Chapter Ten
Parker Residence
Peter and Felicia ended their lunch early after everything that happened and made their way back to Peter's house. Felicia was nervous this was the quietest she ever saw Peter, the silence and tension was putting her on edge. Arriving at the house the first thing they both noticed was Aunt May wasn't home thankfully. Making their way to Peter's room he wasted no time in opening this closet compartment and pulling out some of his web gadgets and extra web fluid. He was so focused he forgot Felicia was in the room with him as he began changing into his Spider-Man suit. Felicia tapped and hugged him from behind, breaking him out of his trance.
"Peter, I've never seen you like this, talk to me please" she begged.
"I'm sorry, I just feel responsible for all of this. Harry is out for revenge and no matter how bad Peter Parker is hurting Spider-Man needs to stop him." Peter said, clutching his mask.
Felicia didn't break her hug "Peter, I've seen you do so much good for people. Even when we weren't on speaking terms I still saw the reports and read the papers. Spider-Man saved the city and kept so many people safe. I'm sorry you have to fight your best friend, but I know if anyone can stop him from doing something he may one day regret it's us."
"Thank you Felicia, you've been the best partner and girlfriend I could ever ask for. Wait, what do you mean us?" Peter said, surprised.
As he turned around he saw Felicia was dressed in her Black Cat costume.
"Did you think I was going to let you go alone?" she asked.
"Felicia, this is my fault and in his current state I don't know what Harry is willing to do to hurt Spider-Man, I can't have anything happen to you." Peter said.
"Peter, I'm a hero the same as you, maybe not as long, but I know what I signed up for. Remember I had to watch you get blown up and you're in the same amount of danger as I am. Remember when I asked you to be partners on that roof, we need to stick together." she said determination in her eyes.
Before the conversation could conclude both of their phones vibrated. They both checked and read the same message from Daredevil. "Defenders, The Enforcers and some scum have been spotted in the warehouse district. I'm heading in to investigate, get here as soon as you can."
The next message was confirmation from Jessica, Luke, and Iron Fist. Peter turned to Felicia "It's near where I will be fighting Green Goblin, help them first and I will catch up."
"Peter…" she began before being cut off.
"Felicia, you know it's the right thing to do, they need you more than I do. Help the Defenders and either I will catch up or you can all help me stop the goblin" Peter said.
Felicia locked eyes with Peter before leaning in for a passionate kiss "come back to me Peter Parker."
Peter smiled before pulling his mask on with Felicia doing the same "Spider-Man always comes back."
The duo exited out the window and began swinging toward the fight of their lives.
Warehouse District
Spider-Man and Black Cat swung to the warehouse district together before slowly veering off into different directions. Black Cat spotted Jessica and gracefully landed next to her. Before any words could be spoken Daredevil crashed through the side of a building. The Enforcers all were wearing their same suits, but apparently received an upgrade. Daredevil slowly began to get back to his feet as the rest of the Defenders including Black Cat stood by him ready to take on the Enforcers. Shocker began shooting vibration blasts at the team. Black Cat using her grace flipped out of the way as did Iron Fist. Luke moved in front of Jessica and Daredevil to block the impact. Shocker's improved suit and gauntlets amplified the blast and managed to push Luke back. Ox charged in ready to test his strength against the strongest Defender. The two engaged in a wrestling match battling it out in a test of strength. While that was going on Ricochet engaged in hand to hand combat with Black Cat. She dodged a variety of strikes as she lashed back with her own, but Ricochet's suit seemed to amplify his agility and fighting ability.
"Whoever gave you boys an upgrade clearly deserves a raise" Black Cat quipped.
"Now listen here girly, the bug ain't here and I was actually enjoying the quiet don't ruin it" Shocker responded angrily.
One thing Black Cat remembered asking Spider-Man was why did he joke so much during fights, his explanation was not one she expected. Spider-Man told jokes to calm himself down, take his mind off of the danger he was in, and it would unbalance his opponents into making mistakes.
Black Cat saw it working as Ricochet turned his head towards Shocker while he was talking. Using that distraction Black Cat delivered a vicious spinning kick to his head flooring him for the foreseeable battle.
Black Cat smirked "one down two to go."
Warehouse District (With Spider-Man)
Spider-Man prepared as best as he could for the upcoming battle. His suit was fully stocked with various web gadgets, his web fluids were full, and Karen ran a full diagnostic on his suit. He sighed to himself before Karen's robotic voice came on "all systems are normal Peter. Peter did his best to calm his nerves and remember who he was. He couldn't be Peter Parker, he needed to be Spider-Man and stop his best friend now turned foe before he does something he will regret. Spider-Man with his now steeled resolve walked forward "Goblin, I heard you were looking for me."
