(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)
David's mind was in a frenzy as he ran towards Ripperdoc's clinic, his thoughts racing and his heart pounding with every step. The sight of his brother's burned and battered body was etched in his mind, a horrific image that he couldn't shake off. His hands trembled with the weight of his brother's body, and the sight of the melting muscle fibers made his stomach churn with a sickening mix of fear and despair. As he raced through the city, his desperation was palpable. He knew that his brother's life hung in the balance, and he had to get him to Ripperdoc's clinic as soon as possible. Every fiber of his being was focused on this one goal, and he pushed himself beyond his limits, running with a burning intensity that he had never felt before. Despite the burning pain in his arms and the heaviness in his legs, David refused to stop. He couldn't afford to slow down, not when his brother's life was on the line. Karito was the only family he had left, and the thought of losing him was unbearable. He had always been there for David, and now it was his turn to return the favor. As he approached Ripperdoc's clinic, David's heart was in his throat. He knew that his brother's fate was in the hands of the underrated Ripper doc, and he prayed that he would be able to save him. With a surge of determination, he burst into the clinic, his eyes fixed on the figure of Ripperdoc in the distance. He knew that this was the moment of truth, and he held his breath, hoping against hope that his brother would survive.
(Ripper Doc) "HEY! KNOCK FI-" Sees the brother's "What the hell happened...?"
(David) Crying "PLEASE, DOC! SAVE KARITO! SAVE MY BROTHER!"
(Ripper Doc) "David, calm down! I owe your brother a lot. So I'll help, there's no way I'll let someone like Karito die on my watch."
(David) His Voice breaks "Hic...Thank...you..." Faint's out of exhaustion
(Ripper Doc) "...You've got to be kidding me. Oh well." Looks at Karito "There's no way in hell your dying, boy. You're worth more than this damn city."
Ripper Doc quickly implanted his surgical cybernetic arms and quickly places Karito on the operating table. The surgery itself was brutal. The smell of burnt skin lingered in the room, Ripperdoc used a laser scalpel to cut away the pieces of Karito's costume that had melted into his skin. The smell of burning fabric mixed with the scent of burnt flesh was overpowering.
2 hours later
After David passed out of exhaustion, his eyes grew heavy as he watched RipperDoc work on his brother, trying to patch him up from the horrific injuries he had sustained. He felt his stomach turn with each cut and incision, as pieces of Karito's Spider-Man costume were found embedded deep within his skin. David's heart raced with fear and worry as he saw the extent of the damage that had been done to his brother's body. The pain and discomfort he felt inside only grew more intense, and soon, he couldn't bear to watch anymore. With a heavy heart, he slowly made his way out of the room, feeling like he was about to collapse at any moment. The reality of his brother's condition hit him with full force, and he stumbled his way to the bathroom, where he threw up in horror and despair. As he tried to regain his composure, David's mind raced with thoughts of what would become of his brother. He couldn't imagine a life without Karito by his side, and the mere thought of it made his stomach churn once more. Despite all of his efforts to stay strong, David couldn't help but feel completely overwhelmed by the situation, and he wondered how he would ever be able to cope with what was happening.
10 hours later...
When the surgery was over, the Ripperdoc turned to David with a grim expression.
(Ripper Doc) "Your brother is stable, for now," he said. "But he's not out of the woods yet. He'll need to stay here for a few weeks, at least, to recover from his injuries. And even then, he might never be the same."
David nodded, feeling numb. He knew that his brother was lucky to be alive, but the thought of him being permanently scarred and disfigured filled him with a sense of despair. All he could do now was wait and hope that Karito would pull through.
"Warning! Warning! The Dark's are ripping the fabric of reality. The Player is forcefully being transported into an altered dimension. The player is severely damaged and potions can't be used because of Molten-Man's flames that caused a major debuff. The Player will have to rely on his healing factor... Time estimated to fully heal, 3 days."
Karito Pov
Dark Dimension
Where... where am I...? Spider-sense is going nuts... but I can't...
I tried to move but I couldn't. My limbs felt heavy and were almost numb. I then noticed a sharp pain in my chest and stomach. As I looked down, I saw gaps in my skin sticking out from under the bandages, this is a person with trypophobia's worst nightmare. The sight made me want to scream, but the intense pain made me hold my breath.
Oh god... What happened to me? Gotta... move... gotta get outta here... wherever "here" is...
I slowly shifted my weight, trying to sit up in bed, but my legs betrayed me and gave out, causing me to collapse onto the sheets. A sharp pain shot through my body and my vision swam with spots of light. The bandages covering my body felt like they were suffocating me, and I struggled to catch my breath. Suddenly, I felt a warm, sticky sensation on my side, and my heart rate skyrocketed with fear. Blood was seeping through the bandages, pooling onto the sheets beneath me.
In that moment of agony and despair, a kind nurse entered the room and rushed over to help. She placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and spoke in a soft, soothing tone, telling me to lie still and relax. I tried to nod, but even that small movement caused intense pain to ripple through my body. The nurse expertly adjusted my bandages, trying to stem the flow of blood, and I felt a momentary sense of relief.
As she worked, I couldn't help but think of how I got here. The explosion, the pain, and the fear of never seeing my brother again. All of it felt like a nightmare, and I couldn't shake the feeling of dread that lingered inside of me. But at that moment, with the nurse's steady hands tending to my wounds, I had a glimmer of hope. Her obsidian tresses were tightly wound into a neat bun, with a few rebellious strands grazing her forehead. Her visage exuded a delicate, refined beauty, with an alluring figure that seemed to catch one's eye.
(Nurse) "You can't try to walk yet! We'll get you a wheelchair if you're hellbent on some mobility."
Is she... supposed to be... some kind of nurse...?! She's fucking hot...
(Nurse) "Y'know, we've all been trying to figure out exactly which Dark you are. Maybe now you can-"
As I lay there, my mind drifted in and out of consciousness. The sound of the door opening pulled me back to reality and I watched as an elderly man in a white lab coat entered the room, his face etched with lines of concern.
(Doctor) "Nurse Darla, it doesn't matter who he is... He is our patient. That is the extent of our concern with his personal life. Remember our oath. Now that he's conscious, make sure the call button is in working order. And let's run another set of chem tests... Some follow-up blood work, as well."
Oh fuck... OH FUCK! Don't panic... don't panic. FUCK!!!!
I gazed at the notification that had appeared on my gamer system, my heart racing with anxiety. It was all too familiar - I had been transported to a dark and foreboding hospital, seemingly reserved for those from the Dark Dimension. The prospect of being trapped in this place filled me with dread, but to my relief, my identity as a Guardian seemed to be concealed from those around me. I must stay vigilant and keep a low profile to avoid being detected by any hostile forces. It was just my luck - to find myself in enemy territory once again. The mere thought of it brought tears to my eyes. I felt like the unluckiest person in all of fiction. A slumber party with millions of bad guys... What more could go wrong?
(Doctor) "Hmmm... Seems your recovery is progressing quite nicely. Way ahead of schedule, even. Healing factors are very convenient. I was wondering during your surgery if we were going to have to revert to skin grafts, but your unique physiology allowed us to avoid it."
(Karito) "You... You actually..."
(Doctor) "I am the surgeon general here. I perform all the high-risk operations at this dimension. Whoever tried to patch you up did a sloppy job. Now, if you'll excuse me... I have to finish my rounds. Try and get some rest... Don't worry. You're completely safe here."
I wish I could say the same... but I'm anything but safe in this place.
3 hours later...
Slept another three hours. Woke up, still here. This place... smells like ammonia and cigarette smoke. Please I hope I'm the only patient here...
I also have to rely on a wheelchair at the moment. This sucks.
(News Anchor) "... At present, we have exclusive footage of the harrowing conflict that unfolded earlier today in the Cyberpunk dimension. The cataclysmic explosion, caused by the vicious showdown between Spider-Man and Molten-Man, shook the very foundations of the Badlands, akin to a volcanic eruption. The denizens of this alternate world were spared widespread destruction and chaos thanks to the swift and decisive actions of their defenders, Green Goblin and Martin Lee. It has been reported that Molten-Man, our comrade, was found deceased at the scene, while the elusive Guardian remains unaccounted for."
I must be careful in this new world. It's already a bad thing that I'm not alone, but I pray that none of these villains are on the same level as SCP-001, The Gate Guardian. If any of them possess planetary-level powers, then I am undoubtedly doomed.
