New York City

September 6, 19:20 EDT

At the United Nations, a group of people gathered as two diplomats attempted to sign a peace treaty.

"This is Betty Brant reporting here from the United Nations," said a young woman in her 20s, "where the historic peace summit between East Transia and West Transia has completely broken down. As a last resort, both diplomats have agreed to bring in an independent arbitrator, but who is it? Speculation has run to the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Captain America. Whoever it is should be arriving at any moment."

Spider-Man and the rest of the Secret Warriors were taking positions as their mission today was to protect the diplomats.

"Everyone report in," said Spider-Man.

"I've got a bird's eye view of the area," said Torch.

"All clear on my end," said Patriot.

"I'm good here," said Crystal.

"So how come Hawkeye isn't with us today?" A-Bomb asked.

"Black Widow informed me that she is training with the original Hawkeye," said Spider-Man. "Regardless, we should have enough manpower to protect these diplomats. SHIELD is also on standby, and they suspect that Domino is going to make an appearance."

"Gives us a second chance to catch her," said Torch.

"Protecting the diplomats is the main priority here," said Patriot.

"Guys, our mysterious arbitrator is now making their way over," said Torch.

Sure enough, they could see a limo heading straight towards the United Nations with a security escort.

"The arbitrator has arrived," said Betty.

Patriot then noticed Domino appearing on one of the rooftops with an RPG aiming straight at the limo.

"I have eyes on Domino at Grid Delta; she's aiming at the arbitrator!" Patriot reported.

Torch quickly swooped down and fired a fireball straight at her just as she was about to fire, knocking the RPG out of her hands. This caused the missile to misfire and alerted everyone on the ground; people immediately began to panic as the security forces pulled out their weapons to protect both the arbitrator and the diplomats.

"Did you get that?" Betty asked, looking at her cameraman. "Did you get the shot?"

Torch began firing more fireballs, but Domino quickly jumped off the building and fired a grapple line. She quickly swung towards the square and rushed towards the limo, taking out the security force.

Patriot quickly jumped in, swinging his shield, but she dodged an unusable springboard to get over him. She pulled out a pistol and was stopped when Spider-Man swung in and fired some webbing that wrapped around her.

"We have just witnessed an assassination attempt live," said Betty. "It was, however, thwarted by the time the aid of Patriot and Spider-Man and no one seems to be hurt, including our mystery arbitrator…" Then, everyone's eyes turned towards the limo as the doors opened. A massive baldheaded man was stepping in, and no one was more surprised than Spider-Man. "…Wilson Fisk?"

"You've got to be kidding me," said Spider-Man, stunned.

A few moments later, Domino was forced into a police car, leaving Spider-Man and Patriot with Wilson Fisk.

"I do appreciate the two of you saving my life," said Fisk.

"We were only doing our duty, Mr Fisk," said Patriot.

"Let's be clear, Fisk, you may have everyone else fooled, but I know who you are," said Spider-Man, narrowing his eyes.

Patriot looked at him confused, but Fisk merely smiled.

"We don't have to like each other, Spider-Man, but for once, our goals are aligned," said Fisk.

"We should meet up with the others," said Patriot.

Spider-Man narrowed his eyes at Fisk, and they walked away.

They soon met up with the others on a rooftop.

"Just what is your beef with Wilson Fisk?" A-Bomb asked. "He's a well-worn philanthropist who donated money to charity work."

"Which is all a cover," said Spider-Man, folding his arms. "In reality, he controls the underworld; every single criminal gang works under him or is afraid of him. In the underworld, they nicknamed him the Kingpin of Crime."

Patriot looked at him, stunned. "I've heard of the Kingpin, but that was him."

"If he's as big as bad a criminal as you say, how come SHIELD or the Avengers happened to take him down?" Torch asked.

"SHIELD mostly deals with terrorist threats like HYRDA and AIM, and the Avengers deal with the big bad super villains," Spider-Man explained. "I, on the other hand, don't only take down supervillains but also the common criminal, and it's true that I learned about the existence of the Kingpin. Both me and Daredevil have been trying to take him down for years, but he's too good to leave any kind of evidence."

"Do you think someone is trying to eliminate him because he's the Kingpin or because they want this war to continue?" Patriot asked.

"Could be both; kill two birds with one stone," said Spider-Man.

"But we have to protect him; he's our best shot at maintaining peace if both sides trust him," said Crystal.

"They'll were increased security, but that's no guarantee they won't try again," said Patriot. "We should start by questioning Domino; she may know more."

"We won't be able to get to her until tomorrow because both me and Crystal won't be available then," said Spider-Man.

"Why is that?" A-Bomb asked.

"We've got school in the morning," Spider-Man reminded him.

Avengers Compound

September 7, 6:41 EDT

Crystal was making her way to the Zeta Tubes, now dressed for school and carrying her lunch.

"You got everything you need?" Johnny asked.

"Yep, I'm just sorry I won't be able to help the rest of you with the mission until later tonight," said Crystal.

"School is very important," said Eli, turning to Rick, "though not many of us seem to agree on that."

"So you better meet up with Pete on the other side?" Rick asked.

Crystal nodded. "I am very nervous."

"By the way, have you come up with a name?" Patriot asked.

"What's wrong with Crystal?" Crystal frowned.

"Nothing, it's just that you're going to need a last name as well," said Johnny.

Crystal pondered for a bit. "How about Crystal Amaquelin?"

"A bit of a mouthful and not exactly a common surname," said Rick.

"I think it's perfect," said Johnny. "I mean, didn't we put down in her papers that she moved from another country?"

"It will do," said Eil.

"Then I'm off to school," she said, smiling.

"Recognised… Crystal B05," said the computer.

New York City

September 7, 7:04 EDT

Patriot was now questioning Domino in the police station while the others guarded Fisk.

"She's been very quiet ever since we brought her in," said Captain Stacy as he led Patriot to the cellblock.

"I'm surprised that SHIELD hasn't taken off your hands," said Patriot.

"As am I, but Wilson Fisk has convinced them not to move until you question her," he explained. "I'll be just outside in case you need anything."

Patriot nodded and entered the cellblock, where he saw Domino doing some stretches.

"I was wondering when one of your heroes was going to show," she smiled.

"I'm here for answers," said Patriot. "For starters, I doubt that the Yakuza would hire a hit on Wilson Fisk or try to stop the peace summit. I'm guessing this time your employers are completely different."

"Aren't you the smart one," Domino smirked. "But sadly, I'm not telling you; it would damage my reputation if I told you my employer."

"In my experience, mercenaries are only loyal to one thing: money," said Patriot.

"True, but I very much doubt you have the kind of cash needed to outpay my current employer. By the way, where are your little friends? They're all fun to play with, especially archery girl; I like her."

"You're here to answer my questions, not the other way round," said Patriot, folding his arms.

Domino smirked. "You really should have brought a few of your friends along, especially the web-slinging."

She then instantly ducked down, and Patriot realised too late was going to happen.

"Oh no," he said.

A split second later, the wall behind Domino's cell exploded, sending Patriot flying across the room. An alarm sounded, and Domino coughed from the smoke as Taskmaster appeared inside a combat helicopter.

Domino looks furious at her saviour. "It had to be you!"

"Beggars can't be chosen, little girl," he said. "Coming?"

Domino then quickly jumped onto the helicopter, and it took off.

Captain Stacy immediately rushed in and helped Patriot up. "What happened?"

"It seems our prisoner is in cahoots with Taskmaster," Patriot groaned.

"Taskmaster, this had to happen when the Avengers on the other side of the world were dealing with the typhoon," Captain Stacy groaned and pulled out a radio. "I want all units to track down that helicopter."

"I wouldn't bother. They'll be ditching it the moment they clear," said Patriot. "If Spider-Man was, he would have placed a trace or swung after them."

"Yes, shame it's a school day," Captain Stacy agreed.

Patriot blinked and looked at him. "What did you say?"

"Oh, nothing," he said as he walked away.

Meanwhile, at Midtown High, Crystal was on the back of Peter's motorcycle as they started their first day at school.

"Place looks different in the daytime," said Crystal as she removed her helmet.

"Hopefully, there won't be a supervillain attack," said Peter as he pulled the stand down.

"Hey, Tiger!" MJ's voice cheered as he rushed over to them.

"Hey, MJ," he said.

MJ looked at Crystal and Peter with a small smile. "You know any normal girlfriend would be furious that you bought another beautiful girl to school. It's a good thing that I know she is your teammate and nothing more."

Crystal stared at her. "Wait, you know Peter's side job?"

"Yes, and he's told me all about you, Crystal," she said, holding out her hand. "Mary Jane Watson, but you can just call me MJ."

"Nice to meet you, MJ," said Crystal, shaking her hand.

"Yo, Pete, have you been holding out on us?" said a voice.

Crystal saw a group of people approaching. First was a young man with red hair, and next to him was a beautiful girl with short blond hair. At the back was an African-American young man loaded with muscle and his arms around a girl with long black hair.

"How is it that so many beautiful girls seem to be attracted to you?" the blonde-haired girl smiled.

"Guys, let me introduce you to Crystal Amaquelin. She just came from overseas," said Peter. "Crystal, these are my friends Harry Osborn, Gwen Stacy, Luke Cage and Jessica Jones."

"That's an unusual name," said Luke.

Jessica elbowed him. "Ignore my boyfriend, Crystal. It's nice to meet you."

"Thanks, and it's nice to see that Peter has good friends," Crystal smiled.

"And you're about to see Peter's enemies," said MJ.

Crystal looked around and saw another group approaching them. Among them were three boys who looked as if they were part of the football team and three cheerleaders.

The leader of this group was a handsome blond-haired young man who stepped forward. "This is a shocker. Puny Parker is arriving on time."

"Leave him alone, Flash," said Gwen.

"Seriously, I can't understand why any of you are hanging around with the King of the Geeks," said the black-haired cheerleader.

"Maybe because he's got a winning personality," said MJ.

"Who's the hot chick?" said the most muscular young man at them all.

"Uh, Crystal, I'm a friend of Peter's," she said.

The black-haired cheerleader then stepped forward. "Name's Sally, Sally Avril, and do yourself a favour and join us if you know what's good for you."

"Why?" Crystal frowned.

"Because with the popular crowd, babe," said Flash. "The name is Eugene 'Flash' Thompson, but you can call me Flash. The big guy is Kenny McFarlane, but we call him Kong. And lastly, Randy Robertson."

"Yo," said Randy, who was an African-American, giving a small way.

Flash then began to introduce the girls. "Sally, you know…" He then gestured to a black-skinned young woman. "…that over there is Glory Grant." He then placed his arm over the blonde-haired cheerleader. "…and this is my girl Liz Allen."

"Nice to meet you, but I'll stick with Peter and his group. They seem to be a lot of fun," said Crystal.

"Girl's got taste," MJ smirked.

"This cannot be happening," said Sally in frustration. "Gwen and Harry were bad enough, but then Luke and Jessica and then he started the day the hottest girl in school now this. How can such a loser attract people who should be in the popular crowd?"

"Hey, you can't talk to my boyfriend about that," MJ glared.

"Sally, not exactly making the best first impression to the new girl," Glory pointed out.

"We got to get moving anyhow. Class is about to start soon," said Randy.

"Yeah, let's get out of here before we catch loseritis," Flash laughed as they walked off.

"They seemed nice," said Crystal.

"In fairness, both Randy and Gloria are all right, and Liz has started to come around," said Peter.

"Only because she has a small crush on you, Tiger," MJ smirked.

"And she's not the only one; I had a crush on him as well," said Jessica. Then, she quickly smiled at Luke, who stared at her. "That was until I met you, handsome."

"You can't blame her, Luke, me and Peter used to be a thing as well," said Gwen.

Crystal looked at the three girls. "Is there anyone who doesn't have a crush on Peter?"

Peter blushed. "What can I say? I have this attraction?"

"Funny that attraction only happened three years ago when you stopped wearing glasses," said Harry.

"Come on, guys, let's get to class," said Pete abruptly.

Patriot soon returned to Fisk's penthouse, where Torch and A-Bomb protected him.

"I hear the assassin has escaped under your watch," said Fisk.

"She had help from Taskmaster," said Patriot.

"Both Domino and Taskmaster," said Torch and then looked at Fisk. "You must have some pretty dangerous enemies."

"Comes with the job," said Fisk.

"As a philanthropist or a crime boss?" A-Bomb asked, folding his arms.

Fisk gave a small smile. "I take it that Spider-Man told that."

"Don't try to deny it," said A-Bomb. "We trust Spidey's words over yours."

"It's true I do control the city's criminal underworld, but I do keep a tight control over the crime bosses," said Fisk as he poured himself a drink. "If something were to happen to me, the crime bosses would fight amongst themselves, and this entire city would become a war zone. Despite what Spider-Man and Daredevil believe, I am doing the city service."

"Like we believe that," said Torch.

"Believe what you will, but I am here to negotiate a peace treaty," said Fisk.

Patriot narrowed his eyes. "After what Spider-Man told me about you, I did some background information and discovered that your company is selling weapons to both sides. You're profiteering on this war!"

"War income is pocket change compared to the billions made in investing in a peaceful and united Transia. And is it better to have peace, even if the Kingpin of Crime profits from it?"

"Remind me, why we're protecting this guy?" Torch asked.

Patriot clenched his fist. "Because he's right, peace is the main goal at this summit, and that's the reason why we're here."

"Both diplomats have agreed to discuss a peace summit here in Fisk Tower tonight, which will no doubt be the perfect chance for our assassin to try and eliminate me," said Fisk as he drank from his glass.

"By tonight, our numbers will have increased," said A-Bomb.

"And SHIELD will be sending some of their agents to assist with security," said Patriot.

"Is there a chance we could encounter more assassins other than Domino and Taskmaster?" Torch asked

"I would say the outcome is very likely," said Patriot.

"Then it's a very good job that I have excellent security," Fisk smiled.

It was now lunchtime at Midtown High, and Crystal was sitting with MJ and Gwen.

"I still find it hard to believe that the two of you dated the same guy and are still friends," said Crystal, astonished.

"Surprised us too," said Gwen.

"And the two of you both know about Peter's nighttime life?" Crystal asked curiously.

"Yep," the two girls nodded.

"Sadly, that's the main reason why both me and Pete broke up," Gwen admitted. "Dad thinks Pete is a great guy in and out of costume, but he's still overprotective and doesn't think it's safe for me to date a superhero."

"Your dad?" Crystal blinked.

"My dad is a police captain and one of few good cops in the police," said Gwen. "He pretty much knew Peter's identity when he first started his hero career but kept it quiet. However, when both Pete and I started dating, he made it abundantly clear that while he supported Peter, he felt that it was too dangerous for me."

Crystal then looked at MJ. "And you're not at all worried?"

"I'm no stranger to a little danger," MJ smiled.

"So, how did you discover Pete's identity?"

"On the night his uncle died," said MJ sadly. "I was staying with my aunt, who was Peter's next-door neighbour, and when I looked out the window, I saw Spider-Man climbing out of his bedroom window. It didn't take me long to figure out who he was."

"Both Peter's Aunt May and MJ's Aunt Anna had been trying to get the two of them together," Gwen smiled. "But Peter kept on missing their dates. It wasn't until the end-of-term dance in July that Peter first saw our MJ here."

"And we've been together since," MJ smiled.

"And I can be more than happy that Peter finally found someone," said Gwen.

Later that night, Spider-Man and Crystal managed to make it to Fisk Tower, where Fisk attempted to convince the diplomats to agree to the peace treaty.

"Still can't believe we have to guard Fisk," said Spider-Man.

"I don't like it either, but he's not wrong about maintaining the peace," said Patriot.

Spider-Man looked at Fisk, narrowing his eyes.

"Unification is unthinkable!" said the diplomat from East Transia.

"We no longer have anything in common," said the diplomat from West Transia.

"Gentlemen, this is mere rhetoric; the fact that two of you disagree on unification means that at least the two of you agree upon something," said Fisk. "Besides, despite your differences, you still appreciate many things, like your text in classical music."

He then gestured to the orchestra that was playing, and then Patriot noticed one of the waitresses serving drinks and wearing quite a lot of make-up.

"That's far enough," he said as he blocked her path, "Domino."

Everyone immediately gasped, and Spider-Man quickly positioned himself behind her. She then quickly tossed the tray she was holding at Patriot, who used his shield to block it and quickly pulled out a pistol, aiming it at Spider-Man, who quickly somersaulted backwards to avoid getting shot.

She quickly aimed her pistol at Fisk and fired, but A-Bomb jumped out in front of him and used his armour to block the shot. Torch flew in, dropping Crystal onto the ground, and A-Bomb jumped in to join them.

"It's over, Domino," said A-Bomb.

"You would think so?" she smiled.

Then suddenly, an explosion shattered the window, and a helicopter appeared inside with Taskmaster and a number of masked men.

The SHIELD agents, the security forces that had gathered, quickly engaged the assassins.

"Johnny and Crystal with me; we're going to take on Taskmaster. The rest of you deal with Domino," Spider-Man ordered.

A-Bomb and Patriot quickly charged at Domino, who quickly somersaulted backwards and fired her pistols. However, her bullet merely bounced off A-Bomb's arm and Patriot's shield.

A few SHIELD agents attacked Taskmaster, but he easily dodged them and took them out. However, he quickly jumped back to avoid it and was blasted by Torch's fireballs. Crystal then blasted him with a powerful gust of wind, and Spider-Man quickly moved in with an axe kick, but he dodged it along with the jab he swung.

He quickly drew his sword and swung it at Spider-Man, who quickly leaned back to avoid getting hit. He quickly pulled out the shield to block the fireball from Torch and spun away to avoid being electrocuted by Crystal's lightning.

A-Bomb swung his fist at Domino, who quickly backed away from him. Patriot quickly moved in behind and swung his shield, but she somersaulted and used the shield as a springboard to launch a powerful kick at A-Bomb.

"You know, forgotten how much fun you heroes are," she smiled.

"You won't be getting away from us a second time," said A-Bomb.

Domino smirked. "Oh, you think so?"

Taskmaster tossed his shield, striking Torch, knocking him to the ground, and then dealt a spinning kick to Crystal, knocking her out. He then soon dealt hand-to-hand combat with Spider-Man, but the two of them were finding it incredibly difficult to land a blow on either of them.

Domino was now kicking Patriot back but quickly performed an impressive somersault to avoid A-Bomb's fist. She then fired even more shots in midair from her pistols, but the two of them were able to block.

Spider-Man and Taskmaster were still fighting, but neither of them were landing blows.

"Impressive, kid," said Taskmaster. "I think this is the longest I've ever fought against someone without dealing any kind of blow. There again, you are possibly the most agile hero I've ever faced."

"You can keep the flattery," said Spider-Man as he raised his fists.

"You know it's not too late for you to join up with me; you would make quite the apprentice."

"Yeah, no, I have this thing for not working with a guy with a skull for a face."

Spider-Man quickly fired some webbing, but Taskmaster cut through them with his blade. However, it was then shot in the back by a blast of water from Crystal. He soon found himself skidding towards Domino, and the two of them found themselves surrounded by the heroes.

Domino quickly pulled out a smoke bomb and dropped it on the ground. It was so powerful that it practically filled the room, and all the heroes began coughing as they tried to breathe.

One of the assassins then shot out from the smoke, heading straight towards the diplomats, but he was then grabbed by Fisk, who then slammed him into the ground.

When the smoke finally cleared, there was no sign of either Domino or Taskmaster.

The diplomats were relieved and soon began shaking hands with Fisk.

"That was very impressive."

"We owe you our lives, sir."

"They owe him their lives?" A-Bomb grumbled.

An hour later, the peace summit continued, and both diplomats agreed to a peace agreement.

"Quite a coup for Wilson Fisk," said Betty as she reported. "Under his leadership, both East and West Transia are signing a treaty which could eventually lead to reunification."

The Secret Warriors then left Fisk Tower.

"I can't believe we did a solid for Wilson Fisk," said Spider-Man.

"Not for Fisk for peace," Patriot corrected. "Beyond that, if these assassins wanted to sabotage the summit, the signing of the treaty renders the contract mute."

"Still doesn't sit right that we helped the Kingpin," said A-Bomb.

"I know how you feel, man; the Fantastic Four feel the same way with Doctor Doom," said Torch.

"I'm just glad it's all over now," said Crystal. "It's still a shame that Domino and Taskmaster escaped, though."

"I have a feeling this is not the last we'll see of them," said Spider-Man. "We'll have other chances in capturing them."

It was now morning, and Fisk was pouring two glasses.

"That went well," he said. "After saving their lives, both diplomats were more than generous in signing the treaty. Our plan to ensure the eventual reunification of Transia under Fisk Industries' political and economic guidance is a success."

He then handed the drink over to Taskmaster, and the two of them were toasted.

"And another country has fallen to the Cabel," he said.

Mary Jane Watson was born in 1993 to Philip and Madeline Watson. She has an older sister named Gayle. Her father was a writer who married her mother very young, but when he was unable to write, it took out his frustration on his family. Eventually, her mother had enough, and they left, staying with her Aunt Anna for a while.

Her sister also got married straight out of high school and had two sons, but her husband abandoned her when she had her second child, unable to handle the stress of being both a college student and a father. Watching both her mother and sister give up their dreams, Mary Jane ran away from home shortly after their mother died and lived with her Aunt Anna.

Wilson Fisk, more commonly known in the underworld as the Kingpin, was born in 1975. He was often bullied because of his obesity, but the local crime boss saw his potential and hired him on as a bodyguard. However, he quickly proved that he was a businessman, turned on his mentor, and controlled his business.

Due to his size and weight, he has incredible strength, and his fighting ability has increased after spending time in Japan and learning the art of sumo.