1. Scorpion
2020
It was a grey overcast that clouded New York in a depressing coloration. A downpour had made its presence only a short time ago. The ever-busy streets were less crowded than usual, but many new yorkers still braved the elements. The free shower soaked those that were on foot, as bright headlights tried to provide clarity to the drivers through the flooded street.
They dealt with worse, survived worse, and no matter how many super-powered being used the city as a battleground, you couldn't stop the city from working itself to the bone to maintain such a high cost. Perhaps, based on certain experiences, they were not the smartest, nor the most appreciative, but you had to respect their hustle.
Well, until they call you a menace for literally stopping a robbery. It was a fifty-fifty sort of thing, but that would be the same anywhere else, he was sure of that. For all that they would insult him, "call him out", belittle him, there were many that waved at him in cheers, or offer thanks whenever possible. The people of New York stood by him when it counted most, well, some of the time.
Again, fifty-fifty, depends if there is someone bigger (and badder) to blame. Usually, there was.
In a derelict part of Harlem, New York, the sounds of heavy metal crashing and tearing scared off anyone smart enough to read the signs. Only the super-powered or stupid stuck around. Warehouses long abandoned due to company shutdowns played center stage for a cast of two. The predator and the prey.
The Scorpion, and the Spider.
Earlier...
Earlier that day, before the rain had hit literally, Peter Parker was figuratively soaked in a downpour. This was complimented by the light rain that showered him, wetting hair he didn't bother to cover, and the wind persistently whipping the hood of his raincoat back and forth. He was too busy to fuss with it, his "natural senses" keeping him from knocking into people as he glared into his phone's screen.
Peter Parker, The (Amazing) Spider-Man, was not having that good of a day. His damn door still wasn't fixed, he was late for work today(purse snatcher), and the day had gone further downhill at lunch with MJ. She told him she was leaving the United States for a european modeling gig. It came as a surprise, more so that it would be for several months.
She was also breaking up with him. Again.
He considered, like he did every time they broke up, why he tried to have a normal relationship. Hell, it wasn't even normal, she knows he is Spider-Man. It's not like he was out cheating, or intentionally blowing her off! Every kid with a smartphone in the city proved him genuine. Of course saving a bus full of children didn't make it okay, because surely she would be happy if he just let them fall into the manhattan river.
Peter knew being with someone like him wasn't always fair, but he didn't do it out of spite, he hated doing that to her! There were times he considered ignoring the occasional robber, just letting the police do their jobs. They had done it long before he was even born, and they would resume after he passed.
Then he remembered uncle Ben on a gurney, unmoving. White sheet over him, death claiming him in her embrace.
Of course there was Felicia too...actually... no there wasn't. She was clearly into the spider, but not the man, and she flew from the nest when things got hard. Waking up in the morning to find her gone, never a straight answer. When she was playing tongue wrestling with Daredevil, he flushed any leftover feelings down the drain. It was clear the attraction was (mostly) physical, and she was not into settling. He didn't hate her, he'll probably bail her out at some point, or vice versa.
Love her? Not a chance now, but the difference between Felicia and MJ was night and day. MJ wanted them to work. They both had tried to make it work. He was attracted to Felicia, believed he did love her at some point, but Mary Jane at least didn't cower away when things got serious, and not "baddie of the week" serious. Mary Jane did love him...at least... she used to.
It was why Peter was spending his walk to the bugle eyeing the screen of his phone, a picture of the gorgeous redhead that was the center of his familiar inner turmoil. The moment it was clear to him, that they were over, he dropped a twenty to cover a ten-dollar lunch only half ate, and walked out into rainfall.
MJ didn't bother following him, and that should have told him everything. His finger, initially meaning to try to call, was hovering on the delete contact button. It surprised him, considering this wasn't the first breakup, but he never once considered deleting her.
Whatever considered itself God in his universe did seem to throw him a bone. Returning to work in a depressive state was quickly forgotten by the distraction that had arrived around the same time he did. Not that anyone else would have noticed with the usual honks and hollars of an afternoon in New York. Not until it was right in their face.
Peter had almost walked into the double doors of the main lobby when his Spider-Sense made him pause. Years had given him experience to know when to leap, when to step aside, and when to simply remain still. Pausing mid step, looking up from his phone, still deciding whether or not to delete Mary Jane'e phone number ID, he saw a metallic green shape rush pass-
CRASH!*
- Crashing through the Bugles front windows.
In the semi-modern offices of the Bugle, Men and Women alike were hard at work. New York, at a glance quiet, always had something going on. Manhatten, Hell's Kitchen, Harlem, Queens. Every part of New York had a story to tell, a story that was being told, and it was in The Bugle's interest to find those stories, and bring them to light. J. Jonah Jameson, the boss man, Triple J, stoked the fires that fueled these reporters, photographers, and office workers.
Some stories were more prominent than others. Reed Richards developing something revolutionary, or more likely Johnny Storm making headlines for better or worse. Rumor mills regarding figures like the Punisher and Daredevil, and even figures more grounded, like those at Alias.
None were more (in)famous, then the onesie clad Web-Slinger. Other names include Thief, menace, trickster, menace, fiend, and did we mention menace?
Spider-Man was more often than not the object of Jameson's "affection". Someone other than Robbie would have staged an intervention years ago, key word being "would have", if not for the fact that the Web-Slinger was so prominent on the New York scene. If not for the fact that Spider-Man racked in big money, and "clicks". Jameson didn't understand "clicks", but he understood they were good to have a lot of.
Robbie Robertson was an anchor in the Bugle family. He brought a variety of topics to the table, and was able to help everyone focus when necessary. Credit should be given when it was due to Jameson, a longtime driving force in the publishing business. However, if not for Robbie and other cooler heads around for him to listen to, he might have run his business into the ground after mouthing off one too many times.
"No, I don't think you can link something like that to the Web-Slinger. He swings everywhere, for miles, possibly in the double digits." Robbie emphasized.
"So Triple J has to find something else for-"
Robbie had been in the middle of talking to Jared, a producer, regarding the Daily Bugle's live show. They were discussing topics besides Spider-Man. Already exhausted from discussion alone, he was let out a sigh. Looking up and out towards the worsening weather, Robbie registered the cyborg lunging at the window. Instantly, Robbie shoved Jared to the floor-
CRASH!*
Glass shattered and dressed the carpet hazardous, as two-pronged clawed feet dug in, crushing the glass under it to dust. Everyone was stunned for a brief moment, before instinct sent them running every direction from it. The glossy orange visor combed over for only a brief moment, as it spotted the target. Coming out of his office to chew out whoever had shattered the window, Jameson took in the raging cyborg, and naturally, ran for his life.
The Scorpion howled with fury:
"JAMESON!!"
Peter had only a moment to appreciate that Gargan didn't just try to bulldoze through him like a truck. Although, all that broken glass was gonna be a hazard.
He entered through the broken window quickly but carefully, as too many people were flooded out the front entrance in a panic. Bee-lining to the custodial closet, he locked the door and began a well practiced strip down.
Time for a change in uniform.
