Spider-Man: Destiny - Year 2
Chapter 13: Fight and Flight
…
August 17, 2025
Inside the high-end jewelry store Flores' Jewels in Flushing, Queens, five burglars were all hurriedly stuffing as much valuables as they could into burlap sacks. All clad in black and wearing ski masks, the burglars made sure to keep an eye out.
"Too bad I can't bring this ring home to my wife. Bitch won't stop complaining," one of the burglars commented.
"Hurry it up, y'all! Don't want to stick around any longer," another burglar hissed.
"Dude, relax. The cameras are out, the alarm's been cut," another burglar assured as he grabbed a few watches.
"You always say that. And every time, something goes wrong."
"Cut the chatter, we're moving now. The alley's clear. Let's go."
The five burglars made their way to the back of the store, pushing open the fire exit door. They stepped out into the graffiti-covered alley.
"Move quick. And quietly," one of the burglars instructed.
"Uhh, a little too late for that," a voice joked.
The burglars all looked up to see the Spider-Man clinging on the alley wall, with his dark red-and-blue suit illuminating in the black night.
Spider-Man gave a wave. "Hey."
Three of the burglars dropped their sacks and grabbed their weapons, and Spider-Man jumped at them all, knocking a few of them down. Spider-Man ducked under one burglar's punch and kicked him down. He then grabbed another burglar's incoming crowbar, punched him in the gut, and threw him on the ground. Spider-Man jumped over another burglar's baseball bat, and his enhanced senses started warning him. Turning around too late, Spider-Man was punched across the face by a burglar before another one kicked him against the wall. Spider-Man retaliated by shooting webs at both of the burglars' legs, yanking them to the ground.
"Alrighty. Let's wrap this up, guys," Spider-Man said. "Tomorrow's an important da-"
Spider-Man ducked under a burglar's incoming punch and sweeped his leg, knocking him down. Spider-Man's enhanced senses warned him to step aside and dodge an incoming gunshot. Spider-Man jumped right at the burglar with his gun, slamming him into the ground, with the gun falling aside. Getting up, Spider-Man grabbed the gun and crushed it with one hand, throwing it aside. One of the burglars was running across the alley at this point. Spider-Man was about to pursue, only for sirens to be heard. The burglar stumbled on the ground as a police cruiser pulled up to the alley. NYPD Officer Jean DeWolff got out of the cruiser, with the thug quickly getting up and pulling out his gun. A webline suddenly caught the gun and pulled it away from the thug. DeWolff punched the burglar in the gut twice, and elbowed him in the back before throwing him to the ground.
"Stay down. You're under arrest, scumbag," DeWolff commanded as she started handcuffing the burglar.
Another cruiser pulled up to the alley, and two more NYPD officers came out and entered the alley.
"They're right here, boys," Spider-Man said, pointing at the incapacitated burglars. "And Officer DeWolff."
"Thanks for the help, Spider-Man," DeWolff thanked, handcuffing another one of the burglars.
"Seriously, you make our jobs a hell of a lot easier sometimes," one of the other cops admitted.
"Of course. Least I could do," Spider-Man responded.
"How's the crime fighting gig going anyways?" the third cop asked, handcuffing one of the thugs.
"It's been alright. Nothing massively significant since the fight at Fisk Tower. And nobody as bad as the Vulture since then," Spider-Man answered.
"Let's pray it stays that way," DeWolff remarked.
"Yeah, for sure. I'll let you guys take it from here. Have a good night, guys!" Spider-Man stated as he shot a web.
"Night, Spider-Man," all three of the cops said.
Spider-Man swung off into the night, running across a building before swinging over to a water tower. He shot a web at the top of the tower and propelled himself off, swinging in the direction of his house.
…
Fifteen-year-old Peter Parker walked into his house, dressed in his civilian clothes. The smell of rich marinara sauce immediately hit Peter's nose.
"Peter?!" Aunt May's voice called from the kitchen.
"Hey, Aunt May!" Peter called back as he walked into the kitchen. "Just got back from Harry's."
"How's he doing?" Aunt May asked.
"He's fine. Nothing really new," Peter said.
"So, you excited for tomorrow? Sophomore year!"
"I mean, yes and no. We'll see how different it is from freshman year."
