The Extraordinary Spider-Man - Vol 1

Chapter 10: Scorpion

Likenesses used

Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin

Peter shot a web at Mac's face, kicking him in the chest with both feet and getting up. Mac ripped off the webbing and charged at Peter, only for the latter to jump over him, causing Mac to ram the wall.

"Looks like you had one too many drinks," Peter joked. "Maybe you should take it down a notch."

Yelling, Mac charged again at Peter, knocking him out of the office and into the hallway. Mac proceeded to jump on Peter, only for the vigilante to quickly roll out of the way as Mac smashed the ground. Peter shot some webs at Mac and flung himself over, kicking and punching him. Mac started dodging Peter's punches, grabbing his arm and punching him in the gut, knocking him back. Mac ran over and grabbed Peter's leg with his tail, smashing him repeatedly onto the ground and throwing him against the elevator, denting it.

"God, that wasn't fun," Peter admitted.

Mac charged at Peter, who jumped out of the way as Mac broke down the elevator door. Peter shot multiple web darts at Mac. Mac swung his tail, prompting Peter to jump over it.

"I gotta admit, that thing's pretty sick," Peter admired as he jumped over another tail swing.

Mac managed to smack Peter across the back with the tail, knocking him into the elevator. Mac got in and punched Peter in the face twice, knocking him against the wall of the elevator. Mac's tail pressed the first floor button of the elevator, causing it to start going down. Mac charged at Peter, who jumped to the wall. Mac proceeded to jump on the wall as well, pursuing Peter across the walls of the elevator as they jumped around.

"Seriously. Where do these guys come from?" Peter asked as he jumped and kicked Mac in the face, knocking him to the ground as the elevator made it to the first floor.

Peter jumped to the ground, though Mac body slammed him out of the elevator. Peter quickly got up and dodged two punches by Mac, returning with a punch to Mac's jaw. However, Mac's tail smacked Peter across the face, knocking him across the lobby of the building. Groaning, Peter shot a web at a desk, grabbing and hurling it at Mac to minimal effect, smashing the desk. Peter shot more webs at Mac, struggling to restrain him. Peter quickly ran out of the building, watching people running around and freaking out.

"Everyone! Out of the area right now!" Peter yelled.

Peter ran over to the alley wall where he had webbed his backpack. Pulling the backpack out, Peter opened it to take out his camera. He quickly ran over to a nearby store and climbed up, webbing the camera to the wall.

"Please don't fail me, auto timer," Peter begged.

Peter's Spider-Sense started warning him to Mac bursting out of the Oscorp Tower. Peter quickly jumped back down to see a car being hurled at him. Peter jumped out of the way and swang over to Mac, kicking him down. Peter tried to throw a punch, only for Mac to kick him in the chest, knocking him against a car. Mac then ignited the claws on his hands, lunging at Peter with them. Peter quickly dodged the hit, causing Mac to scratch the car.

"Who are you, Freddy Krueger?" Peter asked as he dodged and jumped over the claws.

"Annoying kid!" Mac growled as he performed a flip kick to Peter's face, striking him down.

Mac then shot a poison dart at Peter with his tail, though the vigilante quickly jumped out of the way. The poison hit the ground, burning off a part of it.

"Holy shit!" Peter exclaimed as he threw a punch, which Mac dodged.

Mac slashed Peter across the cheek, prompting the latter to yell in pain. Mac then kicked Peter in the face, knocking him down. Peter groaned as he crawled across the ground. He aimed his web-shooter at Mac, who smirked.

"See you, kid," Mac mocked as he prepared his tail.

However, bullets started hitting Mac, who turned around to see cops shooting him to no avail.

"Get down right now!"

"Die, scumbag!"

Mac started charging at the cops, prompting them to jump out of the way. The cruisers were smashed aside as Mac escaped. In the midst of this, the bruised Peter retrieved his camera and backpack, climbing up to the top of a building. He looked back to see the cops, and miraculously, none were injured. Groaning, he swung off.

"That sucked," Peter sighed as he swung through the city.

Around twenty minutes later, Peter made it home, crawling in through his window. He immediately dropped his backpack and collapsed in his bed, throwing off his scratched mask and loudly groaning.

"Peter?"

"Uh, nothing!" Peter quickly responded as he started throwing his costume off.

"Peter, I'm coming in!"

"Hold on!"

Peter got the costume off and threw it under his bed, quickly hiding under his blanket. Aunt May came in a few seconds later.

"Peter, where have you been?" Aunt May asked, concerned.

"Uh, I was just taking a nap," Peter lied.

