Chapter 6: Market Forces
Hey eveyrone I'm back with a new chapter. I'm glad to see so many enjoyed the big change I made last chapter. Needless to say things are gonna get epic really soon. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
It was late at night as a truck was driving down the street carrying something dangerous.
However as the driver was nearing his destination some large trucks surrounded it.
"Don't like this." The driver said as the truck in front of him opened up and the truck behind rammed into him to make him enter. "This is transport 23!"
But before anyone could respond the truck releases a gas knocking out the driver.
From the back a man entered and opened the back revealing a case.
In an unknown location, the man takes off his mask to reveal Monatana as he out down the briefcase before grabbing his hat. "Job done."
"Forget the hat. Put on the suit." Hammerhead orders as Montana opens the case revealing a new suit. "You still owe the big man one friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
The next morning, Jaden was at his desk in his room looking at the bataarang.
After his meeting with Batman and giving up his Spider-Man photo quest Jaden's head was everywhere. He was totally lost figuring out what to do.
'Batman said I had the potential but what does that mean? Am I gonna have to move to Gotham or what? All he said was when it was time he would come for me, but when is that?' Jaden thought.
"Jaden! Jaden are you up?" Maya calls out.
Yelping Jaden hides it in his pocket just as his mom enters the room.
"Uh hi mom, what's up?" Jaden asks.
"What's up is it's time for breakfast. Come on down." Maya said.
"Okay I will just give me a bit." Jaden said.
"If you need me I'll be at Mrs. Watson's house." Maya said walking away.
Making his way downstairs, Jaden saw some wrapped up waffles but what really got his attention were some letters hidden behind the toaster.
"Are those what I think they are?" Jaden asks walking up to see they were all bills.
'I know I said I wouldn't do that stupid Bugle contest for Spider-Man photos but I need to find a way to make money.' Jaden thought.
Putting the bills down, Jaden started eating when his mom returned.
"Back already?" Jaden asks.
"Yes Anna's Mary Jane has come to town. I'm hoping you can meet up with her." Maya said.
"Sure uh what's she like?" Jaden asks.
"She has a wonderful personality." Maya said.
"Uh okay…how about she meets me tomorrow? I gotta go help Harry tutor today." Jaden suggests.
"I'll give her your number." Maya smiles.
Soon Spider-Man was swinging through the air while on his phone.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come over?" He asks on the other.
"Jaden, just take the days off man. You tackled the Doc and saved him from being a lizardman. I think you earned this time off." Eddy said on the other line.
"Alright, alright." Spider-Man said.
"So, looking for a job? What happened with the Bugle?" Eddy asks.
"Well I realized taking pictures of Spider-Man was kind of a dead-end. Let's just say someone knocked some sense into me and I got the bump to prove it." Spider-Man said causing Eddy to chuckle.
"Well take it easy man. Use these days off to really keep your eyes open, but I should warn you. When you come back there is one huge change." Eddy smirks.
"Oh yeah what?" Spider-Man asks.
"Billy's your new number one fan." Eddy said.
"Wait what?" Spider-Man asks.
"Kid totally looks up to you now, he's always asking me stuff about you. You're kind of his hero now." Eddy chuckles.
"Oh wow." Spider-Man said swinging away.
Little did he know a few buildings away someone was watching him.
"Target sighted." A thug said before Spider-Man swings away. "Target lost, but he's in the area."
At OSCORP, Jaden was riding the elevator to the top floor.
As he rolls up his sleeves to hide his web-shooters the door opens revealing Norman.
"Jaden, good to see you. Here to help Harry?" Norman asks.
"We help each other sir." Jaden said.
"Now, now Jaden. Modesty doesn't become men like us. Smart, driven, responsible, self-made." Norman smiles.
"I'm still a work in progress. Can't seem to get my foot in the door just yet." Jaden said.
"At least you're trying to get your foot in." Norman said looking in Harry's direction.
Frowning Harry walks into his room with Jaden right behind him.
"Mind if I use your laptop to check my email?" Jaden asks as Harry lays down on his bed.
"Knock yourself out." Harry said as Jaden went online.
"Hey the big dance is coming up at school." Jaden said.
"Which would be great if either of us had dates." Harry sighs.
