Chapter 2: The Return Home

"The air is so foul it chokes me. Truly this is a city of the damned." Sonja spoke though her gloved hand. She could scarcely believe what she was seeing and yet... it was all around her. Impossibly tall towers filled with dancing lights, metal chariots that could move without horses to guide them, giant glowing portals with equally giant people inside them, clothing of the likes she's never seen before, and the air. That horrendous smelling air that freely invaded her nostrils.

"Nope... that's just New York City for you." Peter smiled warmly as he took it all in. It'd been too long since he last looked out at the hustle and bustle of the big city. To be honest he was beginning to think that he's never see his own time again. He missed the tall buildings, neon signs, and sounds of car horns. He owed Doc Strange big time for finding him and helping deal with Kulan Gath.

From what Peter was able to gather the man was essentially Sonja's greatest adversary. A sorcerer from the ancient world who sought to purify mankind in a crucible of blood and rule over all as a god. Needless to say, they put an end to that plan and the good doctor sealed the madman away for eternity in an amulet that he turned over to Sonja. After that it was time to return home but Peter couldn't and wouldn't leave Sonja behind.

So, after some deliberation, drinks and arguing, Strange relented and left it up to the pair what they wanted to do. Peter was willing to stay in the past with Sonja, but the redhead had made the decision to travel back to the future with him. The masked hero asked her if that's really what she wanted and she reassured him that it was. Dr. Strange also offered to take her back to her own time if things didn't work out.

Now Peter and Sonja were in the big apple together and Doc Strange took his leave returning back the sanctum. Apparently, he had a new apprentice to get back to.

"So, you ready to head on over to my place? Or would you rather take in the sights?" Peter asked his red-haired companion.

"I think It best we return to your living quarters for now. We can explore come early sunrise." Was Red Sonja's answer.

Peter could understand exactly where his girlfriend was coming from, it was late, and they been a grueling battle against a dark sorcerer only a few hours ago. She was tired and admittedly so was he. It then occurred to him that for the first time in a long time he was going to sleep in his actual bed.

"Your wish is my command. Just hang on tight and I'll get there before you know it." Peter smiled. Sonja did as well and gently wrapped her arms around his neck. She was no stranger to Spider-Man's web swinging, but this was the first time she was going to swing with him through a bustling modern utopia. "Ready?"

"I am." She says confidently.

"Then off we go." Peter grinned.

-x-

Peter couldn't remember the last time he was so happy to see his own bed. Maybe after the first battle with the Sinister Six? He wasn't really sure, but he was beyond happy to feel the soft mattress at his back and the feeling of clean clothes on his skin. More than that however, he was happy that he didn't have the mattress all too himself. Right beside him sound asleep was none other than the woman of his dreams, freshly showered like himself and experiencing a modern bed for the first time.

It felt good to be home, and even better to not be alone. Tomorrow was going to be a whole new experience for Sonja, and he was going to be there for her every step of the way. The hardest thing for himself however was going to be readjusting to the modern world since he was in the old one for so long but that shouldn't be too much of a problem. Once he got back into the swing of things, it'd be easy as one two three.

He turned his head towards the sleeping redhead and planted a gentle kiss on her forehead before cuddling a bit closer. "Goodnight, Sonja."

And with that the wall-crawler too joined her in the realm of dreams.

Meanwhile in the kitchen next to some discarded mail, a purple amulet sat abandoned and forgotten as the presence within cursed the names of those who trapped him. Kulan Gath cried and screamed for anyone who could hear him but alas his voice went unheard. All he could do was sulk in the void as the world around him passed by. He'd lost and this was the price paid. All of his enemies were living well and what greater slap to the face was there than that.

"AHHH!"

(To be continued...)


Disclaimer: I do not own Spider-Man or Red Sonja! All rights go to MARVEL COMICS (Disney) & Dynamite Comics!