Chapter 17

Spider-Man and Lizard Create Mass Hysteria

"Apparently, they're blaming Spider-Man for instigating violence from the Lizard that could have been handled by the police." She showed me the headline from my phone.

"Welp, can't blame them. It's not like your dad can say 'Oh, we just worked together with an unknown vigilante while leaving the Lizards mostly to him' and make themselves look bad. Not to mention the Police Commissioner gunning for my head."

Gwen winced from beside me, "Yeah, sorry about that… and you're seriously going to keep doing the web and mask?"

"Yeah, I am. I mean, muggers and murderers aside, if it wasn't me who else could have done it at that time?"

I sighed, the reminder was like the weight of the world putting on my shoulder. The pressure keeps on dripping on me, just waiting for me to crack and falter. However, I preserved. Because no matter how heavy the failure I experienced was weighing on me, I couldn't keep dwelling on it. I have to keep moving forward, otherwise, I would accomplish nothing.

"Even when everyone is against you? You'll be on your own out there." She sounded genuinely worried.

My hand was around hers and tried to convey my confidence in this city. "I'll be alright. Trust me, Gwen."

I held my gaze long enough until her shoulders sagged and wore a resigned smile, "As long as you know what you're doing."

Note to self; don't tell Gwen I'm mostly winging it. Check.

"I'm sorry about Harry though," my girlfriend shared her condolence, "I know… no, I don't know how much the incident is hurting you, but I'm here anyway. I'm always here."

I blew out a sardonic laugh, "I think you need to tell that to Harry."

According to him, Missus Em had been immediately moved to a private ward that would at least preserve her lifeline but he heard nothing more of her condition other than that. No further news whether she lived or…

Anyway, I tried to be there for him but I understood that he needed the space until he was ready to be around people. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart just from the memory of failing him that day. He didn't say a lot, but I can gather the fact that he hates Spider-Man. I have a feeling that this would haunt me in the future.

Harry has also been ignoring Peter Parker calls afterward. I guess this was petty revenge for what I've been doing to him.

"Guess you won't be telling him your secret anytime soon."

"Yeah…" I answered tiredly, heart clutching from the disappointment I had for myself. "I just, I know I can't save everyone. That fact blew up on my face quite literally in the past. But I thought, I thought I had done better. I promised myself to do better. That I would at least be able to protect my people, without losing anyone ever again."

My girlfriend sighed, "Sometimes, sometimes there are promises you can't keep. Even to yourself. The only thing we can do… is try to make amends and salvage of what was left broken." Gwen spoke as if it came from experience and I wonder what was on her mind. But she then met my eyes and there was a fondness in them that made my heart skip a beat. "And I know my Peter Parker won't give up from this."

The faith she'd given me was more encouraging than anything anyone could have said to me. I knew deep in my heart that as long as she's here, no matter how low I've fallen, I'll always get back up.

"So," Gwen tried to lift the mood with a changed subject, "Do you remember your promise?"

"A whole day reserved for my one and only lady? Well, I've got news for you because I just bought ourselves a ticket to the newest movie in town."

"Hmm, there's a couple that popped to mind, but I'm guessing this is going to be a pleasant surprise?"

"You know it, my lady." I grinned and kissed her on the cheek.

She laughed joyfully and it's like music to my ear. "Looking forward to our date then."

We arrived at the subway, where we parted goodbyes, and I used it to go home. After the ordeal of the Lizard, not many New Yorkers have been going so the streets were basically empty by the time I arrived at my destination. Only one and two people were walking by and no car in sight, but this is nice in a way. It's been a while since my senses hadn't overwhelmed me when going out.

I took that moment to put a list of things I have planned as Peter Parker. I pulled out my phone and made sure Lyla could help put my civilian's life straight so I would turn from being from disasterly late to barely late.

"Mister Parker."

So next week there's MJ's play at Fairhill High. I planned to invite Aunt May and Gwen, but maybe Harry would like to go with me. Then the next fall issue for the N&B would be featuring Stark's newest branch here in New York and already the club is working me to the bone… urgh ...

"Peter Parker."

I also need to sign up for any internship program available for the summer. Though being fifteen going sixteen means it'd be hard press to find one that welcomes me. Though Robbie did say he would put a good word for the Daily Bugle, but I'm still not sure about working for a newspaper that trash talk me on a weekly basis. Oh, and Gwen's birthday is soon so I'm gonna have to search for a gift this weekend too. Also–

"Spider-Man!"

I froze. Shock and dread welling up inside me that it was impossible for me to discern my emotions. A split-second decision to ignore the voice or turn around to the source. But the decision to walk away was taken from me when the smooth, baritone voice kept on talking as if he caught me the moment I halted my steps.

"You're not an easy man to be caught unaware of," I heard him say, "Mind if we take a walk?"

It was more of an effort of denial on my part to avoid looking at the guy at that point. Like… if you wished really, really hard. He might just go away.

"Pretending I'm not here is not going to keep me off."

"Oh, sorry, were you talking to me?" I finally managed to strangle out and turned to– holy-cow a pirate?! I was careful not to sound absolutely freaking out. "I thought someone spotted Spider-Man or something. They said his butt looks good in tights. But I wouldn't know, seeing as I've never seen him."

