[THE CAT'S CURSE] ARC

CHAPTER 23

Trapped in His Own Web

Having helped Susan Storm and Johnny Storm escape from their quarantine in the Baxter Building, you barely avoided being seen by several government agents.

Having more than fulfilled your part of the bargain with DOOM, all that remains is to meet with him and secure his aid in helping cure Felicia of her curse.

As you swing into an alley without being noticed, you let Johnny and Susan Storm down. Johnny's grinning like a lunatic while Dr. Strom seems to be trying to catch her breath. After she recovers for a moment, you clear her throat.

"Hey, sorry to bother you like this but do you think you'd be able to give me a number to call DOOM with?"

She pauses before shaking her head. "I had a number for Victor, but it was on my phone, which had been confiscated. You'd have to try to call the embassy."

She pauses. "But Johnny and I aren't going anywhere near any phones. I'm also sure, unless Reed put a tracker into us without leaving any marks that we aren't' bugged. We'll wait here while you call."

Nodding you websling away. Looking around for a telephone booth, you manage to find one and call information for the Latverian Embassy. Memorizing the number, you call the Embassy, waiting through the options until you reach a real person. Outside, you can see a couple of people pointing at you.

"Hello? This is the Latverian Embassy. What is your reason for calling?"

Hanging up the phone, you quickly leave the booth and websling away. Pictures being taken of you by Pedestrians as you go. Several people are on the phone, looking around for a street sign or other form of road identification, which ping your Spider-sense.

Taking some evasive actions while traveling by web, you notice a few police and other cars heading towards where you were, but you manage to keep out of sight and get to the alley you left the Storms. Looking around, you don't see anything until you lower yourself down as which point, the two reveal themselves.

"Look, Couldn't reach doom, but I've got to get you two to the Latverian Embassy. It's the only safe place for now."

Susan nods as you adhere to the two as the grab a hold of you as you head toward the embassy. When you're nearly there, you see yourself turn invisible. Looking in the distance, you see why. There's several vehicles in front of the Embassy, with a man in a black suit talking with the Gate's Guard.

Webslinging past them all, you land on the balcony where you entered last time and knock several times. After a few moments, an aide approaches the door and opens it and looks outside. Keeping your voice low, you talk to the Aide.

"Hey, this is Spider-man. Could you tell DOOM that Spider-man is here and that the situation is rather pressing?"

The Aide looks in the direction of your voice before closing the door. A few moments later, DOOM walks outside, leaving the door open behind him. He doesn't say anything as he surveys the scene in front of his Embassy. He taps the railing in front of him as you quickly make out Morse code, telling you to head inside. Doing so, you wait a few moments before he heads back inside, closing the door and shuttering it.

Waving the Aides outside, DOOM clears his throat as Susan drops the invisibility, wheezing as she tries to catch her breath. Behind his mask, DOOM's eyes widen, his voice cold.

"Man of Spiders, why are there Federal agents outside my Embassy? Why are Jonathan and Susan here? Why were you three invisible?

"And, most importantly, why is Susan in such a state?"

You glance over at Susan Storm, who seems to be doing a bit better. DOOM carefully helps her over to a chair before she starts explaining all that happened. She stops to make sure Johnny doesn't butt into the story several times, but eventually she finishes.

DOOM stands there for several minutes before turning to you.

"While DOOM understands the situation, do realize that your accidental alert of the Federal Government to where the Storm family might be has complicated things for DOOM. DOOM is honor bound to assist you for completing DOOM's task."

He turns around and lets out a contemplative, thoughtful noise.

"DOOM would need to examine the curse directly. However, there is no way for you to enter and exit DOOM's Embassy without being seen."

You turn to DOOM and let out a sigh. "I'm sorry, Dr. DOOM, Johnny, Dr. Storm. I really messed up and I've screwed things up for you, all of you."

DOOM pauses and nods his head, tipping his hat. "Apology accepted. DOOM acknowledges and respects the fact that you, Man of Spiders, are aware of the error you have made and are admitting it."

