The Extraordinary Spider-Man - Vol 1

Chapter 5: New Beginnings

Likenesses used

J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson

Emmy Rossum as Betty Brant

Grant Gustin as Ned Leeds

Bill Nunn as Robbie Robertson

Paul Dano as Blane Ordway

Leif Gantvoort as Johnny

"Goddamn linear equations," Harry groaned, as he and Peter studied together in the school library.

"They're not the best," Peter admitted. "What are you trying to get on this quiz again?"

"I'm hoping for at least a ninety. Should be enough to appease my dad," Harry answered.

"Gotcha."

Peter looked at his chemistry homework, before looking at Harry. "Listen, man. I never really got to apologize for how I acted before that whole fight with Flash. I know you were just trying to help, and I was being a total dick."

"Hey, man. You're all good. I understand how you felt," Harry assured. "How are you and your aunt doing now?"

"I'm still getting through it. Aunt May's still not taking it so well, so I'm trying to help her all I can. She's going back to work, but I want to try and find a job myself."

"That's good. Where have you thought of applying?" Harry asked.

Peter sighed. "Unfortunately, most places only take sixteen and above."

"Ouch."

"Yeah. I hate seeing her like this, so I really have to do what I can."

At that point, Gwen walked over to Peter and Harry's table. "Hey, Pete. How are you doing?"

"Hey, Gwen. I'm still pulling through. Not gonna lie, it's been tough," Peter admitted.

Gwen sat down. "I'm really sorry. I know how you feel. My aunt passed away when I was twelve. It was awful, but I got through it."

"Well, I'm glad you did. Because this feeling sucks like no other," Peter vented. "It's just… why? Why did it have to be Uncle Ben?!"

Gwen put her hand on Peter's shoulder. "It wasn't your fault, Peter."

Harry looked awkward for a few seconds before regaining his composure. "Just remember we're here for you, man. Always."

"Thanks, guys. Means a lot," Peter thanked.

"Anytime. Anything else you want to talk about?" Gwen asked.

"Uh, yeah. I'm having trouble looking for a job," Peter said.

"Didn't you take pictures for the school paper? You could always go to the Daily Bugle," Gwen suggested.

Harry shrugged. "Not a bad idea, actually."

Peter's eyes widened. "You mean, work for J. Jonah Jameson? Damn."

"Well, my cousin used to work for him, and from what I've heard, he'll accept teens. Including those below sixteen, even," Gwen explained. "Crazy, but true."

Curiosity started to flow through Peter's mind. "Wait, seriously? This could actually work! I'll fill out an application later."

Gwen shook her head. "Oh, no. You gotta show up in person. According to my cousin, the determination will impress him."

"I'll definitely think about it. Thanks for the idea."

Gwen pulled out her geometry homework. "No prob. Anyway, if you don't mind, let's work on the geometry study guide."

"Sure, but we're also helping my friend here on his algebra homework. This is Harry, by the way," Peter introduced.

Harry shook Gwen's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"Gwen Stacy. And nice to meet you too. You're Osborn's kid, right?" Gwen exclaimed.

"That's me," Harry confirmed.

Walking into the massive and famous Daily Bugle building, Peter approached the elevator, stepping inside. Looking at the floor guide, he pressed the button to the fifth floor. Once he was there, he started getting through, dodging the multiple employees roaming around. Luckily, he spotted the secretary at her desk, and walked over.

"Excuse me? Where would J. Jonah Jameson's office be?" Peter asked.

"Right over there to the left," the secretary responded, pointing to a door to the left. "Good luck."

"Thanks. I've heard a lot about him."

"Well, if you end up getting a job, at least you know what you're in for."

The two both laughed, and Peter extended his hand. "I'm Peter. Peter Parker"

The secretary smiled, shaking Peter's hand. "Betty. Betty Brant."

"I should probably head over for my interview now! Thanks again for the head-ups!" Peter thanked.

Betty winked. "Don't mention it."

Peter walked over to Jameson's office and knocked.

"Come in!"

Peter quickly opened the door and stepped inside, where the famous editor-in-chief was sitting back in his chair, though confusion went through his eyes when he saw the teen.

"Jesus, you're a kid! I've never seen you around here before. Did I hire you a while ago or something?!" Jameson instantly blurted out. "What are you, fourteen?"

"I'm fifteen," Peter corrected. "And I came here to ask if you guys are hiring."

