Reply:

- vfc15650: Exactly! They, especially Kaine, deserve to shine. If only Kaine has a live-action movie though, I feel it's a missed opportunity for Sony to use him as the starting point of their own universe, so they can get their own Spidey in a way :') And don't worry, more will come!


(A few hours later, in a safehouse somewhere...)

"So Doc, how is he doing?" asked Herman to the doctor checking on James, one of his men who was wounded earlier.

"I'm afraid it's going to take a long time, Mr. Schultz. We'll do the best for your man."

Herman frowned and took a glance through the window at James on a hospital bed. He let out a soft sigh and turned to the doctor, "Thank you... I trust you, Doctor. Er... Is it okay if I visit him?"

The doctor nodded and gave a reassured smile at the man before heading somewhere else.

Herman then knocked the patient room's door, opening it gently as to not disturb James. "Hi there."

"Boss..? What are you doing here?"

"Ah, just wanted to check up on you. That's all," a smile formed on his face, "The others are worried about you."

James looked away in shame from his black-haired boss, "If only I were more careful... If only I didn't get shot-"

"Hey, hey," Herman spoke in a calming tone, "You don't need to worry about the past. Just let it go. For now, let's just focus on the present, alright?"

"Y-Yeah. Yeah... Thank you, Boss!"

"Anytime," Herman chuckled, "Anyway, I gotta report to Tombstone and the Kingpin about today's progress. I hope you get well soon!"

Finally, he left the room, before waving goodbye at James. He headed to a nearby elevator and pressed a button. While waiting, Herman took a moment to do a self-reflection... Around a decade ago, he didn't have much... Only his intellect and his inventions. Yet, he was like a nobody. But it all changed when Kingpin came. And now? He had people around him... Moreover, he became a leader of sort. Part brain, part muscle.

Herman let out a sigh of nostalgia, "Ah... How times have changed."

The elevator's doors opened and the man stepped in, pressing a button that led to an upper floor. A groovy music started playing as the doors closed and the elevator began to move upwards. He closed his eyes and began humming, tapping his knees gently; a smile painted on his face.

Seconds later, the elevator opened and Herman stepped outside. He then headed to the hall before him, heading to a door. Taking a deep breath, he knocked it and rotated the doorknob, pushing it gently.

"Lincoln?"

A hulking pale man in a black suit with white hair was staring through the window, his hands behind his back. Tombstone, also known by his real name Lonnie Thompson Lincoln, turned his back to Herman with a bored expression, "Herman, come in. How did the mission go?"

"It was successful. Though I ran into some...surprises."

Lincoln raised his eyebrow, "Surprises?"

"Yes, though they were no match for me."

The corners of his lips turned upwards, revealing his fangs, "Fun. If only I could join. Anyway, Wilson Fisk really is gonna love to listen the rest." The pale man walked to his desk, turned on his laptop, and set up a video meeting. Herman joined him as they waited for the Kingpin.

Moments later, the laptop's screen showed a hulking bald man in a white suit, somewhat bigger than Tombstone, sitting in front of his desk.

When seeing the very man who saved his life from poverty, the corners of Herman's mouth almost turned upwards. A grin nearly formed, but he managed to hold it back.

"Ah, hello Lincoln and Herman. What is today's report on the attack on Hammerhead?"

"One of my men got wounded, Fisk. He's in treatment now. We managed to extract their intelligence. And those bozos from the news, Spider-Man and Scarlet Spider, tried to stop us."

"Quite unexpected," Kingpin crossed his hands, "And then?" The tone of his voice changed from casual to somewhat...expectant. The look on his face darkened too, sending shivers to Herman while Lincoln was unfazed.

"They- They did stop my men but they were no match for me. I threatened to blast Spider-Man's head with my shock gauntlet and his partner just complied."

"Just like that?" Kingpin raised his eyebrow.

"Yes, just like that. I was able to return with my men and the intel."

Kingpin eased up a little and gave a slight smile, "Good, good. Kraven and Dmitri will be proud that the training years ago didn't go to waste. And I have trusted the right man. I can't wait to see the defeated look on my enemy's face."

"Now, Herman. You may go, as you have earned your break." This made the man smile happily and turned to the door, before Kingpin interrupted him, "Yet... We must take note of any possible...nuisances outside of Hammerhead's organization. I have a feeling those...arachnid bozos could be big threats. So be cautious."

Just with the big man's voice, the smile on Herman Schultz's face disappeared and sweats were running down on his hands. "Er- Uh yes, Fisk. I'll keep that in mind," he stammered.

"Good. Now, you may leave. I have some...matters to attend," said Kingpin before he exited the virtual meeting.

His heart... He could feel his own heart beating fast, like it was about to explode inside. Herman shook his head and took a deep breath...inhaling and exhaling repeatedly.

Tombstone just giggled darkly, speaking his thoughts aloud, "Let's see how things will go. I wonder if it will be more...fun."

Herman let out an exasperated sigh and exited the room, heading to the elevator. Even after all of this... After all of the changes in his life, he still felt there were burdens on his shoulder.

*

(Years ago...)

"I would like to buy your shock vibration technology," Fisk told Herman.

His eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Those words coming out of the big man before him. It was like an unattainable dream coming true, an unexpected opportunity presenting itself; an opportunity to get a different, better life.

"A-Are you... Is this for real..?"

Kingpin chuckled and nodded, "Others don't see the possible applications of your technology but I do. So many possibilities that can be realized with this tech."

Herman smiled shakily as his eyes were filled with tears, "Thank you... Thank you! You have no idea how grateful I am... I- I will return the favor! What do you want to do for you? I'll do anything!"

"Come under my wing and you'll be trained, so you may return the favor."

"I will! Thank you again, Mr. Fisk! Thank you..."

*

(Present day...)

Herman sighed as he walked to a door and opened it, entering his suite. It was pretty wide, clean, and tidy. Sniffing the place, he could smell the scent of lavender. He let out a sigh of comfort. His eyes wandered to the walls around him, where he could find posters of mechanic, technology, and movies. This...was his own little world, a place of his sanctuary and escape.

Then, he headed to his bedroom. The room was just alright and simple, but Herman didn't mind it. He got onto his bed, resting his head against a soft head pillow while holding a hug pillow. For a few moments, Herman was just staring at the ceiling... Thinking about the possibility that some clowns would ruin his life. Just the very thought of it already made him grip his hug pillow tightly. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he relaxed his grip. Maybe he was just overreacting. Maybe...

Herman closed his eyes and hummed to himself before drifting to sleep, just hoping in his mind that these fears wouldn't come true. Hoping everything would turn just alright for him...


A/N: So this is my first time writing a chapter exploring the villains. I hope it Shocker resonates emotionally with you all and the other villains give a good first impression. If you've been waiting for Scarlet and Spidey to come back, they will in the next chapter! (Oh, and did I just name drop two villains for the next sequel? XD) Stay tune by following this fic, y'all. Don't forget to favorite this, leave a comment, and share the fic! I'll appreciate it, guys. Hope everyone has a good day and see you next chapter! ;)