Chapter 6

Good evening everyone! Hope you are all having a wonderful day. Just a quick question, how're you all finding the characterization? As in does it feel like the characters from the show or do you think there are areas I need to work on? As always, feedback is greatly appreciated and without further adieu, lets get into the chapter.

FictionWriter435: Thank you for the review! Glad he feels that way as that is how I feel he would've acted should we have gotten a season 3.

Boybay44: Great to see you again! Glad you're enjoying the story and thank you for the review :)

Guest: Thank you! These reviews mean a ton and I do intend to finish this although production has slowed a bit recently sadly

"Spectacular" = Speech

'Spectacular' = Thoughts

"What is a 'Hero' though?" = Speach with a quote

*BANG* = Important Noise?

-Flashback- = Flashback setting

"I love you" = Written words

{4:00am} = Important Time/ Date

Disclaimer: Spider-man, Marvel and related IP belong to their respective owners. The author of this story owns jack-shit and holds no fantasy that they ever will.
_

"Gimme your purse you old hag!" Shouted a man dressed completely in black, balaclava and all as he wrestled with a surprisingly strong old woman.

"Never! You rapscallions think you own this city" The woman replied, unfazed by the thugs attempts to scare her.

Finally managing to get a better grip on the afformentioned purse, the thug threw his shoulder into the old woman, knocking her to the ground as she could only look up in sadness and resignation as the thug ran further down the alleyway they were in.

Well, he tried to atleast. Right as he was about to turn a corner, he happened to glance back at the woman to make sure no one was following him. This would be his downfall however as he ended up running straight into a web blocking off his turn, dropping the purse in his shock.

"What the, webs? Spider-man! Let me down you bastard!"

"Now why would I do that, actually now that you mention it, let me give you a hand" Said a voice from a nearby fire escape. The thug had barely enough time to crane his neck in that direction, only to see everyone's favourite arachnid hanging upside down and a blast of webbing being sent his way.

Flipping down onto the ground Spider-man picked up the old womans purse and took a gander at his handywork, an unhappily wrapped thug stuck in webbing. Why, it almost brought a tear to his eye.

"Feels like christmas" Said Spider-man, before turning to walk away and yet unable to resist throwing one last insult over his shoulder. "Hope the police enjoy their present!"

The disgruntled muffled curses being thrown his way were music to his ears.

Rushing back over to the old woman slowly trying to get up, Spider-man gently helped her to her feet.

"Are you okay Ms?" Spider-man asked concerned, maybe it was because she was in need of help, or maybe it's because she reminded him of Aunt May, either way Spider-man was worried for the woman.

"Grrr, yeah i'll be fine" The woman said unconcerned as to Spider-mans efforts, simply taking the offered purse and strolling back out of the alleyway without a single thanks...yeah, not like Aunt May at all.

Shotting his way up onto one of the nearby roofs, Spider-man took a brief seconds pause before taking off swinging into the city in search of the anywhere he could lend a hand.

"That's the sixth mugging i've stopped in the past two hours, whatever had them scared before sure has dissapeared..." Spider-man thought to himself outloud, making a sharp turn at the nearest skyscraper.

Swinging between buildings sure did give one ample time to think, for better or worse.'Was it Doc Oc who got rid of the fear, just by attacking me? Don't know whether or not I should be greatful, or annoyed.'

"Take a hike!"

"You're fucking useless!

"Go away!"

Well, whatever had changed, it seemed like it was only with the city's evil doers so yeah, gonna go with annoyed here. Isn't that his luck though, after everything that happened with the Goblin, it's the criminals who end up going back to treating him normally rather than the civillians. Parker luck sucks.

"Help!"

'But still Doc Oc couldn't have done all this, he doesn't have the pull to make crime run as rampant as it has been since he was put back in Ravencroft...' Spider-man thought to himself, quickly webbing up another purse snatcher who'd been running down below him before he continued swinging.

Pulling himself up onto his favourite gargoyle on the Chrysler building, Spider-man gazed out at the city below, deep in thought.
'Ravencroft...'

"Eddie" Spider-man said out loud, a remorseful tone in his voice as he thought back to the words of his recent enemy confrontation.

-Flashback-

Breathing heavily in the destroyed room, Doctor Octopus could only look up at the roof in search of the arachnid as he moved around. "I was locked away, trapped in those stupid cells back at Ravencroft with no-one, NO-ONE! Do you know what that does to a person? Having no one to rely on?"

