Liz Allan slowly opened her eyes, turning over in bed to see her fiance. Who wasn't there. So, she glanced at the time seeing it was past her usual wake up time. Seeing it made her smile knowing Jessica did this on purpose after it was a long day.
From there, she got up to find a surprise waiting. "Jessica, wow. I can't believe this!" Liz said shocked.
She laughed knowing it was a playful comment. "You're being sarcastic. It's not that wild. I cleaned up a little around here, I've been known to clean, on occasion."
"Perhaps every time a moon comes close to hitting the earth." Liz remarked. "I'm kidding, that's sweet of you Jessica doing this. Thank you for this, I was about to start cleaning up tomorrow. Have you slept yet? I mean, you only healed a couple days ago, it's okay for you to relax." She pointed out holding her hands. And then gave a motion for her to go back to bed. Even though Liz knew well enough by now, that wasn't going to happen. She still was concerned about the love of her life. Knew all too well Spider-Woman wasn't invincible.
Jessica smiled back at her. "You're really busy, working at your parents is a ton of cooking and cleaning. I'm happy to help you out wherever I can Liz. Don't worry, I love you and as your future wife, I promise to always be there to help. And I've got a lot of energy. So I might as well use it."
They hugged each other feeling great with each other's presence. Didn't want to let go, but that wasn't really viable to not release.
Jessica rubbed the back of her head, getting her fingers a bit tangled in the very long hair. That happened commonly. And she did it whenever anxiety rolled around. Like when asking this question. "I've been meaning to ask though, about Mark. Have you heard from him lately?"
She shook her head. "Unfortunately not really. He doesn't even know about our engagement." The tone in her voice had some sadness about that. Her face reflected that even as she turned away from Jessica's eyes.
Mark was Liz's big brother, by a couple of years. Though he didn't act like it so much after becoming an adult. Unfortunately he went down a more grim path, falling into a bad crowd and getting into gambling debts. Which was the beginning of his troubles. He had been arrested before. Though was released after having a year in prison. It hurt the family a lot and Liz. They hadn't really talked much since then. Even as they kept in touch from time to time. Not as much lately however.
"I hope you get to speak to him soon. Get to tell him." Jessica said softly, giving her a kiss.
She nodded slowly, trying hard to keep a strong face. Though let it drop knowing home was safe. "Me too Jess. Me too. I miss him. Truly. Want to tell him our news and would hate for him to hear it second hand. I'd be pissed even."
"I know." Jessica replied softly, understanding her pain. Wasn't the first time she had seen Liz struggling over him and wasn't going to be the last.
"I just will cross my fingers. And hope for the best. Sure he can't stay away for long. It's Mark after all." She laughed a little. "Are you going out today?" Liz then asked her. Was obvious that she wanted to switch subjects now.
"I can stay if you want." Jessica replied immediately without a hasiation in her voice.
Liz smiled at her and put her hand up. "It's okay." She then scanned around the room looking at Jessica's cleaning job pleased by it. "You can go out for a swing. Have Spider-Woman do her thing."
"Well I'm always one call away and will swing home as fast as I can." She turned around. Second thoughts about leaving washed over her. And knowing she would have to speak to Liz about it. "I know the city will always need Spider-Woman. Just have to admit, I'm afraid of seeing anyone green." Even with the sarcastic comment, the couple knew each other so well. Jessica actually was feeling concerned about what could be happening out there. And the thought of any Goblins. Her comments were a deflection, but it never worked on Liz who always saw through it. Although she did happily laugh too.
"It'll be okay. Whatever happens, know you won't let it keep you down. You beat everything that's been thrown at you. Literally even. And I know Jessica Parker. All of you. So I speak with some authority." Liz replied with a gentle touch. She knew how strong Jessica was. And wanted her to know she was there. That they'd talk though anything.
"Lady, I am so glad you're here." Jessica said back with a smile. "Frankly, everything has been a bit scary since we found Cindy. Really mean it Liz, no idea how I'd keep myself together if I didn't have you."
"I feel the same. Life is better with you, without a single doubt." Liz replied back warmly. And meant it fully. Both the women did.
"Do you have any plans while I'm out of your hair?" Jessica asked with ceriousty in her future wife's life. Something that she always had, but also didn't want to be nosey as their lives although shared did need privacy at times. Just a healthy boundary between them.
Liz thought about it for a moment. "Michelle Gonzales is coming over for a chit-chat. And coffee."
"Oh exciting. Know you like her. I hope you'll have a most pleasant visit." Jessica happily said after hearing this.
Liz smiled back and continued. "I do like her. Although I still would like to know her better. You know bond? Got a good feeling about Michelle."
"Should I be jealous?" Jessica asked with a sarcastic look and laugh.
She laughed too. "No way, nobody could replace you." And she meant that whole heartedly.
Jessica grabbed her hands. "Same to you." She felt a little anxiety about leaving again, but knew it was unfounded. Anxiety was just a pain. "Gotta swing. Should get out of your hair. Leave you time to do all the usual before Michelle comes over, right?"
"Right. Have a good day dear."
Jessica went to suit up and prominently left home out the window.
