Civil war: betrayal.
The skrull impostor fell to the ground with a thud. It felt strange; he had seen death, caused death to friends but never really taken a life with his own hands. The part of him that was a spider, the spiritual part that he fought day in and day out on the subconscious level reveled in it, Peter Parker, freelance journalist and superhero shuddered and fell to his knees puking. He had just killed someone, granted a skrull someone but still.
ôHumans are such amazing advisoriesö a voice spoke airily from behind him, Peter spun cursing his lack of awareness. The impostor hadnÆt triggered his spider sense why should any others? ôYeah well IÆm not exactly humanö he chided though it sounded lame after he heard himself say it.
The skrull warrior nodded, ôyes, we are quite aware of that Mr. Parker. Bitten by an indigenous species of hunter and genetically altered to dispense webbing and stick to surfaces,ö the skrull smiled at PeterÆs astonished looks, ôcome now Mr. Parker, did you honestly believe we would attack you without first knowing your strengths and weaknesses. What is that human proverb, ah yes æto know they enemy is to know thy selfÆö
Peter stood measuring his options, all the while keeping the alien talking, ôSo why me? Why not cap or Tony? Hell youÆd be doing us a favor if you took him.ö
The skrull chuckled, ôI assure you Mr. Parker they will come in time. Now you leave me, us rather in quite a strange predicament. On the one hand you seem to have lived through your attempted assassination, and while I could kill you now and have another take your placeö, the skrull waved his hand at the dead body, ôit would take far too long to retrain a candidate in the amount of time my queen demands.ö
ôAww shucks, IÆm heartbroken. Really I am.ö He flexed his hands loosening them up. If he could outdraw the skrull and pull the ceiling down on his headà
ôYes well that leaves the other hand.ö He held his hands at armÆs length showing no signs of hostility, ôyou could join us.ö
Peter was not expecting that, ôYeah right. Join an invading force intent on destroying my home world and possibly killing people IÆve called friends. What a great idea!ö
ôYes your wit, a clever shield but I am talking to Peter Parker, not his alter ego spider-man. As for the destruction we have no interest in destroying, simply, overriding. There is nothing you can do to stop it. Your friends, those you trust will start to argue amongst themselves, war amongst the superhero community will ensue and in the meantime we will slowly take over your world from the inside out.ö The skrull paused, ôwe can offer you immunity, power whatever you desire if you simply join us.ö
Peter wasnÆt listening, ôPower? Let me tell you something about power, with great power come great responsibility. Something you skrull have no idea about.ö Peter launched his webbing towards the ceiling and pulled as hard as his muscles could, Ripping the plaster and wood beams.
He ran out of the room, he had to warn them, had to tell cap and the others thatàSLAM!
The skrull was on him in an instant holding him by the throat against the wall,
ôImpressive Mr. Parker. Thinking of that kind would be welcome in our ranks. Do you like this world boy? The ridicule in the press, being treated like a child at the childÆs table when the men and women sit and discuss war stories at the adults table. YouÆre being held back, we can offer you more.ö
Peter fought like a man possessed; ôNEVER!ö he kicked the skrullÆs chest and sent him sliding backwards, while he landed on his feet, ôyou have nothing you could offer me.ö Peter snarled.
"What about me peter, would I suffice?ö peter froze and turned to see a dead woman smiling at him. ôGw-Gwen?ö he asked shakily.
ôYes Peter itÆs me.á Have you missed me?ö
Peter shook his head, ôyouÆre not her. Gwen Stacey is dead. Stop it, NOW!ö he yelled at the skrull. The alien warrior smiled.
ôYes Mr.á Parker it is. We replaced Ms. Stacey some time ago, holding her as a bargaining chip. If my queen had not thought this idea had merit she would have been used in another way.ö
Peter spun back to the blond woman, ôyouÆre lying. ThereÆs no way-ô
ôItÆs true Pete, horribly disgusting and creepy but every bit the truth. IÆve missed you so much, and IÆm back now.ö
Peter stared at her, ôhit me.ö
Gwen looked at him strangely then seemed to realize what he meant. She picked up a piece of wood that had fallen from the impact and lunged at him. Peter watched the piece come forward and his surprise grew as he dodged the splinter at the last second, his spider sense ringing wildly.
ôYouàoh gods-your really her. You sick bastards.ö He spoke in shocked awe. Gwen, the girl he loved as much as he loved MJ was alive, and standing in front of him.
ôAs you can see Mr. Parker I am a man of my word, after a fashion of course.ö The skrull placed his hand on the heroÆs shoulder, ômy queen rewards those who serve her. You could rule this city, or any place you wish if you wanted. All that we require is your loyalty.ö
ôHow do I know I can trust your queen? Excuse me if this seems a bit to convenient and wishful-filling.ö He replied though seeing Gwen alive and standing infront of him, could he really doubt that wishes came true in one way or another.
"Cautious, good. I will take you before her myself and you can hear with your own ears her deal in person.ö
Peters head as spinning. He knew this was wrong, he shouldnÆt even be thinking what he was thinking Gwen or no Gwen. But a darker part of him, a part that he had thought buried with the young wrestler he had been rose up and he nodded. ôLead the way then.ö
The skrull smiled as he walked the two humans to the elevator. Yes things were working out perfectly, in time they would all join the skrull. Patience was the key and the skrull had time.