You pull out your phone. "I've got to call the person who's cursed, see if they might have some sort of way."

DOOM nods as you dial Felicia's number. After a few moments, she picks up, her voice cautious. "Peter? What's going on?"

Clearing your throat, you answer. "Well, I helped out someone who can break your curse, but we're rather in a tight situation. Think you could disguise yourself and get into the Atverian-lay Bassy-emay?"

He pauses for a few moments before responding, a hiss evident in her voice.. "JESUS, PETER! WHAT THE FUCK?! NO. FUCK. I have to get out of here now, Thanks a fucking lot! I DID NOT NEED THIS ON TOP OF EVERYTHING ELSE, PETER!"

She hangs up on you. Trying to call her back, you get a disconnected notice.

Oh, fuck.

Felicia's flipping the fuck out because firstly, the Feds are involved, as is international problems. Even if she wouldn't suspect the phones being tapped, she's a big wanted criminal and skipping town is her first reaction.

It is doubly so because she's got cat ears and a tail and doesn't want to be locked up as somebody's science experiment.

You stare at your phone blankly.

"…I should just stop using phones...probably forever."

Before clenching your hand. The plastics and electronics crumble as you crush it with one hand as Johnny whistles, before being cut off by a smacking sound.

You stare at the remains of what used to be a phone, you're constantly thinking mind having reached its blue screen of death. Just for a long moment.

And then it reboots. Your head shoots up at the window. Knowing Felicia, she's probably going to try and skip town. She's the Black cat, no doubt she's got some contingencies. You have to get to her before she can vanish.

Your mind calculates an efficient scheme.

"Dr. Storm, I really need your help right now. My cursed friend is about to skip town. I need to get there without causing any more trouble."

DOOM looks like he's about to say something but pauses, seemingly recognizing something in your tone. Susan Storm looks at you before nodding. DOOM grudgingly heads towards the balcony's door as you feel Dr. Storm grab on as you adhere her to you and head out as a fast pace, not using any webs to get past the Police and Feds perimeter.

After passing the Perimeter, you hurriedly begin to Websling to Felicia's at a fast pace, but not too fast of one for Doctor Storm. It takes you, at a fast pace, about twenty minutes.

When you arrive there, you see a figure out front staring at the house, wearing a long coat with its hood up. It seems to be holding something in its hand, there's also several bags next to the person.

Landing, the figure turns towards you to reveal Felicia, her eyes bloodshot.

"What are you -doing- here?!"

You step close to her. "I told you. I'm not going to leave you alone. I'm going to get you cured. And then we'll figure things out."

You step closer to her even as she looks like she's about to bolt and wrap your arms around her. "I screwed up, yeah. But I'll do whatever it takes to fix things."

She struggles a bit before grabbing you. You feel something wet against your mask as you hear her sobbing. "I was scared. I was so, so scared. So I just didn't want to be here anymore. I just wanted to run. It was too much."

"I'm sorry, Felicia. I am so sorry."

It takes a little while before she calms down in your arms. "You're an idiot and not allowed to do anything without my say-so anymore. Got that?"

You nod as she tries to pull herself together, wiping at her nose. She freezes as she sees Susan Storm. "Relax, she's' in our boat. Somewhat. Regardless, I need to get you to the Latverian Embassy ASAP, alright?"

"How?"

"Leave it to me and Dr. Storm."

Doctor Storm takes a few moments to recover, and while she's clearly tired, she's still good to go one last time, turning the three of you invisible. And the three of you are off.

Getting past the blockade is easier, especially with it seeming to have begun to break up. There's only a few vehicles left.

DOOM's still out on the Balcony as you enter the open door behind him. Tapping him on the shoulder as you pass, you notice he nods and enters the room, securing it behind him a minute later. Susan Storm collapses into a chair looking haggard.

