Disclaimer: I own nothing of Spider-man, only the new direction and future changes the gender switch placed in this story provides.
Spider-Woman: The Animated Series Chapter 1
Ruthana Parker has been at this for a while now as Spider-Woman.
Sure since she started out there are still haters like J. Jonah Jameson out there just waiting for her to mess up and ruin her reputation, but in reality a lot of people in the city who support her. It certainly brings a smile to her face whenever anything brings her down.
"New York City…If only everything down there was really as peaceful as it is looks from up here," mused Ruthana, seated on a gargoyle in full uniform.
At present Ruthana is patrolling the New York City for anything out of the ordinary.
So far nothing unusual is happening. At least not anything Ruthana can see right off the bat.
What she didn't expect to find is a van for a subway repair company speeding out of control through the streets.
So much for peaceful.
"What's this? Another satisfied graduate of the New York City Car Driving Academy," said Ruthana, sarcastically, shooting a line of webbing in pursuit of the reckless driver in hot pursuit.
This guy is completely out of control. Hitting other cars, running vehicles off the crowded and busy streets, sending countless people leaping out of the way and scurrying for cover.
It's a miracle anyone hasn't been killed yet.
Landing on the roof of the van, placing her head beside the open window to get the drivers attention, Ruthana said "Hit the brake!"
Rick, the subway repairman, his eyes are wild and crazed. But what got to Ruthana the most is the downright terror in them.
"Turn," shouted Ruthana, grabbing the top of the wheel and turning the van for him when she noticed he was about to ram into a crowd.
Now instead of buildings and sidewalks full of people the van is now looking to make a dive into the Hudson.
Fortunately Ruthana was able to get the driver out in time just as the van collides with the railing and nose diving into the water. Ruthana and Rick are now hanging from a bent over lamppost from the collision by her webbing.
"What was that all about," demanded Ruthana.
Severely shaken, trembling like crazy, Rick stammered "Red eyes. The red eyes are after me."
Rolling her eyes underneath the mask, not believing the excuse for a measly second, Ruthana said "Aha. And did they belong to little pink elephants?"
"No, Spider-Woman. It was real, it was real. I swear," he insisted.
"Yeah, all right. Fine. Just don't let the cops blame this one on me, okay," said Ruthana.
She has enough to deal with on her plate already without the police labeling her as a criminal out of the blue.
Ruthana flips them back onto solid land. Ruthana sets the guy gently on the sidewalk. All the while he's still mumbling about those "Red Eyes" in the subway tunnels.
Ruthana made sure this guy was taken to a hospital where he'd be handled by the proper authorities. This guy needs some serious psychiatric help.
"New York City…Never a dull moment," sighed Ruthana, swinging from line to line. "Well guess it all comes with the job."
And speaking of jobs.
Ruthana's late to hers. She has to deliver her new batch of Spider-Woman pictures to the Daily Bugle or else she won't get paid. She can't afford to get docked.
"Ruthana, I've got a new job for you," said Robbie Robertson, one of the editors-in-chief for the Daily Bugle and the owner's right hand man. Robertson is going over some of the photographs Ruthana recently brought in. "You've always gotten good shots of Spider-Woman, right? Let's see what you can do with the Lizard."
Oh no. Not this again.
Hands on hips, Ruthana said "The who?"
And in walks the biggest Spider-Woman hater in town.
J. Jonah Jameson himself.
The prick.
"The Lizard, Parker," said Jameson. "If you'd ever get here on time you'd know what was going on."
Well Ruthana would except her constant pit stops as Spider-Woman leave her pressed for time.
"There are reports of a giant lizard down in the subways," explained Robbie, elaborating for her.
"In this town, who'd notice," joked Ruthana, grinning.
"I'd notice."
Oh great, Eddie Brock. Now it's a party. Brock's been employed a lot longer with the Daily Bugle as a reporter. He's a pretty good one too except for the fact he hit on her not long after she showed up. That Ruthana can do without.
"If this weren't serious, Parker, I wouldn't have gotten the assignment," boasted Eddie Brock.
