Disclaimer: Juubi no Shinju is the name, owning fics is my game!
Welcome to the latest installment of Superior Spider, Addition to the Web!
We have done it people! We have actually reached the FINALE TWO CHAPTERS of the FIRST BEGINNING ARC of the story! What am I talking about? Well, think of this as the Season 1 Finale.
A lot of things happened.
Naruto got his powers.
He battled his first villain.
He practiced his powers.
He saved the people of New York.
And have an EPIC public battle with a supervillain with the entire city watching!
Spider-man is on his way to making a BIG name for himself as a HERO!
Yes, from here on out (well, AFTER these next two chapters) things will be raised up to an ELEVEN on the danger factor for our FORTH favorite webslinger/MOST favorite Naruto/Spider Xross webslinger.
Rank them up:
1. Peter Parker
2. Ben Reilly
3. Kaine
4. Naruto
XP
Next order of business: NEWS!
OK, so I have come to a decision that MIGHT anger some of you...You ready?
I have decided to make a SLIGHT change to the harem.
I will be removing Anya Corazon & Naruko.
Now, BEFORE you start pissing my way (hopefully figuratively), let me explain my reasons.
Anya: I have decided that instead, Anya will be more of a surrogate little sister to Naruto. She is a young spider, and will look up to Naruto as a role model. He will be her teacher, helping her in the ways of a Spider-Totem, and how to handle her powers.
Naruko: Normally I am ALL for Uzumakicest (Trust me, I am a go-for-er for NaruKushi. DON'T JUDGE!). However, I don't know, to me it felt like it wouldn't fit in this story. Maybe it has to do with my plan for the Clone Saga. Felt it wouldn't work in this story. So yeah.
Naruko and Anya are out of the harem, and will be replaced. By who?
Well, after some discussing with a good friend of mine, Chaos-PSD, the new additions are: Taran & Shuri.
If you have no idea who they are, look them up on Marvel Wiki. I think you will like these additions.
Now, for review responses!
: Don't worry. They WILL appear later on. The reason why I'm going with Avengers and Fantastic Four first, is because they are already big named heroes. Daredevil, Luke Cage, Punisher, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist, along with any other heroes living in New York, are taking care of their own parts quietly. While New York is a BIG place, news isn't fast travel from one end to the other. Anyone who is anyone, knows who the Avengers and Fantastic Four are already, not just because of their heroics, but having big ass building owned by them helps too. There will be team-ups between Naruto and other heroes in the future, don't worry.
Airon07: The ones doing the 'Watch Superior Spider' are Grimm King & Keyblade Master Cole. I usually catch up with them on their progress. When the stories come up, is up to them.
ninjspidman8 & everyone else: Thanks to Chaos-PSD, we have managed to work out May's pairing. It will NOT be reveal at this time, sorry! XP All I can say is this: Ben will stay DEAD. Sorry, but his memory will live on!
Great Saiyaman54: Maybe, maybe not. Eventually. Yes, but you will NEVER expect who will be the one to teach him.
Erofox: I agree. When they made Black Cat the new Kingpin, I was mad! They better redeem her! And I'll keep your idea in thought.
To those wondering about Naruto's suit: His suit is either Superior Spider-man's 1st costume, except without claws, toe, and larger eye lenses…or Spider-man's costume, with the blue replaced with black. Which every you imagine.
Red Panda: Only 95/100? (head drops in disappointment)
Anyway, enough questions! Let's get on with the show!
This story currently has 930+ Favorites & 980+ Follows. My GOAL is for this chapter to bring those to ONE THOUSAND Follows and Favs! Please contribute!
Chapter 9: Alligator in the Sewers part 1: Welcome to the Jungle
"Have you ever done something, something you first thought was a good thing? Something you were sure would actually help someone? Only for it to bring more trouble, cause a havoc...and know that it was all your fault?"
Spider-man grunted as he tried to hold back the raging maw filled with sharp, deadly teeth from taking a large bite from his throat. He gritted his teeth as equally sharp and deadly claws cut, tore, and dug into his skin through his suit.
Blood pore from his cuts, dripping into the water around him, staining it red.
Raising his head, his white eye-lenses reflected the image of a large deadly alligator ‒ or lizard ‒ like beast, its primal and furious yellow eyes glowing brightly in the reflection.
"To think, everything was going so well till now..."
Whitney Chang appeared, looking at the camera.
"...Given the alien invasion that has occurred two years ago, the citizens of New York had thought that they had seen it all. Unfortunately, they were wrong. Last Friday night, many citizens have witnessed the appearance of what they would describe as "a man made of electricity" appearing in the middle of Time Square. Police have attempted to apprehend this mysterious being, only for their efforts to be for nothing. Luckily, this new villain was stopped by the arrival of New York's new hero, Spider-man! Many have borne live seats to that their battle. Here are some comments on the battle from witnesses."
"So yeah, I was just standing there, when all of a sudden, this dude with blue or white skin appeared. He grabbed some power cords from the ground, and was like eating the energy or something." One witness commented.
"An officer cleared the area around the man, and more cops starting appearing." A woman said.
"It was crazy! Bullets were flying everywhere! Then there was HUGE blast of lighting! Then Spider-man appeared. Dude came out of nowhere!" A teen in a hoodie stated.
"He just…appeared. He saved a cop. He held up a car ‒ a whole CAR ‒ over his head like nothing! I couldn't hear much, but he was talking to the blue man. Don't know what he said, but next thing I knew, what anyone knew, there was a fight."
"It was like WHOOSH! WHOOSH! Lightning was flying everywhere! And Spider-man was fast, crazy fast! Flying all over the place! Doing mad flips and stuff!"
"There were explosions. People were running, screaming. Panic all over the place. I don't know what happened, I ran."
"I hid behind a car. I saw the fight man! It was awesome! Spider-man creamed that loser! Sent him flying into the Jumbo Tron! We all thought Spidey won, but next thing we knew, there this big explosion! It was chaos, man! Buildings were falling apart!"
"It was terrible. There was panic, but Spider-man…he helped people, getting them to safety. He helped me. Save me from getting crushed."
"Spider-man's the man!"
"He's a hero."
"Dude was awesome!"
"Spider-man…thank you."
The scene went back to Whitney. "Once again, Spider-man comes to the rescue and saved the people of New York. Day after day, he leaves his impact on the city as a hero. With the villain known as Electro locked up in Ryker's Island, one can only wonder what our web-themed hero is up to.
New York ‒ Sunday ‒ Evening
The sound of a THWIP could be heard through the air as Spider-man swung across the city skies, arms shooting out to launch web-lines from his wrist. Arcing through the air, he leaped into the air, did a flip, and landed perfectly on a lamp post, squatting on it as he looked at the busy street below. Everything was calm, a contrast to the events that had taken place Friday night with Electro's attack on Time Square and all the damage he caused during their battle. A lot of people were hurt, but luckily there were no serious damage, or worse.
In fact, given that it was partially his fault for the damage, he has spent all day yesterday as Spider-man helping police, construction crew and civilians cleaning up the mess by lifting up heavy material and helping the construction crew lift up the Jumbo Tron with his webbing and super strengh. That had raised his reputation with the people, seeing that he wasn't the hero to cause destruction in his battle, and then just leave.
However, he had to soon leave the scene, or risk getting arrested by one Captain George Stacy, leaving the angry policeman behind.
On the bright side, his camera didn't get destroyed or damaged in his fight with Electro, and managed to turn in some great pics of his first fight with old Lightning Butt. Pics that made him great bucks!
On the bad side, one J. Jonah Jameson still found ways to try and put him in a bad light, saying (more like shouting) that the whole things wouldn't had happened if it wasn't for him. This would bring out more than a few live arguments with Whitney Chang, who supported Spider-man. However, some part of Naruto could not help but agree with Jameson. If he had stayed back sooner, he could have prevented Max's accident, and stop Electro from being born...
