"Step Forward..."

Serpent narrowed his eyes. Stepping forward and kneeling down. Keeping his gaze on the shadowy Mr. X. Asking him why he had ordered him. "What is it, Mr. X?"

"It's time. You are too return to Shinjuku at 6:00 straight. There, they will instruct you further about the task at hand."

Serpent nodded. "Of course." He stood up. Ready to head for the elevator.

That was until Mr. X had blurted out one last thing. "And one more thing." Serpent stopped in place. Glancing back to see the shadowy figure lean forward. Showing his eyes narrow. "This is your final opportunity. If you mess up. Then you will not see another day. Understood."

Serpent replied. His face as cold as ever. "Of course. Mr. X."

A rainy night fell onto tokyo.

Flash sat on his bed. Lost in deep thought. He had had a conversation about the whole Serpent thing with his Aunts. Ultimately, the two sides had fully reconciled.

Though, they were still lost at what to do with Serpent. As Spark and Thunderstar had never actually thought about anything remotely like this in their lives.

Not only that. There also was Flash's private classes with Akira-Sensei. It hadn't dawned on him because he had somewhat grown affine to having the classes and learning. But if he were to finally put an end to the Serpent thing. Then, what use would taking the classes be.

Should he continue it anyways as he was making some pretty good progress, or should he quit. I mean after Serpent is out of the picture, the classes would be nothing more than just summer school.

And Flash, he wasn't exactly somebody who lusted for power and crazy fighting skills. He does the things he do because he wants to do things for the greater good. So, would continuing his classes just be him lusting for more skill? It was one of those he things he was thinking about.

Along with that, things had been relatively quiet today for the most part. Everyone had kind of kept to themselves despite the fact that 4/5 of the house hold knew he was Spider-Man and he was after Serpent.

After Yesterday, a little bit alone time for everyone wasn't exactly a bad thing.

That was until.....

*SLAM!*

The door slammed open. Breaking Flash's train of though altogether. With Firestar panting heavily. "Flash! Flash! You gotta see this."

Flash didn't ask further question. Jumping off the bed he followed Firestar to her room. Wanting to see what was up. Running out of the room.

He entered Firestar's room. Finally asking the question that kept him suspense. "What is it?"

Firestar didn't answer directly. She showed instead of tell if you get my drift. Showing her laptop monitor. It was of her spy drone. The live feed captured by the camera. It showed, something a little bit more interesting.

A collective of people. About three dressed as drivers while the others were of men in black suits.

Flash was hooked. Glancing at Firestar. "Okay what's this?"

"It's of Yakuza Members!" She exclaimed. "From what the drone caught, I think they're plotting some sort of assassination."

"By that I'm gonna assume they mentioned something." Firestar nodded to Flash's response. In-turn Flash narrowed his eyebrows. "Where?"

"I don't know yet. I was kinda woken up to this."

It was there that both Aunts rushed towards Firestar's room. With Thunderstar immediately scolding her. "Young Woman! May I remind you that Snowstorm is sleeping! Why would you slam somebodies door?!"

Flash glanced back at the two. Forgetting the conversation they had. Addressing them of the situation. "Firestar says that Yakuza men are planning an assassination."

That stopped them in their tracks. That wasn't exactly something they heard everyday.

"An Assassination?" Spark asked with a stern tone. She tilted her head down a little, vigilant of what she was hearing. "Are you sure?"

Firestar nodded in response. "Yes. I swear on my life I heard them talking about it."

Both Aunts looked at Flash. They knew what was most likely going through Flash's mind. Seeing him narrowing his eyes on the floor.

To that, Thunderstar spoke up. "Flash..."

Flash glanced at both Aunts. "I can't stand by with information like that. I might have to step in."

Both Aunts frowned. Flash was capable of taking this on. They knew that. But still, his safety was a top priority for them. Anything could happen out there. But was there really stopping him.

Spark let out a sigh. "Flash if you're really gonna go through with this then be careful."

Flash nodded to that. Ready to beeline right out the door to go grab his Spider-Man costume. That is, until....

"私たちはあなたを期待していた、蛇。(We've been expecting you. Serpent.)"

All three with the exception of Flash gasped. However because of the said gasps. It caught Flash's attention right away. Prompting him to turn around and walk right back towards the laptop monitor. To see who had just spoken and why it had shocked his relatives.

Walking past his Aunts to stand next to his Cousin. His eyes widened to see Serpent. Sitting right on a motorcycle. Nodding at the men.

His teeth grit upon the scene. Clenching his fists. "Well what do you know! This can't be good."

