Peter stood beneath the fire escape, gazing out into the city's dimly lit streets. He mused to himself, "Although much had already happened to make tonight feel like hours, the night is somehow still young."
He watched closely, using his heightened senses to track any sign of movement. The Lizard couldn't have gotten far. Peter's fingers tapped impatiently on the metal railing of the fire escape, the familiar itch for all action gnawing at him.
"Why is it so hard to track down a 7 ft, 300 lb overgrown gator?" Peter grumbled under his breath. "I need to find this thing to find Dr. Connors."
He contemplated the situation, running through possible hiding spots. "It couldn't be roaming randomly; someone would have noticed it," he thought. "And it definitely couldn't still be in the water. The police have been canvassing the entire area like clockwork."
Then, a revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning. His eyes widened as he whispered to himself, "The sewers."
With newfound determination, he reached for his web-shooters and swung into action.
A Few Days Ago…
Norman sat in his office, leaning back in his chair as he scribbled away on a project report, smirking as he watched the man who sat across from him grow even more annoyed for every second that passed in silence. The man in question is the one who has come to be known as Hammerhead, and he was wondering whether or not he could get away with murdering Norman Osborn right here in his office.
Deciding that he had let the shorter man stir for long enough, Norman broke the silence. "Funny enough, here I was thinking that I was just sending a comical email to a trusted friend, but yet here I find one of his associates waiting for me right outside of my office. So tell me, Mr. Martello, how can I assist your employer today?"
Hammerhead's eye twitched as he squirmed in his seat a bit at the mere mention of his government name, before composing himself to respond. "Actually, given the contents of your email, my employer was curious as to how he could help you." He finished, sitting back in his chair as he watched Norman's smug smirk turn into a devious smile.
"Well, I'm glad he asked," Norman replied, his voice dripping with intrigue. "He can start by releasing Alistair Smythe. I understand what you're trying to do, but Smythe makes machines and robots, not monsters. However, if you do need monsters, I can help you, but only upon the immediate release of my valued employee."
Hammerhead clenched his jaw, his eyes locked onto Norman's. The tension in the room was palpable as two powerful figures faced off, their words loaded with hidden agendas.Understandably, Hammerhead grew curious, Norman Osborn choosing to willingly participate in he and the Big Man's less than legal activities? No, there was an endgame play to be had here.
"Interesting, Norman Osborn stepping down from his high horse to come play in the mud with opportunists like us, especially after he readily pushed us right out the door when we proposed a partnership with benefits for both parties involved. I don't buy it. What are you getting out of helping my employer?" Hammerhead's skepticism was evident in his sharp gaze.
Norman smiled slyly. "I thought it would be obvious; it will take a fool to not notice the fact that, ever since he appeared on the scene, Spider-Man has been nothing less than a one-man army on a crusade to bring down your employer's after-hours business enterprise." Norman said as he got up, walking over to a table on the other side of the room to pour himself a drink before continuing.
"Of course, for different reasons, I've also taken up an interest in Spider-Man, and I happened to notice that your employer seems to be in the market for supervillains. Now, whether that's to kill Spider-Man or not, it's been made apparent to me that we share one common interest: Spider-Man. Your employer wants to be rid of the spider on his wall, and I want to dissect that spider, dead or alive."
The room grew heavier with tension, as the two men considered the unusual alliance they were forming, both motivated by their obsessions with the enigmatic hero, Spider-Man. Hammerhead got out from his seat to face Norman, his piercing eyes locked onto the man before him. "That's awfully cold-blooded towards a guy who, if I remember correctly, saved both of you and your family's lives not too long ago."
Taking a swig from his drink, Norman's smile dropped as he started speaking in a more serious tone. "Fine, I admit that I would prefer if the vigilante wasn't to be killed, as I am grateful for his contributions in the protection of my family. But that is about as far as my gratitude goes. If he were to be killed in battle, I would find it unfortunate, yes, but I wouldn't lose sleep over it."
Although he didn't show it, Hammerhead was a bit taken aback by Norman's words, though he supposed it was to be expected. He doubted that Osborn rose to the top by holding everyone's hand. As Hammerhead finished his internal inquiry, it seemed that Norman was ready to speak again.
"But in any case, even a fool would realize that your employer needs me. I'm the only man with the scientific background and project funding to know what he needs. I mean, if your employer is kidnapping people like Smythe, then it seems that he is already lost without me."
The room hung in suspense as they teetered on the edge of a dangerous alliance, their motivations aligned by a mutual interest in power, scientific knowledge, and control over the ever-present threat of Spider-Man.
However, despite Norman's words, Hammerhead just stood there without response, staring daggers into the back of Norman's head as he turned around to pour himself another glass of gin. Turning around to face Hammerhead again, Norman took notice and once again smirked.
"Well, it seems that I have nothing left to say, and neither do you for that matter. So now I suppose you should run along and relay the prospects of my offer like the good little lapdog you are."
Hammerhead's fists clenched at Norman's words, yet he stayed silent, suppressing his anger. To add insult to injury, the fact that the Big Man was expecting him in an hour didn't exactly mend his pride. So, with a huff, Hammerhead walked away and left the office in silence, only slamming the door on the way out.
Now alone, Norman smiled to himself. If it took less than a day for the Big Man to send his glorified assistant to his office, he figured that it wouldn't be long until he heard from him. The dangerous dance between these two men had only just begun, and the city's fate hung in the balance as they both pursued their secret agendas.
Back to Present Day…
The putrid stench of the sewer engulfed Spidey as he descended deeper into the dark underground. His heart pounded in his chest as he clung to the slippery walls, ensuring he remained hidden from the creature he sought.
With a tense gulp, he meticulously webbed the camera that Eddie had given him to the damp wall, making sure it was secure. The release timer was set, a lifeline to capture the Lizard in action.
