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Another Strand In The Great Web – Episode Thirty-Three Spider-Island Part III
A rooftop near Horizon Labs, early afternoon
"They, he, she, uh," Spider-Man 2099 sputtered as he collapsed on his knees in front of Spider-Man and Iron Spider. He had swung through the city at breakneck speed so he could catch up with them. "Lyla," He gasped.
"Spider Queen exerted her mental control over Invisible Woman, Human Torch and the Thing. They are now effectively our enemies." The small hologram of Lyla explained once she was emitted from Spider-Man 2099's right-hand wristwatch.
"They must be infected with the spider virus." Spider-Man reasoned.
"No doubt," Iron Spider said. "Question is what do we do about it?"
"We do what we came here to do. We stop this so-called Tarantula and Electro from destroying the potential cure before Max and Reed can finish their work." He turned his attention back to Spider-Man 2099. "Will you be okay here?" Spider-Man 2099 gave a thumbs up. "Alright, see you soon Future Spider."
"That's Spider of Tomorrow." Spider-Man 2099 managed his tone one of mild annoyance.
"Sure," Spider-Man said before he swung off with Iron Spider.
Horizon Labs, a few minutes later
"Why me? Why do I have to be your guinea pig? I'm the mayor of this berg for christ sake." Mayor J. Jonah Jameson lamented while he eyed the tank of bubbling yellow liquid.
"We assure you, Mayor Jameson, the treatment is completely harmless. Either it will purge your system of the spider virus infection or it won't nothing else will happen." Max Modell said adjusting his glasses which had slipped down again. Besides Max stood Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards a tablet in his hands. Both scientists wore white lab coats.
"Captain Watanabe these men don't have my best interests at heart, arrest them," Jonah ordered pointing at Max and Reed after only a brief period of consideration.
"You can't be serious, Mr. Mayor?" Yuri Watanabe said stunned by what she was hearing. Around he stood a cadre of police officers in full riot gear, as was Yuri herself, who were under her direct command. The group was to be Jonah's special security detail until the crisis passed. "Dr. Richards and Dr. Modell are world-renown scientists who have dedicated their lives to helping others. They would never knowingly harm anyone least of all a public official. Mr. Mayor, I seriously advise that you should rescind your arrest order immediately and fully cooperate with them."
"Easy for you to say," Jonah said. "You aren't the one they want to take a swim in there." He pointed at the bubbling vat of liquid.
"Because unlike you I've not been infected with the spider virus. However, if I were infected I'd happily volunteer to test any treatment developed by them." Yuri said.
"Well, I won't," Jonah said. "Arrest Doctors Richard and Modell."
"Delay that order," Yuri said causing her officers to stop dead in their tracks.
"How dare you countermand one of my orders Captain Watanabe during a police emergency no less!" Jonah shouted. "I'm the mayor of this city! My word is law!"
Jonah narrowed his eyes at Yuri who returned his gesture of defiance in kind. One could have cut the tension with a knife. Before things could further escalate between the mayor and the police captain several police officers were knocked out by sizzling bolts of electricity. At almost the same instant a huge shape fell from the ceiling incapacitating several more offices when it landed on them heavily. Yuri and the remaining active officers drew their weapons.
"Protect me," Jonah squealed getting behind Yuri.
"Relax Jonah we're not here for you," Electro said. "We're here for your cure. Our bosses what it eighty-sixed."
"I'm afraid we can't let you do that." Mr. Fantastic said placing himself between Electro & Tarantula and the vat while Max got behind the remaining police officers.
"Same goes for me," Yuri said.
"I was hoping you'd say that," Electro said with a predatory grin. "Let's mess 'em up Tarantula."
While Tarantula did battle with the stretchy Mr. Fantastic his defacto partner Electro made quick work of the remaining police officers. Electro easily evaded their bullets while shocking each into submission. Soon only Yuri remained. Although she put up a better fight than those under her command once Electro managed to send a pulse of current through her gun she too was on the ground.
