Chapter 11: The Hunt

Spider Man coughed as he struggled to get up. That blow really took a lot on him.

"It was foolish of you to come here," the dark voice spoke as he went over the rubbles.

"I'm the…only one who…can stop you," Peter coughed.

The person sneered. "How can you stop me if you can't even save yourself?"

"You see, that's the problem," Spider Man as he got up. "You have too much confidence and that's why you will fall. Your confidence will be your down fall."

Spider Man narrowed his eyes as he stared at the figure. The intruder sneered.

"Surprised to see me again?"

"No."

"Aww, that's too bad."

"But I am ready to take you out."

"We shall see with that."

And then, it started. The two went head to head, having Peter to throw objects that were closer to him but the bird-like villain dodged it. However, the enemy was too quick and in a swift move, the foe grabbed Peter and the two crashed through the roof, getting out of the building. Peter struggled to get free and he occasionally released his webs to gunk the enemy.

They twist and turn through the air until finally, the two of them got slammed on a nearby rooftop.

"Tonight, you will die!" the villain snarled as he took out his gun.

Peter just managed to avoid the attack by twirling in the air but due to the power having a long range, it went past by Spider Man and blasted a nearby store down the road which exploded. However, the foe didn't wasted his time and he immediately went at Spider Man, using his feet to collide against Spider man and the two went crashing down the roof. The wind got knocked out of Peter and he gasped for breath.

"You should've realized, Spider Man. I'm way out of your league," the enemy sneered as he pressed his foot on Peter's chest.

"You're still beatable…" Spider Man groaned.

"Don't mess with me or I'll kill everyone you love," the villain threatened.

However, Peter wasn't about to give up and with a sneak attack in hand, Spider Man threw the object which was attached to his web and then he threw at the foe's face who shouted.

Spider Man quickly got up and proceeded to perform his moves but on the last one, Spider Man slipped up and the bird villain took this chance to blast him again.

"This is what people put hopes in?"

He picked up the vigilante by the scruff of his shirt, lifting him up.

The rival sneered. "Pathetic," he then threw Spider man like a ragged doll. He stared at the somewhat unconscious hero. As he was about to leave, something shot past by him and it struck the floor, forcing him to halt in his steps.

"What fool wishes to die by my hands?" the birdman spoke sinisterly as he turned around.

"Sorry to disappoint you but anyone ever tell you that you will be defeated?"

The birdman looked up only to have his disturbing grin grew wider. "Well, well. If it isn't none other than Iron Man himself. Aw, what's wrong? Word got that I defeated your little puppet?"

Iron man lowered himself down and he extended his hand out, ready to fire if he needed to.

"Stand down, now and we can go quietly," Iron Man said warningly.

The adversary laughed. "So the old man still has life in him! Who would've thought?"

"Last chance."

"Well…alright…"

Without a warning, the birdman took out his gun and blasted at Iron Man who equally released his attack. But the force got too strong and it forced both of them to fly backwards. Iron Man coughed from the dust that rose but he quickly got up and went back to the spot to where he was before the impact. However, the only thing that was missing was the creature.

"It was the weapons that got stolen. That's what Tony was hiding. That's why he got angry," Peter said. He moved but winced, having his hand go to his ribs. "One of them can shoot electricity and the other is just as dangerous as the first one."

Ned stared at him. "So, what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to get them back."

"Yeah uh, because that totally worked out for you, didn't it?" Ned eyed the injuries of what Peter had. "I can't believe you went face to face with the big dude. Are you insane?"

"I'm not," Peter glared. "Look: I'm only doing what is right. What's so wrong about that?"

"Nothing except you're getting beaten the hell out of it," Ned remarked. "I wouldn't be surprised if your aunt got really upset and angry."

"Oh she was, trust me on that. She was even considering to drop me at school every day," Peter replied bitterly.

Ned snorted. "Well at least that would make you stay out of trouble. What about Tony?"

"Oh, he…uhm…he was angry…" Peter answered, grimly.

"Of course he would be…considering that he actually told you to literally stay out of trouble…" Ned shook his head and he went back to the laptop. "Oh look: the Daily Bugle had written another article about Spider Man."

Peter gave him a look as he moved towards him. He frowned.

ANOTHER ATTACK CAME FROM THE BIRD AND THE SPIDER

Peter sneered. "From the way he writes it, it sounds as though we're secretly lovers," he scowled.

"But it does though, doesn't it? You two show it that way."

Peter glared.

"From beginner to hero, Spider Man began to earn a lot of people's trust, believing that he does more good than bad. However, since the appearance of the birdman that is now known as the 'Vulture', people began to speculate about Spider Man's actions. In the recent attacks, there had been numerous destruction that were left behind during the battle. The citizens are now doubting to see Spider Man as a hero—"

"What!?" Peter exclaimed. "Are you serious? You know the next time this 'Vulture' comes in, I'll be sure to let him do whatever he wants," Peter muttered angrily.

