Spectacular Spider-man Seasons 3, 4 and 5

Law 310 Sentencing

"Tomorrow, everything changes!"

"What do you mean, Lee?" Robbie Robertson looked up from the copy Foswell had rattled off. Seems a pulitzer did let some reporters get lazy.

"I'm going to be putting together the final threads of our Spider-man Goblin piece," Ned beamed.

"Have you confirmed the identity of Spider-man or The Hobgoblin?" Robbie asked with a tired lilt. The truth was that without pictures even a proper expose could prove unsellable.

"Not as such, no," Ned waffled, "But I can feel how close I'm getting. I can taste it."

Betty stopped at that. She looked at her boyfriend with a mix of pride, concern and suspicion. He was so invested in this case and she couldn't see it adding up at all like he seemed to be claiming.

"A reporter chasing down feelings isn't endowing me with a lot of confidence, Ned," Robbie tutted, "What are you looking into?"

"I've got another informant that--"

"I'm not going to have another set of lawyers breathing down our necks. One Emily Osborn is enough thank you," Robbie caught the glint in his reporter's eye.

"No it isn't that. This guy reached--"

"Ms Brant!" The Daily Bugle stood stalwart in midtown Manhattan. The newspapermen and women of the second strongest newspaper in the Big Apple would shake their heads in disbelief to discover their owner and editor's hollering didn't even shake the building.

Betty rushed along away from Robbie and Ned's powwow. She had been on task and for the first time since she had been employed had it gotten away from her. Luckily, Jolly Jonah had been lightning rodded into another unfortunate soul. She almost made it to the coffee machine before he redirected towards her.

"--and Ms Brant!" Betty rotated calmly toward the screaming conniption and began smiling like she hadn't been distracted, "Where are you? I've been waiting 17.9 minutes for a 35 second cup of coffee!"

"It's been two minutes and it takes three minutes to brew it the way you'll drink decaf," Betty turned away from him with a smile. Jameson stuttered for a moment. Not once had he jumped the gun on Betty getting him his coffee. The crisis with John must be dulling his edge.

"I'll be in my office," He didn't bellow and the door didn't slam. The newspaper was quiet for a full minute.

** ** ** ** ** **

"It's pretty obvious, Lizzie," Mark rested his elbows on his knees, "Dad's given up on me."

"That's not it, big brother," Liz shook her head, "He just needs time."

"I've got plenty he's welcome to. Whatever, tell me about something happier," He rolled back his shoulders.

"Petey and I--"

"No." Mark spat, "How's MJ?"

"She's a model now," Liz was angry at the interruption, "They've got posters and billboards selling some perfume." Liz had started wearing Revanna No. 5 as a countermeasure. Peter liked it and he wouldn't be thinking of MJ when he smelled it. Plus it smelled really nice. Luckily, her dad didn't mind spoiling her a little.

"And I got there first," Mark chest thumped.

"First? Really?"

"I mean before she was famous," Mark admitted with red cheeks.

"Yeah, that makes more sense," Liz sniped.

"You saying I--"

"Alright, Miss Allen, time's up." Two guards approached the vault cells. Mark sneered and punched the wall in frustration.

"Inmate will refrain from hitting the walls or suppressing foam will be used to neutralize Allen comma Mark."

"I know," He sighed, "Good-bye Lizzie. Happy fourth of July."

"Happy Third of July," She winked back. They didn't try to hug this time. There was only one shift where they'd get away with that and it wasn't these two guards. Liz did a waggling finger wave as she walked out down past the specialized cells of The Vault.

"Oh, that mamacita has a tight little booty," The Scorpion commented after the guards left, "Is it true she's a slut for gringo dick, Marky?"

"Shut your mouth, Gargan!" Mark snarled quietly. Molten Man stepped to the line in his cell.

"Hey, it's not my fault sweet tits puts the spic in spicy," Gargan shrugged.

"You piece of shit! Shut your Goddamned mouth before I--"

"Voices will be lowered or suppressing foam will be released to neutralize Allen comma Mark."

"I bet it won't take much to get that boreeka fired up," Gargan gave a low whistle. Mark squared his shoulders and huffed out impotently.

"Step back, Gargan," Rhino sighed from his neighboring cell, "Lizzie's a sweet girl."

"And you don't get to talk shit about her!" Mark growled across the corridor unable to hold off.

"Voices will lowered or suppressing foam will be released to neutralized Allen comma Mark."

"Ain't shit, Marky, little Latina's giving it up to her boy Petey," Gargan enjoyed the twitch Mark snapped at the name Petey, "But little
boys are a waste on fine puta like that. Chica needs a proper go and I'll be sure to make it sting."

"You son of a bitch!" Mark roared slamming both fists into the hard plastic barrier. There was harsh metal snap. The blast from the hoses slammed Mark into the ground. A symphony of bubbles and popping followed the quick roar. Mac Gargan fell back onto his bed laughing uproariously as he held his belly.

"Voices will be lowered or neutralizing gas will be released to sedate Gargan comma MacDonald."

Mac slapped both hands over his mouth and his laugh could only escape out the violent shaking of his shoulders. "I know," He struggled to mutter as the tears swam in his eyes.

** ** ** ** ** **

"He's everywhere!" The thug panicked spinning and firing blindly into the dust and smoke. He collapsed bonelessly.

"Keep your wits cowards," The Wild Pack soldier shook the blood off the butt of his gun.

"Oh, don't be so hard on the little ones, there isn't half a wit between the six of them," The cackle followed two spark blasts that took the soldier in the body armor. His body spasmed and he fell to one knee. His assault rifle spinning out across the dusty concrete floor.

"You're dead Hobgoblin," The bullets ripped open momentary tunnels in the smoke but there was no goblin to be found.

"Keep down you idiots!"

"Don't shoot at your buddies!"

"Pick up your damned gun, coward!"

The wild pack couldn't manage the gangsters they had come to extract. Sable Manfredi had millions in arms in this warehouse and Hobgoblin didn't seem half interested in stealing any of it. The screech of pumpkin bombs was timed moments before the concussion of classical explosives.

"No! No! No!" The thug screamed as the silhouette of Hobgoblin parted the smoke and chaos. In his left hand, he was juggling two pumpkins while, in his right hand, pressed down the stem of a third. That pale yellow light sparking up the eyes and crooked grin of the bomb. The submachinegun clicked impotently. It shook worse in the thug's hands.

"A little gift for Sable," Hobgoblin tossed the pumpkin bomb like a litterer finished with his coke can, "You'll be sure to tell her I'm thinking of her."

The thug's scream lasted so much longer than he figured it had any right to. Webs, latched onto his shoulders, dragged him bodily out of the warehouse and onto the front drive.

"My spider-sense is tingling. Did anyone call for a webslinger?"[1] Spider-man asked from the roof of a heavily battered panel van.

"Spider-man!" the thug croaked, "Am I glad you're here!"

"I can't say I've ever had a mobster welcome me to the crime scene. You sure you know how this works?" Spidey shook his head and webbed the criminal to the ground by the wrists and mouth. His spider-sense rocked him back on his heels. No! He leapt down to the ground. His legs straddled the gangster's hips. He had trouble lifting a Volkswagen. His muscles strained as he grabbed the van and with a mighty shout he managed to lift and lever the van over his head and down on the other side of the thug and himself.

Sounds effects like bang and kapow and crack-ka-boom were understatements. It wasn't one explosion but it was a mighty detonation. Debris ripped through the upside down van tearing through doors and windows. Glass was blasted down, Spidey hopped a two-step to avoid some of the dangerous pieces. Dagger-like shards of metal stuck out from the second door. Nearby buildings ejected clouds of dust off of their roofs.

"That's my cue. Wish me luck," Spidey received a mumbled good luck from the perp on the ground. He leapt the battered van and rushed into the smoke and dust.

"A little late to the dance webhead," Hobgoblin's voice laughed through the smoke.

"Fashionably late, I think," Spider-man didn't dive straight for the voice,"Besides, my moves will sweep you off your feet."

"But my dance card's all full up," The Hobgoblin sighed, "If I don't get on home, daddy will worry."

The air opened up with a dozen falling pumpkins. It was all Spider-man could do to jump and weave through the shelling and over the toppled piles of slagged and damaged firearms. He had it now, the path Hobgoblin was tracking through the chaos.