(Dark ???) "Damn, is it me or does the Guardian get more destructive as time passes?" Notices Karito in his wheelchair "Hey... wuddup?"
(New's Anchor) "And now onto our current news. Despite our reign over many dimensions, there are still formidable beings who remain free from our grasps, such as Auren the Absolute, Azathoth from the Cthulhu Mythos, the Scarlet King, the Buddha from the World of Darkness, the Waver, Jehovah from the World of Darkness, the Golden Child from the Hybrid Mage, and many others. In addition, there has been no word on the whereabouts of the Unwritten Leviathan since the confrontation with Spider-Man and Symbiote Scorpion, a clash that damaged the very fabric of the internet and put the Darks in a difficult position of having to maintain stability in the world of 'The Readers.' However, through their mastery of space-time, the Darks were able to manipulate events in 1997, shifting the blame to a small ISP in Virginia that had a router code bug, causing it to advertise itself as the best destination for every prefix on the internet. This caused most other networks to attempt to forward all of their traffic through that ISP, an incident now referred to as the AS 7007 Incident. Though ISPs now filter their peer's route announcements to prevent similar cases from happening, the incident remains a cautionary tale of the dangers of the interconnected world 'The Readers' live in."
(Dark ???) "I recall that cataclysmic event vividly. The very fabric of the Dark Omniverse was thrown into disarray. Each world's inhabitants were in a frenzied scramble to repair their own dimensions. I witnessed one tale being metaphorically "torn" asunder, with the very fabric of the dimension being irreparably cleaved in two."
(Dark ???) "Well, butter my biscuits, that ain't nothin'. I done seen a dimension so dang big, it makes the Lone Star State look like a little ol' patch o' dirt, and them two ding-dang fools went and done blowed it all ta kingdom come. What in tarnation were they thinkin', fightin' on the dang ol' Bridge? That place is more fragile than a cotton candy castle."
(Dark ????) "Pray, do indulge me for a moment, for I recall a most curious matter. I happened upon certain boundless beings who were seized by a most dire panic, and who did most express their dread of death, forsooth. 'Twas whispered among the denizens of the Dark Omniverse that these beings could only be dispatched by another boundless entity, or by crashing the Internet in its entirety."
(Karito) Thoughts "...I didn't think it was THAT bad... Well fuck..."
(Nurse) Pushing another Dark in a wheelchair "Gentlemen, I hope everyone's having another shining day of healthful healing. Gotta get you guys back out doin' your thing. In the meantime, this guy's ready to do a little lounging with ya..." Taps ??? shoulder "Say hello to Eddie Lavell."
(Dark Eel) "No one calls me "Eddie," pal."
(Nurse) Walks towards Karito "You doin' okay? Heard you were pretty bad off comin' in here..."
(Karito) Nervous "Huh? Oh, well, that's what they tell me... but tha-thanks for asking..."
(Dark ???) "Long time, no see Lavell. Pretty messed up there, ain't ya?"
(Dark Eel) "Get back to me when you get shot point blank in the gut, Jin Kazama."
(Dark Jin) "Mhm." Smirks "Hey, Jon. What about you?"
(Dark John Marston) "I reckon I was mindin' my own business, keepin' a watchful eye on my dimensions when outta nowhere some player from the real world decided it'd be funny to push me down a whole dang mountain. By the time I got up and dusted myself off, that varmint was long gone."
(Dark Jin) "That's why I don't supervise dimensions that involve "Online" matchmaking. What about you, Percival?"
(Dark Percival) "Verily, I was tarrying in the Omniverse of the Fate Series, a most wondrous realm filled with noble heroes and fiendish villains. I had planned to meet with mine comrades, when suddenly, the very fabric of the internet was sundered, and I found myself nearly erased from existence. Alas, the cruel fate that befell me has left me with grievous wounds, and I am now sorely debilitated."
(Karito) Thoughts "...Marvel, Read Death Redemption, Tekken, and Fate series? I can probably take the first two, I'm not sure about Percival. Here's to hope he was severely nerfed."
(Dark John Marston) Looks at Karito "Say there, Freddy Kruger, I reckon I ain't seen you before. What in tarnation happened to ya? Looks like you took a dip in lava and regretted it mighty severely."
(Karito) "Huh? Oh, yeah... It's... something along those lines. But someone... exploded on... on my face."
(Dark Percival) "Verily, you must have been exceedingly fortunate or of unparalleled fortitude to have withstood an explosion of such magnitude."
The discussion was abruptly halted by a resounding proclamation that echoed throughout the entire hospital, causing all present to fall silent and pay heed to the proclamation's announcement.
(Announcer) "Attention all patients and personnel! Standard protocol tonight. We'll be going dark from midnight until four A.M. This will include all telecommunication and internet connections. A necessary procedure to avoid Dark Web Hackers from the real world or anything that can "delete" us from the face of fiction."
(Dark Eel) "At this point, I just think the Guardian is more of a threat than hackers from the real world. We can avoid them easily, but not the Guardian. He's like the Black Flash for us Darks."
(Dark Jin) "Tch, let him come. I can beat him up in my devil form."
(Dark Percival) "Pray, good Jin, let us not forget that the Guardian is akin to our kryptonite, even as we are to him."
(Dark John Marston) "Begging your pardon, but I'm itching to skedaddle outta this here hospital. Wish I had a healing factor like most o' you boys."
(Nurse) "Good one, cowboy. So hey, hey, hey... got a special delivery from Dark Apollo."
(Dark Jin) "Is it ambrosia?"
(Dark Eel) "If it is, give me some so I don't have to be in a wheelchair."
(Karito) "Isn't ambrosia supposed to be dangerous for, D-...us?"
(Nurse) "Nah, remember we aren't normal mortals. Each and every one of us is a God in their own right."
(Karito) "Sorry, kind of new. So does that mean that even if you are a mortal you are powerful enough to face an actual God with just hax?"
(Nurse) "Yeah, for example, John, who's from Red Dead Redemption, would have no chance against Zeus from mythology, but once he turns into a Dark, it's no difficulty."
(Karito) "Oooh, okay... Thanks."
(Nurse) "No problem." Smiles
(Dark John Marston) "Now, now, take it easy there, partner. You seem mighty tense. We're all friendly here, well, mostly. The general's got a rule of respect for patients in this here establishment that we all adhere to... "Divided we fall", as they say. It's all about unity and all that nonsense."
(Karito) "Y-Yeah..."
I wanna get out of here...
9 hours later...
I found myself trapped in this wretched place they call "The Dark Dimension". The mere thought of encountering the Gate Guardian again sent shivers down my spine, for he could easily tear me to shreds. It was clear to me that Osborn had orchestrated this, likely to mess with me. As the Green Goblin, he was always one of Spider-Man's most dangerous foes, and now he was making my life a living hell in this cursed realm.
Thankfully, the Dark's here were unable to detect my presence, as I lacked the necessary strength to produce an aura. But time was of the essence. I had to find a way out of this place, and fast. My hacking skills should serve me well, allowing me to return to the Cyberpunk world from whence I came.
I was resolute in my determination to escape, but first I needed to regain my strength. Slowly, I gripped the handles of the wheelchair and pushed myself up, grunting with effort as my body trembled violently. With the wall supporting me, I managed to stand up straight.
Phew, that was tough. If standing up is this difficult, then my journey out of here will be quite the ordeal. Time was of the essence, and I knew that the "Surgeon General" would soon discover my presence. I had to heal up as quickly as possible, or risk being caught and trapped here forever.
...
In a separate chamber, the Doctor was in the midst of conducting a meticulous experiment on Karito's blood and gadgets, carefully analyzing each sample for any potential irregularities. The purpose of the examination was to determine whether Karito required any additional treatments before he could be discharged and return to his designated duties. The room was equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, each piece carefully calibrated and operated by the skilled medical personnel. The atmosphere was solemn, with the only sounds being the quiet whirring of machines and the Doctor's occasional mutterings as he studied the samples. It was clear that every detail of the experiment was being scrutinized with extreme attention to detail, in the interest of ensuring Karito's health and well-being.
(Doctor) "Begin Molecular analysis on my voice command."
(AI) "Acknowledged. Waiting command."
(Doctor) "Proceed."
(AI) "Scanning... Teflon... Amber... Annealed Brass... Traces of anaerobic substances with adhesive properties. Solenoid needle vale downloading collected data... Preparing holographic recreation..."
