Chapter Nine
Science Center
Manhattan New York
Green Goblin started throwing pumpkin bombs at Spider-Man who began doing his best to dodge them without putting the bystanders in harm's way.
"Still pretending to be the hero I see" Green Goblin taunted.
"I never pretend, I am New York's hero" Spider-Man responded.
"I never knew a hero who would commit murder" Green Goblin responded coldly.
Before Spider-Man could respond his spider sense went off as he narrowly dodged the goblin's glider. Spider-Man switched his web shooters to impact webbing and began firing at the now airborne goblin.
"Peter, you have roughly twenty five percent of your web fluid left" Karen's AI voice said.
Spider-Man stopped his web ball assault to try and conserve what remaining web fluid he had left. The goblin took that as his chance to attack and started throwing a mix of pumpkin bombs and razor bats. There were too many and Spider-Man was overwhelmed. The explosion knocked him into a nearby bus. As Spider-Man was attempting to get to his feet he noticed another car with a family inside was also caught in the explosion. Their screams became more apparent as he realized the car was on fire. While focusing on the car razor bats hit him sending him back to the ground. His upgraded suit protected him from the blades, but he still felt the impact. Before he could recover the goblin was on him throwing several enhanced strength punches. The screams of the family got louder before the sound of a door being ripped off the hinges could be heard. The Green Goblin stopped his assault momentarily to see someone in green armor help the family escape. Before he could say anything the car was suddenly thrown towards him and Spider-Man. Both narrowly managed to dodge it as they inspected the newcomer. He was clad in a green armored suit and had an extremely long robotic tail.
"Thanks for the assist, but you cut it close with the throw" Spider-Man quipped.
"Assist? Sorry I'm a hero I don't work with a menace like you" the mystery man said.
"This is between me and the bug now run along" Green Goblin said.
"Sorry I'm not letting you two freaks destroy my city, I'm the Scorpion and I am the hero this city needs" Scorpion said with conviction.
Scorpion used his tail to shoot acid which caught Green Goblin on the arm. The goblin yelled out in pain as he realized it was acid. The green skin on his arm slowly began to regenerate as he scowled at Scorpion "You're on my list now." Green Goblin jumped onto his glider while holding his burned arm and flew away as he cackled maniacally.
"Peter that seems to be highly corrosive acid, I don't know if your suit will protect you" Karen said somehow worry seeping into her robotic voice.
As Scorpion began stalking toward Spider-Man several smoke pellets rolled at their feet. With the smoke screen up Spider-Man felt a grappling hook wrap around his arm. Trusting he knew who it belonged to he jumped in that direction and found himself on a roof with Black Cat.
"Cat, are you ok?" Spider-Man asked.
"A little sore, but I will be ok" she replied.
"Let's get out of here, we need more information on this Scorpion" Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man fired a web line and grabbed Black Cat with his other arm as they began to swing away.
As Scorpion noticed them swinging away he prepared to give chase until several media outlets came to interview him. With a smile on his face he prepared himself for the fame and fortune that awaited him.
Felicia's Penthouse
The duo stumbled in the balcony with Black Cat quickly discarding her mask. Peter immediately went over checking on Felicia.
"Peter, I'm fine like I said I'm just a bit sore", Felicia said..
Peter followed suit as he took off his mask and took a seat on her couch.
"Today has not been a good day," Peter said, slightly frustrated.
Felicia returned from the kitchen with some soda and chips as she sat next to Peter on the couch.
"Peter, you've been at the super hero thing longer than I have. I'm sure you've been through worse than some overgrown scorpion" Felicia said with a smile.
Peter placed a kiss on her cheek "you're the best superhero girlfriend a guy could ask for."
"Perks of dating the one and only Felicia Hardy" she said with a wink.
"I'm going to have Karen hunt down any trace of this Scorpion guy. I want to know everything about him, until then I guess we just stay vigilant, '' Peter said.
