Taskmaster
Note: This chapter will also explore the conspiracy of Peter's parent, like in 'Black Widow & S.H.I.E.L.D' in Avenging Spider-Man and 'Black Widow and Hawkeye' in Mighty Avengers.
Flashback
Thirteen Years Ago
At the home of Richard and Mary Parker, Richard is preparing for his trip to Europe. Richard and Mary Parker are both 38 years of age. Richard is a brown haired male and Mary is a brunette wearing glasses.
"I know what you're gonna say Mary, that it's dangerous." Richard Parker said.
"You know that there is a chance that you won't come back." Mary Parker said.
"I know... but it's a chance I have to take, it's my responsibility." Richard Parker said.
"Just promise me that you'll be careful." Mary Parker said.
"I will, I promise." Richard Parker said.
Richard and Mary kissed each other goodbye as he walks to the door, he sees six year old Peter.
"Peter, what are you doing up?" Richard Parker said.
"You're leaving." Peter said.
"I have to, I'm sorry." Richard Parker said.
"I want to go." Peter said.
"No." Richard Parker said.
Richard hugged his son and kissed him on the forehead. He then walks out the door.
"Dad!" Peter said.
"Be good." Richard Parker said one last time.
Richard left the house as it was the only time Peter ever saw his father. He was left alone with his mother.
Present
At Ryker's, Wilson Fisk is in prison awaiting trial for his crimes as the Kingpin. Even though he's locked up, he still has resources both inside and outside, he even got the inmates and guards in his pocket. He continues to lift weights as he has nothing to do. A guard came in.
"Mr. Fisk, you got a visitor."
Later Wilson Fisk is at the visiting room talking with his right hand man James Wesley.
"How are things with my appeal?" Wilson Fisk said.
"We're still working on it, but it's a difficult, given the magnitude of charges against you, but we're making progress... I'm guessing that not why you've called me here." James Wesley said.
"No, don't worry, the mics in this room are off, I've bought the room. Did you find the right person for the job?" Wilson Fisk said.
"Yes, though he is very expensive, but he can do it. His reputation precedes him, he's gonna up against S.H.I.E.L.D. and heroes. He always survives and escapes. He'll take half now and other half when the job is done." James Wesley said s
"Very well, wire the money. He'll get the rest and a bonus if he does it right. When I get out of here, I'll take back what's mine, until then these two spiders must be eliminated from the equation... permanently." Wilson Fisk said.
"Yes Mr. Fisk, it shall be done." James Wesley got up and left.
Wilson Fisk put out a hit on both Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider, he wants them both dead for their role in having him locked up and stripped of public reputation. He sent the most dangerous assassin after them, the one they call Taskmaster.
At May's house in Queens, Peter and Mary Jane are helping move out some stuff out off the basement to give away and clear out.
"Can't believe that May wants to get rid of this stuff." Mary Jane said.
"Yeah... I just hope that she doesn't get rid of my comics already, hopefully they're still here." Peter said.
Peter looked around and sees something hidden underneath the stairs, box that belonged to his father. He pulls it out and sees the name Richard on it.
"Richard? Isn't that your dad's name?" Mary Jane said.
"Yeah." Peter said.
He puts it with the rest of the stuff that going away.
"You're gonna throw it out?" Mary Jane said.
"Yeah, they're not mine." Peter said.
"But Peter, this is your dad's stuff." Mary Jane said.
"Yeah, but he left me since I was six years your old, until he died. Even when he was still alive, he's hardly around, I only had my mom until I found out that she died on a plane crash with my father. So I don't need to open up this memoir, I won't." Peter said.
Mary Jane could sense resentment in his voice for his father, something she too understands given what she knows about her own father.
Peter's phone rang as its Gwen calling, he answered it.
"Gwen, what's going on?" Peter said.
"Peter, White Rabbit and Walrus are attacking the bank downtown." Gwen said.
"Okay, I'm on my way." Peter hangs up. "Sorry MJ, I have to go."
"Okay... be careful." Mary Jane said.
"I will." Peter said.
Peter left the house to go and assist Gwen in her fight and White Rabbit and Walrus. Mary Jane still hold the box that belonged to Peter's father, he wanted to get rid of it though she decided to hold on to it.
At the bank downtown, White Rabbit and Walrus are robbing the money in the vault thanks to Walrus breaking it down with his strength.
