Guilty as he felt for abandoning Gwen for the umpteenth time, Peter had to do something or else the earthquakes would certainly get worse and level the city. He stormed off into an abandoned sector of the dimly lit school hallways where no one - except maybe the cameras - would witness what he was about to do. Throwing off his suit tie so it wouldn't get in the way, he crouched into a spider-like stance to sense the ground. The vibrations from the previous impact still lingered in the ground, yet his senses also detected an impact prior to that further down the island. Dangerous as the situation appeared to Peter, he almost wanted to abandon his responsibilities and head back to the dance. No matter what, though, he would continue to make the right choice.
So Beaky and Shocker decided to distract the city while they pull God knows what. And I decided to take a week off and let them get away with it, Peter lamented silently. I know I'm gonna get chased, blamed, whatever for this, but if the city's in this much trouble, then I need to race back onto the scene and stop them! But first…
Hatching a bright idea, Peter bolted off across the hall and stopped at his locker, entering the combination as fast as he could. With a single tug, he opened the door and eyed his bag containing his Spider-Man outfit. Thankfully, no one, not even the custodians, had discovered it while he left it inactive for the last week. With little time to change, Peter took the bag and rushed to the nearest science lab. As much as he needed the suit, he also needed more webs to make up for his previous mishap of running out of them.
Not caring whether he would get caught, Peter scanned the room for the biggest beaker he could find. Despite it being dark, his enhanced vision helped him make out a 300 mL beaker standing tall on the shelf next to the others. He snatched it for his quick and easy science project. Without breaking it, he threw it down onto the counter next to his bag, which he then rustled around in for some supplies. Feeling past his Spider-Man suit, Peter retrieved the following bottles of chemicals from his bag: salicylic acid, toluene, methanol, carbon tetrachloride, potassium carbonate, and ethyl acetate. In the year before, he used the school's supply of said chemicals in order to create his web fluid. However, little did he realize he would get written up for using the school's supplies unsupervised. In order to remedy this, he bought those chemicals online and in department stores in case something like this ever happened.
He rapidly yet meticulously poured a large amount of the chemicals into the beaker, let them settle for a moment, and used a mixing stick to mix them together. The solution foamed for a moment before transforming into a sticky solution, which caught onto his stick. Peter pulled the stick out of the beaker as it caught on like a spider web, achieving the stickiness and viscosity that he hoped for.
What's more, he had more than enough to fill two web shooters plus a spare in case he needed it.
Retrieving some web cartridges from his bag, he proceeded to fill them up with the formula and equip them to his web shooters, which he had also retired for a week. At that moment, he didn't care whether he left a dirty, sticky beaker in the science lab. He had to get out the door and get swinging.
He rushed out the side door of the school and into the alleyway he most often changed. Throwing off his tux, he stepped and wrestled his way back into his suit for the first time in one full week.
Before he applied the last piece of his costume - his last glove - his enhanced hearing caught another tremor happening further up the island. He sensed the ground to discover its origin.
That last tremor was headed northwest. That can only mean… Oscorp! The showcasing! Harry's dad could be in trouble! Peter thought. If the Avengers don't take note of something like this then I need to let this be my responsibility. I can't let Harry lose his father the way I lost Uncle Ben!
Without hesitation, Peter wrestled his hand and fingers into his right hand glove.
"Look out, New York, because Spider-Man is back!" he exclaimed, hoping no one heard.
Set and ready to take on the world, Peter scanned his surroundings, tuning Spider Sense into any possible threats nearby. Though he got nothing from what he could sense, he knew no doubt that either the police or the criminals responsible for these tremors may appear within the next few blocks. Spinning his first web in over a week, he swung his way out of the alley and took off into the sky.
Captain Stacy remained stationed in front of the cowering students in the gymnasium, checking to make sure everyone was okay. Most of the students were scrunched up into the fetal position while others scattered. The captain's walkie continued to produce static-filled sounds of fellow officers reporting possible cases and suspicious sightings in the local areas and beyond. Now that the tremors were hitting Manhattan like a series of mortars firing on their beloved streets, there was a lot more panic and mayhem running about the streets as well as the vicinity.
