RETURN OF SPIDER-X
CHAPTER 43: HOME SWEET HOME
Norman Osborn was back in his office too deep in through to really think about things. When he woke up he had seen the news about last night, when he had seen someone in that Goblin gear attacking those mutants he bolted from his home. He quickly made his way to the main Oscorp building where he kept the spare equipment, he then found the entire vault empty.
Someone had taken all of his equipment and when he questioned the security staff they had said they had gotten orders that all equipment was to be moved. He wanted to fire the lot of them but when he checked the security arrangements they had been in his name and with her personal security codes.
No one was to have access to that, but he didn't remember doing any of that. All video logs had been deleted as had all files on what trucks took the equipment. There was no trace of them and now Norman had no idea what was going on. The most logical was that someone had somehow managed to access his personal codes, with that and a few examples of his signatures a person who could gain that would have the ability to pull of this theft.
But the question was who? He already had his security people doing full checks on everyone, starting with the new employees and then moving on up. To him no one was above suspicion. It would only be a matter of time before he rooted out whoever was behind this.
"Mr. Osborn you have a call on line one sir."
The growled out as he pressed the intercom button, "I said to hold my calls." He snapped at her thinking of replacing her soon as well.
"But sir…It's Mr. Fisk…"
Norman paled at that, the Kingpin was one of the extremely few people that he wouldn't ignore. And he had told his secretary to always let him know when he called in, "Uh…Thank you."
He reached for the phone and picked it up, "What can I do for you Fisk?"
"Ah right to the point, how very blunt of you," Wilson Fisk stated in his chair looking out over the city in his own large office. His chair was especially made for him given his large size after all. "Tell me Osborn why is it that I saw someone who looked a lot like my Hobgoblin only green on the news?"
Norman had forgotten all about the Hobgoblin weapons he had supplied Fisk, he knew that he couldn't lie to him. That was as good as a death sentence sometimes and if there was anyone that demanded you be afraid of it would be The Kingpin. "I honestly have no idea who that was. If you remember that attack by Dr. Octavius there was an accident and the spare Goblin suits were somehow altered by an experimental gas."
"Yes I remember that, they're calling him Dr. Octopus now if I remember right. He's been spotted a few times lately."
"Yes well…When I saw that news report I went to the vault and all the equipment was gone," he went into the whole story, his suspicions and what he was planning on doing. "I swear to you I had nothing to do with this, I know what you would do to me if you even thought I was betraying you."
"Yes you do, and from what I heard from my sources that does explain why you've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off." He grinned into the phone picturing Norman's surprised expression on the other line.
"You…You spy on me?" Norman was partially relieved that Wilson believed him but also getting extremely angry at the thought of being spied on.
"Of course a man in my position doesn't reach this level or hold onto it by being stupid," he said in a cold tone. But he had other business to talk about, now that this whole Goblin thing was put aside, at least for now because if Norman did have anything at all to do with this, well then he would have to end their partnership…With extreme prejudice.
"Now then as I understand it that facility that was destroyed outside of New York was one of yours. Don't bother to deny it either, you really think anyone could set something like that up and I would not know about it? And that's not a question."
"Now then tell me what do you know about these mutants and I mean everything." Wilson had finally put that strange puzzle together from a few months back. Those Sirens and Spider-Man had to be mutants, they were both most likely linked to that Xavier School as well. He had found out where they were keeping Bullseye but at the moment Fisk wouldn't get him out of prison, well just yet.
He was keeping him there as punishment for failing to deal with children of all things. But it did explain a few of the strange reports, and how they were able to defeat him. He had learned of such people, usually they either wore special suits like those two Shocker and Rhino. Then there were others, left over super soldiers from the cold war that were still out there or descendants of them.
He had heard about experiments on certain people by shadow groups and organizations but now there were also mutants. He listened in on Norman's plan to use mutants as a blueprint to make humans into a type of metahuman, humans with powers and abilities beyond that of normal people, and to sell that technology.
