[*December 26th, 2015*]
Cold. Very cold. The boy was freezing his behind out in this winter wonderland, patrolling the city for any occurring crime affairs. His costume wasn't even helping him stay warm. The only good out of this was no school for two more weeks.
"I hate this."
Well, it used to be fun when he was still a super stunt YouTuber, but he did a lot of playing while filming. This is supposed to be a job. It's drudgery, and he wishes to go home for a mug of hot cocoa. Unfortunately, in his pride, he promised to repay the mess he's done. Speaking of mess, Aunt May still isn't over Ben's death. At least they managed to celebrate their last Hanukkah with him. Funny, he regrets telling Uncle Ben that he was too old for dreidel last year.
Poor Aunt May hasn't recovered emotionally since then. Her diet is unbalanced, she doesn't smile anymore, and she's gotten fired from her job due to not showing up to work. Peter's over the whole grief. It's not a macho thing, he just doesn't want his sorrows to keep him from working for his achievements. Not to mention the city needs him.
And the city needed him indeed. He caught four ski mask wearing robbers breaking into an appliance store, loading all the goods into their truck. Somehow, they managed to dismantle the security system.
"I think I know the likely villain origin story behind this. Santa didn't give you exactly what you wanted, am I right?"
One of the robbers recognized him, while the other three saw him as some kid in long johns.
"It's the Spider-Man! From YouTube!"
"Who?"
"Some guy who performed tricks, and fought bar guys-"
"Shut up, and let's all take him at once! He's all alone!"
"No way!"
That one robber, who used to watch Spider-Man's videos before they've been deleted, knew not to mess with him, and tried to make a break for it. He would've gotten away if he wasn't pulled back by a strand of web, then got punched in the face when he came in close contact with the webhead.
"That dude probably had the right idea, you kno-"
Spider-Man almost got hit by a club, and a few punches. They were merely just child's play to the webslinger. He could easily knock them all out with a single wallop. After that, he wrapped the quartet nice and tight with his webbing, then left a note behind.
Enjoy this late holiday present! -Spider-Man!
Now to punch in his hero timecard and head home. That's the last of his patrol duty, and he's late. Of course, with May's current state, hardly she ever has the strength to care. Pete went through his usual entrance, then plopped down onto bed, feeling the relief of heat ventilation. Then he peeled his mask off. The teen stared at the ceiling for a while, thinking what would become of him and his aunt. No job means no money to pay the bills, and they will eventually lose their apartment. They already lost their old home.
Aunt May has no job, and Uncle Ben is dead. They have plenty of food for now, but it's all junk and greasy stuff. Even a 14 year-old kid like Peter would agree how unhealthy it is. Just as Peter got up to change into his pajamas, it hit him. Maybe Spidey can help get them out of debt. Until Aunt May finds a new job, he can fetch easy money. He's agile, strong, sneaky, and comes with the intelligence he can use to his advantage. He's a powerful force you dare to reckon with.
Peter fantasized the whole scenario: Sneaking past security would be easy as pie to him. He's smart enough to hack into ATM machines, or grab priceless merchandise without being spotted. Any amount of money is his for the taking. Nobody would ever suspect him of it. Who's to stop him? After all, he deserves it. But then, Peter started to have second thoughts.
"No no no, Pete, you're not a criminal. Not a thief. Uncle Ben wouldn't want this, so why spit on his grave?"
Helping people while stealing underneath their noses is not being very responsible. His uncle expects better out of him, and so does the city bystanders he protects. Besides, if he ever got caught, let alone imprisoned, Aunt May would lose two family members. But there's got to be some way to get money. Maybe, with his spider powers, he could put a price tag on it. There are a million ways he could cash in as Spider-Man. He'd probably make the best lightbulb changer around.
...
The next morning, Peter groomed, dressed, and packed his Spider-Man suit in his backpack. He was really determined to find a job. Just when he headed into the kitchen for breakfast, his enthusiasm died down when he found Aunt May eating leftover fried chicken for breakfast, and watching one of those crime dramas Ben loved, but she hated. Peter shook his head on what he was seeing.
Back to the kitchen, he tried to prepare himself a nutritious breakfast. They were out of cereal and eggs, so he fixed some plain toast, with a glass of milk. When he took his breakfast to the table, letters piled on his favorite spot. They were the bills May hasn't taken care of yet, along with a new Final Warning notice. This was more serious than Peter thought. He decided to confront May on the issue, but made sure to be as pleasant as possible since she's not emotionally recovered yet.
