Chapter 4: Market Forces
Hey everyone, I'm back with a new chapter! This one was really fun to make, especially with some of the fight scenes. I also want to thank Cloud4012 and kival737101 for letting me use their OC characters. I don't own anything except my own OC. Anyway, sit back, relax, review, and enjoy!
It was late at night as a truck drove down the street, carrying something dangerous.
However, as the driver neared his destination, several large trucks suddenly surrounded him.
"I don't like this," the driver muttered, glancing nervously at his mirrors. The truck in front of him opened up, and the truck behind rammed into him, forcing him inside. "This is Transport 23!" he shouted into his radio.
But before anyone could respond, the truck released a gas that quickly filled the cabin, knocking the driver unconscious.
From the back, a man entered and opened the rear doors, revealing a large, secure case.
In an unknown location, the man removed his mask, revealing Montana. He placed the briefcase on a table before grabbing his hat. "Job done."
"Forget the hat. Put on the suit," Hammerhead ordered as Montana opened the case, revealing a sleek new outfit. "You still owe the big man one friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
Montana frowned as he examined the suit. "Yeah, about that. There's a new player in town—calls himself Shadow Spider. He's been tagging along with Spider-Man lately. The kid's fast, strong, and he's got moves. Not as seasoned as Spider-Man, but he's learning quick."
Hammerhead narrowed his eyes, clearly not pleased. "Another spider? Just what we need. The boss isn't gonna like that."
"Yeah, well, it's not just Spider-Man we gotta worry about anymore. This Shadow Spider's been making a name for himself. Heard he took down some bank robbers by himself a couple of weeks ago. The kid's no joke," Montana said, slipping into the suit.
Hammerhead grunted, pacing the room. "That complicates things. Two spiders swinging around means double the trouble. The big man's got plans, and we can't have these masked freaks messin' it up."
Montana finished putting on the suit and adjusted his tie. "Don't worry. We'll handle it. The big man's got a lot of resources, and with this suit, I'll be more than a match for both of 'em. They won't know what hit 'em."
Hammerhead smirked, clearly pleased with Montana's confidence. "Good. The sooner we squash these spiders, the better. And once we do, this city will finally be ours."
Montana nodded, determination etched on his face. "Consider it done. Spider-Man and his little sidekick won't know what hit 'em."
As Montana walked out, ready for his mission, Hammerhead stared at the spot where the briefcase had been. "Shadow Spider, huh?" he muttered to himself. "Let's see how the kid handles the big leagues."
Intro Music: Spectacular Spider-Men* Theme Song
Living on the edge
Fighting crime, spinning webs
Swinging from the highest ledge
He can leap above our heads*
Spider-Man swings gracefully through the cityscape at sunset, dodging obstacles and performing daring flips.*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Villains on the rise
And the city's victimized
Looking up with no surprise
Arriving in the speed of time*
Shadow Spider (Jake) swings in from the shadows, landing next to Spider-Man. They exchange a quick nod before jumping into action against a group of armed thugs.*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular*
The two Spider-Men work in perfect harmony: Spider-Man uses his web-shooters to immobilize criminals while Shadow Spider performs high-speed acrobatics, taking down enemies with precision.*
Crawling through the night
Facing evil in his might
He's a hero in our eyes
See the headlights every time*
Spider-Man and Shadow Spider patrol the city at night, moving stealthily across rooftops. They spot a car chase below and spring into action, webbing up the fleeing criminals.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Making villains fall
Webbing rivals to a halt
Racing up and down the walls
Bringing justice to us all*
Spider-Man and Shadow Spider face off against a formidable villain on top of a skyscraper. They use their combined skills to defeat the villain and restore peace.*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spectacular, Spectacular Spider-Men*
Spider-Man and Shadow Spider stand side by side on a rooftop, overlooking the city as the sun sets. They watch as the city lights flicker to life.*
We find ourselves in the midst of a high-speed chase. A car was speeding through the city streets, weaving dangerously through traffic with police in hot pursuit. Sirens echoed through the night as the police struggled to keep up, their flashing lights casting wild shadows across the buildings.
High above, Spider-Man and Shadow Spider swung through the air, locked onto the fleeing vehicle below.
"Man, these guys are really booking it!" Shadow Spider shouted, his voice tinged with nervous excitement as he narrowly avoided a traffic light.
"Yeah, they're in a real hurry to go nowhere fast," Spider-Man replied, flipping over a billboard before shooting another web to keep his momentum. "But we've got to stop them before someone gets hurt."
Shadow Spider was trying his best to keep pace, but he was still getting the hang of moving at these speeds. "I'm right behind you, but, uh...what's the plan? I'm not exactly used to this yet!"
"Just follow my lead!" Spider-Man called back. "I'll cut them off from the front. You try to corral them from the side—make sure they don't take any sharp turns."
"Got it!" Shadow Spider responded, though his voice wavered slightly as he adjusted his swing to keep from falling behind.
As the car sped through a narrow street, Spider-Man made his move. He shot a web to the side of a building, using it to pull himself forward and land on the hood of the car. The driver panicked and swerved, but Spider-Man clung on, using another web to seal the windshield, forcing the driver to slow down.
"End of the line, buddy!" Spider-Man quipped, his voice confident as he secured the car's roof with another web, preventing any escape.
Meanwhile, Shadow Spider swung in from the side, but his landing was less graceful. He hit the ground hard, stumbling slightly before regaining his balance. "Uh, yeah, what he said!" Shadow Spider added, trying to sound as confident as Spider-Man.
The car skidded to a stop, the driver realizing he was trapped. The police closed in, surrounding the vehicle.
Spider-Man jumped down from the car's hood, giving Shadow Spider a nod. "Nice job, partner. You're getting the hang of this."
Shadow Spider breathed a sigh of relief, though his heart was still racing. "Thanks, but I think I still have a lot to learn. I almost faceplanted back there."
"Hey, no worries," Spider-Man said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We all start somewhere. The important thing is you didn't give up."
