SPIDER-MAN: THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY (CHAPTER 6)

NOTE: I'm pretty sure all of us have heard about the recent passing of Stan Lee. Before I start the chapter, I just want to say my condolences to him. Throughout the years, Stan has given us characters who despite their super powers also managed to give us characters with humanity that help inspire us through our lives. Whether it be the message of 'With great power, comes great responsibility' or more, Stan helped make our lives merrier with his work. RIP Stan, thank you for inspiring all of us.

6:00 am Leeds residence…

Peter woke up feeling a little hung over from last night with only his underpants on and his suit stuffed underneath the couch. Phillip was still asleep as he was sitting on the opposite end of the couch next to Peter in the same clothes he wore yesterday night.

At first, Peter wondered what to do as he covered himself with the blanket given to him by Ned and tried to make out Ned's basement in the dark. He could visualise a table tennis table in the middle of the room with chairs neatly stacked across the other side of the room. A tool shelf could also be seen in the place.

For Peter, he imagined that this was a good place to start a superhero hideout and work discreetly as possible. The basement door suddenly swung open with Ned standing in the basement doorway holding a box. Phillip woke up startled by the light that came in with him.

"Oh hey. You're early…" Ned said followed by his pet calico cat, King. "Uh, is there anything I'm supposed to wear?" Peter wondered. "Don't worry, I got that covered." Ned answered as he opened the box to unveil some old clothes.

"Next time knock on the door when you want to walk in…" Phillip said rubbing his eyes. "You're in my house, so I what please…" Ned replied. Peter quickly put on the clothes and found himself a little unimpressed with his attire. "The shirt's all grey and a little too big for me…" Peter complained.

"Sorry, dude. I'm spending my money elsewhere…" Ned said referring to his family crisis. As soon as Peter realised what Ned was talking about, he forgave him. "New big article from the Bugle," Phillip informed as he picked up his phone flashing at 20% battery.

THE HAMMER IS OUT ON SPIDER-MAN AND THE REST

By Christine Everheart

A vicious case of destruction has hit John F. Kennedy Airport yesterday leading to citywide panic in the heart of Queens. At the centre of this cause was Spider-Man attempting to take out a group of men in highly advanced technological suits. Prior to the conflict, the men were performing a heist to obtain vibranium supplies from Wakanda until the situation escalated when the web-slinger arrived.

In a surprising quote given to the Bugle, Mr. Joseph Cavallaro also known as the Hammerhead has stated this, "I am announcing my intentions to keep the neighbourhoods of Queens safe, I am willing to put aside my criminal mistakes in order to fight a greater evil that threatens to take hold. I will work with New York's finest and support those threatened."

Despite these words, many are still doubtful over those words given the crime lord's infamous criminal reputation as a man lacking in standards. "We gotta take the risk from him. He does have credibility given his knowledge of the city's underworld." Captain Sebastián Gonzalles from Woodside has commented, "We will be contacting all the expertise necessary with regards to the vibranium crisis."

Oscorp is also now heavily involved after being under scrutiny by the public for poor security measures that have resulted in their confidential suit prototype concepts being hijacked and misused as displayed from the men wearing them. Police have now issued warrants for the capture of the five men wreaking havoc with one unknown who they dub as 'The Superior Foes of Spider-Man'. These men are Herman Schultz, Abner Jenkins, Frank Oliver, André Gerard and one unidentified member. Witnesses who see any suspicious activity should contact 911 immediately.

"Well, looks like we're getting into gang war territory…" Phillip said, "Wonder if Hammerhead can win this one?" "It doesn't matter; we can't let either of them get to an aftermath…" Peter spoke. "So… Uh… Are you guys ready for school?" Ned asked, "We can grab breakfast on the way…"

"Ah, yeah. Sure… You go ahead, Ned." Peter answered as he motioned his friend to leave. King strolled towards the couch and meowed. "Great… We have someone who's bound to know who I am…" Peter noted as he watched the cat sniff the couch for his Spider-suit.

"You think I can leave the suit there?" Peter asked Ned. "I mean sure… But what if something bad happens?" Ned asked back.

