Chapter 15: Into the Shadows: Past Problems
"Oh, please." Amity groaned after hearing one of Boscha's remarks towards Willow. She put her hands in her pockets and walked shoulder to shoulder to Boscha and spoke. "You know, I used to be like you, Boscha, obsessed with status, challenging my competition." Her words seeming extremely calculated, a contrast to her own disinterested posture and expression. "But I grew up, when will you?" Amity stated, just before walking off, several of the students overheard, including Willow, and they all started laughing her it.
"Maybe she is right." Boscha said, coming out of her memory. As she walked along the path to the Blight Estate. She had recently fallen out of touch with Amity, all because of those stupid Humans and Willow, yet, she couldn't really help but feel that maybe Amity was right. Boscha was by no means the type of person to be so easily wounded with words, but Amity's words, the left a raw wound, probably equally as painful as her broken leg. She wanted to be friends with Amity again, she couldn't stand the fact that her friend had decided to hang out with others, maybe talking sense to her could work, either way she felt that she should check on her.
A variety of thoughts whirled around in Boscha's head as she strolled towards the Blight Estate. The cool night air brushing against her skin, the distant chirping of crickets, and the occasional hoot from a nocturnal bird - all seemed to blend into the background, drowned out by her swirling thoughts.
The streets were desolate, just as she preferred it. The emptiness gave her enough space and peace to think, to revisit the past days, the happenings, and her falling out with Amity. "Obsessed with status, challenging my competition," Amity's words echoed in her mind, making her wince. She thought about how Amity had changed recently, how she had seemed to grow so much. She had stood up to her parents, she had made new friends... she had outgrown Boscha.
Thinking about her relationship with Amity made her chest tight, a feeling she wasn't familiar with. Their friendship wasn't perfect, but it was something she had come to depend on. She missed that camaraderie, the feeling of being on top of the world when they stood together. She missed her friend.
As the Blight Estate came into view, Boscha's heart pounded in her chest. She had spent a lot of time thinking about what to say to Amity, how to mend the fences. She wanted her friend back, and she was willing to swallow her pride to achieve that.
As she neared the Blight Estate, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She had no idea how Amity would react, but she knew she had to try. She had to make things right, not just for Amity, but for herself as well.
"She better appreciate this." she muttered to herself; her gaze set on the towering mansion before her. It was a daunting task, one that would require her to confront her own faults and make amends.
Boscha's knuckles rapped against the towering wooden door of the Blight estate, the sound echoing in the quiet night. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her anxiety reaching a new peak as she waited for someone to answer.
After what seemed like an eternity, the door creaked open, revealing Amity's older sister, Emira. "Boscha?" Emira looked genuinely surprised, "What are you doing here?"
"I... uh... wanted to talk to Amity," Boscha stuttered, taken aback by Emira's surprised reaction. She hadn't really thought about how the Blight family would react to her unannounced visit.
Emira's expression softened, "Alright, come in," she moved aside, allowing Boscha to enter.
Boscha took in the familiar sight of the Blight mansion, its elegant interior reminding her of the many times she'd been there before. Following Emira through the grand halls of the Blight estate, Boscha couldn't help but feel a wave of unease. She had been here plenty of times before, but it was different this time. There was a certain tension in the air, a tension she suspected was largely due to her own nervousness.
As they approached Amity's room, Emira turned back to her. "Remember, she's healing. Don't push her too hard." Boscha nodded, swallowing her nerves as Emira opened the door to Amity's room.
The room was dimly lit, but Boscha could make out Amity's figure, resting on a recliner with her broken leg propped up. Amity looked up at the sound of the door opening, her expression shifting from surprise to confusion at the sight of Boscha.
Boscha swallowed, her throat suddenly dry. "Hey, Amity. Can we talk?" Her voice came out much quieter than she had intended, but she hoped it conveyed the sincerity of her intentions. Now, she could only wait to see how Amity would respond.
Amity blinked at her, surprise etched into every line of her face. "Boscha?" she asked, voice thin and incredulous. "What are you doing here?"
Her words echoed the sentiments Boscha had been expecting, but they still stung a bit. Boscha shuffled uncomfortably in place, shifting her gaze away from Amity's piercing green eyes.
"I came to...uh..." Boscha fumbled with her words, trying to form a coherent sentence. "I came to talk to you."
Amity furrowed her brow, her confusion giving way to suspicion. "Talk? About what?" The tone was guarded, defensive. The air between them had shifted, a stark contrast to the days when they used to laugh and share secrets without a hint of apprehension.
Boscha took a deep breath, forcing herself to meet Amity's gaze. "About us," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper. "And about what you said... You were right, Amity." This was it - the moment of truth. She had to choose her words carefully. She had to make Amity understand. "I... I came to apologize, Amity," she finally managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amity's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Apologize?" She repeated, the confusion in her voice evident. Boscha wasn't known for her humility. Amity could count on one hand the number of times she had heard Boscha apologize.
Boscha nodded, taking a deep breath before she continued. "Yes, I... I realize now that I've been... difficult. And I wanted to say that I'm sorry," Boscha admitted, her words slow and careful.
Amity's gaze studied Boscha, trying to find any sign of insincerity. But as she looked at Boscha, she saw something she hadn't seen before. Vulnerability. Boscha wasn't hiding behind her usual mask of confidence. She was genuine. She was sincere.
