***
The sun rose over the city the next day. Since the vast majority of New Yorkers would have told you that the sun rose and set on New York anyway this was not a surprise and so their day proceeded s normal. It began with a harassed Public Defender being shunted aside by a slick uptown suit that assured her that her that her work for half the night on Deckard's case-file was greatly appreciated. He then went in to a judge's chambers and came out with Deckard's bail order fifteen minutes later. Inside, the judge in question looked at a Polaroid taken of his granddaughter on her way to school that day and told himself that he was doing the right thing. That was a hard sell so he got very drunk and ended up in the bed of an underage prostitute having his pictures taken by a man who assured the Madam that the Kingpin would remember her …accommodating nature. Such was the nature of justice in New York and life under the Kingpin.
The day continued with several officers drawing straws about who would break the news to DeWolf. A young rookie listened to a profanity filled diatribe. It was mostly about incompetent judges, that she would be checking into his dealings with a microscope etc. She found out six months later about the means used to get Deckard out of jail and she regretted some of the things she called the old judge that morning…some of the them, not all of them.
Mary Jane got up early and checked the trades. As she had hoped, costumed crime fighters were big news in any city on Earth. There was a big picture of her. The Police were treating her for possible injuries (there hadn't been a scratch on her). The article was from a Daily Bugle staff writer so it was critical of Spider-man. "Model and TV actress Mary Jane Watson found herself in the middle of a neighborhood gang conflict between local hoodlums and urban menace, Spider-man…." The article went on from there, describing how Spider-Man had attacked the hoods and chased one of them into the set. He had shown "callous disregard for Ms. Watson's life and safety almost involving her in a gun battle, before webbing up the criminal." He had no doubt been planning unspeakable tortures until Ms. Watson, "showing great courage and tenacity, had faced down the costumed miscreant. He had fled leaving his criminal cohorts for the police."
Her agent e-mailed her links to a New York based Web site called Cool Newz.Com. On the site were more of the pictures and the name of the photographer. She smiled when she read the name. It had been a while since she had seen Peter Parker. She had not been shocked when he didn't approach her last night not considering what he had been like when they had known each other in school.
"Well Tiger" she muttered as she began to dress for the day "No time for the shrinking violet routine, MJ needs to meet the man of the hour and you're her ticket to him."
Peter's day started with the morning lecture from his elderly, Aunt May, about the dangers of his job. Then she switched to a new topic. The possibility, however slight, that he had been snapping pictures of Spider-man while Mary Jane had been in danger. He had to point out that there had been security on-site and they had not been able to respond in time to the crisis. Her response was that she and Ben had raised him better. She had fretted about what Anna Watson, might think of May's boy not lifting a finger to risk himself to protect a woman in peril. The woman was Mary Jane's paternal aunt and the only relative that Mary Jane had left in New York. Peter silently wondered if May Parker had even been this much of a nag when Ben Parker had been alive. That thought got him wondering. What Ben would say about all of this? Then of course that started him thinking abut the fact that Ben wasn't around to ask, a situation that Peter felt more then a little responsible for. He then spent the next five minutes blaming himself for Ben's death. Something that he found he still needed to do after all this time.
His day got better after he reached the city. There was a message in his email from Jeanne Blanchard the web-mistress of CoolNewz.Com. His pictures had gotten her site another 1000 hits in the last hour alone. Pete smiled at the thought, J. Jonah Jameson publisher of the Daily Bugle only bought the pictures of Spider-Man that showed him doing dubious stuff that could be construed as socially objectionable. As far as Peter was concerned, giving the rest of the photos to Jeanne was just a way to get a different story out to the netizens of the world. The older readers of the Bugle might view Spider-man as a threat, but increasingly he was becoming something of an urban hero to the younger generation.