Despite the circumstances, the captain managed to maintain safety amidst the scattering students, some of which were sprinting out of the building due to it feeling like the end of the world. He did his absolute best to calm them down, reassuring everyone that they should stay calm.
"Calm down, students!" his gruff voice ordered. "The police are determining possible suspects. We'll have it under control!"
The students largely ignored the captain's pleas and kept on yammering. Though John was dismayed, he willed himself to maintain his composure.
"Dad, where's Peter?!" the voice of his daughter called out nearby.
He turned to face Gwen approaching him as she reached out to take him by the shoulder. She was wearing her lovely light blue homecoming dress with panic spread across her face. Whatever happened to Peter that she was asking this?
"I saw him get up and leave in the midst of the commotion, but didn't see where he went," the captain explained. "What happened?"
"I don't know," she choked, staring off as her eyes welled up. "We were just dancing when the earthquakes happened and… He got scared and left me here. I don't know what to do."
John took a deep breath. His daughter reacting the way she did broke his heart as he always wanted what was best for her no matter the situation. In the midst of the panic and mayhem, however, he did not have much time to emotionally support her as he watched a tear leak from her eye. Whatever the case, though, he had to reassure her he had a solution to resolve this mess.
"Stay here and remain in safety," he said, taking her by the shoulder. "We'll report him as a missing person and send a search party."
Gwen sniffled, drying a tear. "Okay," she said. "Just make sure he's safe."
John reaffirmed his promise with a nod. Whatever the case, he had to assist in the crisis.
He turned hollow face toward the hallway and spoke into his walkie.
"10-65. Midtown student, Peter Parker, is missing. I repeat, 10-65 for Peter Parker."
The captain continued to walk down the dark school hallways before turning a corner leading to the exit.
"10-4, captain," an officer confirmed.
He listened closely as he kicked open the door to the school. He stood atop the porch overlooking the front courtyard. Many students were out there, equally panicked as they were inside and gathered around the fountain. Right as he exited the building though, another static-filled transmission rang into his walkie.
"Spider-Man sighted exiting the alleyway across from Midtown High," an officer called.
"Officer, repeat, did you say Spider-Man?" the captain returned the transmission.
Just then, the captain turned his gaze to the sky to find the officer's claim was correct: the unmistakable red and blue blur catapulted itself up through the nearby buildings, catching the eyes of passersby within the vicinity.
The captain just barely noticed the officer confirmed the sighting.
"10-4, copy that," the captain returned. "I want all units mobile. Split it three ways: one third catch the Vulture and his accomplice, one third search for Peter Parker, the last third get Spider-Man off the streets no matter the cost!"
The officers over the walkie affirmed the captain's orders. The captain then drew his sidearm pistol and reloaded it as he strolled past the panicking students. Many were taken aback by the sight of a cop drawing his weapon on school property, though, whatever the situation, he was sure they would understand. As he quickly walked down the street and entered his police vehicle, he had one thing on his mind: no matter what, he would see Spider-Man brought to justice. Whether or not he was in league with the cause of the tremors, the Web-head would need to be brought in and taught a lesson in operating outside the law. He blared his sirens and flashed his primary colored lights, joining the rest of his unit on the streets nearby.
The Oscorp Tower atrium, packed to the brim with employees and military personnel, could hardly contain the echoes of the chatter erupting prior to the showcasing. Military guards surrounded the immediate area and all entrances in case of any outside invaders dropping in and disrupting the occasion. To Norman Osborn, this occasion was momentous as it would be the first time his company would officially partner with the military with use of his technology. As long as they didn't uncover any of the dirty secrets of Oscorp's history, Norman remained certain they would approve of his pitch and allow him to partner with them. No matter what happened, he hoped nothing would interrupt his progress.
As the employees and military personnel chartered about, the portly, bald figure of Dr. Otto Octavius proceeded up to the podium, striding with a stern look on his face. As Norman stood at the side of the stage, his bodyguards beside him, Otto tapped on the mic to ensure it was working. The resulting feedback turned a majority of the audience to the person speaking, shutting many of them up without Otto needing to say anything.