"So you came for a job? You didn't think to fill out an application or call or something?"

"Well, I thought coming down here first would be the move."

Jameson shrugged. "You got confidence, I'll give you that. But tell me, why the hell should I hire you? And for what position?"

"Well, I very much believe in the idea of capturing the beauty of New York through a perspective that can easily highlight it for anyone. There's a lot that goes on in this city, and I'm more than willing to capture different events and moments that define our metropolis through my lenses," Peter stated.

"Kid, did you practice that in advance?" Jameson asked.

"No," Peter lied, taking an envelope out of his jacket. "Here's some of what I've done."

Peter handed the envelope to Jameson, who opened it and started looking at Peter's photos, which were taken at the school football games and other events, as well as natural shots of the city.

"I have experience as a staff photographer at my school newspaper The Midtown Chronicle. And I also own a Nikon D750," Peter continued, pulling his camera out of his backpack.

"These pictures aren't bad, I gotta admit. And that camera's passable."

"Thanks. I'll be willing to cover any events and get you some great pictures. I won't let you down," Peter promised.

"You know what? Screw it! You're hired!" Jameson declared, quickly getting up and shaking Peter's hand. "You'll be our new freelance photographer and you'll cover whatever the hell I want!"

Peter nodded. "Sounds good."

Jameson sat back down. "Now scram. Go get to know your new coworkers if you want."

"Thank you, Mr. Jameson."

Peter left the office, walking over to Betty's desk.

"You get the job?" Betty asked with a smile.

"Yep! Freelance," Peter responded. "Looks like I'll be seeing you guys on a regular basis."

"Nice! Looks like you're stuck with us!" Betty joked.

"Hey, Betty!"

Peter and Betty turned to see a young reporter quickly heading over with a bag. He walked over and kissed Betty.

"You're late again, babe. You said you'd be back in a flash," Betty chuckled.

"Well, the deli was crowded as hell. Managed to snag a couple good ones, though," the reporter said, pulling out a couple wrapped sandwiches.

"Peter, this is Ned Leeds. One of our best reporters and my boyfriend," Betty introduced. "Ned, this is Peter Parker, our new photographer."

Peter shook Ned's hand. "Peter Parker. Nice to meet you."

"Right back at you," Ned responded. "Welcome to the Bugle."

"Thanks. I will say, Jameson seems like… a character."

Betty and Ned chuckled.

"Understatement of the century," Ned commented.

"You get used to him after a while," Betty assured. "Too bad Ben's out now. You guys would really hit if off."

"As for our managing editor Robbie, you'll meet him when - oh, Robbie!" Ned called out. "Come over here!"

Robbie Robertson walked over to the three. "I know you! You covered for my son at the Halloween football game! Man, did you do an amazing job!"

Peter shook Robbie's hand. "Oh, thank you so much! I didn't know Rand was your son. Also, I ended up quitting the team."

"It's all good. A man's gotta do what he's gotta do. Are you here for a position?" Robbie asked.

"I've just been hired for freelance photography. It's an honor to be here," Peter answered.

"Well, we're glad to have you, Peter," Robbie said. "I have to head to my office, but it's great to have you on board!"

"Thanks."

Robbie headed to his office, and Betty and Ned started helping themselves to the sandwiches.

"I'll take the tuna salad. I assume you want the turkey-and-cheese?" Betty asked.

"You know me so well, babe. Peter, you want anything? We got ham-and-cheese, chicken salad, salami-and-cheese, and BLT," Ned offered.

"Chicken salad, please," Peter quickly requested.

Liz was lying on her bed in concern, reading the texts Flash had sent her.

FLASH THOMPSON: I fucking hate my dad so much

FLASH THOMPSON: Piece of shit nearly came at me

FLASH THOMPSON: All I have left is u

Liz attempted to call Flash for the fifth time. Still no response. All of a sudden, the doorbell rang. Getting up, Liz went to go get the door. Opening it, she saw Flash, who was panting, and his eyes were sore from crying.

"Oh my God, Flash!" Liz exclaimed, hugging her boyfriend. "Did you run all the way here? Why didn't you call me back?!"

"I didn't want you to stop me from coming over," Flash confessed. "I needed to get out for a while. My dad wasn't thrilled about me getting suspended."

"Baby, you know I'm always here for you. There's no reason I wouldn't be."

Flash scoffed, walking in. "You sure about that?"

"What are you talking about?"

