12 years ago
In a quiet hospital room a boy, eleven years old named Noah Monroe laid in a hospital bed.
He was barely conscious, but still holding a fight to stay awake. In his blurred vision he can see his parents arguing over a vial. His father came closer to view.
"Don't worry Noah, this is going to help you get better," Mark assured his dying son.
Mark slowly moved the needle towards Noah's arm, but before it could make contact with the skin he was stopped by his wife. "Mark, I don't think this is a good idea. The Arachnid serum isn't perfected yet. We have no idea what it could do to Noah."
"What other options are there? The treatments are no longer working, he doesn't have very long. We have to do this now or never." Mark argued.
"I'm not against this and even if it does work, what then?" Nora asked.
"Our son lives." Mark promised.
"I mean when OsCorp learns of this we'll likely face consequences." Nora brought up.
If they inject the serum into Noah's bloodstream then OsCorp may lose millions. The Consequences for them will be immense and catastrophic. Only one vial of Arachnid serum and that one is in Mark's hand and they can't produce more. "I'm prepared to live with that. So long as our son lives, it'll be worth it."
With that Mark pressed the needle into Noah's arm, injecting the serum into his bloodstream. But, as soon as he did, black veins started appearing on his body.
"AAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Noah screamed out as the black veins spread all over his body.
"Baby!" Nora screamed.
"Nora! Wait! Wait! Look!" Mark could see the black veins suddenly dissipate under his skin. His vitals were becoming normal, and his body spasms simmered slowly.
"Did it work?" Mark asked.
"I… I-" Nora couldn't finish her stuttering response so she nodded her answer, yes. Until Norman Osborn and his security marched in.
In Noah's state he was losing consciousness, but he could make who he saw, "Osborn?" Noah asked himself before going out cold.
Present Day
In the streets of New York, a man clad in a black suit, with a menacing green spider emblem, and glowing green eyes swung through the city carrying a case. New York City is home to its own superhero Spider-Man but it's also home to his known rival, the Arachnid, a dangerous spider-based villain. For years Spider-Man has attempted to apprehend the Arachnid only to end in failure every time.
For years Noah has been the Arachnid, one of New York's most wanted criminals. Arachnid is wanted for several counts of murdering rival criminals for the Maggia Crime Families, Fisk, and even Hammerhead. The list of his crimes goes all the way to drug running, breaking and entering, and theft of technology. Not the most glamorous line work, but it paid a lot of money.
Today, Arachnid killed several enemies to hammerhead and he was well compensated, 20,000$ in cash.
Suddenly Arachnid's spider-sense tingled, he didn't even need to think hard to know who is pursuing him. "Ugh, Spider-Man."
Zipping from around the passing skyscraper, Spider-Man crossed in Arachnids path. "Arachnid, my long-time BFF, how's it going? Looks like you've been busy."
"What can I say? Crime pays Spider-Man." Arachnid replied.
"I can see that, and as much as I'd love to swing around and talk I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask to pull over." Spider-Man requested.
Arachnid laughed at Spider-Man's words. "You really think I'm gonna just gonna surrender to you? Especially given the outcome every time we fight. Try to catch me and I might go easy on ya today."
"Aw, you'll go easy on me, I should be flattered." Spider-Man quipped.
"C'mon Spider-Man, let's have some fun." Arachnid dived down to the streets. Spider-Man quickly followed to catch him. Zipping down the lower streets Spider-Man delivered a hard kick to the Arachnids back knocking him down to the roof of a nearby building. Arachnid quickly rolled back on his feet and dashed back in the air web-slinging with the briefcase in hand.
"Nice kick," Arachnid complimented.
"Don't worry there's more where those came from," Spider-Man responded.
"Face it Spider-Man you've never apprehended me before and you certainly aren't gonna do it today." Arachnid taunted.
"I don't judge Arachnid, but you're ego is at an all time high." Spider-Man said.
Arachnid laughed. "It has to be, given all our past fights ending with me escaping."
"Pride is the downfall of all people, buddy." Spider-Man web snagged Arachnid's briefcase and threw it straight back at his face. The impact of the briefcase knocked Arachnid out of the air again making him fall down in the alleys.
Spiderman dropped down next to Arachnid whose down on the ground.
"Looks like your winning streak ends here, guess we'll need another cell for the raft." Spider-Man made his remark as he stepped closer. Shortly after, Arachnid started laughing.
