(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)
Memory
(Civilian 1) "What do I think of Spider-Man? I don't know. He's a weirdo. He's always tearing the city a new one. He's irresponsible! Why are you asking this?"
(Civilian 2) "I heard he crazy, mentally. He has this sort of nervous tic or something. The dude doesn't stand still. Also, isn't he too old to be wearing a costume?"
(Civilian 3) "Spider-Man? The guys the best! He fixed my car when it broke down on the 6th! I still question how he even wiped out all to utensils that mechanics have out of thin air. I tried to pay him. But he only accepted a hamburger, which honestly for the work he did, I found it too little."
(Civilian 4) " The man is a fucking bastard or a retard. He's always causing destruction and runs away once he's done. So what do I think of Spider-Man? I think I'll see him in fucking court if I ever come across him again! My Dad's a lawyer and he says-"
(Mother) "I'm sorry? Spider-Man?" Smiles sadly "He's amazing."
In Queens, Spider-Man swung gracefully through the city's towering structures. The buildings' lights cast a soft glow on the night sky, guiding his way during his final superhero patrol through the heart of New York.
(Spider-Man) "What do you think sounds good for dinner? I'm honestly starving."
(Toxin) "Brains." Chuckle
(Spider-Man) "You don't need brains! You quite literally evolved past that!"
(Toxin) "I know, I'm just messing with you."
(Spider-Man) "So, how does it feel to be upgraded?"
(Toxin) "I feel like I've transcended, like literally."
(Spider-Man) "Because of the Narralith?"
(Toxin) "Yup. I feel like nothing can pierce me, besides the Darkanstine."
(Spider-Man) "They are total opposites."
(Toxin) "Should we get smacked by a universe in the face to test my durability?"
(Spider-Man) "The fuck do you think we are? Gurren Lagan VS Anti-Spiral?"
(Toxin) "I can take their attacks now."
(Spider-Man) "They have the attack potency of a Big Bang, Toxin."
(Toxin) "And? Narralith is a broken piece of a book cover from the real world or composite bacteria that come from the same place. You do know what that means?"
(Spider-Man) "Okay, I get your point. Reality is always above fiction."
(Toxin) "I don't know why you were trying to argue, you literally know this."
(Spider-Man) "I was bored."
(Toxin) "So you start some smoke to entertain yourself."
(Spider-Man) "Sometimes." Spider-sense "Speaking of boredom, looks like there's something to do."
(Policeman) From afar "Police! Freeze!"
(Spider-Man) "Oh joy, look who we have here. "Friendly" people to talk to."
With a surge of electrifying energy coursing through his sinewy frame, Spider-Man harnessed lateral repulsion to propel himself at blinding velocities, appearing as naught but a fleeting bolt of lightning in the night sky, imperceptible to the human eye. As he closed in on the unfolding tableau, a resolute police officer pursued two menacing miscreants – one clutching a bulging bag, the other brandishing a menacing firearm – their desperate flight from justice unabated.
(Thug 1) "We gotta split up! Meet up at the house!"
(Thug 2) "No way! They'll just chase me! I'm the guy with the gun!" Turns around "So I may as well-" Aims at the police officer "u-" His firearm is completely dismantled "s-" The parts of the gun slowly fall to the ground "e-" His companion's legs were webbed up "I-" His companion is thrown to the wall "T-" He gets thrown into a wall "OOF! W- What the hell happened?!"
(Spider-Man) "I happened. I beat you and you're friend before you even finished a sentence." Sees a third thug "Well, I'm gonna snatch that Dwarf over there."
(Policeman) "I- Wait! You can't-"
(Policewoman) "You're telling an Avenger what he can't do?"
(Policeman) "Ugh... that's true."
Spider-Man effortlessly overtakes the diminutive figure, whose futile attempt to vault over a fence ends in a humbling failure. The iconic hero, an imposing presence, strides closer to the trembling individual, whose visage betrays an overwhelming sense of dread.
(Spider-Man) "Sorry, Pal. Unless you have the wall-crawling abilities of a spider- which isn't impossible. There's a whole multiverse worth of Spider-Men. But you're turning... your..." Noticed that it was actually a child
(Boy) Shaking "I- I didn't- they- they asked me t-t-to just b-be a l-look out. P-Please, I won't ever- I won't ever..."
(Spider-Man) "..."
(Policeman) Walks into the alleyway "All right, let's get these guys down the station, so-" Just sees Spider-Man by himself "What? Where'd he-?"
(Spider-Man) "Fuck if I know, dude must have some sort of superpower. Ya'll definitely need some sort of task force for this stuff when it involves bad superhumans."
Prior to the arrival of the law enforcement officer, Spider-Man deftly employed his advanced hacking abilities to effectuate the teleportation of the young child to the safety of a rooftop. This astute intervention served to shield the juvenile from the dire prospect of a future marred by a tarnished criminal record.
...
(Mother) "Spider-Man thought... He thought that the scare was enough. That he didn't need a record to hound him for years, threatening his future. Kyle got fifty bucks from the two guys to be a lookout while they robbed a store... Spider-Man brought him home to me. And I'll always be thankful to him for that.
(Civilian 5) "Spider-Man? The guy's a freak. But hey, who am I to judge? On the weekends I-"
(Civilian 6's daughter) "I once saw Spider-Man! He was fighting a man with really long legs and Spidey jumped really far and he was so cool and-"
(Civilian 6) Chuckles "It was Spider-Boy."
(Civilian 7) "Spider-Man? Yeah, I have some thoughts about him. I see the guy almost every day. He saved me from falling debris from smashing me and my hotdog stand. I- He saved me. And don't get me wrong, it was my choice to offer him free hotdogs for life. But... every day... with his nonsensical babbling?!"
(Civilian 8) "Spider-Man? He's fine, I guess? I just think some of his behaviors are... weird?"
