LXXXVIII. When the Shadows Find Their Light


It didn't take long before Y/N and the Web Warriors were back in New York. The city's skyline loomed in the distance, a familiar sight that stirred a mix of emotions in Y/N's chest. She had sent out a signal to Zara, a low-frequency pulse that only the cub would recognize, letting her know where she was. The island was far behind them now, but Y/N knew Zara would be okay. She had raised her to be strong, independent—just like her.

As the team approached the Triskelion, Spider-Man swung down onto the platform, landing with his usual flair. He turned to Y/N, who was still half-submerged in the water, her massive form glistening under the sunlight. "You should come to the Triskelion," he said, his voice hopeful. "I'm sure the other teams will be happy to see you."

Y/N stepped out of the water, shaking off the droplets that clung to her scales. The ground trembled slightly under her weight as she moved onto the platform. "I don't belong there, Spidey," she said, her voice low and tinged with uncertainty. The Triskelion was a place for heroes, for teams, for people who had a clear purpose. She wasn't sure where she fit into that anymore.

Scarlet Spider snorted, crossing his arms as he leaned against a nearby railing. "Not this nonsense again, sweetheart," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Just come with us. I'm sure we can find a place for you."

Y/N sighed, her glowing eyes narrowing as she glanced between the two spiders. They were relentless, always had been. But there was a part of her—a small, stubborn part—that wanted to believe them. Maybe she could find a place here. Maybe she didn't have to be alone.

Reluctantly, she followed them inside, ducking under the doorway and scraping a bit against the doorframe as she squeezed through. The Triskelion's interior was sleek and sterile, a stark contrast to the wild, untamed beauty of the island. Y/N felt out of place, her massive form dwarfing the hallways and drawing curious glances from the agents who passed by.

Standing in the hallway with his arms crossed was none other than Nick Fury. His one good eye was locked onto Spider-Man as he spoke in a clipped, no-nonsense tone. "Spider-Man, I told you not to go looking for Y/N."

Peter froze, his lenses widening slightly as he met Fury's gaze. "Director, I—"

Fury held up a hand, cutting him off. "Save it," he said, his voice sharp. "I don't want to hear your excuses. You disobeyed a direct order."

Y/N stepped forward, her massive form casting a shadow over the hallway. "It's not his fault," she said, her voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through the walls. "I chose to come back."

Fury's eye flicked to her, his expression unreadable. For a moment, he said nothing, his gaze sweeping over her as if assessing her worth. Then, with a sigh, he uncrossed his arms and nodded. "Fine. But this doesn't mean you're off the hook, Parker."

Peter nodded quickly, relief evident in his posture. "Understood, sir."

Fury turned his attention back to Y/N, his tone softening ever so slightly. "As for you... welcome back. We'll find a place for you. But don't think for a second that means you're getting special treatment."

Y/N dipped her head in acknowledgment, a small flicker of gratitude in her glowing eyes. "Thank you, Director."

As Fury walked away, Scarlet Spider clapped a hand on Peter's shoulder, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, that went better than expected."

Y/N couldn't help but chuckle, the sound a deep, rumbling vibration that echoed through the hallway. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of belonging. She wasn't sure what the future held, but for now, she was home. And that was enough.

-

The walk to the training room felt longer than it should have. Every step Y/N took echoed through the Triskelion's halls, her massive talons clicking against the polished floor. The Web Warriors led the way, their chatter filling the air, but Y/N hung back, her glowing eyes scanning the familiar yet unfamiliar surroundings. She felt out of place, like a relic from another time, too big and too different to fit into the world she had once called home.

When they reached the training room, Y/N hesitated at the doorway. She didn't step inside completely, her massive frame too large to fit comfortably. Instead, she stood just outside, her head ducked slightly to peer into the room. The original team was there, their faces a mix of surprise and disbelief as they turned to look at her.

"Is... is that Y/N?" Nova asked, his voice tinged with awe as he took a step forward. His eyes were wide, his usual bravado replaced by genuine shock.

Spider-Man grinned, his mask doing little to hide the excitement in his expression. He reached out, patting Y/N's side in a gesture that was both familiar and comforting. "Sure is! Come say hi."

Y/N's glowing eyes flicked to Peter, then back to the team. She could feel their gazes on her, their curiosity and uncertainty palpable. It had been so long since she had seen them, since she had been a part of this team. The memories came flooding back—missions, laughter, battles fought side by side. But she wasn't the same person they remembered. She wasn't sure if they would accept her as she was now.

