Location: Cirques des Cartes (Backstage), Time: 3:30 pm
Behind the curtains, sacks of sand hanging on ropes and other backstage equipment strewn about. Two men are having a conversation.
"So ya' want me to don the shocker suit"
"Yes, Herman I want you to guard the truck that carries the 'package' that Tinker Tom ordered tomorrow morning. "
"From the Bug?"
"A Bird. And this one isn't any ordinary bird, this thing kills. Spooked my men after seeing scratches on the truck and the driver, and they weren't chicken scratches either."
"Then ya' got yourself a guard V and Aah'll make sure that we gettin' sum turkey if the feathered freak shows up."
"Likewise, now go and have your supper with the rest of the performers."
Location: Maplecrest, Time: Next morning 8:50 am
Orange leaves litter the nice suburban neighborhood, decorations of pumpkins laying in front of doors, and bat on webs are strung high to trees and houses. kids playing outside, and School students hanging about in their casuals on the Saturday morning.
In a location far away from the nice environment is an unimpressive house that has stairs leading to a door. As said door opened to reveal a teenage boy in blue slacks, white button up shirt, sweater vest, red tie, and circular glasses. (Classic comic book outfit)
Who was being showered with kisses on both cheeks by an older woman.
"Don't forget the eggs when you come back Peter." Reminded by his Aunt, who's now wearing a maid outfit.
"I won't, Aunt May. Now can I go? I got an internship to attend." Chucklingly brushed her off.
"Fine, but just be careful out there? I read in the Daily Bugle that there was a blackout in Little Innsmouth because of someone was shooting thunder from their hands, probably someone possessed by a Demonic Parasite."
'Great. I could've avoided the property damage, but my recklessness got the better of me.'
"Don't worry I'm just going to the Research lab and work there with Eddie, I'll take the subway route anyways."
"Oh Eddie, how much I miss the lad, could please tell him I say hi." now with her going outside to lock door, and both characters split away in different directions.
Location: Meridian Local Research Lab, Time: 9:01am
Chemicals bubbling, Machines tweaking & whirring. The Place is full of busy nerds going there way to research, and invent with sheer professionalism.
Until a loud 'Bang' slamming the door open by Peter who was panting from exhaustion. The Shark came to greet and warn him of his tardiness.
"Peter, you are a minute late. I wish you do not make a habit of this, especially for the your uuuh, 'entrance exam' as we call it."
"Sorry, it won't happen again, sir." 'Need to start getting more creative with my way of travel, swinging isn't gonna cut it. Maybe a slingshot?'
"Good to hear, now follow me to my workshop so I can tell you know what it takes to be here." With that they made a stroll and looking around to see Brock in a white lab coat filling some vials with Professor Warren observing him. Peter debated whether to tell Eddie about May saying 'hi' but with everyone's serious look kinda discourage the action.
Upon entering the workshop, the room is somewhat spacious with a desk full of mechanical mess on top. Scanning around, Peter saw what appears to be a metal Box full of T.V. screens being typed by an old elf at the corner.
Said elf turning around to be greeted by two persons,"First time seeing a computer, Peter?" asked by Professor Avian
"Whoa, wow, I mean, I read about it on science comics of how we will have computers in the future. But I've never imagine we would have now"
"Power of scientists, Peter. And Tax money too or used to be." solemnly chuckling to himself.
"Wait! What, why?"
"It was because when Queen Nancy was defeated, the King shut the Labs down because we were never needed anymore after the war. It lead to cutting our funds that we'd rely on." balling his fist in anger.
"Now, our funds come from donations and contracts from companies. But we are planning to be absorb by OsCorp in the near future." looking down in sighed defeat.
"I've heard some things about the lab being about research that created super soldiers, and its weapons for the government, but why not be absorbed by Stark Industries?" interrogated by Peter
"The Kid that inherited the industry had refuse to absorb us. Quite puzzling, yet we are still desperate to keep ourselves a float. So OsCorp is our only option." Now being answered by the shark. Avian looked up towards Peter now with a smile, he motioned his hands to a nearby table.
"But enough with the past, Today is a present that we should unwrap and the Tomorrow is for our Brighter future that we would build."