"Pitiful," Electro boasted. "They just don't make crime fighters like they use to."
"Oh really, how about you try us on for size ol' sparky." Iron Spider said using his palm-mounted repulsors to project Electro half away across the room and partway through a wall.
"You again," Electro snarled getting to his feet. He dusted off the plaster from his shoulders. "I'll show you I'm no pushover!" Electro fired a surge of electricity from both hands which Iron Spider dodged.
"Time to put you on ice." Iron Spider said but as Iron Spider himself had done a moment ago Electro dodged his attack.
"Not so simple is it now that we are even." Electro gloated. "The spider virus has given me my own spidey sense, you kind's secret weapon," Electro noticed Iron Spider's body tense. "Don't act so surprised Iron Spider. I know a lot of your secrets now. Including the true identity of your brother Spider-Man. Maybe I'll tell Major Jameson over there if I get bored or pissed off enough." Electro gestured at the terrified Jonah.
"Keep me out of your feud with the spiders, Electro," Jonah said waving his hands.
"Shut up," Electro snapped at Jonah.
"Whatever you say," Jonah said cowering away from Electro.
Iron Spider attacked Electro while he was distracted by Jonah. Electro failed to avoid Iron Spider's flying tackle which carried the pair straight through the already weakened wall and into an adjoining room. Meanwhile Spider-Man and Mr. Fantastic were contending with Tarantula.
Spider-Man and Tarantula exchanged thunderous blows. Deciding a stealthy approach was in order Mr. Fantastic elongated his body which he wrapped around Tarantula's legs while the behemoth was preoccupied. Following a dropkick from Spider-Man to his massive chest Tarantula stumbled and plunged directly into the vat with a loud splash. Mr. Fantastic barely had enough time to scramble clear.
"Run," Yuri said wincing in pain while getting to her feet. Jonah and Max needed no further encouragement they fled the room. Behind them, Yuri limped away pulling the only another surviving police officer behind her. Tragically, the other officers had expired.
Over the course of several minutes, Tarantula seemed to wither in the pool. His body then puffed up and abruptly shrunk as the coarse hairs covering his form were shed. Spider-Man and Mr. Fantastic watched Tarantula's drastic, painful change with morbid fascination. Slowly a more human form emerged and to Spider-Man a familiar one.
"K-Kaine," Spider-Man said unsure if his eyes were deceiving him.
"Y-Yup," Kaine said weakly his head bobbing above the pool of now steaming yellow liquid.
"You know him, Spider-Man?" Mr. Fantastic asked.
"Indeed I do," Spider-Man said. "Reed Richards, say hello to Kaine Parker my other clone brother."
"He didn't make it easy, but in the end, I got him," Iron Spider said entering the room with an unconscious Electro slung over his shoulder. "Holy hell, Kaine!" He exclaimed when he spotted Kaine.
"Turns out he was Tarantula," Spider-Man said.
"Kaine you got some explaining to do." Iron Spider said tossing Electro on the ground in a not so tender fashion. "And before Kaine starts talking you should know nightlight here claims he knows your civilian identity, Spidey."
"He does know. Jackal told him who your daughters are." Kaine said. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop him from finding out. Jackal's partner Spider Queen had me under her control because Jackal tinkered with my DNA. I was degenerating again and I thought he could help me but he only took advantage of my weakness, same as always. Please believe me, Peter, I would never willingly help him hurt your family. He tricked me." He added with a frown. "Um, can I get out of this vat?"
"Sure," Spider-Man said.
Kaine stepped out of the vat only for the others to turn their heads. "Wow, I think we better find you some clothes big guy." Iron Spider said blush underneath his mask.
"But first, we cure Electro of the spider virus," Spider-Man said.
"What do we do about him knowing our shit?" Iron Spider asked. "I have no doubt he'll blab first chance he gets."
"I'll imprison him in the Baxter Building until this is over and we can work something out." Mr. Fantastic offered.