"Don't you worry your pretty grotesque head about it, Hobby," Spider-man called, "I'll make sure you get home safe. Provided your home is a 10 by 8 prison cell."

"So sorry, webhead. Perhaps tomorrow? I'm really looking forward to the fireworks," Hobby's laugh was quickly drowned out as his rockets ratcheted up moments before glass shattered, He was flying out the back side of the warehouse. Spider-man raced to catch up before the villain got away, "Just so we don't miss each other, I'll leave you my number."

Spider sense tingled from all directions. "Oh, poop."

Bombs triggered munitions that set off canisters of fuel. The Hobgoblin was quickly flying out of reach. There were men left in the warehouse. It didn't work once but Spider-man had no other recourse. The spider tracer zipped out through the shattered window on a wad of webbing. Spider-man dived back into the inferno. Minutes later he was dragging two final members of the Wild Pack out on to the street.

"Spider-man," Captain Stacy arrived with his men, "Anyone still inside?"

"No sir," Spider-man sighed. He looked to see the four other police officers. Three looked uncertain as to whether they needed their guns. Lieutenant DeWolff's mandate was clear. Except Captain Stacy was just chatting and Sergeant Carter was elbowing Officer Gonzales to point at the vigilante. Gonzales pulled out his zipties to pick up the thugs scattered behind the torn up van, "But there is one more bad guy to go after."

"Yeah, there's always work to do," Stacy shook his head and turned, "Carter! Stop gawking and get those soldiers booked! Gonzalez is making you look obsolete."

"Captain." Work was only a salute away from being properly done. Yet, Carter didn't even make a move until after he gave the retreating Spider-man an appreciative smirk.

** ** ** ** ** **

"I was wondering when you were going to show up!" MJ was dressed in lingerie when she snuck up against Peter to snap in his ear. "You're lucky that Kingsley hasn't been in yet!"

"I'm thinking he got here just before I did," Kingsley was the most obvious subject and Spider-man had chased his tracer all the way back to Kingsley's offices. It was a quick jaunt back to his webbed up clothes before he entered the studio legally as Peter Parker.

"Mr Parker!" Jason Macendale, head of security, walked with every ounce of authority his title provided, "I have better things to do with my time then deal with disrespectful truants. You're wanted behind your camera ASAP. Miss Watson, your passport."

Jason delivered the booklet along with a stapled printout. MJ took them with her best grin. "Thank you, I've never been on a plane before. I'm so excited."

"Good for you. I think you're wanted in makeup. Mr Parker! What did I just say to you!" With his final shout Jason left through the stairwell, likely to the next part of his rounds.

"Hurry up, webhead," MJ giggled in his ear, "They've got this amazing black bikini for you to shoot me in."

"I think Kingsley's the Hobgoblin, but it could be Jason doing his dirty work." Peter shook his head, "Keep your eyes open."

"I'm going with Mr Kingsley to Grand Cayman in two days," MJ pushed Peter's shoulder hard, "You wouldn't let that happen if he's some sort of supervillain?"

"No, I promise," Peter nodded.

"Mary Jane!" Speak of the devil, Roderick Kingsley appeared. The billionaire was dressed in a dark violet suit with a bright white floral boutonniere, "My irreplaceable treasure. You're needed in prep."

"Yes, Mr Kingsley," MJ squeezed Peter's shoulder before zipping through the heavy black curtain and into dressing and makeup.

"And you need to start calling me Roddy," He called after her. His charm dissolved into infinite impatience when he turned to Peter Parker, "You're not taking pictures yet, Peter?"

"No, Roddy, I'm on my way," Peter moved to hurry past his boss. A large hand gripped tightly on his shoulder. It was all Peter could do to ignore the tingles and let himself be grabbed. Kingsley had a powerful grip for such an effete man.

"Watch the lip, Parker. There are millions of you out there," There was further tightening on his shoulder. Peter wondered if he could see the Green in a man's eyes. Damn! There was so much he had to follow up. He had hoped to do some sleuthing undercover. But now it looked like he was going to be under a microscope.

"Yes sir, Mr Kingsley," He managed to slip the death grip and rush ahead, "Right away, sir."

"Sorry, I'm late," Peter announced as he slipped into the studio. Another photographer was there and the lighting guy, but no models.

"No need to hurry, kiddo," his colleague said from the director's chair, "Our illustrious Miss Hollister was running late as well. They just got her into prep. Should've seen her. I'd have to get pictures of such a goddess looking like she had just spent the last two hours in a sauna dressed in a gimp mask. The girls back there have their work cut out for them."

"Yeah?" Roderick and Jason had been immaculate but if Peter had made the mistake of putting his clothes on over his uniform he'd be smelling like a chimney. In that body armor with that mask who could tell whether a goblin was a girl? No, Lily might be a bit of a diva but a supervillain? Dammit! She was tall enough. Suddenly, the idea of basking in the near naked glory of a supermodel grew unappealing.

"Your camera ready, kiddo? Here she comes." Alright, less appealing. Temporarily.

** ** ** ** ** **

“Doctor Warren, I was hoping I could talk to you for a few minutes,” Gwen had put away the last of her gear. Her labcoat lay folded in her cubby locker. Technically, the Midtown sponsored internship ended with the school year, however Dr Warren was happy to have either of his interns continue volunteering as his work continued through the summer. Gwen had yet to miss a day. Peter made his own hours.

"Of course, Miss Stacy," Dr Warren looked up from the simulations his computer was calculating, "Miss Whitman, go ahead and pack up we're done for the day."

Debra gave an affirmative nod and proceeded to her end of shift inspection. Dr Warren offered Gwen the next stool at the bench. Gwen wasn't entirely comfortable with the short skirts MJ had transposed into her wardrobe. With Harry and Peter, she couldn't stop worrying about her legs or her posture or where their eyes were. With Dr Warren, she didn't think twice. In her mind, he was too old, too professional, too respectable to consider the sexuality of a nearly 17 year old girl. In his mind, he was archiving the absolute perfection of her legs as she settled across from him. Was that flash of pink her underwear? Of course it was, Miles, Gwen hasn't grown into the type of woman this base world desires.

"I've seen the files on Eddie and Max," She made sure she sat with perfect posture as she crossed her legs, "I want to help. I want to make them better. Please, let me be a part of this."

"Our patients extend further than simply Mr Brock and Mr Dillon," He suggested, "And the work is highly experimental. I was under the impression that you had been attacked by Electro and by Venom. Even though only Eddie's delusions tie him to Venom it may be dangerous to involve you."

It was true. Gwen still had nightmares. Black organic thunderclouds, bright lightning and then claustrophobic cold water. Fear didn't matter. Facing your fear is what would define her. Gwen loved science. She believed that the world could and needed to be a better place. She would make it a better place. She had the brains, the tools, the opportunity and the responsibility to help. She didn't have the words to convey that sentiment.

"I can face my fears," Gwen declared, "For Eddie, for Max, for John," she could see Harry in her mind, "For a friend: I can do what is needed . I will help them."

"You're emotional attachment to the subjects encourages me to withhold access, Miss Stacy," Doctor Warren laced his fingers and reclined, "This is hard science and our emotions can not overcome our reason or our results."

"I can be professional. It won't be a problem, I assure you."

"I believe you," Gwen swelled up with pride, "But that is only the first worry I have. Mr Brock has shown exemplary manners however Mr Jameson, Mr Dillon and Mr Kasady, especially, are quite obviously dangerous."

"I'm not going to let fear stop me," She squared her shoulders and spoke with an even voice. Max Dillon, Electro, she had seen him fall from affable handyman to mad supervillain. He had shocked and kidnapped her. She wanted to see the old Max. The friendly Max. She was afraid.

"I am humbled by your courage, Miss Stacy," Doctor Warren smiled wanly, "But that doesn't mean I'm not afraid. You will not be a part of these experiments. That is final."

** ** ** ** ** **

“Using the fundamental designs of my…” Alistair sneered as he spoke, “Shocker suit, and the mechanical aspects of your father’s Silvermane armor, I have begun a composite battlesuit for the lovely Ms Jenkins.”

