Spider-Man : Hunted

part 4


The red and blue clad hero clambered up the side of a high rise building. Once he got to the roof, he surveyed the streets below. Things were quiet, for once. He pointed his right hand at a flagpole attached to a building across the street to fire a webline. His Spider-sense went off. He whipped around, expecting some unknown danger to attack him from the shadows. Nothing came. Peter frowned behind his mask. Usually, his warning sense was pretty accurate. He shrugged and leaped off the roof, and swung into the night.

Meanwhile, at Oscorp Industries, a single man in a wheelchair was watching a large bank of monitors. He had long brown hair, tied in a ponytail, and keen blue eyes, studying the hero's every move. Watching Spider-Man's every move. The camera followed the web slinger between buildings at an alarming rate. Suddenly, the hero disappeared out of sight.

" Damn it! " the man cursed. " He's too fast! " He smashed his fist onto the desk in front of him. Then, composing himself, he picked up a phone and dialled a number.

" Sir... he's escaped the cameras again sir. It's as if, he can sense someone watching him." He remained quiet for a while. " Look, it can't be helped... he's simply too fast... " He put down the earpiece, the person on the other side having hung up on him before he could explain his case. " Easier said than done, Mr. Osborn, " he muttered to himself, " Easier said than done. "


****

He watched his reflection in the mirror, making sure everything was perfect. The suit was clean, tie was straight, hair combed neatly. Satisfied that he could not look better, even if he spent another hour getting dressed up, Peter turned and picked up a bunch of flowers on the coffee table behind him. " Thank goodness for paydays, " he said to himself looking at the floral arrangement in his hand. He smiled as he walked out the door. Mary Jane would be happy to see him on time, for once.

Mary Jane looked ravishing as she opened the door. She was wearing a purple evening dress, with a simple golden necklace, pearl earrings and a gold bracelet. Peter felt his jaw hit the floor.

" Hey Tiger, " she smiled. " You're looking hot tonight. "

" Mary Jane... you look... like a super model! " Peter stammered. He kissed her hello, and handed her the bunch of flowers he was hiding behind his back.

" Peter, they're beautiful! " She exclaimed.

" Not as beautiful as you, " Peter said and blushed.

" You really know how to make a girl feel special. " Mary Jane smiled and kissed her boyfriend again. " That's why I love you so, Peter Parker. "

She went to the kitchen to find a vase for her flowers, leaving Peter smiling from ear to ear.

" So where are we going tonight? " Mary Jane asked setting the flowers down on the serving hatch of the kitchen. They definately didn't dress up like this every night.

" Mr. Jameson wants me to take some pictures at the charity ball, " Peter explained. " He was feeling generous and gave me an extra ticket for my lady friend. "

" Wow! " Mary Jane exclaimed. " The who's who of New York are going to be there. "

" I know, " Peter said smiling at his girlfriend. " I figured you might meet some hot shot producers while we're rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. "


****

Jonah Jameson waded through the crowd. These charity balls just weren't for him. He sighed, and lifted a glass of champagne off a passing waiter's tray. Well, at least he was doing his bit for charity. He saw Parker and his date arrive, coming in through the glass doors at the other end of the hall. " About time, Parker! " Jameson muttered to himself. The kid had missed a dozen photo opportunities already.

A man in his mid thirties made his way to a podium, set up on the stage of the charity event. He raised his hands, asking for silence from the crowd. They obliged.

" Ladies and gentlemen, " he started. " Let me introduce myself. I am Jason Macendale, vice president of Oscorp Industries. "

Peter snapped a photo of the speaker. " Oscorp? I didn't know they were hosting the event, " he said to Mary Jane who was standing by his side.

" I wonder if Harry is here, " she whispered.

" I don't think so. " Peter replied, taking more pictures of the crowd.

Macendale continued his speech. " The funds we raise here today, will go to the Avril Elisabeth Children's Home. So any spare change you might have, please - make a donation. Even a dollar if you can afford it. " A few chuckles errupted from the crowd. Of course the people here could afford it, they were among the richest in the city. " This event is also an unveiling, " the man carried on. " The management and scientists at Oscorp are devoted to the protection of its people and upholding the law. So far, one masked vigilante has been at loose among you and your loved ones under the guise of a crime fighter. We believe he is responsible for a number of crimes, including the death of Oscorp's previous CEO, Norman Osborn. "

Peter flinched at the words. Mary Jane shot him a concerned look. What was this all about? Badmouthing Spider-Man? Surely the public knew he was a hero.

" Oscorp Industries is proud to announce its Spider-Slayer campaign. " The crowd went silent. Then, slowly but surely, the curtains behind Jason Macendale opened up to reveal sketches and designs for the 'Spider-Slayers' as he had called them. Large robots, resembling various preditors. Lions, tigers, wolves - even dragons and more mythical creatures. " New York city will not be terrorised by Mutants. " Macendale proclaimed. " These sophisticated cyborgs are the result of months of careful research and study, they will protect us from Spider-Man. "

The public started clapping hands, slowly but surely. After a while it was deafening. Mary Jane could see Peter was hurting. The people he so badly wanted to protect were now praising his death, cheering for the spillage of his blood.