Disclaimer: see previous chapters
SORRY that I've been silent for so long, thing was that I was getting set up for classes coming in fall. Unfortunately, it is full time. Don't know the hours, but it might keep me busy, as it is weekly, so my updates might be very slowly. I ALSO was actually helping other authors who contacted me with THEIR stories, much to my surprise, and pride. I'm so happy people like my writing style and story ideas to ask for my help! Thanks for the boost in confidence guys!
Also, this Wednesday, July 6, it is my B-DAY! Not important, just felt like saying it. XP
Also, I stand corrected: the top best Spider-man shows were Spectacular Spider-man & Spider-man the Animated Series. Those two are my top favorite shows. The other shows were good too, I'll admit.
I will say I enjoyed Spider-Man: The New Animated Series because of the drama between Peter and Mary Jane, and was angry when it got canceled as the last episode was REALLY good.
I also loved Spider-man Unlimited, really loved it, and was pissed it got canceled. D.I.A!
The new season of Ultimate Spider-man is great too, as it seemed to be combining the Spider-man franchise (Spider-verse, Miles Morales, and Scarlet Spider ‒ WHY DID BEN HAVE TO DIE?! WHY?!).
P/S, I JUST noticed/found out that the voice of Ultimate Spider-man is Drake Bell! How did I NOT notice that?! Then again, last time I've seen him on TV was when he was on Drake & Josh on Nickelodeon, so its excusable.
Then there's the SECOND Spider-man reboot coming in 2017 (whose appearance in Civil War was, and pardon the cliché, AMAZING!) Tom Holland is a GREAT Spider-man.
I've got to say, I liked both original movies. You guys are right, Tobey Maguire made a great Peter Parker (holding very close to his comic character as an average man trying to make it in life) while Amazing Spider-man 1 & 2 showed great comic action and real battle damage.
The questions I asked about them last chapter or so, was only for curiosity, that was it.
Let us see how this new Spidey does, and if he is worthy of taking the mantel of the Spider in his movie!
Fun Fact: In the Mainstream Universe (Earth-616), Peter Parker has been in relationships with approx. 17 women;
Felicia Hardy (Black Cat), Gwen Stacy, Mary Jane Watson (and the only one he married at a time), Betty Brant, Carlie Cooper, Michele Gonzales, Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel), Liz Allan, Debra Whitman, Cissy Ironwood, Sara Bailey, Silver Sablinova (Silver Sable), Jessica Drew (Spider-Woman), Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow), Julia Carpenter (Spider-Woman, Arachne, Madame Web), and most recently Silk and Lian Tang.
So Naruto isn't the only player here! XP
Chapter 5: The tentacles of Doctor Octopus, part 1
When Naruto opened his eyes, he expected to either see the morning rays coming through his window, or still the darkness of the late night.
Instead, he saw something he didn't expect. The familiar cold and dark corridor of the sewer like place he had seen after being bitten by the spider.
"What the? How did I get here?" He asked as he looked around in confusion. Once more, he saw the dozens of spider living in the place. Some looking straight at him.
Weird...
Grrrrrr
He froze, blood freezing and spine straightening once he heard that familiar beastly growl. 'Oh no...'
Slowly, he looked behind him. And saw the same cage. The one that held that beast he saw the first time. As if by command, large, crimson red eyes snapped open from the darkness within, followed by a massive toothy grin.
Eyes widening, Naruto jumped back, putting as much distance between him and this... thing as possible. "You!"
The beast hidden in the shadows chuckled. It's loud, deep voice causing the chamber to shake from how powerful it was. "Hello, boy. We meet again..."
Naruto gasped as a sudden and powerful force slammed down on him, sending him falling to his hands and knees. The beast laughed at this, greatly amused at the teen's pathetic state.
The blonde gritted his teeth, trying with all his might to get up, but it was no use. He was held down like a bug ‒ no pun intended. His breath got caught in his chest, finding it hard to breath.
All the while, the beast grinned widely, displaying its sharp flesh-tearing, bone-crushing fangs. However, after a minute or two, it let up its energy. It wouldn't do to kill his container.
At least, not yet.
Gasping as the force vanished, Naruto tried to calm himself, sweat gathering at his face from exhaustion. He took deep gulps of air, his pupils shaking. Whatever it was that happened, shook him. He felt an immense fear and powerlessness. Like a prey.
"Hehehe..."
Naruto glared up at the beast who laughed at his fear. Bastard.
"Who… What are you?!" He demanded, grunting as he manage to push himself up to his feet with strain. Managing it, he glared at the beast, before spreading his hands wide. "What is this place?! Some sort of figment of my imagination?!"
The beast smirked, shooting a dark glare at the teen. Naruto's head hammered in pain, as spider-senses went into overdrive, while all the spiders around him scattered off, their primal instincts warning them of a large and dangerous threat to their existence. Naruto gritted his teeth, his head feeling like it was being whacked by a mallet!
"Hehehe... You think all of this is fake? Nothing but a dream?" The beast asked rhetorically, his tone holding great amusement as he watched the teen squirm. "No boy, this is no dream. And I am not some imagination!"
Naruto tried to push the pain in his skull back as he looked at the beast. The lighting in the room began to grow, and soon revealed the beast in the shadows. His eyes widened at what he saw, taking a step back.
It was a fox. A fox of massive size, easily as big as a quarter of New York, maybe as big as Manhattan. Its fur was a blazing reddish-orange. Around its red eyes, was black fur, making it look like a mask. It had long rabbit-like ears, with the inside being black. Behind it, nine, large, long tails waved furiously in the air.
"What…" Naruto gulped. "What are you?"
The fox ‒ the kitsune he recognized from those tales he used to read as a kid ‒ grinned at him. "I am the terror of the lands! With but a single flick of my tails, I crumble mountains, rise up tsunamis, and bring countries to flames! I am the KYUUBI NO KITSUNE!" The now named Kyuubi roared.
Naruto was forced to shield his face with his arms from the strong winds rushing at him from the roar. Even with his "stick-em powers", he slid back from the force. Soon the force stopped, making him look over his arms.
"As for where you are... This pathetic prison is but your own mindscape." Naruto blinked in surprise. What? His mindscape? That can't be true, can it? Pointing the thought away for later, he looked at the Kyuubi as it called itself.
"...Then…then what are you doing here?" He asked, gulping once more.
Kyuubi just smirked. "Ain't that the question of the century?" He muttered, before with another roar, he banished Naruto once more from his mind.
Outside Naruto's Mindscape ‒ Naruto's Room
Naruto gasped as he shot up. He breath hard as his vision ‒ blurry from sleep ‒ cleared; calming down, he saw he was back in his room, the place dark with barely visible rays of sunlight piercing through his window; looking at the clock on his nightstand, he saw it was only 4:56 a.m.
Sighing, he ran a hand through his messy, sweat drenched hair before getting up.
No use going back to sleep. Not that he thought he could, after that. He frowned. What the heck was that strange dream all about? Was it even a dream? On effect of his spider-injected powers? 'Please don't tell me I'm going insane.'
Hehehe...
He froze when he heard that low, dark, amused chuckle.
Ok then… not a dream.
He shook his head. Either he was going crazy ‒ which he was willing to bet, given his sudden turn in life ‒ or something was up. Why was there a giant fox in his mind?! How did it even get there? How long has it been there? So many questions and yet no answers.
He groaned.
He was getting a headache, he thought, as he slapped his cheeks, waking himself up. He knew though, that could think all of that later, right now, he had to prepare for the day, as it was going to be a busy one because after school, he was going to start his day working at the Labs with Dr. Connors.
He was also going to go to the Daily Bugle to enter his photos of himself/Spider-man for the photo contest.
He was really hoping to win the contest. He needed to money.
Naruto shook his head, shaking off the early morning thought as he got up from the bed.