(Civilian 9) "I don't like him. Those heroes had ruined the world. Everything used to be so calm before people started getting a little too creative with technology and people from other planets invaded. I wish I never lived in this world."
(Civilian 10) "Beautifully selfless. How many of us would use their powers to get rich? He could do almost anything for money with those types of abilities. But he doesn't. He helps people. Pluss, I'm pretty sure Tony Stark helps him with anything Financial."
(Mother) "Kyle changed after meeting Spider-Man. He used to be pretty angry. His Dad... well, his Dad was in prison. So it wasn't the easiest at home. But after Spider-Man... He was better... Kinder. Was even getting better grades. And yeah, I do think he had something to do with that..."
Within the confines of Kyle's maternal abode, his mother diligently orchestrated a culinary masterpiece, poised for their impending repast. As the final touches graced her culinary creation, she momentarily withdrew from the kitchen's sanctum, casting her gaze upon her son's secluded room in search of his presence.
(Mother) "Kyle! Dinner's ready!" No answer "Kyle?" Gets closer to the room quietly and peeks
(Spider-Man) "So which one is "R"?"
(Kyle) "Well, see, there are two "R's"... The radius of the small circle and the radius of the large circle. A capital "R" and lowercase "r"..."
(Spider-Man) "So we uuuuse?"
(Kyle) "Pythagoram theory?"
(Spider-Man) "Pythagorean, but sure. Which meaaaaans..."
(Kyle) "Um... r² + x² = R²?"
(Spider-Man) "See, Bud? I told you it was easy."
(Mother) Smiles sweetly
...
(Policeman) "He acts like everything is so easy. Sure, knock out some mugger and leave a note. It's guys like me who have to do the paperwork and testify in court. Spider-Man's a joke."
(Captain America) "Spider-Man's a hero. I understand that people are put off by his mask, how there's absolutely no information on him when he's not wearing it, and his switch between serious and comedic sensibilities. But in my opinion? He's one of the greatest men I've ever known. I'm proud to call him my friend."
(Businessman) "Spider-Man has mental issues."
(Mother) "Spider-Man helped my son. He's a good man. I'll always feel indebted too... He didn't know... He..." Starts to tear up "The guys who- the guys who Kyle worked for, they got out on bail... they... " Starts crying
In the waning hours of the afternoon, Spider-Man adhered to his weekly ritual, a solemn visit to check on the young boy he had come to cherish as a surrogate sibling. Over time, their bond had transcended mere mentorship, evolving into a profound kinship, one where he provided guidance, nurtured young minds, and bolstered educational pursuits. Like clockwork, the hero materialized at the familiar fire escape outside the boy's window.
A series of discreet taps on the window pane yielded no response, causing a fleeting concern to cast its shadow across the crimson-clad hero's countenance. He surmised that the mother and son might be away, possibly engaged in their weekly grocery errand, stocking up on snacks and essentials. And so, he waited in earnest, seconds morphing into minutes, and then into agonizing hours. As the day gradually surrendered to night, apprehension gnawed at Spider-Man's thoughts, and an unsettling sense of foreboding nestled within his heart.
With resolve etched into his every step, he descended to the building's entrance, intending to venture towards their apartment. Yet, before he could embark on that journey, a harrowing sight arrested his gaze. Kyle's mother, her visage marked by the indelible trails of prolonged tears, stood before him. At that moment, the crimson hero's unease burgeoned into genuine concern, a myriad of ominous scenarios taking root in his mind.
Without uttering a word, the mother enveloped him in a desperate embrace, her anguish cascading onto his shoulder in silent lamentation. Spider-Man, compassion aflame within his heart, permitted her the solace she so desperately needed. They retreated to a more secluded space to confront the tumultuous storm of emotions that raged within her.
The mother's voice, still quivering with grief, finally broke the heavy silence that hung between them. She disclosed the heart-wrenching truth: the young boy had been ruthlessly hunted down and slain by the very men he had worked with. It was a manifestation of pure malevolence, driven by spite and pettiness. The boy had escaped his own reckoning, evading the clutches of justice, while the two men paid the ultimate price.
Initially, Spider-Man stood frozen, unable to register the magnitude of the tragedy that had unfolded. As seconds ticked by, the weight of the revelation bore down upon him, and his heart surged with an anguished intensity. Visions of past battles and their tragic consequences, the cacophonous echoes of guilt that had long haunted him, all converged in a tumultuous whirlwind within his mind.
His suit, a manifestation of his emotional turmoil, writhed and contorted violently around his frame, an indication of his inner chaos. The hero's teeth clenched, fists balled tightly, and his mind teetered on the precipice of madness. In a voice that seemed more monstrous than human, he addressed the grieving mother, leaving behind a solemn testament before he retreated into the depths of his anguish.
(Mother) "S-Spider-Man?" Fear
(Spider-Man) "Don't worry ma'am, I will make sure those two men... GET WHAT THEY DESERVE!"
Like a fragile apparition, Spider-Man dissipated before the mother's bewildered gaze, vanishing into the ether with a swiftness that mirrored the fleeting hope that had flickered within her heart. In that disorienting moment of his departure, Kyle's mother found herself torn between conflicting emotions, her own tumultuous sea of feelings mirroring the tempest that had consumed the crimson-clad hero.
She knew, deep down, that the hero's fury was palpable, a visceral force capable of rending justice from the fabric of society. She yearned to implore him, to utter the words, "Do not traverse the abyss of vengeance, but rather, let the legal system exact its due." Yet, an insidious part of her, a darkened corner of her soul, harbored a malevolent desire for retribution. It craved for the hero to unleash upon those who had callously stolen her beloved son, to give out a punishment so severe that it would match the depth of her anguish – a mother's grief insurmountable.