White Rabbit is a woman who uses specialized boots and gadgets invented by Tinkerer for her leaping. Her partner Walrus is an enhanced criminal that has the strength and endurance of a walrus thanks to an experiment that he was a part of. Both of them were old villains that Spider-Man has crossed path with in his first years as a hero.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider arrived at the scene as White Rabbit and Walrus sees them.
"White Rabbit and Walrus, haven't seen you two in a while." Spider-Man said.
"Well we've formed a partnership." White Rabbit said.
"Yeah... so have I." Spider-Man said.
"Hi I'm Ghost-Spider, don't believe I've heard of you two." Ghost-Spider said.
"Yeah, not surprising, these two tried to make a name for themselves and ended up defeated by me." Spider-Man said.
"Oh... that makes sense." Ghost-Spider said.
"Enough jokes! Let's end this... Walrus!" White Rabbit said.
Walrus picked up the vault door with his strength and tossed it at them, but Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider dodged it in time.
"So which one do you want?" Spider-Man said.
"Can't let you hit a lady, so I'll take her." Ghost-Spider said.
"Thanks, guess I'll get the fat one." Spider-Man said.
Walrus gets angry as he picked up the bag of monument and tossed it at them.
"Too slow!" Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man engaged Walrus as Ghost-Spider faces off against White Rabbit.
"So you're the famous Ghost-Spider I've heard so much about?" White Rabbit said.
"I wouldn't say famous but thanks for the compliment. But seriously I gotta ask, why does a woman dressed like a rabbit rob banks?" Ghost-Spider said.
"Oh... I just wanted to have fun." White Rabbit said.
White Rabbit hold up an umbrella and points it at Ghost-Spider.
"Seriously? An umbrella?" Ghost-Spider said.
White Rabbit shoots bullets out of the umbrella as Ghost-Spider does the back flip and dodges the bullets. White Rabbit kept shooting at Ghost-Spider but is unable to hit her target.
"Stay still!" White Rabbit said.
"Uh... no!" Ghost-Spider said.
Ghost-Spider webs the umbrella off her hands then get closer for a side kick as White Rabbit got kicked to the wall and Ghost-Spider then webs her up.
"Silly Rabbit, robberies are for felons." Ghost-Spider said.
Walrus kept throwing bags of money at Spider-Man until he webbed one and throws it back at Walrus.
"Here's your change!" Spider-Man said.
Walrus got hit by the money bag and falls down. Spider-Man jumps down and sees that Walrus is getting too tired as he used up too much energy.
"You seemed tired out, want to surrender?" Spider-Man said.
"Never!" Walrus yelled.
"Suit yourself!" Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man runs then jumps to do a powerful drop kick on Walrus, then he landed on a three point stance. Walrus falls down and land hard that caused a tremor. Both White Rabbit and Walrus are defeated by Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider.
Later as they see the quinjet land and S.H.I.E.L.D. agents coming out to take the two criminals into custody.
"What's happening?" White Rabbit said.
"Well, you two are going to a place that's no Wonderland, Rabbit." Spider-Man said.
White Rabbit and Walrus are taken into S.H.I.E.L.D. custody to be transferred to the Raft. Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider sees Nick Fury, Phil Coulson, and Maria Hill approaching.
"Not bad Spider-Man, you managed to save the day as always." Nick Fury said.
"Thanks Director, though I sense that not the only reason you came personally." Spider-Man said.
"No... I need you to come with me." Nick Fury said.
"Why?" Spider-Man said.
"We got a problem." Nick Fury said.
"With me?" Spider-Man said.
"And her, Ghost-Spider. Let's talk at the Triskelion and we'll give you all the details." Nick Fury said.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider left with Nick Fury and the agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., though they have no idea what this is all about, though they'll find out soon enough.
Meanwhile at the hideout outside of New York, a man is working on his tech as he analyzed the webshooters from footages of Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider. He was able to get the schematic of how to build a web shooter from S.H.I.E.L.D. database as they've already reversed engineered the web formula and components needed.
The phone rang as the man answered it.
"Taskmaster speaking." Taskmaster said.
"This is the client, we've already wired the money to your offshore accounts, you'll get the rest once you've eliminated these two targets: Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider."
"Not to worry, I've spent hours watching the footages of their battle, I've studied their movements and techniques. They'll soon face the wrath of the Taskmaster." Taskmaster hangs up.