"You meaning to tell me, I can actually invent something with all these supplies?" directing Peter's hand at the parts on the desk.
"Yes, unlike dumpster diving from your friend Eddie. Are you really close by any chance with the lad." query the professor.
"Yeah, we are like brothers since both our parents die from an Airship being crashed by Queen Nancy the Skullgirl."
"My Condolences, I just hoped that we could've helped you sooner."
"It's fine, but I'm gonna invent something that might want to consider making me a part of this group." quickly changing the topic. And getting his hands ready.
1 hour later
"TADA!"
"What is it?"
"A hand held radio that can match any frequency and has a strong range too." Revealing a flat metal square that has an elongated antenna on it's left side, a round speaker in the middle, a small wheel at the bottom to adjust frequencies.
With the scientist giving a try, they manage to change channels from local radio music, to police calls, and even got to hear the recent news in the radio.
"So Beowulf, how do you feel that your rival 'The Grizzly' will be wanting a rematch after your retirement?" asked from a reporter's voice.
"Then let him come! This Big Wulf ain't backing down to some Brown fluffy Teddy, I'll put him to sleep instead of kids just like the Good ol' days! With me Wulf Pack! AROOO!"
"Yes, yes, as enthusiastic you may be. You still remember last month's defeat with the 'Human Spider'? Aren't you becoming overconfident with your abilities, and what are your thoughts on him?"
"Baah! that was a fluke, needed the warm up and the wake-up call that I needed re-improve. Plus, He's super cool with all the web-swinging like he was some kind of monkey, I wish I could rematch him. But he and Zane got-" Shutting down the radio before the sentence could be finished.
Giving the device back to Peter, the two scientist looked at each other with a smile, then a nod, to staring back at the young man.
"Well, We're impressed by your capability to make a radio from scratch, pocketed at that. Kids your age would not even know how to fix, let alone create complex devices." commented by Stanley.
"So, am I in?"
Only the nods of two scientist that answered him. it was enough to fuel his joy.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" jumping with his fist high up in the air.
"Welcome to the nerd Club!" RING!
"I'll answer it." claimed that Dr. Avian and went to the ringing telephone. After some murmurs and 'yes' from the Doctor, he puts the phone down.
"It seems that I'll be needing somewhere important, good luck mentoring Peter." to which left through the door with a loud shut!
"Um, Professor Whitefin?"
"Yes, Peter?"
"Can I create another tech here?"
"Sure, as long it's not to expensive or unrealistically ridiculous."
Location: Outskirts, Time: Same time
In a lone Gas station, a man in maroon & yellow-netted suit leaning against the sign post.
"BRRRRRRR"
While waiting for the the truck, the net-suited cowboy played with his Gauntlets in various frequencies to delight himself. To then see a truck with Koca-Soda advertisement on it, coming down the road in the distance. Upon slowing down, he got good look of the driver. An albino man with sharp sets of teeth with Blood red eyes staring back at him.
"You, Shocker?"
"Who else waiting fo' this deserted place?"
"You got the weirdest getup. I was expecting someone with a Tommy gun at least."
"It gives me protection, Aah care less about fashion."
"Fair enough. Hop in, kid."
After hoppin' in passenger side the hunk of metal started rolling down the road. After the vehicle was running, he looked outside the window to remind him of the vast empty grassland.
"I know those eyes, kid. You homesick or something?"
"What's it to ya'?"
"Just sayin', by that accent you have. I bet you're not from the city."
"And?"
"Then why stay over there? You definitely got family somewhere?" The question made Herman think it over, but never looking back at the driver for an answer.
"Because Aah got no family, aight? So shut the hell up, befow' Aah make you into tomato sauce." lightly vibrating his gauntlets to make a point.
Receiving a light 'hmph' they became a quiet after. The Cowpoke had enough with the silence and turned to the nearby newspaper to kill some time. And read what is says.
"there have been recent sightings of a mysterious flying monster for the last week, near New Meridian. Many reported to have yellow glowing eyes that stares back and massive wings that overshadowed itself. Please be careful in the open & any photos will be payed."