Gargan Residence
Scorpion was beyond angry. He received no fortune or fame; the city had the nerve to try and send him the bill for the damages. Mac Gargan made the mistake of giving the press his real name which meant he could be billed, sued, and held liable for any and all damage he caused during the fight between Green Goblin and Spider-Man. Besides that Jameson threw him to the wolves and denied having anything to do with his transformation. To Mac Gargan the owner of the daily bugle was now enemy number one and he would begin plotting his revenge. Before his revenge could begin, he had to find somewhere to go. His landlord kicked him out of his apartment stating he didn't want any super powered wack jobs living there. He heard the same thing from several hotels he tried to stay at as well. All of this contributed to why Mac was currently walking the streets of New York wondering what to do. As Scorpion continued to wander the streets he didn't notice three men approach him until he almost bumped into one.
"Listen you know who I am, and I'm in a bad mood so leave me alone" Scorpion said venom in his voice.
"I know who you are, and so does our boss, he wants to make you an offer" the man replied.
"What kind of offer?" Scorpion asked.
"An offer that involves making a ton of quick cash" came the man's reply.
"I'm interested, what do I call you?" Scorpion asked,
"Call me Shocker" Shocker replied with a smirk.
Midtown High School
A full twenty four hours later and Peter knew more than enough about Scorpion formerly known as Mac Gargan. The purpose of a secret identity is for your identity to stay secret, apparently Mac didn't learn that. Once he told the world his name finding information on him became child's play especially when he has bad blood with the self proclaimed greatest private investigator ever. Peter called Jessica to see if she could find out anything and apparently Mac ran a competing private investigation firm. That gave Peter and Felicia somewhere to check out after school was over, but until then they were stuck in science class with Gwen, Liz, and Sally. The class consisted of Peter and Gwen answering the majority of the questions with Sally shooting daggers at Felicia, and Liz silently watching them all. Felicia was by no means stupid, but even she got a tad bit jealous seeing how much smarter Gwen was than her and began to wonder was she a better match for Peter. Gwen was Peter's original crush. Felicia began to zone out and wonder if she didn't meet Spider-Man for the third time on top of that building would Felicia Hardy have had a chance with Peter Parker. She was so lost in her insecurities and thoughts she didn't hear the bell ring or see that class had ended.
Peter looked at her worried "Felicia what's on your mind?"
Felicia debated lying and saying she was fine, but remembered how much Peter opened up to her even though it's extremely difficult to let people in "just seeing how well you and Gwen work together and compliment one another sometimes I'm worried maybe I was just a rebound and you should have held out for Gwen."
To say Peter was shocked would be an understatement. Peter rebounded from his shock and took a small step toward her "Felicia, you make me happier than I ever thought possible, you were there for me when no one else was, you understand both sides of me, and no one will change how I feel about the one and only beauty known as Felicia Hardy."
Arms immediately wrapped around Peter as Felicia hugged him harder than he thought possible.
"Thank you Peter, your reassurance means the world to me, sorry for being silly" Felicia said her cheeks tinted red.
"Not a problem at all, I don't mind telling the best girlfriend in the world how amazing she is" Peter said before giving Felicia another kiss.
The loving couple walked hand and hand to lunch with smiles on their faces ready to tackle whatever came in their way.
Fisk Industries
Wilson Fisk is what can be considered a patient man, but he was growing ever impatient with his men failing to either find or subdue the Green Goblin. When he didn't want to unleash his true firepower yet, but the goblin was beginning to be a bigger problem than originally anticipated. Fortunately that's where his newest employee Scorpion came into the picture. Fisk had to smile at how simple his demands were a place to stay, money, and the recognition he sought. All easy things for someone of his power to grant. Scorpion was going to make a fine addition to the Sinister Six. Another growing issue was Spider-Man, he knew his Sinister Six could take him out, but he needed to get the Green Goblin out of his way first. A better idea would be to get them all locked in a fight and have his forces take them all out. He decided his plan, he would use The Enforcers to draw out Spider-Man and the Green Goblin before using his Sinister Six to destroy them all. Using some of his resources and influence Wilson Fisk was able to have some associates of HYDRA cause a commotion to draw some of the bigger threats like the Avengers out of New York while he executes his plan. The Avengers, some debated which team showed up first the Avengers or the Defenders. The Kingpin didn't care who came first he just knew even he didn't want to tangle with the superteam who formed to take down HYDRA.