"Thanks, Reed," Spider-Man said. He was grateful Reed offered to help protect his family.
"Don't mention it, Spider-Man. What else are friends and allies for if not to help each other when matters become complicated." Mr. Fantastic said.
"Amen," Iron Spider said. "Goodness knows our little fam has more than our fair share of such drama."
Spider-Man then thought of Reed's own loved ones. "Um Reed, there's something you should know. Future Spider told us S-,"
"I hate to interrupt bro, but something is happening with the cure." Iron Spider said.
Sure enough, the vat boiled intensely for a few seconds followed by the previously bright yellow substance having turned clear. Mr. Fantastic picked up his tablet and used its scanning feature. Once he doubled checked his findings he spoke.
"The gene cleaner has been rendered inert." Mr. Fantastic reported with a grim expression on his face.
"Meaning?" Kaine could not help but ask.
"Meaning, our cure-all was single use. It's gone." Spider-Man facepalming. Why could things never be simple?
Hell's Kitchen
Anti-Venom tossed aside another saved soul. The man groaned in discomfort when he landed on the pavement. Since yesterday Ant-Venom had been working his way through the rougher neighborhoods of the city cleansing all he encountered. Sickness was rooted in sinfulness of that he was sure and this "spider virus" was no different. Sin was a disease and he was its cure.
"Having fun I see." Mania said her multilayered voice was filled with disgust.
"I am doing the Lord's work accursed monster, something you would know nothing of. Leave me to continue my divine mission demon of darkness unless you too wish to be cleansed." Anti-Venom snarled at Mania.
"We've heard all about your work Anti-Venom. The appalling price paid by those you've 'saved'. You've killed so many since we last met we've lost count." Mania said circling the larger entity dark-tinged flames burned around her clenched fists.
"Some of their lives were lost but their immortal souls were preserved by my salvation," Anti-Venom hissed. "Stand aside or I'll deliver your tainted souls into eternity, Venom!"
"We're Mania! Venom was your identity and what he did your choice, not ours!" Mania fired back.
"Lying demon I am anointed by the divine!" Anti-Venom roared.
"Keeping telling yourself that you deluded freak! Whatever helps you sleep at night, right!?" Mania roared in turn. "But the truth is what Venom became was entirely your doing. Your sad need to be a hero caused us often to become worst than those we fought."
"Enough, I'll end you and your lies!" Anti-Venom said.
"Give it your best shot we're more than ready." Mania said.
Mania and Anti-Venom clashed. Anti-Venom attempted to snare Mania with his tendrils while Mania used her smaller size and agility to evade his touch. Mania fired multiple blasts of her hellfire at Anti-Venom which caused him to reel in pain but did not cause much harm.
"Demon, your wicked fire will not avail you for I am protected by my divinity," Anti-Venom said.
Anti-Venom extended his fingers wrapping them around Mania's ankles. Mania screamed in agony as her symbiote melted off her lower legs. Soon Anti-Venom had her down on the ground. He gripped her body with multiple tendrils which further damaged her symbiote.
"Prepare for deliverance demon. May Hell swallow your unworthy souls." Anti-Venom said as he prepared to crush Andi's exposed head in his gaping jaws.
An explosive shell impacted Anti-Venom's back throwing him off his intended victim. Back on his feet a few moments later Anti-Venom snarled at his latest foe Agent Toxin. Agent Toxin held a compact grenade launcher in his right hand its barrel smoked.
"Leave the girl alone or answer to us, your choice." Agent Toxin said.
"I will not be dissuaded from my righteous path by another demon!" Anti-Venom said.
Anti-Venom attacked Agent Toxin but this time things did not go his way. For starters Toxin was both faster and stronger than him. Plus unlike his adversary, Eddie lacked formal combat training or weapons. Even though Anti-Venom's tendrils did melt away portions of the symbiote that they touched Toxin recovered far faster from these contacts than did Mania. Once Mania recovered and was tossing hellfire at Anti-Venom he decided caution was the better part of valor. Anti-Venom ran off rather than risk capture or otherwise be defeated.
