A meteorite was heading straight towards Earth and soon entered the atmosphere. It began to hurtle down towards the American continent, but fortunately, it was only a small. Within moments, it hit the ground, creating quite a large crater.

In the centre of this crater was the meteorite, which was as black as pitch, and some strange black liquid was escaping from it.

Avengers Compound

October 16, 16:21 EDT

The Secret Warriors had gathered as they watched Peter and Wanda sparring, but Peter managed to get the upper hand, and she fell on her back.

"I still don't understand why you have to learn hand-to-hand combat," said Wanda as Pete helped her up.

Captain America then approached. "You are possibly the most powerful in this room, Wanda, but you shouldn't rely too much upon your powers. You may face certain situations which require you to get close and face-to-face with your enemy."

"If you say so, Captain," said Wanda, looking unconvinced.

"Okay, next up," said Captain America.

Peter and Wanda rejoined the others as Patriot and Crystal took their place.

"So, how are you finding life here in the Compound?" Peter asked.

"It is certainly nice, but I do wish that I could get out more," said Wanda.

"You know, it's not too late to change your mind about school," Peter pointed out.

"I'm not comfortable with the Xavier Institute," said Wanda. "And it is the only school that really teaches mutants."

"You don't have to wear a sign saying that you're a mutant to school, you know," said Johnny.

"And how do the students react when they discover that I am a mutant, all the teachers for that matter? After all, last I checked, Crystal hasn't shown off her powers to her schoolfriends."

"Most of her school friends are actually Peter's friends," Eli pointed out.

"And Pete's girlfriends already know about what we do here," Johnny added.

Wanda stared at Peter. "You have multiple girlfriends?"

"I only have the one and an ex," said Peter.

"Not to mention a certain cat burglar has a thing for him," said Johnny. "Honestly, how does one guy get so many girls wrapped around his little finger?"

"You really do need to tell us your secret, Pete," said Rick.

"Has it occurred to you guys that he attracts these girls because of his character," Kate pointed out. "I'm you, Johnny. You're super flashy and a bit of a skirt chaser. As for you, Rick, you're a bit of a drifter, plus there's the fact that you are a dropout."

"What about Eli?" Johnny asked.

"He's a bit of a stick in the mud," Kate shrugged.

"Hey!" said Eli.

"I only asked Wanda how she was settling in?" said Peter, rolling his eyes. "I'm starting to wish that I never started the conversation to begin with."

"Recognised: Black Widow 13," said the Compound computer.

The zeta tube then activated, and emerging from it was Black Widow.

"Good, you're all here," she said.

"You've got a mission for us?" Peter asked as Eli and Crystal stopped what they were doing.

"Two hours ago, a meteorite landed within Taos," Black Widow explained as he produced a holographic image of the scene. "SHEILD is already there securing the site, and the scientists are already researching the meteorite."

"So what do you want us to do?" Rick asked.

"I want you to be there as additional security but covert," Black Widow explained.

"So you mean that SHIELD won't know we're there," said Eli.

"Only Director Fury will be the only one aware of your presence," said Black Widow.

"Are you expecting trouble?" Wanda asked.

"I always expect trouble. However, we cannot take the risk that someone might try to steal this asteroid because, as far as we can determine, it is not from the solar system."

"So what does that mean?" Johnny asked.

"It means that asteroid might have some unknown element and a potentially dangerous one," said Peter.

Black Widow nodded. "Which is why SHIELD is not leaving anything to chance."

"Why don't the Avengers or the Fantastic Four help?" Crystal asked.

"Because Dr Richards and the rest of the FF are exploring the microverse today," said Black Widow, looking over at Johnny. "So you won't be on this mission, Johnny."

Johnny sighed. "Oh well, it was bound to happen that I would be called away from a mission."

"As for the Avengers, we don't have the best track record with SHEILD," Black Widow admitted. "Plus, Maria Hill doesn't entirely trust us; she believes that we should be working for SHEILD rather than acting on our own."

"That would put a damper on things," Peter agreed.

"Then let's move out," said Eli.

Talos

October 16, 18:02 MDT

SHEILD certainly had the place completely secured, and it set up a research centre for scientists to examine the meteorite. Maria Hill, Director Fury's second in command, a young woman with short black hair, entered the research tent.