"You know what. That whole fucking fight with Parker," Flash angrily responded.

"Flash…"

"I just had to push him. I didn't even find out about what happened to his uncle until after the whole thing happened. Coach told me that's why he quit. God, I'm such a piece of shit," Flash ranted.

"Flash, you didn't know about Peter's uncle. And you were angry," Liz tried to justify. "Listen-"

"Liz, I don't even know why you stay with me sometimes. I'm such a fucking dick. All I ever want to do is shit on other people. Just like my dad. And you know that my mom doesn't give a shit about me."

Flash started crying, collapsing on the couch. Liz sat down and cradled his head.

"You are not your father, Flash. You're better," Liz promised. "I love you for who you are deep down."

Flash kept crying. "I do-don't know what the fuck you see."

"You're a good person, Flash."

"It's been four days since the serum, and that's been enough time for his body to adjust to the effects," Justin explained to Carmila in the testing room. "The Scorpion armor will correlate and fuse with Mac's skin and enhanced capabilities. Made of the extremely powerful carbonadium, the mechanical bulletproof armor is both fiercely protective and can do incredible damage. It comes with claws, and the spiked tail can spew poison and also stab people."

"You were really hyping this up at the restaurant. Hopefully, it'll be worth it," Carmilla mused.

"It will be," Justin promised.

Mac was standing on a testing platform, and five scientists were preparing the experiment. Once it started, the platform extended, and the green armored suit elevated up and in front of Mac. The back of the suit opened up, and Mac stepped inside. The suit closed up, encasing Mac.

"Whoa," Mac said.

"The armor is fusing really well with your abilities, Mac. Feel free to test it all out," Justin offered, as a scientist brought in a table that had watermelons, cinder blocks, and wood on it.

Mac easily punched through all the items. He even punched through the table, smashing it in half. He proceeded to run rapidly around the room, flipping and jumping with ease.

"Holy shit!" Mac shouted as he jumped back on the ground.

In excitement, Mac extended claws from his hands and feet, and started waving them around. A scientist walked up and held a wooden board in front of Mac. Mac threw his hand, clawing the board in half.

"That's not just it. You can also climb walls," Justin revealed.

Mac ran over to the wall and stuck to it, climbing to the top. Once he jumped back down, the floor crumbled a little.

"Try out the tail!" Justin encouraged.

A scientist dragged a dummy over, and Mac stabbed it in the chest with the tail. He then shot poison at the face, causing it to disintegrate.

"Oh, shit!" Carmilla exclaimed.

A scientist came in with a machine gun and aimed it at Mac.

"Wait, wait-" Mac started.

The scientist opened fire on Mac, with the suit completely protecting him.

"Holy fuck!" Mac shouted. "You've outdone yourself, Hammer."

Carmilla and the scientists all started clapping, and Justin took that chance to bow.

"Thank you, thank you!" Justin excitedly said. "But thank you, Mac. You've helped us confirm that this experiment was a massive success. And now that we know it works, it's time for us to contact the military for any possible contracts. We can't thank you enough, Mac."

Justin and the scientists started clapping. Carmilla ran over and hugged her husband. One of the scientists, Blane Ordway, smirked to himself.

In an alley, a couple thugs were laughing, smoking, and playing cards. A few women were hanging with them.

"Go fish."

"Seriously, did you see her in the green thong or?"

"My mom's been getting on my ass about my shifts at Cinnabon and-"

"Hey!"

The thugs and women all looked to see a figure standing at the alley. Peter stepped forward, wearing his wrestler outfit.

"The fuck?" one of the thugs asked.

Everyone in the alley started laughing.

"Shut up!" Peter yelled. "Over a week ago, a man was carjacked and shot on the street. I've heard that this is one of the sketchier sides of Queens, so you better start giving me some answers."

"Wait, I heard about that on the news," one of the thugs realized.

"Get out of here, kid. Your mommy's probably wondering where you are," another thug mocked.

"Jesus, where did you learn how to interrogate?" one of the other thugs genuinely asked.

Peter walked closer to the thugs. "Listen. You do not want to piss me off right now."

"What's up with the crappy costume?" a thug taunted.

Angered, Peter punched the thug in the face, kneed him in the stomach, and threw him to the ground.

"Frankie!" one of the women yelled.

"Who's next?!" Peter dared.