8:00 am, Midtown High School…

The trio walked with egg and bacon muffins in their hand as they walked their way to the school entrance. However unlike the regular days of school, there seemed to be police patrolling the grounds. "Excuse me, officer? What's going on?" Phillip asked one of them.

"We're on the lookout for crazed suit people; you do know the town is paranoid about the attack on JFK last night?" The officer answered, "Just get to class, you kids." Peter looked at Phillip and Ned sideways before they left together for their class.

8:30 am Mr. Harrington's office…

"Ah, Mr. Kerrington, just in time for the interview. Please, take a seat." Mr. Harrington said greeting a blonde haired man in a suit and tie. "I'm glad to be here, Mr. Harrington. I'm looking forward to it…" Mr. Kerrington said.

"Just call me Roger… As in Roger Harrington. Surely you don't have to address me like a student…" Mr. Harrington said. Mr. Kerrington sat on the chair as instructed and waited for the principal's word. "Came all the way from a private school in Connecticut, huh? What's the decision to come over here?" Mr. Harrington asked.

"Oh, it's actually the fact that I was only contracted to teach there. I thought that maybe the next best step in my career was to work in a more community heavy city like New York. And you know what they say about Queens out of the boroughs?" Mr. Kerrington said with a smile as Mr. Harrington carefully looked at the computer screen.

"I couldn't agree more when you're looking at a town with nice neighbourhoods to take a walk in." Mr. Harrington said as he read the files carefully. Mr. Kerrington laughed, "Yes, I heard there's a really big void to fill in the English department." "Indeed, our school is mostly science-orientated. You'd be surprised at how many science fairs we host at times." Mr. Harrington said.

"I sure hope I can make it more than that…" Mr. Kerrington answered back. "Harold Kerrington, I like the confidence in you. I'm already impressed with the resume you have given me and your referees have nothing but great feedback for you. You ready to come back tomorrow?" Mr. Harrington asked. "Thank you so much, Roger. I'm glad to hear the outcome so fast…" Mr. Kerrington replied.

"Speaking of which, where do you learn that power of persuasion from?" Mr. Harrington wondered. "Oh that? It's my speciality growing up…" Mr. Kerrington answered with a smile.

9:00 am chemistry class…

"Alright class, remember what the equilibrium constant can help us with…" Mr. Cobbwell said as he wrote the notes on the whiteboard, "It's all going to culminate into one big exam." The bell then rang as the students began to pack up with some of them heading to physical education class.

As Peter got out of class, he looked at his phone and saw a police message sent from Phillip, '10-24; we have an assault from suspect, Abner Jenkins happening near Austin Street. Nearby patrol please respond.' "Hey, Ned. Make some excuse to Miss Murch please… Make up a story that involves me falling down some stairs." Peter requested as he reminded Ned of the injuries he had sustained at JFK airport.

"But who am I going to partner with?" Ned asked, "Plus I don't think she's going to buy that story." "It all make sense when she asks where I got my bruises and cuts from…" Peter said before rushing off. "Augh… Who am I going to find?" Ned wondered gritting his teeth.

Peter made a sprint as he soon as he got out of the school building and avoided the police's attention by swinging on top of a nearby tree without making too much of a sound. He then started to jump and swing while trying to avoid pedestrians that may spot him.

"My suit's in bad shape now… Guess I'll pick up the vintage homemade suit at home…" As Peter said to himself running as fast as he could on the footpath now. Later, Peter made it back to his house breathing heavily before climbing to the window of his room.

Aunt May who is now working at the F.E.A.S.T. centre is not home which gave Peter a larger opening to get back into his room. As he slipped through the window, he walked up to his wardrobe and opened it. Stuck between sheets of clothes in a box, Peter carefully pulled out the suit and clutched it.

"Welcome back, old friend. Wanna meet some new faces?" Peter asked as he suited up. Slipping into the suit gave Peter a fuzzy feeling despite the dustiness of it. "You may not smell great but I owe it to you…" Peter said as he rushed off out of the window.

10:05 am Austin Street…

Random vehicles had already been turned over with civilians running for cover as Beetle zip zapped around in the air aiming his hand-held repulsion cannon at the police squad "10-10, we need more arsenal…" A police woman shouted to her walkie talkie.