Jameson's scent was easy to track, Cigars and a specific cologne only Jameson would use. He used the same one years ago... When the Scorpion was born, and had apparently not changed since. Maybe his luck had run out, finally. The little worm knew this building like the back of his head, but he was also old, and couldn't run that fast. The man may not have been pissing himself, but he would.
He will do a lot more than that before I am done with him. His suffering will be as prolonged. everything that has happened to me, it all started with you.
Very few got in Gargan's way. Most gave the Scorpion a wide berth, who paid them no mind. The few that did, that got a tad too close, got knocked violently aside. They weren't hurt...much, bruised flesh, maybe a dislocated bone if they landed wrong.
It was mercy, compared to what Jameson would be going through very soon.
The Scorpion turned a corner, and saw Jameson about to run up some stairs. An unlucky associate sprinted in front of Mac's view, hard braking as he realized his mistake. He was too late, and took too long, as Gargan grabbed his shirt, and tossed him hard and far down the other hall, while aiming the bladed tale at Jameson.
SPLAT!*
Acid sprayed overhead, splashing the steps and making Jameson leap back. He barely grabbed onto the safety rail as he watched the steps melt away for a brief moment. His self preservation instinct kicked in, and he ran off down the hall once more.
Gargan missed him on purpose, his suffering couldn't end so quickly. Letting go of the loose scraps of cloth in his clawed hand, The Scorpion sprinted forward, leaping unto the wall, moving fast around the corner. Gargan knew Jameson was trying to go for a side exit, but he would be cut off, and cornered.
I'm gonna do New York a favor, and I'm gonna have fun while I do it. But first, the prey must be caught.
Peter didn't need to guess who Scorpion was trying to find. He was thankful that Jameson managed to hide himself as long as he had, as Peter changed into his suit in record time in the custodian closet. Gargan left a decent trail of marks, making it relatively easy to track the fellow arachnid.
The Scorpion smashing through the Bugle's lobby was ironically a good thing today, Peter was thinking, only out of familiarity. By that he meant: Rescuing Jameson because his mouth runs wild. Of course making a hit piece on a villain you are pretty much responsible for, was bound to make said villain upset.
Following the trail of destruction, including but not limited to the claw marks left in the ground and on the walls. He paused to make sure that some employees limping weren't too harmed to help themselves.
After checking on some guy with a torn open shirt laying knocked out on the floor, Spider-man came across the melted stairway. His knowledge of the Bugle came immediately, as he leapt unto the wall to take a closer look at the surrounding damage.
If Jameson tried to come up there, Scorpion would have cut him off. No claw marks on the floor or wall going upstairs, and there is an exit down to the left-shit.
He heard the sounds of smashing and breaking down the hall. Web-zipping down the hall, he hoped he wasn't too late.
Jameson was sprinting like a madman, trying to make it to the only other exit on this side of the building. He doubted that he would have time to try another. For a man of his age, his speed was impressive.
CLICK-CLICK-CLICK*
The metallic green cyborg, crawling fast along the wall, was eerily faster.
Jameson was beaten to the door, Gargan landing in front of him. A few short steps from freedom, Gargan smiled cruelly.
"Trying to run, Jameson?" The voice was digitized, almost robotic if not for the clear disdain carried for the award winning publisher. Jameson tried to turn tail, his chest heaving.
The Scorpion sunk a clawed hand into the heavy metal door, the hinges screeching in resistance before prying free of the wall, before launching it.
The door buried itself in front of Jameson, cutting off his access to the hallway, and leaving him little room to crawl under. Gargan would have loved to see that. There were leftover employees, that chose, for whatever reason, to hide instead of flee. Gargan hissed loudly at the quivering group, tail rattling threateningly. Jameson, seeing no way out, and no reason for Gargan to harm his employees(he cared that much at least) hollered at the cyborg:
"Gargan! You are gonna pay for all this damage, you sorry excuse of a bug! We just got the carpet redone in the lobby, and the stairway-"
Jameson was talking big, but his legs were starting to shake as Scorpion stepped ever closer. No matter what Jameson could come up with verbally, he was trapped.
No one would stop The Scorpion
Spider-Man landed quietly on the exit door buried into the wall. He caught sight of several fellow employees huddling in fear, as Triple J was off to the side, laying into the Scorpion verbally.
It wasn't very effective, but Jameson seemed to be doing one good thing: Keeping the Scorpion's attention away from the others, while digging his own grave with his mouth.
He web-zipped to Jameson's rescue, just as he was ranting (in fear) at the ever looming Scorpion, tail quivering, a millisecond from striking.
He came just in time to splat Jameson's mouth with a gob of webbing, putting a stop to his rant, and kicking away the massive metal stinger just in time. Scorpion roared beastly as acidic spray spit from the left armored gauntlet. It was only a few seconds, but enough for Scorpion to realize the target was getting away. The massive tail of the Scorpion flung a desk toward the man.
CRASH!*
It smashed into the wall, frightening but barely missing Jameson, who ran out into the rain, disappearing into the neverending wave of pedestrians.
"You can thank me later! well, he probably won't..." He was speaking to himself really, as Jameson probably thought both of them were here to kill him. He could see the tabloid.
Spider-Man and Scorpion, deadly duo attacks Bugle
Maybe in another universe, but not this one. Fortunately everyone managed to escape the area.
Unfortunately, Scorpion switched targets.
Spider-Man could hardly finish his quip before the metallic green villain lunged at him.
SMASH!*
The alloy-armored predator obliterated the oakwood desk that was behind Spider-Man like it was old plywood.
"Come on Gargan, follow the itsy bitsy spider~" He sang to his fellow arachnid. Digitized growling told him Gargan took the bait.
Spider-Man took off, the Scorpion trailing after him in the rain. The weather didn't stop all New Yorkers from their daily routine, but many were too busy to notice the red and green blurs leaping across rooftops. The ones that did, simply continued their day, once they were sure the fight wasn't going in their direction.
Manhattan is still too crowded with people, a fight is still too risky in the open. I might be able to dodge, but these people can't. Gotta get high up.
Spider-Man had to find somewhere secure. Where civilians were present was a no go. His only thoughts were warehouses in Harlem. They used to be home to some gang operations that Luke Cage cleaned out. It was some distance, but Gargan seemed motivated to kill something today. Scorpion hounded after him in the rain, the ground cracking with heavy thuds as the humanoid landed on the rooftops. Spider-Man kept the chase as high as he could, making sure Scorpion was still pursuing him.
He didn't need to try much, Scorpion was always good at catching up with him.
Every time, every goddamn time. Spider-Man always found a way to intervene. No matter what day Gargan picked, no matter where, when or why, Spider-Man intervened. He always saved that bastard's life, for what?
Not for Jameson's sake, that was for sure.
This time, as Jameson ran into the rain, Gargan didn't allow the fury to be blinding. Even screaming in rage, knowing the bastard would be too hard to track in the rain and crowds of people, The Scorpion's mind wasn't completely lost to baser instincts. It was a moment of quiet anger as Mac lunged at the Spider, devastating a nice oak desk in the process.