"Do you have anything for me, Doctor?" she asked.

"I can definitely tell you that the meteorite itself is most certainly not from the solar system," he informed her. We can also tell you that the meteorite is incredibly powerful; less than a microgram could cause an explosion to destroy this tent. Fortunately, this stuff does not irradiate unless it is heated."

"So what you're saying is that anyone can carry the equivalent of a nuke with them in their pocket," Hill summarised.

"A daunting for, don't you think?"

"This thing fell into the wrong hands. I don't even want to imagine the damage that could have been caused," said Hill.

"That's not all good; there also appears to be some sort of liquid substance in the very core of this asteroid," the scientist added. "And if I'm reading these results correctly it appears to be moving."

"Are you saying that there is something alive in there?"

"I can't say for certain at the moment," said the scientist, looking at Hill. "Ma'am, I would strongly recommend that we get the Avengers on this if only to add more security."

"No, this is a SHIELD matter," said Maria firmly.

"With all due respect, I think that is a terrible error."

"Your objection is noted, Doctor, but I won't call a bunch of vigilantes. If I were in charge of SHEILD, I would demand the president and the United Nations to have them work for SHEILD."

The Secret Warriors were currently at the perimeter of the SHEILD research station. They observed everything from the top of a cliff several miles away."

"Can't we get any closer?" Crystal asked.

"There's not much in the way of cover, and we can't reveal ourselves to SHEILD," said Patriot.

"I don't even dare let one of my spider bots inside," said Spider-Man.

"So all we can do is just watch and wait?" said Scarlet Witch.

"We don't have any other choice in the matter," said Patriot.

Zabu growled impatiently. Clearly, he was not too happy with the decision.

"I'm with the sabertooth tiger," said A-Bomb. "We should do more than just watch."

"There's not a lot we can do; this is the best vantage position we could find," said Patriot.

"It's a shame we don't know more about what was supposed to be guarding?" said Crystal as she stroked Zabu.

"I hear ya," said Spider-Man. "But we know everything that Black Widows knows."

"Or at least what she is prepared to tell us," said A-Bomb, folding his arms. "Let's not forget she is the world's finest spy. You can bet that she is hiding something."

"She hasn't hidden anything from us during our previous mission, so why should we start doubting her now?" Spider-Man asked.

"We should second-guess a command, not when we're on a mission," Patriot added.

"Besides, nothing may happen, and we're only here as a precaution," said Crystal.

At that moment, they heard an explosion coming from the research site.

A-Bomb looked at Crystal. "You just have to say it, didn't you?"

"What's going on?" Hawkeye asked.

Through his binoculars, Patriot saw several men resembling beekeepers attacking the SHIELD agents.

"It's AIM; they are engaging the SHIELD personnel," Patriot reported.

"Any sign of MODOK?" Spider-Man asked.

"No, he doesn't seem to be there, but I can see the Scientist Supreme. Looks like whatever that asteroid is, they want it bad."

"Who is this Scientist Supreme?" Hawkeye asked.

"Monica Rappaccini," said Patriot. "She used to be a world-renowned scientist but came to the conclusion that the world was corrupt and then joined AIM. She then rose through the ranks and began Scientist Supreme, basically MODOK's second-in-command."

"If she's here, that means that this asteroid is certainly bad news," said Spider-Man.

"I take it that we can jump in now?" A-Bomb assumed.

"We can't let that asteroid fall into the wrong hands, especially AIMs," Patriot agreed.

"Then let's not waste any time and get in there," said Spider-Man.

They then quickly boarded the Quinjet and immediately made their way over to the research station.

Hill was busy coordinating her agents to fend off against AIM as they were slowly advancing towards them.

"Blasted terrorists," she cursed.

Then, she saw Monica Rappaccini stepping out of the smoke. She was wearing green armour and launched some wires from her agents, immediately electrocuting them.

"We need to secure the asteroid sample," she ordered her men. "Nothing else matters."

Hill immediately grabbed her radio and tried to contact the Helicarrier.

"This is Maria Hill; we're under attack by AIM!" she yelled. "Requesting reinforcements! I repeat, we need reinforcements!"

