Spider-Man swung through the city feeling on the top of the world, it was getting close to a year since he graduated high school, which was still a wild thought to believe. Speaking of wild thoughts, many were about to be going through his head with his newest foe.

Ah, a gorgeous day! He looked ahead of him and saw someone getting mugged. Heck to the no! Not in front of me you won't do that. He thought and swung down grabbing a hold of the mugger webbing them to a wall.

"Hey there, you know stealing purses isn't a friendly way of treating people. I mean come on! Look at the day, it's beautiful!" He hopped down, giving the purse to the person it was stolen from.

"Thank you Spider-Man! I'm so thankful you happened to be here!" They exclaimed cheerfully to him.

He looked at them happy. "Well, that's why I'm your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, stealing is always wrong. Have a lovely day!" He jumped up and swung away.

Ah, that was nice. Always great helping someone. As he switched to the next block, a strange sight crossed his eyes. "Welp, I've lost my mind." Peter said to himself.

As against all sense to him, a giant wheel was rampaging through the streets.

"Insane or not, I've gotta stop that big wheel from rocking the city!" Peter exclaimed, chasing after it. "I've gotta be hallucinating, seriously where are the Avengers? There is a giant wheel on the loose! Oh who am I kidding of course I'm left to deal with this insanity! The Avengers or X-Men would hear about this and believe it's a joke! Oh no, not me though, this is just my normal life." Spidey continued saying to himself.

He hopped into the big wheel's center to where he spotted the controller of the crazy contraption. "Stop your, uh, whatever the hell this thing is!"

Spider sense went off instead and he got a shock which made him fall off it, nearly getting run over by it. Thankfully he was quicker than it, filing himself ahead of it. "Oh, that sucked. Why can't anything be easy? It's a giant wheel!"

He looked around and saw a person in the way, he quickly threw themself in the way pushing them out of the way to safety. "Are you alright?" He questioned fast.

The civilian nodded.

Alright this is over. Peter thought seeing more people ahead in danger and tried leaping onto the wheel again, but this time he meant business, using all his strength to bust through the glass blocking the driver and grabbing a hold of them. "Stop this wheel now buddy!" He shouted and they listened, narrowly avoiding more traffic

"Oh well, I've gotten a major pay day" The driver claimed.

Spider-Man looked confused, for multiple reasons. "And why exactly have you gotten a payday for this mess?"

"Honestly, I don't know, some people just told me to drive the wheel and I thought it'd be cool and I got paid so, why not?" They admitted.

Peter slapped his face. "Seriously? That's your entire reason? You're the type to jump off a bridge if someone told you?"

"If paid enough, yeah why not?" The genius replied.

Peter sighed and webbed him up leaving him for the police.

I pity the people who have to move that thing, how the heck did it even end up here anyways? Ah whatever, question for another time not like that guy's going to tell me anything useless. I've gotta get back to class! He rushed off doing so.

Peter arrived back at ESU, it was pretty costly going there, but thankfully he had gotten a scholarship being there. The class he was now heading to was for one Doctor Curt Conners who was a complete genius in his field. It was a completely enjoyable class, his favorite of the ones he had.

His three friends were part of the class, but Gwen and himself were the only ones who really understood and appreciated the parts they learned about. A lot of fascinating science was being taught, unfortunately Peter turned up late at times thanks to his activities of being Spider-Man.

"Got worried you might miss class." MJ whispered to him.

"Wouldn't dream of it, had to fight a giant wheel so that held me up a bit." He replied back to her.

"Seriously? Oh why am I even surprised." She replied nugging him playfully. "You see so much weird stuff."

Doctor Conners noticed he was back and asked Peter a question, which he easily knew the answer to, which was impressive considering he had missed most of the lesson. Conners wasn't too concerned about how much Peter was missing as he still managed to keep on top of his class, but did find it strange all the times he'd leave considering how much he clearly loved the subject.

Class was shortly over and the friends left.

"Peter! I can't believe you missed another lesson!" Gwen exclaimed to him.

"I'm sorry, I had something for the Bugle." He lied.

She shook her head. "That place has you running around a lot doesn't it?"

"Well, I need some money and that's my best choice right now." He said truthly.

"And Peter's already refused money from me for some reason, it'd be so easy! It'd be like giving a homeless person some cash! Uh, no offense Pete." Harry said and looked away awkwardly.

Mary Jane pulled Peter closer. "He's been pretty busy lately, I think Aunt May's been having an increase in bills right?" She said covering for him further.

