Present day New York - 2077
In the weeks since Tariq's revelation about his origins as a clone, a whirlwind of emotions has swept through his mind, leaving him grappling with a profound sense of identity crisis.
Each day seemed to bring about even more questions than answers, and the weight of his newfound knowledge bears down heavily on his shoulders.
As he navigates this sudden, Tariq finds solace in the presence of his two closest friends, now turned roommates, Amani and Desirée.
Their decision to move in with him was initially prompted by the need to support him in his new role as Spider-Man and assist with caring for Jade, but it has evolved into something deeper, a constant source of comfort and stability in the midst of chaos.
Desirée, in particular, feels the ache of Tariq's inner turmoil acutely. Having been intimately connected with him since childhood and harboring feelings that extend beyond mere friendship, she senses his pain on a profound level.
Desirée's own emotions are a complex blend of empathy, frustration, and a fierce determination to be there for Tariq in whatever capacity he needs.
Despite the heaviness that hangs in the air, there are moments of respite and even fleeting glimpses of hope. Through their shared experiences and unwavering support for one another, Tariq, Amani, and Desirée did their best.
And as they navigate the uncertain terrain of Tariq's identity crisis together, they discover that the true strength lies not in knowing all the answers, but in the trust to stand by each other's side, no matter what challenges may come their way.
Norman Jr.'s offer to assist Tariq with his newfound powers wasn't just an opportunity for training; it represented a chance for closure amidst the tumultuous revelation of his origins.
Learning that he was a clone, crafted from the genetic material of both Miles Morales and Peter Parker, sent shockwaves through Tariq's very sense of self. The life he thought he knew, the memories he held dear, all seemed to crumble under the weight of this revelation.
As he grappled with the implications of his manufactured existence, Tariq found himself adrift in a sea of conflicting emotions.
The picture of his third-grade graduation party, once a symbol of innocent joy and accomplishment, now served as a stark reminder of the facade that had shrouded his existence.
He couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the happiness he once knew, tinged with the bitter realization that it was built upon a foundation of deception.
The revelation that his birth was not the product of love, but rather a calculated experiment by Norman Jr., struck at the core of Tariq's identity.
His mother, whom he had always believed to be his biological parent, had played a part in this elaborate scheme orchestrated by Oscorp.
The sense of betrayal was palpable, mingling with a profound sense of loss for the life he thought he had lived.
Growing up without a father had always been a source of longing and confusion for Tariq, but now the pieces seemed to fall into place with cruel clarity.
His mother's decision to flee from Oscorp, to raise him in seclusion, took on new significance in light of these revelations.
She had shielded him from the truth of his birth, raised him as her own despite the knowledge that he was not truly just her flesh and blood, but a mixture of her own blood and the blood of the Spider-Man duo.
As Tariq grappled with these revelations, his mental health began to suffer under the weight of uncertainty and existential dread.
The very fabric of his reality seemed to unravel before his eyes, leaving him feeling adrift and alone in a world that suddenly felt alien and hostile.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, there flickered a glimmer of hope, the possibility of closure, of reclaiming agency over his own destiny, through the guidance of Norman Jr. and the newfound powers that bound him to the legacy of Spider-Man.
As Tariq grappled with the shattering revelation of his manufactured existence, Amani and Desirée found themselves caught in a whirlwind of emotions, their hearts heavy with empathy for their friend's pain.
The weight of Tariq's burden seemed to hang palpably in the air, casting a shadow over their own thoughts and feelings.
Seeing Tariq retreat into himself, lost in the depths of his own anguish, stirred a fierce protectiveness within Amani and Desirée.
They couldn't bear to see him suffer alone, to watch as the weight of his newfound knowledge threatened to crush his spirit.
So they stood by his side, offering silent support and unwavering companionship in the face of uncertainty.
But it was when Jade's cries pierced the heavy silence that Tariq found himself jolted out of his own turmoil, reminded of the responsibilities and joys that awaited him beyond the confines of his own internal struggles.
With a determined resolve, he wiped away his tears and rushed to comfort his little sister, his heart aching at the sight of her distress.
Amani's voice broke through the tension, her concern for Jade mirroring the protective instincts that had always defined her relationship with Tariq.
In that moment, surrounded by the ones he loved most, Tariq found a flicker of solace amidst the chaos of his thoughts.
