Disclaimers
All characters appearing in D.C Comics & Time Warner, Marvel Comics, Gargoyles/Gargoyles: the Goliath Chronicles, cartoons created by Murakami Wolf Swenson Inc. & IDW comics, media created by Joss Whedon, DIC Entertainment and Toei Animation & Akira Toriyama are the property of their respective owners. No infringements of these copyrights are intended and are not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters and concepts are the property of Celgress.
Adventures of Spider-Man and Spinneret – Prologue
By
Celgress
An Apartment in San Francisco mid-January 2016, early morning
"That's the last of them," Peter said dropping three cardboard boxes on the hardwood floor where they joined stacks of many others. He wiped sweat from his brow. "We're all moved in, partner."
"Don't you mean wife." Mary Jane teased.
Mary Jane and Peter had been married in Los Vegas two days ago over the stringent objects of her Aunt Anna and his Aunt May. Although neither family matriarch could do much to stop the pair as they both over eighteen (they would turn nineteen later in the year) neither did they attend the wedding. The only witnesses were a pair of renowned journalists and a certain billionaire industrialist who took a shine to Peter.
"How could I forget the best decision I ever made. I can't believe we stayed apart so long over such silly things." Peter said gently kissing his new bride on her lips. A gesture she returned with gusto.
As Peter held Mary Jane in his arms he felt complete. Every misfortune that had befallen him in recent months was forgotten, if only temporarily. Reluctantly he ended their kiss before it spiraled into a full-blown make-out session, as often happened when they did not show restraint. The genetic experts in the Legion of Superheroes assumed their spider charged pheromones were to blame.
"Much as I hate to say this," Peter said bringing forth every ounce of resolve he could muster. "I'll have to take a rain check, work calls."
"It was nice of Mr. Wayne to give you a job. Otherwise, I don't know how we would afford this loft apartment. Rents are so much higher here than in Cider Falls or Gainsville." Mary Jane said.
"It's because San Francisco is a bedroom community for Silicone Valley," Peter said. "I wish Flash when he stole my body and became Spider-Man, hadn't withdrawn from me from university. They won't readmit me until at least next year."
"I know, tiger, it sucks," Mary Jane said with a sympathetic smile.
Mary Jane thought of how she had been expelled from university in Florida because she missed half a semester. Unfortunately, she could not tell her instructors the truth that she was off on a mystical tour of the world with a group of fellow superheroes (see "Oblivion Paradox" and "Where You Need To Be"). Her dream of becoming a famous journalist lay in shambles. Worse, her life lacked any sort of clear direction. At least Peter knew he still wanted to work with computers. She had no idea what she wanted to do.
"It sure does, but we can't dwell on the past. Feeling sorry for ourselves won't get us anywhere. We should concentrate on the future, instead." Peter said. He ducked into the bathroom so he could take a quick shower and charged into his work clothes. Fifteen minutes later he was ready to go. "I look forward to continuing our fun tonight, Red."
"Back at you, tiger." Mary Jane said winking.
"Don't unpack until I get home, okay," Peter said.
"Such a considerate gentleman." Mary Jane half teased. She added with a mischievous smiled. "I'll have to think of a way to reward you later."
"C'mon Red quit it. I already would rather stay here with you." Peter whined adjusting his tie.
Mary Jane giggled. "Have a great day at work, tiger."
Beneath San Francisco, roughly an hour later
Peter stood crammed uncomfortably into the corner of a crowded subway train. He nearly missed his train about an hour ago when he arrived late. Why was he never on time outside of his heroic duties? He could not help but wonder. He was well organized and far faster than your average human. Did he subconsciously sabotage himself because of lingering guilt over those he failed to save (like Uncle Ben)?
Speaking of guilt, Peter also felt extremely guilty about what Flash did when he was Spider-Man, even though such events were completely out of his control. By all available reports the four months Flash spent in his body was a disaster. Flash only cared about his corporate sponsorship deal with Lexcorp (the terms of which Spider-Man remained bound by) rather than helping those in need. Flash allowed minor criminals to run rampant. If Flash did not get paid he did not fight crime or the forces of evil. After they swapped back a week ago Peter had no idea where Flash was or what had become of the other young man.
"It's not fair!" Flash cried out back in his own body. He knelt on the rain-soaked rooftop his face contorted by rage. "Power was handed to you on a silver platter Parker! Hooking up with the Venom Symbiote was the price I paid for power! Enduring that slimy thing in my mind was hell! It then left me without a second thought when I got sick (see "Agent Venom Licensed To Kill")!"
Flash got unsteadily to his feet around which lay the remnants of the Spyder Knight armor Peter wore while in Flash's body. When Peter and Flash had come within a few feet of each other the armor unexpectedly glowed several times before undoing Baron Mordo's spell. Flash lunged at Peter who stood in the modified Spider-Man costume from Lexcorp (complete with state of the art stealth tech, gold inlaid spider symbols and four gold legs mounted to the back which contained an array of weapons) only to have Peter effortlessly sidestep Flash's sloppy attack. Peter grabbed Flash by the scruff of his neck. Peter whirled Flash around to face him. Peter then readied his free fist to strike.
"He's defeated son. It's over." Superman said holding back Spider-Man's fist back from its intended target. Beside the Man of Steel stood Superwoman and the former Arachnia who was now called Spinneret. The two superheroines likewise voiced their concern for Spider-Man's pending action.
"You're right Sups," Spider-Man said pushing a fearful Flash away. "Get out of here Flash before I change my mind!' Flash needed no further encouragement he ran away at a breakneck speed nearly slipping in the process.
"Spider-Man is bad each. I'm not tangling with these three too." Electro said staring at the four with dismay. He zapped away through the air without a second thought.
"Electro is right, I'm out," Mysterio said. He then vanished in a puff of purple smoke. He was followed by Sandman and Vulture who each beat a hasty retreat.
Of the new Sinister Six assembled by Otto Octavius, the Superior Spider-Man, only Venom (currently Mac Gargan) and Superior Spider-Man himself remained. Venom warily inspected his formidable foes before he made his choice clear. "Sorry Superior, while we may hate Spider-Man we didn't sign up for this." Venom to was gone in an instant.
"Cowards," Superior Spider-Man yelled after his departing comrades.
"So what will it be oh Superior one? You want a beatdown 'cause I'm itching for a fight." Spider-Man asked cracking his gloved knuckles.
"He who runs away lives to fight another day." Superior Spider-Man said swinging away into the gathering storm. 'Perhaps a change in identity is in order.' He thought. 'Or more precisely a revision to a previously held identity. The Superior Octopus has a nice ring to it. One that fits nicely with the water manipulation ability I have recently gained from co-opting Sandstorm's elemental mutation.'
Arriving at his stop Peter stepped out of the train. "Wayne Industries ready or not here I come," Peter said with an apprehensive gulp.
To Be Continued
Author's Note One -
Sorry about the time skip. I felt it was the only way to move the various properties in Universe 7531 forward in, well, a timely fashion. Events that occurred during the past few months (in-universe time) shall be cover as the story advances.
Author's Note Two -
Spider-Man's Lexcorp suit in design and general appearance is heavily inspired by the Iron Spider Suit from Infinity Avengers: Infinity War.