"If I'm gonna be down here attempting to use myself as bait for a dinosaur that the meteor missed," Peter muttered to himself, his voice echoing in the tunnels. "There's no way I'm not snapping pictures."
With the camera in place, he lowered himself further, entering the labyrinth of tunnels that branched off in different directions. The dank, echoing silence intensified the suspense.
Using his spider's ingenuity, Spidey shot two web lines down each tunnel opening. They crisscrossed and interlinked until they formed a complex web structure with him sitting at the center. The camera overlooked the entire eerie, dimly lit expanse.
In the oppressive darkness, Peter waited, knowing that every rustle or distant echo could be the Lizard emerging from the shadows. The seconds dragged on as he braced himself for the tense encounter to come.Time seemed to stretch endlessly in the eerie underground. In the first hour, Spidey sat in silence, the only company being the faint echoes of distant water droplets. To pass the time, he resorted to playing games on his phone, all the while feeling the anticipation gnawing at him.
During the second hour, he focused on responding to numerous messages from his worried friends, all seeking answers for his sudden disappearance. With quick fingers, he typed out explanations, detailing how he had ventured to the bridge to capture images of the mysterious creature, only to meet with unfortunate failure.
As the third hour approached, a subtle vibration coursed through one of the web lines. Peter's senses snapped into high alert, and he immediately sat up. His mask was pulled down, concealing his identity, as he anticipated what might be lurking in the shadows.
The vibrations multiplied, coming from various directions in the labyrinthine tunnels. Peter's heart raced as he felt them circle him, closing in. It was as if something was prowling, a predator stalking its prey. Each vibration grew more pronounced, sending a shiver down his spine.
Sitting at the heart of the interconnected web, Spidey followed the vibrations with unwavering focus. He tracked their movements meticulously, calculating their approach. Closer and closer they came, until the relentless circling suddenly ceased.
In the pitch-black sewer, tension hung in the air. The silence was deafening, and Spidey's senses strained to catch any hint of movement. He knew that the Lizard was nearby, lurking in the shadows, and the next moments would be crucial in this high-stakes confrontation.In that tense moment, only one web line vibrated, and Spidey's senses locked onto it. His focus was laser-sharp as he followed the thread, and his spider-senses went off like an alarm. An instinctive surge of adrenaline coursed through him, and he quickly slipped under his web, staying above the rushing waters below.
The Lizard descended upon him with unnatural speed, narrowly missing a vicious swipe at the Wall Crawler's head. The sudden assault caused the camera to go off, the flashes temporarily blinding the creature. It was a momentary advantage, and Spider-Man didn't waste it. He delivered a swift punch to the overgrown reptile's snout, making it recoil in pain. This marked the beginning of their second bout.
Spider-Man advanced, trying to capitalize on his initial attack. With lightning-quick reflexes, he aimed to deliver a flip-kick to the Lizard's jaw. But the beast had other plans. In an instant, it snatched Spidey with its powerful tail and flung him against the sewer wall.
Before Spider-Man could make contact with the wall, the Lizard rapidly closed the distance, slamming the web-slinger into the hard surface. But Spider-Man had a trick up his sleeve. Just as the creature lunged to take a bite, Spidey shot a web ball into its gaping mouth, causing it to choke and cough.
"Did your parents never tell you to keep your teeth to yourself?!" Spidey quipped before delivering a powerful kick that sent the Lizard crashing into the adjacent wall.
Now, both parties were momentarily recomposed, ready to resume their fierce clash. The sewer was a battleground, and they traded blows with astonishing speed and ferocity. Each punch, kick, and dodge was a test of strength and skill, with neither side willing to give an inch. Water droplets splashed around them, and the camera continued to capture this epic confrontation in flashes, even though its angle was now altered from the earlier disturbance.
The struggle continued in the dimly lit sewer, as two formidable forces clashed in a battle that had the potential to alter the course of events. The outcome remained uncertain, and Spider-Man's wit and agility were pitted against the Lizard's raw power and animalistic determination. The stakes were high, and the fate of Dr. Connors hung in the balance as the relentless battle raged on.
In the claustrophobic confines of the sewer, the tide of the battle began to shift in favor of the Lizard. Spider-Man, determined to land a punch on the creature, found himself thwarted as the beast's powerful tail sent him crashing into a grimy sewer wall. Dazed and disoriented, Spidey barely had time to regain his bearings before the Lizard's tail snaked around him, pinning him against the web.
Trapped and vulnerable, Peter squirmed with all his strength, trying to free himself from the relentless grip of the mutated reptile. However, his struggles proved futile as the Lizard raised one clawed hand and slashed toward Spidey's neck. Just in the nick of time, Peter managed to free one hand and intercept the deadly swipe.
But the Lizard wasn't done yet. It shifted its attack to Peter's chest, its razor-sharp claws slicing through Spider-Man's costume and skin. Four large gashes appeared on Spidey's chest, causing him to cry out in agony. The Lizard moved for the neck once more, but this time, Peter was prepared. Through the searing pain, he acted swiftly.
With his free hand, Spider-Man shot a web ball at the camera positioned above them. The sudden flash of the camera's burst of light blinded the creature momentarily, a precious moment of respite. Seizing the opportunity, Spider-Man struck. He landed a powerful punch on the Lizard's jaw, causing it to recoil in pain.
Quick as lightning, Spidey slipped behind the disoriented creature, using all his strength to grab hold of its powerful tail. With an incredible display of strength, he hoisted the massive reptile into the air. The Lizard flailed, its tail lashing wildly, but Spider-Man's grip remained ironclad.
With a mighty effort, he slammed the Lizard into the sewer wall, the impact resonating through the tunnels. The beast let out a guttural roar of pain and frustration. As the Lizard staggered, trying to regain its composure, Spidey had managed to turn the tables once again. The battle in the sewer raged on, each moment laden with uncertainty.
