Spider-Man: A New Spiral

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***

12 July, 2013. 20:37.

Sanctum Sanctorum, New York.

Spider-Man.

- But first, let's go to my office," the High Sorcerer waved his cloak and walked down the corridor.

I just followed, trying to keep up.

We got to the first floor, and there were only more amazing things to see. Worth mentioning at least, I saw a flock of flying eyes. And probably seven portals showing other spaces.

It just kept getting more and more marvellous.

Eventually, we came to a rather cosy room, small but able to comfortably accommodate five people. There were many bookshelves against the walls, and a fireplace in the corner.

We walked to a sturdy table of unknown wood, Stefan sat at the chair like a host, and I sat opposite.

- Tea? - The High Wizard asked.

The next second, a teapot and two mugs from a silver table set materialised out of thin air.

- Thank you," I accepted one of the mugs, into which the liquid had just finished pouring.

We take a few sips of the invigorating drink.

- I've never drunk better tea in my life," I nod respectfully.

- It's an ancient recipe from Kamar-Taj, it's all about a drop of honey," the mage smiled. - Okay, now we can start talking.

Strange got serious, so I just set the mug aside and nodded in a concentrated manner as well.

- I'd like to start by establishing a rapport," the mage folded his palms into a triangle, "do you mind if I call you by your first name, Spider-Man?" he said.

So he does.

- Honestly, I didn't even doubt it, but can you explain how you found out my identity? - I exhale and lean back in my chair.

- I apologise if my knowledge has caused inconvenience, - the wizard bowed his head apologetically indeed, - by virtue of being the Supreme Wizard of the Earth, I think.... not in the most standard categories. Just know that I will never reveal the secret of your identity to anyone and I won't jeopardise the lives of your loved ones and your own," Strange said heartily, looking me in the eyes.

- You know, I believe you, Doc," I calmly remove my mask. - You can call me Peter, or Pete.

- Okay, Peter, thanks for your trust.

I just nod.

- So, recently I was meditating in my astral form on the Runes of Hogus, when the eye of Agamotto showed me a picture of the future, and in that vision I saw a spider crawling along the threads of a web," the brunet looked at me carefully. - I wasn't entirely sure at first, but now I realise, everything pointed to you.

- Um...you know, Doc, that's all very nice, but what's the point of this vision, I don't get it?

- Do you know anything about the Web of Life and Destiny?

Don't mess up, don't mess up.

- Can you enlighten me?

- Sure," the mage nods calmly. - I have to admit, I wasn't particularly aware of this power myself. You see, Peter, our world is far from being the only one in the infinite stream of multiverse, other planets or dimensions are one of the facets, but it still belongs to the plane of our existence. But there is a second facet that opens up an infinite number of other universes, where events can take the most unforeseen turn.

Right, animal superheroes, zombie world, amalgam, and so on ad infinitum.

- Quantum Theory, String Theory, all that stuff, I get it," I said, playing the whole scientist thing.

- Something like that. And all these worlds, universes, dimensions and realities are permeated by the very Web of Life and Destiny. It's not really known where it came from, but my theory is that the Web exists, and its energy, in the worlds it permeates, creates Web champions, so-called Totems, Spider-Men like you, Peter.

- That's an interesting theory. Are you saying that Spider-Man exists because the Web of Destiny exists?

- That's correct. And maybe, just maybe, the Web itself exists as long as there is at least one Spider-Man in an infinity of multiverses," the wizard said thoughtfully.

Wow. I've never really thought about it that way.

- Wow, Doc, you just blew my mind," I looked thoughtfully at the tabletop.

- I know, it's probably a lot of upheaval for one day," Stefan admitted calmly.

- No, Doc, it's okay, I fought a Ghost Rider with a demon in his body and survived, and now I'm drinking tea in your magical sanctuary, I think a lot of information is just what I need right now," I say a little nervously.

- As you wish. Then I think we should move on to Mephisto. Judging by his actions, he also felt something, perhaps a threat coming from you and decided to play big...

- Sorry for interrupting, Doc, I'm not very well versed in all the mystical undertones, but judging by all the mystical manuscripts I've stumbled across - and I have to explain my awareness somehow - Mephisto is a very powerful demonic entity, ruling in his own dimension, so how can I threaten him?