-Flashback-

It'd been two weeks since that fight which had begun the doubts in Spider-mans mind. The guilt which had been only slightly present before was now ravenous as it ate away at his mind. How could he have just left Eddie alone in the asylum? He knew that Eddie had crossed a serious line going after Aunt May and Gwen but did their history mean nothing?.

Spider-man didn't know anymore.

"Okay class, now who here can tell me about the concept of family in relation to organised crime?"

Only a few hands were raised, it being the last class on a monday meant that many people were both exhausted and simply to enthralled by the thought of getting out of school to really pay attention, even despite the somewhat interesting topic.

" " Captain Stacy said, pointing at said student sitting beside MJ in the classroom.

"The concept of family is the core component of not only the Sicillian/Italian-American mafia, but also the Irish mafia. These organizations usually rely on a series of hierarchy's with a number of specific families being the ones in charge of everyone else in the syndacite."

Pausing for breath, Gwen lightly tapped her pen on the notepad infront of her as she finished her answer.

"To harm the family is one of the biggest taboo's for these organizations, and they usually make it a point to install the uptmost loyalty in their members for the heads of the family who they have been known to die for on occassion." Finished Gwen.

"Perfect!" The teacher responded cheerfully, atleast someone was paying attention to his lectures, even if it was his own daughter.

"Now then class, i'm sure you're all wondering why we are touching on this topic today. Well, I've got a special surprise for you all. Group assignment!" Captain Stacy said, writing 'The Mafia' and a series of group numbers on the whiteboard behind him.

The groans that echoed throughout the room sounded like the walking dead. No one liked group assignments, they always ended up with someone not pulling their weight and the rest having to bail them out.

"Now, now class. I know they can be less than ideal but it's on the sylabus so i'm afraid we don't exactly have much of a choice. Although i do regret to inform you that the choice of groups has also been taken from you."

'Damnit, there goes asking Gwen. Lets just hope I get a decent partner' Peter thought from his seat beside Harry who looked like he barely cared to be in the room at the moment. He wasn't the only though, at that news it looked like the soul of half the room had just evapporated then and there. Evidently, people were hoping to pair up with friends to make the assignment somewhat enjoyable but now...

"The assignment will be done in groups of three and is due at the end of the month so you have until May 30th to hand in the project. Brightside however, is that you can all choose your topic together in your groups so long as it is related to organised crime and is submitted for approval by this friday at the latest." Captain Stacy informed the crowd as he pulled out a hat filled with student names on paper.

"Now group 1 is..."

Name after name was read out until only six people remained in class without a group, Him, Gwen, Harry, Hobbie, Liz and MJ. To say Peter was nervous was an understatement, Hobbie wasn't too bad, just a bit quiet but Liz! Oh my god he might aswell take the F there, there's no way she would want to work with him after he broke her heart.

"Group 5 is Liz Allen, Hobbie Brown...and Peter Parker" Wonderful. He was boned, so very boned.

"No! Anyone but Petey!" Liz cried out suddenly, a glare on her face as she glowered at Captain Stacy who simply met her eyes unflinchingly.

"The hat has spoken ."

Huffing loudly Liz threw herself back into her seat, turning her eyes away from the teacher to glare at Peter instead.

Oh god Peter don't meet her eyes, don't meet her eyes! And, crap. He met her eyes. Peter couldn't tell what emotions she was feeling that moment, her eyes were like whirlpools of emotion, sure he could tell she was angry, that was the centre but the other ones were a mystery to him.

Turning his eyes downcast, Peter could've sworn he heard someone chuckle at his plight, whilst he nearly missed the announcement of the final team.

"So by process of elimination that leaves group 6 as Gwen Stacy, Harry Osborn and Mary-Jane Watson. Now I ho-"

*BRRRRRIIIIINNNNNGGGGG*

Finally something good, the bell interrupting the man before he could say anything else to ruin Peter's day. Don't get him wrong, he thought he was great and heavily respected the man, but dang if he hadn't just inadvertantly kicked Peter in the crotch. With the way Liz was glaring that might not stay metaphorical either...

Packing his stuff away as Liz and the rest of the class stormed out the door, everyone eager to get home and no doubt rant about the assingment, Peter found himself trailing behind everyone else.

"Sorry Peter" Came the slightly remorseful voice of Captain Stacy as he looked over at Peter about to leave the room.

"Not your fault sir, the hat cursed me"

Chuckling slightly at the joke, Captain Stacy went back to packing away his own belongings as Peter walked out into the hall and was surprised to see his three friends walking slightly ahead.

Rushing to catch up Peter got into step with MJ who was walking behind Gwen and Harry, Harry's arm wrapped around her waist. As the quartet stepped outside into the somewhat cloudy day, they all let loose a sigh of relief that the worst day of the week was finally over.