As the battle raged on, neither Spider-Man nor the Lizard were aware of the imminent danger lurking above. The giant web that suspended them in the dark, foreboding sewer was strained to its limit by the intense stress of their fight.
With a powerful kick to the beast's chest, the web finally gave way. Spider-Man and the Lizard plummeted into the rushing waters below. In the midst of the chaotic descent, Spidey's instincts kicked in, and he shot a web line, desperately snatching his camera before the water swallowed it.
But there was no respite to be had. The Lizard, driven by primal ferocity, wasted no time. It swam after Spider-Man with relentless determination, lunging at him underwater. The confined, watery environment posed a significant challenge to the Wall Crawler.
Realizing that he couldn't engage the creature effectively in this submerged battleground, Spider-Man delivered a quick, powerful kick to the Lizard's face, creating a brief diversion. Taking advantage of the underwater currents, he let them carry him down a tunnel of his choosing.
However, the Lizard, unrelenting and powerful, gave chase. The tunnel was dark, and the water roared around them as they navigated the treacherous labyrinth.
In a stroke of fortune, Peter's agility and quick thinking allowed him to find a small opening adorned with metal bars that the 7-foot reptile couldn't squeeze through. As he narrowly slipped through the narrow gap, the Lizard's monstrous form became trapped momentarily, unable to pursue its prey.
With a deep breath, Spider-Man continued his escape, leaving the Lizard behind, at least temporarily. The sewer's dark and winding passages held many secrets and dangers, and Spider-Man's quest to save Dr. Connors from the Lizard's clutches was far from over. The battle had taken a fierce turn, and the outcome remained uncertain as our hero escaped what could've been his watery tomb.
In the midst of the bustling city, Gwen's night was unusually quiet, albeit somber. While the chaos of a city-wide manhunt for what could only be described as a dinosaur unfolded beyond the walls of her dad's apartment, Gwen had found solace in her own world. Her ability to focus on her tasks, despite the turmoil, was a well-known trait. Gwen had become an expert at navigating stressful situations, honing her resilience through the challenges life had thrown at her.
From her parents' dramatic divorce to the heart-wrenching custody hearings for her and her brothers, and even her dad's late-night returns due to his dangerous profession, Gwen had weathered it all. While this night seemed like just another evening, the reason behind her father's absence was vastly different – a city gripped by fear and chaos, all because of a dinosaur-like creature on the loose.
Gwen couldn't help but worry for her father, as any child would for a parent risking their life daily. There were moments when the stress and fear threatened to overwhelm her, moments when she considered giving up and retreating from the constant worry and uncertainty that came with her dad's job.
These thoughts sometimes mirrored her mother's choices, and Gwen was aware of the danger they held. But then her resolve would strengthen, and she'd remind herself of the core reason why she refused to give in to that fear – because if she wasn't there to wait for her father, no one would.
Amid the quiet and somber atmosphere of the apartment, Gwen put the finishing touches on an essay, seeking refuge in her studies. However, her solitude was interrupted by a sudden thud from above. Gwen's heart skipped a beat, and she didn't move. Her gaze fixated on the ceiling with a mix of suspicion and concern. The thud hinted at something unusual, and her instincts told her that this night, while already laden with worries, might take an unexpected turn.
With her laptop set aside, Gwen's instincts were in overdrive. She knew that the source of the thud could only be the roof, given her father's apartment's location on the top floor. Her mind raced with possibilities, and she contemplated heading up to investigate the source of the noise.
However, before she could make her way to the roof, her ears caught the unmistakable sound of footsteps. These were no ordinary steps; they were slow, deliberate, and tinged with an unsettling aura. Gwen's curiosity led her to follow the sound as it moved across the apartment, each step echoing overhead. It was as if whatever was up there knew exactly where it wanted to go.
The mysterious footsteps came to a halt directly above Gwen's room. She squinted her eyes and cocked her head as she scrutinized the ceiling, trying to decipher the meaning behind this strange intrusion. Her senses were on high alert, and her thoughts raced with possibilities.
Suddenly, a loud noise shattered the tension, emanating from the fire escape outside her window. Gwen couldn't suppress a startled yelp, her heart pounding. Her initial shock turned into cautious determination as she realized something had fallen onto her fire escape.
Summoning her courage, Gwen approached the window slowly. She shivered as the chill of the October air brushed against her face.
As she peered outside, her eyes widened in horror. A gasp escaped her lips as she beheld an unconscious Spider-Man lying there on the fire escape. His body was marred with slashes and bruises, and Gwen was left in stunned disbelief at the sight of the wounded hero on her doorstep.
The city's chaos had found its way to her own life, bringing with it a grim and unexpected twist. Gwen's compassion shone through as she quickly brought Spider-Man inside, her determination evident in the huff of effort she let out as she maneuvered him onto her bed. With a concerned look, she closed the window behind them, sealing off the city's chaos for the time being.
As Gwen took a closer look at the masked vigilante, she realized that his injuries were more severe than she had initially thought. Without hesitation, she hurried out of the room to fetch the first-aid supplies. Her mind raced with concern, and she knew that Spider-Man needed immediate attention.
In her absence, Spidey stirred, his eyes flickering open. The pain from his injuries greeted him with a rude awakening, causing him to hiss in discomfort. He attempted to get up and leave, but it was at that moment that Gwen returned with the supplies. Her straightforward question caught him off guard, halting his escape.
"So, uh, if you're having such a hard time trying to sneak out my window, then how could you possibly expect to swing away in your condition?" Gwen's question was laced with both practicality and a hint of sarcasm. Spidey muttered under his breath, blaming his "stupid spider-senses."
Realizing the truth in Gwen's words, the vigilante sighed and gave in. "You're lucky that you make a good point," he admitted, looking away from her.