"It'll definitely have its similarities and differences. Different classes. Chances to make new friends. And… well, you won't be a freshman anymore."
"Guess that's a start."
"Seriously, though. You'll enjoy sophomore year," Aunt May encouraged, carrying spaghetti over to the dinner table.
"I really hope. I just… I'm not fully sure what I want. But I hope it's good," Peter said.
"It will be. Dinner's ready, by the way.," Aunt May responded, placing garlic bread on the dinner table.
Peter sat down and started sprinkling parmesan cheese on his spaghetti. "Thanks, May."
"For sure. I put extra garlic in the sauce today. It'll taste a lot better, trust me."
"Good to know. How've things been going at FEAST?"
"It's been good! It can be tough managing so many people sometimes, but the work is too rewarding. Definitely been helping to keep me busy."
"At least you're enjoying it. So it's been fine working again?"
"Yeah, absolutely. I also won't complain about being able to pay off the bills faster," Aunt May chuckled.
"Can't say I blame you. Also, you weren't kidding about the extra garlic helping," Peter admitted.
"Right? I knew you'd love it."
"Seriously. This, and the garlic bread. Amazing."
"Thank you, Pete. I can always count on you to love my cooking."
"It's hard not to."
"Well, I appreciate that. Reminds me of when Ben used to always go crazy over my meals," Aunt May reminisced.
Peter groaned. "Oh, May. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to, I-"
"No, no, you're completely fine! I mean, it's just nice to look back at the good times with him. Always is."
"Yeah. I understand."
Ten seconds passed before Aunt May said, "Look. Peter. Not to make this conversation depressing, but I want you to know. If you ever need to talk about what happened, I'm here."
"I know, May. But I've been okay," Peter insisted. "And if you need to talk, I'm here too."
"Thank you, Peter. Also, we both know Ben would want us to just enjoy our delicious dinner tonight. And for you to enjoy your sophomore year," Aunt May pointed out.
Peter chuckled. "That you are right about."
…
The steady hum of the helicopter filled the tense silence inside the cabin. Wilson Fisk sat hunched over in his seat, his enormous frame trembling with rage. Vanessa sat beside him, gripping his arm tightly, her face pale but composed. Across from them, Wesley adjusted his tie, his usual stoicism cracking.
"Wilson, look at me," Vanessa said softly, her voice breaking through the tension. "We're safe. That's what matters right now."
Fisk didn't respond. His gaze was locked out the window, watching the snowy night sky as the police helicopters evacuated civilians. Suddenly, a blinding flash lit up the night. Fisk turned his head sharply, just in time to see a fiery explosion rip through Fisk Tower. The once-imposing skyscraper was then engulfed in flames. A massive fireball tore through the structure, shattering glass and sending debris cascading into the streets below.
"No," Fisk whispered before his voice turned louder and primal. "NOOOO!"
"Oh, God," Vanessa whispered under her breath as she watched the explosion.
Fisk slammed his fist against the helicopter wall. "MY TOWER! THEY'RE ALL GOING TO PAY! I'LL RIP THEIR HEADS OFF! DEMOLISH EVERYTHING THEY HAVE! I WON'T STOP UNTIL- "
"Honey, please." Vanessa started to beg.
"Wilson, this isn't going to-" Wesley started.
"Think about the hope this gives to the others! That even I… can be a-a target! EVERYTHING I PUT INTO THAT TOWER! THE KINGPIN WILL NOT LET HIS EMPIRE CRUMBLE! I am this city," Fisk raged.
Wilson Fisk looked out at the city and the night sky through the view of his penthouse, holding a glass of champagne.
"Wilson."
Fisk turned around to see Vanessa, dressed in a bathrobe.
"Still can't sleep?" Vanessa asked.
"No," Fisk said.
"You're thinking about that night again, aren't you?" Vanessa asked.
Fisk looked back out at the city. "Every damn day."
"Look… as horrible as it was, you and I both know it didn't have as many setbacks on your work as we feared. That's what happens when you spend so many decades building all the influence. Making all your friends. I mean, you've been doing the smart thing and laying low since Christmas Eve." Vanessa pointed out.
"You're right. But it's only a matter of time before some ignoramus assumes there's a vacuum. The underworld's been able to stay mine, and I won't let the precedent of my turf getting publicly demolished loosen my grip," Fisk declared.