Firestar finally spoke up. Glancing at Flash. Quivering. She had never actually seen the Serpent before. Just known descriptions of him. And yet, she found herself shaking from it. The mysterious and frightening personality which was the Serpent freaked her out to her bones. "Th-Th-Th-Th-That's th-th-the..."

"Serpent..." Flash narrowed his eyes. He patted Firestar's shoulder. Needing her to cooperate with him. "Firestar. I know it looks bad. But I'm gonna need you translate, okay?"

She nodded. Very shaken from merely looking at the figure. But she agreed nonetheless.

Displayed on the laptop screen. Serpent got off his bike. Merely bowing his head to the men. Looking around, he saw some of the men dressed up to pose as drivers. He chuckled. Casually putting his hands in his trench coat pockets.

"ハロウィンですか？(So is this, Halloween?)"

"What he say?"

Firestar, very shaken. Replied instantly. "He just asked if it was Halloween."

Flash's shoulders dropped. His eyelids lowered a bit to hearing that. "Of course he did..."

Because of the remark made by Serpent. The Member who had greeted him immediately went for a jab of his own. Wanting Serpent to stay focused.

"老人の言うことを聞きなさい。 これは冗談を言う時ではありません。 そのスタントの後、あなたは数夜前に引っ張りました、あなたの完全な協力が必要です！(Listen old man. This is not the time to make jokes. After that stunt you pulled a few nights ago we need your full cooperation!"

They couldn't see it but Serpent's grin faded almost instantly under his scarf. He was not gonna tolerate this common member to call him an Old Man.

Without any hesitation or warning for that matter. Serpent lunged forwards. In such a swift motion that it was abrupt to everyone else.

He grabbed the Member entirely. Getting him on his knees and putting him in a grueling headlock. Making sure his arm was tightly wrapped around his head.

The Yakuza member could not so much as move. Struggling as he tried to break free. Groaning in pain because of what Serpent was doing.

Flash and the rest all widened their eyes. Watching that from the laptop monitor. Flash's tone quickly changed. He clenched his teeth harder. Clenching both fists at the sight as he felt almost powerless. Not being able to do anything in the position he was in.

It was there that Serpent finally broke the silence. Opening his mouth behind his scarf. Asserting his dominance.

"この老人はあなたをヘッドロックに入れたようです。(This old man seems to have put you in a headlock.)"

He squinted his eyes on the Yakuza member. Giving him one sneer to further his point.

"年長者を軽蔑するのは失礼だと知らないのですか?(Don't you think it's rude to disrespect your elders?)"

Flash again glanced at Firestar to ask her to translate. But that's when Aunt Spark stepped in. Placing her hand on Flash's shoulder. Catching his attention. Making him glance back.

Upon the action. Aunt Spark gave him more context. "He's just proving his point of who's the stronger person. It's not anything to important."

Flash took a moment to absorb that information. Before nodding. Turning back around to look at the computer screen. Narrowing his eyes on Serpent and the Yakuza member.

Eventually, the Yakuza member surrendered. Though he couldn't nod his head. He gave a response, with his voice a little clasped because of the headlock.

"大丈夫です！ポイントテイク! (OKAY! POINT TAKEN!)"

With that, Serpent let go of the member. Standing up whilst keep his gaze affixed on the Yakuza member. Watching as he gasped for air.

Again, Flash's patience was running out. He didn't want to stand by and watch. But nonetheless, he needed more details on what was to happen tonight.

He and the rest watched as the Yakuza member stood up once again. With all the tension out of the way he addressed the task at hand. Conveying the information from the initial plan. Somewhat panting as the headlock had done a number on him. Though nonetheless, still able to muster the energy to speak.

だから。。。これは。。。。計画. (So...this is...the plan..."

Spark and Thunderstar both leaned in closer. Wanting to listen and translate for Flash.

"私たちは「私たちの友人を見晴らしの良い場所に誘い込みます。それがレインボーブリッジです。「カークラッシュ」を設定し、さらに2人のメンバーを警察部隊に装って調査しました。"

"We are going to lure our "Friend" into the vantage point. That being the Rainbow Bridge" Said Spark. Catching both Flash's and Firestar's attention. "We've set up a 'Car Crash' and have sent two more of our members to pose as Police force and investigate."

"そのため。 すべての真っ最中に「止める」必要があります。"

Thunderstar placed her hand under her chin. "Because of it. We'll have to make a 'stop'"

それがあなたの出番です。 あなたはバックタワーの一つにいるでしょう。 スナイパーをプレイ。

"That is where you come into play." said Spark. "You'll be right on one of the back tower. Playing Sniper."