"Hey," she said finally, her voice a low rumble that seemed to fill the room. "It's... been a while."

The team stared at her for a moment, the silence stretching between them. Then, to her surprise, Nova broke into a wide grin. "Y/N! It's really you!" he exclaimed, rushing forward. He stopped just short of her, his enthusiasm tempered by the sheer size of her form. "You're, uh... bigger than I remember."

Y/N chuckled, the sound a deep, rumbling vibration that made the floor tremble slightly. "Yeah, well, things change."

The others began to approach, their initial hesitation giving way to curiosity and excitement. Iron Fist stepped forward, his usual calm demeanor intact as he gave her a respectful nod. "It's good to see you, Y/N. We've missed you."

White Tiger followed, her sharp eyes studying Y/N with a mix of awe and admiration. "You look... incredible," she said, her voice soft but sincere.

Even Power Man, who was usually so stoic, couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips. "Welcome back, big guy. Or... big girl? Uh, whatever. You know what I mean."

Y/N's chest swelled with a warmth she hadn't felt in a long time. They were still her team, her family, and despite everything, they were happy to see her. She dipped her head slightly, her glowing eyes softening as she looked at each of them in turn. "It's good to see you all too," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I've missed you."

Spider-Man stepped forward, his grin widening as he looked between Y/N and the team. "See? Told you they'd be happy to see you."

Y/N huffed, a small puff of smoke escaping her nostrils. "Yeah, yeah. Don't let it go to your head, Spidey."

The team laughed, the sound filling the training room and easing the tension that had lingered in the air. For the first time in what felt like forever, Y/N felt like she belonged. She wasn't sure what the future held, but for now, she was home. And that was enough.

Spider-Man's voice broke through the moment, his tone light but tinged with excitement. "Oh yeah, I found her in the back alleys," he said, gesturing for you to follow him. You hesitated for a moment, your glowing eyes flicking to the team before you nodded and followed him into another room. The air felt heavier here, quieter, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath.

The room was dimly lit, the faint hum of machinery filling the space. And there, in the corner, lay Venom. He was curled up, his inky black form shifting slightly as if restless even in sleep. But the moment he sensed your presence, his head snapped up, his white, pupil-less eyes locking onto you. He froze completely, his form solidifying as he stared at you in disbelief.

"Y/N..." he whispered, his voice trembling, raw with emotion. It was a voice you hadn't heard in what felt like an eternity, a voice that carried the weight of shared memories, battles fought side by side, and a bond that had once been unbreakable.

You stepped closer, your massive form dwarfing the room, but you moved with a gentleness that belied your size. Your glowing eyes softened as you lowered your head toward him, your snout nearly brushing against his solid form. "Venom... hey," you said, your voice a low, soothing rumble.

For a moment, Venom didn't move. He just stared at you, his form flickering slightly as if he couldn't quite believe you were real. Then, slowly, he reached out, his inky tendrils stretching toward you. "You... left," he said, his voice cracking. "You left us."

The words hit you like a punch to the chest, the guilt you had been carrying bubbling to the surface. "I know," you said quietly, your voice thick with regret. "I thought... I thought it was for the best. I didn't want to hurt you. Any of you."

Venom's form shifted, his tendrils curling around your snout in a gesture that was both familiar and heartbreaking. "You didn't hurt us," he said, his voice firm now, though still tinged with pain. "We were stronger together. We are stronger together."

You closed your eyes, leaning into his touch. The bond between you and Venom had always been something beyond words, something primal and unbreakable. And even now, after everything, it was still there, still strong. "I missed you," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "More than I realized."

Venom's form rippled, his tendrils tightening slightly around you. "We missed you too," he said, his voice softer now. "But you're here now. That's what matters."

Spider-Man, who had been standing quietly in the doorway, cleared his throat. "Uh, not to interrupt the reunion, but... does this mean you two are, like, back together? Because that'd be awesome."

You chuckled, the sound a deep, rumbling vibration that made the room tremble slightly. "We'll see," you said, glancing at Venom. "But... yeah. I think we've got some catching up to do."

Venom's form shifted, his white eyes narrowing as he turned to Spider-Man. "Do not ruin this moment, bug," he growled, though there was no real malice in his tone.

Peter held up his hands in mock surrender, a grin spreading across his face. "Hey, just saying. Team's not the same without you two."

You looked at Venom, then back at Peter, a small smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. For the first time in a long time, you felt whole. The past was behind you, and the future... well, the future was still uncertain. But for now, you were here, with your team, with Venom, and that was enough.

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