Chapter 5: Spider On The Run (1)
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"Can we do this some other time?! I'm really late for my metal care treatment!"
Yeah. It's me. You're Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man.
On the run from an overly angry Pro-Hero of Japan. Who's literally on FIRE!
Man, this guy has a temper! He looks like a version of Hulk and Human Torch merged into one!
Can't an Innocent Spider get a break here? I'm almost near the brink of a Full Mental Meltdown! Sheesh.
I mean, how can I not! I'm almost certain that the situation I'm in is not just a regular Time-Travel.
That Officer, I mean Detective, guy's facial expression, his eyes, they weren't lying. He literally had no idea about... anyone.
The Avengers, The Fantastic Four, X-Men, Iron Man, Stark Industries. How can he not know any of them!? Really... Not even Dr. Doom?
Did they all end up being forgotten?! Nope, That does not make any sense. Their Legacies are legends.
I'd even bet my full-year salary that even Kang the 'self-called' Conqueror himself can't even erase their legacies from existence.
If this is not some prank by Loki, then could this be another alternate version of Convergence?
Is Thanos using the Infinity Stones to impress 'Death'... Again?
Not that I'm an expert in Love or anything but that dude really doesn't know when to give up does he?
Man, I even feel pity for the guy. With all the blood and efforts to impress his lady, only to result in treatment less than an Acquaintance.
Anyway, The only lead I have now is my 'Spider-Sense' which went haywire.
Spider-Sense going haywire in the middle of mental breakdown is something I am very used to. (Try playing tag against The Hulk and you'll understand)
But this time it felt different. It didn't felt like a warning at all. It felt like more of a guiding signal, like a waypoint in video games.
So I decided to trust my Spidery instinct and follow it... which led me here, to this moment... where I'm being chased by an angry Hero who has fire for a mustache.
The weird Tingling from Spider-Sense has stopped for some reason but that doesn't mean I'm out of danger.
(Spider-Sense)
Whoa! Bear Hug from behind?! Really not a fan of that kind of stuff.
Wow, This Endeavor guy is good! I guess he's Ranked NO.2 Hero for a reason.
Whenever I put a distance between us by swinging away, he seems to have no trouble with closing in the gaps with his super boost.
He's using his flames as a thrust or a rocket boost to leap in the air like 'The Hulk'. And his flames gives him the additional boost and gliding in mid-air.
Also since this is Japan, his home territory, he knows the way to go around to intercept my course.
Thankfully my trusty Spider-Sense can lock-on to him and warn me whenever he's in close range.
His movements. He seems to be more of a jumper than a flyer. Which means he has less control in mid-air moment after he leaps. That'll give me an advantage in mobility.
He might have the advantage in speed thanks to his Fire Power but with a lack of control in maneuverability,
he'll have pretty tough luck catching me in tight spaces with lots of obstacles.
So simply put, if I stick to narrow alleys and shadows, I can lose him pretty easily. No Sweat.
(Spider-Sense)
Huh? Is it summer already? Why do I feel the heat and chilling... Move!
Ok... I take that back. This might take more than a sweat. I might end up as Crispy-Spider.
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"Whoa! What's up with the Flamethrower Doc?! What happened to 'bring in unharmed'?"
Spider-Man shout out as he was surprised by a sudden pillar of flame rushing in from behind.
It was aimed precisely at his left arm, the moment he was about to shoot another web-line.
However, thanks to his Spider-Sense, Spider-Man was able to yank himself horizontally to evade the incoming attack and keep himself from burning.
"Don't you have any respect for the merchandise? This suit doesn't grow on trees you know!
Once you hear the tales of its origin I bet even Hot Blooded Hero like you would shed tears and cry! All those stings, loss of blood, and bandages..."
As Spider-Man shout his complaints at the NO.2 Hero of Japan, Endeavor was not in the mood to listen.
In fact, he was lost in his thoughts and processing just how this kid vigilante evaded his attack. Again!
'It's no fluke. He somehow possesses some sort of method to sense even my long-range attacks. Is he even equipped with a heat sensor as well?
Using Omnidirectional radar tech to track my movement, that I understand. But to think he can even react to my long-range attack... without even looking!
As planned, I aimed for his left arm and wrist at the exact moment he extended to shoot another one of his webs.
He was exposed in mid-air, at the endpoint of his previous swing, momentarily relying on free fall until his web attached to something else.
A simple Flame attack would've been more than enough to burn his webs and arm altogether and bring him down.
But this brat... He somehow noticed my attack without even looking.
Not only that, but he also pinpointed the exact aim of my attack and took the evasive maneuver.