Gwen, with a mixture of determination and humor, didn't waste any time. "Now, take the tacky hoodie off and lie down so I can patch you up." Her instructions were met with a grumpy look from the hero, but he complied, shedding the hoodie and revealing the extent of his cuts and bruises while ensuring his mask remained securely in place.
As Gwen continued, a lighthearted comment escaped her lips, making Spidey's grumpiness shift into a hint of amusement. "And I'll have you know that many people consider the hoodie to be quite stylish."
Gwen's response was quick and witty. "Y'know, this should go without saying, but the voices in your head don't count." She had Spidey smirking behind his mask. "And I didn't take a peek under the curtain while you were clocked out," she added with a chuckle, diffusing the tension in the room.
The unexpected encounter between a compassionate Gwen and an injured Spider-Man had brought a touch of humor and camaraderie to the somber night, providing both of them with a much-needed break from the chaos that had been unfolding outside.
Gwen's nimble hands worked skillfully as she tended to Spider-Man's injuries, methodically addressing the four large gashes on his chest. She cleaned away the dried blood, carefully disinfected the wounds with alcohol, and prepared to stitch them closed. In the midst of the delicate work, Gwen couldn't help but be curious about the cause of Spider-Man's condition.
"Y'know, you've yet to say how this happened. I'm quite interested to know what could do this to you of all people," she commented, breaking the silence that had begun to feel a bit awkward. The vigilante, still reluctant to reveal too much, turned his head away.
Gwen's light-hearted teasing couldn't be held back. "Well, given your unwavering silence, I'm assuming you got your arachnid-themed butt handed to you," she jested, which earned her a groan of embarrassment from Spidey. Her laughter filled the room, easing the tension.
However, Gwen's tone turned more serious as she issued a veiled threat. "If you don't tell me, I'm just going to try and pry into your personal life again. If you don't believe me, I refer you to my best friend, Peter, if I have been known to bluff." With that, she purposefully pulled a bit harder on one of his stitches.
Relenting to her persistence, Spider-Man finally decided to share some details. "I tracked down and fought the Lizard creature after our first bout on the bridge," he began, though he was interrupted playfully by Gwen's remark about his two losses in one night. Spidey shot her a disapproving look, and she responded with a small apology, urging him to continue.
"Anyway, as I was saying: yes, the beast is incredibly formidable, but not unbeatable. Its eyes are sensitive to light, and it prefers warmer environments. I can use that to my advantage," he explained.
Gwen, showing genuine interest and concern, asked, "Cool. Need any help?" Her question carried a hint of fake innocence as she attempted to sway him, but Spidey was quick to dismiss the idea.
"Nah, I'm good. Plus, you've helped enough, and it's a problem that you've been involved as much as you have already. I doubt Captain Stern-Talking-To would appreciate me putting his daughter in the line of danger," he replied, his masked face holding an expression of protection and care. Gwen, although disappointed, understood his perspective and recognized the complexities of the situation and Spider-Man's injuries were a stark reminder of the dangerous world he faced, one in which Gwen reluctantly found herself entangled.
As Gwen continued her meticulous work on stitching up Spider-Man's wounds, she couldn't help but pout in response to his immediate rejection of her offer to help with his mission. Her compassionate nature made her eager to assist, but she understood his concern for her safety.
However, Spider-Man, feeling a bit playful and mischievous, decided to tease her in return. His question, "So... you seeing anybody lately?" caught Gwen off guard. She paused and gave him an incredulous look. "That's none of your business! Did the reptile hit you too hard in the head or something?" she retorted, her words laced with a mix of concern and annoyance.
Spidey couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "So, no one then. No wonder you're so bored," he teased further, earning more of Gwen's exasperation.
"That's not even remotely true! For your information, there does just so happen to be someone that I'm interested in," Gwen declared, a hint of pride in her voice. Her words caught Spider-Man by surprise. A crush? He had never heard Gwen mention any romantic interests before, and their conversations about their respective love lives were usually nonexistent. The bet he and Harry had made in the past, with the prediction that Gwen might win a Nobel Prize before getting a boyfriend, came to mind, and Peter couldn't help but find the Nobel Prize the more likely of the two outcomes.
Spider-Man attempted to dig for more information, asking, "So, they got a name?" He was curious and tried to hide his surprise. Gwen, however, provided a name, "It's this guy from my mechanics lecture, Hobie. Hobie Brown."
Unbeknownst to him, Gwen had given him the wrong name. She watched as Spidey looked away, seemingly deep in thought, trying to recall where he had heard that name before. "Well, uh, I hope it works out for you," he said, finally breaking the silence, as Gwen finished the last stitch on his wounds.
Their conversation had taken an unexpected turn, delving into Gwen's romantic interests, but Peter, masked as Spider-Man, couldn't shake the feeling that he had heard the name "Hobie Brown" before. It was just another layer of intrigue in their complex and unique friendship, one that now included secrets and glimpses into their personal lives. Gwen's question shifted the focus back to Spider-Man. "What about you?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. "Have you got anyone special in your life?" The masked hero hesitated for a moment before attempting to provide an answer.
"Yes. No. Well, maybe? It's something, but I can't say we're dating yet," he stammered, struggling to define the nature of his connection.
Gwen, with a knowing grin, decided to clarify, "Well, if you guys are seeing each other casually, then you are dating, as I've been told by a trusted source that dating and being boyfriend/girlfriend aren't the same thing."
As Gwen moved on to apply ointment to his bruises, the vigilante chuckled at her matter-of-fact response. He found her use of the term "boyfriend/girlfriend" quite amusing.
With a more serious look, Gwen raised another question, one that had weighed on her mind. "I know I may not get a straight answer, but I have to ask. Does she know who you are? What you do when you go out at night?" Her eyes held a deep curiosity as they fixated on the Wall Crawler.