"Good evening, Oscorp employees and United States military personnel alike," Otto uttered into the mic. The crowd quieted down immediately. "Thank you. As some of the world's leading scientists, our mission is to present to the world the finest, most advanced technologies to the fields of weaponry and medicine. With everything we have to give, we are confident that anyone would approve of our ideas and grant them a chance to exist in the military's everyday use. Today I would like to welcome the inventor of today's technological showcasing, our CEO, Mr. Norman Osborn."
The audience applauded as Otto stepped aside to make room for Norman at the podium. Norman prided at the fact that Octavius of all people - who knew Adrian Toomes real well - was able to choke out the false fact that Norman took all the credit for what was previously Toomes's invention. In Osborn's mind, all great success stories were built on lies whether or not he admitted them. As long as no one found out the truth, he would be granted access to use "his" ideas in the military.
Once Norman arrived at the podium, he eyed the wide containment tube in the wall behind him before nodding to Otto. "Thank you, Otto," he addressed before turning to his company and guest personnel. "People of the United States military and any and all Oscorp employees tuning into tonight's showcase, it is my pleasure to present tonight's event as a grand breakthrough in our use of technology. Today's military, with its advanced usage of technology, continues to further its strategic advantages in combat and special operations. At Oscorp, we seek to provide our country's soldiers with special advancements in how combat is approached, continuing to advance the approach of warfare from its current state. Our recent invention combines the advantages of flight with the combat strategies of on foot infantry. And so, without further adieu, I present to you the latest in Oscorp tech flight: the Combat Glider."
An Oscorp scientist standing near the containment tube behind Norman pushed a button that ignited the mechanism powering the machine. Hovering up into view came a silvery, metallic bat-shaped glider with twin turrets lining either side, the head of an eagle sculpted in the center. It floated and spun slowly throughout the tube as if held up by some invisible force. The crowd watching the showcasing "oohed" and "ahed" at its uniqueness, amazed that someone as brilliant as Norman Osborn could craft such precision machinery. Prior to this evening, the United States military seemed to underestimate Oscorp's use of technology that they believed they would never partner with them. According to their reactions, though, Norman believed that was about to change.
"The Combat Glider comes equipped with weapons similar to what your standard ground soldier carries," Norman continued. As he spoke, a small tremor rocked the area nearby, but Norman chose to ignore it. "It contains twin turrets with enough caliber to match a helicopter's rounds, a sharp blade to use against foot soldiers, and-"
"Mr. Osborn," a random Oscorp scientist whispered, interrupting Norman. "There seem to be reports of a series of tremors approaching Oscorp nearby."
"Not right now, Dr. Anovski," Norman insisted. "I'm in the middle of my speech."
"But sir-" Anovski insisted.
"I'm sure it's nothing; just ignore it."
The doctor turned away and allowed Norman to continue presenting his technological breakthrough to the audience. Mr. Osborn would not stop until he was officially partnered with the military. He was not about to let some petty reports interrupt his ultimate showcasing no matter if he put himself and his personnel at risk of injury or death.
As Spider-Man, Peter swung through the concrete canyon-like expanse of Manhattan, determined not to let his foes get away. Based on the reports that it was Shocker, he scanned the area with Spider Sense to determine whether or not they were right. As he swung, he hurriedly scanned left and right for a sign of something and yet, from what he could make out, nothing, not even a yellow quilted suit appeared.
Then, his danger component of Spider Sense alerted him to something about to strike nearby. He swung away, bracing for an immediate impact, but instead he felt… Vibrations. The earth began to shake all around him, the magnitude even worse than the last. Keeping away from the quaking landscape and falling debris, Spidey shot over a building. As he did so, he caught the two primary suspects within his vision.
