A/N: Gwen doesn't suit up in this one due to the storyline.
Please read and review?
In the city, at 5pm Sunday May 1st, Peter was walking towards his house, unaware a shadowy figure was watching from the nearby rooftop of Forrest Hills Stadium.
"Well, things have been quiet today." Peter thought. "I hope nothing happens on Thursday, due to Aunt May's birthday."
He turned right as he walked down the street, whistling to himself as he did, when he heard his Spider-Sense tingle.
"Oh, me and my thoughts!" he thought, annoyed as he stopped.
He turned around, but saw no one behind him at all, as the figure had hidden itself.
"Nothing? That's weird?" he thought. "It's never went off for nothing before?"
He scratched his head as he turned around and kept on walking.
"Whoever it was, they must be hiding somewhere." he deduced. "Better keep my eyes open and alert."
He kept on walking, turning right down 70th avenue, until he got to the street his house was in - Ingram street - when his Spider-Sense tingled again.
"Huh? Again?" he gasped.
He turned around, but nothing but a couple walking together across the street, and a car going by.
"Okay, I know I'm being watched and it has to be bad." he thought. "My Spider-Sense never goes off for no reason. And whoever's watching me isn't friendly."
He turned around, when a green figure - which had been the shadowy figure watching him - jumped down and landed in front of him, who only had blue shorts on, which were torn slightly. He had sharp nails on his fingers and toes, big demon-like ears, some green hair on his elbows and on top of his head, and had some sharp teeth.
"Gee. This guy must be like the Hulk, only he looks more demon-like." Peter thought.
"You're mine!" the figure snarled. "Prepare to die, Peter Parker!"
Peter backed away as he looked around, seeing the buildings around here were too small for him to web-swing once changed. He turned around and ran off, as the figure chased him, before he pounced forward and landed on Peter, pinning him onto the ground on his chest.
"OH!" he moaned.
"I've waited a long time for this." the figure smirked, licking his lips.
"What have I done though?" Peter asked. "I mean, why are you doing this?"
"You really don't know?" the figure asked.
"No. If you're mad at me for something, tell me?" Peter asked.
"You took something that's rightfully mine, and you must pay!" the figure growled.
Peter gulped, for he had no idea what this guy was talking about, which left him confused.
"Whoever you are, you're crazy!" he said. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I've never taken anything that's yours in my life."
"Well, that's where you're wrong, boy!" the figure snarled.
He raised his right arm to claw Peter, who gasped and looked around, seeing no one around.
"Oh, I hope this works." he thought, getting an idea in his head.
He punched the figure's belly, then kicked his groin, knocking him back.
"OH!" he moaned.
Peter rolled to his left, before he got up and ran off as the figure stumbled back, who then turned and glared at him.
"You can't hide from me, Parker!" he growled.
He began to chase after Peter down the street.
Unknown to them, Anna Watson had spotted them both from inside nearby, having hidden herself behind a wall, and was now on the phone.
"9-1-1 emergency?" came a man's voice.
"Get me the Police?" Anna asked. "There's a monster attacking a teenager!"
Peter kept on running down the street as the figure pounced after him.
"He's faster than I thought." he thought. "He'll get me at this rate...Unless..."
He spotted a bin nearby, which he ran towards and got behind.
"If this works, I might just have enough time to sneak away and change." he thought hopefully.
He kicked the bin at the figure, which hit his chest as he landed on the ground.
"OH!" he moaned.
He fell over and hit the ground on his back, before Peter turned and ran off, turning left near a house and then ran off behind the fence.
"Time to change." he thought, as he hid behind a shed.
The figure got up and looked around, but saw no sign of Peter.
"He must've have run into his house." he deduced.
He turned and began to approach it.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are?" he called. "I know you're here, Parker!"
He began running towards the Parker House, but then stopped when he heard something.
"Not so fast, you creep?" came a voice.
The figure turned around and saw Spider-Man gilding down, who pulled his legs back and kicked him away.
"AH!" he moaned, hitting the ground on his chest.
Spider-Man back flipped and landed in a three-point stance, staring at the figure, who turned to him and got up.
"Spider-Man?!" he growled.
"So, you know me, eh? Nice to know." Spider-Man teased.
"Ha! I know you alright, since you've been a nuisance to me for the past month now!" the figure growled.
"O-kay... I'm afraid you've lost me here? And just who are you, scaly?" Spider-Man asked, pointing at him.
"I am the Jackal, and keep out of my way!" the figure growled. "It's not you want! It's Parker!"
"What? What's Peter done to you?" Spider-Man asked, still confused over this whole thing.
"Nothing that concerns you, Spider-Man!" Jackal spat.
"If you're after my photographer, then it does!" Spider-Man retorted, as they began to circle each other.
"Oh, really?" Jackal spat. "No wonder you've been stopping my creations from killing him the past month!"
"Your...creations?" Spider-Man questioned. "Wait, are you saying-?"
"Bingo. I created several of those freaks you and your partners have dealt with." Jackal explained.
They kept circling each other, Spider-Man still unsure why Jackal had been wanting Peter dead.
"So you're responsible for all that, creating Molten Man, Rhino, Grizzly and Swarm?" Spider-Man asked.
"Bingo, web-head." Jackal cackled.
Spider-Man couldn't believe his ears, as this man had 'caused Liz the pain of what happened to her brother, as well as the families of those other people who were mutated.
"Okay, Jackal, that's it! You are going down!" Spider-Man roared, clutching his fists.
"We'll see about that!" Jackal said, holding up his claws.
"Hey, nice claws. You ever met my friend Wolverine?" Spider-Man teased.
