Spider-Man: Year One- A Spider-Man Fanfiction
Summary: Lonely sophomore Peter Parker was the most gifted student at Midtown High, until one day when a bite from a genetically modified spider turned him into something else. Now, he's just your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Follow his journey. Rated Teen.
Disclaimer: I do not own Spider-Man.
Chapter Twelve
"See, I think I can skip a few more sessions. I've had nothing to do but study recently," Liz smiled, closing her book and staring expectantly at Peter.
"I have nothing more to teach you. My work here is done," Peter responded with mock seriousness.
The two stared at each other for a moment before both fell into peels of laughter.
"But, really, you're doing so much better than you were when we started. I'm impressed, Liz."
"What can I say? I have a great tutor. You should meet him sometime," Liz chuckled.
"Oh, that's clever. Nice job."
"I'm serious, though, Petey. I couldn't have done any of this without you."
Peter shook his head. "You've had the ability the entire time. It just took some work. I really didn't do anything."
"None of my other friends would have done this for me Peter. In fact, none of the others would have even suggested I try on my own. The fact that you agreed to help me, even though we weren't close, means the world to me."
"I'm just glad I can help Liz. Is there anything else you need to review tonight?"
Liz paused for a minute, opening and closing her mouth a few time, before just shaking her head. "Not really, Petey. Thanks for the offer, though. Do you maybe just want to..."
Peter's phone went off, interrupting what she was going to say. Peter flashed her a quick smile. "It's work. Do you mind?"
She shook her head. "No, go ahead. We can talk when you're done."
Peter stepped into the corner of the room and scowled, his face turned away from Liz so she couldn't she the worry swiftly spreading across it. While he often worked with Ned, and his pictures were often featured alongside Ned's articles, Ned rarely called him. In fact, since Ned let Peter know he knew Peter's other identity, they had no contact with each other whatsoever. Ned seemed to keep his promise of not outing Peter and Peter didn't know how to approach the older reporter. It was just... awkward.
"Ned?" Peter asked, confusion laced his voice.
"Yeah, hey Pete."
"Is everything okay?"
"No," Ned began. Even over the phone, Peter could hear the worry over you voice. "Mysterio attacked Oscorp. He has Norman Osborn held hostage in his office."
"But why tell me?" Peter asked. This wasn't street crime. Mysterio wasn't an average crook. Peter remembered very well the conversation he had with Ned about his extra activities.
"Normally, I wouldn't get you involved kid, but I don't know what else to do. Jameson wants you down there already, and I don't know if the cops can handle this or even if the Avengers will show up. Despite everything in my body telling me it's a mistake to involve you, I think Spider-Man may be the best bet to handle this situation without it getting worse."
Peter sighed. "I'm on my way."
"Good. I'll meet you outside before you head in and take your camera. At least we could have some pictures for your cover. And, I should have a copy of the blueprints of the building on my phone. We may be able to give you a bit of a tactical advantage."
"You have access to those?" Peter asked with incredulity. From what Harry had told Peter about his father, he hardly seemed the type to allow anything remotely secretive to be in the hands of a reporter. Especially not a reporter with as much credit to his name as Ned.
"Yeah... back from when I got to focus on actual stories. I'm an investigative journalist, I find what I need to. The point being, it may give you some edge when you go after Mysterio. How fast can you get here?"
"Fifteen, twenty maybe."
"There is an alley about a block from the end of the police barricade with a sign advertising cheep booze. I'll meet you there."
"Yep."
Hanging up, Peter turned back to Liz who had her head stuck in her biology book again.
"Listen, Liz, I'm sorry, but I have to go. There is some sort of major event going on down at Oscopr and they want me to get some pictures," Peter said, the sadness in his voice genuine as he stared at the girl.
She smiled in return. "It's fine Petey, I understand."
"Trust me, I'd much rather be here."
"I'm sure. Taking pictures of exciting situations or helping me study boring biology? Yeah, you'd rather be here."
"You wound me. Of course I'd rather be here," Peter returned in a mock hurt voice, handing rising to his chest dramatically.
"When you're done being an ace photographer, though, we should meet up. Give me a call?" Liz asked in a smaller voice than normal.
Peter was taken aback. Never in a million years would he have believed that Liz Allan would have wanted to hang out with him in public. Tutoring sessions were one thing, but this hardly seemed like an academic offer.