In that fraught silence, her lips remained sealed. She couldn't bring herself to intervene, for her heart now bore the weight of malice and the savage hunger for revenge. If ever questioned about the crime, she resolved to alter the narrative, to shield Spider-Man from the relentless pursuit of justice. For in her mind, there existed only one path to solace, one means by which to sate the relentless ache of her bereaved heart – the unrelenting torment of the two malefactors who had torn her world asunder.
(Mother) "...Do what you must, Spider-Man. Child killers don't deserve to live anyway. I'll protect your image..."
A few minutes later.
Perched atop a towering skyscraper, Spider-Man cast a long and imposing shadow that stretched behind him, starkly delineated against the luminescent backdrop of the moonlit night. An aura of disquietude enveloped the heroic figure, evident in the eerie, swirling distortions that seemed to ripple through the very fabric of space around him.
Within this ethereal maelstrom, his fury blazed, lending an electrifying intensity to his innate hacking prowess. The crimson-clad avenger harnessed this seething emotion to manipulate the digital realm, transcending the boundaries of mere mortal technology. He seized dominion over every facet of the cyber world, from surveillance cameras to the vibrations coursing through the air itself, all in pursuit of a singular objective – to discern the elusive voices of the two malefactors who had so mercilessly shattered the fragile peace.
In a mere matter of seconds, his relentless pursuit bore fruit as he pinpointed their location, ensnared in the throes of yet another criminal escapade. A wry, almost disdainful smile crept across his lips, the hero's resolve undeterred by the formidable law enforcement apparatus closing in on his quarry.
With a casual yet deliberate gesture, he extended his hand, fingers poised as if to grasp a tangible thread in the very tapestry of reality. Activating his hacking skills, he physically tore a rift in the space before him, unfurling a portal that bridged the chasm between his vantage point and the fleeting criminals below. Stepping through with unwavering purpose, he descended upon them as they sought refuge within the labyrinthine recesses of a clandestine laboratory.
Spider-Man, now enshrined in the dimly lit confines of the lab, propelled himself into action, his sinewy form elegantly cascading through the labyrinthine space as he swung from web to web, the relentless pursuit of justice guiding his every move.
(Thug 1) "This lab won't do us any good! We need to find somewhere more discreet!"
(Thug 2) "Then fucking offer ideas! Don't just stand there like a dumbass! You know, if we get captured, a death penalty is on for us!" The police surround the building
(Thug 1) "Fuck! Fuck! We are cornered!"
(Thug 2) "Don't worry, we can get through this!"
(Spider-Man) "Get through what?"
(Thug 2) "WHA-" Spinder-Man touches his head "I-I can't move? What?!"
(Thug 1) "HAAA! NO! DON'T HURT ME!" Runs away
(Thug 2) "HEY BASTARD! COME BACK!" His mouth gets covered by webs "HMMM!"
(Spider-Man) "Don't move... Though, I took away your ability to do so." Turns on his camouflage skill
(Thug 2) "HMMMMMM!!!!!!!"
The blonde thief's heart raced in a frenzy of terror, his wide-eyed gaze locked onto the nightmarish apparition before him. Spider-Man's once-familiar suit had undergone a grotesque transformation, now exuding an aura of malevolence that sent shivers down the thief's spine. An oppressive dread enveloped him, the very air suffused with the foreboding certainty of his impending demise.
With adrenaline coursing through his veins, the thief darted through the labyrinthine corridors of the sinister laboratory, his frantic footsteps echoing amidst rows of ominous containers bearing cautionary labels. Each step taken deeper into this abyssal realm seemed to amplify the cacophony of his racing heart.
In a desperate bid for refuge, he finally found a shadowy alcove in which to conceal himself. There, amidst a realm of oppressive darkness, he clung to the tenuous threads of hope, clutching his breath as if it were the only lifeline in a world gone horribly awry. Desperation and fear gripped his racing mind, the relentless onslaught of terror rendering rational thought a distant memory.
As he dared to peer through his meager hiding spot, the thief's pupils widened in horror. In the blink of an eye, a grotesque figure materialized from the shadows, a fleeting apparition that defied the laws of reason. Panic overcame him, and he recoiled, retreating into a forsaken corner of his refuge, his feeble gasps punctuating the darkness.
Before he could even muster a scream, the arachnid hero was upon him. With an uncanny swiftness, Spider-Man unleashed a relentless force that sent the thief hurtling through a table, the violent collision culminating in a bone-chilling crash against the unforgiving wall. Agonized cries of pain pierced the frigid air, but Spider-Man remained an inexorable specter, advancing with measured deliberation. He crouched low, his imposing form casting an eerie silhouette in the dim light, his masked visage tilted in a grotesque semblance of curiosity.
(Spider-Man) "So you're the bitch of the duo, huh?"
(Thief 2) "Ngh! I-I'm sorry..." Struggles
(Spider-Man) "What are you sorry for?"
(Thief 2) "F-For everything! For being a-a criminal! I'll change! Please, spare me!"
(Spider-Man) "Why should I?"
(Thief 2) "H-Huh?"
(Spider-Man) "Tell me something, and be honest. What did you do when Kyle asked for you two to spare him?"
(Theif 2) "Who is Ky-" His finger is cut off "HAAAAAA!!!!!!! OW!OW! WHYYYYY?!"
(Spider-Man) "I'm the one asking questions."
(Thief 2) "WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG-" Get's slapped so hard his face started to swell "ACK!"
(Spider-Man) "Wrong answer."
(Theif 2) "Ughhhhh... I-Is it the kid... w-we... killed?" His wrist gets crushed "HAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!"
(Spider-Man) "You don't even fucking remember his name."
(Theif 2) "I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! I'M SORRY! MICHEAL MADE ME DO IT, I TRIED TO TELL HIM NO!"
(Spider-Man) "You didn't try hard enough."
(Theif 2) Shoulder gets crushed "HYAAAAAAAAAAAA! FUCK! FUCK!
