Jackson Parker and the big break

by Levibitt, Sassy_snivy1202

Summary:

When one day a strange trip to the science research centre changes young 17 year old Jackson Parker’s for life

Chapter 1: Chapter 1) The field trip

       "Jacky, I know it's time to get up. I know it's the last day, but you can't skip this. The bus will be here any minute. It's the science trip, you've been talking this up for months."

 

Jackson hears his aunt's soft, spoken voice call from the kitchen. “Oh my god, it’s today!” He picked his head up and almost immediately threw off the messy blankets, racing out of his room and towards the bathroom, almost stumbling over himself.

 

Brushing his messy ebony hair and splashing his face with some water as he was brushing his teeth.

 

He then hastily pulled up his shorts and finished by pulling a simple blue striped shirt over his head as he made his way out to the main room of the small apartment. "I didn't think that was for another week. Oh, Hana is going to kill me for being late." The teen tried cleaning his glasses while grabbing a small plate.

 

“Slow down sport,” a hardy but noticeably aged masculine voice said with a chuckle in their tone. “I’m sure Aunt Sally doesn’t want you to break the good china.”

 

“You can’t get china like that anymore, they just don’t sell.” The woman smiled warmly.

 

"Besides I can't let you go out looking like that." The elderly man came over and started fixing Jackson's hair. Then he took the wrinkles out of his shirt. 

 

He was astoot and persistent with helping out on the tidiness of his nephew.

 

"Uncle Ben, I'm fine. A few of those can't hurt that much. I Need to make myself not look 100% like a nerd."

 

“And what's so wrong about being a nerd? I am the captain of nerdology.”

 

"F-Flash is also going on this trip." Jackson reluctantly admitted

 

With that name a small, silent moment passed over. Jackson pressed his glasses higher up his nose. A detailed, but not fond memory of having to search the school's dumpster for hours just to find them. 

 

Flash was the high school bully. Popular, great with ladies, captain of the football team and it didn't help that he looked like a model. Everything that Parker was not.

 

"Ya, he's also here. Sure, set to just make the last day miserable."

 

"And let the boy try, you got fire in your soul, kid. Got that Parker Pride." Uncle Ben raised Jackson's chin. "Why you just gotta remind him of what you have over him?"

 

"And what might that be Unc."

 

"Your brain handsome." Sally came and sat next to him.

 

“I’m not sure,” Jackson reluctantly said. “All he is, is a brute who responds to force and he is praised for that.”

 

“Then make sure that you outsmart him.” Sally said, “Brawn will eventually have to bow down when it knows its defeat.”

 

"Thanks, Aunt Sal, but I don't think he's smart enough to know that he lost." A small, chipped smile. A small, stray crumb of food left on his lip.

 

"Now get going champ. The bus is here and both of your friends are waiting." Uncle Ben tossed him his backpack.

 

"What? How do you,"

 

"Jacky!! Come on!" Everyone heard Mia's voice coming from the bottom floor.

 

 

       He walked out and down a few blocks to the bus stop where he saw a girl with chocolate brown hair and emerald green eyes. Standing next to a dirty blond hair boy with grey storm eyes..

 

“Hey Jackson!”

 

“Morning Jackson!”

 

The two waved and flashed a small smile.

 

"Hey guys, you two seem full of energy. Did your test go well?"

 

“Aced the French Revolution test… as expected.” His blonde haired friend exclaimed with pride.

 

“As if we had any doubt about that Xander” the brunette rolled her eyes in a sarcastic manner.

 

“I was mostly finished, before flash and his group accidentally spilled their coffee over it. The Teacher said she didn’t have any more copies and that it was an accident.”

 

“Why do the teachers always side with him? Why can they never see what he is really up to?” Jackson questioned no one in particular.

 

“Because he is popular.” 

 

“Thank you Xander, if that wasn’t obvious enough.” Jackson rolled his eyes “one day we will have the power to get back at him.”

 

“If only.” Their brunette friend crossed her arms.

 

“Oh have some faith Mia.”

 

She rolled her grassy green eyes and smiled.

 

“One day we can make it that he and his cronies will not pick on us again.”

 

“AS IF NERDS!!” Everyone turned in the direction of the new voice only for Xander and Jackson to be hit in the face with water balloons. 

 

“Ahh they’re not even water, it’s expired milk!” Xander was spitting out the remaining milk.

 

Standing there was a tall muscular 17 year old who in some cases could pass for a child supermodel. His sandy blonde hair captured the sun and his mischievous grin sat on his smug face as he casually tossed another water balloon in his hand.

 

His glacier blue eyes locked their azure gaze on the small, nerdy boy in front of him.

 

Jackson covered his face with his arm seeing that the balloon was aiming for him but Mia just shot her hand out and caught it. “Nice going flash.”

 

“Ugh, the little squirt got security. Give it back girly and let me finish my fun.”

 

“Hm… if you want it back that much then here.” She threw it back at him, luckily he dodged just in time but his lackeys weren’t so lucky and got covered in chunky milk.

 

“AAHHHHH!! It’s in my hair!” One of the girls that was following Flash like a dog screamed. 

 

“Oh god Lizz! Here take this.” Flash took his Jacket and started to swat at her head.

 

“And that will keep them busy for a while.” Mia said satisfied.

 

“Maybe Uncle was right, wouldn’t hurt to get a little bigger.” Jackson looked at his frame. Stick thin. “I mean what soon-to-be senior gets confused with middle school.”

 

“Oh shut up at least you're tall.” Xander said before getting in the bus that just arrived.

 

“They’ll say I’m short.” His grey eyes narrowed and he huffed. 

 

“Honestly I don’t see a problem with any of it.” Mia said as she took her seat beside Xander, Jackson on the other side of the bus across from them. “It’s not like you want to join any athletics professions that need you to be tall.”

 

“That’s the thing. Hana played a prank on me and signed me up for football trials come this summer.” He said, sighing as a small smirk pecked out of the corner of his lips, “Ah that girl still has a sense of humor.”

 

“The Watson girl? How are you two doing anyways?” Mia said with a curious tilt of her head.

 

“I want to show her to my uncle and Aunt Sally, but she’s been really busy with this reporting thing. She is sure it will take off soon.” He had a small smile full of pride for his girlfriend. “I’m meeting her today though.”

 

 

       The bus soon arrived at the Connor’s biology and entomology research centre. 

 

As the students filed out they met up and the teacher went to do a headcount and meet up with some of the parent chaperones.

 

Jacks eyes spotted a relatively new black jeep. Hanas car. He went over and tried to open the door but Hana didn’t see him and accidentally opened the door and smacked him with it.

 

“Ahhh!” Jackson stumbled back. Checking if his glasses were broken.

 

“Don’t you know not to sneak up on a girl like that?” She joked. Leaning over, she fixed his glasses and smiled, “there.”

 

“Thank you.” 

 

“Mom would be mad if you broke into her car.” she smirked, “Now I won’t mind if you give me a little something here.” She pointed to her cheek. Jackson obliged and gave her a small peck.

 

“Flirty as always.”

 

“I try,” Hana smiled. “Give me a second to get my portable interview equipment from the trunk. I really hope Dr. Connors and Mrs. Phylis would give me time for an interview.”

 

“What big question do you even have for them?” Jackson led her to the front door. “You’ve been talking about this for weeks now.”

 

“Mostly things about Osborn and how he’s running his company. I prepared a list of a couple but mom helped me with some improvised things too. You can never know when things go off script.”

 

“And how’s she doing? That headache is still getting her?”

 

“It’s getting better, it is still there but she is doing fine.”

 

“That’s good to hear. Say, after this, you want to….Maybe get something to eat?”

 

“Are you asking me on a date?”

 

“Only if you say yes.”

 

“Sure, after school we can get something to eat.” She grinned

 

“Can it Lovebirds, we have science to do.” Mia came. “Sorry Hana but I’m gonna need to borrow him.”

 

“You seem very cheery.” Xander poked Mia in the side with his pen.

 

“Duh, Connors is like the best in the world when it comes to this stuff. 

He’s got like 9 labs through the island and they’re all animals.”

 

“Oh ya right, Connors.  Sorry Han. I’ll see you later.”

 

“Oh yes you must be excited for the tour yourself. Now if you excuse me I need to ask about that big interview at the end and talk to  Dr. Connors about that too before we get started.”

 

They then saw their friend walk inside the group of teachers and chaperones talking to the handsome man in the lab coat.

 

Xander, Mia and Jack also headed inside. Mia being a little

More eager to see everything.

 

It was fun to see her this way, she’s said for the entire school year she wanted to be a Zoologist, and this was her best chance to have some of the schools notice her. 

 

“Come on. The reptiles are the money makers here.” Jackson tried leading them towards the main attraction.

 

 

       Swinging open a large metal door, the inside room looked like if you captured the Amazon in a single room. 

 

Every reptile on the planet was here and standing in front of a large tank was the leading science in all things reptilians.

 

Doctor Curt Connors.

 

“Ahh it’s him!” Mia said, starry eyed. Xander and Jackson swore her voice went up an octave.

 

“Mr-I mean Dr. Connor.” Hanna raised her hand, herself a bit starstruck as well. “If you won’t mind after you give us this tour can I have an interview with you. It’s for the student news. Please. Also, do you mind recording on the tour?”

 

“Well, I think we should go off and get our own thing going. Let the girls have their fun.” Xander said heading for a different room of the building.

“Aren’t we supposed to stay with the group?” Jackson said 

 

“I mean we should be I don’t even see Jade.”

 

“I hope she isn’t absent, she’s gonna miss out.” The sea green eyed boy said with a hint of sympathy.

 

The two subtly broke away from the group to check out another part of the laboratory independently.

 

 

 

       “Hey, I think we should check this part out.” Jackson made his way over to the spider exhibit.

 

“And here I thought you weren’t as dumb as I thought.”

 

You still don’t have that crippling phobia of spiders do you?”

 

“And what if I do?” Xander crossed his arms in protest.

 

“I dare you to touch one of them.”

 

“You have officially lost your mind. Besides, don’t you see the big ass do not enter sign?”

 

“…..ya. But it’s just a sign, it can’t stop us.” he tried to sound tougher than he actually felt. 

 

“That is literally all it does!”

 

“Cmon, where’s your teenage rebellion spirit.”

 

“My father won’t like that I screwed up one of his investments.” Xander said nervously

“Osborn already forgot about that; he’s got a million lined up.”

 

“You're right nerds. Daddy won’t be proud of you ruining his business. 

 

Lucky for you I’m here to help.” Just the sound alone made him want to gag. Mixed in with terrified of what's gonna happen.

 

Both boys turned around to see Flash standing right behind them. Arms crossed cocky and proud. A few of his brain dead friends  standing by his side.

 

“Best it flash. Don’t you have work to do!” Xander tried to sound tough. It didn’t work.

 

“In fact, yes.” He swiftly answered. Grabbing the two boys by the back of their necks and dragging them to the front of the spider door. Slowly cracking the frame open.

 

“NO, NO, DAMNIT FLASH!” Xander tried to pry flashes grip from his neck but he wasn’t able to generate enough force.

 

Jackson tried to use his longer arms to maybe slap Flash across the face but even that failed.

 

When the door cracked open the cold stale air bled through into the hallway and, with a smug smile and a look of satisfaction Flash tossed them in there like they were just sacks of potatoes. Chuckling the entire time.

 

“Don’t be too long in there! Can’t have you skipping class nerds! Hahahahaha!”

 

He then walked away leaving them in the exhibit. 

 

The two boys frantically kept trying to open the door but it was locked.

 

Jackson pounded it, letting out one more hiss. “Who locks a door from the outside?” He shouted in frustration.

 

“We are trapped! We are trapped in a room full of spiders!” Xander panicked

 

“STOP PANICKING DAMNIT!”

 

“YOUR PANICKING DAMNIT.”

 

“Alright shut up, just. Come on, we’re both smart.” He closed his eyes and tried to think of some sort of answer. “Maybe there’s some sort of key here.”

 

“Where is there a key in a spider infested room?” Xander looked around trying to look for a way out.

 

Both boys started to explore this  back closet of Satan.  

 

The cool AC air running down their necks, the light tapping of glass as every 8 eye arachnid came to look upon them.

 

“They can’t even see that well! Stop looking at me!” Xander tried to keep his heart from beating out his chest.

 

Jackson on the other hand sort of dropped his worry. Seeming to be oddly memorized by them all. 

 

Coming up to one of the glass panels, he placed his palm on the glass, and 40 spiders followed. Outline the shape of his hand. Jack liked it, but wasn’t sure why.

 

“Jackson get your hand off the glass! What if we are caught? They will find our fingerprints. They will know we were here.” Xander exclaimed

 

“…… huh. 

 

Oh ya. Ya let’s just keep looking.”

After around a minute both boys found what they were looking for. The key to the locked door stood on the top shelf in the back of Cornor.

 

“Who designed this room? Why is the key  up there!” Xander groaned.

 

“Shut up and get on my shoulders. Just try and grab the thing.” Jackson got to his knees. 

 

“You think you can hold me?”

 

“No, but do we have a choice?”

 

Xander got on his friend’s shoulders and they started to reach for the key.

 

Now to say they did this in an elegant manner would have been a terrible lie.

 

It was wobbly and looked more like a failed circus act. Somehow Xander managed to finally grab the thing. But not before he felt something brush against his hand. 

 

Convinced that judgment was today, he reeled back so hard he caused Jackson and himself to fall straight on their back.

 

They wobbled and then crashed into one of the many cages.

 

They crashed into one of the towers of cages. Glass shattered and hit the floor. 

 

Sprinting back up to their feet like their skin was on fire. Xander tried to unlock the door.

 

He turned around and saw maybe around two dozen spiders now roaming free on the floor.

 

With more adrenaline in his veins than ever before. He shoved Xander out of the way and slammed the key into the keyhole.

 

The door clicked open.

 

The two boys ran back towards where the group of students were, just trying to get away from that room.

 

 

       Making it back to the main room. Connor was in the middle of a lecture talking about Alligator teeth.

 

Xander just went over to the left side of the hall and started writing something down. 

 

Mia and Hana were both up at the front of the crowd. So Jack just decided to stick back and watch.

 

‘You know, it is close to  Uncle Ben and Aunt Sally’s reunion. I wonder if they would do something fancy or just a day in the park?’

 

“So let me get this straight, the difference between the teeth of an alligator and crocodile is the arrangement giving the alligator a much of an overbite look to them. What effect and advantage does it have for them in the wild?”

 

They continued to watch as he answered her question and continued on with another lecture about their predatory practices.

 

Jackson thought he felt something crawl up him. He tried to wave it away and went back to watching the doctor’s lecture.

 

Mia came up next and started listing her own set of questions. He swore she didn’t stop breathing for at least 3 minutes but the doctor answered each one of them with a smile.

 

That same itching sense came back traveling up his left arm. Again the teenager just swatted it away but this time it didn’t leave. 

 

Then a sudden pitch and terrible itch shocked Jackson, instinctively he swatted his arm. Lifting his hand up. There laid dead was the sole body of a colorful spider corps. 

 

Its bright red and blue exoskeleton shined in the dim fluorescent light.

 

His face contorted going from shock then horror and guilt and panic. Biting the side of his lip as he stared at it from out of his peripheral vision trying hardest to focus back on his friend’s interview.

 

He swiped the dead arachnid to the ground and grinded it into the floor.

 

Then he just went next to his friend and tried to find something to take his mind off.

 

“Alright that should be about it, I thought I had you best on the chameleon, you got to give me props on that.” Mia said.

 

“Ah you were a close sweetheart, but I’m the scientist here now why don’t you–Oh you must be Parker.” Doctor Connors saw Jackson make his way to the front. Trying to suppress his nerves. “Your friend here spoke highly of you.”

 

“Oh, hello Doctor Connors. Ya that’s me and I hope she didn’t raise the bar too high, hehe.” Jack nervously rubbed the back of his neck.

 

“Just enough.” Mia said with a smile.

 

“You have a question for Dr. Connors here? Don’t be shy now tiger.” Hana encouraged

 

“Oh. Han, haha didn’t see you there,” He turned his head and nervously chuckled.

 

“You alright?” Her outwardly reporter persona faulted slightly as she let a sympathetic frown place itself on her face. Hitting pause on her phone and signaling the student holding her camera from another part of the crowd to stop rolling. “You look nervous. Did something happen?” Hana placed the back of her hand across his forehead.

 

“Oh–ugh…No it’s nothing! Flash just gave me a bit of trouble.”

 

“Are you sure? I’m not trying to defend him but Flash was one of the recent people who asked dr. Connors how much the bear could kill while we were in the mammal area. Grant it was a bit morbid; it did lead to a lecture on the difference on the difference on what type he was talking about.”

 

“You trying to be smart is so repulsive I’m ashamed anyone believes it.”

 

“Oh you hurt me Parker. I thought we were friends.” Flash faked hurt.

 

‘Should lock you in that damn room.’ The pain in Jackson’s hand shot up his systems.

 

“Right, right flash. I mean ugh– sorry. I saw Osborn and didn’t want to get in trouble.” He laughed nervously again.

 

“You saw dad?” Xander raises his brow at the excuse.

 

“Oh no not pops. I mean uhh–Hi Doctor Connors I’m Jackson Parker. I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a minute.” He went to shake the doctor's hand, only to realize that he went for the wrong arm remember that he only had one.

 

Jackson pulls back feeling even more embarrassed.

 

Hana glances from Dr. Connors to her boyfriend a couple of times. She knew she really wanted to ask more and have a big one-on-one interview with him at the end but she had a feeling her boyfriend needed her more. 

 

Hana let out a small defeated sigh. “Sorry big interview.” She said under her breath.

 

She then focused on her boyfriend and smiled. Hana then started to usher him back towards the lobby. “Cmon, how about we get you some ice cream and I can show you the mammal exhibit. I know how you like horses and those coyotes, though I prefer wolves.” She chuckled

 

“Thanks, sorry guys. Just, don’t feel too hot all of a sudden. Thanks doctor.”

 

“No problem,” the doctor politely smiled. “Is he usually like that? He seems rather pale?”

 

Pale? I don’t think so?” Xander shrugged

 

“That shrimp is always pale.” 

 

“Shut up, nobody asked you!” Mia shouted at the bully

 

 

 

       Soon after the tour wrapped up everyone walked back out to the front of the building where the school buses were.

“Hey, sorry guys. I-I think I’m gonna walk home. Think it would be good to stretch my legs.”

 

“I don’t think that’s allowed,” Xander argued. 

 

“But school is super far for a walk.” Mia said confused

 

“I insist. I just needed to clear my head.” Jackson said 

 

“I still don’t think this is a good idea.” 

 

Hana walked away from her mother after they said their goodbyes, hearing this she had a concerned expression. “Jackie, at least take my metrocard.” She gave it to him.”I don’t think this is a good idea but at least you will have a means to get around easier.”

 

“Thanks Han. You’re the best. Churros on me, I’ll make it up to ya.” And then he just started walking.

 

Walking down the main road, his head started to beat and a small bead of sweat was making its way down his forehead. But he was still able to walk.

 

After an hour and several subway stops later he finally made it to his apartment door.

 

“Jackson, you are home already?” His aunt said with slight confusion “Has it been six hours already? Did schools change their hours since I was there?”

 

“Oh hi Aunt Sally. No it’s fine,” he curtly greatly. “Hey I’m sorry to be rude but. Is dinner ready?” The teenager asked, “I’m super hungry.”

 

“Not for a while but I can get a snack ready for you in the meantime.” Sally suggested

 

“You’re the best. Hey unc.” Jackson waved as he made it over to the couch and started snoozing before even hitting the couch. 

 

“20 bucks he’s been chasing girls around.” Uncle Ben chuckled.

 

“Make it 40 bucks old man.” Sally said with a devilish grin in her wrinkled eyes 

 

“You’re on to talk Sally, I think I have a better hip than you.”