As the police moved in to arrest the driver, Spider-Man and Shadow Spider swung up to a nearby rooftop to get out of sight.
"That was...intense," Shadow Spider said, finally catching his breath. "I've never been in a chase like that before."
"You handled it like a pro," Spider-Man replied, smiling under his mask. "But yeah, it takes some getting used to. Just remember, we're in this together. You're not alone out here."
Shadow Spider nodded, feeling a bit more confident now. "Thanks, Spider-Man. I'll get the hang of it soon."
"I know you will," Spider-Man said, as they both looked down at the police below. "And who knows? Maybe next time, you'll be the one leading the charge."
Shadow Spider chuckled, the tension of the chase finally easing. "Maybe. But for now, I'm just glad we stopped that car before things got out of hand."
"Same here," Spider-Man agreed. "Let's head out before someone notices us."
With that, the two heroes shot webs into the night, swinging away from the scene. The city below continued its restless buzz, unaware of the small victory that had just taken place above its streets. And while Shadow Spider still had a lot to learn, tonight had shown him that he was on the right path—and that he had a pretty great teacher to help him along the way.
The next morning, Jaden sat at his desk in his room, scrolling through his phone, replaying the events from the previous night in his mind. They had worked well together during the car chase, but there was still a lot left to discuss. His phone buzzed with a new text message from Jake.
Jake: Hey, we need to talk. Meet me on the rooftop in ten?*
Jaden felt a knot form in his stomach. After everything they had been through, he knew this was going to be an important conversation. He quickly typed out a reply.
Jaden: On my way.
A few minutes later, Jaden arrived at their usual meeting spot. Jake was already there, leaning against the ledge and staring out at the city, deep in thought. Jaden could tell something was weighing heavily on his friend.
"Hey," Jaden called out as he walked over. "What's going on?"
"Nothing really bad, Jay. I just... was thinking," Jake paused, his voice serious.
Jake took a deep breath, bracing himself. "So, uh... Mia found out about me. About Shadow Spider."
Jaden stopped in his tracks, narrowing his eyes. "What? When?"
"During the whole Electro incident. She kinda figured it out, but she's been helping me ever since," Jake explained, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "She's been great—helping me with my suit design, covering for me when I need it. She's been... really supportive. But I've been wondering if... maybe I could tell her about you. About Spider-Man. You know, if it's okay."
Jaden's face darkened, and without hesitation, he snapped, "No, it's not okay, Jake! Don't tell her anything about me."
Jake blinked, taken aback by the intensity in Jaden's voice. "But she's been—"
"I don't care how helpful she's been! This is serious! Our lives—our identities—they're supposed to be secret for a reason!" Jaden's anger was clear now, his voice rising. "Do you even realize what could happen if more people know? It's not just about us—it's about the people we care about! The more who know, the more they're in danger. You get that, right?"
Jake frowned, clearly feeling guilty but trying to defend his choice. "She hasn't told anyone, Jay. She's been really careful, and she—"
"Does your mom know?" Jaden cut him off, eyes narrowing.
Jake immediately shook his head. "No! No, my mom doesn't know anything. I wouldn't do that."
"Good," Jaden said firmly, his voice cold. "Because this isn't just a game, Jake. This is our lives. You were reckless letting Mia figure you out. Don't make things worse by dragging me into it. You can't just decide to tell people our secrets because it's convenient!"
Jake lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of Jaden's words. "I... I'm sorry. I just thought maybe it would make things easier if—"
"It won't," Jaden said sharply, cutting him off again. "Not for me. Keep it that way, Jake. Don't tell her anything more. Understand?"
Jake nodded slowly, clearly chastened. "Yeah... I understand."
Jaden let out a frustrated sigh, his anger simmering down but still present. "Just be careful. We can't afford any more mistakes."
After talking with Jake, Jaden made his way downstairs. He noticed some wrapped-up waffles on the counter, but what really caught his eye was a stack of letters partially hidden behind the toaster.
"Are those what I think they are?" Jaden asked, walking over to check. As he suspected, they were all bills.
I know I said I wouldn't do that stupid Bugle contest for Spider-Man photos, but I need to find a way to make money* Jaden thought to himself.
Setting the bills aside, Jaden started eating when his mom walked in.
"Back already?" Jaden asked.
"Yes, Anna's niece, Mary Jane, is in town. I'm hoping you can meet up with her," Maya said.
"Sure… uh, what's she like?" Jaden asked, trying to sound casual.
"She has a wonderful personality," Maya replied with a smile.
"Uh, okay… How about she meets me tomorrow? I've got to help Harry with tutoring today," Jaden suggested.
"I'll give her your number," Maya said, still smiling.
Meanwhile, Jake was at his apartment, sitting at his desk and scrolling through some documents on his computer. His mother, Sam Evans, walked in holding a stack of papers.
"Jake, I just heard about the dance from Jaden's mom," Sam said, sitting down beside him. "She mentioned they're looking for a date for the event. I thought you might want to think about it."
Jake looked up from his screen, a bit surprised. "Oh, really? I hadn't thought about that."
"Yeah, it seems like it could be a fun event. And if you're interested, I could help you find a date," Sam offered, a warm smile on her face.
Jake chuckled, shaking his head. "I appreciate it, Mom, but I'm not sure. I'm still figuring things out. Plus, I've been pretty busy with... other stuff."
"Understandable," Sam said, nodding. "Just keep it in mind. Sometimes it's good to take a break and enjoy some normalcy."
Jake nodded, giving his mother a reassuring smile. "Thanks, Mom. I'll think about it."
As Sam left the room, Jake went back to his work, but his mind drifted to the upcoming dance. He couldn't help but wonder if it might be a good opportunity to take a break from his superhero duties and enjoy some time with friends.
Soon, Spider-Man was swinging through the air, holding his phone to his ear.
"Are you sure you don't want me to come over?" he asked.
"Jaden, just take the day off, man. You tackled the Doc and saved him from turning into a lizard. I think you've earned some time off," Eddy replied on the other end.
"Alright, alright," Spider-Man conceded.
"So, are you looking for a job? What happened with the Bugle?" Eddy asked.
"Well, I realized taking pictures of Spider-Man was kind of a dead end. Let's just say someone knocked some sense into me, and I've got the bump to prove it," Spider-Man said, causing Eddy to chuckle.
"Well, take it easy, man. Use this time off to really keep your eyes open. But I should warn you—when you come back, there's been a big change," Eddy smirked.
"Oh yeah? What?" Spider-Man asked, curious.
"Billy's your new number one fan," Eddy said.
"Wait, what?" Spider-Man asked, surprised.
"The kid totally looks up to you now. He's always asking me stuff about you. You're kind of his hero," Eddy chuckled.
"Oh wow," Spider-Man said, swinging away.
Little did he know, a few buildings away, someone was watching him.
"Target sighted," a thug said, observing Spider-Man before he swung out of view. "Target lost, but he's still in the area."
At OSCORP, Jaden rode the elevator to the top floor.
As he rolled up his sleeves to hide his web-shooters, the door opened to reveal Norman.
"Jaden, good to see you. Here to help Harry?" Norman asked.
"We help each other, sir," Jaden replied.
"Now, now, Jaden. Modesty doesn't suit men like us—smart, driven, responsible, self-made," Norman said with a smile.
"I'm still a work in progress. Can't seem to get my foot in the door just yet," Jaden admitted.
"At least you're trying to get your foot in," Norman said, glancing toward Harry.
Frowning, Harry walked into his room, with Jaden following close behind.
"Mind if I use your laptop to check my email?" Jaden asked as Harry lay down on his bed.
"Knock yourself out," Harry replied, and Jaden began browsing online.
"Hey, the big dance is coming up at school," Jaden said.
"Which would be great if either of us had dates," Harry sighed.
"Well, my mom is trying to play matchmaker. She wants me to meet this Mary Jane Watson. All I know is that she has a great personality," Jaden said, causing Harry to shudder.
"Good luck, man. I was thinking of asking Gwen, you know, as a friend," Harry said.
"Not a bad idea, but I haven't talked to her since Dr. Connors told me to take a break from the internship," Jaden replied.
"Well, good luck with that. So, shall we get started?" Harry asked.
"Sure, Harry," Jaden nodded, pulling out his calculus book.
"I don't know how you understand this stuff so well," Harry said.
"It's my thing," Jaden shrugged.
Later that night, Spider-Man was swinging through the air.
"He's back; set it in motion," a thug said. Below, Flint and Alex ran out of a store, tripping the alarm.
"Talk about bad timing," Spider-Man said, noticing them driving away in their car.
"Don't go too fast; if we lose him, there's no payday," Flint warned.
"I want payback," Alex growled as they drove into a garbage dump filled with trucks.
Exiting the car, they hid behind some trucks.
Suddenly, a web flew in and yanked Flint back into Spider-Man's grip.
"Hey guys, we really need to stop running into each other like this," Spider-Man said.
Swinging a crowbar, Alex charged, but Spider-Man fired two webs, tying up his arms and legs.
"Look, it's not that I don't like you guys, but this is getting old," Spider-Man said, yanking Flint up onto the roof of the car and tying him to it.
Before he could make another joke, his spider-sense went off, and a powerful blast zapped him to the ground.
"I reckon that came as a bit of a shocker," Montana said with a smirk, looking down at Spider-Man. He was in a yellow padded suit with fancy devices strapped to his arms. "Well good, so will this."
Swinging his arm, Montana fired another blast, but Spider-Man swung out of the way, jumping onto the roof.
"Who are you?" Spider-Man asked.
"Call me Shocker," Montana declared, firing another attack.
"Or I can call you toast," Spider-Man retorted, swinging in to deliver a kick. However, Shocker's suit deflected the attack, causing Spider-Man to tumble back.
"Looks like my fancy suit does more than protect me from my gear. Or maybe you don't have much kick anymore," Shocker mocked.
Growling, Spider-Man swept Shocker's legs, causing him to fall.
Cupping his hands together, Spider-Man prepared to slam them down when Shocker blasted him, sending Spider-Man flying into a compactor.
Struggling to climb out of the garbage, Spider-Man looked up to see Shocker watching him.
"So long, Spider-Man," Shocker said, turning on the compactor. The garbage around Spider-Man was pressed together until the device finished, pushing out a giant cube of garbage. "That ought to satisfy the boss," Shocker grinned.
Shadow Spider arrived just in time to see the compactor in action. He dropped from a rooftop and landed beside the machine. "Great, just what I wanted to see—Spider-Man buried in garbage."
Shocker looked up, surprised to see another masked hero. "Oh, another one? I'm starting to think this city has more heroes than villains."
Shadow Spider fired a web at the garbage pile, trying to pull it off Spider-Man. "Hold tight, Spider-Man! I'm coming!"
Shocker, sensing the new threat, aimed his gauntlets at Shadow Spider and fired a concentrated blast. Shadow Spider ducked and rolled across the ground to avoid the incoming fire. "Looks like someone's eager to meet me!"
Shadow Spider leapt into action, launching a series of web attacks and strikes against Shocker. He managed to land a few hits, but Shocker's suit absorbed most of the damage. Shocker retaliated with a blast that knocked Shadow Spider backward, slamming him into a stack of metal crates.
"Not bad, kid. But you're going to have to do better than that," Shocker taunted, adjusting his gauntlets.
Shadow Spider struggled to his feet, his suit showing signs of damage. "Oh, I plan to. And by the way, I've had worse dates."
Shocker fired another blast, sending Shadow Spider crashing into a nearby wall. Shadow Spider groaned, pushing himself up with effort. He fired a web to stabilize himself, but Shocker's blasts kept coming. Each hit weakened Shadow Spider further, and his attempts to strike back became increasingly desperate.
As Shadow Spider tried to rejoin the fight, he noticed Spider-Man still trapped under the garbage, struggling to free himself. "Hang in there, Spider-Man! I've got this!"
But Shocker was relentless. He blasted Shadow Spider again, sending him sprawling across the debris. Shadow Spider groaned as he tried to get up, but his movements were slow and labored. He saw Shocker approaching Spider-Man's position, preparing to finish the job.
"No!" Shadow Spider shouted, attempting to intervene, but he was too weak. Shocker turned on the compactor again, the gears grinding as the garbage was pressed tighter.
Shadow Spider, barely able to move, watched helplessly as Shocker's plan came to fruition. The compactor squeezed the garbage into an even tighter cube, and Spider-Man's struggling became less noticeable.
Shocker grinned, satisfied with his work. "That ought to satisfy the boss," he said, turning his attention back to Shadow Spider. "You're next, kid."
Shadow Spider, despite his exhaustion and injuries, struggled to get up. "Not... so... fast," he rasped, firing a web at Shocker. But Shocker's advanced suit easily deflected the attack, and he blasted Shadow Spider once more, sending him crashing into the ground.
As Shadow Spider lay defeated, Shocker prepared to leave, his mission accomplished. "I've had enough fun for one night," he said, turning away.
The authorities were on their way, but Shadow Spider was left struggling to move, his energy spent. The fight had taken its toll, and as he lay there, he could only hope that Spider-Man would somehow find a way out of the garbage.
"Hey! A little help!" Flint called out.
"I ought to leave you two for the cops, but I'm in too good a mood," Shocker said, blasting them both free before flying off in a helicopter.
"Is that it? Is he done?" Alex asked.
"He's finished. Now let's go," Flint said as they ran off.
As they left, the cube of garbage began to shake before splitting in half, revealing Spider-Man, who had hidden inside a refrigerator to avoid being crushed.
"Man, I am so glad he wasn't here to see this," Spider-Man said before sniffing himself and gagging. "Oh god, I need a shower."
He then noticed Shadow Spider lying on the ground, passed out.
"Shadow Spider!" Spider-Man called out, crouching beside his ally. "Are you
okay?"
Shadow Spider groaned, barely able to move. "Spider-Man... I... I tried to help..."
"You did your best, buddy," Spider-Man said, lifting him up and webbing them both to safety as sirens echoed in the distance. "Let's get out of here before the cops show up."
As Spider-Man swung them away from the garbage dump, Shadow Spider's head rested on his shoulder, feeling every ache from the bruises and cuts across his body. His suit was torn in several places, and he knew it wouldn't be long before he'd have to face the consequences of jumping into a fight he wasn't fully prepared for.
"I… I know I'm going to get yelled at for this," Shadow Spider mumbled weakly, wincing as Spider-Man swung around another building.
Spider-Man glanced down at him, concern written across his face beneath the mask. "You don't look too good, buddy. You sure you're okay?"
Shadow Spider let out a soft groan. "I'll be fine… Just—can you take me to Mia's place? I need to get patched up… in the suit."
"Yeah, but I'm not taking off my mask," Spider-Man said firmly, still a bit irritated that someone knew Jake was Shadow Spider, but he let it go for now.
"Alright, fine," Spider-Man sighed, continuing to swing through the city.
"Thanks, Jay," Shadow Spider said before passing out on his shoulders.
After what felt like an eternity of swinging through the city, they finally landed softly on the balcony of Mia's apartment. Spider-Man quickly set Shadow Spider down, noting how pale he looked.
"Hang tight, I'll get the door," Spider-Man said, glancing around to make sure they weren't drawing any unwanted attention. He knocked lightly, and the door swung open to reveal Mia, her eyes widening in shock at the sight of Shadow Spider.
"Mia! I need your help!" Spider-Man called, urgency in his voice.
Mia's expression shifted to concern as she quickly stepped aside, allowing them entry. "What happened? He looks terrible!"
"Just a little rough and tumble," Spider-Man replied, keeping his tone light despite the situation. "Can you patch him up? He's not in great shape."
Mia nodded, immediately moving toward the first-aid kit in the kitchen. "Of course! Come on, Shadow Spider, let's get you sorted out."
Shadow Spider winced but managed a small smile. "Thanks, Mia. I really appreciate it."
"Just sit down on the couch," she instructed, her voice gentle yet firm. "Let's see what we're dealing with."
Spider-Man stayed close, his eyes narrowed beneath his mask. "You sure you can handle this? I can help if you need me."
"I've got this, Spider-Man," Mia replied, retrieving antiseptic and bandages. "You just make sure he stays awake."
"Right. No passing out on me, buddy," Spider-Man said, nudging Shadow Spider lightly. "You're tougher than this."
"I'll try…" Shadow Spider murmured, his voice growing faint.
As Mia cleaned the cuts and bruises, she glanced up at Shadow Spider. "What were you thinking, jumping into a fight like that? You could've seriously hurt yourself!"
"I know, I know," Shadow Spider said, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his voice. "I thought I could handle it. I didn't want to just sit back."
"Next time, think it through," Mia replied, her tone softening as she worked. "You're a hero, but you don't have to do everything alone."
"Thanks, Mia. I'll remember that," he promised, trying to keep his eyes open as she finished patching him up.
Spider-Man watched, relieved that Mia was taking care of him. "You really need to take better care of yourself, you know that?"
"I'll do better next time, I swear," Shadow Spider said, finally feeling a bit more comfortable. "Just… let's not make a habit of this."
Mia chuckled lightly as she finished up. "No more junkyard battles, okay? Let's save the heroics for when you're not banged up."
"Deal," Shadow Spider replied, managing a grin as he leaned back against the couch, feeling grateful to have such good friends by his side.
The next day, at the gym, Harry and Jaden were in line for the rope while Gwen was playing volleyball—or rather, watching Jaden.
Ever since the Lizard incident, Gwen had been looking at Jaden in a whole new light. He had been willing to tackle a giant lizard to save Billy.
When did Jaden become so brave?* Gwen thought.
"Jaden, any chance you can come over again tonight to help tutor me?" Harry asked.
"I'll try, but no promises. I promised my mom I would meet Mary Jane today," Jaden said.
"You can try asking Gwen, but, uh, before that…" Jaden said, pointing to the rope.
Sighing, Harry tried to climb the rope but barely got more than a few feet up before falling to the ground, making Flash laugh.
"Guess all of Osborn's money couldn't buy him some muscles," Flash mocked.
"Shut it, Flash. I'd like to see you do any better," Jaden said.
"Uh-oh, Cooper's calling you out," a football player said.
If I was using my spider powers, I'd wipe the floor with him* Jaden thought as Flash walked up next to him. But as the two of them were about to climb, Flash sniffed the air.
"Ugh, forget it. You win. Normally when I say you stink, Cooper, it's a figure of speech, but you reek," Flash said, holding his nose.
"Oh man, I took three showers yesterday," Jaden groaned.
"Cooper, hit the showers," the coach suggested as everyone laughed at him.
"Jaden," Gwen called out.
"Yeah, Gwen?" Jaden asked, looking at her.
"I, uh… I just wanted to say…" Gwen said nervously.
"Yeah?" Jaden asked.
"Hey, Stacey! It's your turn!" the coach called out.
"Uh, can we talk later?" Gwen asked.
"Sure," Jaden nodded.
As Jaden walked into the locker room, he saw Jake sitting with visible cuts and bruises. Jaden approached with a look of concern.
"Jake, are you okay?" Jaden asked, guilt evident in his voice.
Jake looked up with a tired smile. "Just some bumps and bruises from last night's fight with Shocker. Nothing I can't handle."
Jaden's face fell. "I'm really sorry I wasn't there to help. I got stuck in that garbage compactor and couldn't get out in time. I feel awful for leaving you to deal with Shocker alone."
Jake shook his head. "Hey, it's not your fault. We both had a rough night. You were in a tough spot, and there wasn't much you could do."
"But still," Jaden said, frustration in his voice. "You took a beating because I wasn't there to back you up."
Jake placed a hand on Jaden's shoulder. "We both knew the risks when we took this on. We support each other the best we can, and that's what matters. It's part of being a team."
Jaden nodded, still feeling a pang of guilt. "I just wish I could've been there. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I'm there when you need me."
Jake smiled. "I know you will. We've got each other's backs, and that's what counts. Let's keep focusing on being ready for whatever comes next."
Jaden headed for the showers, a mix of relief and lingering guilt on his mind, but grateful for Jake's understanding and support.
After school, Jaden was at a coffee shop waiting for Mary Jane Watson.
"Well, Mary Jane, I hope you're actually a nice girl," Jaden muttered, checking his watch.
He sniffed himself and noticed he still smelled a little. Looking around, he grabbed a car freshener and stuffed it into his pocket.
"Is that what guys do to avoid bathing now?" Turning around, Jaden saw a beautiful teenage girl with long red hair walking up to him. "Are you Jaden Cooper?"
"Yeah, that's me," Jaden nodded.
"Mary Jane Watson. My aunt told me I could meet you here," she said with a smile, surprising him.
"Oh, uh, nice to meet you. Sorry about my mom playing matchmaker; I had no say in this," Jaden said.
"Me neither, so I guess we're in the same boat," Mary Jane giggled.
"I guess so," Jaden smiled. "Sorry about that, it's been a long day, including getting thrown in trash."
"Well, that explains the car freshener," Mary Jane said with a grin.
"Sorry," Jaden apologized.
"I'll let it slide this time, Tiger, but I'd suggest you at least smell normal next time we hang out," Mary Jane offered.
"There's a next time?" Jaden asked, intrigued.
"Well, if you want. I mean, you look like a nice guy, and I don't have many people in my life," Mary Jane said.
"Then how about you and I go get a burger or something? The sky's the limit… as long as it's under six bucks," Jaden suggested, causing her to laugh.
"Yes, I'd love a burger," Mary Jane said with a smile.
"Then follow me, Mary Jane," Jaden said.
"MJ, call me MJ," she replied.
"Sure thing, MJ," Jaden said as they both headed out to eat.
Meanwhile, Jake was walking home, lost in thought, when he accidentally bumped into a girl his age.
"Oh, sorry about that," Jake said, stepping back and looking at her.
"No problem," the girl replied with a friendly smile. "I wasn't watching where I was going either. I'm Lisa, by the way."
"Jake," he said, offering a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Lisa."
"You too. Are you new around here? I don't think I've seen you before," Lisa asked, curiously.
"Yeah, I just moved here recently. Still getting used to the place," Jake admitted.
"That makes sense. I'm pretty familiar with the area. If you need any tips or directions, I'd be happy to help," Lisa offered.
"Thanks, I appreciate it. I'm still figuring out where everything is," Jake said.
As they talked, Jake couldn't help but notice how easy it was to converse with Lisa. Her friendly demeanor was a welcome distraction from his worries.
"Actually, I was heading to the local park. If you're free, maybe you could join me? It's always nice to explore with someone who knows the area," Jake suggested.
"Sure, that sounds fun. I could use a break from studying anyway," Lisa agreed.
As they walked towards the park together, Jake felt a bit of relief. Meeting someone new and having a casual conversation was a pleasant change from the usual stress of his day.
After a fun time with MJ, Jaden had decided to stop by the electronics store.
'Since I won't be taking pics of Spider-Man maybe I can sell this thing and help mom out a little.' Jaden thought as he was about to enter only for the manager to lock the door. "Uh I need to sell my camera."
"We're closed. Go away." The manager said.
"But the sign says you don't close for another hour." Jaden said.
"Sign's wrong. Come back tomorrow." He said in a scared tone.
Narrowing his eyes, Jaden had a funny feeling about this.
In the back, Alex and Flint were loading a box into the back of the truck.
"We better move fast. When Hammerhead spreads the word that Spider-Man croaked it'll be open season." Flint said when Alex sniffs the air.
"What stinks?" Alex asks.
"Still?" Spider-Man asks dropping in upside down. "I washed this suit 5 times."
"You're alive?!" Flint gasps as Spider-Man fires webs trapping their hands to the box.
"Yeah I'm alive, and tell Shocker I want a rematch." Spider-Man said before swinging away. "You better call the cops sir." He said looking to the manager.
"I hate that guy." Alex groans.
"This is really getting heavy." Flint whimpers before they fell over.
As Jake and Lisa strolled through the park, they continued chatting, finding common ground in their interests.
"So, what do you like to do for fun around here?" Jake asked, genuinely curious.
"Well, I love spending time outdoors, especially here in the park," Lisa replied, glancing around at the trees and the open spaces. "It's a great place to relax and think. But I also enjoy reading and playing video games when I'm at home."
"Same here," Jake said with a grin. "I've always been into video games. They're a great way to unwind after a long day."
"Agreed! Maybe we could play sometime," Lisa suggested.
"Yeah, that'd be cool," Jake nodded, feeling more at ease with her.
As they continued walking, Jake's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to see a message from Jaden.
Jaden: "Hey, you doing okay? Sorry again about last night. I still feel bad about leaving you to deal with Shocker."
Jake's expression shifted slightly as he read the message, his earlier worries creeping back in.
"Everything alright?" Lisa asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.
"Yeah, just a message from a friend," Jake said, forcing a smile. "He's just checking in on me."
Lisa nodded, sensing that there was more to it but deciding not to press.
Jake quickly typed a reply.
Jake: "I'm good, Jaden. Don't worry about it. We'll get him next time."
Putting his phone back in his pocket, Jake turned his attention back to Lisa. "Sorry about that."
"No worries," Lisa said with a reassuring smile. "Sounds like your friend cares a lot about you."
"Yeah, he does. We've been through a lot together," Jake admitted, feeling a bit of the weight lift off his shoulders.
"Well, it's good to have friends like that," Lisa said. "And hey, if you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here too."
Jake appreciated the offer and found himself genuinely enjoying Lisa's company. "Thanks, Lisa. I'll keep that in mind."
As they continued walking through the park, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics, and Jake found himself more at ease, grateful for the unexpected new friendship.
The next day, Montana was shooting pool at the Billiards Hall, but just as he was about to sink the 8 Ball, Hammerhead reached in and grabbed it, causing Montana to miss his shot.
"Big man's not satisfied, Montana," Hammerhead glared, his voice low and menacing.
"Why's that?" Montana asked, trying to keep his cool.
"You didn't live up to your responsibilities," Hammerhead said, crushing the 8 Ball in his hand with ease, sending a clear message.
Meanwhile, as the sun was setting, Jaden was walking out of a store with a "Help Wanted" sign still in the window.
"Sorry, kid," the manager said with a shrug.
"No, it's cool. I'll try somewhere else," Jaden sighed, feeling the weight of his situation. "They want people with experience, but how can I get experience if I can't get a job? It's a conundrum."
Suddenly, the ground beneath him started to shake, catching him and everyone around off guard.
"Whoa, that's not good," Jaden muttered, looking around as people started to panic. He noticed a news broadcast playing on a nearby TV.
"This is a warning to all of Manhattan: there have been three tremors in the last hour. We strongly encourage all citizens to use extreme caution," the news anchor reported, showing a map with the locations of the tremors.
"Tremors... or Shocker," Jaden narrowed his eyes as he studied the map. 'Each tremor is equidistant from the others, leading uptown. Looks like Shocker got my message.' He traced his finger on the screen, pinpointing the likely location of the next tremor. "Gotcha."
Quickly pulling out his phone, Jaden typed a text to Jake.
Jaden: "Shocker's back. He's causing tremors around the city. I've got a lead on where he might strike next. Meet me at the corner of 53rd and Lexington."
After sending the text, Jaden started heading in that direction, his mind focused on the task ahead. He couldn't let Shocker get away this time, especially after what had happened the last time they crossed paths.
Meanwhile, Jake was at home, trying to relax after a long day, when his phone buzzed. Seeing the text from Jaden, he quickly sat up, the urgency in the message clear.
Jake: "On my way."
He grabbed his gear, mentally preparing himself for another battle. The memory of his last encounter with Shocker was still fresh, and he wasn't about to let Jaden face him alone this time.
As Jake headed out the door, he couldn't help but think about what they were up against. But with Jaden by his side, he knew they stood a chance.
That night, in an old abandoned theater, Spider-Man swung in and landed silently, only to find the theater completely empty.
"Hey Shocky, got your invite," Spider-Man called out, his voice echoing through the empty space. Just then, Shocker emerged from the shadows, launching a powerful blast that sent Spider-Man flying into the stands.
"Really thought I ended you back there, but son, you got more lives than a bag of cats. Don't worry, we can remedy that," Shocker said with a menacing grin, charging up his gauntlets for another blast and knocking Spider-Man into the wall. "One more at close range oughta do it."
Just as Shocker prepared to strike again, Spider-Man quickly fired a web, yanking out several seats and hurling them at Shocker. Shocker easily repelled the seats, sending them crashing to the ground.
Retaliating, Shocker unleashed a barrage of blasts at Spider-Man, who expertly dodged each one.
"I admire your spunk, son, but not enough to let you go. That's just bad for business," Shocker taunted.
"Whose business?" Spider-Man asked, trying to get some answers.
"Can't tell you who," Shocker replied, his tone indifferent.
"Then why? What did I ever do to you?" Spider-Man pressed, hoping to understand his adversary's motives.
"Nothing personal. A man honors his responsibilities, and you are one of mine," Shocker said, firing another blast at Spider-Man. But Spider-Man leaped out of the way just in time and fired a web that hit Shocker square in the face.
