Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I don't own How I Met Your Mother or Spider-Man and anything Marvel related properties. They belong to their respective owners.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the cityscape, Tracy and her allies regrouped at the Mosby residence. The air was heavy with the scent of victory and exhaustion, but there was a newfound determination in their eyes.

"We can't let our guard down," Anne warned, her voice firm as she addressed the group gathered around the living room. "Cletus Kasady won't take this defeat lightly."

Eddie nodded, his expression grim. "He'll be back, and next time, he'll bring more than just a few thugs."

Tracy felt the weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. "What do we do? We can't keep fighting like this forever."

Ted placed a comforting hand on her arm. "Maybe we don't have to. What if we could find a way to neutralize the symbiote without hurting you?"

Barney perked up, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Ooh, I know! We could throw a big party, invite all the bad guys, and then... zap them with a laser beam!"

Robin shot him a withering but fond look. "That's not helpful, Barney."

Marshall stroked his chin thoughtfully. "What about a sonic weapon? Something that disrupts the symbiote's connection without harming Tracy?"

Lily nodded, her eyes brightening. "It's worth looking into. We have contacts at the university who might be able to help."

Barney snap his fingers. "I might be able to help. I know a guy."

"Of course you do." Ted rolled his eyes, smiling.

Anne considered the idea for a moment before nodding. "It's risky, but it could work. We'll need to test it first, make sure it doesn't have any adverse effects on Tracy."

Tracy took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead. "Let's do it. I trust you all to find a way."

Over the next few days, the gang worked tirelessly, reaching out to their contacts and scouring through research papers. They were determined to find a solution that would protect Tracy without causing her harm.

Meanwhile, Tracy underwent intense training sessions with Anne, pushing herself to the limit to gain better control over the symbiote. Each day, she grew stronger, more confident in her abilities.

One evening, as the sky turned a vibrant shade of orange, Lily burst through the door, waving a stack of papers excitedly. "I think we've found it!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with hope.

The group crowded around her, scanning the pages filled with complex diagrams and technical jargon.

"This device emits a specific frequency that should disrupt the symbiote's ability to bond with its host," Lily explained, her fingers flying over the diagrams. "It's based on ancient technology used by an extinct civilization."

Ted frowned, his brow furrowed. "How does it work exactly? Will it hurt Tracy?"

Lily shook her head. "No, the frequency is calibrated to affect only the symbiote. It should sever its connection with Tracy without causing her any pain."

Tracy felt a mix of relief and apprehension wash over her. "When can we test it?"

"Tomorrow," Lily replied, her eyes shining with determination. "We'll set it up in the warehouse district where we fought last time. It's isolated, less chance of collateral damage."

The night passed slowly, each member of the group lost in their thoughts. Tracy lay awake, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew the risk they were taking, but she trusted her friends implicitly.

Morning arrived, and they assembled at the designated location. The device, a sleek metallic contraption, stood ominously in the center of the warehouse. Lily double-checked the settings, ensuring everything was in order.

Tracy approached the device, her heart pounding in her chest. "Ready when you are," she said, her voice steady despite the nerves churning within her.

Lily nodded, her expression serious. "On my mark. Three, two, one..."

The device hummed to life, emitting a low, pulsating sound that resonated through the air. Tracy braced herself, waiting for the sensation she knew was coming.

At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, she felt the symbiote stir on her skin, a faint whisper of discomfort spreading through her body as if she was being squeeze. She clenched her fists, gritting her teeth against the growing pain.

Suddenly, the symbiote erupted from her suit, writhing and twisting in agony as the frequency tore through its essence. Tracy stumbled backward, gasping for breath, as the black tendrils retreated, shrinking back into her suit.

The device continued to pulse, the sound growing louder, more insistent. Tracy felt the symbiote's consciousness fading, the connection weakening until finally, it snapped.

With a final cry, the symbiote detached itself completely from Tracy's naked body, pooling on the ground in a glossy black mass. Tracy collapsed to her knees, spent but free.

The group rushed to her side, concern etched across their faces. "Are you okay?" Ted asked, helping her to her feet as well giving her a set of clothes to cover her nudity.

Tracy nodded, her voice trembling with emotion. "I think so. It's gone. I'm myself again."

They embraced, a collective sigh of relief echoing through the warehouse. They had done it. They had saved Tracy from the symbiote's grasp.

But as they celebrated their victory, a shadow fell over the scene. Cletus Kasady stepped out from the shadows, his face twisted into a menacing grin.

"Fascinating," he murmured, his eyes fixated on the symbiote pooled on the ground. "Such power, wasted on the weak."

Tracy stepped forward, her hands balled into fists. "Stay away from it, Kasady. It's dangerous."

Kasady chuckled, his tone mocking. "Oh, I intend to. But not for the reasons you think."

Before anyone could react, he lunged forward, plunging his hands into the symbiote. The black mass surged upward, enveloping him in a wave of darkness.

Tracy's eyes widened in horror as Kasady transformed before their very eyes, the symbiote merging with his flesh, enhancing his already formidable abilities.

"Now, we shall see true power unleashed," Kasady declared, his voice distorted by the symbiote's influence.

The group exchanged panicked glances, realizing too late the grave mistake they had made. They had underestimated Kasady's thirst for power, his willingness to embrace the darkness within.

As Kasady advanced, a sinister aura surrounding him, Tracy knew they were facing an enemy unlike any they had encountered before. And this time, the stakes were higher than ever.

To be continue...

Cletus Kasady has the symbiote! What will the gang going to do now? Will they become victims to Kasady's madness? Find out in the next chapter!

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