Chapters It's always the same procedure for young Alex. For him his past years have all been a fast blur. Him being in a orphanage can have some merits. But for him he was lucky at all to get enough money from his mothers will to go to school and eventually land a spot in midtown high in New York City. He felt out of place, like a alien arriving to an unknown planet as seen in movies when he was a kid. What a short lived childhood he had. His dad betraying his family the worst way possible, but not before leaving him scarred for life by killing his own mother. His mother, such a sweet memory at the unneeded of times. Just by the sheer thought of his mother brings back scars, scars he wished he'd forget. Either way he proceeded to exit the school bus heading for school and arrived a bit early. He expressed little care for what transpired around him. He wanted to be alone as he always was, he figured friendships would end abruptly when his "friends" found out his backstory and left him. As he if he was a freak, well, he was. He has spider powers, but he dares not use them. He doesn't want to be a hero, let the new avengers be the heroes people wanted. They don't want another Spiderman. Especially since what happened to the last one.
"Parker wasn't it?" He thought. Lost in wonder about what happened to New Yorks idol, their hero. Then he bumped into a girl who then proceeded to scowl at him. As if she was in a hurry.
"Sorry, get distracted sometimes, mind if I help?" He asked
"I think you helped enough" she replied,in a dismissive tone.
"Sheesh,sorry I didn't mean to offend Ms. princess" Alex said in a mock tone. Obviously losing patience and respect for the girl. "What's with the hairstyle?"
"What's wrong with it, you don't like purple streaks?" She replied coldly.
"Maybe,but I'm not into fashion, guess we have nothing in common, this should be fun." He said angrily.
"I'll have you know my brother is the chief of police, he can easily arrested you,hot head."
That stopped him dead in his tracks. He'd always hated the type of kids their above everyone else just because they have relatives who are important people for the public. Of course the chief of police was A Shining Armor. And this was his sister, Twilight Sparkle. Some say she's humble, others say she's a nightmare if you treat her the wrong way. Her and her friends would get their revenge on their prey. Leaving them in ruins in the process. Alex certainly didn't want to start even lower in the social ladder that is high school.
"Right...sorry then." He replied,obviously defeated.
Later on in lunch a girl approached him along with a group of boys trailing behind her. She was a red head, unlike the others though, she had a short cut, as she approached him she and her friends set their trays down and procceded to talk to Alex.
"Heard you took on Twilight today, seems pretty brave for someone who wants to get himself ruined. Gotta say,you really didn't know who she was?" the girl asked.
"No...I guess word travels around pretty quick, why,is she starting a smear campaign against me?" He replied.
"More or less, rule is that anyone goes near you, she'll dig up dirt on them and humiliate them all, lucky for you, we don't care about our reputation. So here we are, names Sarah, these are my friends,Michael,Jay,and Luis." Sarah replied.
"Hey" Michael said
"Yo" Jay replied
"Wassup man" said Luis. Obviously the more energetic from the three.
"So,is this the part where you guys ask me something? Or if you want to invite me into your group?" He asked clearly nervous about people approaching him rather the other way around.
"Yup,so you want in?" Sarah replied.
"Alright then screw it. I'm in. I got a free schedule after shool since I go to the orphanage, not to mention the guy who runs the place is a drunken idiot. So I got lots of time." He stated
"Good,we're a band called insomnia. So we have rehearsals after school with the other bands in this school. Not to mention your favorite girl is a part of."
"No way,she's part of a band?" He asked,dumbfounded.
"Yup,anyways see ya after school in the auditorium. Don't be late" she replied.
The rest of the day went on as usual, class,lockers,class,lockers, but then after school during rehearsals he noticed a strange amount of bands around in the larger auditorium. After a brief introduction to the each member of the band. Jay being bass,Michael being drums,Luis being guitar,and Sarah playing keyboard. He seemed fairly acquainted with each and every one of them. After that he noticed Twilight and her friends going into a dark alleyway. With two grown men following them. Alex knew he should call the police,but what good would that do? He was in the rain,alone, when he thought of something insane. He put on his hoodie and tore a piece of his shirt to make a bandana. And quickly procceded to follow. In the alleyway,Twilight and her friends were forced in to a back wall, the men having devilish grins burn on their faces.
"What do you think Barry? Three for two,then leave these whores in trunk?"
Asked the man.
"Yeah, I'm feeling a little hungry today." Replied the man, obviously dark thoughts corroding them both. But then a muffled voice barely heard through the rain spoke up.
"If you do, your going to have the worst night of your life, I'm sick of guys like you.
All of them turned to see a dark figure, only visible skin feature was his eyes. Something was covering his face and hair, a hoodie and a homemade scarf. Obviously wanting to pick a fight with the two older men, they simply laughed at the sight of him.
"Who do you think you are,Spiderman!? The guy is gone for fifteen years and you think you can be like him?! God your hilarious!" One man said cracking up at the the thought of a young man who is trying to be like Spiderman.
Both of them then procceded to lunge at him. Alex quickly jumped into the air and landed on the side of the building,sticking to it. Both men couldn't believe what they saw, but they quickly drew out their guns and fired at him. Alex,with ease,dogged every bullet and lands a quick punch to the two thugs. The two men assured themselves. The kid has no web shooters, he can't possibly tie them up right?
Suddenly Alex shot out a strand of webbing into one of the thugs hand, knocking the pistol out of his hands. Alex then proceeded to web both of them up and quickly knock both of them out. He then turned to Twilight. She and her friends looked in awe as a hero saved them, on the contrary, he's no Spiderman. He's obviously young. So who was he?
"Better call the police on these clowns. Stay out of trouble alright?" He said, he procceded to web a nearby building and quickly swing away.
"Damn. What in the actual hell did I just do?!" He thought. Obviously wanting to get to home as fast as he could.
So....spandex isn't cheap?
Alex arrived late at his orphanage, he was looking for his keys in his backpack when he realized that he had his make-shift bandana on. Quickly taking it off he made his way into his "home" taking in the stench. Beer bottles lay either shattered or empty across the floor. He turned his head slightly to the left to see his caretaker,Earl, passed out on the sofa. Slightly rolling his eyes Alex made his way upstairs and into his room. Trying to be as quite as possible. So he thought, there his long time orphanage friend lay awake and was waiting for him. Dylan, the man of many secrets and regrets. At least, that was his life story told by Alex.
"So...mind telling me how you got here so late?" Dylan asked,sarcastically.
"Ummm....got jumped?" Alex replied,weakly,
"Bull-shit. You saw some people get into trouble and you decided to help them didn't you? Explains your shirt being torn." He said,
"Well I couldn't just stand there! There were guys about to--"
"Listen. The people of New York are still,after fifteen years,recovering from the lost of their treasured hero. They will, the second you come on the scene, torture every paste bit of you and eat you alive. Alex,you're too young for that, I'm too young for that and I don't have powers like you do." Dylan stated.
"Parker did it when he was fifteen. I am too, what's the difference? He fought to protect his family. I have none. Tell me Dylan, what do I have to worry about if they,by chance reveal my secret to the world?" Alex shot back,assuming he had the upper hand.
"The orphanage, the children,trapped behind the bottles of a drunken idiot. You don't care for them? Alex you may not have a family but you have kids who are in the situation as you." Dylan firmly stated,
"None of those kids been through what I witnessed. You didn't either,so either help me with this or fuck off." He said.
"Listen, they won't stop until they catch you, our fair leader, Celestia, will want your body strung up on a pole. And they will see you bleed. " he said, with a hint of fear lurking in his voice.
"Whatever, it's not like you can stop me from trying."
