E. 7 0 5
neuphrates

"Thank you everyone for coming to our Banquet tonight!" Former Chief Louis Larson called while tapping his glass with a spoon.

"Now," He cleared his older throat. "Though I do miss being in the field, tonight is to honor a new age of the NPD. I never thought it would be possible to work in peace with those Spidertwins, but thanks to our new Captain, he's made sure everything has been running smoothly for a month. So, without further or do, let's hear a few words from our new Chief Captain of the NPD! Carter Bane!" 

A cheer of formal applause erupted from all of the attendees. The sound blurred out as a warm smile was stained on Gema's face. Carter stood up, not forgetting to plant a kiss on her cheek, before making his way from the table to the pulpit. He shook hands with Larson and then acknowledged his audience with a wave.

"It's an honor to be up here tonight. It's a privilege to be standing here with you tonight." He paused as he scanned the room. "I first felt inadequate about this, but I couldn't have made it without everyone here. To Captain Larson, for trusting me to not only lead the NPD but keep Neuphrates safe. To my best friend, for getting me into this program."

Another pause after acknowledging his associates until he found two ocean eyes. Carter lingered his gaze. "To Gema Aegeus. The first person to ever believe in me. Without her, I wouldn't be wearing this banner." He said before gazing at the crowd.

"I know we've had a lot of crazy things happen. But we aren't alone in protecting this city. I know there have been doubts about Spiderman and Spiderwoman in the past, but things have recently started to look up. It makes our jobs in the NPD easier sometimes." He chuckled, getting others to join him. 

"Here's to the future of Neuphrates!" He exclaimed with a burning passion that was received with cheers. 

The applause filled the room again, and Gema couldn't have been more happy for him. Without thinking, she was up on her feet as she continued to clap, getting others to also stand. The couple locked eyes before she blew him a kiss with the exchange of a wink.

"And here's to the rest of the night!" Larson spoke into the podium while gesturing with his hands like a host. "Please enjoy yourselves!"

Anticipating, she couldn't wait any longer and made her way over, moving around people who began to disperse from the tables to grab refreshments and others finding the deck outside. Finding those light eyes, Carter cleared his throat, interrupting his conversation with his colleague.

The dark-haired man next to him turned, his face lightened with a piercing green gaze. "Gema Aegeus! Is that you?" He exclaimed before wrapping me in a giant hug.

She chuckled with her hand resting on his back in acceptance of a dear friend of hers. "It's been a while, Jaxon Homer."

"Too long I'd say." Jaxon pulled away as one of his arms hooked around Carter's neck to create a little huddle of the three. "But we got the Eklou Sharks back together!"

Carter slapped him on the shoulder. "We should go catch some waves sometime next week."

"We totally should!" Jaxon agreed with the shake of his hand with only his pinky and thumb; the classic shaka wave.

"Are you two-" Jaxon peaked at Carter's hand before double-checking his assumption by looking at hers. Now speechless at seeing a ring and then giving both a playful shove. "Get out of here! Since when!?"

"It's been about a month," Carter replied as he grabbed Gema's hand.

"Wow," Jaxon gasped in disbelief. "Can't believe it!"

The three chorus in sweet laughter together as if reliving the memories of back in the college dorms of hosting game and movie nights. Jaxon patted their backs in unison. "Well, I will let you two cute dolphins get on with your evening see you both later." He snapped his fingers, pointing guns before he slid into the crowd.

Gema felt a squeezed of her palm, causing her fingers intertwined with her fiancé, followed by a brief tender kiss pressed to her temple. "Come on." His voice whispered next to the ear, with the result of a grin on her face.

Up the stairs, instead of joining the others on the main deck where music was playing and couples dancing as the wine went to their heads. Gema remained curious about where Carter was taking her to, but she never questioned his ideas, since they usually lead to the best surprises. 

Taking it all in even more, as Gema and Carter stepped onto the top deck. Soft music from below filled the atmosphere as the ship was decorated with lanterns that swayed above on a string in the salty ocean breeze. Gema placed her hands on the railing, watching the currents of the ocean from the ship's bow. The waves shimmer from the natural glow of the sunset on the horizon. 

No words could form or escape from the other's mouth. Neither wanted to ruin the rare peace in a world that was always moving. Like both running through a maze trying to find a solution but never lost. Feeling confident in knowing where they were going as they were solving this life together.

"It's a beautiful view," Gema said, breaking the silence by letting out a deep breath of satisfaction in the surprise.

Carter held out his hand, innocently. "May I have this dance, Ms. Aegeus?" He asked.