There was also a message from another old friend he had not seen much of, Harry Osborne. Since high school, Harry had joined in the day to day running of Oscorp and there had been little time for the two of them to get together. The thought of spending time with Harry excited the young man and he longed to tell Harry about his brush with fame. The message was vague, asking for a meeting and not giving many details as to the reason. Peter suspected he knew though. It was no secret by now that Mary Jane was in town. Harry was sure to want a hook-up. The fact was, as much as he had wanted Mary Jane, he and always seen Harry as having more of a chance with her. He sent a response telling Harry to come in the afternoon so they could have lunch. He had barely sent the message when Ben Urich popped his head around the corner of the cubicle that was Peter's small corner in the Bugle kingdom.
"Boss was saying you have to be ready this afternoon. He wants you here to take pictures for the VIP tour."
"Yeah don't worry, Harry mentioned that he was coming by."
"Harry, who's Harry?"
"Harry Osborne isn't he the VIP?"
"Osborne is coming here to see you. Jesus kid, the strings you can pull amaze me, Spider-man, Mary Jane Watson now this. Next, you'll be telling me you're on speaking terms with Wilson Fisk."
"Who is the VIP?"
"Didn't I mention Mary Jane is coming to see us …well to see you. Apparently, she thinks that it's the thought of looking bad in front of your camera lens that kept Spider-man from doing unspeakable acts to her famous personage. She wants to thank you personal-like."
"Oh, man Ben you've got to stay here and help me. She was always a handful"
"Oh I'll bet she was. Sorry big guy, you're going to have to swing alone today. I've just gotten word that New York justice worked it's normal miracle and Deckard is being bailed out right now I am on my way to see if I can get a look at The Wolf grinding her teeth."
Peter stopped "You're kidding, they have him threatening a civilian with a gun on film what more would they need."
"A judge willing to stand up to the scumbags and ultimately to the Kingpin. Still believe the power of the Kingpin is just an urban myth?"
Deckard's morning by contrast was even better. He spent a leisurely night in jail. Something he had been doing since he reached that stage of life where you stop getting slaps on the wrist and the police start paying attention to the anti-social things you do. He awoke to hear he made bail. He prepared himself. He was no fool. The boss was going to be pissed, but Deckard was of the opinion that even the boss would want to know what had happened. Maybe in those few moments Deckard could persuade him that he was still a valuable employee. He might have to leave New York, but that was to the good. It was getting weird in this town. A uniform showed up and escorted him to the entrance he looked around and spied DeWolf simmering as he strolled through the doors of the police station an in to the bight early morning day. A suit was waiting for him and he was about to toss some comment over his shoulder when the suit shook his head but the few waiting cameras proved to be too much of a temptation.
"It wasn't me; The System is to blame." he said "Oh yeah and the incompetence of certain detectives on the cities payroll." He laughed contemptuously and slid into the back seat of a Cadillac as DeWolf had to be held back from him by several officers.
The car pulled away from the curb and merged with traffic. Deckard looked in the backseat and saw Blum staring balefully back at him he stated sweating he looked in the front seat and saw Bullseye driving who smiled and winked.
"Arranger, The Boss sent you to get me. That's…
"Indicator of how concerned he is to know, what the hell was going through your mind last night."
"It wasn't my fault, the old man wasn't there and so we decided to teach him a lesson."
"You were sent to have a talk with the old man, no wet work, no violence just have a talk and if necessary break a few things to get your point across."
"But, Spider-Man got in the way."
"Because you were waving a gun around like some stupid punk in a liquor store."
The car was close to the waterfront district moving quickly now the buildings flying by like flitting shadows. "Kingpin is very upset at this development Deckard, you are to leave town. No fuss, no muss. You leave and we make this go away you stay gone for awhile an maybe you can come back from this someday"
The car pulled to a stop in the neighborhood that Deckard recognized as his territory. "Give me a minute, I want Bullseye to speak to a potential witness. " Blum climbed from the car and Bullseye followed. They headed toward a newsstand. Deckard looked around, wondered how anyone could have seen anything in this place with…the doors clicked shut, and locked on their own. Deckard banged on the doors and glass but the sound didn't carry far.
The car ignited and jumped thirty or forty feet into the air before crashing to the street. Blum turned around and spoke to the elderly news-dealer.
"When the police arrive. What did you see?"
"Bunch a young punks in a gray car came out of no where and do a drive by."
"The Kingpin appreciates you cooperation, I'm sure your family will to."