"Can you afford spandex?" He replied.
"...No..."
"First,get money,then we'll talk, 'till then, shut up and go to sleep."
"Fine...jackass."
"Love you too."
"So let me get this straight. You were about to get kidnapped by rapists when,all of a sudden, Spider-man appeared out of nowhere and saved you and your friends?"
"Yes Shining, for the millionth time, Spider-man, saved me and the gals." Twilight replied, agitation for having to repeat the story again to her brother.
"Well, unless Parker decided to come back from the grave to save you I'm not buying that this guy is Spider-man. From what you said, he's shorter, clumsier, and has no web shooters but can still shoot webs regardless. Face it Twi, we're dealing with a new Spider-Man. And I prefer to keep this guy in a cell, New York doesn't need another Spider-Man. Especially since the last one treated us like dirt." Shining stated.
"I don't think it's time to make quick judgements just yet. This guy probably did it because he saw us danger. Who knows if he's long gone by now." She said,obviously jumping to this mystery mans defense.
"Then prove it."
"What?"
"Prove that he's not a problem. Prove to me and the police that he's not a threat to the civilians of New York. Un-mask him. Find any dirt you can dig up. 'Cause he's certainly will go to a meeting and say 'I'm not a menace!' Prove. It. To. Everyone." He said.
"Fine,I'll prove it." She said as she got up,and went to her room.
"You were a bit harsh honey, obviously you should show the guy decency for saving your sister" Cadence,Shinings wife,stated.
"She always gets into trouble, but I don't want to put all of New York's trust into one masked man in tights again, especially since he left it in ruin." He replied.Coldly.
"Fine. I'll be in bed, I got to catch up on my stories."
Twilight proceeded to lay out the materials she needed to prove that this new "Spider-man" was here to help. But then she realized, to do this will take up too much of her time. And she will need the upmost of help to prove that this Spider-Man is here to help.
She needed her friends to do this quest.
Meet Twilight, a.k.a. Hitler Jr.
Two days later...
Alex got up from bed and went downstairs to an ecstatic Earl binging beer while watching a static T.V. He then sighed as he left the foster home. It had been two days since he saved Twilight, and the more he thinks about the incident, the more he wants to become involved in this "hero business", but not today. Today was school, and that meant having to deal with his new enemy-that-he-saved Twilight. It didn't help that she is starting a manhunt for him and isn't letting up since. He sighed, his powers were gift sure, but he felt like he wasn't meant to have them. As he approached Midtown High he felt his spider-sense blaze like a wildfire. Turning he was greeted by a familiar face.
"Hey Luis, how's it going" he asked
"Great, listen, Twilights smear campaign against you is is going insane, she has half the school backing her as of now because of this, and somehow, she snuck you in the election for class president."
"Bullshit, how could she do that in two days?" He asked, disbelieved by the situation.
" I don't know, but if you can somehow win this it'll prove how you can beat the most toughest girl in school as a freshman. They don't give those titles for nothin' man."Luis replied,
"They don't give those titles at all! Is this just to boost your bands reputation? 'Cause that's where I'm getting at." Alex replied annoyingly, knowing of Luis's intentions.
"Well... yeah that's exactly where I'm getting at now, picture this: a freshman with no experience or reason to be there beating a sophomore at a election. Think on how that's going to make you in school!" Luis replied, obviously insisting on Alex to make a choice.
"You know what? Fuck it. I want her to be knocked down a peg and for her to stop that stupid fucking smear campaign and have her and everyone one of her followers to bow down to me." He said, then pausing to realize what he said.
"Yeah that sounded way better in your head didn't it gaylord?"
"I take partial offense to that."
"Not like I'm against it, my cousin Shelby was bi-sexual, he died though cause his partner had the herps."
"Sorry about that."
"Don't be, he was cheating on him anyway. Shelby was a mans-man."
"Ok?"
Soon both approached the school,meeting up with Michael, Jay, and Sarah along the way. Later on the school assembly began to discuss the important matters and the long boring debate on who cries first from debating. Soon Alex found himself on the podium, across from him, Twilight, glaring daggers on him.
" And that's what I will do for the students of midtown high, thank you for your time" a student finished. Next was Alex.
"What will you do for your fellow classmates Alex?" The principal asked.
Nervously Alex looked down at his speech, obviously feeling hopeless on what was written on it. Causally he tossed them aside and looked back.
" I believe in a lot of things, America, freedom, Ameri-freedom. But i believe in doing more for my classmates, I believe that they're teens like me who feel put down by the social ladder nightmare that is high-school. So I strive to eliminate that, I may not be popular amongst you fellow students, but screw it I think I can get past that and show how a freshman does it. God that sounded so better in my head."
Alex finished, looking around the auditorium to see surprised looks on students faces, some shocked, some...smirking. And others with sly grins on their faces. He then sighed, knowing it was going to be one long debate.
Later...
Alex groggily walked out of the auditorium, head low on the possible stares and pointed laughs coming his way, but he was simply ignored. After a few minutes of walking he finally met up with the gang.
"What. The hell. Was that." Asked Sarah.
"I don't know! I had to improvise on the account that Luis's 'hand-written speech' was god-awful!" He exclaimed.
"Hey man at least it was something. What you said sounded like it came out of your ass." Michael chimed
"Look it's a start, let's admit it was rushed, cause I got to hack into Twilights computer just to figure out what the fuck is she going to say the next time debates begin, at least he won enough votes to continue." Said Jay.
"Thank you Jay"
" But you still talked out of your ass there, and we can't have that happen again, Luis, try to write something that makes sense next time."
" I had to rush!"
" Yeah right."
Elsewhere Twilight was watching the group from the distance accompanied by two of her friends, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.
"What do you think they are talking about?" Asked Rainbow.
"I don't know, the Russian is probably thinking of hacking us, but that's about it." Said Rarity.
"Quite true."
"Quiet, I think they are planning their next move." Twilight snapped.
" We're wasting time, come on we need to go practice, and continue that stupid hunt for that non-existent Spider-man" Rainbow replied, making quotation marks with her fingers.
"Whatever, we'll stay for a bit then we'll go." Twilight sighed. "Jeez Rainbow your getting impatient everyday"
"That's how I work."
"Sure it is." Said Rarity
"Hey!"
Well it's better than cosplay.
"So...heard about that new Spider-man Alex?" Asked Jay as he and the group were heading to a local pizza resturant. After a brief pause, he spoke up
"Don't really know much about him to exactly form a opinion just yet Jay." Came the simple reply.
"Well, he saved Twilight and her friends. Hardly see anyone do that anymore."
"I know that, it's just...I don't know..." He trailed off, worrying about the fact that he could be the next Spider-man, the question gnawing his mind now is...will he take it?
"You alright man? You seemed to be more quiet than usual after the debate, something wrong?" Asked Michael.
"What? No...I'm just...thinking, yeah, thinking . He answered quickly. Attracting questionable faces from the group.
"Listen Alex, if somethings on your mind, you can tell us, we won't judge." Sarah insisted
"No I don't want to talk about it, it's not important right now. What is important is figuring how to win the election. We need ideas." Alex snapped. Causing everyone to raise their brow at him. Causing him to sigh.
"Look it really is nothing. We should get back on topic, first-" but he was cut off. As a gunshot rang in the distance. Causing everyone to turn their heads in fear.
"We need to leave. Now." Sarah growled. Most agreed with the proposal, but not Alex. Thoughts racing through his mind, this is what Spider-man did, right? Stop the wicked, save the day, done. Without thinking Alex decides to run to the sound of the gunshot. Hearing the yells of his friends telling him to not risk it. To hell with that,he thought.