As he pondered his thoughts one of his henchmen came into his office "Kingpin sir we've gotten reports the Avengers quinjet has left the tower."
Kingpin smirked "Perfect now the only thing standing between us and control of this city is Spider-Man and the Defenders. Assemble the Six and the Enforcers, it's time to put my plan into motion."
Queens New York
It's been almost two weeks since Peter and Felicia got all the information on Mac Gargan who to their shock seemed to have disappeared off the grid. Even Karen was unable to find any trace of him in anyform. Peter was worried and explained to Felicia how to do what Mac did required a tremendous amount of either power or money both which he shouldn't have so he has to be working for someone. During the two week span the duo of Spider-Man and Black Cat were making their presence felt in New York as they dealt with street level criminals non stop. The situation at school also seemed to improve slightly. Sally and the popular kids gave them a wider berth from their torment after Felicia's threat. All in all things have been good for the duo both in their regular lives and as superheroes. As Peter and Felicia were enjoying a nice late lunch at the mall Gwen made her way to the table looking conflicted.
"Hey Felicia is it alright if I talk to Peter privately for a moment?" Gwen asked.
Felicia raised an eyebrow before giving Peter a kiss on the cheek and giving the two some space.
"What's on your mind Gwen?" Peter asked.
"It's about me and Harry," she replied.
"Oh?" came Peter's response.
"I know I ruined our chance to be together Peter and I am sorry for that, and I wish I realized this sooner but I think I need to break up with Harry" Gwen said as her head drooped down.
"I can't influence your decision one way or the other Gwen, but you have to ask yourself do you really want to be with Harry or is it just pity because his dad passed away" Peter replied solemnly.
"Thanks Peter, he's just been so moody ever since his father's company started being sold off" Gwen responded.
"It's been hard for him Gwen, but I'm sure Harry will pull through. Besides, we still have his back we're all best friends, right?" Peter asked with his trademark Parker smile.
"The best of friends" Gwen said while moving in to embrace Peter.
Felicia watched on with a hint of worry in her heart. She knew Peter loved her, but still couldn't stop the tiniest bit of jealousy from eating at her seeing the closeness between the two.
The friendly embrace was ruined when an angry Harry Osborn saw them.
"FANCY SEEING YOU HERE GWEN, CONSIDERING YOU TOLD ME YOU HAD TO GO HOME TO HELP YOUR DAD!" Harry yelled.
"Harry calm down, what's the matter with you?" Peter asked, trying to calm the situation.
"What's the matter is my supposed girlfriend is hanging out with you behind my back and is lying to me" Harry responded.
"Harry, take a minute and just breathe. We can talk this out. We're buds, remember?" Peter said, still trying to defuse the tension.
"Are we really Peter? Where were you when my dad was killed by Spider-Man? Let me tell you, you were too busy taking pictures to try and make a quick buck!" Harry yelled.
Felicia was doing her best to stay out of the argument but that comment questioning Peter's integrity sent her over the edge.
"How dare you, it's not Peter's fault your dad went off the rails. Peter is a good and honest man" Felicia countered.
Harry's face twisted into an angry scowl before morphing into a sadistic smile "did you know that good man broke up with Liz to get with Gwen? Did you know he was going to convince Gwen to break up with me so he could steal her from me? Did you know even after I gave her EVERYTHING she would still slip and call ME PETER after we would kiss!"
Felicia knew about what happened between Gwen, Liz, and Peter. What upset her was knowing Gwen still fantasized about Peter or at the very least thought of him when she was with Harry.
Peter was shocked for several different reasons, but one line in particular stuck out in his mind "YOU KNEW?!" Peter yelled trying to control his anger.
"Yes, I overheard you both that day, and I wasn't going to let you steal her away from me." Harry said.