Another car pulled up from around the bock and picked up the two men. In the backseat, Arranger's cell-phone went off and he answered it.
"Is the matter dealt with?" Came the voice at the other end.
"The police are on their way to the scene, it was a horrible accident the witness is most upset."
"See that the family is compensated."
The Kingpin broke the connection and turned to watch the doors of his office open to admit a tall, well dressed, lanky man with slicked back hair and cool demeanor. "Norman how are you this morning." He rose to greet Norman Osborne. Osborne stuck out a hand in greeting it was wrapped in a medical bandage.
"What happened to your hand, Norman?" Fisk asked in a friendly fashion.
"A small lab accident a few weeks ago I am getting over it. How are you Wilson?"
"I'm fine Norman I asked you to come because a matter has come up that concerns me greatly and I think will concern the board."
"The board, Why is there a problem?"
"It concerns young Harry."
***
Mary Jane arrived at the Bugle that afternoon. J. Jonah Jameson emerged from seclusion in his office to greet the star in his usual gruff fashion. There was all the pomp and circumstance that MJ was used to. She was given a framed copy of the front page that had been printed that very morning. There were pictures taken, then Jameson told Peter to show MJ around the office. They saw all the sites from the printing press in the basement, all the way to the executive levels with the tour finishing at Peter's cubical.
"And, this is where the magic doesn't happen." he quipped as they stood looking at the wall of pictures lining the cube.
MJ leaned in and looked at the numerous photos of Spider-man swinging or standing looking at some off camera object and in a few cases him in action against some criminal.
" Wow tiger you get pretty close to the action. Why does Spider-Man let you get photos of him when nobody else can?
I'm not sure, I mean it's not like JJ ever uses my photos to make him look good I guess he has never gotten around to trying to stop me is all, but he might…one day."
" On the other hand, maybe he's a marketing genius."
"What do you mean?"
The Bugle is read by old people, Pete, like my auntie and stodgy professionals. The younger folks like you and I, we get our news from online sources. Places like Cool Newz.Com.
"Your point and I'm sure you'll get to it soon is…" Peter asked doubtfully
"My point Petey-kins, is that Spider-man has to know that letting the Bugle have pictures assures that Jameson has someone to rant about. As long as he keeps letting you have photos he has Jameson's attention and as long as Jameson talks about him he has the instant credibility of being unpopular with the old folks which makes him…"
"Solid with the younger generation and the rebellious fringe "
"Now we are on the same page this could be your big chance to help Spider-man make the big leap from being socially reviled do-gooder to …major celebrity maybe even as big as The Avengers or The Fantastic Four."
Spider-man already had a taste of the limelight and it was a little bitter.
" Oh yeah, when?"
"Back when he first started out he was a wrestler for about five minutes until one of the promoters ripped him off and some money was stolen from the box office and Spider-Man was blamed."
" A wrestler, I'm not talking about that carnival barking nonsense I mean real celebrity like you can only get by being seen with a major star like my own pretty self."
Peter was saved from making a comment about that when Glory Grant, Jameson's secretary appeared. Her fine boned black features pulled into a smile as she saw the two taking so intently. "I hate to interrupt but you have another guest, a Mr. Harry Osborne. He says he made an appointment."
"Thanks Glo', I'll handle it."
"Well isn't this a coincidence first you and now Harry soon the rest of the high school gang will show up an it'll be a real party."
"Listen MJ could we continue this a little later I have to talk to him."
"I totally understand and wouldn't mind saying hello, but first I have check my service is there some place that a girl can make a call privately?"
"Yeah try Ben Urich's desk, he's out on assignment right now and he won't be back till later. "
The pretty star headed off to the cluttered desk and Peter turned to greet his one time roommate and currently still closest friend from High School, except for MJ
"Hey Harry, How's it going? Long time no see."
"Thanks Pete nice to see you too. Was that Mary Jane Watson I saw sashaying away from your desk? She was the bomb back in the day and she has only gotten better looking since then."
"She's in town for a movie and she was rescued by Spider-Man "
"Lucky you "
"Huh?"