With Jade in his arms, her tears gradually subsiding as she clung to him, he felt a renewed sense of purpose.
Settling down beside Amani and Desirée, Tariq held Jade close, the warmth of his presence a soothing balm to her as she sniffled.
As Tariq gazed at his baby sister, the resemblance to their mother struck him with a bittersweet pang of nostalgia.
Jade's features, from her soft golden brown hair to her piercing green eyes, served as a poignant reminder of the woman who had sacrificed so much for his sake.
In that moment, Tariq couldn't help but smile, recognizing the echoes of his own identity mirrored in the familiar contours of his baby sister's face.
Though he and Amani bore a striking resemblance to their mother, Tariq couldn't shake the awareness of his own unique origins.
Unlike Amani, he carried the unmistakable mark of his genetic lineage, his yellow eyes, a trait that had once made him the target of cruel taunts and relentless bullying growing up.
But in the wake of his recent revelation about his life, Tariq found himself embracing this aspect of himself with a newfound sense of pride.
For he now understood the depth of his mother's sacrifice, the lengths to which she had gone to shield him from the truth of his existence and afford him at least some semblance of normalcy and a childhood.
Her love had been a shield against the harsh realities of the world and his own birth, a testament to the strength of a mother's devotion to her children.
And as Tariq reflected on the sacrifices she had made on his behalf, he felt a swell of gratitude and admiration for the woman who had given him everything and given him life.
Embracing his yellow eyes and the extraordinary abilities they represented, Tariq reclaimed ownership of his own identity, asserting himself as more than just a mere clone of his predecessors.
He was his own person, shaped by his experiences, his choices, and the love that had guided him through even the darkest of times.
As he looked at his baby sister once more, a newfound determination burned within him, igniting a fire of purpose and resolve.
He knew now that he carried a legacy of strength and resilience within him, a legacy that demanded to be honored. With a glint in his eyes, Tariq vowed to honor Miles and his mother, he vowed to show the world that Spiderman was back, and better than ever, to confront the toxic underbelly of this dystopian New York with a strength and ferocity that would make any Spider person proud.
For he was not just another Spider-Man he was Tariq Obasi Smith, a man whose existence means something, a man whose life has meaning. And as he prepared to swing back into action, Tariq knew that the greatest tribute he could offer to his mother's memory was to raise Jade in her image and to live his life with courage, conviction, and the unwavering determination to make a difference in the world.
After ensuring Amani, Desirée, and Jade were all peacefully asleep, Tariq softly kissed the twins on their foreheads and gently carried them to their respective rooms.
He tucked Jade into her crib, draping her favorite blanket over her small form with tender care.
With the quiet assurance that his loved ones were safe and sound, Tariq steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
His steps were heavy with resolve as he made his way to the Spider Den. As he entered, the familiar hum of high-tech equipment filled the air, his eyes glowing a fierce yellow, a physical testament to his unique abilities. He found Norman Jr. already waiting, seated and exuding an aura of calculated anticipation.
"Norman: So, you've finally come, Tariq. Does this mean you have accepted the role you were created for?"
Norman Jr.'s voice cut through the silence as he turned to face Tariq.
Tariq, his expression unreadable, responded sharply.
"Tariq: Hell no. I didn't come to talk or be told what I'm gonna be or do, old man. If you're gonna help me control these new powers of mine and Thrasher, then I suggest you do so already."
A smile, tinged with intrigue, flickered across Norman Jr.'s face.
He pressed a button on his desk, initiating the descent of his office into the depths of a sprawling laboratory below.
"Norman: Patience is a virtue, my boy, but I understand your readiness to get to work. And I commend you for it. Also, some respect would be nice, i mean, i am your fath-"
Tariq immediately cuts Norman Jr off.
"Tariq: You are not my father. Don't get any bright ideas, you may have been the one who created me, but my DNA belongs to two people and them alone: Miles Morales and my mother. I am a Smith, no Osborn blood flows within me, you said so yourself."
Norman Jr smiled at this, Tariq was finally accepting himself and what he was, it may not he how Norman wanted it, but anything works.
As the office settled into place within the laboratory, a young woman awaited their arrival.
She stood poised among the clutter of scientific instruments and vials, her presence marked by a quiet confidence.
