The Extraordinary Spider-Man - Vol 1
Chapter 12: Shocker
In his costume, Peter sat on the edge of a building, looking at his student portal on his phone.
"Hell yeah!" Peter exclaimed as he saw an A on his English final and a bunch of other assignments, allowing him to barely get an A- in the class. "Cramming in all that English work really paid off."
Other than world history, Peter's other grades were guaranteed to be in the A range. Before Peter could even turn off his phone, his Spider-Sense started alerting him to danger nearby. He quickly jumped off the building and swang in the direction of the danger. He saw cars being thrown aside by a vibrational force, as well as injured cops and damaged cruisers on the ground. An attack was happening in front of a bank.
"The hell?" Peter muttered as he landed on the ground.
Peter's Spider-Sense quickly alerted him to a car coming his way, allowing him to flip over it. Peter looked to see a man walking out of the bank with a huge bag of loot. He was wearing a ski mask, a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, combat boots, and some big gauntlets.
"I've heard about you on the news!" Herman excitedly stated.
"I'm sure you have. Here's the routine. You surrender and we call it a day?" Peter offered.
Herman mockingly pretended to think it over before declining. "Nah."
Herman shot a vibrational air blast at Peter, though the latter jumped away from it. Herman shot three more blasts, though Peter jumped over those as well.
"How the hell do you do this?" Peter genuinely asked as he shot a web at Herman's chest, though Herman quickly turned a dial on his gauntlet.
Peter yanked himself forward, only for Herman to smack him across the face with an electric punch, knocking him to the side. Herman jumped to plunge another fist into Peter, only for the vigilante to crawl aside. The gauntlet collided with the ground, letting out a small electric charge. As Peter and Herman faced each other, Peter threw a punch, only for Herman to dodge and hit Peter across the cheek with an electric punch.
"Gah!" Peter yelled as Herman threw an electric punch to his jaw, knocking him against a pillar.
Peter quickly jumped out of the way as an air blast was thrown at the pillar, blasting part of it. Peter shot some web darts at Herman, though the latter blocked them with his gauntlets. Peter then shot a web at Herman's leg, pulling him down. Peter started dragging Herman over, only to get hit by a wave, throwing him back.
"How the hell did you manufacture this webbing?" Herman asked as he got up.
"Again, I could ask the same thing with those gauntlets of yours," Peter countered as he got up. "Also, how do you know how to fight?"
"Red belt in taekwondo. Now shut up," Herman answered.
Herman shot two more air blasts, though Peter dodged them and swung over to Herman. Peter delivered a kick, only for Herman to barricade himself with the gauntlets, knocking the two down. Peter got up and webbed one of Herman's gauntlets to the ground, though Herman shot Peter with an air blast, knocking him back. Herman ignited the webbed gauntlet, frying off the webbing and freeing himself. Peter quickly shot a damaged car door with a web, yanking it off and throwing it at Herman. Herman jumped out of the way, though he couldn't dodge Peter as he swung over and kicked him in the face.
"Ahh!" Herman yelled as he fell to the ground.
"Aww, are you upset? I'd recommend seeing the school nurse about that," Peter mocked. "By the way, you ever consider a name? Because I think Shocker's a perfect fit."
Herman got up, spitting some blood out. He threw two electrified punches at Peter, who dodged them and kicked Herman in the chest, knocking him back. Herman growled as he clutched his chest.
"Looks like you're gonna have to go to the ER for that one," Peter chuckled as he webbed Herrman up. "Could be a great episode of Grey's Anatomy! Plus, you've gotta get a better costume. Something more protective?"
Herman smirked as he started frying the webbing off with his gauntlets. Herman then broke out, letting out two air blasts that sent Peter flying. Peter quickly shot a web at the bank, landing on top of it and jumping back to the ground. Sirens were then heard, prompting Peter and Herman to turn to the direction of three incoming cruisers.
"Get down on the ground now!" Officer DeWolff demanded as she got out of one of the cruisers, pulling out her gun.
Before any other cops could get out, Herman fired an air blast at DeWolff and the cruisers, knocking them back. On instinct, Peter quickly jumped and grabbed DeWolff in the air, bringing her back to the ground. Unfortunately, the other two cruisers fell to the ground. While this was happening, Herman ran over and grabbed his money. He then propelled himself away with an air blast, escaping.
"No!" Peter yelled as he ran over to the cruisers, ripping a door off of both of them, helping the injured officers out.
"Thanks for saving me. And the other officers," DeWolff thanked. "You know anything about that guy?"
"Nothing more than you. Well, he's a red belt, but that's about it," Peter said. "I don't know anything about his gauntlets."