He shook his head before he could continue that train of thought. He recalled Mary Jane's word on continuing to shift the blame to himself.
'Whiskers, this is not your fault. How could you have known that could have happened? What happened was not your fault, alright? You need to stop blaming yourself for everything that has happened. Electro chose to attack people; that was his choice. You're a hero, okay? People are safe BECAUSE of Spider-man. You're a hero. And while a hero is allowed to fill guilty at times, you shouldn't all the time. So stop filling that cute head of yours with those kinds of thoughts, before I slap you silly.'
He chuckled. The redhead sure knew how to knock sense into him. He sure was lucky to have her.
And speaking of Ms. Watson...
His smile grew as he recalled the dance on Friday. Or more specifically...what happened during the dance.
Under his mask, his whiskered cheeks burn a bit as he recalled the kiss they shared ‒ something that will forever be burned into his mind for as long as he shall live. He also recalled how they had confessed their feelings for each other.
Since then...things have been, in a word, the same. Different, but the same.
Not that he mind. Last thing he wanted was for their friendship to be weird.
Besides, they had already been close before the dance. The only difference now was more and longer hand holding, snuggling, and kissing.
Not that he minded. Especially the kissing.
Kissing was nice. REALLY nice.
And it was only about to get better.
Standing up, he was about was about to head off. However, before he could, he heard an all too familiar sound. The sound of sirens.
Looking over his shoulder down below, he witnessed two cop cars chasing after a speeding blue car.
He signed. 'Great, another getaway chase.' Looking down at his arm, he looked at the watch he had. He nodded. 'I have time.' With that, he shot a web-line and chased after the robber car.
Like any generic robber, the two in the open top blue car, threw caution to the wind, as the one in the passenger seat lifted up a machine gun, and fired at the cops chasing them. The flying bullets miraculously didn't miss their targets and fly at the streets, possibly hitting and severely injuring any pedestrians. The bullets hit the front cop car, shattering its right headlight, and breaking through and shattering the front window, but unfortunately (fortunately) didn't kill any of the policeman.
However, the shower of broken glass forced the police officers inside the car to cover their eyes, and come to a complete stop. As the car arced to the side of the road, the second cop car shot past it, continuing to chase the robbers.
Said robbers were growing desperate to escape, enough to start smashing cars out of their way, while the shooter was reloading. Once ready, he aimed at the car behind them, ready to fire. However, before he could even nudge the trigger, a webline come out of nowhere, grabbing the gun, and pulling it out of his grip. The two men gave shouts of surprise, when Spider-man landed on the hood of the car.
"Hey boys." The spider hero greeted.
"Shit! It's Spider-man!" The driven gave a startled shout.
"That's my name! Don't wear it out!"
The passenger quickly acted and took out a handgun, aiming it at Spider-man. However, said hero was quicker, and with a flip, landed right in the middle of the two man, slapping the gun out of the man's hands, before clocking him on the face. The driven tried to punch him at the back of his head, but Spidey easily grabbed the arm by the wrist behind his back without looking, and horse kicked him, slamming him hard against the door.
Robber #2 took out a switch blade and swiped at Spider-man. However, Spidey simply tucked in his belly, dodging the swipe, before shooting a line that hit the man's forehead. With a side pull, he smashed the man's face hard against the dashboard, the force knocking the man out.
Desperately, the driver tried to make a break for it, by literally jumping out of the moving car. However, before he could even open the door, he was pulled backwards. Grabbing him by the head, Spider-man slammed him against the wheel, honking the horn, but knocking the man out. "Sorry boys, no time for jokes! I've got an appointment to make, and can't afford to be late. You understand, right?"
In front of a police station, two police officers were outside, enjoying a small break with coffee in their hands. As they made small talk, one officer took notice of something by the surprised look on his face, and pointed it out to his partner.
"Hey, check that out!"
Both man turned, and watched with surprised and puzzled looks, as a lone car was slowly wheeling towards them, before stopping in front of them. Looking inside, they saw two knocked out men inside, back-to-back, wrapped in webbing. They saw a note stuck on them, and one of the men grabbed it, reading it.
Special delivery for the Boys in Blue! Courtesy of your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-man!
The men raised brows at the note, before hearing a noise. Looking up, they watched Spider-man swing over them. One of the men chuckled, getting the other's attention. "That guy sure is something. Especially after that fight at Time Square. I was there, you know. Don't think I've seen anything like it after that alien invasion two years ago." He said, referring to the alien that occurred in Manhattan, which was stopped by the Avengers. "Guy went from being labeled as a vigilante, to a hero by the people in just one night." Sure there were still those that thought Spider-man was a troublemaker, who acted outside the law, even in the police force, but views were changing quickly.
As the two cops took the robbers inside the station, we turn our attention to our hero of the hour, who was currently zooming fast through the sky, trying to make it home in time. As he swung, he then spotted something down below. Swinging low, he passed by a flower vendor, who staggered by the powerful gust of wind nearly pushing him back. Righting himself, he looked around, before looking at his table, where a couple of bills laid, along with a quarter that span fast.
Later
Standing in front of a building, Mary Jane Watson was checking herself in the reflection of a pocket mirror for the fifth time in a few minutes. Making sure she didn't apply too much make-up, or too little. Making sure there was nothing in her teeth. And most importantly, that her hair was tidy.
Mary Jane was nervous. Incredibly so.
And why wouldn't she. This was going to be Naruto and hers first date! And she wasn't talking about a play date or anything kiddy-like!
But a full on, adult date!
With the great leap in their relationships, came the benefits. Like kissing, and hand holding, and snuggling...and kissing, going to movies, walks at night (or in some cases with Naruto, webslinging at night), staring up at the stars from a web blanket, and did she mention kissing.
Sure, their only kiss was the one in the dance, and they haven't done any of the other stuff yet, but still!
The point was, that she and Naruto have finally taken their big steps in a real romantic relationship, and she was excited! Sure things might not be normal like other couples, given Naruto's job as a superhero, but she can handle it!
Following comics, she knew how hard a hero's life can be, and she wanted to be there every step of the way for her blonde!
Taking a deep breath to calm her excited beating heart, she smoothed out her dress. The same one she wore at the dance. She wanted to look her best for tonight.
She was rather nervous, and she wasn't just talking about the date. More along the line of people knowing about her and Naruto's relationship.
To be more specific: her aunt.
Given the woman's small dislike towards Naruto ‒ she doesn't hate the blonde ‒ MJ was a bit nervous about telling her. On the contrast to her previous talk with Anna in their previous conversation, she didn't want things to be awkward between the three of them.
Hopefully, May will be able to assist them when they finally bring the news to Anna. Yeah, May knew about their relationship. In fact, they told her personally. The woman couldn't be any more happy and excited for them. In fact, she even went as far as to cook them a big dinner, ignoring their protest.
Suddenly, she was pull out of her thoughts, as suddenly, a rose lowered itself in front of her face. Gasping, she looked up, and saw that it was held by a webline.
"Pretty flower for the pretty lady."
Jumping at the sudden voice, MJ turned around, and spotted Naruto behind her, leaning against the building, hands in his pockets. That damn smirk of his on his face, his eyes fully showing the amusement in them. She pouted.
Stupid Whiskers and his mischief! And stupid ninja-like stealth!
Still, looking at the rose, she smiled softly as plucked the rose from the webline. Smiling at it, she took a sniff from it, loving the scent. Turning to Naruto, she thanked him. Naruto smiled as he stepped closer to her. Raising a hand, he placed it on her left cheek, his fingers brushing through her locks of red, the same shade as the rose, both equal in beauty and grace.
MJ blushed as he rubbed her cheek. Meeting eyes, the two smiled at one another. Slowly, Naruto leaned his head towards her, MJ meeting him in pace as she creeped closer. They closed their eyes as their lips gently met. They stayed standing there for a bit, liplocked as they savored the feeling of electricity running up and down their spines at the feeling, ignoring people passing them by, some glancing their way.