“It’s in my colors at least,” The driver scoffed as she saw the blue and black armor hanging in the display case.

“Daddy’s armor failed pretty quickly when Spider-man tore out his servos,” Sable looked at the armored mannequin with trepidation. Osborn, Octopus and Tombstone were out of the picture, yet the Manfredi empire was infertile and dead. It seemed the only way to compete was to produce the costumed supercriminals that Spider-man had become very competent at breaking down. If it wasn’t for the likes of Jack O’Lantern and now The Hobgoblin muscling her out of her birthright she’d have been content to let the psychos take the spotlight while she ran things from the shadows. This must be a bad idea.

“Yes, that weakness has been circumvented,” Alistair rolled his wheelchair forward so he could present better and look his clients in the eye. Much better than his father’s method of ogling Janice and Sable from behind, “The spider-slayer’s armor proved resilient to all but the most contained explosions. I’ve managed to apply it in a three layer pattern over the torso and limbs. The joints are less defended by bulk armor but the undersuit is of carbon fibers and bullet resistant plastics. Only the Rhino has better defenses. Theoretically, I could surpass that armor but that would be too heavy for the magnetic flight modules.”

“I’ll be able to fly?” To the room it seemed as if Jenkins was just asking a question. Her voice was soft and unexcited. Sable’s ears noted the schoolgirl giddiness.

“Not with the precision of Vulture but very near. Much better than a helicopter. Also the top speed will be near the speed of sound,” Alistair looked to his father. The son rolled his eyes, he turned his chair and began pointing to the armor, “The weaponry and manoeuvrability are all controlled by intuitive muscle movements in the shoulders, ankles and fingers. The arsenal is quite extensive.”

“And it’s sized for Janice?”

“There’ll be final adjustments when she is suited up,” Spencer dripped lecherous slime.

“You’ll be able to wear clothes underneath the armor. A tank top and running shorts at least,” Alistair reassured the woman, “We can finish calibrations as soon as you get suited up. We’ll give you some privacy.”

Alistair earned a tired eye roll from his father as they left the immediate room. The father and son scientists stopped short behind the door.

“This is going to have Tri-Corp all over it. Dr Twaki is not going to approve.”

“Let the washed up clerk pitch of fit if he needs to,” Spencer replied with the impolitic dismissal only Alistair ever bore witness to.

"And Michael?" Alistair knew the answer. The third head of Tri-Corp was most often a silent partner. Michael let the smythes and Dr Twaki follow whichever line of research they chose, except he had revealed obvious interest when Tri-Corp had reached out to Dr Miles Warren over the Scorpion debacle.

"Miss Sable is quite the looker," Spencer bypassed the office politics.

"Yes, quite attractive," Alistair agreed with mild impatience.

"She also seemed quite impressed with you, my boy," Spencer nodded his head, "It would do you some good to take an evening away from your work. I can hardly imagine a better means to distract oneself."

Alistair slumped in his wheelchair. He had just built a fighter jet one could wear as a shirt and his father only noticed the shapely figures they were selling to. Alistair wouldn't be so crass as to ask Sable out. It would be terribly unprofessional at best.

"We're ready for you," Sable Manfredi opened the door. She spoke to Alistair. Spencer took hold of his son's wheelchair as the crime boss stepped back into the room.

"Oh, she's ready all right," Spencer leched, "Fit to be plucked."

Alistair managed to shake the red out of his cheeks by the time he had been rolled out to the dais. Jenkins sat in the suit's underarmor. Manfredi watched from several paces away. Spencer walked over to join Sable and Alistair rolled up to Janice.

"How does it fit?"

"Like a loose t-shirt," She moved showing the give in the suit.

"That'll have to be corrected before we move to the shell," He beckoned for her to come closer and she did. Her underarmor was just a thin cat suit with panels at the shoulder, waist, ankles and gloves. Jenkins knelt and turned for Alistair to send commands at each panel. Eventually there was a tight hiss. The underarmor closed tightly on her body.

"That's tighter than Black Cat's slut suit," Sable appraised. The armor had closed up until it was snug around Jenkins' body.

"Simple commands to either shoulder will loosen it enough to take off when you want to. Now for the shell."

Suiting up was much quicker than Sable had expected. The armor opened from the back and Jenkins stepped into it. It automatically closed when she pulled the helmet down over her face.

"How do I look?" Her voice came out with a computerized rasp.

"Powerful," Spencer Smythe was always the salesman.

"In a way," Sable grinned, "But what do we call you?"

"The armor is called the Mach 1," Alistair proudly stated.

"No, that won't do," Sable tutted, "Supervillains are named for animals. That armor makes you look like an insect."

"Then it's obvious," Spencer clasped his hands behind his labcoat, "She's the Ladybug."

"God no!" Jenkins was revolted.

"If you must," Alistair was still a bit miffed that they weren't calling it the Mach 1, "Beetle is a good name."

"Yes, Beetle," Sable tapped her smiling lip, "I couldn't have thought of better myself.

** ** ** ** ** **

"I have to say these certainly don't taste heartsmart!" Anna laughed having her third rum butter cookie.

"So long as you don't say things like that when Peter's around," May swatted her friend. The two had come together on the holiday and had chosen a few guilty pleasure baked goods and glasses of wine over the crowds and fireworks out in the city, "But the truth is they're not bad for your heart at all. It's your liver we need to worry about."

"Well in that case we'll take everything in moderation," Anna reached for a fourth.

"As Ben used to say, it's very important to take moderation in moderation," May remembered fondly, she took her second cookie.

"Wise man, your Ben," Anna grinned as she bit through her cookie, "Peter's acting more like him everyday."

"You have no idea," May grinned, "You should see all the pretty girls after Peter. It reminds me of meeting Ben at ESU."

"Except Ben needed a pretty girl to step on his foot and smile in his face for him to notice her," Anna laughed, "And if I recall only you had the guts to do it."

"Oh, I don't know about that," May sipped her wine.

"I know very well," Anna declared.

May had another retort but the doorbell rang. May snapped through the last of her cookie and wiped her hands off on her skirt. "I hope Peter remembered all the people he had made plans with tonight."

"Good evening, May," May was surprised to see Dr Bromwell at the door. The man had on a charming smile and carried a bottle of white wine with a patriotic bow tied around its neck.

"Come in, Nicholas," May hurried him in behind her. If he hadn't been holding the wine May might have worried, he was rather well dressed for a social call. Some men are just good dressers, "This is my good friend Anna watson. Anna meet Dr Bromwell."

"Oh, the handsome doctor," Anna made May blush, "Come join us, you have to try May's incredible cookie."

"Oh stop it, you incorrigible fiend," May laughed but happily led Nicholas to join them on the sofa.

"These are the cookies?" Nicholas was waved in to reach for one. He bit in, "These are something strong!"

"Oh, a glass for your wine!" May nearly rocketed up to her feet but Anna was already en route to the kitchen.

"I'll get it, May," She tutted, "Sit down with the doctor."

"What brings you here tonight, Nicholas?" May sipped her wine again.

"The last house call I made, you talked about how you were thinking about having a quiet night in with a friend or two. I wasn't certain it was an invitation but it was certainly worth finding out," He smiled and reached for a second cookie.

"Oh, you don't need an invitation to come and visit," May waved off the idea, "We're always happy to have you over."

"Here you are, Nicholas," Anna returned with the wineglass, "What kind of treat did you bring us tonight?"

"It's a riesling," He accepted a corkscrew from Anna, "German, from 2002. My son recommends it."

"Your good taste runs in the family," Anna declared as she watched Nicholas and May take their drinks. Anna hurried through the last sips of her glass.

"Thank you Anna," Nicholas smiled warmly, "It's nice of you to say."

"Oh, I just have an eye for these things," She put her empty glass on the table, "It was lovely to have me over, but I think I might call it a night."

"Oh, you're not feeling ill, are you?" May worried.

"I'd be happy to have a look," Dr Bromwell offered.

"No, I'm feeling very well actually. Just overworked myself helping Mary Jane get ready for her trip. My brother isn't the most accommodating of men. I could use the night off," Anna looked to Nicholas, "Don't let this one keep you up to all hours."

"Oh, go home, you pest," May laughed and saw her friend to the door and gave her a warm hug, "Have a good night, Anna."

