makeshift ball & chain releasing the explosive projectile at Electro. The impact of the pumpkin bomb caused Electro to misfire his lightning into Hobgoblin's glider, shorting out the sensitive electronic guidance system, instead of the intended target Spider-Man. The explosion of the pumpkin bomb knocked Electro back a dozen feet.
"Curse you Spider-Man!" Hobgoblin said his sputtering glider careening out of control. Hobgoblin jumped onto the floor. The sparking glider slammed into a burger joint setting the grease in the back on fire.
Hobgoblin squared off against Spider-Man. Hobgoblin threw a few sloppy punches that Spider-Man easily blocked. Spider-Man countered with a left body blow followed by a right cross to Hobgoblin's masked face. Hobgoblin stumbled back a few steps. Spider-Man then delivered a jump kick to Hobgoblin's midsection which left Hobgoblin wobbling.
"Darn Hobby you've lost a couple steps since we last tangled. I recommend more time in the gym." Spider-Man said.
"Fry pest," A revived Electro shouted from somewhere off to the right, the enraged artificial mutant directing torrents of lightning at the web slinger.
Spider-Man rolled out of the way. The blast of raw energy missed it's target. Instead the lightning flowed into the area around the already burning store front. It turned a smoldering grease fire into a massive electrically based blaze. In a matter of seconds the food court virtually exploded into a raging inferno. Dense black smoke filled the area blotting out the flickering overhead lights. Choking on the noxious fumes a coughing Spider-Man groped his way towards the exit.
Outside Spider-Man was greeted by a crowd of anxious onlookers, frightened customers, unsure security guards and Chief Stacey who had just pulled up in a patrol car. Gasping for breath underneath his mask Spider-Man steadied himself against a wall, glancing through the cluster of humanity he was relieved to find Mary Jane deep concern etched on her face. Pushing off the wall Spider-Man approached the police.
"Good night officers." Spider-Man managed between coughs.
"Hello Spider-Man you're in rough shape what happened in there?" Chief Stacey asked.
"Oh the usual, a pair of super powered wackos took their holiday celebrations too far. You know how it is." Spider-Man said his coughs lessening over time.
"Cute," One of the three uniformed officers with Chief Stacey muttered rolling his eyes.
"Did one of them happen to be the Hobgoblin by any chance?" Chief Stacey said ignoring his officer's off the cuff remark.
"Now that you mention it, yeah Hobby was flying around again being a nuisance." Spider-Man said.
"Please tell me you unmasked that SOB?" Chief Stacey grunted.
"I wish." Spider-Man said shaking his head ruefully. "This guy, whoever he may be, is slipperier than an eel."
"Don't worry Spider-Man he'll eventually make a mistake, the last one did." Chief Stacey said.
"I sincerely hope so Chief Stacey." Spider-Man said his cough all but gone now. The shirking of oncoming emergency vehicles filled the night.
"That's my cue." Spider-Man said. "See you around Chief. And he declared as he swung out of sight, a Merry Christ to all and to all a good night." Spider-Man jumped onto the outside wall of the mall he scurried away into the darkness.
On his way home Spider-Man noticed Bugle assistant editor and ace reporter Ned Leeds interviewing people. Spider-Man didn't remember seeing Leeds in the Mall. How had Leeds reached the scene this quickly? Chalking it up to good luck Spider-Man soon let the matter slip his mind.
Parker Residence six days before Christmas, morning
"Carnage in Colorado Day Three, at this hour authorities are continuing their state wide search for infamous, super powered serial killer Cletus Kasady aka Carnage. Since escaping from the ultra-maximum security meta human/mutant correctional facility known as the Vault under mysterious circumstances three days ago Carnage has claimed fourteen confirmed victims and several speculated others. Be advised the following images are very graphic."
The Stark News anchor's image disappeared being replaced by a series of still shots detailing a gruesome crime scene. One showed a ruined sneaker. Another photo showed a mauled doll. Scrawled across a wall in elegant, bloody letters were the words – "Carnage was here, have a merry Christmas."
