I'M IN MARVEL

C19: Spider-Man in the Spider-Verse

I see.

No wonder Doctor Strange's portal can span across vast distances—thousands of light years in mere moments.

Meanwhile, my abilities barely let me escape the solar system.

By the way, that portal doesn't just traverse space; it can also travel through the multiverse.

"So, can I visit Gwen's universe, Earth-65?" I asked, thinking of it.

"Master, how can I use the portal to travel through the multiverse?"

The Ancient One paused for a moment before answering, his voice calm but filled with weighty knowledge.

"Don't extend your mental power over vast distances. Instead, attune yourself to the subtle layers of existence. The quantum realm is your key to navigating the multiverse."

"The quantum realm?" Tony Stark interjected, a mix of confusion and intrigue in his voice. "That's not even part of regular physics. How does it relate to magic?"

Tony's skepticism was palpable, as his entire worldview was being turned upside down by what had happened so far.

"Magic is science, and science is magic," the Ancient One replied slowly, his words like a riddle that slowly unraveled. "Both are simply methodologies for understanding the objective laws of the universe. There's no essential difference between the two. Mind power and soul energy are just as real as any physical force."

Tony grumbled, muttering something about materialism versus idealism, his thoughts no doubt racing.

"Master, if I wanted to visit Gwen's original universe, what should I do?" I asked, not paying much attention to Tony's musings.

"The original Earth-65 and its neighboring universes are intertwined with a central universe. To reach Gwen's home, you would need to access the central point of this web—the universe numbered 1610."

I thought about it. That number seemed familiar.

It clicked. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

"Master, so all I need to do is untangle the universes, right?"

"Yes," the Ancient One affirmed with a nod, "but be aware—this involves ancient powers, and intervention might cause unforeseen disruptions."

I frowned. Gwen had been helping me with the Blood God incident recently, and I wanted to give her a surprise.

"Russell, you might be able to intervene without causing too much trouble," the Ancient One added.

"You share a close bond with Gwen, and such ties can open certain paths."

"Master, how do you know all of this?" I couldn't help but ask.

The Ancient One smiled faintly. "There's a universe numbered 616, where a version of me resides. Through a spell, I communicate with him."

I was momentarily confused. "Night Walk? Doesn't that require the Darkhold?"

The Ancient One seemed to anticipate my thoughts. "Magic is energy, and like any form of energy, it can be studied and replicated. Tools like the Darkhold are merely one way of accessing it."

The Ancient One's lips curled up in a knowing smile as he recalled the vampire incident. "Russell, I can help send you and Gwen to Earth-1610. While there, the version of me in Universe-616 will keep an eye on you. Once the matter is resolved, he'll return you both."

I felt a sinking feeling. "Master, you want me to take care of this because you don't want to deal with it yourself, don't you?"

The Ancient One's grin was all but mischievous. "This matter has been pending for some time. It would be best if it's resolved swiftly... and I'd be more than happy to show off my successor in another universe."

Stephen Strange? Who? I wasn't familiar with him.

"Then I'll go discuss it with Gwen."

I opened a portal and found myself standing in front of George Stacy's door. I rang the bell.

"Wait a minute, I'll be right there."

George's voice came from within. A moment later, the door opened, revealing George, who gave me a strange look.

"George, why aren't you at work today?" I asked.

George looked at me with a baffled expression before replying, "I took the day off."

"Day off? You're like a model employee for the NYPD," I said with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, you know... Gwen," he said, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "With everything happening, how could I focus on work?"

I smiled lightly. "And why exactly is it that you're so wary of me standing at your door, George?"

He stepped aside, but his posture remained cautious. "When did you figure it out?" George asked, looking me over.

"When we first met," I replied. "You mentioned something about being 'Ghost Spider' when you left."

George looked taken aback, and before he could respond, Gwen's voice echoed from the house. "What? How did you know?"

With Spider-Man's enhanced hearing, there was no way I could have missed it.

"Remember, Gwen? You mentioned being 'Ghost Spider' when we first met."

"What's the big deal?" she asked, puzzled. "It's not like my reputation's spread to other universes."

"Well, there are several Spider-Women in the multiverse," I said, "but there's only one Ghost Spider."

Gwen's expression shifted from confusion to realization. "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said," I replied.

Before crossing over, I had familiarized myself with the Spider-Verse lore. There were many Spider-Women, but only one was known as Ghost Spider—and that was Gwen Stacy.

"What is all this about?" Gwen asked, walking into the kitchen. "Come on, let's eat."

At the dinner table, I noticed a shift in Helen's demeanor toward me. Initially, she'd been polite, treating me like a guest, but now she seemed almost... warm.

Was this something Gwen had mentioned to them?

"Gwen," I began, "I have a way to send you back to your universe."

She looked up, thankful but hesitant. "I miss Earth-65... but I've also grown attached to this family on Earth-404."

I explained, "You'll be able to travel back and forth freely. You can always return whenever you like."

Gwen sighed in relief. "Alright, then. Let's tell George and Helen."

When I explained everything to them, Helen smiled. "That's wonderful, Gwen. But remember, you have to visit us often."

George, after a moment of silence, said, "I'll write a letter to your father in Earth-65."

Helen joined in. "And I'll write to him as well."

Little Gwen beamed. "I want to write a letter too!"

After the heartfelt goodbyes, we stepped into the portal.

"Are you ready?" the Ancient One asked.

"Yes," I replied.

The portal opened, and we stepped into it, leaving the comforting world we'd grown accustomed to.

Before the portal closed, I could faintly hear Tony's voice. "Master, I get it now! I really get it!"

And just like that, Russell and Gwen were off on their next adventure.

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