"Me and Glory are heading to the Silver Spoon if you wanna join?" MJ said as she started to split off from the group, walking past a man in a trenchcoat who was passing by.

"Sorry, we're needed at the lab" Gwen replied for the trio.

"Bummer, catch you on the way back Tiger?" MJ asked, the young man rooting through his bag.

"Sorry MJ, i'll be leaving the lab early to get some shots in for the Buggle" Peter said, looking up from his bag, a regretful look on his face as he did so whilst the other two simply looked on quietly, a look of contemplation on one and a glare on the other. 'Gotta make sure this crime wave dies down, so Spider-man will pulling double time today'

"Ah well, I'll see you all later okay, be safe!" Said MJ as she walked over to the waiting Glory, Kenny nowhere to be seen.

"You too!/You too!" Cried Gwen and Peter before turning around and continuing their walk to the bus stop, their new third lab buddy accompanying them as he held Gwen closer when Peter walked up beside them.

*SPLASH, SPLASH*

A foot slammed heavily into a puddle, the dull thrum of the rain echoing throughout the alleyway as the the weighted footfall resounded from deeper and deeper into the maze that was New Yorks alleyways.

"After him!" Cried a womans voice, followed by the sounds of multiple feet following the first set deeper into the shadows.

*BANG*

Ducking low to avoid the bullet which hit right above his head, a stocky man, as evident by his shadow, continued darting around corners in a seemingly futile attempt to lose whoever was pursuing him.

The encroaching sounds of commotion drawing nearer and nearer to the man, his breathing becoming more and more labored. He'd barely avoided that last shot, he didn't know if luck was going to favour him a second time that night.

Darting to the right however it seemed that his luck had indeed ran out as he was met with a deadend, going back was suicide, trying to go up was suicide, waiting was suicide. The man was screwed.

"Quick, I think he's over here!" Roared one of the pursuing voices, a mass of footsteps reacting to his call and converging on the spot where the man was still helplessly looking for an escape.

Looking everyhwere the man was seconds from accepting his fate until he spotted something below the garbage littering the alleyway, a sewer grate.

Thanking whatever deity would listen the man quickly hefted the heavy disk, slidding his body under it and locking it in one after the man thought he was through crawling around in the sewers when The Bigman picked him up but it seems like he was right back where he started.

Stepping down the ladder, the man gazed up at the water that was pouring in from the grate, the voices drawing nearer. Deciding that he rather liked living however the man continued his run into the sewers, atleast down here he knew his way around.

Stepping into the dead end, the woman looked around her at her henchmen who'd failed her, a sneer of derision upon her face as she lightly twirled her silver umbrella above her.

"We don't know where he could've gone boss, we're so so-"

*CRASH*

Whatever the man was going to say was lost to the wind, just like the wind was knocked from him. The woman lowered her leg from where it had sent the man sprawling into a couple of nearby rubbish bins, their contents scattered all over the fallen henchmen who was wheezing on the filthy ground.

"I don't want excuses, I want results you buffoons!" Shouted the woman over the heavy rain as a bang of thunder echoed in the distance.

Looking around the alleyway herself, the woman saw nowhere the man they were pursuing could have gone, atleast at first glance. Fixing her eyes on the sewer grate below her feet the woman realised that if anyone was strong enough to lift it and escape into the sewers, he was one of the top on that list.

"Here" The woman said, clicking the heel of her silver steel toed boots against the grate below her before turning and beginning to walk out the alleyway. "He's down there"

Turning to look at the four standing henchmen armed with guns and body armour, atleast those who hadn't been knocked to the ground, the woman glared with such ferocity that none of them questioned what would happen should they fail to bring the man in.

*BWOOOMMMM*

"Bring me Hammerhead." The woman said simply in a heartless tone, as a flash of lightning illuminated the face of one Sable Manfreidi, otherwise known as Silver Sable.

After dropping Gwen home with Harry, Peter was swinging high above New York on the way home himself, Harry had his chauffer pick him up from Gwens so Peter was left getting home the only way he'd known how recently. Plus, a few extra minutes stopping any crimes couldn't hurt although he'd have to be careful, the time was already half nine, he only had thirty minutes to get home or he was so grounded.

Swinging down by Times Square, Peter perched himself on one of the nearby buildings as he gazed at one of the jumbo screens which was showcasing what seemed to be a news report.

"Breaking news! A ninth body has been discovered bareing the signs of the recent proposed serial killer. The body was found this evening by two officers on routine patrol over in east Harlem."