Playing along, Gema lowered into a curtsy. "I'd be honored." She placed her hand in his. Permitting him to lead them to be in the center of the deck. Comfort spread through her veins as Carter wrapped his arm around her back. Following his gesture, Gema rested her other hand on his shoulder. To complete our formation, he lifted their linked hands into position, initiating the dance by taking a step forward and she took one back to repeat the pattern.

An explosion crashing in her chest like waves flooding on a beach, triggered her arms to move to rest around his neck to be closer. "Saying yes to you was the best decision I've ever made."

"Me too." He whispered as his nose bumped against hers.

She immediately reciprocated at the sensation of his lips brushing hers. Melting into a beautiful bliss. Carter cupped his hand on Gema's cheek while his thumb gently stroked her cheekbone, and she brought her hands to clasp the side of his neck. Her smile faded at the urge to reveal her secret to him. More clear and persistent to remain honest to him. Realizing this is no longer to be a secret, she should keep it from him. To let him see her whole world. All of it instead of just partial.

Her lips slipped away from his touch as she tried to process her thoughts on how to explain this huge part of her that she'd kept under the surface. "I have to tell you something," Gema said through a heavy exhale.

The nerves building up as she reached for the courage to confess with ocean-blue eyes on his. Anxiously touching the ring on her left hand next to her pinky, spinning it as the lump that was rising became stuck in her throat.

A warm embrace around her fidgeting hands, calming her like a blanket, cures the worry with a supporting gaze. "Hey," He assured, squeezing her palms. "You say it. And I'll listen."

Gema's smile returned from being reminded of who this was. This was Carter Bane. Not J. Jonah Jameson or anyone else. There's no reason to be afraid. His promise demolishing every doubt that had crossed her mind. The three-word sentence, on the tip of her tongue, and ready to get it out with a dragging sigh.

"I am Sp-"

Before she could finish her sentence, piercing blade of panic tears through her mind as an increasing feeling of danger lurks from each direction shrinking her down. The worry not being hers alone.

"Gema?"

She glances at Carter after taking a double blink. His concerned eyes pleading for an explanation. Right as Gema was about to spit it out, her head snapped in alert towards the upcoming impact that was too late to prevent.

*ÉXRIXI!

The boat rocked unexpectedly, and the hairs on her spine stood straight on her bare skin. An unsettling echo reached Gema's ears that made a crease in her forehead with a whisper of thought. Gema's mind began to spiral, her heart beating fast, contemplating the best option in this situation. Overflowing and consumed with pressure taking the forefront of her mind. 

"That's not possible." She said under her breath.

"Gema," Carter called out again. "What's going on?"

With that, she had no choice. She pulled him back in, kissing his lips again. Knowing soon that this would be the last kiss, before he knew all of Gema Aegeus. A brief reassurance leaves a tattoo of strength when she slowly breaks. Her eyes remained unopened, feeling harassed by the shortage of time that she couldn't lay the news down easy to him as she'd hoped. But fate forced for there to be an adjustment in a rush.

"Just know," Gema whispered her forehead meeting his. "I won't ever stop loving you no matter what happens after tonight."

"That's why I think you should go." Carter said quietly.

Her eyes shot open, as he leaned towards the side of her face. Not expecting that response as she grew more confused.

"Go." He repeated with the tilt of his head. His finger found the gadget behind her ear, activating the mask to cover half of Gema's face. The vibranium material pushing her hair to peak out while the rest of the technological suit crawled on her skin, replacing the elegant navy dress. Leaving the bottom half of her face exposed.  "I'll cover for you, starfish." He urged with a wink, after kissing the crown of Gema's head. 

"Now go help your brother!"

Having no time to waste, Gema tapped on the shooters on her wrist that sprang to life after she took off the white gloves and other accessories from the previous outfit. Now launching to the railing, keeping an eye out for commotion but not forgetting to sneak a glance over her shoulder to see Carter race down the stairs. Gema shook her head with a lightness in her heart. Spiderwoman and the Chief of the Police, working together on the same team again. Without guilt holding me back this time. 

-----

After setting Thea down, they hid behind a rock just outside the cave that was covered with palm trees and tropical plants. Nai's mask came off, staring directly into Thea's eyes while holding her by the shoulders. "This is not how our night was supposed to go. But I promise I'll make it up to you-"

Two hands grabbed his face with a quick peck on his lips to shut him up from his shameful guilt.

"Nai, I understand," Thea muttered. "I do hate watching you leave, but I do know Nai Aegeus doesn't back down and would never run from his responsibility."

He shook his head, opening his mouth to spit out more apologies, but felt a finger over his lips. "That was one of the reasons I fell in love with you, Nai. Even before I ever found out you were Spiderman."