"Come on Gargan, follow the itsy bitsy spider~" Scorpion growled, releasing just enough tension to focus. It was bait to follow the Spider, that was fine. Jameson had to go home sometime, and would inevitably return to the Bugle.
It was fine, because if Jameson wasn't going to die today, the Spider would.
Spider-Man made it to the warehouses-
SMACK*
-closing the gap with assistance from Gargan's segmented tail smacking him through the window. Even as he was flying through the air his brain took photographic notes of all the leftover drum barrels and crates left, and the homeless and drug addicts littered around. It was clear Luke Cage went through the effort of cleaning out the gangs, only so for the city to resume letting the warehouses rot. Might as well let Luke demolish the place for free.
He landed next to a pair of junkies, who were just as surprised as him. Already higher than kites, they just looked at the red and blue clad hero.
"Woah, are you seeing Spider-Man, man?"
"Yeeah man, but, that usually means-"
Everyone was quick to run of course, after The Scorpion landed, having leapt after him through the newly made hole. While drugged up, enough were aware of the health hazard in front of them. Those that didn't were dragged away. What luck, that Spider-Man didn't have to pull double duty. He just had to contend with...
"Hey, so I know you're angry. Good thing is, there's a lot of free stuff to break right?"
Five minutes later
Peter Parker, The (Amazing) Spider-Man, was trying to engage in peace talks.
CRASH!*
It was not exactly working.
"You know Gargan-" Spider-Man was saying as landed on his feet.
SWOOSH*
His head weaved graciously away from the gliding thrust of the stinger.
"-I really wish you would-" He does a backflip, landing on his hands before launching himself away from the incoming stab of death.
SMASH!!*
The blade broke through the ground, sending debris flying.
"-stop trying to kill Triple Jay!" He finished as he landed.
Of course it was a half lie. He was serious about protecting the man, even if he slanders him. It was pretty funny to see him panic at the sight of The Scorpion. But he needed this, a sense of familiarity. Something that didn't change, that didn't decide to just change their mind because, reasons.
The Scorpion rushed the Spider, thrusting claws out, only to cut at air as the hero (barely) maneuvered out of harm's way.
He had experienced it too often. Curt Connors became his mentor and friend, only to turn into a mad humanoid lizard, unable to trust himself or anyone. Felicia worked with a villain or two when she felt Spider-Man slighted her, another reminder next time she came calling. Norman Osborn, his best friend's father, became one of his worst enemies, taking someone he had loved dearly...
Another leap from Scorpion, the tail about to drive into the concrete. It was a feint, one that Spider-Man barely caught as the tail suddenly aimed upward.
Harry... Norman's descent to madness took a toll on him, leading him to painkillers, a gateway that led him to further drug abuse. Then, finally, he took his fathers mantle. He hoped Harry would be able to recover at Ravencroft, but he didn't know. Harry wouldn't see him when he visited, wouldn't let him explain. He blamed Spider-Man, and hated that Peter was "protecting" him.
When Scorpion's acid failed, tactics changed. The metallic green tail hooked onto an old wood pallet, flinging it at Spider-Man. When said pallet missed, the tail reached for more items. Unfortunately for Peter, there was plenty to toss.
In spite of the stream of risk to bodily harm, the Web-Head appreciated this little detour. He didn't have to worry about what Peter Parker had to deal with. Reality could hold the phone, take a power nap.
Gargan was...honest, never hiding an agenda or two. Their battles felt more "routine" than most.The attempts at killing Jameson, and therefore Spider-Man saving Jameson by fighting him, was something that never changed. Come to think about it, besides certain other "pals", Scorpion seemed quite consistent. Possibly one of the only consistencies besides overdue rent and arriving fashionably late.
He couldn't make it on time for work, but he always had time for Scorpion. What in the fuck-
"Hold still SPIDER!!" The Scorpion's helmet had some sort of digitized voice effect. It only made the grunts and roars sound more sinister. He strafed left to dodge an incoming drum barrel, before leaping to the ceiling avoiding another. He had a moment to breathe as Gargan's tail wrapped around another barrel, the contents leaked as the old container couldn't handle the grip strength of the cyborg.
I mean, He couldn't get a date with MJ on time for shit. She grew tired of it, and frankly, Peter did too. Make it in time for the date, or save the bus full of children. His choice was obvious, but he was tired of explaining.
Yet, on cue, another drum barrel just flew past his head. He dodged, landing behind leftover crates, just out of view. He narrowly missed the acid shot at him mid-fall, Gargan is dedicated today.
Spider-Man crawled around, knowing he would only have a spare minute before Gargan tracked him. He noted to himself that he really needed to talk to Luke about this place. Of course, if he fought Gargan for too long, Damage Control should have no problem coming in to mop up. Didn't Luke know the boss lady of that operation too?-
The Scorpion lunged for him again, smashing through leftover crates, sending more debris flying outward. Spider-Man dodged the clawed fingers that sliced through the air, sending a haymaker into the orange visor.
CRACK*
The Beast grunted as a spiderweb crack spread along the visor, feeling the whiplash from the hit, before responding with a violent tail whip. Spider-man leaped out of range, sticking to the wall.
The Scorpion crouched into a predator stance, taking a moment to seemingly catch a breath, or allow the rage to subside enough to focus again. The orange visor was burning holes into the Spider clinging to the wall, or at least trying to. God help him if the Scorpion got heat vision.
Who is upgrading your suit? Is it Tinkerer? Dammit it's probably Tinkerer.
"Every time, every goddamn time! Why won't you let me kill him." Irritation was clear through Gargan's clenched teeth. The cyborgs green armor vibrated poorly held down rage
"Because despite what happened, killing him won't change it. It won't make it right."
"Raaah!" Roaring in defiance, The Scorpion's massive green tail made a wide sweep, obliterating several support beams. The building was starting to shake from instability. Spider-Man had to end this before the building came down on them.
Moving forward, he baited the Scorpion into striking.
A vicious stab of scorpions tail to the ground forced Spider-Man to hop back. Gargan leaped and clawed at him, talons scraping across the heroes chest, leaving a shallow, bleeding gash. The left claw followed up with another slash, but Spider-Man was ready, and maneuvered the armored green gauntlet past him.
Simultaneously, he leaped up with both feet in the air to land on Gargan's shoulder. He kicked off, staggering the Scorpion off balance to the floor. It didn't harm Gargan, but it didn't need to.
Already aiming after he launched himself, he shot two web-bombs to the Scorpion's left arm and leg. The small orbs exploded, half of Gargan now stuck to the floor and a column. Scorpion reacted violently, jerking back and forth in an attempt to escape the web. It was in vain, as the webs would hold long enough for Spider-Man to end this.
"No! NO!! He has to pay, he has to PAY!"
The Scorpions struggle was weakening, the effort to rip out of the webbing lessened, until the cyborg was simply shaking. Spider-Man had been readying up for a finishing web strike and closing quip, but he paused. A sound was coming from the Scorpion, was Gargan... crying? There was no more effort to remove the webbing, only the sounds of digitized agony emitting from the cyborg.
"No, he did this to me...he has to...pay...has to."
Spider-Man was many things, but he knew when to stop, when the battle was won.
