It was mid morning as a balding man in his 50's walked up to the Oscorp building. He walked through the front door and made his way through the building with a particular section in mind. Finally, he reached a section labeled "Specialized Weapons". He walked up to the door and swiped a key card against the lock, only for it to beep, flashing red.
"Huh?" He let out.
He tried again, but the same results occurred.
"What the hell?" He questioned.
The door then opened from the inside, allowing several men to exit, all of them carrying large crates of equipment.
"Hey," He called out. "Hey where are you going with that! That's my equipment!"
"Was, actually." A new voice corrected.
The man turned, finding himself face to face with none other than Norman Osborn.
"Mr. Osborn, what's going on?" The man demanded. "Where are they taking all that?"
"Times are changing Mr. Toomes." Norman replied. "With Stark Industries announcing the shutdown of their weapons department, a golden opportunity has been granted to us. We need to strategize, and prioritize."
"What does that have to do with my lab?" Toomes asked.
"Your work is… serviceable, but the future demands more capable minds to shape it." Osborn explained.
"Capable?!" Toomes let out. "I've been here for years!"
"My point exactly." Osborn replied, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've been at this for far too long, and with far too little success. Weapons development is a young man's game, and let's face it, you're past your prime."
"Past my prime?" Toomes repeated, taking his hand off. "I don't think you understand my situation, Mr. Osborn. It's not just my work here, I have a family. The people I work with have families."
"I understand, I'm a family man myself." Osborn insisted. "But sometimes, sacrifices must be made."
Toomes just grumbled in response.
"I can promise a generous severance package, one that should allow you to see your daughter every now and then." Osborn assured him. "In fact, this may be better. Wasn't she always complaining that you were always 'too busy' for her?"
The mention of his daughter caused Toomes to grab Osborn by the collar.
"Don't even mention her!" Toomes threatened.
"Security!" Osborn called out.
Just then, two security guards came up and grabbed Toomes by the arms, pulling him off Osborn.
"Show Mr. Toomes out." Osborn instructed. "Before the vultures set in."
Struggling against the guards, Toomes glared at Osborn.
"You're going to regret this, Osborn!" He swore. "DO you hear me?! You will regret this!"
Osborn just walked away nonchalauntly as Toomes was taken out of the building.
…
Later that day, Toomes met up with some of his fellow lab workers at an abandoned hangar where they used to test their various projects.
"Here's to the end of an era." One of the men said solemnly, lifting up a beer bottle.
The others lifted their bottles in response before taking a drink. After swallowing a swig, Toomes slammed his bottle onto the table.
"Osborn… who does he think he is?!" Toomes let out. "We give him everything we have, and just tosses us out like yesterday's trash."
"Not much we can do about it now." one of the lab guys replied.
"So, what do we do with the prototypes?" Another guy asked.
Toomes perked up at that.
"Prototypes?" Toomes asked. "Mason, I thought they took everything."
"Well, not all of it." Mason told him.
He then walked over to the rear part of the hanger, unlocking the doors and pushing it open. The lights flickered for a bit, then turned on, revealing most of the prototypes for all of Toomes' inventions, including something large suspended from the ceiling and covered with a tarp.
"That's… quite a lot." one of the other lab guys commented. "So, we gonna call Oscorp and let them know they missed something."
"... no." Toomes decided. "Let's keep em."
"You sure?" Mason asked.
"Osborn was right about one thing." Toomes told them. "Times are changing. Think it's time we change too."
…
At the Parker residence, Peter finished getting ready for school and made his way downstairs when he heard May talking on the phone with the bank.
"Yes, I understand..." she said quietly. "Yes… yes I know. With Ben's funeral, expenses have gotten quite out of hand, I just need more time… yes… yes, I know… thank you..."
She hung up, letting out a sigh.
"Oh Ben… I don't know you did it all these years."
Peter just looked down in despair.
Things weren't looking up for the Parker household. With Uncle Ben gone, it was only a matter of time before we'd be up the creek. I helped pitch in the grang I won wrestling for the car repair and funeral expenses, but it would only do so much in the long run. I needed a way to help out. It was the least I could do after everything she'd done for me. I just needed a solution. Barring that, I needed a miracle.
…
"Who is Spider-Man? He's a criminal, that's who he is!" J Jonah Jameson, editor in chief of the Daily Bugle declared, tossing a newspaper aside. "A vigilante! A public menace! So, can one of you tell me what his freak job is doing on the front page of MY newspaper?!"
"He's news." Joseph "Robbie" Robertson explained. "And right now, he's the top selling story."
"You gotta admit, he is pretty impressive." Eddie Brock, one of the Bugles reporters commented. "I mean, pulling seven people from a subway crash, can't exactly sneeze at that JJ."
"I don't pay you for your opinion Brock." Jameson told him. "For all we know, he caused that wreck. Anyone else find it funny that he's always there when trouble shows up?"
"Come on , JJ." Robbie insisted. "What do you have against the guy? He seems like hero if you ask me."
"Then why does he wear a mask, huh?" Jameson asked. "What's he got to hide?"
"You didn't tell him how much our masked friend is worth, did ya Robbie?" Eddie remarked.
"Why should I care how much-"
"We sold out four printings." Robbie cut off.
Jameson did a double take upon hearing that.
"Sold out?" Jameson repeated.
"Every copy." Robbie confirmed.
"Tomorrow morning, Spider-Man, page one!" Jameson ordered. "And Brock, get me a decent picture this time!"
"I've tried, sir." Brock explained, pulling some photos out of his pocket. "These are the best I got."
He puts the photos on the desk, all of them either too blurry, or too far away to make anything out.
"Seriously?!" Jameson let out. "This is the best you got?!"
"He's fast." Eddie insisted. "I think I'm getting closer though."
"You've been saying that all week, and you've still barely been able to get a glimpse of him." Robbie retorted.
"Aw, is he shy?" Jameson asked sarcastically. "We can get a picture of Susan Storm in her skivvies, we can certainly get a shot of this weirdo. Robbie, put an add in the paper 'prize money for photos of Spider-Man!'. If he doesn't wanna be famous, then I'll make him infamous!"
…
At Midtown, Peter quickly moved through the halls of the school, trying to reach his biology class. Finally, he reached the room, only for class to have already started. Professor Warren heard him come in, clearing his throat.
"Mr. Parker, so kind of you to join us." he called out. "Please take your seat."
"Y-yes sir." Peter replied, taking his seat in between Harry and Gwen.
"Dude, where were you?" Harry hissed.
"Yeah, this is the third time this week you've been late for class." Gwen added. "What's up?"
"Nothing." Peter insisted. "I just… missed my train."
"Three times in a row?" Harry questioned.
"I… I'm still getting use to taking the train." he went on.
That made both Gwen and Harry fall silent.
"Ohhh." Gwen let out.
"Sorry Pete." Harry said quietly.
"It's alright." Peter reassured. "I can't thank you enough for your support, though."
I felt bad playing that particular card, especially with my friends. But I couldn't afford for them to figure out my secret.
"Hey, that's what friends are for." Gwen told him.
"Alright, Class!" Professor Warren spoke up. "I know you're just itching to find out your test scores from last week."
He began passing out the tests, handing Harry one with a large B- written in red. Peter saw that and grinned.
"Hey, you went up a letter grade!" he commended. "Way to go, Harry!"
"Couldn't've done it without you." Harry told him.
That's when Peter got his test back, a big A+ on the front. Gwen's test read the same.
"Excellent work Mr. Parker." Professor Warren continued. "You as well, Miss Stacy."
He then passed the tests out to the row behind them, which was where Flash, Sally Avril, and Liz Allen were sitting. Sally made a B on her test, and Flash was excited to see a C- on his.
"C-,sweet!" Flash proclaimed. "The Flash completes another pass!"
"Miss Allen," Professor Warren continued, handing Liz her paper. "I suggest you try harder in the future."
Liz took hers, and look dismayed when she saw it had a D- written on it. She dropped the paper onto her desk and dreaded bringing this up to her mom.
…
After class was over, everyone prepared to leave.
"Miss Allen, a word?" Professor Warren requested.
Liz froze for a moment before turning back to the professor.
"Yes?" She let out.
"Liz, if you're going to raise that grade, you're going to need a tutor." He explained. "I'm recommending Mr. Parker."
"Study with Peter?" Liz let out. "You gotta be kidding."
"Not at all." Professor Warren reassured. "There's a make-up test this friday. Manage to make at least a C, and I won't call your mother about your grade. Nor will I inform the cheerleading coach that you don't have the GPA requirement to make the squad.'
Liz winced at the thought.
"However, that also includes getting tutoring from Mr. Parker." Professor Warren tacked on. "Your choice."
Liz sighed in response.
"Alright." Liz relented.
…
Outside the classroom, Peter walked through the hallways trying to think of a solution to the Parkers money problem. As he continued walking, he accidentally walked right into one of the members of the football team, causing Peter to fall to the ground and the guy to turn towards him.
"Ran," Peter let out, slightly worried. "Uh, sorry. I wasn't watching where-"
"It's cool." Ran reassured, giving him a hand.
Relieved, Peter took it, allowing Ran to help him up.
"I gotta say, out of all of Flash's friends, you gotta be my favorite." Peter told him.
"Thanks." Ran replied. "So, what's got that big brain of yours occupied?"
"Uh, money problems back home." Peter answered.
"Harsh." Ran remarked.
"Tell me about it." Peter replied. "And since my internship with Oscorp is non-paying, I'm kinda stuck."
"You know," Ran pondered. "I think I have an idea."
Peter perked up as Ran fished into his backpack for a newspaper.
"Latest edition of the Bugle." Ran told him, pulling out the paper.
"'Cash prize for pictures of Spider-Man'." Peter read aloud. "This is perfect!"
"I don't know." Ran replied. "My dad says he's a hard guy to pin down."
"Maybe, but he's never had me on him." Peter declared. "Looks like I know what I'm doing after school."
"Hey, Parker!" Liz's voice called out.
Peter flinched before turning around and seeing Liz walking towards him.
"Look, I really need to pass that make-up test." She explained to him. "But, I also need to keep the fact that I need to take it secret."
"So, you want me to help you study… in secret?" Peter clarified.
"Exactly." Liz confirmed. "Look, it's not easy for me to come to you with this. But if word gets out I'm failing biology, I'll get kicked off the cheerleading squad. And that is something I don't want to have to explain to my mom."
"Ok." Peter replied, holding his hands up. "I'd be… more than happy to help. When do you wanna start?"
"We can meet tonight at the Coffee Bean." She told him. "And if you tell anyone about this, I will deny it for the rest of my life."
"Tonight?" Peter repeated. "But I-"
Liz just took off before Peter had the chance to finish.
"Great." He muttered.
…
Well, needless to say serving as Liz Allen's tutor on call wasn't what I had in mind for the day. But I wasn't gonna let that deter me. I figured if anyone was gonna get pair for shots of Spider-Man it might as well be me, so after school and before Oscorp, I swung home to get Uncle Ben's old camera. I managed to find it, and a lot more.
In the Parker houses attic, Peter went rummaging through an old chest full of various belongings. Aunt May had put most of Uncle Ben's things up there after the funeral, which thankfully included the camera. It was a bit of an older model, but Peter didn't care. As he removed it from the chest, he caught sight of an old briefcase. He wouldn't have thought much of it, except that it was his father's. Feeling a little curious, he opened it up and saw several papers inside.
The briefcase contained all of my dad's notes of the Cross Species project, as well as the many test runs that had been performed. Seeing the number of failed results, I was suddenly very subconscious about my powers. So, I decided to talk to Dr. Connors about it.
…
Later that day at Oscorp, Dr. Connors was looking over some lizard cells under a microscope. He was so focused on what he was doing that he almost didn't hear Peter come in.
"Uh, Dr. Connors?" Peter spoke up, getting Dr. Connors attention.
"Peter?" He let out. "What can I do for you?"
"I… I was wondering if I could talk to you." Peter told him. "It's about the Cross Species project."
"Of course." Dr. Connors allowed. "What would you like to know?"
"You… you worked on it with my father, right?" Peter asked. "I found some notes of his and… well it got me curious."
Dr. Connors got up from his work and walked over to him.
"Pardon me for presuming, but how much do you remember about your parents?" Dr. Connors inquired.
"Not as much as I'd like." Peter admitted. "They seemed to come and go on business trips a lot, leaving me with my aunt and uncle. One day… someone came to our door informing us about a plane crash. No survivors."
"I'm sorry." Dr. Connors consoled. "You've suffered many tragedies. Perhaps more than one should."
"I'm… managing." Peter replied. "So, you and my dad worked on this together?"
"It was our brainchild, you might say." Dr. Connors shared. "Back then we were mocked for our theories. Not just by the community at large, but at Oscorp as well. Called us mad scientist."
"So what changed?" Peter asked.
"Our work on the spiders." Dr. Connors answered. "When we found a way to cross breed them, our work seemed not only plausible, but near certain. We were prepared to change the lives of millions… including my own."
Peter looked at the doctor's missing arm, feeling great sympathy for him.
"What happened, then?" Peter inquired.
"... a representative for a government agency contacted your father." Dr. Connors shared. "He offered him a position that would allow him to receive the funding he needed for his work, as well as a chance to help those around him."
"My dad loved doing that." Peter commented.
"Yes, but I was a bit abstinent about it at the time." Dr. Connors admitted. "I pleaded that he'd stay, but his heart was set on this. So he left, and I… I was angry. So I stayed away from you and your family afterwards."
"It's alright." Peter reassured. "Though if it worked, completely… how much would the foreign species take over?"
"I suppose that depends on the amount of foreign DNA the subject was exposed to." Dr. Conners answered. "After that, minor changes would probably pop up. Increased muscle mass, heightened reflexes, sharpening of the senses, that sort of thing."
"And do you think any existing physical issues would be resolved?" Peter questioned. "Say, or examined, astigmatism?"
"Most likely." Dr. Connors answered. "Though this is all theoretical, considering there's never been a successful human trial."
Peter coughed in response to hearing that little revelation. Dr. Connors looked over at him, then put his hand behind his back.
"You know, it's ironic you're asking all this now." he remarked. "My Super Spider went missing. We've scoured the lab from top to bottom, finding no trace of it."
"Uh… sorry to hear about that." Peter responded.
"Yes, but funny enough, not long after this 'Spider-Man' character shows up out of nowhere." Dr. Connors continued. "Any thoughts?"
"... none." Peter replied nervously. "I should… probably get back to work."
Dr. Connors gave a small nod.
"Of course." he replied. "But know that if you ever need to talk, I'll listen."
"Thanks doc." Peter replied before heading off.
…
Back at the hanger, Toomes, Mason, and the others began work polishing up the prototypes they had with them. One such was a pair of specialized gauntlets that were designed to send out shock blasts that were meant for demolition purposes. Now they were being reconfigured and amped up by one of the lab guys named Herman Schultz.
"Think that should do it." He declared. "Let's see what this baby can do."
"Hold up there." Mason told him. "You're gonna need this."
He then handed Herman a yellow and brown metal suit with matching helmet.
"You're kidding right?" Herman asked. "Doesn't exactly look flattering."
"Neither does getting your arm shot off." Toomes countered. "You wanna avoid that, you wear the suit."