The black man with an eyepatch didn't so much as twitched from my words. His one eye felt like it was drilling a hole into my soul, making me excruciatingly uncomfortable. "Your presence in the Stark Expo said otherwise."

"Oh, wow, yeah, I was busy, you know, running for my life like the others, I barely had a glimpse of Iron-Man before the Robot Apocalypse hit."

"There's no need to be wary, Mister Parker. We're simply big fans of yours."

"We?" I raised an eyebrow, "Must be some group, I can't think of why they would send the unfriendliest face they have to greet who you're looking for."

"Because this 'unfriendly face' happens to be the one running the show."

"Oh…" This got awkward real quick, "So Mister-I-Run-the-Show–"

"Fury. Nick Fury."

"Okay, first of all, that's a badass name, not gonna lie, you absolutely won the name lottery on that one. Second Mr. Fury, what would you want with a wallcrawler for whatever fan group you're from."

"I'm from SHIELD."

"SHIELD…" I tested the name.

"You're not asking what it is?"

"Well, I sort of figured it's an acronym name for something long-winded so that might as well pass as a government group in my book." That, and both me and Gwen googled them. Though there's barely anything reliable.

The man smirked, but I don't think it's because he found it funny, "You act exactly like the profile says you are; deflecting through humor when anxious."

"Profile?"

"Yes. The only agent competent enough to observe you managed to acquire a basic assessment of you. I'm sure you've met her once before during the Lizard incident."

My eyes widened in recognition at the blazing red-headed lady that helped me on that tower. But I quickly looked away, not wanting to bust my secret any further.

"From her character assessment, she highlighted a lot of things; how you were still immature emotionally, anger issues, inexperienced…"

"Wow, okay, on behalf of Spider-Man, I don't need to stand around and take this. So I'm just gonna go now…" I walked away with every intention to leave him behind, but Fury was keeping up with me.

"However, with the proper support, you can become one of the greatest assets. SHIELD could use those with bright minds and steel resolve. You could do some good. Spider-Man could do some good."

"Well, I don't know about me. But I thought Spider-Man is already doing good. And can you please stop assuming something I'm not? I–" I glance around the sidewalk just to make sure no one was within earshot, "–I don't want someone to misunderstand and think anyone in my family would be a good target to draw out a wanted vigilante. I hope you understand."

"Yes, it was also mentioned that you're cautious. That's a good trait to have."

"Yeah, anyone would be when they get approached by a black-coat-wearing man with a menacing eyepatch and looks that can kill you."

"But you can be assured that only two agents know of your identity, myself included." He went on, pretending like he didn't hear me. "You have talent in keeping most of my best agents off your trail."

Is that what the buzzing has been warning me off from time to time? Kudos to me, I manage to make even secret agents pull their hair. I will never again take you for granted, Spidey Sense.

"We can help keep your family, friends, and your blonde girlfriend protected. Keep unwanted people off your trail."

Now that's a delicious offer. Too delicious in fact, that taking it feels too much like a trap. I've had enough of those from a telemarketer.

"Again, I'm not who you think I am. I'm pretty sure my family is safer without your meddling so…"

"Like how you manage to forsake your best friend's mother to keep your aunt safe?"

I was moving before I had time to think. My hand was on the lapel of his coat, and dark emotions simmering underneath the outward anger from his audacity. Because how dare he–

From outside looking in, it must look funny. Seeing a high schooler threatening a man buffer and a head taller than me. I looked like a kid about to bite on someone more than I could chew. But what put me on alert was the lack of Spidey Sense warning me of any danger.

I knew in my gut that for some reason, the man knows about my sixth sense. And for that reason alone, he's willing to get beaten if it means proving he meant no harm.

I managed to take a deep breath before I did anything more regretful, like punching the Head Honcho of SHIELD in the face.

"You… are doing a really good job at pissing people off that I'm getting mixed signals here. What exactly do you want from me?"

"Finally admitting what you are?"

"At this point, I don't think anything can convince you otherwise."

Fury did not so much as flinch from my actions so far. We stared eye to eyes before I pushed him off gently, but it was still enough to have him take a step back. Fury barely shook from my handling before he straightened his coat. "We want to help you, Mister Parker. SHIELD can provide you with the latest technology. You won't have to dumpster dumb for any spare parts."

I couldn't help the blush that crept up to my cheeks, "What's the catch?"

"Just as SHIELD will help you, you can help us if there will ever be any trouble. A quid pro quo in a sense.

"And my secret identity? Will it actually be, you know, a secret secret? Because getting help is good and all, but it doesn't mean much when you're the one holding my secret over my head while I bear the consequences. A secret that already put a target on my aunt's back once, and that's already one too many."

"I understand the gravity of your secrets. I'm the director of an intelligence-gathering organization for a reason, Mister Parker. Your name will not be listed anywhere on the SHIELD database without my say so, so you can be at ease with that."

I scrutinized the older man. Honestly, since he seemed to be on the same side. There shouldn't be any problem with him knowing my alter ego. But I don't like how he's the one having control of this conversation while dangling a bone for me as if out of pity.