"May, those bills-"
"And I said I'll pay them off eventually. You mustn't keep worrying so much, love."
"I wish I could believe you, but, look what you're doing to yourself. I'm not trying to come off as rude, this is just coming straight from my concern: You haven't worked in so long, you're living off of junk food, and day by day you continue to torment yourself with these memories."
"I promised I'd get a new job, didn't I?!"
Peter was taken aback from Aunt May raising her voice.
"I'm sorry- I'm sorry for yelling, Peter. It's just that it has been hard for me to pull through. Ben, he was something special. He was-"
"Don't keep doing this to yourself, Aunt May. Please. I agree, he was special, and I miss him just as much. But there comes a time where we have to move on from that phase, and handle what is more important. It's better to get over it then continue to live in pain."
"Alright. I'll try. Though I'm not as strong as you, Peter. Mental strength was always part of your father's side of the family. And your mother's. Bet you didn't know that."
"Uh, no, I didn't. But listen; If you still can't get a job, at least let me get a job."
"What- Absolutely not! You're 14 years old! I can allow it at 15 or 16, but right now you're still my little boy."
"May! This 'little boy' has the IQ to make it into Midtown High! I ride the train without supervision, for god sakes! Besides, I was referring to odd jobs, like shovel snow, or walking dogs!"
"It's 44 degrees! I can't have you do labour in this weather!"
But Peter was already on his way, grabbing a coat, hat, gloves, and scarf.
"Don't stop me from helping with the bills, May! I'm already heading out! Love you!"
"Wait, Pete-"
Peter went out the door. She would've gone after him, but part of her told her to stay put. He's a growing boy who deserves room to grow, so maybe that's why she just let him go easily. May began to ponder on her life, and what her nephew told her earlier. Perhaps it is time to buck up, though May isn't certain she's strong enough to muster it. Their financial struggle is much deeper than before. They can't get evicted just because May has trouble letting go of the past.
Her pondering was interrupted as Peter reentered the apartment, took a piece of toast into his mouth, then headed out again.
...
The amazing Spider-Man stopped by a comic publishing company, known as Ace Picture, so he could license himself for money. Since he thinks he's too good to fill in an application, he just went ahead and interviewed with the main publisher of the studio. When Spidey shared his notion, the publisher only laughed.
"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! You're kidding, right, kid? You must be kidding."
"No I'm not."
"C'mon! Look at you! The superheroes we write about are flashy, heroic, and hot sh*t! But you... You're a twelve year-old wearing a homemade Halloween costume!"
"I'm actually… …older than you think. And you can't just judge a book by its cover! Look, let me give you a live performance right in front of your eyes!"
Spidey backflipped out of his chair. Then he scaled the walls, bounced all over the room, lifted the man's desk without a groan, and sprayed his trademark webbing onto the wall.
"Acrobatics, wall climbing, super strength; they've been done to death. The only new trick you have is that you shoot jizz out of your wrists."
"They're webs! Webs! I named myself Spider-Man, so they're webs!"
"I don't care what they are, that's plain gross-weird."
"That's not all I can do! I also have this weird radar tingly feeling that vibrates in my-"
"No deal! Get out!"
"Wait, wait! I happen to be a famous YouTuber! I deleted the channel a couple weeks back, but I'm telling you; kids would want to eat up my image in the cartoon pages! Think of the big bucks you'll make!"
"A superhero with a YouTube personality? Who do you think we are?! Nickelodeon?!"
"Can I at least be on trading cards?"
"Nobody buys trading cards anymore, kid."
"How 'bout-"
"OUT! I told you once, ever since you walked into my office, NOT INTERESTED! Come back when you have spunk, and a better costume!"
"Okay! Fine. I always knew the comic book industry was shallow anyways."
So Spider-Man leaped out the window, not caring about shattering it.
"And here's my two cents to pay! Mole Warrior: Deep In The Depths has sucked ever since you went with the Groundhog trial arc!"
Okay, so much for making his debut as a comic book star. Who needs Ace Picture anyways, thought Peter, their stories are all just edgy rides with one dimensional characters. That would've put a dent in his reputation if he took part in that union. He can just take his webshooters someplace else. Suddenly, Spidey got another idea. As the word "webshooters" crossed his mind, he swung into the direction of an adhesive laboratory. Unlike his entrance to the comic book company, he went in through the window. The two scientists were startled by Spider-Man's unannounced entry.
"Holy CRAP!"
"No no no no no no, fellas! Don't panic! I am Spider-Man, and I've come to make a deal with you! This lab specializes in glue and other adhesive products, right?"