The thought he was about to say couldn't compete with the passionate loyalty of Thea Sawyer. Nai knitted his eyebrows as he wrapped her in a hug. With him being a few inches taller, his arms were around her neck while hers slid from under his shoulders as her hands stayed on his back.

She pulled away from the hug while tapping the button behind his ear, letting the Spiderman mask cover his eyes. Her hands holding the sides of his face once more. "And you should know that anyone could be behind this mask, but no one else can be Nai Aegeus better than you."

Without a doubt in his mind, this was the girl he never stopped loving since that prom night. Now seeing in her eyes filled with bravery that she always carried with her. She never once doubted her best friend or dared to ever abandon him in his lowest times.

"Just be careful," Thea said, still trying to maintain that fearlessness.

Nai nodded as he squeezed her hand in reply. "Stay safe."

As a crash in the distance grabbed his attention, he snuck a kiss to her cheek before shooting a web out to one of the palm trees, off to battle his nemesis. 

Nai's jaw grew tense as he landed on the water's surface as if it were solid ground. "Don't enjoy being free for too long Goblin! You're going back behind bars after tonight." He shouted.

"That could be fun but not as fun as this!" She hollered while chucking another bomb towards the pier where people were running wild.

Nai extended his wrist in time to redirect the bomb to land into the ocean instead as it exploded.

Goblin glided over the waves like a waterboard, taunting with a grin holding up a familiar gadget in her hands, her thumb hovering over a button. "Where is your twin by the way? Hope she's not missing out on my surprises tonight!"

Gema! He thought as a chill went up his spine. 

Nai whipped his head to see the cruise ship out in the distance. The boat was decorated with sparkling lights that reflected on the water with the gentle melody of a symphony. An event with an elegant banquet was for the NPD.

Without waiting for Goblin, Nai kicked her in the face as her device flung in the air. Then leading with a thwip that launches a string of white that snatches the gadget. His other wrist flicking out for a line of web in the form of a net, to catch Goblin as if she were a squid. Yet she maneuvered out of the way and grabbed Spiderman's jaw. 

"And I'll make sure you don't ruin it." She threatened with her insane evil smile and slammed her foot onto his chest, sending him straight into the ocean. Her hands held him under the surface. 

Nai took advantage of his power to breath with ease in water. Yet, this ability didn't eliminate the arousing of aches in his muscles. He continued to struggle against her, trying to get out of this uncomfortable position.

The next thing he knew, the Goblin was knocked off her balance, allowing Nai to crawl out and sit on the surface to catch his breath. 

"Need a hand?"

He looked up to match the voice with a figure wearing an identical suit to his with a hand offered to him. Nai rolled his eyes before accepting the offer by grabbing her hand as she lifted him onto his feet.

"Look who finally decided to show up and help their twin-mate." Nai huffed through his nose in a snort.

"I'm here aren't I?" Gema scoffed with irritation towards the usual attitude of her brother. 

Nai shrugged at his sister's complaint with a casual sigh. "Yeah, yeah. At least you didn't have to cancel your dating with your new girlfriend."

"Girlfriend!?" Gema let out a loud gasp, putting her hands over the bridge of her nose. "It's official now?"

A prideful smirk playing on his lips peaked on the exposed half of his face. "You could say that."

Gema moves her hands to her cheeks like a teenage girl watching a romance film. "This means I can finally have a sister after being stuck with a brother for 27 years!"

He rolled his eyes before glaring at her with a frown. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, just that I'm excited for you two." Gema shook her head with a laugh until she switched her expression to panic as her lips tightened into a line, clasping her hands in front of her chest. "And uh, Carter knows our secret now."

"What!?" Nai furrowed his eyebrows, the eyes on his mask matching the concerned shock to what came out of his sister's mouth.

Gema opened her mouth. "Well, I-"

A disturbance emerged from the water cut off the update. 

Nai clicked his tongue against his teeth. "How about taking care of this bottom feeder first?" He suggested, shooting his webs without waiting for the response.

"I couldn't agree more." Gema nodded with a sigh as she followed his lead. 

Passing the Waterpower Rig -a mini factory that sits on the water vertically, half of it under the surface- contained with multiple turbines that allow the water to flow through a generator. One of the many main sources to provide energy for Neuphrates, connecting to a variety of systems. The structure sat peacefully on the surface while the bright golden sun melted into the horizon of the ocean. Dusk begins to take place with fluffs of white covering the blanket of indigo above. The rig resting below with currents brushing silently against the docks. 

Cruising along the water, her bare feet moved to the rhythm while maintaining a balance to the surfing motion she was used to. Gema used the powerlines -that peaked out of the water- to manage the continuous momentum. 

