Chapter 11 [Cloisters]

Peter meandered through the Cloisters' exhibits. Every aspect of medieval culture touched him through the displays. Burial Reliefs, Paintings, Tapestries reminded him about people, places and themes. Detailed Craftsmanship didn't escape him either. I've never seen these things up close like this. Maybe I just wasn't paying attention. Frown accompanied Self-Chastisement's bout. Preference would've had heeded Science Exhibit's call rather than this. Mr. Dubois would love this, I'm sure. So, where's that Kyoto Exhibit? Wandering guided him toward an area in Armor's midst.

There, between two guards, a kitana reflected Sol's light. It sat under Alarm-Wired Glass…cut off and yet seen by Patrons and Guests alike. Edges dared a fight. Still, people left it more so to its own devices. Curiosity gleaned it a look and little more.

And there it is! Peter walked up to Exhibit's case. Inspection drank in Aspects and Details. He held up Press Pass for Guards' consideration. "Good afternoon, Guys. Peter Parker, Daily Bugle. I'm taking photos for a story being written about the kitana." He looked at each of the two guardians. Instinct didn't trust that they'd allow him to do so.

"Move along. Press isn't allowed yet." Guard on Left glared at Peter.

"Come on, Folks. I just need a couple of shots for the paper." Agonized Sigh escaped Peter's lips. "I do that and I'm out of the way. Two minutes. Three tops. Really quick."

"What? Are you deaf, Kid? He just told you…." Menace blazed in Guard on Right's squinted eyes. Then, Recognition stopped Threat in its tracks. His eyes widened. He and his partner stood at rigid attention. "Dr. Tuishiama?"

A slender yet fit Asian woman strode toward them. Irritation sparkled in her eyes. Frown curled in on itself. Hustle's creases marred Blue Blazer and Slacks. "Parker San may take whatever pictures he wishes. I had instructed that he was to be given access. Please allow him to do his job."

The guards stepped aside. Maybe they didn't like it. Still, Orders were orders.

Appreciation prompted Peter to nod to her. "Thanks. I appreciate it." He sized up the artifact. Camera considered different angles. Shutter snapped Distinct Viewpoints. As promised, he finished and stepped back away. "Doc, thanks for saving my assignment right there. If you need to see my pass?"

"You are fine. I remember our meeting last winter. Thank you for remembering me." She bowed to him. "I trust Stacy San and Gwen are well?"

"They're doing great. Thanks." Peter put his camera back in the case. "I'm going to see them. I just need to develop these pictures first. How's everything in Wabash?"

"Wabash is the same. Harvest has begun. They prepare for fair." She rubbed her chin. "I understand you will visit soon?" She waited for him to finish packing up his camera.

"Uh yeah. Gwen, her Dad, Aunt May and I will be coming up for the fair." He put Camera Case's strap over his shoulder. "We're still working on the transportation. Aunt May wants to enter some things for judging. I hope she does. Gwen and she are looking at some things right now."

"Hai. Angie told me. I have seen quilt upstairs at the farm. Your aunt is quite skilled. I will look forward to seeing more of her art." She pointed back toward the main gallery. "There is something in there you should see. Allow me a moment. I just need to let guards know I go with you for a few minutes." She walked over toward the guards.

She wants me to see something in there? He turned back toward the main gallery. I must've walked right past it. What could be in there? Intrigue turned his mind in several directions. Speculation led to Theory. Weird.

She walked back over. "They will watch. You will follow me." She motioned for him to do so. She led him out of that area. "There is something David and Jennifer wished you to see. I hear there was interesting conversation between you."

"That's one way of putting it." He scratched his head. Professor Dubois didn't tell her, did she? They said my secret was safe. "They both had a lot of information. I know Spider-Man appreciated it."

"Hai." She turned left. Shoes clacked against Marble Stairs. Light dimmed with each of Descent's steps. "It's kept down here." Glimpse affirmed his following her.

What's kept down here? Spider Sense offered nary a tingle. Memoria recalled their initial meeting at St. Nichol's after Professor Masters' no show. Warmth but yet Mystery enwrapped her presence. He edged his way down the stairs. He emerged into lower chamber. "This feels like a tomb."

"It was a tomb, Parker San." She held her hands out to encompass the entire chamber. "This was a monastery before Rockefellers moved it here. The monks picked new place for bodies. We have friends to meet as well."

"Hello, Peter. I hope you don't mind if I joined you?" Dubois walked toward Peter. He extended his hand. "I trust everything's all right?"

"Kind of. Gwen and I felt a little strange after yesterday. Sorry." Peter shook Dubois' hand. "Professor Dubois gave us a lot of great background. You all have a lot of history up there."

"Yes, we do. Then, though, there's heading back further. I happened to be here today so I'm glad I could run into you." Dubois released a deep sigh. "Take a look at the tapestry in front of us." He pointed toward the dark scene.

Peter studied Grimness' Motiffs across Tapestry's surface. He noted Village scene under Nocturne's starry backdrop. Most of the people remained on Art's outer fringes. Dark Creature with Red Eyes emerged from Burning Pyre. Grimace twisted his mouth. "No offense, Mr. Dubois. I'd rather go back to the kitana."

"I'm sure you would. I would rather have skipped the whole deal myself." Dubois motioned again. "That scene really happened. The other folks in that scene tried to burn me at that stake. The Destroyer emerged. That whole ordeal was brought about by our friends' ancestor, the Duchess Marguerite, high priestess to a demon."

Peter stared at Tapestry's scene one more time. "That's you?"

"Uh huh. The Rider sent me back there. France's Vendee Region, December 10, 1604. Dominicans figured on a barbeque. I flipped out. The Destroyer comes out. Storms Marguerite's fortress. Leaves her for the mob. She and her two sidekicks get to burn instead. She cursed me. I guess I'm popular." Dubois rolled his eyes. "I lost two good friends because of her stupid husband. He was a vampire by the way."

"A witch and a vampire?" Disbelief narrowed Peter's eyes. "Other than Dracula and my old sparring partner, Morbius, I'd never heard…." He shook his head. "No wonder you and…he…are the way you are." He'd let Stacy know about this. Gwen though was another matter. Gwendy's having enough trouble with our Galloping Ghost and the Rider as it is! Now, we get a multigenerational coven? Dubois was back in the past? And they tried to kill him? Are you serious?

"High Priestess but otherwise yes. Keep it down by the way. There are those who'd kill to keep this stuff under wraps." Dubois looked around. "I heard that your aunt's entering two items in the fair's judging. That's really great! From what I've heard, people are looking forward to seeing her stuff. Please let her know my wife and I appreciate it. We're looking forward to having you all up there." He took a deep breath. "I have to go. I have an appointment at a bookstore close to the village. Share a subway at least part of the way?"

"Okay sure. I have to be getting back to my apartment. The Bugle's waiting on these pictures." Peter turned to her. "Thanks…domo arighato. I hope I got that right." Sheepishness' wince creased his features.

"You are correct, Parker San. Sayōnara." She bowed to them both. Then, she turned back toward the stairs.

"You have some interesting friends, Sir. I mean that in a good way." Peter bit his lip.

"I know you did. Come on. Let's catch that train." Dubois led him toward the stairs. He shook his head at Ordeal's previous torment. Then, he hustled them out of there.

And so, it went….