Spider-Man: Destiny - Year 1
Chapter 11: Break Free
…
The burglar aimed and fired his gun at Peter, who dodged the first shot and jumped from the ceiling, avoiding the second one. Peter punched the burglar across the face mid-air, causing them both to stumble on the ground. Peter got up, grabbed the burglar, and threw him across the room. The burglar collided with the debilitating wall, collapsing part of it. As the burglar got back up, Peter shot a web at this chest and yanked him over, with Peter proceeding to slam him into the ground. The burglar kicked Peter off and swung his knife at Peter, who dodged two swings. The burglar went for a third swing, but Peter kicked his arm, knocking the knife aside. The burglar got up and pulled out his gun, only for Peter to grab his arm. As the two struggled, a gunshot fired into the ceiling and Peter jammed his elbow into the burglar's arm, causing him to drop the gun in pain.
"GAHHH! Son of a bitch!" the burglar cursed.
Peter yelled and punched the burglar in the gut, doubling him over as he started heavily breathing for air.
"You killed him. YOU KILLED HIM!" Peter raged as he kicked the burglar in the side.
Peter then grabbed the burglar and pinned him against the window, cracking it. The light from outside revealed the burglar's bruised, familiar face. The face of the guy Peter had let go.
"And you're gonna pay," Peter growled.
Peter threw the burglar to the ground and stomped on his knee.
"AHHHHHH! YOU LITTLE-" the burglar started to yell.
Peter punched the burglar across the face before picking him back up. He then uppercutted the burglar into a nearby table, smashing through it. The burglar coughed as he felt his bleeding nose and mouth. Peter grabbed a broken table leg, its end splintered into a snagged spike. He slowly approached the burglar.
"No! Pl-please! C'mon, man, s-seriously! Please! Don't kill me!" the burglar cried.
"Shut up! Only thing I want to hear is your screams," Peter coldly declared, getting closer to the burglar.
"Oh, Christ! God, no," the burglar started to murmur as he held his non-broken arm over his head.
Gritting his teeth, Peter raised the spike. He looked at the battered and crying burglar. Shivering on the ground, the burglar cradled up. Peter heavily panted as he tried to force himself into it. Yelling, Peter further raised the spike and plunged it into the ground in front of the burglar, prompting him to scream. Peter pulled the spike back up and aimed it at the burglar to silence him. As Peter's hands started to tremble on the spike, he looked at the reflection of himself from the cracked window. The small amount of blood splattered on Peter's stitched-together mask and suit. The spike in his hand. Peter raised the pike again and tried to force himself. He kept slowly raising or descending the spike, and fifteen more seconds passed.
"GAHHHHHH!" Peter yelled in pure rage as he threw the spike across the room.
The burglar was heavily breathing faster than he already was. Panting, Peter stepped back. He took a deep breathe until he could start hearing sirens. Peter looked through the cracked window and saw red and blue lights shining in the distance. Peter quickly webbed down the burglar and ran to the next room, locking the door. He shot a web at the window and yanked it apart, jumping out of it. Swinging away, Peter could only hear the commotion of the police.
"Where is he? Hold up, he's up there!"
"On the fourth floor!"
"NYPD! Stand down!"
Eventually, Captain Stacy and two cops burst into a room and found the severely brutalized burglar lying on the ground.
"Th-thank God! That freakin' psycho," the burglar groaned.
Captain Stacy picked the burglar up and handcuffed him, causing him to wince. "Shut up. You've hurt enough people already."
Meanwhile, Silver Sable had been watching the whole scene through her binoculars from the top of a nearby building. As she took them off, Sable's eyes conveyed nothing but shock.
…
Back in his regular clothes, Peter opened the door and walked into his house. Aunt May came from the kitchen and hugged her nephew.
"My God, Peter. You okay?" Aunt May asked.
"Yeah, don't worry. You get my text earlier?" Peter said.
Aunt May nodded. "Yeah. Hope that walk cleared your mind."
"Definitely did."
Aunt May sighed and put her hand to her forehead. "Captain Stacy called. Apparently, the killer got beaten down by someone before the police got him. His name is Dennis Carradine, and he's already been transported to the station."