"Hopefully, we'll be able to catch him. I have to admit, I'm warming up to you," Officer DeWolff admitted, smiling.
Peter smiled underneath his mask. "Glad to hear it."
Peter swung off as DeWolff tended to the injured officers.
Herman walked into his basement, throwing his mask off and tossing his loot against the wall. Still clenching his chest, he collapsed on his chair. Taking his gauntlets off, Herman pulled out his phone. He sat down and looked at a news report.
"About an hour ago, a fight between the well-known spider vigilante and a criminal utilizing enhanced gauntlets took place in front of the Spectre Orchard Bank. Unfortunately, seven police officers were injured, though the vigilante managed to briefly hold his own in the fight. The criminal not only robbed the bank, but his gauntlets were shooting out vibrational air blasts. The blasts were enough to-"
Herman put down his phone, smiling to himself.
"Looks like I got myself a nemesis."
Herman pulled out some blueprints, specifically for a battle suit.
"Looks like I'm taking his advice on the costume change. The next job will be much more fun."
The next evening at the Daily Bugle, Peter walked over to Jameson's office, ready to turn in the pictures. Luckily, his facial bruises were minor, so he covered those up with concealer. He went inside to see Jameson smoking a cigar.
"Mr. Jameson-"
"What the hell are you doing here?! Wait, you're here 'cause of the pictures. Never mind. Show me what you got, kid," Jameson instructed.
Peter took an envelope out of his coat and handed it to Jameson. Jameson opened it and took out the pictures of Peter fighting Herman.
"Let's see. Eh. Whatever. This one isn't too bad. Oh, wait! Perfect! This one's perfect!" Jameson practically yelled, holding up a specific picture.
Peter looked closer to see it was a photo of Herman shooting Peter with an air blast.
"Why am I not surprised?" Peter sighed.
"You shouldn't be. Robbie, get in here!" Jameson yelled.
Robbie walked in a few seconds later. "Peter got more photos?"
"You bet he did. Take this one," Jameson said, handing the photo to Robbie. "Next paper. For the headline, 'Vigilante and criminal rob bank together!'"
"Jameson, the vigilante was stopping that guy from robbing the bank? Why else would they have fought?" Peter protested.
"Because one decided to betray the other, or one wanted more cash," Jameson rationalized. "Now get out."
"I can't say I agree with this, Jameson. But do these guys even have names?" Robbie asked.
"Maybe the vigilante doesn't go by a certain name. Probably doesn't care. As for the other guy, what about Shocker?" Peter suggested.
"I like it. Headline, 'Vigilante and Shocker rob bank together!' I'll give you $300 for it."
"$300?" Peter sighed.
"$320. Now scram."
Peter and Robbie complied, and the former saw Betty and Ned getting ready to leave.
"How'd it go in there?" Ned asked.
Peter rolled his eyes. "Jameson's still not so crazy about the vigilante guy. Why am I not surprised?"
"None of us should be," Betty chuckled. "He's always been like that."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"You wanna get dinner with us? We can talk more about it," Betty offered. "What do you say?"
Peter chuckled. "Uhh, I really don't want to intrude and-"
"Nah, man. We insist," Ned interjected.
"Yeah. It'll be nice," Betty said with a smile.
"In that case, why not?" Peter answered. "Where to?"
Peter sat across from Betty and Ned in a booth at a TGI Fridays. Peter and Betty had water while Ned had a Coke.
"Thanks a lot for inviting me," Peter thanked.
"Thank you for coming with us, Peter," Betty replied.
"Yeah, it's nice to hang out with you," Ned insisted.
"Thanks. Plus, I can get to know you guys more," Peter pointed out.
The waitress came over with their food and started setting it down. "Alright, I got cajun shrimp and chicken pasta for the young lady. A signature whiskey-glazed burger for the young man. And fish and chips for the kid. As always, let me know if you need anything else."
"Thanks," Peter and Ned simultaneously said.
"Thank you," Betty thanked.
The waitress left, prompting the three to start eating.
"So, how'd you guys end up working for Jameson?" Peter asked.
"I went to ESU for journalism and got my bachelor's. After college, I started working for Jameson and… yeah," Betty answered.
"Babe, you'll get your chance soon," Ned assured.
"That's what people have been telling me for the past six years," Betty chuckled. "But I've grown fully content with the secretary life."
"I know you'll get your shot someday, Betty," Peter said.
"Thanks, guys."
Ned took a quick sip of coke. "As for me, I went to Mizzou's journalism school and got my master's. It took a little while, but I eventually moved to New York and joined the Daily Bugle. That's where I met my amazing girlfriend, and since then, it's been great."
Betty kissed Ned on the cheek.
"That's great! It's honestly been really fun working with you guys," Peter complimented.