"We, um, we-"
"Great! Let me give you a display of my trademark webbing, best known on YouTube!"
The webslinger took a random heavy object, climbed up the wall with it, then glued it to the ceiling. The scientists were impressed, by both this young man's strengh, and how the object stuck to the ceiling.
"Impressive!"
"Damn right! It holds up to 7,000 psi bonds! Don't let the red hoodie fool you! Science is actually my major!"
Spidey got down from the ceiling, and offered the scientists a spare web cartridge to observe.
"This shear-thinning substance holds a massive capacity stronger than the average super glue brand. It's incredible, Spider-Man."
"That's not all! Depending on how it's rendered with air exposure, it can function as a solid, sticky rope, or just liquified fluid!"
"Can't believe you formulated this stuff yourself!"
"Oh, I don't like to brag. Wanna know an interesting feature? Since misplaced items and parts can be such a nuisance with gluing errors, my fluid wears off in a couple of hours, where you can finish what you started!"
"So you're saying it's not permanent?"
"Hm?"
"How do you expect to sell your mega super glue formula if it's not permanent?"
"You wanted... ...permanent?"
And so he lost another business deal. First he tried to cash in on his image, then he tried to cash in on his genius. Peter suddenly realized he overlooked one detail in himself: He's Spider-Man! His spider powers hold a big dollar sign, and why hasn't he thought of it before?
[*Moments later*]
"WOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO! GET IT WHILE IT'S HOT!"
Flying through the air, actually swinging, Spider-Man was going at full speed. Slinging webs with one hand, and holding a red insulated bag in his other. He was also wearing a cap, which read "Papa Stan's Pizza Pies." You guessed it. Peter thought it was convenient to use his gifted spider powers for delivering pizzas. ...as Spider-Man. Yeah, he's that desperate for money, but it's a good start and better than nothing.
Spider-Man then took a landing just as he reached his last location. He rang the doorbell, and took a piping hot box out of the bag.
"Pizza time!"
"Oh my god! Ha-ha-ha-ha, is that a new uniform Papa Stan's has provided?"
"I-"
"Nevermind that! You sure made a speedy delivery! I mean, it was only five minutes after I put down the phone!"
"Happy to be of service, ma'am! At Papa Stan's, we always aim to please our customers!"
As soon as Spidey got the pay and the lady got the pizza, he swung off. Another satisfied customer, though she was the only one of them who didn't recognize him. As the lady set the pizza box down on the table, then opened it, what she found was a splattered mess.
"What the f*ck?!"
Soon, back at Papa Stan's, the manager scolded Spidey about the five angry phone calls he received in one day.
"Spider, I've gotten five complaints-"
"Actually, Mr. Kirby, it's Spider-Man. It's a name as whole."
"Whatever! Listen; Five customers had the same complaint about their pizzas being liquified! What did you do to the pizzas?!"
Whoops, looks like Spidey was a little too cocky about his new career. While delivering in style, he performed mid air aerobics, to show what a badass delivery boy he was. He was so busy making himself look good, that he never considered his moves affecting the pizzas.
"If this means I'm fired, can I have a pie to go? Or a slice?"
...
The webhead perched himself on the edge of a building, wearing his coat over his costume, while looking down at the city that just isn't nice to him today. The expensive, nice looking Christmas decorations, and lights, pissed him off even more.
"This is BULLSH*T!"
Half of New York heard him. But he didn't care. He wanted to let them know how angry he was. He can't make money out of his image, his brains, or even his powers. Life was so much simpler when he had his YouTube channel up. Maybe... Perhaps he can open up a new one, but this time pose it as a charity benefit account. He does the stunts "for the needy," and they start giving the clams. Boom, debt gone.
"No- NO! What the hell is wrong with you, Pete?!"
He let his expectations for easy money take over his head again. It wouldn't be right making a profit out of a fake situation, even though he and his aunt are basically becoming a charity case. And once the YouTube channel is down, it's got to stay down.
"It's all good. I'm completely fine! It's just one day! I'll put my career hunt on hold till tomorrow. I haven't done any city patrolling for awhile, anyways! Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll find a nice bad crook to take my fury out on."
...
Elsewhere that night, across town, there appeared to be a man behind a computer monitor, typing. An old, elderly man. Everyone left for home, but not him. This was a task he couldn't wait to finish. His moment of truth awaits.
"Someone oughta run you out of town, son."
...