Green Goblin emerged from the shadows slowly walking towards the web head "good I see Parker was able to tear himself away from his harlot to deliver my message."
Spider-Man was doing his best to contain his anger from how the Goblin was talking about Felicia. The hero and villain were now locked in a stare down neither tearing their eyes away from the other. Green Goblin was the first one to speak "I just have one question, why did you murder my father?"
Spider-Man took a deep breath before recounting his battle with the original Green Goblin, his discovering of his identity, as well as how Norman Osborn manipulated himself and Harry. After Spider-Man finished he waited for Harry to say something.
"LIAR, MY FATHER WOULD NEVER DO THAT" Green Goblin yelled as he began throwing pumpkin bombs.
Relying on his spider sense, Spider-Man began acrobatically dodging the bombs as he tried to get closer. Unfortunately he was caught in one of the explosions and was thrown through a wall. Green Goblin appeared almost instantly and began raining down fists on the downed hero. Spider-Man took a few shots that rattled his head before delivering an upwards kick to give himself some space and push the goblin back.
"Peter I recommend avoiding taking anymore blows to the head your mouth is bleeding and you are nearing a concussion" came Karen's robotic voice
"Thanks Karen, I'll be sure to tell him that" Spider-Man replied sarcastically.
Warehouse District (Defenders)
Once Ricochet was knocked out the fight was very one sided from that point on. Luke and Jessica double teamed Ox who had no chance against their super strength. Shocker was outmaneuvered by Iron Fist, Daredevil, and Black Cat and was taken out as well.
"Sorry boys, looks like The Defenders win again" Black Cat said with a smug smile.
Before she could deliver another one liner Daredevil pushed her out of the way as a spray of acid landed where she was standing. Looking up her eyes went wide as she saw six villains in front of her. She recognized them all from Spider-Man's rouge gallery. He made it a point to tell her about some of his more sinister villains. In front of her was Doctor Octopus, Rhino, Electro, Vulture, Kraven The Hunter, and Scorpion.
"You defeated the distraction. Good job, but now it's time for the real fight" Doctor Octopus said menacingly.
Several robotic tentacles shot forward as Black Cat and Daredevil dodged. Electro began firing electricity that knocked back Jessica Jones. Rhino charged at Luke as they began wrestling each other. Not waiting to be attacked, Iron Fist went to fight Kraven. The brawl began, Defenders vs The Sinister Six had begun.
Warehouse District (Spider-Man)
Green Goblin now flying atop of his glider threw a handful of razor bats that began homing onto Spider-Man. Spider-Man fired a webline and began swinging to give himself more mobility and room to dodge.
"Peter, be advised we're burning through webfluid" Karen's robotic voice said.
"Trying to think of a plan, any suggestions" Peter asked.
Karen's robotic voice came to life "use the ricochet webbing to strike from unsuspecting angles and bring the fight back to the ground."
"Good idea" Spider-Man said before switching one of his web shooter settings.
Swinging one handed Spider-Man took careful aim and fired off six shots that all missed the goblin.
"Looks like your aim is almost as bad as Parkers' photography work" the goblin cackled.
In the midst of his laughing he didn't notice the web balls bouncing off the walls as they connected with his back and his glider sending him crashing to the ground. Spider-Man immediately emptied his remaining web fluid and restrained Green Goblin along with his glider.
"It's all over Harry, please don't follow in your fathers footsteps you can learn from his mistakes' ' Spider-Man pleaded.
"What's this, are you trying to appeal to my humanity?" I have nothing left to lose. I lost my best friend, my girlfriend, my social status, my father's company, and let's not forget you took away my father." Green Goblin yelled.
Underneath his mask Peter's face contorted with emotion at Harry feeling like he lost everything in his life and couldn't feel that he was responsible for some of that misfortune. Before he could voice his feelings Karen cut in "Peter I have Felicia on the line, should I put her through?"
Spider-Man took a step away from the goblin "go ahead Karen."
"Spider-Man, it was a trap the Enforcers were bait, the Sinister Six is" was the last thing Black Cat said before the communication went out.
"Spider-Man I swear to you if we don't finish this right here and now I won't stop until I kill you and everything you love" Green Goblin yelled.
In a panic Spider-Man began sprinting to Black Cat's destination reloading his web cartridges, fully replenished of web fluid he aimed at a nearby piece of construction machinery and hoped he wasn't too late.