After a minute, they separated, backing up. Looking at the other, Naruto grinned a cheesy smile, while MJ giggled. They both realized how weird their new change in relationship was. Not a bad weird, though. It just took some getting use to.
Glancing at the restaurant behind him, Naruto turned back to MJ. Stepping forward, he moved beside her. He held out his arm towards her. Looking at it, MJ smiled at Naruto, and wrapped her arm around his limb. Together, they walked into the building to start their date.
Later that Night ‒ Connors Household
The sun had set, and currently Dr. Curt Connors was in his personal house lab, working on something. Hunched over a bit, he looked through a microscope, viewing a sample of the altered Lizard DNA. He watched the cells, studying them. Leaning back, he turned to his notebook, writing down some thing. He sighed.
Electro...Max's attack on his lab and his battle with Spider-man had severely damaged the building and destroyed many of his equipment. And most of all, all of his reptilian DNA sample he had kept in a cabinet had been destroyed. The only samples he had left, were the one he was studying now, and the two extras he always kept in his home safe.
Still, the attack had put his studies back a few weeks. Luckily, he had gotten funds from the state and ESU board to do repairs and replace the lost equipment.
He was just lucky Spider-man had shown up when he did, or else he and his wife could have been in big trouble.
As he wrote his note, he paused for a second, and looked up at his board, where several papers were held by push pins. He looked at the one in the center. The one that held the formula Naruto presented him.
Decay Rate Algorithm
While he may be a specialist in cellular biology, he knew that Richard Parker could be considered the true expert in science. While the man may be gone, he knew there was hope for the man's knowledge and expertise within his notes. And he knew that only one Naruto Parker may be the one to obtain his father's notes and knowledge. At least he hoped for.
He then heard a knock on his door. "Curt? You coming to bed?" He could hear Martha ask.
Looking at the time, he sighed. It was getting late. Rubbing his eyes, he cleared his throat. "Yeah! I'll be right there honey!" Turning back to his table, he grabbed his syringe gun. Raising it up to his head, he frowned as he looked at it.
He had promised Martha he would no longer take such risk and inject himself with lizard DNA...
But what if there was a chance?
He couldn't just give up on the possibility to regrow his arm! He had to keep trying and find the right mixture of chemicals in order to integrate the DNA with his own to gain the cellular reproduction application.
He had to keep trying.
Making up his mind, he grabbed the vail of the rest of the sample, and loaded it into the gun. Lowering his coat to expose his shoulder, he injected the sample into his body. As he did so, he didn't see the small spark that appear on the liquid.
Pulling the trigger, he bit his lip hard, holding in a grunt of pain from the sudden shock felt hit him. He gritted his teeth, feeling a course of pain travel through his body for a split second.
He gasped, grabbing the counter to prevent himself from falling. He panted, sweat covering his forehead. 'It never hurt like that before.'
Regaining his breathing, he stood up. The pain immediately left him. Putting the syringe gun back on his desk, he rubbed the spot where the injection was made. His stump tingled, but it vanished just as quickly.
Shacking his head, he released a breath. Taking off his coat, he hanged it up, before leaving, turning off the light as he did so.
He headed to get ready for bed.
The Next Day ‒ Midtown High
High School was a territorial place of survival. The student population instantly gives everyone who is anyone a tag or title. You were either an 'In' or an 'Out'.
Not only that, by you can always rely on the students to be your instant web – no pun intended ‒ of gossip and news. Any juicy news told in the hour, you'll be the first to know if you knew the right people.
But the news channel can work both ways. If it was news about you, and it was bad, you can kiss your cred and status on the popularity chart goodbye.
Question was: Were you ready for the gossip storm?
That was the question Naruto and Mary Jane were asking themselves as they stood in front of the entrance doors to the school. Lord knew how big of a wave awaited for them behind those doors.
They would bet Naruto's webs that just about everyone knew of the kiss they shared at the dance. And knowing their fellow schoolmates, it would be the talk of the day.
They looked at each other, their eyes asking the questions in their minds.
Are you ready?
Smiles gave the other their answer. Naruto nudged his hand, fingers entwining with MJ's. Feeling the contact of his skin brushing against hers, MJ smiled at the blonde. She gently squeezed his hand, loving how warm it was.
With that, the two prepared themselves for what was to come, and entered the school.
In what could be an instant, the second the young couple stepped into the halls, all activity seemed to come to a complete stop. Everyone, from students, to teachers, to the old janitor in the back, froze in place, staring at the two.
With his free hand, Naruto rubbed the back of his head, feeling rather uncomfortable with all the stares. MJ also felt a bit unsteady with being put on the spotlight, as she unconsciously squeezed Naruto's hand. Sure she could handle the stares and whispers, but when its stares and dead silence, it just makes her feel awkward.
Luckily, someone come to their rescue.
"Naru! MJ!"
The two spotted Liz running towards them with a smile. They smiled at her in relief, glad she arrived just in time. Greeting her, Liz smiled at the two. "Morning! I need your help with something, follow me!" As she turned around, they saw her wink at them, making them smile.
'Thanks, Liz.' They both thought as they followed the brunette.
As they walked down the hall, they could hear chatting around them, and for some reason, saw several pouting students, along with some teachers, pass money to grinning students and teachers. Naruto raised a brow, wondering why people were handing over money.
Soon, they made it to their lockers, and spotted Harry, along with the rest of 'Flash's Posse' as Naruto likes to call them. Out of the group, he would only think Liz as his friend, along with Randy. Sally was nice at times, Kong was the friendly giant when he wasn't always agreeing with Flash, and speaking of the blonde jock, he was more along the lines of a 'frienemy' given their history together.
Seeing his two friends and looking down at their linked hands, Harry smiled at the two. "Hey! How's Midtown's new couple?" He teased, chuckling when he saw them blush slightly.
Sally smirked at them, crossing her arms. "Gotta say, that was quite the move you guys pulled at the dance, especially the whole confession speech." She smirked at MJ, whose eyes widened as her whole face burned, realizing that she had given such a heartfelt confession in public and now the whole school might have heard! "It nearly brought me to tears." She wasn't lying either. It was like watching a soap opera!
Randy chuckled at the embarrassed duo as he walked behind them and wrapped his arms around their shoulders. "Well, if it's any consolation, congrats you two!" He said, making Naruto rub the back of his head with a sheepish grin as Kong chuckled as he took a bite from his sandwich.
Flash scoffed and turned his back them, crossing his arms. "Enough already! What's the big deal anyway? It's just some stupid nerd love?"
Kong chuckled. "Flash's just angry that he lost the bet." He said. Everyone's widened at that, giving Kong a sharp look. The giant gave an oof as Glory elbowed him hard on the side. "What?"
Naruto blinked, looking at everyone. "Bet? What bet?" He asked. Everyone looked at anywhere else but him, some scratching their cheeks. Mary Jane frowned. She had a feeling something had been going on for a while now, and had suspicion.
Unwrapping his arms from around the two's shoulders, Randy stepped back, rubbing the back of his head. "Well, seeing as there's no reason to keep it quiet anymore..." He then told Naruto and MJ of what was going on. Needless to say, the reaction was, expected.
"...YOU GUYS BETTED ON ME AND MJ GETTING TOGETHER!" He shouted, his voice ranging out through the hall. He ignored the calls from the nearby teachers, while other students involved with the bet began to leave.
Liz rubbed her arm nervously while Sally and Glory scratched their cheeks. Kong gave a sheepish chuckled while Flash just grumbled, still miffed that he lost.
"I can't believe you guys!"
MJ shook her head with a sigh. "Such is the high school life." She muttered. Unlike her boyfriend, she wasn't too mad at the fact there was a betting pool on them.
