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***
2 July 2013, 9:45 AM.
The bedroom of Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, and Felicia Hardy.
I wake up, smiling contentedly and stretching gently.
The girls and I spent the rest of yesterday and most of the night in bed, so right now I was watching their exhausted, sleep-deprived but undoubtedly contented faces. It's nice to see the result of one's labour, especially one like this.
I get out of bed and, not afraid of waking up my beautiful maidens, go to the bathroom.
Once I'm done with my bath, I decide to check out what's been going on in the world while I've been away.
So, Roxon Energisers is about to introduce a new energy source to the world, but they're about to be displaced in the marketplace by Stark Industries.
Disney is announcing the release of a new film based on the Star Wars universe. Been there. We know. Good luck to them.
Blah, blah, blah, blah stock markets.
Whoa.
Norman Osborne: A triumphant return to New York! Read the interview with the CEO of Oscorp.
So you decided to show your ugly face after all, huh, Gobby?
Well, we'll meet again soon.
In the meantime, I've got better things to do than that prick.
I switch off the computer and go to the bedroom, quietly dress, catch a fit of kavaava from my girls again, and, grabbing my unrepaired technological suit, throw it into my rucksack and leave the house, locking the door on the key.
Time to visit my family.
I go downstairs, human for once, and head for the underground.
*
The standard ride to Queens and I'm a few yards from our house.
I breathe in the air and take a nostalgic look around this quiet, peaceful neighbourhood.
It doesn't compare to the rest of the city. I guess that's why it's so nice to come back here, huh?
I walk up to my home and knock.
To my surprise, Delia answers the door.
- Hi, sis," I wave hello.
A second later, I'm clutched in a truly spider-like embrace with a wild squeal.
- What's the matter, Del, did you see the golden retriever again? - Ben and Cain came running at the sound.
- Hey, guys, did you miss me? - I smiled cheekily at the shocked clones, noticing that Reilly had washed the dye out of his hair. - I think we should come in, don't you? - I ask the shade girl who won't let me go.
- Yeah, yeah, let's go," Parker lets me go and we go inside.
We go quietly into the kitchen and sit down at the table.
- Where's May? - I ask first of all.
Oh, I didn't like the nervous glances they gave me.
- You see, Pete, the thing is," Ben scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
- When you disappeared, we told him about it, and Auntie didn't react well," Cain said, sternly, chopping the truth out of his womb.
- Be more specific," I frowned.
- She got sick," Del muttered frustratedly.
- Who asked you to open your mittens, you fucking truth-tellers?! - I jumped up, resting my fists on the tabletop and smashing the table," Shit.
- Whoa, take it easy, Superman," Reilly watches me warily. - Right now, May is in the hospital, but she's in no danger, she's in rehab, recovering.
- What was it, how long has she been in rehab, and just try to tell me you don't visit her daily.
- Some of us go to see May every day, sometimes in pairs or all of us together, just an hour ago Cain came back from the night shift. There was a slight relapse, but nothing heart threatening, it happened four days ago," Del reported.
- Well done, soldier, an "A" for you," I sighed and sat down. - Why so tense, tell me what you've been up to.
And then my brothers and sister went into a story about how they got the brilliant idea to pass Ben off as me and start patrolling, organising a team of Spider Web Warriors.
And while I had nothing against their heroics, the idea of Ben made me laugh. Come on, we're nothing alike.
- Okay, any other news?
The clones glanced round neatly, and then Del shot an organic web out of her fingers, pulling the table scrap to her side and smiling embarrassedly at me.
- This....was impressive. Anyone else want to show off their hidden talents?
Cain raised his hands and released Sting.
- I see," I shifted my gaze to Ben.
- I've been practising my artistic whistling, do you want to hear it? - Reilly humours.
- I'll bet you do," I snort.
- So, what happened to you, fearless leader? - my twin asked, and Cain and Delia looked at me with interest.
- Well, to make a long story short," I shot an organic web at the wall and released Sting, "there was a small problem with the mutation, but I solved it.
- Oh, really?! I don't have anything at all, do I? - Ben just cringed at my demonstration.
- Be glad you're just being handsome," I pointed to my face.
- Yeah, yeah," Riley rolls his eyes. - I took pictures of the press conference John sent us to, you know, where his son announced his intention to go to the newly established base on the moon. It's no big deal, but if you want your money back.
- No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, you've been filling in for me, so take it all," I clap the clone on the shoulder, "but dye your hair.
- You got it, boss," Reilly saluted.
- By the way, have we had any visits from the brave Shield agents?
And there was tension at that question again.
- Alas, we have," my scarred brother replied glumly. - And they were looking for both Peter Parker and Spider-Man.