Warehouse District (Defenders)
Black Cat narrowly dodged a charge from Rhino before a tentacle from Dr. Octopus sent her through a small pile of crates. Before Dr. Octopus could move in for the kill; he was met with a swing kick from Spider-Man. Spider-Man quickly surveyed the battlefield before offering his hand and helping Black Cat up.
"Well if it isn't Spider-Man, I do believe we have a score to settle" Dr. Octopus stated.
"I don't know Doc, we've done this dance enough times to know how it turns out" Spider- Man responded.
"Perhaps, but this time you're facing The Enforcers and The Sinister Six, and this time I don't see your black suit" came his reply.
"Sorry, I prefer the red and blues myself" Spider-Man quipped back.
"Do you take me for a fool Spider-Man, I heard all about your dealings with Venom that suit gave you an advantage you're sorely missing this time around" Dr. Octopus stated as his metal appendages came to life.
Spider sense blaring Spider-Man began flipping and dodging as he narrowly avoided getting hit. While the metal arms were preoccupied with Spider-Man, Black Cat rushed in to attack. Dr. Octopus was quickly overwhelmed by her claws and had to shift his focus and tentacles on the heroine. In doing so he left himself open for Spider-Man to deliver another swing kick that sent him into the side of a wall.
"Cat, are you ok?" Spider-Man asked.
"A few bumps and bruises, but I'll live," Black Cat replied with her trademark smile.
"Oh don't worry, none of you will be living for much longer," Dr Octopus said.
Luke, Jessica, Iron Fist, and Daredevil were all thrown through the air from a combination of Shocker's vibration blast and Electro's electricity.
Rushing toward the downed heroes, Spider-Man took in all of his enemies. Standing in front of him was Dr. Octopus, Rhino, Electro, Vulture, Kraven, Scorpion, Shocker, Ox, and Ricochet. Very few times in his Spider-Man career did he ever feel truly afraid, this was one of those times. Spider-Man and Black Cat stood in front of the combined might of the villains with the Defenders slowly getting up to their feet.
'Don't count us out just yet' Daredevil said as he spit out some blood before grabbing his billy club.
Jessica Jones and Luke Cage cracked their knuckles as they dusted themselves off while Iron Fist channeled his chi into his fist. Black Cat flexed her claws as Spider-Man redied his web shooters. Everyone was tense as each side sized one another up. The heroes were at a disadvantage six versus nine, but they were not about to back down. The villains charged in ready to overpower the heroes. Spider-Man was the first one to intercept and punch Ox, staggering him. Black Cat flipped off of Spider-Man's back delivering a kick to Ricochet sending him flying backwards. Rhino once again began to wrestle with Luke and while the two were locked in a struggle Iron Fist delivered a chi infused punch. Scorpion used his robotic tail to spray acid at Jessica damaging her signature jacket.
"I would say you're going to pay for that Mac, but you're as broke as your P.I. firm" Jessica yelled in anger.
While she was distracted Vulture flew overhead and prepared to swoop in and strike. Daredevil's enhanced senses picked up on the shifts in the air and threw his billy club connecting with his wings, sending him crashing to the ground.
The heroes slowly began turning the tide of battle. Kraven was locked into hand to hand combat with Iron Fist neither giving an inch in their fight. Shocker prepared his vibration blast and aimed at Iron Fist. A timely intervention and web pull from Spider-Man redirected the blast and he accidentally took out Kraven. The Defenders quickly realized their disadvantage could be used in their favor as they made sure the villains would keep getting in their own way during attacks. The battle was slowly wrapping itself up as police sirens could be heard closing in signaling that the NYPD were near. Spider-Man was about to deliver a witty one liner before he felt his spider sense kick in. He couldn't pinpoint the danger until Green Goblin's glider crashed into him and sent him through a nearby building.
"SPIDER" Black Cat yelled.
She was looking back and forth between the last few remaining members of the Sinister Six and the direction Spider-Man was thrown.
Daredevil yelled "GO we can handle things from here."
Abandoned Building
"Karen, can you get the number of the truck that hit me?" Spider-Man said as he struggled to get up.
"Peter I've detected more contusions and at least four broken ribs" Karen said.
Before he could respond his spider sense blared again as several pumpkin bombs were thrown his way. Spider-Man was instantly on the defensive as he maneuvered out of the way. Unfortunately he couldn't dodge them all as he got caught in an explosion and was launched into the wall.
"Time to finish you the same way you finished my father" Green Goblin said.
Before the goblin could deliver his final blow, Black Cat connected cleanly with a kick dropping him to the floor.
The goblin's mask was damaged from the kick and revealed his face for both heroes to see.