"Well my mom is trying to play matchmaker with me. She wants me to meet this Mary Jane Watson. All I know is she has a great personality." Jaden said causing Harry to shudder.
"Good luck man. I was gonna ask Gwen, you know as a friend." Harry said.
"Not a bad idea, but I haven't talked to her since Dr. Conners told me to take a vacation from the internship." Jaden said.
"Well good luck with that man. So shall we get started?" Harry asks.
"Sure Harry." Jaden nods getting out his calculus book.
"I don't know how you understand this stuff so well." Harry said.
"It's my thing." Jaden shrugs.
Later that night, Spider-Man was swinging through the air.
"He's back, set it in motion." The thug said as down below Flint and Alex run out of a store tripping the alarm.
"Talk about bad timing." Spider-Man said seeing them drive away in their car.
"Don't go too fast, if we lose him there's no payday." Flint said.
"I want payback." Alex said as they drove into a garbage dump filled with trucks.
Exiting the car, both hide behind some trucks.
Suddenly a web flew in and yanked Flint back into Spider-Man's grip.
"Hey guys, we really need to stop running into each other like this." Spider-Man said.
Swinging a crowbar, Alex charges in but Spidey fires two webs tying up his arms and legs.
"Look it's not that I don't like you guys but this is getting old." Spider-Man said yanking Flint up onto the roof of the car and tying him to it.
However, before he could make another joke his spider-sense went off and a powerful blast zapped him to the ground.
"I reckon that came as a bit of a shocker." Groaning Spider-Man looks up to see Montana in a yellow padded suit with fancy devices strapped to his arm. "Well good, so will this."
Swinging his arm he fires another blast but Spider-Man swings out of the way jumping onto the roof.
"Who are you?" Spider-Man asks.
"Call me, Shocker." He declares firing another attack.
"Or I can call you toast." Spider-Man swings in to deliver a kick but Shocker's suit deflects the attack making him tumble back.
"Looks like my fancy suit does more than protect me from my gear. That or you don't have much kick anymore." Shocker mocks.
Growling Spider-Man sweeps his legs causing Shocker to fall.
Cupping his hands together, Spider-Man was about to slam them down when Shocker blasts him sending Spider-Man flying into a compactor.
Struggling to climb out of the garbage, Spider-Man looks to see Shocker looking down at him.
"So long Spider-Man." Shocker said turning on the compactor causing Spider-Man and all the garbage around him to be pressed together until the device finished and pushed out a giant cube of garbage. "That outta satisfy the boss." Shocker grins
"Hey! A little help!" Flint calls out.
"I outta leave you two for the cops, but I'm in too good a mood." Shocker said blasting them both free before leaving in a helicopter.
"Is that it? Is he done?" Alex asks.
"He's finished, now let's go." Flint said as they ran out.
As they left the cube of garbage started to shake before splitting in half revealing Spider-Man had hid inside a refrigerator to avoid being crushed to death.
"Man, I am so glad Batman wasn't here to see this." Spider-Man said before sniffing himself and gagging. "Oh god, I need a shower."
The next day, at gym Harry and Jaden were in line for the rope while Gwen was playing volleyball or rather looking at Jaden.
Ever since the Lizard Incident, Gwen was looking at Jaden in a whole new light.
He was willing to tackle a giant lizard to save Billy.
'When did Jaden become so brave?' Gwen thought.
"Jaden any chance you can come over again tonight to help tutor me?" Harry asks.
"I'll try but no promises, I promised my mom I would meet Mary Jane today." Jaden said.
"You can try asking Gwen but uh before that." Jaden said pointing to the rope.
Sighing Harry tried to climb the rope but barely got more than a few feet up before falling to the ground making Flash laugh.
"Guess all of Osborn's money couldn't buy him some muscles." Flash mocks.
"Shut it Flash. I'd like to see you do any better." Jaden said.
"Uh oh Cooper's calling you out." A football player said.
'If I was using my spider powers I would wipe the floor with him.' Jaden thought as Flash walked up next to him, but as the two of them were about to climb Flash sniffs the air.
"Ugh forget it, you win. Normally when I say you stink Cooper it's a figure of speech but you reek." Flash said holding his nose.