It was strange, Scorpion never gave up a fight until one of them was down for the count. Usually, besides battle quips, talking with the Scorpion was minimal. This was new, and so inspired Peter to do something new.
Empathy.
"I know, it is his fault, it absolutely is." Gargan's looked up at Spider-Man, teeth bared.
"Then let me have him." Gargan seethed. "He deserves to die."
"You can't kill him, you know I can't let you do that. You can keep coming after him like this, but it won't change what happened."
Gargan growled. "Exactly! He can't take it back, he won't take it back, he needs to get what he deserves..."
So single minded, so fixated that it didn't matter who was hurt in the process. When he first learned of what occurred to make the Scorpion, he was furious, more at himself for not realizing till after the fact, but that didn't excuse everything.
"And hurting other people in the process. Yeah he's a dick, I know that firsthand, but you are hurting other people in the process. Acting like this, assaulting people like an animal-"
"I'M NOT A FUCKING ANIMAL! I'M NOT!!"
Gargan screeched, verbally exploding with desperation so obvious that it made him pause. He saw many emotions from the Scorpion: Anger, fury, sometimes a maniacal glee. This... was pain, agony, sadness. Gargan resumed while the Spider remained silent.
"They told me I could be a hero, I Didn't ask for this...fucking tail...to be bonded to my spine. They can't remove it without killing me. You can take off your colorful little costume and pretend to be human, I can't."
This was possibly the longest time Gargan had spent talking with Spider-Man, without trying to kill him. He stayed quiet, and listened.
"Everywhere I go, anything I do, I'll be seen as The Scorpion, a freak of nature. The experiment gone wrong. You think I can have a life, that anyone would look at me like a woman again?!"
That's...oh... that's right.
Years of fighting Scorpion, he tended to forget that Gargan.. was a lady.
Thick combat armor doesn't do anyone's figure justice, especially heavy plating around the chest and shoulders. And, of course, a giant humanoid scorpion going berserk made him prioritize other things: Weaknesses, civilians in danger, not getting skewered by that tail.
Spider-Man, despite what others might think, saw the humanity in those he fought. Civilians and police alike tended to think of them as less. Spider-Man himself was included in the 'less than human" category more often than not. Although the denizens of New York liked to forget(or remember) that, when it was convenient.
Yet somehow, he had missed that when it came to Gargan. He felt compassion for her, yes. However, he never really thought about what it was like to have a massive robotic appendage grafted unto you. What that would do to you on a daily-no-yearly basis.
The constant fighting and assassination attempts didn't help. Right now, however, no one was getting killed. No one was fighting.
Finally the Spider spoke.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. "You don't deserve this, no one does. Killing Jameson won't solve anything, won't change it."
"It's all I have, I've lost everything else. My home, my identity, my humanity."
Spider-Man took a moment to let her words sink in. Knowing the reality of the Scorpion's life by simple association, he couldn't really argue, except for one small thing. He really couldn't explain what drove him to actually try this. He didn't bother before, when they fought, seeing only manic rage during each encounter.
There was never a true opportunity to just... talk. Maybe, just maybe he can end this without bloodshed. Maybe he can actually help her, instead of resuming this vicious cycle.
He had to try.
"You think you've lost your humanity?" The rage and sadness was still there, but Gargan seemed to be listening to him. Her mouth had opened momentarily, before she snapped it shut. Muscle memory from tasting web-fluid a little too often.
"Look at me Spider, what do you see?" Gargan humored the question with another question. That was better than incoherent rage. Instead, a questioning look appeared.
He actually leaned sideways a bit, giving a thoughtful look. Then he answered. "Shiny green and black combat armor. A cracked orange data visor." When did you make that upgrade? Seriously who funded that? "Under that, a person."
His answer stunned her for a brief moment. Then, she cackled, a reprieve from the crying, that he oddly appreciated. Once it stopped being funny, she gave a shaky heave.
"Jesus Spider, where is the sudden sentimentality coming from?" Gargan didn't expect the day to go in this direction. She was half hoping to return to the norm, once the webbing wore off. This was...unexplored territory.
"Mac... I know a lot of people with mutations they are stuck with. You know Ben Grimm, he's a good friend of mine. He was horrified by what he had become. In time, through his team, his family, he found acceptance and love. He found life again."
He thought of another example easily.
"Another friend of mine, her skin turned blue, her eyes yellow, pointy ears, a tail. And you know what: She is beautiful. There's another friend, also happens to be blue, fur all over him, they literally call him 'Beast', and he is one of the leading scientists in his field." Suddenly Gargan became still.
"Can he fix this?" Her voice contained hope buried in desperation.
"Maybe, maybe not, he's not the only one we could go to. It's worth it to try, but only if you stop this vicious cycle. Please. Let me help you, and not him."
This was quite possibly the most humane conversation he has ever had with the Scorpion. He was even using her first name! Her tail had stopped its violent shaking at some point, and she had her full attention on him.
"You...you would help me?Would you help a monster?" She asked, the most calm he had seen her. A calm Scorpion, any other day, would send alarm bells. Of course, the number of times Gargan was calm in his presence could be counted on one hand.
He suddenly remembered something Aunt May told him, when he asked her why she forgave the man that shot Ben. Why, he had told Harry he forgave him. What Peter had told a guilt-ridden Curt Connors after the Lizard's rampage ended.
"Monsters don't shed tears. I know you still have humanity inside of you, Mac. Maybe you don't believe it, but I do."
"Jameson-"
"-Will get his due, I failed you, and I'm sorry for not realizing sooner. I protect everyone in New York. That includes you too, if you let me." Spider-Man lifted his hand facing upward, outstretched to the cyborg.
He saved Jameson many times, partially because of power, responsibility, and partially a source for quick cash. He also hoped that Jameson would change his tune one day. Maybe that was the problem. Maybe, Jonah needs to answer for his own menacing of the city, because Peter was tired of being everybody's convenient fall guy.
"You-you're not fucking with me Spider?" Years of being the outcast, Peter knew her doubts. He would prove her wrong.
"I told you, I believe in you, Mac."
It was then that his mask shifted around the mouth. Somehow, Mac could tell that he was giving her a smile.
"I always have."
There was a moment there, between the two. The structure of the webs was breaking down fast. Gargan didn't realize her hand was 'free', only that She was raising it to reach out.
"Duude that tail is freeaky."
Their heads snapped to the pair of druggies that, apparently, came back to watch, instead of staying the hell away. One in disbelief, the other in reignited fury.
"I know, what a monster." Very poor choice of words.
Gargan screamed, ripping out of the ever weakening webbing, her tail smashing into the column. Spider-Man shot out two webs, sending the druggies flying, and away from the acid spray shot at them. Scorpion meant to give chase, but her feet were still stuck by stubborn web-fluid.
*CREEEAAAAAAK!!*
Gargan, however, indirectly destroyed whatever was holding that side of the roof together. The ceiling caved in then, as metal struts and ceiling careened down on Gargan.