While Shocker struggled to remove the sticky webbing, Spider-Man took the opportunity to fire another web at Shocker's feet, yanking him off balance and hurling him into the seats.
Shocker quickly shook off the impact and retaliated with a series of powerful blasts, forcing Spider-Man to leap away. As he did, Shocker's blasts destroyed more and more of the already crumbling theater.
"Well, this place is condemned anyway," Spider-Man quipped, an idea forming in his mind.
He fired a web, causing the heavy curtain to drop down over Shocker, momentarily obscuring his vision.
"You know, it ain't wise to make a dangerous man look foolish," Shocker growled, tearing the curtain away.
"You don't need my help for that. I mean, seriously, you look like an oversized oven mitt in that suit," Spider-Man retorted, nimbly dodging Shocker's attacks and guiding them into the theater's support beams. "Hey, I gotta know—ever do any western stuff? Maybe rodeo clown? Because with an accent like that, you'd be perfect."
Before Shocker could respond, there was a sudden crash as Shadow Spider burst through the roof of the abandoned theater, his cape flaring out like bat wings as he glided down. He landed gracefully right next to Spider-Man, his presence adding an extra layer of intensity to the standoff.
"Hope I'm not too late for the party," Shadow Spider said, his voice calm but with an edge.
"Just in time, actually," Spider-Man replied, glancing at his partner. "Ready to wrap this up?"
"Let's finish this," Shadow Spider nodded, his eyes locked on Shocker.
With a coordinated strike, the two heroes prepared to take down Shocker once and for all.
Shadow Spider and Spider-Man exchanged a quick nod, their teamwork so well-practiced that they didn't need words. Both tensed, ready to strike as Shocker charged up his gauntlets for another round.
"Hope you two brought your A-game," Shocker sneered, launching a blast of concussive energy toward the pair.
Shadow Spider somersaulted to the side, narrowly avoiding the blast as it obliterated the floor where he had stood. Spider-Man fired a web at Shocker's gauntlet, trying to jam the mechanism, but Shocker easily shrugged it off.
"Come on, you two gotta do better than that!" Shocker taunted, firing a series of rapid blasts that sent Spider-Man flipping through the air, narrowly avoiding each shot.
As Shocker turned his attention to Spider-Man, Shadow Spider took the opportunity to strike. He darted in with blinding speed, his fists crackling with bio-electric energy. He landed a solid punch to Shocker's side, the impact sending a shockwave through the villain's suit. Shocker staggered back but quickly recovered, swinging his arm in a wide arc and firing a blast that sent Shadow Spider skidding across the stage.
"Nice try, kid, but this suit's built for more than just looks," Shocker said, his voice full of confidence.
"Yeah? Well, it doesn't do much for your personality," Shadow Spider quipped, wiping blood from his lip and springing back into action.
Spider-Man shot a web at Shocker's feet, yanking hard to pull him off balance. As Shocker stumbled, Spider-Man followed up with a mid-air kick, aiming for Shocker's head. Shocker managed to deflect the kick with his gauntlet, but the force of the blow still sent him crashing into a row of seats.
"Looks like you're getting a front-row seat to your own beatdown," Spider-Man said, swinging in with a punch.
Shocker blocked the punch with his gauntlet and countered with a blast at point-blank range. The energy exploded outward, sending Spider-Man flying into the wall with a grunt of pain.
"Spidey!" Shadow Spider shouted, his eyes narrowing as he saw his partner slam into the debris.
"I'm good!" Spider-Man groaned, slowly getting back to his feet. "Just... need a minute."
Shadow Spider took advantage of Shocker's distraction, racing toward him with a series of quick jabs. His fists connected with Shocker's torso, each punch sending ripples through the padded suit. Shocker growled in frustration, swinging his gauntlet wildly, but Shadow Spider weaved in and out of range, dodging each strike.
"You're fast, I'll give you that," Shocker admitted, gritting his teeth as he tried to land a hit.
"Thanks, but I prefer to be called efficient," Shadow Spider replied, delivering a spinning kick that connected with Shocker's side, sending him stumbling back.
Before Shocker could regain his footing, Spider-Man leaped back into the fray, firing rapid webs at Shocker's gauntlets. The sticky strands gummed up the mechanisms, causing them to sputter and spark.
"Looks like you need a new power source," Spider-Man taunted, flipping over Shocker's head and landing next to Shadow Spider.
Shocker roared in frustration, using brute strength to rip the webs off his gauntlets. He unleashed another massive blast, this one with enough force to blow apart a chunk of the stage. The shockwave knocked both Spider-Man and Shadow Spider off their feet.
"Enough games!" Shocker bellowed, his voice full of rage. "Time to end this!"
As Shocker charged up for a final, devastating blast, Spider-Man's eyes darted around the crumbling theater. He spotted a massive chandelier hanging precariously from the ceiling, its rusted chain straining under the weight.
"Shadow, that chandelier!" Spider-Man shouted, pointing upward.
Shadow Spider immediately understood the plan. As Shocker fired his blast, Shadow Spider rolled out of the way and shot a web at the chandelier's chain, yanking it free. The massive fixture swung downward, casting a shadow over the stage.
"Hey Shocker, ever hear of dramatic lighting?" Spider-Man called out, firing another web to guide the chandelier's fall.
Shocker looked up just in time to see the chandelier crashing down toward him. He tried to blast it away, but the combined weight and momentum were too much. The chandelier slammed into him, pinning him to the ground with a deafening crash.
"That's a wrap!" Spider-Man quipped, brushing himself off as the dust settled.
Shadow Spider approached cautiously, checking to make sure Shocker was down for the count. The villain groaned under the weight of the chandelier, his suit sparking and failing. It was clear he wasn't getting up anytime soon.
"Well, that was shocking," Shadow Spider said, giving Spider-Man a tired smile.
Spider-Man chuckled, clapping his partner on the back. "Not bad, Shadow. Not bad at all."