Sally waved him off. "It was just some harmless fun, whiskers."
Naruto just grumbled, still not happy that apparently these guys, and who knows who else, have been playing games with his love life.
Randy chuckled, patting Naruto on the shoulder. "If it makes you feel better, Flash here lost the bet on you two getting together at the dance, and has to pay up his end."
Naruto raised a brow as he looked at the angry jock. "Oh? And what was the bet on?" He looked at Liz, who began to giggle, a hit of great amusement sparkling in her eyes.
"Flash has to dress as a cheerleader on Halloween." She revealed.
Naruto blinked at her, as MJ burst into giggles. "Eh?"
"Wow!" Mary Jane laughed, looking at the red faced Thompson. "Hope you've got the legs to pull off the skirt, Eugene." She said, making the others laugh as Flash grew more and more red. In anger or embarrassment, it was unknown. And unfortunately for him, he couldn't back out of it!
Grabbing the laughing Kong by the collar, Flash pulled him in very close, getting into his face. "If I have to wear that stupid costume, so do you!" He exclaimed, making Kong pout.
Rolling his eyes, Naruto opened his locker and gathered his stuff for class. As he did so, he felt a nudge on his side. Turning, he smirked at Harry. "Hey, man." He greeted, bumping fists.
"So..." Harry trailed, glancing at MJ who was talking with the girls. "About time you two got together."
Naruto chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah. Truth be told, it was rather unexpected, y'know."
Harry rolled his eyes. "It was long overdue in my opinion. So, wasn't your first date yesterday? How did it go?"
Naruto smiled as he pulled out his textbook from the locker. "It went great. It was nice, but normal, y'know. We mostly just talked about stuff, since we already know just about everything about each other. And hey, thanks for making the reservations by the way."
Harry chuckled. "No prob, bro. I'm just happy for you and MJ." Naruto also chuckled as he closed his locker. He turned to his brunette friend.
"What about you?" He asked, getting a confused look. "I saw how you and Debra were at the dance." He teased, nudging Harry. "Was something happening there?"
Harry rolled his eyes, pushing the blonde away. "Keep you tail on, Fox-Boy. Nothing was going on. We were just having fun." He explained, crossing his arms. He leaned against the lockers. "Still, it was pretty great hanging with Debra. Though most of the time she was nervous. Actually, she reminds me of you." Naruto raised a brow at him. "When she gets nervous, she tends to ramble on about science. Maybe it's a nerd thing." He teased.
Naruto huffed, pouting. "I don't ramble when I get nervous, y'know."
"Yes you do." Harry deadpanned.
Naruto opened his mouth to retort. However, before he could say anything, the bell rang. He pouted as Harry walked away with a chuckle. "...I don't ramble, y'know." He grumbled as he followed, MJ walking next to him as she wrapped her arm around his.
Time Skip
With the ESU lab closed for repairs, Naruto and Debra's sessions with Curt and Martha had been canceled until repairs were finished. However, in the time given, Naruto had begun working with Dr. Connors in attempting to perfect the Cross-Species formulas.
For several weeks, after class Naruto would meet with Connors at a lab belonging to a friend of his (Connors), who allowed them usage of the equipment for their study.
With Connors' expertise on the Cross-Species formula, and Naruto's reveal of the Decay Rate Algorithm, it helped give them a great leap in completing the formula.
Since, Curt wanted be extremely careful so as to not make too many mistakes, they started out small. They first had to find the right formula and integrate it into the Lizard formula, before they can begin any testing. For the first time, Curt was thankful for all his past failures in attempting to redo the C.S., as it gave him a clear view of what not to do and where to correctly work on.
Meanwhile, Naruto continued his acts of heroism as the Amazing Spider-man (MJ added the 'Amazing' part, saying every hero needed an adjective title to their name. Personally, Naruto thinks she reads too many comics).
Things have once again gone to ‒ relatively ‒ normal, as no new big bad super powered metahumans or hitmen have appeared and tried to kill him. Yep, it was back to regular crooks and thugs.
However, a part of him knew it was only the calm before the storm. It was only a matter of time, before another nut-job appeared.
He would bet his whiskers on it.
However, in the meantime, he enjoyed his time with Mary Jane. Since they've got together, they've been closer than before. They've gone on 3 casual dates ‒ going to fast food restaurants, have fun in Coney Island, watch movies (at home or theater), and bowling ‒ or simply lie together on a web bed, looking up at the sky.
Between working with Connors, MJ, School, and Home, he couldn't help...but feel as if things were becoming...normal.
Ever since he got bitten, he's life's been completely crazy!
Fun, yes. But crazy.
And yet...he actually liked it!
Being Spider-man...it was one hell of a ride! A rush! He liked helping people, saving lives… being a hero.
It felt...right. Like this was what he was meant to do.
….
Or maybe he was going crazy. He was living a real-life comic life, so it was bound to happen.
In other news, he and Mary Jane had finally gotten around to revealing their relationship to MJ's Aunt Anna. The conversation could only be put into one word:
Awkward.
When they had sat the elderly woman down, he and MJ, along with Aunt May, told her. And the entire time, Anna kept giving him a look.
It wasn't a glare or scorn...it was blank. Nothing but a blank look.
He actually preferred a glare than that.
After nearly an hour of talking, to which Anna didn't say anything, just sat there silently, the room was put in an awkward silence.
Finally, after a few tense minutes, in which May tried to comfort her friend, Anna finally spoke.
"Do you care for her, Mister Parker?" Anna asked Naruto.
Blinking in surprise, Naruto glanced at MJ, who also looked at him surprise. Finally, he turned back to Anna, a serious look on his face, and nodded.
"Yes, I do. With all my heart."
"Will you keep her safe?" Anna asked, her tone hard.
"Aunt Anna!" MJ tried to say something, but Naruto stopped her, placing a hand on top of hers. He locked eyes with Anna, unblinking.
"I will protect her with my life. I promise to keep her safe, and I'll never go back on my word. That's a promise of a lifetime!" He declared strongly.
After a few minutes of silence, in which Anna and Naruto stared unblinking at the other, the older woman finally broke it, sighing. "Very well then." She spoke, making the two teens blink at her in surprise, having thought she would argue and put up a fight. Anna looked at Mary Jane. "I cannot control who you like, Mary Jane. You are old enough to make your own decisions. And all I care about is your happiness. And so, if being with Mister Parker is what makes you happy, I will allow this."
Mary Jane smiled happily at her aunt. Getting up, she moved to her aunt and hugged her. "Thank you, aunt Anna." Anna smiled into the hug.
"You're welcome, sweetie." However, behind MJ's back, Anna shot a look at Naruto, one that he clearly understood, making him sigh.
"I've got my eye on you."
Out of the stove, but into the fire.
Speaking of which…
"Whoa! Nope! Miss me!" Spider-man mocked as he easily dodged another sloppy swing. Stepping back, he smirked under his mask at the robber.
As he was out patrolling, he came upon a bank robbery. And having nothing to do, he dropped down, entering the building the only way a spider like him could...through the vents.
Sneaking inside, he already took down two out of the five thugs, and was moving on the last three.
As of current, he faced the third robber. And the one that was using a bat as a weapon.
Seriously, a bat? And not just any bat, but a wooden bat.
He would have felt insulted, if watching the man swing so clumsily wasn't so funny!
Spider-man ducked under a swipe, before giving the man an uppercut, cutting back on the force, but enough to send the man flying back before hitting the wall.
His spider-senses alerting him of an opponent attempting to sneak up behind him, Spider-man showed his incredible acrobatics, and literally flipped over the man, flying over him ‒ unknown to the man, winking cheekily at him behind his mask ‒ and landing behind him. As the man quickly turned around, and aimed at the hero with his gun, Spider-man was already on the move. Getting close, his arm snapping up, he clutched the gun, and gripping tightly, actually bended the metal around the barrel, clogging the muzzle.
