Maya Stark

Chapter 134: Dungeons and Dragons

'Dude what happened?' Ned asked.

'I just had a fight with Doctor Strange and I totally won!' Peter says.

'What?'

'I stole his ring thing,' I say, showing it to Ned. He takes it from my hand and puts it on his own.

'I was swinging through the city and then we went through this... massive mirror thing, and then I was back—'

'Where is he?' MJ asks.

'He's trapped,' I say, clicking my ring to remove my suit, 'but... I'm not sure for how long.'

'You could've just left us to die,' Octavius said. 'Why didn't you?'

'Because that's not who he is,' I say.

'I think I can help you guys,' Peter said. 'If I can fix what happened to you, then when you go back, things will be different, and you might not die fighting Spider-Man.'

'What do you mean, "Fix us"?' Max asks.

'Look, our technology is advanced—'

'I can help you,' Osborn says. 'You know, I'm something of a scientist myself. Octavius knows what I can do.'

'Fix?' Octavius says. 'You mean like a dog? I refuse.'

'I can't promise you guys anything, but at least this way, you actually get to go home and have a chance. A second chance. I mean, come on. Isn't that worth trying?'

'Trust me, Peter...' the Lizard says. 'When you try to fix people, there are always consequences.'

'I mean, you don't have to come,' Peter says, and he points to the lizard. 'I also didn't know you could talk. But if you stay here... you're gonna have to deal with the wizard.'

'So, we go along, or die,' the lizard says. 'Not much of a choice, is it?'

'I just wanna go home,' Flint says.

'Well, I myself don't want to be killed, especially by a guy dressed like Dungeons and Dragons, so... what's your plan?' Max said.

'I have it all under control,' Peter said.

He turned to us and we all sort of huddle together. I crossed my arms, my finger tapping anxiously on my elbow. I wasn't sure about this at all.

'What are we gonna do about this thing?' Peter whispered, talking about the artifact.

'Well, we need to find somewhere safe for it, right?' MJ said.

'Yeah,' Ned says, as I nod.

'You have to take it,' Peter said.

'Wait, what?' MJ says.

'If something bad happens, I'll text you, and then you just push this and then it's all over, and they'll all be gone.'

'We're going with you,' MJ said. 'We're not leaving you and Maya alone.'

'You can't come with me,' Peter said, and he avoids my gaze. 'It's way too dangerous.'

'Peter, we're in this together,' Ned said.

'I know we're in this together, Ned, but I can't do this if I know that you're in danger. Okay? And... Maya, I think you should go with them.'

'What?' I say, slightly hurt. 'No, Spidey, you're dealing with a group of villains. You need all the muscle power you can get. I'm not going anywhere without you. I think I can handle it.'

He sighs and pulls me away from the other two, into a corner. His hand moves down my arm to grip mine as he looks at the prison, them, and then back to me.

'Maya, we need to trust them, and you don't,' he says. 'You don't agree with this and that's fine but... I do. So, believe in me. Believe that I will be able to protect myself.'

'But—'

'Please?' he says. 'Trust me?'

I sigh. 'I do trust you; you know I do. Just...be careful. And I swear to you if you die and I'm not there to save you, I will resurrect your ass and kill you again myself. Don't let these jackasses mess with you.'

'Of course,' he says, starting to smile. 'Thank you, Maya. I know you think this is a bad idea but thank you for going along with it. Thank you for sticking by me and helping me.'

'I'd follow you anywhere,' I say, seriously. 'I know you'll be okay. You better be.'

He gives a real smile this time and hands the box to me. I take it hesitantly and we walk back over to Ned and MJ. They seem anxious to get going. I don't blame them.

'Okay, I'm coming with you guys,' I say. 'He's right. But,' I turn to Peter, 'if I don't hear from you, I'm pressing the button.'

'Sure,' he says.

'Okay.' I turn to the villains. 'And I will do it!'

'Yeah, we believe you, Maya,' Max says.

'No way that's his girlfriend,' the lizard says in amusement and disbelief. 'No way.'

'She'll do it,' Peter says, nodding.

'Absolutely,' Ned said.

'No question,' added MJ.

'Okay,' Peter says. 'See you later.'

'Be safe,' Ned says.

'You too.' They high five and sparks spring from Ned's palm. 'Woah. Okay.'

'Don't die,' MJ says, as the two of them walk out.

Peter then turns to me once more and pulls me into a tight hug. I bury my face into his shoulder, avoiding the fact that this could be the last time I see him. I hated being apart from him, but I knew I had to go with the other two.

'Be careful,' I say. 'Please don't die.'

'I promise. I won't,' he says, pulling out of the hug and enclosing me in a kiss. It was only a couple of seconds and he was pulling away all too soon, but I knew I had to go. 'I'll call soon, I swear. You be careful too.'

I nod and squeeze his hand before walking towards the door. I look back at him one last time, giving him a small smile that he returns. I knew something bad was coming, but I had to trust him. I did trust him.