"Yeah, it's been getting worse. It sucks, she's been paying the best she can for years now, don't know why they're so persistent getting it from a sweet lady like her." He said agreeing with MJ, which was correct.

"Well, it's still a shame you've been missing some of doctor Conner's class." Gwen said, looking over at him.

Peter nodded. "His research and theories are incredibly fascinating, along with professor Warren's. Both of them are tackling genetics in very groundbreaking ways if both of their researches could have results."

Gwen looked unsure. "Both of them seem impractical, but in our day and age anything appears to be possible now. It would be incredible if both of them crack their research, I personally believe no offense to doctor Conner's, but doctor Warren's cell manipulation, even duplication. It could change everything. Not sure if reptile's abilities to regrow are as feasible to apply to humans without issues." She claimed.

Harry looked like his brain fell out of his head upon hearing all of this and sat down. "Uh, Mary Jane, did you understand a word they said?" He asked.

She shrugged. "Partially I think."

Peter and Gwen looked at them.

"Oh come on, it wasn't that complex. It was straight forward actually." Gwen said, shaking her head.

"Aw, it'll be alright buddy. You really are going to need a lot of help to pass if all of that makes your brain collapse." Peter said, tapping his friend's shoulder.

"Well thank goodness I've got a couple of brainy people in my life." He replied. "Classes are done for the day right?"

"Yes, thankfully so." Peter replied.

Harry sighed in relief. "Oh I'm going to lay down, back at my apartment. I've mentioned I have one right?"

The three of his friends looked at them and spoke together for this once. "A million times." They said together.

"Only a million times?" Harry joked. "Gwen, how about you come back with me?" He suggested with a wink on top.

"Perhaps another time, Harry, family dinner, remember?" She reminded him.

"Oh right! I guess I'm not invited yet." He frowned.

Gwen hugged him. "Oh don't worry, I'll keep talking to my parents about it, I'll convince them to let you come along. See you later." She kissed his check and went off.

"Wow, I'm a lucky guy aren't I?" Harry said.

Peter and Mary Jane nodded.

"I think it's sweet how you two are getting closer." Mary Jane responded.

"Thanks Mary Jane. It's great, I think, honestly I love her. I really love her, seriously." He confessed.

Peter was very surprised. "Wow! That's awesome Harry! I'm sure she feels the exact same way about you too buddy, she'd be out of her mind to not love you!"

MJ glanced over at him.

"Uh, not out of her mind, but definitely would be mean. I think."

MJ nodded in agreement. "I agree with Peter. You should tell her on a very special date!" She suggested being happy for him, having liked him more now.

"Oh that'd be awesome! How about a double?" Added Peter.

Harry pondered it. "Good point, I'm not sure. I'll have to think about it, at my apartment!" He exclaimed and headed off.

"Goof." Peter said, shaking his head at his buddy.

Now the two of them were alone again.

"So, how was your day?" Peter asked, interested.

"Pretty good and it sounded like your day involved a giant wheel." She replied jokingly.

He laughed. "It was more intimidating than it sounded, it was about the size of some buildings and was crushing cars. Thank goodness nobody got hurt. The guy controlling the thing didn't even know what was happening. Never thought I'd be slightly intimidated by a big wheel of all things!"

"A surprise to be sure. Do you have any more Spider-Maning to get up to?" Asked MJ.

He shrugged unsure. "Perhaps I should, I've got a feeling the city might need its friendly neighborhood Spider-Man again today."

"If you have the feeling it does, then you should probably make sure the city isn't on fire." She replied.

Peter nodded. "Yeah, you're right I should. Would you like to do anything later?"

"Do you have anything in mind, charmer?"

He thought for a moment. "I'd suggest drinks, but I have a feeling I'm not cool enough for that yet. You are though for sure! You'd totally pass for a sexy super model coming to have drinks!" Peter blared out.

"Thank you Peter, maybe I'll do that." She suggested jokingly.

"It was only a suggestion." He said, turning around shrugging awkwardly.

MJ hugged him. "Don't worry Peter, we'll do something fun later once all that time swinging around is over."

Peter smiled. "Thanks MJ, you always know how to cheer up a guy. See you later, it looks like my city needs me." He joked walking off.

As he began to leave campise, he noticed a familiar face from his school getting bullied and an even more surprising face trying to stop the bullying.

Said victim of being harassed was Max Dillon who was quite the loner, even from the days of midtown till now it seemed. A real jerk was causing him trouble, Peter was going to go help him, but Flash Thombson of all people was.