'I was just there!' Mentally screamed Spider-man as he focused his attention on the screen across from him.

"When asked on the case, police captain Geory Stacy, only had this to say: 'I know the people are scared at the moment, that's understandable but please rest assured that New Yorks police officers are devoting everything we can to this case. Thank you' "

Pausing slightly to look at her notes, the woman on the screen turned her attention once again to the camera and the denizens watching her broadcast.

"I've just been informed that alongside that statement, the police are also issuing a sketch of a potential suspect in the case. Anyone who see's this man should move with extreme caution and call the police at once as he is wanted for questioning."

And with that they had plastered a picture of the man Spider-man nearly bumped into a few weeks ago near ESU and the last body. His red hair, quirked smile, high cheekbones and wide eyes painting quite the unforgettable picture.

*DING DING*

Curses, the Aunt May alarm. Peter had installed an earlier one just for this very occassion incase he ever got tempted to go back out on patrol. He had ten minutes to get home so yeah he'd better book it, patrolling for this elusive serial killer would just have to continue tomorrow after school.

Sitting inside for once, the nerd trio plus MJ ate their lunch in relative peace. There was a test next period in biology so rather than curse Spider-man, Harry had his face buried in his text book every other bite whilst the other three simply relaxed and enjoy the silence.

"Petey"

Atleast they would have, had Liz Allen not walked up behind MJ and Peter, a book in hand and tight frown adorning her face.

"Me and Hobbie have agreed to meet up after school at six to plan out this stupid criminology project, you're welcome to join us at the Silver Spoon but you do you." Liz said, turning on her heel and walking back over to her table where Sally was currently glaring at Peter, flipping him the bird in the process.

"Wonderful." Cue, Peters head meeting the lunch room table. The noise of which gathering him a second glare from Harry who he'd disturbed before he went back to his work, but not without his own comment.

"What do you mean, this is the perfect oppportunity to get back together with her." Was Harry's brief insightful addition to the situation as he focused back on his textbook.

This suggestion earned him a multitude of looks, some doubtful, some irritated and some remorseful.

"Yeah no, I think that ship has sailed sadly." Peter said.

"Sorry Peter, I tried talking to my dad but he said the groups were final" Gwen informed as she looked sympathetically at her friend. A less then pleased expression on her face.

"These things happen guys, trust me i've had my own less than ideal experiences with an ex but sometimes we just gotta face it head on" Supplied MJ, showcasing her wisdom in an area that the other three were sorely lacking in.

"Yeah..." 'But you didn't dump someone when they needed you...' Peter thought to himself, finding that his hunger had vanished as he looked despondently at his ham sandwhich.

Swinging through East Harlem, Spider-man kept a close eye out on the alleyways hoping to spot something, anything that could help the police catch this serial killer.

Pulling himself on top of the building looking down at the newest crime scene, Spider-man began searching the rooftops for any clues. Maybe the police hadn't thought to look up here? 'Unlikely, but it's better than doing nothing...'

Lifting up some discarded carboard, checking the roofs door, scouring the roof for a murder weapon, all of it turned up with nothing to show for it. Whoever was doing this, it seemed like the rooftops weren't in their interest which was something both good and bad.

"I can atleast more or less confirm that killer is only using the alleyways to stalk his victims" Spider-man said out loud to no-one.

Stepping over to the edge of the roof Spider-man gazed down at the alleyway below, police tape still blocking the entrance and exits of it. It didn't look disturbed but you never know, after all don't killers always return to the scene of the crime in those tv shows? Spider-man didn't really watch them but if it led to the killer messing up then he was all for it.

Zipping down onto the ground where the body was found, Spider-man began inspecting the area for clues. Oh god the smell, alleyways were never the most pleasant of things to smell but this one still reaked of blood. Whatever had happened to this poor soul hadn't pretty.

Lifting the nearby dumpster, Spider-man found nothing of note. This continued for another five minutes as he searched high and low, desperate to find something that the police had missed but evidently they'd scoured the place extremely thoroughly, no doubt at Captain Stacy's behest.

*BRING BRING*

Uh-oh. Checking his phone Spider-man noticed the alarm he'd set for six pm was going off. What a genius move to set it for the meeting time Spidey rather than earlier, so you could you know, make it on time! Realising he was already late for his meeting with Liz and Hobbie, Spider-man zipped back up to the rooftops and began swinging away towards the Silver Spoon.

Had he looked a bit more closely at the alley's opening however he might've spotted the man who'd been staring at him the whole time he was searching for clues. The mans red hair and wide grin discerning him from the hustling crowd simply going about their day.