"How terrible," Aunt May said covering her mouth as she flipped the channel.
"Wait Aunt May turn back." I said. "I was watching that."
"Whatever for," Aunt May said eyeing me curiously.
"I…."
"Peter made the local news again." Reilly teased slamming the front door behind him.
"Reilly hush," Aunt May warned from her position on the sofa. "What if Keith hears?"
"Don't worry Aunt May he went into town fifteen minutes ago, said he wanted beef jerky or something." Reilly said slapping the latest edition of the Bugle down on the coffee table. In bold letters the headline read – "Spider-Man ruins Christmas; vandalizes local shopping center says multiple witnesses."
"What the hell," I blurted out grapping the paper. I skimmed through the article. The entire piece concerned the battle at the mall however it glossed over Hobgoblin's and the new bad guy Electro's involvement and blamed the whole episode on me! It was filled with people claiming I'd spoiled their holidays by shutting down the mall during the holiday shopping season. Amongst them were many parents in the valley who complained that because of yours truly their children might not receive the gifts they wanted in time for Christmas.
"Language Peter," Aunt May chastised.
"Jameson got you good cousin." Reilly said holding his stomach while nearly falling on the floor in a fit of laughter.
"Shut up Reilly!" I snapped dropping the paper back on the table.
"Hey it isn't my fault." Reilly continued laughing.
"Peter, Reilly stop your squabbling." Aunt May said in a commanding voice.
"Sorry Aunt May, but he started it." I grumbled.
"Sorry Aunt May." Reilly said wiping the tears from his face. "You've got to admit Peter as the Grinch is a pretty funny image."
"What in blue blazes are you talking about?" Aunt May wanted to know.
"Look on page three." Reilly giggled.
Aunt May opened the paper. Sure enough there in black & white was a full page image of the Grinch wearing a Spider-Man mask and a Santa hat while stealing a Christmas tree. In all honesty I would have found it hilarious if it had represented any other public figure.
"Oh my," Aunt May said trying hard to suppress a chuckle of her own at the absurd image.
"I hate J. Johan Jameson." I said barely under my breath folding my arms across my chest.
"Peter you shouldn't say such things." Aunt May said.
"Why he hates me." I said.
"Dude Mr. Jameson hates everyone." Reilly said sitting down on the sofa between Aunt May and me.
"Reilly don't," Aunt May said.
"Why not its' true, he'll say so himself just ask him." Reilly said unabated.
"Reilly's right Jameson is prejudice, and a nasty old man to boot." I said.
"Ah I see." Aunt May said. "Have either of wondered why Mr. Jameson feels the way he does?"
"His wife was killed by a masked mutant." I said having heard the general story my entire life.
"Peter do you remember how you felt when Norman Osborn killed Uncle Ben as the Green Goblin. You told me it was the primary reason you became a dedicated crime fighter." Aunt May said. "Imagine how you'd feel if there was nothing you could do to honor Uncle Ben's memory and prevent such tragedies in the future. The same goes for you Reilly. You two are blessed with the power to make a difference. You'll likely never know the complete helplessness an average man such as Jameson feels following the cold blooded murder of someone you love. Remember boys don't judge another until you've walked a mile in their shoes."
I felt horrible. "I see what you mean Aunt May."
"Me too," Reilly said.
"You boys must always remember what your Uncle Ben use to say. 'With great power comes great responsibility'. There will always be those blinded by hatred. They are more to be pitied than anything else." Aunt May said. "If I teach you one lesson let it be this. Vengeance begets one nothing but a vicious cycle of further vengeance. Every life is precious."
After hearing Aunt May's speech I knew what I must do. Given the situation in truth it was the only thing I could do. I only hoped Aunt May, MJ and everyone would understand.
Watson Residence, two hours later
"You're doing what?" Mary Jane said incredulously. We were in her bedroom so we could have a private discussion while MJ's mother watched TV downstairs.
"I'm going after Carnage starting tomorrow." I said. "I've already booked my flight to his last known whereabouts, Denver."