- Anything is possible in our world, Spider-Man, I've learnt that in all my years of studying magic," the wizard said looking into the fireplace. - And to return to your question, perhaps his fear of you is directly related to the way you managed to fight Mephisto back and survive. You see, Peter, capturing the host of the Spirit of Vengeance is an impossible act, a given immutable rule made by higher entities, not just ancient or powerful ones, but those who are above them all.

- Like what? - I clarify, holding my breath.

- I know only the name of the Living Tribunal, but that's all.

I swallow hard.

Well, here we go.

- So Mephisto broke the rule set by such serious guys to get to me?

- It appears so," the brunet nods thoughtfully.

- He said something about me being special, asking me how, what, but I don't understand what makes me special.

- Maybe it's the energy I sense from you," Strange resumed his relaxed pose in his chair and folded his arms.

- What kind of energy? Does it have something to do with my suddenly discovered ability to turn into Spider-Monster?

- What? - Stefan lost his relaxed expression and looked at me intently, - turn into what?

- That's how I fought the Mephisto-Hound, and survived.

- Can you show me?

I sighed and stood up from the chair and walked to the centre of the room.

I try to concentrate, remember all those sensations and transform.

Time passes. A minute. A second. A third. But no change.

- Extremely curious," Strange says.

I open my eyes and see that the wizard is pointing in my direction with the palms of his hands, on which appeared multicoloured magic spell circles, with different Runes.

- The spell tracking the magical flows showed that your energy structure has become denser, - Mr. grey temples put his palm to his chin, - but no changes have occurred.

- Any guesses as to why?

- Perhaps the circumstances are not suitable, I have already observed it during my training, sometimes the naked mystical power makes itself known when the host is afraid or his life is in direct danger.

- Wait," I raise my hands, "mystical? I thought the Spider-Monster form was a trait caused by my X-gene, wasn't it?

- Oh, so you're a mutant, too," the same gesture again, "very interesting.

- Doc, can we not talk in riddles? - I fold my hands behind my back tiredly.

- Sorry, Peter. Yes, your form, Spider-Monster, is most likely the result of a mutation, but his abilities have been augmented by your mystical core.

- So you're saying I can learn magic? - I'm sure my eyes beneath the mask are glittering greedily now.

- That's right, and I'm pretty sure it's because of your connection to the Web of Destiny. That's why I've been watching you, Peter.

- Watching you? And, wait, what kind of connection?

We're back at the table.

- After the vision, it took me a while to figure out what it meant, so I used a tracking spell so I'd know if you were threatened by magical forces. I began to study everything related to the Web of Life and Destiny. Alas, there are few sources about it, and even less true information, but the fact is that it always has certain chosen ones, that's the essence of some Spider Totems.

- What kind of chosen ones? - I catch every word.

- I managed to find a prophecy about a certain Bride, Friend and Offspring.

This I remember was in the story of the Morlan family: Cindy Moon, Cain, from the 616 universe, and Benji Parker from the 982 universe.

- Also, the Web of Destiny has a Guardian intimately involved with it," Strange continued.

Yes, Annie Parker from universe 18119 will take over that role at some point, but right now, the Guardian is supposed to be the Weaver, locked away by energy vampires on Earth 001.

Unless of course I missed the events of Spiderverse, holed up in my cosy universe.

- And judging by your energy structure, my vision, and Mephisto's special interest, you are also intimately connected to the Web of Life and Destiny.

- But in what way?

- That's what we'll find out," Stefan rose from the table, "in the course of your training.

- My what?! - I jumped up in shock. - You're going to teach me magic?

- That's right," Doc nodded simply. - But first of all I will teach you to control your connection with the Web of Destiny, mystic arts are only one of the roads to the final goal of this endeavour.

- Cool!

My joy, however, is fading fast.

- Um, Doc, how long will this training take?

- I can't give you an exact time frame, Peter, it all depends on your diligence and how much your Totemic Essence will hide the truth.

- I understand perfectly well what you mean Dr Strange, I understand perfectly well that this is a matter that requires extra attention and responsible handling, but I have to get home, I have so many worries, questions, I can't disappear to go headlong into spiritual enlightenment about my Spider Totem Essence and all that.