Flash's eyes widened to that. Hearing how all of this was intricately planned out ahead of time.

"そしてまあ、かつてはその位置にいた。 どうしたらいいかわかると思います。"

All three with the exception of Flash gasped at that. Hearing what the member had said. Flash took separate glances at all three. Arching an raising both eyebrows. "What he say?"

Thunderstar responded to Flash. Sounding a little shaken from what the Yakuza member had said. "Serpent and himself alone has to shoot the target from the tower."

Flash frowned before narrowing his eyes. He was practically set with all the information he needed. But now came the tough part.

That being to get to the location itself.

He could take a bus. However the bus was known for making multiple stops at a time, and that would merely slow him down. And he was not open to the idea of web slinging in a neighborhood. No less showing off any more of his powers. Especially three times in one week.

But what other choice did he have? He might actually have to resort to using the trees and structures in the calm neighborhood in order to get around. But with that idea, prompted a question.

"How far is this bridge from here?"

The latter widened their eyes to the question. As it was now blatantly clear Flash wanted to end his vendetta with Serpent once and for all.

"For us it would be nearly half an hour. And judging by the fact that their in Shinjuku . It would be a near twenty minute drive for them."

Flash gritted his teeth. Looking down at the floor. "Shoot! I don't think I'll be able to make in time." He clenched his fists. His arm shaking a little due to the many struggles that showed themselves right now. "But I might have to take my chances."

Spark pouted. Squinting her eyes, she glanced at her daughter. "Firestar, babysit Snowstorm for a while." The command caught the latter by surprise. All three widening their eyes as Spark continued. Glancing at her wife and nephew. "You two, get in the car!"

Flash immediately questioned on what had just happened. Specifically, questioning his aunt. "Aunt Spark I--"

She interjected him. "Flash if you're really deadest on this then you have to trust us me on this."

Flash, right then and there would've opted to argue on that. But, due to the circumstances of the situation, he really had no other option. So just this once, he swallowed his own stubbornness. Nodding, prompting to leave for the door.

Spark glanced right back at Firestar. Kneeling down so she could be at her daughters height level while she sat in computer chair. Placing both hands on her cheeks, she spoke to her. "Go and stay in Snowstorm's room for the time being. Me and your Mom are gonna get Flash at where he needs to be at."

Firestar looked a little panicked from that. Furrowing her eyebrows and frowning. "Are you sure about this?"

"Honey please." Spark's voice had gone soft. Wanting to sound reassuring. "You need to stay here, I don't want to drag you or Snowstorm into any of this. Okay?"

Firestar nodded. Her frown still there, her mother's soft voice at least sounded warm and reassuring.

Flash opened the door to his room. Running straight for his duffle bag, he dug his hand he found his mask. Pulling right out of the bag.

He narrowed his eyes on the lenses. This what it all came down to now. This was his only other chance to him. He couldn't afford to mess things up.

He clenched both fists. Giving the mask an intense stare for a moment.

"Let's just do this one last time."

A red headed bearded man. Complete with a green and white flannel long sleeve, glasses and khakis. Sat in the back of an ordinary taxi. He was pretty nonchalant. His whole first day in Tokyo wasn't going as bad as he thought.

Or, his first day back in Tokyo.

The man spoke to the driver. Casually starting the conversation

"ええと。 ここに来て久しぶりです。 物事は少し変わっていないと言うべきです！(You know. It's been a long time since I've been here. Gotta say things haven't changed a bit!)"

The Driver glanced at the rear view mirror whilst driving. Replying to the man. Showing him gratitude. "なぜ、ラターマンさん、ありがとうございます。 それはあなたが言うにはとても良いことです。(Why, thank you Mr. Latterman. That is a very nice thing for you to say.)

Just at the same time. The same silver Kia Sedona that Spark drove pulled up near the docks. The one that the bridge overlooked. The Tokyo Bridge, the bridge that radiated a rainbow glow at night. Refracting on the water.

Just in the nick of time. Spark had managed to drive herself, her wife and nephew to the docks.

She let out a heavy sigh. As she turned off the ignition. Glancing at Flash. Who sat in the back seats. In Spider-Man costume. With exception of the mask which he held in his hands. "Were here."

Flash nodded. "Okay..." The feeling was odd. There was only one other time he was ever dropped off at some place to go be Spider-Man. And it didn't end well at all. "This shouldn't take too long, just sit tight for a little bit alright?" He went to go open the door.