"I-I'd love to. Really, that sounds great. I'll definitely call you when I'm done. Definitely."
Well, word vomit was now a serious concern for Peter when talking to Liz. That was wonderful.
He waved briefly and stumbled out the door, not even his spider powers saving him from probably looking like a fool.
A few moments passed for Liz as she sat on her bed and contemplated what she had just done. She could probably spin it if she wanted, but the truth of the matter was she had just asked Petey on a date. She, Liz Allan the cheerleader, just asked nerdy Peter Parker on a date. She had read romance stories like this when she was a kid, but she never thought she would be living in one. Really, it was almost funny.
She had known, albeit grudgingly, about her growing feelings for Peter for some time now. As much as she tried to rationalize or deny her feelings, they were there. She had feelings for Peter Parker. And right now, with everything that had happened recently, she felt like she needed Peter in her life. Peter was a stabilizing influence. But it was more than that. She was happier, more at peace, when she was with Peter.
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts, she didn't notice that her brother had walked through her door and perched down at the foot of her bed.
"So, that's the famous Peter Parker, huh? He isn't what I was expecting."
Liz scowled. "You sound like the kids at school. What is it Mark? He isn't cool enough or something?"
Mark raised his hands in defense. "Not at all. I saw the shirt he was wearing, so at least I know he has cool taste in music. He just doesn't seem like your usual fare, that's all."
"Not stupid, you mean."
"Sure, but not typical... I guess. I pegged you going out with that moron Flash when you two were in eighth grade. It was only a matter of time. Most girls like you, most kids like us, we don't realize the charms of the geeks and nerds until much later. Usually college, sometimes even after. I'm proud of how mature you've gotten that you can see beyond Peter's social status to the good guy underneath."
"You sound like you speaking from experience. But, the girls you dated in high school were always popular."
Mark chuckled. "Yeah, and look how well that worked out. None of those relationships lasted. But, I do have some experience."
Liz looked skeptical. "Really?"
"I was partnered with a girl in my freshmen comp class that would be considered a typical nerd. Despite that, I really think I began to fall for her. But, I didn't know how to connect to her and it didn't work out."
"So, what do you think I should do?"
"Be honest with him and yourself. And, whatever you do, don't let the doubt creep in."
Liz laughed. "I'll try."
There was a pause between the two siblings for a minute, before Mark broached the subject again. "So, any idea what you're gonna say when you see him?"
"Not yet, but I'll think for something. Now get out so I can plan what to wear and wow him."
Chuckling on his way to the door, Mark paused. "Good luck Liz, I hope it works.
…
In costume, Peter swung through the skies of New York at a pace he wasn't totally used to. Usually when he was web swinging he didn't have a clear destination in mind. Or, if he did, it was just school. But now, it was different. At his destination was a hostage and a villain. A villain who wanted him dead, straight up at that. One who had proven to be Peter's equal the only time they had faced each other. It was moments like these that Peter truly wished for the Avengers to be a bit more proactive. Though, to be fair, he didn't know how much of the city had heard of this current problem.
Complicating matters further was the fact that the hostage was the father of his best friend. Peter didn't know Norman Osborn, he was sure nobody truly knew Norman Osborn. And from what Harry had said about Norman Osborn, Peter wasn't sure he wanted to meet the man in person, either as Spider-Man or Peter Parker. Despite these misgivings, however, he was still an innocent victim that needed help and Peter was going to do his best. Furthermore, despite Harry's grumblings, Peter was sure Harry would miss his father should anything happen to the man. Peter wasn't going to let Harry experience the pain of losing a father figure like Peter had.
The police had already set up a perimeter a few blocks in any direction from Oscorp when Peter got there. Furthermore, he could see vans from every major news source in the city and multiple reporters and camera operators doing their best, he assumed, to cover the breaking story.
Landing on one of the roofs surrounding the barricade, he scanned through the crowd as quickly as possible, hoping to identify the sign Ned wanted him to meet under before anyone recognized Peter.
Spotting the sign, and the reporter under it, Peter moved as quickly and quietly as he could manage and landed behind Ned with nary sound, if he was being immodest.
"Ned," he said, grabbing the reporter's attention. "I'm here."
"Sorry Pete," the reporter responded and Peter flinched. He wasn't used to being called Peter in his costume and he cast a glance around the two to make sure no one was in ear shot.