Taskmaster finished modifying his gauntlets to shot webs, he tested it out and shot a web out from it.
"Perfect." Taskmaster said.
He then walks over to the closet and sees his suit. He dons it on, he puts on the quiver and sheath on his back for his sword and arrows. He grabbed his personal shield. He's all dressed in a blackish blue suit with orange colors. He puts on a mask of a skull and pulls a hood over it.
He walks over to his training ground as he has practice drones ready to test out his abilities. One of the drones fires his guns at him until he uses his shield to block the attack, he ran and tossed it like a frisbee in the way Captain America does. He took it out as the shield returned to him. Two drones came up as Taskmaster draw out his bow and pulled an arrow from his quiver. He shot explosive arrows at them and never misses, his skills in archery matches Hawkeye's. Two more came in shooting until he draws out his pistols and runs while shooting two off them, he uses Black Widow's gunslinging skills. After he's done with the guns, one is coming to face him in hand to hand combat, he crossed his arms and pulls out his claws, he blocks and claws them in the way Black Panther does. He finished with most of them until the big one came to him, he uses his modified gauntlets to shoot webbing to the ceiling and dodged it. He lands down behind the drone.
"Time to finish this." Taskmaster said.
He runs and does a drop kick then he lands in a three point stance, he does the moves of Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider. He pulled out his sword and sliced off the drone's head. He defeated all the drones as his skills has not failed him.
"Now I'm ready to take on Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider." Taskmaster said.
Taskmaster leaves his lair as he accepted a contract on Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider.
At the Triskelion, headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D., Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider arrived at the private conference room.
"Okay, we're here, what's this all about?" Spider-Man said.
"Go ahead, show them Agent Hill." Nick Fury said.
Maria Hill accessed the file on Taskmaster as it shows a holographic image of him and shows his information.
"Who's Friday the 13th here?" Ghost-Spider said.
"This is Tony Masters, he goes by his code name, Taskmaster." Nick Fury said.
"Taskmaster?" Ghost-Spider said.
"Three years ago, he was once an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. until he volunteered for an experiment that involves the super soldier serum." Nick Fury said.
"Wait, you guys recreated the serum that made Captain America?" Spider-Man said.
"We created a variant of the serum, as did Dr. Banner who tested on himself and used Gamma rays in hopes that works." Nick Fury said.
"Yeah, I'd say that it worked too well." Spider-Man said.
"Yes, it also worked well for you too. Those spiders that bit you both and gave you your powers, they were enhanced by a different variant of the serum." Nick Fury said.
"So you're saying that we're part super soldiers." Spider-Man said.
"Correct, though the variant that Agent Masters had taken didn't just enhanced his physical abilities but it also gave him photographic reflexes." Nick Fury said.
"What does that mean?" Ghost-Spider said.
"Any skills and techniques he witnesses, he can do it too right down to its detail, that is what makes him so dangerous. After the experiment he started to get too prideful in his abilities and decided to leave S.H.I.E.L.D., he uses his new abilities to work as a professional mercenary, he offers his services to anyone who can afford it." Nick Fury said.
"What does he have to do with us?" Spider-Man said.
"We've managed to track one of the burner phones that was used to contact him, apparently someone has put out a hit on both of you." Maria Hill said.
"Who?" Spider-Man said.
"Unknown but the burner phone and its tags has been traced to a dummy corp that's own by Fisk Industries." Phil Coulson said.
"Kingpin, should've figured." Spider-Man said.
"He must really hate us that much to put out a hit." Ghost-Spider said.
"Well we did just put him in prison and destroyed his reputation, guessing he's the type to hold a grudge." Spider-Man said.
"One thing for sure is that Taskmaster is coming for you both, this could be our opportunity to stop him for good." Nick Fury said.
"You mean capture him, right?" Spider-Man said.
"He won't go down without a fight, besides he always seem to escape capture. He's Ex-S.H.I.E.L.D., he knows too much about us and our operations. He needs to be eliminated for good." Nick Fury said.
"Hey, I can help stop him but killing isn't an option." Spider-Man said.
"Really, I've read the report from the Skrull invasion, I know that you were forced to do some nasty stuff." Nick Fury said.
"Yeah, I've made a compromise that saved a friend, still get nightmares from that day, what you're asking isn't saving, it's execution." Spider-Man said.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. takes the world as it is, not as we like it to be. I'd say it's time for you to get with that program, Son." Nick Fury said.
