Chapter 13

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

Tracy's steps echoed softly against the pavement as she made her way back to her friends, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The symbiote pulsed beneath her skin, a constant reminder of the power and the danger it represented. She needed to find a way to control it, to ensure it wouldn't consume her completely.

Reaching the familiar door of her home, she paused, taking a deep breath before entering. Inside, the gang was still gathered, their worried faces illuminated by the soft light of the living room.

"There you are!" Ted exclaimed, rushing over to her. "We were starting to get worried."

"I'm fine," Tracy assured him, offering a weak smile. "Just... had to deal with something."

Robin approached, her eyes scrutinizing. "You sure? You look... different."

Tracy glanced down at herself, realizing that traces of the symbiote might still be visible. "It's nothing, really. Just a long night."

Marshall gestured towards the couch. "Sit down, we'll make some coffee. You look like you could use it."

As they settled around her, the warmth of their concern enveloped Tracy, making her feel both grateful and guilty for keeping secrets from them. She knew she couldn't hide the truth much longer.

"Where's Peter?" Tracy couldn't help but ask as she noticed a certain wall-crawler was missing from their group.

"He went home. He needed to be there for his wife. She's pregnant." Ted explained to his wife, smiling.

'Oh' Tracy looked surpised at this development.

"Man, I can't believe Peter is married to Mary Jane Watson, that famous actress from Broadway. I love her plays." Lily fangirl.

"I can't believe Peter Parker is Spider-Man. That fight at the rooftop was awesome. This day has been Legen- wait for it-dary!" Barney declared, excited.

"It goes without saying we don't tell anyone about Peter's secret." Ted said, suddenly serious.

The gang simultaneously agree.

Over the next few days, Tracy immersed herself in training, pushing her limits to understand the symbiote's capabilities. The gang noticed her absence but respected her need for space, sensing that something profound was happening.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Tracy found herself on the rooftop of her building, the cityscape spread out before her like a glittering blanket. The symbiote whispered promises of strength and invincibility, its voice seductive and persuasive.

"I won't let you take over," Tracy muttered, her hands clenched into fists. "I decide what we do."

The symbiote recoiled slightly, as if surprised by her defiance. It swirled beneath her skin, testing her resolve.

Suddenly, her phone buzzed, interrupting the tense moment. Glancing down, she saw a message from an unknown number: "We know what you are. We can help. Meet us at the abandoned warehouse on 5th Street."

Tracy hesitated, torn between ignoring the threat and seeking potential allies. With a deep breath, she decided to face whatever awaited her.

Arriving at the desolate warehouse, she stepped inside, her senses heightened by the symbiote. Shadows danced along the walls, the air thick with anticipation.

"Welcome," a voice called out from the darkness. Figures emerged, their identities concealed by hoods and masks. "We've been watching you, Tracy McConnell."

"Who are you?" she demanded, standing tall despite the unease creeping up her spine.

"We are those who have learned to live with such gifts," one figure replied, pulling back their hood to reveal a woman with striking features. "We can teach you to control your power, to harness it without losing yourself."

Tracy eyed them warily, her instincts screaming caution. "Why should I trust you?"

The woman stepped closer, her gaze intense. "Because we've walked the path you're on. We know the dangers, the temptations. We can guide you, if you're willing to learn."

Silence stretched between them, the symbiote pulsating over Tracy's skin, urging her to accept the offer. With a slow nod, she agreed, knowing that the battle within herself was far from over.

Over the following weeks, Tracy delved into rigorous training with her newfound allies, learning to channel the symbiote's power while maintaining her own identity. The transformation was painful and exhilarating, pushing her to the brink of her abilities.

Meanwhile, the gang grew increasingly concerned about her prolonged absences and erratic behavior. Ted, especially, struggled with his inability to help her, feeling helpless and distant.

One day, as Tracy returned from a particularly grueling session, she found Ted and the kids waiting for her outside their home. Their expression was a mix of worry and frustration.

"We need to talk," her husband said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Tracy nodded, leading them inside. They sat down, the weight of their shared history settling between them like a tangible presence.

"What's going on, Tracy?" Ted asked gently. "You've been disappearing for days, not answering our calls. We're worried about you."

"Yeah mom. Where do you go?" Luke, her baby boy, ask her.

"You're barely here anymore. You're barely spend time with us. What are you hiding." Penny, her beautiful daughter, accused, anger in her tone.

Tears pricked at Tracy's eyes, the strain of keeping her secret finally overwhelming her. "I'm dealing with something... extraordinary. Something that could change everything."

Ted reached out, taking her hand in his. "Tell me. Let me help you carry this burden."

With a trembling breath, Tracy began to recount her encounters with the symbiote, the battles, the transformations. Her family listened in silence, their shock palpable but gradually giving way to understanding.

When she finished, Ted pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice resolute. "You're not alone in this. We're here for you, always."

"Yeah. We're here for you, mom." Luke promised.

"And stop pushing us away. We can help you." Penny exclaimed, emotion in her tone.

Together, they faced the challenges ahead, their bond stronger than ever. The symbiote may have offered power beyond measure, but it was the love and support of her family that truly empowered Tracy to fight the darkness within herself.

To be continue...

With her family by her side, will Tracy be able to face the challenges that looms over her life? Find out in the next chapter!

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