"This is your city. The empires you've taken out. The ones who tried to take your spot. They didn't last very long, did they?"
"No they didn't. And anyone else won't either. Whoever objects, I'll be more than welcome to show them the way to Hell."
…
The next day, Aunt May drove Peter up to Midtown Science High School. Pulling up to the West building, Aunt May looked at all the students outside.
"Never fails to amaze me how big this school is," Aunt May admitted.
Peter grabbed his backpack. "Seriously. But anyway, should be a good first day."
"Just as long as you make it one. Enjoy yourself, Peter. Okay?"
"Will do. Love you, May."
"Love you, Peter!"
Peter got out of the car, putting on his earbuds and walking up to the West building. Opening the door and going inside, Peter made his way to the front desk, where a line of students were waiting. Peter got in line, and started scrolling through social media.
"Name?" a man's voice asked.
Peter looked up and saw that it was his turn in line. He took off his earbuds.
"Peter Parker," Peter replied.
The man at the front desk looked through his files and gave Peter his school schedule. "Have a great first day."
"You too. Err, never mind," Peter chuckled as he left.
…
Peter walked out of the student services office, having gotten his photo taken and his school ID printed out. He took out his schedule and gave it another look.
1 - AP Physics - Mary Popseller, 1976
2 - AP Calculus - Jesse Nelson, 1968
3 - Introduction to Psychology - Sarah Parkson, 1410
4 - Accelerated English - London Rudolph, 1370
5 - Physical Education - Richard Moleskin, 1854
6 - Lunch
7 - Spanish 2 - Cristian Rosewood, 1104
8 - Electrical Engineering - Roger Harrington, 1326
"Yo, dude!"
Peter turned around and saw Harry approaching him.
"Harry!" Peter greeted back as he fist bumped Harry.
"First day. Sophomore year, you ready?" Harry asked
"Eh. Mostly. I don't know, we'll see how it goes," Peter replied.
"I gotcha. Wait, let me see your schedule. We have any classes together?" Harry asked.
Peter handed Harry his schedule, and Harry gave Peter his.
"Nothing unfortunately," Peter said, looking over Harry's schedule.
"Damn. Also, you're in two AP classes as a sophomore, dude. That's insane," Harry admitted as he gave Peter back his schedule.
Peter smirked. "What can I say? Gotta give myself at least a tiny challenge here."
Harry chuckled. "Alright, Mr. Modest."
Peter handed Harry back his schedule. "Hey, I saw that you're taking Computer Programming 1 and Intro to Business."
"Dad encouraged me to try some of the things he was into. Let's just hope I don't suck at it."
"Come on, I'm sure you'll do great."
"Hopefully."
"Hey, it'll be fine. Just do your best and don't be an idiot, and you're golden."
"Solid words of wisdom," Harry joked. "I should probably start heading to the other building. But I'll see you soon for sure."
"For sure. See you soon, man," Peter said.
Harry gave a wave and started walking off. Peter looked at his schedule and started finding his way to his AP Physics class.
…
Peter walked up to room 1976, with Mrs. Popseller standing near the door.
"Hi! And you are?" Mrs. Popseller asked.
"Peter."
Mrs. Popseller extended her hand, which Peter shook. "Nice to meet you, Peter. I'm Mrs. Popseller! Go in and choose any seat you want!"
"Sounds great, thanks!" Peter thanked.
Peter walked into the classroom, which was filled with juniors and seniors. The various lab tables had four seats each. Peter walked over and took a seat at a table with two other students. He took out his schedule and looked it over again. A few minutes passed, and Mrs. Popseller walked inside the classroom, beginning to close the door.
"Hi!"
"Oh, hey, nice to meet you!"
Peter turned to see Mrs. Popseller talking to a student who had just arrived. A strikingly attractive girl with straight blond hair going past her shoulders, Peter locked his eyes on her. She was dressed in a black leather jacket, black jeans, and combat boots, with a few different bracelets on her arms.
"I'm Mrs. Popseller!" Mrs. Popseller greeted.
"I'm Gwen," the girl said.
"Nice to meet you, Gwen. There's one last seat left that you can take. We'll start class right after!"
"Cool, thanks."