"But can you blame them though? You guys practically leave destruction behind. You don't watch yourselves of what you do and then after an intense battle, you two go your ways," Ned said.

Peter stared at him. "I'm trying to stop the Vulture! Believe me: it's not my intention to make mayhem all over the city. Crap happens when you're out, playing the hero. It's bound to have some destruction. Whose side are you on?"

Ned rolled his eyes. "I'm only being realistic here."

"Realistic my foot," Peter muttered.

"Oh look: Iron Man is also mentioned in here too…"

Peter immediately went back to the article.

"…It has also been stated that Spider Man was supposed to be under the watchful eye of Iron Man himself who was supposed to take him under his wing to train him as a proper hero."

Angered, Peter closed the lid of the laptop and shuffled towards the edge of the bed in order to get up.

"The damn Daily Bugle."

Peter walked towards the window.

"Where are you going?"

"Home…before my aunt explodes," Peter mumbled.

"Are you sure you don't my parents to give you a ride? With all those injuries, you could cause a strain."

Peter shrugged it off. "It's fine. Don't worry about me. See you at school."

"Yeah and at the Homecoming tomorrow. You are going to Homecoming, right?"

Peter froze in his tracks and he groaned. "Damn it; I've forgotten all about it. With this Vulture going around and everything else…"

Ned sighed. "You're lucky I made you remember it. What time are you going to meet up with Liz?"

Peter opened and closed his mouth, shifting awkwardly in his spot. Ned sighed, rolling his eyes at the stupidity of his friend. Sometimes he wonder why he didn't abandoned him in the first place.

"You're hopeless."

"Am not."

"You have completely forgot about the Homecoming, not to mention that you had a date to go by to. So either way, that makes you hopeless," Ned shook his head. "You better hope that whatever time you guys settle with, you would get there in time."

"Yeah, yeah. I've got this under control; I can handle it," Peter grinned lopsidedly.

"Uh-huh. Anyways, see you."

"Yeah."

And then, Peter swung out of the window while trying to ignore the pain that was in his ribs.

Aunt May frowned. Peter's odd behaviour had made her worry. Even as she watches TV with him, he would always be in the slumping position as though he had gotten hurt. Whatever Peter's going through, he wouldn't let up even if she asks him.

She sighed. "Something is troubling you, Peter and I want to help, I really do but…I can't help if you don't let me."

Peter bit his lip as he withdrew his gaze away from the TV and stared at the floor. He knew that his aunt noticed that there was something different about him but she would never understand. He most certainly cannot tell her that he, himself, is Spider Man—she would freak. In all honesty, Peter wanted to tell her since maybe it would help him be at peace—even if it was for just a little while.

Peter sighed.

"It's nothing…" he struggled to speak. "It's just that…" he paused, trying to figure out what to say. "Have…have you ever had a person—who was more than a friend—"

Aunt May stared at him though a small smile was threatening to escape her lips. "Oh! So it's a girl?"

Peter stared at her with mouth open. "What?" he cried out. "No! Nononono! You're ruining the moment here."

She chuckled but then indicated for him to continue.

"It's…this person…well, he's not really a friend. He's more like a…father-figure, or at least he was. He always keeps secrets from me and I just…I just feel so irritated almost all the time. Does…does that makes sense?" Peter asked.

Aunt May smiled. "It's common to feel that way. Peter, I know…I know your parents have…left you at a young age so it's alright to feel that certain emotion with this person. Everyone at some point in their lives feel that way too. After all, you're only human. And as for him keeping secrets from you, maybe it wasn't his intention."

"Then what was his intention?"

"To keep you safe. From what you have told me, it sounded as though that this secret is dangerous. He cares for your safety, Peter and whatever the secret is, perhaps he doesn't want you to be hurt by it."

Peter went into silence. He supposed of what Aunt May said makes sense. But Tony is always so protective.

And because of that, it made Peter smile.

"Thanks Aunt May," he said quietly.

She smiled. "Anytime tiger," she then paused. "But you did at some point mentioned that you had a certain date with a girl?" she grinned.

Peter's face suddenly flushed with bright red, stammering. "I…uh…er…n-no? Did I said that? I meant, my friend has a date. Yeah, that's it."

"Uh huh. So, what time are you two meeting up?"

"6:30 at the school's entrance," Peter mumbled, a tint of red appeared on his face.

Aunt May grinned. "Aww, my little boy is growing up."

"Oh please, not now," he groaned.

She laughed then paused. "But…if you like…you would like me to drop you off?" she offered.

Peter was about to say no but then changed his mind, a small smile growing on his lips.

"Yeah…yeah, that would be fine."

Author's Note: Whoo whoo! We finally got to see Tony Stark in action! Although not much but I promise he would be in the final battle with the Vulture and the other bad dudes. But little Peter has a date with Liz, aww XD BUT will he make it on time or will something come along the way? You shall see. Toodles!