But Amity's wariness wasn't so easily dismissed. "And why should I believe you, Boscha?" She asked, her voice quiet but firm. Her trust was not something easily earned, and Boscha had a lot to make up for.
"I get it, look, I know I've done a lot of crappy stuff." Boscha began, meeting Amity's gaze steadily, "But we were best friends, maybe I've crossed the line a few times, but, I wanna say I'm sorry." It was a promise, a commitment, and Boscha hoped that Amity would see the truth in her words. Because she meant every single one of them.
Amity blinked before speaking. "Sorry?" she said in confusion and slight annoyance. "You, no, 'we' picked on Willow, made her life rough, and you say sorry to me?"
"Yes... I mean, no... I mean..." Boscha stammered, clearly thrown off by Amity's response. She had expected a myriad of reactions, but this was something she hadn't prepared for. She felt her face flushing as she struggled to find the right words.
"I... I don't just mean for what happened between us," she finally managed to say, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I... I know I hurt Willow, too. And others. I... I'm not proud of what I've done." There was a moment of silence as Boscha gathered her thoughts, every second stretching out and making the room feel even more suffocating.
"I want to make amends, Amity," Boscha continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I want to make things right. With you, with Willow, with everyone."
Amity's gaze softened slightly, but the skepticism was still there. "Why now, Boscha? What changed?"
Boscha hesitated, biting her lip as she tried to find the words to explain. "I... I realized that I don't like the person I've become," she said quietly. "I... I don't want to be that person anymore. I want to be better."
Amity was silent for a moment, her gaze thoughtful as she studied Boscha. "Words are easy, Boscha," she finally said, her voice steady. "What matters is action. If you truly mean what you say, then you need to show it."
Boscha nodded, her eyes meeting Amity's gaze once again. There was a truth in Amity's words that Boscha couldn't deny. She had a lot of proving to do. "I will, Amity. I'll prove it," Boscha promised, her voice carrying a firm resolve.
Amity studied Boscha for a moment longer before sighing, "I hope you mean that, Boscha."
"I do, Amity," Boscha said earnestly, hoping that Amity could hear the sincerity in her voice. She hesitated for a moment before adding, "I... I just want us to be friends again."
There was a peculiar emphasis on the word 'friends', a fleeting, yet profound, look in Boscha's eyes that was gone as quickly as it had appeared. She quickly looked away, her face growing warm. It was a subtle moment, a vague hint at something more than friendship, but it was left unspoken, buried beneath layers of regret and hopes for a better future.
Amity caught the brief hesitation, the quick shift in Boscha's demeanor, but she chose not to comment on it. It was a conversation for another time, perhaps when things had settled down, when they'd navigated the rocky path of reconciliation.
For now, Amity simply nodded. "Actions speak louder than words, Boscha," she reminded her, her tone a mix of sternness and faint hope. "Prove it."
Boscha nodded, holding Amity's gaze. "I will," she promised once again, a renewed determination in her voice.
And with that, the silence filled the room again. But it was a different silence now, not the awkward, heavy silence from before, but one filled with the promise of change and the hope for a better tomorrow. It was a silence that marked the start of a new journey, a long and challenging journey that Boscha was willing to undertake. After all, she had a lot to make up for. And she was ready to prove that she meant every word she said.
Boscha stepped outside the Blight Estate, her heart pounding from the emotional confrontation. The night was still young, the cool, crisp air providing a refreshing break from the heated exchange within the mansion. The dimly lit paths of Bonesborough lay before her, a serene contrast to the whirlpool of thoughts and feelings inside her.
As she walked, she let the calmness of the night seep into her, wrapping her like a comforting blanket. The usual hustle and bustle of the city was replaced by a peaceful quietude, only interrupted by the nocturnal creatures of the Boiling Isles. It was a tranquility that gave her time to think, to process the events of the day.
Suddenly, the serenity was broken by the sound of heavy footsteps. A group of guards rushed past her, their faces set in grim determination. The clang of their armor against the cobblestone path echoed through the empty streets, their hurried pace sending a wave of unease through Boscha.
A group of frightened locals followed suit, sprinting away from the direction the guards were headed. Their faces were ashen, their eyes wide with terror. The sight sent a chill down Boscha's spine, and despite the fear gnawing at her, curiosity got the best of her.
Deciding to see what the commotion was about, she began to walk towards the direction the guards were headed. As she neared the scene, her heart pounded in her chest, matching the rhythm of her footsteps.
Finally, as she turned the corner, she stopped dead in her tracks, her breath hitching in her throat. Her eyes widened in shock at the scene before her, a gasp escaping her lips. The sight was unlike anything she had ever seen, filling her with an overwhelming sense of dread.
Stepping closer, Luz bravely reached out to the Man-Spider, her fingers trembling as she attempted to establish a physical connection. "Eric," she pleaded again, a heartbreaking edge to her voice, "we won't let you go through this alone."
Man-Spider's six eyes narrowed at her. A low, threatening growl reverberated from deep within its chest, the very air around them seemed to tremble with the intensity of it.
"Easy, Luz," Eda cautioned, attempting to perform a spell but due to her curse her magic abilities have been severely crippled, including Lilith's magical abilities due to them sharing the curse. But Luz shook her head, her determination stronger than her fear.
