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Another Strand In The Great Web – Episode Two Brand New Challenges Part I
Washington DC the night of Venom's defeat
"Our deal if off, mortal," Mephisto declared angrily after appearing before his startled host.
"Please reconsider," Norman Osborn begged the Lord of demons.
"Why should I." Mephisto snarled. "You guaranteed Peter Parker would agree to anything I proposed should his loved ones be placed in danger. Your intelligence proved faulty.
"And he would have if Kingpin's assassin had botched the attempt on Parker's life and instead shot his elderly aunt as prophets of the Scrier Cult foresaw," Norman said. In a matter of moments the mighty man was shamelessly grovelling on the floor of his lavishly appointed office. He futilely clutched at Mephisto's billowing cape.
"Give me one good reason why I should not cast your worthless soul back into the deepest pits of my domain from whence I drew it years ago, by your feeble understanding of chronology, when you offered assistance destroying the Parker Clan." Mephisto said kicking Norman away from him an expression of utter disgust on his face.
"Keep your promise to revive my son Harry and I vow Spider-Man will die," Norman said struggling to his feet.
"I've heard that before." Mephisto laughed. "No deal Norman. I need more than your empty words if we are to continue doing business."
"I'll do whatever you want, just name it," Norman said his voice full of desperate.
"That's a start," Mephisto said his mind full of deliciously evil possibilities. "Very well, I'll resurrect Harry based on credit. But be warned my generosity only extends so far. The ultimate price for this favor shall be a very steep one indeed mortal."
"I don't care," Norman said.
"It is done." Mephisto said snapping his fingers an action accompanied by a tremor of the Earth, a high pitched squeal and a blinding flash of light. "Until next we meet." Mephisto vanished in a surge of orange-red flames.
Mephisto left a sweat soaked, trembling Norman Osborn to his deeply troubled thoughts. He hoped he had made the right choice. Of course he had Norman thought. He could never tolerate Peter Parker having any sort of happiness while his life lay in shambles. Sure he had power but not the things he desired most. The disingenuous little punk took those things from him: his business, his reputation, his sanity, his burgeoning criminal career, his son, his very life. Peace would forever elude him until Peter Parker felt the pain he felt, until Peter Parker envied the dead.
Office of Matt Murdock one month later, afternoon
"Thanks, for taking my case Matt," Peter said. He and Mary Jane sat across a large cluttered desk from Matt Murdock aka Dare Devil. Both looked haggard.
"We just want the harassment to end." Mary Jane said wearily.
"It goes on day and night," Peter added running his hands through his hair. In the month since he left the hospital waves of paparazzi and adoring "fans" had hounded his every waking moment in both the physical world and that of cyberspace.
"Unfortunately Spider-Man is considered a public figure, so I can't do much about the media harassment, sorry," Matt admitted the faces of Peter and Mary Jane fell. "With that said, I can certainly do something about the fact people are cashing in on your celebrity without your consent Peter. This includes the tell-all book Bugle Media is seeking to publish about Spider-Man. Furthermore, a very strong case can be made that J. Jonah Jameson cheated you out of royalties for years."
"But Mr. Jameson paid Peter for every photograph he took, albeit he never paid Peter much." Mary Jane pointed out.
"He did pay me," Peter confirmed.
"Jameson paid Peter Parker as a freelance photographer for the pictures, however, he never reimbursed Spider-Man for the added revenue Bugle Media earned as result of essentially signing him to an exclusive publicity deal," Matt explained. "The rapid growth of Bugle Media was due in large part to coverage of Spider-Man's exploits. Coverage that would have been rendered exceedingly difficult if not impossible to do without Peter's active cooperation, for which in return he received nothing of significance."
"I'm not sure this is a good idea Matt," Peter said. "I know many people that still work at Bugle Media. Some of them were good to me. They could get hurt, maybe even lose their jobs if I take action. I'd feel like I was betraying them by suing the company or Mr. Jameson personally." He slumped in his chair.
"Peter unless you establish clear control of the Spider-Man Brand asap you'll lose control of the brand forever and what can be done with it. Any lawsuits launched at a future date will face a much higher burden of proof because the other side will, correctly, claim that you have not exercised effective control over your intellectual your property up until said point. Bringing Bugle Media to task is the first logical step in that process, seeing how the company is by far the biggest purveyor of unlicensed Spider-Man material. Material that often paints you in a negative light." Mat said.
"Matt has a point Peter." Mary Jane said. "How many potential employers this past month have told you because of negative media coverage they can't hire you."
"Everyone of them," Peter said. He then reluctantly added a second later. "Most mentioned the Bugle by name when citing media outlets that post negative coverage of my activities."
"The same thing has happened when I've tried to land any modelling or acting jobs." Mary Jane said. "My agent told me the parties involved don't want me as part of their project because of negative publicity surrounding my husband Spider-Man."
Peter gave Mary Jane a pained look. He hated the fact his role as Spider-Man was causing her grief. It was not fair dammit! He had signed up to be a superhero not those around him. Why should they suffer for his choices? Sometimes he wondered if his loved ones would be better off without him.
"All the more reason to bring suit against Bugle Media," Matt said. "They are clearly liable for your present lack of employment. Which is adversely affecting your ability to live."
"Can I think about it for a couple days, Matt?" Peter asked with another sigh.
No matter what he decided people he cared about would suffer. Although Peter never believed in the no win situation he was strongly considering he might be mistaken given at the moment.
"Of course," Matt said. "Take all the time you need."