Herman took the suit without complaint. He then put it on and fired the gauntlets at some old planes, completely decimating them with a single shot.
"Nice!" Herman let out. "These could be fun."
"Not bad," Toomes commended. "But we need to see how well this equipment will really work. Why not take it for a test run before we begin the big game."
"Sounds good to me." Herman remarked.
…
That night, Peter managed to meet up with Liz so they could begin their tutoring sessions. However, it was becoming increasingly clear that she was not interested in getting tutored. She was barely listening, checking her phone every five seconds, and nearly fell asleep twice.
"So in short, the chapter focuses on interactions with biological systems and-" Peter tried to explain.
His words were cut off when he saw her lack of attention towards the subject.
"You're not finding this interesting, are you?" Peter deduced.
"No, no I'm not." Liz yawned. "I don't understand how any of this stuff is important."
"I, uh, guess you have a point." Peter admitted. "But it can be interesting if you look at it from the right angle."
"Really?" She questioned. "Honestly, I doubt I'll ever be able to wrap my head around this stuff. Maybe that's why my dad preferred to spend his days locked up with his work."
While the two were trying to make this work, just down the street, Herman walked up to a bank decked out in his new suit. As he stood in front of it, he turned on the gauntlets and cracked his neck.
"Time to shake things up." He declared, shooting at the building.
The blast blew the doors right off their hinges and sent them crashing into the building. From his seat, Peter could see crowds of people fleeing from the bank and wondered what was up.
Couldn't tell exactly what was going on, but I knew Spider-Man was needed. Timing was a little cruddy though, I was just starting to enjoy being ignored.
"Look this tutoring thing is something you need, not me." Peter told Liz, standing up to leave. "So when you're ready to actually try and learn, let me know."
He gathered up his stuff and walked off, much to Liz's surprise. She watched him leave, and felt kind of bad for ignoring him.
…
Back at the bank, Herman walked inside and up to the tellers desk.
"Sorry for the late arrival, but I'm here to pick up a deposit." Herman told her. "That gonna be a problem?"
Before the teller could answer, Spider-Man came swinging in.
"Actually, yeah!" he replied. "You didn't wait in line like everyone else!"
Herman turned around and saw Spider-Man clinging to one of the walls of the bank. He then fired his gauntlets at him, causing him to leap off the building and land on the ground in front of him.
"Nice aim pal." Spidey commented. "So, what do they call you anyway? Padded Pete? Quilt man? Mr. Triple Ply? No wait, I got it. The cushion!"
"Funny." Herman remarked. "But if you insist on calling me names, you can call me: The Shocker!"
Shocker fired at Spider-Man again, causing him to leap over the blast. Spidey then shot out a webline, allowing him to swing through the air before leaping off and trying to kick him in the chest. However, once he made contact, a residual shockwave shot him back and sent him skidding across the floor.
"Heh, and here I thought this suit was lame." Shocker admitted, walking over to Spider-Man.
He then picked him up and blasted him again, sending him flying through several glass panels. Spidey slowly picked himself up as he groaned in pain. He quickly regained his senses to see Shocker blasting at him again. He quickly dove out of the way and ran across the room as Shocker continued shooting at him.
"Hold still you little insect!"
After dodging another blast, Spider-Man leapt up into the air and shot out a web to swing on. He tried shooting a web at Shocker to subdue him, but Shocker just blasted right through it and blasted at the part of the ceiling that Spidey's web was attached to, causing Spider-Man to fall to the ground and a part of the ceiling to crash on top of him. Shocker just chuckled as went to grab what cash he could.
"This was fun," Shocker told him. "But I got places to be."
He made his way out as Spider-Man pulled himself out of the rubble.
"Okay… ow." he muttered.
…
Ok. so, it's safe to say that this showed me that the whole superhero gig wasn't gonna be as easy as I thought. On top of that, I had forgotten to take out my camera before the fight. So not only did Shocker get away, but I had nothing to show for it. Of course, maybe not having photographic evidence of Shocker kicking my butt was for the best.