"Don't hold your breath." Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man got up and left the conference room, as did Ghost-Spider. He still upset that Fury brought up that day and what Spider-Man did to save Captain America. He vowed never to take a life again.
Later at night as Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider continue to patrol the city in hopes that Taskmaster will show up. Ghost-Spider noticed that Spider-Man isn't very chatty like he usually is. They both landed on a rooftop.
"Still no sign of him, let's keep moving." Spider-Man said.
"Wait!" Ghost-Spider said.
"What is it?" Spider-Man said.
"I'd just want to make sure that you're okay, I know that Fury is wrong to bring up that day, what you did." Ghost-Spider said.
"It still hasn't been easy for me, every time I close my eyes I see Veranke falling off that window. It still haunts me." Spider-Man said.
"I'm sorry." Ghost-Spider said.
"It's alright, I'll get through it." Spider-Man said.
"Well we're definitely not getting any results searching for him together, we should split up." Ghost-Spider said.
"Okay, but stay on comms, if this guy is as good as they say, then neither of us should fight him alone." Spider-Man said.
"Alright, I'll stay in touch." Ghost-Spider said.
"As will I, good luck." Spider-Man said.
"You too." Ghost-Spider said.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider split up as they continue their search for Taskmaster.
Later as Ghost-Spider continues to swings and then lands on the rooftop.
"Anything?" Spider-Man said.
"No, still no sign of..." Ghost-Spider spider sense tingles.
Ghost-Spider sensed an arrow fired at her as she moves fast and dodged the arrow, she kept jumping and dodging arrows as she spotted Taskmaster with a bow.
"It's him, it's Taskmaster!" Ghost-Spider said.
"I'm on my way!" Spider-Man said.
"Not bad, you've managed to avoid all my arrows, you have great reaction time." Taskmaster said.
"So you must be Taskmaster, I've heard about you." Ghost-Spider said.
"Then you must realize that you're way out of your league to fight me." Taskmaster said.
"Oh yeah, let's find out." Ghost-Spider said.
Ghost-Spider fires off a volley of webbing at him until he used his shield to protect him. He tossed it at her until she jumped over.
"Impressive." Taskmaster said.
"We're just getting started." Ghost-Spider said.
Ghost-Spider jumps up and shoot her webline down as she does the slingshot kick to Taskmaster who used his shield to block the impact, he then pushed her off as she lands behind him and does the back sweep kick, he fell down. Ghost-Spider then flip back to a three point stance, as did Taskmaster which surprised her.
"What the...?" Ghost-Spider said.
"Anything you can do, I can do too." Taskmaster said.
Ghost-Spider does the L-kick until Taskmaster jumped up and shot a webline on the ground and does a slingshot kick to her. Ghost-Spider shot a web line and zip away in time. Ghost-Spider sees that he did the same move that she just did.
"Spider-Man has taught you well, but your style still needs refinement." Taskmaster said.
Taskmaster runs up to her as she shot out webbing at him, but he managed to avoid it and does the side kick to her. He gained the upper hand on Ghost-Spider.
"Not only can I replicate your move but also anticipate what you're going to do, I've studied both of you and seen how you fight." Taskmaster said.
"Then you would've seen this coming!" Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man swings in and does the drop kick on Taskmaster and lands on a three point stance.
"Spider-Man, we meet at last." Taskmaster said.
"Taskmaster, so you're the famous copycat mercenary." Spider-Man said.
"Give it up Spider-Man, I possess the fighting styles of every hero, including yours." Taskmaster said.
Taskmaster throws his shield at him until Spider-Man webs it and swings it back at Taskmaster and hits him. Spider-Man noticed the way he tossed that shield, it's the same technique that Captain America uses.
"Apparently not." Spider-Man said.
"Oh we're just getting started." Taskmaster said.
"Bring it on, Skeletor!" Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man approach him until Taskmaster does the L-Kick and hits Spider-Man. Spider-Man got up and stands, Taskmaster crossed his arms and pulls out his claws out of his fingertips. He strikes at Spider-Man as Spidey recognized the style he's using, he fights like Black Panther. He dodge every claw strike until he grabbed both wrists as he executed a knee strike to his gut. Taskmaster push kicked Spider-Man back as Taskmaster is freed.
"Impressive, I underestimated you." Taskmaster said.