Peter groaned. "God. I mean, I'm glad they caught the guy. But man."
"Doesn't make you feel better, doesn't it?"
"Not really. I mean, better in the sense that he's locked up and can't hurt anyone else. But… I don't know. Even after that, I'm not feeling any better. And it obviously doesn't change anything with Uncle Ben."
"I understand. I'll be honest, I really expected to feel a lot more vindicated. I mean, that's my husband and your uncle, and that bastard just took him from us. I—we should feel better, but…."
Aunt May sighed, and Peter just stood there in silence.
"It's all good, May. Really," Peter tried to assure.
"No, I know. You're right," Aunt May replied. "To change the subject quickly, we haven't figured out what we're doing for Thanksgiving yet."
"Oh. Right."
"Honestly, I'll just buy a turkey. And some mashed potatoes, gravy, and corn. We'll have our own little Thanksgiving dinner."
"Sounds like a plan. I'm probably gonna get some shuteye, May. I'm super exhausted."
"For sure. Good night, Peter."
"Night, May."
Peter walked up to his room, collapsing in his bed. He looked at a framed picture of himself, Uncle Ben, and Aunt May on his desk. Tearing up, Peter stared at the ceiling before looking at his bruised knuckles. It wasn't long before his vision started to fade and completely blacken.
…
Peter woke up the next day after noon, still feeling a little tired. He tried to go back to sleep for five minutes, but was unable to. Peter checked the time on his phone, and it was 1:20. There was also a text from Aunt May.
AUNT MAY: Have some errands to run today. Should be back around 6. Love you!
Peter sighed, putting the phone down. Peter closed his eyes, trying to sleep.
"Only thing I want to hear is your screams"
Peter stuffed his head underneath his pillow.
…
On the evening of Thanksgiving, Norman sat on the couch in his office, watching his TV. Specifically, it was a footage compilation of the spider vigilante, consisting of the news and phone footage. Different clips of the vigilante swinging around and fighting.
Eventually, Harry came into the office. "Dad! Bernard said dinner's ready!"
"Alright, I'll be there in a bit," Norman responded, keeping his eyes on the footage.
"Dad, you've been in here for the past hour. It's Thanksgiving, could we all maybe hang out a bit more?" Harry asked.
"Harry, you know it's not that I don't want to. But when it comes to the business and also getting to the bottom of certain things, it's not like I can just turn away."
"I get that, dad. But mom really wants us all together for tonight. And Bernard actually made some really good food. I know you're busy, but is it okay if we just eat now?"
"Okay. If it lowers your guys' anxiety. But I'm telling you, business doesn't ever stop."
"I mean, you know what they say about family coming first."
"Exactly why I have to do what I do to provide for our stability. Believe me, son. I promise you'll understand better as you get older," Norman stated, opening the door.
"I bet," Harry muttered, following his dad to the dining room.
The dining table was stacked with fancy food, specifically roasted turkey with a crispy, golden skin; truffle-infused mashed potatoes; cheesy garlic bread; and a savory stuffing made with celery and chestnuts. Water and alcohol was also stacked out. Emily was already waiting in one of the seats.
"Bernard really delivered, even for him," Emily admitted.
"Yep. Man knows how to cook," Harry agreed.
"The food looks delicious. Time for us to enjoy our Thanksgiving together," Norman declared.
Emily started putting food on her plate. "Absolutely. Nothing like a lovely family dinner."
Norman took a sip of wine. "Yep. Lovely."
…
It was early December, and Peter was sitting on a couch in the school library after classes were done. It was only 4:30, but the windows showed it was already dark out. Peter ate a tuna salad sandwich from Jazzies, and scrolled through his phone, reading more articles on the vigilante and the war.
Gang War Shootouts Stop after a Month: A Sign of Peace or Looming Terror?
New York City Loves (and hates) the Mysterious Spider Fighter!
Influencer and Podcaster Danika Hart Releases First Episode Discussing New York's new (in)famous vigilante in "The Danikast."