That morning, Peter wearily got up early again. Another day, another exhausting job search out in the cold. He hopes he can actually earn a decent dollar. Yesterday, when he came home empty handed, he told May that all the good odd jobs were already taken. After his usual routine, he moved his legs to the kitchen for another not-so-filling breakfast. To his surprise, he found May with her winter gear on, and her purse beside her, looking like she's ready to go out. She no longer appeared sad or depressed.
"May! Is this... ...what I think it is?"
"Certainly. I've been thinking of what you said, and took that to mind. You're right. My moping is not gonna help us get out of our financial struggle, and I'm not gonna let you die of pneumonia just because I refuse to get off my ass!"
"That's really great, Aunt May! I'm very proud of you!"
"Now, you don't have to go to work in the snow anymore. Just stay here, and stay warm. Okay?"
"Okay.. "
Aunt May gave him a kiss, then left to find work. She did it. She finally recovered. What a happy start to a day. However, Peter can't take any chances. Even with Aunt May getting a new job, that won't stop him from getting one himself. He ran to his bedroom. First stripped out of the civvies, then into his Spider-Man outfit. Peter reloaded his webshooters as well. He crawled out the window, and made sure to close it behind so that he doesn't let the cold in.
"Oh wait. Breakfast."
Spidey crawled back in.
...
"YEEEEE HAAAAAAAWWW!"
Soaring, the weblinger was free. He was very happy for Aunt May. The hero still needed to find work, but right now he's celebrating with a joy ride through the air.
"HEY, MAN-SPIDER!"
"Hi there, fellow New Yorker! And that's Spider-Ma-"
"YOU SUCK!"
Okay, some good morning that was. Just a typical Big Apple greeting. Spider-Man was confused on what he had done to upset that citizen, and they certainly aren't one of his delivery customers, but he decided to just ignore them and swing forward. His celebration was turned off. Suddenly, he received another insult from a different citizen.
"We don't want you here, c*nt!"
"Okay, then I'll take my swing over there, if that'll make you happy."
More new insults kept coming.
"Take that web of yours and hang yourself!"
There's no end to it.
"Go ahead, save as many people as you want! You're still a lying, manipulative, fake dipsh*t!"
Now Spider-Man was confused. Why do they hate him all of a sudden? All he's ever done in this city was perform good acts. He did a lot of immature things around his YouTube stardom, but why are they going against him now?
"If this has anything to do with the Yelp reviews on my pizza deliveries, you're taking it a bit too personal!"
His day takes a turn for the worse. The police arrived on the scene. At first, Spidey thought they would report a crime scheme to him, or explain why the city bystanders are on rabies. Instead, they pointed their guns, calling for the wallcrawler's arrest.
"WOAH WOAH WOAH, OFFICERS! I'M THE ONE WHO HELPED YOU GATHER UP THOSE GOONS, REMEMBER? AND IT HAD TO BE ME, BECAUSE WHO ELSE RUNS AROUND IN THIS CRAPPY GETUP?"
The Spider-Man suddenly had that tingling sensation in his head again. The cops already intended to shoot, before asking questions. Quicker than the bullets could fire, Spidey dodged them all right before their eyes. He had to get away from these cops, so he webbed the guns out of their hands, or kung-fu them, for an easy escape. He somersault on top of their vehicles, then flew away on his silky web. The civilians attempted to put him down by throwing objects at him.
[*Three minutes later*]
Spider-Man eventually lost the police on his tail. He was much too fast for any cop. And to disappear completely, he transformed back into good ol' Peter Parker. Luckily, he was almost close to home, because no way he could afford the cab fare. He didn't pack any winter gear, so he wore his suit underneath his clothes. Already, his lips were freezing, and his nose became runny. He passed by a jewelry store, and read the poster advertisement, "Exchange Jewels For Cash."
That's not all that caught his eye. The lady in the store looked familiar. It was Aunt May. She was at the front counter, pawning away some of her favorite jewels. Poor May knew her and Peter desperately needed the money. Probably unable to find employment, the quick solution was the way to go. May never told him. She didn't want him to worry. She looked at the ring that belonged to her husband, and was about to pawn that as well.
"Oh no, May. Don't."
She thought twice, and put it back into her purse. Nice choice, but Peter felt he's seen enough. He headed back to his apartment block. Gotta make it home before Aunt May notices he's gone, and he catches a cold.
...
When Peter got home, he boiled some water for his instant hot cocoa, to heal his numb lips. He also changed into some warmer clothes. The teen then decided to surf the web on his phone to see what got Spider-Man on New York's blacklist. The first result to pop up was an article from the controversial news source, The Daily Bugle. Article written by Publisher J. Jonah Jameson.