"I thought that you'd be a tough opponent, guessing Fury is wrong... Mr. Masters." Spider-Man said.
"Ah yes, the great Nick Fury, I'm surprised that he told you about me... that man is full of secrets... Peter." Taskmaster said.
"How do you know my name?" Spider-Man said.
"I was S.H.I.E.L.D., remember? I was one of the few who learned your identity, don't worry I haven't spilled your secrets to anyone. I was paid to assassinate you but I find someone of your caliber to be useful to me." Taskmaster said.
"Thanks, but I'm not looking to switch sides." Spider-Man said.
"And you think you're on the right side? Did it every occurred to you what other secrets that Fury has kept from you?" Taskmaster said.
"What are you talking about?" Spider-Man said.
"Your parents... did you ever wonder why they both died?" Taskmaster said.
"What do my parents have to do with Fury?" Spider-Man said.
"Everything... you could try asking Fury but knowing him he'll try to deny it as always." Taskmaster said.
"You're lying." Spider-Man said.
"Am I? Look into their past, specifically your father's and you'll find the answers you seek." Taskmaster holds a flash bang. "Till next time!"
Taskmaster tossed it and blinds Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider, they recovered their sights and sees that Taskmaster has disappeared.
"You okay?" Spider-Man said.
"Yeah, little bruised but fine. What does he mean about your parents? You think that Fury knows something?" Ghost-Spider said.
Spider-Man then remembered a conversation last year from Phil Coulson the first time they've met.
"What" Peter said.
"Nothing, you look like him, someone I used to know." Phil Coulson said.
Spider-Man realized that Phil Coulson once mentioned that Peter looked like someone he knew, could he be talking about his father.
"I'm not sure but I need to find out, I need answers." Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider left the scene.
Later as Peter and Gwen are in Queens at May's house, they see Mary Jane still inside.
"Tiger, what are you doing here?" Mary Jane said.
"Mary Jane, where Aunt May?" Peter said.
"She took all the stuff from the basement and left with Aunt Anna. Why?" Mary Jane said.
"Crap, she took the box." Peter said.
"You mean this box?" Mary Jane holds the box that has his dad's stuff.
Peter hold it. "You kept it?"
"I know that you wanted to throw away but I just couldn't do it, even though you and your dad aren't close, he's still your dad." Mary Jane said.
"Thank you MJ... let's go to my old room." Peter said.
Peter, Gwen, and Mary Jane are inside Peter's old room as Peter laid the box on the bed.
"Okay... here goes nothing." Peter said.
Peter opened the box and checked inside. He found a Army uniform along with Purple Hearts and Silver Stars. From the uniform, Richard was a sergeant. Gwen found a picture of Richard with some soldiers.
"This is an Army uniform... your father was a soldier?" Mary Jane said.
"I know my uncle was in the military, I didn't think that my dad was too." Peter said.
"Check this out." Gwen said.
Gwen shows them a picture of Richard Parker as an Army Ranger in Somalia, he was in it with other Rangers.
"My dad was an Army Ranger, he fought in Somalia." Peter said.
Peter looked through the photo and sees a familiar face, it Phil Coulson.
"Hey, that's Coulson, he and my dad were in the same unit." Peter said.
He then sees another familiar face in the photo.
"Son of a bitch! That's... that's Nick Fury! He knew, he knew who my father was and never told me." Peter said.
Peter got up and left the house as he sees May Parker returns home.
"Peter, where are you going?" May said.
"Sorry May but I can't say." Peter said.
"I'm getting tired of you keeping secrets from me." May said with a tone.
"Don't you dare lecture me about keeping secrets." Peter said not happy.
"I haven't kept anything from you!" May said.
"Okay, then answered me this... is my father a soldier?" Peter said.
May is shocked to hear that Peter found out his father's secrets.
"You knew... you didn't tell me. I thought you weren't hiding anything." Peter said.
"And you weren't? You weren't hiding that you were going around at night fighting bad guys and saving lives!" May said.
Peter is shocked to hear those words from May.
"What?" Peter said.
"I know Peter... I know." May said.
May knows that Peter is Spider-Man.
"How?" Peter said calmly.
"I've know since last year, the day I was kidnapped by the Skrulls, when I was resting in Wakanda I seen you in your suit taking with Mary Jane. That day everything became so clear to me." May said.