 

“By just a little. But I have the better back.”

 

 

       When Jack woke up it was the black of night. A plate of food was sitting on the coffee table in front of him with two glasses of juice.

 

Looking around he saw the clock strike 2:00 AM. He also saw that uncle Ben was asleep in his chair, with his aunt assumedly down the hall.  

 

Now it had been almost 10 years since they had gotten into a fight so Jack assumed his Uncle has decided to stay with him.

 

“Thanks Uncle Ben. But let’s get you to bed.” Jackson came over and without any effort picked up his uncle and carried him to his room. Softly placing him on his bed next to Aunt Sally. 

 

It wasn’t until he returned back that he then realized just what he did.

 

“He’s at least 200 pounds, how did I?” Jack looked at his hands not sure how he was able to pick up a full grown man.

 

He also didn’t have much time as the headache came right back and the only urge he had was to eat.

 

He tore into the plate, almost biting into the glass itself. 

 

He chugged the drinks before he could even taste them. He wanted more. Looking inside the fridge, the first thing that caught his eye was a leftover meatloaf. 

 

He didn’t even bother to warm it up, he just devoured it. After taking half the fridge with him. Parker's hunger seemed to go away and funny enough his headache also.

 

He went into his room.  He didn’t know how much he ate before he passed out, but enough to feel satisfied for the night.

Chapter 2: Chapter 2) Strange phenomenons

Summary:

Jackson feels the repercussion of the spider from Connors's lab

        A few days went by and that strange dizzy feeling didn’t go away. 

 

A part of Jackson was considering seeing a doctor, ignoring the coast that might rack up and he didn’t want to put his aunt and uncle on unneeded medical debt. Besides he didn’t know if that would be a good idea and dilute his possibles of getting into the internship of his dreams because he made a foolish teenage mistake. Instead he decided to try and keep it all secret for the meantime.

 

Mia, Xander, and Jade all decided to start the summer off with a bang. 

 

Jackson was making his way to Central Park. It was the start of June and despite that he had on a large black hoodie shivering as if it were El Niño winds passing through NYC.

 

“Um, are ya’ll ok?” Jade asked, plain confusion painted on her face as if she was silently asking why he was wearing a hoodie in 90 degree weather. “Not to be rude but don’t you think you should change?”

“Hey Jade. I didn’t see you on the field trip.” Jackson just ignored the question. He knew it was odd but he wasn’t gonna share what caused it.”what had you so busy?”

 

“Yea, I was just busy, I kinda forgot.” She sheepishly said “something came up at home and I couldn’t make it to school at all.”

 

“That’s what we figured,” Xander nodded in agreement.

 

“At least I got what I had of the tour done and edited before school closed for the summer and in for three last editions of the papers that I hoped you guys read.” Hana said, “That Dr. Connors article was a bit of a last minute entry but I do hope it wasn’t too rushed.”

 

“Not at all.” Mia said 

 

Jackson tried to find a direct line of sunlight in the park. “Jesus Christ winter is already back.”

“Jackie dear, it’s summer.” Hana said, turning back towards her boyfriend. She put her hand up to his forehead, “are you feeling ok? Are you running a fever? Oh I shouldn’t have let you go back alone, that was totally stupid of me.”

 

“Ya, I sold your card and bought me this new hoodie.”

 

Hana lightly slapped him across the back of the head. “Serious moron.”

 

“I don’t know, maybe I’m getting sick?” He waved off almost too quickly, “What do you guys have planned?”

 

“Well, we’re just waiting for you and Jade to get here then after that Xan said there’s this big summer festival that always comes through the park around this time.”

 

“Oh, that art exhibit. He’s been talking about that for months. I’m sure it will be-“ In mid sentence Jackson hacked and coughed violently. Choking on the air, head pounding.

 

“Ah, my time has come.” He grabbed his chest. “Remember me.” He softly fell to the ground and played dead.

“Let’s bury him on top of his apartment then.” Hana suggests, “get a little planter and put him in.”

 

“Like our skinny butts would even manage to get him up there.” Mia said. Still contemplating her idea.

 

“I’m not that skinny!” Xander protested.

 

“I’m strong, “she argued “Jade and I go to the gym on the weekends. Besides I bet you are secretly strong with that herb garden that you tend to have on the side.” Hana points out

 

“How did you know about my balcony garden?” Mia exclaimed 

 

“Jack has a terrible track record of secrets.”

Jackson tried more than ever to play dead.

 

“That’s it, bury him in the school's backyard. Where all the smokers hang out.” Mia grabbed his wrist.

 

“And that’s where you cross the line.” Jackson whipped his arm back but like when he lifted his uncle up, he didn’t realize how much power he put into the movement.

 

He pulled Mia off her feet and flat onto him.

 

The two butting heads.

 

Jade leaned over and muttered “Awkward,” trying to break the strange silence.

“Ah great and that’s when you decide to show your face.” Jack rubbed his forehead. Helping Mia and himself to their feet. “Is that a new bag?” Jackson asked, seeing a new purse at her hip.

 

“I like it, but it looks expensive.” Xander added

 

“Yea it’s Louis Vuitton. Ethan got it for me.” She smiles

 

“That’s a name I haven’t heard in a while. How’s he doing?” Xander took his backpack off and started handing everyone wrapped sandwiches.

 

Jackson’s stomach started to sound like a siren. He yanked it out of Xander’s hand so fast that Xander didn’t even see him move.

“Uhhh, did you skip breakfast big guy?”

 

“Y-ya. Sorry. Anyway, Ethan.” Jackson just tried to get the attention off him.

 

“He’s doing fine,” she softly smiled. “…for the most part.” Jade’s kaleidoscope eyes shimmered with concern despite her cheerful expression.

 

“I know you said he got a health scare, or his dad did. Is that getting better?” Han asked.

 

“Oh yes. He finally got enough money.” Jade tried to hide the cheshire grin. “Finally got him the meds he needed.”

“And he bought you a purse as well?” Jackson asked

 

“He had a little extra and decided to treat me. Unfortunately now I need to figure out how to repay the favor.”

 

“Maybe you can make him dinner?” Mia said “give him a big party and celebrate.”

 

“Take him out and treat him.” Hana suggests

“He had a little extra and decided to treat me. Unfortunately now I need to figure out how to repay the favor.”

 

“Maybe you can make him dinner?” Mia said “give him a big party and celebrate.”

 

“Take him out and treat him.” Hana suggests

 

“Well now that everyone’s here I think we should get going. The seats are only gonna get more cramped.” Xander started walking further into the park.

 

Everyone soon followed. Jackson was tailing them as they listened to his girlfriend rattle off more info about the interview she just had.

 

He tried to listen to her, he really did, but the skull splitting headache came back. It also seemed to travel farther into his body. His legs and arms felt they were on fire and his vision started to get fuzzy. Also the feeling of little needles poking into each one of his fingers and toes.

It got so bad he had to sit down.

 

“So I sent that video to Eddie and he said it was awesome. He said Connors was somebody that he didn’t get to interview so I feel extra proud because of that.”

 

“That’s awesome.” Mia said 

 

Oh, Mia,” hands her a small flash drive. 

 

“Thanks a lot.” In return her green eyed friend gave her some money in return. 

 

“What did you give her?” Jade asked

 

“A reel full of the several questions she asked Dr. Connors. She wanted a personal file for herself.” Hana said, “but yea, I feel super excited but wished I had a bit more to that interview at the same time.”

 

“I just wanted to document my time on the last day of school.”

 

“Right.” Xander crossed his arms over his chest and gave her a knowing look.

 

“I hope it will give his research center some more attention, because I think it deserves it.”

 

“So Jade, what was keeping you busy during the animal exhibit?” Jack was getting back to his feet.

 

“Ethan had a family emergency. I wanted to be with him while he was working through it.” Jade said, “I thought since it was the end of the year it wouldn’t matter that much. Shame that I missed out on Dr. Connors though.”

“You should have seen it. At the end Jacky was a mess. He tried shaking Connor’s missing hand.” Mia started to laugh.

 

“Oh ha, ha, Stacy. It was sooooo funny! God I’m freezing over here.”

“Starstruck could happen to anyone.” Hana simply said, “I mean have you looked in a mirror? You were read as a cherry blossom.”

 

‘Was the bite that quick? Is it ever going to get better? I can’t let this get the better of me. Maybe there’s some plus sides…. Like how you picked up uncle. You couldn’t do that before.’

 

He tried to look on the brighter side trying not to focus on how abnormal cold he felt or how his blood felt like it was turning to ice.

 

The last thing was that Jackson wanted to ruin the fun for the rest of his friends.

“So Xan. What’s this,” Jackson let out a rough cough, grabbing a water bottle and draining it  in seconds. “Um, what era of art is this place goanna show?”

 

“I’m not a hundred percent sure. I just know it’s gonna be big. Plus with that one art thief going around I heard this show could break records?”

 

“Break records, how?” Mia asked

 

“Well, with talk of this art thief going around,

 

“Thief?” Jade raised a brow. “What thief?”

 

“There’s been stories of rich millionaires getting robbed in their homes. Some have claimed that hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of goods were just taken. 

Others are asking if they are real, are they fake. What is this person's motive? Is it nothing  but a big rumor made by the rich to just get more attention. Drama attracts people. So, records should be broken.”

“I’d love to be the person to break that story and be the first to shove it in Jameson's face.” Hana said with eagerness in her voice.

 

“Oh you're still working with that clown?” Jackson almost gagged at the name.

 

“I mean I also have Brock to help me out here and there too, but he says that I could always use the extra experience and there is no rush. So it looks like the bugle is the best thing until I can find a better outlet to work for.” She says with a huff at the end and an impatient pout rested on her face.

 

Her purple eyes then lighten up at the next thought that comes to mind. “Someday I will get something bigger than a second rate news outlet I tell you.”

 

“Maybe convince him that fairies exist. Telling you prime crocker material” Jackson chuckled.

 

Hana joins in on the laughter as well. “I’ll see if there’s any secret cave underneath the building next time I am there. I just might get back to you on that one.”

 

“You both worked at the Bugle?” Jade asked.

 

“It’s where we first met, needed some extra– ACHOO!” Jackson sneezed hard enough to make the trees shake.

 

“Ah, Johna had hankering to the bay to catch mutant fish,” Hana finished Jackson’s thought.

I hope you brought some tissues. You might crack a vase with that sneeze,” Mia joked.

 

“It’s one of my superpowers. Along with science. I’m the best in the business with that.”

 

“Yes yes Jacky you’re so smart.” Xander and Mia start teasing him.

 

“I like it, it would make Uncle Ben proud.” Hana chirped

She ruffled his hair and gave him a small peck on the side of his cheek.

 

“Thanks Han.” 

 

Xander mimicked a gag before turning into a laugh. Jade was off snapping a picture with Hana’s camera. Mia just stood and watched, not really showing much emotion.

“Alright you two. Let’s get going.” Xander waved them on.

 

They continue to walk across the park. 

 

When they got to the outdoor art gallery they saw tons of people already walking around and many more in NYPD uniforms on standby.

 

“Well. Guess we really do have a thief. I bet she has good taste.” Jade said.

 

“How do you know they are a she?” Hana says, “they could be  he we don’t know.”

 

“Because only a girl could get away with something like this, boys are clumsy.”

 

“Rude.” Both the boys said together.

Well can you prove my statement wrong?” Jade put her hands on her hips and sassed back.

 

“Shut up and let’s just get in.” Xander and Mia were already making their way inside.

 

 

 

        Inside the expo grounds they got a better look at all the different pieces of art that were on display for the day. Some looked more modern and others looked like they were crafted with historical inspiration.

 

“Oh nice. Didn’t think they had swords here.” Jack went up and examined an Ancient Greek dagger.

 

Xander’s eyes lighten up like a kid in Christmas morning. Bouncing from the abstract piece of art nobody had a clue about, to the model of the Eiffel Tower.

 

His eyes were glued to a clay statue that was underneath another tent with a couple fans in the corner trying to keep the air regulated for the event.

 

“I think we lost him to his own fantasy land.  I’m going to go look at the Dinosaur, meet back here in an hour.” Mia said before heading deeper into the tent.

Jackson was a little nervous to be alone, seeing that Hana and Jade were also gone at this point.

 

His mind ran back to that moment in the closet, when he and Xander went tumbling down. How the arachnid had climbed into his shirt with out him noticing.

 

Looking at his left side, he saw two little black dots on the back of his hand, and, were his hands getting hairier?

He tried to get a better look at his arm and saw little hairs growing. Jackson was confused because he swore his hairs were pale and rarely noticeable; even so, he thought  they looked slightly different from human hairs. As if they had little barbs at the ends of them; Feelers.

 

Focusing on the tip of his fingers, he saw little hairs growing, sticking out of his fingertips like little hooks.

 

It didn’t hurt, closer to like scratching an itch, but on every finger tips and toe. 

 

He wasn’t a doctor when it came to anatomy but he knew enough to know that wasn’t supposed to happen.

 

‘That damn spider! It’s changing me.’

 

He felt panic course through him. Pulling the sleeve back down to hide his new revelation, dreading what his friends might think if they were to find out.

 

Though when he grabbed his shirt, he couldn’t let go. Even with open palms, it was like they were velcroed  together. He felt the lines of fabric slink under the hairs, like fish hooks that won’t let go.

 

‘Come on come on, not here of all places!’

 

Tugging and trying to free his arm, he ended up ripping the sleeve clean off, the fabric stuck to his hand. ‘DAMNIT!’ 

 

Balling it into a ball, he tried to rip it from his grip again. It started to tear again, strands of fabric stuck to his fingers as he threw the wad of clothing into the trash. 

 

Confused, frustrated, and concerned. He started to slowly walk backwards making sure that he didn’t bump into anything. 

 

People walked past him and Parker was terrified that just barely scratching them and they would be nearly welded together. Not being able to free either himself or whoever was unlucky enough to be stuck with him. 

 

Making his way to the back door, he tried opening the door with his elbows, but as he tried to shimmy the door open, he heard a small sound over his head. Like something knocking loose and tumbling his way. 

 

Looking up he saw a few PC pipes above the door holding the tent up, but with his constant vibration and motion he knocked them free, and now heading straight for him.

 

He instinctively caught both of them. And his heart sank as he realized what he did. 

 

He was able to open his palm but the pipes stuck to his palm like a fly trap. He could feel the tiny hooks in his hand bury and in bed themself in the plastic. Like fish hooks that would never let go. 

 

Now this was a problem. This wasn’t something that he could just walk away from. 

 

Thankfully everyone was focused on Xander teaching about some Roman pantheon, Jackson was tempted to just hightailed it out of there. But that ran the risk of this happening with a bigger crowd. Somewhere in the open public. He needed to fix this now. 

 

So, he slammed both the pipes together, and they shattered like glass. Parker was amazed that he had the power to do this, but it reminded him of when he picked up his uncle.

 

‘Maybe there is some good in this? Just a whole lot of bad also,’ kicking the shards of pipe under a rug, he balled his hands into fist, refusing to let go until he was in a safe location. Somewhere alone, then he could start testing. He was changing, he needed to know how to control it.

‘Alright, from this moment. No touching anything. That’s the rules Parker!!’

The rest of the show was actually quite nice. Parker’s body temperature started to rise back to normal so he could ditch the hoodie.

 

His headache was still there but at least it wasn’t skull splitting. Even his stomach calmed down.

 

He tailed the group as Xander started to explain the origins of a scientific Japanese painting.

 

He saw that his friend was gaining a small crowd with his little explanation.

 

“Who knew the egghead could be popular?” Hana whispered to Jade as the two also saw the growing crowd around them.

 

“You should see him when he starts talking near the exams. Then all of a sudden everyone wants to be friends with the smart kids.”Jade says with a snicker “He should start charging people just to sit near him, and it worked.”

 

“If somebody tries to cheat me for their English work they will get a black eye.” Hana huffed “I’d rather see them cry because Mr Olson failed them for using chat GPT than my work.”

 

Xander finished explaining the last painting in the room. Doing a better job than the people literally paid to do this. Also snagging Hana’s camera and snagging more photos.

 

“Alright; I’m satisfied. I’m ready to head out.” Mia said.

 

“Who’s gonna tell him about it?” Jade shrugged her shoulder toward the talking head.

 

 

 

        After dragging Xander out like a crazed schizophrenic, the day went on quite normally.

Jackson and Mia started heading towards their apartment building. Hana called her mom to pick her up, Jade went back to her home and Xander got picked up by his dad.

 

“I’m just saying, did he have to get picked up in a damn helicopter? Like really, don’t think that’s a little show offy.”  Jack said.

 

“That did seem a little excessive.” Mia nodded in agreement. “That makes me think of ’what if I’m rich?’ What would I ever do?”

 

“You think he’s gonna take over when Norman leaves? I know Xan wants nothing to do with it, but that’s a lot of money to just not use any of it.”

 

“I hope he is kind and at least gives us some–at least enough to not go into student debt.” Mia says

 

“Yes, because only we have to deal with ‘real people’ problems.” Jackson said with a bit of humor in his voice.

 

“Yea.”

 

When Jackson and Mia made it back to their apartment, both of them only really had one question left on their mind.  “Whoever this thief is, they sure must be good. Needing this level of security just for a park show.” Jackson said.

 

“I’m still not sure if they even existed. Rich people do stupid things all the time just to get attention.” Mia said.

 

“You think your father is going to be on the case or another cop?”

 

“I am just wondering how long they have been evading the NYPD now. I haven’t heard anything about this suspect until now.” Mia says 

 

“You didn’t hear chief Stacy talking about this?”

 

“Rarely.”

 

“Is he still a mind nut to Jonah? Haha.”

 

Mia then jabbed him in the arm.

 

“I’ll take that as a yes,” His lips crawl into a small smirk. “We both know that his news is garbage. The only good thing probably is Hana’s lifestyle column.”

 

“How long has he been in the force anyway? I remember him saying a lot that he wants to ‘clean the system’.Whatever that means.”

 

“He wants to get rid of the corruption.” Mia says

 

“How bad is it?”

 

“I’m not sure, he never tells me. I just know that it’s bad.”

 

“It’s New York. Everything is a bit crazy.” Jackson assured

 

“Maybe, but you know how my dad can get it. He can be a bit overbearing sometimes and this is when he isn’t in his cop mode.”

 

“I keep telling you. People from Connecticut are crazy.”

 

Mia chuckles, “you’re just jealous you can’t get into Harvard.”

 

“Shall I bring up our science grade sweetheart. If I remember right it was-” Mia just placed her hand over his mouth and headed inside. “Oh what was that Jacky, I can’t hear you. Something must have caught your tongue.” Chuckling as she shut the door. 

 

A few seconds later a small note slid under the door.  I’m still your favorite nerd

 

Jackson chuckled before writing a return note in the back. I tolerate you

 

“RUDE!” He could hear her through the door.

 

 

        Making his way to his own apartments, walking into the living room and saw his aunt and uncle sitting on the couch together.

 

“I’m back.”

 

“Oh Jackson, how was your day?” His aunt asked in her chirpy tone, “did you have fun?”

 

“Ya it was really cool. Xan went into his savant mode when they started to mention Rome. It was cool. Lots of security though.”

 

“You didn’t get in trouble?” Uncle Ben playfully asked. 

“No, the security wasn’t for me, it was for the art show me and my friends went to.”

“Oh I’ve heard a little about that. Turns out there’s some art thief on the island. Whoever they are, they're good. Been at large for a little over a year, never leaving any  clues.” Uncle Ben folded his paper and went to the kitchen table.

“Enough about that, how was your day champ.” Uncle Ben starts lightly tossing Jackson around. Finally got him in a head lock and started to play wrestling.

“Benjamin, you'll throw out your back again losing to young Jackson.“ sally chucked 

“Who says I’m going to lose?”