The robber stared at the bended barrel in shock, blinking.
Spider-man passed him, patting the dazed man on the shoulder, as he made his way toward the last robber. Said man had his gun aimed at him, and fired shots. Spider-man dodged, his body bending slightly left and right, fired bullets zipping past him. Soon, the sound of clips echoes through the bank, as the gun ran out of bullets. Smirking, Spider-man got closer to him.
He paused in step, as his spider-senses trigged.
"AAAHH!" Behind him, the guy with the bat had gotten back up and charged at him, throwing away all sense of silence and sneak attacks, and charged at him with the bat held up, and fury in his eyes.
When the man got right behind him, swinging the bat down, Spider-man ducked down sideways, bending his waist and side like a snake. The bat missing his head, Spider-man swung his elbow up, striking the robber under the chin. As robber #1 staggers back, the other standing robber (now called Robber #2 to keep things simple), grouped up with robber #3 (the one whose gun got bended) and teamed up against the lone hero, thinking their numbers would give them an advantage.
They were greatly disappointed.
Even with 2 against 1 (which became 3-on-1 when Bat-man came back), the men couldn't seem to land a hit on Spider-man, who was just too quick for them as he dodged and weaved between strikes like it was nothing.
And to make it even more shameful for the men, he was whistling.
Really, he was whistling his theme song.
Talk about a deadly blow.
Stepping back ‒ still whistling ‒ Spider-man caught #3's pistol, gripping it before hitting him on the chest with a palm strike, sending him back. With the pistol in hand, he chunked it into the air. He then raised a hand, and caught a #1's fist with a webline. Snapping his arm to the side, he pulled the man's arm, and thus delivered a hard fist to the side of Robber #2's face, sending him down. Getting in close to #1's guard, turning his back against his(#1) front, he snapped his other hand up, and sent a backhanded fist to the man's face, like some kind of cliché kung fu movie move.
Dusting his hand, he turned around, being done with this dance. Behind him, #3 got back up, and charged at him. Spider-man seemed to ignore him, as he kept walking away.
Raising a hand, Spider-man snapped his fingers. At that moment, as if on signal, the pistol he tossed into the air, came back down, and crashed on the man's head, knocking him out before he even fell to the floor.
"Some guys just never learn." He muttered as he exited the bank to inform the cops.
Daily Bugle
With a Ding! the elevator doors opened to the top floor of the building. Stepping out, Naruto entered the always busy news floor, workers running all over the place. Sidestepping a few, he made his way towards Jameson's office. He greeted some workers he got to know well during his time here, before he made it to the secretary desk. "Hey Betty!" He greeted the beautiful young woman.
Betty smiled at the blonde. "Hello, Naruto! Are you here to give Mr. Jameson more picture?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah. He in?"
"Yes. I'll check if he's busy." She then called through the intercom. "Mr. Jameson, Naruto is here."
"Send him in immediately!" Came the usual shout through the com.
Betty smiled at Naruto. "Go on in, Naruto."
Naruto nodded. "Thanks Betty." With that, he entered Jameson's office.
Inside, he saw Robbie there, along with Frederick Foswell, with Jameson standing behind his desk. "Parker! What do you have for me?!" Jameson demanded. Rolling his eyes, Naruto took out a large envelope, and handed it to Jameson.
"Same as usual. Spider-man pictures." Everytime he came, Jameson always asked him the same question, and he gave the same response! It was literally what he was paid to do, what else would it be?!
Like always, Jameson and Robbie looked through the pictures, picking the ones they liked and discarding ones they (more so Jameson) didn't. Naruto decided to take more better pictures than bad, but still not perfect to keep appearance. Soon they were done picking, and Jameson called Betty to write Naruto a check. "Say, kid. How good are you taking picture at crime scenes?" He asked. Naruto raised a brow at the question. However, before he could give a response, he was interrupted.
"Jonah! You can't be serious!" Robbie shouted, glaring at Jameson. "You can't send a teen into such dangerous places!"
Jonah grumbled, sitting down. Naruto raised a brow, looking at both man in confusion. "Wait, what's going on?" He asked, intrigued. The one to answer him was Foswell, who was leaning against the wall, arms crossed.
"For the past weeks, there have been reports about several new gangs appearing around New York." He said, getting the blonde's attention. "They are simply just rumors, some glimpses here and there, but there are some signs of attacks linking to them."
Naruto blinked in surprise. Gangs? This was the first he was hearing about this. Then again, he hasn't really made any attempt to go look for trouble (the street war kind), merely letting it find him. "What gangs?"
This time, Robbie answers. "So far, we estimate around four or five gangs. Police and detective intel were at least able to identify some of them. One gang is known as the "Waste Tribe", bunch of rough, junk yard group. Another is the "Dragon Tribe". No known information on them yet. They are quick, vanishing from the scene before cops could appear. Another is called "The Apocalypse". Again, no information. Last known gang is the "H-Bombers". Now this group is the most known of them all, as they seem to want to make themselves known. They would call us, say they are going to blow something up, and do so. They want people to know about them. Most likely to fear them."
Naruto frowned. Five gangs, and he didn't know about them? What kind of hero was he? He should have kept a better ear out. He knew about the explosions, having rescued people from them, but had thought they were regular ones. To know they were planned?
He will have to go investigations of his own to prevent any more and hopefully find any sighting of the gangs.
Jameson spoke up. "That's why we need photographic evidence of these no-good criminals!"
Robbie glared at Jameson, he could put up with a lot of his friend's idiotic ideas, but sending a teen into dangerous grounds, he had to put his foot down. "You are not going to have Naruto investigating these gangs, Jonah! It's too dangerous! Besides, he have trained professionals for this, like Ben."
As the men talked, Naruto was in thought. These gang could be dangerous. Looks like Spider-man will be increasing his patrol hours.
Connors Residence ‒ Curt's Lab
Standing in the middle of the desk, Curt held up the liquid vial of the Lizard Formula. In the time he spent with Naruto on working on the formula, he believed he was getting closer to finishing it.
His heart beat faster in anticipation. His long life goal was nearly in his grasp!
Just a few more tests! Just a little more time!
...
Time...did he have the patience to wait? He thought to himself, frowning.
He had waited so long for this moment. To be able to regrow his arm. To be whole again.
He couldn't wait! Not anymore!
Frowning, he set the vial down and grabbed his syringe gun. Putting the vial in, he gripped the gun. Holding it up, he froze. The rational scientist in him argued him to wait, to run more tests!
But the other part of him, the part that longed to get back what they have lost, pushed hat rationality aside.
With a deep breath, and prayer that this will work, he pulled down his coat, and moved the gun towards the stub. Unknown to him, the didn't see the sparks of electricity inside the liquid vial. That vial being the one that has been shocked by Electro's electricity.
As well as being the liquid that he has improved with Naruto's formula.
So, with all hopes on the line, Curt injected the liquid into his arm. A small cry of pain escaping his lips as pain coursed through him unlike every before. He gripped the desk hard, clenching his teeth as he tried to withstand the pain. Opening his eyes, he was unaware of his pupils sharpening into slits.
"AAAAHHHH!"
Abandoned Factory
"Gangs?" Mary Jane asked, looking up from Naruto's laptop, having been checking online stores for more materials for Naruto's suit. Naruto had just gotten done telling her of the latest news.
From his position in sitting on top of the assembly line, Naruto nodded, taking a sip from a can of coke. "Yeah. According to Robbie and Mr. Foswell, they may have been around for several weeks. No one has actually seen them, only knowing through rumors. Statement from police say they haven't been able to catch any members as of yet."
MJ cupped her chin in thought. "Waste Tribe. Dragon Tails. H-Bombers. The Apocalypse." She muttered to herself, grabbing her "Team Spidey notebook" and wrote the names down. Once that was done, she looked at Naruto. "What are you going to do?" She asked, seeing the look on his face.
Finishing his coke, Naruto crushed the can, before tossing it into the trash bin nearby. He hoped down the assembly line. "Well I think it's time I use my powers of reporting for good use. Do routine patrols around the hood, look for anything suspicious, maybe get some intel. This would be a great way to help the cops out."
MJ nodded, smirking. "Detective Spider-man! Ready for action!"
Naruto, mirroring her smirk, nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, the two heard the police scanner laid on top of a crate, static to life.
"All units respond. We have a massive fire erupting from tall building on 164th and Union. Requesting immediate Fire Rescue and Ambulance. Repeat, need firetrucks and ambulance vehicles to our location!"
The two friends looked at the other. Naruto smirked. "Well, its Hero Time, I guess." He said, MJ nodding. Leaning forward, she kissed his cheek. Grinning at her, Naruto ran towards his bag against the wall. Grabbing it, he leaped up high into the air towards the wide open window at the top of the wall. His civilian clothes, shoes, and now empty bag fell to the floor as he had changed and leaped off, before MJ could even blink.
Chuckling at her boyfriend's antics, MJ picked up the discarded objects, and made her way out to leave, heading towards the sewer tunnels since Naruto was not there to swing her across the halved bridge. As she stood at the entrance, Mary Jane couldn't help pause in step, and turn her head, looking into the empty old factory they used as their base away from home. As she turned to leave, she muttered under her breath.
"We need to spruce up this place up if we are going to keep using it."
The City
People could only watch as squads of firefighters tried their best to control and cool down the raging flames erupting from a tall build. The building itself belonged to one of the major companies in the city. All over it, explosions erupted as windows shattered, while pieces burst out from blasts. Every floor was in flames, the intense heat coming off in waves.
No one knew what happened. One second everything was fine. The next, the building began to explode from the 5th floor upward.
People jumped as another explosion, police officers moving bystanders back away from the fires. Firefighter captains ordered crews around as they did their best to contain the fire. However, they knew the bigger threat were the blazing upper floors, explosions sending debris falling down below. "We need air support to handle those flames!" A captain ordered over his talkie.
This was the scene Naruto saw as he arrived. Landing on the roof of a close building, he looked at the blazing tower. Flames licking the sides and top, smoke rising into the sky in waves. Looking down below at the cops and firefighters, he focused his hearing.
"...are reported trapped victims on the top floors! Statements from those rescued count 3!"
"Passages are blocked by rubble. And the flames are too intense! We can't send any men! Where is the chopper?!"
Looking back at the building, Spider-man nodded, knowing what to do.
Get the victims, get out before his ass is on fire.
He bended his legs slightly, tensing. Leaning a big forward, he pushed off the ground and with a mighty bound, leaped through the sky towards the building. Once he got close, he whipped two weblines on either side of the window. With a pull, he crashed through the glass feet first. Flipping, he landed in the floor. He let out a slow breath, the heat making him sweat heavily under his mask and costume. "Note to self, figure out how to make costume waterproof and heat proof! If I thought a sauna was hot, this place is like a volcano! Good thing I'm wearing boots this time."
"Then you better find those people before you get roasted, Tiger."
Naruto blinked at the voice, lifting his hand up to his ear. "Red?"
He heard Mary Jane chuckle. "It's Oracle, Whiskers. I'm at your basement lab. You didn't think I'd let you have all the fun, did ya?"
Naruto chuckle. He should have expected that from his girlfriend. "Well, you got there quickly."
"Took the sub. Anyway, you better hurry. I doubt that building will remain standing for long."
Spider-man nodded. He was about ready to exit what the room looked to be an office, when the doors to said room suddenly burst open. Looking towards it, he blinked under his mask when he saw two men enter the room. They wore what looked like heavy duty yellow/orange jumpsuits with gas masks. They wielded what looked like clubs with blue light on them. Looking at the clubs, he saw them spark.
"It's Spider-man!" One of the men shouted.
"Who are these guys?" MJ questioned.
"Have no idea." He muttered to the earpiece, before focusing on the two strangers. "You guys wouldn't happen to be from the fire department, would ya?" He asked. However, he was ignored as the men got into stances.
"Roast his ass!" The one on the left called. Spider-man got ready as the men charged at him.
[Play any kick-ass action music for epicness]
Spider-man dodged backwards as Bad Guy #1 on the right swung his sparky stick at him. Bad Guy #2 joining in, Spidey stepped back as he bob and weaved through the swings. Seeing an opening, he punched #2 in the chin, sending him flying back. Focusing on #1, he jumped up and over him. While in the air, he grabbed the man by the shoulders, his fingers clinging to the material, and landing behind him, literally throw him over his shoulder, slamming him hard against the wall. Looking at the other on, he saw him getting back up. Looking around, he shot a line at a chair nearby. Yanking it over to him, he soccer kicked it at the man, smashing it into him, and knocking him out.
Seeing the two unconscious, Spidey nodded.
"Nice moves."
"Thanks. I try."
Unfortunately for him, the party was not over, as the door to the room burst open, and more armored men ran in. Sighing, Spider-man met their charge as he ran towards them. Leaping up, he shot twin lines up at the ceiling, pulling for a double jump over the men. Dropping in the middle of the group, he grabbed one man by the helmet, and easily threw him into another. Spider-senses warning him, he ducked down a swipe. While crouched down, he kicked his leg up, and slammed his heal under the chin of his attacker.
Pushing himself up by his hands, he flipped into the air, and landed on the shoulders of another man. Taking the man's surprise, Spider-man made sure his 'stick-em powers' got a good grip on the man. 'Always wanted to try this.' Throwing his body back, he fell back, pulling the man with him. Landing on his hands, he used his feet and slingshot the man into the wall.
Smirking at his move working, Naruto got up, and saw the other three getting back up as well. As they charged at him, Spider-man also charged at them. Using his speed and agility, he ducked through the sea of fists and sticks. And while he did that, he would tap the men on either their arms or chests, finger tips sparking with red static. Soon he passed the three, and crouched low behind them, while said men also froze behind him.
...
"AAAAAHHH!" The men screamed as volts of red electricity coursed through them, the timed Venom Blasts activating, paralyzing their nerves. As the man dropped, Spidey stood up, looking at them. "Cool! It worked."
"What did you do?" MJ asked, having heard the screams and now saw the results.
"It's something I've been working on with my Venom Blast. I wanted to see if I can control the delay activation. It took some time, but now I can slow the activation after touching a person. Though only for a few seconds."
"Ah! Cool. So, who are these guys?"
"No clue." Walking towards one knocked out man, he squatted over them, turning the man on his back. Looking his suit over, Naruto tilted his head. He patted around the man, checked in the pockets on the vest and pants, before seeing a device on the left glove. Taking it, he saw looked it over. "Some kind of communication device?" Shrugging, he put in under his pants at the waist. "Red, make note. Pockets in pants."
"I'll be sure to modify them."
"Whoa!" Naruto gave a shout, as the building suddenly began to shake. "Building's unstable! Need to find those working, and get out fast!"
Running out of the room, he entered the hallway. Fire was everywhere, and the glass on the viewing window was shattered and all over the floor. "Once more, thank you MJ for the boots."
"You're welcome."
Looking left, he cursed when he saw the way was blocked by debris. Looking for another way, he spotted a hole at the top leading to the next floor. Nodding, he began leaping onto the debris to the whole. Landing on the floor, he entered through the open doors to a room. Entering what appeared to be a conference room, he saw more of the men around. "Oh great. More of you guys." He said, announcing his presence. Looking towards him, the men held up their electric batons.
"It's Spider-man!"
"Get him!"