Her dark hair was pulled back into a functional ponytail, highlighting a youthful face marked by sharp intelligence and bright, curious eyes that studied Tariq with both caution and interest.
Dressed in a crisp lab coat that bore the insignia of Oscorp, her demeanor was one of professional readiness. She was a prodigious talent in genetic engineering, handpicked by Norman Jr. not only for her exceptional skills but also for her ethical flexibility, a necessity in the gray moral landscapes they navigated.
Her task was multifaceted: to assist Tariq in mastering his abilities, to ensure his physiological stability, and to further develop his connection to Thrasher under the Thrasher protocol, a suite of enhancements meant to augment Tariq's already formidable powers and his symbiotic relationship with his Symbiote.
Her presence here was not just functional but symbolic; she represented a bridge between the old guard and a new era that Tariq would herald.
As Tariq and Norman Jr. approached, she stepped forward, extending her hand in greeting yet maintaining a professional distance.
"Lena: Welcome, Tariq. I'm Dr. Lena Kovic. I've been briefed on your situation, and I'm here to assist you in harnessing your abilities and perhaps in understanding them better as well."
The laboratory around them buzzed with the promise of new beginnings and the heavy weight of past creations, encapsulating the paradox of Tariq's existence, a blend of past legacies and new frontiers.
As Tariq entered the laboratory, he observed Lena, the scientist assigned to work with him. She had the poised demeanor of someone deeply committed to her work, her focus unwavering amidst the arrays of complex equipment and data screens.
Tariq could tell they were different, her world was one of formulas and experiments, while his was about instinct and action. Despite their differences, he remembered his mother's lessons on respect and tolerance, keeping any initial judgments to himself.
Norman Jr. led them through the lab, explaining more about Project New Hope, casually mentioning that Lena was fully briefed on Tariq and his family's detailed background. This revelation immediately sparked Tariq's temper.
"Tariq: What are you doing, Osborn?!"
He snapped, turning sharply towards Norman Jr., his frustration evident.
Norman Jr., unfazed and almost proud, responded smoothly.
"Norman: What is it, my boy? Did you think I would let your mother escape Oscorp's oversight so easily without ensuring we had measures in place?"
Trying to regain his composure, Tariq redirected his attention towards Lena, his tone edged with a mix of sarcasm and genuine curiosity.
"Tariq: Damned old man... Hey, Lena, what in the world made you take a job like this? Experimenting on a spider wasn't good enough?"
Lena, slightly taken aback by his directness, adjusted her glasses with a nervous touch. She gave Tariq a shy smile, her respect for his situation and her own professional excitement mingling in her response.
"Lena: Well, Tariq, I chose this job for two reasons. Firstly, I've aspired to work at Oscorp ever since I began my career in genetics. It's at the forefront of genetic research. Secondly, and more importantly, I wanted to work with you. You're the first and only stable clone of Miles Morales! It's not just a job; it's a chance to be part of something groundbreaking."
Behind the reflective lenses of her glasses, Lena's eyes glimmered with a blend of admiration and genuine curiosity, a silent testament to her deep commitment to both the project and Tariq's unique circumstances.
Her response struck a chord with Tariq, resonating with echoes of his mother's wisdom and compassion.
As they navigated through the impressive laboratory, Tariq couldn't help but marvel at the advanced technology surrounding him.
Despite the prevalence of Oscorp-branded equipment, the sheer sophistication of the lab left him contemplating the possibilities for his own research and development endeavors.
The thought of acquiring some of this cutting-edge tech for his own use sparked a flicker of excitement in his mind.
Their journey deeper into the lab revealed an array of Spidersuits and a curious sight, an empty tube filled with a murky liquid, within which gleamed a pair of glowing blue eyes.
The sight sent a shiver down Tariq's spine, a stark reminder of the complex and mysterious world he now inhabited.
Upon reaching their destination, Tariq found himself subjected to a thorough examination, his shirt removed to allow for the placement of various sensors across his torso.
Despite the scrutiny, Lena's professional demeanor wavered slightly as she blushed, momentarily struggling to maintain her composure in the face of Tariq's impressive physique and the network of scars that adorned his skin, each one a testament to his resilience and strength.
After the examination, Tariq was instructed to don the Absolute Suit, a sleek ensemble that seemed to resonate with power and purpose.