“You are well past retirement age. Your wrestling days are 40 years ago.”

“Well, guess I need to prove you all,”

“Ahhh!” Even though old it still was like a vice grip. But just like when he picked him off the couch, Jack found this unusual level of strength. 

Prying his neck free and tackling his uncle. His feet lifted off the ground, Parker held him on his shoulder like a trophy.

“Ah kido, when did you get so strong?”  Uncle Ben said with some surprise in his voice.

Jackson was a little out of breath and he hadn’t even realized what he had done. “Oh, oh uncle ben.” Jack set him back down. “Uncle Ben, I'm sorry. I, I didn’t mean to,”

“Are you kidding me kiddo? That was the best thing I’ve seen you done in ages. Ahahaha!” His uncle ruffled his hair and gave his nephew a big smile. “Darling, our little boy’s become a man!”

Sally put her hand over her hips and laughed. “I guess we shall celebrate.”

“Time for his first beer.”

“HE'S STILL A BABY!!”

“Fine.” Uncle Ben  just fell into laughing again.

The boys sat back down and Sally went into the kitchen to start preparing dinner for everyone. As the three continued to converse about the day. Uncle Ben then turned on the television.

“So, who you got winning tonight. Bills or Bengals?” Aunt Sally tried making conversation.

“Bills have been kicking everyone this season. Less Bengals Defense tries to actually show up this is going to be a slaughter.” Uncle Ben leaned his head back.

“I- I don’t know much about sports.” Jackson answered.

“It’s fine, I’ll teach ya everything,”

“BREAKING NEWS!”

Uncle Ben turned the Chanel and almost immediately a big headline grabbed the family’s attention.

 

BREAKING NEWS: THE ART THIEF STRIKES AGAIN

The bottom scroll said

“Yes you heard it right the mysterious art thief is at it again. I am at the scene of the crime, where it wasn’t even 24 hours into the Central Park Art Expo before the thief decided to strike.”

 

“Guess all that security didn’t mean much after all.” 

Almost immediately Jackson got a text. He looked down at the ID and saw it was from the friend group.

 

Xander

You guys reading the news?

 

Hana

Just saw it myself, how the art shop got hit

 

“Only few were present at the time of the incident and those who were stated that nobody got injured or killed during the attack.

Furthermore the cops corroborated the information they acquired from the security Cameras and eyewitnesses can come to a soft conclusion about the possible thief.

Until further evidence about the masked thief, be careful and watch out because you might be next.”

 

Xander

Dad’s gonna be mad

Jackson 

Why?

Xander

Take a look at who the victims are.

 

Jackson looked at the Tv and saw who the news reporter was interviewing. It looked like some fancy rich guy who was saying how that piece was his once and a lifetime and would get him out of debt and now he can’t go see his sick grandma because it’s stolen.

 

Hana

He’s full of crap.

 

Jade

Hundred percent. 

Rich people always try to sound like the victims. 

He’s fine.

 

Mia

I feel sorry for the sap he paid to actually create the piece of art.

He deserves the real credit

 

 

“And here is the other victim of tonight’s petty accident-”

The reporter then went to interview another rich client that said this piece was his prized possession. Worth around 200 Million Dollars. Jackson had to admit hearing that big of a number made him root for the thief.

 

Jade

200 fucking million!! 

 

Hana

Jade!!

 

Jade

I know, I know

Seeing how some people have everything while others have nothing. 

It makes me sick!

 

Hana

My mom can buy a whole ass penthouse with that kind of money! Even have some left over 

 

Jackson

200 Million you could buy the damn moon!

 

Mia

Why is Osborn not gonna like this?

It wasn’t like he was robbed

 

Xander

No, but the people that were

They worked for my father. The art was gonna be used to get more attention for his new cybernetic plan. 

But with them gone, and who knows where, means some business was lost.

 

Mia

Ok what does your dad even do? 

Sounds like he does a bit of everything.

Even doctor Connors mentioned him.

 

Xander 

He’s really big on medicine and cybernetics. 

And Ya Conors sort of works for him since he uses animal anatomy to aid in his retention research. 

Ya he has his hands sort of everywhere. But he’s not a bad guy.

 

Hana

He’s very liked 

He’s fine with me.

Nothing bad so far

 

Jade

He’s one of the few rich people I can actually say I tolerate

 

Xander 

Wow, thanks Jade

It makes me feel warm inside.

 

Hana

Can we take Xander’s sarcasm somewhere else?? 

More importantly can we get back on topic?

 

Jackson

Why? 

It's not like any of us did it or we have the power that we can fix anything. 

What’s the hurry to get back to anything?

 

Hana

If we corner this thief then I can get a big story 

Think about it

It will be a story of a lifetime😄

 

“Jacky, Tell your friends you’re busy. Dinner is ready in a few minutes.“ Uncle Ben shut the TV off. 

Jackson

Gtg dinner is ready

I’m having calzone tonight

 

Xander

Bye

 

Jade

Ttyl

 

Mia

Cya

 

Hana

Tell aunt Sally and uncle Ben I said hi💜

Chapter 3

Summary:

Jackson figures out more about the strange spider bite effects

       A couple days passed and Jackson rarely went out of his room. Aunt Sally and uncle Ben started to worry, periodically knocking on his door and asking how he was doing. Often he would respond with a curt yes. 

 

He heard his phone buzz almost every second with text from his friend.  Jackson frowned at the thought he had to ditch them and missed out on the good times but he knew he couldn’t do anything until he figured out whatever was happening to him. 

 

Jackson was playing with a microscope his uncle gave him for one of his past birthdays and trying to examine the strange hairs on him.

 

‘I remember when he got this for me. I was in the 8th grade science fair. God, even the name sounds nerdy. ’ Jackson smiled at the found memory. Hearing stories from all his uncle knew about science, specifically the field of biology. It’s what actually led Jack to his own intestines in nature. 

 

Looking over he saw a painting he made years ago. With Jack “healing the world” It’s why he took science so seriously. Both his own and his Uncles worlds built around it.

He smiled again before grabbing a pair of twisters. Placing his finger under the bright light and grabbing one of the hairs, he tried to rip it out of his thumb but it felt like it bolted into him. 

 

No matter how hard he tried it wasn’t leaving his skin.

 

‘Oh this might hurt a bit.’ He started to pull harder to try and retrieve the tiny hair.

 

It felt like skin rubbing shared barbed wire, feeling his skin slice open as the fiber started to leave his thumb. 

 

After a decent amount of pain and some blood dripping, Parker got the hair free and instantly he saw it be replaced with another one.

 

It didn’t matter though, he had hair for his study. It took a minute to place the hair down, the twisters stuck to his finger and somehow the glass panel also, but Jackson did learn how to somewhat control the hair. He closed his eyes, focused on his breathing, slowly he felt all the hairs on his fingers and toes crawl back inside. 

 

It didn’t hurt having them retreat, oddly enough it didn’t feel like anything. He laid it down on the pane of glass and started to examine the strange thing.

 

He saw the fibers barb out having an extremely aggressive clip point, along with several serrated  almost teeth along the tunneling. It was also ridiculously strong.

‘I know hairs are strong but this sheer strength is almost 300% stronger than normal hair.’ 

 

Parker plucked a piece of hair off his head and slipped it under the light he then grabbed another pair of twisters, stretched the hair until it snapped in half. 

 

Trying again with the finger hair it took well over three times the strength to even get it to stretch. Never getting it to snap.

 

Taking his eyes out of the microscope. Jackson then just went off and looked at his hand, almost mesmerized by it, calling the hairs to break the surface and then bury them again. 

He could even control specific fingers feeling the hairs grab into his socks, and then let go without tearing the clothing. 

 

He had an idea but was a little scared to get caught.

 

Locking his door, he then went over to his wall and just placed his hand on this wall and then the next and he just started climbing.

 

His hands stuck to the wall as he tried to rip his hand free but no matter how hard he tried he was anchored in.

 

‘Finally, this sticky shit is useful!’ 

 

He climbed up like a slider; Like the one that bit him not too long ago. 

 

His feet held in place and it wasn’t too long until he reached the ceiling. Parker was smiling like a fool but he was happy. He had control over himself. Second, the headache was gone. Starting to feel like himself, better than himself, he felt strong. Strong enough to pick up his uncle. Strong enough to hold himself to his ceiling. 

 

Then he got a little more daring. Sticking the souls of his feet on his ceiling. He then took his hands off; and he stuck. He was standing upside down despite the laws of gravity. 

 

“Ahahah, oh this is amazing!!” He took a few more steps and just started pacing around his ceiling feeling strange being upside down, but at the same time it felt natural.

He then heard somebody start knocking at his door. “Jacky. I know you want your privacy but it’s been so long since you’ve been out of your room.” Aunt Sally’s voice was trying to be assuring but had traces of worry. 

 

Jackson felt himself detach from the ceiling and suddenly fall to the ground with a deep thud following. Letting out a startled “AHHH!” and hitting the floor with a hard thud.

 

“Jackson, is everything okay?” His uncle called out.

 

“Ya, ya everything’s fine. Just, give me a few seconds.” Jack turned and saw his desk littered with all sorts of testing equipment. Mostly he had been testing his own blood. Trying to keep his aunt and Uncle from being too paranoid, he snagged the vile and threw it under his pillows.

Then he unlocked the door. He rolled back his nerves and gave a sheepish grin. “Hehe,um, sorry for the mess. Been busy.”

 

“Busy? Kid, it's summer and you’ve been cooped up in here for three days.” Uncle Ben said.

 

“I’m fine uncle Ben! Really!” Jackson cracked open the door fully, trying to calm his jitters. Seeing his aunt and uncle on the other side with mildly worried expressions on their faces.

 

“Uhh….. is there something you need? Something I can help with?”

 

“Honey, are you ok? You have been closed off for three days now.” Sally said with some concern.

 

“T-Three days?”

 

“Yes, it has been three days,” Ben slowly nodded his head.

 

“We would’ve imagined you hanging out with your friends.” Sally adds, “It’s such a nice day I don’t see why not waste it.”

 

“Oh, I wasn’t I…. I just got sick. A few days ago. Like bad sick,” The teenager tried to cover up with a fake cough. “Bad headaches, sore throat. Besides not like anyone’s been calling for me, it’s only been three,”

 

“Mia has been at our door 7 times.” Ben countered.

 

“…….. are you sure it was her?”

 

“What are you even doing in here?” Uncle Ben moved his nephew out of the doorframe, looking around the boy’s messy room he saw books and clothes littered all over. His computer was open to a website about arachnids and his microscope out and sitting on the desk.

 

“Are you making a science project or something? What is all this?” Sally asked, confused.

 

“Yea I’m working on a personal project. I didn’t want to be a big deal.” Jackson said, “that’s why I have been in my room for so long.”

 

“About bugs?” Sally asked. “And why so serious? You just had your last test two weeks ago.”

 

“Well, like Uncle Ben says, Parker power stops for nothing.”

 

“Damn, I do say that.”

 

“It’s not for school, Aunt Sally. Like I said this is something a bit more personal, just because I want to.” He simply said with a shrug. “After the field trip I want to go back and have a sorta redo with doctor Connors and really show him all I know about animals.”

 

“Try and heal the world. I’m proud of ya kid.” Uncle Ben came and sat on the bed. “Sally, I'll take it from here. I feel like cards would be a fun thing to donate to this. Can you please go and find the deck?”

 

“That sounds lovely.” She leaned in and gave him a. Quick kiss on the cheek, then ruffled Jackson’s hair before heading out.

 

“Listen son, I’m proud that you have a calling to your name. You're like me, we both are nuts for nature. That’s why I see so much of myself in you.”

 

“Thanks Ben, you don’t need to flatter me.”

 

“I’m your uncle, that’s what I do.”

 

“I doubt I deserve half the praise you and aunt Sally give me.”

 

“But you’re also just a kid, so. Go outside. Live for the day.” Ben went and closed the laptop shut. “Besides, that Mia girl. A Number of times she's come over asking me for you. I'm amazed she hasn’t busted the door down to get you.”

 

Jackson rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, “at least she isn’t the craziest person I know–I think.”

 

“Do I even want to know who the nuttiest one is?”

 

“Probably not.”

 

“Alright, head out. Dinner will be ready by nine. Don’t get in too much trouble.”

 

Jackson cleaned up the rest of his room, and grabbed his blood vile. “That was a close one. Not ready to share what happened yet.” He saw the dark red fluid move in the glass vile. 

 

He was changing, was becoming something different, he just needed to figure out what he could do with it.

 

Dinner rolled around, finally getting around and answering the barrage of unanswered text messages. 

 

The sun was starting to set, “alright. I’m hitting the hay. Goodnight.” Uncle Ben said as he made his way to his room.

 

“I’ll be there in a second, dear. Don’t stay up too late. Or, it’s summer, I don’t see why not. Love you Jacky.”

 

“Love ya to Aunt Sal.”

 

Jackson went back into his room and continued to figure out his whole strange predicament.

 

Opening the window, sticking his head out and feeling the wind blow against his hair. 

 

“Alright, do or die time. No funny business.” Sticking his hand on the brick wall he felt the hairs poke through and grab into the stones he then placed his foot on the same wall and he just started climbing. 

 

Like the spider that bit him, Jackson was slowly making his way to the top roof. ‘Don’t look down, don’t look down! Don’t look DOWN!!’ 

 

After a grueling 3 minute climb Jackson reached the roof. Hanging from nothing but his fingers and toes. He anchored himself to the wall. The top floor, he scaled that entire wall. And not once did he ever let go.

 

He saw the view from the top of his apartment building looking across his corner of Manhattan and saw the beautiful night sky and city lights that decorated it.

 

“I can see myself being a superhero. Need a clever name though. Been a strange few days. Feel like it’s only gonna get stranger.” Jackson started to move atop the apartment roof. He saw the bright lights of the city line almost make a dance floor on the rooftop. So he started to just pace around. 

 

He felt light on his toes, bouncy even. Taking a running start he jumped and started to almost float in the air. 

 

He turned and saw he just broke the highs hook record. Just like that. The next  time he jumped even further, now he was getting close to electric college distance. 25 feet—Almost 30 and he still was just dancing around.

 

Parker decided this next jump was gonna be serious. All out there. 

 

He ran, full on sprint and shoved as much force into the ground, dozens of feet he saw fly underneath him. 50, 60, 80—almost 100 feet in the air and then he jumped right off the side of the building. Soaring through the air over alleyways and small rooftops he Landed back down and saw he jumped over three buildings at least 250 ft in the air. He was beyond words. Ecstatic,  speechless. Powerful.

 

He didn’t waste any more time, turning around and sprinting towards the edge of the building. Jackson then started soaring again. Yelling and cheering as he jumped . The air brushing against his face, his feet feeling weightless. He landed on the side of a parking lot outed wall and then he just started climbing. Like a professional rock climber he made it up to the roof in seconds and then he took off for a third time.

 

Flying through the air again, Parker didn’t care when or where he landed; he closed his eyes and just waited for his feet to hit the floor. But this time it never came. This time instead of landing on a rooftop, he felt air fly through him for too long. Rapidly plummeting to the dumpsters below.

 

He tried to grab anything but all that his fingers could reach was the wind. He saw the wall and tried to reach for it but the gap was too big. Then with no indication and no idea how he did it. A string of webbing shot out of his wrist. Like a spider spinning its web. It stuck to the wall. And Jack started swinging through the air like Tarzan.

 

Parker watched as the ground started racing towards them. He held tight onto the webbing birthed from his wrist; Holding on for dear life he started swinging instead of falling. 

 

On his way down he smashed into the brick wall several times and crashed into multiple fire escapes on both sides of the alley. When he finally hit the ground, tumbling and rolling into an open dumpster. Bags of trash, broken bottles, and stuff he didn’t even want to know buried him, but he was alive. It felt like every bone in him was broken and taking every ounce of energy in his body. He crawled, pulling himself out of the rubble.

 

The webbing was still in his grip. Jack hobbled over to the wall.  ‘I need to get back home. What the hell is in me?’

 

He climbed back to his apartment building and back into his room, curling up on his bed disregarding the messy state his room was in. In his pocket was the vile of blood. 

 

He didn’t like it but he was sure he had to do it.  He had to break into the school and use their lab.

 

He didn’t sleep easy and the trip to school was quiet but the entire time he was terrified of being caught. 

 

Luckily enough Jackson remembered the code to get in from the countless times he had to break into school to grab his bag Flash had thrown in the trash. 

 

‘No more. From this moment on, Flash is mine. I’m done being his puppet he can just push around for fun.’

 

Grabbing the vial and putting it under the microscope, Jackson started to study his DNA. 

 

For the most part it was good, nothing out of the ordinary catching his eye. White blood cells move around, keeping everything in check. His red blood cell count seemed normal, it wasn’t too runny or thick.

 

Jackson was dissatisfied with what he found. So, grabbing a scalp, he slit his wrist just enough to make him bleed and that is where he found his answer.

 

Among his red blood cells were several white strings of molecules. They looked like graphite tubing. Millions of strands all flowing together. They were also weaving together with the selves, like stranded of rope but incredibly stretching.

 

Taking his eyes off the scope, he looked at the cut on his wrist. Trying to remember how he did it while he was falling, he snapped his wrist forward and saw a small opening in his skin start to open. Then the webbing came flying out. 

 

It shot across the room in an instant and stuck to the white board.

 

He tried to pull his arm back but he found that the thin thread stuck just like it did in the alleyway. By accident Jackson pulled the whiteboard down from where it was mounted before he felt the tension in the thread subside. 

 

“AH HELL!” He pulled the white board off the wall. Leaving a hole in the wall, and cracks running through the seams. 

 

‘Man, this is some strong stuff….. feel like I should also get out of here.’ Jackson snagged both blood vials and bolted.

 

He immediately bolted through the new hole in the building and started for the entrance. Making a quick stop at the security guard’s office and hoping that his time in the newsletter taught him good editing skills.

 

‘To hell with it, delete it all!’ Jackson just started deleting every file on the computer. Half tempted to just take the computer with him. 

 

When it got to where even the internet browser needed to be downloaded he called it safe and headed back to the house.

 

Again the walk to his home was quite but still tenses

 

He knew going through the front door was a no go. So, he just climbed up the wall to his window. Snuck into bed. And uncle Ben’s and Aunt Sally were  none the wiser.

 

He assumed that they must be fast asleep. Instead he gave one more look around his room and decided to clean it a bit before he put on his pajamas and went to bed after the chaotic day. 

 

Staring at the hundreds of texts from his friend group and some from them individually across the past 72 hours, he decided to finally answer them back.

 

Deciding to text a simple:

 

  Jackson

  Hey ya’ll, hope I didn’t miss anything important.

 

Xander

No Jackass. We were just setting up your funeral since you went and died on us for the last three days.

 

Jackson

Good to be missed I guess😅

Mia

Jackie what on earth were you doing?? 

I knocked on your door multiple times but Aunt Sally and Uncle Ben said you were busy and unavailable.

 

Jade

You should’ve  been with us the other day

We took Xander’s dad’s car to Coney island and all the way down to the boardwalk

Beach day!

 

Hana

More like boardwalk day

I won a giant panda!🐼

 

Jackson

Why am I not even surprised. 

Did Osborn even notice that one of his dozens of cars was even gone?

Xander

That better be sarcasm.

 

Jackson

You tell me buddy

 

Hana

We still got in trouble

 

Jade 

At least we didn’t bring it back with a scratch on it.

 

Xander

You snagged the keys from me, still have no idea how the hell you did that!

And then you started speeding down the freeway!!

 

Jade

I am sneaky🥷

 

  Jackson

Totally not putting all my locks on my door to keep you out

Jade

You can try. I know a guy who has bolt cutters.

 

Mia

Why are you scary?

 

It was nice hearing from his friends again. Jack laid the phone down on his desk and just looked again at his hands.

 

The small little hole where the webbing came from every time he flexed his wrist.

 

The increase in power, the ability to climb, and now webbing. He shot a line of webbing at his opened door and pulled. 

 

Next he tried turning on his fan with his webbing.

 

His aim needed a lot of work. As he was off by about 3 feet. 

 

“Wait, how do I get rid of this stuff?!”

Chapter 4: Chapter 4) Flash and flashbacks

Summary:

Ben gives Jackson a pep-talk

       It had been a calmer week. Jackson was experimenting more and more with the changes his body had gone through, and at the same time not totally destroying his social life. 

 

Everyone had spent the day just messing around at Oscorp since Xander had some new invention he wanted to show everyone. The day had gone by fast, and when the sun went down, that is when Jackson went back to roam freely. 

 

Currently the sun had just dipped under the horizon, and he was stuck sitting on the ceiling of an old parking garage about a mile from his home. He had put a few trip wires around the outside of his aunt's and uncle's door that if snapped, an alert  was sent to his phone that it was time to bolt it home. 

 

He found it odd, however, that this night it never came. So, he saw no reason to head home yet. In his hands was a rather large notebook, filled with doodles mostly. 

 

"I need to make something for the web shooters, something that doesn't have them just fall apart mid-flight. Almost like a slug shot from a shotgun, that could work."

 

He went through several drawings before he settled on one that he liked. Improving the design, making it more slim and streamlined.

 

Then there was the other page. This one was filled more with bullet points and ideas. Most of them were scratched out but every time Jackson looked at whose pages belonged to, his smile died and his face turned stone-like. 

 

"For too long, I have been subjected to disrespect. For too long, I have prayed that he would change, only to be ignored. Come tomorrow morning, he screams my name." Slamming the notebook shut and webbing it to the ceiling, Jack started making his way home. 

 

Climbing to the top and jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Only needing 1 minute to make the mile-long trip.  Landing just outside his window, he slowly opened the frame and made his way inside.

 

He made his way into his room and closed the window behind him. Turning around he saw his aunt and uncle standing at the entrance of it.

 

"....... Hey."

 

“Where might you have been?” Uncle Ben asked 

 

“You’ve been acting weird lately.” His aunt added

 

"Ah, weird is a broad spectrum. Feel like everyone is weird on some level."

 

"Do not try to smart-talk your way out of this, son. Answer me." Ben said more firmly and sternly.  

 

"I-uh... I— Hana needed some pictures…..of the river."

 

Tell us what you are really up to, please.” Sally pleaded

 

"... uh. Drugs!" 

 

'DUMBASS!'

 

“What?!” Both of them look at him in absolute disbelief.

 

"Oh would you look at the time, Xander has some big plans for tomorrow and I need to go to bed LOVEYOUGOODBYE!!" Jackson started to push them out the room.

 

“But-we still have some question.” Sally protested 

 

“They can wait for tomorrow, Aunt Sally. Brand new day and all.”  Jackson swiftly replied 

 

“We will need to talk about this sooner or later.” His uncle said

 

"I'll choose later!"

 

"Well too damn bad!"

 

It was always weird when Uncle Ben screamed. It took all the energy out of Jackson, and Sally just didn't have anything else left to say. "Open the damn Door now."

 

Jackson hesitantly puts his hand to the knob and opens the door back open, the two still standing there.

 

"Sally, why don't you go back to bed. Feel like it's better if only one of us is here.  Little man to man talk."

 

She gave a curt nod and a quick sympathetic stare toward her nephew before she left.

 

Jackson looked slightly nervous under his uncle’s stern gaze.

 

Jackson pulled out his chair and sat down while Ben went to sit on the bed. "I'm not mad at you son. You know that, right?"

 

Jackson only nodded 

 

"But you have been acting strange these last few weeks and you're scaring Sal."

 

“I don’t mean to scare you or aunt Sal.”

 

"So, now. Stop hiding the answer and just tell me where you went off to. 

 

Look, kid, I'm old. I've heard a lot of kids doing stupid things. I've done a lot of stupid things. You're not going to surprise me."

 

'Oh, you have no idea. You have not seen this yet.' Jack felt the hairs in his fingers slowly start to poke out. 

 

"Just tell me what you were doing."

 

"I was making plans. Plans  to get revenge on flash."

 

“Revenge isn’t the answer to everything.”

 

"But why does it sound so good?"

 

"Grab your shoes, we're going for a ride."

 

Jackson hesitantly grabs his shoes and follows his uncle out of the room as they walked down to the car.

 

"Where are we going?"

 

"Just a little quiet for a bit. Won't take long."

 

       The two got into the car as Ben started the engine and they started cruising down the streets of New York. The quiet ride was like a death sentence to Jack. Not sure where he was going or what Uncle was playing through his head. He never took his eyes off the road, never even turned on the radio. 

 

The humming of the engine and the random clicks of the indicator were the only conversation Jack could get. Finally, After around 20 minutes. Ben parked his car outside of Jack's school.

 

“Why are we here?” He asked with confusion, “It’s summer, school would be closed.”

 

"This was the same school that I graduated from.  All those years ago, and I still remember what those classroom walls look like. What the stone bricks felt like when rubbing against your hand. That stain on the bathroom ceiling." Ben started to chuckle. 

 

"That was there when you were here?!"

 

Ben chuckled, “that stain is still there? Oh the memories.”

"There goes any hope of them cleaning it up then. So..... why are we here?"

 

"You remind me of myself son."

 

“Is that a good thing ?”

 

"You tell me. I graduated senior year. Father came to pick me up, and he was already telling me about how school was over and that I needed to get into the workforce immediately. Waiting was never a part of that man's world. I told him that I was ready, but deep down there was only one thing that I cared about."

 

"And what might that be?" Jackson wondered what his uncle was talking about. He couldn't even remember the last time that Uncle Ben had even brought up his years in school.

 

"To be honest son, I was in the same boat that you were in. Had a few buddies that I spent my days with, but at the same time, there was this one guy. Jordan Green was his name. And I swear he was put here by God himself just to make my day miserable."

 

“How is he relevant to all of this?”

 

"What if I start calling him Flash instead. Now does it matter."

 

Something in Jackson’s mind started to click. ‘He must of been the bully in uncle Ben’s time.’

 

"I remember that for the last three months of my summer year, I threw away. All I could focus on was what I was going to do for the years he put me through. I had notebooks full to the brim of what I wanted to do, what I *needed* to do in order to get my revenge."

 

“You got revenge?” Jackson couldn’t think of his uncle being the vengeful type, always knowing for him to be a wise and kind old man.

 

"No, my father caught me doing the same thing I caught you doing. Planning and scheming. throwing your day away on a single man who does not deserve a second of your time." Uncle Ben turned the engine off and just laid his head down. Staring at the night sky. "there's a story that I have been waiting to tell you. Something that you need to hear."

 

       "I'm telling you. Jordan is here to make my day hell. Why must you just let him go!" Young Uncle Ben was sitting in the back seat of his fathers car, watching as the school grew smaller and smaller as they kept on driving. They drove through the small neighborhood before his father even answered his question.

 

 "Because Ben, I am giving you the better option. I am giving you the answer that you have been looking for." 

 

"No you're not. You're taking everything away from me. Nothing is going to happen. He wins." 

 

”He will win if you fight him. Be the bigger person and pick your battles wisely. That boy isn’t worth your time.” 

 

"Tell me boy, what in those four years, what all has he done to do." 

“He has bullied me and harassed me and berated me for being smart.”

 

" And what all of you done in those four years that he has not." 

“I was spending a lot of my time studying and getting good grades. Got on the honor roll and ended science in the top three in my entire year, but what does that?" 

"And what of Jordan. What has he done in this year alone?" 

"He... he mostly just sat outside. Sat in the parking lot and smoked. Never really saw him do more than that. He just sat there waiting for us." 

"Where do you think his life is going to take him then? Where do you see him being allowed to go and do? Go to the gas station and get more smoke. Where else in this world is he going to make a name for himself? make a life for himself.”

”What’s the point? He’s still a big bully and there’s nothing I can do but fight back.”

"Picture yourself. 10 years from now, where are the two of you going to be at that moment in time" 

“I don’t know. He is probably going to work at some run down corner store.”

 

"You?" 

 

"Well, I got accepted into that college not that long ago and,"

 

"Stop right there, you already beat him."

”I don’t understand what you are talking about” Ben shakes his head in confusion, “How did I beat him?”

"He is going to sit there and regret every choice he has made. He is going to wonder what would happen if he just tried a little bit harder. He is going to see the kids, the people that he once had a hold on, sprint past him as they go out and live their lives. While the best he can do is maybe get a cashier at a crummy gas station.

 Son you won. He couldn't break you, and the reward is that you get to live your days as you choose, while he lives paycheck to paycheck. He will never leave this town; he will never escape the boundary he has confined himself to through these years. You broke free. Jordan will be just a random name that you thankfully get to forget.'

 

       "My father told me something on that day, something that has stuck with me for well over half a century. That old dusty dirt road. And now. Here I am. In the same situation, but now I'm telling you. “With great power comes great responsibility”. I had a responsibility to myself. to not throw my life away to just watch some guy, that I have not seen in over 50 years, fall down the stairs.

 

I had a responsibility to Aunt Sally. I met her in college, the one that I would not be able to reach if I had changed my dreams and chased Jordan around. I had the power to make Jordan regret ever messing with me. But I had the power to just let it go. He was right, I won."

“Because you got into college? Because you met aunt Sally?”

 

“Because I lived my life. I hated high school. Never liked a day there but I got past it. You’re in the same game I’m playing. Hell if anything your ahead of me. Ya I liked animals. But you understand them. The way you talk about ecosystems and how everything’s connected. I didn’t get there when I was in my 20’s. Pissing me off that at 16 you’re smarter than me by at least a decade. could show your old man some respect at least.” 

 

The two of them fell into a small laughing fit. “Let flash go. Go heal the world. Flash is just someone you’ll be lucky you forgot. But you are grounded for making me and Sally worry so much.” 

 

“HEY!”

 

 

Chapter 5: Chapter 5) WWD

Summary:

The Parker’s are tight on money so Jackson takes things in his own hands to earn a few bucks

       “Jack’s supposed to be home pretty soon. You don’t think he’s getting into any trouble do you?” Sally was looking out the blinds of her window. The sun was starting to hide under the horizon and Jack was nowhere to be seen in the apartment. 

 

Ben was just getting out of the shower and getting ready for bed. “He’s a smart kid. Plus it’s not in his nature to get in anything bad. Most likely he’s doing something at Xanders place. They always go there.”

 

“Should we call him?” Sally asked her husband, “Would that be a good idea or would he just ignore us and see it as us being overbearing?”

 

“Ah let the boy live. What I want to know is how he climbed all the way through the fire escape last time. “

 

“Did he not knock the ladder down?” 

 

“You know he can’t jump that high.”

 

“I’m gonna call him just in case.” While Sally went to fetch her phone. Uncle Ben went to the bathroom cabinet and started sorting through his prescriptions. And also how empty they were getting.

 

He let out a small hiss underneath his breath, clutching the bottle in his aged hand.

 

“Something wrong?”

 

“Oh, oh nothing dear. Nothing at all.”

 

He glanced down at the bottle again. Ben wanted to tell her the truth but the other part of him didn’t want to burden her anymore than she was already. They were already strapped with their finances and he wasn’t sure if they could afford another few months of medication without giving up something else.

 

“Jackys not answering.” Sally said. “That’s strange, he always answers.”

 

“I’ll go looking for-” in the middle of his sentence Ben felt weak in his knees. Blurry dots started to litter the corners of his vision as he suddenly started losing his balance and had trouble seeing. 

 

Trying to grab the side of the sink to keep himself steady. Ben then violently coughed enough that nasty spots of blood littered the pristine tile floor and bathroom carpeting.

 

He heard Sally speed over and forcefully open the door. “Ben! Ben, are you alright?!” It sounded less like a question and more like shocked concern.

 

“Ya ya, I’ll be fine. Just, give me a minute.”

 

“Ben, we need to get you some help!” She vehemently started to help him. “Jackson can wait. I can tell him to meet us at the hospital, we need to get you some help now.”

 

“WE DON’T HAVE THE MONEY!!”

 

“I know but you’re clearly sick. What are we supposed to do, Ben?”

 

“I already said. Dammit, just give me a minute and I’ll be fine.” Sally came inside the bathroom and tripped, helping Ben to his feet.

 

That was when she saw how many empty bottles were in the trash. “Ben, when was the last time you had this refilled?”

The pause between the two must have been only 5 seconds but it felt like days. “8 months.”

 

“8 months?” She repeated with an air of fragility, her big blue eyes met his.

 

“Maybe a year. I don’t remember.” Ben stood straight up, grabbed the bottle that was in her hands and violently chucked it into the trash bin.

 

“Ben!” She narrowed her eyes in a stern but concerned expression. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

 

“You don’t think I wanted to!!”

 

“This is your health we are talking about. Of course.”

 

“W-what are you getting at?”

 

“I’m saying. I might be heading out soon.”

 

“LIKE HELL YOU ARE!!!”

 

The two turned their heads toward the door and saw their nephew standing there with a mix of shock, anger, and denial.

 

“We didn’t hear you come in, my you are quiet, son.” Ben tried to change the topic.

 

“Did you at least have fun dear?” Sally gave him a weak smile.

 

“YOU ARE NOT LEAVING DAMNIT WHY DO YOU EVEN THINK THAT'S AN OPTION!”

 

“Sweetie you have to understand-“

 

“UNDERSTAND WHAT?!”

 

“Jackson,” Ben tried to sooth. He keeled over once more and coughed some more as more spots of blood littered the bathroom floor.

 

Jackson held back his tears and just simply marched to his room.

 

Sally and Ben heard the door lock shut. He wasn’t planning on going anywhere.

 

Jackson stared at every picture he had of him and Uncle Ben. 

 

Him holding him tight as he won the science fair project. 

 

Getting accepted into this dream college. 

 

The two of them spend hours going over science and math homework. 

 

Jackson didn’t understand, he didn’t accept that maybe he was going to lose that.

 

He could hear Sally and Ben keep talking but he just tried to muffle it out. 

 

He stared at his own reflection and with all the changes in his body he still couldn’t save Ben. 

 

He saw how the bite changed his body from the inside and out. He didn’t even need his glasses anymore and he wasn’t weak anymore. He was strong. He looked strong now, not some skinny scared kid; But it didn’t mean anything. 

 

Jackson opened the window and jumped out and flew through the warm summer night, air brushing against his skin. He hated how comforting the air felt. 

 

He stuck himself to the brick wall and started to climb, he made his way to Mias window.

 

He was half tempted to knock on the window and grab her attention and say  ‘oh look at me I got cool superpowers now’ but at the same time he didn’t know what consequences that could entail if he did.

 

He could see her through the glass. 

 

Watching some tv shows and on the phone. Sounded like she was talking to Xander.

 

‘Sorry buddy.’ Jackson pulled his own phone out and just texted: Look out your window.

 

Mia got the text and after reading it her eyes went wide with surprise and she nearly had a heart attack, seeing Jack staring back at her.

 

She opened her window and stuck her head out. “What the flying monkey’s butts are you doing on my fire escape?”

 

“Just need someone to talk to. I don’t think Ben’s feeling well.”

 

“How did you get to the other side of the building? How did you get here? You were so quiet. What about Uncle ben?”

 

“Don’t ask, don’t ask, don’t ask. He’s not taking his meds.”

 

Her stare softened, “is he okay? What happened?”

 

“I-I don’t know. It sounded like he was preparing to tell us he’s dying.”

 

“Oh Jackson, I’m sorry.” She didn’t know what else to say. The words ‘I’m sorry’ were the first one that she could only think to utter in this kind of situation.

 

“Just so much has been changing. So much in so little time. And yet I wasn’t expecting this!”

 

Mia had no idea what he mean by “everything’s changing” school was over but that was normal. She just muted her show and let Jackson rant.

 

She did notice that he looked a little different. Was starting to fill out his shirt more, and he wasn’t wearing his glasses.

 

“I just-I want—I need to do something, get something working before…… he’s.” Jackson just let his sullen head drop.

 

“We are going to be here whenever that happens. You have Xander, Jade, Hana, and I, we all are here for you.” Mia narrowed the gap and gently embraced him.

 

“Hey, don’t tell anyone I told you this and especially dad. But, there might be some way to get a little extra cash.”

 

“And what might that be?”

 

Mia got up and closed her door. “Ok listen. It's not a hundred percent sure that this is going to happen so if it’s fake don’t say I didn’t warn ya.” She said with some caution. “But pops has been trying to track and catch this sort of “underground wrestling ring” but he has to go the long way and keep it legal. It's about 4 miles from here. There is money that goes in there through betting. If you got a few bucks, you can run the chance of risking it. You could get a big paycheck.”

 

“You think wresting bets is the answer.”

 

“In the short run ya. With you describing him coughing blood up, we don’t have a lot of time to throw away.” Mia then quickly got a pen and paper and wrote down some address on it. “It’s dirty money but it’s money,” she narrowed her eyes. “And if dad catches you, keep my name out your mouth.”

 

“You’re the best.”

 

Jackson gave a quick hug and grabbed the paper and headed for the window.

 

“Any idea who I should bet for?”

 

“I don’t know! The big and scary dudes!”

 

“Advice for the ages there.”

 

He then climbed down the fire escape. Once out of view he started to hop from building towards the address Mia gave him.

 

       Hanging out on top of an abandoned bar, he saw a second size line head into what looked like the Manhattan Mall. 

 

Only thing is the mall has been closed for months. ‘Good place to hold a fighting ring I guess. Now, time to make some changes to the plan.’ Jackson headed to the back end of the building where a much smaller group of people were all sitting and waiting to be left inside.

 

These were some of the biggest people Jack had ever seen, and most were in consumption. From Luchador to others in flashy leather pants. 

 

Jackson figured if you won some money just betting. If you won the show then that meant even more money.

 

Only issue was, the teenager never wrestled a day in his life.

 

“Uh kid, you lost or something?” One of the bigger guys asked in between huffing his cigar.  “Don’t think you belong here kid.”

 

“What–oh no I’m meant to be here. This is the place we’re the wrestlers enter right.”

 

“I don’t think you got the right place. Beat it kid.” The gruff bouncer said

 

“No. I said I’m staying.”

 

Jackson was trying not to show himself stutter or just how nervous he was in general.

 

“Uh, fine. I don’t get paid enough to do this. Don’t come bitching when you get hurt.” The bouncer let him through.

 

With the success of getting past the security guard he went into the dark and dim star—now turned, fighting ring. 

 

Jackson tried to get a good view and watch as the first fight went on for a couple minutes before he left to find an organizer to try and figure out what to do to get in himself.

 

To say he felt like a Mineau among sharks would have been an understatement. The average wrestler here was around 6’6 and looked like they ate at the gym.

 

Jackson just followed the group, wondering how the hell he was gonna win this.

 

‘Just get in, get the cash, tell Uncle he’s stupid for making me do this. Live happily ever after.’

 

The highschooler finally found himself being called into some half assed put together meeting. Telling how it was time to get dressed.

 

Jackson also figured out it was a tournament system and the winner would go against “the champ” whoever that is.

 

The guy told Jackson that he couldn’t even enter because he didn’t have a costume or wrestling name, not to mention any money to bet up front.

 

After grudgingly taking out the 8 dollars and 47 cents from his wallet, the old man looked at the money like it was some kind of joke but taking it anyway. 

 

Jackson found himself now sitting in the middle row of said crusty meeting.

 

The man took the money and looked at it greedily before looking back at the teen. “Fine, but you still need a costume then perhaps I can squeeze you in. If you win then you will get the bets from today. That is if you beat the champ, I doubt that.”

 

“Champ?”