- Oh, I didn't say I was going to cut you out of your life, Peter," Stefan explained calmly.

- Wait, what do you mean?

- Of course I'm going to let you go home with a certain amount of literature, a means of communication, and a training schedule," he turned to me. - Did you really think I'd put aside all my duties as High Wizard to concentrate on your question? - The mage said with a smile.

- Well...no.

- I really did," the wizard laughed lightly.

- Okay, okay, I get it.

- Well, then, here you go.

Strange waved his hands and a double ring appeared in my palm.

- It's a teleportation aid, a standard level one artefact for aspiring mages, I think you could use a way to get around quickly.

- Thanks, Doc," I looked at the ring. - How do I use it?

- Remember the main rule, Peter, the basis of a magician's power is in his living mind, imagination will open any door for a magician, but if you don't believe in your powers, in magic itself, you'll never succeed, - Dr Strange said instructively.

- I understand, Master," I bowed my head slightly.

- You don't have to do that, just Stefan," the wizard replied, smiling softly.

- Good. Shall I try? - I hint at the ring

- Please.

I move to the centre of the room and, remembering how the portal worked in the KVM, wave my hands.

At the same moment, an orange portal opens in the centre of the room.

On the other side, I see the outline of my lab in the Baxter Building. This is the very place I chose as my relocation target.

- Your magical potential is truly impressive, Spider," the doctor said respectfully.

I'm closing the portal.

- What now? - I ask, still in a small stupor from receiving such an amazingly useful thing.

- We'll talk about when you'll come to Sanctum Sanctorum, after you've studied the copies of the books I'll give you, and I think that's it....

- Dr Strange!

The warlock and I turned towards the panting man who opened the door abruptly.

- Wong, what's wrong? - Doc beamed at his butler.

- Ghost Rider, he's awake," the acolyte informed.

We all walked quickly out of the study together towards the cells.

- What is his condition? - Stefan asked tensely.

- Confused," answered the monk.

We reached the cell and opened the door.

Johnny is sitting inside, holding his head and looking down. When we see him, he jumps up sharply.

- Who the hell are you? - asks the blond man menacingly.

His eyes flash.

- We are not your enemy, Ghost Rider," the warlock raises his hands in a calming gesture.

Blaze's skull only lights up in response, revealing the Spirit of Vengeance in all its glory.

- We freed you from the demon's control, so be grateful! - I decided to join the conversation.

- Demon? - Turning his head in my direction.

- Mephisto, we exorcised it from your body, Johnny, so please calm down and listen to us.

The Zarathos spirit bearer listens and puts out his hot head.

- It wasn't enough for that creep to take my soul, now he wants my body too? - Blaze asked with true anger.

- I can only reassure him that he's not likely to do it again, not in the next five thousand years," Stefan said.

- However," the biker raised his eyes to the ceiling thoughtfully. - All right, who are you?

- My name is Dr Stephen Strange, and I am the Supreme Wizard of Earth.

- Yeah. I see," Blaze stretches out, "and who are you?

- Spider-Man, New York superhero," I replied.

- I've never heard of him," he nods calmly. - I don't ask about the bald one, because he's the only one of you three who's dressed normally.

- Actually, I'm wearing a very stylish suit.

- Black is not a sign of style, man.

Yeah, said the man in all black.

- All right," Johnny got to his feet, "how do I get out of here?

- Where do you intend to go, Blaze? - Stefan asked.

- Like it or not, the Racer has a job to do, and since I've been given the job of punishing scum who spill the blood of innocents, that's what I'm going to do.

- Well, so be it," nods the mage, "but know that if you need help, Sanctum Sanctorum will give it to you," Stephan extends his hand to the biker.

- Well, thanks, doc," the blond shakes it. - So what's the deal with the exit?

- See you later, Johnny Blaze.

Doc raises his hand and the Racer is swallowed by the portal vortex.

- He's a nice bloke, really," I put my hands to my sides, "we could be friends.

- Maybe our paths will cross again with the Ghost Rider, but for now, let's get on with our business," the wizard turned round, "time to go to the library.

- Lead the way, Doc.

***

13 July, 2013. 02:34.

Private lab, Oscorp.