Spider-Man launched himself into Mac like cannonball, tearing her out of the webbing, and sending them both out of harm's way. The Scorpion's armor wasn't so thickly armored that he couldn't wrap his arms around Mac's waist. Still, he couldn't turn them entirely in time to take the brunt of the landing. Both of them tumbled in a hard roll, before stopping.
Groaning, Spider-Man used his arms to push himself up. "Mac, are you okay?..!"
He realized Gargan was under him. Spider-Man's arms were on either side of her. the left under her arm, the right by her head.
They stared at each other for a solid couple of seconds, neither one quite believing what had occurred. Then Peter felt a pain in his side, before he could question it, his body felt loose and numb. His limbs were very tired suddenly.
Gargan had taken the advantage of Spider-Man saving her, to stab him... her stinger ever so lightly pierced his side. The muscle relaxant worked immediately, leaving The (Spectacular) Spider-Man at her will. Retracting her Stinger, Gargan caught Spider-Man before he could fall headfirst, holding him close for a moment. His head lulled on her shoulder like a lover.
She had made it for Jameson, she wanted him aware, to be able to hear him scream as he couldn't stop her from exacting her vengeance. Now, it came in handy for an entirely different purpose.
She wrapped her tail around his waist as she darted out of the warehouse.
"How would you like to make a REAL name for yourself?"
The array glowed brightly before releasing a beam upon Mac, as the spinal locks stabbed into her. Machines whirled as they readied the Scorpion Battle Armor. A sensation akin to pain spread as she felt her muscles increase in mass.
"Doc, what are you doing to me? I feel strange."
"Easy, its the radiation."
"I chose the scorpion, because it's a natural predator of the spider." The doctor had bragged to Jameson. She was too overwhelmed by the strange sensations to register at the time.
"Spider-Man will at last meet his match." Jameson smirked.
Peter wasn't sure how far they moved, but eventually they seemed to enter one of many derelict buildings. it wasn't long till he was thrown onto a soft surface. Looking around, it wasn't a bed, not exactly, it felt more comparable to a nest. He was on a couple layers of sherpa blankets, most likely stolen, There was a cracked TV that gave a small source of light to the room. Beside it were other TV's, clearly smashed in some superhuman bout of anger.
Gargan definitely made herself cozy here. If the nest hasn't made it apparent, there were various pieces of weapons and armor strewn about. Tail attachments with blaster or claw tips hung off the wall. Armor plates that varied in green and purple coloration. Peter even spotted the gigantic Pincers she had been using at one point.
Spider-Man had seen most of-if not all of these devices and modifications. Often, it comes down to weight. Scorpion could take a beating as is. However, the extra armor, while effective against more traditional enemies like police or military, hindered her effectiveness against her greatest-wait, no-second greatest enemy.
Even so, the Pincers were still something fierce. She has had one, or both arms equipped with one. They were as bad as her tail, and when you saw them in use, let's say a nice Cadillac being torn into pieces, the sense of self preservation was twofold.
His run-on assessment was suddenly interrupted by the Scorpion herself, who straddled his waist. The television light outlined her form, as his eyes followed her stinger, the blade tipped tail swaying back and forth. She could stab him at any time, so why wasn't she? He wondered if the tail always reacted in response to her emotions, or if it was purely autonomous. Just how much control did she have-
"Did you mean what you said?" Spider-Man snapped his gaze back to Gargan, who hadn't taken her eyes off him since she saddled up on him. He could only nod. "We will see about that."
Scorpion then reached for his mask, one claw under the neck slowly pulled the mask up. He felt fear, anger, and panic as his mask was swiftly removed. Every nightmare scenario began to play through his head, playing at double speed. How many would die for this moment? who would she go after? Who would she tell?
The orange visor hid her eyes, but her mouth was exposed. Her Lips parted slowly as she took in his face.
2009
Gargan didn't like working odd jobs like this. She had to admit to herself it was better than signing up for another tour in the military, probably back to the war torn shithole she barely made it out of.
Still, Having to follow a photographer around was getting more troublesome than it was worth. It was clear that Parker knew she was following him. He was trying to be subtle about it, but she knew court jesters that were more subtle.
He was making her job harder than it needed to be. Guy had to run into Spider-Man sometime, right?
He suddenly ran hard, taking a harsh turn into an alleyway. Gargan took after him, throwing away pretenses. The kid was only a high schooler and thin like a leaf. Mac wouldn't hurt the kid, but if she had to, she had ways to shake the info out of-
As Mac burst into the Alleyway, she realized it was a dead end. Scanning the area, she was left confused. There was no way he would be on the roofs, no way in hell. Looking up she saw scaffolding, but the ladder wasn't even down, and if it was, did he have enough time to raise it back up and then hightail it to the roof? Impossible.
Then how the hell did he do it?
Daily Bugle, Later that day
Mac went back to report her findings, or lack thereof. Of course her employer wasn't amused.
"Goddammit, How did you lose Parker? How obvious were you?!"
Mac didn't take kindly to anyone that wasn't a higher rank, or her mother. She growled at the Publicist. "Hey, I was discreet! It's not like you never ask him how he got those pictures. He clearly has some idea that you want to finally know." She allowed her anger to recede back. "I had him at a dead end, maybe Spider-Man is helping him?"
"He has to be, that much is certain, but that much I could have figured out on my own!"
"Look, I'll continue to try, but I need some reimbursement now. Girls gotta eat, and you don't get to flake on paying me."
"Alright alright, heres a few hundred-" His phone rang. A telephone, in this age of advanced technology, you wouldn't believe it till you see it. "Don't go anywhere yet."
Picking up the phone, he seemed ready to rip into someone for calling him at this time. "This is Jameson... Really, you mean you can do it? Volunteer? Who do you think I know that-actually, we might have someone. Let me call you back."
Jameson looked back at Gargan as he set the phone back down on the receiver, his blood sugar levels several levels lower. Mind and Body seemed to decide in unison as he smirked.
"How would you like to make a name for yourself?"
2020
"Parker? Peter...Parker..." She began to shake, as Peter felt droplets land on his cheek. A mixture of crying and laughter overcame her, Peter could only lay and watch. Scorpion's laughter subsided into chuckles, as she finally composed herself.
"Jesus christ. It was you. It was always you. hahaha, Jameson you fucking idiot. He's been making money off you this whole time. I love it." She leaned down to him. "It makes sense, how you get such good photos, how you were able to avoid me, when I was still..." She trailed off. "I guess it's only fair."
She then reached for her helmet, pulling it off slowly. Peter had never seen Gargan, sans armor, after her transformation into the Scorpion.The anticipation could be considered horrifying. Yet the reveal was rather pleasant.
Her brown hair was short, almost buzz cut short. He could spot the effects of her procedure. Her eyes glowed teal in the dark room. He could see a similar blue-green glow effect, illuminating the veins of her neckline -wait.
Mac was still removing her armor. Years spent with the suit gave Mac ease in removing it. Even if she couldn't be rid of the tail, she couldn't stand being in the armor twenty-four seven. After she finished removing her torso and arm pieces, she exposed her "hideous" body to him.