'Oh gosh, they're gonna be so pissed' Peter thought to himself as he stepped into the Silver Spoon, holding the door open behind him for a man in a trench coat.

Looking around the establishment Peter spotted something even worse than a pissed off group containing his ex girlfriend, a pissed off ex girlfriend minus the group!

Walking over to Liz as she glared at him, Peter winced, the accusing look in her eye seeming to mask something undiscernable to Peter.

"I knew you'd be late Petey, if you even showed!" Liz said angrily as he sat down. "But Hobbie too!" Ouch, this wasn't good.

"Sorry Liz it's just the buggle you know, they needed me to get a couple of photos of that latest crime scene over in East Harlem." Peter said, trying to placate the situation as he raised his hands in mock surrender.

Her glare seemed to soften minutely, potentially worry seeming to seep in. "And that took you two hours!?" Liz whispered furiously, nope that's rage atleast mainly rage.

Not having an answer for that Peter could only apologise again as he began taking out his notepad, ready to work now that he'd arrived even if it had been half an hour late. Problem is, however that group work generally requires a conversation and sitting here with his ex who now had more reasons to be pissed off at him wasn't exactly the best scenario for starting one.

"Look Liz, about everything, I'm sorry that I-"

"You abandoned me Peter, when I needed you most you ran away. Then again, ignoring me had been a constant of the relationship so why was I even surprised" Was Liz's response, her glare so icy you swear her eyes were permafrost.

Curse him and his big mouth, he couldn't just let sleeping dogs lay could he? Ugh why did this have to be so difficult, didn't she know he was sorry. He hadn't meant to hurt her.

The silence was deafening, Liz turning her attention to a hand mirror instead of looking at Peter as he could only stare at his notebook, not a word leaving his mouth.

"Hey guys, so sorry i'm late!" Well there's Hobbie. Peter turned his head towards said individual, a sheepish look on his face as he pulled over a chair to sit with the them.

Liz only glared at him in response, not saying a word. Ouch Peter really had put his foot in his mouth again hadn't he? Lets see if he messes up twice in a row.

"It's fine Hobbie, but what kept you so long? Liz's been waiting...oh my gosh forty minutes!"

Wincing at Peter's shocked tone Hobbie could only look sigh sadly as he got his supplies out of his bag. "Sorry, one of the coaches called in sick so I had to help coach the basketball game down at the rec centre over in Harlem"

That was news to Peter, Hobbie had always been a rather quiet guy so this was quite alot of info about the usually reclusive young man.

"Oh, well it's no bother really let's just try be earlier next time. I was late too so..." Peter whispered to Hobbie, wincing at the reminder that he too had left Liz waiting on him when she probably had better things to be doing. Honestly, it was a testement to her new found study attitude that she hadn't left after ten mintues of both being no-shows. He really did have to make alot up to her.

"Ah so that's why she's ticked" Hobbie whispered back, eyes wide as the realisation set in.

*DING*

That was Peters phone. 'Oh gosh, what does Jamesson want now'

"So sorry, just one second" Peter said as he checked his phone, raising a finger to signify the time to Hobbie whilst Liz looked on disapprovingly.

"What is it Petey, does the Buggle need you now?" Liz said scathingly.

"No, just a confirmation about an application I put in, it's nothing." Replied Peter looking down at his phone, a frown maring his face as his eyebrows remained scrunched together in thought. Once again the trio were blanketed in silence, none really knowing where to start the conversation. Atleast, that was what Peter thought.

"Well lets get started everyone, I happened to come up with a few ideas on the bus here so maybe we can give them a look through and see if any pop out?" Damn. Hobbie might've been late but atleast he had something to show for it. Peter really did drop the ball, and worst of all this was only the beginning of the project!.

This was how the trio spent the next two hours, sitting together in the Silver Spoon, Liz and Peter barely talking whilst Hobbie tried to work up the courage to propose an idea. Not exactly ideal but hey, in the end they atleast managed to narrow down their project topic. The trio having decided to go with 'The impact of organised crime on the surrounding enviroments crime levels'.

It was admittedly vague but it should atleast give them plenty of avenues to expand upon so that they can focus on the few really important one. Anyway, it was still up to approval from Captain Stacy so for now the trio just packed up their stuffed and left, somewhat content that despite the dismal start, the night had been somewhat beneficial.

Well that's it for today's chapter i'm afraid. Have to say it was not easy finsihing it off, was stuck with a massive bout of writers block but I think it all came together alright. Anywho, reviews are very appreciated and like always I hope you all have an absolutely wonderful day.