Baxter Building several hours later
"It was nice of the Fantastic Four to let us stay here while they are away on one of their missions." Mary Jane said. She was grateful to presently be inside one of the securest buildings in New York City. She only wished she and the others could stay here safe forever from the outside world.
Mary Jane was helping Aunt May prepare a meal for their tight-knit which now included Jarvis and Felicia. Since Peter's reveal of his formerly secret dual identity, the five had formed a quirky sort of pseudo-family unit. Who would have thought it Mary Jane smiled at the thought. Until Peter went to bat for her the Fantastic Four had not wanted to grant Felicia access to their home. It seemed Black Cat did not have the best reputation in the superhero community where tempting items of great value where involved.
"Yes, it was nice of them dear," May said. She then frowned slightly. "But I could do without that dreadful H.E.R.B.I.E. It is always getting underfoot."
As if on cue the diminutive robot made an appearance. "Can I be of assistance, either Mrs. Parker?" He beeped cheefully. "Master Richards has instructed that I help you each whenever required."
"No thanks H.E.R.B.I.E, we're fine." Mary Jane said. H.E.R.B.I.E flew out of the kitchen. Mary Jane laughed at May's scowl. "H.E.R.B.I.E isn't so bad. You just need to give him a chance May. He's actually rather handy. I get him to do tasks I either don't have the time or patience for."
Mary Jane knew the older woman trended to mistrust technology, the more autonomous it was the less May approved of it. Unlike Mary Jane who embraced technology in every form. Likely a generational preference Mary Jane mused silently to herself.
"Mary Jane the day I need to rely on a flying tincan to do my chores, even those I dislike, is the day I retire to my bed," May said in her usual feisty way.
Mary Jane side hugged May. "Oh May, you're one in a million." She said. Mary Jane greatly respected and loved the woman who raised her husband. She only hoped if the worst ever happened that she would prove as strong a person as May Parker.
Rec Room
"You beat us again, how!?" Felicia exclaimed a dumbfounded expression on her face.
Felicia and Peter were seated side by side on a sofa to their right in a recliner sat Jarvis. All three had wireless video game controllers in their hands. The Avengers' butler had just finished defeating both superheroes for the fourth time in the hottest tournament fighting game.
"I told you he was good." Peter laughed. "He routinely trounces Wade in this game and that guy is a beast."
"Strategy Miss Hardy." Jarvis said deadpan. He insisted on calling Peter, Mary Jane & Felicia miss, mr, or mrs followed by their surnames in spite of Peter asking him many times not to. "I assess every situation carefully before I make a preliminary move."
"Jarvis here is a zen master of the electronic arts." Peter half-joked. "You have to get up pretty earlier to get one over on him."
"But, but, our metahuman reflexes," Felicia babbled.
"Apparently they don't count for a hill of beans, given a skilled enough opponent, eh Jarvis," Peter said winking at the Avengers' Butler who remained stoic.
"I demand a rematch, just the two of us." Felicia said.
"I happily grant your request Miss Hardy." Jarvis said.
Fifteen minutes later Jarvis again emerged victorious. "I don't believe it!" Felicia exclaimed. "I just don't believe it! He won again, what the?!" Felicia dropped her controller on the carpeted floor.
Peter could not help but laugh. "I hate to say I told you so, but-," Felicia punched him in his left shoulder playfully.
"Shut up," Felicia said grinning in spite of herself.
Top Secret Government Bunker - Undisclosed Location
Flash Thompson code named Agent Toxin after bonding with the Toxin Symbiote completed the obstacle course in record time. Two surprise robotic drones popped up on either side of him seemingly after the training session ended. Without hesitation, two large navy blue tendrils swiftly dispatched the drones before they could fire their laser blasters.
"Well done Agent Toxin." One of the members of the Military Brass who were present said. The group gave Flash a round of applause.
"Thank you," Agent Toxin said giving the group of high ranking officers a salute.
Agent Toxin's body was mainly dark blue in coloration with elongated interlocking red spider symbols on his chest & back, red crescent eyepieces, red shoulder pads, red forearm guards and a red military style belt. On his feet were what looked like combat boots. Each of his fingers ended in sharp claws. Agent Toxin was designed for destruction. An instrument of Uncle Sam's righteous fury. One that would strike fear into the hearts of every enemy.
"How do you feel Sergeant Thompson?" Another member of the Military Brass asked.
Agent Toxin's living mask rolled back in every direction to reveal the face of Eugene "Flash" Thompson. Flash stretched his muscles then glanced down at his new legs. "Better than I have in a long time." He said at last.
"Are you experiencing any problems controlling the symbiote Sergeant Thompson?" Another member of the Military Brass asked.
Flash could sense these older men and their well-armed security detail of exosuit wearing troopers were on edge. It was as if they expected him to lose control and attack them at any moment. Which was understandable everything considered, time to put their minds at rest.
"I am not sir," Flash said his enhanced senses picked up on their collective relief. "The drugs are working perfectly. Toxin has been successfully subjugated to my will." He finished.
Flash could not help but wonder if the symbiote dulling drugs regiment was truly necessary. From what he had learned through their mental link Toxin saw itself as a hero. It was in no way like its "father" or "grandfather" who freely slipped into evil actions whenever it suited them. Perhaps Toxin's positive disposition was a lingering effect from its first host the late Police Officer Patrick Patrick Mulligan? Flash hoped one day he would form a good enough rapport with the alien to uncover the truth. He knew that could never happen if Toxin felt it could not trust Flash which was where their relationship stood. Someday that would change, right?
To Be Continued