Liz watched her love depart swinging away as Spider-Woman ready for another day out.
Part of her always did worry a little while parting ways. Both rathered stuck together, always. Given how life was, it couldn't be a realistic option. The city needed Spider-Woman, something she's accepted for a long time. Didn't make it any easier for her.
Something she commonly did was look over old photos of them on her phone. Brought some peace. All the happy memories together. And knowing that Jessica would always return home to her. As she's said before, death wouldn't be taking her. Not without the biggest fight in history. Was reassuring. And made her laugh to imagine, as given the universe they inhabited, Jessica was probably being literally.
Liz smiled, finishing the coffee and going on with the rest of her day.
Elsewhere, Ben was working inside of the Daily Bugle, hearing his boss JJJ as usual, having a melt down. Likely over a minor situation.
After having his new identity fabricated, Jessica helped him out to get a job over at the Bugle, having the exact qualification for that as she used to work there herself before moving on to work alongside Doctor Conners as an assistant. For her it was a superior working there, unfortunately Ben wouldn't have that Luxury considering his record didn't have anything that'd give him the qualifications for working somewhere scientific, not yet anyways. Part of him wanted to head back to college, but it'd be annoying having to go back again, without his friends too. It was something he kept thinking about.
While working, Phil Urich came over.
"Hey, Ben. Wanna get drinks after work?" Urich asked in a friendly tone. He seemed quite sincere. Despite not knowing each other too well. The guy genuinely was making an effort, which was nice.
With a moment of thought, Ben smiled. "Yeah, I'd love to later tonight. I just got some business to attend to after work. How about after?"
"Yeah sure, same place as before? They got good drinks, right?" He asked sounding not so confident in that. Could be safely assumed that Phil Urich didn't have a lot of friends.
Ben nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Thanks Phil."
He walked off and Ben gave a sigh. Not too enthusiastic about that. Felt a bit guilty about that as Phil did want to be friends. Just wasn't the same. Not easy. It's hard not having the same friends as Jessica. I'd rather have drinks with Flash, Gwen, MJ. Black Cat? Carly. Literally anyone else. At least Robbie is still nice enough to me. Maybe I'm being too hard on Phil. I mean, I don't know the guy too well.
The feeling of remembering so much about Jessica's life did suck. When nobody else did. Couldn't blame Ben for feeling some frustration. It bothered him sometimes more than other days. On some days, it was the worst pain he experienced. Though it wasn't something he spoke about to Jessica really.
Speaking of which, Robbie came over. Someone who knew Jessica well over the years. Well enough to be getting a wedding invitation, though of course couldn't know about Ben's situation. Even if he was a bright guy. Seemed like had a sense of something being up, not that he held it against him.
"Ben, how's your work going?"
"Finished up cleaning most of my photos. Got some good shots I think. How do they look, Robbie?" He asked, showing them.
After looking over for a moment, he nodded. "Really good, like Jessica's quality. I guess it runs in the family huh?"
"Could say that. Thanks. Wasn't easy getting this. Whoever these guys are in the weird demon looking mask, seems like they're trying to keep under the radar. Luckily I was able to snap a few pics."
Robbie seemed to agree. "With the power vacuum right now, it's good the city be prepared for a new crime boss, ever since Wilson Fisk was arrested. It's inevitable that it will happen soon enough, it's good we got them on the people's rader."
Completely agreed. That's going to bite me soon enough. Whoever they are, nothing good can come.
Wilson Fisk was arrested a few months back. Turned out having two heads helped greatly in finally bringing The Kingpin to justice and two dysfunctional allies. Turns out siblings, a cranky devil man and a world class assassin also in red on her best behavior was all that was needed. He wasn't making much of a peep since being locked up tight. Though it was invaluable he would sooner rather than later.
"One more thing Ben, you know my son Randy? He's been having trouble paying for his apartment, thinks he might need a roommate and I think you'd be a responsible person to be living with him."
Surprised, he thought about the offer. That wouldn't be so bad, right now living with Aunt May isn't bad at all, but I want to start making my own life. On the other hand, it could hinder being The Scarlet Spider. "I'll have to think about it. I will get back to you on that, it's just too you know I don't really know Randy so well. Jessica does better than me."
"Well, you two seem to have a fair amount in common with each other. Jessica always got along with him, so I think it'd work out fine." He said with a smile, almost knowingly as he walked away.
Ben moved back in his chair as Robbie walked off, he then started thinking about going to see Cindy after work wanting to check up on her. Being Scarlet Spider would have to wait for today. For now, she'd be getting his full attention.
After Jessica finished up with Liz, she departed now in costume heading out on patrol to keep an eye out on the city. Danger was always around the corner, surely she'd be needed somewhere.
Alright world, what do you have in store for me today? I hope not to wake up, I don't want this to all be a dream. Feel like life has been way too good lately. Keep waiting for a nuclear shoe to drop down on my head. Keep hoping this isn't all a bad omen. A ticking clock against me. Doomsday in the form of my greatest enemy reaching out from the grave. Am I being paranoid? Or right? I'd love to be wrong. Jessica thought to herself looking over the city. It's been far too silent with super villains the past few days, I better not be seeing any goblins causing trouble. Or green in general for that matter! She thought swinging around, in a few minutes her attention was naturally caught by a familiar foe. The Scorpion who was running away and headed into the sewage system. Great. Green. How typical. Lots of showering for me later too, all by my lonesome! She headed after him leaping down below, finding him running off as fast as he could.