"Spider man rescues MJ and presumably it was you that took the pictures I saw in the Daily Bugle this morning. I guess you saw the whole thing."
"Oh yeah, totally I saw every detail" Peter decided to change the subject. "So what's got you wanting to see me."
"Pete I need your help."
"What can I do to help you Harry I mean you don't need me to do your science homework anymore."
"I'm serious Peter, I have a problem."
"What is it?"
"I think someone's trying to rip off my dads company. They are trying to make it look like I'm the person responsible."
"Harry why would anyone believe that you would steal from your father. "
Harry looked uncomfortable "Well I have been gambling again "
"Oh Harry"
Back in the day during the final year of school, Harry had begun betting on the games at school. Basketball, football than this had gotten steadily worse as they had gotten older Peter had tried to help him with what had eventually become an addiction. It seemed to help, but apparently, he had fallen off the wagon again. First, it was sport betting then more games then cards.
"There is a high rollers game that meet's about once a month in a backroom. My guy set me up with them and they let me play. I lose a lot, but I always pay it back and I sometimes come out ahead "
"Harry have you ever skimmed off the top to cover you card losses?"
"Once or twice, but I always put it back Pete I swear. If whoever is doing this now is any more careless I'm going to be fried. Since my dad was the one who brought me into the company the shareholders might hold him responsible."
"Shouldn't you be telling this to your father."
"Peter are you nuts this is my dad, he barely tolerates me as it is. Things have been really bad since the accident."
" Accident?"
" A lab tech blew up an Oscorp lab a few weeks back dad was observing an experiment there and got hurt he recovered ok but he's been distant to me and everyone else since. He's not even coming to tonight's party."
This was news to Peter and when he looked at Harry quizzically Harry shrugged his shoulders.
"It's a meeting for the B of D for Oscorp. They want to show off some of the neat toys that are being made this year and to show that they are behind the old man. Half of them want his job. However, all of them will be there. Anastasia Hardy and her daughter Felicia, Wilson Fisk, your boss Mr. Jameson is even coming since he's a trustee for some of the older members."
"Sounds like a party"
The two wandered over to Ben's desk as they drew near Peter whose hearing was much better lately then he liked to let on, heard MJ on the telephone.
"What do you mean he has to think about it. This is free publicity for the show" She turned and saw the two of them getting close and hurried to the end of her conversation. "Listen just try and talk to him again I'm going to see what I can scare up out here." She hung-up the line and greeted the two men brightly. Harry and Mary Jane Hugged warmly and for a brief moment Peter felt a flash of jealousy at Harry's easy way with girls. Even when they had both been in High School it had always been easier for Harry to meet them then for Peter.
His mind traveled back to that time. When he was just Peter the creep. Mary Jane had been wildly popular, so had Harry, though for obviously different reasons. Peter had been a loner talking to as few people as possible and dating almost never. His friendship with Osborne was formed largely because Harry needed to pass science and Peter's science grades were legend in high school. The deal was struck He would get Harry through Biology and in return Harry would arrange a visit to one of the most exclusive Oscorp labs. He still remembered that afternoon field trip taken to show some of the things they had been studying in science class.
Harry let it slip that the reason the class was not sitting in a sweltering room being droned at, was because of "My man Parker" Peter had enjoyed brief popularity and a few smiles from Mary Jane.
He had also drawn the attention of the group of three scientists. His questions had gotten the men interested and the Peter had spoken to them for a few moments like equals. That had been his proudest moment. What were their names again, oh yeah Stillwell, Conners and Octavius.
The conversation seemed to be slowing and Mary Jane was looking excitedly at Peter.
"I'm sorry MJ you were saying."
" I was saying it was nice of Harry to put us on the guest list for tonight's soirée"
"Actually it is and useful with your old man pulling a no show and you representing him it might be our chance to find out if any of the board members really have it in for you."
" I know just the designer who can have a gown ready for me by tonight, but we have to get you a tux Peter."
MJ reached for the telephone before Peter could stop her and was dialing away when Harry reached past him and passed her a credit card "When she picks up tell her to put it on this account."