Jackal growled and moved to pounce on him, but missed as he back flipped away, landing on his feet. He then shot a web from his right hand at Jackal, who dodged it, then sliced it up with his right claw.
"O-kay, his claws just as sharp as Logan's." Spider-Man thought.
Jackal grinned as he jumped to pounce towards him, but Spider-Man jumped up and punched him in the jaw, knocking him away.
"OH!" Jackal moaned.
He back flipped and landed on his feet, as Spider-Man landed in a three-point stance. He shot a web from his right hand to hit Jackal's chest, but Jackal dodged and grabbed the end of it, shocking the hero.
"Huh?" he gasped.
Jackal pulled on the web, pulling him towards him, before he grabbed Spider-Man by the neck.
"AH!" he yelped.
Jackal began to choke him with his right hand.
"Since this guy wants Peter Parker, he'll get his wish if I don't break free!" he groaned.
He raised his right hand up and shot a web from it, hitting Jackal's face, blinding him.
"AH!" he yelped.
He let go of Spider-Man, who fell onto his knees, coughing slightly, while he backed away. He turned around and ran off slightly, before he ripped the web off his face, then he turned around to Spider-Man, who got up.
"I have to admit, you've got a strong grip." Spider-Man remarked. "Pity you don't know how to use it properly."
"Oh, but I do, web-head!" Jackal spat.
He jumped to pounce on Spider-Man, holding his right hand up to claw him, but missed as Spider-Man back flipped away, before he landed on the ground, his claw digging into the ground. He pulled his hand out of this and glared at Spider-Man, wanting this done quickly.
"I'll never find Parker at this rate!" he thought. "He's properly long gone by now! I'll have to retreat and try again later."
He looked around, knowing he had to make a tactical retreat, as Spider-Man stared at him, when sirens wailed nearby, getting their attention.
"Ah! Another time, Spider-Man!" Jackal growled, seeing this as his chance. "It's your photographer I want, not you!"
He turned around and ran off, as Spider-Man got up.
"Get back here!" he demanded.
He shot a web at either side of the street, then began to step back while pulling on them, knowing this was his best chance to catch him, due to how small the buildings were. After taking 10 steps backwards, he readied himself, before he let go and slingshot forward towards Jackal, but when he tried to web him up, he missed as Jackal jumped and turned right down the street.
"Oh, great!" Spider-Man moaned sarcastically.
He spread his arms out to glide down towards the ground, before he landed near the corner Jackal had turned.
"Guess that slingshot move doesn't work around here like that." he deduced. "At least I know for next time."
Jackal ran down the street he was in, before he stopped near a manhole cover, as this was his best chance to escape. He opened up the manhole cover and dived into the sewer, putting it back, just as Spider-Man turned a corner, allowing him to lose him.
"Oh, lost him!" he thought, annoyed. "I didn't even get a Spider-Tracer on him. Why does he want Peter Parker dead though?"
He turned around as he heard the sirens getting closer, before he ran off, knowing he better get changed and get home.
Later, Jackal had arrived in Prof. Warren's house, before he entered it through the basement door, then closed the door behind him. He ran down into the lab, then fell approached the main lab table, which had a vial of liquid on. He grabbed hold of it and drank it, making him moan slightly as he put it down, then he fell onto his knees, then onto his chest, before he transformed into Prof. Warren, with only the torn shorts on.
"I almost had, Parker!" he growled. "If only he hadn't given me the slip or Spider-Man hadn't shown up, he'd be dead now!"
He put on a lab coat and walked up the stairs to the main part of the house.
"He won't be so lucky next time." he swore.
Once in the main part of the house, he walked up the stairs, then soon entered the room Gwen's pictures were in.
"Still, perhaps it's time I show lovely Gwen how much she means to me." he thought, touching a few. "I know what I have to do tomorrow. Since Parker always seems to escape, I'll just bring Gwen to me."
He grinned evilly, knowing what he was gonna do.
Meanwhile, Peter had returned home and was shaking badly, as Aunt May comforted him on the couch. Outside were two Cop cars, as four Cops were investigating the scene, including Lt. DeWolff.
"I want this area investigated! Where's the CSI's getting here?" she asked.
"They'll be here in ten minutes, ma'am." a Cop said.
"Okay. I'm gonna speak with the kid." Lt. DeWolff explained. "Keep me informed."
The Cops nodded as she turned around and walked towards the Parker house, before she entered it. Both Parkers turned to her as she came towards them, before she sat down near them.
"You okay, Mr. Parker?" she asked.
"Yes." Peter answered. "How'd you get here though?"
"A woman named Anna Watson saw what happened and called it in." Lt. DeWolff explained.
"Oh, how nice. I better thank Anna next time I see." Aunt May said.
"Well, she also told me that creature was after you. Do you know why?" Lt. DeWolff asked.
"He... He didn't say." Peter answered honestly. "He just said, I took something that belongs to him, but I don't know what he's talking about."
"It's a good thing Spider-Man showed up to help then." Aunt May sighed.
"Did this guy tell you his name, Mr. Parker?" Lt. DeWolff asked.
"He called himself the Jackal." Peter answered.
Lt. DeWolff and Aunt May looked at each other, before they turned back to Peter.
"Peter, do you have any idea who'd want you dead?" Aunt May asked. "Is there anyone so mad at you right now."
"The only person I can think of is Eddie, but he's still in Ravencroft." Peter said. "So it can't be him."
"Is that all you can think of?" Lt. DeWolff inquired.
Peter nodded, for not a single supervillain he fought over the past 15 months knew his secret, and since Jackal said he wanted him, not Spider-Man, dead, just confused him.