"That's really funny, 'cause I don't recall you even being in the house for the past two hours. You haven't even been answering your texts, and - Oh my God!" Aunt May exclaimed as she looked closer and noticed Peter's bruised face.

Peter felt his face, only to remember the bruises and claw mark. "Oh, it got really crazy down in the city, I tripped and just got hurt!"

"Jesus, what happened down in the city?!" Aunt May asked.

"Some huge riot or something. Forgot what it was."

"Pete, what were you even doing there in the first place?! Get out of bed."

"May, I just felt like taking a walk," Peter lied.

"Get out of bed, Peter."

Sighing, Peter complied, though he was only wearing his boxers. Once she saw Peter's bruised body, Aunt May's jaw dropped as she almost started tearing up.

"Peter-"

"Aunt May, it's not that big a deal-"

"Are you kidding me?! Peter, I-I can't-" Aunt May stuttered. "You can't let yourself get hurt like this!"

"Aunt May, please! I promise I'm okay!" Peter insisted.

Aunt May shook his head. "I'm getting the first-aid kid. Stay right there."

Peter nodded as he sat on his bed. Aunt May left the room, and Peter's phone started ringing in his backpack. Peter took it out and picked up.

"Hello?"

"Peter! Did you hear about what happened to my dad?! It's fucking crazy, I-I don't know what to do right now!" the panicking voice of Harry yelled.

"Holy shit, what?" Peter exclaimed, pretending to be shocked.

"Yeah, some insane dude in a Scorpion suit tried to kill him at the Oscorp Tower. Luckily, that vigilante guy saved him. Dad's being looked over by paramedics right now, and it-it's just crazy. Like, the fuck?!" Harry exclaimed.

"My God, that shit's crazy, dude. I hope your dad's okay."

"He's fine, thanks. My mom and I literally just don't know what to say or do."

"Look, Harry, I know you're probably not gonna want to hear this, but I have to confess. I was around the area when the attack happened. Reason I lied was because I got pictures of the attack-"

"What?! Seriously, dude?!"

Peter sighed. "Yeah. Sorry, man."

"Sorry? Dude, I just want to make sure you're okay!"

"Oh, thanks for asking, I'm fine. But yeah, I'm sorry, man. I got pictures of the fight between the vigilante and that Scorpion guy," Peter admitted, technically telling the truth. "I'm really trying not to exploit what happened with your dad, but-"

"Stop right there, man. I appreciate you letting me know, and I know you need that money to support your aunt. It's totally fine," Harry assured.

"Thanks for understanding, Harry."

"You're fucking insane for being there, by the way. Weren't you scared of getting hurt?"

"Got some scratches here and there," Peter chuckled.

"Jesus, man. Hope you feel better."

"Thanks. Same with your dad."

"He'll be fine. I'm just glad the vigilante saved him. Looks like Gwen's dad was wrong," Harry admitted.

Peter smiled. "I know, right?"

At the Daily Bugle, Peter walked over to Jameson's office. Unlike after his first fight with Mac, Peter was too lazy and discouraged to even conceal his bruises with Aunt May's makeup. His face was still slightly bruised, though he ignored the shocked looks from his coworkers.

"Peter!" Ned exclaimed.

"Oh my God, Pete!" Betty added.

Peter walked into Jameson's office, handing the editor-in-chief an envelope. "Got some pictures of the vigilante, sir."

Jameson's eyes widened. "Kid, what the hell?!"

"Oh, uh, I tripped in a crowd."

Jameson opened the envelope. "Must've been one hell of a crowd."

"Yeah, it was."

Jameson looked through the photos of Peter fighting Mac on the streets. "Crap, crap, mega crap, absolute crap, just crap everywhere!"

"Couldn't you at least use one of them? It's better than nothing."

"Wait, this one's great!" Jameson excitedly exclaimed as he looked at one particular photo.

Peter looked closer to see it was a photo of Mac slashing Peter across the face.

"Wouldn't you want to use one where the vigilante's winning?" Peter pointed out.

"Absolutely not! This one perfectly encapsulates what the two are all about! Robbie!" Jameson yelled.

Robbie quickly walked into the office. "Jameson? Peter, what the hell happened?"

"Fell in a crowd," Peter said.

"Put this photo on next week's paper! Headline it 'Vigilante and Scorpion Cause Havoc on the Streets!'" Jameson demanded.

"Whoa, whoa, the vigilante was trying to help!" Peter defended. "He saved Norman Osborn and fought off that crazy guy!"

"I have to agree, Jameson. From what I heard, it sounded like he was trying to do the right thing," Robbie agreed.