Norman Osborne.

The billionaire was looking over the results readings of his genetic samples and reflecting on recent life events.

Even though he had managed to morally humiliate Spider-Man after the invasion, the creep still hadn't walked away completely defeated. The insect still has advantages. However, in a burst of youthful stupidity, he has held many cards ajar, giving up yet another piece in their chess game.

George Stacy.

The very same police captain turned out to be not just an honest New York cop, which is no small achievement, but also an associate of Spider-Man, overseeing the hero's contact with the rest of the police force. Quite a promising connection that could be utilised in the future. Perhaps if the Captain were a burned out old loner cop it wouldn't be as much fun, but it turns out he has a young beautiful daughter. Very curious.

But that's not what this is about.

A recent discovery has forced a drastic change of plans.

It's unknown how, unknown why, but suddenly rumours began to spread around the city about a dramatic increase in Spiders in the city. And then came the photo-video evidence gathered by eyewitnesses. A whole team, led by the Stenolaz himself.

This only confirmed Norman's theory that the Spider was responsible for the destruction of his lab and Warren's disappearance. Well, that's very unpleasant. That kid's got another trump card. Well, the battle may be lost, but the war is far from over.

Still, I wonder where he put Norman's pocket geneticist.

Never mind. The Spider has soldiers now, and Osborne got rid of his own.

So it's time to find a replacement.

Thankfully, certain steps in this direction have been taken and Chameleon together with Tinkerer did not fail. It was good that the spy managed to lure Tinkerer to the Goblin's side. And also Fisk's clever set-up ensured that Norman would have another unicorn.

It was a shame that Mysterio had failed so badly, as there were plans for him, but it was Beck's own fault.

Still, this small team of six was not enough.

Norman went to the computer and found one of his secret data folders.

Since Spider had expanded his family, it was time for him to do something similar.

Osborn opened the data files.

It took a lot of work to find the right candidates.

First Roderick Kingsley. On the face of it, this man is an ordinary fashion designer who has built his own fashion house and made millions. However, Norman managed to unearth data that gives away Roderick's rotten gut. To his success, he went by the heads and resorted to any methods, which helped his connections in the criminal world: racketeering, intimidation, corporate raiding blackmail and much more. Kingsley is the perfect ally and, more interestingly, he's insanely ambitious, you can inject him with the formula and get an ally. And control would be taken care of with the material Norman has and could be used if necessary to subdue him.

The second candidate is Jason Mackendale. He is a former CIA agent, which already makes him a good ally, but much more interesting is the reason why he was kicked out of the service - uncontrollable cruelty. If you inject him with the formula there's a chance he'll become quite insane, and suggestible.

Norman decided to go ahead with his plans, as he wasn't risking anything. The primary version of the serum would give strength to the candidates, but they would still be weaker than Ozborn, who had taken the perfect Green OZ formula, information about which had now been removed from all sources. It remains only in his head.

Thus, he will have two goblin soldiers.

So, two technicians, will need to talk to young Alistair. A chameleon as a spy. And, in the long run, two goblins. Not bad. But not enough.

However, quiet and secret planning gives more than a loud announcement of oneself. As demonstrated by Spider-Man.

Norman walked to his armoury.

It's time to make another move in this game.

***

13 July, 2013. 6:16 a.m.

New York City.

Peter Parker.

Ugh, I've been hanging out with the doc.

I shoot out a web and get caught on the wall.

Could teleport to the hospital of course, because now I can! (How cool is that?).

However, I need to stretch and clear my head.

The truths revealed make me strain my spider brain even harder to think about the situation.

In addition to my regular superhero life, which is competently interwoven with various hero teams and villains. My clones. Serving in the Shield. My personal showdown with HYDRA. The clarification of my mutant nature, which also triggered contact with the X-Men. And the circumstances of MJ's pregnancy, which requires me to actively analyse the super-soldier serum in Cap's blood. Now there are mystical stories tied to my Totemic essence and my training with Earth's Supreme Enchanter.

As the classic would say, "Fuck my life."

But at least it's not boring.

"Tell me, Raj, maybe we'll suddenly decide to be attacked by your kin from outer space as well. You know, just to complete the picture?"