But it was there that he was stopped by Spark. "Flash wait..." Flash, didn't have a shocked or surprised reaction. Whatever confrontation that she or Thunderstar had was practically expected. He let out a heavy sigh. Retracting his steps and sitting back down. It was there Spark continued. "Flash, my brother isn't exactly an easy target. But that doesn't mean you should brutally hurt him either...." She frowned. "Send him to Prison fine, I'll be contempt with that. But please, I beg of you. Don't do anything too bad to him."

Flash glanced down at his shoes. Diverting eye contact for a moment. It was apparent that he didn't exactly have a game plan. All's he knew was that he just had to detain Serpent and hand him over to authorities. So with that reminder in mind he nodded. "Don't worry. I'm not ballistic or anything." He slid the door to the minivan open. Before letting out one last word. "If you guys move just text me. I've downloaded this whole area onto my phone."

Turning around. Spider-Man slid his mask over his head. Running forward before leaping up and firing a webline.

It somewhat caught The two Aunts by surprise. They had never actually seen Flash use his powers. At least not in person. So seeing him just fire out a webline without any sort of hesitation from the comfort of their car. Was just a little odd.

But then again, that could be the least of their worries. Because right now, both of them were stressed out of their minds. It hadn't even been a full minute yet but they were stressed out of their minds. Their only nephew has just gone off to go fight off the most toxic and vicious criminal they've known. Anything could happen because Serpent was inevitable. Spark was especially stressed and worried. Flare didn't even know what he was up against, in terms of family. He might either be arrested for eternity and live in prison or he'll end up killing his only nephew.

The two glanced at each other. They both had similar expressions. They both were thinking the same thing. And it was Spark that went for her wife's comfort first. Leaning her head on her shoulder. Thunderstar was the exact same too. Leaning her head on the top of Spark's. With Thunderstar whimpering.

"Were probably the worst Aunts in the world for this! I don't want Sabrii to lose someone else" Thunderstar couldn't help herself. Some tears swelling out of her eyes.

Spark moved herself. Reaching for Thunder. Holding her tighter. Resting her chin on the top of her head "Everything'll be okay. Everything'll be okay. Please honey, don't think about the worst!"

Serpent kneeled on the left tower. Calibrating the scope of his Sniper. He was more or less nonchalant. His job, though boring was pretty clear. Just shoot the guy and scurry off.

He hated the idea of using a gun. It was so boring to him. He was a person who did things in a 'hands on approach' type of manner.

"くそ！ 私はこれが嫌いです(Fuck! I hate this.)" He gritted his teeth behind his mask. "But of course he doesn't trust me at all! He thinks I'm gonna mess things up again. Who the hell does he think he is?!"

He was pretty mad inside. However he masked it with his usual, typical tone. Just enough so he could just get this over with and not let his anger get in the way of his work.

Right smack dab in the middle of the bridge was a 'Car collision'. With two vehicles ' within a gaggle being shared by two police cruisers. With one sedan crashing it's front right into the right side doors of the other suv.

The Police cruisers were both parked and served as roadblocks. Blocking everyone behind them. Two' Officers' Pretended to inspect the scene as they had been for nearly fifteen minutes.

The same Taxi was approaching the checkpoint. The driver and Mr. Latterman had been talking for quite a bit now. Just about anything casual really. Sports, Recent News, Housing. Practically of whatever two adults would usually get dabble in conversation about.

But, upon reaching the checkpoint. They of course stopped, as now. Everything was to be put in place. Mr. Latterman arched his eyebrow. As by this point he hadn't paid attention to the windshield in front of him. But the Taxi Driver, well, his smirk grew quite a bit. As he knew that it was go time from here.

"ええとああ(Uh-Oh)" Said the driver. "ロードブロッキングに達したようです。 悲劇的なことが起こったに違いない。(it has seemed we reached a roadblock. Something tragic must've happened.)

Mr. Latterman let out a sigh. This was possibly the worst time for this. As he had really wanted to get to the hotel and unwind after his whole day. "冗談でしょう！(you gotta be kidding me!)

The driver looked back. Staying in character, he offered him a genuine smile. "おい。(Hey now.)" He spoke with a pretty friendly tone. "心配する必要はありません。 それはすぐに片付けられると確信しています。(there's no need worry. I'm sure it'll be cleared up in no time.)

Again. Mr. Latterman sighed. Shrugging. Offering him the same smile. "すみません、一日中忙しかったです。 ちょっと疲れたので一晩だけ呼んでみたいです。(Sorry I've been busy all day. I'm kinda really tired and just want to call it a night.)