The hero shook his head solemnly. "No, she doesn't. No one in my other life knows," he admitted, his masked face concealing his emotions.
Gwen, her gaze understanding, offered some advice. "While I admit this may not be any of my business, if you do plan on getting serious with this girl, you have to tell her, preferably before they find out from another source." Her words carried a weight of experience and wisdom, touching upon the complexities of leading a double life.
Peter took Gwen's advice to heart, genuinely contemplating the implications of what she had said. As he put his hoodie back on, he gave one last look at Gwen, feeling a sense of gratitude for her friendship and insight. With a silent nod of acknowledgment, he launched himself out of her window and into the cold night.
As he swung away through the city, his thoughts were preoccupied with Gwen's words, and he realized that some important decisions lay ahead of him, both as Peter Parker and as Spider-Man.
Despite the sun being out, it was a very cold morning, but Flint didn't care as he watched a little girl get up and out of her bed to get ready for school from a rooftop across the street. The brown-haired man couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he remembered the girl had the same pattern every day:
Penny's sleepy voice echoed in his memory, "Daddy, I'm up."
"Good girl," Flint whispered, though she couldn't hear him. He watched her progress through her morning routine: pour a bowl of chocolate flakes with marshmallows, brush her teeth afterward because she hated the taste of cereal after toothpaste, and then spend 30 minutes deciding on an outfit, nearly missing the school bus every time. But today, the girl's pattern was broken because, unfortunately, she was sick.
Flint felt tears well up in his eyes as he watched her struggle to get from her bedroom to the kitchen. Her name was Penny, Penny Marko, daughter of Flint Marko, the common man's thief and bank robber.
A confused expression worked its way across his face as he watched her mom find an envelope filled with a large sum of money on her dresser, mainly because he wasn't the one who left it there. It was then when he felt a familiar presence looming over his shoulder – Hammerhead. Flint felt the second-in-command put a hand on his shoulder, preventing him from moving as he used his other hand to put a phone to Flint's ear, a booming voice on the other side.
"There's enough money in there to feed an entire neighborhood for a month, which should be more than enough to continue treatment for your daughter's illness," the intimidating voice of the Big Man spoke. Flint clenched his jaw, realizing that this sinister alliance had now infiltrated his family's life, and he was left with a choice that weighed heavily on his conscience.
Flint took another look at his wife, the joyous smile on her face as she hugged their daughter tightly. His heart ached at the thought of the ordeal they were going through.
"What're ya terms?" Marko asked.
"It's simple really, participate in a simple trial for me, and I leave your wife with enough money to ensure your daughter makes a full recovery and then some more so that they could live an expense-free life for at least the next year," The Big Man explained.
Most men would have reservations about these kinds of things, about how and where this money is coming from, but to Flint, she is why he got into a life of crime; everything he does, everything he thinks about, it all leads back to her. So, without even thinking about it for a moment, he answered, "Then you've got yourself a deal, all I need is a time and place."
Hammerhead, smart as the Big Man, began chuckling over the phone. All Flint heard was "Excellent" from the Big Man before turning around and being knocked out by a headbutt from Hammerhead.
As Flint slumped, his consciousness fading, the last image he saw was his daughter's innocent face and his wife's worry. The thought of the impending trial weighed heavily on his heart, but the desperation to save his daughter eclipsed all other thoughts. The rooftop, the sun, the chill of the morning—everything blurred into unconsciousness.
About a Month ago...
Peter looked at the paper Dr. Octavius gave him one more time to make sure he was in the right place before looking around and from what he could see, this was the right address, but it looked more... plain looking than he expected, though he supposed that he did right raise his standards a little too high. Being one of his inspirations as a scientist, Peter never once considered that Dr. Octavius could be just as financially limited as your everyday common New Yorker.
Seeing no other course of action, Peter rang the doorbell and waited for an answer. After 30 seconds, it came in the form of a woman's voice on the other side.
"Hello? Who is this?" He heard her ask.
"Yeah uh, this is Peter Parker, I was invited here by Dr Octavius?" Peter answered, rubbing the back of his head nervously, hoping that he didn't have the wrong address.
"Dr. Octavius? Sir, you're going to have to specify, which one?" Said the feminine voice.
"W-Which one? I-I'm sorry, I thought there was only one," he said, even more confused than before. It was then that he heard a commotion, along with a familiar voice.
"Oh, Rosie! You knew he was coming, now would you please stop pestering Mr. Parker and invite him up, darling?" Pete recognized the voice to be Otto's as the front door began buzzing, letting him know that he was good to enter. He promptly stepped inside, his curiosity piqued.
As Peter entered the building, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. After walking up two flights of stairs, Peter finally made it to Dr. Octavius' lab. As he made his way inside, he looked around only to be amazed.
The place was filled with spectacular technology left and right, culminating in a singular spherical object encased in a meter-thick glass tube. Peter didn't get a chance to look around for long before he heard some familiar voices arguing.
"Otto, I'm not asking you to come work for Oscorp again, I'm just suggesting that you work with me here! I could make you and your wife millions!" One voice said.
"Yeah right, only at the cost of our souls, only an ignorant dolt like you!" The other one said.
"I should have known you'd be a stubborn fool, Otto!" The first voice said.
"Oh, go to hell, Norman!" The other one yelled.
"Well, considering your current circumstances, Octavius, you just might beat me there."
The arguing stopped, and out of the office came Norman Osborn, who immediately spotted Peter on his way out, stopping shortly.
"Peter, if you're half as smart as I think you are, you won't listen to a damn word that coward has to say," Norman said before angrily storming out of the building.
Finally, as the lab calmed down, Peter heard a familiar voice call his name.
"Peter! I'm glad you could make it, my boy!" Otto said in a brown trenchcoat, walking towards him with a woman Pete didn't recognize at his side.
