Disclaimer: This is the final chapter and it has been a blast. Of course, I still don't own the rights to Spider-Man, but I can't grieve forever. After this, I'm gonna find the jackass who threw that rock at my head.
Chapter XV
Moving On
Spider-Man escorted Ashley to the window of her apartment. Both were generally still stinging after the events at Oscorp. In essence, Ashley was probably more stunned following the defeat of Carnage and the subsequent, and unexpected departure of Venom. Spider-Man didn't really know how to feel. It was a mixed bag of emotions for him. Spider-Man opened the window so Ashley could get through into the apartment but Ashley stalled. Spider-Man could sense that her mind was racing. Ashley wiped a tear from her face at glanced at Spider-Man.
"I wish I could've been able to help him." Ashley finally said.
Spider-Man sighed, "I think you did, in a way."
"Maybe," Ashley said. "I guess Eddie couldn't bear to live like a monster. I pray that wherever he is, he's found some semblance of peace."
Spider-Man was silent for a moment, and then said, "I hope so too, doctor. More than you know."
As Spider-Man prepared to leave, Ashley said, "I don't want to accuse you of anything, but is it true? Did you have some role in ruining Eddie's life?"
Spider-Man hung his head. If only Ashley knew. "I some ways, I am responsible. That's something I'll have to live with, and believe me; I'm learning to live with a lot of things."
Ashley nodded and without another word, Spider-Man swung off into the distance. Ashley quickly slipped all the way into her home and watched Spider-Man disappear into the night. Spider-Man was thinking about a lot of things, and too many things at one time. All he wanted to do now was return home to be with Mary Jane and their unborn child. At the same time, Spider-Man couldn't shake the feeling that he hadn't seen the last of Venom. Venom may very well have been Spider-Man greatest rival, but in the very end, he proved to his greatest ally.
Nine months later, it finally happened. Peter rushed through Manhattan General as he being chased by Wile E. Coyote. According to the receptionist he'd met earlier, Mary Jane was being kept in Room 341. Aunt May promised to watch her until Peter could get there. Peter would've been there sooner if it weren't for his latest run-in with Shocker. Peter found aunt May standing outside of Mary Jane's room.
"Aunt May, I'm here."
"Peter," aunt May exclaimed as she embraced Peter. "She's resting comfortably and waiting for you."
Peter pulled away and breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks for keeping an eye on her."
May chuckled. "We're family, Peter, and it was the least I could do. Now, get in there. They're waiting for you."
Peter nodded and started into the room. He found Mary Jane resting in a hospital bed, with the sun shining through the window. She looked absolutely exhausted from the ordeal of birth, and yet so peaceful. Peter noticed a small object wrapped in a blanket held in Mary Jane's arms. Mary Jane began to stir ever so slightly from her slumber and noticed Peter standing in the doorway. She smiled as Peter quietly sat down at her bedside.
"Hi!" Peter whispered.
"Hi," MJ whispered back, and she finally revealed the new addition to the Parker family. "It's a girl!"
A baby girl! Peter had to take her in his arms. She was adorable, her eyes were closed and she made very subtle movements. It was all Peter could do to keep himself from crying. Mary Jane never stopped smiling even as Peter returned the baby to her. Aunt May stood in the doorway, also smiling at the sight. Peter leaned in a little closer and hugged Mary Jane gently as they watched their newborn baby girl wiggle her digits. Mary Jane looked to be ready to cry, as was Peter.
"What should we call her?" MJ asked.
Peter had to think about that, even looking at aunt May for some advice. "We could name her after your aunt?"
"After my aunt, no," Mary Jane exclaimed. "Let's name her after yours; let's call her May."
Peter smiled even wider that he thought he could manage. "Okay, May it is; May Parker."
Mary Jane smiled as Peter leaned in and kissed his wife, and then kissed little May Parker on her forehead. May continued to wiggle around in the blanket as her parents looked on. It was truly the happiest moment of their collective lives. Without question, Peter felt in his heart that uncle Ben was looking down on his nephew. Peter knew, just knew that his uncle was proud.
Meanwhile, across the country, night fell on the city of San Francisco. The full moon shone on a single, dark figure resting atop the Golden Gate Bridge. For truly the first time in life, Eddie Brock was alone, but no truly alone. The alien symbiote remained silent, while Eddie was both his thoughts and those of the alien. It had been a long, hard and winding road for both. But, it was a road Eddie chose to travel. He'd left it all behind. There was nothing left for him in New York; nothing he wanted or needed or deserved. And he was okay with that. Eddie then heard very faint whining of police sirens in the distance.
"Time to go to work." he said to himself.
Eddie backed away from the edge, wanting to gain a good head start. The symbiote enveloped his face and he unleashed a frightening howl, not unlike that a wolf. Eddie was finished being an animal. He would prove to himself that he was not a monster. The symbiote made him a monster, but Eddie would no longer answer to the alien. Now, the alien answered to Eddie. If Spider-Man could save lives, so could Eddie Brock. Only he wouldn't be pulling any punches. Eddie sprinted and then leaped from the bridge and swung toward the sounds of the sirens. He would no longer be a monster; no longer an animal. Eddie Brock would be dark savior. He would be a silent stalker. He would be a lethal protector. He would forever be…Venom.
Author's note: It's finally over! Peter and MJ finally have a bundle of joy that will probably grow up to become Spider-Girl. And, Venom has become the Lethal Protector we all know and love. Sort of! The CAST chapter is coming right up so tell me what you think. Adios!