Wilson had to admit it would take black market weapons to a whole new level, selling living weapons. He also thought of the criminal aspect, having certain people under him that like that could be very beneficial for dealing with certain enemies.
"Well Normal I must admit I'm impressed with your ambition and the means you carried them out with. I have a business proposition for you, I can supply you with not only anything you may need, but I'm sure I can find you some new specimens as well. That is if you're still up for it."
Norman was silent a moment before he answered, "How much of a cut are you taking?"
"Half, it's only fair and trust me, I can keep your operations secret if there is anything I know it's how to make sure secrets and bodies stay buried. And trust me Norman I've buried a lot of both in my time."
Norman sighed as he thought about it, it would be a good deal although he didn't like to lose part of the profit. But knowing Fisk he would just take what he wanted over his dead body anyway. "Very well you have a deal."
Fisk grinned and nodded his head, "Very well then, let's set up a meeting later this week to discuss the details. But if you'll excuse me I have a meeting to attend to." He hung up without another word, just a subtle hint of who was the top dog in this little 'joint venture' of theirs.
He didn't have to wait long before his own secretary told him that who he had been waiting for had shown up. He told her to let them in and he sat back as the large double doors opened up. There walking towards him on the marble floor was most likely one of the most attractive woman in the world. Her beauty was like that of a queen, as was how she carried herself.
The woman walk spoke of power, grace and she was a person that got her own way in life. She had shoulder length blonde hair that framed her perfect face with high cheekbones and blue eyes. She was pressed all in white as she sat down. "Mr. Fisk," She nodded her head with a small smile, her voice was cultured and refined.
"Miss Emma Frost," Wilson smiled back and nodded. He had to admit this woman was everything he liked, beautiful, intelligence, powerful and deadly. Most wouldn't see past that part thanks to that mask of beauty she wore but it was there, he could smell it.
"So then I understand you wanted to speak with me, tell me what can Frost Enterprises help you out with?" She asked him with a pleasant smiling mask on her face. Inside she had been wondering about that herself. She tried a little probe with her powers, being a mutant with the ability of telepathy helped but she was surprised. She hid it of course, but his mind was very guarded. She could try and pry it open but any surprise would be lost them.
"I'm afraid it's not your company but you that I needed help with."
"Oh?" Now she was intrigued by this.
"Yes you see I need your help, I know about the Hellfire Club."
Emma laughed, "Of course everyone knows of it, it caters to the wealthiest of people. And let me guess you're on the waiting list and want me to push is along."
"Yes and no," he smiled knowing he surprised her again. He had to admit she was good at hiding it with the exception of one or two tells. "I know what the real Hellfire Club is, I'm talking about the Inner Circle."
He knew he had her full attention now, "That is very dangerous information Mr. Fisk." She said now the mask was gone and her face and voice became deadly cold.
"I know, but I myself am a dangerous man. Now then I'm not one for threats or petty stuff like that. I just want you to deliver to the rest of them that I want in. That's it, no strings attached and if you say no well then that will be the end of things."
Emma regarded him for a moment and then nodded, "Not many people have found out about the true nature of the Club that are not a part of it."
"Well then if I am a member then that won't be a problem will it?" He smiled.
She smiled back, "No it wouldn't," She rose up then and straightened out her clothing, "Well I better get back then, and I'll deliver your words to the rest of the members."
-Bayville-
It had been a hectic couple of days, they had all arrived back at the mansion such as it was. There was damage to the building from the battle but they were in the process of fixing the building back up. Everyone was working today doing something to help out. Their human friends however weren't as when their parents had seen them in Washington they had a lot of explaining to do.
There were also some of the rooms that had been damaged, for those that had to share a room now since theirs was too damaged to live in at the moment. There was also the fact that when the army had been there they had gone through all their stuff.
So the first day back had been to clean everything up and trying to get everything back together. When the Army had been there they had also either took their computers or just the hard drives, Xavier told them he would have them replaced but that didn't mean it made them any less angry.