"With friends like these," May joked about Anna as she returned to the sofa.

"Life is never dull," Nicholas beamed. They clinked their glasses and took another sip.

"Life has been interesting," May reminisced. A double edged sword that curse: may you live in interesting times. It hadn't been the worst. She took a sip looking at the man who had become her first new friend in a long time. May supposed she should consider Mary Jane but that wasn't quite the same.

"You are an incredible baker," Nicholas grinned after he had chewed through his third cookie, "I haven't had a treat like this in a long time."

"You're very welcome. I was considering some more interesting recipes for my third book. This was always one of Richard's favorites. I remember dropping the care package off at his first day in his master's program."

"Richard was Peter's father?" Nicholas caught the melancholy in May but could see the warmth left behind.

"Yes, what a complete rascal he was," May giggled, "I had a lot of respect for Mary. That woman had that hungry wolf turned into a lovesick puppy in less than a week."

"They sound like terrific people," Bromwell reached out to pat May's knee. His hand lingered and squeezed.

"If only they could see Peter as he is today," May looked down at her wineglass, suspicious at how it had grown so quickly empty, "Richard would be incredibly proud of him. So excited by his internship at ESU and bragging about his jobs at The Bugle and Kingsley Inc. And Mary, I can only imagine what she would think about her little heartbreaker."

"She called him that as a child, didn't she?"

"It was a running joke between Jamie and me, that Mary had never even heard of Peter Parker," May rested her left hand on Nicholas's fingers and squeezed absently, "I keep thinking, I have lived a lot of life but it only recently feels like I've lived a long life."

"My wife had used to say: 'Loss is knowing love.' "

"Then I must have loved more than my fair share," May smiled at Nicholas. That warmth he had seen was surfacing. She was an infinitely strong woman and he found it wonderful. In his adolescence, he would have been timid and impatient. In his twenties, he would have been confident and a little assumptive. Tonight, he was sweet, respectful and self-assured.

May's blue eyes popped wide. Familiar and unfamiliar memories rolled tumultuous in her mind. She was certain she had never felt as uncertain as she did since her teenage years. She tilted in to meet Nicholas. They kissed. Both felt pride and joy. There was a surprised feeling in both of them. Nicholas had come here to share time with his favorite patient turned newest friend. May had invited a friend into her home. They receded from each other's lips.

"I didn't know quite how much I had needed that," Nicholas smiled warmly.

"It is a wonderful feeling being desired again," May agreed, "Ben had never left me feeling without. You never quite know what you have until it's gone."

"It was wonderful," Nicholas realized he was still holding his empty glass. He set it on the coffee table, "I don't know quite what you or I want, but I'm happy to have your company and just talk tonight."

"Don't be silly, Nicholas," May reclaimed his right hand by his fingers, "I'm no blushing teenager. We'll go up to the bedroom and make each other happy. We can think about tomorrow, tomorrow. I know that we are strong enough to decide whatever this means after the act."

May stood up and only had to tug Nicholas's fingers slightly to invite him to follow.She was smiling, like she hadn't in a long time. She looked at the portrait on the mantle. Ben and Peter sharing in her happiness. She knew Ben and she knew love. She had no hesitations on her path to her bedroom.

Nicholas followed May into the bedroom. The bed was made with warm sheets and blankets. The walls held treasured pictures. Her dresser was covered in clutter. It was a home and Nicholas felt the welcome May offered.

"Oh," May softly giggled feeling Nicholas's hands wrap around her belly and hips. He kissed her lightly on the top of the ear and the nape of her neck. She rubbed the backs of his hands and let herself be pulled against his chest. He traced her body upward, reaching into her hair and pulling loose her bun. Her hair tumbled down to the tops of her shoulders. He swept his fingers like a comb keeping her ear free. May softly giggled again.

There was no hint of haste. Nicholas slipped the burgundy sweater off of May's shoulders. He kept her close to him as he picked open each button of her yellow shirt. She rolled her shoulders and let it slip onto the floor. She wore a simple white bra that Nicholas eased down each shoulder before unfastening in the back. This time her arms rolled forward and added to the mess at her toes. His hands looped around her belly and waist once again. She guided them up to her breasts as he nibbled and kissed along the side of her tilted neck.

"That feels lovely," She sighed. Nicholas was tall and he had large hands. May felt very warm wrapped up and held against him. She soon guided him down to the waistband of her skirt. He followed along her hips to find the fastener in the rear. The cloth fluttered down in a halo around her bare feet. She had stepped out of her socks the moment he had pulled her sweater off of her shoulder. She squirmed affectionately against him as he settled his hands on her hips and slid her underwear down to the floor.

"You are beautiful," Nicholas admired as she turned around to face him. She was naked and her eyes were lidded and beginning to smolder. She felt as beautiful as he found her.

Her hands shot straight for Nicholas's belt buckle. He wasn't given the slow intimate treatment she had enjoyed. May left the belt in its loops as she unbuttoned his fly. She was unzipping his trousers as she pulled them down to his feet. She left them in a pool around his ankles, fallen on top of her own discarded garments. She expected him to disrobe his socks as she reached for his boxers and freed him.

"Such a handsome, man," May grinned eye to one-eyed monster. She took him stiffly in her hand as she rose up onto her feet. Slowly stroking him in one hand she began picking open shirt buttons from the bottom. He aided her by starting at the top. He became naked in less time than it had taken to get May out of her skirt.

They kissed once again. May kept her slow pull of him as she rose up onto her toes and held him by the back of his neck. He pulled her tight to his chest. They shared passion without adolescent vigor. May grinned madly as she slipped back onto her heels and led Nicholas, walking backwards, to her bed.

There wasn't anything to say. May slipped up onto her bed and inched back towards the headboard. Nicholas climbed up on his knees, crawling over her as they settled on top of the comforter. Nicholas bent low to kiss her strongly as she settled herself on her pillows. Her hair became a silver halo and Nicholas saw her for an angel.

May moaned as she dragged her left leg from between his knees and spread open until she could reach beyond and lay her ankles on his calves. He penetrated her. A slow thrust that only broke their kiss for a moment. He held her with a hand on either side of her ribcage. She snaked her arms around the back of his neck.

May felt lucky. Nicholas cared for and desired her. She knew what she liked. Every muscle from her knees to her shoulders drew him in and rolled to let him out. They kissed and nuzzled together. She breathed softly in his ear as they held each other together, cheek to cheek. No hurry, no delays. They made love with the certainty of experience. For May it had been nearly fifteen months, for Nicholas quite a bit longer. They were both hungry for each other and thankful as well.

The early summer air was humid. Their bodies grew slick in shiny sweat. May recognized the tightness of Nicholas's throat. She could feel the slight acceleration and deceleration of his hips. It wasn't her time yet. Making him wait for her would be foolish and disrespectful of what they were sharing.

"Thank you, Nicholas," She whispered in his ear and sped up as he slowed down once more, "It's time, make me feel beautiful."

"May," He stretched out fully, his taller body unable to keep the intimate closeness they had created throughout the session. He kissed the crown of her head as his breathing grew huffier. May reached around his chest and held him as tightly inside her as she could muster. He finished and she kissed him at his throat.

"How do you feel?" May asked as Nicholas steadied.

"I feel wonderful," He slipped back out of her and kissed his way down her forehead and along her cheek. They shared a warm kiss at her lips for just a moment. She slipped her fingers over his head as he continued further down. His tongue tickled her throat and she giggled softly. He was coming to love that affection. He kissed over her collar and down through the valley of her breasts.

"Mmm, thank you," May moaned as she felt his kisses slip lightly over her tummy. He kissed through her light hair and lowered his lips between her wide spread legs. He hesitated not at all, exploring her sex with expert precision. She was already primed and ready but he didn't hurry to bring her off. May's hand and hips guided him to where felt best. She grabbed herself lightly on the throat. Her body was flushed red and her muscles grew tight from her toes to her jaw. She missed a few breaths. She felt marvelous.

Nicholas returned, kissing back the path he had traced down to her sex. May eagerly shared a sex to celebrate their completion. Slowly, they conformed so that she was bundled up and cuddled against his. He held her tightly but softly.