Peter turned away as Gwen walked in his direction. Gwen came up to Peter's table and took the seat next to him. Peter's heart started pounding, and Mrs. Popseller walked up to the board
"Welcome, class! I'm Mrs. Popseller! Just want to say off the bat, I know AP Physics isn't exactly gonna be for everyone. But I'm here to make it as understandable and fun as possible. Physics is cool because it's the blueprint of the universe. It's how we understand everything from why the stars shine to how your phone works. Anyway, we got mostly juniors and seniors in here! I got two sophomores, won't say who in case of privacy, but you all got one thing in common. You're gonna learn some really interesting things, have some fun experiments," Mrs. Popseller stated.
While Mrs. Popseller continued talking, Peter tuned it all out. He turned over and took a look at Gwen. A few seconds passed before Gwen returned eye contact. Peter immediately turned away, focusing on Mrs. Popseller.
…
At the end of class, Peter quickly left the classroom. Walking off to the side, Peter took out his phone and started scrolling through the news online.
The Gathered Facts on the "Silver Sable." New York's Terrorist Turned Savior Hasn't Been Spotted in New York in Nearly 8 Months
Dissecting and Revisiting the Damage from the Battle and Destruction of Fisk Tower on Christmas Eve: What Are People Saying Today
Thor Odinson Announces That He is Leaving the Avengers after Four Years with Famous Superhero Team
Peter looked up and saw Gwen leaving the class. Focusing on her shining blonde hair and punk rock style, Peter intensely stared at the girl.
"Hey, Pete!"
Peter quickly turned to his right, and saw a smiling Liz walking in his direction.
"Oh! Hey, Liz," Peter responded.
"First day of sophomore year, huh? How's it goin' so far?" Liz asked.
"First class was alright. Just got the rest of the day."
"I gotcha."
"So. You excited to be a junior?"
"Yes and no. Heard good and bad things about it."
Peter nodded. "I bet."
"Hey, look. I know we barely saw each other after first semester last year. But… it's always nice getting to see you whenever," Liz said.
"Thanks, you too," Peter replied.
"I gotta get to class. But seriously, Pete. Have a good rest of your day, okay? Enjoy it," Liz encouraged.
"Will do. You do the same."
Liz nodded and pat Peter on the shoulder before walking off. Peter's face formed a small smile before walking off to his next class.
…
That night, Maxine Dillon unlocked the door to her modest Queens apartment and walked inside. A brunette woman in her mid-thirties, she kicked off her worn sneakers.
"Jerry? I'm home!" Maxine called, setting her bag down by the door.
"In here, Max!" a voice called from the living room.
Maxine walked into the living room, where her paraplegic husband Jerry sat in his motorized wheelchair by the window, looking on his laptop. His glasses were pushed down a little, and his brown hair was combed back.
"How was work?" Jerry asked.
Maxine dropped onto the couch with a groan, throwing her head back. "Same old circus at Oscorp. Eight hours of patching up their overpriced toys and trying not to throttle anyone."
Jerry chuckled lightly, turning his chair to face her. "Another day in paradise, huh? Let me guess, Norman treatin' you any better or?"
"Ha ha. Osborn couldn't care less if I dropped dead at my workbench. Bad enough the guy is still underpaying me with all the shit I do. Like, I didn't get my Master's for this," Maxine vented.
Jerry sighed. "I hate that you even have to deal with this. I mean-"
"Let's not start again with this, Jerry. Everything that happened—it isn't your fault. We're doing the best we can with what we got. And it's always worth it for you."
"I appreciate that, but I still wish there was more I could be doing. I knew things weren't gonna be the same, but man… it's a lot easier to just stay in the past sometimes."
"Tell me about it. We're only in our mid-thirties, it shouldn't feel like a midlife crisis right now. Remember the days of grabbing pizza at student dining after classes? Seeing news releases at the theater every weekend with extra butter on our popcorn?"
"The nights we spent walking around Manhattan? Drunk, singing, laughing. Practically no responsibilities at the time? Yeah, I miss that time."
Maxine grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. "I guess we gotta remember we can still have times like that right now. May not be the same, but different can be better sometimes."
"You're right. Maybe in a bit, we could DoorDash some spicy cheese pizza and garlic breadsticks from Red's. Put on Friends," Jerry proposed.