- Cain means that Director Fury had a mission for Peter about Dr Fierce and his messenger, Phil Colson, was looking for Agent Spider, not that they were looking for Peter because of Spider," Del hastens to clarify, looking at my scarred twin like an idiot.
- It's obvious, isn't it? - the long-haired one of us clarifies. Seriously, how did he let go of those braids!!!! Hello from the Jackal, too?
By the way, we'll have to finally study the data from his experiments.
- I see, so how did you fight back?
- It was hard, if only because now they've found out about Peter's unexpected relatives that they've never heard of," Ben folded his hands, "but we managed and just postponed the whole thing because we were busy.
- Wait. They just said call me in a week?
- Sort of," Raleigh scratched the back of his head. - Hey, don't look at me like that! Like we've got all your knowledge, you know, you've got a lot on your plate since the events of which the three of us have the last memories. Don't ask for the impossible.
- Yeah, sorry, you're right, you've done a great job as it is," I raise my hands. - Good job.
I'll take care of the Shield.
The clones were all gushing at my praise. Even the perpetually scowling Cain smiled, almost brighter than Ben and Delia put together.
- So, what nicknames did you pick up? - I'm asking the question that interests me. - Or did you just cover for me and, flaunting your new costumes, call yourselves Spider-Man?
- Actually, everyone reacted to us like that, and we did not pursue a special purpose to declare ourselves in any other way, - Parker explains.
- Though we did think about nicknames," Reilly adds.
- Surprise me," I lean back in my chair.
- I'm the Scarlet Spider," Ben says.
Okay, no change.
- Tarantula," Cain says.
I wonder what that intermediate stage in canon is like?
- Red Widow," Sis smiles.
I hope Natasha doesn't sue. Though Del's like Spiderwoman more, so....
- Cool nicknames, Spider Web Warriors," I give a thumbs-up.
- So, are we going to be them? - Cain clarifies.
- Do you need my permission? - I raise an eyebrow with interest.
- At least we need to know that you're not against our initiative, - Ben explains democratically. - And that you'll be the leader of the team.
After the proposal, all three of them stared at me expectantly and looked into my eyes with devotion.
Interesting.
- Yes, of course, I don't mind and I'll become a leader, - I scratch my chin thoughtfully, - it will be necessary to form a schedule of patrols, to organise trainings, to learn to work as a team.
- There he is, our fearless leader," Ben clapped his hands happily, "he's everywhere with a plan.
- Clown," Cain said neutrally, "Don't mind him, Peter.
- It's okay, I like to humour him myself," I said, smiling. - Okay, well, flight debriefings are flight debriefings, but now one of you will take me to the hospital to May and quickly.
- Aye, aye, Captain.
- I'll take you.
- Let's go, brother.
All three of us at the same time.
- Cain, you just got out of there. You should get some rest.
- I've got my strength, Raleigh, but you better watch the house.
- I'm ready, too, boys, and I've been there more often than you.
- Why don't you stay here and get away from those white walls?
As the clones discussed the matter, I wondered more and more. Was it just politeness and the implication that they were...bored? Or is there something else at play here? I wish I could say what my Gut tells me, but right now it's just a confused feeling.
- All right, all right, people, calm down," I intervene before the loud argument turns into a brawl. - Cain, you really should get some sleep, Del, my suit is damaged and of all the people here I'm sure only in your talents as a fashion designer, please fix it," I hand the girl the backpack with the suit.
- Okay," Delia agrees reluctantly.
Cain just nods.
- I'll stay here, then," Ben said, smiling.
- Yeah," and even if it's stupid to run around the city with your fucking twin, it's going to happen anyway, and you've got to come at it from the top, right? - Don't forget your hat.
We leave the house and walk to the tube.
- So, what else happened, Ben? - I stop and ask you a quick question.
- What are you talking about, Pete? - The clone is surprised at my abruptness.
- During the story I could read you three like an open book, - even if I don't understand how yet, - and during the story about the conference it felt like you didn't want to mention something, - I move closer to the twin who was a little nervous, - or even hide it.
- What? That's not it at all," Reilly blushed and looked embarrassed. - Okay, here," my brother sighed, pulling out his iPhone, shaking the screen and handing it to me.
I took the device and saw a picture of Ben and some redheaded hottie.
- You're into green-eyed redheads, aren't you, Ben? - I'm kidding. - Okay, I take it back, now I see we do look alike.
I'm returning the phone.
- Her name is Elizabeth Tyne," Ben continued, still crimson, as we resumed driving.
The twin then filled me in on the circumstances of their meeting, the spark, the date, and what he wasn't telling the others.
- Why make a mystery of it? - I ask towards the end, just before entering the hospital.
- Well, we're kind of like your clones....- Raleigh blurted out.