"Why Peter?" Mary Jane said. "I thought we'd spent Christmas break together same as always."
"Because I have to stop him," I reasoned. "If I wasn't for me separating Flash from the original nano suite when I did Kasady would never have been exposed to the nanites. There would be no Carnage. Don't you see MJ I have a responsibility here."
"What about your responsibility to your family, your friends to me?" MJ said sitting down on her bed. "Good god Peter I've almost watched you get kill twice in the past month. Do you have any idea how helpless I felt watching you in mortal danger knowing if I helped you I'd only make matters worse? Do you care?"
"Why do you always ask me that?" I said throwing up my hands.
"Because at times like this I wonder," MJ said. "I think playing superhero is more important to you than anything else, including us. Face it Peter you're addicted."
"I'm not." I said defensively. "You act as if I'm a drunk, a junkie or a compulsive gambler. Don't confuse me with your father. I'm in control of my life."
"How dare you." Mary Jane said. Getting up she slapped me hard across the face.
I realized my mistake right away. "MJ I'm sorry."
"Get out," Mary Jane said her voice icy.
"MJ please listen…." I tried to reason with her.
"Go play superhero in Colorado if you must just don't expect me to be waiting for you when make that if you come back, now leave." Mary Jane said opening her bedroom door.
Sensing a continued argument was pointless I grabbed my coat and left. On the way out the front door Maddie Watson asked me if everything was okay, she'd heard our raised voice. I lied telling her everything was fine. What else could I say? Leaving the house I headed home. My flight out of New York City departed early in the morning. After packing I said my goodbyes to the family, including a perplexed Keith, and hit the road. I'd have to drive most of the night to make the airport in time. I hoped my special equipment made it pass the screeners.
Tulsa Oklahoma
Frank Castle better known as the infamous bounty hunter Punisher meticulously cleaned his sniper rifle in a seedy hotel room. He'd fulfilled his current contract by killing the members of a local notorious drug gang that afternoon. Watching the evening news on the small TV in his dingy room one news item in particular caught his attention. The story detailed the escape and three day long Colorado killing spree of Carnage.
Making a snap decision Castle started packing up his gear. The weather was currently good and Colorado was only a day away by clear roads. True he usually gave priority to contracted bounties, however there were exceptions. Examining the faded, heavily creased wallet sized portrait he took with him everywhere of his late wife and son Castle packed more energetically. Yes some things were more important than money. Terminating a bottom feeding, slime sucking demon like Carnage was one of them.
Truck Stop outside Denver Colorado five days before Christmas, early morning
"All the so called experts want to talk about is how dangerous this freak in a fancy gimp suite is." A state trooper at the front counter said to his partner. "If we cross paths he's history, no questions asked."
"Yeah," the second state trooper agreed.
"Is that so Mr. Trooper," said a red haired man wearing a baseball cap and eating a sandwich next to the first trooper. "Think you can take ol' Carnage, huh? Well buddy today's your lucky, or rather unlucky day." The red haired man's clothing turned red and black. A large, razor sharp boomerang of material flew off the hat cleanly separating the first trooper's head from his shoulders, blood spilled all over the counter, stools and floor. "Chop, chop clean up the mess people, its' unsanitary." Carnage laughed hopping off the stool.
"You're history creature," said the second state trooper leaping to his feet and drawing his service pistol.
"Please, don't flatter yourself." Carnage said calmly covering the few steps between them in a matter of seconds.
"I'm warning you, stay back!" the second trooper said his hands shaking.
Carnage lurched forward biting the gun in half. He chewed it up then swallowed loudly. "Crunchy, Carnage likes," Next Carnage ripped out the second trooper's throat with his fangs, spitting out the viscera on the floor. "Yuck, too bacony," He complained, turning his attention towards the terrified patrons. "Who's next on the menu?"
Denver International Airport, early afternoon
I had an easier time getting my stuff through screening than I thought. Turns out the trick was wearing most of it under my street clothes. Luckily my web shooters have a lot of plastic in them so they didn't set off the metal detectors.