"Are you okay, Andi?" Agent Toxin asked when Mania wobbled on her feet.
"We think we'll be fine given enough time." Mania said. She then looked at Agent Toxin really looked at him. She sensed she knew him somehow, Could it be? "Flash, is that you under there?"
Agent Toxin hesitated for a moment. "Yes, it's me, Andi. Long time no see." Agent Toxin said his living mask rolled back to reveal the concerned face of Eugene "Flash" Thompson.
Andrea "Andi" Benton rolled back the mask of her own symbiote. She threw her arms around Flash. "It's so good to see you again, coach," Andi said. "When you disappeared from Philly I didn't know what to do. Then all this strange mystical stuff happened to me and I ended up becoming the apprentice of Dr. Strange before, well, this." She took a step back and gesture at her alien costume. "Now I'm more or less on my own again."
"I'm sorry I split. The army called me for a special project. I guess we match, huh." Flash said smiling as he likewise gestured at his own alien costume. "I do have one question. How did you know it was me?"
"I'm not sure. My suit she told me. Does that make any sense?" Andi said. "This city is in trouble. What do we do, coach?"
"We help people deal with whatever is happening here," Flash said.
"You mean the spider virus?" Andi said.
"So that's what they're calling this," Flash said.
"Yup," Andi said. "Word is the people at Horizon Labs are working on a cure."
"In that case, next stop Horizon," Flash said.
Unnoticed by either Mania or Agent Toxin a shadowy presence watched from a nearby alley. Anti-Venom knew what he must do. He would follow these two sinners to Horizon Labs. If an alternative cure did exist he must be part of distributing it. If there was no such cure he would show the people there his own way of cleansing this latest evil. Once he dealt with the sickest he would then deal with these two demons. At a respectable distance, he followed the demons on their way.
The Jackal's Secret Lair two hours later, late afternoon
"Excellent news," Jackal said clasping together his hands in delight. While the loss of Tarantula and Electro were blows they were not serious ones when measured against the reported destruction of the potential cure to his spider virus.
"Are you certain?" Spider Queen inquired of her two most prized minions Spider King and Spider She-Hulk.
"Yes, our queen." They said in near unison.
"We witnessed the destruction of the cure first hand after arriving at Horizon Labs." Spider She-Hulk said.
"Mr. Fantastic himself said the cure could not be salvaged or replicated." Spider King said.
"And you observed this without being detected." Spider Queen said.
"Yes, my queen." Spider King said.
"On to the next phase of my cunning master plan. By this time tomorrow secondary symptoms should begin to manifest and then the fun truly begins." Jackal said clicking his claws together.
Parker Residence on Long Island the next day, morning
"We appreciate your cooperation in this matter." Said one of a group of officials clad in hazmat suits complete with portable oxygen tanks. They ushered Aunt May, Jarvis and the twins out of their home. Up and down the typically quiet street other hazmat equipped teams were likewise ordering residents from their own houses.
"What is this all about?" Jarvis asked.
"Residents are being removed from this area to public shelters for your safety, sir." The agent said. He checked a clipboard in his gloved hands. "My list indicates three other people live in this residence: Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson-Parker and Ben Reilly. Do you know where Mr. & Mrs. Parker, as well as Mr. Reilly, currently are located, sir?"
"They in the city on business," Jarvis answered.
The agent noted this on his clipboard list. "Sir and ma'am please take the children and proceed to the end of the street. A vehicle will be waiting there to take you to the nearest designated shelter."
"I'm scared, grandma," Mayday said.
"I'm scared to dear." Aunt May said.
"There is no need to be frightened, little girl. We in the government have everything under control. You and your family are perfectly safe with us." Another agent a woman said.