As he went about getting his clothes for the day, he stopped in his steps when he suddenly felt a tingling sensation. It wasn't his Spider-Sense, for it wasn't coming from the back of his head. No, instead the tingling came from all over his head. It was like his brain was vibrating.
He looked around, wondering what could cause such a feeling, before he looked up. With his eyes, he saw something at the top corner of his room. Looking closer, his vision zooming in, he saw a web at the corner, and on it was a spider.
It was staring at him. And he stared back.
Blue eyes stared at eight pairs of wide pools of black.
Naruto didn't know what it was... but the longer he stared at the spider, the more the vibrations spread. It went down his spine, spreading through his bones, making his fingers twitch, going down his legs to his feet, and back up.
'What is this feeling? My body's feeling like it's going numb.' He thought as he stood frozen in place. His right index finger twitched, before the spider's front right leg took a step to the right, but never looked away from Naruto.
He didn't know how long he stood there, staring at the spider who stared back. It was so strange, his body and mind felt numb, like he was in some sort of dream-like state.
KNOCK KNOCK
"Naruto? Are you up?" Came the voice of Aunt May from the door, breaking Naruto's hypnotic state with a flinch. He shook his head, brushing off the (no pun intended) cobwebs in his mind. He looked at the door, before turning back to the spider, only to find it gone. He looked around for it, but couldn't see it. He rubbed the back of his head, wondering what all that was about.
"Naruto?"
"Ah, yeah Aunt May! I'm up. Give me a second." He replied, putting the strange event to the back of his mind for later.
He had a day to get ready.
Meanwhile, at May Jane Watson's House next door
Like Naruto, MJ was getting ready for school. Dressed in a sleeveless black shirt, dark blue jeans, and black shoes, she sat in front of the mirror in her room, brushing her long red hair after putting some lip gloss on her lips. She knew Naruto loved her red hair; even if he didn't say it, his staring at it when he thought she didn't notice, was proof enough. As such, she wanted to make it straight and glossy enough to grab his attention.
Time has passed, and soon the Formal Dance was only a few weeks away. She narrowed her eyes at the mirror, nodding with a determined look.
She was going to ask Naruto to the dance before any other girls got the chance to! No matter what!
Hearing a knock on her door, she turned to it. "Come in!" Entering, was her aunt Anna Watson. Anna was a mid-aged woman like May Parker, with dark brown hair that had some grey hairs showing. Her attire was that of her time.
Seeing Mary Jane, Anna smiled at her lovely niece. "Good morning, Mary Jane."
"Good morning, Aunt Anna." MJ said before continuing brushing her hair. Anna walked to her, and grabbing the brush, began brushing it for her niece, MJ letting her. As she brushed the hair, Anna spoke.
"I hear there will be a dance coming to your school. Would you like me to help you find a dress?" She asked. MJ smiled and nodded softly, she loved her aunt and loved spending time with her.
"Sure thing."
"Do you have a date yet?" She asked. MJ's smile lessened. Something in her aunt's voice gave her a bad feeling. "If not, Franny's eldest son is available..." She hinted. MJ sighed.
She should have known.
"Aunt Anna! I can find my own date, thank you!" She said, her tone holding disapproval. Why does he aunt keep trying to set her up in dates?!
"I know! I know! Just offering... do you have anyone in mind?" Anna asked curiously. She wondered if Mary Jane would ask that nice Harry Osborn. He was a handsome fellow, kind too. Being rich also helped ‒ not that she was a gold digger. Heavens no! She just wanted the best for her precious niece.
MJ bit her lip. She didn't want to tell her aunt she wanted to ask Naruto. Lord knows what she would say!
Anna frowned, pausing in her brushing. "You're not thinking about asking that Naruto boy, are you?" She said with a disapproving tone. MJ groaned.
Here it comes...
"Aunt Anna, please don't start!" She begged, but her aunt didn't seem to listen.
"Mary Jane, I just don't think he's the right boy for you!" She said strongly.
"Why don't you like Naruto?" MJ asked… for the hundredth time that year. Honestly, she just couldn't understand the negativity Anna Watson held for Naruto. The woman always had to express her disapproval of being friends with him.
"That boy is lazy and rebellious. Picking fights in school, sleeping in class, not to mention coming home late and worrying his poor aunt!" Anna said, making MJ roll her eyes.
Naruto doesn't fight in school; he stops bullies from picking on kids.
He sleeps in class from time to time because he stays up late in his lab working in finishing his father's studies.
As for coming home late? Well, she couldn't tell her aunt about him being Spider-man. Given her dislike of superheroes and/or mutants, the woman would no doubt either call the police, drag her to another town, or have a heart attack.
"Why must you only see the bad things? Naruto's at the top of his class, he's friends with many of the student body, and has a great chance of going to high colleges with his grades and smarts."
Anna scoffed. "Call it a woman's intuition, Mary Jane. That boy is nothing but trouble! And if you're not careful, you'll be hurt." She said, finishing her brushing.
MJ rolled her eyes. Her aunt was just being paranoid ‒ something she figured had to do with her (MJ's) father being an abusive asshole and Anna trying to protect her from men like him.
Though it could also be the fact of Naruto's childhood pranking phase... yeah, it was either one of those two. Anna never got over kid Naruto switching her shampoo with blue dye.
Though it was really funny!
But MJ trusted Naruto to always be there for her. It was one of his qualities that attracted her to him! And no matter what her aunt said would change her feelings!
So, if ('when' she thought) she and Naruto began dating, her aunt would either have to deal with it, or lose her love!
With her hair done, she turned to her aunt and hugged her. "Look, I love you, but who I choose to start a rela- I mean, go to the dance with, is my choice." Kissing her aunt on the cheek, she grabbed her bag and left the bedroom before the woman could make notice of the almost slip up of words. "Going to have breakfast at Naruto and his aunt's house! Have a nice trip, Aunt Anna!"
Her aunt was going out on a relative emergency, and would be gone for the week.
Parker Residence
Sitting at the dinner table, as Aunt May placing down a plate of eggs, toast, and bacon in front of him and the newly arrived MJ, Naruto's eye twitched. He was looking at the newspaper. He was wearing a burnt orange shirt, black jeans, and orange and black shoes. He glanced at MJ, who replied with a shrug as she took a bite out of her toast.
He turned annoyed eyes to the newspaper, reading the line.
SPIDER-MAN: HERO OR MENACE?!
It was a newspaper from the Daily Bugle, with the article written by someone in Naruto's top 5 list of people he hates: J. Jonah Jameson, publisher and chief of the company. He still hated the cold bastard for trying to get a comment from him just after his parents died! And to make it worse, he had to meet the man again this afternoon!
Already the day was becoming terrible for him.
He scowled as he read the article. It basically just ranted about Spider-man being a menace to society, being a vigilante who was trying to stop the police from doing their job, and causing nothing by trouble. About how he was no better than criminals, and was tricking the nice people of New York with his 'hero antics'.
All in all, the lies angered Naruto, making him want nothing more than to march down to the Bugle, kick Jameson's ass for the lies, and leave him hanging on a web! 'I'm just helping the city, and he's making me sound like a criminal!'
However, taking a deep breath, he calmed down. He would not let the words of some idiot get to him. Putting the paper down, he began eating his breakfast.
After breakfast, the two teens left, saying goodbye to Aunt May with Naruto giving her a hug and a kiss on the cheek as he grabbed his black and orange jacket off the coat rack and backpack. Taking the bus to school ‒ Naruto ignoring MJ's request of going "the fun way" with web-swinging ‒ they made it in record time.
Walking into the school, they could see that the staff and students were already getting everything ready for the dance. Banners were hoisted up, posters lining the walls, etc. Walking down the hallway, they could hear the conversations of the students going on about who they were going with and what they looked forward to. Though the girls were more excited than the boys.
Making it to his locker, Naruto opened it up and began grabbing the things he would need, while MJ leaned against the lockers next to him. "So, you excited for the dance?" MJ asked, thinking on how she would ask him to go to the dance with her.
Naruto shrugged, not looking at her. "I guess. Though I just hope Flash and his jocks won't be doing pranks like he did last year." He said. Last year, Flash stuffed the nominated Prom King into a locker so he could be Prom King. His plan would have worked, if Naruto and Harry hadn't seen what he did and freed the guy.
Flash got detention for a week for that.
MJ nodded. She then bit her lip, before taking a breath. She turned to Naruto. "Naruto, speaking of the dance..." Naruto looked at her with a raised brow, wondering where she was going. "...Well, you see… I was-"
"Naruto! Mary Jane!"
MJ's eye twitched as the two turned as saw Harry approaching them with a wave. 'DAMMIT HARRY!' MJ mentally screamed and cursed.
If this were an anime, she would be crying waterfall tears.
Naruto smiled and waved back at his best pal. "Yo, Harry!" He greeted as the rich boy got to them. Harry smiled at then, before sweatdropping when he saw Mary Jane glaring at him.
'Something tells me I used ruined something important.' He thought, chuckling nervously. MJ looked away from him with a huff with her arms crossed. The two boys looked at her in confusion, glancing at each other, before shrugging.
"So, Naruto. Any big plans for today?" Harry asked as the three began walking. Naruto smiled at him, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, actually. I start working with Dr. Connors after school today. I was also going to the Daily Bugle to enter their photo contest." He said, holding up the camera he brought.
Harry raised a brow at him. "You think you can actually win? Naruto, this is New York. Everyone has a camera on their phones or laptops. So the chances of your pictures being picked are one in a thousand." He said. He knew Naruto was a good photographer, but still, the odds were against him.
Naruto smiled mysterious at the brunette. "Let's just say I feel lucky." He said.
"I thought you didn't believe in luck." Harry responded. With a grin, Naruto held a finger up.
"I don't believe in fate. Luck, on the other hand, is a good friend...as long as you don't piss it off." He stated. Harry chuckled in amusement and nodded, just as the bell rang.
Two periods later, and Naruto and Harry were in gym, standing with the other boys in their gym clothes. "So, you going with anyone to the dance?" Naruto asked Harry.
Harry shrugged. "A few girls asked me, but I turned them down. I knew they just wanted to go with me so they could brag to their friends." He said, getting a pat on the shoulder from Naruto. Harry then smirked at the blonde. "What about you? Anyone you're interesting in going with?" He asked, glancing at MJ who was with the girls playing volleyball.
Naruto followed his eye line, his lips twitching upward for a second, before shaking his head. "I don't think I'm going to go." He said, making Harry look at him in surprise. "I don't want to leave Aunt May alone in the house. Ms. Watson's leaving on some family emergency from what MJ told me, and I don't think Aunt May has any plans that night. So I thought I'd just stay home and watch a movie with her." He said. Harry frowned and nodded in understanding.
Just then, the coach approached the boys, blowing his whistle. "Alright boys! Today we're doing rope climbing!" He said, jabbing a thumb at the ropes near them. "Need two volunteers! Who's up first?"
Flash stepped forward with a smirk. "I'll go! And I challenge Parker!" He called, pointing at Naruto, who blinked and pointed at himself. "Yeah, you! C'mon, Puny Parker!"
Naruto's eye twitched. Puny?! He could easily sumo slam the jerk on his back in seconds flat! And that was without his powers! Years of martial arts, right here!
He grinned and stepped forward. "Alright Flash, I'll take your challenge."
The boys began muttering amongst themselves, and soon got the attention of the girls who looked over curiously. Soon everyone was surrounding the climbing mats as Naruto and Flash glared challengingly at the other. The coach rolled his eyes. Teenagers. "Alright, Parker vs. Thompson. First one to climb to the top and ring the bell wins."
"You're going down, Parker!" Flash said. Naruto rolled his eyes. Did the idiot forget that he was a skilled acrobatic? He didn't even need his powers to beat the jock. Flash was all muscle, focusing on strength and durability for football. Naruto was agile and quick. Not too thin, but not too buff.
Once more, thank you Uncle Ben for those classes.
"Both ready?" The coach asked, raising his whistle to his mouth as Naruto and Flash grabbed their ropes. "BEGIN!" With a sharp blew, the two began climbing up. Flash was grunting as he pulled himself up, while Naruto was barely giving it any effort, merely wrapping his feet around the rope and pulling up with his hands. He was easily getting ahead of Flash, and before the quarterback could even make it past halfway...
DING! DING!
Naruto smirked down at the other blonde who groaned at his loss. "Better luck next time, Flash!" He said before climbing back down. Landing on the ground, he was congratulated by the other boys. He smiled at them. Even though he didn't have to put too much effort to climb, he did have to put effort in keeping his spider-powers down so he didn't accidently accelerate his speed.
Harry laughed as he patted Naruto on the shoulder as they moved away from the group, MJ joining them. "Nice work, bro!"
Naruto smirked at him. "Was no problem. Flash was too heavy to go fast. Guess being 'puny' wasn't so bad." He said, the three sharing a laugh.
"Another thing, Naruto." Harry spoke as they finished gym and separated from MJ as they walked toward the locker rooms. "My dad's meeting with a colleague of his. It's a science thing, and I don't want to go. You willing to take my place?" Harry offered as he took his shirt off.
Naruto shrugged as he took his own shirt off. Harry raised a brow in surprise when he saw the developing muscles his friend had. That surprised his as Naruto never worked to gain muscles, only to be quick enough with his karate moves. "Sure, I guess. Who's he meeting?"
Harry smirked, knowing his pal was going to love this. "It's actually one of your heroes. Otto Octavius."
Eyes widening, Naruto coughed, almost choking on his own saliva. "O-Otto Octavius! Are you serious?!" He asked. He could actually meet the Otto Octavius?! First it was Curt Connors, and now Otto Octavius?! Who's next, Reed Richards?!
This was geek heaven!
Harry grinned at him. "Yep. So you interested?"
"You bet I am, ya know! (1)"
Meanwhile ‒ Girls' Locker Room
"So I heard Terry asked you to the dance."
"Yep! What about you? You going with Jason?"
"*scoff* Heck no! Like I would go with that cheating bastard!"
MJ rolled her eyes at the teenage girl drama around her as she changed clothes. Everyone was talking about who they were going with, even comparing dates.
One of the girls turned to her. "What about, Mary Jane?" She asked with a grin. "You have someone special you going to ask?"
Another girl looked at the redhead. "So, who's it going to be? The rich boy Harry?" She asked.
"Ooh! He's cute!"
Once more, MJ rolled her eyes. "No, not Harry. We're just friends."
"Then who?"
A girl gasped. "Oh! It is Naruto?!" She asked, making the other girls comment on the handsome blonde.
MJ blushed at that. "Well... maybe. I haven't... exactly asked him yet." She muttered at the end.
"Oh! So Naruto's available?!"
"If you don't ask him, can I?!"
"What about me?! He's cute!"
MJ's eyes widened before narrowing when she heard the comments about asking out Naruto themselves, making her shoot them a glare. Now Mary Jane was not the jealous type ‒ well, not entirely ‒ but she wasn't about to let these girls or anyone else grab Naruto with their slimy hands before her!
Slamming her locker shot, making the girls jump, she left the locker room.
She had to find Naruto, and ask him to go to the dance with her!
It wasn't long before she found the blonde, at his locker grabbing his bag. She could see a few girls nearby looking at him, but luckily not making a move. This was her chance! "Naruto!"
Looking up, the whiskered hero saw MJ and smiled at her. "Hey MJ!" He greeted once she got close.
"Naruto, I need to ask you something!" She said. Naruto raised a brow at her.
"Um, okay. What's up?"
MJ took a deep breath. This was it! Time to start her plan to capture the blonde's heart! "Um... well you see…" Naruto tilted his head gently to the side like a fox (making her bite her bottom lip at the cute move, damn him!) raising a brow as he looked at MJ who tried to find the right words, her cheeks slowly burning in embarrassment. 'Damn it, girl! What's wrong with you?! Just ask him already!' "Do you... Are you planning to go to the dance?" She asked. No! That wasn't what she wanted to ask! Why was this so difficult?! All she had to say was "Will you go to the dance with me?" Why did God hate her?!
[JnS: I love messing things up... XP]
Naruto blinked. "Um...I'm not sure." He said, making MJ look at him in confusion, as well as a hint of disappointment. "I thought about spending the night with Aunt May. I didn't want to leave her alone, ya know." He said, rubbing the back of his head.
MJ frowned in disappointment at the fact he might not go, before pushing it away with a smile. He was doing it because he didn't want his aunt to be lonely! She couldn't fault him for that.
"Oh, alright! Maybe I can come too! Help you keep her company!" She offered. Naruto frowned.
"But, then you'll miss the dance. I can't do that to you." He said, but she waved him off.
"It'll be stupid any way! Hanging with you and Aunt May is more fun!" She told him with a smile. While he wasn't sure, Naruto nodded slowly. "If you're sure."
She nodded. "I am." There were other opportunities to tell him. She wasn't going to be selfish. Though that didn't mean she wasn't disappointed at the wrench to her plans.
Damn Parker Luck!
(I want to thank snake1980 for his suggestion and help with this scene. While it wasn't completely like the idea, I modified it. Keeping the drama rolling! Mwahahahaha!)
After school, Naruto was heading to the Daily Bugle before he had to go to ESU. With him was MJ, going with him for two purposes.
1. To see if there were any acceptable internships if she wanted to work there.
And 2. Make sure Naruto didn't attack J. Jonah Jameson and struck him in the balls like he did when he was a kid.
Heading up to the top floor by elevator, they entered to see a busy room. People either sitting in their desks either typing on their computers or talking on the phone, talking to one another, or running around to get somewhere. They carefully moved through the people, trying to get to the office at the back.
"Very busy here." Naruto commented, with MJ nodding.
"Well, the Bugle is one of the top newspaper businesses in New York, the top in Manhattan." She said. Getting close to the office, the doors suddenly bursted open, and a man with short black hair, some grey showing, a mustache and a soul patch, and suit walked out, shouting all over the place.
"Robbie, where's my layout! Foswell, I ordered that rewrite hours ago! Lee, I'm not paying you to sit around! And you!" He shouted, turning to face Naruto. The blonde raised a brow.
"Me?" He asked, before blinking when he was suddenly grabbed by the front of his shirt. He was then dragged away. He looked at MJ, only to see her shrug.
"I sent you to get my bagel and coffee hours ago!" Jameson shouted as he dragged Naruto to his office, MJ following after them. They passed by a beautiful woman, around her early to mid-20s, with short brown hair, wearing a teal blouse and long brown skirt.
"You sent Benny, and it's only been 3 minutes." She told Jameson.
Naruto's brow twitched, getting tired of being dragged. So he slapped hand away from his shirt, not caring if he held back his strength or not. Taking a moment to calm down his anger, with MJ placing a hand on his shoulder, he looked at Jameson. "I'm not your delivery boy. I'm actually here for the contest for pictures of Spider-man." He said. The sooner he was done, the faster he could get away from this bastard, old anger for the man rising.
Jameson raised a brow at him as he entered his office. Another man also entered. He was a tall black man with short dark brown hair, a friendly smile with a dark pink (?) business shirt, blue tie, and dark brown pants. He nodded in greeting to the two teens. Sitting down behind his desk, Jameson looked at Naruto. "Alright kid, show me what you've got!"
Taking out an envelope from his backpack, he laid it on Jameson's desk. Narrowing his eyes suspicious at the envelope, he looked at Naruto, who shrugged. "Can't be too careful."
Grabbing the envelope, Jameson opened it and took out several photos, laying them on the desk. Each of the photos displayed Spider-man, either swinging through the city, or climbing up walls. A few were taken from far away, some mid-range taken from the top of a building, or at the ground.
Naruto didn't want people to get suspicious if he made all of them great, so he left a few of them blurry. (2)
He waited as Jonah and Robbie looked over the photos, picking the ones that were were good or they liked it. "So?"
Jonah hummed, before grabbing a close up photo of Spider-man swinging. "Alright fine. You get the money. You're the only guy with decent enough photos in this damn city." He grumbled. "MS. BRENT!" He shouted, making Naruto flinch. He shot the man a glare as he picked his ringing ear with his finger. Damn bastard. Damn heightened hearing. The woman from before entered the office. "Get this brat his money!" Nodding, the woman left.
Robbie hummed as he looked at the photos. "These are pretty good. You have quite a talent for photography." He commented.
Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly at the praise. "Thanks! I used to be the photographer for my school's newspaper."
Hearing that, Jonah hummed. "Tell you what kid! How would you like to work for the Bugle?" He asked, surprising Naruto and MJ.
"Um, I'm still in high school. Not to mention that I also work as an intern at ESU Labs." The blonde stated.
Jonah scoffed. "Trust me kid, the newspaper's where the real money is! And after you graduate, you'll have a job already!"
However, Naruto was still not convinced. He was busy enough as it is. However, he did need some way to make money...
Just then, an idea hit him. "How about a deal?" He asked, getting Jonah and Robbie's attention. "I will work for you as a freelance photographer. Taking any pictures you need from time to time. In return, you pay me $20 for every photo you use for your newspapers." He said. MJ looked at him in surprise.
Robbie raised a brow at the teen. Jonah stared at Naruto in silence for a few seconds, before bursting out in laughter. A long laughter.
[Cue Spider-man 2 Jameson laugh scene] "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
Raising a brow, Naruto waited for the man to stop laughing. After two or three minutes, Jonah finally calmed down. Wiping away tear, he looked at Naruto. "... You serious?" He asked, getting only a blink. "Why the heck should I pay you anything?! You're just a kid!"
Ignoring the kid comment, Naruto shrugged. Grabbing his backpack, he turned to leave. "Alright. I guess I can just go another newspaper to sell the photos. I'm sure the Wall Street Journal would pay well for them."
"HOLD IT!"
Resisting the urge to smirk, Naruto turned around to face the glaring Jameson. Scowling, Jonah reaching into his drawer and took out a cigar. "Fine! We'll pay you for photos. But they better be good! Got it!"
Naruto shrugged and nodded. "Whatever you say, J.J.J." He then jabbed his thumb over at MJ. "My friend would also like to know about any positions or applications for high school students."
"Robbie can handle that." The editor-in-chief nodded and led MJ away, leaving only Naruto and Jonah in the office.
Grumbling, Jameson lifted his feet up on the desk. "What's your name anyway kid? You look familiar."
Naruto's eyes seemed to flash. "Parker. Naruto Parker."
Jonah hummed. "Parker... where have I heard that name before?" He muttered as he looked at blonde's face. Blue eyes, blonde hair in a shade he never saw before ‒ like a miniature sun ‒ and weird lines on his cheeks. They looked like whiskers...
Whiskers... wait a minute...
Jonah froze, and seemed to pale. "Come kid! Say something! How do you feel about your parent's death?! Do you think it was an accident?! Do you- OOF!" Jonah doubled over as a glaring, 4-year old Naruto punched him hard in the crotch.
"Naruto!" May Parker reprimanded as she pulled her nephew away as Jameson fell to his knees.
"YOU!" Jonah shouted, standing up and pointing at Naruto. Said teen gave a fanged smile.
"Me."
Subconsciously, Jonah crossed his legs to protect his crotch. It took two weeks for it to heal!
Just then, Betty returned with the check. "Here you go." She handed it to Naruto. She raised a brow at her frozen boss.
Naruto smiled at her and took the check. "Thank you, Ms..."
Betty smiled at him, ignoring her boss's state. "Brent. Betty Brent." She introduced, shaking his hand.
"Naruto Parker." He said, he then grabbed a piece of paper off the desk and a pen. He wrote down his number. "Here's my number to call when either Jameson or Mr. Robbie needs me. I'll also came back some time tomorrow." He said, giving her the info. She nodded as he turned to leave, but not before flashing Jonah one last smile. "Well I should get MJ and be going. See you later, J.J." He waved as he left the office, the frozen Jameson, and the confused Betty who tried to get her boss out of his state.
"So, how'd it go?" Naruto asked as they walked out of the building.
MJ smiled. "Great! Mr. Robertson said I can start working as an intern in the summer." She said happily. He raised a brow at her.
"Why summer? Why not now?"
"He said things are really busy right now. With the rise of new super villains and Spider-man. So there's not enough room for me right now." She said. Naruto winced and rubbed the back of his head.
"Sorry." He apologized. Looking at him, MJ bumped him on the side.
"What are you apologizing for? It's not your fault!" She told him.
Naruto sighed. "Alright, guess you're right. Anyway, I should get going to the ESU Labs. Do you need me to drop you home?" He asked her, as her house was a bit far.
MJ shook her head. "It's alright. I can just take the bus." Naruto frowned, not sure if he should just let her go alone in the city. MJ saw his look and rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless. "I'll be fine! I know karate too, you know. And I also have you in speed dial, so I can call you is something happens." She told him.
Naruto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright fine. Just be careful, ya know."
MJ winked at him. "Don't worry! No you better get going, before you're late." She turned to leave, giving him one last wave. "Later tiger!"
Naruto waved after her. Sighing, he began making his way toward an ally so he could change and web-swing to ESU quickly.
After several minutes, Naruto made it to ESU Labs just in time. Quickly changing, he entered the labs, where he saw Connors and his wife at the desk. Seeing him, they smiled and waved. Waving back, he made his way toward them. As he walked, he noticed there was another person with them.
"Naruto! Welcome! I hope you're ready to work." Connors said. Naruto nodded at him.
"Of course, Dr. Connors."
Connors smiled. "Great! Oh, and allow me to introduce your fellow intern," He gestured to the other person, a young woman, who approached them. She had a light, pale skin complex, and like him had blonde hair tied in a ponytail. Over her light blue eyes were round glasses. She wore a light blue shirt, a short, knee-length skirt, and a white lab coat. "Naruto, this is Debra Whitman."
"Hello there." Debra greeted with a smile, holding her hand out to shake, which Naruto did.
"Hello."
Seeing his two interns getting along, Curt and Martha smiled. Curt then clapped his hands, getting the two blonde's attention. "Well then, shall we get started?" He asked, to which he got nods.
His first day at the lab went well. He and Debra work with Connors in learning the basics before getting into his current research, which involved herpetology, reptilian study, its physiology, and components and characteristics.
He also managed to sort out his work days with Connors. So he worked at the lab on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. That way, he won't be too overloaded with his school work and lab work. Not to mention his new job at the Bugle, and secret Spidey days and nights.
He really enjoyed working there. It was a place where he can actually feel comfortable with displaying his scientific knowledge. A place where he could be Naruto Benjamin Parker, 'geek' and son of Richard and Mary Parker. Not Spider-man, just Naruto.
Making it home by swinging, he was greeted by his aunt who told him there was leftovers at the fridge for him.
After eating, he went upstairs to his room. Entering with a yawn, he fell on his bed. Closing his eyes, he allowed a moment of rest.
Opening his eyes, he looked at the side of his room, where at the corner, he saw something hiding under his desk. Raising an arm, which had his web-shooters on his wrist, hidden under his long sleeve shirt, he shot a web-line at the object and yanked it toward him. Grabbing it, he sat up.
He frowned when he saw it was his father's briefcase. After everything that's happened since Uncle Ben's death, he completely forgot about it.
He smiled faintly as he ran his hands over the leather. It belonged to his dad. From what his aunt and uncle told him, there was quite a story to it.
His dad, Richard Parker, got it from that leather shop ‒ the one that always smelled like an old man ‒ at 9th Avenue. Back when he was around his age. 19 years old. And the person who sold it to him?
Naruto's mother. Mary.
He chuckled a bit, his eyes stinging. His parents got together thanks to this old leather case. Thanks to it, they've been together since then.
His smile then dropped. His uncle told him that his dad asked that the case was kept safe. But for what reason? Opening it up, he dumped the continents inside on his bed. He found a calculator, some quarters, pens, and a beeper. He saw a cut out of an old newspaper, and picking it up, he saw it was a photo of his father with some other people.
One of them was Curt Connors.
He then saw two ids. One of a place called Horizon Labs, and another... of Oscorp?! His dad used to work with or for Harry's dad?! Though, that would explain how the company was working on his dad's old Cross Species project.
Looking at the case, he picked it up, and looked inside to see if he missed anything else.
Nothing, it was empty. Pursing his lips, he turned it over on its side and the back.
Thud...
Blinking, he could have sworn he heard something. Turning it to the side, he heard a small swish and thud. There was something inside. Something he missed.
Reaching inside, he felt around for the thing. Feeling nothing, he continued to look. Opening the back zipper, he looked inside. He blinked when he saw a small thin opening under the top strap. Running his finger over it, he narrowed his eyes. At a subconscious command, his index nail lengthened and sharpened into a claw. Putting his nail at the opening, he cut through it. Opening it up, his eyes widened when he saw files and a CD.
'Dad... what were you hiding?'
Taking the files and disk, he stood up and put them on his desk. Opening his door a bit, he focused on his hearing. He could hear the soft breathing of his sleeping aunt. Gently closing the door, he sat down on his desk and looked at the files. He saw a logo at the top, one he recognized anywhere. The same one he saw all those years ago. Back to that night.
O.O, with a slash through the two letters.
Shaking those thoughts aside for later, he opened the files and began reading. Inside were many formulas he recognized with his father's handwriting.
"Zero, zero, Decay Rate Algorithm?" He questioned. Continuing looking, he saw that several papers were of the Cross Species project. "Several organism test subjects were used for the project. Subject 5 of C.S project was a Tubular worm crossed with an Aphid. Unfortunately, subject did not survive more than a few days." He read. Looking at the other papers, he saw the same thing. All test subjects could not accept the new genes and died.
Running a hand through his hair, he looked at the last few last pages, and stopped.
"Projects subjects had moved to Araneae Family. While the first 35 have been unable to show signs of adapting to cross breed genes of different spider species, signs of hope are seen. I have recently discovered something that may prove to help with adapting the planted genes. Will conduct secret experiment myself, away from other eyes." He read lowly, before raising a brow. What could it have been that allowed his dad to fix his project? He was about to continue, when...
"All units respond-"
Turning his head, he looked at the police radio on his bedside. Damn, he forgot he brought it up here. He quickly moved toward it and lowered the volume, hoping it didn't wake his aunt up. He sighed in relief when he didn't hear her.
"-All units, gunfires sounding of from City National Bank."
Groaning, Naruto had no other choice. Getting up, he walked to his closet. Pushing his clothes apart, he looked down at the bag on the floor. Grabbing it, he opened it up to show his Spider-man suit. Grabbing it, he got ready for another night as Spider-man.
He could look over his father's notes tomorrow.
The Next Day ‒ Midtown High
With the bell ringing, students began leaving the school. Walking out, Naruto, MJ, and Harry chatted. "So we're thinking about going to Coney Island on the weekend?" Harry asked.
"Isn't there a big game on Friday?" MJ asked, recalling the announcements saying their school's football team was up against another school this Friday.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, thought that if we win, we can go out and celebrate."
Naruto shot him a grin. "And if we lose?" He asked, with Harry shrugging.
"We go drown our sorrows with games and junk food." He said, making Naruto and MJ laugh. Just then, the three heard a honk of a car. Looking ahead, they were surprised when they saw a limo part at the front of the school, with students gathered around it in awe, some taking photos of it.
Naruto whistled. "Damn Harry, you sure know how to leave in style." He commented, but the young Osborn shook his head.
"I didn't call it."
The passenger door of the limo suddenly opened, and who stepped out surprised everyone. "Dad?!" Harry called in surprised at seeing his father actually appear at his school. Most of the time, if not all the time, Norman would be at his company, never showing up to his school. Not to parent teacher meeting, games, or events. Saying he had to focus on more important things.
Norman waved at the students in greeting, before passing through them and walking to the three. "Ah! Harry! I see you've finished school."
Harry nodded. "Ah, yeah I did. What are you doing here, dad?" He asked.
"Well actually, I'm here for Naruto." He looked at the blonde in question, who blinked in surprise.
"Me?"
Norman nodded as he turned to face him. "Yes. Harry told me how he asked you to take his place in meeting Otto Octavius. I was on my way to meet him now, and decided to pick you up. What do you say?"
Naruto blinked. "Um, sure!" He said, before looking at Harry. "You sure you don't want to come, Harry?" He asked, but the brunette shook his head.
"Nah, I'll leave this to you geniuses." He said, though he frowned a bit at how his dad had come to pick up Naruto personally. 'He never does that for me...'
Naruto frowned, but nodded. He then looked at MJ. Seeing his look, MJ smiled and shook her head. "Sorry, Naru. I'm going to hang out with the girls after school today and go shopping. Maybe next time." He nodded in understanding, before looking at Norman with a smile.
"Alright Mr. Osborn!"
Smiling, Norman nodded and gestured to the limo. The two got in, with Naruto sending his friends one last wave which they returned as the watched the limo leave the school. Harry sighed, and MJ placed a hand on his shoulder
After half an hour, the limo stopped in front of a building. Getting out, Naruto followed Norman inside with this guards around them, taking the elevator up to the top floor. Stepping out, the entered a large spacious room, with a lot of lab equipment around. Looking around, Naruto was impressed with the stuff. He then spotted a large machine with computers located at the back with some men working around.
He followed Norman who approached a man sitting at a desk at the back.
"Doctor, Mr. Osborn's here." An assistant notified.
Taking off his safety glasses, the man stood up and walked toward them. Naruto looked over the man, Otto Octavius. He was a large man, with short brown hair. Currently wearing a maroon sweater and brown pants. "Osborn." He greeted, but Naruto could tell there wasn't much warmth in his tone, like he was just meeting another stranger. Norman also saw it, but didn't say anything about it as he shook Otto's hand.
"Octavius. I trust the research made possible by my money is coming along well?" He asked. Otto's lips twitch, as if holding back a scowl at the man.
"It is going. We should begin testing shortly as planned." He said, before looking over Naruto, raising a brow in question. "And who is this?"
Looking over at the blonde, Norman smirked and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Someone who was quite interested in meeting you actually. Naruto Parker." Smiling in greeting, Naruto held his hand out.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Octavius. I must say, I've been following your studies and research in energy fusion."
Otto smiled, seeing the intellect in his blue eyes and shook the teen's hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Parker. My, quite the strong grip you have." He noted. Naruto quickly pulled back, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. He didn't see Norman eye him.
Just then, one of Norman's men approached him. Naruto watched curiously ‒ but not enough to pry into the man's business ‒ as the man whispered something into Norman's ear. The rich business man had an annoyed look in his eyes, before turning to Naruto, putting on a kind but sorry face. "Naruto, I'm afraid I must take an unexpected leave." He stated, much to Naruto's surprise. "There's a sudden meeting I must take part in. I will call another limo for you later to take you home when you are ready. For now, I leave you in Mr. Octavius's care." Patting the blonde on the shoulder, he looked at Otto. Naruto watched the two have a tense, silent moment, before breaking eye contact. Giving Naruto one last smile, he left.
"Well, that was unexpected." Naruto deadpanned, now understanding what Harry always said about his father leaving him for his work. Otto chuckled behind him.
"Well that is to be expected from businessmen. Always busy." He said. He then looked at Naruto. "So, Mr. Parker-"
"Ah, you can just call me Naruto. It's Japanese in case you're wondering." He said. He knew many people had a hard time pronouncing his name, but he loved it. He had been told the truth a long time ago of him being adopted when he turned 12 by his aunt and uncle. Ever since then, he had been curious about his birth parents. Who were they, what were they like? He knew it would be an impossible goal, but he wished to find out the answers in the future.
Otto nodded. "Of course. Anyway, tell me. You look like someone with a smart mind."
Naruto shrugged. "I have a suitable level with science and math." He said humbly, making Otto chuckle.
"Humble, good. But don't waste such talents. Being brilliant isn't enough. You have to work hard. Remember that." The man said, making Naruto nod. "Intelligence is not a privilege. It's a gift. And you use it for the good of mankind."
Naruto nodded. "If you have the power, it is your responsibility to use it to help others."
Otto smiled at Naruto's words. "I see you understand." He gestured to the machine. "So tell me, what do you think?"
Naruto looked at it, walking closer. Otto close behind him. "My life's work. It is designed to initiate and sustain fusion."
The blonde glanced at him. "From what I've gathered and understood, you use harmonics of atomic frequencies." Otto nodded. Naruto looked closer, narrowing his eyes in thought. "Harmonic reinforcements?"
Otto's lips twitched upward. "Go on..."
"An... exponential increase in energy output." He realized.
Otto nodded. "A huge amount of energy." He explained. "Like a perpetual sun, providing renewable power for the whole world." Naruto raised a brow at him.
"Didn't Tony Stark try something like that with the Arc Reactor?" He questioned. Otto looked sheepish for a second, nodding.
"Yeah, that he did. But he made a large lightbulb. We're going to try something smaller."
Naruto raised a brow at him. "Even then, something like that could be quite dangerous. As well as taking into account that you plan to test it right in the middle of New York." Something like that would be insane.
Otto waved him off. "We've taken all the necessary precautions. Taken an entire year to plan. I guarantee that it will all work well." He said, patting the blonde on the shoulder. Naruto's eyes twitched. Why does everyone keep patting him today?! "Now, if you would like to continue with your questions, how about joining me and my wife for dinner?"
"Oh, I don't wish to intrude." He said, but Otto laughed, leading him away.
"Nonsense! You're the first smart person besides my wife that I was able to talk science with in a long time. I insist!"
Having no other choice, Naruto nodded and followed Otto to his living quarters on the top floor above the lab. There he met Otto's kind wife, Rosie Octavius.
Naruto and Otto sat at the dinner table as Rosie prepared the food, continuing their talks on the project. "I'm just taking caution here, but are you sure you can stabilize the fusion reaction?" Naruto asked. You couldn't blame him for being careful here! If this thing goes south, you are looking at a nuke detonating and destroying all of New York!
Otto sighed, rolling his eyes. "Naruto, what have we been talking about? This is my life's work. I certainly know the consequences of the slightest miscalculation." He said as Rosie approached them and laid down plates. Naruto frowned. He admired Otto for his genius, but the man was being reckless with this. It was even worse that the thing wasn't even tested yet. He says he knew the consequences, but did not see the whole picture in Naruto's option. Otto chuckled as he looked at his wife. "Rosie, our new friend thinks I'm gonna blow up the city." He said. "You can sleep soundly tonight." He told Naruto.
"Otto's done his homework." Rosie said, agreeing with her husband. "Come to the demonstration tomorrow, and you can see for yourself." Naruto sighed, but nodded. He'll trust the two, but as a precaution, he'll bring his suit in case an appearance from Spider-man was needed. Rosie then gave her husband a pointed look. "And you sleep soundly tonight." She told him. Otto's been working on the machine for three nights straight, barely getting any sleep.
Otto scoffed. "Did Edison sleep before he turned on the light?" He questioned, making Rosie roll her eyes. "Did Maconie sleep before he turned on the radio? Did Beethoven sleep before he wrote the 5th?"
Naruto smirked. "Did Bernoulli sleep before he found the curves of quickest descent?" He added it. The two reminded him of the playful arguments he remembered his parents did when he was little. As well as his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. He guessed all couples were like that.
Otto smirked pointing at him. "Ah! See Rosie! I love this boy." He told his wife, who rolled her eyes with a smile. She then looked at Naruto.
"Naruto, tell us about yourself. Do you have a girlfriend?" She asked.
Naruto, who was taking a sip of his own tea served by Rosie, widened his eyes in surprise and almost choked. He coughed, getting a raised brow from Otto, and an amused grin from Rosie. "I-um... well, I…" He stuttered, his cheeks burning red as thoughts of a certain redhead invaded his mind. Damn teenage hormones!
"Well, I see I got my answer." Rosie said, amused at the blonde's reaction. Ah, teen love.
Clearing his throat, Naruto tried to save face, his cheeks red. "Well... No, not really."
"But it sounds like there might be someone." She teased.
Otto chuckled, also amused. "Let me guess. Girl who's a friend, but you secretly like her."
Naruto sighed, but nodded. He wished he could tell MJ he liked her, but was too worried about keeping her safe. 'I mean, a relationship with a superhero? When had that ever worked out?'
"Ooh, a secret love." Rosie teased. Naruto cursed. Great, first he gets it from his Aunt May, now Mrs. Octavius!
"Love should never be a secret." Otto told Naruto. "If you keep something as complicated as love stored up inside... gonna make you sick." Naruto frowned. He understood, but... "I finally got lucky in love." Otto said, smiling at Rosie, who smiled back.
"We both did." She said, grabbing his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Naruto smiled, memories of dinner nights with both his aunt and uncle replacing the table.
"But it's hardly perfect. You have to work at it." Rosie told the blonde Parker. "I met him on the college steps, and I knew it wasn't going to be easy." She said, looking at Otto who chuckled. "He was studying science, and I was studying English literature."
Otto nodded. "That's right. I was trying to explain the theory of relativity. And Rosie was trying to explain T.S. Eliot." He shook his head at Naruto. "I still don't understand what he was talking about." He said, making Naruto chuckle.
"Oh come on." Rosie said, rolling her eyes.
"I'm serious. T.S. Eliot is more complicated than advanced science. But if you want to get a woman to fall in love with you, feed her poetry."
Naruto raised a brow. "Poetry?" He asked. Hmm, MJ did like drama from when she took theatre classes last year.
Otto nodded. "Never fails."
After dinner, Naruto talked with the two a bit more, before he had to leave as it was getting late. He promised to be at the demonstration tomorrow. Rosie even suggested of bringing his 'secret love' along, which he replied that he would think about it.
Outside the building, he saw the limo Norman called for him. He took great pleasure in being driven home with it.
Riding in style.
The Next Day
Naruto walked into the Octavius Lab, with MJ by his side. She didn't have much to do today with her aunt gone, and Liz and Sally were in the committee to prepare the school for the dance, so she went with Naruto to spend some more time with him. Around Naruto's neck was his camera to take pictures for the Bugle after he got the go ahead from Otto and Rosie.
Speaking of the two Octavius's, the two walked toward the two as the prepared the machine for the demonstration. Seeing him, Rosie stopped and smiled at him. "Naruto! Great to see you here!" She greeted, before she saw Mary Jane. "Oh, and who is this?" She asked with a smirk. Something about her tone and smirk make Naruto's brow twitch. Oh great.
MJ smiled at the woman. "Hi, my name's Mary Jane Watson." She introduced herself, shaking the older woman's hand. Rosie smiled at MJ before shooting the nervous Naruto a grin.
"Is this her?" She asked with a grin. Naruto groaned while MJ blinked in confusion. 'Her'? Did they talk about her?
Naruto grabbed MJ's hand and quickly pulled her away before Rosie could tease him more. "Anyway, I was wondering if I could take some photos of the demonstration for the Bugle?" He asked.
Rosie nodded, still grinning at him. "It's alright with me. Just no flash, please." She said, with him nodding. He then pulled MJ away, leaving Rosie to chuckle. "Ah, young love." She muttered before getting back to checking the machine.
The room was getting filled in with many businessmen and women, as well as some reporters, making Naruto and MJ the only teens there. They also saw Norman, to which they joined him. "Ah, Naruto. Ms. Watson!" The man said.
MJ smiled at him. "Hello, Mr. Osborn."
Naruto looked at him. "You must be excited, Mr. Osborn. If all goes well, it would help Oscorp."
Norman nodded. "Yes. With the power of unlimited energy, it will bring Oscorp to the top above Stark Industries and Powers Industries."
Soon, the demonstration was about to start. "Greetings ladies and gentlemen. My wife Rosie and I would like to welcome you this afternoon." Otto started, wearing a lab coat. Naruto got his camera ready, taking a few pictures. "But first, before we start... has anybody lost a large roll of 20-dollar bills in a rubber band?" He asked. "Because we found the rubber band." He said, making the audience chuckle at the joke. Otto chuckled as well. "It's a terrible joke. But thank you for coming. Today, you will witness the birth of a new fusion-based energy source. Safe, renewable energy and cheap electricity for everyone." He announced. The group grew very interested in that. "And now, allow me to introduce...my assistants."
He walked toward a covered stand behind him, and grabbing the cloth, revealed what was under it. What he saw, made the hairs on the back of Naruto's neck stand up.
In a stand, connected to some kind of vest, were four, long, metallic, tentacles. Otto took off his coat. "These four actuators were developed and programmed for the sole purpose of creating successful fusion." Otto explained as he climbed up the stand, his back to the vest. "They are impervious to heat and magnetism." Pressing some buttons on a control panel next to him, the vest closed around his waist, locking. Then, on his back, a spine like device coiled up his spine. The needles on the 'spine' then sunk into his body, connecting with his nervous system.
The audience winched as the needles pierced his back, MJ flinching. The light on the top of the spine turned on.
Otto then stood still, concentrating. Soon, with his mental willpower, the 'tentacles' began to move. MJ jumped, slightly nervous as the tentacle began to rise. Naruto grabbed her hand in comfort. She smiled at him, getting a smile back, before he began taking pictures of the metal arms. It was funny, with the four metal tentacles, added with Otto's arms and legs, it was like he had eight limbs. Like an...
'Octopus.' He thought as he snapped a picture of the claws.
The audience fidgeted nervously as the claws 'looked' at them. "These smart arms are controlled by my brain through a neural link." Otto explained, as the screen next to him showed the camera fees linked to the cameras on the eyes. "Nanowires feed directly into my cerebellum, allowing me to use these arms to control fusion reactions in an environment no human hand could enter." He said as he stepped down, making the group stepped back in fear of the arms.
One of the reporters raised her hand. "Doctor, if the artificial intelligence in the arms is as advanced as you suggest, couldn't that make you vulnerable to them?" She asked.
Otto chuckled. "How right you are. Which is why I developed this inhibitor chip..." He turned around, pointing to the ship at the top of the metal spine. "...to protect my higher brain function." He turned back to them. "It means I maintain control of these arms, instead of them controlling me." He explained. He then turned to face the machine. "And now on to the main event." He said, gesturing. "Give me the blue light, Rosie." He told his wife, who did just that. Everyone turned to the machine.
It was large, with a wide circular platform with four curved pillars, all facing the center. At the center, was a small shallow pond of water. Otto walked to the machine and approached the controls. As his tentacles checked the machine to be reader, he had one claw bring out a small grips. The arm then moved and grabbed a tiny metallic sphere. "Precious tritium is the fuel that makes this project go. There are only 25 pounds of it on the whole planet. I would like to thank Mr. Norman Osborn and Oscorp Industries for providing it."
"Oscorp takes care of its allies, Mr. Octavius." Norman responded.
Grabbing it, he had he arm return and set the orb in the middle of the machine, where it stayed floating in midair. The orb then began to spin rapidly, until it was but a glowing golden dot. Otto put on goggles Rosie gave him. Smiling at one another in pride, confidence, and love, Otto began the machine. "Ladies and gentlemen...fasten your seat belts."
From the top of the pillars, lights appeared, reflecting down to the reflectors at the button across from them, before beams of light shot out and hit the orb. Said orb began to glow brightly. Otto held his breath, staring hopefully at the orb, along with his wife. The glow grew brighter, making some people shield their eyes, before in a large force, it 'blew up', and before anyone knew it, a miniature 'sun' stood in the middle of the machine.
"Doctor," One of his assistance announced with a smile. "We have a successful fusion reaction."
The audience began to clap at the successful project. Norman smiled as well.
"Wow..." MJ muttered as she stared at the beautiful display, making Naruto smile as he took pictures.
"We're producing a thousand-megawatt surplus." The assistance stated.
From the 'sun', flares tried to leak out, but were pushed back by the tentacles. All the while, Otto stated at the sun in a daze. "The power of the sun, in the palm of my hand." He muttered lowly.
Naruto smile at his hero's dream coming true. Unfortunately, not all dreams are successful.
His eyes widened, as suddenly his spider-senses went haywire. MJ saw this, and looked at him in concern. "Naruto?" She muttered to him. "What's wrong?"
Naruto didn't answer. Instead, he looked down. At the ground, next to his feet was alone paperclip. It shook, before shooting to the 'sun'. 'Not good!'
Hearing the sound of metal groaning, he looped up, along with a few people. Above them, lights enclosed in metal fixtures leaned toward the machine. "MJ," He muttered, getting her attention. "You need to go. Now."
Norman narrowed his eyes. "Something's wrong."
Suddenly, Naruto's camera, along with necklaces, watches, etc. belonging to the people shot out to the machine, getting shouts of surprise. Luckily, Naruto's camera was clung securely around his neck by the strap.
"Stay calm!" Otto shouted as he tried to keep the machine stable. "It's only a spike! It'll soon stabilize!" Rosie looked on in fear.
Narrowing his eyes, Naruto grabbed MJ and began leading her away. "C'mon!" He said as the people began to clear out in panic.
"Naruto!" MJ said as he made it to the staircase. It would be dangerous if one took the elevator. "What's going on?!"
He turned to her. "I don't know, but I need to make sure everyone gets out okay. I need you to be safe and out of harm's way. I'll try and stop the machine." He said as he handed her his bag, taking out his web-shooters and gloves along with his footwear, and jacket.
MJ gave him a look of worry. "Be safe, tiger." She told him before going to the stairs. Moving behind a corner and making sure no one was around, Naruto pulled apart his button shirt, showing he was wearing his Spider-man custom shirt (which was a black sleeveless shirt with a red spider on the front).
[Play the Superman theme music . . . . Nah! Just kidding!]
Back in the lab, it was panic as the scientists tried to keep the machine calm. Unfortunately, things only got worse, as with a siren from the computers, the force of the sun increased. The metal sheets on the wall were pulled off and sucked into the machine.
"We have a containment breach!" The assistant shouted. Looking up, Otto gasped when a large flare bursted out of the shields, striking the ceiling above and a pillar, breaking the bricks.
"Octavius! Shot down the machine!" Norman ordered.
"It will stabilize! It's under control!" Otto argued.
"You'll kill us all you fool! Turn that blasted thing off!" Norman shouted. Unknown to him, a large machinery was heading toward him, pulled by the sun. Luckily, he was saved as Spider-man appeared and swung over, pulling him out of the way. Landing, Norman looked at him in surprise. "You?"
"You should get out of here, Mr. Osborn." Spider-man said, his voice changer on. Norman blinked, before nodding. He was led away by his guards.
Spider-man swung over to the power outlets on the side. "What are you doing?" Otto asked.
"Pulling the plug!" Spider-man said as he fell down to grab the cords.
"NO!" Otto shouted, not wanting to have all his hard work destroyed. He had one of his tentacle swipe at Spider-man, striking him and throwing him away where he crashed against a wall. Naruto groaned from the impact. Meanwhile, another flare shot out, as the gravity force increased.
The metal bars of the window groaned, before snapping. The glass shattering. Rosie, who had hidden from the force behind a wall, looked toward it. Her eyes widened when she saw shards of glass heading towards her. "AAAHHH!" She shrieked as the shards pierced her.
Otto turned to the scream, shielding himself from the glass with his metal arms. Lowering them, he gasped when he saw Rosie's body drop. Naruto looked up as well, his eyes widening in horror at what he saw. "ROSIE!" Otto shouted. Unfortunately, with his back turned and distracted, he did not see the other flare that shot out behind him. This one struck the back of his neck. He began to shake as the incredible, and unstable energy ran through his body. The energy was too much, it caused his inhibitor chip to burst and shatter. He dropped to the floor, unconscious.
Spider-man, getting up, quickly ran to the power plugs. Jumping and landing on the surface of the wall, he grabbed all the plugs, and with a mighty heave, pulled them out of the wall, causing sparks to fly. The sun shrunk, before imploding, destroying the machine.
The lights flickered from the blast, as Naruto panted. Not in physically exhaustion, bit in emotional as he looked at the dead body of Rosie Octavius. He lowered his head. He stopped the machine... but a life was lost.
Outside the building, the police and rescue vehicles arrived as the people were looked over. MJ was worriedly waiting for Naruto, keeping her eyes on the entrance. Then, seeing Naruto walk out of the building, back in his regular clothes, she ran toward him, and hugged him tightly. Glad he was okay. However, Naruto didn't react, still struck by the death of Rosie. 'She didn't deserve to die.' He thought as he watched the paramedics place her body in the ambulance.
"That was too close." One of the businessmen told the other as they were led to the paramedics. "If he had more than a drop of tritium, he could have destroyed the city!"
The other man nodded in agreement.
Norman was led to his car by his men. "Mr. Osborn, are you hurt?" One of them asked. He waved them off.
"I'm fine. Let's just go and stop the media fire before it could rise to hurt my company." He said as he entered his car.
"I'm sorry the demonstration was ruined, sir."
However, Norman smirked. "Actually, not everything was so bad." He said, thinking how it was really interesting that Spider-man just happened to show up so fast.
End of Chapter 5. Continue on Issue 6...
(1) – I thought about giving Naruto his trademark catchphrase/verbal tic. However, since he doesn't know Japanese ‒ yet ‒ he will be using "ya know", instead of "dattebayo".
(2) ‒ I know everything that happens in the show(s) are made to happen as they are, but seriously, having photos that ALWAYS turn out great/perfect would raise suspicion! I'm surprise Robbie (not Jameson for obvious reasons) didn't figure out Peter's secret yet... Or maybe he did...
So this is a 'special' chapter, being a two-part chapter. The rise of Doctor Octopus, with the "Origin" being from Spider-man 2, as I think that that better suited him, as any other origin had Otto had him seen as an instant bad guy/crazy maniac (Animated Series & Ultimate Spider-man [though I guess the former had him being a kind guy at the past]) or a timid man whose personality then makes a 180 (Spectacular).
The Superior Spider-man Goblin Nation comics showed us a better view of Otto Octavius. And while this isn't exactly like that, it's more believable. A nice man dedicated to science, turning evil after his life was shattered by an accident.
Also! I have a challenge for one (or two) of you lovely readers! I am requesting a "Reading" for this story. It could either be a reading from a book, or a television displaying these events. The readers are the Marvel characters. Spider-man/Peter, Mary Jane, the Avengers, and anyone else you want. It can be from the Mainstream Universe, or a fictional dimension, I don't care, as long as the mentioned characters are seeing this story.
If you are interesting in doing the reading/watching, PM me, and I will give you the go-a-head.
Happy writing, True Believers!
Happy 4th of July, and Happy Birthday to any of you readers whose B-Day is in July, like me!
R&R
Ja ne!