(Spider-Man) Reads his memory via hacking skill "So you did object but did it anyways."
(Theif 2) Sniff "I'm sorry... I didn't want to... I really... D-Didn't."
(Spider-Man) "But you did it anyways." Starts to wreck the place in a manner that seems like a setup.
(Theif 2) Still crying "W-What are you doing?"
(Spider-Man) "Setting up a crime scene."
(Theif 2) "W-Why?" Afraid
(Spider-Man) Grabs a test tube and uses his hacking skill to change its properties "You will have a more... gentle sentence than the other criminal."
(Theif 2) "Y...You're punishing me... yourself?"
(Spider-Man) "Yes."
(Theif 2) Starts having an anxiety attack "B-But you're a hero?!"
(Spider-Man) "The things I've done and do, aren't hero-like. I'm just a protector, a Guardian."
(Theif 2) "N-No..."
(Spider-Man) "Drink this." Forces a chemical into the criminal's mouth.
(Theif 2) Gags and coughs "ACK! W-What the fuck did you made me drink?!"
(Spider-Man) "Tell me, do you know how it feels to have Rheumatoid arthritis?"
(Theif 2) "H-Huh?" Crack "Huh?"
(Spider-Man) "In the early stages, it shall target the smaller joints, a relentless ache and stiffness that mirrors the mornings after inactivity. But as its influence deepens, it will seize the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders, just as this disease progresses."
(Theif 2) His body starts to convulse "NGH! AH! HAAAAA! YOU SAID IT WAS A PROCESS! HAAAAA!!!!"
(Spider-Man) "Hehe... I lied. I made it faster."
(Theif 2) "MY INSIDES HURT SO MUCH! FUUUUUUCCCCKKKKK!"
(Spider-Man) "Oh yeah, It shall invade your very essence, touching the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, salivary glands, nerves, bone marrow, and blood vessels. A relentless torment that spreads, unchecked." He sees that the thief isn't even paying attention "Anyways, Know this." he declared, "As rheumatoid arthritis may vary in its severity, so too shall the torment you endure. Periods of increased agony, akin to flares, will alternate with fleeting moments of respite. But, in the end, the deformity and displacement it bestows upon joints shall be your eternal companions."
Upon the culmination of Spider-Man's soliloquy, he rose from his imposing stance, leaving behind the writhing thief, ensnared in the clutches of searing agony. His exit was both deliberate and decisive, a prelude to the impending reckoning with the individual who had intentionally extinguished the innocent life of a child, a remorseless perpetrator bereft of even a vestige of humanity.
(Spider-Man) "Let's make that death penalty come true, Michael."
...
The next day
(New's Anchor) "Good morning, esteemed citizens of New York. We come bearing grave tidings that unfolded within the hallowed confines of Dr. Connors' Laboratory during the late hours of the previous evening. In a harrowing confrontation, two malefactors, engaged in a tumultuous pursuit with our dedicated law enforcement officers, bore witness to a sinister twist of fate that has left our city in collective disbelief.
One of these malefactors, in a desperate attempt to evade the long arm of justice, inadvertently careened into a shelf, thereby unleashing a chemical maelstrom that irrevocably altered the very fabric of his existence. The ensuing diagnosis from medical experts is nothing short of chilling—rheumatoid arthritis has now ensnared his physique, and the disfigurement that accompanies this affliction shall be his enduring cross to bear.
The enigma surrounding Dr. Connors' laboratory lies in the juxtaposition of these seemingly innocuous substances, which, when entwined in this unfortunate collision, forged a chain reaction beyond our understanding. Regrettably, there is no respite for the afflicted individual, condemned to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of a disfigured existence for the remainder of his days.
But, alas, the narrative takes a turn towards the macabre as we unveil the fate of the second criminal. As this wrongdoer ventured into an area designated for X-ray experimentation, a relentless cascade of radiation assailed his form, enveloping him in a menacing shroud of unforgiving irradiance. So potent is this emission that it repels all who dare approach, necessitating the intervention of doctors clad in hazmat suits.
Here, dear viewers, we find ourselves at a loss for words, for the consequences are dire, and the terminality of the situation leaves no room for euphemism. To put it simply, this unfortunate soul is poised to experience a fate most harrowing and agonizing—a truth that is difficult for us to articulate, but impossible for us to conceal.
The unyielding hand of justice, it seems, has dealt a swift and inexorable retribution. The police, ever vigilant, have provided a painstakingly detailed account of the events leading to this cataclysmic encounter. It has come to light that these same individuals stand accused of extinguishing the life of a 13-year-old boy named Kyle on the very same night they incurred these ominous afflictions.
In a manner some might term poetic justice, a karmic reckoning of profound proportions has been exacted. We bid farewell to yesterday's macabre chapter of late-night news, knowing that today...well, we shall brace ourselves for what new horrors may unfold in our city's ever-unfolding narrative."
With this somber note, the television screen falls into an unsettling silence.
(Karito) "May God forgive you, 'cause I'm not." Gets a call from Shuri "Yellow?... The new suit is absolutely amazing, it will definitely help with the fight against Thanos."
...
(Mother) "Spider-Man is a hero, and he will always be... our Guardian.
...
Memory end.
Present Day.
Deep within the labyrinthine underground city, Vi, driven by an unwavering resolve, took it upon herself to embark upon a self-imposed path of surrender. Her valorous decision, however, did not go unnoticed, for the keen eye of Vander discerned her actions, largely thanks to the peculiar demeanour of Powder, who had exhibited an uncharacteristic shift in behaviour.
Meanwhile, Karito, possessed of an astute and cunning persuasion, had already been privy to this unfolding drama. Having rendezvoused with the enigmatic Jace and the ingenious Viktor, he employed his well-honed rhetorical skills to sway them towards permitting his involvement. With unwavering determination, he conveyed his proficiency in the arcane arts, positing that his talents could be an invaluable asset to their cause.