"Well, think that all you want! But what matters is what I think! And I think that they're both villains! Now get out of here!"

Robbie walked out, though Peter stayed behind.

"Oh, right, your pay. I'll give you $250 for this," Jameson offered.

"Mr. Jameson, please. I really-"

"$350."

Peter's eyes still had disappointment in them. "Jameson-"

"It's better than nothing," Jameson responded with a smirk.

"Fine."

Peter walked out of the office, sitting next to Betty and Ned.

"Peter, what the hell happened?!" Betty asked.

"Talk to us, dude," Ned said.

"I was covering that whole fight with the vigilante and that Scorpion guy. I got knocked down in a crowd. And yeah," Peter lied.

"You got a claw scratch from a crowd?" Ned asked, shocked.

"New Yorkers are feisty as hell," Peter insisted.

"Buddy, we just want you to be okay. You gotta be more careful," Betty said.

"I know, and I appreciate you guys trying to look out for me. But what really sucks is that Jameson's trashing the vigilante on the paper," Peter sighed.

Ned shrugged. "Sorry, man. We warned you. He does not like people who hide behind a mask."

"But I do think that Spider guy's a hero," Betty expressed.

"Same," Ned agreed.

Peter smiled. "Glad you guys feel that way."

"Justin! He's at the door!" Jack called to Justin inside Hammer Industries.

"Let him in," Justin instructed, walking over to the door. "I need to have a few words with him."

Jack complied, and a slightly battered Mac walked inside.

"I know what you're gonna say-" Mac started.

"You fucking idiot! You were supposed to stay low, but no, you decide to go out there and wreak havoc like Godzilla! Because of you, this shitshow's likely gonna fall on me!" Justin raged. "What the hell were you thinking?!"

"You know why I did it. Osborn messed with both of us!" Mac justified. "Maybe I could've planned better, but-"

"But you're gonna lay low in here indefinitely! You've made things a lot more complicated, and now, I gotta clean it up!"

Mac looked down, not knowing what else to say.

"Jack, take him to the chambers and get that suit off of him. I'm gonna look more into the experiment," Justin ordered.

Jack nodded. "Yes, sir."

Jack took Mac away, and Justin went to the testing room. He scanned and looked over the experiment on his computer.

"Blane, you clever son of a bitch," Justin cursed.

Justin analyzed Blane's alterations further, and his jaw dropped upon learning more. It was no surprise that Mac's control over his emotions and stability were severely tampered with. But, the outcome was even worse.

"Eventually, it's gonna drive him insane," Justin deduced, fearful.

"Ma'am, can you please comment?"

"How was your relationship with Mac before this all happened?"

"Can you please tell us more about your husband?"

Carmilla evaded the reporters as she walked inside her house, locking the door. Stressed, she walked over to the couch and sat down. A few minutes later, she answered a phone call from her mother.

"Mom?"

"Carmilla, baby, how are you doing?" Monica asked in concern. "We haven't talked much about-"

"How do you think I'm doing?" Carmilla bluntly responded. "First, he flips shit on me on Thanksgiving. And then this all happens! I'm married to a criminal!"

"I'm so sorry, Carmilla."

"Mom, I don't think you realize how much I loved him! Now, I'm always gonna be known as the wife of that psychopath! He's not even… he's not who I fell in love with."

"I understand, baby. You're clearly under a lot of stress right now. Why don't you come stay with me for the time being?" Monica offered.

Monica rubbed her eyes, tears starting to come down. "Not the worst idea ever."

"You can even come tonight if you want. I'm always a safe haven if you need it."

Monica started crying. "Okay. I'll be there in a few hours."

"Sounds good. I love you, Carmilla."

"I love you, mommy. I'll see you in a few."

Carmilla hung up the phone and went upstairs to pack her things.

"This is nice," Aunt May said as she and Peter ate at a table in Thai Palace.

"Yeah. We've only been here twice, though," Peter commented.

"Still, their food never disappoints," Aunt May complimented.

"True."

"Anyway, how's school going? Keeping up in your classes?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Had a chemistry test yesterday, and I think I did well."

Aunt May smiled. "That's good."

"How's work been for you?" Peter asked.

"Honestly, it's like I never left. It's been relieving in a sense to be working again."

"I'm glad you feel that way. When should we get your retirement fund started?"

"Right after I kick your ass. You know, as far as old jokes go, that was one of your better ones," Aunt May chuckled.

"Thanks. I try."

"Oh, how'd your friends take your injuries, by the way?"

"When Harry called me, I told him right there. Dude freaked out. And when Gwen saw me at school, she looked like she was about to faint," Peter answered.