"May... please tell me... who is my father? I need to know... please." Peter said.
"Okay... your father... was an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D." May revealed the truth.
Peter couldn't believe it, that his father was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.
"I have to go." Peter said.
Peter, come back! Peter!" May called out.
Peter left as Gwen followed after him, Mary Jane stayed behind with May.
Flashback
Thirteen Years Ago
Six year old Peter Parker is left in the care of his Aunt and Uncle as neither of his parents are here.
"What could've happened to Mary, she was supposed to pick up Peter from school but she disappeared for a week." May said.
"It's a good thing that Peter still has us to take care of him." Ben smiled.
May couldn't help but be fond of Peter as he was a son they've never had. Ben and May tried to have children but never could.
The doorbell rang as May and Ben got up and opened the door, it's Phil Coulson.
"Ben, May." Phil Coulson said.
"Agent Coulson, any news on Richard and Mary?" Ben said.
"Yes, but it's not good." Phil Coulson said.
"What happened?" May said.
"They... they were on the way back home until their plane crashed down in the ocean, there were no survivors... I'm sorry." Phil Coulson said.
May and Ben are shocked to hear that Richard and Mary are both dead. Their nephew Peter is now an orphan and his life has now changed.
Present
At the Triskelion, Peter and Gwen burst into S.H.I.E.L.D. not looking too happy.
"You knew! You knew my father, didn't you?!" Peter said.
"Taskmaster told you, didn't he?" Nick Fury said.
"So it is true, my father worked for you." Peter said.
"Fine, let's talk." Nick Fury said.
Later at the conference room, Peter, Gwen, Nick Fury and Phil Coulson are left to talk.
"Explain." Peter said not too happy.
"You father was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent." Nick Fury said.
"I knew your father too, we were friends, we've served together in the same unit in Somalia, back then Colonel Fury was our commanding officer. During our tour we've come across a S.H.I.E.L.D. Op and they've recognized our potential. After our tour ended, Colonel Fury left the Army and me and Richard both followed and joined S.H.I.E.L.D.. During that time, we've both rises and became S.H.I.E.L.D.'s top agents, it's also how Richard met your mother." Phil Coulson said.
"My mother was S.H.I.E.L.D. too?" Peter said.
"Your mother was a scientist for S.H.I.E.L.D., it's how they met, eventually they got together and got married, then later they had you." Phil Coulson said.
"You didn't think to tell me this? The first time we've met, you could've told me." Peter said.
"That wasn't our focus at that time, besides what good would it do if you knew the truth." Nick Fury said.
"You asked me for my help and I trusted you, you could've trusted me with this." Peter said.
"Last time I trusted someone I lost my eye." Nick Fury said.
"Still you had no right to hide the truth about my parents from me." Peter said.
"Their information was classified, just like yours is. It's called compartmentalizations, no one spills the secrets because no one knows about them, something you of all people would understand." Nick Fury said.
Peter took a deep breath. "How did they die? I want to know everything."
"Fine... Thirteen years ago your father was on an assignment to infiltrate a terrorist organization." Nick Fury said.
"What was the organization?" Peter said.
"HYDRA... your father went undercover and was gathering intelligence on all of HYDRA's operations. One day, you mother went missing and somehow ended up in Europe. They both tried to return home until something went wrong, their plane crashed into the ocean, no survivors, no witnesses." Nick Fury said.
"You're saying that HYDRA killed them, they killed my parents?" Peter said.
"We don't know, their deaths is still a mystery... but we can assume that HYDRA somehow knew that Richard and Mary were S.H.I.E.L.D., they decided to eliminate them." Phil Coulson said.
"And that's all we know so far... satisfied?" Nick Fury said.
Peter said nothing as he decided to leave the room and Gwen followed after him.
Meanwhile at the Taskmaster's lair, he watched the recording of all the heroes in action and studies their movements, he even has recent recordings of Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider in combat.
He kept training until his phone rang and he answered it.
"Hello?" Taskmaster said.
"Taskmaster, how is progress on killing the two spiders going?"
"Not to worry, I've had a close encounter with them and seen what they can do. Next time I see them, I'll be ready." Taskmaster said.
"You better, my employer paid a lot of money for this, he expects a return on his investment."
The phone hangs up as Taskmaster is ready for another round against the two spiders. He began to see Spider-Man as an ideal partner in crime, he has hopes that Spider-Man will change his ways as Taskmaster has already planted the seed of doubt into him.