Arms crossed, skeptical, Ruthana said "I don't know, Brock. You're just the reporter I'd send on a wild goose chase."
"It's not a wild goose chase, Smart Mouth," said Jameson, not appreciating her lip, handing Ruthana a picture. "Look, a subway repairman, missing. His friend says the Lizard got him."
Subway repairman? Oh my, the friend of the missing worker must be the guy she picked up off the streets earlier today. If these claims have any merit then it appears like she seriously misjudged him. He had the right to be so afraid. It definitely merits further investigation by Spider-Woman. This is why being a photographer is such a good cover.
Taking out a list of names from his jacket pocket, Eddie Brock said "I got those names of scientists who work with reptiles."
"Good," said Jameson, pleased. "Then you can interview them for background."
"Right. The closest one is at Empire State. Name's Conner's," said Eddie Brock.
Eyes widening in surprise, recognizing the last name instantly, Ruthana said "Dr. Curt Conner's? He's one of my teachers. He's an expert in Recombinant DNA and reptile mutagenics. He's a genius."
Waving his hand dismissively, Jameson said "Yeah, whatever. You'll be the contact with Conner's from now on."
"But Boss-," protested Eddie Brock.
"The kid knows him and besides do you have any idea what mut0-whats-its are," demanded Jameson.
That left Eddie Brock stuttering to find a response.
Interceding, Ruthana said "Mr. Jameson, I still think this whole thing is a hoax."
"Parker! The first one to get a photo of the Lizard for my Nightly News gets a $1000 bonus," mentioned Jameson.
On second thought maybe this Lizard isn't such a fake, a fraud, after all.
Changing her tune, Ruthana asked "Color or black and white?"
The meeting is adjourned.
As Ruthana is leaving the building Eddie Brock stopped her on the way out.
Already annoyed with him, Ruthana said "What do you want now, Eddie?"
Leaning adjacent to the wall, Eddie Brock smirked "Listen, Parker, about before I wasn't belittling your skills as a photographer. How about you and I go interview Conner's together."
So that's his game today.
"Eddie, you heard Jameson in there. He wants me to talk to Dr. Conner's. Besides you have all those other scientists to interview," said Ruthana, brushing him off.
"All right then. How about you and I compare notes later. Say over dinner," he said, smug, casually trying to act all sly and smooth.
Not going to work.
"Forget it. I've told you before Eddie, I'm not going out with you. Now if you'll excuse me," said Ruthana, bypassing him and out the door.
Eyes narrow, Eddie Brock said "One of these days you'll change your mind, Parker. You'll regret turning me down."
"In your dreams," muttered Ruthana under her breath.
More like not a chance in hell.
Later when at the house she shares with her Aunt May, Ruthana can't help but get excited over the reward money Jameson has put up as a bonus. With that money Ruthana can probably put a down payment on a car or use it on a newer more efficient camera or stuff she needs in the future as Spider-Woman.
Coming down the stairs, seeing Aunt May reading some letters in the pile of mail, Ruthana said "Hey, Pretty Lady. Why the frown?"
"Nothing, Ruthana. Nothing at all," said Aunt May, hiding the letter behind her back and slipping it into a book under some other papers. "I can't decide what I wan to make for dinner."
Ruthana kissed her cheek and Aunt May went into the kitchen.
The smile Ruthana bears is replaced with a concerned and worried frown. She never likes it when Aunt May hides stuff from her. Not only is Aunt May terrible at it, but she hates seeing her this way especially since she and Uncle Ben raised her since she was very small.
Taking out the sheet of paper that Aunt May tried to hide she saw what had gotten her so upset. It's a Past Due Notice from the bank. Looks like Aunt May hasn't been able to pay them for a while. Ruthana is ashamed. Here she is thinking on what to buy for herself when she should really supposed to be helping take care of Aunt May and the house.
Ruthana is determined to pay her back and then some with that bonus money. She swears it.
Authors Note:
Hope you guys all like this one! ;D