Vulture's humming, mechanized, green suit soared over Manhattan, a single person grabbing onto his leg who appeared to be none other than Shocker. The latter making use of his gauntlets, the dangerous man shot several bursts of shockwaves down towards the streets, quaking the city in a spectacular scenario no one living in Manhattan had ever felt. From what Peter could sense in the moment, cars and taxis swerved around the tremors in an effort to avoid dangers for fear of flipping over. People ran and dove for cover inside, careful not to hide themselves under furniture and structures that may topple over. The amount of destruction they were causing would most likely get worse if he stood down and surrendered to the terror taking place everywhere. If people died because of him, he would never forgive himself.
Whatever the case, Spider-Man would put a stop to the villains' schemes and end the conflict.
To his surprise, Spider Sense registered an incoming danger. A lone goon firing upon him perhaps?
He swung out of the way, dodging a taser round that whizzed by him, just barely grazing his suit. A quick turn in the direction from which it came and Spidey noticed a police officer accompanied by several others on top a nearby roof, their weapons aimed at him.
Down below, a voice called out through a police intercom.
"That was a warning shot," called the commissioner out from below.
Captain Stacy, of course, Spidey thought.
"Stand down or we will open fire!" the captain continued.
As if dealing with two villains weren't already enough, now Spidey had the police to deal with. He had to convince them to stand down instead in order that they may help him. If he could find a way to make such a scenario a reality, maybe he could reason with the captain somehow.
If not, he would improvise.
With all his willpower, Spidey refused the captain's orders, choosing instead to shoot out another web line and run along the side of the nearby building. The cops from the adjacent building lined the rooftops, firing as many tasers as they could at Spidey without hesitation. Spidey leapt and galloped over the taser rounds as they stuck inside the building, their electric charges fizzling out upon contact with the concrete exterior. Leaps and bounds away from every taser round, Spidey hopped off the building and shot another strand that connected to the building.
A bright light immediately blinded his view so bad that not even Spider Sense could detect it. Just barely making out the silhouette of a helicopter, Spidey, unable to maneuver directions as fast as he was going, felt a surge of electricity rock his system. The electric current shook his system to the core, the Web-head just barely able to maintain consciousness as his limp body fell to the ground, his back smacking hard onto the windshield of a car beneath him.
The police chopper light raining down on his position, Spidey willed himself to stay awake, absorbing the electric currents like they were nothing due to his enhanced nervous system. Though he could barely get up, he sensed through his faded eye slits the presence of additional car lights honing in on his position accompanied by flashes of red and blue. No doubt, Captain Stacy's police force had arrived at the scene and were now approaching him, weapons raised in hopes to ensure his capture. If Spidey were taken to jail right now, there'd be no hope for the city, no hope for Harry's dad, no hope for his identity to remain a secret.
He had to do something to get out of this or else it was game over.
Unwilling to succumb to the effects of the taser, Spidey weakly attempted to push himself off the ground, the captain, no doubt surprised to see he was still active in spite of being tased. The officers backed away in fear of what was about to happen. Meanwhile, Captain Stacy himself pushed forward.
"How in the-" the captain uttered, cutting himself off. "Stand down, Spider-Man! This is your final warning."
It took a lot of effort to get his voice box working and his jaw to move, but Peter finally managed to croak out a few words.
"Mr. Police Commissioner" he slurred, raising his hands to present himself innocent. "I'm not the guy you want… I'm not the guy you need behind bars."
"Your vigilante ways render you outside the law. You are wanted for vigilantism, vandalism, assisted damage of property, and resisting arrest," the captain reiterated. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't arrest you."
"A band of villains is causing the earthquakes… They're heading to Oscorp… To attack Norman Osborn. If you arrest me, we won't be able to catch 'em."
"And why should we believe you?"
Pausing, Peter chose his words carefully. "Because I can do things that the police can't."
The captain ceased approaching Spider-Man. Through his lenses, Peter shook himself awake noting the look of realization spread across the captain's aging face. It was as if something triggered within him, a shock, a sudden epiphany that, despite everything he stood for, Captain Stacy had been wrong the whole time. Was the use of similar ideals without explicitly revealing himself really the simplest way for Peter to change the captain's mind?
"Face it, captain, I'm the only lead you got," Peter continued.
Lowering his weapon, Captain Stacy took his sights off of Spider-Man, taking a deep breath as if reprioritizing his mission.