Unfortunately, all she got was static, and then suddenly, an energy blast shot right past her. She quickly turned and saw Monica approaching her.

"Give me some credit, Commander Hill," she said. "I jammed all frequencies before launching the attack. I'm afraid there won't be getting any kind of reinforcements."

However, they suddenly heard the sound of an aircraft and looked up to see a Qunijet hovering above them.

"The Avengers?!" Monica, stunned, looked at Maria. "I'm shocked that you would call them."

Hill, too, was surprised by the sudden appearance of the Qunijet. "How did they get here so fast?"

Then suddenly, jumping out of the Qunijet with the Secret Warriors, who instantly jumped right into action. Hawkeye landed one of the tents and immediately fired some explosive arrows at the AIM agents. A-Bomb rolled into a ball and instantly took out one of their tanks.

"Those aren't the Avengers?" said Maria stunned.

"Children?" said Monica, looking outraged. "They said children to deal with me!"

She was then suddenly struck by Patriot's shield, knocking her away from Hill. Spider-Man suddenly jumped in and fired some webbing, which strapped her arms together.

"I would underestimate us children; we have a very good track record," said Spider-Man as he landed on the crate.

Hill saw a sabertooth tiger knocking down AIM agents and Crystal and Scarlet Witch using their powers to blow away another group.

Hill decided to use this opportunity and immediately made her way to the research tent.

Monica glared at the young heroes. "So, the Avengers can be bothered to show themselves and send children to do their dirty work?"

"Says the woman, who doesn't mind doing the dirty work for MODOK," said Patriot as he retrieved his shield.

"Our work is important, unlike yours," she said, firing a laser to cut through the webbing. "I do not have time for these distractions."

"Well, you're going to have to make time," said Spider-Man.

Meanwhile, Hill had just reached the research tent and saw that the doctor was packing everything.

"What are you doing, Doctor?" Hill asked.

"What does it look like I'm packing," he said.

Hill then aimed her pistol directly at him. "You're not going anywhere, Doctor."

"Are you crazy?!" he yelled. "AIM is setting the place ablaze; we have to get out of here with all the precious data."

Hill narrowed her eyes. "I find it suspicious that AIM attacked us 24 hours after we set up shop here."

"They probably knew about the asteroid and figured that we were researching it," said the doctor.

"True, but how do they manage to penetrate defences so quickly? We didn't even get a warning that they were approaching and took us completely by surprise."

"AIM is filled with first-class scientists; it would be child's play for them to bypass security codes."

"Especially if someone knew where to look."

"Are you accusing me of being a spy? Also, should you be a bit more suspicious of the timely arrival of these juvenile heroes?"

"Oh, it's clear that the Avengers sent them here, that's true, but they only jumped in after AIM attacked. While I am suspicious of their motives, helping a terrorist organisation is not their style."

"Maybe, but not this proves that I'm a spy," the doctor protested. "Plus, I was the one who suggested contacting the Avengers."

"All so that you can get confirmation that the Avengers would not arrive in time to offer any assistance."

Then suddenly flying through the was Patriot, who crashed into a table. Monica entered the tent a few seconds later, firing lasers at Patriot, but Spider-Man swung in and used his webs to pull him back.

Monica looked at the doctor. "What's taking you so long to get ready, doctor?"

Hill looked to the doctor furiously. "I believe I just got my evidence."

The doctor glared at Monica. "For a scientist, you're not particularly observant."

"And as a spy, you're not a particularly good one," Monica spat back. "You said there would not be any interference from the Avengers."

"And the Avengers didn't arrive, did they? But how was I supposed to know they would send juvenile heroes in their place?"

"Get a room, you two," said Spider-Man.

Spider-Man quickly jumped at Monica, but she created a shield blocking his attack. She sent him backwards, and he crashed into the table where the meteorite was sitting.

"Just get the meteorite, and we can leave," said Monica.

"You're not getting anything," said Hill as he aimed her pistol at the doctor.

However, before she got a chance to fire, Monica fired a laser, destroying it. She was then about to fire a second laser directly at Hill this time, but Patriot struck her with his shield.

The doctor meanwhile quickly made his way to the meteorite, but just as he reached out to it, Spider-Man grabbed his hand.

