I put some notes at the end of this, but two things I wanted to bring attention to were why Mary Jane is not the love interest in this story. There is my explanation at the end about that difficult choice being made and that I am a trans woman so this is more personal writing it.
Hope you all will enjoy it!
The amazing Spider-Woman, aka Jessica Parker was sitting on the side of a building, having thoughts flowing around.
Five years today! Being Spider-Woman and having the most spectacular woman alive being my girlfriend. This all started, losing my Uncle Ben. With great power there must also come great responsibility. With all I've been through these past years, I hope I've made him proud. She smiled to herself and hung from the side of the building. Liz would tell me I'm being way too hard on myself, like usual. That of course I've made him proud and he'd tell me the same darn thing. When I visit his grave, I can practically feel him putting his hand on my shoulder cheering me on, so proud of the woman I've always been and thriving.
A lot of good and bad has happened throughout these years, here's to the next five. With people who support me and the most amazing woman by my side. With that sirens zoomed by. That's my que, one for a friendly neighborhood Spider-Woman!
Jessica leaped off the building following closely behind, with her long hair blowing in the wind feeling nice. The feeling of swinging and feeling beautiful while doing it, that'd never get old.
When reaching the destination, all the crocks were already webbed up ready to be taken in by the police.
"Looks like I've been beat here, I wonder who ever could've done this." She remarked sarcastically out loud, knowing the culprit was listening.
"You were being a slow poke and I got here first, it happens." A figure replied, leaping from a building landing in front of her. "Besides, you have a big day today. Double anniversary, the city can handle you being off. I've got this covered. Hopefully the supervillains back off today and everything will be peachy."
Spider-Woman sighed. "Ah, well now you jinxed it Scarlet. The Sinister Six is probably going to reform in a couple of hours I bet!"
Ben Riley, the Scarlet Spider rolled his eyes under the mask. Clone of Jessica, but more a separate person after everything, developing his own identity and separate personality, along with having some of his brain altered to make it stick during that process. This was done by a man named Miles Warren who fortunately was rotting away in prison for the rest of his life. He identified as a male, but was still trying to figure out his identity to what felt right.
It was a long story, but not as long as you might think. The two were very close and grew that way after he was "created" about a year and half ago. There was a bumpy road to that happening, but the two had worked though it becoming used to each other. Still they could have issues at times. One being that Ben looked almost exactly like Jessica before the transition, which was painful to experience. Fortunately, he understood and tried to change his appearance the best he could to avoid that discomfort, but Jessica could still feel it at times. Who could blame her? It was terrible being reminded of the wrong body and apprentice she used to have. That feeling of gender dysphoria. She had tried very hard to move past that and having so many people who loved and accepted her that certainly helped a lot.
Despite all of that, the two cared deeply about each other. They always would, even with rough patches that would arise, it was a close sibling relationship for them. "That won't happen, stop being so overly dramatic, though an alien inversion is entirely possible." He joked back smiling at Jessica.
"You're completely right, though hopefully the Avengers or Fantastic Four can handle that, I'm not sure if we'd be much help. As long as it doesn't ruin my date night, those aliens can invade all they want!" Jessica remarked sarcastically.
The two heroes webbed up the top of a nearby building for some privacy to continue chatting after watching the cops finish cleaning up.
After making sure the coast was clear, the pair pulled off their masks to talk more freely with one another.
"Feeling anxious about tonight aren't you?" Ben asked, already knowing the answer.
"Of course! Considering we're basically siblings, you know that already. I was thinking of giving her the ring today, but then I thought against it being our fourth year anniversary, would the overlap be too much? Or would it be just perfect? I'm not sure." Jessica replied looking uncertain.
Ben patted her on the back. "You're going to do amazing, she's going to say yes and it's going to be wonderful. Believe me, Liz definitely has your same romantic side and they'll love it. Besides, it would make it easier having it on the same day, right?"
"That's a good point, but having two seperate days would be nice too right? Though close together probably, I mean she's going to get suspicious. Not like I can keep anything from her well." Jessica remarked with a laugh.
"Very true, one way we differ a lot from each other. I'm a better liar and better keeper of secrets you know." Ben replied with sarcasm.
Jessica rolled her eyes. "By how much exactly? A couple percent higher than me? It's barely that much more than myself." She laughed, then noticed someone flying by in the distance, coming closer. "The hell?" Laughing was heard next, very distinct, familiar, but impossible to be heard now... from a dead man.
Ben came over putting on his mask. "That's impossible, is this Mysterio playing one of his old tricks?"
Jessica followed suit, putting on the mask. "Let's hope so."