The driver shrugged earnestly. Understanding. "それは大丈夫だ。 ちょっと待ってみましょう。(That's alright. Let's just wait for a bit.)" With that being said. The driver pulled out his phone. Texting Serpent on his phone.

すべてが設定されました。 準備はできたか。

(Everything is all set. Are you ready.)

Serpent felt his phone vibrate. Taking it out of one of the many compartments in his trench coat. He tapped it the screen twice, turning it on and responding.

うん。 これを乗り越えましょう

(Yeah. Let's just get this over with)

Serpent continued to calibrate the scope. Wanting to end the night on a bang!

But Spider-Man was closely approaching the same vantage point. Outstretching his arm and firing another webline. He came from the other right tower of the bridge. The one opposite from where Serpent stood. He let go of his webline and clung onto the large beam of the tower. Peaking his head around to corner to get a glimpse of the road. With that, he spotted the 'Car wreckage'. Seeing all the cars lined up. Put to a stop because of it.

His lenses narrowed on the scene. Before widening his eyes behind the mask. In-turn making the lenses widen. He was still somewhat getting used to the whole thing. "Man this is so weird...."

He spotted the Police officers at the scene of the wreckage. Just those two, like the Yakuza member had mentioned. Spider-Man again narrowed his eyes, prompting his lenses to squint. Though, brushing it off as he had to keep his focus. "Come on Serpent. Where are you hiding at.

He continued to survey the area. Doing his best to search for Serpent in the position he was at. He crawled a little more towards the corner to get a better look. His lenses squinted as he kept looking around. But eventually he found what he was looking for.

Serpent knelt down, calibrating the scope to his rifle. It made his lenses widen for a moment. Now having his eyes on the prize so to speak. "Kay Sentry. This is it. Time to kick things into action.

He glanced back at the car wreckage, as that's where he knew he would garner the most attention. Especially from Serpent.

Crawling a little more forwards. He eventually let go of the surface he was clung onto and dove down. Towards the 'Wreckage.' Outstretching his arm out and firing a webline towards the nearest supporting beam or anything of some sort. Swinging downwards.

"Well. Since I'm here, I might as well give the people a little show first

Letting go of his webline he dove straight for the car that was 'collided' into the doors of the other.

Serpent eventually finished the calibration of his scope. Finally getting it to his liking. He was finally gonna go through with the deed. Peeping one eye open while he closed the other.

That was until he heard Spider-Man's distinctive voice. "Hey? Is this a private party or can anyone join?"

His eyes widened taking his eye off the scope. To search for Spider-Man's figure.

And found him he did.

Spider-Man upon saying that caught the attention of the two 'officers'. Making them glance away from the cars and up in the air. They watched as Spider-Man dove in their direction. Upon seeing that, they scattered from the area. Only for Spider-Man to land on one of the vehicles. Arching his eyebrow behind his mask. In-turn, making the right lens of his mask squint.

He proceeded to greet them. Doing a two finger salute. "Hiya Fellas! What happened over here."

The two costumed mobsters widened their eyes at the scene. Knowing full well of who that was. Having heard his name all over the news in recent days.

The driver himself also found himself widening his eyes. Clearly seeing from the windshield that Spider-Man had made an unexpected appearance right in front of him. Even Mr. Latterman had caught wind of the scene. Staring in, utter confusion believe it or not.

"What in the world?!"

The driver of course did not share the same confusion. As he was absolutely stunned to see the masked webslinger. Keeping his best to stay silent. His thoughts spoke a different story.

"何だ！ 彼！ なぜ彼はここにいるのですか？ なぜ彼は罠にかかっています！(What?! HIM! Why is he here?! Why is he on the trap!)

They didn't know how to respond to the scene. As knowing full well that Spider-Man wasn't exactly an easy target so to speak. But at the same time, running away would probably cost them their jobs or even worse, make them viewed as chickens among their peers. And they both would not be contempt with that.

So out of desperation, they pulled out handguns from their respective belts. Pointing right at Spider-Man. With one of them giving him a warning.

"近づかないで！(Don't come any closer) " He bellowed. "必要以上に殺したくない！(We don't want to kill more than we have to!)"

Spider-Man, clearly saw it as a desperation threat. He rolled his eyes behind his mask. Having seen this movie a thousand times and over. "Man why do people always pull guns on me?!"

His lenses squinted. As his eyes had narrowed on the two 'Officers'. Outstretching his arms he fired out two decently thick strands of webbing out his wrists. With both strands catching both guns straight on. Upon that, Spider-Man snagged both weblines. Tugging on them and pulling the two firearms out of the grasp of the officers.

Serpent's eyes narrowed on the masked arachnid vigilante from down below. Stroking his chin as he observed Spider-Man every movements. "面白い。(Interesting)"

Spider-Man sighed. Before letting out his usual dorky remarks. "I think you two need to be put into time out." He fired a bunch of webbing rapidly towards them. The webbed projectiles hit their targets. The two fake officers. Trapping them in the sticky and tough substance which was Spidey's webbing. Thereafter, Spider-Man let out one last remark. "And guys, don't pretend to be cops. That's just a crime on it's own."

It was there that the Fake Taxi Driving Yakuza member stepped out of his vehicle. Pointing an even more powerful, MP-38 at Spider-Man. With Spider-Man only noticing due to his Spider-Sense going off.

Glancing in the Taxi Driver's Direction his lenses widened at the scene. "Oh yeah I forgot....There was a fake driver too...." The Driver stayed silent. His teeth was gritted and he was shaking just a little bit. Again, that prompted Spider-Man to let out a sigh as he'd seen this movie a thousand times and over. "You gotta be kidding me man!"

But neither Spider-Man nor the Yakuza member acted.

Rather, Mr. Latterman did.

Stepping out of the vehicle. He lunged for the armed mobster. Pinning him to the ground. Making the mobster drop his weapon as Mr. Latterman had done that.

Mr. Latterman held the mobster's forearm with a tight grip. Forcefully bending his elbow. Making the mobster groan a lot.

Spider-Man's lenses again widened to that. That was definitely a first for him. "Wow, that was....unexpected."

Latterman looked back at Spider-Man. "Yeah you know, a little help wouldn't be kill ya either."

To that, Spider-Man's lenses squinted. As the remark prompted him to glare at the man. "Well I don't like you tone." But nonetheless, he went to help out anyways.

Leaping over the two. He stood behind them. With that, he webbed up the struggling mobster's feet. Thereafter, he then gestured Latterman to get off of the the Mobster. "Uh, hey there pal. I'm gonna need you to stop piggybacking him now."

Latterman did as asked though shooting Spider-Man a glare.

Spider-Man did the rest of his job. Firing webbing all over the mobster to encase him in a webbed straight jacket.

It was there that Serpent had seen enough. "Well everything's already been compromised. Might as well join in on this." He care-freely. Threw his Sniper Rifle away. Letting plummet into the waters below. It was there, he pulled out a mere hand-gun. Not with the intent of killing Spider-Man no, no, no. To him, this pistol was merely a flare gun for attention.

Pointing it at the at a random point that was not too close to either Spider-Man or Latterman. He pulled the trigger. Releasing the bullet and letting it fire to the ground.

Spider-Man's lenses widened for the third time in the row. His Spider-Senses had just gone off. Prompting him to jump off the area he was from to avoid the bullet.

With that. It also prompted Mr. Latterman to let out a yelp before running a good distance away.

While mid-air. Spider-Man prompted to turn around. Knowing full well who the culprit was. Turning himself towards the direction the bridge tower Serpent stood on. His lenses squinted at Serpent. As he shot him a glare behind his mask.

Serpent smirked behind his mask. Gesturing Spider-Man to come at him. Merely raising his hand up, moving all four fingers back and fourth.

Spider-Man accepted the gesture. Outstretching both arms firing two weblines towards the tower. Snagging both Weblines, he moved his left arm up to get a better swing.

Swinging forward. He swung around the tower. Over and under. Before finally letting go of his weblines. To land on the ground and right at Serpent. Striking a pose unintentionally. Narrowing his lenses again. Serpent chuckled at Spider-Man. Making a comment. "Well, well we meet again....Spider-Man was it?" Spider-Man lunged forwards. Letting out a grunt. He clenched his right fist. Swinging his fist right at Serpent. Only for it to be caught by him. Again, Serpent chuckled. Making another a comment. "Aside from the rude greeting. Did you change your mask?"

Serpent raised his leg to knee Spidey's gut. But Spider-Man stopped the ploy with his knee. Blocking Serpent's. With that then, pulling his hand away. To wince a little at the collision his knee had suffered. Though, still finding it himself to reply. "Well excuse my rude greeting. I was just so excited to fight you again."

"Oh?" Serpent lunged towards Spider-Man. Before disappearing in thin air. Spider-Man's eyes widened to that. It was the same ploy he had used the first time. However, he had the advantage of his Spider-Sense. So quickly, he knew where to block. Turning around. Spider-Man raised his forearm up to block a knifehand that would've hit his throat. With that, Serpent kept talking. "You knew ahead of time that I'd be here. Well I'm just flattered." He leapt back. Landing on both feet. "I didn't know I had a fangirl."

Spider-Man's lenses squinted. As Flash rolled his eyes behind his mask. "Very funny."

Serpent stood back up. Inviting Spider-Man to come at him. Scoffing at him. "Your move, I insist."

Spider-Man narrowed his eyes behind his mask. With that his lenses stayed squinted. "Just what I wanted to hear!"

Spider-Man lunged forwards. Having one idea in mind. That was to jump off the tower and swing around towards Serpent. Spider-Man jumped off the tower. Diving towards the ground.

But of course, he changed courses. Turning around and firing a webline. Spider-Man swung under the tower to try to attack Serpent from behind. Something that he was very confident in. He swung around the suspender cable of the bridge. Letting go when he was at the right angle. Firing two more strands out of his wrists. He used them to pull him towards Serpent. Doing it all in a swift motion.

But to his surprise....

Serpent turned around. Glancing at him as if he were to expect that. And well, in all honestly. He did kind of make it a bit too obvious by jumping off the tower and not returning as quickly as he jumped.

That put Spider-Man at a tough situation. So he improvised his ploy. With the to kick him right in the stomach. Outstretching his leg as he was heading for Serpent.

To that, Serpent rolled his eyes. As soon as Spider-Man had gotten close enough for his grip. He grabbed Spider-Man's leg with relative ease. Making the teen widen his eyes behind his mask. In-turn making the lenses widen. Without a second thought. Serpent tossed Spider-Man to the other side of the tower Watching him collide into the surface hard. Scoffing. "Wow you sure showed me."

Spider-Man regained his composure. Rising to his feet. Narrowing his eyes on Serpent. Making the lenses of his mask squint. Getting into an offensive stance. Separating his right leg from his left in shoulder distance. Relaxing his shoulders just a bit. Raising his elbows up calmly. Forming two proper fists.

To that Serpent again found himself scoffing. Actually a little amused. "Oh? So someone's been hitting the gym." His eyes narrowed on Spider-Man. "Let's see if it did you any good."

He charged at Spider-Man. Going at impressive speeds. Rivaling that of Spider-Man's. Leaping up and into the sky. As he was ready to perform a kick of his own.

But Spider-Man found an opportunity to counter attack. Outstretching his arm. Spider-Man shot out a webline from his wrist. Right at Serpent's foot. Snagging it, Spider-Man pulled the figure of Serpent down. Making him slam his arm onto the sold surface of the Bridge tower. Not so much as breaking it, but still brining a decent jolt of pain to the Mercenary's arm.

That's when those words from Spark. The ones that he had been told before he had left. Came back in his mind.

Please, I beg of you. Don't do anything too bad to him.

His lenses went wide as too did his eyes. His expression going from focused to shocked. Stunned. "Oh no!"

But before he could respond any further. Serpent staggered to his feet. A glare had formed to his face. Quickly, he reached into two of the compartments of his trench coat. Pulling out the hidden dagger known as a shuriken. Holding three in both hands.

Flash's eyes widened. "Oh no! Looks like I'm gonna meet The Razor Bat precursor."

This did make it a bit difficult for The Serpent. This was the first time where he dealt with someone that was so difficult. His pupils shrunk. Making the figure of Serpent that more menacing. With that, throwing all the stars towards Spider-Man's direction. All flying towards him at different heights.

Thereafter. Spider-Man Spider-Sense went off. Prompting him to act fast. Quickly jumping off the tower entirely. Doing the same thing he had done previously. Swing around a suspension cable to get back to where he stood. Minus the hostlie approach towards Serpent.

Landing back to where he had stood. He had let out a sigh of relief. "My god if I stayed up there I would've ended up being swiss cheese!"

Serpent stared down Spider-Man. Breaking the silence by opening his mouth behind his scarf. "Well I have to admit. This is the first workout I've had in a while. And let me make sure it's the last." The jacket weighed him down. So in-turn he took it off. Letting it fall onto the surface of the Bride tower. Making all his items make noise upon impact on the ground.

In-turn. It revealed his black turtle neck he wore under. Revealing the cuts that were on it. Most likely were wounds had once resonated.