He yanked himself horizontally in the opposite direction. Just before my flame could reach the halfway point.
Did he detect my intention of attack from the heat of my hand? No, that's not possible.
I'm currently generating higher heat from my flames on my legs and back for a faster maneuver. Even my body is heating up simultaneously.
Even with the thermal sensor, it's impossible to detect my attack unless I generate and charge much higher heat for it. Let alone without even looking.
Then just how did this brat was able to dodge and move like... !'
Not more than a few seconds lost in his thoughts, a single sound of 'Thwip' brought him back to reality.
What Endeavor saw next was Spider-Man changing his course from the street to narrowed alley, between the buildings. Making a getaway.
"You little brat! You think you can hide from me in a place like that!"
Endeavor immediately leaped, more like launched himself like a cannon, and followed Spider-Man.
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"Hmph! 'If it's a narrow alley I can run away easily and hide in the shadows' is that what you think!? Don't you dare underestimate The Endeavor!
I've been taking down bugs like you even long before you were ever born! There is no such thing that can stop this Endeavor!"
"Wow! For a 'Pro-Hero' You really like to talk about yourself in Third-Person, don't you?! Do you practice that every morning?
No offense but isn't that more like how villains talk? Maybe you should try listening to yourself more and you'll understand.
And who said anything about stopping you? I'm just trying to hide, run, and go home. There's a huge difference.
And shouldn't you be chasing real villains instead? Why are you stalking me?! I'm just a Homesick Spider. Do you think society will allow this type of heinous act?
Forget NO.1 you might end up with a penalty and demotion back to school. So stop this violence immediately or I will call the police!"
"SHUT UP!"
Endeavor, being frustrated and furious, launched himself to a higher altitude.
While hovering in the air, he threw a series of fireballs and fire-spears at Spider-Man.
Only to have his frustration and anger to grow much bigger when every time Spider-Man dodged them rather easily.
Although it was 'low heat', it was more than enough to give one a 2nd-degree burn on impact.
He even fired them as fast as the baseball throws of MLB.
However, not a single shot was able to scratch Spider-Man. Let alone hit him.
Without even looking behind, Spider-Man was dodging every blast of fire projectiles Endeavor could throw at him.
Twisting his body in a way that only the finest gymnastic is capable of.
Leaping off from balconies and stairs with an agility that even finest athletes aren't remotely capable of.
Bouncing off from wall to wall with the speed that only the handful of Top Heroes were capable of. If not Faster.
'Sheesh! This is like being chased by that Firelord dude all over again. (Can't say I miss that run)
Thankfully This Endeavor dude is much slower than Human Torch, and his aims are kind of average.
Let's hope he doesn't change his tactics to area attacks.'
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'This little creep! I will admit. This brat is no rookie or even a small fry. He's Experienced!
To dodge my attacks without even looking, with a movement like that, and hardly losing his speed.
It's only capable when one has had similar experiences and survived.
He's movements.
While there are too many needless moves, there is no hesitation or cluelessness. Just a reaction and execution.
He's not even panicking from this much amount of projectiles.
It's as if he instinctively knows Where and When the attacks will arrive, and How to move his body for a perfect evade.
So, you have enough life-threatening experience that would make this encounter a child's play. Is That What You're Saying?!
Don't Make me laugh, brat!
I don't know just what kind or how much throw-downs you've had, but you've made this far only because you've never faced Endeavor before!
That David. He can go ahead and sue me for all I care! I shall take you down even if I have to give you a full-body 3rd-degree burn!
Then you'll learn The True meaning of Hero!'
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With a huge burst and explosion of flame, Endeavor dived down after Spider-Man with much greater force.
Ignoring the Steal and Metals melting from his flames. Ignoring his sweat burning up due to the sudden Overheat from his body.
The Endeavor was determined to finish this annoying chase for good.
This alarmed Spider-Man to go high alert. He web-zipped and point launched to the tallest building he could find.
Then started to run up the wall as fast as he could. Not even noticing a victory smirk from the NO.2 Hero's face.
'Got you where I wanted, brat! I see you prefer swinging rather than running and bouncing on the street. Which means you need buildings to swing from.
Unlucky for you this city is my territory, I know this part of town even better than the police. The building you're climbing is the last skyscraper in this section of town.
Beyond that is nothing more than a group of 2~4 stories high markets, restaurants, and a train station for at least a mile.
The moment you jump off that building is the end of you and your pathetic run!'
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As Spider-Man continued to run-up the side of the building, dodging pillar of flames while at it, he felt something was off.