"Other reports says that a power outage has affected Little Innsmouth, a Dagonian majority district in New Meridian. Two witnesses have been accounted and gave their testimonies in what they saw."
"I was just washing dishes to then hear, some fighting and shouting outside, and instantly see in Red n' Blue tights flew across the restaurant!" -Witness #1
"It was a cool fight! it was like straight from the comics!" -Witness #2
"Damn Birds n' Bugs, huh."
"You got some beef?"
"Not really, just responsibility that I have to finish. I got this mighty suit for a reason."
"Flashy."
Location: New Meridian Streets, Time: Noon
'I can't believe I got my own camera from scratch thanks to the help of Professor Stanley.' holding on his left hand is a camera.
'Camera. Check' pocketing said camera inside his brown satchel.
'Now let's see. Turn a bit to the right...' Spider-man tweaking his radio wheel to find the right frequency.
'And there! My very own Police scanner. Check.' Now receiving radio chatter between The NMPD.
'And don't forget the eggs. Check.' packing his recently bought egg cartons in his satchel also.
Thwiping a line to jump away a ledge of a building.
'Hmm, I may have the internship but I still need some Bones.'
Upon swinging and luck, he managed to hear a distress call from his radio. Between the police chatter, some kind of flying man-bird was chasing a truck.
'Maybe I could take pictures of The Bird guy and me, Two birds and one stone.'
'Okay, a bird and a spider.'
Location: New Meridian Freeway, Time: Same time (Noon)
Driving on the road while listening music from the radio, Shocker was wandering his eyes on the afternoon city. Driving under multiple towers, beautifully planted on the Freeway. He watched giant Airships that had the sign imprinted, "CANOPY AIRLINES" floating away to probably sightsee some tourists, and some police owned blimps for patrolling.
But he caught a glimpse of something on his peripheral vision on his rear view mirror.
Wait, No, It can't be.
It's someone diving straight forwards!
BANG
A loud dent made the noise because someone landing hard on the trailer.
This made Shocker lean outside the window to find an angelic yet terrifying presence on this figure.
It wore a brown Rocketeer Jacket with white white fur on around the collar, Tan pants but it's knees is cut-off with metal Shin-Prosthetics that had a Four Metal Claws where the Feet should be. The Talons are formed in an "X" position, reminiscent of a predatory bird.
It's wings are attached to its metal back, it's made of metal blades, yet the blades a had a feather look.
All in all, it was terrifying experience for Herman with now aiming his gauntlet at the damn thing.
Blasting some vibrations, the Vulture-looking figure jumped away to avoid the attack and flew side by side with the truck. With Shocker trying to shower it with his vibrating attacks.
"What in a blueberry breeches is that thing?! No wonder them fellas have tails between them legs!"
"Just keep shooting at it until the cops arrived!"
"Just why it wants that damn Package?!"
"I don't ask questions, nor should you!"
Just in time, loud recognizable sirens have arrived in blue cars. Yelling to stop the bird person from chasing the truck.
But It responded by ahead into the freeway & drop Caltrops on the road whichthe Truck narrowly turn away just in time to avoid the spikes. However, the Cop cars' tires are flattened.
"Nice drift!"
"I'll keep driving, you keep shooting the bird!" Delightfully obeying and kept blasting with vibration tunnels against the Vulture.
Said vulture landing on the truck again, and gripped on the roof. To the surprised of everyone, It ripped off the Trailer Roof by pulling away. Revealing a large wooden box, The Package they were escorting.
"Keep it away from the Package!" Distressed by the Albino
"Aah'm trying! This harder than it looks!" Shooting another vibrating to shoo away the bird.
When things started to get desperate, a white line managed to stick on the Vulture's back. Looking behind, he saw a Red & Blue Tights was holding onto the white line while being dragged with it.
"Woah! Hold still birdie! I need you for a photograph." Pulling himself to fling towards the bird and ride on it's back.
While not showing a hint of emotion from the Feathered villain's mask, it was quite obvious he was furious of the whole situation. So he barrel roll to no avail.
"Yeehaw! Now this is rodeo!" This made the cowpoke smiled behind his mask from the Bug's humor.
