Chapter 214: Across the Spider-Verse (38)  

[Before all of those happened]

In the Spider Society headquarters, the atmosphere was tense and filled with urgency. Michael Wilson, flanked by Peter B. Parker and Gwen Stacy and other spider people, stood at the control panel of the "Go Home Machine," a sophisticated device designed for interdimensional travel.

Michael addressed Gwen with a sense of resolve, "Gwen, you need to go back to your house."

Gwen looked at him, confusion and concern mixing in her expression. "What? Why? I need to help Miles!"

Michael's gaze softened as he replied, "You still have something important to do… something you need to resolve."

Gwen's brow furrowed. "What do you mean? At my house?"

Michael's eyes were earnest. "You know what I'm talking about, Gwen."

Suddenly, Gwen's face paled as realization dawned. Her father, George Stacy, had been a source of deep emotional conflict. After their last encounter, there had been no reconciliation. "No… I can't go back there. I don't want to face him… not after everything that's happened."

Her voice wavered, and her emotions began to spill over. "He treats me like a criminal, despite knowing I'm his daughter. How can I go back to someone who sees me like that?"

Michael's expression softened as he spoke gently, "I understand it's painful, Gwen. But he needs you. He's still your father, and deep down, he regrets the way things ended between you."

Gwen looked away, her internal struggle evident. "But…"

Michael placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I have a daughter too. I know the complexities of being a parent, and I understand the weight of family bonds."

Peter B., who had been quietly observing, added with a hint of humor, "Yeah, and this little guy here is my reminder that being a parent is a whole adventure in itself." He gestured to the baby carrier strapped to his chest, where his own daughter slept peacefully.

Michael chuckled softly, appreciating Peter B.'s attempt to lighten the mood. "You'll have a chance to help Miles after you make amends with your father. It's important, Gwen. And I need you to be ready."

Gwen's hands trembled, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. "I don't know if I'm strong enough to face him... to deal with all the hurt."

Michael's gaze was encouraging. "You are stronger than you know. Sometimes, facing our past is the only way to move forward. And I believe in your strength."

Gwen took a deep breath, her resolve firming up despite the tears still lingering in her eyes. "Alright… I'll do it. Thank you, Michael."

Michael gave her a reassuring smile and gestured towards the [Go Home Machine.] "The machine is ready. You have the opportunity to mend this chapter of your life."

As the machine powered up, a spider-like robot named "Anyr" began its intricate process. The console scanned Gwen's DNA, identifying her home reality. A shimmering, spider-web-like energy cage enveloped her, preparing her for the journey.

Gwen looked back at Michael and Peter B., her eyes brimming with a mixture of fear and hope. "Thank you… for pushing me to do this. I know it's something I needed to face. And ... I be back"

Michael's expression was one of heartfelt encouragement. "Okay now go with courage and always know that you're doing what's right."

With a final, determined nod, Gwen stepped into the energy cage. The machine's hum intensified, and in a flash of light, she was gone, leaving Michael and Peter B and the other Spider-mans.

Michael turned to Peter B., his expression thoughtful. "Gwen's journey is more than just helping Miles. It's about confronting her past and finding the strength to heal."

Peter B. nodded, his own emotions stirred. "Yeah.."

...........

Meanwhile, in the distant corners of the multiverse, Peter Parker—known as Spider-Man Red—and Takuya Yamashiro, the Spider-Man of Earth-51778, shared a moment of lighthearted conversation amid the chaos.

Peter looked with fascination at Takuya's robot, Leopardon, which had now transformed into a sleek spacecraft. "Wow, how did you create this?"

Takuya shook his head with a smile. "I didn't create it. Leopardon wasn't made by me."

Peter's curiosity was piqued. "So, where did it come from?"

Takuya nodded. "It's actually from another planet called Spider Planet. The spacecraft was originally called Marveller, and it was created there."

Peter's eyes widened with amazement. "Wow… aliens and advanced tech. That's incredible!"

He then looked into Takuya's eyes, a genuine interest reflected in his own. "Tell me more about your origins."

Takuya chuckled, his gaze distant as he recalled his past. "Oh, it's your typical Spider-Man story. I was seriously injured once and ended up in a cave where a figure named Garia was imprisoned. Garia was from Spider Planet and saved my life by giving me the Spider Bracelet and Spider Extract. He told me about an impending invasion by Professor Monster and shared his personal history with me. Garia was also the one who gave me Leopardon. Without his help, I wouldn't be here today."

Peter listened intently, nodding along as Takuya spoke. "That doesn't sound like your typical Spider-Man origin story at all."

Takuya raised an eyebrow. "You think so?"

Peter grinned. "Yep, it's definitely a different spin from what I used to know."

As they continued their conversation, the bond between them grew stronger. Despite the vast differences in their origins, they found common ground in their shared experiences and responsibilities. The moment of camaraderie was a small but important reprieve from the chaos surrounding them, a reminder that even in the midst of danger, there was always room for connection and understanding among heroes.

........

Meanwhile, across the Spider-Verse, Miguel O'Hara conversed with Jessica Drew, his gaze fixed on Michael Wilson and Peter B Parker as they sent Gwen home.

Miguel's eyes narrowed, reflecting his concern. "This guy… I don't know what he's planning." he said, watching Michael with a mix of apprehension and suspicion.

Jessica Drew, a formidable Spider-Woman with a black suit, glanced at Miguel. "You really trust him, don't you?"