I hate that MJ is so mad at me during the holidays. I can't blame her though. Maybe I am an addict? Do I really put my heroics before those I love? If so it isn't fair putting them in that situation. Do I truly want happiness? Am I punishing myself for my roles in Uncle Ben's and the Wilsons' deaths by denying myself a normal life? Wow it would appear I have some deep issues I need to work through. Now to find Carnage so I can get home in time for Christmas, I owe everyone who cares about me that much. Where to start my search?
"The serial killer known as Carnage struck again today. The escaped meta human viciously slaughtered the breakfast crowd at a local truck stop just outside the City. Amongst the latest victims were two on duty state troopers. No pattern has yet been discerned in the brutal crimes. Authorities remain baffled. In other news…."
Hmmm, why are you staying put? Why haven't you pulled up stakes yet? What is here in Colorado you find so interesting Carnage? I thought after seeing the news bulletin on the overhead TV set. I thought all your crimes were random. I must be missing some vital piece of information, but what? Its' high time I did a little research on Cletus Kasady's background.
Aerospace Firm, evening
In a dark office sat a young African American man wearing glasses and clad in a grey, three piece business suit. He poured himself another shot of scotch, his fifth drink in the past hour, downing it quickly. Glancing at the wall clock mounted above his desk he removed a revolver from a drawer. Checking that the gun was load he spun the chamber around.
"Billy if you think that peashooter can stop me you're crazier than I am." Carnage said stepping out of the shadows.
"Somehow, I knew you'd come." William "Billy" Davdage said.
"Put the toy away Billy, trust me you won't need it." Carnage said.
"Don't you get it? The gun isn't for you Cletus its' for me." William said. Carnage said nothing. "When we were kids I saved you from drowning back in Chicago, remember?"
"Of course I do. We were best friends growing up, in spite of the age difference." Carnage said not moving a muscle. "Even though you were four years older than me we always looked out for each other."
"A few years later I heard how you burnt down that girls' orphanage when you were sixteen because a fourteen year old girl who lived there wouldn't go out with you. Forty people died including the girl that turned you down Cletus." William said.
"Those bitches had it coming." Carnage said angrily.
"Every murder you've committed is on my hands." William said tears in his eyes.
"Why because you saved me Billy," Carnage said.
"No because I couldn't save you spiritually. I couldn't prevent your inner darkness taking over. I saw it happening, you slipping further day after day yet I could do nothing." William said placing the gun against his temple. "I've told you why I'm here, now return the favor. Why are you here Cletus? I thought you didn't target those you know?"
"Exactly everyone expects my killings to be strictly random. By changing things up every now and then I keep people guessing. Thus I retain my unpredictability." Carnage explained with a flourish of his arms and withering tendrils. One of the tendrils swatted the gun out of William's hand. "Now, now I can't have you spoiling my fun."
"Clever," Spider-Man said curb stomping Carnage from the ceiling.
"You," Carnage growled regaining his footing. "I won't let you ruin my fun either spider guy. This time you're a shish kabob."
Carnage let loose a swarm of darts at me. Avoiding the deadly daggers I snagged a heavy chair with one of my web lines and threw. Carnage shredded the chair with ease.
"Is that all you've got you pathetic loser?" Carnage laughed.
"Not at all Mr. Grumpy," I said shooting a stream of incendiary webbing at Carnage which I lit on fire with a liter before he could rip it off.
"Aiiiiieeeee," Carnage squealed in pain the parts of his suite touched by the flames melted away only to regenerate momentarily. "I've had more than enough of meddling do-gooders getting in my way!" Carnage screamed charging towards me.
"Run," I told William a split second before Carnage knocked the wind out of me.
The force of Carnage's charge carried us through the flimsy walls of three offices. Carnage wrapped two tendrils around my neck. Lifting me off my feet he flung me my through a fifth story window.
While free falling I had time to think. What the hell am I doing with my life? I'm sure the vast majority of sixteen year olds are either home enjoying their holiday vacation right now or on a Christmas trip with their families. Here I am tangling with a bloodthirsty psychopath.