"You got anymore tricks, Pony?" The Vulture thinking of ways to rid of it's rider, the flying villain spotted one of the upcoming building on the freeway.
He immediately turned his back towards the building and crashed spider-man against the structure. Quickly ascending against the long building to grind the vigilante, which successfully let go of his back.
"Hey! Careful! I got somethings fragile in my satchel!" screamed the spider.
Nevertheless, Spider-man shot two line with both hands on the bird's back again to keep following. Now on flying top of the building, Vulture dive bombed downwards on the Freeway again towards the truck but quickly ascends so only the spider crashed on the truck.
The Action resulted with Spidey crashing on the wooden box that broke it into numerous planks. However, The package was revealed to be some kind of Rocket with a flat bat-shaped head & wings attached on either side of the rocket. This alarmed Peter of why the Vulture was attacking the truck, 'Maybe some kind of weapon?'.
"Hey, what with this rocket thingy?!" interrogated the web-head.
"Nunya business Bug!" replied by the Yellow-net man.
"It's my business with you bringing this spooky rocket here! I know it's halloween next week, but I think this is too much."
"Then ya' just gave me a reason."
"Reason to wha-" SENSE. Quickly reacting to the danger, Peter ducked to dodge a Vibrating beam.
This made Shocker keep shooting at Spidey nonstop. Spider-man on the other hand, jumped away with the strange device from the truck.
"Seriously?! Is this my thanks for saving your butts from a flyin-"
SENSE. Before he can react, the spider was immediately grappled by both of the Vulture's talons on both his shoulders. Ascending with the arachnid in order to crash the spider face-first into another building.
CRASH!
"Ough!" CRACK
Upon hearing the crack, Peter knew whatever in his satchel was now a yellow mess with white shards. His muscles ache from the hard crash he just took, & stuck by the vulure's grapple.
The Bird of Prey dragged the poor spider against the wall to grind him, that resulted of his costume having tears. Vulture dropped the vigilante on the top of the building.
Spider on the other hand was completely tired from the massive grinding he took.
Seeing the opening, Vulture snatched the bat-rocket with his talons from Spidey's hand, and flew away. But the Villain was pulled by a web line from the vigilante & looking back to see spider-man holding a single line with both hands.
"OKAY, you are definitely getting it." Aggressively swinging his web rope on his right, that made the Bird crashed face-first into the building as payback.
The Vulture on the other hand, quickly manage to recover & flew away to prepare an attack, by pulling his wings to then launch his Blade-Feathers at Spider-man!
Spider-man jumps and steps on one blade, then another, then another, until he was hop-stepping towards the Vulture, and grabbing one of the 'feathers' with his web to swing it against Vulture.
However, Vulture blocked with his right wing and the feather fixed it's position to becoming part of the wing. Spider-man manages to reach in time to punch the bird square to the face & cracking it's golden goggles to reveal what's behind.
What he caught a glimpse of, is a bird-like stare from the Red iris that is filled with hatred. Before Spidey could do anything, the Bird man flew away, which spider-man quickly followed with a line on it's back. The Duo was flying towards the nearest Airship leading next to it's back propellers.
Realizing that he was gonna be blend, Spider-man let go of the web-line & latched on the blimp and climbed the metal ballon on top.
Upon reaching the on it, he scanned the whole air space and his eyes caught the Vulture flying away with the Device.
'Dammit! I need to get used to the air combat if I'm gonna fight someone like him again.'
Checking inside his bag to find a non surprising mess of gooey yellow and white shells, 'What am I gonna tell aunt May?'
Location: River King Casino, Time: 3:00pm
"What am Aah gonna say to Vitale and Tom." Now, Herman in his maintenance suit, fixing a broken slot machine.
Next to him is Cerebella cross arm & leaning against said machine with her hat is being held by her left hand.
"I'm pretty sure they would understand that you got jumped by two feral pretenders." reassured the performer.
"Yeah...Wait. Aren'tchu a fan of Beowulf, 'Bella?" Smiling at his own remark
"I-I mean he is cool and a hero to everyone, unlike the web-freak or the bird-brain!" giving a flustered response.
"Cahlm down swaytheart, ain't notin' but a show."
