The next morning, Peter decides to leave extra early to walk to school with Ned. His friend asks him question after question as they walk, looking like his dreams just came true after Peter answers every one. Darwin finds the conversation helpful as well. He's never heard Peter talk about how he got his powers before. After hearing the story about the field trip and the spider, however, Darwin frowns.

'What kind of school lets a bunch of freshmen go on a field trip to a highly scientific research corporation and then doesn't have the decency to watch them and make sure they don't wander off and interrupt unknown laboratory experiments?' Darwin thinks, 'Also, what was Oscorp doing with those spiders anyway? Seems suspicious to me.'

They eventually come across Mr. Delmar's shop, which is burnt down and covered in police tape and barricades. Various police officers and detectives mill about. Overall, it's a very ugly scene.

"Woah," Ned says, "You were here?"

"Yeah."

Darwin's gaze wanders and falls upon a few familiar looking people standing across the street. It takes him a moment, but eventually he remembers that they're the government agents that Toomes was arguing with all those years ago after the Battle of Manhattan. He'd stumbled upon that scene by accident and didn't stay long, so he didn't catch any of their names, but now he wishes he had lingered.

The white-haired woman is talking with another agent and two men in hazard suits. They glance around suspiciously, obviously not wanting to be overheard.

Ned's voice brings him back to attention. "You could've died," he says, wincing. The teens stare at the damaged building for a few moments, their emotions apprehensive, before Ned asks, "Do you lay eggs?"

"What? No!" Peter laughs nervously.

'Hmm,' Darwin thinks, amused, 'You don't sound too sure.'

As usual, Darwin hangs around Midtown High while Peter and Ned are in class. The August sun is stifling, so the Irish Wolfhound finds a nice patch of shade underneath a tree and lies down. He thinks back to his dilemma from the previous night.

'I know I can't prove my powers to him,' he thinks, 'But maybe I can just hint at it? Show him I'm not just a normal dog?'

Letting out a long sigh, Darwin shifts his head on his paws. It's been hours; school should be letting out any minute.

'Peter's smart. I'm sure he'll figure it out eventually,' his thoughts continue, 'I mean, he already knows I'm pretty intelligent, maybe I should just up that, do things other dogs wouldn't do…'

The bell rings and kids start pouring out of the building. Darwin sits up and watches the students pass by, keeping an eye out for Peter. The boy soon appears, looking harried. Ned trots at his side.

"Don't worry about it man, it's gonna be fine," Ned is saying.

Peter doesn't look convinced. "Don't you think people are going to notice?" He asks, "I mean, the moment I disappear, Spider-Man shows up? A little suspicious, man."

Ned's eyes fall on Darwin and he perks up. "Then bring Darwin with you!" He says.

Peter looks horrified. "Are you kidding me?" He exclaims, stopping beside the dog, "It's a loud party with loud people and loud music- he's a dog, man. It's gonna bother him."

"No it won't," Ned reassures, "Darwin would follow you to the ends of the earth. And I've seen people with service dogs go to parties and their dogs don't seem to mind. Besides, if Darwin comes, not only will you be the cool guy who brought his dog to a party- because let's be real everyone loves dogs and people really like Darwin- but he'll also let people know that you're there. Even if Peter Parker happens to be gone when Spider-Man shows up, everybody knows you'd never just leave your support dog at some party. It's a perfect plan, man, c'mon!"

Peter hesitates, then smiles a bit. "It is a pretty good plan… I mean, it could work…"

Ned looks at him expectantly, his eyes practically sparkling, and Peter turns to Darwin.

"We're going to a party tonight, bud!"

'Uh oh,' Darwin thinks as Ned lets out a whoop.

'I can't do this.'

Darwin sits in the backseat of the car next to Ned, who's wearing a very fetching hat. May drives the car and slowly pulls up next to a fancy-looking house with teenagers milling about.

'I've seen Mean Girls, alright, and honestly I do not see the appeal of teen parties. I don't fit in this scene!' Darwin's internal panic continues, 'What's Peter even doing? This is so unlike him!'

The dog did not miss the fact that Peter put on his Spider-Man suit underneath his clothes while getting dressed. When Darwin grunted in confusion, Peter merely put a finger to his lips and smiled.

At least the boy has the decency to be nervous now.

"This is a mistake," he says, turning to May, "Hey, let's just go home."

May's expression morphs into one of concern. "Oh, Peter. I know, I know it's really hard trying to fit in with all the changes your body is going through. It's flowering now." Whatever Peter expected his aunt to say, that was not it. May turns to Ned and says, "He's so stressed out lately."

Ned smiles, giving Peter a look. "What helps with stress is going to a party. We should go to the party."

Peter hastily agrees and exits the car, soon followed by Ned and Darwin. After bidding May goodbye, they walk up the driveway towards the house.

"Dude, you have the suit, right?" Ned whispers excitedly. Peter pulls up his sleeve to give Ned a glimpse of his Spider-Man suit. Ned grins. "This is gonna change our lives!"

