Chapter 16 [Next Morning]

Dawn streaked Crimson, Orange and Yellows across the Big Apple's eastern sky. Routine kickstarted Day's events. People streamed toward Jobs, School or Errands. Cars, buses and trains conveyed them toward Destination's priorities.

Previous night's activities, however, demanded attention of their own….

[Javalastani Consulate—6:20 AM]

Within the squat building, Routine just started into motion. Chef and staff worked on Morning's meal. Housekeepers wiped down furnishings. Others meditated and prayed.

At any hour, affairs called one back to the World. This day proved no different….

Jasmine kneeled by her suite's southeastern corner. Chant escaped from her mouth. Her forehead pressed to the floor in periodic fashion. Despite Previous Night's escapades, Duty demanded her prayers. Thanksgiving came for new friends and alliances. Gratitude of course for her spirit sister, Miranda and escape from Yodoshi on the previous night. I will not forget, Miri. I hope you are all right. At least Agents Singleton and Petersen will be released this afternoon if doctors are correct! Then, she rose to her feet. Her hands folded the prayer rug and set it back in its corner.

Miranda….

I cannot believe that monster still has the hold on her that he has! Arighatto lusts after her friends as well. She stretched her arms high overhead. That is Lana Lang is it? I remember Miri speaking of her. So, that one decided on Clark Kent after all. She and he reacted to the emerald stone. Would that mean that they are Travelers? Miri never said as much. She pulled on her gi.

So many questions…. Louise appeared in the corner. Her white blouse and dark skirt held nary a wrinkle. Her hair's beehive rose impeccably from her scalp. Worry, however, knotted itself across her face. "You are Princess Jasmine? Lana has…changed. She and Clark are now different as you saw. I need your help. That creep you're thinking about. He seeks revenge. He's after Peter Parker...the Spider-Guy. There's a big ol' bomb! He…."

"What? By the Prophet! Is there no end to his perfidy!" Jasmine pulled her scimitar onto her back. She covered her face and hair. Then she opened the window. "Professor Tuishiama is still at the hospital. Can you guide me?"

"I sure can!" Louise walked onto Carpet. "Like that?"

Snapdragon nodded. She willed Carpet off the ground and into the air. I warned Peter not to taunt Arighatto! He just had to… Within seconds, the broken clouds concealed them. "Guide me in the right direction!"

"That way! She pointed to the north! Six blocks straight thata way! Then over to Eighth Avenue! We got to move!" Embarrassment reddened her face. "Sorry." Panic had her look left and then right. "I can't believe it!"

"Urgency is needed. I agree!" Snapdragon sped them straight north and east. "What did he do?"

"Peter or that creep? Peter put those ol' pictures from last night in the paper. That creep's looking to hurt him! He's going to send a message! Darn it! Where is his building?"

IT IS TO YOUR LEFT, LOUISE. WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS WRONG? Jor-El informed her. I AM SPEAKING WITH PARKER RIGHT NOW!

Joe, they're going to blow up his apartment! He's gotta get out of there! NOW! Louise disappeared in a flash.

DEMON TRASH! I CANNOT HELP PARKER NOW!

Snapdragon maneuvered Carpet closer to Peter's apartment. Then, she waited….

[Parker/Osborne Apartment—Midtown Manhattan—About 6:30 AM]

Peter sat at the table. Bugle's late-night work had occupied him until Midnight's passing. Gwen reached him there. Direct Deposit sped funds toward his threadbare bank account. Despite Exhaustion, Nightmare battered against his psyche. What's the deal with Arighatto and Yodoshi? He didn't get the katana at least. I really should talk with Doc Strange about him. Orange Juice rejuvenated him. At least Harry's away with his Dad. I need to talk with Mr. Osborne about that Arighatto guy.

Phone's ring stirred him from Reverie's introspection.

Now who? "Hello?"

"Mr. Parker, good morning. This is Virgil Swann. We spoke at the Stacy Residence last night. I wished to congratulate you on a fine headline in this morning's edition. I see you called attention to a certain issue."

Peter took a draught from his mug. "Hi, Dr. Swann. Thanks. What issue is that?" Concern raised an eyebrow. Should've known that Robbie would put those on the front page.

"Not on the phone." Swann looked at the Bugle's front page on his screen. "If you can reach Spider-Man, please advise him that I need to see him at my planetarium. Do you know where that is?"

He needs to see today? Peter rubbed his forehead. Well, Aunt May isn't going to need me until this afternoon. Gwendy and Captain Stacy should be set for this morning at least. "Place with the telescope on top on Third Ave? Yeah, I've been by it. I'll let him know. I think he said he was going to around there this morning. I'll see if I can get a hold of him. Any time?"

"By nine, Mr. Parker, if he can make it. Thank you." Swann disconnected.

By nine? That should be doable. I can swing over there and be able to meet with everyone. Peter hung up the wall phone. Good thing it's summer and I don't have class. He shut off the stove's coil and dumped the remaining coffee.

THIS MEETING IS IMPORTANT!

And now, I get Big Joe. Peter rolled his eyes. Yeah. I got that. Everyone okay at the Inn? Clark? Lana? He stalked into the bedroom. He rubbed the back of his neck. If Swann saw it, you can bet that those folks at the FBI saw that page. Arighatto's got to have seen it or will see it.

SWANN WILL TELL YOU WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

"I got that." Peter pulled on his leggings and boots. "Think I got a good idea yesterday from watching Jenny at the site and talking like you are." He put his top on. He checked his belt cartridges and secured that around his waist. His web shooters passed muster as well. He pulled his mask down over his face. "Maybe I can…?"

Spider Sense blared at him. Danger threatened.

"Now what?" Spider-Man heard glass breaking in the living room. "What the?"

Louise appeared. "GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" She willed the window to open. "GO!" She pointed at the window. Then she disappeared again.

"Great! Now the angel too? What the heck?" Spider-Man sprang through the window. He shot a web line toward the next building and swung away from his post. He got to the street side. Something got thrown into the apartment! Come on!

Explosion's boom shattered Neighborhood's din. Red flames shot out of every window. Shockwave crumbled bricks and masonry. Windows shattered. Flames caught damaged gas lines. Secondary explosion leveled the rest of the building.

Impact flung Spider-Man across the street. Akin to Dandelion Fuzz before Tornado, he flew across the street. Stunned and nearly senseless, he couldn't manage any defense.

Brick wall and broken fire escape lay in his path. Sharp metal shards aimed themselves toward his chest and heart.

Then Intervention came. Lavender hue shimmered about himself. Air turned dark and took on Rubber's texture. The substance arrested his flight and shot him back in the other direction….

…and right onto Snapdragon's carpet…

"Rest, my Friend. I will see you to safety." Her eyes narrowed. She turned the rubber back to air again. Then, she glared at the damaged building. "Go, Carpet!" She streaked back off toward the Consulate.

Retribution had started its rounds….