Fantastic Return
New York, after weeks of suffering from the knowledge of Norman Osborn's true identity, the truth of Tombstone, and the constant wars with villainy finally could have some joy again. Heroes are coming back. Do not own Spectacular Spider-Man…
At Four Freedoms Plaza weeks after the Battle with the Green Goblin…
Everyone was looking up at the sky, their eyes glittering with delight.
Their despair and grief from the constant realization of evil hiding amongst them evaporated as their heroes finally returned from wherever they went. The esteemed and respected Fantastic Four has come home and the burdens from the people city finally felt light. The Human Torch was waving to his fans as confetti rained in their honor.
"Didn't expect to have such a happy welcoming." The Invisible Woman breathed as the city seemed to have changed since they left.
"Man, what happened here?" The thing wondered as he could feel the uneasiness from up here and the sudden relief of the People of New York.
"We'll look into it once we head back home, Ben. Hopefully, it's not too much for us to handle." Mr. Fantastic voiced, feeling drained from their last mission.
"Man, it's going to be awesome to see my fanbase again or at least get a hotdog again." Johnny Storm grinned, his face lighting up at the sight of home.
At a cafe…
The news was already bustling from the return of the Fantastic Four as it was already the news around town.
'Fantastic News: Fantastic Four Returns!' was the headline as Peter was reading the paper about the superhero team.
"I wonder how your boss will feel reading a rival newspaper's story. Muy pequeño." Mark joked as Peter was eating some pizza after being cooped up from the house for so long.
The doctors finally gave him the okay and his stitches were finally removed, only leaving an ugly scar from the event. But Pete was happy to enjoy life again, as he and Spider-Man. But Mark was still keeping a close eye on him.
"Worth it to hear about the Four's return. Man, these guys are legends, almost as awesome as the Avengers themselves." Peter marveled at the group of heroes.
"What's so great about a pack of fancy pants heroes? You and I save the day every day." Mark grunted while sipping on his soda.
"Yeah, but these guys are pros. The best of the best of the best. They don't just save New York, deal with low levels or purse snatchers. These guys save the world and even the Universe daily." Peter Gleefully admired, "Mr. Fantastic is one of the best scientists in New York, aside from Dr. Pym and Tony Stark."
"Yeah, let's see them go toe-to-toe with the Sinister Six, Tombstone, and Green Goblin then we can do some comparing. Why weren't they here when all this nasty bus' was going down?" Mark scoffed, feeling a tad jealous.
"From what I heard, they were dealing with stuff with Dr. Doom and these 'Skrulls' guys were planning something pretty bad." Peter answered, "But hey, that's okay. That's why we're here. We do the stuff for the little guy where the big pros are too busy for."
"Sounds like an excuse…" Mark scoffed a little annoyed that the whole town was getting such praise.
"Mark, what we do, though is little, makes a big difference and we don't do it for a pat on the back… though it would be nice… we do it because it's our responsibility."
'With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility.'
Spider-Man's Mantra, his whole way of life. Like a tattooed shape on his heart, he forever for when he failed. That pain would never go away, no matter how much Molten Man tried.
"Well, we don't need fame to pay the bills." Mark chuckled.
"Yeah, I heard you got a raise after the breakout. Pretty nice." Peter remembered.
"It's pretty sweet, can pay my way to college and spoil you."
"You don't need to. Just being with you is more than enough." The boy smiled as he touched the spider necklace Mark got him.
At the lab…
The Fantastic Four were trying to catch up with everything that had happened since they were gone… and it was a lot.
"Looks like things got hectic since we've been gone. More super villains, mobster activity, and other illegal activity." Mr. Fantastic informed the others.
"Goodness, but how is everything okay since both our team and the Avengers have been gone?" Susan wondered as two holograms presented themselves.
"It was because of these two. Spider-Man, the latest vigilante with the ability to shoot webs, enhanced speed, speed, reflex, foresight that almost seemed telepathic, and rapid healing. His identity is still unknown. For the most part, he is what kept the bad element at bay."
"Kid sounds tough."
"Yeah, yeah enough with the bug guy. What about this Human Torch copycat?" Johnny demanded, feeling a little insulted.
"They call him Molten Man, Spider-Man's current partner in the war on crime. Known as Mark Allan, he was accidentally exposed to experimental armor that gave him fiery powers, invincibility, strength, and the ability to jettison himself to fly. He also works as a vault guard and has an exceptional reputation."
"Still think he's a copycat…" Johnny muttered.
"…These two look so young, maybe a year or two younger than Johnny." Susan voiced her concern as she looked at the holograms.
"Yet, these kids are able to man the fort when we've all been off saving the world." Ben countered with his arms crossed.
"Hmm… Maybe we should have a chat with him, and find out more about these two." Reed suggested, with an interest in the two.
"Are we going to recruit them? I mean, I don't mind the bug guy, he seems cute. But we don't need another Human Torch. I am one of a kind." He arrogantly declared.
"Hmm, more like pain in the neck." Thing grumbled.
"So, how do we reach them? I mean, these two aren't exactly big times." Johnny questioned the group as there was not much they had to reach them.
"I have a feeling we'll make contact with them sooner than expected." Mr. Fantastic advised as he did want to meet the young pair.