What am I thinking?! he shouted in his mind. I saved them without thinking, let the police handle this, it's not your fi--aw to hell with that.I'm going!
As he continued to run he noticed a small black mask on the ground, curious he picked it up. It looked like it was part of a Spider-man suit but it's difference was that it was black with huge white lenses. At first he thought if he should put it on. But when the screams got louder, he had no choice but to do so. After ducking into a alleyway while putting on the mask, Alex made his way up the building with his wall-crawling abilities. Peeking his head out in order not to attract attention he saw the gunman, or rather, gunmen taking hostages inside a building. With bodies surrounding the death-fortress wrapped in their own streams of blood. Cringing at the sight, Alex let out a quiet sigh. New York wasn't as peaceful as it once was when Spider-man was around. And now a man can quite literally commit crime without accusations pointed at them as long as a bribe was involved. Realizing that approaching the building would end up in him getting shot he thought of other safer solutions. Then an idea hatched in his head. His father designed his powers to surpass the originals. So he had powers that were beyond the original to uphold. Closing his eyes he concentrated hard and thinking of being one with shadow. Slowly he disappeared from sight and was completely invisible, or in other terms, invisible. Slowly he crawled down the building and onto the street slowly making his way pass the bodies and careful not to step in the pools of blood. As he heard faint sirens in the distance. He made his way into the building, finding two armed thugs right in front of him, of course they couldn't see him. But he made his way behind them as he circled around.
Silently he approached the first thug and struck him behind the neck, instantly knocking him out. His partner whipped around only to then be struck in the face by a fist. Instantly slumping over. Bringing a heavy sigh he made his way upstairs finding three hostages on the floor, bonds over their eyes and hands and mouths. He found one thug guarding them as the other kept lookout for the authorities. Alex assumed the lookout was the leader. But he couldn't be sure. As he made his way to them, camouflaged one spoke up, causing him to stop.
"What's the bosses orders?" One asked,
"Keep the police busy, wait for the van to arrive. And get to the warehouse." The other replied.
"What do we do with these idiots?"
" Keep 'em for now. We may need it for when the cops come. The guys below are ready to mow down everyone who comes within five feet of this fucking dump." The leader answer, irritated at his position.
That was enough, with two quick swipes the captors lay on the ground knocked out cold. Proceeding to unbind the hostages afterwards. However something in his head begged to differ.
Kill them, just do it, no one will know until it's too late, these pathetic excuses for living people deserve better than just having their captors jailed, listen to us! the horrible seductive mind commanded as Alex unblinded the last hostage.
Ignore it Alex, it was probably nothing, I'm not a killer. he assured himself.
You're not a killer 'eh? You're delusional, you want to kill, you want justice after all... the voice insisted, suddenly his spider-sense was set ablaze, one of the armed thugs was about to shoot him with a pistol. Quickly knocking the gun away, Alex proceeded to pin him to a wall. Seeing the fear in his eyes, Alex smirked under his mask as his irises proceeded to change from a chocolate brown, to a vicious yellow. Alex repeated to slam his fist into the thugs face continuously.
"Stop! Your going to kill him!" Said one of the hostages blurted out, finding the ordeal horrifying.
Suddenly his irises changed back into his brownish tint. Dropping the bloodied thug down, realizing the amount of damage he made. He backed away slowly from the guard and turned to see three horrified hostages.
"Monster." One muttered.
"I never meant to-" Alex quickly said, but was cut off by armed police storming the room. Guns armed.
"Get down on the ground!" One barked.
"Holy shit, look what he did to him" another said, pointing at the limp body.
"Get a doctor up hear!" Another yelled.
"Take him!"
Suddenly his mind faded back into his body. Running to the window and smashing through it he heard several gunshots ring out. As he zipped away, his mind raced a mile a minute about what he just did. He landed on the side of a office building. Blocks away from the scene. Ripping the mask away from his face and throwing it aside. He proceeded to weep. Tears strolling down his face as he sat at a ledge. After a few minutes he found himself sitting in complete silence. With the occasional tear rolling down his cheek. A single thought ringing in his head.
What did I just do?
In all my life...I can't say you being born was the greatest achievement me and your mother shared...its her death that made my day...now the question upholds son, do you oblige?
Alex gasped as he woke up from his nightmareish slumber,he left his friends after coming up with a somewhat beliveable lie regarding why he stormed off. He sighed, he was feeling dread inside him. Not only did he brutally injure a man, he let it win again. He knew it couldn't let it happen again, not now, not ever, but his nightmares... it seemed so real. But they all were the same. He paused, what did it all mean? What did his father mean by:the question still upholds? He sighed again. He felt a migraine coming forth as he rubbed his forehead as beads of sweat rolled down his face. All these questions needed to be answered at another time, for now,sleep
The next day...
Alex slumped over his bunk, another day, another grind. After getting properly dressed he made his way downstairs, surprisingly, Earl was sober. However he was wearing a scowl on his face. Obviously disappointed in something. Alex couldn't help but think it was him that caused him to be like this.
At least he's sober...that's one good positive I guess.. he thought to himself as he made his way past Earl, heading for the door.
"Wait."
Alex froze, unsure what to do. Nervously he turned around to meet Earl. Still bearing the scowl on his face, only for it to turn to a sad smile.
"You know...the school wanted me to let you know that your not officially registered in the class elections,so your disqualified from it." Earl stated bluntly, still hungover.
"Thank god." Alex muttered
"Also, why are you suddenly at throats with a sophomore? You didn't call her names now did you?" He asked.
"No, I just got annoyed by her and called her out on her big ego...only to then find out she's a sister to the chief of police and I dropped the act. She hung onto it and now she's out for revenge." He stated
"Apologize to her." He stated.
"But Earl--"
"But nothing, it doesn't matter if you or her insulted one another and now your enemies. You shouldn't be picking fights left and right. And she shouldn't be picking on you because she's related to somebody important. You should apologize to her. Maybe she'll do the same." He said
"And if she doesn't" Alex asked.
"Then your terrible with women." Earl replied with a gruff laugh. "Anyways, get to school, you're late as it is."
"Right." Alex said as he bolted out the door.
Later, Alex arrived at Midtown, stopping briefly to catch his breath, only for his spider-sense to go ablaze again. Turning around he came face-to-face with a furry of eyes. Making himself shrink, and obviously, wanting to leave immediately. As Twilight and her friends stood over him.
"Well, hope you're having a pleasant day so far, too bad you'll be out of the election once debates start up again." Twilight hissed.
"About that..." Alex said while his voice was trailing off. "I got disqualified for not being registered properly and now I'm out of the race so..."
"Well it's a good thing that--wait, what? " Twilight asked in shock.
"Don't play that card with me, you set me up so you can find out more dirt about me during debates." He groaned as he rolled his eyes. "So what now, are you going to gang up on me? Taunt me because I can't do anything about it because of your brother? I'm already making enemies the first four days into high school and I'm sick of it. I'm not gonna fight you with my own smear campaign, but do what my orphanage supervisor told me to do."
"Which is?..." Twilight said nervously.
"I'm sorry."
"What?" They all said in disbelief.
"I'm sorry" he repeated " I should've been less of a douche, and more aware of my surroundings. But that doesn't mean you need to parade over that."
"Which means.."
"Which means you should also apologize for treating me like shit for the past few days. You seem like a nice gal, so what's it going to be?" He replied, cooly.
"I'm...sorry..."
"Good, now let's start over," he extended his arm. "Friends?"
