Ed POV Sanctuary
Right now, I'm in the kitchen of Sanctuary, cooking up a storm. And almost everyone is here.
You might be wondering why we're celebrating.
Simple—we're throwing a party because the Web Warriors are officially ready to go active.
After months of training, hard work, and mastering their abilities, they finally did it. So I figured they earned a proper celebration.
I cooked up a full spread—different meals for different tastes—and even baked a cake. But that's not all. I've also got their hero suits ready. Fully upgraded.
They're going to love them.
Not only are the suits bulletproof, fireproof, heat- and cold-resistant, but I went all out this time. Each one has built-in night vision, thermal vision, and stealth mode. They're insulated against electricity, too.
And let's not forget the web-shooters. I gave those an overhaul as well. Multiple modes, adjustable web types—from soft to hardened impact webs—all switchable mid-swing.
Well, except for Cindy. She makes her own webbing, but still. The rest of the upgrades? She's getting those too.
They've come a long way. And tonight, we celebrate that.
After finishing the last of the meals for the celebration, I stepped out of the kitchen, placed everything on the table, and joined the rest of the party.
Ashley walked up to me, holding a plate and wearing a look of pure satisfaction.
"Okay," she said, "remember when you told me you'd cook me a home-cooked meal if I ever asked?"
"Yes?" I replied, curious.
"Well, I might just call in that offer sooner than later—because your food is amazing."
I smiled. "No problem. I'd be happy to cook for you."
Third Person POV
The Web Warriors were huddled together, excitement buzzing in the air.
"I can't believe it's finally happening," Miles said, grinning. "We're actually going out to fight for real."
"Yeah," Anya agreed. "But my mom's still a little nervous about me starting."
"My parents were too," Peter chimed in. "But they came around once they saw I could take care of myself."
"I'm hoping your folks can rub off on mine," Anya said, half-joking, half-hopeful.
Anya's mom had shown up after being told about the celebration and her daughter officially going active. She was definitely surprised by the base—and all the strange people, creatures, and tech—but she was warming up fast. She'd especially hit it off with the Parker family; the moms had been chatting for a while now and laughing like old friends.
Just then, Annie walked over to the group and hugged Peter.
"Looks like the Starlight and Spider-Man team-up is officially coming to an end," she said.
"Wait, what?" Peter blinked. "Why?"
"I guess Ed didn't tell you yet," Annie said with a shrug. "He's moving me to Gotham. Since you guys have New York covered, he wants me watching over Gotham at night."
Peter frowned. "That kinda sucks. I liked our team. We had good synergy."
"Yeah," Annie nodded. "And your dumb jokes always made me laugh."
Peter smirked. "Hey, I wouldn't be Spider-Man without the jokes. It's part of the brand."
"I know," she said with a smile. "But you're gonna lead this team just fine. New York's in good hands."
"You got that right," Julia added, bumping Peter's shoulder.
"Yeah, you don't need to worry about New York," Gwen said. "We've got it."
Annie looked at all of them, then grinned. "Well, just do me one favor."
"Name it," they all said at once.
"Make sure Peter doesn't jump into danger without thinking first. He does that a lot."
Everyone burst out laughing—except Peter.
"Hey! I do think before I act."
Annie arched an eyebrow. "Really? You want me to list the times?"
Peter crossed his arms. "Go ahead. Name one."
"The runaway train," she said immediately. "The one with the busted brakes heading toward an unfinished track? You jumped in front of it with no plan."
"I stopped it, though."
"Yeah," she replied, "after webbing up half the city and nearly dislocating both your arms."
Peter grumbled, "Okay, fair… but I bet you can't name another one."
Annie grinned. "Challenge accepted."
And just like that, Peter knew he made a huge mistake.
"I have to say... I kind of want to go and be a hero," Anissa said, eyes focused on the Web Warriors as they laughed and celebrated. "Like them."
Battle Beast crossed his arms, watching the young heroes with a neutral gaze. "Why not? You're strong, fast, smart—and honestly, I don't think there's much out there that could even hurt you."
Anissa let out a small, uncertain laugh. "That's not what I mean."
"Then what do you mean?"
She hesitated, voice dropping a little. "I mean... they inspire hope. That's what they're good at. Especially All Might and Ed."
"You can always learn," Battle Beast replied. "All Might is teaching them what it means to be a hero. He could teach you too."