A cold chill was going down his spine. It wasn't his 'Spider-Sense' but it was his 'Parker Sense' warning him of uncertain danger.
However, he had no choice but to keep running. The Angry Flame Hero was chasing him from behind, in what seems to be a full burst of force.
Luckily the building he was running was tall enough to give him enough cover to buy some time.
'Just a little more. After jumping off the building, Full Speed Dive from this height down to the street would provide me
enough speed and momentum to swing and launch out of his reach. Then, I have to hide in whatever air vents there are for the time being.
I just hope air vents in the future are well equipped with bathrooms.
Cause playing with fire always makes me nervous and I really have to... to... WHERE ARE THE BUILDINGS?!'
The moment after Spider-Man leaped from the building he noticed there was hardly any building he could describe as a concrete jungle.
What presented to his eyes was just a small town made in groups of small stores. Something he would describe as 'Marketplace'. Not a good spot for web-swinging.
'Shoot! I knew I should've kept my web-wings for a good reason! Oh, Man. Did he set me up?! Where is that Flaming... Yeow!'
As Spider-Man was in mid-air, free-falling, his Spider-Sense rang like a Baby-Alarm. And he noticed that Endeavor was in position and ready for launch.
Spider-Man thought of diving to the street, but he knew it won't be enough to gain distances from Endeavor's reach.
He ran through every possible scenario he could think of. All ending with him being either tackled, speared, or burned. Unless...
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"It's Over, you Damn Brat!"
With a mighty roar, Endeavor launched from the side of the building, more fierce than ever!
Finally, the annoying chase was over! It was time for Endeavor to teach this annoying Spider Themed Vigilante the true force of HellFlame!
The 1st-degree burn clearly wasn't going to be enough. At least the 3rd-degree burn or more would satisfy his anger and humiliation he faced from this Little Kid!
(Thwip)
Even at the very end, this vigilante resists. He seems to have fired a web projectile against him but it was meaningless.
Hell, it never even hit him. The Vigilante's final retaliation only to end in a miss. How pity of him... NOT!
"You've done well brat, this might be the first time in my whole career that I felt so annoyed, humiliated, and furious! Over a damn kid vigilante of all people!
As a reward, I shall grant you an unforgettable lesson in pain! I could care less if you can ever get back up after this, but if you do, Be honored.
For I, Endeavor will personally train you properly, in the true way of being a Hero!"
After closed in the gaps, Endeavor extended his hand over Spider-Man's head!
"Wait! Wait! Wait! You don't have to... Hot! Hot! Hot! Hot!"
Spider-Man felt the heat rising at the fingertips of Endeavor's hand. Heating up higher and higher.
"This is The End! 3rd-Degree, Prominence (Thwip!) Bu... What the..!"
'What? What is this?! Someone is, Something is pulling me from behind?! I HAD HIM! I HAD HIM IN MY GRASP! WHO DARES TO..!'
(Slam! ... Thwip!)
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"Holy Moly... And that Ladies and Gentlemen, is what you call a well-coordinated turnover!"
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Endeavor didn't know what happened. He couldn't understand what happened. He couldn't even process what happened.
His plan was perfect. Luring Spider-Man to where he wanted. Made him to panic, lose his balance, and made him dance silly in mid-air.
He was in his reach. NO. He was in his Grasp! He could feel his fingers ready to burn away the silly excuse for a mask of his.
All that was left to do was to turn up the heat and burn him. Teach him the lesson he won't ever forget!
But that moment never came. More like the satisfying moment was stolen from him at the very end.
Someone intervened. Was he followed? Was there a 3rd-party at play?
Just as Endeavor was about to burn the annoying vigilante in mid-air, he felt as if time was rewinding itself.
Slowly, The Spider, whose head was in his mercy was going further away from him.
The vigilante in his grasp was loose. No, Endeavor 'Lost' his grip when he felt a strong force pulling him from behind.
Not even giving Endeavor a chance to react, this strong force slammed him against the side of the building.
Not more than a second later he found himself stuck to a wall, wrapped up in layers of silk webs from his toe to his chest. Stuck and Helpless.
"Hot! Hot! What were you trying to do? Burn my hair out?! Sorry, but I have no intention of going bald just yet."
Spider-Man said as he attached himself above the head of Endeavor, checking his mask if it had any holes.
"What... What! WHAT DID YOU...?!"
"'Trip Mine Web'. In case you are wondering."
"WHAT?!"
"A National Treasure made by yours truly. 50$ of chemicals, laser pointer, and recyclable materials."
(Thwip, Thwip, Thiwp, Thwip)
Just to be sure, Spider-Man shot additional Web-Balls. Covering Endeavors Body Thoroughly. Leaving no open gabs.