"Here we go again." He muttered. Charging at the baddies, he punched one back, before skin kicking the other. Docking other the swing of one, he countered with a punch. Back flipping, he slammed his feet on another. Pushing off him, he leaped into the air, where he shot a webline at lucky target #5. Pulling himself forward, he slammed his fist hard against his helmet, breaking it. Turning around, he shot another line, grabbing him on the chest. Holding the line, he span on his heel, and swung the man off his feet at the last standing invader.
Seeing that he was done there, he looked around for a way out. Suddenly, his spider-senses activating, as well as his hearing picking something up.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Eye widening, he jumped away from the wall as it suddenly exploded. Waving off the smoke, he looked at the new exit, and taking chance, ran through it into the next room. Hearing more beeping, he followed it and saw a bomb stuck on the ceiling. "Shit! These idiots are blowing the building up with bombs!"
"They must have been the ones who started the fire. They must be the H-Bombers Mr. Robertson talked about. You need to deactivate the bombs before they detonate."
Nodding, Spider-man leaped up at the ceiling, where he stuck. Crawling over to the bomb, he looked at it. Seeing the timer, he bit his lip. "There's no time to figure out the wiring, and I can't yank it off without accidentally triggering the explosion." Thinking over his options, an idea came to him.
A crazy idea.
"Please let this work!" Gently, he placed his fingers on the bomb, and red static came from his fingers into the device.
"Naruto..." MJ dragged worriedly, staring at the camera feed.
"Please work! Please work!" He muttered hopefully.
"Beep! Beep! Beep! Bee-" The time stopped, the image glitching, before it shut off, smoke coming from the device as the circuits were fried.
Naruto and MJ both let out a sigh of relief.
"Don't EVER scare me like that again, Naruto!" MJ warned her boyfriend. Naruto chuckled sheepishly as he dropped to the ground.
"Sorry, babe. I jus-"
"Help!"
Head snapping up at the shout, Spider-man turned towards the door and ran to them.
Coming out of the room into the hall, he saw that there was a man, probably one of the stranded workers, surround by the revealed H-Bombers on the pillar in the middle of the walkway. He also saw some more Bombers standing guard along the way.
Narrowing his eyes, Spider-man charged. Seeing him, the Bomber guards got ready. Reaching them, Spider-man jumped into the air. With a flip, he dropped with his legs extended, slamming his feet hard on the masked face of the first one. His body slamming with Spider-man on top of him, Spidey acted before the other one. Shooting a webline at a large piece of debris on the side, he swung it like a wrecking ball into guard #2. Not enough to kill him, but definitely enough to knock him out…and likely break a rib.
Continuing, he ran across the bridge towards the captured worker and Bombers. Jumping into the air, he shot two lines, connecting to two Bombers. Pulling them towards him, he grabbed them by their helmets, and as the came down, slammed them visor first into the ground, knocking them out. Turning to the other enemies, he did an overhead horizontal spin flip over the first charging Bomber, before delivering a kick to the back of his head. Making sure to hold back his strength, the kick slammed the man down, unconscious. Landing in a crouched position, he slowly stood up, and turned to the remaining, now nervous, Bombers.
The Bombers took a step back, glancing at the other. After a mental debate, they turned tail and ran.
"Yeah, that's what I thought!" Spidey called after them, before turned to the worker. "You okay?"
The man gave a sigh of relief and nodded. "Yes, thank you! I'm glad you came when you did, Spider-man. Those men, they are planting bombs all over the building!"
Spider-man nodded. "I know. We need to get you out of here. There are still two others in the building I have to find."
"But how? We are so high from the ground!"
Spidey thought on it for a minute. Unfortunately, that was something he couldn't have, as he felt the ground beneath him shake a bit. "I'll think of something. For now we need to keep moving and find the others before the whole building falls. Stay close!"
The man nodded, and followed Spider-man to the other side of the bridge. Taking a left, they entered a room on the right side, to what looked like a pipe room. Looking around, they saw an exit to the next room. However, the path was blocked by a wall of flames.
"What now?" Spider-man muttered, looking around. He then noticed a large water pipe above the door. 'That's it! If I pull down those pipes, I bet the water will dose the fires.' Moving the man back, Spidey shot two weblines at the pipe above, and pulled. Grunting from the strain, he pulled as hard as he could, the sound of metal whining echoed. Finally, the pipe broke, and water showered down the flames, putting them out.
Nodding to the man, they ran through the door, down the hall, til they came to a collapsed floor. Spidey turned to the man. "Hang on."
The man raised a brow. "Hang on to wha-AHH!" He began to scream as Spider-man suddenly grabbed him by the back of his coat, and swung with a webline over the collapsed ground and flames, making it to the other side. Setting the man down, Spider-man gave him a minute to calm down, patting his back to help. Once he calmed down – though swearing to NEVER go through that again, the two moved forward.
They came to a completely wrecked room, with about two floors collapses on top of each other, large holes leading up to an intact floor.
"HELP!"
Hearing the shout, Spider-man followed it, and saw the second worker, dangling dangerously on a ledge. "Someone help me!"
"I'm coming!" Spider-man called to him, and telling the first worker to stay there, jumped to the wall, and began quickly climbing up to the hanging man. However, the man lost his grip, and began to fall. Seeing this, Spider-man pushed off the wall, and shot at the falling man. Grabbing him, he shot a line to the ceiling, stopping their fall.
With the man keeping his arms around Spidey's neck, they climbed up to the top to the secure floor. After making another trip to get the man at the bottom, the group of three moved forward, and come server room, with a wide side of shattered windows, and Bombers moving around.
Telling the two men to stay hidden, Spider-man charged at the Bombers. Sneaking up on one who had his back turned, he dropped down and slid across the ground. Grabbing the man by his ankle, he pulled and flipped him on his back. Getting up in a handstand, he span around, before dropping his own ankle down on the man's chest, the force making him wheeze and cough as he turned on his side, curling into a ball as he held his stomach.
Flipping up, Spider-man ducked down as a second Bomber tried to strike him with his baton. While low, Spider-man kicked the man's feet from under him, making him fall. Reaching out, he grabbed his leg, before outright tossing him into the third Bomber, the two crashing down in a pile.
Seeing all the baddies down, he picked them up and wrapped them in a nice web cocoon. As he did that, the two workers joined him. Looking at the windows, Spider-man walked over and looked outside. Across the building was a shorter one. An idea came to him.
He looked at the men. "I have an idea. You're going to have to trust me." The two men looked at him in confusion. Spider-man pointed to the short building. "I'm going to connect a web line between this building and that one. You two are going to glide to that roof." The two men looked at him like he was crazy.
"Are you insane?!" The worker on the right shouted at him.
"You can't expect use to do something as crazy as that! What if the line breaks?!" The other continued.
Spidey sighed as he rubbed the back of his head. He knew his plan had its bumps, but he didn't know how long the building will hold, and he still had to find the last worker. Along the way there, he hadn't countered any more bombs, but that wasn't to say there weren't any, and didn't know when they could blow. He had to move fast.
"Listen! We don't have time for this! I can't waist time getting you two to the ground. There is still one person left I have to find! So do us all a favor: shut your traps, and trust me!"
The two men were silent, looking at the other, communicating with their eyes. After a few seconds, they sighed, turned back to Spidey, and nodded. Nodding back, Spider-man aimed his webshooter at the other building, and fired. The webline flew through the air, before connecting to the ledge of the building. Snapping the end of the line, he glue it to the roof. Grabbing the line, he gently pulled it, making sure it held steady. Once he was satisfied that it was, he looked at the men. "Okay, the line is as strong as steel cable. So it should hold your combine weight."
"Should?" Worker #1 questioned skeptically.
Spider-man waved him off. "Don't worry! These babies helped stop a speeding train going 50-100 miles on hour!" He lightly boasted. The two looked at him in shock.
"No time for you to get a big head, Naruto!" MJ reminded him over the earpiece.
Mentally agreeing with her, Spider-man looked at the two. "Anyway, you need to trust me, and glide to the other side, now."