"Eric," she tried again, her voice stronger this time, "we won't fight you. We're your friends."
At this, the creature twitched, a flicker of something passing through its many eyes. But as quickly as it came, it vanished, replaced once again by an animalistic glare. The Monster lunged forward and grabbed Luz by the hair and lifted her several feet off the ground.
The air was immediately sucked out of Luz's lungs as she was hoisted off the ground, her feet flailing wildly in the air. Her heart pounded like a drum in her chest as she was locked in the vice-like grip of the creature that Eric had become. "E-Eric!" she choked out, her eyes wide with fear and disbelief.
The Man-Spider growled, its grip tightening on Luz's hair. Pain shot through her skull, causing her to wince. Luz could feel her heart pounding in her chest, the fear bubbling up within her, threatening to overwhelm her. She clawed at the hand holding her, her fingers scraping against the hard, chitinous exoskeleton, but it was no use. The grip was too strong.
With a sudden movement, the Man-Spider flung Luz away from it. She didn't even have time to scream before she was airborne, her body hurtling through the air before she collided with Eda, knocking the older witch to the ground with her.
"Ugh!" Eda grunted as they tumbled to the ground in a heap, her breath forced out of her lungs by the impact. Luz landed on top of her, her breath coming out in ragged gasps, her eyes wide and filled with fear.
Panic bubbled up within Luz as she scrambled to get up, her heart pounding against her ribs. She could still feel the painful grip of the Man-Spider on her scalp, the memory of its many, angry eyes seared into her mind. She felt herself being pulled into a spiral of fear, her breaths coming in short, rapid gasps.
"Luz!" Eda's voice cut through her panic, her hands on Luz's shoulders, grounding her. "Luz, breathe! You're okay, you're okay."
Simultaneously, Lilith dashed towards Luz and Eda, her eyes wide with concern. "Are you both alright?" she asked urgently, her gaze flickering between them as she tried to assess the situation.
Just then, a loud, defiant hoot echoed through the air. All eyes turned towards Hooty, who had launched himself at the Man-Spider. His long body wrapped around the creature in an attempt to subdue it. "Hoot hoot!" he cried out, his grip firm.
For a moment, it seemed like Hooty had the upper hand. But then, with a savage growl, the Man-Spider threw it's head up and then slammed it's maw down and sunk its fangs into Hooty. A pained yelp echoed throughout the clearing. The hold on the Man-Spider loosened, and Hooty recoiled, releasing his grip. With a triumphant roar, the Man-Spider took the opportunity to escape. In a burst of movement, it launched itself into the forest, swinging from tree to tree with alarming speed until it disappeared from sight.
Luz and the others could only watch in shock as the Man-Spider disappeared into the night. A wave of silence washed over them, only broken by Hooty's occasional whimpers of pain.
Eda finally broke the silence, "We need to go after him," she said, determination in her voice. But she was stopped by Lilith's hand on her shoulder, "Not now, Edalyn. We're not prepared, and have injured to take care of," she said, gesturing towards Luz and Hooty.
Meanwhile, in the heart of the dense Bonesborough forest, the Man-Spider swung through the trees with a mixture of primal instinct and precise coordination. It used the powerful muscles in its arms and legs to propel itself from branch to branch, the forest becoming a blur around it.
The monstrous form was silhouetted against the darkened sky, its many eyes reflecting the moonlight as it deftly maneuvered through the dense forest, its agile form weaving through the gaps between trees with ease. Each swing was powerful, its movements fluid and effortless as it traversed through the forest with an uncanny sense of direction.
There was no doubt that the transformation had brought with it heightened abilities. The Man-Spider's speed, agility, and strength were all magnified, a deadly combination that made it a formidable creature.
The town of Bonesborough came into view, its lights twinkling in the distance like stars against the dark backdrop of the night sky. Guided by instinct more than anything else, the Man-Spider made its way towards the town.
As it approached, the Man-Spider launched itself from the edge of the forest, covering the distance between the trees and the town with a single powerful leap. It landed on one of the rooftops in Bonesborough, its grip firm on the tiles as it crouched low, its many eyes scanning the surrounding area.
From this elevated viewpoint, the Man-Spider had a clear view of the town, its gaze piercing the darkness as it perched ominously on the rooftop, the night air filled with an unsettling silence, save for the soft rustling of the wind.
Back at the Owl House, the mood was somber. Each person was lost in their own thoughts, the once warm and inviting home now seeming cold and distant. Hooty was nursing his wounds in a corner, his usual hoots replaced by quiet, pained whimpers. Luz, Eda, and Lilith, all visibly shaken by the recent events, were deep in discussion about their next steps.
"We need to rest, recover, and then come up with a plan. We aren't ready to face Eric in this state," Lilith stated, her voice calm yet filled with an undercurrent of concern. Eda nodded in agreement, her face hardened but eyes weary.
Luz, feeling a sense of responsibility, decided to take matters into her own hands. She needed to find a way to help Eric, and she had an idea of where to start. Quietly, she slipped away from the group, making her way towards Eric's room.
