Spider-Man didn't know how to react. He just stood there, looking really, really stupid. But it wasn't the look of dumbness on his face. It was Shock at first, not actually letting the reality of the situation sink in. But then it did, followed by fear that hit him like a ton of bricks. Literally. His spider-sense went nuts, and he couldn't understand where the danger was coming from. Then, the apartment shook. He thought only one thing. Bomb.
Spider-Man leaped out of the room, hopped over the couch as he snatched his mask, and slammed through the window. He was chased by a small, but impacting, boom. Bomb, he thought. Why is it always bombs? The hero could only watch as his home went up in flames. But he didn't care about that. He cared about one thing. Mary Jane.
His head spun. All he wanted to do was find the Goblin and kick the living crap out of him. But he knew that wasn't rational. And this was too personal to handle alone. But he didn't want to look weak and ask other super heroes for help. For the first time in a while, Spider-Man didn't know if he could do this.
He sat up on top of the Daily Bugle offices, thinking about plans and tactics, strategies and martial arts techniques. Once he had the Goblin in his reach… But Spider-Man wasn't alone for a while. The Human Torch accompanied him a few minutes later. The show-offy Johnny Storm knew something was up.
"Uh…Spider-Dude? What the hell are you doing here? Jameson hates you!" He yelled, hovering before Spider-Man. "Thanks for reminding me." Spider-Man sighed. Johnny sat next to him on the rooftop. "Spidey, what's up?" Spider-Man hesitated on telling Johnny. He didn't like it that he knew his identity already. But he realized he didn't have much of a choice.
"It's Mary Jane, Johnny." He said sincerely. Johnny chuckled. "Girl trouble, huh?" "I wish it were that easy," He replied, shaking his head. "Mary Jane's been kidnapped." Johnny's eyes widened. "By who?" Spider-Man looked into Johnny's eyes, as Johnny stared awkwardly. "Goblin."
Johnny stood up, trying to get rid of his 'oh-my-fucking-god' look. "He's dead! He's dead, man! Dead! He died tonight!" "Apparently not." "Dude! How many times can one guy die?" Spider-Man stood, also, pointing a finger at his 'friend'. "This is serious, Storm! He's got Mary Jane! And I'm too…it's too personal for me to handle on my own. I want to, Johnny, but this is M.J. And If I screw up, it's the end for her." Spider-Man felt so idiotic. Super heroes don't ask for help! But Spider-Man didn't care. If Mary Jane died, he wouldn't know how to kill himself. Johnny put his hand on Spider-Man's shoulder. "You can do anything, Web head. You're the amazing Spider-Man! You don't mess up!" Spider-Man turned his head. "That's what I thought. But then Gwen died."
Johnny froze. Gwen Stacy. Her death: legendary. She was also killed by the Green Goblin. Johnny understood why Spider-Man was insecure about this. Gwen was his one, true love. His soul mate. And she died right in front of his eyes. Johnny always wondered how the Web-slinger could continue to wear the mask. Probably for this moment. To get revenge one final time.
"Hey, buddy, we're here for you." Johnny said openly. Spider-Man sighed. He couldn't express how relived he felt. The Goblin was a monster, one that never stopped. No matter how hard you've already fallen, he'll keep fighting until you've suffered more than anyone has ever dreamed.
"Thanks, Johnny. I'm glad to know I can count on someone." He said, half-depressed. Johnny pretended to be angry. "Someone? Your not alone, Spider-Man. You just cut yourself off from everyone else." Spider-Man considered this. He never really talked with other super heroes. Or anyone, for that matter. AS the Human Torch flew around the 'D' in the 'Daily' part of the large neon sign, Spider-Man protested, "Johnny, you know the reason for that! I'm public enemy number one!" Johnny agreed. It want as easy for Spider-Man as it was for him. "Alright, Wall crawler. If you need the FF, call the hotline. You do have the number, right?" "Phff! Duh! You guys throw the coolest parties!" Johnny laughed. Spidey'd made a joke. He was feeling better. And with that the Wall crawler was left alone. But not completely.
Spider-Man thought, then understood what he had to do. He had to show the Green Goblin that he wasn't afraid, and send a message to him that proves his bravery. And there was only one place that he could do that. And he was on its rooftop. And it was owned by a man that may loath Spider-Man more than most of the super-villains he'd fought. The Daily Bugle newsroom. Super.
Spider-Man crawled into the nearest open window his eyes could spot, and crawled through it. It was a good thing Peter worked there, or he would've gotten lost within a minute. Newsroom…newsroom…
He entered the newsroom that had the really big sign over it (Spider-Man had only passed this sign five or six times). Perfect! J. Jonah Jameson, publisher of the Daily Bugle, was in the middle of a broadcast. Spider-Man sneaked over to the director behind one of the cameras. "Listen, boso. If you don't let me on, I'll break every bone in your body, then web 'em on the far corners of the earth." Jameson was dragged, and I stress the word dragged, off the set. Spider-Man made a marvelous appearance from a web line, than began.
"This message is to the Green Goblin. Goblin, I know you have a hostage, and I'm willing to cooperate if it means no harm for her. If its money you want, I'm sure the Daily Bugle will be happy to pay," He stated, threatening every employee there with an evil stare. "Anyway, if you do not want money, and this is all about me, then bring it on. Contact the Daily Bugle offices within one hour, or be ready to get your fucking ass kicked to Jersey!" Spider-Man felt so alive! He wondered if he'd get more respect by pushing people around and being censored on television!
"What the hell are you doing here, and on my news station?" J. Jonah Jameson yelled. "Saving someone's life, you stupid idiot!" Spider-Man said as he hurried near a security guard in awe. "I'm staying here. Knowing the Goblin, he'll contact--"
Then the phone rang.