Though it took considerable effort to sway the League champions of Piltover to his side, Karito's gift for persuasion bore fruit, cementing a tenuous alliance that would shape the course of their narrative. With his innate hacking abilities at his disposal, Karito meticulously deciphered his place within this unfolding tale—episode 3, to be precise. Yet, his prescience, a gift granted by his ever-attuned "spider-sense," offered fleeting glimpses into the tapestry of the future, foretelling an impending upheaval wrought by the enigmatic Darks, poised to rewrite the narrative's very essence.
Armed with this unsettling knowledge, he swiftly departed from the League champions' presence, embarking upon a clandestine journey that would lead him into the heart of the Undercity. In a mere matter of seconds, he traversed the distance, melding seamlessly into the shadowy depths as he clung to the walls, an unseen observer of the impending confluence of fate.
As he peered downward from his vantage point, a tableau unfolded before his eyes: Vander, Benzo, and Vi, ensconced within the confines of Benzo's shop, their destinies on the precipice of a profound and irrevocable shift.
(Vi) Confused "Vander?"
(Vander) Sighs "We don't have much time."
(Vi) "How did you find me?"
(Vander) "I'm proud of you. Always have been."
(Vi) "I'm sorry... This is the only way to protect the others. I can't just let Karito do everything on his own."
(Benzo) Slight panic "Vander. They are coming."
(Vander) "The ones Karito told us to be careful of?"
(Benzo) "Yes."
(Vander) "Shit." Looks back at Vi "You've got a good heart. Don't ever lose it. No matter how the world tries to break you. Help Karito... Protect the family."
(Vi) Confused "What are you-"
Before Vi could utter the culmination of her sentence, Vander, armed with an ingenious device crafted by Karito, enacted a swift and decisive maneuver. In a breathtaking display of mastery over the arcane, he conjured a diminutive pocket dimension, its ethereal maw yawning open just behind the perplexed Vi.
Her visage etched with a tapestry of bewilderment and curiosity, Vi's countenance betrayed her astonishment as she found herself forcibly propelled into the otherworldly rift. Struggling against the inexorable currents that sought to engulf her, she futilely grappled with the spatial conundrum that surrounded her. Yet, in an enigmatic twist of fate, the portal, a malleable servant of its master's commands, sealed itself shut with the finality of a celestial decree, its directive clear: Vi would be released only upon the vanquishment of the imminent threat that had precipitated her enigmatic egress.
(Benzo) "She won't be detected by them... right?"
(Vander) "No, she'll be fine. This device distorts her existence, making it seem like she's around different timelines. They won't detect her."
(Benzo) "If we come into contact with the Darks... what should we do?"
(Vander) "We have Karito's blessing, which grants us... a bit of an advantage against them, but they are too powerful for us.
(Benzo) "What are we supposed to do then?"
(Vander) "If the enforcers do come we can use them as bait."
(Grayson) "Use who as bait?"
(Vander) Quickly thinks of something "The ones you're looking for are coming."
(Grayson) Raises an eyebrow "Who?"
(Vander) "One of the superhumans. The one that looks like a vampire."
(Grayson) "Are you bullshitting me right now?"
(Enforcer) "WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!" His upper body explodes
The reverberations of anguished cries pierced the desolate confines of the dimly lit alleyway, a chilling symphony of terror that filled the very air with palpable dread. Unleashed upon the hapless enforcers was a colossal monstrosity, a behemoth whose merciless rampage left nothing but devastation in its wake. Each bone-crushing impact, delivered with a savage fury akin to the wrath of countless sentient beings, reduced the unfortunate enforcers to naught but mangled, unrecognizable remains strewn haphazardly across the alley's unforgiving ground.
Among the carnage, Marcus, Grayson, Vander, and Benzo, mere survivors in the wake of this cataclysmic onslaught, stood as witnesses to a tableau of unparalleled horror. The entire calamity had unfolded during their ongoing conversation—a transition so abrupt that it left their senses reeling in disbelief. One moment, the enforcers had been fervently pleading for their lives, their voices a desperate chorus of despair; in the next, they had been grotesquely transformed into a grotesque tableau of flesh and bone.
As the quartet raised their trembling gazes toward the looming presence that now occupied the alleyway, a pervasive sense of terror settled upon them, an emotion rendered all the more profound by the sheer malevolence that emanated from the monstrous figure before them. Fear, it seemed, was the only rational response to such an entity—an embodiment of judgment reserved for those whose transgressions lay beyond the purview of mortal justice. This was none other than Mangog The Terrible, an entity that transcended the judgments of gods and men alike.
(Grayson) "W-What are-" SPLAT
(Benzo) "Shit! Shit! What the hell is that?! That is NOT a vampire!"
As the three men stood in eerie silence, their senses acutely attuned to the faint echo of approaching footsteps, their collective focus converged upon the source of the sound. Emerging from the shrouded veil of mist that enshrouded their surroundings, a spectral shadow materialized, its nebulous contours slowly coalescing into a tangible form. It was none other than Silco, his visage now veiled in an ominous dark aura that defied comprehension, rendering him an enigma, an entity that seemed to transcend the boundaries of this narrative.
The realization of Silco's presence struck Benzo and Vander like a thunderbolt, a startling revelation that defied reason and rattled the foundations of their understanding. For they had long believed Silco to be consigned to the annals of history, his existence extinguished many years past. Yet here he stood before them, a haunting specter, his very essence irrevocably altered, his form now ensnared within the maw of the enigmatic Dark.
(Benzo) "Silco?! You fucking animal! What the hell have you done?!" Angrily approaches Silco
(Vander) "BENZO, NO!"
With but a single step, Silco bridged the seemingly insurmountable gap that separated him from Benzo. A solitary digit, bearing the weight of irrevocable power, made contact with Benzo's trembling forehead, and in that fateful moment, the very fabric of Benzo's being unraveled. His corporeal form yielded to the ethereal, his essence transmuted into the very words that inscribed his existence within the tapestry of the League of Legends world.