"Excuse me," Nicholas blushed a little as he yawned. May pushed his shoulder and rolled over to face him.

"I'd love for you to stay, if you like Nicholas," May snuggled in and laid her cheek on his pectoral. "I'm up a little bit later than I like to be but it was worth it. I haven't shared a night in such a long time but it isn't that time yet. We had this freedom tonight because I let Peter stay out until midnight with Elizabeth. However, I'm not sure he's ready to have you over for breakfast."

"I completely understand," He brushed away the hair from her face, "But I will stay here a few more minutes before I call a cab."

"Yes, I wouldn't want you driving after those cookies," May agreed and they closed up to each other just a little bit tighter.

** ** ** ** ** **

The whole date. He was here for the whole day! Liz was beside herself, giddily laughing at any perceived joke. Her cheeks hurt so much for smiling. And the date had been terrific. It was simple, dinner, a movie and walking hand in hand down through the late warm New York evening. He had been on time!

Normally, she was waiting at the restaurant for 20, 30, even 40 minutes before he, if he would, show up. Peter had arrived at her apartment and had to undergo awkward conversation with her father while she hurried through getting dressed and made up. She had snatched Peter by the arm and burbled some inconsistent series of phrases at her dad before dragging her Petey into the night.

There was one perfect way to end this date. Liz dragged Peter to her father's hotel. His eyes went wide. "I--I can't afford a hotel room."

"Don't be silly," She laughed, "If I was going to bang my boyfriend in a hotel room it wouldn't be one where this happens."

"Hi, Lizzie, uh, miss Allan, going to the roof to watch the fireworks?" A bellhop greeted her.

"We're going to get to watch the fireworks from the rooftop?" Peter asked with an excited grin. This was the second 4th of July that he had his powers. Last year, he had watched the show hanging upside down from his experimental webshooters. It was how he learned the webbing dissolved after an hour.

"Absolutely," Liz twisted herself in a tight hug around Peter's right arm.She looked to the bellhop, "Can you get the kitchen to send up some sodas and popcorn?"

"Absolutely, have fun you two," He grinned, professionally: clearly he would have rather been up on the roof watching the show then working. It didn't break his stride. He waved as he headed off on his errand and they went to the elevators.

The hotel had a high speed elevator for the top floors. It seemed so slow to Peter "Spider-man" Parker. Taking advantage of his web's elasticity and angular momentum he could have slingshotted the pair of them to the room in moments. He couldn't help it. There was a goblin on his mind, the girl on his arm felt ephemeral. Liz rested her head on his shoulder. She had an inch on him so it couldn't have been the most comfortable position, but her easy grin belied that. He kissed her hair and she looked up.They kissed, without making out.

"This has been a perfect day," Liz grinned.

"Imagine the night to come," They kissed again as the elevator dinged. Liz was full of energy and Peter was surprised when she took off at a sprint. He chased after her, easily weaving around an untended maid's cart that Liz had bumped with her hip. The girl laughed as Peter caught up and lifted her easily around the waist. The pair spun around before the stairwell that would provide them roof access. Liz's low heeled shoes landed gracefully as he set her down.

"Oh wow," Liz breathed, "I so thought you were going to drop me."

"Hey, I made an impressive showing during tryouts!" Peter opened the door for Liz.

"Yeah, day one, and then you really dropped the ball," She stuck her tongue out at him over a shoulder as he followed her deliberate butt wiggle.

"I did many thing poorly, but I have confidence in my tight grip."

"Then what do you need me for?" Liz turned around to walk out onto the roof facing backwards at Peter.

"Sarcasm practice." He deadpanned.

"Yeah," She tossed her hair and turned her back to him, "Like that needs work."

"Learning from the best," He sidled up next to her and wrapped his arm around her.

The view of the East River, where the fireworks were due to launch from this year, was amazing. The roof wasn't empty, a couple guests had set up lawn chairs and a couple employees were enjoying a smoke break. Liz led Peter to the northeastern corner. This had been the plan all along. There was basket waiting for them. Inside were two blankets, one to sit on and another to huddle together under if the air grew colder or the wind grew stronger.

Liz sat down and Peter sat behind her. She slouched down against his chest and he wrapped his arms around her. It was only a couple minutes later when the bellboy appeared.

"Enjoy your evening, Miss Allan," He laid a tray next to Peter that had cans of coke in a bucket of ice and a steaming butter drenched salt encrusted bowl of popcorn.

"Thank you," the tip she gave him brightened up his night incredibly. Liz immediately forgot he existed. She sank back against her Petey.

The sun had set. The fireworks were due to start at 10. Other rooftops nearby were beginning to amass people with the same idea as Liz. The two teenagers people watched. Liz pointed out other couples from clearly newlyweds, holding hands tighter than the webbing that brought them together to a platinum blonde in a black dress ignoring a pale man in a wheelchair.

"I'm glad we got together with just us," Peter faked an injury to his fingertips as Liz nipped the first of the popcorn from Peter's hand, "Too any of our dates seem to be congregations of the whole crowd."

"I don't need anyone else but you, Petey," Liz snuggled in as the first geysers of sparkling light streaked up above the river. the booms came a second afterwards. They watched together for the first few minutes. Blooms of red,blue and white meteors burned up in the sky. Gold blasts that broke into further explosions and into tertiary sparklings. Peter leaned over to reach for the second blanket. Liz turned with him.

"That seems like a stupid idea," She looked out past the skyline, "Why are they having fireworks on the Hudson too?"

"What? There was nothing sche--" Peter's jaw dropped as the competing display's screeches reached the rooftop. Orange pumpkins glittered and burned out in the sky. The cackling dissipated as the East River's detonations reached their ears. The last pumpkin faded away. It was obvious, it was clear: Hobgoblin.

"Liz I have to--"

"Oh, no you don't, Petey!" Liz was on her feet almost faster than Peter's spider- agility. "You're not working with The Bugle anymore! you don't have to go!"

"Liz, I do, I have to," He edged towards the exit and she rushed off ahead of him, "I might be needed."

"Needed for what, Peter?" The full hard use of his name slowed him again. She was between him and the door now. "You're just a kid!"

"Liz, I can't. I mean I have to--"

"Petey! Tell me why!" Liz threw her back up against the roof access door. It was no way to stop someone with Spider powers. It was enough to stop a man who had been raised by Ben and May Parker. Peter wasn't the kind of man to lay hands on a woman.

"Those fireworks, not the those ones," He waved at the East River. Some girl on the next building's roof waved back, "They were from Harry's dad. Back at the Halloween carnival, Norman took advantage of Harry then, nearly broke his son's leg! This kind of thing, it can't be good for Harry. He's been clean, but close to a relapse. I--He's my friend. I have to look out for him."

"His dad? Oh my god..." The look on her face was worrying. Liz cared. Peter lied so easily to her, "Harry, can't you call him?"

"We, we've had our troubles."

"Gwen." The look of understanding and patience melted off her face.

"She's with Harry," Peter was always on the defensive when trying to keep his spider-man secret. His guts tightened as he wished Liz was MJ. It was bad enough what he felt about Gwen. He should have been stronger. He hadn't been. He couldn't just ditch Liz, she meant a whole lot to him now. Not that she hadn't before. She--She was speaking.

"Go, Petey," Liz stepped aside, "Call me later. Tell Harry I'm thinking of him."

"I will, Liz," He squeezed her in a tight hug around her shoulders. He was pushing her out of the way as much as embracing her, "You are the best."

"But how come it feels like I'm coming in second?" But her only answer was the mechanical ca-chick of the door closing.

** ** ** ** ** **

The Daily Bugle printed every day of the year. Independence hosted a skeleton staff after deadline. Jonah had left with his wife Joan. Urich[2] sat at the sports desk waiting on the last baseball games to finish and generally not going home. Betty Brant had her cell phone sitting on top of the filing cabinet she was filling. She hoped that Ned would answer one of the texts she had badgered at him all day. She didn't feel right.

"This is good work, Foswell," Robbie flipped through the printout, "But with Lincoln out of the country, Octopus at Ravencroft and Manfredi back in prison, there isn't going to be much interest in the story."

"I know boss," He grumbled, "I tried going in deeper with my Patch persona but Silver Sable recognized me from Valentine's Day and all of my leads seem dried up."

"That's not it," Robbie shook his head, "These are all criminals tied to Spider-man. Without Parker's photos to prop up this piece it'll just be tucked in on page 12. You're going to need something imminently dangerous to sell this. Have you tried working together with Lee?"

"Tried, but your ace newshound has been after some goal that he's not sharing."

"What about Ravencroft? Anything further there?"

"I know Mr Jameson would want us to rustle up something because of John but everything I found shows that Kafka's on the up and up and that Warren fellow's truly interested in the science of the cure."

"John," Robbie's jaw set, "Poor kid. Well, I guess we're stuck on this until Ned checks in."

"Let me guess, you haven't heard word one from him in hours?" Foswell was right on the money. Betty snatched up her phone. Even turned it off and back on again but there wasn't any news about her boyfriend. He was almost rabid with this goblin story. She had the pumpkin knife in her handbag to prove it. She looked at her phone again. She was thankful she was angry, because otherwise she would be worried sick.

"Fireworks are starting," The pop pop of the explosives lightly rattled the windows but there was no way to see the east river from here so it was only the noise that was reaching them.

"I guess that's a place for me to call it a night then," Robbie replied to Foswell, "Lady, Gentlemen, you can feel free to call it a night as well."

The explosion sounded like a shriek and it occurred half of a heartbeat after the west windows let in the mass of orange light. Betty ran across the room to stand next to Foswell as they looked out the window. Another boom and shriek, more pumpkin fireworks were polluting the sky.

"Looks like you got some work left to do," Robbie looked to Foswell, "Ms Brant you better--"

But Betty was already on her way. She was moving almost at a sprint. She kicked her heels under her desk and grabbed a pair of tennis shoes from her bottom drawer. She was turning for the elevator before she stopped herself from swearing. She retrieved her phone off of the cabinet and was on her way again.

** ** ** ** ** **

Spider-man checked his Osberry while he swung towards the pumpkin fireworks. His spider-tracer app showed that both of his tags were circling the show.

"Giant flaming sky pumpkins too subtle for you , Hobby?" Spider-man scoffed as he locked his Osberry into his utility belt. Something nagged him but he pushed it clear of his mind. Focus. Pick your target and take it down.

"Good evening! Welcome! Ladies and Spider-men! I am your host this evening, the Hobgoblin! I must say I really like the ring of that. Can you imagine having a name like Molten Man? Or Kraven? It means coward! And then he turns out to be a huge pussy," Hobgoblin's words came with a swarm of whirling pumpkin knives. Spider-man easily wove through them and landed not far across from Hobgoblin. He balanced on a gargoyle.

"This is it, Hobby," Spider-man shouted, "Tonight it ends! I'm done with letting you tear up this city."

"Oh, Spider-man," Hobgoblin tutted, "The guests haven't all arrived yet and you're already getting things started?"

"Yeah--" Spider-man had to hold off on his retort as the air boomed with another launched firework, "There's no reason to hold off when I know this will feel so good!"

Spider-man dove at Hobgoblin, intent to punch his mask straight off. Hobby spiraled downward and out of the way. The first webs grabbed the glider. Hobgoblin hopped so he was flying backwards. The bolts from his gloves were another easy dodge. The air started shrieking in a familiar way.

"The fireworks? Oh, this is going to hurt..." Spider-man bemoaned as he let Hobgoblin drag him out and around the falling pumpkin swarm. Everyone of the pumpkins glowing orange, yellow and green as they tumbled down to New York exploding into grotesque green clouds.

"Allow me to give you the penny tour, Spider-man," Hobgoblin laughed as he weaved dangerously close to the bombs. Spider-man took a blast to the side, to the back and to the ankles before he let go and followed his spider sense clear of the chaos.

"I've seen enough, Hobby," Spider-man retreated back to a nearby building. Green smoke hung lazily in the air. The stone above him was soot black and many windows were spiderwebbed with damage, "But I know a quiet little place for you. And the rent will be so cheap for 20 years to life."

"Can't say as you've got a future in real estate, Spider-man," Hobby laughed as three more fireworks rocketed up into the air around them, "Perhaps you'd find a better fit in a coffin."

"That is a pathetic attempt at humor." The voice that split the fight was disguised and mechanical. Hobgoblin and Spider-man turned to see the newcomer. The challenger was nearly six feet in height and armored in blue and purple. Dark glowing eyes made the whole armor look like the kind of robot who was determined to wipe out all humanity. Rocket launchers were rising out of either shoulder and they leapt into violence in a heartbeat.

"Crap! Who the hell are you!" Hobgoblin was the target of the barrage and he had to sweep backwards firing electrical pulses and throwing spinning pumpkin blades to intercept the four grenades.

"Thanks for the assist--" Spider-man hesitated to come up with a moniker for the new challenger.

"Beetle," The Beetle answered, "And while Hobgoblin is my prey. You've also been a thorn in the Manfredi empire."

"This can't be good," Spider-man leapt and weblined away. Beetle had miniguns attached to her wrists. The crackle of spreading fireworks made the whole mess even messier.

"So you're Sable's answer tonight," Hobgoblin looped back into the battle, skating along the edge of the falling pumpkin clouds, "I have to say her penny ante thugs and dime store mercenaries weren't really worth the effort. How much am I going to get for you?"

"You will be destroyed," Beetle didn't join in the word game. She zipped back and while several detonations threatened to scuff up her body armor it didn't stop her from reorienting her weapons at the Hobgoblin.

"She's not the best at the whole banter thing," Spider-man lamented. It was taking every mote of spider agility to cross the battlefield, but he managed it in time to tackle Hobgoblin off of his glider, "I'm the better sparring partner."

"Go home Spider-man and I'll finish this." Beetle declared as her rockets detonated mid flight and sent Spider-man hard into a nearby wall. The goblin glider spun out wildly into the chaos of the pumpkin rain. Hobgoblin began a nosedive plummet.

"Don't thing I don't appreciate the help, Ladybug," Spider-man didn't get to finish his quips due to the hail of gunfire aimed at his 1 second ago self. Beetle didn't fire for long though, she twisted up and out of the smog. Looking for the splat that Hobgoblin was due to make. She didn't see the pumpkin bomb slam that was thrown hard against her back. She couldn't stop being blasted across the shrieking chaos but she did manage toright herself before landing on the skyscraper wall.

"Clever, remote controlled glider then?" Beetle observed.

"You didn't know?" Spider-man scoffed, "Those things were all the rage back in March. Now it seems there's a copycat everywhere."

"I may not be the trendsetter, webhead," Hobgoblin was juggling three pumpkin bombs. The last firework fury had settled down, "But I know a killer style when I see it."

"Just changing the colors isn't quite enough, Hobby," Spider-man was shooting web bullets trying to draw Hobgoblin closer to any of the surrounding buildings. It would be much easier to land a hit that way, "When fashions are out, they're out. But don't worry, I'll send you to prison so long, that your clothes'll be back in style."

"You bicker worse than teenage girls," Beetle interrupted the banter by jetting out as fast as she could at Hobgoblin. Her miniguns tore up the wings of the glider while her shoulder rockets sent the rider flying back against the nearby tower. The window shattered open behind Hobgoblin and he ricocheted off the floor into the ceiling lights of the empty office.

"Now, to finish things," The shoulders opened, guns were mounted on wrists, her right knee hooked up revealing another cannon and all weapons pointed through the smashed window. The crippled glider sparked like a psychotic pinwheel behind Beetle.

"I don't think so, psycho!" Spider-man managed to cross the street and slam into Beetle's shoulder with the heels of both feet. She flipped and lost her aim. Spider-man latched onto the intact window next to the hole, "I finally get why Shocker was so keen on squashing the bug."

"Not smart, Spider-man, not smart at all," Beetle righted herself and spread her arsenal over the Hobgoblin and Spider-man.

"I couldn't agree more," Hobby cackled, "This is how you hit a woman!"

The tingles were strong enough to send Spider-man scurrying as fast as he had ever fled. Hobgoblin had two big pumpkins, the kind that Green Goblin had brought with him to the fundraiser last October. The whole side of the building flexed as every window for twenty storeys cracked and broke. The air erupted in green grinning fog. Coughing and sputtering towers ripped upward through the haze. More fireworks flanking the vertical dodge of Beetle. She cleared the chaos just as the glowing streaks of fireworks and more pumpkin bombs began falling down towards her.

"You're better than I thought," Beetle growled staring Hobgoblin in the face. The glider under his feet undamaged. The bladed tongue reaching from it's draconic mouth.

"I have no doubt of that."

** ** ** ** ** **

New Yorkers, a quarter fled from the battle. A quarter gathered around to watch. Half just went about their lives like they had seen it all before. The end result, as Betty saw it, was an impermeable membrane like settling concrete that she needed to swim through to reach her goal.

"Approaching the midtown battlefield," She spoke into the voice recorder on her phone, "The sky above is cluttered with green smoke and white flashes. Spider-man is fighting Hobgoblin and an unknown assailant."

Betty was rushed by and the blow to the shoulder didn't knock her to her ass because a man on her right held her up. She brushed off and started hugging the wall. The building she was passing had a planted garden at it's edge and she could traverse the garden at the cost of her already beat up sneakers.

"The brawl began with the Hobgoblin's firework calling card. Emergency responders are only now arriving to clear away the street. Threats of falling glass and debris are slowly convincing the thrill seekers to depart."

Betty hopped of the short concrete wall that surround the garden she had tramped through. The air was shrieking louder than she could imagine. The whole sky disappeared in green smoke.

"Vantage from the street is proving impossible. I am cutting through a small side street to see if I can find a better point of view," She wasn't the only one thinking along those lines. Two groups of young people fled madly just as she turned into the street. About twenty feet overhead a slightly sooty Hobgoblin was steadying himself on his glider.

"The Hobgoblin appears to have exited the fight in the confusion," Her voice brought the attention of the man in the brown mask, "Whether he will use this opportunity to flee or regroup remains to be seen."

"Looks like the presses have arrived already," He cackled, "Keep your eyes open beautiful and I'll give you an even better souvenir than that knife you stole."

The villain cackled and started a near vertical ascent into the firestorm. Betty looked down at herself and saw the face of the pumpkin knife sticking out of her pocket. She couldn't calm her heart. She raised her phone to her lips once again. she had to breathe to steady herself, "The Hobgoblin has appeared to recognize me. Please, Ned, let me be wrong about this."


** ** ** ** ** **

"I've decided to boycott fireworks for the rest of my life. If nothing else all that carbon dioxide is bad for global warming," Spider-man scrambled out of the way of Beetle's homicidal salvo. He only cleared the chaos to find himself caught in the brutal rain of pumpkin bombs, "Besides, I can't imagine anywhere ever overcoming this display."

"You're only prolonging your demise, Hobgoblin," Beetle chased shadows through the fog with bursts from her miniguns.

"I see myself as enriching my life," Hobgoblin's cackle forced Beetle to turn rapidly around. The Hobgoblin had somehow managed to dive and loop underneath her. She deflected several blades as she swam through green shrieking firespouts. Hobgoblin faded into little more than a shadow. Beetle lifted her knee and started blasting the cannon. Each projectile bristling with spikes inches after they escaped the barrel.

"Leave a little for everyone," Spider-man called out as he leapt over the top of the last of the falling firework pumpkins. There was a heavy metal scrape as two spiked balls collided with Hobgoblin's glider. Hobby broke the upper layer of green in order to find himself face to fist with Spider-man.

"Haven't you ever hear of ladies first, hero?" Hobby complained as he weaved out of the way of Spider-man's second blow. Spider-man leapt back and started falling into the cloud in order to avoid the electric pulses from Hobby's finger tips. Hobby charged and the bladed tongue of his glider nearly skewered Spidey. The hero dived below just in time. He hung under the glider, eye to LED of his spider-tracer.

"Multiple gliders," He realized, "A little late to be figuring that out webhead."

Very late. The tingles were mad because of the last of firework was still exploding below him but these came sharply. Spider-man took the cannon fire along the shoulder and was thrown off the glider bottom as the next shot slammed into the glider's underbelly. He lost track of the battle in the smoke. The drop proved fortuitous. Rockets came just after the cannon volley.

The firework was dying out as Spider-man webbed away from its final death throes. Beetle unfolded as the smoke began to disperse. She was aimed up where Hobby had been. The blades coming from the nearby alley turned the arthropods from the sky and towards their attacker. Hobgoblin was laughing madly.

"It's over." Beetle huffed and fired her rockets, two from each shoulder. They crisscrossed contrails in the air and Spider-man saw there was a woman in the street below. Betty! Crap. He leapt in front of Beetle's chest. Hobby was dipping out of the way of the barrage. Three of the rockets flew into walls tossing out fireballs and dust but one was going to pitch a dive into the street. Spider-man had grabbed it with two webs to the tailfins.

"This is between you and me and the goblin. Leave the rest of New York out of it!" the rocket's thrusters actually made the weapon easy to direct once he got the turn out of it he needed. Beetle tried to dart away, but she wasn't quite as fast as the missile. Her own rocket slammed her in the backside and sent her off in a twisted trajectory and into a wall.

"Nice moves, Spidey," Hobgoblin appeared behind his shoulder. He webbed away to regroup and turn his attack on him, but he was focused wholly on Beetle, "You lube her up and I'll finish her off."

The pumpkin blades came from his hands and his glider. Screams of metal came with waves of sparks as the first three blades were deflected off Beetle's armor. Then she was the one screaming. The blade dug into her right elbow and stayed stuck.

"Oh, such a lovely little weakness you've come with," Hobby sneered, "Let me see where else it sticks."

Spider-man had just turned around as the air went thick with Hobgoblin's blades. Beetle grunted and tried to dodge. Still extremely fast but her motions were not as fluid. She was caught in her left shoulder and both knees. The blades at her groin and neck only found armor.

"And now for the grand finale," Hobgoblin flew in to Beetle's back and put both of his index fingers to both of her ears. He was cackling ready to mind blast her.

"Surely you've got time for a couple more songs!" Spider-man had slingshotted himself at Hobgoblin but his aim wasn't perfect due to the damage to his shoulder. He hammered both feet into the wing of the glider and threw Hobby over his head. He flipped, holding both knees during his somersault and fiddling with the glider controls on his wrist. Spider-man used Beetle as his sky hook and was intent on arcing around to land his finishing blow on Hobgoblin.

"Get off, webhead," Beetle grunted through the pain but it was clear she had adjusted to control herself once again. She cocked her knee and severed the web around her waist with the cannon. Spider-man was forced to web to a nearby building. He looked up to see that Hobgoblin had reclaimed his glider. The two villains squared off like it was high noon.

"This is where it ends," Beetle was certain.

"All right, bug bitch," Hobgoblin roared, "I'm putting an end to your menace."

"Hey, that's a word I only hear about me, lately," Spider-man fled a few storeys up as Hobgoblin reached down and aimed the throat of her glider at Beetle. She just rolled up her left shoulder launcher. It was clear the rocket loaded was the last one she carried. The gargoyle mouth cannon spat.

"Child's play," Beetle mocked and fired her weapon. The massive pumpkin caught the last grenade. The shriek was backed by a roar. The flash of white made the cascading green explosions glow like some Lovecraftian nightmare. The rocket had momentum however, and the explosions screeched back towards the Hobgoblin. The mask's grin was burned into Spider-man's retinas as Hobby was enveloped in the holocaust.

"No!" Spider-man twisted to turn on the injured Beetle. Her maneuverability was hampered but still superior. Spidey missed with his haymaker. He tried to grab her with his webs but she managed to intercept the line with the last bullets in her miniguns.

"Out of ammo. I'm bugging out," She managed to declare her retreat like it was a four letter world. There was another shriek in the cloud of green. Spider-man turned to see Hobgoblin hanging desperately to his batter glider as it sparked madly down to the street. He was falling certainly, but the glider's continual bursts kept it from a plummet. He would land hard by safely.

"So long Spider-man," Beetle flew up before flying away, "Next time we meet, I'll have a full set of rockets just for you."

"No need for the warpaint and feathers, Ladybug. I like you just like you are," Spider-man called out. Beetle ripped the last pumpkin knife out of her knee and hurled it at Spider-man. She didn't have the strength or the agility to use the weapon as well as a goblin so Spider-man caught it easily. By then she had blasted away. His thrown tracer missed it's target. "Should have thought of that earlier. Damn."