"Wow... for a moment there I thought I was a goner, you know.
You can't see my face now but let me just say that for a moment, it was covered in tears and runny nose."
"Argh! You Worthless Creep! Do you think these silly webs can hold Me?! I AM ENDEAVOR!
ONCE I GET OUT OF THIS THING I'M GOING TO BURN YOUR FX.."
"Now now. Watch the language, please. You're a Hero remember? And please, don't bother with the webs.
It's a highly condensed webbing. Courtesy of Dr. Octupus, though I enhanced them a little.
With the enough amount, it's capable of holding 'The Rhino', 'The Thing', 'Luke Cage', 'Tombstone', 'Green Goblin', and even 'Iron Man' on their best day.
And similar to your case would be 'Human Torch'. He's kind of my troublesome friend/brother.
The Web is highly flame-resistant. And once fully covered from toe to upper torso, blocking contact with oxygen, Voila! No more Fireworks!
Even 'Human Torch' had to struggle for some time to burn through it. So I'm fairly confident to say even you might have some hard time as well. No offense"
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As Spider-Man rested for a breather, Endeavor tried everything he possibly could to free himself from the 'Small Fry Quirk' he laughed at earlier.
However, no matter how much he struggled, he just couldn't get himself free from his predicament.
He was confident that he could burn through it, but the heat and flame from just above his neck weren't good enough.
'Damn it! What The Hell Is This Thing! This Little Fxxxing Brat!
Urgh! Even my own strength isn't good enough to break through? This brat! When did he set a trap like this?!
I had him in my Grasp! His retaliation was pointless! He couldn't even land His attack properly... His attack... That Was Not a Miss?!
He made it look like he missed but in truth, he was aiming for the wall behind me... Just to set this up?! At the very last moment?!
No, that's not possible! Even with the experience, for a Brat to perform this kind of stunt?! It's simply not...
He's even used to a life-ending situation as well?! And this type of tech... Just Who Is...'
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"You Damn Brat! Just WHAT ARE YOU?!"
Endeavor screamed in Anger and Frustration. He just couldn't believe that a skinny kid in skin-tight spandex out of nowhere had bested him.
And he didn't even do it by using ambush. In fact, it was Endeavor himself who ambushed the vigilante at the beginning... and failed...
"Do I have to introduce myself again? I'm your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. The Spectacular Spider-Man. Catchy name right?
A poor Superhero. Far Away From Home.
Lost and alone, with no internet or even a set of warm clothes.
And again, I have no idea what that cloud was or why and how I was exposed to it. I don't even know how to explain the things I remember.
But, yeah. I truly am sorry for running away like that. I never wanted things to go like this.
I was just trying to find my way home. I just happen to save a girl because she was in trouble. That's all.
And then, meanie looking officer and Fire Beard MuscleMan came after me, just because I beat up a bunch of thugs.
I bet even you would find yourself running around silly if you were in my shoes.
Yeah... I know what you're thinking. I've been in your situation as well.
I'm told my webs smells weird. But, just give it an hour or more and it'll dissolve naturally.
And as for me. Well... I'll just take my leave and find my way home. Sorry for the trouble again."
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After sharing simple chat, Spider-Man jumped down to the roof of the nearest building.
Ignoring the Endeavor's rage and swears behind.
"Whew... Well, I guess that's that... Now a quick check-up and another journey to Mystery."
Spider-Man quickly checked his web-shooters and other equipment to see if anything was damaged.
Thankfully everything was fine. No Scorch marks, No Burned out Mask, No Damaged HUD, and still No access to Network.
"Urgh... So the only lead I have now is my Weird Spider-Sense? Come on, God. You could at least give me a Map?
Um, Mr. Endeavor? Do you know any free WIFI station I can use?"
"! #$%^!"
"Yeah... He's busy. Well, I guess it's back to web-swinging again and..."
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(Spider-Sense!)
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"Urushi Saro!"
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'A what? What the... TREE?!'
Just as Spider-Man was about to return to his regular schedule, from out of nowhere, branches of Trees reached out to him.
It wasn't even a gentle gesture. It came after the Spider-Man with the full intention of immobilizing him.
The Branches moved like a snake as if it were alive .
Thanks to his Spider-Sense, Spider-Man was able to narrowly dodge the vines and branches just before it could surround him.
"Hey. I know this move! This is Groot! Groot is you?! How in the hell are you...?"
"I am no Groot! I am Kamui Woods! Arrived here to stop the villain outbreak!"
"To Stop The What?!"