Chapter 23

[Fairgrounds]

Peter wandered his way back toward Aunt May. Imagination swept him back along Bygone Eras' ways. He envisioned Youthful Uncle Ben leading Aunt May through Midway's booths. Perhaps, Uncle might've won a Bear with Thrown Ball. Ferris Wheel's view would've thrilled them. Popcorn and Cotton Candy offered Fair's quaint tastes. I wonder if I get Gwen onto that thing? Consideration looked over partially-constructed device.

Spider Sense jangled Warning at him.

Well, why don't ye ask the Flaxen One, Spider? Ye do have a way of muddlin' things. Don't ye? Sarcasm's barb crackled akin to Dry Leaves against his ears.

Sudden Chill dimpled his skin. Hair stood up on end. He sought cover. Ducking behind Nearby Tent, he shucked off Street Clothes and Camera. Web Shooters already sat on his wrists. Gloves pulled over them. Mask concealed Features.

Come out, Bug! There's an accountin'!

What? You don't like guys looking their best, Toots? Snappy Patter sassed through Spidey's thoughts. Thought every gal liked that! He slipped from Tent's Exit Flap and back into the open. Just let there be no people around. No people around…."

Spider-Sense screamed again.

Time to go! He jumped to Tent's Roof mere heartbeats before Dark Fire singed Grass Underfoot. He rolled his eyes under his mask. "Going for the back route? That's real sporting, Nightmare Annie!" He webbed his fists over with Treated Webbing. Let's hope this works as advertised!

Lichtenfeld phased into view. Her eyes narrowed. Hiss escaped Scowl. "Are ye daft, Boy? Ah'm a ghost! Ye canna touch me! Ah'll kill ye!" Spell after Spell streaked Skyward. Tent caught Fire. Irritation narrowed her eyes still further.

"Geez, you sure ain't Annie Oakley are ya?" He evaded Dark Bursts. "I know a great guy for glasses, ya know. Works real cheap!" Maneuvers and Bounds edged him closer to Avenging Sorceress. "Really has a…." He wound Arm and Fist up. Right Cross passed through her eye and face.

"AHHH!" She recoiled akin to really being struck. She flew back several yards disappearing through a nearby Brick Wall.

Spidey shook his head. Dave was right! This stuff really works! Still, Overconfidence wasn't going to make headway in that case. He braced himself. Anticipation knew her capabilities full well. He wouldn't take her lightly…

…especially knowing the Rider as he did….

Lichtenfeld staggered into view. Indignation and Hatred burned in her eyes. "Ye've been talkin' to mah boy an' them Pixies!" Blue Spot formed around her right eye.

"Ouch! I'd have that looked at!" Spidey winced under his mask. "I've got better things to…" He saw Cybelle and Deirdre step into view. "Hey! Welcome to the party! Nightmare Annie picked on me!"

"We saw." Cybelle arched an eyebrow. Somehow, her eyes didn't roll on that note. She turned back to Lichtenfeld. Orange Ball appeared in her hand. "Leave unless you want more."

Lichtenfeld spat at the ground. "Wait fer mah Sire, Dearie! He'll teach the Spider 'nother lesson! Ah'll have mah sport then!" Challenge flared at the Wall Crawler. She disappeared into the Noon Lit daylight.

"Ooh boy!" Spidey rubbed his forehead with Fist's underside. "Ladies, she started it. I was just trying an idea." He flipped back to ground level. "I got to get changed! Aunt May! Gwen! Mr. Stacy! If she…." Panic and Fear chilled him.

"One of our order is with your aunt. Calm yourself. She's gone." Cybelle shook her head. Hey, Bro. We had trouble here at the fair!

What? I felt Lichtenfeld over here! We're heading your way now. What happened? Dubois responded over their link.

She just attacked one of your guests! He's all right. In fact, he was very creative with that enhanced webbing. He made a pair of boxing gloves. Cybelle smirked at the Web Head.

Boxing Gloves?

Deirdre jumped in. He gave her a blue black eye. Poker Face (and Cybelle's pointed look) kept her solemn. Still, on the inside, Pride in their friend warmed her heart.

Snort escaped Dubois. Wow. The Rider's really going to want blood now. Well, I'll let the Stacys know. See you later. Maybe you should drop them off at MacLindy's? Can you ladies have salads or vegan stuff?

We can, Dave. Thank you. It will be our pleasure. See you there. Cybelle turned back to Spidey. "You can change in Althanor." She waved her hands.

Mists enveloped the trio spiriting them away….

[State Road Between Eagle Plain and Wabash's Center]

Wry Cough escaped Dubois. "Unbelievable!" He shook his head. "Well, that funny feeling was right on. I'm glad I gave Peter that powder."

Gwen stared at him. Face paled. "Peter! Mrs. Parker! Did that ghost?"

"That ghost struck at Peter?" Stacy narrowed his eyes. "How do you…?"

"The priestesses that helped him before showed up to help. Got to say the kid's creative." Dubois took a right into Wabash's center. "You're getting another chili burger, Gwen. They want to meet at MacLindy's. I can let my wife know." He parked by MacLindy's side wall. "Come on. They should be there." He got out and helped his guests to do the same.

"I hope he's all right! What is the deal with that ghost? Can't she leave anyone alone? We aren't bothering her!" Gwen tapped her fingers against her knees. She recalled Kingpin, Green Goblin and worse Doctor Octopus. She accepted Dubois' help to get out.

"Keep it down please." Dubois looked about. Despite Apparent Victory, he wasn't about to take any chances. He patted his jacket pocket. "Let's get inside. Hopefully, Brother Tony's in there." He ushered the Stacys inside.

Peter got up from a booth. He hustled over to Gwen. "You're okay! Sorry! I was worried!" He embraced her. Relief relaxed him.

"We were fine, Man o Mine. How are you?" Gwen looked Peter over head to foot. She returned the embrace. "I'm glad you had help."

"I'm glad I got away from her. She came out of nowhere." Peter squeezed her tighter. "Are you both okay?"

"We're fine, Son. Where's your Aunt May?" Stacy put his hand on Peter's shoulder. "Have you spoken to her?" He read Concern in the younger man's eyes. Twitches shook the other's hands. Face seemed flushed.

"Everything has been attended to, Sirrah." Cybelle eased herself out of the booth next. She'd swapped Robes for White Blouse, Long Blue Skirt and Matching Sweater. "Mrs. Parker is fine. We were lucky. It was dealt with. I believe you are George and Gwendolyn Stacy? I'm Cybelle Rogers, Dave's sister. That is Deirdre Dubois, his daughter." She extended her hand.

"That's right." Stacy shook her hand. Gratitude warmed his expression. "Well, I'm grateful for your assistance." Gratitude did speak truth through his words. Still, Questions persisted on how she had found Peter and brought him there so quickly.

"Thank you." Gwen shook Cybelle's hand. Is she the one who healed Peter before? I think they helped him when that Pilgrim Creep jumped him? "All hands make the plan."

"Indeed so." Cybelle put her hand out. "Shall we order? I'm sure you would like to be getting back. Deirdre and I should prepare as well." She allowed Gwen and Stacy to get in next to Peter. Then, she sat down next to niece and daughter.

That was a tense lunch to say the least…..