"The CSI's should be here now." Lt. DeWolff said, getting up. "I phone the Capt. and see what we can do. We might have to put your house under surveillance."
"We understand." Aunt May said.
"Wait, there's more." Peter said. "Spider-Man told me the Jackal told him he's responsible for those mutations that's been happening lately."
"Hmm? Thanks for telling me." Lt. DeWolff said. "This might come in handy, since the Avengers are still trying to cure them all."
She walked over to the door, then opened it up, when Gwen came in.
"Peter, are you okay?" she asked frantically, running over. "I heard what happened? Did he-"
She hugged him tightly as she cried, having been completely worried about him. Peter was caught off guard as the two adults looked at them both.
"I'm fine, Gwen." he assured. "Just a bit shaken."
Gwen pulled back and kissed him hard, ignoring the fact Aunt May and Lt. DeWolff were watching them, but he returned it. They pulled apart as Aunt May cleared her throat, making them both turn to her, before they turned to each other.
"I was so worried." Gwen said softly.
"I'm okay, Gwen, really." Peter promised.
"I'm just so glad you're okay." Gwen said.
"Um, Gwen, you weren't the only one worried." Aunt May assured.
"I know." Gwen sighed. "Sorry, Aunt May."
They all turned to Lt. DeWolff.
"Well, I'll be back if I have more questions." she said.
She walked out of the house, closing the door behind her as she did, leaving Gwen, Peter and Aunt May alone.
"Right. Well, I'm gonna go sort out dinner." Aunt May said, getting up. "Are you staying over, Gwen?"
"Um, well... I just came over when I heard about Peter." Gwen explained. "So, I'll have to ask my Dad first."
"Okay." Aunt May said.
She walked out of the room towards the kitchen, leaving the couple out of earshot.
"So, why did he attack you?" Gwen asked quietly.
"I don't know." Peter sighed. "But, here's the thing, he attacked me out of costume. It was Peter Parker he wanted, not Spider-Man. Then when I changed to confront him, he said this doesn't concern me."
"Just like Molten Man." Gwen recalled. "There has to be a connection?"
"There is." Peter answered. "He told me - as Spider-Man - that he's responsible for not only that, but Rhino, Grizzly and Swarm."
"He created all of them?" Gwen gasped, putting her left hand near her mouth. "Have you told the Police?"
"Yes. I just wish I knew who'd wanna kill me." Peter sighed. "It's bad enough there's villains out there after Spider-Man, but as Peter Parker, it's different."
"You must've been lucky to give him the slip and change?" Gwen asked.
"I was." Peter nodded. "But when I showed up dressed, he told me it's Parker he wants. Said he didn't have time for Spider-Man."
"Guess we'll have to keep our eyes open for when he returns." Gwen deduced. "I have a feeling he won't give up. And if he's responsible for..."
"I know, the creation of all those mutations, he's not gonna give up 'til he's either behind bars...or I'm dead." Peter gulped.
Gwen wrapped her arm around him as they hugged each other from the side, getting really worried for the love of her life now that she knew someone wanted him dead, and not as Spider-Man. After a few minutes, Gwen called her Dad, who told her she could have dinner at the Parkers, provided she come home right afterwards, due to it being a crime scene, which she agreed and did.
The next day, at Midtown High, as Peter walked down the hallway to his locker, he heard people talking all over. He wasn't surprised, for he was sure the News about Jackal attacking him had reached the school by now. As he reached his locker, he opened it up and began to sort his stuff out, when Harry, Mary Jane, Miles and Anya all came towards him.
"Hey, Pete, you okay?" Harry asked.
"Yeah." Peter sighed, closing his locker.
"Aunt Anna told me what happened yesterday." Mary Jane explained. "You were attacked by some sort of creature."
"Yes, I was." Peter sighed. "It's true. I take it it's spread over the school since everyone's been looking at me."
His friends looked around, seeing his point as everyone stared at the five of them.
"Yes, it has. It's big news this is." Anya said. "Did you watch the News last night?"
"No. I had too much on my mind." Peter replied.
"Well, Randy heard from his Dad, and well...that's how it's spread all over the school." Harry explained.
"Thanks." Peter sighed.
"Why was that creep after you, tiger?" Mary Jane asked.
"Here's the thing, I don't know." Peter swore. "He just came at me without telling me."
"The guy's probably a crazed psycho then." Harry deduced. "Someone must've ruined him, and he thinks it's you."
"I hope you're right, because otherwise, I have no idea why he'd want me." Peter sighed. "It's like Liz's brother all over again."
The bell rang, telling them it was time for class as everyone began to walk off.
"Guess we better get to class." Harry said.
"Yeah, we'll see you." Anya said.
She, Harry and Mary Jane all walked off, as Miles began to follow Peter, who'd been silent during the talk.
"Did this guy really come after you without telling you anything?" he asked quietly.
"Yes." Peter nodded. "He just wanted me dead. Me, not Spider-Man."
"Okay, that is confusing?" Miles noted. "I don't have anything planned so I'll keep an eye out after school while you're at the Bugle."
"Thanks, Miles." Peter said. "See ya later."
Miles nodded before he turned left and walked off.
"Whoever this Jackal is, I know he'll be back, so I'm gonna have to be careful wherever I go, mask on and off." Peter thought. "I just wish I knew why he was after me."
When he got outside the Science class, he saw Gwen, Liz, Sally and Hobie outside, just as Flash came over, without his cane.
"You okay, Pete?" he asked.
"Yeah." Peter nodded.
Liz and Sally both came over, as Gwen looked at him worriedly.
"I see you've got rid of your cane?" Peter noted.
"Yeah. My leg's all better." Flash assured, lifting it up. "But the Doctors said to avoid playing for another week at least."
"At least you'll be back in the pitch in no time, Flash." Sally assured.
"Yeah, glad to know." Flash agreed. "Good thing the next big game's not till the end of the month."
"Well, hopefully you won't hurt yourself like last time." Liz said.
Flash smiled and nodded, as Sally approached Peter.
"Um, Parker... Peter, can I talk to you alone for a minute?" Sally asked.
Peter looked at her, wondering what she meant as Gwen looked at them, who realized she hadn't told Peter or Harry about her wanting to make amends.
"Okay, but be quick since class is about to start?" Peter asked.
"Well, here's the thing, there's no teacher inside." Sally said.
"That's true." Liz said. "Some of us have been waiting for nearly five minutes since they got here early."
Peter looked at Gwen, who nodded to him.
"Okay. Uh, don't you have Math first though, Flash?" Peter asked.
"Yeah. I just thought I'd see how you're doing first." Flash said. "See ya."
He turned and walked off, before Peter and Sally walked off slightly, out of earshot of all but Gwen.
"So, what is it you want?" Peter asked.
"I take it Gwen hasn't told you?" Sally inquired, folding her arms. "About me trying to change."
"Uh, no." Peter said, shaking his head. "I guess due to what happened yesterday, she never got around to it."
"O-kay, that does sound understandable." Sally admitted. "Well, I'm serious. Being around Jason tutoring me has made me change how I see you and other nerds. I think I know now why Liz, Flash and all them changed around you."
"Well, if Gwen's giving you a chance, I will too." Peter said. "But unlike Liz, you've more to make up for, Sally. You've always been the most cold towards me."
"I understand, Parker." Sally assured. "I'll speak with Osborn as well when I get the chance, since Watson's giving me one."
Gwen smiled, happy to know Peter was giving her a chance like she was.
"Okay." Peter said.
"Someone's coming." Liz said, who'd been looking down the hallway.
Everyone turned and looked down the hallway, seeing Prof. Harrington coming towards them all.
"Guess Prof. Warren's still sick." Gwen said quietly.
"Get inside, please?" Prof. Harrington asked.
Hobie opened up the door before everyone began to file in and take their seats, as the Prof. got ready to start the lesson.
After school, Peter had arrived at the Daily Bugle, but when he entered the main room, he saw everyone looking at him with weird expressions on their faces. He had a feeling Randy had told Robbie about what happened, who in turn had told someone else, which had caused everyone who worked at the Bugle to find out. As he approached Jameson's office, Betty and Robbie both turned to him.
"You okay, Peter?" Betty asked, getting up from her desk.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Peter assured. "I was told you told Randy, Robbie?"
"Yes." Robbie nodded. "I take it everyone at Midtown knows?"
"Yes." Peter sighed. "Everyone's been looking and talking about me all day."
"Well, that happens sometimes." Robbie assured.
"Do you have pictures for the Boss, Pete?" Betty asked. "'Cause if you don't, you might wanna stay away from this place today. He's in a bit of a foul mood."
"Is he?" Peter asked, turning to Robbie.
"Yes." Robbie sighed. "And, the news about you is part of it."
Peter lowered his head. "I'll give him my pics and then get outta here." he promised.
He approached the door and walked in, as Jameson looked up at him, a lit cigar in his mouth.
"Ah, Parker, I've been waiting for you." he said.
"Uh, Mr. Jameson, I-" Peter began.
"Parker, what's this I hear about you being attacked by this Jackal creep?" Jameson asked. "Sounds to me like he wants you dead."
"He does, but I have no idea why." Peter swore. "He seemed crazed."
"Did you get pictures of him?" Jameson asked.
"Well..." Peter began, taken aback by this.
"'Cause I'll understand if you didn't in this case." Jameson said fairly. "Even my best photographer wouldn't try something like that while being chased by a madman. Do you know why he was after you at least?"
"Mr. Jameson, I swear, I have no idea what he was talking about. All he said was, I took something that's his, but that's all." Peter swore. "I don't even know who he is, let alone what he means, as I'm no thief."
"Okay, that is weird." Jameson admitted. "Defiantly sounds like a crazed psycho in my book."
"For once, JJ, I agree with you." Peter thought.
Jameson got up from his chair and put out his cigar.
"Do you have pictures of those web-headed menaces at least?" he asked. "You must've come here today for a reason."
"Uh, yes, Mr. Jameson, but not that many." Peter replied.
He took out six pictures from his backpack and put them on the desk.
"They're haven't been around for the past few days due to how quiet it's been." he explained, putting them on the desk.
Jameson took the pictures and looked at them. The first two had the three Web-Warriors swinging through the city, while the third had them sitting on a wall together. The fourth had them crawling up a wall, while the last two had them all standing on a rooftop, overlooking the city.
"Well, if they haven't been seen much, I can see why there's not many." Jameson said. "250, that's my best offer for these ones."
"Okay." Peter said.
He turned and walked out of the room, before Betty handed him his cheque.
"I heard him, Peter." she said. "Here you go."
"Thanks." Peter said.
"I'm sure whoever this Jackal is will be caught, Pete." Betty assured.
"I hope so. I'll see you later." Peter said.
"So long, Pete." Betty said, as Peter walked off.
A little later, once he was outside, Peter saw Gwen was waiting for him by the door.
"I wanted to make sure you were okay." she said. "After what happened yesterday, I'm worried."
"I know what you mean." Peter sighed. "I had to sleep with one eye open last night in case Jackal showed up while I was asleep."
"Good to know." Gwen agreed. "Hopefully, he won't get away next time he shows up."
"I hope so." Peter said.
Gwen smiled before she linked her arm with his, then they both walked down the street together.
Unknown to either of them, Jackal was watching from a nearby rooftop in the shadows, looking disgusted by the scene.
"You'll be out of the picture soon, Parker!" he grumbled.
Peter and Gwen kept on walking together down the street, when both their Spider-Senses tingled.
"Uh!" they moaned, touching their heads.
"Yours too?" Gwen asked.
"Yeah." Peter nodded.
They both looked around, unlinking their arms as they did, before the Jackal landed in front of them, creating a small pothole in the room.
"Hello, Parker." he said, grinning.
Several people in the street turned around and ran away, as Peter and Gwen stared at him.
"That's the Jackal?" Gwen whispered.
Peter nodded.
"He's uglier than I thought." Gwen muttered.
Jackal spat on the ground, before he pounced towards them both.
"Move!" Peter gasped.
He and Gwen both dived away onto their chests, before the Jackal spun around to trip them up with his left leg. While Peter managed to roll away, Gwen - who was closer to him - didn't have time to react, causing her to trip up as the leg hit her legs, then she fell onto her chest out cold.
"Uh!" she moaned.
"Gwen!" Peter gasped, turning to her. "NOO!"
He got up and began to approach Gwen, when Jackal got between them.
"Oh, no you don't!" he snarled.
"What do you want?" Peter asked. "I know it's me, so leave Gwen out of it!"
"Oh, I will... But you're still going to pay-" Jackal began.
"For what?!" Peter exclaimed. "You haven't told me what I took from you! You're insane!"
"Oh, am I?" Jackal spat.
Unknown to them all, Randy had been walking down the street, but had stopped near a corner of a building, then peeked out from it, seeing what was happening.
"What in the world?" he questioned.
Jackal growled as he pounced forward, then picked Peter up by the collar, holding him up by his face, as Peter hadn't had time to dodge.
"Ah! What are you gonna do with me?" Peter choked.
"Oh, I'm going to make you suffer for stealing what was mine!" Jackal sneered. "Once you're outta the way, I'll have it back!"
He laughed as he spun around and threw Peter away, who hit the side of a car hard, before he fell and rolled onto the road unconscious.
"OH!" he moaned.
Gwen lifted her head up and shook it, before she looked at Peter and Jackal, her vision blurred.
"That's for taking what belonged to me, Parker!" Jackal growled. "I'll be surprised if you're still alive after this."
He laughed evilly as Gwen's vision cleared, seeing Peter was badly hurt.
"NOOO! Peter!" she cried, getting up. "Leave him alone, you creep!"
Jackal turned around to face her, before he held up a spray can of sleeping mist.
"Oh, certainly." he said sarcastically. "But you're coming with me."
He sprayed the mist at Gwen, hitting her eyes and face as she backed away slightly.
"What's...happening?" she said.
She closed her eyes and fell onto her chest, passed out, as Jackal approached her.
"Excellent." he said. "Now, you're coming with me, my dear."
He grabbed Gwen and picked her up, putting her over his shoulder, before he jumped up and began to run along the rooftops, leaving Peter for dead. As he did however, Randy came out of his hiding spot and dialled 9-1-1 on his phone.
"I need the Police and an Ambulance near the Daily Bugle." he explained. "And make it quick, please?"
A little later, Gwen came too inside a basement laboratory, seeing she was strapped to a table, like a medieval tortures rack. She looked around the room, but didn't recognize the place, when Jackal came in.
"Ah, you're awake. That sleeping mist kept you asleep for an hour." he said. "My dear Gwen, I've been waiting for this for a long time."
"What did you do to Peter?" Gwen demanded. "If he's dead, I'll make sure-"
Jackal put his hand over her mouth, shutting him up.
"You'll be doing nothing." he said. "I'm sorry about this, but I really don't want to hurt you."
He pulled his hand away as Gwen glared at him.
"I really wish I didn't have to do this, but you left me no choice." Jackal said.
"What are you planning to do to me?" Gwen asked. "And what are you talking about?"
"Seeing as how you've been stupid to notice me, and how much you mean to me, I've decided to turn you into another Jackal." Jackal explained.
"Turn me into you?" Gwen asked horrified. "No, please?"
"Oh, but I will. You have always been smart, but you're also very stupid." Jackal sneered. "I never understood why you fell for Parker, dear Gwen."
"Why are you calling me that?" Gwen demanded. "And what are talking about? I've always loved Peter, and I always will, no matter what comes our way!"
Jackal tutted. "But he's pathetic." he snarled. "He's not worthy of you. But I am."
Gwen gasped in horror, shocked to discover why he'd been trying to kill Peter, for it was exactly like Hydro-Man being obsessed with Mary Jane.
"But, who are you?" Gwen asked. "I've never seen you before."
"Ha. So, you haven't figured it out?" Jackal smirked. "It's your dear old Prof. Raymond Warren."
Gwen gasped and passed out from shock, as this news was too much for her.
"Rest easy, my love. Soon, we shall be together, one way or another." Jackal said.
Meanwhile, at Lenox Health Greenwich Village Hospital - which was the closet to the Daily Bugle - Peter was lying in a bed, with Aunt May, Harry, Mary Jane, Miles, Randy and Anya all around him.
"I'm glad you happened to be passing by, Randy." Aunt May said.
"Thanks, Mrs. Parker." Randy said. "If I hadn't decided to see my Dad at work, who knows what might've happened."
"It's a good thing you were, Randy." Harry said.
Aunt May looked at her nephew sadly, as Anya touched her shoulder.
"I'm sure he'll be okay." she said. "The Doctor's said he will."
"Yeah, Pete's tough, Mrs Parker." Harry assured.
"I know, I just hope Peter's okay by Thursday." Aunt May sighed.
Anya and Randy looked at her confused, but the other two smiled.
"Oh, right. That's your birthday, isn't it?" Mary Jane said.
"Yes." Aunt May sighed. "I'd like him not to have to spend it in here."
"Well, let's all hope so." Randy said.
"I'm surprised Gwen's not here." Anya said, just noticing that.
"I called her but she's not answering." Mary Jane said.
"Well, actually, I know why." Randy sad.
Everyone turned to him.
"What?" Anya asked.
"I saw Jackal carrying her away after he knocked Peter out. I called the Police after I phoned for the Ambulance." Randy explained.
"But...why would he kidnap Gwen?" Mary Jane wondered. "Everyone knows he's been trying to kill Peter for the past month."
"This is getting weirder and weirder?" Harry muttered, scratching the back of his head.
They all turned as the door opened, then Flash, Liz, Gloria and Sally all came in.
"Is he okay?" Flash asked.
"For now." Randy replied.
"Looks like he's in a coma?" Gloria noted.
"He was out cold when Randy found him." Harry explained. "The Jackal sure is crazy."
"The Jackal did this?" Flash inquired. "And for no reason at all."
"I'm afraid so." Randy assured. "I saw and heard the whole thing. He did this to Peter and then kidnapped Gwen."
"Just when I start acting nice to Parker, this happens?" Sally complained. "Talk about bad luck."
"Hey, Petey used to have bad luck all the time, remember?" Liz reasoned, touching her shoulder. "But this is way different from back then."
"Fair enough." Sally sighed. "I just hope he makes it so I can show him I'm serious about changing."
"Hey, where's Miles?" Gloria asked. "I thought he'd be here?"
"He was here earlier, but then he had to leave." Harry explained. "Said something about an appointment."
"Oh..." Gloria said.
Outside, Shadow-Spider was peeking in on Peter's room, staring at everyone, before he turned and swung off. What Harry had just said was mostly true, as he had been in there, but had left to change, as he didn't have an appointment, and it was the best excuse he could come up with.
"I've gotta find Gwen." he thought. "Who knows what Jackal's doing to her."
He turned right down the street, knowing he'd had to track Gwen through her phone, as Peter hadn't been able to slip a Spider-Tracer on her.
Later, at Prof. Warren's house, Gwen came to, seeing she was still strapped to the table, but now in a room on the second floor. She looked around, before she saw the Jackal working on something at another table, as his back was to her.
"What... What the...?" she muttered.
"Glad to see you're awake, dear." Jackal sneered.
He turned around, showing her he had syringe in his hand, filled with green liquid.
"Is that what you used to turn yourself into this...monster?" Gwen asked.
"You always were the best in my class." Jackal remarked, laughing evilly. "And now, once I inject you with this, you'll become just like me."
"Prof. Warren, please don't?" Gwen asked. "You're mentally ill. Stop this and I can try and get you help?"
"Ha! I don't need help, Gwendy dear." Jackal sneered. "You're the one who needs it, since you can't see how much I need you. Once you're like me, you'll have no choice but to be my bride."
"I looked up to you so much." Gwen sighed sadly.
Tears began to come out of her eyes as she closed them, knowing she couldn't use her Spider-Strength to get out as it would give her away. She turned away as he got closer to her, when they both heard a noise.
"Huh?" Gwen muttered, opening her eyes.
"Who's there?" Jackal demanded.
They both looked around, before they heard a window open up from another room.
"Looks like we have an uninvited guest?" Jackal smirked. "I think I'll bring him here so he can witness your transformation, and when that's done, you can help me eliminate him."
"I'll never help you do that!" Gwen swore.
"You won't get a choice. I'll make you one way or the other." Jackal spat.
"Man, you really are freaky, aren't you?" came a voice.
"Miles?" Gwen thought, recognizing it.
Jackal turned around to see Shadow-Spider diving in from the ceiling while turning visible, who then webbed up his mouth and eyes.
"AH!" he moaned, mumbled.
Shadow-Spider ran over to Gwen and pulled the restraints off her arms, then off her legs.
"You okay?" he asked.
"I...I'm fine." Gwen panted, touching her chest. "Thanks."
"Get outta here." Shadow-Spider said. "I'll handle this creep."
Gwen nodded before she ran out of the room, just as Jackal ripped off the webbing from his face.
"Ah!" he growled.
Shadow-Spider got in front of the door, blocking his route.
"Oh, no you don't!" he said. "You won't be getting far from here, Jackal. I already called the Cops before I came inside."
Jackal growled as he held up his claws, before he moved to slash Shadow-Spider with his right, but missed as he learned back, so much so he hand to put his hands on the floor to keep him up.
"Okay, didn't think of that." he thought. "Still, I'm new at all this unlike Peter and Gwen."
Jackal moved to kick him, but missed as he kicked Jackal's chest hard, knocking him back.
"Oh!" he moaned.
He growled as he clutched his chest, as Shadow-Spider back flipped onto his feet, before he shot a web from his right hand, but Jackal caught the end of it.
"Uh-oh!" he gasped.
Jackal pulled him towards him via the web, before he grabbed him by the neck and started to choke him.
"AHH!" Shadow-Spider gasped.
Jackal glared at him as he pulled him so his face was inches from his own.
"You made a mistake coming here, kid." he snarled. "If Spider-Man couldn't beat me, what made you think you could?"