The next day at Midtown, Peter was still sore, both figuratively and literally, from his fight with Shocker. As he walked down the halls, he passed right by Liz, who noticed him and ran to catch up.
"Peter!" she called out.
Peter perked up and turned towards Liz as she ran up.
"Liz, hey." Peter greeted. "Look, I feel kinda bad about ditching you last night."
"Well, you shouldn't." Liz told him. "You were right, I'm the one who needs the tutoring. I promise tonight, I'll pay attention. Just name the time and the place."
Peter was genuinely surprised by this gesture, and decided to take advantage of it.
"I'm working at Oscorp tonight." Peter told her. "We can meet there."
"I'll be there." Liz promised.
…
Back at the hangar, Shocker returned with the money he stole.
"Well, it worked." Shocker informed, dropping the money at their feet. "Dinner's on my tonight."
"Expected you back here sooner." Toomes commented.
"Ran into trouble." Shocker admitted. "That new guy in town. The Spider-Man."
"Spider-Man?" One of the men questioned. "I thought he was a myth."
"So did I." Shocker replied. "But the dents in my helmet say otherwise. He's real, and he's trouble."
Toomes mulled that over.
"This could be trouble." he mused. "He may try to interfere with our plans. We need to get rid of him."
"Leave that to me." Shocker promised, pounding his fists together. "He won't know what hit him."
…
That night at Oscorp, Peter and Gwen went about their work tidying up the lab. As they worked, Dr. Connors walked in.
"Peter," Dr. Connors addressed. "It seems you have a guest."
Peter looked over, seeing Liz standing there. She gave a small wave.
"Hi Peter." she greeted.
"Liz." Peter let out. "You made it."
"Well, the make-up test is soon, and I need to figure out this biology thing if I want to pass." she replied.
"I, uh, hope you don't mind, Dr. Connors." Peter told him.
"Not at all." Dr. Connors allowed. "Who am I to stand in the way of furthering one's education. I have some things I need to attend to anyway."
Dr. Connors then walked off, leaving Peter, Liz, and Gwen alone, with the latter feeling next to invisible to the other two.
"So, shall we get started?" Peter asked.
"Yes, please." Liz told him.
The two walked towards a table as Liz pulls out her textbook.
"So, I remember you mentioning something about how everything was connected." Liz recalled.
"Right." Peter confirmed. "In nature, everything is connected, and scientist push and build on those connections to help benefit mankind. For example, Oscorp has been studying a new field of science called cross species genetics. Adapting traits of different species into humans. This could lead to massive advancements in medical field. Imagine, with just a small piece of lizard DNA, those with amputated limbs or malformed ones could grow new ones rather than rely on prosthetics. Muscular diseases treated by natural occurring traits that will strengthen the afflicted muscles."
"It sounds almost too good to be true." Liz spoke up. "Wouldn't mixing human DNA and animal DNA create beings like the mutants?"
"Maybe, but mutations happen by chance." Peter explained. "In the lab, we have a better chance to control the outcome."
Before anything else could be said, the ground started shaking, causing everyone to grab onto something for stability.
"What's going on?" Liz questioned.
"No idea." Peter replied.
But I had a suspicion, Shocker wanting a rematch.
"I'm gonna find out what's going on!" Peter told them. "You two find some cover!"
"Peter, wait!" Liz called out as he took off.
"Liz, we need to go!" Gwen insisted, grabbing Liz's arm.
"But what about Peter?" Liz questioned.
…
Outside the Oscorp building, Shocker fired off another blast at the buildings structure, causing it to shake.
"This should get the bugs attention!" Shocker let out.
"You know, if you wanted to hang out," Spidey replied, swinging towards him. "You could have just texted me or something."
Shocker spun around and blasted at Spider-Man, knocking him out of the air.