The two went in pursuit swinging after them, confirming their suspicions of the person flying around on the gilder. The Green Goblin, but it couldn't be. Norman Osborn was dead, had been dead for nearly a year.
Spider-Woman was first to web onto the gilder pulling herself on board immediately grabbing the throat of the Goblin in a great deal of anger. "Is it you? Or some sick trick? A robot perhaps?" She webbed his face, which he managed to rip off, laughing again. He didn't respond and tried to fight her off. Jessica striked him across the face. "Definitely not a robot, but the real you would be more talkative, so who are you?" Her spider-sense went off as she got a shock nearly knocking her off, but managed to keep a hold thanks to the webline holding on as Ben came over making his move.
Scarlet Spider went beside her hanging on the glider. "Is that Osborn?"
"Couldn't tell, don't think so. He'd be yapping his behind off if this was really him, or Mysterio. So who's left?" Jessica questioned, confused. "God, don't even suggest it being a clone I swear."
"Wasn't going to." Ben replied and thought about it. "Okay, either we've got an alien imposter or someone's playing dress up."
"Whoever they are, they're strong." Spider-Woman responded and moved out of the way nearly crashing through a building. "Enough chatting, gotta move now."
Scarlet agreed with a nod moving up the gilder going to kick them off, failing to back up and knocking them a little off balance. "Come on! Say something!" He punched him a couple more times, before getting his fist grabbed getting hit pretty hard himself right off the gilder, Ben then reached for the back of the gilder trying to break it. Unfortunately, just as his spider sense warned him, he was badly electrocuted falling off.
"Damnit." Spider-Woman let go and fell after him grabbing a hold of Ben getting him to safety as he grabbed his head in pain. "The Green Goblin is gone. Are you alright? You got shocked pretty hard."
Ben got up. "Yeah, I wasn't expecting that, whoever we're dealing with obviously made some upgrades. The old breaking the back of the gilder trick worked before. How'd they know this? Can't be Osborn. Just can't be."
"Assuming it is, everyone is in danger. We have to get on high alert! God, we can't put everyone through this again. Or Gwen. Thank goodness she's out of the country right now, at least she's safe. I gotta check on Liz." Jessica said in a panic. "She's probably over at May's, so I can keep an eye on them both."
Scarlet looked at the city below. "Alright, alright. We gotta stay calm, if he's our Goblin. He's not going to be exactly subtle, I'll find him. Call you if I spot him again."
"Thanks Ben, I'll be back soon." Spider-Woman responded, heading off to swing back home to check on them.
Jessica rushed to Aunt May's house, her childhood home, but not where she was currently living anymore for a good couple of years now. Jessica moved in with Liz Allan which was a hard decision at the time, which her aunt supported, along with just supporting her throughout all of her life and transition. Aunt May meant the world to Jessica and Liz quite liked her too.
No fire, that's a good sign. No sirens, good too. No spider sense. All very good. Better not be letting me down. I need to know they're okay, even more so I need to stay for dinner tonight. So help me if this Goblin mess interferes with that today.
In a panic still, Jessica got inside fast and immediately ran up to Liz hugging her very tightly lifting her a little into the air.
"Someone is happy to see me aren't you?" Liz smiled and gave Jessica a kiss. "How are you doing Jess?"
She sighed in relief and kissed Liz back. "I'm doing, uh. Have I ever told you how very much I love you?"
"Everyday for the last four years and you better never stop it. Enough of dancing around the bush, what's the matter? You look concerned." Liz responded, holding her hands and moving in close to her.
With a heavy sigh and her eyes darting away for a moment, she looked the love of her life in the eyes. "I saw someone dressed like The Green Goblin. With his weapons and gilder too."
Liz looked horrified by this news. "It's not the real deal right? Not actually Norman Osborn? I mean, we're all sure he's dead. Got impaled by that gilder and they burnt the body, to make sure."
"Exactly, it can't be him. Warren's in prison and nobody has access to his cloning research, even so, they'd need his twisted brain to create more clones. So we're not exactly sure who this guy is." Jessica remarked, scratching her head thinking about it. "I'm worried about you and May. Speaking of which, where is she right now?"
"Down the street at Anna Watson's, I think Mary Jane is over there too right now. I was going to bake them a nice little lunch, it's in the oven right now. You want some? Before you have to go out again. Sure you and Ben are going to be keeping your eyes peeled for that Goblin imposter." Liz replied, going to check on the food.
Jessica nodded following her. "Don't worry, I'll be ready for our anniversary dinner. Nothing, absolutely nothing is going to keep me. Green Goblin has already heard all of our lives enough, this fake won't do anymore damage."
