Chapter 10: Encompassing the Spider

Dear Aunt May,

How are you? I hope you're holding up well.

Since I got here, things got pretty crazy...

Peter scribbled the sentence but ended up crunching the paper into a ball as he threw it away, irritably.

"Love letters?" Ned grinned silly.

Peter glared. "No. How the hell does one write to his Aunt? It's like impossible. This is more of girls' stuff."

Ned smirked. "Well there's Michelle."

Peter snorted, scowling. "She's too busy with Harry. 'Oh I'm taking pictures with my partner,'" he mimicked.

Ned sniggered. "She would kill you if she found out that you mocked her. But seriously, go and ask her. She should be in her dorm."

Peter stared at him, flabbergasted. "How the hell do you know that? Are you telling me something I don't know?" he demanded.

Ned gaped. "For Pete's sake, Peter! Nothing of that sort!" he cried out. "Go and ask!"

Peter giggled, giving a small smirk.

"But I don't want to encounter that girl, whatever her name is," Peter moaned.

"Go!"

Peter sighed as he got up, sulking but as he reached for the doorknob, Ned spoke. "Oh don't expect me to come."

Right there, Peter halted in his tracks and turned around, giving a small sly smile.

"What?" Ned asked blankly.

A second later, Peter found himself opening the door as he looked left and right before acknowledging that the coast was clear. He winced though as something kicked him from behind, giving out a muffled yell.

"This is treason! Illegal!"

"Shush Ned. And what the hell did you eat this morning? A horse?" Peter grunted as he adjusted the blanket that he was carrying on his shoulder and in it contained Ned.

"Hilarious."

Peter knocked on the door and waited for an answer. After a second, the door got opened which revealed Michelle, much to Peter's relief.

"Peter," Michelle blinked with surprise before she peered over his shoulder with a stunned look.

"Do you mind if we come in?"

"But—"

"Nevermind the rules," Peter replied as he went inside anyway. Once in, Peter dropped the heavy cover so that it revealed Ned, having Michelle stare at them.

"Ned?"

"Ask him," Ned glared. "That was illegal! By standing the law! I could've suffocated!"

"Get over it," Peter snapped.

"Er I'm not gonna bothering asking but why do you need me?"

"Well uhm..." Peter shifted in his spot.

"He wants to write a letter but can't do it even if his life depended on it," Ned responded gleefully.

"Say it again and I'll feed you to the Spiders," Peter threatened which made Ned give an uneasy look.

Michelle smirked. "So who are we writing to? Lost love?"

"No."

"You're forgetting that girls run away from him," Ned added.

"Will you shut up?" Peter muttered angrily. "And no it's not lost love. It's to my Aunt..."

"Awww isn't that cute," Michelle cooed.

Peter sighed. He honestly felt defeated though Michelle looked at Ned with a soften look.

"How are you holding up?" she asked quietly.

Ned nodded. "Alright. Could've been worse," he gave a small glance to Peter.

"By the way, Peter, when you were jumping off the building, why didn't you use your webs?"

"Um..." Peter winced. "My web shooters got destroyed, heh..." he laughed nervously as he showed his bare hands.

Michelle stared at him. "How-"

"Long story. But uhm, can you show me how to write letters?"

Michelle rolled her eyes. "Yeah sure."

Peter's arm gradually healed over the past week and he was able to use his arm without being troubled. Though, he sulked as his Spider activities got less active due to not having web shooters. They were currently at the study hall and Ned rolled his eyes at his friend who slumped back, reading the newspaper.

"Man, that's supposed to be me!" Peter sulked, glaring at the story.

"Didn't I told you not to read Daily Bugle? Jameson is out for Spider Man and his failure so he isn't exactly the best motivator."

Peter snorted, throwing away the paper. "Tell me about it," but as the paper slid back a little, it ruffled its pages though one of the pages got Peter's eye.

Before he could read it, a voice spoke which made Peter clench his fists as he knew who it was.

"Manhattan favors the new Spider Man. Ouch, looks like the original Spider is losing his touch."

"Flash," Peter growled.

Flash smirked. "Nice to see you," he drawled.

Peter glared at him. "We were never friends or acquaintances to begin with so you can buzz off."

"Aww not feeling a little upset are we?" Flash taunted though his tone gave out a hint.

Peter quirked an eyebrow. "I'm warning you," he muttered before an idea came. "So...how's the Spider Man club going? Surely, there's not that many people in it due to the original Spider Man's actions," Peter drawled.

Flash scowled. "I'll have you know it's going quite well," he huffed before walking away.

Peter chuckled evilly. "He's bluffing."

Ned shook his head before he paused. "Um...what happened back there? It sounded as though Flash knew who you really are."

Peter cringed. "He may or may not found out my identity...hehehe..."

Ned gaped.

"But he didn't tell anyone! Which is surprising...but um, yeah. It's still safe."

Ned sighed. "You're lucky Flash has so much respect for Spider Man..."