Hank found his lab had been gone through and a lot of his work had been taken. Thankfully he locked up the backups in a fireproof safe that they hadn't found. Although he did lose a lot of work, the Danger Room had been pretty much spared, most likely when they found out what it did they left it alone.
A few people lost some processions in the attack, and everyone was now doubled up with someone else for the time being. Xavier was working on them taking their testing soon so they could complete the school year without repeating.
On the next day most of them were working on fixing up the mansion. They were currently putting up the foundations for the new walls, it would take some time for them to rebuild but everyone was pitching in at least.
The only ones that were taking a break were the younger kids, Spyder and Jamie were playing with Billy Connors at the moment. Since Billy was there they had a no powers thing, unless it was fun. The adults were there as well, Dr. Connors and his wife were giving them their support and offered any help that they could lend.
Connors would also help with them in the school system, having a teacher speak up for his students he hoped would help things out. It was a long day but everyone had some fun at some point, Kurt turned the hose on Kitty and a couple of other girls. Watching them try and capture the blue teleporter had been fun, Bobby up to his usual stuff with pranks livened thing up. Peter threw in a few of his own with some jokes as well to pass the time.
By afternoon everyone was a bit tired but in a better moods at least. When the Connors' had to go Billy said his goodbyes he told them that he'd come over more and if they wanted to he would see if they could have a sleepover at his house at some point. That was perfect for Jamie and Spyder it was nice having another friend around since they were the youngest at this place.
Jamie waved goodbye to Billy and turned to the grey girl next to him, "So I'm going to sneak in a snack, you want something?"
"No I'm good thanks though," She smiled back and he nodded as he left but she just stared after him. She was still uncertain about her feelings about Jamie, he was her best friend but lately she had started to notice how sometimes he got a little uncomfortable when they were close. And he blushed a few times when she had taken his hand.
What was she to do? She never thought of a boy as something more then a friend but Jamie was her first real friend and she didn't want to lose that. On the other hand she did like Jamie she came to realize but was it that kind of liking him?
"Ollie?" She jumped as she turned to see Jean and wondered what she wanted but then she thought about her own thoughts and if the older girl picked up on it. Jean gave her a small smile she had seen how Spyder had been looking at Jamie and thought it was time for a girl to girl talk.
"So you finally saw that he likes you huh?" Jean asked and saw Spyder's surprised look. "I've noticed that myself now and then I just wasn't sure how much he did or if you liked him back."
"Yeah it's just…I don't know what to think…" She sighed to herself.
Jean frowned and then placed a hand on her shoulder to lead her along, "Come one I think it's time you and the others got together." After a few minutes and a few telepathic calls the other girls showed up by a tree that Jean and Spyder were sitting under.
"Hey like what's up?" Kitty said running to them, "And this better be important Jean, you kind of totally picked the wrong moment to sent a telepathic message." She had been sitting with Lance and they had been talking, it had led to a nice kiss but when Jean's voice suddenly popped into her brain it had spoiled the moment.
Jean explained Spyder's problem and there were various reactions, positive of course. "That's so adorable, Spyder has her first crush." Jubilee went into giggles at that.
"So what's the problem? Jamie is a pretty cool kid, I mean there are worse guys out there," Tabitha said as she remembered her own experience with Max and how he had gone to a nice guy, to totally possessive and abusive to her.
Wanda's jaw clenched at that remembering Max as well, she didn't really have anything to say. What did she know about romance? Hell she had never kissed a boy before, when she had been Spyder's age she was locked up in a small room.
"So what are ye goin' tae do?" Rahne asked her, she was only a year older then the two of them and pretty much had no real experience with boys herself. She was kind of shy around them sometimes, at least the ones she liked.
"I have no idea! I mean he's my best friend, can I really consider him more then that?" Spyder exasperated.