"I know. But when it comes down to it... I'm not like them." She looked down at her hands. "What I'm good at is war. Taking over planets? Give me two days. Leading a battle? No problem. But being a hero—really being one—means smiling through pain, giving people a reason to believe, to hope. And that's never been my strong suit."
Battle Beast stayed quiet, listening.
"My people—my race—we weren't raised with compassion. Even though I had a family, that cold, hardened mindset... it's still a part of me. I don't know if I can ever really be like them. Smiling while saving lives... hoping instead of fighting."
She looked back toward the celebration. "I don't know if there's a hero in me... or just a soldier trying to pretend."
"I see what you mean," Battle Beast said calmly, watching her expression. "But I still think you'd make a great hero."
Anissa raised a brow. "Why do you think that?"
He looked at her with the same unwavering gaze he always had. "Because people can change—grow. Your upbringing might have been hard, but it doesn't define who you have to be. Look at Ruby."
Anissa glanced off toward on the other side of cafeteria. "What about her?"
"She talks to Rahne and Dani all the time now. Laughs with them. Trains with them. She was raised just like you—to fight, to kill, to survive. She's done things no kid should have had to do. But look at her now. She's not that same girl. Not anymore."
Anissa was quiet.
"You and her aren't so different," Battle Beast continued. "Both of you learned to be soldiers before you learned to just be... people. But Ruby's trying to change. And you can too."
She looked back at him slowly. "You really believe that?"
"I believe everyone has the potential to be more than what they were made to be," he said. "It's not about how you started. It's about what you do with the life you have now."
He placed a firm hand on her shoulder. "And who says you need to be a hero like them? Be your own kind of hero. The world doesn't need more copies—it needs you."
Anissa smiled, just a little.
"Yeah... maybe I can be a hero," she said softly, "Just not the kind anyone's expecting."
Battle Beast gave a rare grin. "That's the best kind."
"Oh, come on, please! You have magic," Ted pleaded.
"Yes, I do," Sabrina said, folding her arms. "But what you're asking is impossible."
"Are you seriously telling me you can't use your magic to make me a super-weed that lasts forever?" Ted asked.
"Yes, that's exactly what I'm telling you," she said, sounding more annoyed now. "And honestly, I don't even know why you'd want that."
"Because I'm bored out of my damn mind!" Ted shouted, gesturing wildly with his tiny paws. "I can't go to the city! I'm a freaking teddy bear!"
Sabrina rolled her eyes. "You do realize I could just cast an illusion on you, right? One that makes you look like a perfectly normal man—skin, voice, the works. No one would be able to tell the difference. Even if they touched you, they'd feel actual skin, not fur."
Ted stared at her in silence, processing that.
"You mean... you could've done that this whole time? I've been stuck on this island for months, and you had a 'make me look human' spell just sitting there?!"
"Hey, don't blame me," Sabrina said with a shrug. "You knew I was a witch. Did it ever occur to you to ask? Like, 'Hey, Sabrina, can you maybe help me not look like a Build-A-Bear on parole?'"
"Okay... fair point," Ted muttered, rubbing the back of his fuzzy neck. "So you can make me look like a man?"
"Not make—illusion. But yes. No one would be able to tell. I'll even enchant an item for you. Wear it, and you'll look and feel like a real person. Just make sure it never comes off."
"I swear, it won't! Oh my God, I can finally go out, see the city, maybe even get lucky—do you know how long it's been since I've felt a woman's touch?"
"Okay, goodbye," Sabrina said flatly, already turning to walk away.
"Wait! Sabrina! Come on, you can't just leave me like this! You have the power to fix my loneliness!"
Sabrina didn't even glance back. "And I also have the power to turn you into a toad. Keep talking, Ted."
Ted blinked. "...I'll be quiet now."
Ed POV
It was getting late, and I could tell people were starting to wind down. Laughter had softened, plates were clearing, and some were even yawning. Time to wrap things up—but not before the final surprise.
I raised my voice so everyone could hear.
"Okay, everyone, can I have your attention?"
Conversations came to a halt as all eyes turned toward me.
"I know it's getting late, and some of you are probably ready to crash, but before we end the night… it's time for the Web Warriors to get their suits."
I opened a glowing portal and pulled out five boxes, levitating them toward the team with my telekinesis. Each of them grabbed their box and opened it.
The reactions were immediate.
Their eyes lit up as they pulled out their suits—each one custom-fitted, sleek, and tough. The designs paid homage to their comic counterparts, with unique tweaks to fit their personalities. Cindy's suit had a more modern, tactical edge. Miles' had the classic black and red look with a hood I added just because—well, it looked cool.