"I would leave alone if I were you," he said.

"Meddlesome wall-crawler," the doctor growled.

However, suddenly shooting out of the meteorite was some black ooze, which suddenly attached itself to Spider-Man. Everyone immediately stopped when they were doing as they watched the black substance covering him head to toe.

"What's happening?" Hill asked.

"No clue," said Patriot. "Webs, are you all right?"

The black ooze finally calmed down, and Spider-Man stood there with his costume, which was now totally black, and a giant white spider logo on his chest.

"I feel great, better than great, in fact," he said.

He then suddenly launched himself at Monica, moving faster than before. Monica barely had time to operate a force field, but when Spider-Man punched that he had this time, it was so much force that she was sent flying straight out of the tent.

The rest of the Secret Warriors were rounding up the remains of the AIM agents when suddenly Monica came shooting right past them.

"What the?!" A-Bomb stared.

"What was that?" Crystal asked.

Spider-Man suddenly jumped out of the tent and headed straight towards Monica, who just rose to her feet. He then struck her in the face before she had time to do anything else and then finally tossed her into a nearby tank.

"Is something up with Spider-Man?" Scarlet Witch asked.

"You mean besides his sudden costume change?" Hawkeye asked.

A-Bomb quickly grabbed Spider-Man. "Whoa, Webs, calm down. She's beaten."

"Oh, she's not beaten enough," said Spider-Man and then suddenly punched A-Bomb.

A-Bomb found himself lying and went straight into the research tent, landing at the feet of Hill.

"What happened?" he groaned.

Patient went over to help him up. "Well, I'm not quite sure myself."

Hill looked at Spider-Man, who was now attacking every AIM agent in sight, even those who surrendered. The Secret Warriors were busy holding him back, but he was now attacking them.

"He's out of control," said Hill and grabbed her radio. "All agents, this is Commander Maria Hill. You are authorised to use every legal force to bring Spider-Man down."

Patriot stared at her. "What are you doing?"

"Putting an end to a threat," she said without turning her head. "He's a danger to everyone here."

"But he only went out of control after that black stuff jumped him," said Patriot.

"We're not going to let you hurt our friend," said A-Bomb.

"Your friend is now acting like a mad dog, and the best way to deal with them is to put them down," she said coldly.

"Give us a chance to talk him down," said Patriot.

Hill looked at him and narrowed her eyes. "You have five minutes."

Not wanting to waste a single second, Patriot and A-Bomb quickly joined the others.

Hawkeye was firing explosive arrows at Spider-Man, but then her to somersault away as he tossed a crate at her. Scarlet Witch then tried to use her powers to hold him down, but he fired some webbing, tying her up.

Crystal then saw Patriot and A-Bomb approach.

"What's the matter with him?" she asked.

"I don't know, but it looks as if some sort of alien entity is controlling him," said Patriot.

"And he's now wearing it like a suit," A-Bomb added.

"Any idea how we get it off him?" Hawkeye asked.

"I don't know, but we have less than five minutes to calm him down, or Hill is using everything in her arsenal to bring him down," said Patriot.

"Just get out of my way, and no one will get hurt!" Spider-Man yelled.

Zabu rushed in and pounced, but Spider-Man caught him and slammed him into the ground. A-Bomb quickly jumped in front of him and grabbed him. "We don't want to hurt you either, but we can't let you go on a rampage."

Spider-Man then managed to break free from his hold and began spinning him around. "Leave me alone!"

A-Bomb found himself flying, but Scarlet Witch was able to catch him after breaking free from the webs.

"Spider-Man, I know the two of us have just met, but I know enough for you to know what kind of man you are," she said.

"Just like you knew your father?" Spider-Man yelled as he quickly launched into the air at her.

Crystal immediately fired a lightning bolt, sending him to crash into the ground. "Please don't make us do this."

"You're the ones making me do this!" Spider-Man roared.

Patriot quickly moved in for some close-quarters fighting, but he could land a single blow. Spider-Man then dealt him a powerful spin kick, and you only managed to block it with his shield. However, the impact did send him flying into a nearby car, and the moment he hit it, alarms began to sound.

Spider-Man then suddenly yelled in pain, and for a brief moment, they saw the black suit flicker like it was in some sort of agony.