Jean sighed nodding her head, "Yeah I think that was one of the problems I had with my feelings for Scott. I didn't want to ruin things between us and I never allowed myself to think of him as something more then that."
"That and ya are stubborn about that actually admitting that too," Rogue muttered.
Jean crossed her arms and looked right at Rogue, "Glass houses Rogue." That made Rogue wince a bit remembering all the trouble she and Peter had. Both of them didn't want to ruin their friendship and it had taken forever for them to admit that they liked each other more then just friends.
"Well let's try to at least narrow this down a bit then," Amara stated looking at the younger girl, "Do you think he's cute at least?"
Spyder actually blushed at that, the normally strong headed and tomboy was actually blushing at that. She didn't know why it was such a big deal but thinking about Jamie, his brown hair, his smile, his face. There was only one thing to say about that, "Y-yeah I think he's cute."
That got a few of the girls smiling at that, and Rahne placed a hand over her mouth to stop some giggles. Jean smiled as she decided to impart some of her own advice, "Well take it from me, sometimes dating your best friend is actually better then some stranger. And this being your first crush maybe it's for the best it's with someone you trust. Trust is a big part of things if you want to really make them work."
That was most likely the reason why she and Duncan never worked out, and besides the fact he was an arrogant jerk. She never really trusted him but with Scott she trusted him with her life. The rest of them started to give her other advice as she talked about it, at the core of it she knew that Jamie was a very important part of her life.
She thought of Peter as like a brother, May as almost like her own aunt, the others were various friends but with Jamie things were different. Her first friend, her first best friend, the boy she hanged out with, the boy that was always there for her, so was it so much of a stretch that he was her first crush?
"Okay so if I do have a crush what do I do about it?" She asked them all.
"Well does he lahke ya back?" Rogue knew how bad it was having a crush on a boy and not having those feelings returned.
"Trust me he does," Jean smiled.
"Okay, always trust the telepath then," Tabitha smirked, "Just get him along and tell him how you feel and see what happens."
Spyder started at her she had been hoping for a lot more then just that, "That's it? That's all you got?"
Tabitha shrugged, "Like you need anymore, well not at your age anyway but go on then. Trust us just go with your gut."
Spyder sighed not sure she could, she could do a lot of things and not show any fear. But telling her best friend that she liked him more then a friend was a lot more scarier then the thought of Logan drilling them into the ground in a Danger Room exercise. She got up and decided to go to her room to think on things. She had been hoping for more help then that, but then she had learned that nothing was ever easy.
"You think she'll do okay?" Rahne asked the others watching her leave. The others looked and each one of them hoped so.
"You know normally she's like totally take charge, it's amazing how a boy and make you feel so doubtful of yourself." Kitty sighed, while a few others nodded.
"Well anyways I hope things work out, they would make such a cute couple," Jubilee laughed making a few others laugh as they started to talk about how cute it would be for the youngest members falling into puppy love. Wanda left at that point, she really didn't want to get into that herself, Tabitha went with her as well.
Normally she would be up for this kind of talk but after Max her views on relationships kind of strained. She was taking a break from it all at least for a bit anyway, she just wanted to have some fun, besides it's not like she needed a boyfriend she could be happy just the way things were.
Both Rogue and Jean went walking off as well, they weren't interested as the other girls and they wanted to get back to the mansion. The two of them were silent as they walked on so Rogue finally broke it, "So…You and Scott huh? Never new ya had it in ya." She smirked as Jean blushed.
They hadn't had the chance to talk about that night with each other with everything going on after all. And Rogue just had to ask it just once while she could.
"It just…well happened. And I could say the same with you and Peter," Jean shot back seeing Rogue's cheek turn a little red as well. "But the others can never know of that night, they would hound us until they knew everything."
"Oh god ah know," Rogue moaned as they got closer and she got a small smile on her face. "But it was worth it."
Jean smiled and nodded as well it had been worth it, and despite everything it was so nice to be back home too.
NEXT UP CHAPTER 44: EPILOGUE