Yet, this was no ordinary transformation; it was the erasure of an entire existence, an author's merciless stroke that obliterated Benzo's narrative from the annals of existence. He was reduced to naught but a memory, a character wiped from the canvas of reality. Like a malevolent virus that had infiltrated the very code of the story, Silco assumed the role of the ultimate disruptor, an embodiment of darkness that corrupted the narrative with every step, his comrades in the Darkness joining him in this haunting symphony of destruction.
(Dark Silco) "He was very irritating. I should've edited his character sheet and his backstory, perhaps then he would've been more... tolerable."
(Vander) "NO!!!" Falls to his knees
(Dark Silco) "Hmm. He was stubborn until his last breath."
(Marcus) In shock "W-What the fuck is this?! What the hell did you do?!"
(Dark Silco) "What I needed to do." Walks past Marcus "And you need an upgrade. This... normal version of you won't suffice." Touches Marcus's shoulder
(Marcus) "What are you-" Vomits black blood "AAAAUGGGGHHHHH!!!"
Marcus, the enforcer, embarked upon a surreal and nightmarish journey, one that defied the boundaries of reality itself. His very being began to oscillate, alternating between states of existence and non-existence, like a fragmented mirage stitched together from sketches, skeletal meshes, and textures. In the throes of this metaphysical maelstrom, he bore witness to the kaleidoscope of his existence, gazing upon myriad variants of himself strewn across the vast expanse of the multiverse.
Each flicker of his existence tore at the fragile fabric of his sanity, fracturing his mind into myriad shards that splintered and reconstituted with each passing microsecond. It was as though he were transforming into an insidious virus, an enigma that had infiltrated the very heart of the narrative, his once-defined identity now an infectious plague upon the story's continuity.
In this relentless descent into the abyss, Marcus metamorphosed into a malevolent specter, a tormented embodiment of darkness that cast a looming shadow upon the very essence of his own existence. His plight was nothing short of an eternal torment, a perpetual descent into the abyss of the Dark, a narrative unraveling into an enigmatic abyss.
(Dark Marcus) "Ah... N-No... NO! HAAAAAAA!!!!"
(Dark Silco) "The quicker you embrace it, the less it hurts."
(Dark Mangog) "Shall we continue like in the series? Or are we finally going to make chaos?"
(Dark Silco) "Oh, we are, Mangog."
(Dark Mangog) "Finally." Looks at Vander
(Vander) "Shit..."
In a feat of astounding reflex, Vander retrieved a device from his inventory, and with a forceful motion, he hurled it to the ground with a resounding crash. As Mangog lunged towards him, the would-be capture dissipated into thin air, much to the bewilderment of the two enigmatic Darks. Their meticulously laid plans had unraveled in an instant, thwarted by an unforeseen twist—the Guardian's foresight and intervention, preventing Vander from falling into their clutches.
(Dark Mangog & Silco) "..."
Location, Piltover
(Karito) "..."
A collective unease gripped the Darks and the Guardian alike, as an inexplicable sensation coursed through their beings. They could feel it—a subtle but profound shift in the narrative, a momentary glitch that had diverted the story from its established canon. This unforeseen deviation thrust them into uncharted territory, a realm of uncertainty and unpredictability.
The Guardian understood the gravity of this precarious situation. A hairline fracture had appeared in the narrative, a rift in the very fabric of the story that threatened to expand into a chasm, leading to a dimensional schism—a catastrophic sundering of the universe into two distinct realities. Like a corrupted file slowly deteriorating, the narrative now teetered on the precipice of an irreversible rupture.
With determination etched upon the Guardian's countenance, the race against time had begun. They must mend this crack in the page, restitching the narrative before the looming threat of a dimensional split plunged their world into chaos, ushering in the dissonant echoes of two disparate universes.
...
...
...
Jayce's home
(Jayce) "How do you know all this?" He inquired, curiosity etched in his expression.
(Spider-Man) "There was a time when I lived near a library, one that happened to house knowledge about the Arcane. So, out of sheer boredom, I delved into its depths," he admitted with a nonchalant shrug. "What you were doing, Jayce, was stifling the oscillations."
(Viktor) "And the crystal, it thrives on high frequencies," he interjected, his mechanical eye gleaming with insight.
(Spider-Man) "So, what's our move then?" He leaned in, anticipation in his eyes.
(Jayce) "We need to crank it up!" Jayce exclaimed, a spark of determination lighting up his features.
(Viktor) "I might have phrased it differently, but essentially, yes," he conceded with a nod.
(Jayce) "Then what are we waiting for?" Jayce's enthusiasm was infectious.
(Viktor) "Because it's still theoretical," Viktor pointed out, his practicality reining them in.
(Spider-Man) "I believe we can do it," Spider-Man chimed in, his optimism unwavering.
(Viktor) "I still don't know how to feel about you," Viktor admitted, his doubts lingering.
(Spider-Man) "Man, cut me some slack," Spider-Man implored. "I'm here to help. The Vampire dude and his minions are lurking just around the corner. If we want to fortify our defenses and safeguard this city, we need to take action. It's only a matter of time before unforeseen threats emerge, and we must be prepared."
(Viktor) "You speak as if a war is on the horizon," Viktor mused, his brow furrowing.
(Spider-Man) "I'm suggesting that we should be ready for anything," Spider-Man replied earnestly. "Political turmoil, economic instability, societal unrest—trust me, there's an abundance of that—environmental crises, and external factors. We must broaden our perspective."
(Jayce) "We'll stop questioning you if you answer this," Jayce declared.
(Spider-Man) "Shoot."
(Jayce) "Why are you doing this?"