As the doctors' AI demonstrated the hologram, a look of frustration spread across his face. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks - he wasn't healing just any Dark, but the Guardian of the multiverse himself. A wave of anger washed over him, as he understood the gravity of the situation. The Guardian had to be eliminated before he could escape from this dimension, or else he could pose a severe threat to everyone in the hospital.
(Doctor) "Spider-Man..."
...
5:21 A.M.
It was my luck, as always. I find myself in the middle of the worst situations, and this time it was no different. I'm stuck in a clinic with the so-called "Night Nurse" taking care of me. It's ironic that the Darkness community has their own medical facilities, but it's not surprising. Molten-Man really messed me up, and I ended up here with third-degree burns that made me unrecognizable to this place. Even the other patients, all supervillains from different dimensions, mistook me for one of their own. Thankfully, my aura is weak, so they haven't detected me as the Guardian of the Multiverse.
Being a Spider-Man, I'm blessed with a healing factor that rivals even Wolverine's regeneration. But I'm still not at full strength, and I need to get out of here. I have to return to the world of Cyberpunk and continue my mission. The clock is ticking, and every second wasted is a second closer to getting caught by the "Surgeon General" who's in charge of this place. I have to heal up quickly and get out of here before it's too late.
...
The physician urgently summoned the entire nursing staff to his office to divulge a critical piece of information: the Guardian, the most formidable being in the multiverse, was currently located within the confines of their medical facility.
(Doctor) "Spider-Man is a patient here. I don't want this to be a cause for alarm. This is merely an unfortunate situation and we must cope. We're healers. We've taken an oath and I refuse to let this... aberration deter us. Our operation, clandestine as it may be, was never without risk. You all knew what you were signing up for."
(Nurse) "Sir... Are we expected to actually treat him? Shouldn't we evacuate right away?"
(Doctor) "Not necessarily. I didn't get this far by overreacting. There are ways to deal with this. In some ways, we should consider ourselves lucky that it is the Guardian. Consider his reputation. An Anti-Hero at best. We can take him down now that he's severely injured. So instead of panicking, let's try to look at this as an opportunity... We've never really discussed the possible protocols if something like this was to happen. Now we're forced to. For now, we continue as normal. His injuries will prevent him from taking any significant action. In the meantime, I will confer with a few of our other patients... I'm sure they would be interested to know who they're in here with."
...
6:46 A.M.
I feel their eyes following me, gauging my every move with a level of scrutiny that goes beyond what's expected of a patient. It's as if they suspect something... perhaps they have already discovered that I am not who I appear to be. But I must be cautious and keep my guard up, especially around the one in charge, the "Surgeon General." There's something about him that sends shivers down my spine, a feeling of unease that I can't quite shake.
(Doctor) Enters the room "I'm pleased to see you're following the nurses' instructions... Bed rest is essential to your recovery. Not only physically... but your state of disorientation should improve as well."
Okay, play it up, Karito...
(Karito) "S-Still not sure... where I-"
(Doctor) "Not to worry. Like I told you yesterday... you're completely safe here. You're certainly in much better shape than your partner, Molten-Man. He, unfortunately, passed away during the fight with the Guardian. The dangers of having a human Volcano as a business associate... You're lucky to be alive."
Do I look lucky...? Tch...
(Doctor) "Indeed... lucky that a facility like this exists to treat those who operate, shall we say, outside of fiction... You know, you really should lay back down... Lucky that I take my responsibilities as a medical practitioner so seriously. There is nothing I take more serious."
Spider-Sense... Pounding... Can hardly concentrate...
(Doctor) "Hmmm... I think perhaps one more day of observation and you'll be back up to speed. That should be some consolation, eh...?"
(Nurse) Enters the room "Excuse me, sir... You wanted me to meet you here?"
(Doctor) "Good morning, Tess... I'm just doing rounds. But I want to schedule one more workup here for review this afternoon."
Ah, shit...
(Doctor) "For now, if you'd please check the patient's dressing..."
(Nurse) "Of course."
(Doctor) "I'll leave you in her capable hands. Tonight we can discuss your billing options. Obviously, we don't work with conventional insurance companies. Don't worry, though. As you've no doubt seen... we're extremely accommodating." Leaves
(Nurse) Gently lifts Karito's hand to check his bandages "Now then, let me take a look here..."
Even the nurses here keep my spider sense tingling...
(Nurse) "They tell me you were burned pretty badly. Well, from the looks of this... I'd say the Surgeon Genera; was dead on about your healing capabilities..."
Is it sick that I'm getting a little turned on...? Cyberpunk has ruined me.
(Nurse) "...Absolutely dead on."
Never mind.
(Nurse) "I'll have an orderly in here later to check on you. For now, just rest. Try and take advantage of what we've built here." Leaves the room
Geez... Spider-sense hitting me in waves... As debilitating as my injuries...! This place is making me paranoid. That nurse definitely wants me dead..."
(Nurse) As soon as she exits the room "Just die already."
10:15 A.M.
(Dark Percival) His tone was incredulous as he spoke, his words laced with disbelief. "Surely you jest... that's who we were fraternizing with?"
(Doctor) "Indeed it was... Not only that, he's still a patient here. I've discussed it with my staff. I'm discussing it with the other patients... I'm looking for volunteers."
(Dark Percival) "You require the services of a knight to dispatch a mere spider? Count me in. Pray tell, what say the others in this matter?"
11:30 A.M.
(Doctor) "We have the capabilities to handle this internally... We have the resources..."
(Dark Jin) "You refer to us, I presume."
(Doctor) "I've reviewed your most recent test. As your doctor, I can assure you that you're physically able."
(Dark Jin) "You can, huh? Well, if that's your professional opinion... Besides... I guess I owe you."
12:20 P.M.
(Dark Eel) "Are you nuts? Look at me, man...!" Refers that he's in a wheelchair
(Doctor) "Your condition would have no bearing on your effectiveness, Eel. We brought you something..." His nurse gives him a case "...Something that should inspire you to do the right thing."
1:06 P.M.
(Dark John Marston) "Well now, I reckon y'all done a mighty fine job patchin' me up, but I ain't fixin' to go up against him. Ain't no way I can take him down, even with these fancy new powers of mine... No sir, I reckon I'll have to bow out of this one."
(Doctor) "I can't deny I'm disappointed, Marston. This is a chance for those who we serve to give something back..."
(Dark John Marston) "I reckon I compensated ya fair and square, partner. A cut from my latest score, that's what we agreed on. When trouble emerges from the void, I handle my business. It's all about the profit. As of present, The Guild is in the game again. But I'll tell ya what, best of luck to y'all." Leaves the dimension
10:03 P.M.
I've bided my time, but patience only goes so far. My physical condition may not be ideal, but staying here any longer is out of the question. It's only a matter of time before they realize who I am, assuming they haven't already...
(Intercoms) "Attention all patients and personnel. Change in Standard protocol tonight. As you can see, we've gone dark and will remain so throughout the night. Nothing to be concerned about. We are in no way experiencing any kind of threat to the facility. But to reiterate. All telecommunications are suspended during this time. Enjoy your evening." Cuts out
Okay, that's my cue to get the fuck out of here.
As I stepped out of my room, I was immediately enveloped in darkness, the dimly lit halls of the hospital offered no solace. My Spider-sense began to tingle, warning me of impending danger. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I felt a myriad of presences converging on my location. Was it just my imagination, or was the entire hospital bearing down on me? A sense of foreboding crept over me, and I knew I had to move quickly if I wanted to escape unscathed.
As my heightened senses warned me of an impending threat, a bolt of dark electricity surged into my back, causing me to crash into the wall with a resounding crack. I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration at this predictable turn of events. It seemed that every time I let my guard down for even a moment, the danger was quick to strike.
As I stumbled to my feet, my Spider-sense blaring, I found myself surrounded by a horde of villains, pouring in from every direction. I knew I had to act fast, but the sheer number of them was overwhelming. Focusing my energy, I unleashed a venom blast that tore through the ranks of my assailants, leaving nothing but ash in its wake. Taking advantage of the newly created opening, I sprinted down the hallway, only to find it blocked by yet more foes. Thinking on my feet, I stabbed one in the eye with my stinger, then tore off his head with a burst of strength, using it to incapacitate another. As I continued to fight, more and more enemies appeared, converging on me from all sides. I knew I had to find a way to deal with them while keeping my back protected. In a stroke of desperation, I dashed towards the narrowest section of the hospital, a bathroom. Though I had no clear escape route, I knew I could take them on one by one due to the limited space. Focusing my attention, I slashed away at anyone who came near me, using my martial arts training to take them down with ease. The bathroom stall door was breached, but I remained undeterred, using the opening to continue to eliminate my enemies one at a time.