Maxine smiled. "Sounds like a plan. And just so you know. You already are helping me. Just by being you."
"Love you, honey."
"Love you too."
…
A week later, in Brooklyn that night, Judge Richard Kane walked out of a courthouse and descended the stairs briskly. His phone was pressed to his ear, and his car was parked on the street.
"Yes, the deal's finalized," he said, glancing around the empty street. "It'll be done by next Tuesday. Tell Jordan that going forward, he'll have nothing to worry about."
Kane walked up to his car and opened the door to the back, getting into the back seat.
"Yeah, yeah, I know," Kane snapped on the phone. "The usual arrangement. Relax, nothing's gonna-"
Kane dropped the phone as he froze up in horror. His driver was in the front seat, with cuts in his chest. Blood was splattered on the steering wheel and front seat. Before Kane could do anything else, the back of his car exploded with a deafening crash. A black SUV had slammed into the rear of Kane's car, the force of the collision sending him lurching forward. Dazed and panicked, Kane stumbled out of the vehicle, his legs shaking as he clumsily reached for the handgun tucked in his waistband.
"The hell is going on?!" Kane muttered, his voice trembling.
Kane limped away from the damaged cars. A loud, humming sound was then heard from behind, and Kane turned around to fire his gun. Before he could shoot, Kane was punched across the face by an accelerated punch. Kane stumbled across the ground in pain as a shadowy figure flew by.
"Peekabooh," a deep voice said.
Lying on the ground, Kane wiped blood off his mouth as his dazed vision barely made out the figure. From the sky descended a figure clad in sleek, dark green armor with dark purple gloves, boots, helmet, and wings. The helmet was eerily designed to resemble a beetle's face, with reflective dark yellow lenses. The figure's beetle-like mechanical wings buzzed and shimmered in the dim streetlight, the sound cutting through Kane's ragged breaths.
"What the– w-what do you want?!" Kane whimpered.
The figure swooped down with blinding speed, yanking Kane off the ground. Kane screamed, his cries echoing through the empty streets as they ascended five hundred feet into the air.
"NO! NO, NO, NO! PLEASE!" Kane begged, flailing helplessly in the figure's iron grip.
"Richard Kane. A judge selling justice to the highest bidder. The killers, traffickers, monsters. Hope their freedom's worth the extra money," the figure's deep, cold voice stated.
Kane's eyes widened. "P-Please! I was just doing what I had to! I-I can pay you, please!"
"Not bribing your way out of this one, Judge. The sentence is death," the figure declared.
"NO! PLEASE, PLEASE! FU-" Kane started to scream.
The figure covered Kane's mouth with his hand. "Shhh. It'll be over before you know it. Also, tell your driver sorry about messing up his car. And that the Beetle sent you."
Down on the streets, a homeless man was looking through a trash can. At that moment, a body fell straight into a parked car nearby, smashing the windshield.
"Holy shit!" the homeless man yelled, running towards the car.
The homeless man found the heavily brutalized and bleeding body of Richard Kane, whose neck was snapped with four bullet holes into his chest.
"What in Christ…" the homeless man muttered.
A loud humming sound was faintly heard, and the homeless man looked up at the sky. Much to his shock, he could vaguely make out a dark figure flying off in the distance.
…
Well, I'm back! Been over two months, but finally back with the first chapter of Year 2 of Spider-Man: Destiny. I've been brainstorming and working a lot to make this bigger, better, and more ambitious than Year 1, a true second year that continues to follow my Peter Parker's journey in an explosive action-packed, emotionally and thematically charged, and unique story of the famous web crawler! Friendly reminder that this story takes place on Earth-709 in the multiverse.
Ever since I last saw you guys, I've been continuing to work at this new job, and it's honestly been going great and better. Definitely some things I had to adjust to, but I'm still building skills and getting extremely meaningful experiences here. Adulting isn't bad so far, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss less responsibilities sometimes. All the news with Marvel and DC… we're eating real good. Life has generally been good, still keeping the positive people in my life and keeping the toxic ones out.
As usual, thanks for the continued support, and favs, follows, and reviews are always appreciated. Don't expect the next chapter to be out too late, but as always, I'll prioritize quality. Still, you guys are in for a crazier and more expansive Year 2, and I can't wait to show you guys what's in store.
-redbirds12