"There ain't nothing worth using against me, blue people…" Beetle warned as he fired a warning shot near the police, "So many of you in front of me and the body count ain't that high yet…" Beetle said looking through his compound eyes.

"Are you done with the bug spray?" Peter asked as he arrived behind Beetle. Beetle's attention was quickly drawn to Peter once again. "The little spider…. You wanna take to the skies again?" Beetle taunted. "Sure, but you're staying on ground this time…" Peter assured him.

Pointing his cannon at Peter, Beetle made one last taunt to him, "Your costume looks downgraded, spider…" "I gotta hand that to you…" Peter said before the cannon blasted a powerful blast that broke chunks of the road apart.

Peter dodged before shooting a web at the cannon and tried to pull it away. The web however broke apart easily much to Peter's surprise. "What?" Peter questioned before Beetle fired another blast knocking Peter back.

Peter hit his back and the pain from both that and his time at the airport kicked in leaving him in a state of pain. Beetle put his feet on the ground and packed away his cannon on the back of his flight pack. "I actually didn't think you'd come out of the daylight… Chameleon wanted to see if you'd come out and play." Beetle said menacingly.

Picking up Peter, Beetle tossed him around like a rag doll until Peter grew more limp. The police fired but Beetle used the back of his flight pack to block the bullets. Even in moments of defeat, Peter summoned the courage to ask Beetle a question, "So what's the vibranium for?"

"It's money worth of stuff. It helps build a thick layer of skin." Beetle vaguely explained as he stomped on Peter. Despite the superhuman strength, Peter struggled immensely at his new costume foe and was prepared to accept his fate as human.

Before Beetle could deal any more damage, someone fired a bullet at Beetle's flight pack which caused a dent on it. Beetle turned away his attention from Peter as more firing happened. A group of masked men marched on one end of the street holding rifles that fired bullets accompanied by a surge of black electrical energy.

Beetle immediately scrambled himself up and flew away like a timid bug as the firing continued. The police squad were told to hold their fire as the men did their job. Peter groaned in pain as he watched the masked men close in.

The men wore black and white masks of different variety that resemble demon faces from Asian folklore and mythology. One of them spoke Mandarin and ordered the rest of the men to surround Peter. The men looked at each other speaking in Mandarin once more before any further action was taken.

One of them walked up to the injured Peter and grabbed him by the arm. Suddenly Peter felt a strange wave of energy pass through to him as his vision went all grey for a brief moment. He then felt the pain in him go away as the man healed him from all of his wounds.

Despite the healing, Peter took time to make himself stand and talk. "Hey, thanks... Whoever you guys are." Peter said. "Be thankful of our master, he has given you our gift to help us rid a cancer in this city…" The man spoke in English. "Chameleon? I mean, I know it sounds like you want to stop him. But… Are you guys killers?" Peter asked.

"No, not just him. Mr. Cavallaro, the man himself must pay for his crimes…" The man said again. "Okay I'm confused… Who exactly does he have on his side then?" Peter asked. "Our master is willing to aid you, Spider-Man. Together we want to help you rid your enemies…" Another masked man spoke.

"I don't know who you guys are but whatever help you want to give… I hope it's positive." Peter answered. The men then started walking away, "Hey, where you guys going?" Peter called as he watched all but one man leave. "We'll be in touch, Spider-Man. One way or another…." The last masked man said before joining his companions to a truck.

"Who are they? Are they a new group of people?" Peter wondered before checking himself, "I feel so much better than I thought I ever be." It was true, Peter felt as if his bruises and cuts all disappeared as if he had been touched by magic. Who ever the men are, Peter prayed that they won't cause too many problems.

10:40 am Midtown High School…

Peter rushed back in new clothes compared to ones Ned gave him. He was about to face one of the biggest blows in his school life which was missing physical education. Miss Murch, a fit and stern middle-aged woman waited in the hallway looking cross at Peter and screeched, "Parker!"