"You know, you're becoming a real pain in the ass." Shocker commented. "Let's see how you handle maximum voltage at minimum range."
Shocker aimed his gauntlets at Spider-Man, preparing to fire at him, full force. Spidey slowly picked himself up and leapt out of the way just as the blast was shot off. It left a massive crater in the sidewalk as Spider-Man clung to the wall.
"Those things have got to go." Spidey decided, looking at Shocker and his gauntlets.
Spider-Man watched Shocker line up his shot and saw triggers on the inside of his hands, allowing him to fire the gauntlets. Spidey then leapt off the wall just as Shocker fired.
"Now what's wrong, Shocky?" Spidey taunted. "Last time, you could kick my hide from here to Jersey. Now you can barely get a shot off.
Shocker fired again, but Spider-Man easily dodged the blast. Shocker continued firing at him repeatedly, but each blast was easily dodged by the webhead. Shocker became more and more irritated with each missed shot, wanting nothing more that to nail him.
"Why can't you just die?!" Shocker explained, firing another shot.
"Not sure." Spidey admitted, leaping over the blast. "Maybe it's my natural charm and good looks."
As Spider landed, he shot two webstrands at Shockers gauntlets, wrapping them and his hands in webs, and preventing him from firing again.
"What the-" Shocker let out.
Spider-Man then pulled Shocker in close, performing a backflip kick that knocked off his helmet and knocked him out. Shocker landed on the ground with a thud as Spider-Man webbed him to the street.
"Now you just take a nice long rest." Spidey told him. "The police will be here soon to take you to a nice, cozy prison cell.
…
Sometime later, the police did arrive to cart Shocker off to prison. During that time, Spider-Man changed back into Peter Parker and found Liz and Gwen taking cover in a closet.
"You two ok?" Peter asked.
"Peter!" Liz let out, hugging him.
Peter was admittedly surprised by the hug, which Liz quickly took notice of as she released him. Gwen skipped the hug and went right to slapping Peter across the face.
"Ok, ow." Peter replied.
"What were you thinking, Peter?!" she demanded.
"I thought… I could try and help." Peter tried to reason.
"Well you could have gotten yourself killed!" Gwen snapped.
"Sorry." Peter responded. "I didn't mean to worry you."
Gwen just sighed, then hugged Peter.
"Don't do that again." she told him.
"Deal." Peter confirmed.
…
That Friday, Liz went in for her make-up test. When she came out, she immediately hunted down Peter.
"I got a B-!" she cheered, throwing her arms around him. "Thank you, Peter!"
"Hehe, happy to help." Peter replied.
The two pull apart and stand in silence for a moment.
"Hey," Flash's voice called out, causing the two to break apart quickly. "You done messing with puny Parker yet? We've got places to go."
"Uh…" Liz replied, pausing for a moment. "Yeah, sure Flash."
She and Flash walked off together, leaving Peter behind in the hallway. Gwen and Harry came up next to him.
"Tough break, Pete." Harry lamented. "Unfortunately we lowly nerds will never truly earn the respect of the elusive cheerleader."
"Yeah." Peter agreed. "But, I tried. She pushed away, sure. But at least she was able to learn something from this. I'd call that a win."
I gotta wonder if I was trying to convince Harry or myself. Either way, things between me and Liz wouldn't stop there, and I didn't know it at the time, but there were a few other things being set into motion that day.
…
Back at the hanger, Toomes read the paper about Shockers arrest. He tossed the paper aside in frustration.
"Great." Toomes let out. "They got him."
"Fortunately, he said he operated alone." Mason reassured. "Stole the suit and everything. Nothing to trace him back to us. And we still have the money to modify what we have."
"It's a start to be sure." Toomes agreed, walking over to the tarp covered project. "But we're gonna need a lot more if we're gonna survive."
Toomes then threw off the tarp, revealing the massive metal wings attached to a flight harness underneath.
"And I think it's time Norman Osborn gave us a hand with that."