They were all grinning like kids on Christmas morning.
"I know I've said this before," I began, meeting their eyes one by one, "but I'm proud of all of you. You've trained hard, pushed yourselves, and proved you want this. Let those suits be a reminder—you've earned the right to be heroes. And I know each and every one of you is going to do great things."
They stood straighter, excitement radiating off them. Pride was written all over their faces—and they deserved it.
"But remember," I continued, "you're not alone. If something ever feels too big, too dangerous—ask for help. That's what we're here for. We've got your backs. You might not be on the main team yet, but you're family. We look after each other. Got it?"
"Yes, we understand!" they all said in unison.
I nodded. "Good. Now go get some rest. Tomorrow's your first day on patrol—and it's the weekend. Which means crime's probably got plans."
Everyone laughed. They earned this moment. And tomorrow? Tomorrow the city meets its newest protectors.
The Next Day
I'm in the lab right now, trying to create a proper body for Stratosphere—and believe it or not, it's harder than you'd think.
My original plan was to clone a body and upgrade it with cybernetic enhancements so he'd be a true cyborg. But here's the issue: a clone body grows, and I'd have to constantly update the tech inside it to grow with him. That alone would be a logistical nightmare.
Even worse? I can't clone myself.
One of my powers is an anti-cloning trait—any attempt to replicate my DNA results in failure. So I need someone else's DNA. Someone whose body structure I can enhance to the level I want, and someone who'd actually be comfortable with essentially becoming Stratosphere's other "biological parent." Yeah... that's a weird thing to ask.
Just as I was contemplating my shortlist, Church appeared.
"We've got a problem."
"What's wrong?"
"Juggernaut just hit a bank. Massive destruction, casualties. NYPD can't handle him—people are dying."
I didn't hesitate. "Send me the coordinates. I'm on my way."
I teleported to my room, threw on my suit, and in seconds, I was gone—straight to New York.
The moment I arrived, I saw the chaos. Buildings damaged, streets torn apart. Juggernaut was plowing through everything, heading straight for a police blockade like a human wrecking ball.
I flew in fast and used my telekinesis to lift him off the ground before he could barrel through another squad car.
"Oh, thank God, it's Arsenal!" one of the officers shouted.
"You can say that again—Terry was about to poop his pants!" another laughed.
"I thought he'd be taller."
"Look at that suit. That's some next-level tech!"
"Hey! Arsenal! Do you remember me?" another called out.
I turned and immediately recognized the voices and faces. Jake Peralta, Amy Santiago, Rosa Diaz, Terry Jeffords, and Charles Boyle—the whole Nine-Nine squad.
I gave Jake a small wave.
"Hey Jake. Nice to see you again."
Jake's eyes widened like a kid on Christmas. "Holy crap. Arsenal knows my name!"
"How?" Amy blinked in disbelief.
"I don't know!" Jake shouted, almost giddy.
"Doug Judy said it,when he asked you to take a picture of him and me" I said with a shrug.
Jake turned to the squad, smug as ever. "Told you that picture wasn't photoshopped. I know a superhero."
Amy rolled her eyes. "Okay, 'know' is a strong word. He just remembered your name."
"Sounds like someone's jealous," Jake teased.
"I am not jealous."
"You kinda sound jealous," Terry added.
"I can hear it too," Rosa said flatly.
"Me too!" Boyle chimed in.
I chuckled. "I kinda heard it too, but you don't need to be, Amy."
She stared at me, eyes wide. "You know my name too?"
I pointed to her badge. "I read it. I'd love to chat more, but I've got a wrecking ball to relocate."
With that, I teleported Juggernaut far away—dropped him straight into the middle of a desert.
Let's see him rampage through that.
Juggernaut groaned, dragging himself up from the crater."You know how much money you just cost me?"
I landed beside him, my eyes narrowing behind the helmet."You know how many people you just hurt? How many you killed?"
He snorted. "They were in my way. If they were smart, they would've moved."
I clenched my fists, trying to keep my anger in check. "You villains really piss me off. You get a little power, and suddenly you think you're a god. But you're not. You're just a reckless child who never learned how to use it."
His eyes flared with rage."Who the fuck you calling a child?! I'm the Juggernaut, BITCH!"
He charged like a runaway tank.