'This is gonna be a disaster.'

Just as they thought, the house is very boisterous and crowded. Loud music makes the floor vibrate as Peter and Ned glance around anxiously. Nobody seems to really pay attention to their arrival.

Darwin sniffs, unimpressed. 'So many sweaty teenagers.' He's already not liking this. Everyone is clearly drunk and hormonal and he can't avoid their messy emotions. It's a bit overwhelming.

Ned turns to Peter and says lowly, "Okay, we're gonna have Spider-Man swing in, say you guys are tight, and then I get a fist bump or one of those half bro-hugs."

Peter nods, but before he can say anything, a girl standing at the counter says, "I can't believe you brought your dog to this lame party." She sounds bored and disinterested. "He shouldn't be subjected to this."

She walks away, leaving Ned and Peter confused behind her. They're quickly distracted by Liz, who comes over and greets them, sounding a bit surprised. As they talk, Darwin glances around. Something about this place seems… odd. That scent that Liz always carries, the one that always seems familiar to him, it's stronger here.

'Which makes sense,' Darwin thinks, 'I mean, it's her house, of course it would be stronger here. But what is it? Maybe, like, an object or something that I've smelled before?'

It seems like some investigating is called for.

As Liz walks away, Ned whispers to Peter, "Dude, what are you doing? She's here. Spider it up."

"No, no, no." Peter shakes his head. "I can't… I cannot do this. Spider-Man is not a party trick, okay? Look, I'm just gonna… be myself."

Darwin is proud of him for his mature decision. His pride lasts for about ten seconds, until Flash starts taunting Peter and the boy immediately changes his mind. He sighs as Peter gives Ned a smile and nods, disappearing.

'Eh, too good to be true,' Darwin thinks, 'But at least I can go investigate now.'

He pads away, weaving through the crowd of teenagers. A few hands pet him as he passes by, but he ignores them. There are people crowding every corner, but upstairs looks a bit more promising. He climbs up to the second floor and pauses, glancing around. There are less people up here, probably because it seems that this is where the bedrooms are. Liz probably wouldn't want any teenagers snooping around her parents' room.

'Good thing I'm not a teenager,' he thinks as he pushes one door open, revealing a master bedroom. The familiar scent is stronger in here.

'It must be a person then,' Darwin thinks, walking in, 'But who?'

There are a couple of pictures in frames on the bed stand. Darwin peers at one of them and blinks at the familiar face of Adrian Toomes.

'Toomes!' He thinks, 'That's who I was smelling! Adrian Toomes must be Liz's father!'

As soon as he gets over his surprise, his heart swells fondly. He's glad to know that the man that had been nice enough to let him live in his Manhattan warehouse all those years ago is doing well. Very well, actually. Darwin glances around at the large room and nice furniture.

'He must've gotten a better job out here in Queens,' he thinks, 'Good for him. He has a nice house and a nice family- he must be very happy.'

Darwin wags his tail and sniffs around for a few more minutes. Despite still being able to hear the loud music from downstairs, it's much quieter up here. Darwin isn't too keen on returning to the party, especially if Peter isn't going to be there. He hopes the boy doesn't go through with the whole Spider-Man party trick.

Sighing, Darwin lies down on the carpet. 'I wonder what Toomes does now,' he thinks, 'This place must be expensive, especially in this neighborhood. Hmm, well, at least I know that if Peter ends up marrying Liz that they'll be well off.'

He chuckles to himself, then pauses. He can feel Peter getting farther and farther away. As usual, his paws start to itch and he becomes antsy and restless. Shifting uncomfortably, he lets out an anxious whine and glances around.

'What is he doing? I thought he was going to go through with that party trick- why is he going somewhere else? Did something happen? Should I go after him? What if he doesn't come back?'

After much deliberation, Darwin decides that it wouldn't do much to help Peter if he went after the boy. The dog figures he came across a couple of criminals and decided to step in. He rests his head, idly keeping a metaphorical eye on Peter through their bond. But all he feels are the usual emotions that come with patrolling. That is, until Peter feels surprise! Fear- terror, terror, TERROR!

Darwin leaps to his paws, his heart racing. 'Peter!'

As quickly as the emotions came, however, they're gone. Soon, they're replaced by relief, confusion and, a few minutes later, irritation and indignance. Darwin is bewildered. 'What the hell has he gotten himself into?'

His thoughts are interrupted by footsteps coming up the staircase. The bedroom door swings open, revealing Liz Toomes looking a bit harried.

"Darwin?" She sounds confused. "What are you doing up here, honey?" Darwin wags his tail half-heartedly as she walks towards him and crouches down, petting him. She smiles and asks, "Did you lose Peter? I haven't seen him in a while."

Normally, the Wolfhound would love to spend time with Liz, but he's too worried about Peter to think of anything else. Still, he licks Liz's hand, making her giggle, before trotting out of the room. Downstairs, the party is still as hectic as ever.