The room was just as Eric had left it. Pictures of the Boiling Isles and his friends and even Luz decorated the walls, his bed was unmade, and clothes were strewn about. Luz's eyes fell on Eric's laptop, sitting on his desk/suitcase. She had seen Eric use it countless times before, for research or entertainment. Now, it was her best shot at finding something, anything, that might help them understand what had happened to him and how they could reverse it.
Luz hesitated for a moment, before shaking her head and walking over to the suitcase. She gently lifted the lid of the laptop, the screen coming to life and illuminating the otherwise dim room. A password prompt appeared, a small note at the bottom of the screen alerting her that there were only three attempts remaining before it would lock.
"Dammit Tibbles." She thought to herself, clearly the Pig had attempted to access the laptop when it came into his possession.
Luz let out a quiet sigh. This was going to be harder than she thought. She had no idea what Eric's password might be. She was going to have to be smart about this, she couldn't afford to waste any attempts. But she had to try. For Eric, for them, for herself. With a deep breath, she placed her fingers on the keyboard, ready to face whatever came next.
"Don't say it, Lilith." Eda snapped loud enough for Luz to hear upstairs. Luz peeled here eyes away from the Laptop to look at the Door, trying to focus on listening to the conversation as much as possible.
"Eda, It's evident." Lilith said factually and regretfully. "But that might be our saving grace."
Luz stood up and took gently footsteps, her left leg still sore from when she was tossed, she leaned out, focusing as much on the next words. "Saving grace?!" Eda exclaimed, slightly offended. "How is being cursed anything in the slightest positive?" she questioned her sister accusingly, still remembering the revelation that Lilith was the cause of Eda's curse. "Come to think about it, I remember Eric telling us that you chased him around town…" Eda accused Lilith before being cut off.
"Yes, I did give chase to him, but I did no such thing as curse him, Edalyn." Lilith responded firmly. "The point I am trying to make is the fact that him being cursed may be able to be controlled, until a more permanent solution is presented." Lilith stated. "You've been needing those potions to keep your transformations at bay, it serves to reason that could work the same with Eric." She explained.
Luz's eyes widened at Lilith's words. She had a point. If they could control Eda's curse, albeit temporarily, with potions, then maybe they could do the same for Eric. It was a long shot, but it was the best plan they had so far.
Eda was silent for a moment, considering her sister's words. "You may be onto something, Lilith. It could work," she finally conceded. Luz could hear the reluctant hope in her voice. It was a desperate plan, but at this point, they were running out of options.
Feeling a renewed sense of determination, Luz returned to the laptop. If the potion could control Eric's transformations, then finding a way to exploit his weaknesses was still crucial. The hope was that Eric, being the meticulous note-taker he was, had documented his weaknesses as Spider-Man.
She stared at the laptop screen, the blinking cursor at the password prompt seeming to mock her. This wasn't just a simple task. The potential key to saving Eric lay just beyond this password-protected wall. Her fingers hovered over the keys, uncertainty gnawing at her.
She thought back to the times she had spent with Eric, trying to remember any hints he may have dropped about his password. Any obscure references, any cryptic jokes, anything that might give her a clue.
As the minutes ticked by, Luz found herself growing increasingly frustrated. It was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The more she thought about it, the more impossible it seemed.
But then, a thought struck her. What if Eric's password wasn't something cryptic or obscure? What if it was something simple, something meaningful to him? It was worth a shot.
With a shaky breath, Luz started typing, hoping against hope that her hunch was right. She pressed enter and waited for the result, her heart pounding in her chest. The fate of her friend, and possibly the fate of everyone in Bonesborough, depended on her getting this right. She couldn't afford to mess up now.
For around five minutes, she stared at the computer. Luckily it was one with one of the fancy batteries that you could leave on for up a week before needing recharged, a clear sign that Eric's parents had not cheeped out on their son's Christmas. Then it came to her, it came to her in a small flashback.
"Again…Duuude." She groaned. "I can we please just watch something?" Luz complained, her brain throbbing from Eric's explanation.
"Hey, you're the one that asked." He said looking back at his friend with a small smirk. "FeynmanRules 'cause Feynman Rules" the words echoing In Luz's brain before snapping back to reality.
"Okay, Feynman Rules…" she muttered to herself, as she started typing. Upon hitting enter a red circle with a white cross appeared.
"Two attempts remaining." The message read.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit." Luz said, panic starting to fill her as she guessed the password wrong. She stopped for small second, drawing in a breath and letting it calm her before attempting again. "Okay, let's try FeynmanRules."
"Logging in." The message stated, causing a massive sigh of relief to come from Luz, who believed she'd either be on the last attempt when she gained access, or would've failed and the Laptop would've been locked to her.
Once inside, Luz was met with Eric's homescreen. It was orderly, yet personal - a representation of the individual who owned it. The desktop background was an artistic depiction of the universe, galaxies and stars twinkling in the vast expanse of space. The picture was a constant reminder of the infinity of the cosmos and Eric's fascination with it.
Folders and icons neatly organized in rows along the left-hand side of the screen denoted a meticulously kept system. There was a 'School' folder, a 'Projects' folder, and a 'Research' folder, each one marked by a little icon that matched its contents. The 'School' folder had a small symbol of an atom, hinting at Eric's love for science. 'Projects' was adorned with a lightbulb, a universal symbol of ideas and innovation. 'Research', fittingly, bore a magnifying glass, alluding to the detailed investigation that lay within.
