C2: The first fight

New York City never slept. It was always busy and there was always trouble. Not necessarily in the alleys or darkened, hidden corners, but in places where people would turn a blind eye. Close a blind down on the window. Turn away.

And that's where she stepped in.

Ever since that fateful night when that spider bit her, she'd felt the change. Trained herself. She'd always loved her tarantulas and finding an injured 'new species' had been exciting and nerve-wracking since the little guy seemed intent on constantly escaping. And then, when she tried to re-house it and put it in a new home, it had sunk its tiny fangs into her.

And that's when the strange, distant voices began. The sweats. A full twenty-four hours of feeling like she was dying. And when she awoke the next day, she felt stronger. Quicker. Her powers had grown over the days and weeks, as had the echo in the back of her mind. Something new living within her that took a while to get used to but…didn't seem to bother her too much.

'Hunger.'

She had satisfied its need to feed, by fighting against the toughest bad guys she could find.

She'd been patrolling the city since. Keeping the bad guys in line and saving people who needed it. Spiderman wasn't working alone, but he didn't know that.

She'd even designed her own suit after a few months of trial and error with different 'conspicuous' outfits. She learned the hard way that long capes were not practical at all. 'Swishy', but easily caught on sharp corners.

Her suit was black and green, comfortable, and with a smaller cape on the back and a large hood. Her favourite part was the zip she'd sewn in herself, easily hidden in the back. She always worried about how other superheroes went to the bathroom and now she knew the practicality of a good zip placement.

Something stirred far below her. It sounded like a rowdy shout followed by muffled gunfire. She swung down, moving closer to the noise. Her senses prickled. Someone or multiple people were in need.

And she was just the hero to help.

A short time earlier…

Otto puffed away on the cigar in between his lips before the claw removed it so he could blow out the smoke into New York's 'fresh' air. It was a filthy habit, and he knew Rosie would not have approved, but it still felt so good to be a little bad.

That's why he was out and about. During the day, he was Doctor Otto Octavius, a redeemed professional who had seen the error of his ways and worked for one of the best companies in the city.

But he recently discovered a certain 'itch'. He wasn't necessarily doing bad things just…getting rid of the bad people. And there was a lot in New York. He'd not killed anyone, just roughed a few gangs up that wouldn't run to the police.

'Officer, Doc Ock is back, and he stopped us smuggling a shipment of drugs!'

'Officer, Doc Ock beat us up when we tried to steal a car!'

Anyway, who would believe such a strange tale? He hadn't met anyone that stupid.

'Yet,' said a distant voice, but he ignored it when he heard a group of men hollering around the corner near him. He'd been staking out the alleyway since last week and noticed a pattern, where smaller bags of drugs were exchanged, along with some not-so-small weapons.

He stretched himself out and studded the cigar.

"Time for some fun," the claws snapped excitedly around him, and he smirked, "don't go too easy on them. They need to learn a lesson."

He quietly made his way along until he found the small group of men, mostly in their twenties, talking and swapping their goods like they were exchanging Christmas presents.

He positioned himself perfectly over the top of them, two claws bracing against the brick buildings on either side, whilst the other two 'looked threatening'.

The light from a nearby security alarm blared on and created the perfect silhouette, which made the men below turn suddenly and exclaim in horror.

"Hello fellas," he smirked and slowly began to lower himself, "out for a nice stroll, are we?"

Screams and shouts rang out as weapons were quickly drawn.

Otto could only smile.

His claws were quick, grasping the building and moving him where he needed to go, deflecting bullets, and reaching out to show off what they were capable of.

He was sure, that if they weren't terrified to see him, they'd be impressed. But it's hard to be impressed when the dreaded 'Doc Ock' was throwing a dumpster at you and your cohorts.

The dumpster took out three in one go and as he landed safely at ground level, his claws took care of the other six.

He was almost bored with how quick they worked.

None of them were dead, of course. Some were unconscious whilst others just seemed to be in too much pain to move.

Otto looked around him, holding out his hands and looking ready for another round.

"No one else? Tired already?"

"I hate to admit it, but that was impressive, Doc."

He turned and looked up at the same spot he had dropped from and felt his ire rise.

"Oh no, not another one."

He'd already had one issue with Spiderman in the past and had heard of previous 'masked vigilantes' who were swinging in and 'saving the day', but he had yet to meet any others.

And yet, here she was.

Slim, with an unfamiliar black and green suit, but bearing a striking resemblance to the webbed design of 'Spiderpest', he knew his night was about to get more interesting.

'Maybe not for the better.'

"I can assure you," he held his hands up in surrender and smiled, "they were definitely the bad guys in this scenario. I will leave them in your capable hands and-"

"Oh, but Doctor," she cocked her head, and he could tell she was smirking, even beneath her mask, "you're leaving so soon? I'm positive the police will want a statement and I'm sure they'll love talking to an old friend, such as yourself."

He squinted up at her. There was something familiar about the way she spoke. The little hint of sarcasm.

"Have we met before?"

The figure paused for a moment before letting out an undignified snort.

"Urm…is that a pick-up line? I think I might be too young for you."

'Interesting.'

"My dear, I don't really 'do' pick-up lines. But, since you've evidently rejected me," he placed a hand over his heart and gave her a small bow with his head, "I must leave and tend to my broken heart."

With a quick salute and smirk, the claws worked quickly to move him back up and away.

"Not so fast, Doc!"

The figure swung close to him, and he had to dodge to stop her boot from connecting with his face.

"If you're going to play dirty, don't think I'll hold back, just because you're female."

"Nice of you to notice."

Oh, he'd noticed. The suit left very little to the imagination and he didn't mind the view at all. Though it was now currently being spoiled by the fact she was attempting to land a punch on him.

It felt good to have a rival in battle again. He was even struggling to avoid her hits and kicks, but couldn't keep the smirk from his face, especially when she made such aggressive grunting noises.

She thought she had him up against a wall, but he planned it out. He grabbed her leg when she moved to attack and held it up, impressed with how close to his face she'd gotten again.

"Not bad. I'll have to keep a closer eye on you."

"I think you're looking plenty right now," her voice sounded strained as though she were speaking through gritted teeth, "and I don't intend to show you much more."

There was an awkward pause as he let the words sink in and it seemed she had been unaware of the implications of her own words.

"Now that sounded like a challenge. Let's see what's behind the mask, shall we?"

Claudia had to quickly flex and kick her leg free from his grip when a claw moved quickly towards her. She felt its grip around her shoulder, but with one hand, held tightly onto her mask as she used the other one to send out a web and swing away.

She went backward through the air before feeling a sharp pain where the claw was. She heard fabric ripping and fabric pull, but her mask stayed on.

She stuck to a wall before hurrying onto the opposite, gaining space between herself and Doc Ock.

She looked down at him and he cockily saluted her before walking casually away. She should have given chase, but she quickly checked where he'd grabbed her, and her gloved hand came away covered in blood. And whilst he hadn't exposed her face, he had ripped a decent hole in her suit. Her hair was poking out and she sighed.

"Great," she shook her head and retreated to the rooftop, "sewing, first aid, and washing my hair. NOT how I wanted to spend my evening. Thanks, Doctor Octavius."

Xx Otto xX

As Otto mingled innocently into the crowded nightlife of New York, he pulled out the piece of fabric from his pocket and smiled.

'A nice little memento.'

Meeting Spidergirl had been a treat. But something niggled at him. He had recognised her voice and that brief glimpse of dark hair made him think of someone. He wasn't sure but he had a feeling this wasn't going to be the last time they saw each other.

And he wasn't mad about that.