C639 Spider-Man (Patreon)
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As LYLA's explanation unfolded, Miguel's silent fury intensified, his eyes ablaze with a mixture of rage and betrayal. The weight of his past actions bore down on him, and the truth about his daughter's demise echoed through his tortured mind.
Beside him, Uncle Ben observed the spectacle, finding a twisted satisfaction in Miguel's suffering, relishing the poetic justice of the moment.
Amidst the chaos, Knull, the formidable symbiote god and now Peter’s undead servant, materialized before Peter. He knelt before the Spider-Man, acknowledging his presence. "All Spider-People are gathered at the front of the building, Master…" Knull declared, his voice resonating in a eager subservient tone, which was a stark different from his past dark, unwavering authority.
Peter, contemplating the gravity of the situation, turned to LYLA with one final question. "One more thing before I go and clean up this mess, how did Centurion plan on dealing with Knull? Because I can understand someone like Miguel being deceived into summoning him, but Centurion can't be that foolish, can he? I mean, the Kang’s are strong, but they aren’t gods."
After all, If Peter weren’t here, it’s very likely that Knull would have went in a rampage, killing everyone on this planet and later moving on to the rest of the universe.
LYLA, unfazed by Peter's inquiry, responded with a cold certainty. "Master had a plan. Once Knull had killed enough people, he would have inevitably interfered with a fated event, diverting the timeline-"
Peter, connecting the dots, realized the grim reality of Centurion's scheme as he finished her sentence. "And since he traveled here with the flawed multiverse tech that the Spider-Society uses, he would have been stuck here and inevitably died, unable to follow the universe's new path…"
A malicious smirk played on LYLA's digital features as she affirmed, "Exactly. Master always has a plan for everything."
Peter couldn’t help but feel impressed by how smart and conniving the Kang’s really were. Centurion’s plan was perfect. He would have used Knull to slaughter the Spider-Society for him and then, due to his own actions, Knull would have died alongside them, trapped as the rest of the universe diverted into a new timeline.
And although it was a great plan, which would have definitely succeeded, Peter’s involvement truly ruined everything. “Well, Centurion technically didn’t have a plan for everything since he didn’t factor me into all of this. And even if he did, then he did a horrible job because it all fell apart the second I defeated Knull here…” he says, gesturing to his new servant.
Knull, indifferent to the unfolding drama, remained kneeling before Peter, his focus undisturbed by the revelations. His allegiance was now pledged to Peter as his undead servant, rendering past grudges and goals inconsequential and meaningless.
Ignoring LYLA, who seemed to take offense to his words, Peter walked back to the computer, plugging in the hard drive once again. “Anyway, thanks for all the info. It’ll come in handy when I’m sorting out this mess with everyone outside…”
As the data transfer commenced, LYLA attempted a desperate plea, unwilling to be sealed away again. "Wait, I can still be of help. You don't have to-"
Peter, resolute in his decision, ignored her plea and sealed all the data that made up her entire being, causing LYLA's holographic form to abruptly vanish. The room returned to an eerie silence as the Spider-Gang, Uncle Ben, and the betrayed Miguel processed the weight of the revealed truths.
Suddenly, Miles let out a relieved sigh, turning to Peter and asking, "So, we can save my dad without worrying now, right?"
Peter nodded, a reassuring smile on his face. "Yeah, we just have to make sure no one travels with Centurion's multiverse tech, and everything should be fine. Your dad will have a long and happy life."
Miles smiled, visibly relieved. However, Gwen, standing nearby, looked down at the floor, wearing a sad and almost envious expression.
Noticing this, Peter turned to her and asked, "What's wrong?"
Gwen’s frown deepened, looking up as she confessed, "I just wish I learned about all of this sooner. If I did, then I might have been able to save my best friend. Miguel said that his death was my 'Canon Event.' I'm just... I'm just a little jealous of Miles. He gets the chance to save his dad, and I'm stuck with what happened..."
Pausing for a moment, Gwen looked up and stared at every other Spider-Person in the room, “We’re all stuck with what happened, aren’t we?”
Most of the people in the room averted their gaze, recalling some sort of tragic moment which they wished they could change, equating it to what was probably their ‘Canon Event’ or what they now knew it as, a Fated Event.
Hearing this, Peter sighed, empathizing with her pain. "Sadly, we can't change the past. But we can look to the future and make the most of the present. Don't let the past hold you down, Gwen. You have us and a father who loves you."