"You idiot I'm down not out." Arachnid said before quickly delivering a hard punch to Spider-Man's chest. The impact was so hard that Spider-Man was punched out of the alleyway and into the street. The cars stopped in multiple directions and the horns rang in response. Everyone around looked to see Spider-man on the ground groaning in pain. Spider-Man sat up, clutching his chest. Arachnid back in the alley came zipping over to a street light.
"You should know none of this is personal, then again I love our bantering, quipping with you has been good practice. Now then, someone call our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man an EMT, he should have two broken ribs from that punch. Till next time, Spider-Man." Arachnid gave a childish salute and swung back in the air with his briefcase.
Knowing he couldn't allow Arachnid to escape again he picked himself up and resumed his pursuit.
Arachnids spider sense alerts him again, he lets out another groan and says. "He never learns."
Spider-Man shoots a web at Arachnid's hands giving him no chance to swing, and falling down several stories. Spider-Man quickly plants both feet in the side of his chest. Sending him flying into a construction site by Fisk Industries. Arachnid quickly got back up, but his leg shot him back down.
"Dammit, dislodged." Arachnid groaned in pain.
Arachnid quickly snapped his leg back into place then got back up to see Spider-Man land right in front of him. "Well this is getting interesting. Time to bring out the big guns."
With that Arachnid deployed four deadly mechanical spider arms from his back.
"Oh man, robotic spider limbs, I'm actually jealous. What kind of tech is that?" Spider-Man wooed at the device.
"I said this wasn't personal but it's getting there." Arachnid knelt in his stance ready to pounce. Until a hail of gunfire reverberated around the construction halls. Both spiders sensed the presence of Fisk's thugs. Looking back at Spiderman still looking the other way, without hesitation, Arachnid bolted from the scene to leave Spider-Man to deal with his mess.
Landing on top of the roof of an apartment complex Arachnid looked around to see if he was alone, and sure enough he was. So Arachnid walked over to a bag, placing the suitcase next to it. Opening the bag, Arachnid looked to see a bunch of regular clothes.
"Good, they're still here." Arachnid mumbled.
Arachnid then reached up to his mask, pulling it off of his head to reveal Noah's face. A regular man with short dark hair and green eyes. Swapping out his suit for his regular attire, he stowed his suit in a secret place then walked down the fire escape to the ground. Noah then walked into the building, walking up a few flights of stairs, and finally arrived at his door.
Noah then knocked, and a moment later the door opened to have Noah see his favorite woman.
"Hey stranger, where have you been?" Emma tried to hug her husband but her swollen stomach is making it difficult.
"Oh you know, just working at the FEAST shelter, helping those who desperately need it." Noah lied, partially.
"My hero." Emma then took notice of Noah's swollen eye. "Wait, what happened to your face?"
"Oh this, I was jumped by some asshole who couldn't mind his own business. Don't worry." Noah explained, stretching the truth.
Emma then grabbed Noah's arm and escorted him to the living room couch. "Sit down. I'll get an ice pack."
"Emma you don't need to-" Noah was interrupted quickly by his wife.
"Sit!" Emma repeated sternly, pointing to the couch.
"Fine." Noah surrendered.
Emma then went into the kitchen, grabbed an empty icepack, then went over to the freezer filling the pack with ice. With the ice pack filled, Emma went back to Noah, handing the pack to him. Noah accepted the icepack and then placed it on his eye, wincing as soon as it made contact with his skin.
"Seriously Noah, you need to stop going into fights like this." Emma called.
"You know I am." Noah argued back.
"Yeah well, remember our cub needs their Big Bear." Emma called her husband.
"You ever gonna stop calling me that?" Noah demanded.
"You gonna stop getting into fights?" Emma reversed the demand.
"Eventually." Noah held Emma's hand still just to enjoy her touch.
"Have you heard from Peter or MJ lately?" Emma asked as she removed the ice pack.
"No, why?" Noah asked in return.
"I spoke with MJ the other day and she told me that she broke up with Peter a while ago," Emma revealed.
Noah's eyes widened in surprise to this revelation. "What?"
"Yeah, I was just as surprised as you when she told me." Emma added.
"Shame… Those two were made for each other." Noah sighed.
"Hey don't say that they might get back together," Emma hoped.
"What makes you say that?" Noah asked.
"Well, like you said they were made for each other, and I think I know a pair like that when I see it. I've had experience with the man beside me." Emma said.
"You are one in a million." Noah hugged his wife.
Suddenly Noah's phone chimed, he pulled it out to see another Just the Fact episode with Jay Jonah Jameson. Pushing a button the episode played.