"That's why you don't get involved in big crowds. Ever. I still can't believe that whole fight with the vigilante and that Scorpion was happening nearby," Aunt May stressed. "You could've been killed."

"Well, it's a good thing I didn't get involved."

"Damn right it is. Next time you see something like that happening, you run the other way."

"For sure."

Aunt May picked at her food with her fork. "You know, Pete, I really am glad we've been bonding more. Even if it's just small dinners like these."

"Feeling's mutual. Lilly wasn't kidding when she said this would really help out."

"Woman knows her stuff."

Peter took a sip of water. "Though I still miss him everyday."

"So do I. I probably always will, but I just have to remind myself that we'll get through it."

"As long as we have each other."

Aunt May pat Peter's hand. "Always."

In his office at the mansion, Norman was looking on his computer, specifically at articles and reports of Mac and his little incident.

"It's funny. I knew it was gonna make things more difficult for them. However, this was more promising than I could've expected," Norman acknowledged. "If he loses his temper more, that'll work even more in our favor."

"You're absolutely right, Osborn."

"I know I am," Norman responded.

The imposing figure of Wilson Fisk walked out of the shadows of the room. "There anything we have to worry about at the moment?"

"Well, I read some reports of Blane Ordway being missing. We can only assume he either fled or was killed."

Fisk smiled. "What about the vigilante?"

"I've heard a bit about his exploits. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fascinating. All that power. And all the skills."

"Have any theories on him?" Fisk asked.

Before Norman could answer, his phone started ringing. He picked up and put it on speaker. "Hello?"

"Norman Osborn."

Norman's eyebrows narrowed. "Hammer."

"I know it was you, Osborn," Justin revealed. "And know I'm onto you."

Norman chuckled. "You're onto me?"

"Yes. Mac's my protection right now, so don't even try anything. Besides, if you reveal anything about Hammer Industries' involvement in the experiment, I'll be more than happy to unleash Mac on that happy wife and son of yours. He's got a lot of bloodlust he needs releasing."

"Hammer, you do anything to touch my family, and you're gonna suffer in ways that'll have you begging for death. You'll be beaten down to the curb, but beforehand, you're gonna watch everything you love disintegrate. After a few more hours of suffering, you'll be put down slowly," Norman retaliated.

"Threaten me all you want, Norman. You're clearly forgetting who's the one with the higher power here. If you were smart or sane in any way, you'd choose your next moves very carefully."

Justin hung up the phone. Norman looked at Fisk.

"We have work to do," Norman mused. "Specifically, we have to find our next course of action with Hammer and that damn Scorpion."

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.

Well, I really just wrote most of this in one night, so I hope you guys enjoy this one! Next chapter will obviously be out next Sunday at this point. That's the weekly schedule I'll try and aim for at this point. Otherwise, I hope you're all still staying safe within this coronavirus. A lot's been happening tbh.

I've said this a million times, but we're starting to get into more exciting heights in the story. I've been focusing on developing the characters and their relationships even more, and I couldn't be more grateful that people have been this invested in it thus far. I'm always striving to bring you guys the best content possible.

Favs, follows, and reviews always keep me going, and as always, much love. I really appreciate the feedback I've gotten! Expect a small time jump in the next chapter, though that's all I'll say. Peace.

Fate-Be Changed - I obviously won't spoil anything about how Mac's arc will go for the rest of the volume and overall story. Glad you're looking forward to seeing where it goes! You'll just have to keep reading and find out…

Marvel Nerd - I wanted Peter's second suit (After the wrestler suit) to be the one from 2012's The Amazing Spider-Man because I always loved that costume, and I think it's vastly underrated. I figured it'd be a nice starting point for Peter. Plus, it's far too early in his career to receive an advanced suit in any way, but we'll definitely see for the future. As for Blane, I'm sorry to disappoint, but I do definitely think your ideas were pretty interesting!

Geek4Life - Lol! Looks like there really is only one Scorpion in the end!

Guest - Haha it definitely would be something if Peter went bald! I'll be honest and say I don't see myself doing it, but I appreciate the different ideas!

Rollerparty - Omg there's no other Jameson than J.K. Simmons! Couldn't have seen myself using anyone else. And I'm glad you're liking Scorpion so far! As for Peter making jokes, you'll definitely see more! And yes, I'll definitely continue writing!

Teller-Story - Lol I guess I just use the term shipper out of instinct, even for a bromance or brotherly bond!

SpideyXBC - I appreciate how you feel about the other ideas! I pretty much have already said what I had to about the bald look and an advanced suit, but I hope you stick around!

-redbird12