"Miss Murch… I can explain…" Peter tried to speak. "You don't look as if you fell down the stairs, young man. I'm giving you the detention slip." Miss Murch replied, "Everyone who made it school being sick and all? They sit at the bleachers. No excuses, to room 12A with you…"

Peter saw Ned look at him feeling guilty with other students next to him carrying a variety of expressions. Some stared blankly while some were gossiping. Passing Flash Thompson was the worst, as he snickered with his friends including Liz Allan who were baffled by the decision Peter had made.

As Peter passed by Gwen, he felt a sense of sympathy from her as he walked by. Gwen on the other hand was puzzled, she had heard from Mary Jane in the past that Peter would sometimes pull disappearing acts but never knowing why. The rest of her friends could not help but snicker at the trouble Peter got himself into.

10:45 am class detention…

Peter sat alone in his designated classroom and placed his head against the desk contemplating on whether or not he should have left class. He wondered if the masked men alone would have been enough to deal with the threat he had encountered today.

The door opened and Mr. Kerrington came in. "Lucky you, sitting in detention alone." He said walking in with a cup of coffee. "Oh hey… What do I call you, sir?" Peter asked. "Mr. Kerrington. Harold Kerrington, I'm one of the new English teachers here…" Mr. Kerrington introduced himself.

"And you are…Peter Parker, am I right?" Mr. Kerrington asked. "That's me. Listen, Mr. Kerrington. I'm not always like this…" Peter explained, "I had other things I had to do." "Such as?" Mr. Kerrington asked. "Uh… The scholarship to Empire State University. Mr. Warren has been reminding me of it." Peter said, "I'm trying to make commitments."

"There's always a time for those things," Mr. Kerrington said as he sat down, "It is quite funny, you had to leave the moment a lunatic by the name 'Beetle' started attacking innocent civilians near Austin Street. Of course….Spider-Man showed up to save the day."

Peter's facial expression changed a little before speaking, "An attack?" Peter pretended to act as if it was a coincidence that Mr. Kerrington brought up the event. "As an English teacher, I know it's important to be aware of daily events." Mr. Kerrington replied.

Peter said nothing as he remained spooked by Mr. Kerrington. Mr. Kerrington looked at Peter with a stern eye before asking, "Tell me, Peter. Are you a good school boy?" "I'd say so… I mean I'm a pretty high achiever around here." Peter replied feeling a little nervous.

Mr. Kerrington nodded before deciding to walk towards Peter's desk. "Yes… Principal Harrington really did tell me about these traits. This isn't the first time he called you out for trouble, right?" Mr. Kerrington questioned. As he walked to Peter, Peter began to feel slightly uncomfortable by him.

"You really should learn from your mistakes…" Mr. Kerrington said before putting a hand on Peter's desk and leaning towards him, "Because you risk a lot of things…." In an instance, the voice's accent had switched to a voice with a slight Russian feel to it.

It was at that moment, Peter's eyes turned into sheer dread as he stared into the teacher's eye. Mr. Kerrington let out a creepy smile as he looked into Peter's eyes. "I knew I find you here…" Thus, Peter confirmed his suspicions that the man who was "Mr. Kerrington" was really another man in disguise.

"Chameleon…" Peter said in a whisper as he began to ventilate. Chameleon let out a chuckle as he drew back and talked, "Yes, it is me." "How did you know who I am?" Peter asked in a state of panic. "Simple… Once I saw your face, the convenience of technology really paved the way. I've been trying to look for a match on who Spider-Man is throughout Queens based on facial recognition." Chameleon explained.

"You really murdered your way through to get this job, huh?" Peter asked again. "Murder?" Chameleon replied, "No… Not this time. There's much more I rather do than take another person's life." "How exactly do you plan on being a crime lord, if you now work here?" Peter questioned.

"Eventually I know my skills will run out here. I made sure everything was set in motion the moment I told Abner to cause some mayhem…" Chameleon explained. "That was a cheap move…" Peter said rolling his eyes. "All the more reason for me to learn who Spider-Man really is…" Chameleon spoke.