As the onslaught continued, I retreated to the narrow confines of the hospital's bathroom, turning it into my makeshift battleground. One by one, I dispatched my foes with deadly efficiency, using every tool at my disposal - my martial arts, my stingers, and my sheer strength. But my attackers were relentless, and their attacks grew more savage with each passing moment. I kicked the door of the bathroom stall open, catching one villain off guard with a vicious blow to his face, and dodged the elongated arm of another. Using one of the attackers as a shield, I activated my venom blast, decimating the line of enemies in front of me. As the rest barely dodged the blast, my Spider-sense warned me of an imminent attack from the walls of the stall. I managed to dodge the shape-shifting swords of my enemies, slicing off their arms with my stingers and eliciting cries of pain from the other side of the stalls. The sound of metal clanging echoed in the small bathroom stall as I parried another attack, using my own stinger to deflect the incoming sword. The metallic clangs were interrupted by the sound of breaking bones as I slammed one villain's head into the wall with a satisfying crack. I could feel my Spider-sense tingling with more danger as the remaining villains closed in on me. Quickly analyzing my surroundings, I used my electricity to form a barrier of webs in case anyone tried to attack me from above. With a swift motion, I tore the arms and legs of every assailant that came towards me. I could see the fear in the villains' eyes as they realized the extent of my power. With each swing of the pipe, I knocked them down one by one. Their desperation grew as they tried to attack me from different angles, but I was too fast, too agile. I used my Spider-sense to anticipate their every move and deliver swift, precise blows. My stingers were stained with the blood of my enemies, and their screams of agony only fueled my determination to survive.
As I fought my way through the horde of enemies, my senses were heightened to the max. The sound of footsteps and the smell of sweat and fear filled the narrow hospital halls. Suddenly, a blur caught my attention and before I could react, I was tackled through a solid concrete wall. The impact was jarring, and I found myself rolling on the floor with my assailant. We both got up and faced each other, our eyes locked in a fierce stare. The tension was palpable, and I braced myself for the next move.
(Karito) "Tryin' to shank me in the shower, Jin?"
(Dark Jin) "I've been waiting to meet you for a long time."
(Karito) Shoots electric webs to all the entrances blocking the mob of Darks trying to enter "Alright, Tekken. Let's do this."
(Dark Jin) Smirk "RAAGH!"
(Karito) "HAAA!"
As Jin and I charged at each other, a seething fury erupted within me. He aimed a swift low kick, but my honed reflexes allowed me to react with lightning speed. I leaped into the air, nimbly avoiding his kick, and swiftly delivered a crushing blow to his face, causing him to fly back and crash violently onto the pavement outside, as the rain poured down in sheets.
As my spider-sense warned of an incoming attack, Percival moved with alarming speed, grabbing my face and hurling me towards a nearby car. The impact shattered the car into two, and I hit the ground hard, dazed and disoriented. But even in my weakened state, I knew that I couldn't let him get the better of me. I quickly fired an electric web onto his chest, using his momentum to pull him towards me and electrocute him.
Percival was now flying towards me, incapacitated by the electric shock. I wasted no time in charging up a venom punch, letting the energy surge through my veins until it was at its most potent. As he came hurtling towards me, I unleashed the punch, landing it directly under his jaw with a sickening crunch. Before he could be sent flying back out of the hospital, I slammed a ball of electric web onto his chest, trapping him and all the villains in the vicinity in a web of crackling electricity that left them all incapacitated.
My Spider-senses tingled, warning me of an incoming attack. I spun around, using my lightning-fast reflexes to counter with a powerful uppercut. Just then, I saw Jin's massive cross punch, and time seemed to slow as our fists hurtled towards each other. The raindrops hung motionless in the air, a testament to the intensity of the moment. Our fists collided with a deafening crack, and the force of the impact reverberated through my entire body. I staggered back, my senses reeling from the blow.
He moved with grace, his movements fluid and controlled. I knew that he was waiting for me to make a move, so I feinted with a roundhouse kick, which he easily blocked. I quickly followed up with a jab to the face, but he swayed out of the way. I could see that he was getting ready to launch an attack, so I blocked his high kick with a shin block and used the opening to sweep his legs out from under him. He landed hard on his back, but before I could follow up, he sprang back to his feet with ease. He launched a series of lightning-fast kicks, which I deflected with a series of parries and blocks. I countered with a spinning back kick, but he anticipated my move and countered with a sweep, taking me down to the mat. I quickly rolled to my feet, knowing that I couldn't afford to stay on the ground for long. I faked a right punch and followed up with a left hook, but he was ready for me and deflected my attack with a palm strike. I switched to a grappling technique, grabbing his arm and using it to throw him to the ground. He landed hard on his back, but was quickly back on his feet, ready to continue the fight. The rain roared as we traded blows, each of us trying to gain the upper hand. But in the end, it was my improvised in Brazilian jiu-jitsu that gave me the advantage. I locked him in a submission hold, and with my entire strength, I heard a loud snap.
I released my grip on Jin's lifeless form, feeling the weight of the moment in the pouring rain. My experiences in fights like these had always taught me to remain focused on the present, but as I heard the approach of more villains and felt the crackle of energy beams, my mind raced. I leaped and flipped through the air, using my fluid movements to evade the deadly shots. My mind honed in on the attackers, anticipating their movements before they even made them. I returned fire with precise venom blasts, each strike hitting its mark with a calculated efficiency. But the constant barrage of enemies was wearing on me, and I knew it was time for something drastic. With a roar of frustration, I channeled all my strength into a Mega Venom Blast, feeling the energy surge through my body and unleash in a blinding explosion of power. The hospital shook and crumbled around me, the force of the blast sending debris flying in every direction. As the dust settled, I stood in the aftermath of the destruction, feeling both exhilarated and exhausted. The aftermath of my Mega Venom Blast was catastrophic. The once bustling hospital was now reduced to a pile of rubble and debris. The sound of destruction still rang in my ears as the smoke and dust settled. I surveyed the carnage around me with a heavy heart. The air was thick with the acrid smell of destruction, and the silence was only broken by the sound of raindrops pattering against the charred remains of the hospital. My Mega Venom Blast had left nothing but destruction in its wake.
As I gingerly peeled off the bandages from my face, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. My healing factor had done its job, and my skin was now restored to its normal, healthy appearance. However, I knew that I was not yet back to full strength, and my body still felt weak from the strain of the battle. I took a deep breath and steadied myself, determined to pick up the pieces and move forward. The fight was over, but I know that I can't stay here for long. Reinforcements were coming.
With my hacking skills, I swiftly tore open a rift in the fabric of space, creating a portal to my destination. Through the rippling portal, I glimpsed a familiar sight - David, slumbering on an empty hospital bed. Relief washed over me knowing that he remained oblivious to my harrowing ordeal. Stepping into the portal, I escaped from the Dark Dimension, just as the heavy hitters arrived on the scene.
...
No Pov
Cyberpunk Dimension
Three hours had passed since Karito's operation, and David remained at his brother's side, fixated on the sight of his bandaged and burnt flesh. His eyes were devoid of emotion, and dark circles had formed underneath them from hours of restless vigilance. Though his mind was in turmoil and his emotions raw, David remained silent, unable to find the words to express the tumult within him. Relief was the only emotion he could identify, knowing that his brother had survived the ordeal. As the weight of his emotions became too much to bear, David succumbed to exhaustion, drifting into a dreamless sleep at the side of his brother's bed.
Three hours later...
The early light of dawn crept into the hospital room, casting a soft glow on the scene before David's eyes. As he stirred from his sleep, he slowly became aware of his surroundings: the beeping of machines, the rustling of sheets, the smell of antiseptic, and the sight of his brother, standing tall and whole before him.
David sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes to clear the last remnants of sleep. He stared in disbelief as he took in his brother's miraculous recovery. The bandages were gone, revealing unblemished skin where once there had been burns and scars. Karito was no longer the bruised and battered victim of a fierce battle, but a symbol of resilience and strength.
As he rose to his feet, Karito turned to face his brother, a small smile on his lips. David was struck by how much his brother had changed in the short time he'd been unconscious. He seemed more confident, more assured, as if he had emerged from the crucible of his experience a new man.
The two brothers stood there in silence for a moment, taking in each other's presence, each feeling a sense of relief and gratitude. Then, with a nod, Karito walked over to David's side and wrapped him in a warm embrace.
For a moment, the two brothers clung to each other, lost in the moment, a wordless celebration of their bond. And as they held each other, they both knew that no matter what came next, they would face it together.
...
As the two brothers exited the Ripperdoc's clinic, they left behind the sounds of the medical machinery and the laughter of the doctor's "fun time". Once outside, Karito looked at his holographic phone and dialed the group's number. Within moments, the phone call was answered and audible gasps and shocked voices could be heard through the speaker. Karito's voice came through, assuring everyone that he was fine and that the worst was over. A wave of relief washed over the group as they heard the voice of their most powerful friend. Despite the panic attacks that had gripped them just hours earlier, they were now filled with joy and gratitude that Karito had made it through unscathed.
The group had been summoned by Maine to meet up at the warehouse. The brothers arrived a few minutes later to find everyone waiting for them. Gasps of relief and joy echoed through the room as they were greeted with hugs and warm welcomes. However, amidst the jubilation, Rebecca sat silently in a corner, her eyes fixed on a distant point. Karito immediately sensed her sorrow and knew it was because of her brother Pilar, who was killed by Molten-Man.
After exchanging pleasantries with the group, Karito approached Rebecca and sat beside her, feeling the weight of her grief. She avoided eye contact, but didn't protest his presence. Karito gently placed a hand on her shoulder, offering her comfort in his own way. He knew the pain of losing someone close and hoped that his simple gesture would help ease her suffering.
(Karito) "Hey, I know how you feel. When my mother and girlfriend died, I felt like the world had ended. But I learned that no matter how bad things get, life has a way of moving on."
(Rebecca) She didn't look at him. "It's not the same," she said stubbornly. "My brother was everything to me. He was the only family I had left."
(Karito) "I know. And it's okay to feel lost and alone. But you're not alone, Rebecca. We're here for you. You don't have to go through this alone."
(Rebecca) She finally looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's not fair," she said, her voice breaking. "He didn't deserve to die like that."
(Karito) He pulled her into a hug. "I know," he said softly. "Life isn't always fair. But we can honor his memory by living our lives to the fullest. We can make sure that his death wasn't in vain, that he didn't die for nothing."
(Rebecca) She cried silently, her tears wetting Karito's shirt. He held her tightly, letting her cry until she was ready to stop.
(Karito) "I'm here for you," he whispered. "Whenever you need me, I'll be here. You're not alone, Rebecca. You never have to be alone."
...
(Karito) On call "Greetings, David. I trust you are enjoying the company of Lucy?"
(David) On call "Yeah, we're just hanging out. What's up, Karito?"
(Karito) "Oh, not much, just back home and feeling a bit bored. I was hoping to hear some interesting news from my dear little brother."
(David) "Sorry to disappoint you, big bro. But there's really nothing newsworthy to report here."
(Karito) "Hmm, that's a shame. Perhaps I should spice things up a bit then."
(David) "What do you mean by that?"
(Karito) "Oh, nothing much. I just hope you're not being reckless with Lucy, you know what they say about playing with fire."
(David) "What are you talking about? I'm not playing with fire."
(Karito) "Really? Because it seems to me that you're walking a dangerous tightrope without a safety net. Do be careful, David."
(David) "Come on, Karito, don't be ridiculous. I know what I'm doing."
(Karito) "Oh, I'm sure you do. But just in case, remember to use protection. We wouldn't want any...unpleasant surprises."
(David) "Gah, you're impossible! Why do you have to be so embarrassing all the time?"
(Karito) "It's all in good fun, little brother. You know I only tease because I care."
(David) "Yeah, I know. But seriously, can you please go make something to eat? I'm starving over here."
(Karito) "Very well, I shall attend to your culinary needs. You just focus on your own needs with Lucy. And don't forget, I love you too, David. Take care."
(David) "Yeah, yeah. Love you too, Karito. Bye." Hangs up.
Karito sat at his desk, his fingers gliding over the holographic display of his gamer system. His eyes scanned the information, taking note of his accumulated EXP points. Frustration etched into his features as he realized that his progress had come to a grinding halt. Despite all his efforts and countless battles, his level remained the same. It dawned on him that proving his worthiness for the Master Prestige level was paramount, but it also meant he would not progress any further.
His attention then shifted to the section detailing his skillset, where he discovered an unexpected deficiency. He had defeated three Major Darks and countless underlings, but he had not been rewarded with a single skill. Once again, his efforts had been in vain, and his patience was wearing thin. It was clear that the system was stacking his acquired skills, much like the accumulation of EXP points, which left him annoyed and disheartened.
Karito sighed and leaned back in his chair, pondering his next move. He knew he had to be more strategic and intentional with his battles, taking on only the most challenging foes to reap the rewards he deserved. He resolved to become stronger, to become the best he could be, so that he could finally unlock the skills and levels he had been working so hard for.
...
Karito stands in his kitchen, a vast and immaculate space filled with state-of-the-art appliances and gleaming surfaces. His sharp gaze darts over the ingredients laid out before him: a pound of succulent shrimp, fresh linguine, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, garlic, and fragrant herbs.
He fills a large pot with water and sets it on the stove to boil, adding a generous amount of salt to the water to season the pasta. As he waits for the water to heat, he takes the shrimp and begins to shell and devein them, his fingers moving deftly and precisely. Once the shrimp are cleaned and prepared, he sets them aside on a plate.
Next, Karito begins to prepare the sauce. He finely chops several cloves of garlic and tosses them into a large saucepan with a generous amount of butter. As the garlic sizzles and infuses the butter with its rich, savory aroma, he pours in the heavy cream and stirs the mixture together, letting it reduce to a thick, velvety consistency.
With the sauce simmering gently, Karito adds a handful of chopped herbs to the pan, the aroma filling the room. He then sprinkles in the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it is fully incorporated into the sauce, infusing it with a sharp and tangy flavor.
As the sauce cooks, Karito carefully drops the linguine into the pot of boiling water, stirring it occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. After just a few minutes, the pasta is perfectly cooked and he strains it, adding it to the saucepan.
Finally, Karito adds the shrimp to the pan and gently tosses them with the pasta and sauce, the aroma filling the room with a mouthwatering scent. He plates the dish with care, a work of art on the plate, and garnishes it with a sprig of fresh parsley.
With a deep breath, Karito takes his first bite, savoring the delicate balance of flavors in the dish. He smiles in satisfaction, his love of cooking bringing him a sense of fulfillment that no other activity can match.
Karito was in the middle of enjoying his dinner when his phone rang, interrupting his peaceful moment. He picked up the phone and saw that it was his little brother, David.
(Karito) "Hey, what's up?" he said as he answered the call.
(David) "Karito, you won't believe it! Lucy kissed me and we're officially a couple!" David exclaimed with a hint of excitement in his voice.
(Karito) His eyes widened in surprise, and then he burst out laughing. "No way! That's my little bro right there! Congratulations, man! I'm proud of you," he said with a proud tone in his voice.
(David) His happiness was evident in his voice as he replied, "Thanks, Karito! I couldn't have done it without your help and advice."
(Karito) He smiled warmly and said, "Well, I'm always here for you, bro. And besides, Lucy is a catch. You're a lucky guy."
(David) He chuckled and replied, "I know, right? I can't believe it. She's amazing."
(Karito) He nodded and took a bite of his Shrimp Alfredo, savoring the flavor. "Just remember to treat her right, okay? And if you ever need any more advice, you know who to call," he said with a hint of teasing in his voice.
(David) He laughed and replied, "Yeah, yeah. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Karito. I'm on my way home! I'll see you!" Hangs up
Karito finished his dinner and leaned back in his chair with a sense of contentment. He was happy to see his little brother happy, and proud that he had played a small role in making it happen.
...
The morning dawned early for the Martinez brothers, David and Karito. Maine, had called David to the warehouse for a request, and the brothers went together. When they arrived, Maine led them to a secluded room at the back of the warehouse, where they sat down on plush couches. As they waited, Maine retrieved Pilar's cybernetic golden hands, which Karito had designed and built for him. With a sense of solemnity, Maine placed the hands on the table before the brothers, and they both gazed at them in silence, lost in their thoughts.
(Maine) Looks at David "Give them a whirl."
(David) "Nah, out of my price range."
(Maine) "Rebecca gave the nod. They're all yours. No strings."
(David) "Still, I think I'm good."
(Karito) "Pluss, those would look horrible on David."
(Maine) "Hmm? Shit, man. Make up your mind. He didn't bat an eye when he klepped my Sandy. What? Won't scavage off a body he knew?"