 

“Uhh stupid kid. Go to the back room, there out will get a run down of the rules. And here. Only thing that’s small enough for you.” The man threw Jackson a red ski mask, blue sweater and black sweatpants. “I would put a logo on that if I were you.” And with that the man shoved him towards the back room.

       There were around 15 other men in this back room, the place smelled like cheap beer and a trillion cigarettes. Along with some busted Harley and barely working TV that was playing a black white war movie. Jackson thought it impossible to even imagine a world where he would choose to be here. Yet here he was.

 

Finding a table Jackson started to customize his costume. As cheesy as it sounded. He cut out a 2D spider. Glued it to his chest, and on a lone piece of paper he named himself “Spider-Man.”

 

“So, how many of these little shits are there going to be before I get a wing at the boss.” He heard a few of the other guys talking smack with each other before the event started.

 

“There’s 30 of us total. First the weak get sent out first to get him all warmed up. Get the crowed roaring. Then after around 20, that’s when the real shows begins.”

 

“I can already hear them screaming, ow who ever wins this is going to be rich.” The bigger dude chugged down the rest of his bottle before smashing it against the wall. 

 

“I heard there’s a 5,000 dollar cash prize. Winner takes all.”

 

While the others were thinking of what ever stupid prize they were gonna buy with the money. Jack just wanted to think of how many months 5 grand would keep Ben safe. 

 

It was also true that the crowed was going nuts. Jack had at least 3 walls of concrete between him and the ring, and he could still hear them. 

 

And whoever this “champion” could be. He had to be the real deal. Taking on 30 guys all by himself. Scanning the room, Jack saw that this had been happening for years and his heart sank when he saw that he would be the first one out.

 

He walked up to the poster that had been turned into a half assed chart bracket, and his name was first on the feeding line. “Alright who the hell is this champ anyway. How can he take on 30 guys in one night!?”

 

An older looking guy with an arrogant smirk. He looked down at the teenager and said “you think you can beat the champ? He is unbeatable for a while now.”

 

“I don’t even know who the hell he is.”

 

“His name is Bone-Saw, nobody knows his real name or his life outside of the arena. Some people say he might not even be a real person. Others say he kills his opponents as if it were a gladiatorial arena.”

 

The bigger guy grabbed Parker by the shoulder and brought him over to a barely standing fold-out table. 

 

“His name is Bonesaw. No one knows anything else about him. Some people think that might even be his real name.” The guy slammed open one of the fridges, grabbing two beers. Throwing one at Parker. He looked at the can before having an odd and discomfort chill run down his spine. 

 

“Legend says that he just appeared here one day. Fell out of the sky and never went home. Turned the ring into his home. He has been fighting for years now, and keeps looking for a worthy challenge. Took him 8 years and he’s only been beaten once.”

 

“W-Who was the one that beat him?”

 

“No one knows.”

 

“What happened to him?”

 

The older man leaned in, took a huge puff from his cigarette before blowing the smoke in Jackson's face. “Bone-Saw. He ate him.”

 

“Ate him?” The teenager had an expression of disbelief and faint disgust, he could feel the bile rise up before he promptly swallowed it back down.

 

Inside the ring, music started blasting. The walls started to shake as crumbs and guitar solos ravaging through the vacant halls. Jack turned back to see the man he was talking to was now gone. Vanished. And sitting in his place was some one in a tight Italian business suit. His hands held together and his stare was sharp. 

 

“Yellow Mister Parker.” He said, his voice sounded raspy. 

 

“How, how do you know my name?”

 

“That matters not. What does matter is that I tell you the rules of what is about to happen.”

 

Jackson glances away awkwardly before his gaze returns back up at the mystery man. “I’d imagine that is next, unless I’m going out blind.” He quipped, chuckling a bit at his own joke.

 

“You are the first contender for tonight’s rumble. If you win the money is yours. If you lose you don’t get a cent back.” The suited man’s judgmental eyes gaze at the teenager. “Now here are the rules. A 5,000 cash prize for the man that beats the champion. If no one beats him then the money is his. Each person gets a three minute encounter with him. Either you beat in the three minutes or you lose. If you tap out you lose. If you die out there you lose.” He explained, “Three minutes, that is all you have. You are the first one out there. Now get going, you are wasting me money.”

 

Jackson curtly nodded as the man kept talking. “Ok, I think I can do it.” He said with a bit of arrogance in his voice.

 

The walkway to the arena had been cleared of all things you would expect in a mall, and in its replacement seemed to be a mad max theme park. 55 Gallon drums with fire roaring out. Crude drawings on the walls and everything had something pointy sticking out. 

 

The walk itself seemed to be turned into a runway. All 30 guys watched as Jackson put on his ski mask, muttering something about how it was embarrassing to even allow this kid to join. But Jackson also couldn’t take them that seriously when half of them had devil masks on and fake accents.

       He made it to a pair of metal doors and just on the other side was like a rock concert. 

 

Opening them up the sound alone almost made Jackson fell straight on his back.

 

He was in the cafeteria or what was left of it. There had to be at least 3,000 people in the makeshift stands. All screaming and cheering, like a miniature Super Bowl and right in the dead center Jackson finally found himself staring at the champion.

 

He looked around and inside the arena was a somewhat deep pit with concrete walls, mimicking a Roman Colosseum. Surrounding them was a caged dome made out of rebar, sealing them off from the audience as he could see them cheer from between the bars.

 

The champion was in the middle of hyping the crowd before he even noticed the black-haired teen. Even from behind Jackson could tell this guy was massive. Incredibly wide shoulders and thick greasy black hair that was twisted and knotted. He had on a pair of fingerless gloves and a tight black tank top that was hugging his body. 

 

Before Jackson made his way into the cage, a loud speaker came on. You could feel the excitement in the air, almost making it almost feel like static. The crowd roared as they knew they didn’t have to wait much longer for the fight to start.

 

Both pairs' eyes met as they studied each other. Jackson did his best to hide his fear and hesitation and show how hyped he was inside. He knew  he wasn’t backing out of this now so he might as well have some fun while he tries to win.

 

On the other hand, Bone-Saw looked at the kid, tilted his head in confusion and then just started belly laughing. 

 

Eventually having to grab his stomach to keep himself from falling over.

 

“Oh you have got to be kidding me. It's my 10th anniversary, you send a baby out as the first round.” 

 

He continued to laugh. “AHAHAHAHAHA!”

 

The teenager just gave a small scowl as if he had his pride rubbed the wrong way. Jackson would not let this nobody smack talk him get away with it, he won’t let anyone just talk to him like that after all.

 

Those words seemed to light Jackson’s soul on fire. For so long he had been the subject of other people treating him like a gag. He was beyond tired of it now.  

 

He knew he was stronger now, the spider gave him a gift and he was going to use it. 

He remember the story of Ben just a few days before. How he had a responsibility to do what he needed to do. 

 

The money was to save Ben. To save his family. And this jock thought of that as nothing but a cheap joke. 

 

He clenched his fist tight, tight enough to where his finger nails cut into his palm. Was he nervous, yes but he wasn’t letting Ben down.

 

“Alright Ladies and Gentlemen. The night has just started!!!” The voice over the coms started screaming. The roaring and cheers of the fans grew even louder. A few were trying to break the stands and get even closer. 

 

“Get in the cages now. Face each other. WE ARE WAITING!!” Jack slowed his breathing and made his way to the ring.

 

“Ah the kids have some balls. Come to face me.” Jackson could smell the cheap whiskey and Tabasco on bone-Saw’s breath. The sweat running down his forehead. Jack just wanted to know how long this guy has gone without a shower. 

 

“Little boy you’re in the wrong place. This is a man's game. Run along and-“

 

“I’m staying, I'm here to kick your ass.”

 

“Your funeral,” The man shrugged.

 

Coming from the walkway that Jack just emerged from, the same guy that explained the rules started walking out. His suit was still tight and sharp and that mean mug hadn’t left yet. 

 

He came to the middle of the ring and pulled both of them in together. 

 

“Alright, you both know the rules. Make the fight look good and make me some money.” 

 

Both-Saw just looked at the boy with hunger and a crazed happy look in his eyes. Jackson stared back, seeming less nervous and more angry than before. 

 

“AND HOW IS EVERYONE TONIGHT!!” The suited man pulled a microphone from his Jacket. The crowd roared back at him. “I know you all came here to watch these two titans clash against each other, to see who will finally take the champion down and take the title for himself!”

 

Jackson could tell how fake the man’s acting was, how much he despised having to flame up the crowd. 

 

“WELL HERE WE ARE! I give you the champion, the undefeated titan of the ring. 100 victories in a row….BONE-SAW!!!”

 

The crowd goes crazy as thundering applause erupts.

 

“And then in the other corner, making his first debut ever,” The announcer had to lean in. “Kid, what’s your name?”

 

“Spiderman.” Jackson said, slightly pissed that he didn’t even bother learning the name.

 

“Really? Lame.” Leaning back into the microphone. “I Introduce to you SPIDERMAN!!”

 

There was a deafening silence as once thundering applause quickly died down.

 

‘Tough crowd.’ The teenager mentally face palmed.

 

“Ok, you know the rules. Whoever defeats the other wins.” The judge then walked to the side of the arena as the bell rang.

 

A bell was hit above the two and the match started. 

 

Bone-Saw just started licking his lips and rubbing his hands together. 

 

“I got you for three minutes. That means three minutes of play time. Time to… what are you doing?”

 

Jackson’s lips were curled into a stone cold frown, a vengeful stare in his eyes, he just walked up to Bone-Saw, his fist balled and landed the cleanest and knuckle churning punch he had even thrown. 

 

His knuckles driving through his chin tell Bone-Saw was sent flying off the ground. 

Landing straight on his back. Knocked completely out cold. 

 

Jackson won in less than 5 seconds.

 

“WHERE'S MY MONEY!!”

 

It was so quiet that they could hear a pin drop breaking it. Everyone stared on with stock, still.

 

“I SAID WHERE'S THE DAMN MONEY!!”

 

“I-I well...” The suit man stumbled into the ring. Lifting Parker's hand over his head. “I-I give you our winner! Spiderman!” 

 

The man then spun him around and forcefully shoved him into the back room. Eventually getting to his main office.

 

“What the hell were you thinking!” His voice was pissed and trying to scare Jackson but the boy couldn’t care any less. “Where is the damn money?!”

 

“You weren’t supposed to win kid, what part of it didn’t you get by now.” The Man hissed.

 

“Either you tell me where the money is—All 5,000 bucks or I’m taking you down with me.”

 

The man saw that his words weren’t getting to him. Defeated, he opened a drawer and threw Jackson maybe 600 bucks. 

 

“Where the hell is the rest of it!”

 

“You don’t get the rest of it.”

 

“What are you talking about?! What do you mean I don’t get the rest of it? I won. Now I deserve the prize.”

 

“We said you had three minutes to fight, you beat him in 3 seconds. You don’t follow the rules so you don’t get the prize.”

 

“That is not how the damn rules worked.”

 

“Not my problem kid.”

 

Jackson slammed his fist into the wooden table smashing it in half. He wanted to rip him in two, but took his leave anyway. Throwing the ski mask and ripping the spider off his chest before throwing both of them in one of the burning barrels. 

 

He pushed the button for the elevator and just stood there waiting. 

 

“It’s no where near enough but it’s a start. Maybe get Ben a quick check up or something. I can’t risk-“

 

The sentence was cut short by the sound of gunshots when they filled the air. A man sprinting down with a backpack filled with the remaining money and he was sprinting right for Jackson. 

 

“KID OPEN THE DOOR!!” Jackson just leaned to the side of the wall and let him run free. 

 

The elevator opened up just as the guy made his way to him. The suited man was sprinting towards the two. 

 

“Hey, thanks for this. Little treat on me.” The guy handed Jackson a stack of cash, another 600 bucks. He then turned over, flipped off the guy chasing him and the doors shut.

 

The suited man slammed his shoulders into the metal door but saw that he didn’t get here in time. 

 

“AND WHY THE HELL DID YOU JUST LET HIM LEAVE! YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH MONEY HE JUST GOT!”

 

Jackson just smiled, looking him in the eye. “Not my problem.” And with that Jackson just made his way to the stairs.

 

He got to the upper floors, seeing the Manhattan skyline from one of the windows of an abandoned mall. His eyes glanced over the scene. Going from the deafening cheer to almost graveyard level of quiet. It helped ease his mind. Jackson was still livid about how the deal went, but a small smug smile as he saw the furry also engulf the manager. 

 

He looked outside, seeing the cars going by and the people walking down the sidewalk. 

 

Suddenly his ears picked up a loud bang followed by a grunt.

 

His eyes widened with terror. ‘I know that voice!’

 

Jackson stuffed the money in his back pocket and rushed towards the sound.

 

He smashed the third story window and jumped. The shattering of glass almost seemed to be in slow motion as he fell next to them. The world went mute as he prayed to whatever god was listening to him, praying that his assumption was wrong. When he hit the ground there was a swarm of people all muttering and whispering something. Jackson just shoved them aside as he needed to see who was in the center. 

 

 There he found his uncle, his hand pressed up against his stomach as he held back painful grunts.  

 

Jackson glanced up and saw a figure he barely made out as the man he let go drive off into the night.

 

Putting his attention back on his uncle he then bent down and started to frantically help him.

 

“BEN!!” He lifted his uncle's head off the ground, resting it on his lap. Uncle Ben’s eyes started to fade white. “Jack, Jacky is that you?”

 

“I’m here Uncle. I’m here.” Jack grabbed his hand. Squeezing it tight.

 

Jackson heard his uncle’s laboured breaths. “You’re a good kid Jacky.”

 

“What are you doing here!”

 

“Jacky.” His eyes started to tear up. Looking around like he was lost in a fog. 

 

“Uncle Ben, I'm right here.” Jackson’s eyes started to flood with tears. It was only a few days ago where he saw his uncle as indestructible. 

 

“Jack. Don’t worry. I’m still here. I’m still,” Ben tilted his head to the side. His breath stopped.

 

Jackson erupted. Crying and screaming into the night time sky.

 

Notes:

Rip uncle Ben

Chapter 6: 6) Death and rebirth

Summary:

We get a little uncle Ben pov; The funeral of uncle Ben.

Notes:

This is a shorter chapter but next one will definitely be longer

This also marks the end of the prologue arc right after the spider bite and next chapter will timeskip into senior year

       “You know he’s just worried about you.” He never yells.”

 

 

“Ya, ya I know. Kids have a big heart.” Ben just sighed in a defeated tone as he went to knock on Jackson’s door.

 

“Hey champ, you in there? Can we talk?” Ben waited a few minutes for a response but it never came so he knocked again. “Jacky, it’s Uncle Ben. Can I come in?”

 

He found that the handle wasn’t locked, but when he tried to open the door, it was like something squishy was behind it. Prying the door shut but had a lot of give to it. Ben shoved his shoulder into the door and made enough room for him to slip inside. 

 

That’s when he found that everything was being held together with webbing. 

“What the hell?”

 

He tried to understand what his eyes were looking at. It looked like thick, giant cobwebs invaded his nephew's room.

 

“Ben? What’s going on? What is he doing?” Sally said across the hallway. 

“I think he went through the window. He’s not here.” Ben kept the webbing to himself. Not sure what to make of it, and to keep Sally from worrying anymore. 

 

He then opened his phone and started tracking Jack. “He’s across the island? What is he doing there?” His face contorted a look of confusion.

 

“I’m going to find him, Sally. Don’t worry he isn’t that far,” Ben said as he shut off the phone and went to the front door. Ben grabbed his keys and set his way straight to where Jack was. Just to tell him that he wasn’t angry. And that he didn’t mean to scare him. That he just wanted to talk.

 

“I’m gonna go grab him, bring him home. Sally stayed here. In case he comes back before I get back.”

He then drove across the island, he swore he never hit so many red lights in a single drive. But Jack never left the mall. “Jacky, what are you doing here?” Getting to the vacant parking lot, Ben was more confused than ever. Jackson was a home body kid, not some street party mimic. “Why are you here?” There were people drinking, smoking cigarettes and blunts. Some were dancing near trash can fires. But Luckily Ben didn’t see his nephew among any of them. 

 

Getting out of his car he started to make his way to the front door. 

 

He was about 20 steps from the door till it was violently kicked in and a crazed madman was firing bullets into the sky. 

 

“OLD MAN! I NEED THE CAR NOW!”

 

Ben only looked at the assailant with a bit of confusion, looking at them as if they were possibly drunken. 

 

“Slow down son,” He tried to ease the tension. Ben just tried to talk things through, telling him to just put the gun down and just go home. 

 

His voice was calm and clean, the man tried again and again to just let him have the car. Almost a desperate tone hiding underneath. 

 

Ben could tell the guy was nervous but he was still worried about the gun in his hand. 

 

Finally, blue and red lights started to bleed in the sky, and the sound of the siren scared the robber. So much so he twitched his hand. 

 

…..And the gun went off.

 

Everything blurred, 

 

“I’m sorry old man.”

 

The assailant jogged away and soon he saw his nephew run up to him and hug him tightly. 

 

“Uncle Ben! Uncle Ben!”

 

The spots grew and he felt himself grow colder as the spots grew larger before going fully limp.

 

Jackson felt his hand touch his cold skin. 

 

He shut his eyes tight, he needed to wake up from this nightmare. 

 

       When he opened them back up he still felt the cold touch of the world. But instead of his dying uncle. It was the cold wet stone of Uncle Ben’s tombstone.

 

His aunt next to him sobbed, Jackson just put an arm over her and comforted her. He felt like he had to hold his own tears back for the meantime because he didn’t want to show his aunt that he couldn’t be a bit strong for the both of them today.

 

He tried but a few tears slipped through. Those of which escaped him hid by the pouring rain. The sky was dark and the earth cried. 

 

Aunt Sally had to be helped to her seat. Parker just watched as his Uncle was buried in the ground. 

 

He stood there, the rain pouring down, the world never felt so fake. Like a part of him was still waiting for this to be some ugly joke. For Ben to just come walking out of nowhere and fix everything. Parker stood there knowing that it was never going to happen. 

 

He was thankful for the cold rain, something to remind him that he still was alive.

 

“Should we go over and say a few words?” Mia asked as she, Hana, Xander, and Jade watched from a distance.

 

Hana was the first to make her way over. Still not saying much but putting a hand on his cold wet shoulder.

 

“It’s ok” she muttered. Tilting her umbrella up and revealing her emphatic purple eyes. “You don’t have to be strong today. It’s ok to let it out,” she assured.

 

‘Not my problem.’ Those words reverberated off the walls of his own memory. 

 

He was the one that let him go. ‘Ben’s in the ground cause of me.’  Slowly one by one more of the group made their way to the coffin. 

 

Seeing Uncle Ben slowly be dropped 6ft under.

 

Sally hid her face in her hands as she bellowed in sorrow. 

 

“I know it’s not gonna fix anything, but, dad already said he’ll cover the cost for all this.” Xander didn’t know what to say. 

“Grandpa and Ben used to be friends so……. Least you don’t have to worry about that.”

Jackson didn’t say anything, he just leaned down and placed his hand one last time over the  cold stone. Then he turned around and just started walking.

 

Nowhere in their minds did the rest of the gang just let him be. 

 

“You know I’ll be here if you ever want to talk.” His girlfriend softly murmured just loud enough for him to hear but he gave no indication or acknowledgement and kept walking.

 

 

       That night Jackson made a promise.

To himself, to Sally. 

 

To his friends and the city;  And most of all to Ben. 

 

He spent Hours upon hours each night piecing together a suit, something to wear that manifested the power of Uncle ben. Not just the new found power he had.

 

 

The spider bite was a blessing, a gift. 

 

Red and blue stitched around his frame. 

A mask to honor his best friend.

 

Putting the final touches on his new web shooters, all 1,200 dollars invested. 

Spider-Man was born. 

 

Jumping out of the window and swinging towards the city.