On the other hand, Nai went on with the plan by propelling himself with webs attaching to the poles of the submarine railways under the water. The transportation in the form of tube-shaped structure is activated with a magnetic levitation, created by the strongest metal on earth. Commuting citizens beneath the city through the ocean to then drop them off at the stations above.

"I don't think so, codfish!" Gema called out while snatching Goblin's knife from behind her and tossing it away. The weapon plopping into the sea.

Turning around in a roundhouse attack, Gema's foot hit her target who tumbled off her glider and landed on the deck of the rig. The Goblin's device slowed down before running into the side of the tower. Without hesitation, Gema switched her web fluid with the touch of a button on her shooters, then thrust her arm out towards her enemy.

"Ow!" Goblin cried with a shriek of pain from the tip of the web, then let out a chuckle as if to keep her insanity at peak. "Forgot about that nice little trick of yours."

"It won't kill you that's for sure." Gema said with a proud smirk. 

Another hiss came out through Goblin's teeth while Gema was unphased by her next attempt, knowing what was coming and that there was no reason to respond to danger. Goblin failed to charge, not just from the sting in the web but from being captured in the mesh of a fishing net. Followed by Spiderman landing next to his partner, the two exchanging a nod of approval and bumping each other's fists.

"Great job genius," Gema said and gestured her head towards Goblin.

Nai acknowledges her with a salute and his classic grin. "Thanks again to my spider-net."

"And my stinger-web!" Gema scoffed, rolling her eyes at her brother's self-centered pride.

The argument dropped as a faint cry came to their ears. Their heads turned towards a helpless Goblin with tears falling out of her eyes that no longer had a trace of evil. A pinch of sympathy sent one of Gema's feet to take a step toward the broken woman. 

"Nora?" She spoke softly, contrasting with her previous tone.

About to take another step when a firm grip wrapped around the crease of her elbow. Keeping her from going any further. Gema looked over her shoulder to find two giant droplet-shaped circles covering Nai's eyes.

"Don't engage." He said, pulling her back, warning her to caution of any trick Goblin could be playing on them.

"She won't leave me alone!" Nora cried again, looking at the twins with guilt that knitted her eyebrows. "I didn't do it! I swear! She's taking over my mind! Help me please!"

"We'll help you by locking you away and finding you medical attention." Nai sighed as he approached her, grabbing the net and lifting his catch over his shoulder.

Gema locked eyes with Nora, wishing to do something, like take away this burden that wasn't asked for.

Nora's lips stretched into a tight line with a sneer. The previous pity for Nora instantly vanished in fear when a chill sparked through Gema's veins. Sensing the gadget in Goblin's hand, and a thumb hovering over the button. Nai even widened his eyes at the warning, in sync with his sister who extended her arm to prevent this night from getting worse.

ÉXRIXI!

Barely missing the mark, Gema snapped her head around with fear striking in an instant. Countless lives were now at stake when her gaze fell on the boat containing the formal event she had left minutes prior.

"Looks like it won't be just me you'll have to take care of tonight." Goblin's taunting voice mocked as Nai placed her on the ground. "Can't end the night like-"

Thwip!

"That should shut her up," Nai said with a scowl of annoyance. 

Gema looked to see Goblin's mouth covered in sticky web fluid. She huffed at his sarcasm but returned her focus to the ship that was in danger. Her worry increasing more and more as her thoughts began to spiral while her heart picked up speed.

The touch of comfort surrounded her hand until it remained secure. Causing her to see her brother at the corner of her eye. "You start protecting the people on the boat," Nai said with a calming instruction. "I'll keep her busy."

Gema pressed a squeeze to his hand. "You got this."

"You too, sis."

After accepting the encouragement, Gema shot a web above, lifting herself up. Moving towards the ship while anchoring herself on the crest of the waves. Nai watched his sister go off before dodging a trio of mini spears that barely whizzed past him as Goblin escaped the webbing mesh with a knife.

"You better not have anymore surprises tonight, Goblin." Nai spat at her.

The Goblin smirks while raising an eyebrow. "Oh, Spiderman, you have no idea." She said in a haunting growl in another taunt before taking off and jumping off the deck.

Nai rushed to follow, but stopped himself from getting smacked in the face when Goblin came back levitating on her glider. "We'll see about that!" He challenged. 

He dove into the ocean and jumped over the surface with the pull of his web like a sling, baiting Goblin to follow him and keep her focus away from the boat. Leading her to move inside the underwater lake in the Cave of Plato. 

ꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀꕀ

Isn't it funny how invested I am in Gema and Carter, & Nai and Thea but not doing anything for my own love life. 🤡

Anyways thanks for reading! Keep the comments coming! (I hope to get spiderverse characters in the next chapter or two!)

-marie (: