Red-Back: Son of the Spider #3 "The New Kid"

Open- PS 108(Midtown High), 10:28 AM.

Peter is drawing on a chalkboard while his class takes notes. Peter: "Biology is a dance. A dance of cell-division, the flow of blood, the life-and-death dance of predator and prey..."

A girl raises her hand; "You mean like when you fight that Octopus guy? Or Shocker, or Scorpion?"

Pete stops abruptly, and turns, startled: "Er- yes, I suppose you could say that. As a matter of fact, that's a good analogy Jenny. Not that I like to talk much about that part of my life, but since it came up- does anyone know how that all started?"

He waits a moment for someone to answer. A boy with glasses raises his hand hesitantly.

Student: "Uh.. I read a book by that Urich guy who writes for the Bugle, and it said it was 'cause of some radioactive spider when you were our age. He says it was a freak accident." Several students nod agreement.

Peter pauses thoughtfully. Peter: "Hmm.. Well, Mr. Urich was only half right. The spider was irradiated, but what happened was not precisely an accident. For those of you who believe in a higher power, I can tell you that there was an outside force operating that day. The precise placement of all the variables- me, the experiment, and even the species of that particular arachnid- all had to fall into place in a specific way for that 'accident' to occur at all. But that's quantum physics, and we were talking about biology. Fate or physics may have dictated the chain of events, but the miracle of DNA is what made those events possible. Genetic mutation is the source of all evolution; all the wondrous diversity of life in the universe. A spider's anatomy is vastly different from a human's; yet both work to perform the same functions in similar ways. Also, there are certain DNA sequences that all living things share- and THAT, kids, is how a simple spider was able to grant its amazing abilities to a skinny, under-developed high-school nerd, to transform him into a man capable of jumping five stories straight up, or bench-pressing a two-ton truck!"

The bell rings. Peter glances at his watch: "Okay, everyone- tonight I want you to read the chapter on mitosis, and write a short paragraph on how chromosome division can result in mutations. See you tomorrow."

5 minutes later.

A tall, handsome man stands in the doorway, after all the students have left. He enters the classroom. Man: " That was a pretty good lecture. I must say, I'm impressed by the way you manage to get them involved."

Peter doesn't look up. He is gathering up papers from his desk. He has a sour expression. Peter(coolly): "Hello, Stark. You heard all that?"

Tony(unfazed): "I was 'hanging' on every word. But seriously, how's the family?"

Pete: "Driving me nuts. M-J says Hunter's constantly bugging her to let him help with the chores, even though he's only four; he's been learning to read on his Leapfrog, too- and trying to read EVERYTHING in the house! On top of that, Terra's going through the 'no' stage. It's getting impossible to get her to do anything."

Tony(shakes his head, smiling.): "Sounds hectic. Exactly the reason I never married or had kids."

Peter suddenly turns to him, annoyed. He puts down the papers and folds his arms across his chest.

Peter(suspiciously): "Okay Stark, I've put it off long enough. What do you want, Tony? We've hardly spoken since I broke with you over the Act, and now suddenly you want to be all buddy-buddy again? I'm not buying. So why the visit?"

Tony(looks serious): "I thought maybe we could bury the hatchet once and for all. How long are you going to hold that grudge, anyway? What do you say- friends? I could make it up to you- say, over a little vacation? How does London sound? School's out in a month; bring the family. How about it?"

Peter looks doubtful. He still feels a little betrayed after all this time.

Peter: "Well... I'll think about it. But that doesn't mean we're back to peas-and-carrots again."

Later that afternoon- Forest hills, Queens:

Peter(coming in): " Honey! Guess what- we're going on vacation! Or maybe I should say 'holiday'."

Hunter/Terra(in unison): "Daddy!"

They both rush toward him, grabbing his legs trying to hug him. He grabs both and picks them up, squeezing.
Peter: "Hiya, kids. Where's your mother?"

M-J(from kitchen, exasperated): "In here. Those two have been a nightmare all day! I can't get Terra to do ANYTHING without a struggle, and HE'S been bouncing off the walls- literally!"

Peter(stern- to both): "Kids, what did I say about not minding your mother while I'm at work?"

Hunter(guilty, with eyes downcast): "We have to sit in 'time out chairs'. Pleeeaasse don't make us! Promise we'll be GOOOOD!"

Peter: "Hmm. Well... If you're VERY good for the rest of the night, I'll go easy on you THIS time."

Both: "Okay."

M-J comes into the room holding a spatula.

M-J: "You're so good with those two; how is it you can just walk in and they're suddenly a pair of angels, but I can't even get them to pick up their toys?"

Peter(shrugging): "Dunno. Maybe it's cause they know they can't get away from me just by running up the walls."

She smiles as she leans over to kiss his cheek.

M-J: "Hmm. Almost makes me wish I could do it, too. ALMOST." So how was your day, Tiger?"

Peter(smug- puts the kids down.): "Great, as usual! And I had a visit from Tony Stark. He's invited us to London for a week once school's out next month. I told him I'd talk to you first. So, what do you say?"

M-J(impishly): "Like you said, Tiger- if you're VERY good for the rest of the night...!"

Next day, 12:30 PM

A street outside a bank downtown. Peter dodges a swipe from a large green "tail" with a razor-sharp "stinger" on the end, and launches a counter-punch in mid-leap.

Peter(annoyed): "I can't BELIEVE I had to miss my lunch break for THIS! Scorpion, can't ANY of you guys ever just stay in jail like you're supposed to?"

Gargan: "%&#$ you!" He shoots an acid ball from his tail.

Peter: "Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"

He ducks the acid and comes back with a spin kick at Gargan's chest. Both trade punches, etc, until Scorpion is slammed into a car and dazed. Peter seizes the advantage and dumps two whole cartridges on him, then throws a quick one-two punch to knock him out.

Peter(cheerful, but slightly winded): "Well! Guess that's ONE bug problem solved. Whew- I'd better get back to the school before the lunch break ends! If I'm lucky, I MIGHT even get to EAT!"

He snaps a quick photo on his phone, and swings off as police cars pull up, sirens blaring.

Later- Daily Bugle. Chief Editor's office.

Jameson is standing behind his desk, with his usual cigar(yes, he started up again) with a sour expression, yelling- also as usual.

J.J: "These are CRAP! I can't use any of THESE- they're all out of focus from all the bouncing around you were doing! if you're going to be constantly tearing up the city with those lunatic buddies of yours, the least you can do is get a few DECENT photos of the action! Now stop wasting my time!"

Pete holds several blurry photos, looking disgusted. He finally tosses them on the desk, annoyed.

Peter: "SORRY, J.J., but I was a LITTLE preoccupied at the time. Do you even have any idea how hard it is to take a good picture in the middle of a fight? Even on the best day, I'm lucky if I get three or four decent shots. Tell you what... why don't we let YOU go head-to-head with Gargan, and see what kind of shot YOU get!"

J.J.:(surprised for a moment, but still blustering): "Have you got anything else?! If not, Parker, you can take that camera an shove it up your creepy little..." The door opens suddenly, and he stops abruptly to see who is interrupting. It is Robbie, coming in looking excited. J.J. waves him away.

J.J: "Later, Robbie, I'm busy!"

Robbie: "Too busy to hear the latest news? There's some kind of major mob war going on all over the city! The judge handed down the verdict on that jewel-heist trial of the Kingpin about an hour ago, and now half the heavy-hitters in town are making a bid to take over all his power bases- and trying to take each other out at the same time! The cops have their hands full trying to deal with keeping Fisk from getting sprung or shot at, not to mention his top men. I heard Daredevil, Black Cat, Puma, and even the FF are all out there trying to put a lid on this before anyone gets hurt, but they could use some help. What do you think, Jonah? is that big enough news for you?"

Both turn and stare at Peter. Jameson's cigar drops onto his desk, still burning. Peter is caught off-guard for a moment.

Peter: "What?" Well, great. I was afraid this might happen. After Hunter's little adventure in the Natural History Museum as Fisk's 'gopher', it was only a matter of time before the underworld would erupt like this. I guess that makes this fiasco MY responsibility- since it WAS my son who did the actual theft, even if Fisk bullied him into it. Threatening a four-year-old... is there ANYTHING that man won't do?

Finally, J.J. gets impatient. He yells. J.J.: "Well?! What are you waiting for? Get your skinny butt out there as go make yourself useful for a change! And since you're going out there anyway, could you at least TRY to get me some photos I can actually USE?!"

Robbie stifles a snicker.

Peter pulls out another pic- of Scorpion unconscious and webbed to the side of a Volkswagon Beetle.

Peter(grins): "Aww, see, J.J., you DO appreciate me! Here, 'Chuckles', I was saving the best for last!"

He turns to Robbie and whispers in an aside.

Peter: "First he sues me, then he hires me back again like nothing ever happened? What's up with THAT? He used to HATE my alter-ego's guts, but lately he's been almost... supportive!"

Robbie shakes his head, smirking: "I think he's finally starting to realize your 'other side' isn't the big bad monster Jonah always took him for. Maybe seeing the face behind the mask showed him that you're just one of the good guys after all. Besides, I think he's got a soft spot for you he won't admit to- sort of a 'father-figure' thing."

Meanwhile, Jonah picks up the photo off his desk. He looks at it, and scowls. J.J.: "You've been holding out on me , Parker! Now go kick some mob butts!"

Peter waves to both as he leaves, grinning: "Later, guys- looks like I've got my work cut out for me today. Wish me luck!" Jonah goes all "Big Brother"-ly on me? THAT"S a new one! Oh, well, enough of this mushiness. I've got a job to do!

Robbie gives him a thumbs-up: "Go get 'em, pal!" J.J. just gives him a sour look, as his cigar finally goes out on the desk.

Six weeks later...

JFK International Airport, 6:53 PM. M-J is holding Terra in her arms; she spins around happily, making Terra squeal.

M-J: "Ahh! Home at last! The vacation was fun, but it's nice to be home again!"

Hunter is sitting on his dad's shoulders: "I wanna go on the plane again! Can we-pleeease?!" He looks down at Peter hopefully, bending over to give his best "puppy-dog" expression- up-side-down.

Peter reaches up and musses the boy's hair, grinning: "Maybe another time, kiddo. Let's just get home for now, okay?"

Hunter(disappointed): "Aww, okay. Can we get hot dogs, Mommy?"

Terra: "Hodog!"

M-J(sighs): Well, so much for the vacation... "Sure- why not! It'll be great to have normal food again after two weeks!"

8:00 PM, Queens.

The family starts to get out of the car, as M-J heads for the house with the keys. All turn to see an expensive car pull up and park. The driver is an attractive older blonde woman in a low-cut white dress. She gets out, and a tall, much older bald man gets out beside her.

Peter(frowning): Xavier? And Emma Frost- what's SHE doing here?

Xavier greets them all warmly. "Hello Peter, Mrs. Parker. I hope I haven't come at a bad time, but I wanted to discuss some things with you both concerning our telephone conversation a few weeks ago. I thought it best to come see you in person."

M-J moves to help Terra out of the car, holding her hand. She looks worried.

M-J: "I- Is something wrong, Professor?"

Xavier(sincerely): "No, of course not, Mrs. Parker. However, I wanted to meet the boy before putting him in an unfamiliar environment with a lot of strangers."

He sees Hunter getting out of the car, and smiles. "And this young gentleman must be Hunter. How are you today, young man?"

Hunter looks from his parents to Xavier uncertainly. He balks at approaching him, stubborn and suspicious.
Hunter: "Nuh-uh! I don't talk to strangers! Cause the LAST one tried to HURT me and Daddy!" He moves behind Peter, trying to hide behind his legs.

Xavier chuckles and holds out his hand: Don't be afraid, Hunter. I'm an old friend of your parents; my name is Charles Xavier, and I run a very special school for children just like you. You don't remember, but you've been there before. How would you like to go to my school to learn?

Hunter's eyes go wide. He clings to Peter's leg while his father is trying to adjust several bags in his hands: "Daddy, he talked in my head!"

Peter finally gets the bags situated. He laughs, reaching out to shake hands with the Professor: "It's okay, son. He's one of the good guys- like ME! Good to see you, sir. It's been a while. So how are the latest class of students coming along?"

Xavier is still watching Hunter, amused by the boy's reaction. Emma hangs back, eyeing the young boy with a slight hint of distaste. She notices Terra staring at her, and smiles warmly at the little girl. They all start up the steps toward the house, with M-J in front to open the door.

Xavier: "As well as can be expected, I suppose. Of course, none of the students will be quite as young as your son, but I'm certain we can make accommodations for his age."

He turns back to Hunter. "So, Hunter, would you like to go to my school and meet other children like yourself? Your father has told me how much you enjoy reading; we have many books I'm sure you would like. What do you think?"

Now the precocious boy looks up at him, excited: "Really? Can I? I know all 'bout school- it's where you go to get smart, and have lots of friends! I wanna be SMART like YOU, Daddy! Pleeaase!"

Peter grins and musses Hunter's hair as he carries the bags in: "Sure, kiddo. That's what Xavier is here for." It's going to be hard to send him off on his own like this, but what else can we do? No regular school would ever let him in, regardless of who his parents are. Least I know Charles will take good care of him while he's away.

Hunter jumps up and down, excited. His budding powers are already showing- his bouncing is nearly over Peter's head: "Yay! Yay! I get to go to school!"

Xavier chuckles, and offers Hunter his hand, trying to calm the boy. Emma seems a bit unnerved by his display of power at such an early age. She edges away from him. Hunter shyly takes Xavier's hand, and smiles, while Peter and M-J look on.

Xavier: "Yes, and I'm certain you will like it there. (to Peter) So, Peter, shall we expect him in August? We can enroll him now, if you like. And if money is a problem, there are grants and programs to help. I'm certain we can work something out. "

M-J(sighing): "It seems like they're growing so fast, doesn't it? Terra will be joining him in just a couple of years, and THEN what? The house will be so quiet."

She helps Terra inside, while Peter hoists Hunter on his back and hauls in the rest of the luggage: "Well, lets get this monkey and all our bags inside, and we'll discuss the details."

Hunter(giggling): "Not a monkey, Daddy! 'M a SPIDER!" He leans over again, wiggling all his fingers over Peter's head menacingly as they go in.

August 20, 8:00 AM- Xavier Institute.

Outside a mansion in upstate New York- Peter, M-J, and the two children are on the front steps. Hunter is crying, hanging onto M-J: "Mommy, Daddy, don't LEAVE! Don't wanna be by myself! Stay with me, pleeease!"

He tugs on his mother's skirt; Peter kneels down to hug him. Hunter turns and throws his arms around Peter.

Terra pats her brother on the shoulder, also sobbing.

Terra: "T's okay, brutter, you can still see us on weekends- Mommy said so!"

Peter(reassuring): "That's right, big guy. We'll come visit you every chance we get, okay? But you have to promise me you'll behave for your teachers, Hunter. Some of them are good friends, so I'll find out if you don't. Got that?"

Hunter wipes the tears away, and nods.

Hunter: "Uh-huh. Okay, Daddy. I promise I'll be good. Love you!"

M-J picks him up and hugs him: "We love you too, sweetie. Now, hurry up and go to your first class, kiddo. You don't want to be late on your first day of school, do you?"

He looks nervous, but excited: "Uh-uh. Bye, Mommy, bye Daddy!"

He waves as he turns to go inside. Terra waves back as Peter and M-J call to him.

Peter: "Good luck!"

M-J: "Have fun!"

Inside- a large foyer with stairs leading to two opposite wings. Hunter looks around, confused and lost. A tall, dark-skinned woman with long white hair approaches, wearing a long, flowing dress with an exotic print. She is smiling at him, with one hand out in a friendly gesture.

Woman: "Good morning, child. You must be the new student the Professor mentioned. Can I help you find your way?"

Hunter: "Are you a teacher? I don't where I'm s'posed to go. Where is Mr. McCoy's class?"

Woman: "My name is Ms. Munroe. I teach social studies and geography. What is your name, child?"

Hunter looks up at her shyly, fidgeting nervously: "I'm Hunter. You're pretty- are you a mutant like me? Daddy said this was a mutant school."

She laughs: "Yes, I am, and he is right. This school is for people just like you and me. Come, I will show you to your classroom."

She takes his hand and leads him to a room off the main entrance, where a large, blue-furred creature is taking a roll-call of names. She ushers Hunter into the room. He looks around nervously at all the other students- children with green or red skin, horns, spikes, glowing eyes, or other strange traits. All of them are at least five years older than him.

Storm(to the "ape-man"): "Good morning, Dr. McCoy. I have a new student for you. He is young, but very bright. I believe he will do well."

The strange "beast" looks Hunter over closely, taking off his glasses. He suddenly smiles.

McCoy: "Ah! Yes, of course- you must the Parkers' boy. Hunter, isn't it? You don't remember me, but we've met before. Welcome! Find an empty seat and we'll begin." (To Storm): "Thank you, Storm; if he is anything like his father, I'm sure he will be an excellent student."

Hunter moves to a chair near the front of the room and sits with his backpack on the desk, and starts to pull out his supplies. He looks around at the other kids nervously, fidgeting with organizing his crayons and pencils. Storm smiles and waves to him as she leaves; he sees her and perks up, waving back with three of his hands.

McCoy: "Alright, class, we have a new student. His name is Hunter Parker, and I would like you all to make him feel welcome- even though he is a bit younger than the rest of you. Everyone say 'hello'. Hunter, would you like to tell the class a little about yourself?"

He stands, looking around shyly: "Umm... I'm five, an' I have a sister named Terra- she's three. My Mommy is in a lot of movies and stuff, and my Daddy is... uh, Spider-Man. We live in Queens."

Kids(all): "Hi, Hunter."

McCoy beams: "Very good. Now, let's begin today's lesson. Everyone get out a pencil and paper..."