I didn't flinch. I launched myself straight at him, fists glowing, and hit him with everything I had. The impact sent him flying across the desert. He skipped like a stone over sand dunes before crashing hard into the earth.
I didn't give him a moment to breathe.
I shot forward, grabbing him mid-recovery and dragging him upward—faster and higher until we burst into the stratosphere, then beyond. The stars blinked into view as the air turned thin and silent. Space. A place only a handful could survive. I knew Juggernaut would be fine—his body could take it.
But his ego?
I grabbed him by the neck with one hand and let loose, hammering his face with a barrage of brutal punches. One after another. No quips. No speeches. Just raw, silent fury. After at least a dozen strikes, I spun once and hurled him back down to Earth like a meteor.
I followed.
He hit the desert like a missile. The shockwave carved a crater so deep it cracked stone, and the heat from the impact melted the sand into glass. I landed beside the smoking pit, dust swirling around me.
Juggernaut lay there, groaning in pain. Barely conscious.
Still breathing—but definitely done.
I reached down, grabbed Juggernaut by the collar, and was about to teleport us both back to Sanctuary—But something was wrong.
The moment I triggered the teleport, the world around me twisted. My surroundings faded into pitch black, silence crushing in from all sides. The air felt heavy, suffocating, until a deep red glow bloomed in the distance.
Then I saw him.
A towering figure, cloaked in a blood-red aura, sitting on a crimson throne carved from twisted stone. His helmet masked his face completely, jagged and ancient in design, and his armor radiated power that felt primordial. I knew immediately who he was.
Cyttorak.
The source of the Juggernaut's power.
I felt him try to probe my mind—digging deep, searching for cracks in my defenses. But I held firm. Then I felt something else… his influence, his corruption, reaching for my soul like a clawed hand.
He wanted to mark me.
But I wasn't like his champions. I wasn't desperate. I wasn't weak, and I have soul protection. I shoved the influence back.
That's when I saw it—hovering in the void near the throne. The crimson gem. The Crimson Gem of Cyttorak. The very artifact that turned Cain Marko into the Juggernaut.
Without hesitation, I moved toward it. As my fingers wrapped around the gem, I focused, channeling every ounce of my power into pulling myself back to the real world.
The void shattered.
I was back in the desert.
Still holding Juggernaut in one hand—and now clutching the gem in the other. It pulsed faintly, like a heart trying to remember how to beat. Juggernaut—Cain Marko—was no longer glowing with power. His armor was gone. His body was back to normal.
Powerless.
I looked down at the gem in my hand.
Looks like I just fired the Juggernaut.
Cyttorak POV
Who was that?
And how dare he touch my gem. He will pay. I'll destroy him—and everything he loves.
My fury surged like a tidal wave. I rose from my throne, ready to descend upon his Earth and rain down annihilation. I would remind the cosmos why the name Cyttorak is whispered in terror.
But before I could take a single step…
A spear touched my throat.
I froze.
A familiar voice rang out, calm and sharp as a blade.
"You're not going anywhere."
I turned my head slowly. I knew that voice. Of course I knew that voice.
Thaldris.
"What are you doing here?" I snarled.
She didn't blink. "Making sure a foolish god like you doesn't lay a finger on my new brother."
"He stole my gem."
"So what?" she shrugged, completely unfazed. "You have an infinite number of them. Just go to a different multiverse and choose another Juggernaut."
"You dare stand in my way?"
"Have you forgotten how many times we've fought?" she said, eyes narrowing. "You've never won. Not once. And the only reason you're still breathing is because I thought—hoped—you'd eventually be a worthy challenge."
Her spear pressed tighter against my throat.
"Guess I was wrong," she added. "So unless you want your head mounted on my wall next to the Black Winter's skull, you'll leave this multiverse—and especially my brother—alone."
I clenched my fists.
I wanted to deny it. To fight. To reclaim what was mine.
But I couldn't.
She was right. As much as it burned me to admit… I've never won against her. Not in a thousand battles. She didn't just defeat me—she humiliated me. Over and over again.
And she killed the Black Winter. I'm not foolish enough to push my luck.
I took a step back.
"...As you wish, Thaldris," I said bitterly. "I'll leave this multiverse. But mark my words—if not me, someone will defeat you one day."
She smirked, lowering the spear just enough.
"I hope they do. But for now, get lost.
And so, I did.
Defeated. Again.
But this isn't the end.
The multiverse is infinite—and vengeance… eternal.