Mac Gargon became The Scorpion years ago, surely one of the first villains Jessica fought against. Even before being trapped in a Scorpion suit, with a hint of mutation all funded by Spider-Woman's biggest fan, J Jonah Jameson. Over the years there wasn't a shortage of Scroption trying to kill JJJ in revenge or working alongside The Sinister Six to cause trouble. It was odd seeing him presumably flying solo. It seemed like Gargon really liked making new friends. Not that he got along with anyone.
The Scorpion heard her and seemed more jumpy than usual. "Stay back! I can't deal with you, I've got enough problems right now!"
"Says the guy with a very sharp tail! Who escaped prison on top of that months back. Come on Mac, it's back to the farm!" She remarked sarcastically. As she was more or less used to their dance by now.
"Farm what farm? You think I'm lying, but I'm serious! There are people out to get me! You'll see!" He exclaimed, trying to sting Jessica.
She continued to avoid his tail. "Getting impaled won't help me with listening to you Scorpion! How about you speak up!"
After some more momentary fighting, he finally gave up putting up his hands. Looking exhausted to boot. "Alright, alright! Obviously killing you and escaping isn't going to work."
"No, that'd be very unhelpful. Now Scorpion, talk." Spider-Woman replied, crossing her arms on the defensive.
"People are out to get me! Like, military types. It's not Shield before you ask. I know what those guys look like! These guys, I don't know, private military types and they've been hunting me all day! I've got no clue why!" Mac Gargon exclaimed in terror.
Spider-Woman thought about it. "Why would a private military be interested in you? No offense, you'd not be a good candidate for warfare."
"They're out to kill me! Or take me away and throw me in some deep dark hole, I'd rather go back to Rikers than face them off!" Scorpion expressing, sounding serious.
She seemed skeptical. It wasn't above Gargon to be a lier. Or try anything to save his own skin, so to speak. "Are you positive about not knowing anything? My spidey senses are telling me you're keeping a secret from me."
Scorpion was bewildered. "What? Can you detect lies now?" He asked thrown for a loop stepping back. Mac Gargon wasn't the most observant guy, not when it ever came to Jessica's jokey personally.
"No, you're just a bad lier. Start talking, pointy." Jessica said seriously.
"I hate being called names!" Before anymore conversation could be had the people like he said were after him arrived, a small team of heavily armed military men. "I told you! They're here!" He exclaimed and started to run off again. People out to kill him was a great motivation for waking up.
"Huh, so you weren't kidding." Jessica was surprised and moved out of the way of incoming bullets running after Scorpion.
Liz Allan was innocently having lunch with Michelle, blissfully unaware of the trouble her fiance was in. As usual.
"How have things been?" She asked her friend with a bright expression.
Michelle Gonzales shrugged with a look of considering the next words out of her mouth. "Could be better. How about you Liz?"
She leaned forward with concern. "You don't have to hide whatever it is. I'm here to listen. And help."
"Ha. Well you're probably going to regret that. Remember my brother, Vin?"
Liz gave a nod and continued wanting to hear more. She knew some of the trouble between them. Was similar to her and Mark. Unfortunately.
Understanding this genuine introduction, Michelle kept on going. "The charges laid against him are rough Liz. Serious offenses and real jail time if proven guilty. And the worst part is, I don't know if he deserves all these charges. If what's being claimed is true. Mean, screw the cops. But, Vin? Dirty like the worst of them? Dirty enough to actually be arrested? I don't know." She finished saying, throwing up her hands. Was discouraged by the ongoing situation. One that would continue to evolve most definitely.
"I'm so sorry Michelle. Can I do anything to help? Seriously. All ears if you need someone to help you get to the bottom of things."
She looked a bit surprised and thankful to hear this. Like getting truthful offers of help was rare. The brief, but bright expression on her face seemed to reflect this. "I appreciate it, yeah you know what the hell. Could use a fresh pair of eyes on this case. I can show you everything I've got some time."
Liz nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Everything is going to be fine." She had a moment of regret using that choice or words, as admittedly, was unclear. Michelle was the lawyer, not her. And if she said that it was bad, well not a great sign. Liz didn't want to discourage the poor woman. Knew all too well about having trouble with a brother in the legal system.
"Thanks. How's your work going?" Michelle processed to ask. Was clear she wanted to switch to something lighter. Couldn't blame her. It wasn't like Michelle had a ton of friends. Wanted to keep this brewing friendship with Liz alive.
"Not bad. A bit much, I mention my parents are handing it over to me? Slowly, we're in the process." Saying that got her a little worried about it. Though it passed again seeing Michelle's reaction to that development.
She looked impressed and leaned forward. "Wow! You're pretty young to already be running a business and you want to help me out. Try to not burn yourself out."
"Like you aren't young too, hot shot lawyer." Liz laughed. It was true as Michelle was only a couple of years older than her and Jessica. "I'm sure it'll be fine. I've helped my parents since I was a little girl. Helping a friend sounds like a perfect use of my time." Liz finished saying and had a moment of wondering if Michelle could be right. Wouldn't have been the first time and not the last of having doubts. Liz was wanting distractions and to be able to do more while Jessica was out of the house. Doing her thing. This seemed like a good idea and her doubts once more started to fade. For the time being anyhow.
"Do you have any more coffee? I'm freaking exhausted. Would ask for a drink, but figure too early for you." Michelle then began saying sounding more casual in her voice and body language again.
Liz laughed at that. "No sorry. I'm not sure if we have any acholic drinks around here. Seems doubtful unless as a gift. We don't drink around here."
This got a surprised look from Michelle. Didn't seem like she was on quite belief of that. It was true though. "Wow, guess your serious. Do you do a lot of fun things?"
"Does this count as fun? And a thing?" Liz asked sarcastically with a tiny smirk on her face. She was enjoying this and didn't mean any offense. Wasn't positive whether or not she meant any however. Though Liz didn't really think about it that way from Michelle
"I mean sure. Maybe next time we should go to a coffee shop or something? Or maybe to your restaurant. Free food?" She then joked. At least Liz assumed as much.
"Maybe a discount."
They both laughed and continued to talk about more casual subjects for the remainder of the visit.
Back over with Ben, his work day was finished up and he was trying to call Cindy Moon wanting to let her know he was coming over.
First, he was interrupted by an update about the status of Harry Osborn's investigation from the Bugle as he headed out. According to it, he'd be having a trial soon enough having him be looked into, being on bail right now. The fake Green Goblin was an employee, one named Tom Rowan, from Oscorp who continued to claim and had provided evidence that people working for Harry were watching his family, threatening them. Along with apparently Harry commissioning weapons for The Green Goblin again. None of that looked good for him. It was looking very bad and likely he'd be getting into major trouble with the law, everything depended on the trail.
Jessica would certainly want to visit her friend after hearing about that. Definitely wouldn't lessen the worry about what was going to happen to him. As she'd be visiting as Spider-Woman.
He knew Jessica hated being in the dark about her best friend and the fact they weren't talking as much. It sucked. The thought of that friendship falling apart was soul crushing. Was the last thing she ever wanted.
Wouldn't be the first friend she lost, the first major one being Eddie Brock. She was just scared of history finding a way of repeating itself. Being cloned siblings, Ben was well aware of all this. Both knew it.
With a sigh he moved on and called Cindy Moon. "Hey, I'm coming over to see you. Would that be alright with you?" He asked cheerfully. Ben was looking forward to seeing her. And was also considered from a place of care.
"Yeah sure, I could use some company. It feels weird, living by myself in this apartment in the middle of the city. I'd be happy, you coming over when you can. Feel alone. Can't calm down. Can't keep my parents or brother out of my head. I could really use help, truthfully. I can't breathe. Feel like someone is going to hurt me. That I'm losing my mind over here. Not fun."
"On my way now." Ben replied and suited up heading off to see her as quickly as super humanly possible.
Spider-Woman caught up to Scorpion, finding him nearly out of breath. "So, you're deadly serious, those dudes don't appear quite friendly at all."
"Of course! They're going to kill us both!" He exclaimed, freaking out. This wasn't a surprise given how Gargan could never keep a cool head.
"Calm down, if we work together, we can take them down. Without any serious harm or killing, or else I'm leaving you to their mercy, got it?" She responded completely seriously and stared at him.
After hasiation he grunted. "Fine. We'll do it your way!"
The military unit approached moving in carefully trying to surround them with a commanding officer approaching. "You are interfering with a very important operation here, Spider-Woman."
"Oh really? Could I see some credentials? Proof of your identity? A reason why you're hunting him down instead of the police? Hmm?" She remarked not buying his word. Didn't need a spider sense to spot this was beyond fishy. And there was no world where she'd be backing down.
"That's classified I'm afraid. If you continue to be a problem, we'll engage you." He responded looking joyless.
Jessica crossed her arms. "Sorry pal, I'm already engaged." She webbed him forward, grabbing onto him. "Wasn't expecting to have a hostage today."
"You're making a grave mistake." The commander replied.
Spider-Woman's spider sense went off as he broke free from her grip, leading her to throw a punch only to realize his face was hard, like metal or steel. "Oh, crap. You're a robot aren't you?"
"Cyborg, Spider-Woman." He corrected her, revealing his true face.
"Wait, I know you, it's Mr. Roboto right?" She joked, not at all threatened in the slightest already knowing who it was. Just wished to mock her enemy, as this one like Gargon didn't appreciate insults. Threw off their game.
He looked unhappy. "Mendel Stromm! The Robot Master! You should've stayed out of this hero, you're outnumbered!"
Spider-Woman sighed. "Okay, how about you explain your evil scheme? Why have you come back now with a bunch of goons? Come on, you always did love giving me a good super villain speech tell me that hasn't changed!"