Gwen caught on quickly and immediately slapped Harry "That is for manipulating me, how dare you use your fathers death to do that to me I thought our bond as best friends meant something to you, we're over" Gwen said tears beginning to fall.
Peter couldn't believe everything that was happening. Harry overheard them and manipulated Gwen into not breaking up with him, Harry possibly being the Green Goblin again, and Gwen still being in love with him. Peter was ready to lash out until he saw Felica's face. In that moment he realized if Harry never sabotaged him and manipulated Gwen into distancing from him he never would have reconnected with Felicia. Everyone was confused as to why Peter was smiling with a few tears streaming down his face.
"Harry, you were my best friend for years and you stabbed me in the back. That hurts more than you can imagine and I don't know if we can ever fix the rift between the three of us, but I want to thank you. If you didn't do what you did I never would have reconnected with the best thing to ever happen to me." Peter said with a heartfelt smile as he turned towards Felicia.
Felicia teared up as well hearing that regardless of how it happened Peter was happy to reconnect with her.
"Peter you mean so much to me, and I love you so much" Felicia said as she moved to hug Peter.
Harry felt himself starting to spiral; it just wasn't fair. He lost his father, he lost his father's company, and he lost his girlfriend. It wasn't fair, why did Peter get to be happy when he didn't do anything to stop his buddy Spider-Man from killing his father. Harry reached for a napkin off the table and pulled out a pen and scribbled something down. Harry jammed the piece of paper into Peter's chest before whispering something into his ear. Peter's eyes went wide with shock before Harry walked away not even bothering to spare a glance at the ones he once called his best friends.
"Peter, what did Harry give you?" Gwen asked.
"I'm not sure Gwen, I will check it out later it's been a long emotional day and I think we should all go home and relax" Peter said.
"Is it true what he said?" Felicia asked.
"What do you mean?" Gwen responded.
"Harry said you were thinking about Peter while you were with him, is that true?" Felicia asked a bit more forcefully.
Gwen hesitated "it's true, I've been trying to get over Peter but it's hard you don't know what it's like losing the one you love."
Felicia steeled herself "I do know actually, I lost Peter once due to some of my bad habits and my stubbornness, but I didn't take the easy way out I fought for Peter and he accepted me for who I am. You picked the easy way out Gwen and because of that you missed your chance. I will tell you the same thing I told Mary Jane, I don't mind you being Peter's best friend but you need to keep your feelings in check or we will have problems."
Gwen nodded her head slowly "I understand and I'm sorry for all the trouble I no we caused you and Peter."
With both Harry and Gwen gone Felicia saw that Peter seemed to be zoned out.
"Peter? What's wrong? What did Harry whisper to you?" Felicia asked in quick succession.
"He said to deliver this note to Spider-Man" Peter said, still distraught.
"What does it say?" she asked.
"I am going to avenge my father. Meet me at the place where you murdered him signed the new Green Goblin."
A/N
I have returned and this story is far from dead. While this isn't the most action packed chapter we got to flesh out some characters and the focus was on Peter and Felicia or more so how others respond to their relationship. Gwen still loves Peter, Liz still harbors some lingering feelings for Peter, and Harry is jealous of Peter. Felicia deals with Gwen still having those feelings as well as Peter's kind nature.
Yes The Avengers are in this universe, no they will not be playing to much of a role in this story and their origin is different than in the MCU. The chitauri haven't invaded (yet) and as you can guess The Sinister Six is going to be making their debut in the next chapter or two.
Sorry I've been gone for so long covid hit several people close to me and unfortunately they lost the battle. Being overworked, no direction for this fanfic, and depression killed me for a while. Ironically I rewatched all the MCU Spider-Man films as well as ITSV and replayed both Spider-Man games on the PS4. That reignited my itch to continue on with this story. I don't know how far this story will go, but I can say we are closing in on the end of Act 1 within the next five or so chapters.
Stay safe, hug your loved ones if you're able, and I hope you continue to enjoy this story.