Peter immediately went on YouTube, looking up the podcast and finding the episode. He started listening through his earbuds.
"Hey, fam! New episode of The Danikast here, by your favorite host, Danika Hart! On today's episode, we'll continue to touch upon the gang shootouts and why they've ceased lately. But before that, let's take the time to discuss one of the mysterious figures involved. That spider vigilante or whatever he calls himself, he's been spotted swinging around and beating up criminals or getting involved with sketchy figures and some pretty massive incidents. There was the battle at the Blood Rose nightclub, and a few eyewitnesses even reported spotting him miles from that explosion underneath Brooklyn!" Danika rambled on her podcast.
"Great," Peter sighed.
"Now, if you ask anyone in New York, they'll either love or hate the guy. Or be completely indifferent. Either way, one has to wonder why he's doin' all this. Is he seeking some sort of revenge? Is he trying to relieve himself of his own guilt? Or is he just doin' it for fun? The thrill of being a superhero? Maybe it's all of the above. Maybe it's none of that. Regardless, he's definitely controversial, to say the least. A lot of the people love him for beatin' up the bad guys, helping put them in jail. But then others think he's got a hidden role in this massive gang war. Is he an informant? Or is he tryin' to stop them?"
Peter continued to listen as he just sat back on the couch, thinking.
"And the guy's never killed, but I've gotten a few reports of his victims being quite brutalized. Is he just some guy in a suit, or is he another metahuman? And we can speculate all we want about how he might've gotten super powers, or if he's working for anyone. But I'm just left here wondering why the hell he's doing all this. Again, is he trying to honor someone or the city? Does he feel some obligation towards barricading it? Was there some vendetta and is he gonna continue beyond that? Or… well, mental instability wouldn't be completely out of the question at this point." Danika stated.
…
A few nights later at around 10:30, Captain Stacy and Officer Jean DeWolff were eating in a booth at an empty diner. Captain Stacy enjoyed a cheeseburger and fries while DeWolff ate scrambled eggs, sausages, and bacon with sriracha sauce on top and toast.
"Thank God the shootouts have stopped. But I'm just hoping this isn't a 'calm before the storm' situation," DeWolff stated.
Captain Stacy sighed. "I don't know. I mean, you pretty much learn to expect anything in this field. But I'm just hoping Lord has some mercy because I haven't seen a gang war like this in a little while."
"And not to be that gal, but I feel like we definitely haven't gotten as much backup as we should've at points."
"We definitely haven't. And don't get me wrong, I get that officers are always busy."
"Yeah, I mean, I haven't even been able to show up to every incident. Sucks when you're preoccupied with… well, you told me not to phrase it as less severe crimes."
"Yeah, they're all worth attending to, but I get what you're saying. When we're not getting all the support we need at points, there's only so much we can do to stop those assholes from shooting at each other. A lot of outlets are commenting on how the minimization of civilian casualties compared to past conflicts is a miracle. But to me, why does it have to happen at all?"
DeWolff nodded. "You're absolutely right. And I don't want to make things worse… but you've mentioned suspicions of police corruption in the past."
Captain Stacy put down his burger. "I wish they were suspicions. And I wish even more that I could do something about it."
"What's stopping you?"
"Being in the position I am, I wish I could just take every rat out there and just throw them straight in the slammer. Purge out the whole force. But the amount of evidence and digging I'd have to do with the workload I got already. And the amount of help I'd need for that. It's a difficult to near-impossible task to find even a few cops willing to try and put their lives on the line to look into this. And that's another unfortunate factor. You and I both know who's most likely roped up in this. The guy may be a bastard, but they don't call him the Kingpin for nothing. He can and will murder the ones you love before ending you if you try to investigate or take him out. Now, I don't want to say I'm turning away from the potential shadier stuff going on. But I'm trying to fight the battles and take down the crooks I can. And with the Kingpin owning most of the city, any of that is always a further step to taking him out. I got a wife and kids to look after. So I can't dig too deep. But I can be aware of who to trust and the differences I can make," Captain Stacy affirmed.