"Show!? He is a hero, that beaten many from the likes, like The Grizzly! Then that Spider-guy appeared out of nowhere and wrecked Beowulf! At first I kinda admire the little guy until he started messing with us! the Medicis! What have we done to him?!"
Herman on the hand, was grimacing inwardly from Cerebella's child like innocence, 'its a good thing that you a pretty fool, Aah don't know how would you react if you somehow find out the truth.'
While they were conversing, a dark skinned janitor came by in front of them, "Boss wants to see you, Herman."
"Thanks for the call, Hobie."
"Aight then, good luck to you"
Location: Daily Bugle, Time: 3:00pm
DING!
Carefully exiting elevator, Peter carried his pictures to walk forwards. Watching many busy people typing in their typewriter, carrying newspapers, the sorts. He finally reached the desk of Ms. Nadia.
"Hello Peter Parker, how can I help you for today?" asked the secretary.
"C-can I speak to Mr. Jameson, I got the picture of Spider-man" with the feline pressing a button to call her boss that resulted with said boss to begrudgingly come open his office door.
"WHATISITTHATYOUWANTKID!"
"He has the pictures." Nadia smugly smiled.
"WHAT!"
"Spider-man, pictures, Him." pointing her clawed finger to the boy.
Jameson rudely snatched the picture from Peter to observe every each one of them, with a smile.
"Yeah, Yeah, Ok. Maybe I have underestimated you Parker. You're at least resourceful, unlike kids your age." flipping to every picture, and picking one with Spidey holding the Bat-rocket while Vulture carried him from the shoulders.
"HA! Web head and Vulture, stealing private property! This will definitely bank us some bones!" laughed by the mustache man.
Hearing what he said, Peter argued, "But he wasn't stealing, he was stopping the Vulture from stealing! You're committing Slander!"
"Then Let him sue me, and be rich like a Medici! Now go to Nadia, she will give your paycheck." argued back by Jameson.
Sighing in defeat, Peter faced Nadia. To which the female put her hand under his chin to lift them up.
"Hey cheer up, he's cranky most of the time but the big guy is a real softie if you get to know him better. So, here's your paycheck."
"Thanks miss Nadia, I'll better be off now."
Location: Parker Household, Time: 5:00pm
Opening the front door to enter his family's house to encounter his cousin, carol doing homework at the dinner table.
"Hey you need help for your homework?"
"Sure Peter, Its just problem seven is giving me a headache"
After receiving the approval, he put his cash next to the mails that was presumably the bills that needed to be paid. And sat down next to carol.
"Oh yeah, Pete. I covered the eggs for you."
"Wait! What!"
"Yeah, I mean you forget a lot of things and since the fact you don't carry a carton already proves it." smiles smugly from her Prepation.
"Alright smarty pants, I guess you don't need my help afterall."
"Wait! I'm sorry, just don't leave me with this homework!"
Location: Dark room, Time: Night
"I got the package you have requested." stated by a bird looking figure with a intimidating deep voice, in front of a shadowed man.
"Gooood. We can't attend the Commemoration Party empty handed." Dragging the first word by the orange man with his jester like voice.
"Just to let you know, Spider-man attacked me during the heist."
"So, Big Birdie is afraid of an insect?" jokingly teased the hooded figure.
"No, he just complicates things that made me almost fail. Your plan could've fallen apart if I wasn't careful."
"No matter, here's your payment for your little science project." handing over a briefcase full of cash that could last for at least two months without being shutdown.
With the money in hand, The Vulture left the doorway with a loud shut! Now the dark figure is left alone, other figures revealed themselves from the darkness, all of them were Dagonians & one is a Feline Feral.
"So when do we go?" asked the Feline
Chuckling, the figure replied, "Hehe, Tomorrow, Eight p.m. We can't leave our guest be bored with Eliza's songs, they'll need real party performers unlike those clowns in the circus."
"HumhehehehahahahahaHAHAHAHAAAA!" Cackling into the night that will send shivers to the Friendly Neighbor in the near future.
End of Chapter
Notes:
For those who were left clueless. The fight took place at the freeway at background of "New Meridian Rooftops", the freeway have Buildings on top of it with roads going under.
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