Chapter 11: Witch Bonding Time
Hey everyone, I'm back with a new chapter. I'd like to thank masters123lfm for giving me the idea for this chapter. I hope you like what I have planned. It took a while to figure out but I think you'll enjoy it. Please Review and Enjoy.
We find ourselves on the streets of Bellbridge as a high-speed police chase is going on.
As the criminals fired at the police, the police cars swerved to avoid being hit.
Little did they know, up on the rooftops another chase was going on.
Running along the roof, we see Spider-Man chasing after Night Spider.
As they reach the end of a tall building, Night Spider fires a web to swing across but Spider-Man leaps off and fires a web grabbing her leg,
"Whoa!" Night Spider yelps as she is yanked down onto a fire escape.
Dangling upside down, she sees Spider-Man in front of her.
"Hey Spidey, lovely night for a stroll huh?" She flirts.
"What did you steal this time?" Spider-Man asks making her gasp.
"I am hurt. Do you think just because I'm out I stole something? You sure know how to make a girl cry." Night Spider said faking innocence.
Reaching out Spider-Man pulls out an expensive diamond necklace from her belt.
"Oh, that… I got it off some old hag." She admits.
"Really?" Spider-Man groans.
"Oh like she cares? That lady will just buy a new one to replace this without a second thought." Night Spider said.
"That's not the point. You shouldn't take things from people just because you can." Spider-Man said when Night Spider breaks free from the web.
Delivering a kick she knocks Spider-Man to the other side of the fire escape and catches the necklace.
"But what if they deserve it?" Night Spider counters with a smirk as he shakes off the attack. "Look handsome, do you ever think that maybe it's a little too late for this kind of talk?"
"It's never too late to do the right thing," Spider-Man assures making her groan.
Firing a web, she swings onto the roof with Spider-Man following behind her.
"So what? Are you saying I should go find the old lady and give her back the necklace? That's not going to change anything. She'll still be angry and she'll still label me a criminal." Night Spider said swinging a kick at him the second he climbed up forcing Spider-Man to block.
"Look I'm not saying it's gonna be easy but you could be more than just a thief," Spider-Man said deflecting her attack and delivering a strike to her chest making her skid back. "I'll even help you."
"Are you asking me to partner up with you?" Night Spider winks making Spider-Man freeze.
"Uh well—" Before Spider-Man could react Night Spider fires a web at his foot and pulls making him fall on his back.
Looking up, Spider-Man saw Night Spider's face was inches from his face.
"Maybe instead of me joining you, you should join me? Could be fun taking a walk on the wild side." She suggests.
"Flattered but I like to call my own shots," Spider-Man said kicking her off him. "Besides…"
Standing up, we see Spider-Man had swiped the necklace back.
"You got ways to go before you can pull one on me," Spider-Man said making her smirk.
"Ooh sneaky hands Spidey." Night Spider said when they heard the sounds of police sirens. "Well, it seems you have a choice. You gonna try and teach me a lesson or are you gonna run off?"
Glancing at her, Spider-Man looks down to see the chase happening. He had the necklace back but could he leave her alone?
"I mean it. I truly believe you're better than this." Spider-Man said before leaping off the rooftops and swinging after the cars.
Walking to the edge, Night Spider watches him swing after the criminals.
"He's an interesting one…and that's what I like about him." Night Spider sighs wishing their chase didn't have to end.
Down below the criminals were gaining the lead, but down the street, the light turned green and an old lady began to cross but the criminals weren't stopping.
Gasping she thought was about to be run over when suddenly a web was fired stopping the car dead center making the criminals bang against the front as Spider-Man swopped in and pulled the lady to the other side.
"Hey! Respect your elders!" Spider-Man calls out before putting her down. "You okay ma'am?"
"Oh my gracious yes. I thought I was about to be roadkill." The old lady pants trying to catch her breath.
"That'll be an interesting story to tell the grandkids that's for sure." Spider-Man chuckles before turning to the criminals who are groaning in pain. "You get yourself home safely ma'am. But be careful."
"Of course. Thank you, young man. I must repay." She assures before rummaging around in her purse.
"Oh no thanks necessary really," Spider-Man said about to leave.
"Spider-Man wait!" Turning around he saw Lois Lane race out of her car with a recorder. "I'd like to interview you for the Daily Chronicle."
"Uh sorry no comment. I gotta run." Spider-Man said firing a web and swinging off.
"Ugh! Not again!" Lois groans frustrated.
"Oh my, I was about to give him a little something." The old lady said holding out a piece of hard candy.
As Ellen Yin pulls up the necklace is suddenly dropped in her arms.
"What the?" Looking up she saw Spider-Man hanging above her.
"You mind returning that for me? I think you're gonna get a missing jewelry report soon." Spider-Man said before swinging away.
Growling, Ellen was frustrated. Once again, the masked vigilante had gotten away and stopped another crime.
'There's got to be a way to catch him.' Ellen thought.
The next morning at the Daily Chronicle we see Jaden walking in and noticing Lois furiously typing on her laptop.
"Hey. Coffee break." Jaden calls out holding a cup for her.
"Jaden. Good timing." Lois smiles taking it.
"You alright?" Jaden asks.
"I am now. And I really need this after the night I've had." Lois groans as Jaden gulps knowing what she's been up to.
"Oh really? What have you been up to?" Jaden asks casually.
"Oh, I'll tell you what. I've been trying to get an interview with Spider-Man for days but every time I even get close to him, he swings off. I mean seriously, what is that guy's deal?" Lois asks in a frustrated tone.
"Well…this might just be me talking but maybe he doesn't want you to find out any sensitive information about him and publish it." Jaden guesses.
"Yeah, but he doesn't know that's my plan. Saying yes to an interview is simple. Watch I'll be me and you pretend to be Spider-Man." Lois suggests making Jaden nervous. "Hello, Spider-Man, Lois Lane of the Daily Chronicle. A pleasure to meet you." She said holding out her arm.
"A pleasure Lois, I uh mean Ms. Lane," Jaden said nervously.
"Jaden come on, try to sound a little more believable. With a little confidence." Lois suggests.
Clearing his throat Jaden tries again. "Nice to meet you."
"You saved my life once; you save so many people but no one knows what to make of you. Please, let me tell this city, no the world what kind of person Spider-Man really is. So, what do you say? Can I get an interview?" Lois asks.
Looking at her face, Jaden could tell this meant a lot to Lois, and while the Spider-Man part of him wanted to say no, the reporter side of him that worked under her thought differently.
"I mean…maybe I can say a few words." Jaden offers.
"You see how that was?! Now why can't he say that?" Lois groans frustrated. "At this rate, the only thing keeping us as the trademark Spider-Man team is your photos. Which by the way I'm curious how you seem to be the only one who can get a picture of him."
"I guess the reporter's instincts tips you gave me are paying off." Jaden praises.
"Always the modest one." Lois smiles amused.
"You'll get that interview sooner or later Lois. I know you will. You're not someone who gives up easily." Jaden assures.
"Never have, never will," Lois assures.
A few days later, we see Jaden and the other 12 Student Workers gathered in a classroom along with: Professor Ursula, Finnelan, Lukić, Badcock, and even Headmistress Holbrooke.
"Attention all student workers all of you were reunited here for an important announcement Professor Ursula will make so you better listen," Holbrooke states.
"What's going on? Are we in trouble?" Ava asks.
"No nothing like that," Ursula said before clearing her throat. "Unfortunately, ever since the events following Ms. Isley's departure from the school, the interactions between students and student workers have been…less than positive."
"That's an understatement," Ned said.
"They treat us like we're servants," Marc said.
"When they're not mocking or making fun of us," Ava adds.
"The point being, to repair the bonds and fix this we have a new assignment we're implementing I call it "witch bonding time" where you will spend a weekend with a witch and write a report about your experience for the next Tuesday," Ursula explains confusing them.
"Wait what?" Nathanial asks.
"We have to take a student home with us? Like a class pet?" Felicia raises an eyebrow.
"Little more important than that." Prof. Babcock corrects.
"Now while I understand some of you live on campus those who live off campus will have to make the arrangements with your families to see if having a weekend guest is possible." Ursula points out.
"But Prof. Ursula there are only 12 of us and this school is full of witches. How is this supposed to work?" Jaden asks.
"Excellent question Mr. Cooper I'll explain how," Ursula said as Prof. Babcock waved her wand, and a giant plant vase full of some moving antenna appeared in front of them.
"These are lottery fairies all of you will draw one and at the bottom of each one is a name," Ursula explains.
"Hmm, many options for a small group this will be interesting. All in all, it comes down to chance." Danny said.
"Alright children you're a group of twelve so to make things easier we'll separate you in 3 groups of 4 people: Team Red, Team Blue, and Team Yellow the teams are already decided," Finnelan said waving her wand and showing them the list.
Team Red: Jaden Cooper, Daniel Rand, Stephen Strange and Nathaniel.
Team Blue: Jaime Reyes, Luke Cage, Ned Leeds and Marc Spector
Team Yellow: Barbara Gordon, Felicia Hardy, Rachel Roth and Ava Ayala.
"Now then, for the selections let's start with the ladies of Team Yellow." Lukic gestures. "Followed by blue and last will be red."
"Now we are going to call each one of your names and you'll pick one fairy and the selected witch will be your friend for the weekend," Holbrooke said adjusting her glasses. "Barbara Gordon, if you would."
Slowly stepping forward first, Barbara narrows her eyes at all the weeds. Reaching out, she pulls one out of the vase.
"Hi there, your partner will be Amanda O'Neil." The fairy declares making Barbara grin.
"I can work with this." Barbara smiles happy to be starting with a friend.
"Felicia Hardy," Holbrooke said as Felicia stepped forward.
"Your partner will be Lotte Jansson." The fairy declares.
"Well, could be better, but not the worst option." Felica shrugs.
As everyone began to draw their partners, we saw Ava pick Auriana and Rachel pick Sucy finishing up the yellow group.
Next, the blue team stepped forward. Marc got Cindy Moon, Luke got Jasminka, Ned got Wangari and finally, Jaimie pulled his out.
"You partner is Constanze Amalie von Braunschbank-Albrechtsburger." The fairy said panting heavily from the long name.
"Well, this will be interesting." Jaimie ponders.
Finally, it was the Red Team's turn.
Walking forward Nathaiel got Iris which made him happy, Danny got Talia, and Stephen got Akko.
"Oh boy, I gotta keep a close eye on her this weekend," Stephen mutters.
"Last up, Jaden Cooper," Lukic calls out.
Making his way to the vase, Jaden examines them. "Mmm a few good choices have already been pulled, although there are a few bad ones. Gotta make this count." Jaden mutters.
"Sometime today Mr. Cooper. We're not getting any younger." Lukic scolds.
"Okay. Okay." Jaden cringed. "Uh…eeny, meeny, miney, moe. This one." Jaden said grabbing one and pulling.
"Your partner is…Diana Cavendish." The fairy declares surprising him and everyone else.
'Ugh, just my luck.' Jaden thought wishing it was anyone else.
"How did her name end up in the vase?" Barbara mutters.
"They said they put all the students; guess they meant it," Luke said as the bell rang.
"Well, those are the results your witches partner will meet with you tomorrow after school to begin the experiment. I can't wait to see the feed on Tuesday and have a nice day." Ursla smiles hopeful this assignment will help.
"Who wants to trade?" Jaden asks looking to the others only for Finnelan to glare at him.
"There is no trading. If anything, you should count your lucky stars you get our best student." Finnelan scolds.
"Yeah I'm so lucky," Jaden mutters.
A few hours later, we see a magic lesson going on.
"Alright class practice the proper wand movements." Prof. Ursula instructs as the girls mimic her.
Little did they know, outside the door, Jaden was listening in as he pretended to sweep the floor.
"Now remember, it's all in the wrists," Ursula instructs as the bell rings. "Alright class that's it for today," Ursula said closing up.
Before he could get caught, Jaden quickly moved down the hall to avoid suspicion.
"So Akko what do you think you and Stephen are gonna do for your bonding weekend?" Lotte asked as they were packing up their books.
"I don't know. I figured I'd use this chance to hang out and have some fun." Akko smiles.
"Good idea. Unfortunately, I have no idea what Felicia likes." Lotte admits.
"Just ask them, the whole point of this thing is to get along," Sucy said.
"Huh? I thought you'd be more annoyed by the fact that you got paired with someone, Sucy. What changed?" Akko asks.
Pausing Sucy recalls when she learned she would be spending the weekend with Rachel.
Flashback:
We see Rachel and Sucy meeting in the middle of the hallway.
"I only have one rule. No one goes in my room." Rachel states.
"That's fine. My rule is don't mess with my Potion ingredients." Sucy states.
"Whatever," Rachel said not having a problem with that. "This is so pointless."
"So are a lot of things at this school." Sucy agrees as the two exchange a glance.
"Wanna spend the weekend talking about how pointless everything is?" Rachel asks.
"Sounds good to me. I know a good café that hardly anyone goes to." Sucy said.
"Ok. See you Saturday." Rachel said as the two walked in opposite directions.
Flashback end:
"We came to an understanding." Sucy shrugs as Hannah, Cindy, and Diana walk past them.
"I can't believe you both have to spend the weekend with the Student Workers." Hannah mocks as they walk out.
"It's a School Assignment we can't ignore it." Diana simply states.
"I'm just gonna try and get it over with as quickly as possible." Cindy sighs.
"I don't know why the school is doing this for them. They should just be lucky to be here." Hannah said.
"Save the complaining for when you're picked for this." Cindy counters.
"They pick me and I'll make whoever draws my name regret it," Hannah assures when she almost slips on a puddle only to narrowly lean against the walls.
"Oops. Watch your step ladies." Looking up they saw Barbara walking by. "I just cleaned that floor."
"Next time put up a sign." Hannah glares.
"Or you could just be more mindful of your surroundings." Barbara counters walking away.
"See what I mean? Lucky to be here." Hannah repeats.
Eventually, the day came for the Bonding Exercise Weekend.
Walking through his neighborhood, there was an uncomfortable silence between Jaden and Diana as she rolled a suitcase behind her.
"This is your home?" Diana asks gazing upon it.
"Yep, lived here my whole life," Jaden said.
'I've been in ballrooms bigger than this house.' Diana thought as they approached the door.
"Oh before we go in. I just have one rule. Don't tell my mom about any of the crazy things that have happened at school." Jaden said turning to her.
"That's something you would tell your friends rather than me." Diana points out.
"Please. I won't ask for much this weekend but this is a big deal for me." Jaden insists.
"Fine, I won't tell her about anything dangerous that has happened at school." Diana rolls her eyes.
"Mom, I'm home!" Jaden calls out as he opens the door.
"Oh Jaden perfect timing." Maya's voice echoes from down the hall. "Quick come give me a hand."
Walking down the hall, he sees Maya who was barefoot with her pant legs rolled up carrying a box.
"Here I gotcha," Jaden said grabbing the box and putting it on the floor. "So where's the flood?"
"Downstairs. Mind giving it a look?" Maya asks before noticing Diana. "Oh my, you must be our guest for the weekend."
"Yes, I am. Greetings, my name is Diana Cavendish." She nods formally.
"Maya Cooper and no need to be so formal with me." Maya smiles.
"Uh if you want to show her where she'll be sleeping I'll go have a look." Jaden offers.
"Works for me. Be careful down there." Maya said as Jaden took off his shoes and socks.
As he went downstairs Diana found herself alone with his mother.
"You know Diana, you're the first person from Luna Nova that Jaden's brought home." Maya points out.
"Is that so?" Diana narrows her eyes. "What was going on earlier?"
"Oh the basement sink is leaking. Wanted to save some items from getting damaged." Maya said gesturing to the box before picking it up. "Follow me."
"Why don't you just have someone fix it?" Diana asks following her up the stairs.
"Our rainy day fund is a little light right now. Besides my husband and Jaden always knew how to figure this stuff out." Maya assures.
Narrowing her eyes, Diana couldn't help but pity her a little. Barely enough money to keep their home afloat and yet they allowed her to come over?
"Alright, this room is all yours." Maya said opening the door to reveal a small room that had a nice bed on one side with a messy desk filled with papers and some pictures on the other side.
Putting her bag down, Diana noticed Maya place the box down near the desk.
"So Mrs. Cooper what exactly do you do?" Diana asks.
"I work for the charity FEAST. It's a citywide charity that provides food, shelter, medical help to people in need." Maya said.
"Sounds like a lot of work," Diana said.
"Oh it is. And some days are tougher than others. But if it helps people in need then I don't mind a few long days or nights." Maya smiles turning to her and for a brief moment, Diana's eyes widen as she sees another woman's smiling face in Maya's place.
Walking out, Maya gives Diana some alone time.
"The way she acts…she reminds me of her," Diana mutters walking over to the desk. There she notices a family portrait of a young Jaden holding a science fair medal with his parents in the background.
As she looked at Jaden and Maya's smiling faces her eyes turned to Ryan. 'He must be Jaden's father…but where is he?'
Downstairs, Maya sees Jaden come up with soaking wet feet.
"So what's the damage?" Maya asks.
"Nothing too serious. I stopped the water but we can't use the sink until I fix that leak. I'll go by the hardware store tomorrow." Jaden offers.
"Really? We have a guest and you're choosing chores over her?" Maya asks.
"I'd rather not have the house flooded." Jaden counters.
Reaching into her pocket, Maya pulled out her wallet. "Here take this and show her around the city," Maya said pulling out a few bills.
"Mom, I can't," Jaden said hating the idea of taking money from her.
"I insist. Do it and you can pick it up afterward." Maya insists.
"Alright," Jaden said taking the money. 'I wonder how the others are doing with this assignment?'
Across town, we see Lotte in a fancy studio apartment with Felicia as she is in awe of all the old antiques, art, and artifacts.
"Wow, what is all this stuff?" Lotte asks in awe.
"Oh just stuff my dad gets from his job." Felicia brushes off.
"Does he work in museums?" Lotte asks.
"Something like that. He keeps a few favorites around but he'll sell pretty much anything that catches a buyer's eye." Felicia said.
"Wow, do you have any old books among all this?" Lotte asks.
"A few wanna see?" Felicia offers making her smile.
"Sure," Lotte said following Felicia.
"Just a heads up, be very careful. My dad adopts the policy you break it you buy it. And I doubt you can afford to buy anything in here." Felica warns making Lotte a little nervous.
"Noted." Lotte nods her head.
Meanwhile, Stephen was having that EXACT problem with Akko.
At his place, Akko was looking at various Southern Asian trinkets and artifacts.
"Ooh, this is cool," Akko said looking at what appeared to be a stacked puzzle. As she reaches out she pulls the top one from the stack.
"Please put that back," Stephen said walking in.
"Sorry." Akko tries to reinsert it but she just ends up knocking more out and onto the counter. "Sorry Stephen!" Panicking Akko tries to put them all back but some just kept falling off.
"You can leave that." Stephen sighs knowing he would have to fix that.
"My bad." Akko cringed.
"If your first instinct is to touch things then this is gonna be a very long weekend," Stephen said.
"Sorry, but you have so many cool things. How'd you get them all?" Akko asks.
"Well, I went on a trip to Nepal a while back, and uh let's just say it made quite the impression on me," Stephen said scratching his chin.
"Man I wish I could travel like you, it sounds like a blast." Akko smiles. "Is there anything here that we can do?" Akko asks.
"A few things, but for right now you can start with this," Stephen said handing Akko a notecard. Looking at it, she saw the word SHAMBALLA was written on it.
"What's this supposed to be? Some kind of mantra?" Akko asks confused.
"The Wifi password. I'm not a savage." Stephen smirks making Akko giggle.
"So seriously what do you like to do for fun?" Akko asks.
"Well I like books but I also like to watch and make fun of those hospital sitcoms and point out how inaccurate they are." Stephen shrugs but Akko pauses unsure. "I like Fantasy movies," Stephen said making her smile widely.
"Ooh movie night." Akko grins.
"Come on let's grab some takeout and set up shop on the couch," Stephen suggests.
Meanwhile, in a large neighborhood, an overweight man with tan skin, and black hair in a mullet, and mustache and beard combo, pulls Jaimie out of the house. This was his Uncle Rudy.
"Jaimie! What is this girl doing to The Taco?!" Rudy scolds as we go to the garage to see a large red truck.
"Look Uncle Rudy it's not a big deal. You said you were having some trouble with your truck and Constanze asked if she could have a look." Jaimie said as we saw a little pair of legs working under it as a small robot walked over and handed her a wrench.
"And you let her! A witch with her own evil robot is working on my truck?!" Rudy snaps putting his hands on his head. "Oh dios mio, I'm never gonna get it working again."
Suddenly pushing out, we see Constanze with a few grease stains on her face walking over to the front. Putting the keys in the ignition she turned it on and instantly the engine started revving surprising both of them.
"Well, I'll be…" Rudy pauses. "Hey, do you know how to fix anything else?"
Putting a hand to her chin, Constanze shrugs but that just made him laugh.
"Perfect. Come on Jaimie, your mom's been nagging me to look at the Dishwasher for a while." Rudy said walking off.
"Brace yourself you're about to be VERY popular around here," Jaimie warns making Constanze pause and glance at him with wide eyes. "Yeah we know everyone in this neighborhood and if you help one you're golden with the others."
Sitting down, Constanze had never heard of such a dynamic but she couldn't help but be curious if that was true.
Some pairing groups were just going okay. On the other side of the gateway, we see Rachel and Sucy hanging out at Stan's shop sipping tea in the corner as they read books.
"It's weird," Sucy admits.
"That he sells hot dogs in the same place he sells potions? A little." Rachel assumes.
"No it's just…I'm not used to all this quiet." Sucy admits being used to Akko's loud antics.
"You don't say?" Rachel shrugs.
'I'll never admit to her face, but I've gotten used to Akko's enthusiasm.' Sucy thought.
Across the street, Nathaniel was walking down the streets with Iris checking out stores while Luke was eating at a bakery with Jasminka. At the park, Danny and Iris were playing chess and trying to outthink the other.
As Ned and Wangari sat on a bench talking electronics we saw Ava was trying to help Auriana finish their homework but Auriana was more interested in doing anything else.
And while some were doing okay, some were just struggling to make it through the weekend.
At a museum, Marc was showing Cindy around.
"So my family helps run the museum exhibits. We do quite a bit organizing and paperwork regarding the exhibits." Marc explains.
"So your parents basically do the same thing you do at the school." Cindy points out.
"I guess you could say that. Although for some reason some of our art and relics shipments have come up short." Marc ponders.
"Is there anything interesting here?" Cindy asks walking ahead.
"Don't hit her. For the love of god. Don't." Marc's British voice came out.
"Come on she's begging for it," Marc growls.
"It's one more day. Suck it up or we'll be stuck with her even longer." The British voice mutters.
"Ugh I hate when you're right. There's gotta be someone who could put girls like this in her place." Marc groans before following after her.
Finally, we see Amanda at Babara's house as her dad was helping cook dinner while she and Amanda were in her room.
"Hope you don't mind sleeping on the air mattress," Barbara said putting it down on the floor.
However, almost instantly Amanda drops down on it and relaxes.
"Nah I can work with this." Amanda smiles.
"Sorry about my dad picking us up in a Police Car he can be a little protective." Babs apologizes.
"Well it wasn't as bad as the background check conversation on the drive back," Amanda said making Barbara groan.
"Sometimes he can be so embarrassing." Barbara groans.
"Yeah but I guess in a weird way that's just his way of saying he loves and cares about you," Amanda said.
"Even so, sometimes I feel like I can't even have a conversation with him without him being so judgmental." Babs groans. "Especially after what happened with Pam."
"Parents am I right?" Amanda said as Barbara laid down on her bed. "You were there when she first changed. Was it scary?"
"Terrifying. My best friend became a villain and I couldn't do anything to help her. Just the thought of my dad having to read Pam her rights made me scared. The only thing I could think of was tell Spider-Man her plan." Barbara said.
"At least you did something. Better than nothing. Remember how the school acted when they lost the stone?" Amanda asks.
"Don't get me started those girls didn't know how to do anything," Barbara said as they both laughed breaking the tension. "Hey Amanda, can I ask you something? Say you had thoughts of doing something crazy, something wild that could be good but you weren't sure if you should do it." Barbara starts.
"Well, it depends on what you're doing. I mean take my flying. You think I'm good right?" Amanda asks.
"Are you kidding? You're the best flyer in the class." Barbara said.
"Not according to the teachers. They don't like my moves, they keep wanting me to fall in line and do what everyone else does, but I don't want to do that." Amanda said.
"Really? Even if it meant acing the class?" Barbara asks.
"Who cares what they want? What matters is what you want to do. I mean look at that Spider-Man guy. Hardly anyone approves of what he does, but he saved our lives. He's always there when people need him despite everything." Amanda points.
"Huh…you're right Amanda." Barbara pauses getting an idea.
"Girls! Dinner's ready!" Jim calls out.
"Ooh, food." Amanda smiled as they eagerly went to dig in.
The next day, we briefly see Jaden in his room wearing his casual clothes and his camera around his neck.
"Okay, do I have everything?" Jaden asks when he notices the big chunk of the Sorcerer's Stone on the table. "Best to have it on me so she doesn't find it by accident," Jaden said putting it in his pocket.
Leaving the house, we see Jaden and Diana walking through the city. Choosing to change out of her uniform Diana was wearing a white sweatshirt over her shirt, with black pants.
"So where are we off to today?" Diana asks.
"I just need to make a quick stop to meet my boss then I'll show you around," Jaden said.
"Wait you have a job? On top of everything else?" Diana asks.
"Yep. A part-time job, student worker, and somehow, I still find time to breathe and get my homework done." Jaden lists.
Narrowing her eyes, Diana couldn't help but wonder why he had so much on his plate. And why he would willingly put himself through all this?
Entering a mall, they saw it was bustling with people enjoying themselves and having a good time.
"What's this place?" Diana asks.
"What? You've never been to a mall before?" Jaden asks glancing at her. "Where do you get your clothes?"
"They're usually made for me and sent to my estate," Diana said.
"Wow. Well after this I'll show you around." Jaden insists.
As they made their way to the elevator, they didn't notice a figure looking down from the skylight.
Looking around the figure scanned the area before his eyes focused on the large jewelry store. Which as luck would have it was right next to Lois' favorite coffee store.
Sitting down at a table typing on her laptop, Lois was looking at a few pictures Jaden had sent over a while ago. One of which showed Spider-Man clashing with Night Spider.
"Hmm, I wonder if those two are a couple?" Lois ponders when suddenly the sounds of glass shattering echo from the roof as 2 metal boomerangs fly in smashing the entrance to the jewelry store and smashing against the sigh causing sparks to fly everywhere. Screaming alarmed Lois covered her face to shield herself but on the return, one flew back and banged the elevator cable causing it to rattle with Jaden and Diana inside it.
"Whoa!" Jaden yelps trying to keep his balance only for Diana to fall against him causing them both to bang against the glass.
As Lois picks herself up, she sees a man in a blue suit with white padding, 4 metal boomerangs strapped to his back, and black shades in the shape of a V covering his face. This was Boomerang.
Making his way inside, Boomerang threw another one which smashed all the glass displaying all the jewelry.
"Hmm not bad, but I know this isn't the good stuff," Boomerang said grabbing a handful of diamonds.
"Freeze!" Turning around Boomerang saw several mall security officers pointing tasers at him.
Grabbing a second boomerang, he throws it at them but the Security Officers duck avoiding the attack.
"You have to work on your aim." One mocks.
"You sure about that?" Boomerang smirks as the boomerangs fly back whacking them all to the ground and one taser towards Lois.
'Oh man, Jaden I hope you're nearby.' Lois thought sending a text.
"Well, what do we have here?" Snapping her out of her thoughts Lois saw Boomerang glaring right at her.
Scrambling she tried to grab the taser but he kicked it away.
Inside the elevator, Jaden groans lifting his head to see Diana had fallen on top of him.
As she slowly recovers, she sees their faces are so close to each other.
"Uh, are you okay?" Jaden asks as she quickly sits up but when she does the elevator shakes forcing them to hold onto the walls.
"What is going on out there?" Diana asks.
"I don't know but we need to get out of this elevator." Jaden growls. There was no way he could go Spider-Man with Diana still with him. He needed to figure out a way to get them out of there and then briefly get away.
Looking around Jaden noticed the emergency escape hatch above them.
"Up there." Jaden points.
Climbing up they tried pushing against the hatch but it was stuck.
"The hatch must be jammed from the other side. We'd have to somehow remove the whole thing in order to get out." Diana said when Jaden's phone vibrated.
Looking at it he saw it was from Lois.
"Jaden I'm at the mall and a supervillain is robbing the place! Get here with your camera ASAP!' It read.
'Oh, crap. Knowing Lois she's probably next door.' Jaden panics when the cable loosens causing the elevator to move causing them to cling to the edges for dear life. "We need to get out of here!"
"No kidding but how?" Diana counters.
"Wait a second. Do you have your wand?" Jaden asks.
"Yeah, one of the first lessons in school is never to go anywhere without it," Diana said taking it out.
'Let's hope your theory was right Fafnir.' Jaden thought moving towards her. "Perfect. Diana, you gotta blow us an escape route: break open the hatch, shatter the glass, anything that can get us out of here."
"Don't you listen? I can't use magic on this side of the gateway! To be able to pull off such a feat requires—" Diana mocks.
"Diana for once just do what I say! If you're even half as good as everyone says you are you can do this." Jaden insists.
Reaching out, he grabs her arm and makes sure she holds her wand tight.
"Just cast the spell. Please." Jaden insists.
Confused at first, Diana had no idea what he was thinking, but she knew that they couldn't stay here long, especially with everything going on outside.
Raising her arm, Diana aims it right at the hatch.
"Murowa!" Diana casts.
"Murowa," Jaden mutters softly, and suddenly to Diana's surprise, her wand starts to glow.
"It can't be." Diana gasped as a powerful fire spell blasted through the hatch it flew across the mall and smashed into Boomerang before he could hit Lois sending him crashing into the jewelry store wall.
"Alright time to get off." Grabbing her arm, Jaden and Diana jump off and run towards the exit.
As Diana looked at him she was so confused. How did Jaden know she could do something she had never done before in her life? And so far away from the Sorcerer's Stone?
"I don't get it. No way that should have worked. We should still be in that elevator." Diana said trying to wrap her head around it.
She never could do something like before but Jaden believed she could. Then she remembered back at Luna Nova when he helped Akko fly that one time the two of them shot out like a rocket.
'What are you, Jaden Cooper?' Diana thought when Jaden snapped her out of her thoughts.
"Stay here and stay hidden," Jaden said leading Diana out the door.
"Where are you going?" Diana asks.
"I'm gonna go get help," Jaden said running back inside.
"Jaden wait!" Diana called out but he was already gone.
Back upstairs, Boomerang was slow to pick himself up. Looking around the room he grins seeing that the back room was filled with tons of illegal black-market jewels and trinkets.
"Jackpot. The lead was right." Boomerang grins grabbing a gold brick.
"You know I hear Diamonds are a girl's best friend, so what does that make gold?" A voice calls out.
Turning around Boomerang sees Spider-Man nearby.
"Spider-Man." He glares.
"That's my name don't wear it out," Spider-Man said.
"Well, you'll remember the name Boomerang for the rest of your life," Boomerang said throwing 2 boomerangs at him.
"Whoa!" Doing a series of flips Spider-Man dodges them only for Boomerang to throw his other two at him.
Leaping around, Spider-Man dodges all of the boomerangs being thrown at him when one flies past him and right towards Lois.
Gasping Spider-Man fires a web grabbing the boomerang before it hits her.
"Hey Boomerang you know the old saying. What goes around comes around. Catch!" Swinging his arms, Spider-Man makes the boomerang fly back and smack into its original wielder.
Using this chance, Spider-Man grabs Lois and swings across to the opposite end of the mall.
"You got guts being this close to the danger but with this guy, I think you might want to keep your distance to avoid any accidents," Spider-Man suggests.
"It's you. You're here." Lois said surprised to see him again.
"If you're gonna ask me for an interview again I'm afraid you'll have to wait a bit for my answer," Spider-Man said firing a web and swinging back to the fight.
Shaking off the attack Boomerang tried grabbing as many items from the back and made a break for it, only for Spider-Man to cut him off.
"So I gotta ask. The whole Boomerang thing. You could have picked anything and you picked Australian. Why?" Spider-Man asks.