Felicia looks around nervously as DOOM approaches and extends a hand. Felicia hesitantly extends hers as DOOM gently takes it into his hand and presses it against his mask as if to emulate the kissing of a lady's hand.

"DOOM would like to apologize, Fair madam, for the troubles you have been experiencing. However, DOOM assures you that if the Man of Spider's phone was compromised, it was not on Latverian Grounds. DOOM himself has seen to that. There were also circumstances outside of his control that could not be helped. However, Doctor Victor von Doom will assuredly cure you of your malicious malady. "

He opens up his lab. "This might take some time. Do you have the original curse vector?"

Pulling out the box, DOOM nods, taking it from you. "I may need to examine the form your curse has taken, however do take this time to rest and relax. Whatever you desire, DOOM shall see is brought to any of you."

Felicia nods as she looks around, a bit awestruck as DOOM heads into his lab.

Johnny's sitting there, looking like he wants to say something, while Susan is giving you and Felicia a melancholic look.

You wrap your arms around Felicia and lightly run her back. You feel her somewhat relax. "Let me introduce you to Johnny and Susan Storm."

Dr. Storm shakes her head. "Call me Sue, Spider-man. You've put yourself in a deep situation for us, so you might as well call me by the name my friends do. I only caught your first name, but you don't have to worry. Johnny and I won't tell anyone anything, Miss Felicia."

Sue lets out an exhausted groan as Johnny's eyes widen as he points at Felicia. "Are those-"

SMACK.

Moments later, Johnny's clutching at his head. "What was that for?"

Sue shakes her head. "Sorry about him. He's an idiot. I'm Sue Storm. Spider-man got us out of being government lab-rats for the rest of our lives because our trip into space caused us to get super powers. Like you saw earlier, I can turn invisible. Johnny isn't to use his powers, but he can create fire. We're both hoping to get back to normal ourselves."

Felicia nods, leaning into your one-armed hug... "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Johnny stares at you, a contemplative look on his face. "Hey, Spider-man. Do you mind telling me who you are? I won't tell anyone, but it'd be nice to call you by your name and not by your title."

Sue looks a bit contemplative herself. "I must admit, I am curious how you gained your powers myself, but I won't pry if it makes you uncomfortable."

You shake your head. "I don't really want to risk my identity right now. I'm feeling a bit paranoid, all things considered. As for how I got my powers?"

You pause considering how much you want to tell.

"Well, I was bit by a genetically engineered Spider."

Sue's eyebrows raise. "Really? That doesn't make sense unless-"

"-It was an unintended consequence or the intention in the first place. I've also checked my blood regularly to see if they're any mutations, but it seems that I'm stable. There's a lot involved in that I'm trying to get to the bottom of, but it seems like some new problem pops up every day."

The three of you have small talk for what's probably several hours until DOOM's lab opens up as he walks in.

"DOOM has isolated the curse. It is a powerful and dangerous thing. DOOM will give you two solutions, Man of Spiders. You may let DOOM sever you from your powers as a sacrifice to kill the curse, or you may let DOOM send you into the future, allowing DOOM time to work on a cure that you may retrieve and return with."

He raises a finger. "DOOM had considered letting you try to fight it within the Spiritual Realm, but there's no telling what damage you might unwittingly do there, so DOOM is taking that off the table."

You raise an eyebrow. "The future? Why? It shouldn't be too hard, should it?"

DOOM crosses his arms and shakes his head. "Unfortunately, Man of Spiders, this curse will become permanent after three days. Following that, it will slowly and systematically begin destroying her mental facilities until the madam is nothing more than a feral Human and Feline hybrid.

"These are the ONLY two options DOOM can present you. And if you lose your connection to your abilities, it shall be for the rest of your life. You will never regain them as long as you live."

Felicia, Johnny and Sue look at you, though Felicia looks like she's on the edge of a panic attack.

You grimace, and take Felicia's hand and hold it. "I need a little more time, alright? I need to talk with Felicia."

