June 9th The Hostel
That night, after everyone had settled into their temporary accommodations, Danny and Chase found a quiet spot away from the rest of the group. They sat on the rooftop, looking out over the city.
The stars were obscured by the city lights, but it was a clear night. Danny broke the silence first. "It's strange, isn't it? Sitting here, knowing what we're up against tomorrow."
Chase nodded, his face lit up by the soft glow of the city. "Yeah, it is. We've faced a lot of crazy things, but this... this is on a whole other level."
Danny turned to face him, his expression serious. "Chase, I need to know that you're okay. I mean, really okay. I know things have been rough with your parents and everything that's happened."
Chase sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's been hard, Danny. Finding out what my parents were up to... It's like my whole world turned upside down. But having you and the others, it helps. Knowing that we’re not alone in this."
Danny reached out, placing a comforting hand on Chase's shoulder. "We'll get through this together. I promise. No matter what happens, we have each other's backs."
Chase gave a small smile. "Thanks, Danny. That means a lot."
Danny hesitated for a moment, then spoke up again. "And about us... I know things have been weird since Christmas, and I don't want you to feel pressured or anything, but I care about you, Chase. A lot."
Chase looked at Danny, his eyes softening. "I care about you too, Danny. And I know things have been complicated, but I want to see where this goes. Even with everything happening."
Danny's heart lifted at Chase's words. "I'm glad to hear that. We'll take it one step at a time, okay?"
Chase nodded. "One step at a time."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's company.
Eventually, Danny leaned in, resting his head on Chase's shoulder. "Whatever happens tomorrow, I'm glad I have you by my side."
Chase wrapped an arm around Danny, pulling him closer. "Me too, Danny. Me too."
As the night wore on, they stayed there together, finding strength in each other and the bond they shared. Tomorrow would bring its own challenges, but for now, they had this moment, and that was enough.
——
Pride Meeting.
The next day, Team Pride gathered at the designated meeting spot, an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. It was a risk, meeting The Pride on their terms, but they had no other choice if they were to stop the impending disaster.
As they entered, the air was thick with tension. The dim lighting cast long shadows on the walls, Team Pride stood together, ready for whatever came their way.
The Pride was already there, waiting. The parents of the Runaways, dressed in their usual business attire but exuding an aura of menace and authority, watched their children with a mixture of disappointment and anger.
Geoffrey Wilder, Alex's father, was the first to speak. "So, you've decided to come back. What, finally realized you can't beat us?"
Alex stepped forward, his face set with determination. "We're here to stop you, Dad. This has to end."
Catherine Wilder scoffed. "Stop us? You don't understand the forces at play here. The Gibborim have promised us power and longevity. We're doing this for our families."
Nico couldn't hold back any longer. "Your families? You mean sacrificing innocent lives to save yourselves? How is that doing anything for us?"
Tina Minoru, Nico's mother, stepped forward, her eyes cold. "You don't know what you're talking about, Nico. This is about survival."
Spider-Man, sensing the rising tension, tried to mediate. "Listen, we don't want to fight you. We're here to find a solution that doesn't involve hurting anyone. We know there's a better way."
Stacey Yorkes, Gert's mother, looked unimpressed. "Spare us your lectures, Spider-Man. You're just children playing at being heroes."
Molly, clenched her fists. "We're not just playing. We're stronger than you think, and we're not going to let you get away with this."
Chase, stepped forward, his voice trembling with anger. "We know about the ritual. We know what you're planning to do. We're giving you a chance to stop this before it's too late."
The parents exchanged glances, their resolve unshaken. Alex knew it was time to try Nathaniel's advice. He looked at Cloak. "Show them, Cloak."
Cloak nodded, stepping forward and extending his hand toward The Pride. Shadows enveloped the room, and The Pride found themselves in a vision of the future—an apocalyptic wasteland where the Gibborim ruled and humanity was on the brink of extinction.
As the vision faded, The Pride looked visibly shaken, but their leader, Geoffrey Wilder, recovered quickly. "Nice trick, but it changes nothing. We made a deal with the Gibborim, and we intend to honor it."
Spider-Man, desperate to find a way to break through, tried once more. "This isn't just about us fighting you. It's about saving the world. If you go through with this, you'll be dooming everyone, including yourselves."
Janet Stein, Chase's mother, took a step forward. "And what do you propose we do? Stand back and let everything fall apart?"
Alex took a deep breath, ready to reveal Nathaniel's plan. "We have a way to stop the Gibborim. But we need your help. This is your chance to make things right."
The Pride's members exchanged uncertain glances, but Geoffrey Wilder's voice cut through the silence. "Enough. This meeting is over."
As The Pride began to leave, Spider-Man felt a sinking feeling in his chest. "Wait! Please, just listen—"
But it was too late. The Pride walked out, leaving Team Pride standing in the empty warehouse, their hopes dashed.
Nico turned to Alex, her voice filled with frustration. "Now what? They didn't listen. We're running out of time."
Alex clenched his fists, trying to keep his composure. "We stick to the plan. We confront them during the ritual and do whatever it takes to stop the Gibborim."
Spider-Man nodded. "We won't give up. We have to save the world, no matter what."
The team stood together, knowing that the real battle was just beginning. They had one last chance to stop The Pride and the Gibborim, and they were ready to face whatever came their way.
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