Taking his hand, Twilight replied,"Friends."
"Good."
Later on Alex found the day to be quite boring, he may have patched things up with Twilight. But he seemed to forget something, perhaps it was the history between his friends that he needed to patch up as well.
"That's for another day.. he thought while smiling. Suddenly he was approached by some familiar faces.
"So I heard you got disqualified from the race" Sarah said glumly.
"...Yeah...you guys are not mad at me?" He replied nervously.
"Nah not at all," Jay continued. "We really didn't expect it to go far. I'm surprised you made it the first time around."
"Well at least something good came out of it." He said.
"Oh?" They all said.
"Yeah I patched things up with Twilight, we're not at each other's throats anymore!" He said while slicing a piece of lasagna. Oblivious to the shock on his friends faces.
"H--how?" Luis exclaimed.
"Easy, we both apologized and started over. What, is there something I'm missing?" He asked.
"It's impossible to like,make popular kids apologize. It's like, the written rule."
"Says who?"
"Says the author!" Luis exclaimed while pointing up at the ceiling.
"Luis...what the hell are you talking about?" He then turned to Sarah. "Is he always like this?"
"You'll get used to it. I hope."
"Uh-huh." He then shook his head. "I've been meaning to ask. When did you guys meet?" He asked.
"We meet in the seventh grade, started a band in the eighth. And here we are" Sarah replied.
"So what's yours?" Asked Michael.
"Well I wasn't always an orphan. I had a family. Three sisters. A mother. And what I thought was a loving father. One thing led to another and here I am." He finished. Sighing on having to mention his father again.
"So..what happened?" Asked Sarah nervously.
"I think that's a question for another day" he finished quickly. Suddenly the lunch bell rung. Announcing the end of lunch.
As Alex exited the lunched room, he was grabbed by the shoulder and turned around to see two familiar faces.
"What's your plan mister?" Rainbow Dash questioned
"What plan?" He asked dumbfounded.
"You know...getting friendly with us..so you can stab us in the back once you steal all of our songs so you can trade them off to your friends at insomnia!" She exclaimed.
"Rainbow dear, surely there are better options than that." Rarity intervened.
"Is she always like this? No offense by the way." He asked.
"None taken darling. Rainbow is always a bit...brash." She said.
"So are you not conspiring with the enemy!" Rainbow exclaimed again.
"No, I'm not. And I never was. I was just sick of the whole smear campaign thing. Can I go now? I'm late for physics." He replied.
"Ok,you can go now." Rainbow groaned. Obviously unsatisfied with his answer.
"Thank you." He said as he turned to make his leave.
"Somethings up with him, I don't like it." Rainbow said.
"Well if push comes to shove you can always do what you normally do. Which is being aggressive." Rarity smirked.
"Well, that is right--hey!" She exclaimed.
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Kindness in heart. (Or whatever you call Alex)
"So...your friend Fluttershy works at the animal shelter?" Alex asked as she walked with the five girls he recently called friends one Wednesday afternoon. Autumn leaves dwindling beside them as cool air brushed past them.
"Yup, we figured if we help her this time, we can get done faster and make it to our gig." Rainbow answered. Over the few days she and her friends spent with Alex, the more she noticed how quiet he was, once he went an entire day without talking and she was wondering. What was he thinking? What secrets did his mind hold? What made him nearly a mute? Of course he spoke from time to time, but that was when he needed to, when he didn't, he just stood their, silently watching at a conversation. Moments later they all arrived at the shelter. Inside they were greeted by a receptionist, who then looked up to flash a quick smile.
"Hello girls, what can I do for you?" The receptionist asked.
"We were wondering if we can help Fluttershy with the animals." Twilight answered,
"Of course, let me get you your passes." She said as she handed them their passes. Then paused to see Alex. "Friend of yours?" She asked Twilight.
"Yeah"Alex answered instead.
"Not that much of a talker, huh?" She asked and Alex procceded to shake his head.
"Very well, she's in the third room to the left." The receptionist said as she motioned to the hallway. Procceded to follow suit, the group found themselves in a large but enclosed room fitted with all sorts of small beds made for pets. Brightly colored green and blue walls scaled the room, in the middle of it, Fluttershy was attending to a small puppy with a bottle of formula in her hands as she gently rocked it back and forth.
"Hey 'Shy!" Pinkie exclaimed. Immediately, Fluttershy flinched at the sudden loud noise but settled back down once she saw it was her friends.
"Hello girls, how come your here?" Fluttershy asked.
"We came to help out with the animals, we even brought Alex." Twilight answered. Motioning towards Alex.
"Hey." He said simply, void of emotion.
"Hi.."she replied awkwardly. She paused but continued." I'm almost done for the day but there's still some animals that need tending to. There's a lizard who's tank needs cleaning, but no matter what I do, he won't come out so I can clean it, other than that it's just a matter of restocking some food for the animals then we're done." She said.
"I'll do it." Alex chimed in.
"Are you sure? The lizard may bite you, but it's nothing lethal, but from what I heard they bite pretty hard." Fluttershy asked.
"I'm sure, I have to be useful once in a while." He said softly, as he made his way over to the tank, encountering a small but lightish brown lizard,lying down in its fake sand. With a sigh, Alex reached down slowly to grab the lizard and put it in its crib that was right next to the dirty tank.
Unfortunately, the lizard viewed this as a threat and sank it's fangs into Alex's hand, causing him to wince in pain.
"Son of a--"he muttered, almost wanting to yell at the the pain, but he sighed, his healing factor could patch things up in a matter of seconds, as if it was on cue, Alex veiwed the cuts in his hand slowly get back together. As if it was stiching itself.
"Is something wrong? Did the lizard bite you? Fluttershy asked, worry in her voice.
"No, I just uh...stubbed my toe. Hard." He answered quickly.
"We'll be careful, there's safety gloves next to the crib that you can use to safely get the lizard out of there, it's next to the cleaning supplies." She said.
With a sigh, Alex grabbed the gloves off the counter and grabbed the lizard off the tank. Of course it tried biting again, but to no avail due to the rubber gloves. As he proceeded to put the lizard in the crib Twilight approached him with a curious look on her face.
"You said a couple days ago that you were from an orphanage. Why is that?" She asked.
With a heavy sigh, Alex put the paper towels on the counter and turned to a curious Twilight. "My mom had some money in her will that guaranteed an entrance to any schools in New York. I was homeschooled for the most of middle school, but I got accepted into Mid-town, so here I am." He answered, wanting to desperately change the subject. But to no avail.
"Oh..." Was all she could say as her voice trailed off, wanting to find the least rude sounding question she could think of. "So do you remember your parents?" She asked slowly.
"Twilight, right now I don't feel like answering something like that. I don't like sharing my personal life and I like to keep it that way." He answered quickly facing her with a hurt look in his eyes.
"Ok.." As she let out a heavy sigh, knowing that she struck a nerve.
The tone in the room changed, from a soft yet peaceful area, to a awkward, quiet room with everyone still having to make something worst. As the hour past, the group quickly wrapped up with the chores and left the building as they handed in their passes. Alex saying a quick goodbye before letting out a heavy sigh. As he walked down the street to his orphanage, he thought about what caused him to be like this. Back then, he was a charter-box, filled with joy, life, now reduced to this. An emotionally depressed freak with powers. As he made his way back to the small apartment. He took in the all too familiar smell of beer bottles and what seemed to be vomit coming from the living room. Silently creeping up the stairs, he was greeted by his long time friend, Dylan.
"How did your day go?" He asked while reading a paperback novel.
"Not great, not bad." He replied glumly.