Miguel shook his head. "It's not so much about trust. It's just that we've fought side by side before, against that future evil Peter."

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you're letting him do what he wants?"

Miguel's gaze remained focused, but his voice was tinged with frustration. "Even if I try to stop him, he's not the type to back down. He'll keep pushing until he gets what he wants."

Jessica's concern deepened. "But you can stop him, right?"

Miguel sighed heavily. "That's the question," he said, looking directly at Jessica. "No matter how many simulations I run in my mind, or what scenarios play out, the outcome is always the same."

Jessica's curiosity was piqued. "What do you mean, the same?"

Miguel's expression was troubled. "No matter what I do, I can't beat him."

Jessica's eyes widened with concern. "You're saying he's unbeatable?"

Miguel nodded solemnly. "It's not that he's unbeatable in the traditional sense. It's just that every scenario I've seen ends with him overcoming me. He's relentless, and his determination is something I can't seem to counter. No matter what strategy I come up with, he always finds a way."

Jessica Drew watched Michael Wilson with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The air was thick with the unspoken questions about Michael's true nature and his intentions. The very existence of Michael, the original anomaly, was a source of deep concern. Was he truly like them, or was he something entirely different?

Jessica gulped, feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on her. "Is he really one of us? Or is he something else entirely?"

Miguel O'Hara's gaze was equally troubled, though he tried to mask it with a semblance of determination. "I know what you're thinking. I've been grappling with the same questions. No Spider-Man we've ever known has had his strength or his aura."

Miguel's tone grew resolute as he continued, "But even if I can't beat him, our Spider-People can. Anyway for now, I've decided to trust him. He's laid out a plan to save the multiverse and prevent the creation of a Quantum Hole."

Jessica nodded slowly, absorbing Miguel's words. "Canon Events are crucial, aren't they?" 

Jessica's anxiety was palpable, but she nodded in agreement. "Alright, then maybe let's approach them and find out what his plan is."

Miguel nodded as he looked at Michael with a serious gaze. "Let's go. We need to find out whatever Michael is planning for Miles' universe. It better be good for our sides."

Together, Miguel and Jessica moved toward Michael Wilson and the others. The path ahead was uncertain, but their shared commitment to safeguarding the multiverse drove them forward.

.......

In the dim, shifting expanse of Spot's dimension, the air crackled with malevolent intent. Spot, a being of pure chaotic potential, paced back and forth, his mind whirring with dark thoughts and potential plans. He had been fixated on devising a method to exact his revenge on Miles Morales, focusing on ways to cause suffering and chaos.

Spot muttered to himself, "How about I trigger a collapse or destabilization of the dimension where the target exists? It could involve creating a catastrophic event that makes the entire dimension implode or disintegrate."

He stopped abruptly, eyes narrowing as he continued to brainstorm. "Or I could create a portal that opens directly into a hazardous area, causing physical harm. Perhaps even multiple portals to create a trap."

His mind raced, considering each possibility with a mix of excitement and detachment. "Or maybe create a portal that opens into outer space or a vacuum. The target would be exposed to the harsh conditions of space—lack of oxygen, extreme temperatures..."

Spot's eyes flashed with a moment of realization, and he shook his head. "Wait, that would kill me too. Scratch that. I need something more precise, more personal."

His frustration grew as he continued to think aloud. "How to make Miles Morales suffer... That's what I need to focus on. I want him to experience the same kind of pain and helplessness that I felt."

Spot's voice grew darker, his plans becoming more convoluted as he tried to harness his abilities to inflict maximum damage without jeopardizing his own existence. The dimension around him seemed to ripple with his intense emotions, reflecting the turmoil within.

Spot's obsession with revenge drove him to delve deeper into the darkest corners of his power, determined to find a way to make Miles Morales pay for the perceived wrongs. Each idea was more diabolical than the last, as he struggled to balance his thirst for vengeance with the practicalities of his existence.

With a final, decisive look, Spot steeled himself. "I'll find a way. I'll make sure that Miles experiences suffering beyond imagination. And I'll do it without putting myself at risk."

As Spot continued to plot, the dimension around him seemed to pulse with his dark energy, each plan a testament to his relentless pursuit of revenge. The shadows in his realm grew darker, reflecting the malevolent intent that drove him forward.

........

In the bustling city of Mumbattan, Earth-50101, the atmosphere was tense. Pavitr Prabhakar stood amidst the chaotic scene, his eyes scanning the frantic activity as Spider-People worked diligently to contain the growing quantum hole.

Pavitr turned to Peter Parker from Earth-00221, a look of concern etched on his face. "Tell me, is the situation stable?" he asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Peter shook his head, his expression grim. "It's still the same. We're doing everything we can, but the results haven't changed. The quantum hole is still expanding, and we're struggling to keep it under control."

Pavitr's heart sank at the news. He glanced around at the Spider-People working tirelessly to mend the fabric of their universe. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, his thoughts drifting to the fate of his own world.

He knew all too well the devastation that could come from such a breach. Miguel's daughter's universe had already fallen victim to the quantum hole, and the thought of his own universe suffering the same fate was unbearable.

Pavitr clenched his fists, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. "We can't afford to fail. Not again. We have to find a solution, no matter what."

As Pavitr continued to observe the scene, he saw the exhaustion and desperation in the faces of his fellow Spider-People. Each one was giving their all to prevent the quantum hole from consuming their world. The determination in their eyes was a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there was still a chance to save their universe.

To be continue