"Fine, if you insist. I'm going to create a robotic army of this fool, Scorpion and sell it to the highest bidder. Well, potentially not. Anyhow. These mercenaries are happy to assist. We're all going to make a lot of money. Would've been easier if he didn't discover our little secret before we could grab him. Seems Gargon here was smarter then I gave credit for, looks like his days of being a PI paid off, he found out about it and that's how we all ended up here." Mendel Stromm explained.
While he yapped on, Spider-Woman slowly backed away, eyeing Scorpion giving a signal to be ready for a fight.
She leaped back and kicked Mendel backwards, firing out web shots at all the army military thugs who almost immediately opened fire.
"Get them now!" He shouted at the top of his lungs. "We need Scorpion alive, kill Spider-Woman! Now!"
They followed after her, as she ran off with Scorpion and tried to call Ben.
"Come on, pick up, pick up." She repeated, but the phone signal seemed to be jammed. It wasn't going though. "Ah, great. Grand! Well come on pointy, looks like we're on our own down here." She remarked, rolling her eyes.
He muttered some words that shouldn't be shared, that hurt her feelings only a tiny bit as she knew her foe had quite the nasty mouth. Still it surprised her how much of a potty mouth he had. Though in fairness, both were standing in sewage.
Meanwhile as she handled the danger ahead, Ben had arrived at Cindy's apartment coming inside while dressed as Scarlet Spider. He knocked on the window nearly giving her a fright. Which was a complete accident.
She rushed over to open it up. "You scared the daylights out of me, at least you didn't make my head go crazy. It's been buzzing so much if I get startled or if someone gets near me. Or thinking about mom and dad. What my brother has benn going though. What's happening to me?" Cindy questioned with terror present in her voice and face. Was unpleasant seeing that so clearly in her eyes. In the way she was trembling, hoping for some peace. Could see everything as a danger. As a matter of life and death. An extreme fight or flight response.
"That's not good, I'm very sorry Cindy. I think your spider sense is freaking out right now, you're completely overwhelmed and are taking in nearly everything as a threat. You're suffering from major anxiety and it's affecting your powers. My sister went through something similar, having self doubts it harmed her powers." Scarlet Spider explained sitting down. Though, he wasn't being one hundred percent truthful. From the sounds of it, it was a lot worse than anything either he or Jessica had experienced before. It was actually quite concerning. Ben didn't want to further add to Cindy's worry though as it wouldn't help.
"My powers are doing this? I'm doing it to myself?" She questioned looking upset. None of this made any sense to poor Cindy Moon.
"No, it isn't your fault Cindy. This is entirely out of your control. These powers aren't something you can control. Don't blame yourself, alright? That won't help, making you feel worse." Ben responded looking at her genuinely with deep compassion.
After a moment Cindy walked around in cycles. "I can do incredible things and still my powers are a hindrance at the sametime." She jumped onto the ceiling. "I can do this without even having to think! It's amazing, but this sense I'm feeling, it's hurting me and makes me feel like I'm in constant danger of death. Everything feels like it's crumbling down around me!"
"Your body is just in a panic mode, you've not been in an environment around people in years and been thrown into this world I'm used to. You've got super powers that only my sister and I have." Ben expressed understanding.
Cindy sighed and jumped down from the ceiling. "Is there a cure? For these powers, just thinking about it." She sounded genuine. Which was understandable given the absolute terror Cindy was in over this. Wasn't even clear if this an ability for her alone or was a result of her traumatic history. Could be both. The lack of certainty was unsettling.
"Not that I know of. Maybe for now at least, I can teach you a few tricks of how to use your powers and master your abilities? It could help. And get your mind off everything for the moment." Ben suggested. Hopeful that he'd be able to offer real help.
She thought about it and nodded. "Okay, I guess one question first off, how exactly do you shoot webs?"
"Like this." He demonstrated. "My webs don't come naturally, I have web shooters. It was one of the first things Spider-Woman did. Creating these. They're basically the exact same, mine. Apart from a couple tweeks. I made something I call impact webbing, basically a massive ball of webbing. Pretty cool."
Cindy nodded along, while not too interested in the macinices of how it all worked. "So uh, would it be weird that my webs don't work like that?" She showed off as they came out of her finger tips naturally making webbing.
"Huh, interesting. Also quite cool! It looks a little different, almost like silk?"
"Yeah, a little freaky and kinda awesome. Unless I'm going to die or turn into a giant spider monster or something." Cindy remarked half laughing.
Ben looked at her and laughed nervously. "I certainly hope not, been there, done that and never want to deal with that again! Kidding." Not really. He thought to himself. Not even wanting to think of that old incident. "Anyways, how much can you control making webs?"
"Um, a bit actually. I used to make things with my webs or screw around with them, I got bored sometimes. Made clothes even a couple times."
Ben seemed really fascinated and happy to listen. "I'd love to hear more!"
"Really?" Cindy asked not expecting to hear that. Being alone for so long, actually having someone to talk to seemed like a fantasy. However, this was real.
"Absolutely!" He replied happily and they continued to talk.
As the two kept talking away blissfully unaware, Jessica was still being chased down alongside her relectuent very temporary ally Scorpion.
"This is exhausting! I've been running all day long!" He shouted out.
"First of all Scorpion! Keep your voice down! Second, how do you think it feels swinging around all day chasing naughty little criminals like yourself around the city?" She sighed and rolled her eyes. How is he one of my greatest enemies? Who consistently breaks out of prison and has caused me so much trouble! He looks like he's about to faint from running around all day! "Back to the matter at hand, how'd you stumble onto Mendel's plot?" She questioned him. As from her perspective, it was a surprise that he figured that out.
He shook his head and grunted. "Fine! I did some investigating, you know a guy like me wants to keep informed on all the latest happenings around the underworld. Look for work opportunities and that robot guy wasn't very smart, had everything partially out in the open about what he was planning on doing, a job opening!"
"Seriously? That's kinda funny." Spider-Woman replied with a little snicker. Once again she was interrupted by her spider sense, pushing Scorpion out of the way of a stun bullet that'd get a mighty shock if hit on them.
She leaped onto the highest surface she could, holding on preparing to leap down onto the shooters approaching. They stepped forward looking up too late as Jessica fell down on them kicking two of them back. Then webbed two more thugs together crashing into each other.
Scorpion came in to fight too, smacking a bunch more of the thugs around with his tail about to kill one before Spider-Woman webbed his tail. "Ah shucks, force of habit." He laughed nervously.
"Sure it is, watch the sharp end!" She jumped backwards, spin kicking another one down and out.
Mendel Stromm came over. "You two are proving to be a problem. Scorpion, you love money don't you? Haven't you considered how much cash you could be making if we worked together? Millions Gargon! Millions of dollars! So let's stop fighting already and together, kill this nuisance!"
Spider-Woman tried to look over at Scorpion. "He's something of a pathological liar you know. And a robot hellbend on turning us all into robots, probably. Okay that part might not be true, iffy, but the first was hundred percent!"
"Hmm, money or working with you and heading back to prison. I think the choice is obvious here!" He exclaimed trying to hit Spider-Woman with his tail and acid. "You're a dead woman now!"
"Right, because this time I'm done for! Not every other time?" Spider-Woman then was reminded of Stromm who charged at her with great speed getting thrown into a wall and hit hard. "I've taken down him and five others at the sametime. Easy peasy." She said not so confident not being cornered like this before so badly by two tough foes. Fortunately one wasn't very bright and shot acid, not a friend of a robotic exoskeleton that was for sure.
She kicked back Stromm getting free and smacked him in the face webbing onto his face then turned her attention to Scorpion. "Come on Mac, what are you doing? I just kicked your brand new boss's butt! Come and get me!"
In response he grit his teeth and spray out acid at her, knowing this would be his next move she put Stromm in front of herself melting around part of him. "Opse, looks like you might've missed their pal! Don't worry, as long as you don't melt his head, Stromm here will be perfectly fine!"
Scorpion seemed unhappy and charged at Spider-Woman managing to wack her with his tail knocking her into the smelly, whatever was in the swage.
"Oh wonderful, I will have you know I was having a good day! Then you two came along." She remarked, dodging another attack from his tail.
"Stay still!" He shouted jumping into the water after her and slipped after she webbed onto his foot when he jumped up.
Stromm tried to shoot at Spider-Woman as she did this, only narrowly missing.
"What's the matter Cyborg? Don't like water!" She exclaimed, giving him a splash and kicking him into the wall.
Scorpion got back up from the water looking unhappy. "You're done for now!"
"Oh? I am? Well come and get me then!" She exclaimed and moved out of the way, making him once again run into Stromm.
Annoyed, Stromm wacked Scorpion across the area finally knocking him out cold and in return, Spider-Woman jumped at him ripping out his power source seeing it now exposed making him unable to move.
"And that's that, thanks for taking down loudmouth over there. I'd like to think I wore him down quite a bit." Spider-Woman said to Stromm and then started looking for an exit to bring them both to the surface.
"If you stayed still long enough I would've gotten you and ripped you in two!" He exclaimed, only able to move his head. "My allies won't be happy about this."
That peaked her interest. "What allies?"
"You misheard me."
"No, no. I heard you clearly. What are you referring to? Who's helping you out? I should've guessed you couldn't have come up with this scheme alone." Spider-Woman replied, getting in his face.
Stromm grit his teeth. "You're making a mistake. My people will not be pleased with this, they need me to keep the ship steady. There could be consequences if you arrest me and take me away."
"What friends? How about I take a guess, who'd want your services? Perhaps another talking head? Silvermane? Another head I haven't heard from in quite awhile."
He twitched his eye. "Clever lady. You're correct and you know Silvermane isn't a man to be crossing, even without a body, he commands so much respect."
"I know, it's very weird. Got his people armed like a private military unit now, which means you guys are ramping up for something big." Jessica pointed out.
"We are and that's why you don't want me taken out of it. That'll make it worse for you, I can guarantee that." Stromm said looking genuine.
Spider-Woman sighed. "Well, that's a problem for me to deal with. The only thing you've gotta worry about pal, is prison." She knocked him down. "And all I have to worry about is getting you two out of here. Fun."