"Come on bro, leave the guy alone! I put the guy through some hell back in high school, why don't you just grow up and back off jerk!" He exclaimed to the guy, who reminded Peter a lot of how Flash used to be.

"Ohhh, so Flash you want to play hero now do you? What feeling a bit guilty? Why for a loser like this, I mean look at him!" The guy remarked back laughing.

Flash pushed him back. "Man get over yourself, we're adults now. How about you grow a pair and start acting like a big boy!"

The guy put up his hands walking off.

He helped up Dillion, who was shoved to the ground, but got brushed off. "You're right, you did bully me though high school." He looked angry storming off.

Peter waved to Max, but didn't get any response as he was so furious.

"Looks like I don't get a thank you, that sucks." Flash muttered to himself.

"You know it's not about the thank yous, being a good person." Peter replied to him.

Flash looked surprised. "Oh of course you had to see all of that. Bet you're thinking I'm all hypocritical right?"

"Actually I was thinking that was a really nice thing you did for Max. I've seen you trying to change your ways since we got here." Peter pointed out.

He shrugged unsure. "Ah, it's doing a lot of good. That Max guy still hates my guts, maybe even rightfully so."

Peter looked proud of his old bully. "You're trying to change and that's what is most important. Can't speak for Max, but I appreciate you trying Flash. It takes a big man to grow up and act more mature. A good one."

Flash chuckled softly. "Huh, thanks Parker. You're a stand up guy yourself." He said and walked off feeling better.

Flash turning over a new leaf, life's really changed a lot since coming here hasn't it? Hope that Max can forgive the big oof, he's really trying. Peter thought as he walked off processing to get suited up.

Spider-Man once again swung through the city, feeling pretty great. I've got some time with MJ tonight, that'll be pretty great, Harry's doing great with Gwen, Flash becoming a more decent guy, things are good. Oh crap, I did the jinx, didn't I? Seemed so as a couple police cars seemed to be heading towards a disturbance. I'll never learn.

He approached the trouble afoot, seeing an old foe whom he never suspected he'd be seeing again since their last encounter quite a while ago.

"My goodness, no way! Boomerang is that you?" He said with so much sarcasm coming out of his mouth.

Boomerang frowned. "Ah crap, not you again. I guess this was expected, my bosses warned me about this." He slapped his head. "Dang It, I wasn't meant to talk about them again!" He exclaimed and tossed a boomerang at Spider-Man.

"Oh boomstick, I feel bad for kicking your butt again." He replied coming to kick him in the face and avoided the boomerang.

However, this time he had a partner, who blasted him back just as the spider-sense warned him. "Ouch, that was pretty shocking!" Spider-Man remarked and avoided another incoming blast.

"You got that right." The mysterious man said. "You're going head to head with the Shocker now Spider-Man!" He said with a yellow suit with gauntlets.

"The Shocker huh? Nice to meet you new bad guy, looks like Boomerang couldn't get revenge on his own could he? Have I done something to piss you off too?" He asked.

He blasted again at Spider-Man. "You sent my friend, James, to jail."

"James? Not ringing any bells, sorry!" He remarked avoiding the blasts.

"Speed Demon then, you must remember him." Shocker replied.

Spider-Man thought for a moment. "Yes! I recall that guy now, good old Speed Demon! He was a pretty nice guy at the end, turned himself in, you know. Or weren't you aware of that? Is that why you want me dead? A misunderstanding?" Peter asked.

Shocker tapped Boomerang's shoulder and they rushed inside of the place where they were robbing.

Spider-Man naturally rushed after him and Boomerang was in the way of his kick getting knocked back. "Come on Boomerang, we gotta stop meeting like this!"

"Why don't you just stop kicking my butt then!" He suggested and threw a boomerang at Spidey who leaped out of the way of it and noticed a second nearly getting hit. Then Boomerang used two of his boomerangs as sharp weapons, nearly getting some deep cuts into the hero, but he managed to keep faster and kick him back, webbing away the two weapons.

He pretended to think about what his foe said, then gave him the old one two punch knocking him out cold and webbed him to the ground.

"Die Spider-Man!" Shocker shouted, but for some reason put up his hands motioning his head to come closer and looked around for anyone watching, heading to a backroom where nobody could see.

Confused, Peter approached wondering what was happening as his spider-sense wasn't going off.

"I'm not angry with you Spider-Man, actually, I need help. And you're the only person who can do it." Shocker whispered.

"Oh, uh okay. Who the heck are you?" Peter asked, confused as heck looking at him.