Mac Gargan seemed boyish, But she was attractive. For someone who was supposed to be nearing her mid-forties, she could pass off being in her late twenties, early thirties at the most. Physically fit for sure, the armor had made her appear far bulkier than normal. She wore a tank top under her armor apparently. It did little to hide her Olympian figure. Radiation was unreasonably inconsistent on this earth.
Peter had little time, as Mac lowered herself down to him. He didn't dare look down, she might kill him for looking. Then again, maybe not...
What the hell is going on?
"Look at me Spider."
Yes Ma'am.
Peter looked Mac in the eye. He could see fear in them, fear of rejection. "I know you can move your head, nod for yes, side to side for no." She performed the actions as she instructed him, making everything clear as crystal. "Now, do you still think I'm human?"
A nod. Mac wasn't satisfied. She curled her lips back, her teeth revealing sharp teeth, further evidence of mutation. Her breath was strangely like citrus, not unpleasant either. To be honest, however, he has seen and smelled worse. She probably had better teeth than logan.
"You said you believed in me.. that you always have. Was that bullshit?"
He shook his head side to side. He never thought Gargan would ever give him a moment to talk things out, but he always hoped that she would see the light herself. As the years went on, and the frantic mania that was her fighting style only got more vicious, the hope was buried. But it was always there.
"Still think I'm... beautiful?"
"Y-yes." She hadn't asked for verbal confirmation. Peter hadn't meant to voice it, but he couldn't stop himself. Her eyes had widened, his would have as well, if he had been able to.
It was either the worst, or best decision of Peter's life as Mac pressed her lips to his. It was soft, and gentle, today was a living paradox. She tasted like citrus too, was that an effect of her biology? Or did she like orange tooth paste? It was nice.
She pulled back, forcing him to look at her again.
"Do you want me to stop?" Peter moved his head left than right. He could barely finish before she continued with him, her kisses becoming needy desperate.
It had been some time for Gargan, nearly, god, ten years now? More than that actually, but life as a scorpion hybrid burned intimacy long ago. She didn't remember the last person she kissed. It had been so long, and the Spider, he felt so good. She wanted as much time as she could, before he gained control of his limbs. Before he decided to punch her out, and leave her to the police.
But he already was, instead of trying to push Mac away or biding his time to throw her off him, he put his arms around her, caressing her back. His fingers grazing her spine caught her attention. She wasn't a fool, but she knew the Spider wasn't either. Why wasn't he bucking her off? Why wasn't he crushing her infused spine or tearing her off of him?
Stopping herself for a moment, she looked at him directly. Her hands were planted on either side of his head. He was still weak, she could do whatever she wanted with him. She could torture him, kill him, she could-
"Pretty eyes." He said it weakly, but it hit with the force of a truck. His compliment genuinely scared her, made her move back slightly, hitting her rear against-
Oh. Oh.
If it has been a while since she had kissed anyone, it was even longer since she had gotten laid.
She put her fingers on his waist, where the suit was separated, pulling his costume up just a bit, exposing his abdominal muscles.
"Spider-I-Do you consent?" It was important that Mac knew, Her poison was a muscle relaxer, it did nothing to the mind, no delirium. That would have been counterproductive to Jameson's torture. That bastard was meant to feel every second, unable to do anything but feel. Mac would stop right now, he just had to make it clear. She was many things, but she was not that.
His strength returned with more vigor, reaching up to cup her face, he nodded. She pulled his suit off him before standing up. She removed the lower half of her armor, then undergarments. Everything but the tail was off before laying down on him once again. She grazed his face gently with her fingers, oddly affectionate. Peter made the bold move of brushing his hand through her short hair.
She presses her lips to his. Peter couldn't help but think citrus had never tasted so good.
This was probably the longest time the Scorpion's tail stayed wrapped around Peter's legs, albeit loosely. Mac herself was wrapped around Peter, her head fit into the crook of his neck perfectly, yet she didn't sleep.
Affection, the concept had become so... alien to her. She hadn't had sex since before her time in the service. After two tours in Afghanistan, she came home struggling to find work, let alone time to date.
She had friends...a couple lived on the west coast, assuming they still remembered her as the hothead they fought alongside in the dunes. Others... didn't make it home, unless it was in a box.
This time with Spider, she couldn't believe it. She didn't want to give it up either. Years, literal years of fighting him, and now? Spooning in a hideout, afterglow that wasn't just her skin mutation. Jesus.
It was fear, fear that she would wake up at the back of a Raft cargo truck. Or, waking up to Spider-Man simply gone, like it didn't happen. She didn't know which was worse. She didn't want to go back, but she couldn't undo her choices. Jesus, what would the others think? Would they even believe her if she told them?
Then again, why should she care? She already had her chance to kill him, his life in her hands. Underhanded or not, it had been hers to take. He had chosen to save her, when he could have let the debris fall on her. Survivability was likely, but painful. But that was his choice, to give her an opening. And she had him paralyzed, helpless, still looking at her like she had a chance in this life. They... copulated... and instead of shoving her off once he had enough strength, or simply finished, he pulled her closer to him.
It was an absurd inversion of their dance. Nothing could be the same for either of them. The status quo had been upended by a heartfelt offer of help, before being shattered by the physical binding of arachnids. Now the Scorpion was left truly not knowing the next step.
The Spider himself had woken a few minutes prior, staying quiet, contemplating very similar thoughts. One straying in particular.
What... what are we now? what is...this?
His fingers rested on the only metal left on her, the segmented armor resting on her spine. The metal was oddly reactive, shifting on contact. He asked the question without thinking.
"Does it hurt?"
"Which part?" She responded, exposing herself as awake and aware.
"Your tail, when it's damaged, or...does it hurt you?"
Mac paused at his question, processing the best way to answer. "The tail itself has sensors, emulating pain so I'll know when it's damaged, it's usually too tough to be damaged like that. The spine is where it would hurt."
How did I ever let Jameson walk from this?! This shouldn't have been done to anyone. I've thrown the Tinkerer in jail for less. Meanwhile, Mac has been...
Mac resumed explaining as Peter internally beat the shit out of himself.
"Whatever they did, it stabbed into my bone, the radiation bonded it..." Permanently, she wanted to say, but she didn't have to.
"I'm sorry."
"Apology accepted, but for what?"
"Jameson hired you to tail me, to find out how I got my pictures of Spider-Man. That led you to...this."
"I chose this, but under false pretenses. Jameson nor that stupid scientist gave me the whole picture, that's not on you... I'd still be trying to kill you otherwise."
He should have done more the first time around. All these years, Mac could have been receiving care, maybe they could have found a way to remove the tail. Instead, she became another member of New York's Boogeymen.
Neither one of them could go backwards, couldn't undo the mistakes either of them made. Moving forward, however, there was still a chance.
They laid in quiet for a bit longer, the downpour had softened to a light rain. He didn't want to interrupt the moment, but he had to.
"Hey Mac."
"Quiet, I don't wanna go to jail yet. I don't want this to end."
Neither do I. "It doesn't have to."
"I am the bad guy Spider, you want a fuck buddy in a jail cell?" The question was direct, honest, if he could say anything about the Scorpion, she made her feelings clear. That would make this easier, and if it didn't work, it would be faster.
"Do you want more than that?"