 

He made a promise. 

 

‘Great power comes great responsibility. Gonna make you proud Ben.’

Chapter 7: Chapter 7) The first day of senior year

Summary:

Some time past and now it’s a start of a whole new school year

Notes:

Some events are a little skewed in the timeline for story telling purposes so if they don’t exactly make 100% sense timeline wise we know.

       “I am Hana Watson and I am standing here with Mr. Norman Osborn, CEO of the esteemed Oscorp. Mr. Osborn, how do you see your company improving the lives of people with the work that you do here?”

 

“Well first Miss Watson, I want to say it’s an honor to see someone so young already taking control of their life.”

 

Hana concluded a flattering expression before she quickly looked back with her polite and professional smile.

 

“And to answer, I wish to take you on a tour of our new cybernetic field.”

 

Hana curtly nodded, 

 

”Of course, Mr Osborn.”

 

The camera followed the two as they walked up the stairs to the cybernetics facility.

 

”Please tell us what you do here.”

 

She said as the camera pans around the new fancy robotics lab.

 

“We give people either a second chance. Or the chance they never had. Look here,” 

 

Osborn motioned the two to a large window, on the other side of the room was a man that had one leg. He was surrounded by a small team of doctors and scientists getting a cybernetic leg suited onto him. Wires and all other stuff running up his back and a small slit into his neck.

 

“That man fought in the Vietnam war. For over 50 years he's been limping his life away. I saw that as a disgrace. That man will walk again within the year.”

 

“So like the next level of prosthetics? Sounds incredible. How does that improve the performance of the technology we already have? I mean we already have a bustling study in protists, how does this research add to that?”

 

“How does it not? A simple club with fingers graved in them or something as good as the tools of god himself gave us. I’m not giving them some bandaid to hide their wounds, I’m giving them life again.”

 

“That sounds like a real feat, Mr. Osborn.”

 

“Science is nigh endless Ms. Watson. There is always room to discover and improve and here at Oscorp that is our goal.”

 

“I see,” she nods. “And I do agree we always have room to improve in our crafts. My next question is when will this new contributor to the medicine field finally be released to the public?”

 

“I hope by the end of the year, but we have a few more tests to go through to make sure that everything is working properly before public access.”

 

Hana then turned to the camera with her bright reporter smile.

 

“It was an honor that you craved out a bit of time for this interview. Do you want to say anything else for the viewers watching?”

 

“Stay in school kids.”

 

“This is Hana Watson signing off.”

---

       The school bell rang signaling the first day of school has officially begun.

 

Jackson scoffed, “senior year.” His voice was tired. He knew he shouldn’t have stayed up late the day before but the neighborhood said differently.

 

He saw his friends standing in the sea of kids, returning and some new freshmen among them too.

 

Putting the mask in his backpack and hiding his suit under his shirt. He made his way to the school entrance. 

 

“Hey Jack….son…” Xander stopped watching when he immediately noticed something startlingly different about his friend. “What happened to you?”

 

“Xander, haven’t seen you in ages!” Jackson wrapped him in a tight hug. Xander felt like he was being crushed in a compactor.  “A-Air!”

 

“Oh! Oh sorry. Hehe.” Jack set him down on the ground. “Hehe, sorry. I've been…..been working out.”

 

“You…” Mia eyed him up and down. “What kind of regiment are you using? You almost look like a different person,” she noted.

 

Jackson grew in size; Holding a large amount of muscles to his body now.

 

Glasses nowhere to be seen and mostly he just had a lot more confidence now. Walking around not scared of the world.

 

“Oh my.” Jade came in. “Did you do all of this for me?” Running her finger under his chin.

 

“I won’t say, but I’m not saying no.”

 

“Such a shame” she feigned hurt as she put a hand over her chest and dramatically swooned.

 

“Where’s Hana?” He asked

 

“Where do you think?” Xander replied

 

As if on cue the speakers turned on. 

 

”Welcome back midtown high! I am Hana and I am here with your morning announcements…”

 

“Oh. She is still doing those this year too?”  Jackson said 

 

“Seems so,“ Jade shrugged at the obvious. “So how was everyone’s summers?”

 

‘Spectacular.’ After Ben died Jack made a promise to fix it. He wasn’t sure what exactly but he needed to fix himself.

 

Putting on the suit, when he became Spider-Man. The world seemed to run better.

 

Swinging through the city, stopping robbers, saving people, making Ben proud.

 

Yes, he got his ass whooped on the regular for the first few months and he might have almost died when a truck filled with narcotics ran him over. 

 

But he kept getting up. ‘I’m gonna make you proud Ben.’ Jackson rubbed his neck. Feeling the tight red and blue fabric on his skin. Made him smile.

 

“Jack!” Mia said, snapping him out of his trance.

 

“What!” Snapping his head. “What happened? who got shot?!”

 

“What are you talking about?” Xander exclaimed

 

“That would be a sour way to start the school year.” Jade crossed her arms, her kaleidoscope eyes narrowed.

 

“Oh, ya. Guess it would be.” He smiled rubbing his neck.

 

“Ok we just asked. Where the hell did you go after the funeral?” Xander asked. “Like ya we knew you needed some space but you just disappeared. Now school starts and you're…. This!”

 

“This?”

 

“Don’t act dumb. You look like the state wrestling champion. And the confidence to match it. Where did you go.”

 

“I told you, I started to work out.”

 

“That can’t be the only thing that made you…this hunk of a man.” Jade purred, “I wonder how that jerk flash would react when he sees you're not scrawny anymore?”

 

While trying to find some explanation that didn’t sound too ridiculous. 

 

Every fiber in his body started to signal something was coming his way like his vision went sharp and his hearing was working double time he jumped off the ground and did a double flip. He dodged 5 water balloons coming from his flank. 

 

“God I can’t go one day without you bothering me, can’t you flash.”

 

“How the hell?” Flash’s jaw was on the floor.

 

It was so quiet between them they heard Hana telling everyone where they can find their schedule and the principal coming on to the announcements and telling them that they will have a pep rally at the end of the week and the upcoming fall formal and wishing everybody a happy first day.

 

“Stupid nerd, one little hop doesn’t mean-”

 

“Stupid nerd, Really flash embarrassing yourself. Let’s try this again. I'll turn my back, and you'll get another shot.” Parker turned around. Raised his Hands and let flash try again.

 

“You think you can change in one summer? You are still the same person as before.”

 

“C’mon quarterback. I’m wide open.” Parker started waving his hands around “I’m open I’m open!!” 

 

“That’s it!” Flash grabbed another balloon and hucked it like it was a game winning Hail Mary. 

 

Mia was biting her nails while Jade just watched with an annoyed glare. Xander covered his eyes and everyone gasped when Jackson, still shaking his back to flash, caught the balloon. 

 

“Yikes! Say here’s the plan, take a break at halftime and we will try this again.” Jackson pitched the balloon back at flash. Splashing him right in his smug face.

 

His face quickly turned to one of surprise then shifted into one of annoyance and anger.

 

“Why you-“

 

“You know, I can tell the principal or some teachers to intervene,” a calm voice broke through from behind them. Everyone turns around and sees a judgement Hana standing there. “Or better yet I can just grab a nice shiny picture of your embarrassed face covered in glitter paint and posted around the school.”

 

“Ah. Fine, don't need this.” Flash then turned around stumped. His jacket dripped with wet school paint as he made his way to the front of the school, probably towards the lost and found for a pair of new clothes.

 

“Sorry I’m late. But it seems that I saw the show.” Hana made her way over towards the group. 

 

“Hey Mia, Hey Jade, hey hot Jack.” She did a double take “HOT JACK!!”

 

Her eyes went wide and stared flabbergasted, “What the hell happened to you?!”

 

“I didn’t like how I felt after Ben died. So I decided to change a few things. Plus, Age is catching on Aunt Sally, so….. had to do a few things.”

 

“How is she? I hope she is doing better.” Hana said with concern in her voice for the elderly woman.

 

“She’s doing fine. Little whiter than normal. Just, don’t mention Ben around her. She’s…..”

 

“We got it.” Mia came putting a hand on his shoulder. 

 

Then she violently grabbed his ear. “Now answer where the hell did you disappear to!”

 

“AHHH MERCY MERCY!!”

 

“Easy now Mia, we don't want to damage the goods now.” Jade teased with a small laughter in her tone.

 

“Yea he might break with how fragile he is.” Hana added with her own sly smirk.

 

The school bell rang and everyone started making their way inside. 

 

Xander and Hana headed down the east wing while the other three made up north to the science wing.

 

“So, how’s the conversation with Connor’s? You do anything more with him?” Jade asked.

 

“Ah, a little bit here and there. We didn’t talk to him much past the field trip. Maybe an email every so often.” Jackson answered.

 

“Any good news?” Mia said, “maybe you can get an internship for college or even a senior study program.”

 

“Maybe. Heard he’s finding some new breakthrough on his regeneration research. Said how ’crocodiles’ were the key he was missing.”

 

“Ugh, crocs. Couldn’t have picked anything less creepy and gross.” Jade pretended to gag.

 

“Oh what’s wrong Whiskers. Does the big bad lizard scare you? Don’t worry I’ll keep you safe.”

 

“Actually it does,” she pretends to gag again. “How ever will you protect me from them?” She dramatically sighed and pretended to hide behind her taller friend.

 

“You two are disgusting.” Mia giggled. 

 

“You’re just jealous.” Both said together. 

 

“AM NOT!!”

 

The three got to the science room: Anatomy 101

 

They sat down at the tables, Jackson and Mia at one and Jade across from them sting with another classmate beside her.

 

Everyone started finding their seat. The teacher started explaining what the schedule for the year was and all the requirements and half way through the door was busted open.

 

“Ah sorry I’m late. Got nerd justice to….. oh you have got to be kidding me.” Flash, with a towel over his head, saw that he was sharing a class with Parker.

 

‘Oh god why are you here?’ Jackson mentally face palmed.

 

“Parker,” Flash murmured underneath his breath. “I believe you are in the wrong class.”

 

“As if. Perhaps you are in the wrong class. Don’t you have another kid to shove in the locker?”

 

The teacher looked at the newly cleaned student. “Mr. Thomson is in fact in the right place for your first period.” The science teacher stated. “Now if there are no more interruptions we can get the first day rolling with some light introduction to the semester.”

 

Flash gritted his teeth and grabbed his bag.

 

Finding a desk in the back, directly behind Jackson and Mia.

 

Jackson already knew flash was gonna try and eat him alive. He could handle it now, keeping Mia safe, that was another thing.

 

“Alright, as many of you know I am Mr Light. Science teacher specifically Anatomy and Biology.”

 

Mr Light  continued to write basic instructions and statements on the board. The rest of the class went on fairly normal until Parker got an alert on his watch. It was flashing red and blue, and in big black text was the word “sky” flashing over and over again.

 

“You got an Apple Watch or something? Why is it making that sound?” Mia asked.

 

“Oh, ya it’s uh. Ya it’s an apple watch. Sally got it. Make sure I’m safe and sound.”

 

“Mr. Parker, this is the first day so I will excuse it for now but in the future I will ask you to put your device on silent or away from the work area, thank you.” The teacher said

 

“Oh ya. Of course Mr Light. But, maybe I will go to the bathroom real fast.”

 

Jackson didn’t really wait for an answer, heading out of his chair before light could even say no.

 

Closing the door, he sprinted over to the window and started out into the island. 

 

About 7 miles south, there was a giant cloud of black smoke and a burning building. 

 

SKY! SKY! SKY! FIRE! 

 

His watch was going crazy. ‘Damnit, ugh I’ll never get there in time. Alright, plan A. Lunch time, head out and just figure out where the hell birdy went.’

 

He took a couple breaths trying to ease his panicked nerves before he hesitantly went back to class.

 

“Jackson, are you ok?” Mia whispered

 

He didn’t say much, he just talked about his watch a few times before covering it with his sleeve. Class ended and a few people got notification about the bank robbery; Of course Hana was one of the first to get it.

 

“Ah I wish I could have a chance to report on it.” She hissed “I bet that would be a big scoop.”

 

“Was my dad you interviewed just a couple weeks ago, was he not the big scoop you were looking for?” Xander asked

 

“This is a bank robbery!!” Hana grabbed Xander’s shoulders and started shaking him sporadically. “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH ATTENTION ILLEGAL STUFF GETS!!”

 

“Uh no.” He glances back from her to the bystanders who looked on with confusion.

 

“A LOT!!” She said for the entire hallway to hear.

 

“But isn't Spider-Man gonna stop him?” Jade asked.

 

“Hahaha, you actually believe in that?” Mia chuckled out.

 

“Somebody got to.” She shrugged. Nonchalantly as the four got in the cafeteria line.

 

“There are rumors and until I see him I won’t believe anything!” Hana firmly stated, “I mean I like to but as a journalist I have to try and stay neutral.”

 

“I’ve seen him.” Jackson spoke up.

 

Hana scoffed, “As if. I bet you were too cooped up at home to—um the bacon baked Mac and cheese please.” She ordered. Turning back to him, “face it he’s not real.”

 

“Your inability to stay on topic amazes me even to this day.” 

 

“Awe, aren’t you sweet.”

 

“Yes yes I am.” He smiled before a nervous expression crossed his face. “You uhm, want to get a drink soon…… maybe catch up?”

 

“Sorry I would love to but I got plans after school….. and it isn’t graffitiing the side of the bugle.” She let a small chuckle slip between her lips.

 

“What do you mean? What are you doing?” Jackson asked 

 

“Well you know Eddie got his license last year so he is taking me out on the town.”

 

It seemed that the cogs in Jackson’s head clicked. “Are you saying you are with Eddie? Like romantically? Since when?”

 

Hana nodded, but the awkward tension never left the air, “C’mon tiger. You weren’t answering. I understand that you were in a tough spot and I don’t want you to blame yourself for feeling how you feel.” She flashed an empathetic frown. “But you just vanished for months and I guess after my attempts of trying to get through I just…stopped.”

 

“So, are we…. Done?”

 

“I’m sorry tiger. I still like ya. We can be friends.”

 

‘Wow, first day of school and stuck in the friendzone.’

 

“Y-ya, I-I  guess I’ll like that.”

 

“Doesn’t mean you are forbidden from, like, sitting with me. After all, you are still my friend.” She chuckled “You guys are always welcome to sit with Eddie and I.” She said before looking around and walking over to Eddie who was sitting near the back of the cafeteria.

 

Jackson didn’t know what to expect when he was friendzoned or what to feel when his friend and now ex-girlfriend started to flirt with another guy. Perhaps a little disappointed, but he had to remind himself that it was partly his fault when all his friends were staying in a degree of contact he had his whole other life he was living now.

 

“Well, um…. I would make a joke here but don’t think it would fit. Maybe let’s get back to the spider. Jack, you saw him?” Jade asked.

 

“Ya, ya, I’ve seen him before. I watched him live as he stopped a robbery in Harlem, dude’s amazing.”

 

“Do you think this will go over well with the tabloids or bomb spectacularly?” Mia exclaimed

 

“How about the NYPD’s opinion on this vigilante?” Jade smirked

 

“Ugh. Don’t get me started.” Mia rested her head on the table and covered herself with her hands. “Dad is covering this, “spider menace” is the next coming of Satan and he’s not even sure if he’s real.”

 

“Like Hana said, these are just rumors at the moment. We shouldn’t take anything too seriously if the rumors are proven false.”

 

They mainly found an empty spot and took their seats in one of the corners.

 

“Does anyone that does believe in him like him? Like what reasons do the cops have for not liking the Spider.” Parker said, getting a little bit defensive.

 

“Vigilantism?” Jade guesses “Maybe they don’t like rouges doing the cops work for them.”

 

“Perhaps. You know how serious my dad can take his job after all.”

 

“Where did he even come from?” Xander asked

 

“the police captain, well he…and this new super person-“

 

“How do you know if this spider  person is a super?” Xander questioned, cutting his friend off.

 

“I mean where did he even come from?” Xander asked “what’s his goal in all this. He’s only been here a few months but he’s getting popular real fast.”

 

“Whatever his goal is. I hope he stays. He’s what the city needs.” Jackson reinforced his side of the argument. Obviously on team Spiderman.

 

“You think so? What if he has his own ulterior motives behind all this?” Jade skeptically said

 

“You have no evidence to prove me wrong. Until he’s as bad as the other worse fucks that run in the streets. You can’t tell me he’s wrong.”

 

“Everyone is bad in this city until they are proven good. That is how it goes.” Jade argues, her kaleidoscope eyes burned into his sea green ones.

 

“You think Hana is going to go crazy trying to make the spider person her next big thing?” Xander questioned 

 

Trying to ease the tension Mia said, “Ya, probably. Girls goanna get herself killed though. The only way to find the spider is to go where the dangers are.”

 

 

       Soon the lunch bell was rung and everyone made their way back to the second half of the school day. 

 

Everyone but Jackson had history at this session. 

 

Where Jackson and Eddie had Computer science.

 

He was a little bummed that he didn’t have anyone in the gang with him, but the isolation led him to try and work on some gear he was trying to create. An upgrade to his first module web shooter. And maybe boost his spider signal.

 

All the while through the class he heard whispers of his classmates talking about the new upcoming and mysterious vigilante running around.

 

“You heard that new spider person?”

 

“I heard he’s dangerous.”

 

“I heard he’s a hero!”

 

Parker just scuffed them off and went back to working on boosting his very, very, poorly and buggy network signal. 

 

Collecting the radio off a knocked out cop a few weeks ago while trying, and failing, to stop a runaway robbery. 

 

The radio let him listen to police coms and barely make out coordinates. 

 

It was rusty, it definitely looked like it was made by a single guy, but it worked.

 

His watch went off again, buzzing with the word:

 

SKY! SKY! SKY!

 

Again but still Jackson had no idea who this ‘skyway bandit’ could be, just that every single attack came in the open air.

 

He glanced out the window and saw black plumes of smoke rising from across in the distance from somewhere else on Manhattan island. 

 

He wanted to go out and try and catch the bandit but he was stuck in school with tons of witnesses around him.

 

“Holy hell they weren’t kidding, you really did come back from the dead changed.”

 

Jackson turned and saw that the chair next to him was now occupied. This being sort of a shock since he would have sensed that it was moved, but being so lost in thought he guessed he ignored the stimuli.

 

“Oh, hey Eddie. Ya. Ya I’m back.”

 

“I haven’t seen you around since you quit the bugle.” His eyes seemed to eye Jackson up and down, studying him. “And back then you definitely didn’t look like this.”

 

“That was over a year ago man, a lot of things have changed in that amount of time.”

 

“I’m sorry about what happened to Uncle Ben.” He said “I hope you and May are a bit better now and have some time to recover after that.”

 

“Yea, yea we are. Thanks for the condolence.” Jackson said

 

Eddie nods and smiles. “Have you heard about that new vigilante? It’s the talk of the school–of the entire metropolitan. It’s like he blew up overnight.”

 

“It would be impossible not to. I can’t imagine how Hana is acting. She must be in a dream about all the coverage she thinks she can get.”

 

Eddie rolls his eyes and grins, “she sure has the reporter’s mindset indeed. Her determination is one reason why I love her so much.”

 

His eyes twitched a little. “I’m Just–so… happy for you.”

 

Jackson turned back to his computer. Trying to learn just what he was looking at, and how to bypass the NYPD firewalls. ‘Maybe they have something on this sky bandit. I mean they have to write sort of their whole job.’

 

“What are you doing? Class just started and you’re already nervous.” Eddie peered over Parker's shoulder. 

 

“NOTHING!!” Jackson slammed the computer shut, a lot harder than what he wanted to do. ‘Please don’t crack the screen, don’t crack, don't, crack don’t crack!!’

 

“You know you’ll have to pay for that if you were to damage it?” He reminded Jackson

 

“Yea. I’m just—It’s nothing!”

 

“We aren’t  even the hard part of AP computer science yet and you are already nervous? I would have pegged you to be more excited than nervous about that.”

 

“I am excited about the class, hoping that it results in something more useful than boring. Plus, it’s only an hour of class so…Nothing too terrible about it.”

 

“That’s some positivity I guess.” Eddie attempted to be playful and jabbed Jackson in his shoulder.

 

While the two sat through the class Eddie tried to understand half what the teacher was talking about as Jackson just kept typing away. 

 

Never really looking up, only taking small glimpses at the board before typing again for a solid 20 minutes. 

 

Eddie wanted to see what Parker was doing and why he was so defensive about it. Only thing is that it didn’t make any sense. He was in some sort of 3D modeling program and it looked like he was trying to make some fancy watch.

 

Eddie pulled out his phone and went into his messages 

 

Eddie

Hey it’s me, got a few questions, you got a minute.

 

•

•

•

•

 

Hana

Sure what do you need?

 

Eddie

I’m sitting next to Jackson and I got a few questions

 

Hana

What about him? Is he alright? Is he sulking about Ben again?

 

Eddie

No, I mean maybe but he hasn’t said a word about him but what I was wondering was he was always, almost paranoid about his privacy. 

I asked him what he was working on and he damn near had a panic attack

 

Hana

He has never been super sneaky. 

Maybe he reeled back after the incident.

 

Eddie

Maybe

 I don’t know, I’m just curious 

How’s your day been so far?

 

Hana

History first period teacher said we are going to learn about Greco-Roman history and culture for the first semester. Then ecology, the teacher is already planning a trip to the botanical gardens.

 

Sports and Clubs sign ups are the end of the week you think you are going to sign up for volleyball?

 

Eddie

And get embarrassed again?

Ya thanks honey I think not. 

 

Plus with how much Jonah has been on my ass. If I tell him that I’m picking up a sport he might have tried to throw me off a roof. 

 

So ya I’m probably joining.

 

Hana

Nice, tell me when he’s about to throw ya. I want a front page photo.

 

Eddie

Will do

 

Hana

Oh Mrs. Divine is talking again

gtg

cya later xoxoxo

 

Eddie slips his phone away and glances back at his computer as he continues to half listen to his own teacher talk and go around helping the class get things set up.

 

 

       As class ended Jackson and Eddie walked out of class together.

 

"Tell Han I said hi." He waved before almost sprinting out the building. The hallways were flooded with students all trying to make it to their cars or the bus. 

 

Jackson instead was trying to make it to the roof. He was making somewhat good timing before again every nerve in him told him to duck. So obliged and ducked his head to his chest, he felt the light splatter drops of water touch his face. 

 

"Damnit, he did it again." Flash said, annoyance very present in his tone.

 

"Oh my god, flash, this is not the time!"

 

“No this is the perfect time, nerd.” Flash argued “You see we didn’t get to finish our business last time so I intend to make sure we do this time.” Flash had a cocky grin as he then started to manhandle Jackson.

 

"And I can see that you also brought some friends." Jackson saw a group of around 6 people standing either behind or next to Flash, most of whom were the school's offensive linemen. And two girls that were just trying to hold Flash's arm. “You think you are all that just because you have a big crew with you?” He taunted 

 

“I don’t think so, I know so.”

 

"Alright, let me see what you have Eugene." Parker smiled, knowing that he won before he even had to lift a finger.

 

“It’s Flash!” One of the girls retorted at Jackson’s statement. “Get it right you bookworm.”

 

He smiled and then leaned onto the lockers. His cocky smile never left. "Oh Eugene. Would be a dear and inform this young darling lass. She's all sorts of confused." Jackson just smiled and watched as the crowd of girls gave Flash a look of confusion and slight discomfort. 

“Your name is Eugene? Oh that’s gross.” And thus the crowd of women started making their leave. 

 

“HEY!! Ladies, where are you going!! You're still going to the game tonight.” Flash started running down the hall. 

 

“Works every time.” He snickered before he resumed his jog down the halls, making his way to the rooftop. 

 

Pulling his bag to the side and throwing his normal outfit into it, he put his spider costume on and leaped off the school roof. 

 

       “YEEEHAAAAA!” Slinging a web he blitzed over into the city. Hearing crowds under him gasp and cheer as they saw him swing through the air.

 

“There he is!” He heard a girl cheering.

 

“Ayo, that's Spiderman!” He saw a New York street vendor point to him.

 

Another person got out their phone and started to film followed by a couple others.

 

“Hello ladies!” Spider-Man waved to the crowd as he headed into the city. 

 

Hana desperately trying to fish out her camera. “Eddie, pull over! Pull over! There he is!” She frantically said as rummaged through her backpack for her phone.

 

It took only a few minutes for Jack to make it MTS. There he saw the smoke climbing the outside of one of Osborn’s towers. 

 

“Osbron? I know that the new steak house is getting popular but this is a bit too much smoke.” Jackson landed on the neighboring building. Sticking to around the 9th floor. He saw the police reeling out a few people but no one was dead.

 

‘Alright, don’t think I can get too close, last run in with the cops didn’t go so hot.’

 

He decided to go incognito. Shooting his webs high and swinging into an open window of the building.

 

“Ya might be a better idea to skip the bouncers. Don’t think they’ll let me in without an idea and I doubt they accept Spiderman anyway.” Parker climbed up and saw where the smoke was tunneling out, a massive hole in the 15th story wall. 

 

Making his way inside, and trying not to choke on the smoke, Jack tried to find anything that would at least help him form a profile for this sky bandit.

 

He walked deeper into the building and tried to peer through the flames for a clue if not for any stray signs of life.

 

The flames seemed to have died down, making Jackson a little less on edge but the smoke was so thick that he could barely see his hands in front of him. Plus he was coughing up about every 5 seconds.   

 

He was getting ready to just jump out the window and try again, until he somehow heard the voice of a man somewhere deeper inside the building.

 

It was an older man, and whoever they were, they were angry. Screaming and shouting demands. Demanding to know where Osborn was at the very moment. 

 

Jackson started making his way deeper into the fog, feeling the walls, blinded from the smoke and tears. 

 

After a while, he found the exit door, smashing it open. He found himself in some sort of lab and est of all, the smoke now escaped and he could see again.

 

Coughing as he tried to clear his lunges. “Note to self put smoke filters in the mask.” He muttered to himself as he started to look around the lab.

 

The voice of the enraged man was getting louder and louder, and more distinctive. 

 

Looking down the guard rail there were two men. One in what Jackson assumed to be a mech suit with wings attached to the arms. Bright green colors and a vicious look in his eye and on the floor cowering in fear was a smaller man, trying to shield himself with a slab of concrete. 

 

“WHERE IS OSBORN?!” The metal man swung his arm down and the metallic feathers sliced through the stone like a hot knife through styrofoam.

 

“I-I don’t know. P-please leave me alone.” The cowering man stuttered

 

“That’s a lie! You know where! Now tell me!” The metal wings expanded to over 15 ft in length. The razor ends glinting in the dim light. “Useless, all of you!!”

 

“Alright that’s enough!” Jack shot a ball of webbing, landing right in the bad guys face. Then landed with a heavy thud right in front of the cowering scientist. “Get out of here, now!”

 

“Who? Who are you?” 

 

“Spider-Man, tell a friend about me.” And with that The masked hero picked up the man from his belt and tossed him out the window. Landing only a few feet from one of the cops, on their stretcher. 

 

“So, you must be the sky bandit. Got to say I’m a big fan.”

 

Finally ripping the webbing free, he saw that his only lead to Osbron was gone. 

“GAUH! damn it boy.” Without a lick of hesitation he swung his wing trying to take Jackson's head from his shoulder. 

 

“WOW! Hold on their birds, we don’t even know each other. Can’t rush these moments.” Jackson reeled his fist back and slammed his knuckles into the man's cheek.

 

“Dammit boy you cost me my leads!” He dodged Jackson’s next attack and countered

 

“Ya sorry but it’s the weekend and I don’t like when people give homework on the weekends.”

 

“IT'S MONDAY!”

 

“EVEN WORSE!” Slinging two webs next to the metal bird's head, Jackson slingshotted himself at the man, slamming his knee directly into the man's chin.

 

The metal bird man grunted and sneered at him. “Aren’t you supposed to be in school? Go back to school and get out of my way, stop playing these childish games.” He said

 

“Hey, it’s spider-MAN. MAN, learn that birdy and you might–AHH!” Jackson got tackled through a wall. Now exposed to the public eye. They started falling. He slinging a web to catch him. 

 

Looking above, he saw the metal man was just floating in mid air. “Oh, right wings. Ya should have seen this coming.”

 

He sling shot himself up and above the metal bird, trying to get the advantage by getting on his back.

 

It felt more like a bucking bull. Flying through the city at well over 100 miles an hour.  “AAAHHHHH!” Spider-Man was trying to get somewhat of a grip on the suit, feeling an odd buzzing and hum coming from the man's back. 

 

“Come on Birdy I didn’t pay for a ticket for this ride.”

 

“MY NAME IS NOT BIRDY YOU IMBECILE!!”

 

“IT HAS A FUNNY RING TO IT THOUGH!” Jack started making his way up the man's back. wrapping his legs around the midsection.

 

He then tried to use his webs to clog the wings and make them stop functioning. 

 

“Then what might it be? What shall I call you instead of birdy?” Jackson said

 

“My name is Vulture!”

 

“Damn, alright I like that better. Now what do you want with Osborn?” Jack tried to land this vulture. Grabbing the metal wing frame and trying to bend the suit. Vulture kept doing twists and turns in the air, trying to shake the spider off him. “What do you want with Osborn?”

 

“That’s none of your concern, Spider-Man.” He spat as he continued to try and buck the young superhero off.

 

“I don’t think you get the formula here. This is the part where you tell me your evil plan.”

 

“I’m not telling my plan to some newbie superhero who wishes to meddle in affairs that don’t involve him.” Vulture retorted

 

Vulture then turned and aimed his flight towards one of the billboards promoting Jonah's new speech then he tilted himself upside down. 

 

Parker didn’t have any time to react before he was splat like a bug. Vulture flying off into the sky.

 

Jackson groaned before he recovered and jumped away.

 

“Vulture huh? And here I thought I was special with the animal thing. Alright Parker, let’s see what we can do here; And what did he want Norman anyway?”

 

Heading down to the bottom floor Jackson tried to find anything useful in the scene of info. 

 

Other than Vulture was looking for Osborn and that he seemed to have a nasty vendetta against him, everything else was in the dark. 

 

He heard the cops starting to barge their way inside so Jackson grabbed a few folders that looked important and dashed outside.

 

 

       He made his way back to the school roof and grabbed his bag, then started making his way back home.

Jackson

I’m heading home.

School was interesting enough. 

See ya soon.

 

Aunt Sally

Ok, I’ll be at the community centre.

 

Jackson

When do you think you're gonna get back?

 

Aunt Sally

Later, around dinner time.

Unless you need anything?

 

Jackson

No, I think I’ll be fine for now Aunt Sally thank you.

 

Aunt Sally

Ok

Just text if you need anything

 

Jackson

I will

 

Jackson saw that he would have the apartment to himself for a few hours. So, flinging through the fire escape, Jackson went into his room and started pulling a few notebooks he had hidden through his room. 

 

Skyway Bandit = Vulture

 

Identity is still unknown

Has a pretty strong hatred for Norman Osborn 

Not a lot to work from

 

About an hour passed by before Jackson got an alert from his phone. He looked at it and saw it from Hana in the big group chat. All she sent was a picture.

 

Hana

I GOT A PHOTO!!!

 

Mia

You believe me now?

 

Hana

Oh stop with the taunting Stacy and look at this beauty

😁

 

Xander

Holy hell. So that’s what he looks like?

 

Jade 

He’s cute

 

Hana 

Are you going to marry him, Jade? Going to make him Mr spider Hardy 

 

Jade

Oh shut up and go back to your photo development room

 

Jackson 

Told you he was real.

But Han, where did you get this photo from?

 

Hana

I went back to the bugle to try and talk to triple J. I asked him what are we gonna do about that big fireball coming from that Osborn building. 

Then out of nowhere, big red and blue comes sweeping in. 3 minutes later he’s kicked out of the building. On the other side though, meanie. Couldn’t have been kicked my way.

 

Jackson

Oh ya, sure. He planned for the attack to happen just off screen

 

Xander

Why was he attacking one of my dad’s buildings?

 

Hana

Who cares, this photo is gonna make me famous!!

 

Xander

I care!

 

Hana

I'm gonna get onto Wall Street with this!

 

A small sour pit in Jackson’s stomach started to form when reading. How they just guessed that he was the one that attacked the Osborn building. 

 

Of course they didn’t know anything, and it was just what they were shown. No one knew about vulture and that was a problem.

 

Mia

You think this spider person was behind all those previous heists?

 

No 

 

Jackson answered in a matter of seconds repulsed that he even needed to answer.

 

It wasn’t a heist. 

Osborn doesn’t own the banks. This attack seemed to be personal.

 

Hana

How do you know that it was personal?

 

Xander

It could be one of Dad’s competitors. But why go to such extremes?

 

Mia

He's a millionaire, and he’s got his hands busy with everything. Osborn was bound to piss someone off

 

Xander

Ok my dad might have wronged some people but he still does a lot of good too

 

Jackson

Everyone hates everyone but I was pretty close by when they were blitzing out the building. This “Vulture” seems to only want Osborn. 

 

Hana 

I’m stealing that name. 

 

It wasn’t that much longer until Jackson heard the front door unlock and  Aunt Sally making her way back inside. “Jacky, I’m home.”

 

Jackson

Got to go, Sal needs something. See you guys tomorrow.

 

Hana

👋

 

Jade

Ttyl

 

Mia

Cya

 

Xander 

See you at school tomorrow

Chapter 8: 8) Getting use to the job

Summary:

A new player enters the game; Jackson encounters the newly named Vulture once again

       The blasting school bell was hell on Jackson hearing, he was tired, deep bags under his eyes, walking with a bit of a slump, and dragging his backpack along the floor as he made his way to first class. 

 

“Hello Professor, good-“ A huge yawn rose from Jackson’s mouth, blinking a few times before speaking again. “-Good morning.”

 

“Are you ok? You look like a zombie.” Mia says

 

Jackson pulled out a thermos and started sipping down a giant thing of coffee. Trying his hardest not to just down the entire thing in one big swig. “Ya, ya I'm fine. Just had trouble sleeping for the past few days.”

 

“Have you changed anything lately? Sleep psychologist says if you change your habits that it might disrupt your sleep patterns sometimes.” Jade pointedly states

 

“Nothing whiskers, I'm fine. Just. Might need a refill.”

 

“That’s enough caffeine for an entire construction crew.” Mia said 

 

“Don’t judge me.”

 

“We can and we will!” Jade sassed

 

Making his way to the seat and sitting down with a light thud, Jackson just stared out the window.

 

It wasn’t past 3 hours ago he was on one of the skylines, looking down, seeing if he could do anything to help. Running around like a crazed dog, if he didn’t do at least one thing then he saw the night as a failure. 

 

‘I’m trying uncle but there’s nothing here to do.’

 

Thinking of heading home, he was called by the sound of a blasting car horn. And a very loud and angry man screaming THIEF!! Jackson turned tail and blitzed the man. The NYPD were already there taking the man's words, he tried hard to hear what he was saying without being caught. 

 

‘I can’t have the cops chase me like last time. Arthur wants me head on a pike.’

 

“So sir, your car was stolen. And you’re saying that you have no idea who it was.”

 

“YES!! One second I’m upstairs getting ready for dinner, the next I hear my garage alarm start blaring. I run down the three flights to,”

 

“You have three stories to your house.”

 

“I’m rich, asshole. Pay attention! I got downstairs and the door was open. Speeding down the road was my prized 1955 Mercedes-Benz.”

 

Both of the officers kept writing but it was easy to tell they didn't care about the guy.

 

‘Alright, gta is not the bird’s style. So, could this be the same one that robbed that exaction the past summer?’

 

He shook off the memory and focused back on class as Mr. Light explained what they were going to do today. He saw that the teacher started to draw some basic molecules on the whiteboard as words of the present started to flow and snap him back.

 

‘Alright, school. You’re good at school. Just try and pay attention Parker.’

 

Opening up his notebook, Jackson started writing down word definitions and diagrams. Some small pictures of crabs and what not. 

 

20 minutes went by and everything was fine, until Parker caught himself, unintentionally drawing new models and designs for his mask and web shooters. Not being able to remember a damn thing the teacher had told him.

 

“Jackson? Jackson?” He heard Mia’s voice and saw a pair of fingers  snap in front of face. “It’s time for the next class.”

 

‘Damnit, didn’t mean to do that again.’ 

 

“Coming M.” Jackson grabbed his bag and ran to the hall.

 

“Oh Jackson!” Jade’s voice calls, he turns around and glances back at her, flinching back when he realizes how close she was. “Don’t forget your promise to help out with that thing later.”

 

‘Why must my memory fail me now!!’ All Jackson could think of was upgrades to his suit and making some gadgets.

 

“Ya, ya totally. When was it again?”

 

“After school, Antonio’s garage.” She reminded

 

“Antonio?”

 

“My god you are dense.”

 

She stalks around Jackson and leans into his side. “He was in last year’s class. Since then he opened up a shop in SoHo.”

 

“Oh where the art store just got robbed three days ago. Marko and O’hearn. Weren’t they?”

 

“…… ya. I guess. Cool to know you know that?” Mia didn’t know what to add.

 

“I was going to visit him. You said you wanted to come with me the other day, are you still in?”

 

“Ya. I could use a little time away from the house.” Jackson tried not to stutter. 

 

Grabbing their bags the three of them made their way to the next class.

 

“You alright Jack, you seem in a fog.” Mia asked.

 

“Oh I’m fine. Just haven't been sleeping all that well.”

 

“Here take these. Helps me all the time when I’m up all night. Trust me, it happens more than you think.” She handed something that looked like gummies.

 

“What are these?” He said confused 

 

“Melatonin.” Jade swiftly answered “How much more of a handsome dummy do you have to be?” She chuckled. Jade had her hands on her hips and a faint but amused smile on her face.  

 

“They will help you sleep better, hair doesn't empty the bottle in one night.” Mia added.

 

Jackson nervously laughed at the girls’ remark.

 

Jade parted first going to civics before Jackson and Mia entered math together.

 

‘Why did she just have these?’ Jackson wondered.

 

“Did her purse look shinier? Like more than normal?” Mia asked.

 

“Huh, oh no. I didn’t see anything. Was something different?”

 

“No, just. Like she had a different one already. How many does she have?”

 

“Jade’s has always been big on fashion. Girl likes to have some stuff.”

 

“I know, and I know she comes from a slightly affordable part of Manhattan but fashion trends don’t change that fast.” Mia rebuffed

 

Heading into class, relived that nothing major was gonna happen today.

 

Jackson started taking some notes, trying not to either daydream about swinging through the city night sky or flat out fall asleep.

 

About 45 minutes in his watch started buzzing, along with his phone alerting him of a message.

 

Xander

Dad’s angry

 

Jackson 

Why? What happened?

 

Jackson turned to see his watch, and in bright flashing text was the word: Vulture!

 

‘Oh’ he mentally mused as if he answered his own question

 

Xander

Hana just said there was another attack and they struck Oscorp again. 

 

He glanced back at the teacher as excuses ran through his head. His hand shot up, “Can I go to the bathroom?”

 

“Can you wait till I finish giving instructions?” The teacher asked

 

“No. I really, really have to go.” Jackson insisted

 

“Fine. Be back soon.” 

 

Parker headed to the hallway and looked out the window. Sure enough another one of Osborne buildings was in ruins.

 

Jackson 

Is it the one almost directly north of the school? You think whoever did it is there?