"Shut up!" Boomerang yells throwing all 4 boomerangs at him.
"Murowa!" Spider-Man said holding out his hands using the same spell Diana used and released a condensed ball of red webs that upon contact with the boomerangs created an explosion destroying all 4 of them and the shockwave sent Boomerang flying back and crashing into a bench destroying.
"Well, that puts the BOOM in boomerang." Spider-Man chuckles looking at his arms. 'If can do that with one spell I wonder what other ones can work with my powers?'
"I hate you hero types." Boomerang groans before passing out.
Firing a few webs, Spider-Man ties up Boomerang and sticks him to the wall.
"That should hold you until the cops show up," Spider-Man said Lois slowly came out of hiding as the mall opened up again.
"Well, you sure saved the day," Lois said approaching him.
"Ms. Lane." Spider-Man acknowledges as she takes out her recorder.
"Can I ask you a few questions?" Lois asks trying once more for an interview.
Spider-Man was about to leave when he remembered how determined Lois was, she would just keep following the danger until she got something. Not to mention she almost got boomeranged earlier.
"You can ask a few questions. Then I have to leave." Spider-Man said making Lois smile widely.
"Okay wow, this is actually happening," Lois said clearing her throat. "Alright, my first question. Who are you? What are you?"
"It's a little complicated. But I'm just a normal guy with magic powers trying to help people out." Spider-Man answers.
"So you're human under that mask?" Lois asks curiously.
"As human as anyone else in this mall. Although I guess that's not fair since not many other humans can do what I do." Spider-Man jokes.
As people made their way in, Diana noticed the interview and couldn't help but listen in curiously.
"Alright, last question. Make it count." Spider-Man said.
Pausing Lois had so much more she wanted to ask him but at the moment one question took priority over all of them.
"Would you call yourself a hero or are you a vigilante?" Lois asks.
"I don't know what you can label me as. At the end of the day, I'm just someone who wants to help people. Granted sometimes it might not seem like what I'm doing is helpful or just causing more trouble. I'm just trying to do the right thing." Spider-Man said before firing a web. "Hope that helps."
Swinging away, Lois and Diana watched as Spider-Man swung out the hole Boomerang made.
"Lois! Lois!" Turning around Lois saw Jaden running in only to slip on a tile and fall on his back making her cringe.
"Jaden are you okay?" Lois asks helping him.
Groaning in pain, Jaden rubs his back. "I got it."
"Got what?" Lois asks.
"A picture." Jaden pants collecting himself.
Holding up his camera, Jaden showed Lois a picture of her being saved by Spider-Man and a second one of their interview together.
"Jaden…you are the best!" Squealing Lois hugged him tightly. "This has the front page written all over it!"
"Wait you said you were going to look for help." Diana said walking over. "You were taking pictures?"
"I did but uh during the fight Spider-Man grabbed me and hid me on the other side of the mall." Jaden points to the side opposite the jewelry store. "He told me not to leave until the fighting ended and I was too scared to do anything until he left."
"Sounds reasonable," Lois said before glancing at Diana. "Who are you by the way?"
"My name is Diana Cavendish and before this mess, I was supposed to be spending the day with him." Diana points to Jaden.
"Oh wow Cooper, not bad," Lois said helping him up.
"Not bad what?" Jaden asks.
"You finally got yourself a girlfriend. Good for you." Lois teases making both teens freeze up.
"What?!" Both said glancing at each other before looking away.
"It's not like that Lois! We're partners in a school assignment." Jaden said.
"He's right. That's the only reason I'm even here this weekend." Diana agrees.
Smirking amused Lois' reporters' instincts told her otherwise.
"Well send me those pictures later tonight. In the meantime, you two go enjoy yourself." Lois chuckles amused.
As she walked away, Jaden brought Diana to an ice cream parlor for some cones.
"Look I'm sorry if you got the wrong idea, but Lois is one of my bosses and she always wants pictures of the dangerous stuff, especially Spider-Man," Jaden explains handing her a chocolate vanilla swirl cone.
"Is that why you're so quick to rush into danger with Akko and the others? Because you get paid to do it?" Diana asks.
"Look if it was my choice I would take pictures of literally anything else," Jaden said.
"Then why don't you quit?" Diana asks.
"Because I need the money for college." Jaden declares surprising her. "You've seen how I live and what me and my mom have to go through? Some of my paycheck goes to help with things around the house. College isn't cheap and taking pictures for the Chronicle helps."
"With so much to do why did you even want to go to Luna Nova?" Diana asks.
"I didn't at first. My dad did." Jaden frowns.
"Wait…" Pausing Diana remembered the photo and yet this whole weekend she never saw him once. "Is he…"
"He died a few months ago." Jaden sighs.
"I'm sorry." Diana apologizes.
"Before he died he said he found something perfect for me. When I got home I saw it was a Luna Nova flyer for the worker program for me." Jaden explains.
"That's why you chose to become a student worker." Diana realized.
"I'm honoring his last wish. He thought this school was what I needed more than anything, no matter what you comes my way, no matter how I'm treated, I'm gonna make it through this program and make the most of it. He wanted it more than anything." Jaden states and Diana's eyes widen remembering something.
"More than anything Diana, I want you to make the most of the amazing things life has. That's why you need to go to Luna Nova." A female voice rang in her head.
"I know what you're gonna say, it's ridiculous and I should just give up." Jaden assumes ready for the bashing.
"No," Diana said getting his attention. "You shouldn't give up. Not on this."
"Wow thank you, that means a lot," Jaden said surprised.
"But don't expect me to give you any special treatment when we get back to school. You're not the only student who has a lot on their plate." Diana said making him roll his eyes.
"Good, because I don't plan on giving you any either even if my mom and Lois like you," Jaden said.
'Maya likes me?' Diana pauses.
That night, we find ourselves back at Jaden's house, we see Maya with Diana as she is showing her a recipe.
"I can't believe a girl your age doesn't even know how to cook something." Maya teases as Diana mixes something in a bowl.
"Never really needed to learn. Someone else took care of that." Diana said.
"The first thing my mother ever taught me how to make was cookies. She said it was perfect because it can be something anyone can love. Not just for yourself." Maya said showing her how to mix before putting them on a tray.
After 10 minutes, Maya pulled them out.
"Here you go, the fruits of your labor." Maya smiles handing her one.
Slowly Diana took it and smiled. "It's delicious."
"Things always taste better when you put in the effort. I'm sure your family would appreciate it if you did something like this." Maya said.
"I…I don't know about that." Diana said looking away.
"Well if you ever want to try your luck at helping others, Jaden and I could always use you at FEAST." Maya offers.
"I'll think about it," Diana said.
"By the way, thank you," Maya said confusing her.
"For what?" Diana asks.
"I know my Jaden better than anyone. I can tell you two have butted heads in the past." Maya assumes.
"Well…maybe a few times." Diana sighs seeing she is busted.
"But even so you tried to be a houseguest for us and for that I thank you," Maya said surprising Diana.
"You're not mad at me?" Diana asks.
"Did you or did you not enjoy this weekend with us?" Maya asks.
"It wasn't as bad as I thought it was," Diana admits.
"And we enjoyed you. Besides I don't mind. It's good Jaden has someone to keep him on his toes. But if you ever find yourself in the neighborhood feel free to come over. You can have a nice homecooked meal with us." Maya offers.
'Been a while since I had one of those.' Diana thought. "Uhm Mrs. Cooper does your family have any history of magic?"
"No can't say we do, why?" Maya asks.
"I don't know, just a thought." Diana shrugs off. 'Could Jaden have some dormant magical abilities? Maybe he can't use magic but he can help others use magic. Give them a boost?'
Meanwhile, across the city, we find ourselves at Barbara's place as Jim is on the phone.
"Wait Spider-Man was at the mall?" Jim asks as we see Ellen on the other side.
"Yep. We found the villain tied up like always but that's not." Ellen said examining the crime scene. "Apparently that Jewelry store was doing some illegal sales behind the counter. It was right under our noses the whole time."
"I see. Anything else?" Jim asks.
"He did an interview with that Daily Chronicle reporter Lois Lane. Apparently he's trying to get on the public's good side after all his escapades." Ellen rolls her eyes thinking it was a publicity stunt.
"I see. Good work and keep me posted. I'll be at the office tomorrow." Jim said hanging up. "Ugh, where do all these masked weirdos come from? And are there any more out there?"
Zooming out we peek into Barbara's room to see Amanda fast asleep but as we look across the room we see Barbara's bed was empty.
At a fancy restaurant, we hear screaming echoing from the inside.
"Heads up chowhounds! Drop your forks and cower before the uncanny Condiment King!" Inside we see a man with a blue spandex suit with underwar on the front, a pickle-shaped helmet with shades covering his eyes, and two large canisters hooked to condiment guns aiming them at the crowd. This was Condiment King.
However, the people eating were less than threatened and continued eating.
"I don't believe this. I say cower and you're eating? Well, let's see how you feel now." Aiming his condiment guns he blasts various customers with ketchup and mustard.
"Security!" As a security guard comes at him, Condiment King blasts him with Hot sauce burning his mouth.
"Anyone else wants to be a hero?" Condiment King asks but this time everyone listens to him. "Then hand over your wallets and valuables."
As the customers handed their wallets and jewels over, Condiment King escaped out the window to the outdoor balcony to make his mistake.
But before he could get far a grappling hook cable flew in and grabbed his sack yanking it out of his hands.
"What in the?" Looking up Condiment King saw a female figure glaring down at him.
She wore a purple bodysuit with a black cape, a cowl with points to resemble a bat, gloves, boots with purple highlights a gold bat symbol on her chest, and a gold belt around her waist.
"You know normally you ask the restaurant to pay if your meal stinks, not the other customers." She points out.
"What do we have here? I knew sooner or later the law would ketchup with me. I was relishing a chance to tangle with Spider-Man, but who are you?" Condiment King as the girl jumps down and lands across from him.
"Who are you?" She counters.
"I am the Conceptual Condiment King! The newest terror of this city! I dare you, see if you can cut the mustard!" Condiment King declares.
"You asked." Shrugging the girl punches him in the gut knocking the wind out of him.
"You hit me?" Condiment King gasps.
"You told me to." The girl emphasized. "Okay clearly you're new to the whole villain thing so here's what's gonna happen. You're gonna give back what you stole or I'm gonna hit you again."
"Horseradish!" Condiment King said shooting ketchup at her but the girl ducks.
"Ugh, this not how I pictured my heroic debut." She said doing a backflip over him.
Landing behind him, she sweeps his legs and knocks him to the edge.
Growling Condiment King tried to get up but ended up slipping on his own ketchup and falling over the edge.
Gasping the Bat ran to the edge to see he crashed right on a police car.
"Well, that takes care of that." She shrugs before taking out a grappling hook.
"What in the?" The police officer pops their head out to see the groaning villain unable to get
"B-Bat." He groans as they look up to see her make her escape.
As the Bonding experience comes to an end a new hero begins.