"Men, stand down. Spider-Man is not a priority. There are bigger things at stake," he admitted into the comms. "I want all units to converge on Oscorp Tower immediately. Make sure the people causing these earthquakes are subdued and taken into custody."
The surrounding officers lowered their weapons, most of them shocked and amazed at the captain's sudden change of priorities.
"But sir, isn't Spider-Man-?"
"I gave you an order, officer," the captain spat, interrupting him. "I'm making an executive decision to pursue bigger threats. Whoever they are, they must be stopped!"
"Yes, sir!" the officer exclaimed, saluting.
"Spider-Man, you're free to go, but don't do anything to convince me otherwise."
Now fully recovered from the tasing, Spidey waved to the captain, silently thanking him for letting him go. Without another shot fired from the officers, Spidey swung away, lifting himself above the damaged cityscape below as he peered through the buildings. It didn't take much effort for him to make out the towering, gleaming, neon-laced building of Oscorp Tower, which he had often visited in years prior. As if Norman's ego weren't any bigger, the tower was already among the tallest structures in Manhattan, standing even taller than the Empire State Building nearby. While there seemed to be no sign of the Vulture and Shocker against the building's silhouette, Spidey hoped he could get there and stop them both before they made too big a mess.
Vulture's winged silhouette fanned out across the moon, carrying Shocker toward the building near the base of Oscorp Tower. Having to carry Montana's weight throughout the flight was almost enough to throw out his back, though, thankfully, the harness in his suit kept him straightened out for the most part - it was almost like self-chiropractic care for him. Once they touched down onto the roof adjacent to the tower, the pair eyed the uniformed guards standing in front of the entrance like the bird of prey Toomes was. As long as they stood there, though, they could not enact Shocker's final surprise.
Tuning into his radio headset, Toomes called forth some Criminal Deputy gang members hiding in the shadows.
"Vulture to Deputy Bandit; the eagle has landed," Toomes informed. "Let our guests know we have a warm welcome planned for them."
Down below, small canisters rolled out from the alleyways surrounding the buildings across the sidewalk and towards the military personnel standing guard in front of the huge revolving door entrance. Hearing the sounds of clanking at their feet, a guard lowered his weapon and faced downwards toward the surprising appearance of the canister.
"Hey, look, what's…?" he asked curiously.
The contents of the canisters emitted from its airways, tear gas clouding the guards' position as they sniffed it in unknowingly. The two coughed and swatted the contents away, attempting to reach for their gas masks before they showed signs of being weak in the knees. Their muscles gave way as they fell unconscious, unable to save themselves from the noxious emissions brought upon them.
"Bingo!" Montana exclaimed.
Anticipating their moment of triumph, Vulture resumed his flight, swooping down toward the sidewalk while Shocker simply leaped down from the short building they were on. The suit protected Shocker from any fall damage as his men emerged from the alleyway joining him on foot whilst the Vulture remained in the air.
"Be sure to storm the facility on my signal," Toomes instructed. "Not before, not after."
"Understood!" said Schultz. "Don't let any varmint distract ya while you're at it."
Vulture took to the skies, peering through the reflective windows at the showcasing taking place inside. The old man sneered upon noticing Osborn at the podium, presenting the "filthy" invention he so dared to call his own version of tech flight. This would be the day he would rue for a long time.
Seeing this as the perfect opportunity, Toomes swerved around in midair, painting an invisible figure eight in the sky for Schultz and his men below to make out. Staring down at them, Adrian noticed Montana signaling a thumbs up and proceeding to charge up his gauntlets for the main event. Toomes watched as Shocker struck the ground, emitting green shockwaves upon making contact and producing an earthquake unlike any other that he knew, no doubt, would cause immense havoc within the tower. Without second thoughts, Toomes dove straight for the window, wings shielding him from the glass in front of him to brace for impact.
The impact of what Osborn would feel would hopefully be more sudden than the crash he produced.
A bit of a shorter chapter than before, but I feel this is the best setup for the incoming climax. I'm hopeful you all continue to enjoy this story as I near the end of this volume!