"He's been training me since I got my powers!" Shadow-Spider choked. "And that's all I'm telling you!"
Jackal growled, before he threw Shadow-Spider out of the room, who then hit and smashed the stair railing, before he fell down towards the first floor, which he then hit.
"OH!" he moaned, rolling along onto his chest. "OW!"
Jackal laughed evilly before he ran off to search for Gwen.
Meanwhile, Gwen had reached a door and opened it up, before she went into the room, but then stopped and stared at a wall in horror.
"Oh, my gosh!" she gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
She was staring at the photos of herself Prof. Warren had kept, making her back away in shock with her hands over her mouth.
"You see it now, eh?" came Jackal's voice, sneering.
Gwen turned around as he entered the room, before she backed away towards the wall.
"You see why I did all this. I did it for you, Gwen, so we can be together." Jackal said. "I had it planned out since you first set foot in my class, but then last year, Parker stole you away from me! I knew I had to do anything I could to get you for myself, my love."
"Eww, gross!" Gwen shuddered. "Prof. Warren, I never ever saw you like that. The closet thing I felt for you was an Uncle like figure. But after all this, do you really think I could love someone like you. Peter is more of a man than you'll ever be!"
"Ha! He'll never be someone like me!" Jackal sneered. "He's probably dead by now anyway after what I did to him hours ago. I'll be surprised if he's still alive."
Gwen gasped, hoping it wasn't true, before she remembered that she, Peter and Miles all had healing factors, meaning Peter was still alive. Despite that though, she was still mad at her former mentor and teacher for what he did.
"This is for Peter!" Gwen thought.
She moved to punch Jackal as she ran forward, when Jackal was suddenly shocked from behind.
"AHHH!" he yelped.
"Huh?" Gwen muttered, stopping.
Jackal fell onto his chest out cold, before she saw Shadow-Spider standing in the doorway.
"Shocking turn of events there." he joked.
Gwen smiled with relief as she ran over the Jackal and out the room, before she approached a window.
"Let's get you outta here before he comes too." Shadow-Spider suggested, coming up behind her. "I don't know how long he'll remain stunned."
"Okay." Gwen nodded.
Shadow-Spider picked her up bridle style, then kicked the window open, before he jumped out of the house with her. Gwen wrapped her arms around him, before he landed on the ground and put her down.
"You better stay here, Gwen." he said. "I'll handle this. The Police are already on their way."
"Good luck." Gwen said.
Shadow-Spider nodded before he ran back into the house, but when he got up to the room, he saw Jackal had gone. He quickly searched the house, but found nothing, and when he searched the attic, found the window was open, which was how Jackal had escaped.
"Oh! He got away." he moaned. "I guess we'll have to get him next time. And hopefully, we can take him together."
Later, Gwen was outside with several Cops, including Lt. DeWolff, as others searched Prof. Warren's house, while Shadow-Spider stood near a car. She sat on the front porch with a blanket wrapped around her, as she looked around.
"So, the Jackal escaped?" Lt. DeWolff asked.
"I'm afraid so." Shadow-Spider nodded. "You might wanna take everything he left behind though, in case he comes back for it."
"Okay." Lt. DeWolff said.
Shadow-Spider looked past her, as Gwen turned, as they both heard a noise, and Capt. Stacy's car pulled up, who then got out of it and approached Gwen.
"Dad!" Gwen gasped.
She ran over and hugged him tight, which he returned.
"I'm so glad you're okay, sweetie." he said, as they pulled apart.
"How's Peter?" Gwen asked. "Dad, is he-"
"He's okay, sweetie." Capt. Stacy assured.
Gwen sighed with relief, her hands over her chest.
"Gwen, I need to ask, why'd that creep kidnap you?" her father asked.
"I... I think you better see for yourself." Gwen sighed. "The evidence is inside, all of it."
Capt. Stacy looked confused, before followed Gwen inside the house, who soon showed him the room full of pictures of herself.
"Oh, my God!" he gasped, backing away.
"I know. I was just as shocked." Gwen sighed. "And I know who the Jackal is."
"Who?" Capt. Stacy asked, turning to her. "I'll make sure he's found and arrested."
"The Jackal is Prof. Warren." Gwen gulped.
"Are... Are you sure?" her father asked, taken aback.
"Yes. He told me himself." Gwen sighed. "But there's more. I'll tell you on the way to the hospital Peter's at."
Her father nodded, knowing she wanted to see her boyfriend.
Outside, Shadow-Spider stood near Capt. Stacy's car, when the Stacy's both came out, the Capt. with his arm around his daughter.
"Lt., I want this whole house searched top to bottom!" the Capt. ordered.
"Yes, sir." Lt. DeWolff understood. "The CSI's should be here in a few minutes."
Capt. Stacy nodded as Gwen got into his car, before he turned to Shadow-Spider.
"Thanks for saving her." he said.
"No problem. Just doing my job, sir." Shadow-Spider said.
"I know, but I'm surprised the others aren't here? Aren't the three of you a team?" Capt. Stacy asked.
"We are, but due to how big the city is, and not knowing where Jackal was holding Gwen, we decided to split up." Shadow-Spider lied, thinking quickly.
Gwen smiled behind her Dad's back, glad that Miles came up with something to explain why the other Spiders were missing.
"That does seem fair." the Capt. noted. "Well, thanks again."
He got into his car as Gwen winked at Shadow-Spider, without him seeing her, then he raced it off down the road, as Shadow-Spider stared at it.
"Well, for my first solo job, that wasn't half bad." he thought. "I just wish I could've stopped Jackal escaping."