Spider-man looked down. The thin plume of smoke rose straight from Hobgoblin's crash landing. Spidey caught his fall with a last minute web and dropped nearly silently to the ground. The little alleyway was smoking, a shot up glider sparked and seesawed against the pavement. The beaten body of Hobgoblin lay in a cracked and shallow crater just to the left. Beetle had escaped, but she was just some hired gun. Hobgoblin was the prize. Using Osborn's power and weapons, mocking Spider-man and Harry. This was completely unacceptable.

"Alright, Hobby," Spider-man leapt across the alley and landed straddling over the collapsed form of Hobgoblin, "Smile for the camera, Roddy."

Spider-man ripped the mask off and stopped dead. Looking pale and dark eyed was Daily Bugle reporter, Ned Lee.

"Lee? No, I won't be set up again!" Spider-man looked back up into the sky and aimed his wrists.

"Stop, Spider-man," Betty Brant rushed up to the hero. Spider-man was startled to see her. She held a bladed pumpkin in her left hand, "I've been looking into this. It's Ned. I have proof."

"How? You're not a reporter. This isn't your job."

"It became my job when I cared. And I've been learning from the best investigators in the city for years! I know what I was doing, " Betty had to take a deep breath, "He was looking into you and Osborn. But a couple of months back it was clear that he had gotten too close, too curious."

"He tried the green?" No one had the kind of strength and reflexes to fight and fly on a techflight glider without Globulin Green.

"Green?" She asked aiming her phone towards Spider-man.

"The performance enhancer. It's highly addictive," Spider-man looked down at the unconscious man with pity, "It effects the brain as well as the body."

"Oh my God," Betty looked up at Spider-man, "He needs help."

"Dr Kafka, at Ravencroft. She's experienced with this kind of thing," Spider-man looked down one last time. Another friend, would Norman Osborn's legacy continue to haunt him? Did he deserve it for killing him? He looked up to see the incoming police lights.

"Well the boys and girls in blue are here," Spider-man leapt and shot out his webline, "Don't let picklepuss rewrite all the words for your article."

"Don't worry, I can handle Mr Jameson," Betty worried that she couldn't find the tears to cry. She felt so stony. Spider-man was gone into the night already.

"Dammit! He won't keep getting away on my watch!" Betty turned to see a pissed of police Lieutenant reaching for the radio on her shoulder, "All units, Spider-man is heading west. I want our choppers in the air, immediately."

"Gone is gone, LT," a sergeant walked past her, "We'd better take the win we've been given."

"When I want your advice I'll see the shrink," She growled at the sergeant,
"You want this, win? It's yours. You take care of this. I'm going after Spider-man," The Lieutenant barked out her orders and waved her hands conveying dozens more. The sergeant and his partner made their way to the collapsed Hobgoblin.

"I don't see her point. She will never catch him," Stan Carter shook his head as his old partner tore off on her fool's errand, "What can you tell me about this, miss?"

"Brant," Betty had heard the interest in the sergeant's voice at his guess of her marital status, "Betty Brant, Daily Bugle."

"Right." The sergeant stepped back and turned to his partner who was approaching the beaten villain, "LT's had enough of me as it is. Vince you got the witness; I'll take the perp."

** ** ** ** ** **

"You're sure it's OK?" MJ had travelled by Spider-Taxi to the airport. She had her small carryon bag and her bookbag hanging off either shoulder.

"It wasn't him, MJ," Peter took her hand, got embarrassed and let it go. MJ cocked her head and smiled, "This is a great opportunity for you."

"And don't you think I'll become superfamous and forget the little people, Tiger," She leaned in and kissed his cheek.

"But I do think you'll become superfamous, Red" Peter grinned.

"Of course you do," MJ flashed her smile, "You're brilliant."

"MJ!" Lily Hollister hurried along the sidewalk with her luggage being carried behind her by a servant, "And Peter. I didn't know you two were a couple."

"We're friends," MJ announced draping an arm over Peter's shoulders.

"Oh, poor boy," Lily laughed, "You excited for your first tropical photoshoot?"

"More than I can imagine!" MJ beamed.

"Well toss your bags to Jeeves there," she gestured to the steward who was just catching up, "It's time to get going."

"See you soon, Tiger," MJ slapped Peter's shoulder as she followed Lily's instructions.

"Have a good trip!" He waved. Since he had met her, MJ had never looked as radiant as she did right now. Peter couldn't help but be excited for her.

"So, Lily," Mj scooped up the other model's left arm as they walked into the airport, "What are the Cayman Islands like?"

"Oh, no no no, MJ. I'm not going to spoil the ending that easily," Lily laughed.

** ** ** ** ** **

Even without Lily or MJ in the country there was still lots of work to be done at Kingsley Inc.'s studio. Peter arrived at his shift with minutes to spare and dived right into his job. Most sixteen year old boys wouldn't be quite relaxed around these beautiful creatures. At his first shifts he had found them more intimidating than Tombstone. But now he was at ease and enjoying himself.

“Mr Parker.” Jason announced the name and expected the photographer to follow him as he crossed the studio and entered the executive office. Peter looked up from his viewfinder. The model held her pose until it became obvious her photographer was going to answer his call away. She slumped and sighed as Peter hurried after the head of security.

“I’m surprised, sir,” Peter admitted as he entered. A wave told him to close the door behind him. “I expected you to be travelling with Mr Kingsley to--”

“My and Mr Kingsley’s whereabouts are not your concern.” Jason dismissed Peter and placed a tablet on the desk between himself and the photographer. The screen was divided into four, showing four separate incidences of Peter disobeying the evacuation protocols and smuggling his camera out of the studio. “However, it seems your whereabouts are mine.”

“I can explain--” Peter began, mentally kicking himself. He had felt he had gotten good at this. There would be no footage of him stripping out of his clothes and into his uniform.

“I am aware of your relation to the press.” Jason declared. He pulled an old copy of the bugle from inside his jacket pocket. His cover photo was of the scene the alien symbiote had been stolen from Doctor Connors’ lab. “It seems you have a history of duplicity and selling secrets.”

“I didn’t--”

“Your services are no longer under contract with Oscorp or Kingsley Inc.,” A knock reverberated the door before it opened and in stepped two gorilla sized security officers. “You will be escorted from the premises and your person will no longer be tolerated on or in the facilities of Oscorp and Kingsley Inc.. Good day, Mr Parker. Your final paycheck and severance have already been mailed to you.”

Peter had to suppress his response to the spider-sense as the left hired goon turned him by his elbow. He had a dozen things to shout or say but he stifled them all. How was he going to help out Aunt May now? The model he left behind didn’t even acknowledge him as he was ejected from the building.

** ** ** ** ** **

“That’s the thing about love, Gwenny.” George Stacy gave a sad smile to his daughter, “If you’re not with the one you want to be, you won’t be happy.”

“I don’t want to be like mom,” Gwen whimpered.

“Your mother is a lovely woman,” George smiled, “And just looking in your eyes I can see all the good she has brought into my life. I’ll never regret any of the time we had together. Not, even the pain I felt when she had to move on.”

“Yeah, it’s just…”

“I know,” George sighed, “I know.”

The pair sipped from their mugs in quiet. Dunking his donut in the steaming coffee felt ironic to Chameleon. He smiled in his lipless way as he took off his headset. The apartment he had set up was half the city away but the reconnoitering technology he had didn’t care. The right wall was covered in monitors showing video from all around the city. Hard drives full of recorded conversations and highlighted scenes were stacked under a high powered AC unit. The preparation for this kind of work was always long and tedious. Chameleon was a master of his craft. When he decided to move, he would be seamless. Getting used to the taste of stale donuts and cold coffee seemed a small price to pay.

** ** ** ** ** **

Environmental Science 311 Dehabitation

[1] "There's something wrong with what my Malibu Stacy says."
[2] Ben Urich is not appearing in this story. I just needed to populate the Daily Bugle and it made sense to use a name.

A/N:
This has taken considerably longer than I would have liked. I would like to complete Environmental Science before I begin posting it. However, I would also like to post regular updates every couple of months at least.