Chapter 31: Chapter 31: The Gathering*
The Parker Industries, New York.
The lab was filled with an electrifying tension as Norman Osborn arrived first, flanked by the Dark Avengers: Moonstone, Bullseye, Venom, and Daken. Moments later, the imposing figure of Doctor Doom entered, accompanied by a cadre of Doombots. The final arrival was General Ross, escorted by the Thunderbolts and a selection of the Sinister Seventeen: Dr. Octopus, Hobgoblin, Lizard, Sandman, Hydro-Man, both Electros, and Rhino. The villains, bound and under heavy guard, looked around in surprise, clearly not expecting to see so many familiar faces.
Norman eyed Doom with a smirk. "Victor, didn't expect to see you here."
Doom's metallic voice was cold. "Osborn, I see you are still meddling in affairs that don't concern you."
Bullseye laughed, twirling a knife. "Well, well, isn't this a party? Didn't know we were inviting the whole circus."
Dr. Octopus sneered. "This better not be a trap, Osborn. Or you'll regret it."
Ross, maintaining a stern facade, addressed the room. "Everyone, let's keep our heads. We're here because Parker claims he can help us."
Venom hissed, his tongue flicking. "Parker had better not be wasting our time."
As tensions rose, a sudden sound drew their attention. From the shadows, a figure emerged. He was tall, about six feet or more, with a mixture of dark brown and dark blue hair streaked with red, spiky and somewhat wild. His large, expressive green and blue eyes captivated everyone in the room. His face was well-defined, with a strong jawline and a slightly tanned hue. He wore a scientist's white coat, his aura radiating confidence and authority.
Peter Parker smiled kindly, his deep and warm tone filling the room. "Welcome to my humble abode, gentlemen. Thank you for coming on such short notice."
Norman stepped forward, his voice filled with a mix of respect and skepticism. "Peter, what's the meaning of this? Why have you called us here?"
Peter's expression remained calm. "I've called you here because I believe I can help each of you with issues you've been facing for a long time. Health issues that have caused... complications."
Doom's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "You expect us to believe you can solve problems that have eluded even the greatest minds?"
Peter nodded. "Yes, Doctor Doom. I do."
Ross stepped forward, his tone less skeptical but firm. "Parker, I respect you, but if this is some kind of trick—"
Peter raised a hand to interrupt. "It's not a trick, General. I promise. Please, allow me to explain."
Moonstone crossed her arms, looking unimpressed. "This better be good, Parker."
Peter took a deep breath. "Let's start with you, Mr. Osborn." He gestured for Norman to step forward. "I know the Green Goblin is still in your head, right?"
Norman's eyes widened, and he nodded slowly. "Yes, Peter. It's been a constant struggle."
Peter continued, "Mr. Osborn, I know why you became the Green Goblin and about the genetic illness you suffer from. It's something Harry will suffer from too."
Norman was visibly shocked. "Can you really help me, Peter?"
Peter smiled reassuringly. "Of course, Mr. Osborn. If you had taken my help long ago, the Green Goblin might never have existed."
Norman was skeptical but stepped forward as Peter instructed. As Peter prepared the cure serum, Norman's demeanor shifted, his eyes flickering as the Green Goblin personality began to surface.
The Green Goblin's voice snarled, "You think you can get rid of me that easily, Parker?"
Peter's voice was steady. "Yes, I do. And I will."
The Dark Avengers tensed, ready to intervene as the Goblin fought for control. Peter gestured for them to hold Norman down and secure him to a chair. With a precise injection, Peter administered the cure. Norman screamed, the Goblin's influence being forcefully eradicated.
The Dark Avengers exchanged uneasy glances. Moonstone stepped forward, her voice tight. "What did you do to him, Parker?"
Venom growled, his muscles tensing. "If you hurt him—"
Before they could act, Norman's eyes fluttered open. He held his head, a look of profound relief on his face. "I don't hear him. The Goblin... he's gone."
Peter smiled. "I told you I could help."
Norman sighed, a mix of happiness and resignation. "Peter, you've just shown me how worthless I and my scientists are."
Peter chuckled softly. "That was never my intention, Mr. Osborn. You're a great scientist, researcher, and a much more terrifying businessman to your core."
Norman smiled. "Looks like you have quite an impression of me, Peter. Well, the way you talk, you really are Richard and Mary's son."
Peter nodded. "I knew you were acquainted with them, but I didn't know it was that deep."
Norman's expression softened. "They were great scientists and even better friends. The best in my company until S.H.I.E.L.D. took them away. Still don't know how they died or what actually occurred."
Peter remained professional. "No problem, Mr. Osborn. I'm happy that you've turned back to normal. That issue can be left for the future."
Norman smiled warmly. "Call me Uncle Norman from now on. Not only are you the son of my friends, but also my savior and worthy of my respect, Peter. Don't think I wouldn't know the owner of Parker Foundation. I get all information about the places I visit. In terms of resources and funds, you're already way ahead of me, Stark, and Reed Richards. I presume you're going to make a grand opening for your researches."
Peter grinned. "You really are thorough with your dealings, Uncle Norman."
Peter's thoughts briefly wandered. *Once a long-time enemy, now a long-lost uncle. Fate really is one hell of a bitch.*
Norman laughed. "As you said, my boy, I am a businessman through and through."
Peter and Norman shared a laugh, the tension easing slightly.
Peter turned his attention to the members of the Sinister Seventeen. "Now, let's proceed."
Doctor Doom stepped forward, his tone impatient. "I believe it is my turn, Parker."