Having no choice, the two used their coats and wrapped it over the line as handles. With deep breaths, small prayers, and some whimpering, the two took a leap of faith, and began zip lining through the air. Giving screams as they went through the air. For the men, the building and roof couldn't have come fast enough, as they quickly climbed to the room for safety.
Seeing that the men were safe, Spider-man turned around and quickly headed out to find the last worker.
"Naruto, hurry! Specialist are on the scene, and they estimate that the building will come down in just a couple of minutes!" Mary Jane warned him, watching the news of the site.
Hearing this, Spider-man pushed it harder, running as fast as he could down the hall. Explosions occurred around him, as he jumped and ducked, leaped and bounced off walls, using his spider-sense to guide him out of the danger paths. Leaping forward as the hall behind him exploded, he entered an open room, landing on the rail.
"Help! Please!"
Looking down below, he finally found the last worker, a woman. Bad news, she was tied to a large bomb, and from what he saw in the timer, there were only 5 seconds left.
Move Spidey, move!
Pushing off, he flew at the woman. Four seconds!
Reaching forward, he grabbed the ropes, and pulling, snapped them off. Three seconds!
Grabbing the woman, he ran as fast as he could towards the windows. Two Seconds...
Covering the woman, he broke through the glass as the room exploded. Holding her tightly, he shot a webline to the intact roof of the building, slowing their decent until they hang in the air. Letting go, the woman screamed as they fell. Shooting another line, he swung them away as the building behind them exploded and began to break down, pieces falling.
From a safe distance away, Spider-man sighed in relief as he and the woman hang from a line. Turning to the woman, he spoke.
"Well that was fun. Thanks for flying Air Spidey!"
Parker House ‒ Naruto's room
After getting back him and taking a shower, his soot covered costume in bag to wash later, Naruto relaxed in his bed, with her precious girlfriend Mary Jane Watson snuggling up on his side, head lying on his shoulder, their fingers intertwine together.
He smiled as he looked at his redheaded girlfriend. Things have been hectic lately, but as long as she was with him, he could handle it.
Because at the end of the day, he had her with him, and that was all that mattered.
Lying his head back, looking up at the ceiling, he smiled.
His life was a comic book. He could accept that. He could accept that he will be battling dangerous villain in the future. That his life will always be in constant danger.
All that he could accept.
Because he knew he will grow strong. Why? Because he had his family and friends to protect. Aunt May, Harry...Mary Jane. He will grow stronger for them. To protect them.
That was what it was all about, wasn't it? One became stronger, when they were fighting for their loved ones. Because they had something to fight for.
And he will become strong. That was a promise to himself. He had all this power, and he will use it, to keep his loved ones safe.
Turning to the light switch, he aimed his other hand at it, and shot a web from his shooter at the switch, turning the light off. As he closed his eyes, snuggling with his girlfriend, as he slept…
He was unaware of the upcoming change in the storm.
Connor Residence
Currently in bed with his wife, one Doctor Curt Connors tossed and turned in his sleep, sweat glittering his face. His expression one of discomfort and pain. His grunts echoed out. With a gasp, he shot up awake. His pupils trembling and breathing hard, he stood up and walked towards his room bathroom. Heading to the sink, he opened the water, and splashed water in his face. Looking at the mirror, he saw how pale he looked.
For the last few days, he hasn't been feeling so well. He felt weak, sluggish. At times he could barely find the strength to get up from the bed. Martha suggested he go to the hospital, but he refused.
Sighing, he stood up to head back to bed. However, as he turned, he felt an impact on his side. Looking down, he looked at the usually sling of his long sleeve pajama shirt. However, he noticed something.
Usually the sleeve would wave and float lazily in the air. But this time, it was straight.
Narrowing his eyes in confusion, Curt grabbed the sleeve. However, he froze when he felt something hard. His heart beating fast, his eyes displaying great hope, he griped his sleeve and pulled it up.
There, where a short stump once laid, was a long, thick, mass of…something. It was white and organic, like a chrysalis. It was also heavy.
Pulling the appendage up, and laying it on the sink counter, he stared at it in hope. Grabbing it, his nails digging into it, he pulled and tore the chrysalis like a child on Christmas Day. Organic tissue fell to the floor, but he didn't care. He dug and tore, moving fast and aggressively.
Before he stopped.
There, lying in the shell, was an arm. An ARM!
He gasped, unable to believe what he was seeing. He choked on a sob. He couldn't believe it. It worked.
IT WORKED!
Eyes tingling with unshed tears, he tried to move his new arm, and slowly but surely, his new fingers twitched. Unable to hold them back, tears fell down his cheeks. Slowly, he rose his new arm upward out of the shell, web-like tissue (note: have no idea what that is) covering the appendage.
He used his left hand to rub the right hand, tears flowing harder as he felt the soft skin.
How long as it been? How long has it been since he felt his hand?
Too long.
Looking up at the lightbulb that hand over the mirror, he reached up with his new hand, and touch the bulb's surface. He flinched, pulled his hand back from the hot object. However, even with the tingling feeling on the tip of his fingers, he laughed.
He laughed joyfully, because the feeling brought him such! To feel pain or burning only served to make him happy.
He had his arm back! He was whole!
"Curt?"
Turning to the door, he saw Martha standing there, looking at him in concern. Curt smiled at her, turning to her, revealing his right arm. "Martha…look."
Seeing the arm, Martha covered her mouth in a gasp, starring at it in shock. She couldn't believe her eyes! "Curt…your arm!"
Curt smiled brightly at his wife. "The serum worked!"
Martha frowned at him. "Serum, what...Curt! Don't tell you took that Lizard DNA! You promised me!"
Curt stopped her. "But look at the results! The Lizard's regenerative attribute has merged with my physiology, and regenerated blood cells, tissue, biomass, even the bones! In just 12 hours! Imagine what this could mean for me. For the world! The formula could be the key to saving millions of lives!"
"But how did you work the problem out?! You tried for years, with no results! And did you consider what the side effects of injecting yourself with animal DNA could do to you?! What if you suddenly started eating bugs, or climbing walls? Curt, the Project was canceled for a reason! Any test subjects died!" She stated, referring to the animal test subjects used to inject other animal DNA.
"But Martha, look!" Curt said, placing the hand on her cheek. Martha flinched, before calming down, Unable to help herself, she leaned into the warm touch. Opening her eyes, she looked at Curt, who smiled at her. "For years I've longed to hold you in my arms. Both of them, and now I can! Think of the future."
Seeing the great happiness in Curt's eyes, Martha softly smiled. This was the first time she only saw happiness in his eyes. Not loss and sadness.
But pure joy.
"Mom? Dad?"
They turned and saw Billy, standing at the bedroom door, sleepily rubbing his eye, having been awoken by the noise. Smiling at his son, Curt moved around Martha, and to his son. "Hey kiddo!" He greeting happily, picking his son up by his armpits for the first time ever.
Seeing this, sleep instantly left Billy, his eyes widening. "Wow! Dad! You're arm!" He stated in surprise. Smiling at his son, Curt hugged him, something he has longed to do for so long. Billy happily returned the hug, squeezing his father.
Seeing this, Martha smiled, a tear running down her cheek. Moving forward, she joined the two in a family hug. For the first time in a long time, they felt whole.
End of Chapter 9
Next Chapter: The Rise of the Lizard! Spider vs. Lizard in the Battle of Nature!
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P.S. Some have commented on how I make my chapters really long. And to that, I say, So? I like long chapters, because they provide readers with entertainment and gives them stuff. Short chapters end too quickly and then you have to wait a long while for the next to come out. Too long to get things moving.
I write long chapters because they keep the reader's attention on the story, and makes them want more.
So why the complaining?
The longer a chapter is, the better I say.
Any way, remember to review and click those favs and follow buttons.
Ja ne!