"Or you could let me go! I could give you a tiny share of the investment money you can actually have a suit worth wild! And furthermor-" The cyborg got his mouth webbed shut.
"Hurting my feelings. Keeping quiet on the field trip would make me a happier gal, you know." She said, picking the very angry old man up. Though part of her wondered about what Silvermane was up to. As this spoke to bigger troubles, perhaps one that tied in with the other ongoing Goblin trouble.
Back over with Ben and Cindy, the two were having a very nice chat along with showing each other's abilities.
"It's nice being able to have a real chat again with someone. I appreciate it, even being able to show off my powers. I thought all these years I was alone." Cindy expressed with great sorrow in her voice. It was frustrating having two emotions fighting. Sadness and a feeling of true happiness.
"You're not anymore, everything is going to be better now, I swear." Ben laughed with a smile. "Maybe you might even be a superhero huh? Our band of two could always use a third member."
Cindy laughed back. "I'd have to think about it."
"It's not serious, no pressure. That'd be only if that is something you want." Ben reassured her.
She looked down once more, a strong sense of sadness seemed to have just rained down onto her. "I keep having these weird moments. Like where things feel okay and then, I remember my parents are gone. That I missed them, how much I've missed. It doesn't feel right laughing. Not with the absolute mess of a life I have." Cindy said with some tears slowly starting to drop down gradually. The pain was very evident in each word. And uncertainty of what her life was now. Along with all the time lost for unknown reasons.
"I get it, Jessica and I lost our parents too. Legally speaking, they aren't even my parents now. And I never met them myself. Was a long time ago, but I remember how much it hurt. Still does from time to time." Ben expressed, having some unresolved issues surrounding that.
She looked back up. "How did you get over it?"
"Honesty, I don't know. Family and friends around definitely helped. Grieving alone isn't easy. You don't have to face that grief alone now Cindy. Promise."
She gave a slow nod. "Thank you. I think right now, I want to take it slow. Feel overwhelmed by everything. I am going to take my time." Cindy softly said. Her eyes looked down.
"Whatever is best for you Cindy Moon." Ben said looking at her seeing the pain on her face seem to light just a little bit before his eyes. It was good seeing her calm down. At least for now. This wouldn't be the end of their troubles unfortunately. Wasn't going to be easy overcoming her seemingly stronger spider sense.
They sat in silence for a couple of minutes now. The phone then rang, making him step aside and out the window. It was Jessica, who started immediately speaking. "Having a nice time with Cindy?" Jessica Parker asked genuinely interested. Even while finishing up her mess.
"Yeah, it's been nice." He then paused. "How's your day been?"
Jessica paused for a moment. "Well uh, I found Scorpion got into a brawl. And Mendel Stromm too, been awhile since I saw him huh? Last time was before you were even here, but they're both off to the funny farm."
"Oh my god, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help. Did they jam your calls?"
"Bingo. Fortunately I'm more stinky then hurt, had to fight down in the sewage systems wasn't exactly fun, but two more badies off to prison. And some more intel I'll tell you more about later, I think it's worth a follow up." Jessica expressed.
"I understand, let's talk about it tomorrow. Don't want to leave Cindy right now. It's been nice, I think we understand each other. Think I might actually make a friend here and we might have an ally." Ben replied, seeming confident.
Jessica thought about it. "We'll see, not sure if I'm ready to call her a friend or ally just yet, we only met her for real a few days ago. Let's not jump the gun, alright?" She was more skeptical about Cindy, which was informed by the many tricks of them over the years. With her so close. It was worse some for the safety of loved ones. Like Liz and Aunt May.
"Right, of course I get it. I'll be careful, oh couple more things. Robbie asked me to be roommates with Randy, which was pretty surprising."
She was puzzled. "Huh, interesting. That's cool though? Randy's an alright guy. What are you thinking?"
Ben shrugged honestly unsure. "I'm probably going to have to keep thinking about it for the time being. And I'm going out for drinks with Phil or maybe I'll ditch. Thought you should know about it too, same cheap bar. A little tacky." Ben remarked, not impressed.
She gave a little laugh. "Well, you wanted more friends. Don't really know him far too well, so good luck with it." Spider-Woman climbed up the side of a building taking a moment to breath and take in the fresh air. "For now, I'm going to just take in the rest of the day and procrastinate going home. I smell pretty bad."
"Sure you do, have a good rest of the day." He hung up.
Another day, another long season of cleaning. Liz won't love this. I hate swuage. If I ever become president, so help me I'm going to find a way to blast it all into space. Knowing me, it'd probably come back and crash down back to earth killing everyone. Even so considering that, I'd say I'm a pretty lucky gal.
Thank you for reading, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I want to have ones like this telling one off stories to give a better picture of the world surrendering the heroes, along with all the characters. Along with some plots that will continue on as you can probably expect.
Also a note about Michelle Gonzales. Hope that didn't confuse anyone with MJ in the recent movies. Or the other lawyer named Michele who showed up in the comics recently. Then it was quickly dropped unceremoniously.
I love ASM post OMD, soooo much. (Sarcasm)
Lol.
Though this character only exists because of Brand New Day, that's something I guess. She won't be the same though, as you can already imagine.
Wait, he met both Michelle's at weddings too and had crappy boring relationships with them. Oh lordy we're trapped in a loop of insanity lol.
Response Section
Thank you for waiting and thanks. Will try not to stress, but it's my default state of being, lol. Sorry for your hiatus as well, hope you are well. Yeah that makes a ton of sense, I have been doing the same. Been trying to think harder on some elements. Your comments have helped me notice some things I neglected. Hope the organization goes well for you.
Happy to hear your interest. I certainly have plans for him. Exploring the toll of the death of his father and the eventual bomb shell of who Spider-Woman is for him will be all very interesting. I am thinking more long term for Harry, so it will take time for that. Want to give Harry a lot of importance. You will certainly see more of his mental state, as things for him are only going to get more messy with more revelations coming. And drama. It's why Norman is dead (100% totally) want to give the focus to Harry as that shadow of that Goblin won't be an easy one to escape.
Thank you. I hope can give her a better place here in this story. She is definitely going to be trying to find where she belongs among the heroes. That's true, it's to bad Cindy hasn't gotten much to do. She's really a blank slate, I feel freedom to do more hopefully with Cindy. I have some ideas in mind. With Jessica being more coherent (currently) Cindy might be having more life in disarray as she tries to figure stuff out. I hope can find interesting stuff for her to do, though also don't want to go way to out there right? Like I hope the fact her spider sense is a little more of a problem than normal will be okay. (I plan on exploring this further) I hope won't jump the shark with Cindy at all.
Also I want to say I'm sorry if Cindy doesn't get as much focus. Maybe? I certainly have plans, but I'm still thinking of her behind Jessica, Ben and maybe Liz too. She's still coming into her own especially during these early chapters still as the world is still pretty scary for her as I show a bit here. I've been thinking more for Cindy plots and such after thinking about what you said.
That sounds good with her brother and the relationship there. It's her core relationship I think so want to do it justice. Not sure if I'm going to go to as high points as that, but certainly they'll have things to work out once they meet again in due time.
Yes she will definitely have agency and importance to the plot, as some of what's coming does directly involve her as you would expect. Both of them will try to help her out, primarily Ben as he more personally understands what she went through with losing some of her life. And that sense of needing family as she's hurting.
I'm glad their dialogue is a delight to read, know they didn't interact as much in this chapter. How much characters intract will change chapter to chapter. I hope gave some decent balance this time. Sorry for lack of May though.
I apologize for that. I'll admit that's a shortcoming of mine. I've tried to work on that a bit this chapter (rewrites) and wish I could go back to fix that downside. Hope was a bit better here. Going to keep working on that.
Sorry as well about the flashback scene. I wish it was better. And that too. Really everything with Jessica and Harry as it's setting the foundation for things to come. So I apologize for that too. Trying to think of ways to rectify that in future chapters for missing out there.
Sorry to hear about the mystery angle as well. I quite love mysteries, but admit maybe I didn't put my best foot forward. I guess I will say now and hopefully isn't a spoiler, but don't worry too much about The Goblin Nation. I'm more focusing on who is responsible, who they are and what the goals are. Among other things. Might be more surprising answers then expected hopefully. Though yeah, maybe I should've left it in the dark. Though I also thought might've been a let down letting the group's name be revealed later as I think it might be the least intriguing part, to me anyways. I hope things will continue to progress better next time, sorry to hear for the shortcomings of mine. And that you weren't feeling it in chapter 3. I sincerely hope this one is better.
It was longer and I wish I had made the previous ones longer too.
I hope it will get more interesting again as more revelations come. I'm currently trying to rethink it again, so that's partly why this chapter came out later. Hopefully I can make the mystery stronger as time goes on again.
Sorry for the more focus on the spider side. I'll admit that was a mistake on my part too. Maybe this chapter didn't help to relieve that concern. Hoping it did. I suppose my intention was to start off trying to set the stage in the beginning 3 parter and then slow down for these next 2 chapters. (4 ) Hopefully giving more breathing room for the characters to shine outside the mask. (Apart from Jessica this chapter fully, sorry) I usually intend for one of them to be doing superhero stuff while the others probably are doing relationship stuff. Generally that's my intention.
I understand not caring about canon anymore. Can't bring myself to care much anymore so majorly. I only care about Miles. And hope for more Cindy love in the future. (I kinda cared about Spider-Gwen/Ghost Spider, but ever since getting put in 616 more not as happy) it's a shame about how he'll be stuck in definitely in the current state which sucks.
Yeah that's a benefit of fan fiction for certain.
Oh glad to hear it's been going so well for you! That's a good smart way of doing things and I hope shall work out great for you (:
I hope your hiatus is going well if you are still on it right now. Hope it's been going better over the last couple months. Thanks. It took longer releasing as I was finishing up my "Spider-Man Reborn," I have worked on Batwoman as well and rewriting this chapter a bit. Might take another 2 months while I keep on with Batwoman and working on rewriting chapter 5 to hopefully be stronger with some of your criticisms in mind and anymore this chapter too. Along with noticing some other stuff. And just generally working on cementing the direction I want to go.
Thanks for your patience.