"Do you?"
"Yes." There was no hesitation from him, and it shocked her. She persisted.
"I am much older than you Spider, I am nearing my mid forties."
"You look pretty good, Hell I'd say you look barely thirty."
She blushed at the compliment, before glaring at him. He resumed his verbal assault.
"Look, we can't go back to what we were. I can't, frankly I don't want to. I am not saying everything will suddenly be fixed overnight, but-" She got up from her very comfortable position to look down at him, like a predator that had its meal. Although the hunger was a specific kind, and her grasp on his was lazy
"And if I can't get rid of this tail? you want this." She gestured to it, raising it toward him in a half threatening matter. His Spider-sense didn't go off. He moved past it with a perfect calm, coming nose to nose with Mac.
"Then I will stop caring, if I stay, I'm going to stay for you."
She looked away from him. It could have been one minute, or ten, but it felt so much longer before he spoke.
"I am tired of fighting Mac, I am tired of fighting a victim."
"Mackenzie."
"What?"
"My name is Mackenzie."
Peter moved past the tail to embrace her from behind. She inhaled deeply as his arms wrapped around her waist. He pressed his lips to her neck.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Mackenzie. I look forward to getting to know you better."
Mac exhaled heavily, and couldn't help but lean back against him. She Raised her left hand to caress his face, her other hand clasping one of his arms, afraid of him pulling away.
"I-if we don't work-"
"Then I still won't give up on you, you deserve justice like anyone else. You deserve to have your life back."
She gripped his arm tighter for a moment before letting go, before lunging for him, arms clasped around the hero's neck, embracing him.
"Don't throw me away. I can't spend the rest of my life in a cell. There is so much... I want to be out there with you."
Please don't reject me. I can't handle it at this point, please.
Spider-Man returned her embrace with equal tightness. Silently making a promise to himself.
"I have friends, that I think could help."
Avengers Mansion, several days later
This was a bad idea. She knew it was a bad idea. Yet, Peter-Spider-Man, god it was hard to differentiate now, insisted they try. He gave her a few days to warm up to the idea, get mentally prepared for anything. If any of Spider-Man's friends had a loose trigger finger, she had to do everything in her power not to react in kind.
"Spidey, have you lost your goddamn mind!?" Clint Was defensive, that was fair. Peter told her the Avengers would be protective of their own, that's why he wanted to go to them.
Heroes could be as "trigger happy" as their villains, to a degree. Whether because of past experiences, or training drilled into the base of your being, that didn't matter. Especially when an "enemy" is in home territory.
When Peter (As Spider-Man) put himself in front of her, it both warmed and terrified her.
"Nobody makes a move on her, she comes in peace. If you try anything, I will fight for her like she was any of you."
"Look Spidey, you've been manipulated before. Hell you've been mind controlled." Cap was alert and ready to fight, everyone was, but no one moved without his signal
"Trust me it's not like that. She's here for a second chance."
"I saw the list Spider-Man, you made it yourself. Never once saw you imply or mention that Mackenzie Gargan was in fact treatable-"
"I made a mistake! Look, when I put my hand in for the program, to try to help others, I thought Gargan was lost. I was wrong, I found her. I can pull her out of the darkness, and you...you have no idea how much that means to me." Cap's expression softened. "I am not coming here to tell you the sob story if you are not willing to listen, but this isn't Red Skull or Loki, or some cosmic threat we are dealing with. This is a human being, and she needs our help."
It was quiet for a couple of seconds, then, Captain America raised his hand, signaling everyone to stand down.
The Avengers were sobered by Spidey's words and Caps signal. Cap remained as he was, standing tall but ready to spring into action at a moments notice. The more powerful, like Thor, relaxed, confident they could handle an army of Scorpions. Others like Natasha and Clint, kept a hand ready to Quick Draw. Mac would rather they shoot her, tie her up, throw her in an underground cell. She would rather that, than let Peter get hurt protecting her. Even as her nerves rattled.
As though nothing occurred, Vision Phased through the wall and floated serenely between the two groups. "I apologize for my tardiness Captain. I was two-thousand meters away when I heard the alarm." Turning to the Web-head and his plus one, he greeted them cordially. "Hello Spider-Man, I see you have brought a guest."
Steve Rogers saw an opportunity, and went for it. "Vision, can you scan Spider-Man and Miss Gargan. Check them both for any anomalies, but she has been altered by scientists, you know the type."
Vision quietly walked over to Peter and Gargan. He gave Peter a quick look over, and did it twice for the teams sake.
"Spider-Man is fine, no alterations, there is a sign of recovery from poison, but nothing psychological in nature." Cap motioned everyone to settle down. Everyone except for Clint, who kept his bow lowered but ready to use, listened while Vision looked over Mac.
In spite of the power difference, Mac never felt an ounce of fear looking at Vision, he didn't set her off like other people. The cybernetic lifeform gave the cyborg a look over from top to bottom, frowned, and repeated the action again. "What have they done to you?"
"Viz, Can you fix her?" Cap asked.
Vision shook his head. "Whoever performed the Gene splicing and cybernetic enhancements did so with severity. Even removing the extra additions that exist, the core issue is with the tail. It has fused with her spine. I cannot safely separate her from it as is."
Cap nodded. "We'll help the best we can, but as I understand it, she is in a bit of a pickle."
Tony Stark, the Iron Man, who usually had a smart remark or two, had been quiet up to that point. Here was something he thought he could help with. "There are other solutions, we can alter most of the tail and the outer shell. Make as much of the tail as we can removable, at least."
"We can try to help you the best we can miss Gargan, but the physical problem is only one. We still have some legal hurdles to overcome."
"That was actually what I came here for Cap, I want to help Gargan take legal action for what's happened to her." Anything had to be better than continuously assaulting the Bugle, and risking the lives of others.
"Someone had to have done this to her, right? Do we know who?" Clint, while still cautious, added his own two cents.
"His name was Farley Stillwell, but he..." Mac stopped, unable to bring to words what she had done."
"When Mac realized what happened to her, she went berserk. The doctor died during her first attempt to go after Jameson." Spider-Man admitted, knowing that lying was not only impossible, but would only hurt Mac's chances of getting help.
Cap had a grimace on his face. "That's not good, a dead man can't speak in court...unless we can find evidence." Stopping for a brief second to ponder, his eyes wandered over to the green skinned warrior in a business suit. "Jen-"
"I'll represent her." She-Hulk Jennifer Walters, just as carefree as Thor was. Even Peter was surprised that she spoke up.
"I appreciate it, Jen. If it's alright, I have one more name I'm sure we can add to the list?"
One week later
It was a bustling day at the Bugle, once they finally cleaned up again. The Bugle employees were happy that Damage Control took their jobs seriously, and Damage Control was happy to take Jameson's money. There were small clauses against purposely agitating a super powered being, which meant Jameson had to pay more out of pocket.
But today, they were back on track. Another super-powered Spider fight, Another hit for the prints-well, digital prints but whatever!
"Scorpion 'peacefully' turned herself into the authorities. It only took well over a week after she wrecked the building. It's too convenient, I knew it! She and Spider-Man are working together!"