Peter held up a hand. "Patience, Doctor Doom. I need to handle the more volatile members first."
Peter bound the Sinister Seventeen with restraints that not only held them physically but also neutralized their powers. Each villain resisted, but Peter's technology was foolproof.
Hobgoblin struggled as Peter approached him with a similar cure to the one used on Norman. With a painful scream, Ned Leeds regained control of his body.
Peter smiled warmly. "Welcome back, Ned. How are you feeling?"
Ned hugged Peter, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you, Peter. I don't know how I can ever repay you. I'm sorry for being such a terrible friend."
Peter patted his back. "Hey, don't cry. Your snot's getting on my coat."
Ned laughed through his tears, wiping his eyes.
Next, Peter approached Dr. Octopus. He installed a chip on the mechanical arms, disabling and disattaching them from Octavius's back. Otto Octavius's eyes widened as the violent thoughts from the arms ceased.
Otto's voice was filled with gratitude. "Peter, my boy, is that you?"
Peter nodded. "Welcome back, Dr. Otto."
Otto hugged Peter deeply. "Thank you, Peter. You saved my life."
Peter smiled. "Don't get too sentimental. There's someone waiting for you."
Otto was shocked. "She's alive?"
Peter nodded. "She survived that night. The controlled you wouldn't have known."
Otto's tears flowed freely. "Peter, you're like an angel sent from the heavens. You gave me my life back. But I did terrible things."
Peter shook his head, grabbing Otto's shoulders. "Don't worry about it. General Ross, Uncle Norman, and I will take care of it. You'll be fine. Pete is here."
Ross and Norman nodded in affirmation, pleased to see Otto recovered safely.
Peter moved on to the Lizard, injecting him with a serum that caused him to transform back into Dr. Curt Connors.
Connors gasped for air. "Peter, my dear boy, you did it."
Peter smiled. "Yeah, I did it."
Connors hugged Peter tightly. "Thank you, Peter. Richard and Mary would be so proud of the man you've become. Thanks for saving my life."
Peter chuckled. "You've got a lot of explaining to do to Mrs. Connors, so I don't know if you're truly saved."
Otto and Norman laughed as Dr. Connors became nervous at the thought of meeting his wife after so long.
Norman smiled. "It's good to have you back, Connors."
Connors nodded. "Yes, Norman, it's me. I'm back."
Otto added, "Nice to have you back, Dr. Connors."
Connors smiled. "It's nice seeing you back too, Dr. Octavius."
Otto sighed. "Who would have thought the kid we took in would save us?"
Connors agreed. "Fate really is a complex thing."
Peter shook his head at their conversation, then approached Electro. He installed a device that stabilized and extracted the electric energy from Max
Dillon. Max gasped for air, and Peter handed him a glass of water.
Peter smiled. "How's it going, Max?"
Max sipped the water, sighing with relief. "Thanks, Peter. Seriously, it was crazy. So... did I lose it completely?"
Peter patted his shoulder. "Yeah, it was never yours to begin with. But you'll be alright."
Max looked down, a hint of regret in his eyes. "I just wanted to be a hero, but it didn't end well. Please, save Francine too."
Peter nodded. "I'm on it. Her problem is different from yours."
Next, Peter approached Sandman and Hydro-Man, using a mini particle accelerator that de-elementalized them and turned them back into their human forms.
Peter smiled at Flint Marko. "Time for you to return home, Flint. Back to your daughter and away from this hero-villain crap."
Marko's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, boy. Thanks for giving me my life back."
Hydro-Man, on the other hand, was furious. "You bastard! I liked my powers!"
Peter shook his head. "I don't care what you think, Morris. Those powers were never yours. It was an accident meant to be fixed. My job was to fix you, and I did."
Morris snarled. "Curse you, kid!"
Peter turned to Rhino and Francine, their cases more complicated as their powers had become close to mutations, a part of them. He used a serum and a titanium injection to pierce Rhino's skin, then placed a headgear on him. Rhino screamed, nearly breaking through his restraints, but eventually, he began transforming back into his human form.
Peter smiled. "Alex, all good?"
Alexander Sytsevich nodded. "Yes, Parker. I'm fine. Thanks for the help."
Peter grinned. "Come on, man. We're old buddies. Just give good ol' Pete a hug. Is it too much to ask?"
Alex laughed, hugging Peter. "Still as cheeky as ever. What have you done to me? I feel like I'm in control. No urges."
Peter nodded. "Nothing serious, just made you take the driving seat. I suggest you go with General Ross to S.H.I.E.L.D. They're forming a team for young mutants like you. They'd like a big brain like yours."
Alex hugged him tightly. "Thanks, Pete. You're the best friend anyone could ask for."
Peter smiled and gestured for Alex to join Ross. He then approached Francine, injecting her with a serum. Electric currents surged through her as she struggled, then it all calmed down.
Francine looked at Peter with tears in her eyes. "Thank you, Peter. I feel in control now."
Peter nodded, his expression cold. "You have complete control and have become a mutant. Join the same S.H.I.E.L.D. team as Alex."
Francine tried to hug Peter, but he gave her a cold shoulder. "I haven't forgotten how you betrayed me."
She tried to apologize, but Peter interrupted. "Go to Ross's side."
Francine, tears streaming down her face, nodded and joined Ross.
Peter stood in the center of the room, looking at the people he had helped. His heart was heavy with the knowledge of what they had done, but he remained hopeful for their futures.
Peter than looked at Dr.Doom and General Ross as he nodded at them, it was thier turn to be cured.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone