The Extraordinary Spider-Man - Vol 1

Chapter 17: The Enforcers

"So, what theme are they thinking about?" Harry asked Valeria as they walked into the library.

"Not sure yet. There's a few ideas though," Valeria answered. "A winter structure for the theme is obvious, but we're still trying to figure out what else we can take inspiration from. That new Star Wars movie is coming out at the end of the year, so that was an option."

"We could make it Batman themed," Harry suggested.

Valeria chuckled. "No."

"Come on, the black aesthetic would go so well with the winter theme."

"Maybe, but we need something a bit more sophisticated."

"God, don't be one of those people!"

"I know that sounds pretentious, but we have to go with a more lively or worldly theme. Nights in Paris or something like that," Valeria explained.

"Or dazzling streets of New Orleans," Harry added.

"That's a great one."

Harry and Valeria made their way over to Peter, who was sitting at a table.

"Peter, this is Valeria. Valeria, Peter," Harry introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Valeria," Peter greeted, shaking Valeria's hand.

"Likewise," Valeria responded.

"Well, looks like we all got here at the right time," Gwen said, walking over with Charlie. "Guys, this is Charlie. The guy I told you I met in chemistry club."

"Hey, guys," Charlie introduced.

"This is Peter and Harry. And Harry's new friend," Gwen chuckled.

"Valeria, this is Gwen," Harry said.

"Nice to meet you, Gwen," Valeria stated.

Peter quickly started packing his things. "Well, it's been really nice meeting the two of you. But I gotta head off."

"Whoa, already?" Harry asked.

"Yep. Gotta go to therapy. See you guys later," Peter replied as he headed off.

"So, how've things improved in terms of recovery?" Lilly asked Peter and Aunt May.

"It's definitely been better. I still miss him everyday, but it has gotten better," Aunt May answered. "I can't stress how big of a relief it's been that the killer was caught, though. Son of a bitch."

"Same. That guy took someone we really loved away. Believe me when I say it was torture when the guy wasn't caught. The very idea of him just going out there and possibly killing more people. Ruining more fucking lives. He's locked up now, and that's what matters," Peter vented. "I hope he stays there forever."

"Yeah, it is amazing he was finally brought to justice. Thirty-three consecutive life sentences," Aunt May confirmed.

"Clearly, it looks like a huge weight's been lifted. But as for further healing, anything else you need to let out?" Lilly asked.

"It's obviously still hard, but I have been doing things to keep myself busy. I've been working, meditating, exercising, cooking, the basics," Aunt May said.

"That's good. What about you, Peter?"

"Pretty much just been going to school, hanging with Harry and Gwen, and just doin' my own thing," Peter answered.

"Speaking of Harry and Gwen, how has it recently been with your friends?"

"It's been good. Great, honestly. Well, not really. Today, Gwen introduced us to some new guy she met in chemistry club. Ugh," Peter groaned.

"Ouch," Aunt May added.

"Tell me about it. She only just met him and I already get such an icky feeling off of the dude. Stupid chemistry club, and stupid Charlie," Peter ranted. "She's already probably getting much more attached to the guy as we speak."

Lilly took some notes in her notepad. "You mentioned that Gwen just met this guy?"

"Yeah. And yet, it feels like there's already something more between them. God, it's so stupid. What have they done, a few science experiments together? Okay, I could honestly do that with her all I wanted, and now it feels like he's just taking her away from me."

"So it seems as if there's a lot of worrying, particularly because of your feelings. Do you think that might be pushing a decent amount of your judgement?"

"I'd be lying if I said that wasn't true. Maybe I am overreacting, but it's just… man, I really like her. I just can't help but worry, you know? Don't you remember the first time you liked a guy in high school?"

Lilly nodded. "Absolutely. Wonderful feeling."

"Exactly. And I want to do the best I can to win her over, but it's stuff like this that makes it so hard. Like, seriously. You can tell me if you think I'm overthinking this, but I really don't think this looks good for me."

"Well, do you think you're overthinking it?" Lilly questioned.

"Honestly, I don't know. Obviously, I don't want anything happening with her and this new guy. But I have to keep reminding myself of how close I already am to Gwen," Peter pointed out.

Lilly smiled. "Exactly."

"I know it sucks for now, kiddo. But I really think it's gonna be okay," Aunt May assured.

Peter moaned. "I hope so."

Justin was waiting at a table in the Piccola Venezia. He looked up when he noticed Carmilla walking over. She sat down.

"Hello, Carmilla. Thanks for coming," Justin greeted.

"Cut the shit and just explain to me what the hell actually happened," Carmilla demanded.

"Okay. Look, just know that my scientists and I looked over the experiment various times before we finally conducted it. And it really was stable. Unfortunately, after Mac's incident with those thugs, we discovered that the experiment had been tampered with by scientist Blane Ordway. Well, you knew that part already. But I swear, I have no idea why he attacked Oscorp. Based on my calculations, the serum will eventually drive him fully insane, so it'll be tough to get full answers," Justin claimed. "And I don't know why he attacked Spider-Man and that Shocker that one time. I haven't even seen him since the day we tested the armor. Your guess is as good as mine in terms of where he is."

"I just - it's just unbelievable this all happened. The scrutiny we're all under is fucking horrible. And Ordway. Son of a bitch. What the hell did he want with my husband?!" Carmilla exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, Carmilla. But I really don't know. I also have no clue where he's been."

"If only I knew. Oh, the things I'd like to do."

A waiter came over. "Hey, guys! My name's Terry, and I'll be your server for today. Can I start off with any drinks?"

"Just water for me," Justin requested.

Carmilla nodded. "Same."

"Sweet," Terry said as he walked away.

"But anyway, it's all gone to shit. And I am truly sorry about what happened with your husband," Justin apologized. "He didn't deserve any of that."

"You know, he'd always say that he was doing it all to help the military. I know he was telling the truth, but looking back, sometimes I question how much I really blamed him for doing what he did. As much as we both hated to admit it, he was broken even before the experiment."

"Man. He undeniably saw a lot in combat."

"He did. And he really did want to help, but I just really wish he found a better way."

"Well, it's a shame the experiment screwed up as much as it did. Not saying that's the point, but it would've really fulfilled Mac's dream of enhancing the military and helping further prepare them for war," Justin pointed out.

"And just look where he is now. Nobody has a damn clue, and all the media cares about is just scrutinizing us instead of even trying to help. They just care about the bigger story over the actual consequences, and it's legitimately evil."

"Agreed. It's honestly dreadful to imagine what could happen next with Mac. Hopefully, he won't attack again or that'll be even worse."

"I really hope to God he doesn't. It's been hard enough dealing with all this. As weird as it is to admit, it broke my heart to file that divorce and restraining order," Carmilla admitted.

"I can imagine."

The two sat in silence for a little before Terry walked over and set down their waters.

"Alright, folks. Anything to eat?" Terry asked.

"I'll need a few minutes," Justin said.

"Same," Carmilla agreed.

Terry nodded and walked away.

"It's funny to think that the last time we were here, we were discussing the experiment and talking about how well it would go," Justin sighed. "But that's besides the point. I'd like to offer you compensation for what happened."

"What?"

"I want to pay you. You've been through a lot, and you deserved none of it. Please, allow me to give you fifty thousand dollars for what happened."

"You can't be serious."

"I am," Justin insisted. "Please. I won't leave unless you take it."

Sighing in disbelief, Carmilla's eyes formed a hopeful glimpse. "I-I, my God. I don't know what to say! Thank you, Justin."

"It's my pleasure. Let's just hope for the best for Mac at this point."

A few days later, Peter was swinging through the city, wearing his coat and backpack on his costume.

"Stupid winter time," Peter coughed to himself as he endured the snow and freezing temperature.

As he continued to swing, Peter's Spider-Sense started alerting him to something behind him. He turned around, only to be ambushed by an incoming net.

"Gah!" Peter yelled as the net encased him, causing him to fall onto a building.

As Peter broke free from the net, a helicopter landed on the building. Three men in blue body armor got out of it.

"Great," Peter scoffed as he threw off his coat and backpack. "I just got out of a venting session, and now this? Couldn't you have just waited 'til the weekend?"

"Son, you're about to meet the Enforcers. I'd show some respect," Montana advised.

Fancy Dan quickly threw some shurikens at Peter, who flipped over them.

"Talk about hardcore!" Peter yelled as he jumped over to Fancy Dan, who quickly pulled out his bo staff.

Peter deflected Fancy Dan's staff hits, only for Fancy Dan to hit him in the chest, knocking him into Ox's grasp. Ox started crushing Peter, who struggled to break free.

"Let go of me, you freakin' hippo!" Peter growled as he elbowed Ox a few times, managing to break free.

Peter then dodged some shots by Montana's pistol. Peter jumped over a swing of Montana's whip, only for his foot to be caught afterward. Peter was pulled down, and Ox went in to smash his fists. Peter rolled aside to dodge the blow, and kicked Ox. Fancy Dan then performed a double leg takedown on Peter, knocking him to the ground. Fancy Dan started assaulting Peter's face with his fists, only for Peter to kick him off. Peter quickly dodged a bullet by Montana, and kicked the pistol out of his hand.

"Where the hell did you guys come from?" Peter genuinely asked as he jumped over a charging Ox.

Peter shot a web at Ox, proceeding to kick him from behind. Peter shot multiple webs at Ox, tying him up. However, Fancy Dan jumped in and kicked Peter in the chest, knocking him down. Peter jumped back up and shot webs at Fancy Dan, who deflected them with his staff. Fancy Dan ran over and swung at Peter with the staff, though the hero managed to deflect most of the blows.

"Ahh!" Peter yelled as the staff hit him in the shoulder, before getting smacked across the chin with it.

Peter shot webs at Fancy Dan's legs and yanked him across the building, only for Fancy Dan to plunge his staff in the ground, breaking his fall. Montana then tried to whip Peter again, only for the latter to dodge again and shoot a web at Montana's chest. Peter yanked Montana over and punched him in the jaw, knocking him down.