"Any plans of putting it in the future?" I challenged him.

"Only when the situation deems it. But as long as we keep our liaison friendly, then we won't have to." It was less of a threat and more of a statement of fact. "I'm sure neither of us have to worry about that, don't we?"

I sagged defeatedly as I looked away, not comfortable having to put myself on the spot. "No, we don't… sorry, this isn't a comfortable conversation to have with a stranger while I'm out of uniform."

"I understand, Mister Parker. But we're only interested in heroes, not kids." My heart leaped at the indirect praise. Because for me, who sometimes feels like a kid wearing a costume that's too big for me to handle, that was the biggest compliment he could have given me. "We don't show up just for anyone."

Fury took out a white business card, but the moment I had it in my hand. I felt the weight of sleek steel you wouldn't find in a glance. On it were the symbol of SHIELD, what it stands for, their address in DC, and their number. It looked like a card, but it didn't feel like one in my hand. I had a feeling that calling that number isn't how I could get in contact with them.

Fury then started to answer the unasked question, "Use that communication device if you ever need us, Mister Parker. We have our eyes on you–" His voice was drowned out by the loud sirens of fire trucks zipping by. His gaze was hooked by the red lights and watched the red trucks breeze through the street before it started fading into red dots and the sound wasn't ringing in his ears.

The black man looked back to continue but found the street empty.

"Motherfucker."

There was the distinctive thwip of my webs as I swung by from above that caught his attention, "Sorry Captain Hook, but you're gonna have to watch that 3D movie without me!"

I whisked away in a speedy reflex as I was lured to the sound of danger. New Yorkers would hear the drumming sirens from afar, they would learn to be more hopeful once it was followed by me cheerfully whooping at the top of my lungs because they knew… they knew their Friendly Neighborhood Hero was watching over them.

There are no doubt future fights wouldn't be any easier. But I'll be sure to be more ready for whatever it is.

Why?

Because I'm Spider-Man.

. . .

"Well… either that was an unintentional success or a spectacular failure."

Norman Osborn turned away from the news of the recent Lizard Incident and gave, what would look like a stink eye to a normal person, a contempt gaze to his guest. He wore a black suit, bowl hat, and with a cane on one hand. His thinning gray hair was meticulously slicked back. Wrinkles that made him looked sharper instead of a sagging old man. But it was his gray eyes that stood out the most, piercing eyes that seemed to grade your worth.

"This was an expected parameter of the side effects from a prototyped serum," Norman defended.

The guest raised a skeptical eyebrow at the man who claimed to be a genius, "Please, enlighten this old man. For I cannot fathom how you predicted turning into a mutated Lizard was an expected result."

Norman kept himself from rolling his eyes as he deemed that a childish act, "Increase aggression, enhanced baseline muscle strength to the limit, animalistic and instinctual impulse control, fixation on completing a goal, enhanced intelligence that perfected OZ within days after decades of him researching. Doesn't that sound familiar to a certain government-funded serum that gave birth to America's most beloved hero?"

"Please hold on, wasn't the serum supposed to genetically alter his DNA to a lizard? I understand if Doctor Connors modified it, but from the sound of it there was some sort of performer enhancer."

"Well, Connors was in charge of the OZ project. Had he incorporated that information to enhance himself on top of that then how would Oscorp anticipate it?"

"I can understand enhancing themselves through OZ but what did Connors make that made it different from every other Super Soldier Program the government had invested in?"

Osborn smirk, "For someone exceptional, Connors wanted more than anything to be treated the same as others after losing his arm. The serum erases societal and moral bound impulses to realize the deepest desire of a man even for someone as meek as Connors." He then turned to his partner and gave a shark grin, "Does it not sound familiar to a certain anecdote of a sentimental yet famed Professor?"

This time, the Gentleman raised both brows, truly surprised by the result. "'The serum amplifies everything that is inside. It shall make good men better, and bad men worse.' That was one of the quotes in Professor Ezekiel's personal journal."

"People are so focused on whether the serum can create the next Captain America, they didn't realize the clue had been right on their faces all along."

The older man of the two shook his head in amusement, "And to think I believe there was nothing more that could surprise me."

"Does that mean you agree to continue supporting our venture?"

The Gentleman tapped his cane in deliberate thought, "Perhaps… I will have my people continue observing your progress though and we'll see for how long you'll have my support. In the meantime—" his gloved hand patted a custom made cage, keeping the mutated lizard-mouse that managed to escape the prying eyes, "—I shall have this fellow here as collateral. I expect better news in the future, good evening then Mister Osborn." Then one of the richest and most powerful men in the world turned his back with the cage in tow.

Osborn waited until the lift started counting down before he could finally breathe. He then had a certain section of the books out from the shelves, revealing a keypad where he made a series of inputs before the whole bookshelf swung open.

Inside, being confined in a pod was his wife. Tubes were coming and going that filled her pod in a liquid that put her in suspended animation. Her face was half-covered from a mask attached to an oxygen tank next to the heart monitor that's the sole proof she's alive.

"I'll find a way to save you, Emily. I promised. The world will burn before I lose you."