Shooting out a web line I caught part of the building slowing my descent. Swinging in a wide arch I landed on the side of the building. In the mainly deserted parking lot below something caught my eye. It was a dark van with a strange machine gun like symbol painted on the side. Where had I seen that symbol before? After a minute of racking my brain it came to me, Frank Castle the Punisher used such a symbol! Following MJ's abduction I'd extensively researched Castle's operation should he ever target me or my associates again. What was Punisher doing here? I better find out. This could be trouble, correction greater trouble. Landing on the ground I cautiously approached the van. Peering inside I saw it was empty. Punisher must be inside. No doubt we're after the same prize Carnage, perfect. It never rains but it pours.
When I found Punisher he was already fighting Carnage. Their intense battle had carried them down to the second floor. The office building itself looked trashed. Punisher threw a primed grenade at Carnage who batted it into a nearby room. An explosion occurred an instant later. Punisher and Carnage both ignored it continuing their confrontation.
"Mined if I join the party," I said. My distraction caused the next grenade to explode in Carnage's face propelling him away from us.
"I don't need, or want, any help." Punisher said following up his successful attack with a spray of machine gun fire.
"Gee thanks, way to make a guy feel appreciated." I said hitting Carnage square in his chest with a couple capsules of impact webbing. Caught off guard again Carnage ended up encased in a cocoon struggling on the floor. "I reinforced the formulation especially for enemies like you Carny." I declared standing triumphantly over him.
"I'll take it from here armature." Punisher said muscling passed me. He removed from his backpack a device that closely resembled a small, military green propane tank with wires and a digital timer attached to it's side by grey putty.
"What the heck is that?" I asked scratching my head through the mask.
"The end of Carnage," Punisher said activating the timer. It read two minutes. He sat the device next to Carnage.
"Its' a bomb," I squeaked realization dawning on me.
"And a big one, it'll easily eradicate this entire floor." Punisher said proudly. "It uses military grade hardware; white phosphorus along with plastic explosive."
"Uh, uh no way," I said. "You're not killing anyone on my watch Punisher, not even him." I pointed at the still struggling Carnage.
"I knew you were soft." Punisher said. "Let's do this pal no toys, no trick may the best man win."
"If you insist," I said.
"I do." Punisher said activating the countdown with a small remote he then crushed underfoot. "You got two minutes better make them count."
Punisher grabbed a hold of my shoulders. I did the same. The two of us then locked up. We grappled around the home. In spite of being stronger I couldn't gain any lasting advantage. At once point Punisher head butted me. I returned the favor. Every time I tried to make for the bomb Punisher would intercept me. I was massively tempted to use my web shooters. Fear of Punisher retaliating with his extensive arsenal precluded such a course of action. Carnage had long since freed himself from my webbing cocoon. He stood watching us in the corner, otherwise doing nothing. I could see there was less than a minute left on the time. This stalemate couldn't continue. Remembering a technique Master Shang-Chi had recently taught me I faked high went low. Knocking Punisher off his feet I fluidly snapped his head back with an open palm strike rendering him unconscious. I webbed him up. Hey it seems I'd learned a few new tricks after all. Guess my time spent at the Dojo hasn't been a total lose. With only forty seconds left I turned my full attention to the bomb.
"No," Carnage said tackling me sending me spinning head over heels across the room. "This is better than I dreamed. We all go out together. I'm the only one who'll get what he wants. I won't let you ruin such a deliciously macabre spectacle."
Out of nowhere William Davdage came yelling. He jumped into Carnage from behind. The two landed near the bomb.
"Get out while you still can!" William said emptying his revolver into Carnage's torso at point blank range. The timer read twenty seconds remaining.
"What about you?" I yelled.
"I'm dead already, go plea…." William never finished his sentence a group of tendrils formed an axe like implement bisected William at the waist.
Seeing I was out of time and not wanting William's sacrifice to be in vain. I quickly scooped up Punisher. I ran away from the scene fast as I could.