"I hope that Spider-Man will join me, if not then I still have a job to complete." Taskmaster said.
Back home at the apartment, Mary Jane entered and sees Gwen waiting.
"Where is he?" Mary Jane said.
"Balcony." Gwen said.
Mary Jane went and see Peter just looking down at the street.
"Hey Tiger." Mary Jane said.
"MJ... how's May?" Peter said.
"She's tough, considering that she knew your secret for almost a year. How are you doing?" Mary Jane said.
"Honestly not so good. Not only did I find out that my father was S.H.I.E.L.D., but my mother was too. I thought that I knew them, but it turns out that I never knew them at all." Peter said.
"I'm sorry Tiger." Mary Jane said.
"Why?... Why didn't he tell me who he was?" Peter said.
Mary Jane took a deep breath. "Probably the same reason you don't tell anyone who you are and what you do. I guess you really are your father's son."
"This isn't making things any easier." Peter said.
"Peter, you know my story, my father wasn't perfect either. He'd get angry and take his anger on me and my mother. As much as it hurts me, I accepted who my father really is. Your father isn't the same as mine was. I know that he wasn't there for you when you needed him, but don't let his mistakes define you, only you can choose who want to be." Peter said.
"How do I work through this?" Peter said.
"By being who you are... yourself. The hero this city needs, being the man I love." Mary Jane said.
Peter smiled. "Thanks MJ, you're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
Gwen came in and sees Mary Jane and Peter.
"Guys, Taskmaster is at the bank, he just burst in and scared everyone off." Gwen said.
"Why? What's the purpose?" Mary Jane said.
"He wants to be found." Peter said.
"Then it's a trap." Gwen said.
"Either way, we're going." Peter said.
"Yeah, last time we were lucky, he knows how we fight." Gwen said.
"True, but he doesn't know how we fight together." Peter said.
Gwen smiled as she likes how he thinks.
Later at the bank as Taskmaster defeated all the cops easily with the moves he copied.
"Where is Spider-Man?" Taskmaster said.
Taskmaster see both Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider here.
"Speak of the spider and he shall appear." Spider-Man said.
"Ah just in time, I was getting worried that you'd never show up. What do you think about my proposal, are you in or are you out?" Taskmaster said.
"It's you that's out, Spooky, out of your mind." Spider-Man said.
"Too bad, well at least I still have a job to do. This time I won't hold back." Taskmaster said.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider runs toward him until Taskmaster draws out his pistols and shot off rounds. Spider-Man dodges the bullets as Ghost-Spider fires her webbing at him, but Taskmaster drops his guns and draw out his sword and slice.
"Is that the best you got?" Taskmaster said.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider fires of their webbing at him as he ran then he jumps and does the scissor kick. He took them both down with that move.
"This isn't working, he's gaining the upper hand." Ghost-Spider said.
"Neither one of us can defeat him alone, let's work together." Spider-Man said.
"Okay, I'm with you." Ghost-Spider said.
"Let's go." Spider-Man said.
Spider-Man ran in front as Ghost-Spider followed behind him. Taskmaster holds up his shield as he prepares to block but Spider-Man jumps over Taskmaster and lands behind him. Ghost-Spider does a flying knee strike as Taskmaster got hit.
"Impossible!" Taskmaster said.
Ghost-Spider fire her webbing at Taskmaster as he blocks with his shield. Spider-Man does the back sweep kick behind Taskmaster, he fell as Ghost-Spider kick him off the ground hard.
"This can't be happening!" Taskmaster said.
"Sure it can, let's finish this!" Spider-Man said.
Taskmaster gets up as he fights again, he see Spider-Man running toward him and he prepares, Spider-Man bends down as Ghost-Spider jumps and does the flying side kick over Spider-Man and kicked Taskmaster. Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider both webs him up as to immobilize him. Spider-Man stands close to Taskmaster.
"Nighty night!" Spider-Man punched him hard in the face.
Taskmaster got knocked out cold as he got defeated thanks to the teamwork of Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider. Both the clapped high five at one another in victory.
At the Triskelion, Nick Fury and all of S.H.I.E.L.D. see Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider bringing in Taskmaster alive.
"You did it, you brought him alive." Maria Hill said.
"Take him." Spider-Man said.
"Right, you two, take him to holding." Maria Hill said.