Two thugs ran at Peter, who grabbed and slammed them to the ground. Another thug attempted to charge at Peter from behind, though his enhanced senses prompted him to flip. The thug accidentally ran into another one, knocking them both down. Peter quickly dodged a punch from another thug and started kicking him to the ground. Another thug proceeded to hit Peter in the chest with a steel pipe, and another one grabbed him, throwing him down. Both of the thugs ran to pin Peter down, only for the teen to kick them off.

"This guy is crazy!" another woman screamed.

Six of the thugs got up at that point, and started chasing Peter out of the alley. Peter ran through the street, avoiding and jumping over some of the cars. The thugs went after him, though Peter managed to escape into another alley. Once the thugs got there, a garbage bag was thrown at them, knocking them down with the trash pelting them.

"I'm gonna ask you guys again. Any of you know anything about the carjacker from a week ago?" Peter asked, grabbing one of the thugs and throwing him at a dumpster.

Another thug ran at Peter, who kicked him in the chest, knocking him down. Peter took two more thugs and bashed their heads together, knocking them out. Another thug ran at Peter from behind, though his enhanced senses warned him to sweep his leg, knocking him down. The last thug ran up to Peter and threw a fist, only for Peter to catch and crush it, forcing him to his knees.

"Gahhhhh!" the thug yelled in pain.

"I'm only gonna say this one more time. What do you know about the killer?" Peter interrogated. "I can break another hand if you want."

"Please, I don't know anything! Johnny over there does, though!" the thug yelled.

Peter then felt a gun being pressed against his head, specifically by the thug who had previously been thrown against the dumpster. Peter let go of the other thug's broken hand.

"Walk away, kid. Don't be stupid," Johnny warned.

In rage, Peter quickly grabbed the man's hand from behind and twisted it, causing Johnny to yell and grab his arm in pain, dropping the gun. Peter punched Johnny in the face and slammed him against the wall.

"The killer! What do you know about him?!" Peter raged. "You better talk unless you want to start eating out of a straw!"

"Okay, okay, I'll talk! I heard a rumor that the killer usually operates in Queens and Brooklyn. Maybe Manhattan every now and then. He's known for killing in many different ways, and he'll sometimes rob places," Johnny revealed in a panic.

"What's his name?!"

"That's the thing! No one knows! The guy's smart, so he'll cover up all his tracks. Cops can't do anything to find him. That's all I know, I swear! Please!"

Before Peter could do anything else, sirens were heard. And the familiar red-and-blue lights started to come into view. Peter dropped Johnny and jumped to the wall, quickly climbing up. By the time any cops arrived at the alley, Peter was on the roof. He quickly ran and jumped over a few more buildings before stopping at one, heavily panting. He took off his mask, sweating.

"Goddamn," Peter sighed to himself.

In his room, Norman was working on his computer. His phone started ringing, and he picked up, having anticipated the call.

"Hello?"

"Norman. It's Blane. It's complete," Blane Ordway confirmed through the phone.

Norman smiled to himself. "So the experiment's officially tampered with."

"I altered a few vital components of the serum right before the experiment was performed. I hid the changes through some efficient chemicals and substances. As for the Scorpion armor, to put it simply, I may have tweaked a few things here and there. Not to be arrogant, but what I've done is untraceable."

"Excellent. The money will be coming through very soon. You'll have more than enough to support your wife and son. Pleasure doing business, Ordway," Norman said.

Norman hung up, and took a sip of coffee from his mug, smiling.

Disclaimer: Spider-Man and any other Marvel characters are created and owned by Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. I do not have any ownership over them.

Here I am, back with another chapter. Writing can truly be a difficult thing. I've had a decent amount on my plate, especially with all this coronavirus stuff going on. It really is crazy, not being able to go out as much anymore is… damn. You really don't know what you have until you lose it, indeed.

Right now, I'm still outlining the rest of the volume out, and continuing to flesh out the origin. I've been taking a lot of inspiration from other Spider-Man media, so hopefully, you'll appreciate that lol. There's a lot of big plans I have for this volume and story as a whole, so stay tuned.

Again, any fav, follow, and review always means the world to me. And to those of you who've been reading thus far, thank you. Next chapter will be out around next week.

ThePurpleArcher24 - I really appreciate the support you've shown for this series thus far! And yes, I most definitely took inspiration from The Amazing Spider-Man for the fight scene, along with 2002's Spider-Man. And as for Scorpion, I'm glad you're excited! Expect a lot to come!

-redbird12