'Folks many of you are aware of the feud between the Spider-Menace and the Vicious Arachnid. Those two have been at it for years and every attempt to bring him in has ended with him escaping, and most of all collateral damage! It's this kind of crazy that drives this city down in chaos. People in tights causing damage to our city and we're the ones paying the price. The people of New York cannot stand for any more this, my message to you Spider-Man and the Arachnid, you are both a menace to this city and we will not stop till you're both in the Raft.'
"I swear if Spiderman weren't around JJJ wouldn't be as big as he is today." Noah sneered at the broadcast.
"Yeah but that Arachnid guy scares me." Emma said, shivering at his name.
"At least he seems more honorable than the other Villains Spider-Man has to deal with." Noah defended his alter ego.
"Fair, but I don't know, he still worries me. He's the last person I want to be saved by." Emma said.
Noah snaked an arm over her shoulders and laid his head over hers, "Don't worry I'll save you before he does. I'll save you both." He laid a hand over wife's stomach, "I love you, Emma."
Emma laughed the said. "I love you too, you big doofus."
Completely ruining the moment, Noah's phone went off, caller I.D. showing the name.
"Peter?" Noah asked out loud.
"You need to get that." Emma allowed.
Noah nodded in annoyance and answered the call.
"Hey Peter, what's up?" Noah asked.
"Hey Noah we still up for hanging out?" Peter reminded his friend.
"Seriously? What time is it?" Noah asked.
"It's 10 o'clock, but I got caught up with some stuff at work, I was curious if you still wanted to meet up." Noah asked.
"You know Pete, Emma told me about MJ, assuming it's okay with her, I think we could use some guy time." Noah asked indirectly over to Emma.
She nodded her approval, "Alright, brother I'm on my way. Where do you wanna meet?"
"Leo's Pizza?" Peter suggested.
"I'm on my way." Noah called.
With that Noah grabbed his coat and walked out of his apartment.
Zipping across the city as Arachnid, Noah landed in the alleys blocks away from the pizza parlor. Switching into his regular attire he checked his hair to make sure there was no suspicions and saw Peter already at the front door.
"Peter, buddy." Noah cheered as he walked up to meet up.
"Noah, man good to see you," Peter walked up, giving his friend a hug.
"It's always a good time with you, brother." Noah patted Peter's shoulder.
Opening the door for Peter, they ordered their usual large pepperoni pizza, the two enjoyed their time, "So how far is Emma?"
"Seven months along, she's getting fatter and fatter," Noah joked.
"Sounds like she's being a handful." Peter commented.
"Yeah, but I love her, wouldn't leave her if I wanted to. Besides, no way I'm leaving them to be raised by Uncle Peter." Noah called out to his friend.
"Yeah why not?" Peter asked.
"Because you always seem to have a habit of taking off somewhere and coming back hours later." Noah said.
Peter laughed nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "Fair enough, by the way what happened to your face?"
"I got jumped earlier tonight but don't worry I gave that asshole a piece of my mind." Noah bragged.
"No surprise, you always were a fighter, you beat cancer at what age?" Peter asked.
"Eleven, probably the worst year of my life." Noah explained.
"Can't argue with you there." Pete agreed.
Recalling that year of his life wasn't something Noah was comfortable with, his life was saved at the cost of losing his parents. Of course nobody knew the real reason Noah beat his Leukimia was because of an Oscorp experimental serum. That very serum was the very thing that ruined his childhood.
"Yeah," Noah muttered.
And in other news, it seems another fight between Spider-Man and Arachnid lead to another hijinks in Hell's Kitchen, we can't confirm who won, but we're certain both of them managed to escape after landing in the construction site by Fisk Industries.
"I swear those two need to spend a lifetime in the nuthouse." A customer in the corner spoke out loud.
Noah rolled his eyes. "I swear it seems the news has nothing better to talk about than Spider-Man or Arachnid."
"What do you expect, Spider-Man's a hero who's done alot of good for this city and Arachnid needs to be put behind bars ASAP." Peter added.
"I dont know, it's kinda entertaining to see those two fight each other." Noah commented.
"Seriously?" Peter was surprised to hear Noah say that.
"Heh, I'm just glad none of that involves me." Noah finished his first slice of pizza.
Peter finally dug into his half of the pizza, enjoying the moment of silence with his best friend. Fortunately for Noah, the title of best friend belongs to another, which reminded him of the one who owned the other half of that rank.
"Have you heard from Harry?" asked Noah.
"No, he's still in Europe." Peter answered.
"Oh. I really hope you'd have heard something. I miss that guy." Noah was frantic for any news.