Off to the side, there were various application icons that Luz recognized. There was an internet browser, a music player, a picture editor, a programming app, and a game or two that she knew were a nod to Eric's nerdy side. Each one had been used recently, a subtle testament to Eric's diverse interests.
In the center of the desktop, there was a sticky note application open. It contained a to-do list of sorts, reminders of assignments, deadlines, and chores, but also of less pressing things like 'buy more comic books' and 'find a new sci-fi series'. It was a little glimpse into Eric's mind, his thoughts and priorities neatly laid out in digital ink.
Luz paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the screen. She had a strange feeling of invading Eric's privacy, but she brushed it aside. She was doing this for Eric, she reminded herself, she had to find a way to help him. With renewed determination, she moved her cursor towards the 'Research' folder, ready to delve into the depths of Eric's digital life.
With a click, Luz entered the 'Research' folder, revealing a plethora of sub-folders within. Each one was neatly labeled, from 'Quantum Physics' to 'Historical Figures', to something as strange as 'Insect Behavior'. There was even a folder named 'Sitting Upside Down', which made Luz raise an eyebrow.
"Sitting upside down?" Luz muttered to herself. It seemed out of place, even for Eric. But then again, Eric had always been full of surprises. Intrigued, she decided to explore it further. She double-clicked on the folder, revealing a collection of other folders inside.
Her eyes scanned the screen, quickly taking in the labels - 'Costumes', 'Schematics', 'Documents', and 'Videos'. They all sounded promising, and Luz felt a spark of hope. Could these be the answers they were looking for? Could these folders contain the key to helping Eric?
Wasting no more time, she navigated to the first folder labeled 'Costumes'. She hoped it would give her a lead, or at least some clue about Eric's condition. As the folder opened, she held her breath in anticipation. What she found next could very well determine their course of action in rescuing their friend.
The screen filled with numerous sketches and digital renders of costume designs, each one more creative than the last. It was obvious from the get-go that Eric had been making an effort to establish his identity as the third Spider-Man, apart from the first two.
One design stood out - it was a sleek ensemble of blues and blacks, the usual web pattern replaced with an intricate interlocking of hexagons, reminiscent of a carbon structure, nodding to his love for science. Another concept featured a more armored look, with additional padding and reinforced sections, it looked almost tactical.
There were several more, each with their own unique twists - one with color-changing fabrics that would help him blend into his surroundings, another with webbed underarms that looked like they might assist with gliding. Each iteration showcased a lot of thoughts about practicality, ease of movement, and the incorporation of science into the design. Some even seemed to have integrated technology - a nod to his 'Schematics' folder, perhaps?
Luz felt a strange mix of awe and sadness. Awe at the creativity and dedication that Eric had put into designing these costumes, and sadness at the thought of her friend going through all this alone. But she also felt a new resolve forming within her. Eric had clearly been preparing for his life as Spider-Man, and she was going to do whatever it took to ensure he lived to see his ideas come to life.
Closing the 'Costumes' folder, she moved on to the next - 'Schematics'. This was going to be a long night, but Luz was determined. For Eric, she would find a way to help him, whatever it took.
Luz opened the 'Schematics' folder, revealing a series of detailed diagrams and notes. The first few files she opened were designs for what appeared to be Eric's web shooters. Each drawing was accompanied by copious notes, mathematical calculations, and chemical formulas. It was impressive, to say the least.
One early design caught her eye. Eric had seemingly taken a more resourceful route, repurposing aluminium whipped cream dispensers as the primary containment for the web fluid. The schematics showed a detailed breakdown of the dispenser. The canister's pressurization system had been cleverly adapted to serve as a delivery mechanism for the web fluid. Eric had drawn detailed diagrams of the modified trigger system that would allow him to control the amount and velocity of the web he wanted to shoot. She remembered when images of Eric's early appearance as Spider-Man he had the dispensers on his upper arms that fed to the release section at his wrist via large tubes, It was clear from the detailed sketches and notes that Eric had put a lot of thought into these designs. He'd clearly been working hard to find efficient and practical solutions to operate as Spider-Man effectively. Luz could see the ingenuity in his work, his understanding of the physics involved, and his dedication to making it work.
Despite the gravity of the situation, a small smile made its way onto Luz's face. Even in these diagrams, Eric's passion for science was evident. She had always admired his dedication, and now, she had a new appreciation for his creativity and innovation then she moved to the next folder.
With a click, Luz moved on to the 'Documents' folder. The first few files she opened were dense with scientific jargon, filled with terms like 'velocity', 'angles of approach', 'chemical compounds', and more. These were the detailed notes Eric had been taking, documenting everything from the physics of swinging through the city to the ideal angles to approach buildings for optimal speed and minimal detection.
As Luz scrolled through the notes, she was struck by the depth of Eric's research. There were detailed discussions of the physics of swinging from a thread, including calculations on the optimal length of the web for different velocities and the best angles for launching off buildings. There were also notes on different kinds of web fluid, each with a different purpose - one for high-strength lines for swinging, one for sticky traps, and one for quickly ensnaring enemies. Each note was meticulously detailed, revealing the painstaking work Eric had put into understanding and perfecting his abilities.