(Karito) "And he's a natural with the Sandy. I told you that I was already figuring out what will fit David."
(David) "I trust my brother on this, so I'll wait."
(Maine) "So picky, but I guess I understand. It's not the same when it's made by family."
(David) "Exactly. I got my heart set on something else."
(Maine) "Out with it, then."
(David) Looks at Maine
(Maine) "Wait, meaning mine? Little big for you, ain't they?"
(Karito) "I can make something similar but it's what he told me."
(David) "I'll be fine, it's nothing I can't handle."
(Maine) "Hmm, would you be able to make them all, Karito?"
(Karito) "Give me a bit of time and I'll work a miracle. David needs to bulk up before he implants all the cybernetics he's planning to add to himself."
(David) "With how it's going just a few months I'll be set to go."
(Maine) Looks at David closer "Hm? Wait up, there's something different 'bout you. I can tell..."
(David) "Huh?"
(Karito) Smirks "You noticed?"
(Maine) "He's usually mopes around, kill the vibes... Our resident buzzkill"
(Karito) "I KNOW, RIGHT?! Such an edge lord."
(David) "HUH?! NO, I'M NOT! I ain't different from yesterday!"
(Maine) "No! Somethings up! What is it, Karito?"
(Karito) "He got laid."
(Maine) "HE GOT LAID?!"
(Karito) Nods "He got laid."
(Maine) "FUCKIN' FINALLY MAN!"
(David) "Fuck you, guys! You're always teasing me!"
(Karito) "You're poker face just sucks man." Shrugs
(Maine) "Indeed, gotta work on that poker face, dawg."
As the three young men continued their conversation, enveloped in their own world, they failed to notice Kiwi's entrance into the room, her naked form a stark contrast to the otherwise normalcy of the space. David was caught off guard, his eyes fixated on her alluring curves, his mind racing. Karito, on the other hand, was in a trance, unable to tear his gaze away. Meanwhile, Maine sat with a certain air of indifference, seemingly unfazed by Kiwi's nudity.
(Maine) "Sup, Kiwi? Gimme some good news."
(Karito) Looks at the bath "...She was there the entire time?"
(Kiwi) Sighs "Got Zilch."
Without any care in the world, she sat in-between Karito's legs. Karito mustered all of his self-control at that moment.
(Karito) Thoughts "The women in this world continue to test my damn patience."
(Kiwi) "Tanaka beefed up his security after our last fuck up." Gets a little too comfortable and messes with a tablet "Tried poking holes, but I got no-go after no-go."
(Maine) "Like I was saying. Out weels be spinnin' until Faraday gives us some traction."
(David) Tries his best not to stare at Kiwi "Tanaka?"
(Maine) "Don't you remember baby's first grand theft auto? 'Saka limo was his. Why? Is that a problem?"
(David) "Nah, it's nothin'..."
(Karito) "Is this because your past classmate was Tanaka's kid?"
(Kiwi) "Well, lookie here. Your right, Karito." Demonstrates it on her tablet
(Maine) "Say what?! You two saying our punk kid was of goin'. to some stiff-ass corp school?"
(Karito) "I graduated from there and David is a dropout."
(Maine) "YOU GRADUATED THERE?!"
(Kiwi) "Both of you were straight-A students."
(Maine) "Well, Karito was already stupid smart when we meet him but this kid? Little Davey boy? Well, shit. Guess that explains why Gloria and Karito were always so busy."
(David) "You two ever hear of a little thing called privacy?"
(Karito) "True, what else do you wanna find out about me?"
(Kiwi) Turns around seducingly and looks down
(Karito) "You little succubus."
(Kiwi) Giggles "Anyways, didn't find much else of interest on Tanaka's personal drive. Lotta noise. Lotta trash."
(Maine) "Noise like?"
(Karito) "Like XBDs on his viewing log?"
(Kiwi) "You know me so well, Kari~."
(Karito) "Lucky guess."
(Maine) Chuckling "Yo, hold up. That's good leverage as I see it."
(Karito) "Isn't that psychopath more into gore and porn?"
(Kiwi) "He is. Some cyberspycho virtues, too."
(Karito) "Creepy bastard."
(Maine) "Indeed, it's fucking disturbing."
(Kiwi) "Lot of BDs tuned by someone named JK."
(David & Karito) "JK?/That sound's familiar."
(Kiwi) "Ring-a Ding-Ding, hotshot?"
(Karito) Taps David
(David) "Yeah, Jimmy Kurosaki. Braindance editor. He's got a cult following. Get's his hands on a snuff and churns out a virtue in 24 hours. Piping hot, fresh off the street. Whatever JK tunes, he turns to gold. Just don't get edits like his anywhere else. It's no wonder his fans keep coming back for more."
(Karito) "I didn't think he would go full encyclopedia mode."
(Maine) "Well, I'll be damned, kid. Didn't peg you for a super freak."
(Karito) Fake wines "I don't know where I went wrong with him."
(David) Stutters "No, I... Just helped a choom move his stock, is all."
(Kiwi) "Cute story."
(Karito) Snorts
(Kiwi) "But do you know anything that'd actually be useful?"
(Karito) Places his chin on Kiwi's shoulder "Hey, David."
(David) "Yeah?"
(Karito) "Doesn't he mostly do custom-made?"
(David) "...Oh yeah, that's true." Realization
(Kiwi) "What's that?"
(David) "The big spenders expect exclusive, so JK tailors the dances special. You know, removing pain limiters and stuff?"
(Maine) "And we care why?"
(Karito) "Because for a custom, Takana gonna be there. And I mean actually be there. Will he be alone, David?"
(David) "Yeah, he's most likely alone."
(Kiwi) Leans a little too close to Karito "Alone? How you two figure?"
(Karito) "Well, would you bring your bodyguard to a fetish XBD tuning?"
(Kiwi) "You got a point, handsome."
(Maine) "You brothers are pretty sharp, dawg! You two work together flawlessly. David's smarter now that he's a man!" Gently taps David's head
(David) "ACK! STOP!"
(Kiwi) "A man? What'd I miss?"
(Karito) "He got laid."
(Kiwi) Burts out laughing
(Karito) "It was about time."
(David) "FUCK YOU GUYS TOO!"
(Kiwi) "Wanna get laid, Karito?"
(Karito) "Fuck it, you invited."
(David) "Oh god, Karito." Facepalm
...
Gathered around the sleek and run-down briefing table, the team's leader, Maine, initiated the start of their meeting with a stern yet confident voice, laying out the details of their new mission that had been thoroughly discussed and planned for beforehand. The rest of the team listened intently, their focus solely on the task at hand as they absorbed the intricate details and challenges that awaited them.
(Maine) "Faraday came through with a lead on Tanaka. Seems our favorite suit occasionally ditches his hustle and usual ride for Delamain."
(Dorio) "Going off-grid, huh?"
(Maine) "But Delamain's airtight. Can't hope for a lock on position or destination.
(Kiwi) "I did some digging into custom BDs. Mostly fat-cat buyers with deep pockets, corpo execs, celebs, and gang bosses. JK studios' invisible. Referral only. If we wanna know more, we gonna have a word with the man himself."
(David) "Yeah, but how?"
(Karito) "We are going to capture him."
(Kiwi) "That will be easy, found out he's got a reservation at Embers day after tomorrow. Table for one."
(Dorio) "Pretty damn sad, that."
(Maine) "And once he's all done, we invited him here for a nightcap. Let's move."
...
The mission had begun, and the team was deployed in their designated positions with precision and focus. Lucy was strategically concealed near the entrance, waiting for the perfect moment to strike as JK exited. David was stationed inside the getaway vehicle, his gaze locked on the surrounding area, and Karito, dressed in his sleek Spider-Man suit, kept a watchful eye from his perch above. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his holographic display of the target, intently analyzing the information as the mission unfolded. Every move was calculated, every breath measured, as they worked in perfect harmony to accomplish their objective.
(Spider-Man) Looks at an image of the target
(Lucy) "He's on the move."
(Spider-Man) "Yeah, I saw. Go ahead, David."
(David) "Got him." Discreetly follows JK
As Jk strode confidently towards the multi-floored parking lot, Maine's team members watched intently from their covert positions. The tension was palpable as he approached his own car, seemingly oblivious to the presence of his enemies. Meanwhile, David drove patiently in his vehicle, parked right beside JK's, ready to take action at a moment's notice. The rest of the crew remained hidden in their own cars, waiting for the signal to strike.