Menace To Society: The Spider-Man. You've all seen him on YouTube, and may have witnessed him live in action yourself. City bystanders claim he's trying to make a hero of himself; Nabbing robbers, stopping drug deals, and "saving" citizens in jeopardy. That's what the naked eye witnesses. But what the people of New York fails to acknowledge is the dark background he's trying to bury. Looks can be very deceiving.
And speaking of looks, everyone can notice that the human bug's most distinctive aspect is the mask covering over his head. We don't get to see his mouth, his hair, or even the color of his eyes! The same can not be said for Tony Stark's Iron Man, because unlike him, he has the generosity to come fourth with his identity to let us know who we can trust! But Spider-Man? He covers his face while fielding the city like his own playground, then answers to no one! What's he got to hide?
This article took Peter like a punch to the gut. He thought his life was already bad enough, but now he's being dragged to hell. That's not all. The article brought up the detail of him deleting his channel as "suspicious behavior." Guess what was also on the article page? Some of his YouTube videos, which have appeared to be archived. From starting bar fights to recklessly pranking, this JJ guy was doing his best to drag Spider-Man's name through the mud.
Peter's last video had been trimmed and edited to match JJ's statement. "Hello, this is Spider-Man. I want to let you know that this is my last video to you guys. Enjoy it while you can, because I'll also be deleting this entire channel in the process. Truth is I was no hero at all. I wanted to become an Avenger, yes, but what really got in my mind was being acclaimed. The wealth, the power, the fame, that's what I wanted to join the Avengers for."
The Daily Bugle was trying to make Spider-Man look like he's some dangerous, deceptive crook who's trying to win New York with kindness. What is J. Jonah Jameson's beef with him, and why does he want to ruin his life? With Spider-Man being a wanted man, how is Peter gonna find work now? Suddenly, Aunt May came in through the door.
"Hi May! Any luck finding a job?"
"No luck, in fact. But the good news is a friend was kind enough to lend money to help pay our rent! Well, half of our rent."
"How helpful of them."
"I'll give it another try, but for now, I'd like to warm up first. By the way, I'm glad I didn't let you work out there. If the cold didn't get you, then maybe this creepy Spider-Person would."
"Thanks for your concern. I really appreciate it."
...
[*Back at the adhesive lab*]
"So this Spider-Man is now outed as a criminal. Hard to believe it, Nick. He was just in here yesterday, and he seemed like a pretty nice kid."
"Well, just goes-"
Abruptly, the heavy object webbed to the ceiling, which the scientists (Brandon and Nick) forgot about, breaks loose and falls, startling the two. After that, they just went on with their casual conversation.
"You were sayin'?"
"Just goes to show you that no matter how nice an individual seems, there's always a dirty little secret they're masking away."
"C'mon, Nick, I know you thought he was okay, too."
"That was then, this is now."
Nick then took a containment tray full of adhesive chemicals, and was on his way for home.
"What are you doing with those?"
"I'd like to finish my work at home."
"But this is what a lab is for!"
"Just mind your own business."
Where did Nick's attitude came from? Maybe he did found that Spider-Man amazing, and this happens to be a "crushed idol moment." Brandon shook it off, and went into the storage room to fetch something.
"OH MY GOD-"
In the storage room was Nick himself. His hands were tied behind his back, his mouth was gagged, and he looked unconscious. Brandom quickly untied and ungagged him, then softly slapped his face to wake him up.
"Nick, what are you doing in here, man?! I thought you were leaving for home!"
"Leaving for home?! I was just minding my own day job, when for no reason, I experienced a blackout! And now... ...I'm suddenly here!"
"Well, somebody just left this lab with a tray full of our work!"
The two scientists ran out into the hall to see if they could catch the impersonator before he leaves. They only met with the janitor.
"Johnson! H-have you seen me?!"
"I'm looking at you right now."
"No, I meant did anyone who looked like me pass through here, to the main entrance?"
"I don't know what y'all are talkin' about. I saw no one come by, and it was awfully quiet here. Maybe you guys are a little overworked."
Brandon tried to tell the janitor that he knew what he saw, but the man still wouldn't level with them, claiming the halls were all clear. The two scientists then to split up, and find this second Nick. As soon as the fellas were out of sight, the janitor grinned. He opened the closet beside him to reveal... ...the same identical janitor inside, knocked out cold. After closing it, he patted his cart, and continued to push his way towards the exit. Still grinning sinisterly.