But the most revealing documents were the ones relating to the genetic and physical changes Eric had undergone after being bitten by the spider. Pages upon pages of notes detailed his transformation, describing increased strength, agility, reflexes, and the strange, spider-like abilities he had developed, like wall-crawling and a 'danger sense'. There were even notes on the genetic changes he'd undergone - he'd evidently been analyzing his own DNA, looking for clues as to how the spider's bite had changed him. In the DNA section something had been revealed to Luz, Eric's DNA PSB (Post Spider Bite) appeared to indicate that Eric's fifty percent of Eric's DNA had been altered and was closer to spider, according to Eric's notes. A fact Luz found disturbing as there were also some note about how this same situation had occurred in the past to the Original Spider-Man.
Reading through Eric's documentation, Luz felt a twinge of sorrow. It was clear that her friend had been dealing with so much more than they'd realized. And yet, his notes didn't reflect fear or regret, but rather a scientific curiosity, a desire to understand the profound changes he was going through. It wasn't just the changes of becoming a Superhero that he had been dealing with, but along with moving across the country, losing a family member and now this, it seemed that ultimately Eric's lack of selfcare outside showering and brushing his teeth stemmed from him struggling to deal with all of this. "Why didn't he just tell me sooner?" Luz thought to herself, remembering the fun times the two had. The memories causing a tear to slip out of her eye and down her cheek, she wiped it away.
Leaning back in her chair, Luz took a moment to absorb everything she'd just read. It was a lot to take in, and there was still one more folder to go. Steeling herself, she clicked on the 'Videos' folder, ready to delve even deeper into the enigma that was Eric's new life.
Luz took a deep breath as she double-clicked the 'Videos' folder, ready to plunge even deeper into Eric's journey. Thumbnails filled the screen, each marked with a date and a short title. Luz clicked on the earliest video labeled 'Agility Test 1'.
The video started with a brief, shaky shot of the familiar abandoned Oscorp warehouse they'd often hung out in. Luz felt a pang of nostalgia at the sight of the forgotten graffiti and the high, broken windows that allowed slivers of sunlight to stream in. Then, the camera stabilized as it was placed down, giving a clear view of a makeshift obstacle course. The usual clutter had been arranged into hurdles and targets, with ropes strung up across various points.
Suddenly, Eric appeared on screen, wearing his usual attire. He had a serious, focused look on his face, and Luz couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. He moved towards the camera, cleared his throat, and started to speak.
"Alright," he began, his voice steady, "this is Eric. Test number one. Objective: Agility and Wall Crawling."
He moved back from the camera, his body tense as he prepared to run the course. The screen was filled with Eric's leaps and dashes, the precision of his movements, the ease with which he scaled walls, all evidence of his new abilities. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Luz felt a swell of pride for her friend. He was handling the changes with such resilience, turning a life-altering situation into a scientific study.
The video abruptly ended with the faint sound of Eric's sister's voice calling out in the background. The screen showed Eric dashing towards the camera, the image jerking as he hastily picked it up before the video ended. "That's my cue. Test 1, to be continued."
Luz moved the cursor over to the second video, titled 'Wall Crawling - Agility Test 2'. She clicked on it, and the video player sprang to life.
Eric again appeared on screen, this time clad in a black T-shirt, jeans, and his black and white sneakers. He stood in front of a large wall inside the warehouse, a serious, determined look on his face. Luz could see chalk marks on the wall, probably set up as checkpoints for his test.
He began to speak, addressing the camera. "This is Eric, Test number two. Objective: Speed Wall Crawling." He held up a black balaclava mask, covering everything but his eyes, and pulled it over his head. The action caused Luz to give a small chuckle despite the circumstances. Eric never did anything halfway.
He walked over to the wall, "Ready?" he asked, the question more for himself, looking towards the camera. Without waiting for a response, he pushed off from the ground, and in an instant, was scuttling along the wall. Luz watched, fascinated and worried, as Eric's ability to defy gravity became even more evident.
He narrated as he moved, his voice muffled but clear, his excitement palpable. "I'm estimating...uh, maybe 15 feet per second? I'll need to measure it precisely later... Man, this is awesome! Just wait until I start with the webs..."
The video ended with Eric dropping back to the ground, rushing over to the laptop. His masked face filled the screen as he leaned over, his eyes wide and sparkling. "This... this is going to change everything. Web-slinging, here I come!" His laughter echoed as the video stopped, leaving Luz staring at the paused image of her friend, his excitement and eagerness a stark contrast to the gravity of their current situation.
Before Luz could click on the third video, the door creaked open and Eda walked into the room. "What are you up to, kiddo?" Eda asked, her voice softening when she noticed Luz's worried expression.
"I'm looking through Eric's files," Luz responded, her voice shaking slightly. "I'm hoping to find something...anything that could help us understand what's happening to him. But all I've found so far are these videos..."
Eda walked over and sat next to Luz, looking at the laptop screen. "Mind if I watch with you?" she asked. Luz shook her head and clicked on the third video, titled 'Web Shooter - Prototype - Test 1'.
The video opened with Eric, already wearing the black balaclava, standing in what appeared to be the same abandoned warehouse. This time, though, something was different. Strapped to his wrists were devices that looked strikingly like the schematics Luz had looked over earlier - the web shooters.
Emily's voice echoed through the warehouse, her words captured by the laptop's microphone. "Eric, why are you recording all this?"
"For posterity," Eric replied, a grin evident in his voice. "And...just in case anything happens to me. Someone needs to know what I've been doing, plus it's a good study."
A pang of sadness hit Luz at his words. Even at this early stage, Eric had been aware of the dangers he might face. Yet, he had pushed forward, driven by his need to use his powers for good.
Emily's voice came again, filled with a mix of admiration and worry. "You're really committed to this, aren't you?"
Before Eric could respond, he launched into his test, his body twisting and leaping with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly. He moved with precision, his web shooters responding to his slightest touch as he swung around the warehouse. Luz could hear the amazement in Emily's voice as she watched, her words echoing her brother's earlier sentiment. "Dude...This is insane!"
The video ended with Emily talking excitedly about their upcoming trip to New York, her words filled with anticipation. But it was Eric's reply that caught Luz's attention. "Luz should know," he'd said. "I'm considering telling her on my birthday."
Luz felt her heart sink. This video was taken only a week before Emily's death, which meant that Eric had been planning to reveal his secret to her months ago. But Emily's death, the shock and grief of it, must have changed everything. Luz felt tears prick at her eyes. She felt Eda's arm around her shoulders, offering silent comfort.
"We'll figure this out, Luz," Eda said gently. "We always do." Luz nodded, wiping away her tears. With newfound determination, she clicked on the fourth video, ready to uncover more of Eric's hidden journey.
Luz clicked on the last video, her heart heavy with the knowledge of the tragic circumstances surrounding it. The title, 'video 4', a much simpler title than the previous ones.
The video opened to reveal the familiar setting of the warehouse, but everything felt different. The normally vibrant environment was dimly lit and the background hum of the nearby interstate had been replaced by the steady patter of rain against the warehouse roof. Eric sat alone in the frame, his face reflecting the grief he was grappling with.
Eric appeared on the screen, his balaclava absent. His usually lively eyes were dulled, rimmed red, and his voice wavered as he spoke. "Its…um," he began, his voice nearly drowned out by the rain, "It's me again." He ran a hand through his hair, his usual composed demeanor replaced with a raw vulnerability.
He took a deep breath, steeling himself before continuing. "Emily... she's gone. She was hit by a car a few days ago. Street racers..." His voice choked off, his grief apparent in every syllable.
Luz felt her breath hitch in her throat, her heart aching for her friend. She remembered the news about what had happened, she attended her funeral and had done her best to support her friend. The past few months hadn't been easy, Eric had only recently started coming out of his shell more, he had been quiet upon their first meeting, shy even. But after a while he started to feel more confident, but after his sister's death, Eric had retreated into himself.
"It's my fault," Eric continued, tears shimmering in his eyes. "My Spider Sense... it's unpredictable. Sometimes, it's just a tingle, but other times... it's painful, like my nerves are on fire, I…I've even had dizzy spells because of how sensitive it can be. Distracting. I was supposed to meet Emily, but a sudden flare of my sense...it left me vulnerable. I was jumped, taken by surprise by a few car thieves who steal cars for cross-state street racing gang." His voice broke, the pain of his guilt painfully clear. "If I had been there, where I was supposed to be, if I hadn't been taken off guard, I could've stopped the thieves, could've met up with Emily."
He took a deep breath, steeling himself before he continued. "Emily came looking for me. She was worried...and in her search, she was hit by the group of street racers. The same ones who ambushed me."
His voice was heavy with guilt, his shoulders slumped as he finished his tragic story. He looked straight into the camera, his eyes filled with a sadness that made Luz's heart ache. "I can't tell anyone about me being Spider-Man. Not now, not ever. I can't risk this happening again, can't risk losing anyone else. But...I… can't stop, being Spider-Man...it's what Emily would have wanted."
The video ended abruptly, leaving Luz and Eda in stunned silence. They sat there for a moment, processing the heavy revelation. The room was thick with a mix of sorrow, regret, and determination.
Eda broke the silence. "That's why he's been doing this alone. He's been carrying this guilt, this pain..."
Luz nodded, her eyes moist with unshed tears. "After Emily died," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "Eric was... he was a mess. He stopped coming to school for a while. When he did come back, he was different."
She could still remember the hollow look in his eyes, the way his laughter no longer rang out through the halls, his usually bright and eager demeanor replaced by a dull, detached one. The vibrant friend she knew seemed to have been buried alongside his sister.
"Eric was one of the smartest students in our school, a straight-A kid. But after the accident, his grades plummeted. He barely passed his classes, he lost interest in everything," Luz continued, her voice filled with worry and sadness.
Eda looked at Luz, her face etched with concern. "He was grieving, Luz. It's a tough thing, losing someone you love. It can turn your world upside down," she said softly.
"But that's the thing, Eda," Luz retorted, her frustration surfacing, "Eric wasn't just grieving. He was blaming himself for Emily's death. He was carrying this burden, this guilt, all by himself. And all this time, he was also grappling with these...these powers, trying to make sense of everything." She wiped a stray tear. "After he'd stop coming out, I'd go to his house, my mom and his parents and I knew he needed someone, I tried to get him to hang out. And when he'd say no I'd spend the night at his house every now and then." She closed her eyes, the memories flooding back. "We'd watch shows, play video games, order takeout and sit on his floor talking about everything and nothing... just trying anything that'd might've helped. But his eyes...they always had that distant look. It's like he was there but not really there, you know?" Luz's voice trembled, but she powered through the emotion.
Eda nodded sympathetically. She'd been around long enough to recognize that look, the glassy eyes of someone who was physically present but mentally miles away. It was a painful sight, more so when it was someone you cared about.
"I remember this one time..." Luz's voice drifted off. She was lost in the memory, reliving it in her mind. "It was one of those nights when I was supposed to stay over. We'd spent the whole evening watching reruns of his favorite cartoons. But that night, he was...different. More…more distant." Luz explained, almost at a loss for trying to find the correct words
Eda gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "What happened?"
Luz let out a slow, shaky breath. "He asked me to leave. Politely, but firmly. Said he wanted to be alone. I didn't understand then. I felt... rejected, you know?" Her voice was thick with regret. "I thought he was pushing me away because he didn't want my help."
"But now...now that I think about it," Luz continued, her eyes lighting up with realization, "it wasn't that he didn't want my help. He just...he couldn't let me help. He was probably planning on going out as Spider-Man that night."
Eda gave her a sympathetic look, her thumb rubbing soothing circles on Luz's hand. "It's the guilt, he might've wanted to wear the red and blue suit to begin with, but," Eda said, before sighing. "I bet he feels more like he 'needs to' be Spider-Man, rather than 'wants to'." She explained.
"Yeah," Luz said quietly, her gaze distant. "though, I think he already gave us an idea how to help him in that video."
Eda quirked an eyebrow, her attention piqued. "Oh?"
Luz nodded, her eyes taking on a determined glint. "His Spider-Sense," she said, her voice firm. "He mentioned that at times it could be painful, even debilitating. It's why he was caught off guard that night...why he couldn't meet with Emily in time."
A moment of silence passed between them before Eda spoke. "You think his Spider-Sense could be a...a sort of weakness?" she inquired.
Luz bobbed her head, her mind racing with possibilities. "Exactly. If we could somehow trigger it, it might distract him enough to give us an opening, to get through to him."
Eda frowned, her eyes reflecting her concern. "But Luz, that means we're going to put him in danger. We could potentially harm him."
Luz met Eda's gaze, her determination unwavering. "I know, Eda. It's risky and it's definitely not ideal. But right now, it's the only lead we have. Besides, we aren't planning to hurt him. We just need to distract him, to disorient him long enough for us to reach out to him. To remind him of who he truly is."
She let out a sigh, her fingers clenching into a fist. "And if this is what it takes to bring Eric back, then it's a risk we have to take."
Eda watched Luz, her gaze thoughtful. She was a kid, yet here she was, ready to face such a daunting task head-on. "Alright," she finally said, giving Luz a small nod. "We do this. But we do this carefully, Luz. We have to remember that our goal isn't just to stop him...it's to save him."
Luz smiled at Eda, a spark of hope in her eyes. "Thank you, Eda. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten. We'll save Eric, no matter what it takes."
Boscha watched on in a mixture of amazement and horror, its multiple red eyes glowing ominously in the dim light. It moved with a startling agility, flipping over carriages and swinging between buildings with an ease that belied its monstrous form. It was nothing short of terrifying, a nightmarish specter brought to life.
She watched in horror as the creature launched a volley of thick, web-like substances from its arms, entrapping the approaching guards. With a swift movement, the beast flung the webbed guards away as if they were mere ragdolls, even using them to knock down oncoming guards. The spectacle was a terrifying display of strength and control, one that sent the remaining onlookers into a panicked frenzy.
But Boscha was rooted to the spot, her fear rooting her to the spot. This...this wasn't normal. Creatures of the Boiling Isles were weird, yes. But this...this was something else entirely. This was monstrous.
For a moment, she considered stepping in, using her magic to try and subdue the creature. But the beast was too strong, too powerful. The guards were well trained, and yet they were falling like flies. She didn't stand a chance.
Suddenly, the creature turned its gaze to her, its red eyes glowing ominously in the dark. A chill ran down Boscha's spine as she met its gaze, her heart pounding in her chest.
But before she could react, the creature quickly turned away, swiftly disappearing into the night with an agility that belied its monstrous form. The webbed guards, now lying helpless on the ground, were left behind, a grim reminder of the terror that had just unfolded.
The couple guards who were free of the webs rushed to their comrades aid to help free them of the webbing, some of the guards were limping and weren't in any shape to give chase or flat out unconscious, the few that did manage to get to their feet did their best to give chase. Boscha moved through the site of destruction, broken pottery, windows and stalls littered the street. She moved towards where the creature was standing and she notices something, a piece of fabric from what the creature appeared to be wearing, it had a section of blue that was separated by a black line, on the other side was red with several black lines. Boscha's curiosity just peaked, a mystery at hand, almost as if it were a sign from the Titan, given her conversation with Amity.
/ AUTHOR'S NOTE \\
Hey it's been a while since my last upload, been really busy with career stuff, past while I've been brewing a couple chapters so there's that, the story I admit is a little over the place but I'm looking to make it a bit more tidy going forward 😊 anyway hope y'all enjoy.