Aunt May, Jarvis, and the girls were nearing their pickup area some minutes later when all hell broke loose. Resident after resident was struck by spasms. These poor souls then howled in pain as their bodies violently contorted. They ripped out of their clothes transformed into humanoid spider creatures of a lesser order than Spider King or Spider She-Hulk yet still they were still extremely dangerous. These beasts rapidly attacked their fellow residents and the escorting agents alike tearing many apart in bloody fashion. Gunfire sounded as armed agents fired wildly. Guided by the twins who were operating on sheer instinct as their warning sense blared the quartet ran for their lives. They dared not look back. An ear-splitting crushed sounded when a mini-swarm of spider creatures overturned the bus meant to ferry residents to their intended shelter, obviously, such a course of action was no longer an option.
"Oh my," Aunt May said. "Wherever will we go?"
"Anywhere is better than here." Jarvis correctly observed as they reached the next equally chaotic street.
Western Long Island, one hour later
"We can't go any further east," Jarvis said walking back from the pulsing blue barrier to where a very worried Aunt May stood with the girls and a large group of other spider virus refugees. "A soldier on the other side of the barrier rather rudely told me all of Western Long Island and New York City is under a federal order of quarantine until further notice. No one comes in or out until the crisis passes." People in the crowd loudly voiced their dismay and disapproval at this news.
"I wish mom and dad were here," April said. In the excitement, all four had either left their smartphones behind or else lost them.
"Me too, dear." Aunt May said holding the girl close while Mayday ran up to hug Jarvis, "me too." She repeated softly.
The George Washington Bridge, noon
Araña aka Anya Corazon was having a terrible couple of days. Everything was going wrong. Her city was in shambles, spider creatures were popping up everywhere and there was nothing she could seemingly do about it. She sat crying atop the bridge for who knows how long when she felt a soft touch on her shoulder. She looked up through tear soaked eyes to see Spinneret standing there.
"Looks like you could use a friend." Spinneret said.
"I don't know what to do. Those crazy spider things are everywhere." Araña said. "I lost my powers months ago now they are back and I can barely control them anymore. I'm so unless."
"Yet you still fight for what's right." Spinneret said helping Araña to her feet. "Anyone as brave as you could never be useless, Araña."
"How do you know my name?" Araña asked.
"My partner Spider-Man told me all about you. You're so young to have already done so much for this city. You should be very proud." Spinneret said.
"Where is Spider-Man? I haven't seen him around since he started his company." Araña said.
"Currently he's at Horizon Labs working on a cure to the spider virus." Spinneret said. She had just talked with him on her communicator a short while ago. Although Peter was not exactly happy Mary Jane had swung back into action he more than understood her need to help others.
"Just the people I was looking for," Hobgoblin said while he hovered nearby on his glider. "The Kingpin has a proposition for both of you."
"Why do I feel like this is the opening scene of a certain distasteful movie I once saw." Spinneret said. "The next word out of your mouth better not be anything indecent." She warned.
"Perish the thought, milady. My intentions are honorable." Hobgoblin said with a quick bow.
"That would be a first," Araña said.
"Be that as it may. Kingpin and his employees have developed spider powers due to the virus. They desire your help dealing with a long-term minor nuisance which has turned deadly in recent days, the Sisterhood of the Wasp." Hobgoblin explained.
"What are the Sisterhood up to now?" Araña asked suddenly she was all business.
"They've developed a poison which kills anyone with spider powers, you two included," Hobgoblin said.
"And Kingpin needs our help to stop the Sisterhood because they are killing his newly empowered soldiers?" Spinneret correctly guessed.
"In a word, yes," Hobgoblin said.
"Why should either of us help you or Kingpin?" Spinneret asked.
"Because we're all spiders now, all alike," Hobgoblin said.
"Not good enough." Spinneret said.
"Not good enough," Araña repeated.
"Because if we steal the Sisterhood's poison we can use it against the Jackal's forces, who rumor has it is somehow behind this outbreak," Hobgoblin said. "What say you ladies, deal or no deal?"