DOOM nods, gesturing towards the room out there, heading over to a computer and pressing a button. "The three of us shall reside In DOOM's lab while you two talk in DOOM's office, you shall not be monitored. This is an important decision you shall need to make. Take great care."

You both nod as the secret doorway shuts, leaving the two of you alone in the office. Felicia pulls of your mask, running her thumb over your cheek before kissing you and pulling back.

"Peter, what do you think you'll do?"

You walk over to the chairs you sat in before and sit with her. "I don't know, Felicia. I don't know. I'd gladly give up my powers for you but…"

You clench your fists. Hobgoblin. Carnage. Osborn. Smythe. She covers your hand with hers, squeezing yours lightly. "I understand, Peter. You've got a lot of problems that those powers are needed for."

Felicia bites her lip. "I'm scared Peter. I've got two days left, after today. I.. Don't want to lose myself. If you go into the future, what if there's no cure? What if you return only to see what I end up like, knowing I'll never recover?"

Your eyes narrow. "No way in hell. I'm going to get that cure, Felicia. One way or another. If going into the future doesn't work I'll sacrifice my powers to do it instead. One way or another, I'm going to save you, just like I promised."

The worry begins to melt off of her face as Felicia leans in and kisses you. "I know."

She takes both of your hands in hers. "Peter, no matter what happens, I'll wait for you to come back to me."

She gets up, pulling you up with her and hands you your mask. "Whatever you choose, I'll support your choice. You only have to come back to me. I don't care about your powers or Spider-man or anything else. I just care about you, Peter Parker."

You look down at the mask in your hands.

You put on the mask. "I'm going to find a cure for you, Felicia."

You take her hand and head over to DOOM's secret lab and trigger the access to it. The bookshelf slides to the side and you open the door behind it.

DOOM seems to be readying some sort of machine. It looks like there's computers and Frankenstein machines to the sides of a ramp that leads up to a platform. DOOM looks back at you as you nod at him.

"Know you must go alone, Man of Spiders, if you are to travel to the future. That is all DOOM can manage."

You nod, your choice already made as Johnny whines in disappointment.

Song: (Chrono Trigger OST 02 - Chrono Trigger (Chrono's Theme))

"Doctor DOOM, I'm going to the future to get that cure."

He pauses and you can almost see the grin behind his mask. "GOOD! DOOM SHALL FIRE UP THE TIME MACHINE!"

He pauses and looks back at you. "This portal will create a slice in space time, connecting it to the future. To return, you will have to use this machine in reverse, which shall seal the rifts. But be forewarned- whatever enters with you shall return as well. And time abhors a paradox- no two things can exist at the same time!"

He clenches his fingers as lightning begins to form around them as he slams his fists onto two circular devices, as the machine begins to turn on. "MORE POWER."

"MORE!"

"DOOM DEMAND MORE POWER!"

The lightning and energy surrounding his hands seems to increase as you hear the machine begin to come to life. In the circle, you see a blue dot appear as lightning flickers from the ring surrounding it, striking it again and again until it… unfolds.

"NOW, MAN OF SPIDERS! NOW!"

You run up the ramp to the edge of the portal before looking back. Felicia nods at you as Johnny salutes you. You turn around and step through-

It feels like you're falling forward. You try to keep looking forward as you see another hole form-

You step outside of the portal- fall out, really- as you look around. The sky seems to be covered in ash gray clouds and the city around you is in ruins. You see a poster here and there of a hammer, but you try to make sense of this place.

Getting to a higher ground, your eyes widen. You're in the remains of Latveria's Embassy. It's in ruins, as is New York. Looking around, you see a clock that seems to still be working in the rubble. Picking it up, you freeze.

It's the year 2035.

You're twenty years in the future.

And the world seems to be in ruins.

Song :( Silent Hill Shattered Memories - Hell Frozen Rain)

END of [THE CAT'S CURSE] ARC

NEXT [THE WORLD WITHOUT] ARC

To Be Continued...

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