"Aahhhh!" Ox roared as he charged at Peter, slamming him to the ground.

Ox threw a punch, which Peter dodged. Peter shot a web at Ox's eyes and punched him in the face three times, managing to break free. The two got up and brawled, only for Ox's massively strong exterior and counters to be enough to take Peter's hits. Ox grabbed Peter's punch and smacked him across the face, easily knocking him down. Fancy Dan pulled Peter up and performed a flip kick on him. Fancy Dan then delivered four jabs to the chest and a kick across the face, knocking Peter down.

"That's what happens when you try to make the Enforcers look bad," Fancy Dan warned.

A police helicopter was then heard, prompting the Enforcers to run back into their helicopter, proceeding to flee. As Peter groaned and struggled to get up, he saw the NYPD helicopter, and Captain Stacy hanging from a ladder.

"Great. It gets better," Peter sighed.

Captain Stacy jumped down, pulling out his gun. "So we finally meet. Freeze, Spider-Man! Right now!"

Scoffing, Peter pointed at the Enforcers' fleeing helicopter. "Those are the real villains!"

"I already have a helicopter in pursuit. You've been doing nothing but causing a lot of headaches for this city. Be smart and turn yourself in right now," Captain Stacy commanded.

"Screw this!"

Peter ran and grabbed his stuff. He jumped off the building, swinging away.

Swinging over to his window, Peter found that it was locked instead.

"Perfect," Peter scowled to himself as he crawled away. "May probably didn't want the snow to get in."

Changing as fast as he could outside into his hoodie and other clothes, Peter quietly opened the door to his house. He started walking up to his room.

"Peter."

"Yeah?" Peter replied.

"Where the hell were you?" Aunt May asked, stern.

"Oh-uh, I-I was out," Peter stuttered.

"Where?"

"I-I was studying"

"Where? Peter, do you even realize it's one in the goddamn morning?"

Taking out his phone, Peter looked to see it was 1:07.

"Turn around and look at me, Peter," Aunt May demanded.

"I'm fine."

"Take down the damn hood and look at me."

Sighing, Peter turned around and took down the hood, revealing bruises on his cheek and forehead, and a left black eye.

Aunt May put her hands to her mouth. "Oh my God! Peter. What do you do at this hour? Who the hell are you seeing?"

"Aunt May, it was an accident at gym class. We were playing football and I got hurt."

"Well, that doesn't explain why you're so late!"

"Aunt May, I'm sorry. Look, I went to the library, and then I went to study at Harry's after. I was just stressed, so I-"

"Peter, you can't keep doing this! Jesus, you realize how worried I was?" Aunt May stressed.

"May, I said I was sorry. But, I'm fine and-"

"After what happened with Ben, you cannot just pull this on me! I don't want you to end up like him, dead on the street! Every time you decide to come home late or not answer my calls, there's always gonna be that part of me that'll worry about you ending up dead! I can't lose you, Peter!"

Sighing, Peter put his hand on the wall and looked down. "I understand, May. But you gotta know that I am being safe. There's been a lot on my plate too. But just remember that I'm okay."

"I'm not fully sure I believe that, Peter."

"May-"

"From now on, you're not gonna be home a minute later than nine," Aunt May declared. "Are we understood?"

"Seriously? No, come on. Please, what about at least ten?"

"You're lucky I'm not going with eight. Nine is final, Peter."

Groaning, Peter started to head upstairs.

"Do you understand, Peter?"

"Yeah!" Peter responded, annoyed.

Peter walked up to his room and collapsed on his bed.

"Goddamn," Peter said to himself.

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 again, cramming in this newest chapter. Hope you guys are continuing to enjoy the story! It's always my goal to deliver the best version of this story possible, so as always, please let me know what you love and hate about it! Hope you guys enjoyed the fight with the Enforcers in particular! I'm gonna continue planning out the rest of the volume, and hopefully it'll get much better!

Just like the past few weeks, life has been returning more normal with each coming week. I've been hanging a lot with friends, so this summer's honestly been pretty great, all things considered. Late night drives sure are a fun thing. What's not fun is how the upcoming Miles Morales game is only for PS5 and not PS4. Goddamn it, Sony. I also found out I'm going to campus for school in the fall, so thank God for that. Hope you're all continuing to stay safe and healthy!

As always, favs, follows, and reviews are always appreciated! Halfway through my summer Spanish class now! Anyway, have a happy Father's Day!

Fate-Be Changed - Haha was Norman telling the truth is the question?

Marvel Nerd - Yeah, I read over the backstory of the Rhino and it's interesting. Hope I don't fail him!

Guest - Lol no. You'll see what happens.

Geek4Life - He was definitely one of the better parts of the film. Also, yep! Thought he'd be a great choice.

Rollerparty - Thanks! And yeah, I gave into the Batman reference lol, bc why not. My casting for Montana was actually done after the Venom movie, but thanks a lot for the feedback as usual!

SpideyXBC - Yeah, totally lol! I do definitely think the TASM version of Flash Thompson is the best incarnation.

Teller-Story - Lol I can't really blame you at this point!

-redbird12