"Me too." Peter looked down at the counter.
Remembering what Emma told Noah about what happened to Peter.
"So, why did you and MJ break up?" Noah asked curiously.
"Well, I guess you could say our careers are becoming more important, I guess we just needed to focus on things that didn't involve each other." Peter explained.
"Fair enough. How's your job with Dr. Octavious?" Noah asked.
"Fantastic, the man is such an inspiration. I really feel like we're making a difference," Peter said enthusiastically. "You know, if you want I can introduce you to him. We're always searching for bright young minds to come work for us. I can even put in a good word for you."
"Peter, I appreciate the offer, but I'm more than happy with my job at the FEAST Shelter." Noah was honored, but he belonged at FEAST.
"Come on Noah, you'd be doing much more good with us and you have a masters degree. Heck in college you wrote a hell of a thesis on Robotics. I remember OsCorp offering you a job but you turned it down," Pete tried to persuade.
"Well, don't get me wrong Peter, I'm all for changing the world, but I need money. I mean I got kids on the way, brother. Changing the world with a family means I need a paycheck." Noah explained, although to nobody elses knowledge money isn't an issue for him given his other job.
"Fair, well I hope you'll at least think about it. We could use a good robotics expert." Peter sighed.
"It would be nice to actually use my degree." Noah said.
In the distance down the streets a police siren was racing past the restaurant. Along with a notification from Noah's phone.
"I need to go, Noah, it's always good talking with you." Peter left his half of the check.
"Yeah same here. Till next time Pete." Noah paid his half of the pizza as Peter, as they both raced outside in opposite directions. Noah quickly jumped up to a nearby building grabbing his suit, putting it on as soon as he finished his phone started ringing with the caller ID Unknown Caller.
"Arachnid, who's calling?" Noah answered.
"This is Kingpin, I have a job for you." One of Arachnid's clients called.
"What's the job Mr. Fisk?" Noah asked as he began zipping across the city.
"As of right now the cops are in pursuit of a crime over in Chinatown. I need you at this location while the cops and Spiderman are occupied, an associate of mine will give you the rundown when you arrive." Wilson Fisk instructed to Arachnid.
With that a location was sent to his phone.
"Sir yes sir." Arachnid zipped his way to the marked location.
Down at the docks on the other side of Chinatown, Arachnid arrived to see a lone officer with Fisk's uniform at the rooftops of the pier.
"What's the job?" Arachnid asked while hanging from above the street light.
"There's a shipping container in a warehouse at the pier a few blocks from here. Mr. Fisk needs you to get something out of it, and get out." Fisks thug explained.
"What's the catch?" Arachnid asked.
"Only catch is that once you get what you need you're requested to bring it to the Kingpin himself. So if I were you I'd go get it now, and stop asking questions." Fisks thug said.
"Some charmer you are." Arachnid gloated as he zipped over to the pier in question.
Arachnid looked around but found a whole cache of crates so if there's something here Fisk needs it'd better be noticeable.
"Alright, Kingpin care to tell me what I'm looking for? Your prince charming of an officer wasn't very specific." Arachnid requested as he swung.
"I'm sending the crate number now." Mr. Fisk responded on the line.
On cue Arachnid received the crate digits, "Alright, got it. Standby."
Arachnid then began looking throughout the pier for the crate numbers Kingpin sent. It took a while but eventually, he found the right crate. "Here we go. You wanna tell me what exactly is in this thing?"
"No, all you need to know is that it's sealed in a case with the label 32, you so much as take a peek and I'll hunt you down." Mr. Fisk threatened sternly.
"Fine, so long as I get paid." Arachnid responded.
Looking through the assortment of storage: drugs, firearms, ammo, even RPGs.
"Jesus Christ, Fisk, what are you packing?" Arachnid said to himself as he was looking through the crate. In the back, the case with the label '32' was found.
"I got the case, Kingpin, I'm on my way." Arachnid called.
"Excellent, and don't worry about the rest, my men will secure the rest. Just bring me the case now."
"Yes, Kingpin." Arachnid said. "So why can't your men transport this? Why hire me?"
"Do you want to get paid or not?" Kingpin asked.
"I'm on my way now." Arachnid replied.
With that Arachnid shot up to the roof and began swinging as fast as he could to Fisk Tower. It didn't take long for Arachnid to arrive at the Kingpin's headquarters. Thankfully for him Spider-Man didn't cause him any problems as he was to occupied with something else. He zipped up to the rooftop where he found the Kingpin himself and a few of his thugs.