"I didn't know who else to call. And Jameson wanted you down here anyway. I wish you could just take pictures, honestly," Ned continued, wringing his hands in worry.
"It's fine, I'm glad you let me know this was happening. As much as I would rather be anywhere else, I have a responsibility to use my powers to do good. And saving my best friend's father from some faux- magical psychopath seems like it qualifies."
"You're only a kid. You shouldn't be involved in this."
Peter nodded. "Well, I am and that seems to be the endgame for fate... at least when it comes to me. Now, what can you tell me about the situation inside"
Ned scratched his cheek and reached into his back pocket, pulling out his phone. After a moment, he held it up to Peter. "This is the floor plan for the penthouse in the Oscorp building. The only office on the floor is Osborn's. Outside of Osborn's office, there are just a series of connecting hallways. Normally, these hallways would be crawling with Osborn's personal guards. The best in his company. However, I would think that Mysterio took out the guards on the way into the office. Furthermore, if there are still guards alive, I doubt they'd be willing to stop you. If you don't want to go through the halls, you could always try the direct approach and go through a window. But, I don't know if you want to give up the element of surprise."
"Surprise was never my thing. I talk to much for it to be truly effective," chuckled Peter. "I think I'll take the window and make sure this fight ends as quickly as possible."
Peter scanned the floor plan again, nodding to himself. "Yeah, I think the direct approach is my best option. Worst case scenario, he beats on me instead of Mr. Osborn."
"I don't like that plan Pete."
"Neither do I, but I don't see many other options. What I do know, however, is how his abilities work. I think I can take him."
The two stared at each other for a moment before Ned nodded. "Good luck, Pete. Oh, and give me your camera. Jameson is still expecting some photos of the action."
"You sure you can handle it, I have a reputation to maintain."
Ned laughed. "I took some photography classes in college, I'm sure I'll be fine. Besides, I happen to know Spider-Man. I bet if I asked really nice, I could het him to pose for a few shots if Jameson doesn't like what you present to him."
Peter chuckled as well, launching a web and swinging away.
…
"Do you understand now, Osborn? Do you understand what lies before you?"
Quentin couldn't help but chuckle. His plan had gone flawlessly and now all he had to do was wait. That fool Spider-Man would shortly and, then, the world would know the superiority of Quentin Beck.
It was almost a shame that the world would only know him through the guise of Mysterio. But, Quentin figured, once he had control of the city then he could safely reveal his identity. At that point who would be left to challenge Mysterio? If Spider-Man could not stop Mysterio, surely none of the Avengers could topple Mysterio either. And the Daredevil or the Punisher, they were scrubs. Bush league amateurs at best. Even S.H.I.E.L.D would fall at Mysterio's feet.
"Listen," Osborn began. "Whatever Tombstone is paying you, I can double it. Triple it even if you just let me go."
That fool. Did Osborn really think Quentin Beck so low as to turn on his employer for a paycheck. Furthermore, Quentin needed to stay in Tombstone's favor for his eventual takeover of Tombstone's organization.
"I wonder, Osborn, where did that dry wit go that you were spouting so effortlessly just a moment ago? Have you come to fear Mysterio?"
"I simply know when I am beaten, Mysterio. I'll give you whatever it is you want, just let me go. I have a wife and son at home."
"What is this I hear, the great industrialist Norman Osborn reduced to beginning? I wonder if Wall Street would still fear your reputation if they could see this pathetic display? I thought you a bigger person than this. But reduced to beginning? Osborn, you have fallen low.
A crash through the window behind Quentin interrupter his taunting for the moment as both men swiveled around to see that infuriating arachnid perched in the glass wreckage.
"I think I'd be begging as well if I had to stare at your fishbowl for an extended amount of time. It kinda puts people off," The blasted bug joked. As if he had the right to joke to Quentin Beck. He would pay dearly for his insolence.
"Spider-Man, you've finally arrived. My trap has worked perfectly."
Even though the two morons in the room with him couldn't see it, Quentin smirked. Sometimes, he couldn't help it.
"What do you say hero?" Quentin began. "The master of the arcane versus the bug, round two."
End of Chapter Twelve
A/N: Sorry for the late chapter everyone. And, sorry for the brevity of the chapter as well.