He nodded. "Right, sorry. My name is Herman Schultz. I'm not really a bad guy, I'm reformed. I have a family that I love deeply, but a friend of mine and James, Speed Demon, has gotten involved with some bad people. We used to commit crimes together back in the day, but it was a long time ago. Both of my friends never did reform completely, but they are not bad people. Her name is Janice Lincoln and I'm pretending to work with these bad guys too."

Peter was greatly surprised. "So you need my help to save your friend?"

"Yeah, exactly. I'm sorry if I hurt you at all. I had to make Boomerang think I was on his side, this was our recruitment chance. Kinda felt bad for lying to him, but it was all necessary to make the ruse. I've gotta help and you always help people, so you'll help me right?" Schultz questioned hopefully.

"Yes of course I will get a good feeling that I can trust you. So don't make me regret it. Please and thanks Herman." Spidey replied. "So, who the heck are these naughty individuals anyways?"

"They're called, The Thieves Guild." He responded.

"What? Are we in medieval times now?" He wondered allowed.

Herman looked unsure.

"Oh I was joking, I know we're not. Never heard of these guys before, The Thieves Guild, must be up to stealing something valuable!"

"You've got that right Spider-Man! Whatever it is, they're hiring new people and expanding their ranks for this major. It's how they got my friend roped in, it'll be apparently the greatest heist ever pulled off! Crazy right?"

Spider-Man nodded. "Sure sounds like it. How exactly are you going to keep your cover though once we leave?"

"Oh shoot! You're right! What am I going to do?" He exclaimed, shocked and sketching his head, which was hard considering the yellow suit he had on covering his head.

"Blast me! Not too hard though. It'll seem like we got into a fight! And you won! Oh and we need somewhere to meet." Peter suggested to Shocker and whispered to him about his connections to captain Stacy. If he went to ask for him he'd help.

"Oh great idea, uh should I do it on 3 or 1?"

Peter thought about it. "Ah screw it, just go for it."

"Whatever you say!" He exclaimed and blasted him through a wall.

"Oh, that looked painful." He paused. "Uh, sorry." He rushed out the backdoor.

Spider-Man got back up. "That hurt, maybe I should've stepped back." He said allowed, to himself. "Unxpected, but welcome. No rest for Spidey. I should talk to Stacy as soon as possible, though I'll have to deal with him probably knowing my secret identity too. Guess this talk was bound to happen eventually." He swung off leaving and didn't realize a woman dressed in black was watching him leave very interested in him.

"Spider, looks like you'll be a ton of fun to play with. I'm greatly looking forward to our first meeting, very soon." She smiled to herself heading off into the bright shining day.

So begins the new era, I'm excited for this and to develop more of Peter's and Spider-Man's relationships. I think in my new format, I'll be able to do it better. Along with what they're up to in their spare time even perhaps. I want to have all the supporting characters grow a lot more now I've headed into this new exciting era full of lots of stories coming forward.

At the time of writing this, I've rewatched both Amazing Spider-Man movies fresh on my mind, shame what happened there. I thought it would be relevant to mention it seeing their versions of Electro (thank you No Way Home) and the Lizard being underwhelming to say the least in the final versions. (So many good deleted scenes for Lizard, not poor Electro though, nothing could really save that mess even a decent idea cut) Naturally both of these classic Spider-Man foes are set up to become bigger in the series, I'm very much hoping to learn from the mistakes of the old movies. Don't get me started on those movies.

I'm super excited to be bringing in more villains, you also likely heard of good old Miles Warren aka the Jackal, just like Spectacular Spider-Man, I wonder if that'll lead to anything? (Not anytime soon, just to set expectations assuming something does come of that lovely character)

Secondly more importantly, (to me) The Shocker! I love Shocker. He's no shame my favorite Spider-Man villain. Why? I don't know, my brain is an enigma, always felt he was cool and had more potential. This was back before stories like Superior Foes even then I loved the character. If you look back at the start you'll see I had set up Shocker having a relationship to Speed Demon. I've been planning this for a very long time. My plans have changed, which I'll share at the end of this mini arc. It's super exciting to get to share my version of Shocker with everyone! 4 years in the making, I can't believe we're here!

Thirdly, The Thieves Guild will be the first mini arc. I'm looking forward to it having a different threat not connected to organized crime. Along with the characters involved and set up for what's coming next.

Finally, there is a lot coming forward and I'm super excited to share it all, I've got thoughts going far behind then I dreamed of it. Hoping I'll be motivated to keep on writing for a lot longer. I want to pour out all my love into this series, I've not felt so much passion for writing in a long time.