"Do not worry," Chameleon said again, "I will arrange a stalemate to keep things normal." "Why?" Peter asked. Chameleon leaned forward with menace before making his threat, "If Spider-Man decides to interfere in my business constantly. I will have to make sure that the people close to him pay for his deeds. If Spider-Man learns to stay out of things beyond his control, then he can be spared of consequence."

Peter had nothing to say but listen to more of Chameleon's words. "Peter… I believe you're a good boy and you don't deserve such suffering. Your life must be good with the city you live in and the people you care about. Compared to me, an outcast who is using his talents to get more into control." Chameleon said.

"There's a lot more about me that defines who I am and I won't share it with someone like you." Peter said. "If it does mean a lot to you… Then I respect that. I understand and I will not judge you for it," Chameleon said with noble intention, "What do you want to do now, Peter?"

Peter paused for a moment before he found the courage, "I just want things to be normal. I want the best for whatever's possible for the two of us." "Fair…" Chameleon said, "Peter… Why don't you leave the class now? You should be studying right now." Peter got up and left but not without looking Chameleon in the eye. "I hope you learnt something today…" Chameleon said.

2:05 pm class break, quiet library study room…

"No more, we're never doing it here again." Peter said to Phillip. "Dude, I'm scared shitless…" Phillip said shaking his head and closing his laptop. "He has the power to ruin everything if we don't play it right. The only good thing is that he won't act yet so long as I don't…" Peter explained further.

"Well…. One of these days, you're going to have to figure out crime without people like me, eh?" Phillip explained, "And all my tech support will be up to you." "To keep things short, there's a gang war brewing. I saw some new faces in demon masks. Do a bit of digging and from now on, I'm gonna need to find something else for class break," Peter said, "Man, now I have to decide what to do with Ned and the others."

3:05 pm F.E.A.S.T. Centre, Queens…

Peter arrived at the F.E.A.S.T. centre earlier than usual and saw Martin Li chatting with a bunch of people. Martin waved goodbye to them before he saw Peter and talked to him, "Peter, you're here earlier I would have expected…"

"Yeah, class really ended quite soon for today. How is everything going here?" Peter asked. "To be honest, it's been… Quite stressful. Queens isn't as wonderful as it used to be thanks to the fights we're seeing between Hammerhead and a supposed 'old friend' of his." Martin replied.

"So is it the usual?" Peter asked wondering about his roles this time around. "Yes, the usual… I also want to say that this may be the first time I need to set up another F.E.A.S.T. shelter around town. More like a backup office for me, given the circumstances. There's an old soup kitchen in the Chinatown of Flushing that I'm… Planning to renovate." Martin explained.

"That's great… I mean…It's quite a bit of hard work…" Peter replied trying to comprehend how Martin is feeling. "It is…. Well, I guess I'll leave you to it. Your aunt is doing fabulous paper work by the way. Why don't you drop by the same office that I talked with you in?" Martin said before patting Peter on the shoulder and leaving.

As Martin left, Peter had a strange feeling inside of him that had been stirred up and could not understand what it was. Nevertheless, it was harmless and Peter moved along as normal. He walked up the stairs and into the office that Martin usually works in.

Knocking on the door, Peter walked in to see Aunt May sitting in front of desk with papers next to her alongside a few of Martin's belongings such as a picture of him when he was little. "Hey Aunt May, I see you're working up the ladder…" Peter said.

"Peter, before I say anything else. I want to address the fact that you were absent in physical education class today. Mr. Harrington had to ring me up about it." Aunt May said. "I'm sorry… I was well… In the bathroom for some time." Peter said with a sheepish smile. "Oh please… Anyway, please don't stir too much trouble. Ben and I both know you're better than this." May replied.

"OK Aunt May, so… Uh… Do you know what's happening with Martin?" Peter asked. "I think it's clear that the latest influx of people depending on this organisation has caught up to him. I used to hear stories about how organised crime affects the lives of people. People can end up in debt and no one understands why the law doesn't fix this…" May explained.

"I see what you mean… Is there perhaps something new I'm going to do today?" Peter asked. "Oh, the kitchen, cleaning and the rest. Oh and… Do you perhaps want to get to know Gwen a little better?" May asked teasingly. "What? Eh… We're not even…" Peter said.