"Damn. Yeah, there's definitely no better way you could've phrased that. It just sucks. I try to help people the way I can, but it still feels like a never-ending battle. One we might never win," DeWolff responded, somber.
"It's only gonna do you harm thinking like that. Just remind yourself that you're in to serve and protect. And at the end of the day, that's what you've been doing since you started."
"Thanks. I'm at least doing my best. I haven't been on the force anywhere as long as you have, and I already have some crazy stories. That accident on fifth street, the schizophrenic bank robber, that poor kid who had that crowd around his dying uncle, oh man."
"And even after that's been resolved, there isn't much of a feeling of catharsis. The guy's barely talking in his cell."
"Do you guys have any suspicions on who beat him up that badly?"
"I mean, it could be that spider vigilante. Or the lady in silver we barely got a glimpse of. Hell, that guy with the wings we spotted a few times. Either way, someone was out for blood. And with how much life the guy was clinging onto, things clearly got to a point where someone had to hold back," Captain Stacy mused.
"It's tough. I mean, you can't always tell who's a vigilante and who's just trying to cause chaos. I mean, I know some people argue all vigilantes are just bad," DeWolff pointed out.
"I don't know if I want to even say they're necessarily good or bad. They… make and have the impact they do. Sometimes it goes in the worst possible direction. I'm not gonna pretend like they're doing things we can't even do. For better and for worse. And with no clear evidence on which individuals are involved with this war or what sides, that's already made it more difficult whenever we try to track people down. Either way, I get the feeling the spider's at least trying to help. That lady we haven't seen enough of. God, it's times like these where I'm really wishing we had more."
"We'll take them down, Captain. And I'll also keep in mind what you said about avoiding the corruption."
"Yeah, stay away from it and your odds of not falling into it are pretty good. Nowadays, a crooked cop would have to be a real idiot to directly offer you a spot or job. It's all about seeking it carefully and who you know most of the time. And in the off chance they try to approach and threaten you, come straight to me and we'll figure it out. But if it comes down to it, you always have to be prepared to fight."
"Yeah. I'll definitely keep that in mind."
Before the conversation could continue, the soft clatter of plates drew their attention. The waitress, a mid-sixties woman, approached their booth. She placed two pieces of chocolate pie for the cops, and set the bill on the table.
"C'mon, Marge. We're just regular customers, you know you don't have to do this," Captain Stacy said, half-smirking. "Fourty percent off?"
Marge chuckled. "George, you've been coming here since before you had that badge, and you'll be coming here long after you're done with it. It's the least I can do for you guys."
Captain Stacy smiled. "If you insist. Thank you, Marge. Seriously."
DeWolff looked between them, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "So that's why we're still here after closing."
Marge nodded, leaning on the edge of the table. "This place stays open a little longer for the people who need it. George here knows he's always got a spot, no matter the time."
DeWolff chuckled. "Makes sense. Thanks for the pie and discount."
"Of course," Marge responded.
"Marge's been taking care of me since my rookie days. She's kept me grounded through more than a few rough nights," Captain Stacy told DeWolff.
"Same with you, always giving me great business with the force and your family," Marge replied. "How's Helen doing? Are Gwen and Howard enjoying school?"
"Helen's doing great, thanks! She just started this new pilates class, and she's really into it. Howard is doing pretty well with seventh grade. And Gwen seems to be enjoying high school. She's got her reservations, but she likes it," Captain Stacy answered.
Marge smiled. "Always happy to hear the family's doing well. Anything else I can get for you guys?"
"Nope, that should be it! Thanks again for everything, Marge. Keep the change," Captain Stacy thanked as he placed a twenty and ten on the bill.
"Thank you! Have a great night, folks," Marge said, taking the bill.
"You too," Captain Stacy replied.
DeWolff nodded. "Thank you."
Marge went back behind the counter, leaving Captain Stacy and DeWolff.
"Can I just venmo you?" DeWolff asked.
Captain Stacy waved his hand. "Don't worry about it, for real."
"You sure?"
"Absolutely, I got it.
"Wow, I'm just getting spoiled tonight. Thanks, Captain."