Peter roamed around the halls, looking for the Department he needed. Since he had nothing to do, he may as well start remaking his web shooters or otherwise Tony will become suspicious.

And Ned agreed to help him out.

"Hey, I think that's the one," Ned whispered.

Peter took a step back and read the label.

"Yeah it is..." he spoke quietly.

Peter looked right and left before his hand held the door knob.

"Er...you think it's open?" Peter asked.

Ned shrugged. "Should be. I mean, there's bound to be at least some people who decided to stay after class to finish their work."

Peter nodded. "Right."

Much to his luck, the door opened to reveal a few students.

"Welp then...what do you know?" Peter said, staring at the room.

"I was right, wasn't I?" Ned boasted. He started to walk in until he stopped. "Er...what exactly are we looking for?"

"No idea."

"...do you even know how to make it?"

"Nope."

It took a while but the two were nearly caught but sighed with relieved when the Professor brought their excuse. However, Peter wasn't quite sure that he actually did.

"Well, it's done," Peter let out a breath.

"Damn. Can't believe you actually build it," Ned stared at the dark blue metal.

"Yeah. Well it's done now...er almost."

"You're just missing the webs."

Peter nodded. "Well I know someone who has an equation..."

Ned gave him a strange look. "Who?"

Peter smiled as he grabbed the gadgets.

"Dr. Connors,"

"But he's too far away. By bus at least. You don't have that much time. Can't you think of another way?"

"I can't, Ned. I'm just a student. I don't know where to begin."

"But you built your web shooters just now. I don't think I ever saw people making them like you did. It doesn't hurt to try. If you make a mistake, you can redo it."

Peter bit his lip. "Alright. I'll...I'll do it."

"There ya go!" Ned exclaimed cheerfully. "Besides you're taking chemistry, right? So that should help you a bit."

"Right..."

But Peter still had his doubts. If he can't keep an eye on a simple burner, what makes him think he can built the web formula?

Somehow getting Connors' work doesn't seem that bad.

Peter,

I'm so happy that you're enjoying University. It sounds as though things are going great and that's good.

Nothing much is happening here. It's been rather quiet here though Tony's been a great man. He often visits whenever he could.

Hope to see you soon.

Love,

Aunt May.

Peter sighed as he wrapped the letter, putting it back to its proper place.

He hated lying to her about what he's actually doing but its best if she doesn't know.

On the other hand, at least his letter didn't sound corny. Smiling bitterly, Peter stared at the web shooters with a defeated look. He hasn't even started working on them. Sometimes, people expect too much from him as Spider Man.

Peter got off the bed and sat on the chair where his laptop was and began doing some research, taking some notes along the way from whatever he could find. When he got some of an idea, he ripped a piece of paper from his notebook and began to write down some basic equations before doing some complicated equations but when he got to that part, he gave out a frustrated sigh, crunching the paper into a ball and throwing it out.

No, that doesn't seem right.

Over the couple of days, Peter spend nothing other than making his own formula and going to classes though he paid much attention to Chemistry.

"…and remember, it is very important to balance the equation or otherwise, you'll find yourself in a very messy spot and would have to start all over again. Always go from the simplest formula so that way, you would be able to expand the equation into much more complicated," the professor spoke as he circled the final answer.

"Oh! And always know where to start," Ballinger reminded them. "Right then. Begin."

Almost every day after his classes, Peter spend the remaining day in the dorm, writing up the formula though, one evening, Peter let out an exclaim of frustration, throwing another paper ball that seemed to be an umpteenth time.

"I give up! I quit! This isn't supposed to be rocket science!" Peter exclaimed, irritably though the loud scream of frustration made Ned jump with startle.

"Er…just relax and go from the beginning," Ned responded.

Peter glared. "What do you think I have been for the past week!? No matter what I do, things seemed to be out of balance. It's as though I'm missing something—I just don't know what it is!"

A knock came which made Peter yell out.

"Go away."

"It's me, you prick."

Peter threw a sharp look to Ned who paused in his tracks.

"Don't you dare."

Smiling evilly, Ned waltzed towards the door and opened it. "Come in, my dear."

Michelle gave him a strange look. "You're so weird," she muttered as she pushed him out of the way.

"Hey!"

A loud slam made Peter jump with startle as he stared at the amount of books that was on the table.

"A bit of privacy, if you mind," Peter muttered, slightly shifting his stuff so that there was room.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Ned asked.

"It's my damn roommate. Apparently, her boyfriend broken up with her and now, she's in there, weeping and sobbing nonstop. Given me a headache and I can't take it anymore!" she exclaimed.

"So you decided to hang out with us. How kind," Peter drawled.

Michelle glared. "That didn't stop you prickheads from coming into my dorm."

"And you left her to her misfortune…that's…that's cold," Ned replied.

"By all means, you can go ahead and comfort her," Michelle sneered.

"I'll pass."