As David emerged from his car, his mind was abuzz with the gravity of their mission. He took a deep breath and let his well-honed acting skills take over, approaching JK with a practiced ease. With a wide-eyed expression of admiration, he engaged JK in conversation, skillfully concealing his true purpose behind the façade of a starstruck fan.
(David) Fake Shock "OH! Hey, don't tell me! You're not the Jimmy Kurosaki, are yah?"
(JK) Turns around with a serious expression "Who's asking?"
(David) Fake gasp "I knew it! I knew it was you! Totally!" Approaches him carefully "Huge fan, sir. You know a ripperdoc in Arroyo who pushes XBDs? I part-timed with him for a while, selling your stuff!"
(JK) "Is that right?" Inexpressible
(David) Approaches him but is stopped by JK "Can I shake your hand?" Sigh "Uh, sorry..." Laughs awkwardly "Guess I'm a little star-struck." Sees Karito silently land behind JK a few feet away
(JK) "I have somewhere to be so if you'll..."
(David) "Uh, yeah... my bad... Been honor choomba..."
With the multi-floored parking lot completely empty, JK stood alone with David. Despite the eerie silence, JK couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. He watched his surroundings with the camera located behind his neck. A sudden relief washed over him as he realized that it wasn't a random kidnapping attempt. However, that sense of security was short-lived. Unknown to JK, Karito had already analyzed JK's cyberware and used that knowledge to his advantage. Invisibility had its perks, as Karito swiftly made his way towards JK, striking him with a precise chop to the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious. JK crumpled to the ground with a loud thud, the only sound echoing throughout the empty parking lot.
(Spider-Man) "What will you guys do without me?"
(Maine) "Good thing you stopped me before I went there myself."
(Kiwi) On com "How did you know he had a camera?"
(Spider-Man) "I just hacked him."
(Lucy) "How?"
(Spider-Man) "I'm just REALLY good."
(David) "Show off."
(Spider-Man) "Anyways, let's go."
...
In a covert location, Karito had taken JK to the one of the villain's secret hideout - a place where he subjects victims to virtual reality simulations of their own deaths. The scenes are grotesque and unfiltered, designed to elicit the full range of emotions: pain, desperation, and madness that comes with repeatedly dying in such a way. Karito was appalled by what he saw and hacked into JK's mind to learn more. To his dismay, he discovered that most of JK's memories were protected by the dark web, which angered the hero even more. After a long wait, the twisted BD fanatic finally regained consciousness, bound to a chair, in front of Karito.
(JK) "Oh? Spider-Man! I'm a HUGE, fan."
(Spider-Man) "Cool."
As JK's eyes scanned the room, he took note of his captors observing from a distance. David, Maine, Lucy, and Dorio were all present, their gazes fixed upon the ongoing interrogation. But it was Karito who held the reins, his razor-sharp intellect and impressive hacking skills allowing him to effortlessly extract information from his captive. JK's mind was a labyrinth of secrets and horrors, and with each passing moment, Karito delved deeper into the twisted psyche of this disturbed individual.
(JK) "So? How might I assist you, fine people? Certainly, not here to kill. I am still alive."
(Spider-Man) "Well, I'm currently thinking about it."
(JK) "Come now, I wish to cooperate."
(Spider-Man) "You catch on quick, huh?"
As the tension mounted in the interrogation room, a sudden sound of buzzing and flapping broke the silence. Without warning, a swarm of drones appeared on the horizon, heading straight for their location. As the rest of the team braced themselves for a firefight, Karito remained unfazed. With a flick of his wrist, he expertly took control of the drones, causing them to malfunction and crash, exploding in a spectacular display on the city streets. JK's eyes widened with shock and disbelief, as he realized that his last hope for rescue had just been violently snuffed out by their tech-savvy captor.
(JK) "W-What?! How did you-?!"
(Spider-Man) "You misunderstood your position here, JK. I'm not stuck here with you... you are stuck here, with me!"
...
After an arduous and gut-wrenching few minutes, Karito had effectively broken JK's mind using his terrifying hacking abilities. The once-resilient maniac was now a mere shell of himself, obediently following the crew's plan for Tanaka.
(Dorio) "Remind me to never piss you off."
(Spider-Man) "Noted."
(Maine) "All right. Everyone clear on the plan now?"
(JK) Scared shitless "Y-Yes..."
(Maine) "I'll be on the holo... Until then, you stay put." Looks at David "Keep an eye on him. Not a second out of your sight."
(David) "Mm-hmm."
Silence settled in the room, enveloping it in a blanket of emptiness. David and JK were the sole occupants, their presence amplified by the hollowness of the space.
(JK) "...He's not human..."
(David) Ignores him "Whatever." Picks a caset "I didn't think SP would mess you that bad."
(JK) "...After what he did... the horrors he forced me to see... How the hell is someone like him still sane?"
(David) "Huh? What are you talking about?"
(JK) "H-He... put me in some sort of BD... But this... It's not like I was reliving it or was in some sort of virtual world... I was there... I lost count of how many worlds I've visited... But... The thing he knows... the horrors he is aware of. H-How?!"
(David) "What the? You saying it like he's some sort of monster."
(JK) "THAT'S BECAUSE HE IS! HE'S WRATH INCARNATE! HE'S THE ANGEL OF JUSTICE! HE'S THE DEFENDER AND DESTROYER OF FICTION! HE'S ALL AND NOTHING! HE'S THE BEGINNING AND THE END! HE'S INFINITY AND HE'S NOTHINGNESS! HE-HE! WHAT THE HELL IS HE?!?!?" Starts having a panic attack
(David) "OI! CALM DOWN!"
(JK) " HAAAAAA!!! I DON'T WANNA SEE HIM!" Convulses and suddenly falls asleep
(David) "W-What the fuck?! OI! YOU ALIVE?!"
(Spider-Man) "What the fuck was that?" Appears from the shadows
(David) "The hell did you do to him, man?"
(Spider-Man) "I just mind-broke him, that's all."
(David) "Why the hell is he going this crazy?"
(Spider-Man) "The fuck am I supposed to know, I'm just as confused."
The room was silent, and the two brothers, Karito and David, looked upon JK in his deep sleep, a perplexing sense of confusion etched upon their faces. Karito had been certain that his hacking skills would render JK compliant and submissive, but what he had experienced was something beyond his expectations. As they listened to the madman's delirious ramblings, Karito couldn't help but wonder if it was merely the senseless babble of a disturbed mind or was it a premonition of what the future held? The words seemed to be spoken in a language that only JK could understand, a cryptic message that held the key to something much bigger than they had anticipated.
...
Within the confines of the sleek and luxurious limousine, a man of discerning taste commanded attention with his attire, in a striking combination of red and black hues, complemented by a pair of imposing shades that added to his commanding aura. This man was none other than Tanaka, and by his side was Martin Lee, a friendly-looking Asian man in a black and white tuxedo. However, one must not be deceived by appearances, for Mr. Lee, also known as "Mr. Negative," was a powerful and dangerous man in his own right. As the AI in the car announced that they were approaching their destination, the purpose of their meeting remained shrouded in mystery.
(Tanaka) "Very good." Looks at Lee "Remind me why you wanted to accompany me?"
(Dark Lee) "Well, why can't I? Honestly I was just bored at my abode so when I saw you strolling around I just had a "feeling" something fun is going to happen if I come with you."
(Tanaka) "So you chose to accompany out of spite?"
(Dark Lee) "Don't be like that Tanaka, it hurts my feelings." Fake whine
(Tanaka) Sigh
(AI) "As requested, the record of your ride today has been expunged. I look forward to serving you again."
As the two men made their way towards the warehouse, Tanaka's confident stride was matched by Mr. Negative's calm and collected demeanor. As they approached the door, Tanaka rapped on it with a forceful knock, announcing their presence. But as Karito watched from the safety of his monitors, his heart skipped a beat when he saw Martin Lee accompanying Tanaka. A cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he struggled to keep his composure and weighed his options, his mind racing with thoughts of potential danger and disaster.
(JK) "Hey, Mister Tanaka." From inside the warehouse "Oh? Is that Mr. Martin Lee? It's a pleasure! Come on in!" The door slides open
The two men made their way into JK's abode, their footsteps echoing through the dimly lit space. Tanaka's piercing gaze scanned the area as he took in his surroundings, his mind calculating every detail. After a moment of silence, he cleared his throat, signaling his intention to speak.