"Vice versa. How about you, though? Why'd you start doing this?" Betty asked.
"Well, I've always had an interest in photography. I was even a part of my school paper for a bit," Peter answered.
"Where do you go to school?" Ned asked.
"Midtown."
Betty's eyes widened. "Oh, I went there too! Great school."
"Yeah, I have read a bit about it. One of the top schools in the state or something," Ned pointed out. "I forgot, are you a freshman?"
Peter nodded.
"Damn, you're a high school freshman and you already have a job! You get paid to take pictures of that vigilante and everything! That's awesome!" Ned exclaimed.
"Not completely."
Betty put on a concerned look. "What do you mean?"
"Well… basically, my uncle was killed by a burglar almost two months ago. Since then, it's just been my aunt and I. That's why I really need Jameson to pay me better. I gotta support my aunt all I can, even if she did start going back to work."
"I'm really sorry for your loss, Peter," Betty expressed.
"Same. I think it's awesome that you're doing this to support your aunt," Ned added.
"Thanks. And it really doesn't help whenever Jameson bashes the vigilante. It's so annoying, especially since it's obvious that guy's trying to help out. What the hell does he have against him?" Peter vented.
"Well, this is the part where we explain why he's like that. Truth be told, Jameson just doesn't like people who hide behind a mask," Betty answered.
Peter looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"Well, his son is John Jameson. First astronaut to play football on the moon. Jonah considers him a true hero. But he hates vigilantes," Betty answered.
"Seriously? Just because they wear a mask?" Peter scoffed.
"Not just that," Ned responded. "Ever heard of Daredevil? Or the Punisher? He doesn't exactly love them either. The former because of the whole mask thing. And the latter's a serial killer, so…"
"But the vigilante probably wears a mask because of his loved ones. What if he's too worried about putting them in danger?!" Peter exclaimed.
"I agree with you, but Jameson's cynical self won't see it that way," Betty said. "It's mainly street vigilantes he hates. He's indifferent to any huge superheroes."
"Well, if only he'd get his head out of his ass," Peter casually remarked.
"Oh, you're preaching to the choir," Ned stressed. "I don't know how Robbie has the patience to put up with him."
"Well, they've been friends for so long," Betty explained. "But I get what you're saying. The guy can be such a hardass."
"Is it safe to say he's never gonna like that vigilante?" Peter asked, genuinely worried.
Ned shrugged. "If he ever does, it won't be for a while. In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed."
It was Christmas Eve, and Gwen and Harry were over at Peter's house. Specifically, the three friends were exchanging Christmas gifts. They sat besides the Christmas Tree in the living room.
"Alright, this one's for Harry. And this one's for Gwen," Peter said, handing two gift bags to Harry and Gwen.
The two took their presents out of their bags.
"Holy shit," Harry said, taking out a copy of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. "Thanks a lot, man."
"Yeah, man. I know you barely play on your 3DS, but I figured you'd find this game fun," Peter responded.
"My God, Peter! Thank you so much!" Gwen exclaimed when she took out her $25 gift card to Cheesecake Factory.
Peter hugged both his friends. "No problem, guys. I'm glad you love them."
Gwen also handed Peter and Harry gift bags. "Well, I hope you guys love mine!"
Peter took out a red scarf. "Oh, wow! Thank you!"
Harry took out a snowman mug. "I admire your taste in silverware. Thanks a lot!"
Gwen hugged her friends. "Anytime, guys. I'm happy you guys love them!"
"Alright, now for me," Harry declared, handing the two gift boxes.
Peter opened his box to find a silver quartz watch. "My God, Harry! You shouldn't have!"
Gwen opened her box and took out a gold bracelet. "Oh my God!"
"You're welcome, by the way," Harry joked.
"Oh, thanks a lot, Harry. Believe me when I say that. Really," Peter thanked.
"Same. This means a lot, Harry," Gwen agreed.
Harry hugged his friends. "You're welcome. I loved your gifts as well."
"Yours honestly blew mine out of the water," Peter chuckled.
"Yeah, I'd definitely say your gifts kicked my ass," Gwen added.
Harry chuckled and waved his hand dismissively. "Stop it, guys."
Aunt May walked into the room, smiling. "You guys look like you're having fun!"
"The best," Peter assured.
"You have a great nephew, May," Gwen complimented.
"Aww, thank you!" Aunt May responded, putting her hand to her heart.
"Thank you, May," Harry thanked.
"Guys, stop it. You've been the best friends I've ever had," Peter complimented. "It's you I should be thanking."
"Hey, bro. We'll always be here for you," Harry promised.
"We're not going anywhere, Peter," Gwen added.