"Did you see that?" Scarlet Witch asked.

"It doesn't appear to like sound," said Crystal.

"Then let's make some noise," said Hawkeye as she pulled out an arrow.

The arrow landed at Spider-Man's feet, unleashing a sonic noise, causing him to scream even louder.

"We're sure this won't kill him?" A-Bomb asked.

"I don't know, but it's all we have to go on," said Patriot.

The two of them then began hitting the nearby cars, causing their car alarms to go off making even more noise. Spider-Man continued to yell in pain as he fell to his knees, clutching his ears.

"Spider-Man, if you're in that, you need to fight back!" Crystal pleaded.

"Remember what your uncle said about responsibility!" Hawkeye yelled.

Their voices apparently reached Spider-Man as he reached for the black ooze and began ripping it off him. Clearly, the alien did not want to detach itself from Spider-Man, but he used all his strength to rip it from his body. Once it was off and heaving, it probably collapsed to the ground, and the ailing began to slither off.

"You won't be going anywhere," said Scarlet Witch.

She then created a magical bubble around the alien trappings inside, preventing it from escaping.

Crystal immediately rushed over to Spider-Man and quickly placed her ear against his heart. She then heard a heartbeat and gave a sigh of relief.

"He's alive," she said relieved.

"Thank goodness," said Patriot.

"You are 30 seconds away from me giving the order to put him down," said Hill as she approached them.

"Nothing like cutting it close," said A-Bomb.

"I should have you all arrested for trespassing on SHIELD property," said Hill.

"We saved you!" Patriot reminded her.

"And Spider-Man nearly killed us all," Hill pointed out.

"He was on an alien influence," said Crystal.

Hill narrowed her eyes at all of them. "You will remain here until this matter is sorted."

The Secret Warriors were stuck at the research site, and Spider-Man was still out cold.

"It would seem as if you kids can't not get into trouble," said a voice.

They looked up and saw Nick Fury approaching them.

"Fury?" said Patriot as he rose to his feet.

Fury looked at Spider-Man. "I understand that Parker will be out for a while."

"Wait, you know his ID?" A-Bomb blinked.

"Superspy," Nick Fury reminded him. "Also, his parents worked for SHIELD, so naturally, I have been keeping my good eye on him."

"Are you here to arrest us?" Hawkeye asked.

"After you save so many lives," said Fury as he raised an eyebrow. "Despite the unfortunate mishap of Spider-Man's rampage, it was clear he was not in full control of his actions."

"What are you going to do with the alien?" Patriot asked.

"It will be researched at the Baxter Building," Fury informed them. "Dr Richards seems to believe that some sort of symbiont, a very aggressive one."

"I'm surprised you're just letting us go," said A-Bomb, folding his arms. "Your second-in-command doesn't seem to have a high opinion of us."

"I have a different opinion for you heroes," said Fury. "Also, to be honest, your desire to save people might easily countermand the need to complete a mission. I'll do everything I can to keep SHIELD off your backs, but I still advise you to tread carefully."

A few moments later, the Secret Warriors were back on the Qunijet and heading back to the Compound.

Spider-Man then began to regain consciousness.

"He's waking up," said Patriot.

Spider-Man rubbed his head. "What happened?"

"I don't really know where to start," said Patriot.

Spider-Man's eyes widened as he remembered what happened. "It wasn't a dream. I was really going to hurt everyone."

"Peter, what happened wasn't your fault," Patriot assured him.

"Whatever that alien was, it brought out my worst instincts," said Spider-Man. "They didn't come from nowhere."

Scarlet Witch looked at Hawkeye, who was flying the Qunijet. "He's taking this pretty hard."

"Can hardly blame him," she said. "I mean, I can't even imagine what he went through."

Maria Hill was born in the year 1984. She joined SHIELD at 18 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming SHIELD's second-in-command.

Nicholas Fury was born in 1973. He joined the Army and soon became a Colonel, taking part in commando missions during the Cold War, where he lost his eyes to the assassin known as the Winter Soldier.

In 1985, he became the director of SHIELD, which gave him the rank of general. He then kept an eye on all dangerous organisations and always considered the big picture of the world at large.