"Come back here!" Carnage said giving chase. "I'm not finished with you or your rinky dink town!"
I hurdled myself through a window at the end of the hall. Behind me a tongue of flame licked the night sky. An hour later The firefighters located an extremely weak Cletus Kasady, his nano suite disintegrated by the intense heat. They also found charred body of one William Davdage, a true hero.
Three hours later from a hill overlooking the site I watched the slowly dying flames. I'd done what I'd come to do. So why did I feel empty inside. I shivered in the cold Rocky Mountain night.
"Hey kid thanks for pulling my ass out of the fire, literally, back there and watching over me until I came to my senses. You know what you're alright." Punisher said slapping me on the back. He'd been calling me 'kid' rather than 'pal' ever since I'd rescued him. "Where you headed kid?"
"Back to my home town of Cider Falls, NY," I answered. "You know the place where you kidnapped my girlfriend."
"Yeah about that, sorry kid," Punisher said struggling for words. I could tell he wasn't a people person. "Look there is a major snowstorm brewing in the midsection of the country, all the flights are either canceled or going to be soon. I'm heading back east myself. I can take you far as New York City. If you plan on being home in time for Christmas Day, I'm your best bet. What say you kid, want to ride the holiday roads with me." Punisher extended his hand.
"I know I'll regret this, sure why not." I said shaking his hand. "Who knows, we might have fun?"
"That's the spirit kid." Punisher said giving me another slap on my back. "I'll gas the machine up and we'll be on our way." What have I gotten myself into?
Cider Falls three days before Christmas, afternoon
"Did you miss me babe." Eddie said standing on Gwen's doorstep a lopsided, goofy grin on his face.
"Eddie you're home, you made it." Gwen said literally jumping into Eddie's arms.
"Of course I made it. I'd never dream of missing our first Christmas together as a couple." Eddie said swinging Gwen through the air. "In fact I plan on making it one we'll never forget." Eddie said putting Gwen down. Puzzled Gwen watched Eddie get down on one knee. Opening a small, black velvet box he produced from his coat pocket Eddie. "Gwen will you do me the honor of being my wife."
"How can you ask me that?" Gwen said with a giggle noting the downcast look on Eddie's face. "The answer is yes of course you big lug, assuming Dad is okay with it. I'm still technically underage you know. I had you going there for a minute?"
"Yeah you did." Eddie said in relief slipping the diamond ring on Gwen's finger.
"C'mon let's go tell Dad." Gwen said grabbing Eddie by the arm pulling him inside behind her.
Jackal's Secret Laboratory two days before Christmas
Jackal and Hobgoblin had been busy. The terrible duo had spent the week recruiting two more young latent mutants; William Baker who showed genes for the elemental power of geological manipulation and Mark Raxton whose ability appeared heat based. Together with Electro the pair would make a formidable team. Only one potential mutant remained of Hobgoblin's and Jackal's top four picks. A struggling drama student named Quentin Beck who was in Europe until after the holidays. Beck's biological profile showed a potential inherent psychic ability akin to the X-Men, or X-Women in this case, Jean Grey.
Once the team was complete and properly trained Hobgoblin would then start the next phase of his plan the elimination of the Walter Wilson Fisk the secret regional Kingpin of crime by instigating the first gang war in the history of Cider Falls between his forces and those of Fisk. A gang war Hobgoblin fully intended to win, by any means necessary. Those who had caused his suffering would pay dearly, as Kingsley had. If anyone got in the way of his vengeance, such as Spider-Man and his allies, they'd suffer similar fates. No one would deny him his rightful payback. The stars shall quake and the gods themselves shall hide from his horrible wrath!
Parker Residence one day before Christmas, evening
"Isn't it beautiful?" Gwen asked flashing her ring at Mary Jane.
"You mean, you two are officially engaged?" Mary Jane said.
"You know it girlfriend." Gwen smiled. The two best friends embraced jumping up and down excitedly they could barely contain their joy.
"Where's my little bro?" Eddie said seeing Peter wasn't anywhere in sight.
"You're guess is good as ours Eddie." Mary Jane said breaking her embrace with Gwen.
"Colorado, I think." Reilly yelled from the living room. He and Kitty Pride, who like Eddie had time off for Christmas, were watching a holiday special.
"What's he doing in Colorado?" Eddie asked confused.
"I'll tell you later." Mary Jane said dourly. "Eddie have you haven't met Peter's long lost, older brother Keith yet." Mary Jane mouthed 'I'll explain when we're alone'.
Keith came out of the living room. "We need more chips. Reilly and his girlfriend can sure put them away its' like their each eating for two, or maybe three, sumo wrestlers."
"Hey, we heard that." Kitty and Reilly said in unison, everyone laughed. "Hi, I'm Keith by the way you must be Eddie. I've heard a lot about you."
"Likewise," Eddie fibbed shaking Keith's hand.
"I hear you're in the military, with your eye on joining the Special Forces." Keith said.
"Guilty on both counts," Eddie said.
"Lucky dog, I hope someday after I fully recover to join up either that or be a UFC fighter." Keith said. "You into watching mixed martial arts by any chance?"
"Hell yeah," Eddie said. "It is one of my passions."
"Cool, I think we're going to get along nicely." Keith said with a genuine smile.
"Eddie, Gwen hello," Aunt May said entering the kitchen, "Eddie when did you arrive in town?"
"A couple of days ago." Eddie said.
"We're engaged Mrs. Parker." Gwen said unable to contain herself any longer.
"What wonderful news." Aunt May said. "I assume your father has given his blessing?"
"He did after a great deal of coaxing." Gwen admitted. "He made us promise to wait until I graduate high school."
"A wise decision," Aunt May said staring out one of the kitchen windows.
"Worried about Peter huh?" Gwen said.
"I'm sure he'll make it back by Christmas." Eddie said. "If the past two years have taught me anything it is that my unofficial little bro can take care of himself. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about."
"I hope you're right Eddie." Aunt May said. Outside the first fat snowflakes heralding the advertised Christmas Blizzard were falling heavily.
Christmas Day, noon
"Thanks Mr. Leeds." I said getting out of the jeep by my driveway. Slinging my backpack over my shoulder I started up the long, snowy path.
"Don't mention it Peter, have a merry Christmas." Ned Leeds said. "Think about what I said. I've seen your photography blog, you're good a true natural. We could use a young man with your talent at the Bugle."
"I'll consider it, merry Christmas Mr. Leeds! Tell your wife I'm sorry I kept you out on these nasty roads so long." I shouted over my shoulder as Ned pulled away waving. Ned was a great guy. I might have taken him up on his offer if Jameson didn't own the paper. I couldn't picture myself calling that bigot boss.
Trudging through the knee deep snow, courtesy of the major winter storm that had ravaged the Easter two thirds of the nation, I took the last few arduous steps home. Reaching the door I all about fell inside. I was greeted by a chorus of cheers.
"Peter you made it." MJ said hugging me.
"It wasn't easy." I admitted. Now that was an understatement I thought.
"Why on Earth were you in Colorado anyway?' Keith said. The others went silent.
Luckily I had picked up presents in Colorado, including one very special gift. "To get this," I said sitting my ice encrusted backpack on the kitchen table. Opening the front compartment I carefully removed a small, blue box. Opening it I revealed a silver necklace with an eternity pedant on it; two hearts entwined as one. "Mary Jane I'm sorry we fought. I'm a pigheaded fool."
"Ain't that the truth." Reilly teased.
"Reilly, hush," Aunt May admonished my loud mouthed cousin.
"I hope you can forgive me. Mary Jane this is yours' please accept it in lieu of a promise ring."
MJ gasped both hands covering her mouth. "Peter its' lovely, do you mean?"
"Yup, Mary Jane Watson I love you now and forever." I said placing the pedant around her neck. We kissed deeply as our audience of family and friends applauded. All things considered it couldn't have been a better Christmas.
To Be Continued