Peter's smile only grew bigger. "You guys mean the world to me. I can't say that enough."
Aunt May took out her phone. "Let me get a picture of you guys. I want to capture this moment."
The three got up, with Peter standing between Gwen and Harry. Aunt May took a picture.
"Beautiful," Aunt May commented.
"I think I blinked," Harry joked.
At that point, Aunt May's phone started ringing, prompting her to pick it up. "Hello? Yeah?"
Aunt May walked into the kitchen. Peter shot his friends a bemused look before speaking.
"Anyway, I was alone before high school. Barely had any friends. Then I met you two, and it's honestly been amazing. I know what it's like to be lonely. Bullied all the time. But you guys have been amazing friends, and it's brought me a lot of happiness. Especially during this time. And I'll always be thankful."
Gwen hugged Peter. "We're thankful for you too, Peter!"
Harry pat Peter's back. "You've been an amazing friend to us too, man."
At that point, Aunt May walked back into the living room, shocked.
"Aunt May? What's wrong?" Peter asked.
Aunt May heavily sighed. "I can't believe I'm about to say this."
Peter's eyes widened. "Jesus, May! What is it?"
"That was Gwen's dad on the phone. They have the suspected killer cornered right now," Aunt May revealed.
Peter's mouth dropped as he collapsed to his knees. He started hyperventilating as Gwen and Harry grabbed him for support.
"My-my God. You're being fucking serious?!" Peter exclaimed. "They got Uncle Ben's killer?!"
"The cops have him cornered at a warehouse south on Fifth Avenue. The killer's been holding them out, but-"
Peter ran up to his room in rage. Gwen, Harry, and Aunt May looked in shock.
"Peter!" Aunt May called. "Peter!"
In the dark warehouse, the burglar reloaded his gun, walking around and contemplating his next move. The cops' yelling was an annoyance.
"Be smart and cooperate!"
"Get out of there!"
"Don't make us burst in there!"
"Damn cops," the burglar muttered. "Gotta hold them out as much as I can."
Something was then heard crawling across the roof, prompting the burglar to shoot twice in that direction.
"Who's there?!" the burglar yelled.
Behind the burglar, Peter descended, hanging from a web. He ascended back up to the ceiling once the burglar turned around. The burglar walked around the warehouse again, only for a crate to be thrown at the wall.
"Shit!" the burglar screamed as he shot the wall. "I gotta get out of here."
"There is nowhere on this Earth that you could hide from me."
The burglar shot the roof. "Who the hell are you?!"
"You're gonna fucking pay for what you did."
The burglar turned around again, only to see Peter in his suit, crawling on the ceiling.
"Murderer!" Peter roared.
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.
I told you guys this would be a shocking chapter! We got Shocker, and I hope you guys were shocked by that ending! I told you last week that something big would be coming in the next two chapters, so I hope I delivered! In fact, expect the next chapter to be the most definitive one in this volume, if not the entire story. I can't stress how excited I am for you to read it. Also, I should mention that Shocker's suit in this is the same as the one in the PS4 game.
I hope you guys are continuing to stay safe and healthy. Life is somewhat returning back to normal for me, as I have been seeing a few friends under safe circumstances. Though I've still been cautious. Though I have to say, I've grown closer to some specific friends during this quarantine, and I'll always be thankful for that. Make sure to keep washing those hands!
Also, don't forget that the burglar is played by Cillian Murphy. You guys haven't seen him since the third chapter, so I just wanted to remind you. We're pretty much finishing up the origin next chapter, so thanks a lot for dealing with my slow burn approach to it! I'll say it again, but next chapter is what you should especially be excited for!
I don't usually do this, but given how excited I am, I'm gonna list the titles of the next few chapters to tease you guys…
13. Spider-Man
14. Double Trouble
15. Criminals
16. Preparations
17. The Enforcers
Fate-Be Changed - Won't spoil anything about any potential future heroes, so you'll have to keep reading lol! And as for Carmilla, her relationship with Mac will continue to be explored in the volume, and you'll see what happens!
Marvel Nerd - Yes, he did! I ended up going with him, because I couldn't think of any other potential actors to play him lol.
Geek4Life - Lol fair point! I'll have to consider that in the future.
Arnonymous - Thanks, I'm glad you liked it! Hopefully you'll continue reading!
Rollerparty - I am indeed expanding the Marvel Universe, and as for the villains, I do have big plans for them. As for Sinister Six, definitely expect it at some point in the future! And thanks! I'm glad you loved the parallel and transition, though it ironically wasn't intentional!
Guest - No spoilers, you'll just have to keep reading lol…
SpideyXBC - Like I said above, you'll see later on what happens with Mac and Carmilla! Expect it to be interesting.
-redbird12