"We get all the poison." Spinneret said. While Spinneret had no intentions of killing anyone perhaps the poison could be modified to incapacitate the spider creatures or even cure them, it was worth a try. Either way leaving such a substance in the hands of the Sisterhood of the Wasp was not an option.
"Alright, you may have all the poison once the Sisterhood is dealt with," Hobgoblin said smiling through his mask.
Spinneret and Araña exchanged looks. Araña nodded at Spinneret. "We have a deal." Spinneret said finally.
"Splendid, Kingpin will be so very pleased," Hobgoblin said.
"I can't tell you how happy that makes me." Spinneret said dryly. Araña giggled which caused Spinneret to crack a smile beneath her mask. It was good to see the girl experience a small flash of happiness. "What are we waiting for, lead the way Hobgoblin."
Horizon Labs, early afternoon
"Stop, stop fighting," Max Modell pleaded.
"I'll stop when these demons and sinners are dead," Anti-Venom said. He was surrounded by Spider-Man, Iron Spider, Spider-Man 2099, Mania and Agent Toxin while Kaine and Mr. Fantastic looked on from a distance. Since arriving at Horizon the night before Anti-Venom had periodically erupted into violence usually directed at Mania or Agent Toxin when they said something he found objectable.
"You really don't play well with others do you, Eddie?" Max said. "If it wasn't for the fact the enzymes found in your system offer our last best chance to cure this infection I'd not tolerate these shenanigans."
"I am an instrument of the divine I need not concern myself with making friends of the unworthy only with fulfilling my mandate," Anti-Venom said.
"Right," Max said thoroughly unimpressed by Anti-Venom's religiously based delusions of grandeur. "Well, please try not to wreck my lab any further, okay? Professional grade equipment isn't cheap."
"Do allow Eddie to amuse himself, Dr. Modell. Do remember, unlike the others we actually need him." A smooth voice with a dark resonance said. Out of the shadows stepped Michael Morbius the Living Vampire.
"Gee, it's so nice to be wanted." Spider-Man deadpanned.
"I've not forgotten your part in my suffering webhead. When this is over and I have received my promised pardon we'll settle accounts." Morbius said with a sneer.
"Anytime you're ready," Spider-Man said in no way intimidated by Morbius' thinly veiled threat.
"Hey, Count Fangula if you threaten my brother you threaten me." Iron Spider said.
"And me," Spider-Man 2099 said. With a dissatisfied grumble, Morbius stepped back into the shadows where he resumed his work.
"I hope this is over soon," Spider-Man said.
"Don't we all, bro." Iron Spider said.
Central Park, late afternoon
"Perhaps we should wait another day or even two. Recall you said full infection would not occur until then." Spider Queen said. "I think we should return to our hive."
"Nonsense, everything we require is ready," Jackal said dismissively. "This will become our new hive."
Jackal produced three syringes these contained the three symbiote samples obtained from Project Rebirth. Jackal injected these into Spider Queen who threw off her purple cloak just before he did so. The veins in her skin became visible some colored yellow, others purple and yet others green. She closed her eyes when she again opened them her eyes were swirling masses of purple, green, and yellow which quickly turned solid orange. Magenta ooze poured from her every pour covering her body in a hard shell. Her body next distended until her form became that of a giant humanoid spider but more elegant and still feminine than the other spider creatures as her face retained its human features.
"How do you feel, my queen?" Jackal asked.
"Powerful," The altered Spider Queen said in her rumbling voice. Spider King, Spider She-Hulk, Invisible Woman, Thing, and Human Torch, all of whom had by this point mutated into spider creatures, fell to one knee and bowed their heads in front of their queen.
New York City and Surrounding Area
Everywhere spider creatures emulated the gesture of those in Central Parker. No matter what they were doing they fell to their knees heads bowed in honor to their distant queen. The Age of Homo-Arachnus had dawned.
To Be Continued
Next Up – Spider-Island concludes in epic fashion.
Author's Note -
I've always loved the student/mentor relationship between Andi and Flash so I had to include it, if in a slightly modified version, here.