Liz hugged her tightly. "I know he won't and whoever you're dealing with, I've got no doubt you're going to bring him down. I'm going to kick his butt myself if he makes you late for our dinner."
"Know you shall, my behind might not be safe either I suspect? Not that I have to worry, no way I'm going to be late. I swear." Jessica said, grabbing the sides of Liz. "I love you so much Liz. This is all going to work out. If anything goes wrong, call Johnny and the rest of The Fantastic Four will be right here."
"Of course, I got him on speed dial don't worry Jess. What are you going to do in the meantime?" Liz asked curiously.
I think I've got one lead and I'm going to need to follow up on that. I'm going to see Doctor Kafka."
Elsewhere in the city, Ben was swinging around on the hunt for the Goblin determined to find him. Where are you? Part of me hopes this imposter will stick their head back in the sand. Or if it's clone, it'll be a failure and die. Feels wrong wanting someone to die, then again when it comes to Osborn it really changes everything. The search wasn't working out, he'd looked through some of the old hideouts from Norman Osborn's days as The Green Goblin, finding really nothing of note, just dust as there was cleared out. However, there was always the fear of more hideouts existing.
Leads were drying up, there was one Ben was really not hoping to follow. Checking in on Harry Osborn, the son and old friend of Jessica's.
As Ben Riley, it wasn't easy being friends with people that didn't know who he was, considering to the world nobody knew about his existence until almost a year ago. A fake identity and history had to be created. He had most of Jessica's memories, though some fated over time. The past friendship with Harry didn't, but he wasn't away of either one of their secrets. He hated both spiders for the death of his father, so telling him wasn't exactly a great option. Or confronting him about this. For now, Scarlet Spider would be keeping his distance.
Harry was the head of Oscorp now and was awfully busy. Running such a large company wasn't easy, or saving it after Norman was revealed to the world as being The Green Goblin. He had been unaware only getting to learn at the same time as everyone else in the city. It probably wasn't the best way for him to learn, at all. Jessica had intended to tell him the truth, but kept putting it off feeling horrible having to tell him about the man his father was truly. Unfortunately the whole situation escalated and Ben arrived in her life, there just wasn't enough time. Ultimately, it hurt their friendship leaving it to how it was in the current day.
For now, Ben was going to bug Harry's office by sneaking inside, placing a little listening device and rushing back out before being spotted, he shouldn't have left such a large open area for someone to sneak into.
After a little while of waiting, Harry returned sitting down at his desk looking frustrated by something sitting back. His personal phone then rang, which seemed to leave him confused by the number. "Hello?"
Ben sighed. Wish I could hear what you're saying. I wonder who exactly you are talking to? This better not be a dead end.
"What? You're lying? I'm not doing that!" Harry shouted into the phone shaking his head and banged his fists on the desk. After another minute there was more talking. "Fine, fine I'll do it! Give me an hour, I'll do it. I'll be there." Harry then hung up the phone looking to be under a ton of stress.
Where are you going? Ben wondered.
Doctor Kafka was working in her office, in the Ravencroft Institute where some of the worst criminals with mental disorders were kept for extensive treatment and to be watched carefully. She was a doctor who had been working there for years and seen a lot over the years. There were some of the worst criminals Jessica had over faced off against, primarily mass murderer Cletus Kasady who was bonded with an alien symbiote becoming the horrifying Carnage. Thankfully at least he was locked away along with Miles Warren who's been rotting there for a long time.
Before Carnage, there was Venom, Eddie Brock, who was now separated from his other, as he put it. He used to be a childhood friend of Jessica's, before a lot of shenanigans happened involving their parents and lying to him. It was in the past now but still on her mind sometimes. Where he ended up now was unknown, but that was worrying as Brock wasn't happy about that outcome. On top of that, there were other symbiotes that existed too. It was always a looming problem for her, for now at least it wasn't the main issue at hand.
Right now, Spider-Woman was going to pay her a visit climbing through an open window and landing on the floor.
"You didn't call first, is someone wrong?" Kafka asked immediately.
"Actually, yeah, unfortunately so." Jessica replied, sitting down with a sigh.
Doctor Ashley Kafka knew about Jessica's identity for a good while and was acting as her therapist to help her out. They still knew each other not long after Jessica became Spider-Woman, but never did give away that information until she discovered it shortly after the mess with Miles Warren and Ben's arrival. It was offered to Ben having her as someone to speak to, but he declined it not wanting to talk to her feeling fine enough without it. The arrangement was hopefully having someone she could trust to talk about everything in her very hectic and specular life.