With a smirk, he complied, and to the astonishment of Norman Jr. and Lena, Thrasher responded to his mere thought, manifesting with a fluidity that spoke volumes about the depth of their connection.
"Lena: W-wow, Tariq."
Lena stammered, her voice tinged with awe.
"Lena: I'm impressed. It's quite astonishing that you have such a powerful bond with 19-09. You're the first person I have seen bond with a Symbiote so quickly! It's not everyday that a Symbiote and its host bond so quickly; it's groundbreaking."
Tariq couldn't help but be amused by Lena's reaction, the half-lifted mask of his suit revealing the glow of his yellow eye in response to her words.
With Norman Jr's quick prompting, Lena turned her attention to examining Thrasher, her scientific curiosity piqued by the symbiotic bond unfolding before her eyes.
As the tests concluded, Tariq remained clad in the Absolute Suit as he was ushered into a spacious chamber filled with imposing androids. His gaze swept over the mechanical figures, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"Tariq: The hell're these things? Aren't these Oscorp's latest battle droids?"
Norman Jr.'s response was immediate, his figure engulfed by the menacing visage of the Green Goblin suit, an emblem of his darker legacy. Tariq turned to face him, a spark of anticipation dancing in his eyes.
Lena gets behind the protective glass as she is preparing to study how Tariq fights with Thrasher.
Norman Jr. approached Tariq with purpose, the hum of his cybernetic suit resonating through the chamber as steam billowed from its vents.
"Norman: Tariq, time to test what you and Thrasher are capable of. I can't have the newest Spider-Man being killed when I finally got you to take up the mantle."
Tariq's laughter rang out, a mixture of amusement and confidence rippling through his words.
"Tariq: Hmm? You're sure about this, old man? I won't be holding back. It's been years since I last let loose in a fight."
With a flicker of anticipation, the tension in the room heightened as the two prepared to clash. Lena prepared her equipment to watch Tariq's vitals and his synchronization rate with Thrasher.
Norman Jr. advanced with a calculated grace, his movements fluid and precise as he closed the distance between them. Tariq met his approach head-on, his muscles tensing in readiness for the impending confrontation.
He threw a punch as Norman Jr dodged it with utter ease.
Their first exchange was a blur of motion, each strike Tariq threw was parried with executed skill that was born of Norman Jr's years of training and experience.
Norman Jr.'s attacks were swift and relentless, his mastery of his mobility within the Green Goblin suit evident in every calculated move.
Tariq, though no stranger to combat, found himself momentarily caught off guard by the ferocity of Norman Jr's assault.
Despite his best efforts, Tariq soon found himself on the defensive, his movements growing increasingly strained as he struggled to keep pace with Norman Jr.'s relentless onslaught.
Thrasher responded to Tariq's every thought and movement with a synchronized move, Lena watched as she was amazed by Thrasher and Tariq's synchronization rate, it was at 100% already, and was climbing higher and higher the more Norman Jr pushed them.
Lena was getting more data from this sparring match than she had gotten from just studying the discarded clones, she was thrilled.
With each passing moment, the weight of his opponent's blows threatened to overwhelm him, pushing him to the brink of exhaustion.
And then, in a moment of vulnerability, Tariq's control of Thrasher wavered.
The Symbiote sensed this and reacted quickly, attempting to calm his host, but a sudden surge of raw power surged through Tariq and Thrasher, awakening something that has been dormant within New York since the days of Peter Parker, Venom.
The black Symbiote had awoken deep underground as he sensed Thrasher and Tariq.
Tariq grabbed his head as his movements became erratic, fueled by a potent mixture of adrenaline and desperation.
In the heat of the moment, Norman Jr called for Lena to sedate Tariq as he tried to hold him down, Norman Jr gave Thrasher the command to restrain his host, Tariq had lost himself momentarily to his instincts that lurked within, his attacks growing wild and unpredictable as he fought to regain himself.
For a fleeting moment, chaos reigned as Tariq and Norman Jr. clashed in a whirlwind of motion, Lena had prepared the tranquiliser and fired it into Tariq's left shoulder, immediately putting him under as Venom lost the signal coming from Tariq.
Venom would find this new Symbiote, and claim its host for himself.
Too be continued.