"Of course. You know, you don't have to worry about being one of the cops I don't trust."
DeWolff smiled. "I appreciate that."
"You've tried to do nothing but unconditionally help since day one. Even when you didn't have to. Definitely the type of people we need out there. Let's just make sure to keep that up."
…
Back at Symkaria, inside the operations briefing room in the Wild Pack's military base, the Foreigner was standing in front of an army of Wild Pack soldiers.
"Wild Pack. By now, you've all received the news. Our mole is dead, but Silver Sable betrayed our cause and fled Symkaria. We searched her home, and a lot of her things were already gone. The tracking device on the jet she escaped in was disconnected, shocker. And the message has already been issued out to everyone. If you're fighting with us, you unconditionally fight for our cause. I don't even have to explain it. All the shit that Wilson Fisk has caused since he step foot in Symkaria. The corruption, death, tears. Half the politicians are puppets. The economy, crippled by his stranglehold on trade and blocking our resources. The contraband spread around. And the increased crime. Our families, friends, everyone. Always a target. Fisk destroyed our foundation. And he did it again back in New York and we weren't enough. All the ones we've lost. Most of us have 'em. The night five years ago when my brother and sister were mugged and killed right out on the streets. Like a bunch of wounded dogs. That was when I realized almost all of us had these stories. These scars that won't end until Fisk is dead. HE'S TAKEN ENOUGH! AND KILLED TOO MANY OF US! FISK DIES!" the Foreigner declared to the army.
Most of the army started chanting or yelling in agreement.
"Weeks from now, we'll strike at Fisk's Christmas Eve gala on the 24th. His family and supporters will all be there. And a bunch of New Yorkers. The clear mission being to annihilate Fisk and everyone and everything he has inside that tower. And don't be scared to spread it out on the streets. As for civilians… don't go out of your way. But if there's gotta be some collateral damage, so be it. Hell, make it even for all the ones we've lost! I double checked, and Symkaria's explosives should be beyond their peak in the next few weeks. Enough to destroy that little tower and eradicate a few of the blocks. The day Fisk finally burns, he'll watch his Godforsaken city and empire crumble in snow and fire. By blood and steel. JUSTICE FOR SYMKARIA!" Foreigner declared.
"JUSTICE!" the army chanted.
…
Peter was sitting in Mr. Harrington's engineering class, resting his head on his arms on his desk. He tuned out Mr. Harrington's words, not bothering to take notes. Eventually, the bell rang, and everyone started packing their things.
"Okay, class. See you next week and make sure to keep reviewing the study guide for the final! The electrical engineering section alone is no joke!" Mr. Harrington instructed.
Peter started packing his backpack, only for Mr. Harrington to walk over.
"Hey, bud? It cool if I ask how you're doing?" Mr. Harrington asked.
"Sure, but why?" Peter muttered.
"I mean, you've looked pretty down the past few days. Is something going on?" Mr. Harrington asked.
"It's… well, it's complicated. Sorry, I'm not really in the mood to talk about it," Peter admitted.
Mr. Harrington put his hands up. "All good. Only talk if you're comfy. I just hope you know my class is more than just that. It's a sanctuary."
"Thanks, Mr. Harrington."
"Of course. And you always have me or one of the counselors here."
Peter started to leave, only to look back. "I do appreciate you checking in on me. For real."
Mr. Harrington adjusted his glasses and smiled. "We're always here, Pete."
Peter gave a tiny smile and left the classroom. He put on his earbuds and walked through the hallway. Peter spotted Liz talking to Glory near the lockers, and immediately turned around and continued walking that way.
…
A few hours later, a suited-up Peter laid on top of a building in Brooklyn. Looking up at the dark sky, Peter let his mind go blank.
"HELP! HELP ME!"
Peter got up and went over to the edge of the building, where he looked down and spotted a young lady getting mugged by four thugs in an alley.
"Please, just take the money! And the watch! Seriously, please!" the lady begged as one of the thugs held her arms.
The thug smiled disgustingly. "C'mon, lady! Let's all have some fun first!"