Peter balked "Excuse me, what makes you all think I can't handle dressing, I have been dressing myself since High school."
The two looked at him with horrified looks an MJ turned her attention back to the telephone "Carla I have a fashion emergency. I have to take a wallflower to the Osborne party what can you do for me."
***
The convention hall was buzzing that night and the band that had been hired was tearing up the joint with all the fury of the Titanic Orchestra given a last minute reprieve.
The limo pulled up and the press out front descended on the car.
Lifestyle reporter, Summer Paige shoved everyone out of the way ad got her mike in front of the playboy and his party girl. She gaped as Mary Jane climbed from the limo in a clinging cocktail dress with a train and ruffles at the bodice. The crowd stepped back as she raised her hands high and posed for the flurry of pictures that flashed.
"Alright everyone the party has arrived." She vamped. She threw her arms out to either side. "Check out the luckiest guys on the plant boys and feel jealous." Peter and Harry stepped from the limo both dressed in matching Tuxedos. The only difference between them was a novelty bow tie for Peter MJ had found that was red with little black spiders on it.
"It's hideous and cliched." He insisted
"Of course, but once everyone knows who you are It will be kitsch."
The trio headed in the party arm and arm with MJ smiling up a storm.
Summer walked with them up the red carpet. "Harry no appearance from your father this evening does this mean that rumours of ill health are true."
Absolutely not Summer, Dad is just tired and besides I can't hide behind the Old Man forever I have to meet the shareholders and the BOD eventually."
Summer had expected that and smoothly switched her target to his date. "What about you Ms Watson how are you enjoying New York?"
"Oh who couldn't love this town? There's Dining, Dancing and Danger and all within a few blocks of each other."
"Any truth to the gossip that you're taking time away from the set of Secret Hospital to think about a certain co-stars proposal of marriage?"
"Summer, you know me I'm too much of a party girl to settle for one guy though I have been swept off my feet by a certain spandex suited hero that you New York Girls have been keeping under wraps."
So you're hoping to catch another glimpse of local hero Spider-man
"That's why I'm hanging out with Peter Parker here. Wherever Spider-man is; he is so, I hope it works in reverse."
Summer was just about to attack Peter with questions when MJ grabbed him and hauled him inside the building.
"Rule one of living in the public eye Peter, never open your mouth near a camera unless you know what's going to come out of it."
"Trust me this I know."
"Good"
The room had been decorated wit a futuristic motif and in the centre a fountain in which had been placed a huge ice sculpture of a DNA double helix strand. It reached all the way to the domed ceiling with its stained glass skylight.
The party was in full swing and the crowd was mingling nicely. Harry introduced MJ and Peter to many of the shareholders and the Board of Directors. They met Anastasia and Felicia Hardy, Peter knew Felicia from Empire State University as being a bit of a princess. Hell, she was a lot of a princess. She greeted Peter and Mary Jane in a respectful fashion, but she saved most of her charm for Harry who she greeted with a warm hug and a kiss.
Peter left them to their catch up and He and Mary Jane headed to the well-furnished buffet table.
"Is she really that much of a bitch in school." MJ asked as they watched the two-trust fund babies air kiss each other.
"Actually, I think that she has mellowed some." Peter smiled as he piled topping on a cracker and handed the snack to MJ who nibbled at it.
She would almost have to wouldn't she?" The redhead bitched. She looked around the room and spotted a hulking man in a black evening tuxedo.
"Who's the man-mountain?"
"That would be Wilson Fisk. Fisk owns Fisk International the centre of which is Fisk Imports."
"He's a importer "
"He's a rich guy who gives a lot of money to many things so many people don't ask a lot of questions about were the money comes from. He likes to tell people he's just a spice merchant but if spices paid for that tuxedo then I'm Tony Stark."
"Well if you think he hiding something why not ask him a question or six."
"Because he has lawyers, in fact, his lawyers have lawyers this man has sued people into the next world for suggesting that he doesn't pay his taxes on Time."
"Well if somebody is like that in Hollywood it only means one thing."
"Gay" They said in chorus and then collapsed into laughter.
