Perfection?
Mark was able to persuade Peter to meet with Dr. Warren in exchange for being able to help him. Warren wants to learn about him, but Peter isn't so sure… maybe this would be an excellent way to learn more about his Spider DNA… Right? Do not own Spectacular Spider-Man…
At the Silver Spoon…
It was date night again as Mark wanted to treat his partner and boyfriend to a night out of town, thinking about any possible careers to help support his Muy pequeño.
Now, Peter would voice that Mark shouldn't, but Mark wanted to, he wanted to be the one to give Peter the world, to be enamored and spoiled for everything life has to offer, never to struggle again, and to only joy. That was Mark's wish for his beloved Peter and a promise to become a better man. But it was a tad bit of a struggle to find employment considering he was an artificial mutant now, and everyone in New York City knew. People, since being bombarded with attacks by people with powers, are a little weary of this matchstick. Don't want to risk Mark burning down their businesses. But Molten Man remains hopeful since Peter was ever so hopeful.
People were watching the latest hero eating with his cute little photographer boyfriend as they wanted to take pictures of the two. Luckily, the manager helped them keep away so they could keep their privacy.
"It seems you're a popular man." Peter giggled as he was finishing up the last bits of ice cream.
"Yeah… a guy who can light himself on fire and toss fireballs isn't easily forgotten." Mark chuckled as his boyfriend was paying the bill.
"I wouldn't worry about it too much. Once they get to know you like I do, they'll be more welcoming." Peter grinned as they paid and then left.
In the park…
They found a secluded place to talk alone and enjoy each other's company.
"When Dr. Warren gave you your powers, why did he ask to meet me of all people, buts as… well you know?" Peter wondered.
At the lab…
Mark was shocked to see the professor that Peter worked for would be the one to give him power.
"Dr. Warren?"
"I see my protégée has told you much of me. As you can see, I can agree with what you have said to the Connors. I could not agree more with you, forgive me for eavesdropping on you."
"You know-?"
"I know of Connor's dark little secrets and am working on seeing that they answer for what they have done. Isn't it a coincidence that an artificial mutant is lurking around, and the best genetic researchers are in New York? Harry Osborn may have been the target, but who's to say that Peter was not as well?"
"Right. So… you can change me too? Fight fire with fire situation?" Mark suggested.
"Fire with fire? What an interesting thing to say. It is something like that… you will become a powerful being. This serum will evolve you into something truly incredible. This will give you the power to destroy Iceberg once and for all." He promised.
Mark agreed then was injected…
"That's it? I don't feel anything." Mark laughed a little, but then he realized he had spoken too soon!
His skin was beginning to heat up as molten fire climbed up his skin.
"W-what's happening to me?"
"You wanted to fight with fire? And this was the best way to fight ice. After all, what better way to beat such a frosty enemy than to melt them?" Dr. Warren inquired as Blackie and he watched the birth of Molten Man, "With this power, you will bring the fire to melt away the ice of hate!"
"Woah, okay! Okay. How-how do-?"
"Just calm down. You can control your new power with your mind alone. Just simply concentrate and you can change at will."
Mark nodded as he breathed and tried to calm down, slowly turning to normal.
"Good, now, it might be best for you to get some practice before facing off against Iceberg." Dr. Warren advised, "Oh, and for this power… I would like a favor."
"What kind of favor?"
"I will tell you once you defeated your quarry."
Afterward, the police arrived, and Mark returned to normal, helping Pete out of the tank, and lying on the bed. Warren covered for the boy by saying he slipped and spilled an experimental solution in the lab. The Doctor was there to help the boy learn control since there was no cure for it. Captain Stacy let the boy go and Mark waited for his love to wake up.
"Congrats on your victory, Mr. Allen. It seems that New York will benefit from another hero." The scientist greeted as he was being slowly pulled away while Harry, Gwen, and some other friends like his sister who came to check up on them kept watch on Peter.
They needed to talk alone.
"Alright, now you have collected what you desire, it is time to hold up your end of the bargain." The doctor requested.
"And what do you want?"
"You know the spider, don't you?"
"Pardon?"
"Do not act so coy, my friend. I know of your secret friendship with the greatest hero of webs and beauty. Such a magnificent creature, it makes us wonder for he is truly something to admire." Dr. Warren spoke with intrigue, "The poor thing is so misunderstood, so alone. I want to better understand, maybe if we learn more about him, maybe his unique genetics could help mankind."
"You still didn't ask what you want."
"Simple, to meet Spider-man and ask him something."
"So, he wants to meet me? I don't know whether to be flattered or creeped out."
Mark sighed as he leaned back.
"That was the deal, powers for meeting you," Molten answered though he hated to ask such things.
"I don't know… I hardly know this guy, not like the Connors." Peter hummed as he was thinking about it.
"He seemed to be interested in you and wanted to figure out your abilities, mostly your healing."
Peter frowned a bit. On one hand… he wouldn't mind having his ability shared to help others, but he didn't know how his blood would affect others.
"So, I meet him, hear out what he wants then leave."
"Sounds like it and I'll be there every step of the way," Mark promised then the two shared a kiss.
At Dr. Warren's Lab…
He felt like he was dreaming as Molten Man came in the night with the hero he desired to study.
The great and powerful Spider-Man.
"In all my studies, I have never come across such an imposing and, if you pardon my admiration, spectacular being."
"Oh, umm… thank you." Spider-man thanked.
"I thank you, Molten Man, for introducing me to such a legendary hero."
"We-well, I wouldn't call myself legendary…"
Warren grinned as he continued to flatter the Spider as he wanted to butter him up before asking what he deeply desired.
"So… Molten Man asked me to see you because you wanted something. What could I help you with?" The spider asked.
"Simply, to learn and study you."
Warren then showed what he has learned so far about altered humans and their artificial powers.
"You are a being of great skill and power, even dare say the creature evolved passed humanity."
"I wouldn't say that-."
"But it is true. You are stronger than most, smarter than most, you even have the power to heal at a rapid pace. Such a being like you… it makes anyone envious. But not I… For I truly wish to know you and help you."
"Help how?"
"I believe you are still evolving, and I want to see to what extent it could go. To keep certain that nothing goes wrong for you."
"Wait, wait, you think I'm still changing."
"Indeed, but to be sure there is one way to find out."
Peter frowned and looked at his arm.
"You don't have to do this if you don't want to," Mark whispered.
"But… It might not be bad to know."
Peter then presented his arm as Warren took a small amount of blood.
While most of it was taken for… another project, he placed a small drop to be studied.
"It seems that I was right, you are still evolving."
Spider-man then looked and saw for himself.
"Spider-man, with your permission, I would like to study you and keep tabs on your personage, checking for any symptoms."
"I-I guess."
"Good, now it wouldn't probably be anything worrisome, but it best to keep tabs," Warren advised as the heroes looked at each other.
After a checkup, Warren gave Mark something, an opportunity to provide for his boyfriend. For it was best to keep on good terms for a subject like Spider-man was too valuable to lose.