Spider-Man's step faltered for a brief moment, a rare instance of contemplation amid the relentless chaos of his existence. It had been a while since he'd delved into the depths of his own motivations. Recently, he had articulated his reasons, though it had felt almost like a desperate plea, his emotions taking precedence over rationality.
His sojourn in the enigmatic Nexus, coupled with the ceaseless exploration of the vast expanse of the internet and the completion of countless missions across the realms of fiction, had left him in a state of profound ambivalence. The dichotomy between what he felt was right and what he had become—this enigmatic amalgam of worlds and stories—stirred a tempest within him, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his path.
The judgment of those who hailed from the real world, their criticisms of his perceived inadequacies, had once gnawed at the edges of his resolve. Yet, he had learned to dismiss their words, recognizing that they could never truly grasp the complexity of his condition, the intricate tapestry of his existence.
And so, he pressed forward, clutching a cherished memory in the recesses of his mind. It was the voice of Peter's uncle, echoing with kindness and wisdom, reciting a timeless adage that had become the cornerstone of his identity.
(Spider-Man) "Because... With great power comes great responsibility."
(Viktor) "..."
(Jayce) "Huh, your a prophet too?"
(Spider-Man) "Fuck off, I had to think."
(Viktor) "Well, it's good for me."
(Jayce) Sighs "Now that we got that out of they way..." Resumes the past topic "If we had my materials we could've tested this theory."
(Viktor) "Oh... Damn."
(Spider-Man) "What's wrong?"
(Viktor) "Yeah... They're wrecking it."
(Jayce) "WHAT?! That's everything I've worked for!"
(Viktor)"I'm sorry, I should've mentioned it earlier."
(Spider-Man) "And we can't just present our theory now. Promises won't cut it."
(Jayce) "But we can't move forward without the crystals. The enforcers took every last one."
(Viktor) Turns to Spider-Man
(Spider-Man) "You want me to retrieve them, don't you?"
(Viktor)"You're the one with superpowers; it should be a cakewalk." Produces the keys.
(Jayce) Doubtful "I'm not sure about this, guys. The Council..."
(Viktor)"Then we better make sure we're right. There's no turning back. Plus, Spider-Man seems well-versed in this field. Together, we can make substantial progress."
(Jayce) Worried "But why risk so much?"
(Viktor) "Do you think being an assistant was my life's ambition?"
(Spider-Man)"Well, when you put it that way..."
(Viktor) "Scientists seek discoveries, ways to improve the world, just like how Spider-Man uses his powers and now his knowledge to help us. Isn't that right?" Gazes at Spider-Man.
(Spider-Man) "I do this because it feels right. So, yes, my ultimate goal is to protect the innocent and thwart evil. I assure you that won't change." Determined "And with Hextech..." Thoughtful "Despite knowing what's to come, I still need to stabilize the plot as much as possible." Speaks "This holds enormous potential for the greater good. We need to strategize." Turns to Jayce "I understand this is a lot to ask, but I implore you to trust me. We can do this. Jayce, your Hextech vision can transform the world, and I want to help you realize it."
(Jayce) Rising, he places his hands on both Viktor and Spider-Man's shoulders. "Our Hextech vision."
(Spider-Man) Inner thoughts "Ah, teamwork. It's a beautiful thing."
As Spider-Man sensed the imminent conclusion of their conversation, he hastened to bid his farewells and accepted the keys from Viktor with a nod of gratitude. Just before he departed, Viktor, in a tone bearing the gravitas of purpose, divulged the time and location for the upcoming rendezvous to retrieve Jayce's essential materials for their Hextech project.
With the pertinent information securely tucked away in his mind, Spider-Man gracefully vaulted from what had once been Jayce's apartment, soaring with unerring determination toward the hidden heart of the underground city.
Vi Pov
I found myself confined within this bizarre room, a place where Vander had unceremoniously deposited me. Hours seemed to stretch into eternity as I took in my surroundings. The room was pristine, an unexpected contrast to the gritty alleys of Piltover. A semblance of familiarity was overshadowed by its unmistakable advanced design. It was like a conventional apartment had undergone a futuristic transformation, leaving my mind struggling to comprehend it.
But all these details seemed trivial in the face of my growing concern for Vander. His expression had been etched with sheer horror as he thrust me into this mysterious room. It was as if some impending doom lurked on the other side of that door, a malevolence that sent shivers down my spine. Whatever lay beyond the threshold exuded an inhuman malevolence, something far more sinister than an ordinary Enforcer.
Left with nothing but my racing thoughts, I sank onto the unusually comfortable bed, my anxiety threatening to engulf me. A torrent of questions besieged my mind. Where was I? Would Karito arrive to rescue us? Was Vander safe amidst the looming peril? I was left with a paralyzing sense of uncertainty, grappling with the daunting question of what to do next.
Crack...
What was that?
(Karito) Tears open a portal inside the pocket dimension "Vander, she's safe."
(Vander) Appears behind Karito "Did you just...?"
(Karito) "Yes, I physically tore open a rift in reality and with my hacking ability entered a pocket dimension I built." He stated "Let's just get out of here. I can feel the narrative slowly fucking itself over."
(Vander) "My bad. But I'm pretty sure those guys shouldn't have captured me, so I ran."
(Karito) "No, that's fine. The Darks where going to break the narrative. You just gave us a bit more time to fix it."
What in the hell were they discussing? I couldn't fathom how they managed to remain so composed. I'd been consumed by worry for what felt like hours, while they carried on as if the Enforcers and that horrifying feeling from earlier were nothing more than distant memories.
(Karito) Looks "Vi, your safe now. Don't worry."
(Vi) "W-What happened?" Sniffs
(Vander) "Enforcers came but everyone was killed by a super villain. Lucky for me, I managed to escaped but... Benzo didn't."
(Vi) "Who's Benzo?" Visibly confused
(Vander) Shocked "W-What do you mean "Who's Benzo"?!"