- So what, that's why you're not entitled to a normal life now? - I turn round and put my palms on my brother's shoulders. - Look, Ben, I'm your genetic progenitor, but you, each and every one of you, shouldn't have to look back on this all the time, you're entitled to your own life and destiny. I believe in choice, little brother, so rest assured, I support your autonomy.
- Thank you, Peter," Ben smiled brightly. - Really, thank you.
Just enjoying a moment of understanding for a while.
- All right, well, you know which floor and ward, so I'll be off," Reilly turned round.
- You want to come in?
- It'll be an emotional reunion, and you know how easy it is to make me cry," the twin joked, "Besides, I have to buy hair dye," Ben winked and waved goodbye.
I shrugged and walked into the hospital.
It took me a few minutes to get to my room, and after a knock on the door and permission to enter, I was in the room.
It doesn't look like the room May was in after the accident, it's more ordinary.
Auntie even has roommates.
- Oh, your nephews never leave you for a second, May, good children you've brought up," a rather heavy woman chirped in a thin voice.
- 'Thank you, Mandy,' Auntie replied, 'they really are. Hello, Peter.
Judging by her tone and facial expressions, she's clearly in favour of this 'dress-up game'.
- 'No, May,' I step closer and take Aunty's hands, 'it's really me.
- Peter?
- Yes, it's me," I smile calmly.
- Look, mate your auntie doesn't have dementia, so knock it off," Mandy seemed to think I was mocking her.
- Peter! - May realised the situation and gave me a big hug. - I'm so glad you're back, love, but hang on, my aunt pulled me away. - Where have you been?!
- Well, I guess I don't understand something," May's roommate continued.
- It's a long story, Aunty, let me tell it in private," I pointed at the surroundings.
- Oh, come on," the woman got up from the bed, "keep it secret, and I'll go to the dining room.
- Thank you, Mandy," the woman nods at her aunt.
- It's all right.
When the room empties, I'm back in a tight embrace.
- Your disappearance has caused a lot of repercussions, darling," Auntie was happy to see me, but she couldn't reprimand me for what had happened. - What you did was irresponsible, Peter.
- No, May, it wasn't irresponsible at all, and I'll tell you why.
In general, after all the details about the mutation, missions, my battles, pain and metamorphosis, my aunt had no reason to reprimand me, and even on the contrary, she apologised.
- No, you're right about something, May, whatever happens to me, whatever ideas, whatever problems I have, if there's a risk that I'll disappear somewhere or something like that, you need to be warned," I took my aunt's hand, "all of you, my family, from now on I'll warn you about important things.
- Thank you dear," May nodded, "that will be very helpful.
- Good, now tell me, what have I missed in ten days? - I'm relaxing in the chair.
Auntie, on the other hand, settles down on the cushion in her couch.
- I wouldn't say there's been much of importance, but I think you should apologise to George Stacey.
- Right, the birthday party. You didn't go?
- We did, but we thought we shouldn't bring Ben, after all, Gwen and her dad know you too well, so we talked your job out of it.
- I'll give George a nice whisky and I don't think he'll be too angry.
- Very clever, young man.
May and I are laughing.
*
I stayed with my aunt for three hours and after we'd talked it over and the visiting hours were over, I promised I'd look in tomorrow.
I leave the hospital and walk towards the metro.
"Carrier, can we talk?" - comes the voice of a Clintarian in my head.
"Yes, Raj, of course," I go down underground.
"Remember how I told you how I came to my senses in Wild Earth and saw something?" - There was excitement in the alien's voice
"Yes, did you remember what it was?"
"I remembered, Bearer, but I'm afraid you'll be amazed."
"Okay, I get it," I walk into the underground and stand against the wall away from the other people and reply, "you may begin."
"As soon as you passed out, there were two flashes in the temple, and out of them came two men, wearing Spider-Man costumes."
"You're sure of that, Raj," I clarify thoughtfully.
"As sure of yourself."
So there are outside forces involved in this story.
If Raj is right, I could have been transported to another dimension by Spider-Men from another reality. If they have that kind of technology, there can only be two explanations.
One, they have some sort of transporters, set up to travel in one or at most several dimensions, it's not as dangerous. Two, they are connected to the Web of Life and Destiny, in which case they have access to worlds throughout the multiverse. That's much more dangerous.
And if they really were alternate versions of Spider-Man, what did they want? Why didn't they make themselves known? It felt like some kind of challenge to me, and that's not cool at all.
Again, if you believe Raj's words, though I do, I feel like he told what he really saw.
Other dimensions, a whole other level. One has to be prepared. To look for some options.
"Thanks for sharing, partner."
"That's what I'm here for, Bearer," the symbiote replied contentedly.
We reach Queens and I reach home, pondering a new problem on a multiverse scale.
I knock on the door and Delia opens it, wearing a very cute pink apron.