'Oh man I took three showers yesterday.' Jaden groans.
"Cooper hit the showers." The coach suggests as everyone laughs at him as he walks away.
"Jaden." Gwen calls out.
"Yeah Gwen?" Jaden asks looking at her.
"I uh...I just wanted to say." Gwen said nervously.
"Yeah?" Jaden asks.
"Hey Stacey! It's your turn!" Coach calls out.
"Uh can we talk later?" Gwen asks.
"Sure." Jaden nods.
After school, Jaden was at a coffee shop waiting for Mary Jane Watson.
"Well Mary Jane, I hope you're actually a nice girl." Jaden said looking at his watch.
Sniffing himself, Jaden saw he still smelled a little.
Looking around he grabbed a car freshener and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Is that what guys do to avoid bathing now?" Turning around Jaden saw a beautiful teenage girl with long red hair walk up to him. "Are you Jaden Cooper?"
"Yeah that's me." Jaden nods.
"Mary Jane Watson, my aunt told me I could meet you here." She smiles surprising him.
"Oh uh nice to meet you. Sorry about my mom playing matchmaker, I had no say in this." Jaden said.
"Me neither, so I guess we're in the same boat." Mary Jane giggles.
"I guess so." Jaden smiles. "Sorry about that, it's been a long day for me including getting thrown in trash."
"Well that explains the car freshener." Mary Jane said.
"Sorry." Jaden apologizes.
"I'll let it slide this time Tiger, but I would suggest you at least smell normal next time we hang out?" Mary Jane offers.
"There's a next time?" Jaden asks interested.
"Well if you want? I mean you look like a nice guy and I don't have many people in my life." Mary Jane said.
"Well what do you say you and I go get a burger or something. The sky is the limit…as long as it's under 6 bucks." Jaden admits causing her to laugh.
"Yes, I would love a burger." Mary Jane smiles.
"Then follow me Mary Jane." Jaden said.
"MJ, call me MJ." She said.
"Sure thing MJ." Jaden said as they both went off to eat.
After a fun time with MJ, Jaden had decided to stop by the electronics store.
'Since I won't be taking pics of Spider-Man maybe I can sell this thing and help mom out a little.' Jaden thought as he was about to enter only for the manager to lock the door. "Uh I need to sell my camera."
"We're closed. Go away." The manager said.
"But the sign says you don't close for another hour." Jaden said.
"Sign's wrong. Come back tomorrow." He said in a scared tone.
Narrowing his eyes, Jaden had a funny feeling about this.
In the back, Alex and Flint were loading a box into the back of the truck.
"We better move fast. When Hammerhead spreads the word that Spider-Man croaked it'll be open season." Flint said when Alex sniffs the air.
"What stinks?" Alex asks.
"Still?" Spider-Man asks dropping in upside down. "I washed this suit 5 times."
"You're alive?!" Flint gasps as Spider-Man fires webs trapping their hands to the box.
"Yeah I'm alive, and tell Shocker I want a rematch." Spider-Man said before swinging away. "You better call the cops sir." He said looking to the manager.
"I hate that guy." Alex groans.
"This is really getting heavy." Flint whimpers before they fell over.
The next day, Montana was shooting pool at the Billiards Hall, but as he was about to shoot the 8 Ball Hammerhead reached in and grabbed it causing him to lose.
"Big man's not satisfied, Montana." Hammerhead glares.
"Why that be?" Montana asks.
"You didn't live up to your responsibilities." Hammerhead said crushing the ball in his hands.
As the sun was setting, Jaden was walking out of a store with a Help Wanted sign.
"Sorry kid." The manager said.
"No, it's cool. I'll try somewhere else." Jaden sighs. "They want people with experience but how can I get experience if I can't get a job? It's a conundrum."
Suddenly the whole ground under him started to shake surprising him and everyone else.
"Whoa, that's not good." Jaden said looking around to see the news was on.
"This is a warning to all of Manhattan, there have been 3 tremors in the last hour. We strongly encourage all citizens to use extreme caution." The news anchor said as Jaden looked to see a map of all the tremor sights.
"Tremors, or Shocker." Jaden narrowed his eyes. 'Each tremor is equidistant away. Leading uptown. Looks like Shocker got my message.' Tracing his finger Jaden narrowed in on the next area. "Gotcha."