(Karito) "It's one of their abilities. You didn't forget because you saw it, and I'm immune to it."
(Vander) Clenches his fist "Those bastards..." Suddenly Vi hugs him
(Vi) "I'm glad you're okay..."
(Vander) Hugs her back "Of course, kiddo."
(Karito) "We should hurry, I don't know what the Darks are going to do, but we should be prepared just in case. Let's check on the others back at the bar and continue accordingly."
Karito's urgency left me little time to gather my thoughts. Vander, however, quickly guided me along, and the two of them seemed to be engaged in a cryptic conversation of their own. They spoke of Darks and narratives, making it all sound so significant, but at that moment, it was best not to dwell on these complexities. I remembered Karito's advice to "go with the flow," and I clung to that simple wisdom.
As we emerged from what Karito and Vander referred to as the "Pocket Dimension," Karito, with a mere gesture, seemed to pluck something from the air. Space itself rippled and tore open, giving birth to what Karito labeled a "portal." Vander and I stepped through it, transitioning from Benzo's shop in one heartbeat to the exterior of "The Last Drop" bar in the next. The scene before us, however, bore the scars of a recent attack.
(Vander) "Ah shit... the Darks raided this place. I'm gonna check if they kids are still here!" Runs towards the floor bellow the bar
Without a second thought, I trailed behind Vander, my thoughts consumed by worry for Mylo, Claggor, and, most pressingly, Powder. The enigmatic Darks had Karito and Vander deeply perturbed. Even though I couldn't grasp the full scope of their cryptic conversation, their expressions of concern and the gravity in their voices were sufficient to convey the weight of the situation.
Once me and Vander reached for the room me and the group often spend time in. The door was tore open and the room was completely destroyed. And the only thing we saw was the bunny that I gifted Powder and a note latching itself into it with red tendrils saying "Can Spider-Man come out and play?"
(Vander) "Karito... they have the kids."
(Karito) "Those goddamn bastards!" Toxin envelops him
(Vi) "Who are 'they'? Where are the others?!"
(Spider-Man) Senses the universe intertwining with another due to the Darks "I know exactly where they are... Come on."
(Vander) "Karito, we can't bring Vi with us!"
(Vi) "What?! Why not? Powder, Claggor, and Mylo are in danger!"
(Vander) "Vi, we can't—"
(Spider-Man) "She's coming."
(Vander) Shocked "Why?"
(Spider-Man) "Because, right now, the only safe haven she has in the entire universe is me."
(Vander) "...Fine."
(Spider-Man) "I can't guarantee how things will unfold. It's the way things tend to go with foes who can twist, tear, alter, and manipulate a story. The only reason they haven't is because of me. That's why she's sticking close."
(Vander) "I understand! You don't have to flaunt it. We're running out of time. We must find the other kids!"
(Vi) "Exactly. So, Karito, where are they?"
(Spider-Man) Opens another portal "This time, we'll infiltrate discreetly."
Inside a Wearhouse
Concealed behind a formidable steel door, a trio of captives consisting of Powder, Mylo, and Claggor cowered in fear. Their abduction at the hands of monstrous captors had left them traumatized, the memory etched indelibly in their minds. The sheer brutality unleashed upon the bar's patrons had shaken them to their very core. Witnessing such levels of violence, unlike anything they had ever encountered, had a profound impact on their psyche.
These individuals, capable of wielding powers beyond comprehension, appeared to be the "super villains" that Karito had mentioned. What had remained unknown to them was the existence of an entire collective of such formidable adversaries. The current situation, a catastrophic amalgamation of two universes into one, underscored the extent to which the group had disrupted the narrative.
The fusion, however, hung in a precarious balance, deliberately manipulated by the Darks. It had taken some persuasion to convince even Silco, who, after realizing the existence of infinite timelines, had ceased to contest the group's intentions and had reluctantly fallen in line with the rest of the Darks' sinister plans.
(Dark Silco) "How should we proceed with this plan?"
(Dark Morlun) "Actually, we can't discuss it."
(Dark Silco) "What? Why?"
(Dark Morlun) "The Guardian is infiltrating this place discreetly, just as he mentioned in the book a few minutes ago. If there's even a slight chance he can 'read' our words, we can't risk discussing the plan openly."
(Dark Silco) "Then how can we exchange information?"
(Dark Mangog) "We possess the power of a Dark for private communication. The reader and the narrator won't be privy to our conversations."
(Dark Silco) "Why would you—"
(Dark Mangog) "The Guardian is already aware of this capability. Living in The Box alters you. Have you ever wondered how he ended up there?"
(Dark J????) "It's a matter of sheer luck, I'm certain. The place that contains everything, even concepts that both human and omnipotent beings can imagine and those that transcend imagination..."
(Dark K????) "Don't let your mind unravel pondering it. Even von Neumann's concepts pale in comparison to the Nexus, to The Box."
(Dark Mangog) "I sense his presence."
(Dark J????) "We all do. The Guardian has arrived, and he's brought the other two with him."
(Dark Red ????) "Well, who will go first?"
But then they felt it. A tremor.
(Dark Morlun) "The hell?"
(Dark K????) "Is he serious? Where is the presence of the other two?"
(Dark Mango) "He made them disappear! And his tearing this entire Wearhouse in two!"
Indeed, he was correct. Spider-Man had harnessed his extraordinary hacking skills to meticulously eliminate any remnants of Vander and Vi, rendering them entirely imperceptible to the Darks, the Readers, and even... myself? The narrator? How on earth had he managed that?
In any event, the warehouse housing the Darks was engulfed in a tumultuous upheaval, akin to a seismic event. Submerged deep beneath the structure, Spider-Man wielded his immense strength to rend the edifice asunder.
(Spider-Man) "NGHHHH!" the warehouse breaks in half
The battle has commenced.
To Be Continued...