It was important to note Liz did think Jessica should've gotten a therapist who wasn't involved in such a hectic place, but she believed in most of the doctors at Ravencroft and Kafka most of all, growing close to her. Still, Liz always felt uncomfortable about that place and did continue to disagree with choosing there, suggesting some other more safe places she could go to instead. It was a point of disagreement.
Kafka nodded while drinking coffee. "Nothing with Liz I hope. I know that today is your anniversary, a big day today. Congrats."
"No, no. Everything is fine with Liz." Jessica replied, pulling off the mask making sure the door was locked. "Ben and I, we saw The Green Goblin. Please, please tell me Warren hasn't escaped or been up to anything."
She shook her head. "He's secure. You can go check yourself. Are you thinking it's a cloning situation? Goodness, I certainly hope not. Warren's put you and Ben through the ringer enough, that monster of a man. I'm concerned about you right now, Jessica. You both are reopening trauma facing a man dressed like him again. Just seeing someone who reminds you of Osborn, that's not good."
"Who else is going to stop this guy? It's gotta be us. Obviously this madman is dressed up as him, using Goblin tech for a very bad reason and people are going to be in danger, I've got to help." Jessica responded in a stressful tone.
Kafka came over and put her hand on Jessica's shoulder gently. "I know you have to protect people it's always your top priority. It's remarkable how brave you are and stubborn with keeping the city safe no matter what. I greatly respect that about you. There is nobody more remarkable than you Jessica."
"Thank you doctor, Ashley. Have there been any other recent escapes? Anything at all suspicious? I've got a bad feeling about coming back to Ravencroft. This Goblin, his laugh sounded deranged." Jessica remarked, screeching her head. "Don't know, I was really hoping you might give me an answer."
She thought about it for a moment. "I'm sorry, I've got nothing for you right now, but my door or window is always up in case you need a session. I'm glad I can be here for you during all this, your struggles. I hope this doesn't delay you from any of your anniversary plans, you seemed really excited about it." Kafka said, looking at her with remorse.
"Me too doctor Kafka, thank you for the help and everything really. I'm sure I'll be back soon enough, always great seeing my favorite doctor." Her phone then rang. "Oh. It's Ben." She picked it up and started to leave again. "What's up?"
"It's Harry, he's heading out someplace. Seems suspicious to me, think we should be following him?"
Jessica thought about it for a moment. "Yeah, this is our only chance and lead right now, if he brings us somewhere useful, that'd be very helpful. Could blow the lid on this entire thing and catch us a goblin. Let's do it."
The two met up again, now in the pursuit of Harry Osborn wanting to know exactly what he's up to and if it related to the new Green Goblin.
"I'm really, really hoping Harry isn't planning revenge against us. Taking up his father's legacy to take us down. I know he's been in a bad place ever since his death." Jessica sighed in disappointment. "I should've been there for him more."
"Not your fault Jessica, whatever is happening with Harry this is all on him and only him." Ben reassured her.
Jessica nodded, uncertain whether or not that's true. She then continued to keep a close eye on Harry, keeping up high to avoid his sight. If they got spotted, this could be over before it begins.
After a lot of sneaky following, it appeared Harry Osborn finally arrived at his destination exiting his limo heading into a house not in the best shape by himself.
"Looks suspicious don't you think?" Ben remarked. "Should we get in for a closer look? Not liking the looks of this."
"Agreed, let's get inside." Jessica replied, looking at him.
The two went inside, sneaking inside from the top, trying to make as little sound as possible looking at each other.
"This place seems way too normal, he's definitely not buying this house, way too cheap for Harry's taste and money. Kinda makes my skin crawl." Jessica said with a shiver going down her spine.
"No spider sense is a good sign at least." Ben pointed out looking at the walls and furniture, noticing it was extremely dusty. "Nobody has been around here, clearly. Besides maybe only certain parts. Could it be a hideout?"
Jessica shook her head unsure. "Would've set up alarms wouldn't he? There is nothing indicating he's watching us. Maybe this Goblin is after him too?"
"Maybe we shouldn't wait to find out." Ben replied looking at her, which she agreed. The two moved down stairs surprising Harry.
"You two! You're behind this! You lured me here!" He tried to run away and Ben webbed the door handle.
Jessica put her hands up. "Behind what? Tell us what's going on, did someone lure you here Mr. Osborn?"
"Yeah, someone told me to look in the basement. That I'd find a bunker or something, that I should open it. Told a few people I'd be coming here and alert the police if I didn't call back in the hour."