"Harry, please there is still time to turn yourself in and get help" Spider-Man said while holding his broken ribs.
"Like you helped my father you murderer" Harry responded coldly.
"FREEZE, NYPD" came two new voices.
Our heroes were greeted to the site of Captain Stacey and Officer Watanabe guns drawn on the goblin.
"Wait, his name is Harry Osborn he isn't himself the goblin formula has messed with his mind" Spider-Man tried to reason.
"Spider-Man we appreciate the assistance, but we have to take him in, he has to answer for the crimes he commited" Captain Stacey responded.
"I'm not going anywhere, we're all going to die here together, do you think it was mere coincidence that my glider threw you through this building Spider-Man" Green Goblin laughed.
"KAREN, SCAN THE AREA" Spider-Man yelled.
Everyone froze as the whites of Spider-Man's mask seemed to grow in size.
"This building is rigged with explosives" Spider-Man stated shakily.
The Green Goblin pulled out a detonator "now Spider-Man gets to watch as I take everything from him, just like he did to me."
"Harry please, this is between you and me let them go and I promise you can have me" Spider-Man pleaded.
"Spider-Man you can't" Black Cat instantly shouted.
"Isn't that cute, she loves you Spider-Man. Did you know I was in love once until the love of my life picked my best friend over me." Green Goblin laughed bitterly.
Yuri whispered to Captain Stacey "I have a clean shot."
He responded "don't do anything rash, let's see if we can talk him down."
"I know it might not seem like it, but I've been where you are, Harry , things will get better, but you have to accept the help of others first." Spider-Man reasoned.
Harry seemed to contemplate Spider-Man's words before raising the detonator "my father always said I was weak, today I prove him wrong."
Before he could do anything, Officer Watanabe discharged her weapon with a bullet piercing right through Harry's skull. His body fell to the floor as the detonator rolled from his now lifeless hand. Before Spider-Man could process what happened to his former best friend he heard beeping.
"Peter, that was a dead man's switch" Karen's robotic voice quickly said.
Spider-Man grabbed the police duo and Black Cat as he made a mad dash for the exit. Explosions rang out as pieces of the building began to crumple. Nearing the exit, Spider-Man tossed Yuri first who landed outside. Unfortunately the building collapsed at an accelerated rate and pieces of debris knocked all three of them down. Captain Stacey rolled a few feet away and looked up to see Spider-Man supporting several steel beams that were weighing down threatening to crush himself and Black Cat. As Black Cat tried to get up she instantly grabbed her leg in pain as she fell back to the ground.
"I think it's a broken Spider," she groaned.
Spider-Man was struggling; he was exhausted from the fight, not to mention his injuries; he didn't know how much longer he could keep this up.
"Peter, the structural integrity of this building won't last long, you need to get out" Karen's worried voice said.
Spider-Man looked around, he saw a path that should lead them out, but he also saw an injured Black Cat and a worse for ware police captain, and even worse the lifeless body of his best friend who lost his way. He knew what he had to do.
"Captain Stacy, grab Black Cat and make a dash for the exit, I will hold the support beams so you can escape." Spider-Man's pained voice called out.
"You can't, I won't leave you" Black Cat said with tears in her eyes.
Spider-Man smiled under his mask "I'm so sorry Cat, but this is what a hero is, someone who is willing to sacrifice everything to protect those he loves and I love you with all my heart in and out of the suit."
As Black Cat hobbled to her feet she rolled Spider-Man's mask up halfway for one final kiss from the man she loved.
"Spider-Man my heart belongs to you, it always has and it always will"
Black Cat leaned in a bit closer and whispered into his ear "I love you Peter Parker"
Captain Stacy rushed over and grabbed Black Cat as he looked Spider-Man in his masked eyes "this city owes you a debt it can never repay, I will make sure they never forget you."
The structure became more and amore unstable as Spider-Man tried to hold the massive weight on his shoulders.
As Captain Stacey was carrying an inconsolable Black Cat out he heard Spider-Man say one last thing that would haunt him forever "tell Gwen and my Aunt May I'm sorry, Uncle Ben I'm ready to see you again."
Before he could even stop and turn back the rest of the building collapsed as Captain Stacey and Black Cat tumbled out into the fresh air of New York.
A/N
Wow it has been quite a while since I've updated this bad boy. Between the pandemic, loss, and depression I didn't think I would continue writing, but the support I kept receiving in the comments and al the story favorites and follows have pushed me to keep writing. I am a big Spider-Man fan (who saw that new trailer) and I couldn't leave this story unfinished