He had him this time, he knew it. Like he always did. Today, like every other day, Jameson felt like a winner.
Right before someone passes them at the finish line.
"Um, sir?" His assistant, just had to crush the mood. Thankfully he had Jameson's coffee.
"What?" Grabbing the Coffee he took a drink.
"The news sir."
Triple J's attention went to the flat screen, in the upper corner of the office he had begrudgingly paid for.
"We are now getting confirmation that yes, Mackenzie Gargan, 'The Scorpion', is now part of the Avengers as a reformation initiative for former villains."
Jameson spit out his coffee, his assistant narrowly dodging. What in the seven hells! The Scorpion? A Goddamn Avenger!? It wasn't possible, it couldn't be.
To his shock, the ultimate symbol of patriotism, Captain America, spoke directly in favor of this nonsense.
"Let us be perfectly clear, Miss Gargan needs help. She will be working towards righting her wrongs. Like all villains that are willing to undergo reformation, she will be supervised by an Official Avenger."
That made Jameson feel more at ease. At the least they were going to monitor the monster. God forbid it smashed through here, again, with the superhero equivalent of a police badge.
"Get my producer, get Jared."
The next sentence spoken caused his blood pressure to raise dangerously-
"Spider-Man has taken this responsibility personally."
-as he crushed his foam cup, anger and disbelief overriding his pain sensors. Hot liquid scalded his hand as it stained the carpeted floor.
"I-I don't believe it-"
"You won't believe this either." A well dressed man in shades interjected. A walking cane was held in his hand, but the man moved so confidently, as though it was an accessory. Jameson was about to verbally rip the head off of this newcomer, before he realized who he was.
"Wait a minute, you are-"
"Matt Murdock, Attorney."
"You took down the kingpin in court!" It was hard not to know the man's face, red tinted shades only made him more of a public icon. His victory against the Crime Lord of New York gave its Citizens the stones to finally push back against its corruption. That was a long time coming considering how many parasites infected the hub of the superhero community. His status as a blind man only made him more of a hero, better than vigilantes beating up people at night! Or killers like the Punisher..
"Well, while you are here, do you have a comment on this nonsense? Or can we interview you for a headliner?" You had to respect Jameson's hustle, even if it's in vain. The blind man smiled, but it felt like the kind of smile you get from the Devil.
"I can't stay, I only came by to inform you-" As he spoke, he placed an envelope on Jameson's desk. "- that you have been served."
"What?! On what charges!?"
"The direct funding and unethical creation of a super powered being. Miss Gargan was mentally and physically scarred by the experience, much of her actions stemming from unresolved trauma as a result of the procedure. We will see you in court." The man left as swiftly as he entered. Quite a feat, considering he was blind. But Jameson didn't fixate on that. He was still trying to come to terms that he was being sued.
"Where's Jared? Somebody call my wife. no, get Jared to call my wife."
"I can't do this Spider."
"Yes you can."
Mackenzie 'Mac' Gargan was right outside the courtroom. Her armor was gone, leaving her in a formal suit. A dress skirt kept her tail from awkwardly popping out of her behind.. Usually she would be kept in a Raft jumpsuit with multiple locking mechanisms to restrict her. However, with a new support system in the avengers, and a star witness named Spider-Man, she was getting humane treatment, and in turn embracing her humanity again.
"They will take his side, why wouldn't they? He lies, lies, always lies..."
She was panicking, the urge to snap and fight her way out, growing stronger. Whether to hunt down Jameson, or just flee the building all together, she wasn't certain. She was thankful that Peter-no, Spider-Man, who oddly wore a normal suit over his costume, kept her grounded.
"Mac, you got Matt Murdock. The guy won New York's heart when he took down the Kingpin, legally. Besides, just remember, this isn't about your crimes, the Avengers Reform Initiative is already addressing that. This is about who is responsible for your condition, and why."
Peter kept Matt in the loop about his...new relationship with the former villain. His friend showed support, but suggested that they keep it quiet until after the case is done, and no one can claim bias on Spider-man's part. To Matt, this was two birds with one stone. One less villain to harm the denizens of New York, and he gets to shut the mouth of his friend's nonsensical former boss.
Yes, Murdock read the Bugle, he was blind, but not deaf. He had Karen read them to him every now and then. It helped keep him in the know about his friend. Sometimes it was amusing, sometimes it made him lose faith in journalism.
Peter was thankful that Matt was supportive, but then again, Matt would have been one to talk, considering his own lady troubles. The assassin? the one with the identity crisis? Former prostitute? Take your pick. No, he didn't know if he slept with Felicia, he didn't want to know, didn't care to know. If things go right, he has his own lady to worry about, and he doesn't have to worry about people hurting her...physically.
He did have to worry about her having a breakdown, but hey, that's why he was here, dressed in a suit over his suit. She just has to look at him, he'll give her a thumbs up, possibly give Jameson an aneurism. The (soon to be former) boss of the Bugle might just give them a case on a silver platter. He told her so.
"I know Jameson, play up your sympathy, let Jameson's words bury him."
Spider-Man sure looked convincing in that suit, but it didn't stop her hand from shaking. Then he brought his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "If you fall, I'll be here to catch you."
He really did have her back, didn't he? She rested her head on his shoulder taking a deep breath.
"Promise?" She asked, swearing she could see that stupid Parker smile under his mask.
"Promise."
She hoped she could smile with him
End
Author's Note:
EDIT:Scroll down to see "Rework" commentary added 2022/2023
Hey there, good to meet you. If you made it here, thank you for reading the first Chapter of Pretty Sinister. By now I am sure you know where I am going with this, but allow me to make some things clear as this goes on.
1. Each chapter is a different but similar Spider-man(different/parallel earth etc), unless stated otherwise.
2. Villains have to be, or have been, part of the sinister six. After I go through the key members we will see where this goes.
3. No Black Cat chapters. I like her enough, but she plays more like an anti-hero. This is about villains.Please leave a review, tell me what you liked and disliked. Next chapter will be coming either next week, or two weeks. Two weeks max, and unless I lose my files, that is a promise.
Till then, my friends.
Rework Edit:
It's been a while, if you've read this story before. If you're new, welcome, I'll help you catch up.
This was the first step of project: relaunch. I began it as simple spell checking and adding a bit more detail. what I ended up with was about 5,000 words extra, adding/changing dialogue, adding action sequences, more plot, and overall more polish to make this chapter match a little more. and it's not the only one to go through changes. while others are not nearly as altered, they have been re-edited and refined.
I feel this first chapter was very successful, but is easily the most altered one. Others do have their changes, and I will go over those. I felt Scorpions chapter was the weakest compared to others, while it is still the shortest, I feel it helps prepare future readers much better. If you felt the previous version was better, I understand, but this will be the definitive version going forward.
As I have been inactive, do leave a review to let me know what you think of the new chapter(s). If all goes well, all altered chapters will launch with chapter 7. I've already been inactive a year, might as well make sure I make a nice entrance.
New readers, I hope you stick around. To those that have already been sticking around, thank you, your words have meant a lot to me, given the times.
till then, friends.