That night at an old abandoned theater, Spider-Man swings in to see the theater was completely empty.
"Hey Shocky got your invite." Spider-Man calls out when Shocker appears out of the shadows and blasts him into the stands.
"Really thought I ended you back there, but son you got more lives than a bag of cats. Don't worry, we can remedy that." Shocker said blasting Spider-Man into the wall. "One more at close range outta do it."
Shocker charges up to attack again when Spider-Man fires a web yanking some seats out and throwing them at Shocker who repels them.
Retaliating, Shocker fires multiple blasts at Spider-Man who dodges the attacks.
"I admire your spunk son, but not enough to let you go. That's just bad for business." Shocker said
"Who's business?" Spider-Man asks.
"Can't tell you who." Shocker said.
"Then why? What did I ever do to you?" Spider-Man asks.
"Nothing personal, a man honors his responsibilities and you are one of mine." Shocker said firing a blast at him but Spider-Man leaps out of the way and fires a web hitting him in the face.
While Shocker struggles to get it off, Spider-Man fires a web at his feet and throws him into the seats.
Shaking it off, Shocker fires multiple blasts at him forcing Spider-Man to leap away, but as he did Shocker was destroying more and more of the theater.
"Well this place is condemned." Spider-Man said getting an idea.
Firing a web, Spider-Man makes the curtain drop down over Shocker.
"You know it ain't wise to make a dangerous man look foolish." Shocker said shaking it off.
"You don't need my help for that. I mean seriously you look like an oversized oven mitt in that suit." Spider-Man said dodging all of Shocker's attacks having him destroy the support beams. "Hey I gotta know you ever do any western stuff? Maybe rodeo clown because with an accent like that you'd perfect."
Landing behind the last beam, Spider-Man looks to see Shocker was totally pissed off.
"Don't you dare mock me!" Shocker roars firing a powerful blast at him.
"Sorry but I mock and I mess with people." Spider-Man said using the force to blast him out of the building.
With no more support Shocker looks up to see the entire theater come down on him creating a cloud of dust.
When the police show up, they look to see Montana tied up in a web and his suit folded at his feet.
Back at Harry's place, Harry storms in angry and threw his backpack to the ground.
"Something on your mind Harry?" Norman asks.
"I blew my math test because Jaden couldn't come to tutor me and Flash's gang won't cut me a break." Harry whines.
"That's enough. You are in a No Whining Zone, Harry. The fact is you've been relying too heavily on Jaden to bail you out. The boy has his own life to deal with. You want to pass a test, study. You want to be popular, be popular. You can't always expect Jaden to help you with everything. Take control of your life. Harry, life is pretty simple. You cowboy up and do what you have to do." Norman said before entering his office.
"I will." Harry said determined.
"My apologies for the interruption." Norman said entering to see Hammerhead waiting for him.
"Kids today, what are you gonna do?" Hammerhead asks as Norman sits down. "New topic: Spider-Man. We want him gone. You care?"
"None of my business." Norman said.
"Really? Hero saved your hide." Hammerhead asks.
"I have nothing to do with Spider-Man. I wouldn't have risked tipping you off to that Tri Corp shipment if I had." Norman smirks.
"Why did you tip us off?" Hammerhead asks.
"Tri Corp's my competitor in the super-mercenary field. If their prototypes go missing, everyone wins." Norman explains.
"Which brings up an issue my boss would like to discuss." Hammerhead said taking out a phone. "Go ahead, Big Man."
"Mr. Osborn, we have a proposition. When Spider-Man battles the likes of the Vulture, the Lizard, and even our Shocker he's too busy to interfere with my empire. We would like to hire you to create more, well let's call them super-villains." The voice asks.
"What's in it for me?" Norman asks.
"Ample funding and a ready supply of human guinea pigs for your more questionable experiments." The voice said causing Norman to smile.
At Jaden's house, Jaden walks in to see his mom at the table working on the bills.
"Hey mom." Jaden said getting her attention.
"Hi Jaden, uh you're back early." Maya said nervously.
"Mom, I know you're trying your best with everything and things are hard, but I want you to know I'm trying to find a job so I can help around the house." Jaden said.