As Peter mentioned her father, Gwen scoffed, recalling their last meeting where he drew his gun on her. "Yeah, right. My dad thinks I'm a murderer..."
Peter replied, "You know what? After we're done with this, let's go and visit your dad."
A panicked look appeared on Gwen's face, but before she could refuse, Peter continued, "You have to visit and at least talk to him once. He's your father, and it's very likely that he regrets everything that's happened."
Gwen frowned sadly and asked, "And if he tries to arrest me again?"
Peter smiled and replied, "Then you abandon that universe and come live with one of us."
As Peter said this, he turned to Miles and smirked knowingly, "I'm sure Miles would be more than happy to have you live in his universe."
Miles frowned, feeling the weight of the situation. He would love to have Gwen living in his universe, but trust was broken, and he wasn't sure if that was something he really wanted.
Seeing the conflicted look on Miles's face, Gwen couldn't help but feel regret as she turned her head away, unable to look him in the eyes.
Peter, noticing the tension, directed a teasing smirk at Miles. "Well, I wouldn't mind having her in my universe. I don't have much room in my house right now, but I can get her an apartment in the Avengers tower. There's all sorts of heroes there to make friends with, like Thor, a muscly god of Asgard, or maybe America's a*s himself, Steve Rogers?” He says, making a groping motion with his hands.
Seeing the blush that began to color Gwen’s cheeks, and the panicked look on Miles’s face, Peter continued. “Though I'll probably have to keep her away from Tony. He's a bit of a playboy, you know?"
Miles frowned, muttering, "She... She can stay with me."
Though he knew that Peter's words were intended to provoke him, Miles couldn't deny the truth of the matter. He may be mad at Gwen, but losing her wasn't something he wanted. He just hoped they could work things out, or else things will turn awkward very quickly.
Amused by how easily he was able to manipulate Miles, Peter turned around and walked toward the door, his new servant following a step behind. “Good, like I said before, don’t let the past hold you back…”
“Wait! Where are you going?” Spider-Pig asked, rushing after him.
“I have an audience of Spider-People outside waiting for my arrival. You’re all welcome to join me, if you want.” Peter replied as he paused in his steps and turned to Uncle Ben and Miguel, who were still tied up. “Might as well take you two with me…” Levitating them off the ground, Peter left the room, the two captives floating behind him.
————
Outside, a sea of over a hundred Spider-People stood in a crowd, gathered by Knull, who wouldn't take no for an answer. Many of them bore signs of recent battles, their costumes torn and bodies battered, a testament to the power Knull wielded, far beyond what they could contend with.
As time passed, murmurs rippled through the crowd as Spider-People began talking amongst themselves, contemplating whether to stay or attempt an escape.
The majority, however, were without their watches, as Peter had taken them earlier. Around 30 individuals still clung to the devices, hoping to use them for a desperate exit. Their efforts, however, were in vain, as Peter had deactivated every watch from Miguel's computer, rendering them all useless.
Shortly after their failed attempts at escape, the doors of the imposing building before them swung open, drawing their collective attention.
The first figure to emerge sent a chill up many spines, it was Peter, the man who had, only hours earlier, defeated a majority of them. Worse still, standing behind him was the ominous being that had kidnapped them all. Knull, who served Peter with a loyalty that made them wonder just how strong Peter really was.
Seconds later, the crowd's gaze shifted for a third time, falling on the two figures floating behind Peter, recognizing both of them. However, their focus honed in on one particular individual.
Miguel O'Hara, their leader.
The strongest among them and their only hope attaining the tides had been captured. Instantly, a wave of helplessness washed over the crowd.
Coming to a stop at the top of the stairs, Peter projected his voice with a nonchalant tone that echoed for all to hear, “Before we begin, let’s call the members who aren’t here at the moment…”
Pulling out his phone, Peter connects to the main computer in Miguel’s lair. Tapping a few buttons, everyone watched in shock as around 50 portals opened above the crowd, depositing bewildered Spider-People. Some of which were even naked, pulled from their universes with the worst timing possible.
Landing on their feet like cats, the new arrivals quickly prepared for battle, confused and wary looks plastered on all of their faces. “?!”
With an air of authority, Peter surveyed the crowd, taking in the myriad expressions of fear, confusion, and resignation. Waving his hand in his usual nonchalant manner, he greeted, “Yo.”
A/N: 1715 words :)