"I'm glad you invited me. I gotta say Doc, this place looks marvelous!" Peter said, grinning ear to ear like a child in a candy shop.
"Thank you, Peter. That means so much more than you know. We've put in a lot of work to make this place what it is now," Otto replied, making Peter freeze in his tracks as he remembered the third person in the room.
"Oh right! I'm sorry, I don't think I've introduced myself yet. My name is Peter Parker, ma'am," Peter hastily said, trying to make up for lost time.
"Oh, I know who you are. You're the young man that my husband won't shut up about." She said, fashioning a friendly smile as she extended her hand to shake while Otto turned away in embarrassment. "I'm Dr. Rosalie Olivia Octavius, but my friends call me Liv,"
"I see. Although I don't understand why, I'm the last person deserving of praise," Peter said humbly, scratching the back of his head as he did so.
"And like that, you're already more modest than my husband when I first met him," Liv laughed. Otto chuckled, looking at her lovingly while she did the same in return.
The camaraderie and warmth in the room made Peter feel both welcomed and slightly out of place. The dynamic between Otto and Liv seemed endearing, and Peter was curious to learn more about the man he admired and the woman beside him, who seemed to compliment him so perfectly.
Feeling a bit awkward, Peter spoke up, calling attention to the elephant in the room. "So Doc, I figured you wanted me to come here for a reason, would I be right in assuming that this was it?" He said, gesturing back towards the spherical centerpiece sitting in the middle of the room, snapping the married couple back to reality.
"Ah yes, you would be correct; that is indeed one of them. This, Peter, is a particle fusion reactor, but not your average running-the-mill one, as you can see," Otto explained, guiding Peter towards the reactor to get a closer look. "Theoretically, after feeding it a powdered version of its fuel source, when activated, it should gather particles that bond together into one mass. That mass will then implode on itself, becoming a miniature star, an artificial sun."
"Once fully realized, the artificial sun will become self-sufficient, and from there we will be able to draw clean, efficient, and renewable energy from it. Enough energy to power the city for a millennia," Liv said, walking up beside them with a smile on her face as she looked at the machine in awe.
" The power of the sun —" Otto started.
"— in the palm of our hands ," Liv finished as the two stood side by side. Peter could only find himself starstruck as he also admired the machine, at least until his mind burned with many questions.
"Wait, so based on the nature of the reactor, you would need to install the energy extractors into the artificial sun directly, you can't do that without activating the reactor, which makes it more impossible on top of that because no one could get close enough to do such a thing without being turned into ashes," Peter said, letting his mind ramble. At this point, Pete watched as Otto merely smiled at his worries, releasing a slight chuckle before speaking.
"Precisely, Mr. Parker. Which brings me to the second reason I asked you here." Liv smiled as she watched her husband finally abandon the trench coat he'd been wearing the entire time.
From underneath, four additional tentacle-like mechanical arms were revealed, each with a specialized three-pronged claw at the end, clearly meant for the purpose of picking up things. Meanwhile, Peter could only look on in awe as he watched the arms extend Otto into the air.
Peter's amazement quickly turned into a blend of astonishment and curiosity. The revelation of the advanced technology and Otto's peculiar mechanical arms left him speechless, his mind buzzing with wonder and a myriad of questions. The unexpected nature of the situation made him even more eager to learn about the purpose and capabilities of these extraordinary inventions.
Peter's amazement shattered as he watched Dr. Octavius fall out of the air faster than he was lifted into it, the arms malfunctioning and not functioning correctly. Otto struggled to control them, but eventually gave in and shut off the arms, a sigh of disappointment escaping him as he decoupled the harness and placed the arms on a nearby table.
"We aren't going to go anywhere near the reactor, but these are," Otto said, gesturing towards the malfunctioning arms.
"But, as you can see, they're not quite fully functional," Liv chimed in, attempting to comfort Otto by rubbing his back. Peter examined the arms and offered his perspective.
"Well, despite the many kinks that need to be worked out here and there, these arms are truly impeccable. I mean, with technology alone, we could be looking at the entire future of prosthetic limbs! Holding it all right at our fingertips," Peter finished, engrossed in his admiration for the technology.
As Otto and Liv exchanged knowing looks, a silent conversation transpired between them, ending with Liv leaving the room, leaving Peter and Otto alone. Dr. Octavius, filled with exhaustion, turned to face Peter, who was still showing curiosity about Liv's departure.
"You know it's kind of incredible how spot on your senses are for these kinds of things, Mr. Parker," Otto began, Peter's confusion evident on his face. Then, with a heavy heart, Dr. Octavius revealed the truth.
"Look, there's no easy way to say this, but the truth is: I'm dying , Peter." Octavius disclosed, shocking Peter.
"I've apparently contracted a brain-eating virus, and there is no cure. It's killing me slowly, and there's nothing I can do about it. First comes the struggle to sustain mobility, which has already taken effect. Second comes complete paralysis of the body, third brings memory lapses comparable to most types of dementia, then finally: brain death," the doctor explained.
"I'm so sorry that this is happening to you, Dr. Octavius. Is there anything I can do to help?" Peter asked, sitting down beside his professor.
"Yes, there is, Peter. In fact, you're already doing it," Octavius said. "As much as I can boast about how great my mind is, it all means nothing if it just dies with me. That's why I've asked you to be my prodigy. I don't know how much time I have left, so at the very least, I want to make sure my knowledge is shared with those who are going to inherit the world," he finished, his words echoing in Peter's mind.
The weight of responsibility and the impending loss settled heavily on Peter's shoulders, as he grappled with the revelation of his mentor's mortality and the daunting task laid before him.
"These arms, more likely than not, are my life's work as Rosie's the actual mastermind behind the reactor, I just helped her here and there," Otto spoke again. "The last few months I have watched your mind shine exponentially and I knew that I couldn't choose anyone else but you to carry on where I will eventually leave off."
"So while my impending doom is the reason I needed a protege, you are the reason I want one," Otto said, putting a hand on Peter's shoulder.
"Thank you for your kind words, Dr. Octavius. Although I'm not sure I deserve them, how are you so sure I won't just disappoint you?" Peter asked, questioning Octavius' faith in him despite the warm compliments.
"Well, to be honest Peter, I don't. But sometimes it's a leap of faith, and that's all it is," Otto explained. His words struck a chord with Peter, causing a chuckle from the young man.
"Something funny, Mr. Parker?" Otto asked, genuinely curious about Peter's sudden outburst.
"No, don't worry, it's nothing, Doc. I was just reminded of someone, that's all," Peter replied. Octavius merely smiled in return. "In any case, it seems you must have a lot of faith in me, Doc. And for that, I'm grateful."
"Looks like I have to go." Peter said, gesturing towards his watch before heading towards the exit, making it to the stairs before being stopped by Otto's voice.
"Well then, have a good day, Peter! I'll have Rosie inform you of the days that I'll need you to come into the lab," his mentor finished, to which Peter simply nodded, giving Otto a quick, "Will do!" before heading downstairs to leave the building.
Present Day
Peter stood in front of the mirror, his embarrassment palpable as he examined his Velma costume. "If I'm being honest with myself, I don't look much different from how I did in high school before I got my powers, minus the skirt anyway. Well, there was that one time..." Peter mused, reminiscing about his past.
Peter adjusted his glasses, a rare need for him nowadays. "You know Gwen is totally going to take pictures, right?" he teased, trying to find some humor in their predicament.
The prospect of Gwen documenting their humiliation made Peter laugh, despite the embarrassment of their attire. "As long as we're prepared for it," he said, trying to maintain some semblance of ease.
As they exited the room, both men carried themselves with a mix of resignation and playful acceptance, aware of the impending teasing but ready to face it nonetheless. The hallway was met with a mix of reactions - some startled gasps, a few giggles, and several camera clicks.
"It's all for the spirit of the bet," Peter said with a grin, acknowledging the amused glances from their fellow students.
"Yeah, the things we do for football and lost bets," Harry added, his tone a mix of self-deprecation and mild amusement.
They trudged on, the evening ahead promised to be an endless sequence of teasing, laughter, and photo ops, all in the name of a lost bet and Halloween mischief.
Fortunately, the duo didn't have to travel far as Gwen and her roommate's dorm room were only a floor up from them.
Peter knocked on the door enthusiastically knowing that Harry was dreading every moment of embarrassment and soon enough, Gwen, in her Fred costume, opened the door with a sly smile on her face.
"Well good evening, gentleman. Or should I say ladies?" Soon the hallway filled with laughter as Gwen skillfully orchestrated their impromptu photoshoot. "Pose, pose, yes, YES. The camera loves you," she exclaimed, capturing every moment of the spectacle.
Peter and Harry, despite looking away, couldn't escape the embarrassment that accompanied their costumes.
"Aww, don't look away, I think you look great in that outfit, Petey." As Liz, dressed as Shaggy, complimented Peter, he couldn't help but fluster under her gaze. "Y'know I'd help you 'find your glasses' anytime," she teased, locking eyes with him.
Before Peter could respond, Harry jumped in. "Okay, so we have Fred, Daphne, Shaggy, and Velma, but where's our Scooby?" Harry inquired, prompting a smirk from Gwen.
"Well, first, there's no way I was going to ask MJ to dress up as a dog. Secondly, for humanitarian reasons, I'm solely against adopting a dog for one night just to complete a costume. So in the end, I went with the even better third option," Gwen explained, gesturing down the hall.
Peter and Harry turned to see Eddie Brock, surprisingly upbeat, donning a Scooby costume. "Sup Bros and Brodettes! Happy Halloween!" Eddie greeted, embracing the role with unexpected enthusiasm.
The unexpected addition of Eddie as Scooby elicited a round of laughter from the group. Even Peter and Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. As they all headed out to the Halloween party, the camaraderie of the moment eclipsed the initial embarrassment.
Embracing their unorthodox costumes, Peter and Harry, now joined by Eddie as Scooby, took a few more group pictures before Gwen declared an end to the impromptu photoshoot. "All right, all right. I've had my fun and I've got my photos, now let's hurry and head to the festival," she announced, prompting unanimous agreement, though Harry muttered, "Let's get this over with," under his breath.
Within minutes, the group found themselves outside, greeted by the mesmerizing spectacle of the campus transformed for the Halloween festival. Everywhere they looked, the vibrant decorations, carnival games, and an array of costumes created a lively atmosphere. "There are a lot of cool costumes!" Peter exclaimed with enthusiasm, his eyes scanning the diverse array of characters.
However, a recurring sight dampened his excitement. "A lot of Spider-Men though," he noted, realizing how frequently his own DIY Spidey costume paled in comparison. "I'm really the DIY of superhero costumes..." Peter grumbled, a touch of self-deprecation evident in his tone.
Gwen, observing the Spider-Men in the crowd, shared his sentiment. "I mean, it makes sense, Spidey's been on a roll lately. Wish he'd get a better costume though."
Eager to immerse themselves in the festivities, Gwen rallied the group. "Anyway, what are we waiting for, ladies? Let's get our Halloween on!" With a playful slap on their rear ends, she propelled Peter and Harry forward.
"She didn't have to slap me so hard," Harry mumbled in pain, while Peter, despite feeling relatively unaffected, played along with a wince. As they ventured deeper into the festival, surrounded by the lively energy of Halloween, the initial embarrassment of their costumes faded into the background, replaced by the shared laughter and camaraderie of the unconventional Mystery Incorporated crew.