- Cooking? - I ask with a smile.
- Someone has to," she shrugged, playing with a ladle, "come on in.
I do as I'm told and close the door behind me.
We go into the kitchen.
- Where are the others?
- Cain's in the basement, asleep, and Ben's colouring his hair, at the salon.
Or he went on a date.
- All right, where's my suit?
- In the living room on the couch.
I go to the right place and look at the suit. It's very well stitched up and looks like new.
I wonder how much damage has been done to the technical stuff.
Putting the suit in my rucksack.
- Thanks, sis.
- Not a problem, anytime," Del untied her apron, "you want some lunch?
- No, sorry, I'm gonna run home and do something. See you later," I kiss my sister on the forehead.
- I'll see you later," the pink-haired brown girl said goodbye.
I slung my backpack on my shoulder and left the house.
Since the suit's repaired, I can get to my flat on the fly.
I run into a back alley and put on my red-and-black suit.
I soar into the air and head towards the centre, thinking as I go:
Okay, I'm back, a little knocked out, but I'm back. My abilities are clearly enhanced: sensitivity to vibrations, heightened senses, organic webs and stings are clearly not all that. I'll have to get my patterns and abilities tested.
Plus the weirdness with the clones, they seemed fine, but I could sense each of my twins very keenly and it seemed their attitudes towards me had also changed to some extent. Abilities too? Tests and background checks, that's what's needed right now.
Plus of the things I need to deal with soon: going to the Aircraft Carrier, I feel like Fury is going to blow my mind.
Visit the FF and see what's going on in the lab.
Contact Doc Connors, I've been very rude to him, after all.
Find out what's going on with Sandman.
And, most importantly, deal with Osborne.
Thinking about my to-do list, I get to my flat. I go up to the roof and disguise my suit. By the way, most of the systems, at least the lenses, and stabilisers are intact. A hiccup with the manipulators and glider, but I'll fix that.
I go downstairs and open the door, walking into my house.
- I never thought you liked to run off and leave your ladies alone, Mr Parker," I find myself in the corridor and hear Fey's mocking remark as she blow-dries her hair.
Judging by the sound of water from the bathroom, Mary is taking a shower.
- I was just afraid that my beautiful nymphs were so bored that they wouldn't let me go until they'd sucked me dry," I said with my trademark Parker grin.
- Oh, yeah, you're the one lying on the bed after an hours-long sex marathon," Fey looked at me with those bright blue eyes, their irony evident in them.
- Tell me you weren't enjoying that blissful numbness. - I walk over to my blondie and place my palm on her cheek.
She kisses me greedily in return.
- Every second of it," Fey adds as she pulls her nimble tongue out of my mouth. - What have you been up to?
I sit down next to her and put my arm around Kitten, Felicia resting her head on my shoulder.
- I went to Queens, thought I'd talk to May, but only ran into my brothers with my sister in charge.
- I'm sorry, love," Fey looked up at me, her eyes clouded with guilt, "Mary and I didn't have time to tell you, we moved very quickly...you know.
I only kiss the girl softly.
- It's okay, Kitten, the important thing is that Auntie is on the mend.
The bathroom door opened.
- Oh, Tiger, you're back already? - MJ came out of the bathroom, wiping her beautiful fiery hair with her satisfied emerald eyes.
The sight of her naked and slightly damp body makes me ready for another go. Which Felicia notices.
- So, "I'm afraid of being sucked dry," right? - slyly smiles blondie, putting her palm on the bump in my jeans.
I just smile innocently.
- That's very flattering, Pete, but you need a break after last night," Mary comes over to us and kisses me on the cheek.
- Then, Carrot-top, do me a favour and hide your beautiful form under your clothes," I said, keeping my eyes on my vixen's voluminous mounds.
Is it just me, or are they getting bigger?
MJ just smirks and goes into the bedroom.
- Well, now that I've had a break, I think it's time to work on my costume," I said, slapping Fey on the thigh and getting up from the couch.
I'm walking towards my rucksack when the doorbell rings.
- I wonder if we're expecting someone. - I turn to the blonde.
The kitten only shakes her head negatively.
The bell rings again.
- I'm coming, I'm coming," I huff slightly, about to let the impatient guests in.
I open the door.
In the corridor of the house stood: a young brown-haired man with red glasses on his face, an attractive red-haired girl, a nice low brown girl with a mop of hair tied in a ponytail, a skinny dark-haired guy who smiled amiably, a sexy mulatto in loose clothes, and a dark-haired short man with a cigar in his teeth, whom I recognised without any problems.
Their procession was clearly led by a business suit-clad bald man in a wheelchair.
- Peter Parker, may we come in? - With a slight and kind smile, the world's strongest telepath clarified.