"I think you just need to relax and rest, Bearer. You've been exhausted by the volume of information," the Clintarian explained calmly.

I only exhaled.

"And here I thought a three-day alco-marathon with Stark was supposed to provide me with relaxation."

I cling to the wall and crawl up.

"And on the subject of volume, you saw how many books Stefan threw at me, and he told me to come back as soon as I'd learnt everything and not to try to practice anything on my own. So soon I'll have more knowledge in my head."

The main thing was not to accidentally summon demons.

"Don't worry, Peter, you want some free advice?"

"Go ahead and broadcast," the symbiote's confident tone bribed me.

"Focus on one thing at a time, remember, you're not alone now with the constant chaos in your life."

"What do you suggest?" - Interestedly prompting the Clintarian to continue.

"For example, concentrate entirely on the matter of improving the body of your pregnant female. In this way you will ensure the safety of the offspring, as it seems to me that this is the most important thing for you right now."

"There's no point in arguing with you here, it's all factual."

"Next, concentrate on your condition, study Dr Crawford's data, if she makes contact and anything Dr Strange has left you, and ignore everything else."

"Ignore? To the shield? HYDRA? And you're suggesting we abandon patrols?"

"What do you need clones for?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Give the Shield job to one of them, even Cain."

"You realise how crazy that idea is, don't you?"

"Why? Because your clone doesn't have all the information you have? What you were trained in the organisation? Or because you declared yourself Agent Venom and sent Spidey into retirement?"

"Well, yes, all of that."

"Let Fury know you're taking a leave of absence and offer your scarred twin as a replacement, a spy moreover, who's been fingered in front of you. And about Cain, after all, he's your most loyal clone, he's sure to agree. And leave the patrols in the city to Delia and Reilly," the symbiote said. - "I can't advise you on HYDRA, you yourself, in the heat of your unwavering confidence of the need for swift action, left all the cards in Firs' hands and now we just have to wait for the organisation to decide to come after you."

"Wow, you've got it all nicely laid out, tentacle, I'm even surprised."

"To be honest I'm a little embarrassed at how scared I was of the Racer and barely had any contact with you," I'm sure if the symbiote could blush it would be in that state right now.

"Relax brother, it's all right, I was shitting myself when the Racer showed up."

While discussing all the vital issues with my personal schizo, I made it to the central hospital where Stefan had moved Phil.

I landed on the roof, disguising the suit with an illusion of civilian clothes. I'd have to ask Strange to teach me how to use magic to change the suit into regular clothes and vice versa.

I go down the stairs to the bottom, running down the flights is a good way to keep myself toned. I go to the front desk, describe Phil and the circumstances of his appearance without mentioning the portals, and actually go into Colson's room. I'm surprised to see he's holding his own.

- Morning, fighter," I wave to the agent.

- Pete? Good to see you. We shake hands. - If you don't mind, why don't you tell me what the hell happened to us?

- Oh, you're right about the hell, sir," I sit down at my chair.

I tell you briefly about the Racer and Strange's rescue of my carcass, omitting details about the Doctor's death, Mephisto and, of course, my transformation into Spider-Monster.

- What a story," Phil said, leaning back against the pillow. - I'll have to thank that magician. Yeah, now there's magic too," Colson said.

- You don't say, sir," I get up from my chair, "though after the story of the demigods and the aliens, there's not much to be shocked about. Glad you're okay. Did you notify PROTECTION of your location?

- Did it the moment I woke up, kid," the agent informs me. - You leaving already?

- I think I need a break after all these stories.

- I understand. I'll see you around, Peter.

- Sure," I shake his hand and leave the room.

Time to go home, Carrot-top and Kitty are waiting.

***

Another dimension.

Mephisto.

The demon still couldn't recover from his battle with Spider. His premonitions were right, this mortal was more dangerous than he seemed. His transformation was astonishing, his ability to withstand the Rider's Punishing Gaze was not even worth mentioning, and, of course, the way he managed to fight back Mephisto.

- Bravo, Spider, bravo. So clever to take away the chance of retribution after breaking a rule," the demon mused aloud.

There will never be another opportunity like this again. Not in the next five thousand years, and Mephisto's abilities were weakened.

So we'll have to take shortcuts and use our greatest weapon - stealth.