Chapter 28: The Lizard's Lair
Talon frowned, his voice laced with irritation. "Peter, are you that naive? I told you, it was all in her head. I have no interest in her. She was taken by the Lizard. You should be the one saving her, not me."
He was a busy man. He didn't have time for rescue missions.
He also knew exactly why the Lizard had taken Mary. It was a problem of Spider-Man's own making.
"Talon, I was wrong. I misunderstood you. I'm sorry," Peter pleaded, his voice desperate. "I'm calling because I can't find him! I have no other choice but to ask you!"
The apology softened Talon's mood slightly. "Optimus Prime," he commanded. "Locate Mary Jane's phone. Find the Lizard."
"Scanning... My Lord, the subject known as 'the Lizard' displayed considerable cunning. Street cameras show him discarding Mary Jane Watson's phone into the river before taking her into the sewer system. As they are now carrying no electronic devices and the sewers lack surveillance, I cannot track them."
Hearing the report, Talon relayed the bad news. "You heard him, Peter. There's nothing I can do."
"No! Talon, you have to have a way! Please, you have to save her!" Peter begged.
"I have pressing matters to attend to, and I cannot find her," Talon stated flatly.
"Talon, help me save her, and I will owe you a favor. Anything!"
A favor from Spider-Man?
Talon considered it. Spider-Man wasn't the most powerful hero, but his unique skills—wall-crawling, web-slinging, and stealth—were unparalleled for certain tasks. If S.H.I.E.L.D. refused him the Vibranium, a master thief like Spider-Man could be useful. Furthermore, the Lizard's genetic template, with its incredible regenerative abilities, was a prize worth pursuing.
"Very well," Talon agreed. "I'll help you."
On the other end of the line, Peter sagged with relief. "Thank you, Talon. Thank you."
"Where are you now?"
"I'm on ** Street, where he took her."
"Wait for me. I'm on my way."
This time, Talon didn't take the Transformer. The sewers were too confined for the massive machine. He sent it back to the private island to deliver the tritium to Doctor Octopus and hailed a taxi.
The traffic was a nightmare. It took over an hour to reach the designated street.
Spider-Man was waiting anxiously on the curb. He rushed over as Talon stepped out of the cab. "Talon!"
"Calm down, Peter," Talon said. "The Lizard won't harm her. Not yet."
"Why? He's a monster!"
"Think. Why did he take her?"
"Because of me! I ruined his mutation serum, so he hates me! He's always trying to get back at me!"
"Precisely. He took Mary Jane to get to you. He won't hurt her until he's had his revenge. She is his bait."
Spider-Man looked confused. "But how does he even know she's my girlfriend? Hardly anyone knows my identity!"
"Who sent Doctor Octopus after you?"
"Harry!"
"And how did Octavius lure you out?"
Spider-Man's eyes widened. "Oh... so the Lizard was hired by Harry, too."
"Correct."
"It's my fault," Peter muttered, guilt washing over him. "I didn't hide my identity well enough, and now Mary Jane is paying for it."
"Enough of that. We need dogs. Hunting dogs with a strong sense of smell. We'll take them into the sewers."
Though his own senses were now enhanced, Talon had no desire to rely on them in the foul-smelling sewers. A dog's nose was still superior, and far more preferable.
Instead of a pet store, Talon led a surprised Spider-Man to the local police precinct. A flash of his S.H.I.E.L.D. credentials, and they were promptly loaned four highly trained German Shepherds. Spider-Man watched the exchange with a new, envious respect for the power of the organization.
Their next stop was Mary Jane's house to retrieve a piece of her clothing for the dogs to scent. Her parents fawned over Talon, begging him to save their daughter, while completely ignoring a dejected Spider-Man. It truly is an era where money and power talk, Talon mused.
With Mary Jane's scented blouse in hand, they returned to the manhole where the Lizard had entered the sewer. The dogs caught the scent immediately, barking and straining at their leashes before leading the way down into the darkness.
The stench was overwhelming. Talon held his breath, his enhanced senses making the odor even more potent. Spider-Man, in his filtered mask, had it slightly easier.
The journey through the twisting, muck-filled tunnels felt endless. Talon's clothes were soon stained with filth, the smell clinging to him. He gritted his teeth, enduring the foul conditions for the sake of Spider-Man's future favor and the Lizard's potent genes.
After what felt like an hour with no success, Talon's patience snapped.
"Peter, this is futile. We're going back up. We need another plan."
"Talon, just a little longer! We might find them any minute!" Spider-Man pleaded, unwilling to give up.
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