 

Hana

Maybe

I only heard about this a few minutes ago

 

 Xander

I’m not sure but Hana is here freaking out because we have home PE and she just wants to run over there and capture the big moment. 

Hypothetically…Probably

 

Jackson only shook his head at his friend’s eagerness.

 

Xander

It’s the most energetic I’ve seen her first thing in the morning

 

‘Vulture, ah what are you doing? Couldn’t have picked a worse time!’

 

Jackson set a timer on his watch for 15 minutes before he jumped out the window. Putting his costume and mask on in mid air. He tried to get to the scene as fast as he could.

 

 

 

       He quickly got to the scene of the crime and saw the same thing as before, a big plume of black smoke rising from the building.

 

‘Might need some of these for later’ he shot a line of webbing and snagged a bag full of police radios before heading inside.

 

This building seemed to have more people than the first time. 

 

Following the trail of screams and angry shouting. Clinging to the walls to keep out of sight.

 

Small vibrations in the wall, Jackson knew that Vulture was just on the other side.

 

“Osborn! WHERE IS HE!!”

 

“W-we don’t know,” another meeker voice answered. “Please…” the voice trailed off.

 

“What do you even get paid for?” The other voice roared

 

Jackson slammed his heel into the wall, smashing it to bits. 

 

In the smoke he shot himself into the fight. 

 

Vulture blinded by the rubble, and also the sudden surprise, felt Spider-Man’s fist landing right on his chin.

 

Cracking his suit. 

 

“YOU IGNORANT RAT!!” 

 

“Hey I’m a spider,  not a rat. Honestly being a rat man sounds super lame.”

 

“Do I look like I care, kid?” He rhetorically asked, “I’ve warned you before, don’t get in my way!”

 

“You’re hurting innocent people and destroying a lot of buildings. Tell me what you have with Osborn and maybe we can fix this!” He rides to reason.

 

Vulture swung his wings aiming to take the spider's head, making Jackson fall to the ground before reeling his heels and slamming them into the man’s stomach. Tumbling back Jackson grabbed a piece of rubble about the size of a beach ball and chucked it like a professional pitcher. Vulture raised his wings to deflect it but the impact was much to shear off a good amount of his mechanical feathers.

 

“You think these scientists are innocent? You think Norman Osborn is innocent? Nobody is innocent! Everybody is at fault!”

 

“You seem tense. You should try yoga.”

 

“You ruined everything! Damnit Osbon, where are you!!” Vulture stabbed the floor, and the entire room started to feel like it was falling apart.

 

Vulture flew out an open window, Jackson wanted to just follow but saw that a few other scientists were still in the room.

 

Biting down on his pride he went to save the people in the room.

 

He shot a few webs and caught the scientists before fleeing with them in tow, bringing them to a safer spot and helping them out of the building.

 

There were around three of them. All of them trying to catch their breath.

 

Jackson just looked out into the sky. 

 

“Y-Your real? I mean I’ve heard stories but. I thought they were all rumors.” 

 

“Who is he, and what does he want Osborn for?” Jackson said 

 

“I’m not sure but my guess is that he used to work for Norman and something happened. Now he has a vendetta against him.” The first scientist answered

 

“Anyways thank you-“

 

“-spider man!”

 

“Spider man.”

 

 

 

       Spider-Man pretended to tip his hat before flinging back to the school. Landing on the roof and running back inside, he somehow managed to get back to school in just 17 minutes.

 

“Mr Parker, I said be quick. Class is almost over.”

 

“Ya, ya sorry teach just, the lunch wasn’t sitting right in me stomach.”

 

“Are you that tired? We don’t have lunch for another 10 minutes.” Mia whispered

 

Jackson looked a bit nervous, “what I mean is…” he trailed off. “I just had a really bad breakfast. I was in the bathroom longer than expected.”

 

“I do not wish to talk about your bowel issues Mr Parker. Just sit down, class is almost over.”

 

“Yes sir.” Jackson swiftly replied knowing that was the smart answer. He glanced over and already saw some of the kids chuckling as if this was some grade school gossip. He only rolled his eyes and sighed knowing it was already going to be a long day.

 

“Where did you go?” Mia asked.

 

“S-Sally called,” he meekly answered. “She only really calls when important so… didn’t want to risk not answering.”

 

“Is she alright?”

 

“Yes. Now she is,” He curtly nodded.

 

“I can come over after school if you wa-“

 

“No, I mean I promise Jade we’d go to SoHo, remember.”

 

“R-right? Can I come over anyway?”

 

“W-why.”

 

“Because stupid, I haven’t seen you out of school the entire start of the year and then all those months you just left. I want to know what’s up with you. You've changed a lot, I want to know why.”

 

‘God damnit.’ Jackson tried his hardest to give a soft and respectful face but inside he was dying.

 

“I mean you can come over tomorrow or later today?” Jackson offered “I know you aren’t big on mechanical stuff so I bet it won’t interest you that much anyways.” He added

 

“Ya, sounds great M. I’ll tell Sal and…. Maybe tomorrow after school? Want to hang out then?”

 

‘Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.’

 

“That sounds nice. We can catch up, you and I.” She flashed a faint smile

 

‘Damnit!!’

 

“Sounds great. Can’t wait.” He tried to put up an air of faux enthusiasm.

 

Mia gave a quick hug before heading down the hall. Jack saw she had a small skip in her step.

 

“She’s a keeper.” Jade laid her arm on Jackson's shoulder.

 

Jackson, in return, damn near had a heart attack from the sudden noise.

 

“Ah! Where did you come from?” He jumped 

 

“The question is what are you going to do on this date tomorrow?”

 

“Um, it’s not a date.” Jackson rebuffed

 

“Is that right handsome?” She traced his jawline, “then is our after school activity a ‘date then?”

 

“You are going to be the death of me.”

 

“Sure whiskers. I guess it is.” Jackson turned and tried to show the most smug and cheese romance smile he could muster. “Now wow me.”

 

“Wow you? How may I do that?” Jade teased

 

“Oh c'mon pretty eyes, I’m sure you can think of something.” Jack grabbed her hand and spun her around. “Or am I gonna have to take charge here?”

 

“GET A ROOM!!” Both turned to see flash staring at them, arms crossed and a slightly annoyed tone on his face.

 

Jade stalks over, putting a hand over her mouth but the boys could see the coy smile behind it. “You are just jealous you can’t be as good as to catch lil old me.”

 

“Leave him, it’s funnier when he beats himself up.” His sea green eyes flickered over to the bully. “Sure flash. You’re always right.”

 

Parker could see Flash gritting his teeth. Not being able to get his hands on Parker like he had for years before.

 

“It’s not like I need any of you nerds.” He said  before glancing over at Jade and smirked. You’ll regret choosing the wrong person, beautiful. Come to the game and I’ll give you a real show.”

 

“And I’m going to say the same thing as Hana did when you tried to ask her the same question, I’ll see if it’s in my schedule.” She flirted back, but Jackson had a feeling she really meant no.

 

She shooed him away. Flash, wanting to just grab Parker and squeeze, headed down the hall.

 

“I also have to go soon I guess I have a little date with M happening and I have no idea what to do.”

 

“Are you sitting together with her at lunch or is this an after school thing? Does that mean you accompany me is off? Fine either way but still…what to know.” Jade said

 

Jade got a notification from her phone and her smile grew wider than before.

 

“Actually skip the school thing. I’ll tell Antonio it’s off. I got to go…..like now. Something big is happening across town and I need to go.” She gave Jackson a hug and bolted.

 

“That woman confuses me.”

 

Jackson just went through the rest of the school day. No big scene where he had to jump at what happened and finally he found himself along with Mia walking back home.

 

“So, what exactly did you have in mind?” Jack asked.

 

“Firstly, I want to say hi to Sally. I haven't seen her in months. Want to see how she's doing.”

 

“Warning, age is…. Sort of fetching her. So if you make fun of her gray hair she might throw a sandal at you.”

 

Mia laughed, “I’m not that cruel.” She joked

 

“Well, just a warning.”

 

“I’d imagine it was hard on both of you.” She gave him a sympathetic expression.

 

“I don’t have any grey hairs!!”

 

“It’s not like that, stupid.”

 

“Good, I’m too pretty to be going grey this young.”

 

“I heard Jade say that that is actually false. Grey hairs don’t exist because of age but because of excess amounts of stress, and stress can happen with any age.” Mia rolls her eyes, “She talks a lot sometimes.”

 

“She does nothing but talk. It’s all psychological so I have no idea if she’s doing experiments on me.” Jackson rolled his eyes 

 

“Have you heard she is hoping to get into somewhere like Yale which has a good medical course if she gets accepted into college.”

 

“Good for her.”

 

 

       Jackson unlocked the door and let the both of them inside.

 

“Aunt Sally, I’m back. Brought Mia with me, hopes thats fine.”

 

“Oh hello dear.” The elderly woman waved from the itchen. “Do you two want anything to eat?”

 

“I’m fine Mrs Parker.” Mia replies

 

“I’m gonna go get changed real fast. If you want there’s drinks in the fridge. I’ll be right back.”

 

“Ok,” Jackson headed into his room and Mia waited in the living room, turning on the TV and watching as she did.

 

Jackson in a sudden and somewhat controlled panic tried to hide every bit of Spider-Man evidence he had in his room. The few radios he’s collected, his suit and mask, parts for his shooters, and the spare computer that he “happened to find”

 

He shoved the notebook with his sketches of his upgrades on his desk and tidied up the rest of his room. 

 

Grabbing a new shirt, and basketball shorts. He hastily patted the wrinkles out before he made his way back to the living room.

 

“Alright I’m back,” flopping down on the couch. “What we watching?”

 

He looked at the TV and saw the news was on. “I was waiting for you before I decided.” Mia said she was about to flip to another channel before Jack snagged the remote.

 

“That’s the third time they’ve shown up. 

Marco, Alexander. What exactly is their game?”

 

“I’m not sure,” Mia shook her head. “But Hana wrote an article on that too.” She showed him her phone, showing him a bugle article.

 

“Why are you so interested in them?”

 

Jackson turned and saw the report was

Live. 

 

Meaning he could catch them in just under 3 minutes, but, he was beyond exhausted. Was hard for him to stand let alone swing through the city like Tarzan.

 

It had been almost 3 days since he had slept. Laying in bed felt like time wasted. So he strolled through the city.

Hoping something came his way.

 

“I don’t know, it’s just they’ve been really busy lately. What if they hit midtown? I mean they hit SoHo just the other day.”

 

“I’m just hoping that Spider-Man turns up again. Always interacted by hearing about him.” Mia adds.

 

“I’m just hoping that Spider-Man turns up again. Always interesting hearing about him.” Mia adds.

 

“How so? How interesting is he? What did you hear?” Jackson said

 

“Please, dad has been crazed as a nut ever since he’s shown up.”

 

“Crazed how?”

 

“Very crazy,” Mia clarifies. “He thinks since this masked vigilante came about that others followed suit and started causing more problems.”

 

“What, like that vulture man. He can’t be serious, he didn’t do anything that brought him around!”

 

“I agree. Correlation doesn’t mean causation after all. He just thinks so, and in his defense the NYPD doesn’t have much to go off on at the moment.” Mia thought for a moment. “You think this vulture is behind it all? Like he could be some sort of mastermind or player behind a bigger game?”

 

“He hates Osborn, and he makes a lot of mess. Anything else that needs to be said.”

 

“I mean, maybe. I don’t know, I haven’t asked dad recently.”

 

“Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. You’ll never know.”

 

“You won’t, you’re scared pissless of him.”

 

“Shut up.”

 

“It’s true” Mia smirked, her smug gaze stared into his guilty ones.

 

“Has he found anything in that art thief? Or are they still completely in the dark with that also.”

 

“Sadly, not a damn thing. Dad’s half convinced it’s a ghost at this point.”

 

“A ghost?” Jackson held back a sight laugh, “that sounds a bit out there, doesn’t it?”

 

“But a man that slings webs and climbs up walls is just normal then. Good Job Jacky.” 

 

Both turned to hear Aunt Sally laughing at Mia’s comeback.

 

“I mean I think he’s cool,” Jackson defended

 

“Of course you do,” Mia joked. “I mean he isn’t that bad as any other recent vigilantes that popped up recently.”

 

Down the hallway, in Jackson's room. A small but noticeable siren started to play through the hall. Mia notching her head in a very confused manner.

 

“That’s, that’s the sound dad has in his cars when a break in happens. Why is it coming from your room?”

 

“That is a very good question. I will go over there and figure out why.”

 

Jackson looked at his watch and saw that intact a break in was happening. 

 

Thankful this time, with some of the goods he got from his last “spider shopping trips” it even gave him a brief location.

 

He shuffled over to his door before slamming it close.

 

“So sweetie, are you going to stay for dinner?” Sally asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

 

“I don’t want to intrude-“

 

“Oh no I insist.”

 

 

       Jackson quickly changed and promptly jumped out his window towards the location of the heist and thankfully, it was on the rich side of the island. Which meant cops were gonna be absolutely everywhere.

 

‘Just my lucky day. Had a girl in my place, and had to ditch to go play superhero. Alright cool it Parker. Save the day, then get back before dinner.’

 

It took about 5 minutes to make it to his destinations. And to his absolute amazement, not a soul was around him.

 

“Weird, but hey I’m not complaining.

Maybe we can solve this with some sneaky spider style.” 

 

Hanging by a web, Jackson saw the 3rd story floor of one of the rich condos had a perfect hole cut in the window. 

‘Well that eliminates Vulchy. He has no taste for quiet.”

 

He then spotted a sleek silhouette scaling the side of the building as they quickly made their way to the roof.

 

“And I’m pretty sure he’s not a woman either—WAIT!!” Jackson sprinted up the wall. Being, possibly, the first person to even see a glimpse of who the thief was. 

 

Reaching the top floor he saw her staring out across the bay. 

 

“I know it’s a beautiful night, but I must ask you to return the~wow mama!”

 

The thief was a woman, and was absolutely gorgeous.

 

Her suit mimicked a cat, black skin tight suit with white boots and gloves. A black mask covering her eyes and long white hair.

 

Little on the shorter side, but Jack could tell she could walk into a bar and kick any man’s ass.

 

“You might want to take a picture, it will last longer.” She grinned

 

“Can I…. I mean ugh~Who are you, villain?”

 

“And what if I’m a villain honey? You think you are good just because you are a new guy on the block?” She said as she walked circles around him

 

“Sorry they’re kitty kat, where are

my manners. I should have introduced myself but first, what were you gonna do with all this money?” Slinging a web and launching the bag of money his way.

 

“Oh little old me?” She tilted her head, “Why aren’t you worried about that big bad birdy? I’m just a lonely thief.” She smiled

 

“Oh trust me darling I haven’t forgotten about him but I’m the new sheriff here and I can’t let someone like you be all alone out here.”

 

“Ah aren’t you just sweet, but.”

 

“But what? ~AHHH!” She quickly pounded and swiped her claws. Jackson ducking but as the sharp tips glided over his head. Jack was a little confused though, she aimed short. Like she never aimed to hit him.

 

It wasn’t till Jackson noticed that the money was gone and she was making a run for it.

 

Soon sprinting after she made it to the edge of the building before jumping off and performing a beautiful swan dive.

 

Hitting the neighboring building, summer-salting and kept on running.

 

“Wow, ok just. Wow.”

 

He started racing after her. “Hey slow down!”

 

“Slow down? Then where would the fun be in that be?” She let out an amused laugh. 

 

 

“Come on whiskers I’m a busy man here.”

 

“Well then make time for me. You and I, we’re playing just fine.”

 

Thankfully it was under the mask but Jackson caught himself smiling as he chased her over the rooftops.

 

She was fast.

Plus having a few gadgets to help her jump even further. And a whip to let her grapple up roofs.

 

“So kitty, where did ya come from? Haven’t seen you around here before.”

 

“Oh I’ve been around much longer than you have.” She purred

 

“And would you be so lovely as to tell me about your history? I would love to know.”

 

“Sorry handsome, but you got to catch me for that.”

 

He shot another web as they went over to another plethora of buildings. “And what else do I get if I catch you?”

 

“Whatever you want handsome.” She rolled her eyes “you just have to get me first.” She smirked

 

“Spiders don’t like to Play chase.”

 

“And cats eat spiders dear, don’t tempt me.”

 

“That is both amusing and also incredibly gross. You have my attention.”

 

“Oh spider. You’re cute but I think this is about time we are done.” She grabbed her whip and pulled a 180 in mid air. Tangling Jackson’s feet as he tried to jump over the alleyway.

 

“Dick move!”

 

“Everything is fair in love and war, dear.” She hummed

 

“Fine. Then that means I can do this.” Spider-Man flung a web and landed on her calf. Pulling himself in they both know we’re hanging upside down. 

 

“So, what’s my prize for catching ya?”

 

“This.” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips, catching him by surprise as she took back the sack of money and  fled once more.

 

Jackson could have stayed there for the rest of the night trying to remember how to breathe, but his grip slipped and he started falling, the sly cat nowhere to be found.

 

Jackson was ready to storm off home more pissed then he could remember, tell he heard a heavy thud hit the floor below him.

 

He saw cat throw the entire bag of cash into some building, looking up and blowing him another kiss before dashing away into an alley.

 

Jackson was beyond confused. Why just take the money and then throw it away.

 

Climbing down, he saw where the money was. It was something like a soup kitchen. Lot of people were down on their luck. Many of them, hungry.

 

‘What the–?’ And that’s when the sirens start. The cops were sure to hear about how another rich man got robbed and Jackson knew exactly where the money was.

 

He let them have it, these people needed it more than the rich did, but that still did leave curiosity; who was this ‘black cat’ is?

 

 

 

       He quickly swung home and threw on a Tee and shorts and put his suit in a corner of the closet before opening the door to find Mia and his aunt having dinner. 

 

“You were quiet.” Mia noted, “Aunt Sally and I were just talking and-“

 

“Well I’m here now. What are we having for dinner?”

 

“Baked macaroni.” Aunt Sally replied, “Are you ok?”

 

“Great. I’m fine. Sorry I lost track of time it seemed.”

 

 

“What were you doing In there, it’s been almost half an hour?”

 

“Uh, Xander needed some help on his—I think History homework. I didn’t have a lot of reception so I headed outside for a minute. I’m sorry to worry ya Sally.”

 

“Is that a bruise?” Mia came and checked out Jackson’s cheek. A deep and dark purple bruise was forming near his chin. “Did flash get ya again?”

 

“Nice one Stacy,” he rolled his eyes. “No, the dumb pigeons crashed into the fire escape again so I was also dealing with that.” Both Sally and Mia gave him a confused stare.

 

“Anyways….. dinner is ready, and I’m heading to bed. Love you two,” Sally waved them goodnight. Both Mia and Jackson waved back as they started to eat.

 

Around half an hour and more scrolling through channels then they could bother to remember, Mia got a text.

 

“Ugh, it’s my dad.”  

 

“What’s wrong with him?”

 

“Another rich dude got robbed. This night also. He said the thief got away with 4 million bucks.”

 

“I mean it’s a bit cold but… dig in.” Mia said

 

Jackson obeyed and took a seat beside her and grabbed some food on his plate before digging in.

 

“So, another guy got robbed huh? Weird, I didn’t think it would happen that fast.” Jackson tried to hide his smile. While playing chase, almost forgetting about how she was in fact a thief.

 

“Yea, it’s another guy from upper Manhattan, from the wealthier parts.”

 

“Well, it’s getting late and I think it’s time we head off.” Jackson said, suddenly changing the subject. “I’ll pick ya up tomorrow and we can walk to school together?”

 

“Ya, but I’m making sure you get to bed. You were an absolute mess today Parker.” She let out a giggle

 

“I was not.”

 

“You totally were,” she laughs. “Bye Jackson!”

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of Crossovers
• Part 1 of Jackson Parker: Spider adventures