Darwin quickly finds Ned, who is on his phone.

"Actually, I was calling to say maybe you shouldn't come," Ned says. Darwin perks up. 'He must be talking to Peter.' Ned lifts the phone and says, "Listen to this."

Darwin is confused for a moment, but then actually listens to the loud sounds around him and easily finds Flash's voice.

"When I say 'Penis', you say 'Parker'! Penis!" Flash shouts.

"Parker!" The crowd shouts back.

"Penis!"

"Parker!"

Darwin growls as Ned says to Peter, "Sorry, Peter. I guess we're still losers. I'll see you tomorrow." He moves to put his phone away, but Darwin gently puts his mouth on his wrist to stop him. Ned gives him a surprised look, but before he can say anything, Darwin turns around and marches towards Flash, who is still chanting 'Penis Parker' with the crowd.

Then, in front of a crowd of drunk teenagers, many with their phones out, Darwin lifts his hind leg and pisses on Flash.

The crowd immediately roars with laughter as Flash sputters. He stumbles back, his face contorted with rage and embarrassment.

"What the fuck?" He spits, "Get the fuck outta here, you mutt!"

Much to Darwin's surprise, he actually tries to kick him. The dog steps back so his foot misses, but then lunges forward and lets out a threatening bark. Flash flinches and stumbles backwards, trips over his own feet and ends up falling on his ass. The crowd laughs and Darwin lifts his nose indignantly and turns away, sauntering back over to Ned.

Ned looks like he's about to pass out from how hard he's laughing. "OhmyGod- Da- Darwin," he wheezes, "That was amazing! Oh my God I have to tell Peter right now! C'mon, let's get outta here!"

Once they're outside, Ned calls Peter and gushes, "Oh my God, Peter, you will not believe what just happened! Right after I hung up, Darwin went over to Flash and pissed on him in front of everyone! It was the greatest thing I've ever seen! Everyone was laughing their asses off!" Darwin hears Peter exclaim over the phone and Ned quickly continues, "But that's not all! Then Flash got super pissed and tried to kick him! Don't worry, he missed and Darwin barked at him and he got so scared he fell on his ass! But now everyone's upset with Flash 'cause they saw him try to kick a dog- like, who does that?" Ned laughs, "I don't think we'll have to worry about that asshole for a while, he's probably soooo embarrassed!"

"Oh my God!" Darwin hears Peter say. He sounds like he doesn't know whether he's horrified or amused. "I can't believe he did that!"

"I hope someone took a video of it! I had my phone out, but I just couldn't believe that it was actually happening so I totally forgot," Ned says, "Hey, by the way, how's Darwin gonna get home? My mom's gonna pick me up soon."

"Crap, I didn't even think-Whoa, what's that?" Peter asks.

"What's what?"

"There's this weird glowy thing on the ground… must've come from one of the weapon dealers I was chasing…"

"You were chasing weapon dealers?" Ned exclaims, "Why didn't you tell me? What happened?"

"Uh- look, it's a long story, I'll tell you tomorrow during school. I gotta get this thing somewhere safe. Just tell Darwin to go home. He knows this city like the back of his hand-er, paw."

"Are you sure?" Ned sounds uneasy, "I mean… he's a dog."

"Ehhh, you might've been onto something when you were talking about how weirdly smart he is earlier," Peter admits.

Ned perks up, looking at Darwin with practically sparkling eyes. "Really?! So you do think he has superpowers?"

"No," Peter says exasperatedly, "He's just… I don't know, smart, ya know? Smart enough to find his way home. I trust him."

"Alright," Ned agrees, "Hey, you said you were chasing weapon dealers? Bring that glowy thing you found to school tomorrow. Maybe we can find out what it is during shop class."

"Sure."

"Okay, see you tomorrow, man." Ned hangs up and turns to Darwin. He smiles, looking excited. "I know there's something different about you, bud," he says softly, "Peter doesn't see it because he's never had a dog before, but I have, and I know just something…" He trails off, but then straightens up and commands, "Go home, Darwin."

Darwin blinks and turns away. Behind him, he hears Ned stifle a squeal of excitement. The dog rolls his eyes and walks down the street.

'Just because I know the city like the back of my paw doesn't mean I wouldn't have appreciated a ride home,' he thinks in mild annoyance.

This time, it's Peter who waits for him on the roof. He quickly goes through his window to change into regular clothes, then heads down with Darwin to enter the building through the front door like a normal person. May greets them happily and asks how the party was. Peter makes the conversation as short as possible before disappearing into his room with his dog.

Then, they're both staring at a purple glowing stone inside of a metal casing sitting on Peter's desk.

Darwin's heart fills with dread. 'This can't be good,' he thinks.

Peter, on the other hand, feels excited. "Oh, Darwin," he says, "You will not believe what happened to me tonight."