A web hit the thug's back and yanked him over to a mid-air Peter, who slammed him to the ground. Groaning, the thug tried to pull out his gun before Peter stomped on his arm.
"AHHHH, SHIT!" the thug cried.
The other three thugs backed up as the lady ran out of the alley.
"The hell are you guys waiting for?" Peter asked.
Two of the thugs pulled out their guns, only for Peter to shoot webs at them both, yanking them away. Peter ran over and punched one of the thugs to the ground, and grabbed the other one before punching him in the abdomen and throwing him against the wall. Peter's enhanced senses started warning him to the third thug coming from behind, prompting him to turn around and grab the thug's fist, crushing it.
"AHH! Son of a-"
Peter knocked the thug out with a punch to the face.
One of the thugs from the ground got up and grabbed a pipe, rushing at Peter. Before Peter could react, a shuriken knocked the pipe out of the thug's hand. Before he knew it, the thug found himself getting kicked in the leg and sucker punched in the face by Silver Sable, knocking him out.
"Not terrible. Gotta admit," Sable chuckled to Peter.
Peter scoffed. "You again. The hell do you want?"
"Just hear me out."
"Seriously? God, I'm so sick of people like you. Get the hell out of my city. Stay out, and-"
"If you want to watch them burn said city to the ground, I'd shut up and listen," Sable said sternly.
Peter's eyes widened underneath his mask. "Who's 'them?' And what do you mean, burn the city?"
"I don't know what they have planned. I managed to get out while I could. But they're definitely going to return for an assault on Fisk at some point. And I can't imagine that's gonna be far from now," Sable warned.
"Okay, well, you know what? Let 'em go at each other. Kill two birds with one stone."
"Little shit, you have no idea what my people are capable of."
"Based on the past few months, I'm pretty sure I do, genius."
"That's literal child's play compared to what they're gonna do."
"You do realize you're the last person I'd trust after last time, right?" Peter stated.
"Go ahead and keep saying it was a trap. I know the Foreigner, and when that man is out for blood? Fisk's empire won't be a battlefield for him. It'll be a playground. And don't expect him to care nearly as much about protecting innocents as me," Sable revealed.
"Oh, so you're so much better than him. Okay, I see," Peter sarcastically commented.
"Do you ever know when to shut up?"
"I'll shut up the moment you stop bullshitting me."
"Be a stubborn little bastard, go ahead. But when Foreigner and his part of the Wild Pack strike? Be ready to fight. And to get bruised."
"Whatever, lady."
"I know you have the rage in you," Sable remarked, giving a knowing look.
"Huh?" Peter muttered.
Police sirens were suddenly heard, with the familiar red and blue lights starting to appear.
Sable pulled out her grapnel gun. "And get rid of the shitty costume."
"Hey!"
Sable grappled away, and Peter took that chance to also swing away. Landing on top of a building, he took off his mask to take a deep breath. He looked around and didn't see Sable anywhere.
"How much trouble are we really in?" Peter sighed.
…
Hey, I did say the next chapter was gonna be within 2-3 weeks! So I got it on the dot this time! Regardless, I hope you guys enjoyed the penultimate chapter of the first year. I've said this a million times over, but expect the Year 1 finale to be the biggest chapter yet with some fucking INSANITY and fun teases to the future! I've already got ideas for Year 2 down with general character and story beats. As usual, expect something different that still follows the core of the character and his mythos.
In terms of my personal life, I finally got a job! Should be starting on September 9th! Hopefully it shouldn't take up too too much of my free time. Other than that, I've still been spending time with people, watching and writing stuff, and enjoying my break lol. Still don't feel like an adult and it's crazy I'm done with school, period.
As always, thanks again for reading and favs, follows, and reviews are always appreciated! Seriously. I forgot how fun it was writing and publishing, and I want to thank you all again for the support. You're all one of the things that make this worth it to me.
Expect Chapter 12: City of Snow and Fire (and the Year 1 Finale) out in the next 2-3 weeks lol
Death Fury - Thanks for the feedback on both chapters haha! Hella appreciated.
-redbirds12