The band slowed to a halt and Harry took the stage looking a little uncomfortable to have the whole room staring at him.
"I want to start by thanking you all for coming. My father is anxious that I take a more active role in the company so my appearance here tonight is a chance for you all to get to know me and for me to get to know all of you."
Peter watched the crowd for reactions, but Mary Jane saw the real drama.
"Check out the Big Man, he's working it."
Peter looked over and Fisk was in close conversation with the Hardy women his enhanced hearing tracked the conversation and what he heard was not good.
"So you see my Dear I thought it best that I come to you about this matter. Norman seems unsure how to handle things seeing as it is his son, but as one of the other trustees on the board I thought you might want to know." Wilson sounded sincere in his concern.
"I knew that boy was trouble…imagine Norman insisting he go to a public high school. Felicia be glad I saw to it that you were spared the trials of a public education till you were ready." Anastasia glanced disdainfully in Peter's direction. "No doubt he picked up the gambling from that Parker person who accompanied him to night. Honestly, what kind of a career can he have, chasing some man in tights around town snapping pictures of him? Rest assured Wilson when the time is right you will have my full support."
Peter looked at Mary Jane she read from his face the serious situation that faced them. They moved off into the crowd. This is bad." Peter moaned
"Relax Peter, you and Harry will make this work, I'll help if I can, we will get him out of this"
"Thanks MJ its great having you back in town "
She smiled "It's nice to spend time with you too tiger you're different from High School I'm not sure what it is, but I think the change has done you good."
Peter smiled and leaned toward her than he felt a soft tingle in his head that slowly increased until it was like the buzzing of a chainsaw against his skull. He looked around and then glanced upwards, sensing rather then seeing, that something was coming.
"Mary Jane, this way." He hissed quickly dragging her to one side as the domed ceiling exploded inward.
A figure dropped though. He was clad completely in green armor and riding a glider. The face of the man was covered in what looked like a day of the dead curio mask. He was laughing demonically as he flew around the room. He thrust out his arms and a blossom of flame belched from his hands and blasted part of the walls about the stage area.
"What the hell is that." Mary Jane asked as Peter sought to drag her further away from potential danger.
"I don't know, but my job is to take pictures of it you get outside."
"You can't fool me, you're going to call Spider Man aren't you."
"A giggling green maniac spewing fire and blowing things up in the middle of downtown. Trust me if Spider-man is in the area he is already on his way."
He darted away from MJ and headed to the coat check. True to his word, Harry had insured that Peter's camera equipment was stowed safely away. He grabbed the bag from the shell-shocked girl and headed for the balcony overlooking the event two floors above. From a concealed compartment in the bottom of the bag, he pulled his mask, gloves, and blue pullover. The rest of his costume was on underneath his tuxedo. As he had told MJ, it was time to go to work.
***
MJ ran with the crowd for only a moment before her instincts took over. The action was behind her and she was fleeing in the wrong direction. She spun on her heel and sprinted back to the hall. She saw the armored guy maneuvering to get a clear shot at Harry who had taken refuge behind the podium.
Oh come on Harry come out, come out wherever you are. I only want to blast you just a little and it will hurt much worse if you run from me I promise.
Summer had taken cover near the coat check. She was giving a running commentary in to the camera mike as she tried to catch every image. " The figure is perched n top of a glider like contraption and he is blasting away as though…. Anyway, he looks like some kind of giggling green goblin I can only speculate on were the weapons he is using came from."
Summer crouched lower and tried to get a clear shot of the floating menace gliding above her head when the her was a sound from far above the floor. She turned her camera in the direction of the new sound and witnessed the arrival of the Calvary. Spider-man dropped through the shattered domed ceiling and bounced off the balcony railing. He grabbed on to the chandelier hanging high above the floor and used momentum to bring him around to drop onto the podium where he crouched staring up at the green clad marauder above him.
Harry used the distraction to scramble for safety away from the conflict.
"Well I can't say much for the colour choice, but the mask is definitely a nice touch"
This is not your fight insect, back off before I squash you" the Goblin waved a hand menacingly at the Wall crawler who snickered openly at him
Squash me, am I supposed to be afraid of a guy in pixie boots and a bell cap flying on a glider. Or is it that mask that makes you look like a reject from a Punch and Judy show."