"Now, anyways, if you don't mind, I'm going to bunk with you two until Miss Drama Queen shuts herself up. You don't mind, do you?" Michelle muffled.

"Ever heard three's a crowd?" Peter remarked, withdrawing his attention from the paper though he paused, staring at Michelle with an open mouth.

The boys stare at her as Michelle grabbed another shirt, pulling it down and once she did, she looked back at the boys.

"What?"

"Uh…"

Realizing what made them get stunned, Michelle rolled her eyes. "Oh for Pete's sake…we're all human."

Ned gave a glance at Peter. "Mostly."

"Hilarious."

Michelle shook her head though she heard a crunch and looked down, just now realizing that paper were littering the floor.

"Did we had sudden paper fights?" she asked as she began to pick one up. She unfurled the paper and stared at it with a raised eyebrow. She looked at Peter with a questionable look.

"Uhm…it's for a project…" Peter replied cautiously though Michelle didn't bought it since she gave him a look, making him sigh. "Fine," he groaned. "I'm making my own webs since I can't shoot anymore."

Michelle stared at him with a stunned look. "How on Earth are you going to do that?"

Peter shrugged, kicking the paper that was on the ground. "I don't know. It's been two weeks and nothing's coming up."

Michelle placed on a thoughtful look. "Well, I know a certain someone who could help out—"

"Dr. Connors, I know."

"So you know that he's here?"

Peter whipped his head, staring back at Michelle. "What do you mean he's here? I thought he's at the OsCorp or wherever."

Michelle nodded. "Yeah; he's here. He sometimes teaches Biochemistry whenever the original Professor isn't available. He only teaches in the afternoon. You should visit him."

The idea of visiting him doesn't sound that bad at all and maybe it could help him out before he completely loses his sanity.

Whenever Peter doesn't have classes or he has study hall, he would visit Dr. Connors during his spare time. Peter reached his destination and opened the door, knocking on it. To his delight, he saw Dr. Connors muttering as he appeared to be reading something off the paper.

"Dr. Connors?" Peter called out.

This made Connors stop what he was doing and blinked with surprise; a grin on his lips came.

"Peter! How are you doing? I haven't seen you in a while," Connors said as he went towards him and grabbed his hand, shaking it.

Peter smiled. "Likewise. I didn't know you teach here."

"Well, I don't really teach. I'm more of a part-time here; I'm just helping out Warren who has told me a lot about you," he grinned.

"Good things, I hope," Peter said cautiously though whenever Warren is concerned, Peter can be sure that he won't receive any good news from Warren.

Connors chuckled. "Now then. Any reason as to why you had dropped here or did you came by just to see your old friend?"

"A little bit of both though I do have something to ask you. It's more along the lines of making your own equations."

"Ah, so I've heard. It's been troubling with most students here," Connors said. "How's yours coming along?"

"A little rough but I think I got the general idea," Peter said and he shifted in his spot. "But uhm, I do have to ask you something…" he said quietly.

"Go on."

Peter hesitated, debating if this was such a good idea. He trusts Connors but this was a bit sketchy so how can Peter ask something without giving it away that he's Spider Man?

"It's about your work…cross-species…"

That made Connors stop in his tracks, giving Peter a darkened look which made him be uneasy and Connors straightened himself up as he had an idea of what was going on.

"Peter, I believe I know where you're exactly going with this and trust me when I say this that it is not a fun trip. Why on Earth are you suddenly interested in my work? I knew you were before but not as much as now."

Peter winced slightly. This was getting tough already. "It's for something else…Project. I just thought that it would be unique doing something different."

"Well then," Connors spoke as he gave him a slight suspicious look. "Go on. What do you want to ask me?"

"Uhm…what was the formula you had used to create yourself into the Lizard?"

"Peter," Connors spoke in a serious tone. "If you're thinking what I'm thinking, you should not mess things that are not meant to be messed with. Don't ask me again! Away!"

"But—"

"No, buts Peter. It's too dangerous and risky. I want to keep you human, Parker and believe me when I say I'm doing this for your own good. So don't ask me again. Have a good day, Peter."

Peter sighed. Guess that was still a touchy subject for him. As he was walking towards the door, he had another idea but he didn't want to use it. It was only for a last resort. Defeated, Peter walked from the classroom, going back to his dorm.

Mysterio smirked as he whipped up another plan. This was too easy. He would soon have the public go against Spider Man and everything will fall into his place but there's just one more thing he has to do.

He frowned, glaring at the mirror that showed Spider Man saving that boy. If that boy was really that close to Spider Man—it seemed so anyway—then he was the key to make this plan a success and that would crush Spider Man completely.

Grinning, Mysterio proceeded on with the plan.

Author's Note: Oh dear me…things are getting difficult for Peter but don't worry, things will eventually ease up! Er…kinda but hooray! Flash made an appearance and he has another role to play in this which you shall see towards the final battle. What happens next? Find out! Toodles!