(Tanaka) "You're ahead of schedule. It's usually months before I get word of your next release."
(JK) "Perceptive as always. Quality scrolls are hard to come by. But see that's exactly what makes this one so special. And I assumed you want this baby tuned right away?"
(Tanaka) "My son is being discharged from the hospital tonight. Your standard edit will do."
(JK) "How about that? What about you, Mr.Lee?"
(Dark Lee) "I'm fine, just here to watch, y'know?"
(JK) "So unfortunate. I'm rather proud of how this one turned out. A true waste to settle for a standard. The sensitivity, the real-feel is..."
(Dark Lee) "Kurosaki. Where are they?"
(JK) "...I beg your pardon?"
(Dark Lee) "Well, it's that game huh?"
With an eerie silence that enveloped the room, Martin Lee's form began to contort and twist, his physicality warping into a black-and-white hue, revealing his other self - the notorious Mister Negative. In a single fluid motion, the man's transformation was complete, his once warm demeanor replaced by a sinister aura. The shift in his demeanor was palpable, sending shivers down the spine of those who bore witness to his transformation.
(Spider-Man) "TAKE TANAKA! I'LL HANDLE HIM!"
(Maine) "KARITO WAIT!"
Spider-Man's spider-sense had alerted him to the imminent danger that Mister Negative posed. As he observed Lee more closely, he noticed him reaching for something on his hip. A moment later, a sharp and resounding crack filled the air as the warehouse was sliced in two. Spider-Man found himself in the epicentre of the destruction, but his quick reflexes allowed him to form a symbiotic shield just in time to absorb some of the impact. However, the force of the attack was still immense and he was thrown backwards, tumbling across the warehouse floor before finally coming to a stop.
(Spider-Man) "Ack!" Holds his forearms in pain "Fucker!"
(Dark Mr. Negative) "Hurts doesn't it? You took my friend for me, so experience my pain"
In a sudden burst of movement, Mr. Negative lunged at Maine and made contact with his shoulder. The edgerunner howled in agony as a shadowy aura enveloped him. Spider-Man's expression contorted in disbelief, but quickly transformed into fury. He launched himself from the ground with immense force, causing the surface beneath him to rupture and form a sizable crater. Utilizing his lateral repulsion and hyper sense, he hurtled towards Mr. Negative, creating a lightning-fast streak of motion. The air filled with the sound of Spider-Man's intense screams as he collided with Mr. Negative and sent him hurtling through the warehouse. The wall of the building crumbled around them, and the two continued to barrel through the air with remarkable speed. Mr. Negative's eyes widened as he saw a looming structure approaching, which Spider-Man crashed through with his unbridled strength. The impact caused the building to topple, and the chaos rippled outward as additional structures tumbled in a domino-like effect. Through it all, Spider-Man's howls of rage echoed across the city.
As both fighters tumbled onto the vacant train, the sound of their collision reverberated through the empty carriages. Mr. Negative rose to his feet, a menacing smile on his face as he took in the sight of the destruction left in their wake. Spider-Man, his muscles tense and his eyes ablaze with anger, rose to his feet as well.
Mr. Negative chuckled darkly, taunting Spider-Man for his reckless destruction in battle. The web-slinger knew that he had to keep a clear head and not let the villain's mocking words get to him, pluss during the whole bulldozer he had thrown mutliple web bombs to stop the dribs from falling into the city and luckily he had crashed into abandoned buildings from the Night City. With a focused determination, Spider-Man lunged forward, his fists flying as he landed a powerful blow on Mr. Negative's jaw. The villain stumbled backwards, but quickly regained his footing and retaliated with a blast of dark energy. Spider-Man somersaulted out of the way just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.
The two continued their brutal dance of combat, their bodies moving with precision and agility. Spider-Man dodged and weaved, launching webs and punches in rapid succession. Mr. Negative, with his black and white aura pulsing around him, countered with blasts of energy that sent Spider-Man flying. But the web-slinger refused to give up, his determination fueled by his sense of responsibility to protect his family and friends.
The train shook and rattled as the fight raged on, the sound of their blows echoing through the empty carriages. Spider-Man and Mr. Negative were evenly matched, their skill and power on full display.
Mr. Negative grabbed the Spider by the shoulder and slammed him into the walls of the train and repeatedly punched his face in succession. But the hero elbowed the villain in the face and in a fit of rage Mr. Negative spun Spider-Man facing his back and lanched himself with him, crashing towards another train and continue to beat him down.
Mr. Negative's powerful grip tightened around Spider-Man's shoulder, causing the hero to wince in pain as he was slammed into the hard walls of the train. The villain's fists pummeled Spider-Man's face with a series of rapid punches, causing blood to drip down the hero's chin. Spider-Man, refusing to be defeated, elbowed Mr. Negative in the face with a satisfying crunch, causing the villain to stagger backwards.
In a fit of rage, Mr. Negative spun Spider-Man around and locked his arms tightly around the hero's waist. With a savage growl, he launched himself towards another speeding train, crashing into it with bone-shattering force.
Despite the odds stacked against him, Spider-Man refused to back down. He fought back with a ferocity that surprised Mr. Negative, landing solid blows with his fists and feet. The two continued to trade blows, each one more intense and brutal than the last.
Spider-Man's venom-fueled punches landed with a satisfying thud, causing Mr. Negative to wobble unsteadily. However, the villain proved to be a formidable adversary, quickly producing a black energy sword with a flick of his wrist. In a swift motion, he sliced across Spider-Man's chest, eliciting a painful cry from the hero. Mr. Negative continued his onslaught, but Spider-Man's spider-sense allowed him to dodge and counter with his sharp stingers protruding from his forearms. The train car they were fighting in reverberated with the sound of metallic clanging and their blades sparking with each impact.
Their struggle culminated in a clash of strength, their blades locked in a fierce standoff. However, Mr. Negative was not above fighting dirty, and he stomped on the floor with a force that shattered it, sending both combatants hurtling towards the ground. Spider-Man managed to use his webs to pull Mr. Negative towards him, and the two exchanged blows with incredible speed, their attacks connecting with each other's faces.
With one final, monumental effort, Spider-Man charged up a spherical venom blast while Mr. Negative gathered his dark energy for a powerful attack of his own. Their attacks collided in a stunning explosion that shook the city block, sending both fighters careening into opposite ends of the street.
With a grunt of agony, the hero struggled to push aside the wreckage that had fallen on him. After clambering to his feet, he scanned the area for his adversary, but Mr. Negative was nowhere to be seen. The thought of his nemesis escaping filled Spider-Man with a seething anger, but before he could express his frustration, a sharp pang of pain coursed through his body, causing him to grit his teeth. The sword slashes he received had set his nerves alight, and he cursed silently as his healing factor and toxin began the work of mending his wounds. As the seconds ticked by, he felt the pain subside, but as he inspected his injuries, he noticed with disappointment that the slashes had left scars in their wake. Another set of battle scars to add to his collection, he mused, and he wondered if he was destined to become as scarred as the legendary warrior Snake Eyes from G.I. Joe. The likelihood seemed all too high.
(Spider-Man) Calls David and he picks up "Hey, bro. How are things on your end."
(David) Panic "W-Where fine! What about you?! Please tell me you didn't get burned alive again!"
(Spider-Man) Reassured him "Easy, there bro. I'm fine. Just healed a few cuts and bruises."
(David) Sighs in relief "Thank God... I was so worried. After seeing so much destruction I thought something happened."
(Spider-Man) "Well, such as my life, y'know?"
(David) "Yeah. By the way, JK's dead. That Asian guy's attack cut him in half."
(Spider-Man) "Damn, what a bad way to go. Well, we got out target anyways... Also, how's Maine?"
(David) "He's fine. He just said that he felt pain one moment but after you took that guy away, he was fine."
(Spider-Man) Skeptical "...That's impossible."
(David) "Why?"
(Spider-Man) "That villain has the ability to turn people evil with just a simple touch. There's no way Maine's just fine."
(David) "...Well, he looks dandy to me."
(Spider-Man) "...We'll talk about this later. Get out of there first, trauma team is coming."
(David) "Alright bro, see you." Hangs up
As the sound of the approaching trauma team ships grew louder, Spider-Man lifted his gaze to the sky, his sharp eyes following the movement of the aircraft as they drew closer to his location. He let out a weary sigh, knowing that he couldn't afford to get caught and end up in their care. With a practiced motion, he activated his camouflage skill, causing his figure to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, rendering him completely invisible to the naked eye.
To be continued...