The Goblin snarled and thrust his arm out throwing a spherical object at Spider-man. He had maybe a tenth of a second to register that it looked like a pumpkin before his spider sense started screaming. He leapt out of the path of the pumpkin that exploded when it hit the spot on the stage where the web slinger had been crouched seconds before.
"You will pay for defying me."
"Oh I see it's your grasp of kitsch seventies super villain dialogue that has you convinced that this is going to go the distance."
Spider-man bounded from the stage and landed on the balcony (near to the spot where a camera was snapping pictures automatically) he threw out his arm and a web line shot out snaring the goblin glider. Then using the glider as a pivot he swung across the stage area and landed on a wall.
The goblin was thrown off balance by the maneuver. As he threw out his arms to balance himself he shot off one of his goblin weapons and the ice sculpture in the middle of the fountain was sheared in two. The top half began falling toward Mary Jane who screamed as she saw where the massive construct was going to land.
Spider-man shot out a web-line and snagged the chandelier then swinging down he grabbed the girl and pulled her to safety as the top half of the sculpture landed with a tremendous crash.
Meanwhile the goblin had steadied himself and was now menacing the Broad of Directors. "You're all to blame, and you'll be punished. Everyone of you will feel the goblins wrath." He throw another pumpkin bomb that would have taken the rest of the stage had not a web-line intersected it inches from the ground and drove the bomb into a far wall.
The goblin turned to blast the interfering spider-man and saw him flying toward him the goblin swerved to the side around the other side of the chandelier.
The spider grabbed onto the chandelier again and used it to pivot himself around in a wide circle. His feet kicked against the goblin glider sending it and it's rider backwards into the balcony causing the precariously placed camera to fall onto the glider lens upward.
Spiderman cursed silently and bounded after the glider. The goblin thinking that this was part of the Spiderman's offensive strategy flew downwards.
"Since the party has been ruined by so many gatecrashers, I'll take my leave young Osborne, but be warned the goblin can and will strike at any moment." He cackled as he flew low causing some of the crowd to duck their heads.
He grabbed Felicia Hardy from the crowd and hauled her onto the glider. "Time to take a ride Missy" he hissed
They went upward through the dome, Spider-Man in close pursuit. The Goblin was paused at the lip of the roof. Spider man shot out a web-line to grab the camera but instead he snagged the glider. Goblin startled at the sudden stopping of his flight and spotted the web slinger.
Still playing the hero are we, well then hero, save this" he threw Felicia off the glider and she began to plunge to the street below Spider-Man immediately let go of the glider and bounded after the girl. The glider jolted at its sudden freedom and the camera slipped off the glider to land on a security ladder on the edge of the roof lens downward.
Spider-man angled himself for max speed and dived toward the falling girl he shot out a web line that he played out behind him. Then reaching toward the falling girl, he grabbed her falling form and snap twisted the line in his fist around his wrist. The line stretched downward and Spider-man and the falling girl stretched with it. As they neared the street he wondered if it would be safe to just let her go, but she was clinging to him and screaming, not a good combination. He hugged her close and allowed the web-line to pull them both into the air. Then as they reached the apogee of the upward trip, he fired out another web-line and latched on to the cornice of the building. He swung down to the street and deposited her gently on the ground.
"Are you ok Ms Hardy" he asked looking skyward trying to find the vanishing dot that was the Goblin's glider.
"I'm fine thank you, that was brave of you. If there is anything that I can ever do to repay you for my life…?"
Spiderman looked at the girl for the first time and noticed there was a look of hunger in her eyes. "Well I'll let you think about how you want to repay me and in the meantime I'll see if I can catch up to chuckles up there." With that the slinger fired a web-line upwards and crawled up the side of the building.
MJ ran out of the trashed party and saw the departing hero. The two girls gazed after the hero thinking similar thoughts. When they looked at each other and saw that fact, they turned and marched away from each other, MJ whispering "Skank" under her breath and Felicia Hardy hissing under hers.