May laughed before she spoke, "Peter, she and I had been talking. She's been 'fascinated' with you apparently. Now I don't know the depths with it… But considering that she knows MJ and all. She want to know you a little better based on that connection." "I see what you mean, Aunt May. I'll see where it leads to…" Peter said before he left.

Peter found Gwen preparing afternoon snacks in the kitchen as chopped up fresh pieces of fruit into salad boxes. "Hey tiger, how was school today?" Gwen asked. "Come on, I swear… It was only a small bathroom break that got me into trouble." Peter insisted. "MJ had told me that you pull vanishing acts at certain places… Like you have superhero duties or something?" Gwen said.

"That's crazy… People like Iron Man or Captain America don't need to pull the vanishing act. Everyone knows their job." Peter said as he put on his gloves. "I mean the likes of Spider-Man and so. My dad did point out that Spider-Man's voice is a teenage boy's meaning that Spider-Man might be a guy who comes from a high school and gets into a lot of trouble in the end." Gwen said.

"But, I'm a nice boy. I do well in class and….I sure as hell take school seriously…" Peter insisted. "Does that package come with trips to the principal's office?" Gwen wondered, "Anyway, I'm fine if you want to ask. My dad on the other hand is getting agitated by the rise in crime lately. Which explains why Mr. Li is trying his best to accommodate for more people."

"It has gone bad, I agree. It's only a matter of time before things get worse. I think we really need people like Iron Man to swoop in and deal with all this." Peter said. "Really? I think what Spider-Man can do is incredible. Surely he's got the brains to deal with stuff like this." Gwen assured.

"Well Spider-Man is only getting warmed up I think. Fighting against full-fledged costumed supervillains is pretty new besides going after big bad crime lords as well." Peter said. "Hey I was wondering," Gwen said as he finished packing the last salad box, "Do you have like a dance partner to graduation party this year? I know it's weird for me to ask but I need a bit of help."

"Graduation party?" Peter acted surprised and thought about it. Peter originally stuck around with Mary Jane and planned for him and her to be partners but with Mary Jane out of the picture, a void had been created. "I think it can work out. It doesn't have to mean we're… Together." Peter then realised that the last word might change things.

"Together? Huh… I guess you confirmed how close you and MJ were." Gwen stated. Peter wanted to deny this but it was true. Mary Jane did mean a whole lot to him and he wanted her to be dear to his memory. Yet, Gwen Stacy who may potentially fill in the void did not feel like a bad choice either. "Maybe I can try dating again…" Peter thought to himself.

"So do you think you can help me out?" Gwen asked. "Oh… Uh, sure. To be honest, I think it would work out. If people look at us funny then I really don't care." Peter said. "Glad we have a truce…" Gwen said with a smile. After finishing the duty, Peter walked out of the F.E.A.S.T. centre for some fresh air.

"Man, I really need to be conservative about my secret. It's bad enough that Chameleon knows. Gwen potentially knowing really mess things up for me. She's not a bad person as far as I know but…She could really get hurt." Peter said to himself.

Suddenly Peter's world view started to look grey and fragmented with the people in front of him disappearing before a distorted voice starting to speak, "Spider-Man, listen to me carefully…" "Uh.. Are my Spider-powers developing a conscious? What is this?" Peter questioned. "You've been given a gift and I can talk to you from afar…" The voice explained.

"OK, whoever you are… Get out of my head first." Peter insisted. "Calm down and listen to me first. All would be made clear. I need your help, Spider-Man in bringing down the scum of this city." The voice commanded. "Talk…" Peter answered.

"Thank you, for too long Hammerhead has infected this city. He and his associates have been nothing but poison. However, we do have more pressing matters to attend to." The voice continued. "Such as?" Peter questioned. "I can give you the power necessary in bringing down the suited men. The vibranium they steal will suffice no more once you listen…" The voice said.

"And what 'power' are you talking about?" Peter wondered. "All will be made clear when I give you further directions. For now, I'll give you time to prepare yourself…" The voice said before disappearing like a phone call. The world view soon changed back to normal leaving Peter spooked.

TO BE CONTINUED…