"Thanks. I just followed your lead," Shadow Spider replied, looking at the defeated Shocker. "You think he'll stay down this time?"
"He'd better. Otherwise, we're gonna need a bigger chandelier," Spider-Man joked, turning to leave the theater.
When the police show up, they look to see Montana tied up in a web and his suit folded at his feet
Back at Harry's place, Harry stormed in angrily and threw his backpack to the ground.
"Something on your mind, Harry?" Norman asked.
"I blew my math test because Jaden couldn't come to tutor me, and Flash's gang won't cut me a break," Harry whined.
"That's enough. You are in a No Whining Zone, Harry. The fact is you've been relying too heavily on Jaden to bail you out. The boy has his own life to deal with. If you want to pass a test, study. If you want to be popular, be popular. You can't always expect Jaden to help you with everything. Take control of your life. Harry, life is pretty simple: you cowboy up and do what you have to do," Norman said before entering his office.
"I will," Harry said, determined.
"My apologies for the interruption," Norman said, entering to find Hammerhead waiting for him.
"Kids today, what are you gonna do?" Hammerhead remarked as Norman took a seat. "New topic: Spider-Man—and let's not forget Shadow Spider. We want them gone. Do you care?"
"None of my business," Norman replied.
"Really? Those heroes saved your hide," Hammerhead said.
"I have nothing to do with Spider-Man or Shadow Spider. I wouldn't have risked tipping you off to that Tri-Corp shipment if I had," Norman smirked.
"Why did you tip us off then?" Hammerhead asked.
"Tri-Corp is my competitor in the super-mercenary field. If their prototypes go missing, everyone wins," Norman explained.
"Which brings up an issue my boss would like to discuss," Hammerhead said, taking out a phone. "Go ahead, Big Man."
"Mr. Osborn, we have a proposition. When Spider-Man and Shadow Spider battle the likes of the Vulture, the Lizard, and even our Shocker, they're too busy to interfere with my empire. We would like to hire you to create more—well, let's call them super-villains," the voice suggested.
"What's in it for me?" Norman asked.
"Ample funding and a ready supply of human guinea pigs for your more questionable experiments," the voice said, causing Norman to smile.
At Jaden's house, Jaden walked in to see his mom at the table, working on the bills.
"Hey, Mom," Jaden said, getting her attention.
"Hi, Jaden. You're back early," Maya said, sounding a bit nervous.
"Mom, I know you're doing your best with everything, and I know things are hard. But I want you to know that I'm trying to find a job so I can help around the house," Jaden said.
"Jaden, you can't," Maya replied.
"Mom, please. I know things are tough, but I really want to do this," Jaden insisted.
"Alright, you can help, but when you find a job, make sure to keep at least 10% for yourself," Maya said firmly.
"I will, Mom. And who knows, maybe I'll find a job soon," Jaden said with a hopeful smile.
"Maybe. By the way, did you enjoy your time with Mary Jane?" Maya asked.
"Yeah, I had fun hanging out with MJ. She said she wants to do it again," Jaden smiled.
"I knew you'd like her," Maya giggled.
"Yeah, well, don't go planning our wedding, Mom. We're just hanging out as friends," Jaden said.
"No promises," Maya smiled as Jaden walked out.
Meanwhile, at Jake's apartment, Jake was lounging on the couch, flipping through channels as he watched TV with his mom, Sam. The peaceful evening was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," Sam said, standing up and walking toward the door. Jake glanced over, mildly curious but mostly distracted by the TV.
When Sam opened the door, she was surprised to see Mia standing there, her hands fidgeting with the straps of her backpack.
"Hey, Mia! What brings you here?" Sam asked warmly.
"I just wanted to come over and talk to Jake," Mia replied, a little shyly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
As she stepped inside, Sam couldn't help but notice how often the two of them had been hanging out lately. A thought crossed her mind. "So, are you two planning something special? Maybe Jake asked you to the spring formal?"
Both Jake and Mia quickly turned red, shaking their heads in unison. "No way!" they exclaimed, their faces flushed.
Mia, flustered but playful, added, "Come on, Jakey! You know it's not like that!"
Jake chuckled, his embarrassment mixing with amusement. "Yeah, not at all! We're just friends!"
Sam raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her face. "Alright, alright. I'm just curious!"
"Curiosity can lead to trouble, Mom," Jake replied, grinning.
Mia giggled, playfully nudging Jake. "See? Now you've got her thinking!"
Sam chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, I just can't help but wonder! You two seem to have a great time together. What were you doing today?"
Jake shifted on the couch, trying to hide his growing embarrassment. "Oh, we were just hanging out, you know. Nothing special. Just playing some video games and grabbing snacks."
Mia nodded in agreement, her nervousness fading a bit. "Yeah! We had a little competition. Jake totally crushed me in the racing game, though."
"Only because I've been practicing!" Jake defended, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But you were getting really good! I was impressed."
Sam smiled, enjoying their banter. "Sounds like you two had a lot of fun. Just remember, if you do decide to make it official, you have my blessing."
Both teens looked at each other, their faces heating up once more. "Mom!" Jake exclaimed, trying to regain his composure.
Mia laughed, her laughter light and infectious. "Thanks, but we're just friends, really!"
"Sure, sure," Sam said, her tone light. "I'll just keep my eye on you two, then. No pressure!"
Jake rolled his eyes playfully, but inside, he felt a rush of warmth at the idea of Mia possibly being more than just a friend. As the conversation continued, the atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more comfortable and relaxed.
"Hey, how about we watch a movie?" Jake suggested, trying to change the subject. "I think I still have that new superhero film we can check out."
"Sounds great!" Mia said, her enthusiasm evident.
Sam smiled, feeling the warmth and excitement in the room. "I'll make some popcorn! You two get settled."
As she headed to the kitchen, Jake and Mia exchanged glances, the playful tension lingering in the air. For a moment, everything felt right, and Jake couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was something more between them waiting to blossom.