Two agents take Taskmaster into custody as Nick Fury began to speak.
"On behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., you have our thanks." Nick Fury said.
"Save it Fury, I don't need your thanks. You have Taskmaster, as of right now our business is concluded for good. I'm done with S.H.I.E.L.D." Spider-Man said.
"Far enough." Nick Fury said.
Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider left the Triskelion as Spider-Man has now cut ties with Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D., he doesn't trust Fury anymore.
Later at the apartment, Peter and Mary Jane began to talk.
"Are you going to talk with May?" Mary Jane said.
"Honestly, I don't know. She knew about my parents secrets and never told me. How do you work through this?" Peter said.
"Peter, we all keep secrets because we want to protect the ones we love from a painful truth. You of all people would understand keeping secrets when it come to protecting loved ones from your other life. Take it easy with her." Mary Jane said.
"You're right." Peter said.
The doorbell rang as Peter got up and opened the door, it Phil Coulson.
"Coulson, I thought that I was clear that don't want anything to do with S.H.I.E.L.D. anymore." Peter said.
"I'm not here on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., I came to give you this." Phil Coulson hands a thumb drive.
Peter hold the thumb drive in his hand. "What's this?"
"It's a video that your father made for you when you're old enough. I should've given this to you years ago, I was wrong." Phil Coulson said.
"Honestly I don't think I want to watch anything about my father." Peter said.
"That's your choice, but please don't be too hard. Your father was the greatest man I've ever met, a great friend. I know that he wasn't there for you when you needed him, but he always thinks about you, everyday. You were the greatest thing that's ever happened to him. I think that you deserve to know him better... think about it. Have a great day." Phil Coulson said.
Phil Coulson left the apartment as Peter holds the thumb drive in his hands.
"Are you gonna watch it?" Mary Jane said.
"I don't want to do it alone." Peter said.
"Okay... let's watch it together." Mary Jane said
Peter and Mary Jane sat down on the couch as Peter plugs in the thumb drive into the computer and Peter hesitates to play it.
"Okay... here goes." Peter said.
Peter played the video and they see his father on the screen.
"Hello Peter... if you're watching this then it means that I'm already dead... and I'm sorry. I know that you must have a lot of questions for me... you deserve the truth. I'm an agent for an intelligence agency, I get called away on missions that protects this world, that means that I couldn't alway be there for you. I hope that you end up like you mother, you have her brains. I hope that you never take my path... but if you did, then you understand why I chose this path. I have a responsible to this world to keep it safe from danger. As my father once told me and your uncle, with great power comes great responsibility. But always remember that I fight so that you would have a future to live for. The greatest gift that I was ever given is you... you're the most important thing in my life. I'm so proud to be your father. Remember son... I love you... always have... always will." Richard smiled.
The video ended as Peter has a tear in his eye. Peter now understands why his father lived such a life, the same life he himself is living now.
"Thank you... Dad." Peter said with tears.
Mary Jane grabbed his hand and comforts him. Peter and Mary Jane hugged each other.
At May's house in Queens, Peter came in and sees May in the living room.
"Hey May." Peter said.
"Peter? Didn't know that you'd would come?" May said.
"Me neither... listen I'm sorry that I was hard on you." Peter said.
"No Peter, I'm the one who needs to apologize." May said.
"May, you don't have to." Peter said.
"I want to... I should've told you the truth about him when you're old enough, I thought that I could protect you from a hard truth, I was wrong." May said.
"Coulson gave me a video that my dad made, I've seen it. I spent my entire life resenting him for not being there for me. Now I understand what he had to go through in the name of responsibility, the same life I'm now living. For the first time in my life, I'm proud to be his son." Peter smiled.
"He's always been proud of you, just like Ben was, just like I am now. You had a normal life with a bright future but you decided to use your gifts to help save lives." May said.
"May, I'm so sorry that I kept the truth about who I am from you. You must be so disappointed in me." Peter said.
"No, you're wrong. I was but now I am so proud of you, proud of the man you've become, a hero." May said.
"I'm only a hero because of you and Ben, you both raised me to be a better person. Thank you for taking me in." Peter said.
"I love you Peter." May said.
"I love you too Aunt May." Peter said.
Peter and May hugged each other. May is happy and proud that her nephew Peter is Spider-Man.
Note: Please leave some comments and tell me what you like about this chapter.