"What's on your mind?" Dylan asked, instantly knowing of what mood he was in.
"Oh you know, stuff. Hey Dylan, can this wait another day? I really don't want to talk about it." He pleaded.
"If that's what you want, I'm here if you need me." Dylan replied, going back into his novel. As Alex plopped down onto his bad he opened his backpack for his homework, only to remember he always does it in study hall. With a heavy sigh, he made his way on the bed, eyes drifting upon the celling. Remembering her smile, her sing-song voice, her flowing dark chocolate hair. The terrified look in her eyes, the gun, blood. Most filled his eyes as he drifted into sleep. His thoughts playing one sentence.
I miss you mom. I really do...
View Online
Laughter is the best medicine (As cliche as it gets)
Alex stood there in silence one day. Watching with his chocolate covered eyes beaming to the party that lay before him. He'd been invited by Pinke to attend it as it was a birthday party for the babies she took care frequently. Pound,and Pumpkin cake.
"Not the most normal names I come across...but it gets a pass for some reason. " he thought to himself while smirking. Unbeknownst to him, a certain pink haired girl was also keeping an eye on him as well.
"Hiya 'Lexy! How's the party!" She exclaimed. Leaving Alex very much unprepared. Still clutching his heart, he thought to himself.
"How is she able to do that without triggering my Spider-Sense? " shaking his head briefly before looking to Pinke.
"It's going fine for me, although this party ain't for me, it's for the twins, right?" He replied the best he could.
"Of course not you silly! Your birthday is not for another two months! By the way, happy early birthday!" She said as she hugged a dumbfounded Alex.
"How did you- never mind. I'm not going to ask how you know." He said. Still trying to piece together how she figured out his birthday.
"I just looked ahead on the story and found out your birthday! It's nothing really." She said as she giggled. Leaving Alex even more confused.
"She's certainly leaving him very confused." Rainbow said to the group who happened to be watching the ordeal from afar.
"Yup, I reckon' he'll get used to it in a few days." Applejack chimed.
"Y'know that is the first time I've seen him smile since we met, she's making progress girls."Twilight said gleefully as she handed punch to her friends.
"They always did say laughter is the best medicine." Rarity said. Slightly laughing more as Alex stood there dumbfounded as he made his way to them.
"Does she always know what other people are thinking?" He asked.
"It appears so, but I wouldn't worry about it. She only uses it for parties." Twilight replied as Alex took in a sip of punch. Still wondering how Pinke was able to know his birthday.
After the party Alex walked briskly through the leaf driven sidewalk. However as he did he noticed Sarah walking across from him towards the opposite direction. As he turned to walk to were she was going, a raindrop fell to his head. Prompting him to pull up his hoodie before going further. As he did he noticed two gruff men keeping a slow pace behind her, as if they were studying her. Looking both ways Alex sprinted across the street as quickly and as quietly as he could. Before vanishing into his camouflage mode.
As Sarah crossed an alleyway, the two men jumped at the red head girl. Forcing her to the alley as she struggled to wrench free.
"You're not going anywhere little girly." One of the men said pervertedly.
"Sure, I'm sure this will definitely be the talk of the party, raping a fourteen year-old girl, that'll get you all the ladies." Sarah said as she rolled her eyes before promptly kicking him in his manhood. Causing the man to wince in pain as she kicked him to the ground. Alex's was witnessing this, mouth agape.
"Wow, she kicks ass ." he thought.
After she knocked the man out, the other pulled out a small knife from his pocket. Swinging wildly at her as his blade cut only the rain. Alex then realized it was his cue. He shot a strand of webbing to another building. Swinging towards the man with a kick. Knocking the thug unconscious. His invisibility still keeping him hidden, while Sarah was looking around for the mystery man. Alex realized he had his scarf with him in his hoodie. He quickly put it on and came back into view. Shocking Sarah in the process.
"You're--you're the Spider-Man they were talking about...thanks." She said in awe.
"Don't mention it." Alex said while keeping his voice low and unrecognizable as possible.
"No. It needs mentioning, those people that say your a menace are idiots, thank you." She repeated.
He nodded before making his way as he shot another strand of webbing to a building. Unfortunately he slammed into said building before he could do anything about it.
"Son of a-" he muttered before clinging onto the building and making his way up before shooting another strand as he clumsily swinging his way to another building. As he had not practiced in some time.
"Wow" Sarah said while on the verge of laughter. "Alex needs to work on his voice if he wants to keep his identity a secret. I'll need to talk to him about it.."She said while making her way out of the ally. Smirking at Alex's blunder.
Don't you see? The world is ending. Where are the people going to get their hero? It isn't you. You...are something else...something...sinister...
"Hey Alex wait up!"
Alex turned to face Sarah, he hadn't caught up with his first group of friends, and to be quite frank. He'd been feeling guilty all about it.
"Oh hey Sarah...sorry about being away from you guys" Alex said, hoping she was not mad.
"Don't need to be sorry, I was wondering where'd you been. I need to talk to you about something." Sarah's voice trailed off, as if she noticed something.
"Okay what do we need to- woah!" Alex yelled as Sarah put a hand over his mouth as they both ducked behind a alley near the school.
"When did you get it?" She asked.
"What? Get what?" Alex replied, praying she hadn't found out.
"This" She said as she swung a book at him, Alex immediately ducking before the book came into vision. Then realized his mistake.
"Ok I give, yes I have spider powers, when did you find out?" He caved, realizing that playing dumb would be redundant.
"Yesterday, after you made that brilliant rescue and that successful swing off to the sunset. I thought about it, thinking I should keep the secret. But then I thought an even better idea 'Why should I?' "
"What!?" He exclaimed.
"I mean, what have you done to make me want to keep your secrets in first place?" She said as she glared at him.
"Well, for starters I saved your life!" Alex exclaimed. Sarah blinked, but with a pristine venom in her eyes.
"No you dolt, not me, them, my friends." She said "What have you done that can make me want to trust you? What's your past?" Sarah hissed.
"Look-I can't say, but what I can say is that it's a need-to-know-basis. And right now, you don't need to know anything!" He exclaimed. Startling Sarah slightly.
"That's the problem, lies can only go so far Alex, they rot, die out, kaput. So tell me something I want to know."
With a heavy sigh Alex felt he couldn't keep it much longer. He just couldn't leave his friends. He just can't.
"Fine. I'll tell you, what do you need to know?" He asked.
"Everything." She replied.
It was at that time a certain rainbow haired girl was happening to be passing by. Pretending to play air guitar with a chip. Then she heard the conversation. Peeking at her interest she decided to listen in, curious as to what gossip may be lurking around.
"Zodiac? " She heard one feminine voice ask.
"Yes, after I got my powers, my dad got into a crazy rage fit for losing his job and killed my mom. I got relocated along with the rest of my siblings across the U.S." A male voice answered. "Anything else you need to know Sarah?"
"Sarah ?!" Rainbow thought as that screamed into her mind. She knew this man could be the new Spider-Man. But who? She peeked behind the corner to see Alex, frozen in place along with Sarah, both knowing what each other is thinking.
"Son of a-" Alex said as Rainbow bolted from the corner, heading to the school. He then turned to see Sarah, a former venom in her eyes. Replaced by the ever so returning guilt.
"Rainbow wait!" Alex yelled as he sprinted down the sidewalk. Rainbow had a head start, he knew it. So it would be a matter of time before she blended in with the crowd near the school. His eyes shot wide, she was getting close, but a car was also getting closer, and it wasn't slowing down.
He needed to act quick.
Catching up to her, he propelled himself forward as he caught Rainbow in the waist, both hurling forward and rolling on the safety of the sidewalk.
"You okay?" Alex said. Rainbow simply nodded.
"Good, what the hell were you thinking?!" He hissed.
"I-I don't know.." She said.
"Come on, walk with me." He said as he picked her up. "She's fine." Alex said as he addressed the crowd. All immediately walking away.
"What were you doing?" Alex repeated. Softly this time. Rainbow hardly could believe it. After all this time she thought of Alex as this sort of silent type. Now she knew why he was so silent, he was scarred. He kept quiet for a reason and this was it.
"I don't know...after you saw me...I just panicked and ran...is it true?" She asked.
"What is?" He asked.
"That...you're Spider-Man. The same guy who saved us and my friends a while back. Why didn't you say anything?" She said.
" I couldn't, I was in no position to,please Rainbow, don't tell anyone, the only people that know are Earl, Dylan, and Sarah." He said
"Who's Dylan?" She inquired.
"A long time friend, please Rainbow, don't tell anyone, I don't want to be seen as a freak. Then lynched for trying to impersonate a legend." He begged.
"But...why save us?"
"What?"
"You saved us, yet you had no reason to. Twilight treated you poorly back then, but you saved us anyway. Why?"
"Because at that time I was just...me... I was just trying to do something. Something right."
"Ok, and the real reason?" She asked.
"Ugh...I was just...I don't know." He finished.
"Don't know about what? Saving us?"
"Yes and no. Yes I wanted to save you guys, no I don't know the answer as to why." He replied." Please Rainbow, I'm begging you, don't tell anyone, not even your friends. Promise?" She saw something in Alex's eyes she thought she could never see. Worry, fear, there was something else, but she couldn't put her finger on it.
"Alright, I promise." She sighed. "But can you tell me something?"
"Yeah?"
"How come your not fighting crime about now?"
"I don't want to."
"Wait, what?"
"I never said I wanted these powers, if anything they serve as a reminder, how I was slow, weak, and overall, pathetic when it came to it." He paused, "They just serve as a mental scar, I don't want to be Spider-Man. But every time when I see someone die, I just...act without thinking."
"Oh.."Was all Rainbow could muster.
"Yeah...'oh'."
"Rainbow! Are you and Alex alright!" Twilight screamed as she and the group made their way towards them.
"You sure y'all are fine?" Asked Applejack.
"Yeah, yeah we're fine, we should get going." Alex answered. "We just needed to reassure each other." He said before turning and whispering to Rainbow.
"So you promise?" He asked.
"I can keep secrets, being loyal is what I do." She said glumly.
Honesty is usually the best policy.
No amount of power can stop the inevitable. It's redundant, this quest was reduced to a false hope made by you, it makes breaking you much more pleasing.'
'
"Shining, will you please focus on other things besides wondering about what your little sister is doing" Queen Celestia asked, annoyed that the chief had requested to be excused for the fourth time.
"Sorry, I'm just worried who she's hanging out with." Shining said.
"Her friends are her most trusted friends since kindergarten. Why are you begging to question it?" Celestia asked.
"It's not that...its one of her new friends...not the most trustworthy of people I met, I'm worried he may do something that may hurt her." He replied.
"And why don't you trust him?"
"He had a fight with her when they first met, they are better now, but I can't bring myself to trust him. Every question I ask of his background to her, she just says: 'He doesn't feel comfortable talking about it.' It's just-"
"Nerve-wracking?" Celestia finished.
"Yes, but it's just that, he's extremely secretive of his past, it just seems a little suspicious."
"Well if he wants to keep his past a secret, it's his choice." Celestia countered.
"Yeah, but for how long?" Shining retorted.
"I do not know, but patience can reap it's rewards, maybe when he's comfortable with his surroundings, he may want to talk about it."
"Uhh...your highness? Can we please get back to the meeting?" A business woman asked.
"Oh, right." Shining said, chuckling nervously.
"So what was it that Alex told you?" Applejack asked. Rainbow froze, not knowing what to say to throw off suspicion.
"Umm, he told me if I was fine." She responded quickly. First mistake.
"From what I saw it'd seemed longer than that. C'mon Rainbow you can tell me. Where'd all that pride go?"
"Applejack?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you think you can keep a secret?" She asked.
"Of course. What do you want to say?"
"Alex has spider-powers. And he's the guy who saved us when school first started." She stated.
"What? That's ridiculous. How would you k-"
"Sarah, Insomnias lead singer, found out, and he told her everything. I found out when I passed by the alleyway they were in. He found out I was listening in. And I ran, he caught up and saved me from a car, and he told me what I wanted to know afterwards. He told me to keep it a secret but it's been killing me for a day now. We'd been trying to find out who the new Spider-man was since school began, only to find out he was right next to us!" She gasped, it'd been getting tighter to breathe all of a sudden and Rainbow felt light-headed.
"Listen Rainbow, I know you kept a promise for Alex, but the truth is going to get out sooner or later, lies don't last very long, when the time comes you and I have to be honest with our friends and be honest. Am I clear?" She said.
"Y-yeah."
"Good, we need to talk to him, he may freak out at first, but I'm sure he'll understand."
The two proceeded to walk to the auditorium after school to see Alex sitting down doing his homework while watching both bands practice. And he seemed to be getting involved.
"No,no, that riff is too long, it'll kill the song if you do it longer than that. You got to keep it short, but simple enough to get the job done. Ok Luis?" Alex said.
"Dude, you have no experience in music, yet you know so much, how come you don't play?" Luis asked as he adjusted his guitar.
"You'll be surprised when you listen to concerts in Central Park, when I was little, Earl used to take me and Dylan to concerts every now and then to see the bands live. It was fun, but we stopped after I turned eleven." Alex responded while doing his work.
"Alex, can we talk to ya for a sec?" Applejack asked.
"Sure, what do you need?" He said.
"Right here ain't the right place, follow me," She said while pulling him along with Rainbow to a nearby closet behind the curtains.
"Alright, what do you guys ne--"
"Rainbow told me." Applejack said.
"For fu-"He said while turning to Rainbow. "I thought I made you promise not to tell anyone about this."
"I tried, but it kept eating me alive to tell someone, I'd just couldn't take it!" She exclaimed.
"She's right Alex, lies like that can only go so far, best to tell now before it harms others."
"I know lies can rot, I'd thought it would buy me time." He responded.
"Buy time for what?" Applejack asked.
"So I can figure out what to do without getting arrested and carted off to the Cellar. You know what they do to criminals there!" He said.
"Yeah." She said, her voice trailing off.
"Is there anyone else who you told, because if you did, I'm going to have a fucking meltdown." Alex said.
"Relax, there was no one else who could've known." Rainbow assured.
"How come you don't do more of it?" Asked Applejack.
"More of what?"
"Being Spider-Man, he was a symbol of hope for the city, hope's not easy to come by these days. Especially with all the crime going around." Applejack said.
"Because I don't want to, I only acted because I don't like these sort of things happening, it's not like I can just drop everything for that." Alex said. Irritation running through his voice.
"Then fight to see it ended. If the city would get another hero to help end the crime running through it, there may be hope again. You need to know that." She stated.
"Okay hotshot, how am I supposed to get a costume?" He asked.
"Say What now?"she said.
"You know, the thing Spider-Man was known for, a 'man of mystery', how am I supposed to afford spandex?" He grunted.
Applejack shrugged. "Improvise?" She said.
"Can't believe I'm going through with this." He mumbled.
"Hey it's your powers, you use 'em." She said.
"Fine."
"You know, for all its worth, I think I may have this costume thing down." Alex told the three girls one day during lunch.
"How so?"
"I convinced Dylan to let me borrow his brown leather jacket and I managed to 'buy' some knock-off black suit Spider-Man costume that was only durable with the arms and mask." Alex explained. Earning a raised eyebrow from the three.
"That's it?" Sarah said.
"Well, what are you going to do when your only source of food is by selling cookies or supplies? I had to make do with what I had."
"You stole?"
"I like to call it 'borrowing without paying' but yeah, that works too." He said.
"Hey guys, what's up?" Luis asked.
"Hey Luis! Did you take that advice about that riff?" Ales asked.
"Yeah, and you wouldn't 'believe ' how well that worked. Dude, my house was shaking after I performed that solo." Luis said, missing a violent 'don't say anything' gesture from Sarah.
"A guitar solo 'eh? Bring it on." Rainbow said.
"Here we go." Alex said.
"Go where? Mexico? Cause my cousin got deported there recently and he knows this safe house I can take shelter in if things go south here." Luis said, oblivious to his surroundings.
"Y'know, I've been meaning to ask, why are you know so many stories about your cousins?" Alex asked.
"Duh, social media, what is this 2015?" Luis scoffed.
"Really? Which one?" He asked.
"Twert."
"Really? People still go there?"
"Of course they do, it's not like it's ChatSnap, or some bullshit like that." Luis pondered.
"Getting back on topic." Applejack coughed.
"Oh, right. Luis, could you go with Michael and Jay? They're by the vending machine." Alex said.
"Is this what I think it is?" Luis asked.
"Which is?"
"I was gonna say you guys were going to do a foursome, but it seems like I was wrong." He said.
"Luis!" Both Sarah and Alex yelled.
"Right! Going!" Luis said while chuckling to himself.
"How do you deal with him?" Applejack asked.
"You don't." Both of them said simultaneously. Prompting everyone to laugh. Suddenly, a blob of mashed potatoes came into contact with Alex's head, confused, Alex turned to see three jocks, flipping him off while laughing at him. He almost threw a table at them when Sarah stopped him at the last second.
"Don't, those idiots will make themselves look like the victim." She said icily.
"Doesn't mean they're above everyone else. Those fuck-nuts deserve it." He spat.
"Hey retard! Are you even gonna do anything about that! C'mon, teach us a lesson!" One of the jocks taunted. The lunch room went from a chatter-filled room to dead silent.
"Leave him."
All students turned to see a blonde haired woman glaring daggers at the jocks, who went silent. They all knew her. She was the one that could easily ruin you as well as taking a few from your pockets. She was the one who would break you before beginning to torture you. She was-
"Beat it. This doesn't concern you." One of the jocks growled.
"Oh really? Like that picture you keep of me at night? Or that kids program you watch and sing to every day? Or how you love to have your drinks in a BearCares cup?" She hissed to all of the jocks, causing them to fall silent. "Thought so, you idiots should really pick up a better hobby than bullying. It wastes everyone's time from having to watch documentaries about it." She turned to walk to her table, but got interrupted by Alex, despite protests from Sarah.
"Hey...thanks..." He began.
"Just call me Felicity, Felicity Hardy." She said.
The room went silent again, as if it was straight out of a silent film. But it wasn't for the jocks. It was for something else.
Alex walked down the hallways he had been pondering ideas for his Spider-Man outfit, he wasn't in the slightest 'rolling in dough'. But he had to try.
"Having a bit of trouble there dear?"
Alex turned to face Rarity, of course she had her time well spent in school, but it hardly seemed to have a affect on her. They both walked down the hallway.
"So Rarity, I've been meaning to ask, how do you get...spandex?" Alex asked. 'Well, it was better than: Hey where do I get spandex for my Spider-Man outfit?'
"Well, why do you need it?" She asked.
"Well, since Halloween is coming up, I figured I'd get my costume ready." He explained.
"Darling, Halloween isn't for another month, I'm sure you could wait for it."
"Aren't you like, a fashionista? Y'know, those people who like to be prepared months before the deadline?" Alex asked.
"Fair point, but no. I don't have any spandex, who were you going to dress up as?" She asked.
"Uh, Superman or something."
"I see."
"Well I'm going to auditorium. How about you?" He asked.
"Well, my band has a gig at a pizza parlor soon, we're just getting the equipment to perform." She said. "What about Insomnia?"
Alex paused. "Actually now that you said it, I don't think they told me, y'know, because you're rivals or whatever." He said.
"Interesting." She noted.
They both entered the auditorium, but to their surprise no music was playing, however arguments could be heard throughout.
"I don't care if you need to move your equipment. We were here first!"
Alex saw Sarah and Twilight, both of them arguing along with their respective band members. He could hear the basics:
"Move your stuff over there!"
"You're blocking our equipment!"
"Why are we arguing again? Luis asked, followed by a 'Shut up Luis!' from Sarah.
"Guys! Shut the fuck up!" Alex exclaimed. Everyone turned to him.
"Jeez, you guys argue like five-year-olds. What's the problem?" He said.
"Well, we were practicing a new song we wrote when all of a sudden, this bitch came up and said we need to leave. When I asked why and she said and I quote: 'To get our stuff' one thing led to another and here we are." Sarah said.
"Uh-huh, say, mind telling me the part that was not exaggerated?" Alex asked.
"That wasn't exaggerating."
"Sure, Twilight, say something before I lose my mind. Believe me, it's messed up as it is." He said.
"We just came and said if we could get our stuff for our gig and she wouldn't budge, because she was blocking the closest!" Twilight said. Alex just simply face-palmed.
"Seriously?" He said.
"Yup."
"Don't tell me you believe her." Sarah spat.
"I don't, I don't believe either of you, but to make yourselves feel better, I'm going to say I believe both of you." He said. "But this is a huge waste of an argument. So I'm going to cut to the chase. Sarah, just let them through."
"Why? They didn't call dibs."
"So?"
"I own this spot." She snarled.
"Of course you do, Sarah, get out of the way." Alex said.
"What! Why?!" She exclaimed.
"You did this to pick an argument, now this is the part where I pick sides, but quite frankly I don't think I can handle something stupid as this. Sarah, apologize, and Twilight, apologize for acting rash." He said.
"But I didn't-" Twilight began.
"But nothing, I don't want to have to be in a rivalry that could get bloody if not attended to, and frankly, this is the longest anyone has been my friend." He interrupted.
"Fine." They both said.
"I'm sorry." Sarah said.
"I'm sorry." Twilight said.
"Good. We're making progress, now let's forget this ever happened and move on. Good?" He said. He saw all the nods that came through. "Thought so." As he turned to leave, Luis called out.
"Hey man! Leaving so soon?" Luis said.
"Yeah, because I can only take so much before getting a splitting headache for the rest of the day. So, bye." Alex said as he exited the auditorium.
The walk back was brief, or so he thought. Alex made his way to the orphanage and entered through the door. Surprisingly, there was no stench of alcohol plaguing the building. Alex turned to see Earl, lying on the couch with a glass of tea.
"Hey Earl, how come it isn't a dump now?" Alex asked.
"Oh, didn't see you there, I've been trying to get sober for the past few days now, been drinking tea instead of beer. Been going strong for two days now." Earl replied, clearly tired, but at least sober. "Why, do you need something?"
"No, but I'm surprised, good job man." Alex said.
"Yeah, yeah, beat it before I get jumpy again." Earl smirked.
"Ok, see ya around Yogi." Alex teased.
"You too wall-crawler." Earl grunted.
'Damn, he got me there .' Alex thought as he made his way upstairs, opening the door to his room, Dylan, appeared to be writing something.
"Hey Dylan, whatcha doing?" Alex asked, making Dylan jump.
"Jesus man, you scared me. I was writing a story for this group who are taking gifted writers. I'm applying there." Dylan explained.
"That's great man." Alex began, but paused. "Does that mean you're going to leave the orphanage?" He asked worryingly.
"Yeah, but here's the good part, they're going to give me an apartment with two rooms, a bathroom, and a beautiful living room. You know what that means." He explained.
"No way." Alex said in disbelief. "Wait, will I still go to school?" He added.
"Sure, as long as I'm your guardian, they'll let you go to school." Dylan explained. "So what do you say?"
Alex paused, Earl was something of a father figure to him, in a drunken-but-happy father to him. Whenever Alex was in a pinch, Earl gave him the advice he needed to go on.
So why leave the only person he still considered a parent?
Alex opened his mouth for an answer, his thoughts not catching up with his mouth. He wasn't sure if he liked the outcome.
Or if he'll regret it forever.
Nails for breakfast, tacks for snacks
Alex sat in his bed in his orphanage home. Did he made the right choice? How will this affect him in the long run? He needed to go outside, he grabbed Dylan's brown leather jacket and his knockoff Spider-Man mask and gloves, opened the window, and jumped. Shooting a strand of webbing to a building, he never felt so...free. As he shot another strand, Alex was lost in thought, almost missing a car chase happening a few blocks away.
'I need to find the authorities, maybe they can--wait, I'm supposed to stop them. .' He thought as he closed in on the getaway car.
I need to come up with a catch-phrase I'm pretty sure the last Spider-Man had one, what was it. Walloping-what? Never mind .' He shook his head. He landed on the roof of the car, hearing the police sirens from the distance. As well as hearing a voice yell;
"What the hell was that?!" One gruff voice asked.
"Jones, go check!" Another ordered.
"You got to say it with a Arabian accent." Another replied
"I don't care, just check!" One ordered. One of the robbers peeked out on the roof and saw nothing, only there was something on the roof, it was just Alex in his camouflage mode. With a sigh, Alex peeked in one of the passenger window and saw two duffle bags, filled to the brim with money.
'A lot of money...I'm sure they won't mind if..shut up Alex that's crazy talk ' He thought, Alex just breathed a heavy sigh as he ripped out the door and made his way in.
"What the hell!" One exclaimed.
"Greetings. Is this the right car I need to stop?" Alex asked the group of robbers. "No answer? Well then, this is going to be a lot more easier."
"Who are you?!"
"I'm the new Spider-Man beeyotch! Alex exclaimed as he punched one robber out cold and procceded to knock the other out. All that was left was the driver.
"You know, you could just surrender." Alex asked.
"Fuck you! You'll never take me alive!" The driver exclaimed as proceeded to turn the wheel, flipping the car over.
'Walloping web-snappers .' Alex thought before mentally slapping himself. 'I did not just say that. ' He then hurled himself out the torn door and shot a strand of webbing to the car. If he could anchor it, the most the crooks would come out is just bruises.
The car came to a complete stop, Alex quickly rushed over to check the criminals, miraculously, they survived. But Alex heard the sirens getting closer.
'Now's the time to leave.' Alex thought as he shot a strand of webbing to a nearby building, landing on it. Alex turned, sure enough the police had arrived on the scene, utterly confused as to what happened.
Then they saw the strand of webbing. Alex could see the mixed reactions to it. Anger, relief, it was endless. He smirked underneath his mask. He was the new Spider-Man, sure, it would take some time for the people to understand that. But as Applejack said, Spider-Man represents hope. If only his mother were here to see it...
Alex shot another web, continuing to swing around town. The air was cold, but the sky was clear, the moon, it seemed to be brighter than normal, Alex was never one for astronomy, but he could tell something was strange about it. Suddenly, a certain horribly seductive voice returned.
'This city will hate you. Don't you see? It doesn't matter what you'll do, you will never live up to what he achieved. Or do I need to remind you of your mother? ' It asked. Alex simply ignored it. His eyes flashing yellow before returning to its natural state.
'Only if we work together will this city respect you, think of the possibilities! The city-no, the world, underneath your command! You don't need to amount to his legend. You can make your own !' It offered, it was a bit more pressing, but Alex just shook his head, the voices, his voices, were that of a mental scar back then when his mother was murdered. Doctors basically said to ignore it as much as possible.
'Yeah, but I'm following an example, Spider-Man represented hope, I may have failed my mom, but that doesn't mean she'll die for nothing. So shut up, and get out of my head!' Alex thought, he was getting annoyed at this point.
'So be it, remember this; not everything is what it seems .' Alex heard something, was it a laugh? He continued to ignore it as he made his way past the buildings.
I really need to see a psychiatrist...' 'Alex thought as he swung through the city. Thinking about the days to come.
"Are you sure you're ready to take him down?"
American Dream just nodded, she hadn't been sure the sightings have been confirmed. But if it were true..then she needed to follow orders and do it for the sake of her country, and for her parents.
"Yes, I'm sure." She replied.
"Good. Assemble the Dream team, hunt him down, bring him to us for questioning."
American Dream--Shannon Carter- saluted before exiting the room, her team forming up behind her.
Bluestreak, somewhat related to Quicksilver, has super speed and was once affiliated with the X-People. The successor to the X-men. Crimson Curse, related to Agartha Harkness, a mentor to the Scarlet Witch, she possessed abilities similar to her, but not much is known about her. Freebooter, personally trained by Hawkeye and is trained to handle any weapon, together they are the Dream Team.
And they are going to hunt down Spider-Man.
"I can't say I've been to someone else's home during four A.M. in the morning." Sarah shrugged as she poured a bowl of cereal down and was getting milk.
"Yeah, but listen, my roommate, Dylan, has applied to this organization that specializes in gifted orphans. He applied and got accepted. They're supposedly giving him an apartment with enough room for me and him. And he's asking me to come with him." Alex explained. He had gone to Sarah's house to explain the ordeal.
"And what happened next?" Sarah asked as she munched on the cereal. Causing Alex's stomach to growl.
"I said yes, but I need some time to think about it" Alex said, again, his stomach growled louder for Sarah to hear.
"Hungry?" She said. Alex nodded. "Well for starters I guess you should go with your head, or heart. Choose whatever you think is right or whatever." She said as she handed him the bowl.
"No thanks, also won't your parents be awake from this noise?" Alex said.
"Nah, they're out of town. I insist." Sarah explained.
"Suit yourself." Alex said as he sat down to eat. Cereal seemed dry to him, but what did he care? This was the first bowl of cereal he had in forever!
"So, I've been meaning to ask, how do you eat in the orphanage?" Sarah asked.
"We don't, we sell cookies to strangers and hope they buy them. If not, Earl let's us eat the rest. We don't have that much money to buy breakfast,but we made do." Alex explained, causing Sarah to raise a brow.
"You're that poor?" Sarah asked, Alex just nodded. "Have you ever considered getting a job?"
"I thought about it, then realized that I'm Spider-Man and the city may need me twenty-four seven." Alex said.
"Crap, well, I guess we should get ready for school." Sarah said. "Wait, how did you find me?"
Alex shrugged. "I guess I knew." He said while approaching the window, swinging off in the distance.
"Huh, so he's gotten better from the swinging. Have to ask him to give me a ride sometime." Sarah said as she cleaned the bowls. "Wait, goddammit, I'm the woman in the kitchen." She grunted as she cleaned the bowls.