The group continued their journey through the festival, indulging in various games and attractions. Peter, attempting to downplay his strength, held back during most competitions. However, when they reached the strong man game, Eddie and Harry excelled, with Eddie achieving the highest score.
Initially hesitant, Peter tried to opt out, but Gwen and Liz convinced him to join in, claiming they wanted prizes. Unbeknownst to the guys, the two ladies were secretly competing for Peter's attention. As Peter prepared to swing the mallet, he attempted to gauge the right amount of strength. However, a surprise set of hands rubbed along his sides, causing him to reflexively jerk his arms down. Expecting it to be Liz, he turned around only to find Gwen standing behind him.
"You were thinking too much, so I conveniently remembered how ticklish you are," Gwen remarked with a shrug, leaving Peter blushing and utterly bewildered. Before he could process the situation, Gwen pointed at the high striker machine.
"It seems my small experiment yielded very promising results," she declared. They all examined the machine, and to everyone's surprise, Peter scored the highest, even surpassing Eddie. Eddie, amused, draped an arm around Peter's shoulders.
"Here I was thinking you were still that same scrawny kid I had to protect back in high school. You thought to tell me you were packing some heat under there, Bro?" Eddie teased, leaving Peter too stunned to respond. Nevertheless, Peter's high score earned the group two prizes, which Gwen and Liz held onto with smug satisfaction.
As they continued to navigate the festival, the banter and camaraderie among the group intensified.
As the guys eagerly led Peter from one strength game to another, Gwen and Liz purposefully lingered behind. Once out of earshot, Gwen's facade of composure shattered, and she unleashed a contained yell while hiding her face in her stuffed animal. "I can't believe I just did that! No, I can't believe Peter didn't even question it! Could he like me back? What does this mean?!"
Liz, ever the voice of reason, offered her congratulations, "Congratulations, Gwenie! You just flirted for the first time, in your own -weird- way." She took a moment to process the situation before continuing, "It's too early for the verdict of if he likes you. Though I will say, it seems you did make him aware of a possibility he hadn't considered before... on some level anyway."
Gwen contemplated Liz's words. Had she really not made any progress with Peter after years of pining? The thought was disheartening, and she hesitated to delve too deep into what that might mean for her feelings.
Suddenly, Liz posed a question that caught Gwen off guard. "By the way, I meant to ask, why are you coaching me with Peter? Don't you still like him?" Gwen was genuinely curious about Liz's perspective.
Liz, admitting her own uncertainty, confessed, "Well, I'm certainly interested, and I like being with him, but I don't know if I want to be WITH him yet, if that makes sense." She paused, mulling over her feelings. "As for helping you move things along with him... I don't know. Maybe I want our friendly competition to actually be a competition." Liz teased, prompting Gwen to playfully punch her in the shoulder.
Their conversation carried an air of introspection and friendship, the two girls navigating the complexities of romantic feelings with honesty and a touch of humor.
As the guys reveled in the victory of another strength game, Peter, feigning exhaustion, made his way back to Eddie and Harry, prizes in tow. "Awesome! You are the man, Pete," Harry exclaimed, giving his best friend a pat on the back.
Peter chuckled, embracing the camaraderie. "Thanks, I guess it's all in the day's work of the amazing super geek."
Their laughter was interrupted by giggling from behind them. Eddie, being the one to vocalize all their thoughts, remarked, "I wonder what they're talking about?"
Harry, wiping a tear from his eye, joined in the amusement, revealing their assumption. "I mean, isn't it obvious? Gwen's obviously telling Liz about the first time Peter and I met her dad as a kid."
Laughter erupted as they reminisced about an embarrassing memory from the past. While Eddie and Harry continued to joke, Peter couldn't help but be curious about the conversation.
His peace of mind hinged on knowing whether Gwen was sharing the story of the time he accidentally peed himself after encountering Aunt May in her deep cleanse spa mask for the first time.
His curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to approach them to unravel the mystery. However, as he started to move, a sudden ringing at the back of his head interrupted him. His Spider Senses were tingling.
Stopping midway, Peter's senses heightened as he scanned the surroundings, trying to discern the source of the potential threat.
As the distant sounds of chaos reached them, Peter and his friends turned their attention towards the commotion. Without hesitation, Peter sprinted towards the screams, effortlessly maneuvering through the panicked crowd. His friends, including Gwen, Harry, Eddie, and Liz, struggled to keep up, especially since Peter was the only Velma in the crowd who wasn't part of the widespread Spider-Man theme.
Coming to a sudden stop, Peter's eyes widened as he saw the source of the disturbance—the Lizard, towering at 8 feet, rampaging through the festival. The monstrous creature targeted individuals dressed as Spider-Man, causing widespread panic and chaos.
Before Peter could slip away to retrieve his Spider-Man suit and join the fight, his friends caught up with him. Gwen, grabbing him by the shoulders, demanded answers, "Peter! Why did you take off like that?! What's go--" Her words were cut short by the Lizard's roar, prompting the crowd to scatter in fear, revealing even more Spider-Man-clad individuals for the creature to pursue.
Eddie and Gwen, recognizing the Lizard as the creature Martha Connors had described, swiftly assessed the situation. Eddie took charge, instructing Gwen to call her dad for NYPD assistance. "Gwen, call your dad, we need the NYPD here immediately!" Gwen promptly dialed her phone as Eddie continued, "Harry, you get the girls out of here while Pete and I keep track of that thing so it doesn't get away, and help anyone we can along the way."
Harry nodded, swiftly guiding the girls in the opposite direction to safety. "Now it's just you and me, Bro. You up for this?" Eddie asked Peter as they started running towards the direction the Lizard had gone.
"To do something dumb with you? Always," Peter responded with a determined grin, accepting the unspoken challenge that lay ahead.
As they chased after the rampaging Lizard, Peter's mind raced with concern for the safety of everyone at the festival. The chaotic Halloween night took an unexpected turn.