"Arachnid, another job well done. My men will secure your compensation shortly after." Wilson Fisk complimented.
Arachnid handed Kingpin the case, "Always a pleasure, Mr. Fisk."
"I must say, Arachnid, watching you work, using your talents as they are. Tell me, how long have you worked for me?" Fisk asked.
"Umm… a couple of years." Arachnid answered.
"Yes and in those years you have proven yourself a reliable asset. You could be doing so much more for this city. Instead, your loyalties are to your next paycheck. You were meant for more than this. I could give you so much more than any client you've ever had." Fisk raised his hands up in the air.
Loyalty to another paycheck? Those words reverberated in Noah's mind over and over. Kingpin was right, true his intentions are for his family, but he could bring so much more for them.
"Yes, Kingpin, I can be more than a guy looking for his paycheck, but the thing is, I don't want New York. I want to change the world, but this isn't the place. I appreciate the offer though." Arachnid dropped from the helipad and zipped his way back home.
The next morning Noah was at the Chinatown FEAST Shelter working hard at his job. Today he was assigned to serve food to the people here. Kitchen Duty is such a hassle but it's not the worst place to work. Feeding these suffering people always brings a smile to his face. It's one of the many reasons he loves working here.
"Hey Noah." one of the shelter inhabitants came over to him.
"Hey there, Frank." Noah greeted as he put the serving spoon in the nearest sink.
"You're advice helped, I got the interview for that Italian restaurant." Frank was ecstatic to tell Noah, and his response showed.
"That is so awesome, man! I knew you could do it." Noah cheered, giving the man a high-five.
"I couldn't work up the confidence if not for you. May promised she'd help me with my interviewing skills." Frank said.
"You've earned it man." Noah said, patting Frank's shoulder. "Anyway I gotta go, it's break time so I'm gonna get a snack."
"Alright, see ya man," Frank said then took his leave.
Noah then removed his apron and hairnet then went over to the cafeteria.
In the cafeteria, Noah poured a mug of coffee and grabbed one of the muffins on the counter. After taking a seat and breathing out his exhaustion he didn't realize someone was approaching him with a box in hand.
"Noah, its so good to see you," An elderly woman approached him, she had a heart of gold and a soul as young as her will in spite of her age.
"Oh, Mrs. Parker hey." Noah greeted May.
"Noah, how many times do I have to tell you? I've known you since you were a kid, you can call me May." May said sternly.
"Right, sorry." Noah apologized.
May took a seat in front of Noah. "How've you been Noah? I heard Emma is in her seventh month of pregnancy?"
Noah shrugged. "I've been better, been working hard day and night, but yeah, after seven months, the idea of me and Emma being parents soon. It still feels like a dream, ya know? I never planned on having kids with Emma… at least not yet."
"Well you're gonna be a father soon, and I think you're going to be a great father." May commented.
"Thanks May." Noah replied.
"If either of you ever need any help I'll be glad to babysit," May offered.
"Really? You'd do that?" Noah asked.
"Of course Noah, you've always been there for Peter and I. It's only fair for me to help you when needed." May said.
"You're a Saint, May. You know that?" Noah stated.
May scoffed in response to Noah's compliment. "Oh please, I'm just a person who's here to help people when they need it the most."
"As I just said, you're a fuckin' Saint, May Parker." Noah repeated. "And I'm pretty sure a lot of people here agree with that sentiment."
"Language Noah." May pointed.
"May, I'm an adult and you're not my mother," Noah said.
"You're right, I'm a saint, and as a saint, I ask you to watch your language." May said.
Noah sighed in defeat, "Sorry."
Right on cue, Peter was seen entering the cafeteria, "Hey Aunt May!"
"Peter, hey." Aunt May hugged her nephew.
"Peter buddy." Noah stood from his seat to greet his friend, "What're you doing here?"
"Oh c'mon, I don't need an excuse to visit my aunt, the F.E.A.S.T. or my friends." Peter answered.
"That's mi Hermano." Noah hugged Peter.
Memories of last night crossed his mind. What Kingpin offered him the city, and he declined.
"Hey Pete, I was curious, is that job offer with Octavius still on the table?" Noah asked.
"What made you change your mind?" Peter asked, rather shocked by the turnaround.
"Well, like I said, I have a kid on the way, and if my skills can change the world, I wanna make sure my kid can enjoy the world I helped make." Noah said confidently.
Hey I hope everyone enjoyed this story, it's one I've been thinking of writing for years. Please leave a review and tell me what you think.
I would also love to thank Dr. Arachangel for helping me.