Later, at the hospital, Peter still lay asleep in his room, as Aunt May and his friends/classmates all stood around him. They all stared at him carefully, before his eyes opened up, making them all smile.
"What... What happened?" he said. "Where am I?"
"You're at Lenox Health Greenwich Village Hospital, Peter." Aunt May said.
"H-Hospital?" Peter questioned, looking around at everyone. "How'd I get here?"
"You have Randy to thank for that, tiger." Mary Jane said. "He's the one who found you."
"Uh... Randy? But how?" Peter asked.
"I was on my way to visit Dad when I saw the Jackal attack you and kidnap Gwen." Randy explained.
"Well, good thing you spotted me then, Randy." Peter said.
"Pete, do you know why the Jackal attacked you?" Harry asked. "Randy doesn't know."
"I don't know. Like yesterday, he wouldn't say." Peter explained. "He just growled at him, then slashed me and knocked me out. I guess he did the same to Gwen?"
"Actually, he sprayed her with sleeping mist and took off with her, like a kidnapped bride." Randy explained.
"The Police are out looking for them as we speak." Anya explained.
"How long have I been out?" Peter asked.
"About 4 hours. It's almost 8:30." Randy answered.
Peter sighed as he leaned back, worried about Gwen. As he could see Miles wasn't there, he knew Miles was probably helping the Police search for her.
"I wish I knew why Jackal would kidnap Gwen." he sighed.
"We all do." Flash said. "This guy's gotta be the most crazed villain this city's ever seen."
"It would help if we knew the reason why he did what he did to you." Sally reasoned fairly.
Peter turned to her.
"She meant it when she said she wants to make amends, Petey." Liz assured.
"Well, this is a start, I guess." Peter sighed.
Sally smiled, glad to know Peter had now taken her seriously.
The door opened suddenly, getting everyone's attention, then Gwen came in, looking white and upset.
"Gwen, you're okay?" Mary Jane said.
"Yeah... How's Peter?" Gwen asked.
"Why don't you ask him yourself." Anya said.
They all moved away so Gwen could approach Peter, before she bent down hugged him tight, crying tears of joy.
"I'm so glad you're alright, Peter." Gwen cried, as they pulled back. "I was so worried."
"Me too, Gwen." Peter said, taking her hand.
Gwen wiped her tears as they looked at each other.
"Uh, Gwen, Randy told us all what happened." Flash said. "Said that Jackal guy kidnapped you after injuring Peter."
"It's true." Gwen sighed, turning to everyone. "And I found out a lot while I was being held there."
"So, why'd that Jackal creep kidnap you, Gwen?" Harry asked.
"And why's he been wanting Peter dead?" Mary Jane asked.
Gwen sighed. "Because he's in love with me." she answered.
This news shocked everyone, with the girls all opening their mouths in shock.
"So, it's like Bench's obsession with me?" Mary Jane asked, disgusted.
"Yes...but this is worse." Gwen gulped. "The Jackal is Prof. Warren."
"What?!" everyone exclaimed.
"No way?" Harry questioned.
Peter didn't speak as he stared at Gwen, not believing his science teacher had been the person trying to kill him for the past month.
"Okay, defiantly worse than my case." Mary Jane admitted. "I mean, he's twice your age at least."
"Gwen, are you sure it's him?" Anya asked.
"Yes. He told me so himself." Gwen sighed. "He's been responsible for a lot the past month, including turning Mark into Molten Man."
Liz covered her mouth in shock, looking like she was gonna faint, as everyone turned to her.
"He turned Mark into that monster?!" she cried, tears in her eyes.
"Yes. I'm so sorry, Liz." Gwen said.
"How could someone like that turn into a crazed, obsessed psycho?" Gloria wondered.
"I have no idea." Gwen sighed.
"So, how'd you escape?" Randy asked.
"I can answer that." came a voice.
Everyone turned as Capt. Stacy came in.
"Is Peter okay?" he asked.
"Oh, he's fine, George." Aunt May assured. "So, how'd Gwen escape."
"Shadow-Spider found her and rescued her." Capt. Stacy explained. "The Jackal however was able to escape. He had Gwen held inside his house, which is being searched right now."
"Shadow-Spider?" Flash questioned. "Why wasn't Spidey and Ghost Spider with him?"
"Yeah, they're a team, aren't there?" Anya inquired. "I've heard they've called themselves the Web-Warriors lately."
Peter and Gwen turned to each other, not knowing what to say to explain that.
"Yeah, well, he told me all three were investigating." Capt. Stacy said. "He was just the one that found her. He told me the other two were in different parts of the city."
"Splitting up to cover more ground?" Harry questioned. "Good move."
"True." Flash agreed. "I mean, he could've taken Gwen anywhere."
"Better safe than sorry in this case." Gloria reasoned.
"We've put out an APB on Prof. Warren, and the News networks are gonna broadcast it later." Capt. Stacy said. "I never thought I'd have to go after someone my daughter admires."
"Used too, Dad." Gwen wept. "After what happened today, I don't admire him at all anymore."
"I gotta get back, so I'll see you later, Gwen." Capt. Stacy said.
He turned around and left the room, leaving the others alone.
"I can't believe Prof. Warren's been behind all this." Liz sighed.
"I know. I may not like science much, but I never thought I'd hear this about a teacher." Sally agreed.
Gwen and Peter stared at each other, as Aunt May approached them.
"Let's leave them alone." Mary Jane said, noticing them. "After what they've been through, I think they need some alone time."
Everyone walked out of the room, leaving Peter, Gwen and Aunt May alone, everyone still shocked by everything they found out today.