The two heroes looked at each other.
"We'll check it." Ben replied and opened the door to the basement, slowly creeping down the stairs skeptical.
Jessica followed along and moved after him, finding the bunker underground, which seemed heavily secured.
Behind them Harry Osborn watched from upstairs.
"Should we open it?" Jessica asked, looking at Ben.
He nodded and reached for the door slowly, preparing to rip it off. "It's strong, can you help me open it?"
Jessica listened and pulled it off together, finding a smaller room filled with food, along with another doorway. "Seriously? I really really don't like the looks of all this. Almost like someone was leaving food behind."
"Could be, smells fresh. Want to grab this door too?" Ben asked after inspecting the food seeing it was all long lasting types.
She did and together, ripped off door number two, finding an entire living area. A kitchen to begin with and a bedroom were in sight. Then a woman stepped out looking greatly confused and scared.
"Hold it, who are you?" Jessica said standing in front of Ben on guard.
Ben went beside her looking less concerned. "We're not going to hurt you. Can you tell us your name and who put you here?"
She looked terrified trying to speak. "My name, it's Cindy...Moon. And, and I don't know who put me here, a horrible man, with orange reddish hair. Lines, I'd never forget what he looked like."
The two looked at each other, Norman Osborn, The Green Goblin, which only raised further questions.
I've got a bunch to say, so I'll put it into sections. Feel free to read which or if any sections interest you. Some of it's ramblings, not necessary reading. Feel free to always skip if you'd wish. Thanks for reading.
I wanted to make it clear, this storyline here is only the beginning arc, there would be more one off stories and other plots going on. This mystery is the central storyline, but there is a lot more to tell with the characters and world. I also want to let the story breathe and not be overloaded with information about the history of events. And the mystery will not be dragged out forever. *cough* Kindrid, whatever the **** is going on with Mary Jane in 2022/2023. It seems to be getting progressively worse and worse as time goes on.
Update* it got worse. To say the least screw this run and the main Amazing Spider-Man book.
I am a trans woman and this story was pretty personal to write about. Obviously, it means a lot to me getting to write for a trans Spider-Woman and I hope it would for other trans people too. Along with really just any readers. With specifically readers who feel like me I hope everything with Jessica is good to read, honestly in the state of my life right now, I just want to write about a happy trans woman who's living her best life with the people she wants to be with. Also I want to be as respectful as possible. I know how much it hurts to not be represented right.
A message to all Mary Jane Parker fans. I want it to be known I love her, if someone doesn't want them together I'd be highly suspicious of them. I kid of course, (maybe) everyone has their own "ship" but to me, MJ should be married to our beloved hero, in the comics especially. In the other series I have with Spider-Man, MJ is the main love interest, which is part of the reason why I choose against it here after a lot of thought. Along with *minor spoiler* the fact I did Liz a bit dirty in hindsight there too, so I wanted to change things up here giving her more a chance to shine in her differences. Along with Spectacular Spider-Man quite frankly, also on that note imagine her appearance basically being that of Spectacular, but grown up obviously, I loved her design/appearance there and that Liz Allan. She'd be the version I'm going with.
I know in other universes where our beloved hero/heroine is trans MJ would be right by their side and marry them in a heartbeat. (Or any other way they identify) I just know it could be extremely gratifying to see Jessica and MJ together, I really did consider it a lot. (Even as I post it I've considered changing it many times now) I wanted to be clear on why I chose this direction. It was nothing against that pairing or that MJ wouldn't ever be with a trans woman or man or something like that. I don't want anyone to have that impression. I'd never want anyone to feel any sadness over that pairing not happening in this series. Even more with the 2023/2022 state of Spider-Man comics.
Obviously, Cindy Moon will be playing a big part in the story and have changes to her origins, possibly among other elements too, you'll see. I will say her appearance and ethnicity is exactly like the comics though I won't be describing that, it honestly isn't my strong suit giving character descriptions. If I do, hopefully it'll be good, I need to improve in that department majorly. So for her, just imagine her as her comic form. I love Cindy/Silk a lot, so I want to do her justice and show her some love. I love all the other spider related characters and I'm happy Cindy is getting love in the comics still, I hope that live action she will be worthy of her too, if it even happens.
Finally, I hope you all look forward to what is coming. I have a lot planned out and I'd love to give this series a ton of love. I just hope the continuity isn't too much with everything going on. I know most people don't have as much crazy knowledge like I do so I wanted to keep it simple and explain, even more cause I've changed some events from the norm. With the next chapters there will be less overly giving out information on characters and events. So, hope you all stick with me.