"Jaden, you can't." Maya said.
"Mom, please. I know things are tough but I promise I want to do this." Jaden said.
"Alright you can help, but when you find a job you take at least 10% and use it for yourself." Maya insists.
"I will mom and who knows maybe I'll find a job soon." Jaden said.
"Maybe, by the way, did you enjoy your time with Mary Jane?" Maya asks.
"Yeah I had fun hanging with MJ. She said she wanted to do this again." Jaden smiles.
"I knew you would like her." Maya giggles.
"Yeah well don't go planning our wedding mom. We're just hanging out as friends." Jaden said.
"No promises." Maya smiles as Jaden walks out.
Meanwhile at a WayneTech industries building, a few scientists were hard at work.
Little did they know from the roof a shadowy figure snuck in through the vents.
"Remember, barbecue at my place Saturday night. You're all invited. Venus is rising early and you know what that means." One said walking out.
"I'm there."
"Sounds good."
As the scientist walks out the remaining three look to see the coast was clear.
Immediately they stand up and begin talking in a different language.
Walking over to a heavy piece of machinery one scientist lifts it with ease while another rips a hole in the wall revealing a strange black object.
Slowly stepping into the light we see Batman was watching them with interest as the three scientists walk out.
Outside at the top of the large satellite, the three scientists place the black object over it allowing it to enter the system.
"I doubt that modification's legal." Batman said tying two of them up with ease before approaching the third. "Should've stuck to your desk jobs."
Charging in the third scientists through fierce punches nailing Batman in the gut before throwing him across.
Recovering from the attack Batman looks to see the other two bend their bodies to shimmy out of his trap.
Raising an eyebrow Batman could see these were not normal scientists.
Taking out a bataarang, he throws it hitting one in the head but it just bounces off.
Using this opening a scientist charges in and knocks Batman off the rails.
Quickly pulling out his grapple gun, Batman swings back up to safety.
As the three glare him down a new figure enters from the sky.
"Need a hand?" Turning around Batman sees a man in a blue suit, red cape and a large S on his chest, this was Superman.
"Thanks, but I can handle this." Batman assures.
"They don't look so tough." Superman said.
Turning around the three scientists make a run for it as the two heroes try to follow Superman suddenly cringes in pain seeing multiple images in his head causing him to drop down behind Batman and hit the rails.
Turning around Batman goes to help him up but when he did one Scientist pulls out a device causing a loud beeping to go off.
Seeing what that meant, they all scrambled to get off the satellite before it exploded.
As Batman tried to swing away with Superman the resulting aftershock knocked them both onto the grass and tumbling down the hill.
From the wreckage Batman looks to see the scientists in very strange and painful positions until they fixed themselves and put their bodies back in place before leaving.
Groaning Superman begins to wake up. "What happened?"
"You tell me." Batman said helping him up.
"I don't know. I saw images…so intense. And then that's all I remember." Superman admits.
"Obviously they didn't want to leave any evidence behind." Batman said gesturing to the destroyed lab.
"What's this all about?" Superman asks.
"Over the past months, I've detected several security breaches in our Global Deep Space Monitoring Network." Batman explains.
"And no one's claimed responsibility?" Superman asks.
"No. There's more to this than meets the eye." Batman said.
"I'd like to stay and look into this but I'm needed back in Metropolis." Superman said reaching for his belt.
"Another key to the city?" Batman assumes.
"Here. It's a signal watch. Call if you need any more help." Superman said handing Batman a watch.
"Right." Batman said as Superman flies away. "I think for now I'll stick with the backup I have available."
Looking to the burning lab, Batman makes a call.
"Nightwing, it's me. Are you, Batgirl or Robin available?" Batman asks.
"Sorry bats, but we can't. We're in the middle of a deep crime wave and we can't leave." A male voice on the other line said. "How urgent is it?"
"Very, but lucky for you I found a new pupil who can fill in for you." Batman said.
"Another lost soul? Geez you really need to stop letting us in." Nightwing said.
"Actually, this one is different. This one was by recommendation." Batman said.
"You don't say? Well then, hope the new guy can handle it." Nightwing said hanging up.
"Agreed." Batman said going to New York to pick up his backup.