Spider-Man's lenses squinted. As behind the mask his eyes had narrowed. As he was put into a tough situation. "I don't wanna let Aunt Spark down! I can't go overboard. Not on this one. But the only question that remains is how I'm gonna pull this off..."

Serpent lunged towards Spider-Man. Going at even faster rate than before. Disappearing in thin air upon moving.

But of course. Spider-Man was not that affected by the ploy. As of course, his Spider-Senses would handle everything for him.

His lenses squinted again. With his Spider-Sense going off. Prompting him to turn around. Serpent attempted to do a roundhouse kick at Spider-Man. Raising his leg up and swinging it towards the masked vigilante. Only for Spider-Man to block it with his left forearm.

Spider-Man took a step back. Using the small opportunity he had to use a hand strike he had learned. Going for a quick backhand fist to Serpent's jaw. Hitting him clean right there. Stunning him for a moment. Prompting Spider-Man to go forward.

Raising his arm up. He resorted to a quick elbow to Serpent's stomach. Thrusting his elbow forward. Again hitting the mercenary and making him let out a grunt. Knocking Serpent back.

Serpent's glare only grew from there. However, he did find himself giving Spider-Man a compliment. "Impressive, most impressive." However, he went back to scoffing at Spider-Man thereafter. "But you're gonna have to try harder than that."

Spider-Man's lenses squinted as he clenched both fists. "I got him right where I want him. I might as well get this over with now and trap him."

He lunged forwards. Leaping up to fire some webbing towards him. But that's when Serpent had pulled out something unexpected.

A katana blade. Pulling right out of his back. He stunned Spider-Man mid air. Making his lenses widen as he had with his eyes behind the mask.

Serpent twirled his blade in the air. Deflecting the webbing away from him and making it go into different directions.

Spider-Man knew that he was about to fall right into a trap of Serpent's as where he was landing would be where he would be impaled.

But of course. Spider-Man was known for being clutch in any moment. So he acted fast. Firing a webline right towards the katana blade.

The webline caught the blade. Spidey snagged and tugged on the webline. Pulling the blade out of Serpent's grasp.

Spider-Man, mid-air. Moved further to his right to avoid blade. Letting it fly past him. Going back to glancing right at Serpent. Landing on the ground. Immediately commenting on the unexpected revelation. "How many pockets and stuff do you have?!"

Serpent shrugged. "You can never be too prepared."

With those set of words leaving his mouth. He rushed for Spider-Man again. With the intent on using physical melee strikes. Knowing full well that he'd be losing more weapons if he kept pulling them out of the last few compartments he had.

He went at Spider-Man. Going with a plethora of hand strikes, leg strikes. Using what he had in his arsenal so to speak.

To his expectations. Spider-Man was matching the speeds he was going at him with. Blocking and dodging each attack Serpent was throwing at him.

"Man at this rate I'm gonna be dancing all night! I gotta stun him somehow!"

It was risky but he went for it. Turning the tables. He went to throw a high kick at Serpent. Only for it to be blocked. Using his reflexes to his advantage. He outstretched his arm and---

"GAH!"

Serpent lunged forward quickly using his impressive speed. Grabbing Spider-Man's forearm. Using his tight and painful grip to stop from whatever he was doing. In-turn making Spider-Man yelp.

Soon thereafter. He proceeded to put Flash into what will be a grueling headlock. Latching his left arm right around Spider-Man's neck. Holding him there painfully tight. Making Spider-Man continuously groan in pain. Before proceeding to punch Spider-Man repeatedly in the cheek with his gloved fist. Not really helping the teen's cause.

But luckily for Spider-Man he had super strength. So the whole ploy didn't last for that long.

He winged it. Using one of his free arms. Putting it in a fist and swinging it right towards Serpent's torso. He had hit something. It was definitely his stomach as he didn't feel any sort of bone or whatnot.

Nonetheless. He freed himself because of the attempt. Making Serpent yelp as he fell back. Clutching for his gut. While Spider-Man took some time to regain his composure after that painful experience.

Firestar walked into Snowstorm's room. The room lights were turned off. However, a lamp next to Snowstorm's bed provided a decent light source. Not too bright but good enough. Peaking her head from out the corner of the door. She saw her sister sleeping peacefully. Snuggled up with a teddy bear and beneath nice and warm covers.

The scene made Firestar smile. It just made the ambiance of Snowstorm's room so much more peaceful and relaxing.

She made her way inside. Closing the door behind her. There was a chair next to Snowstorm's bed so she elected herself to sit beside her little sister.

She kept her eyes in Snowstorm. Her grin widening a little more. Upon plopping down. She gave Snowstorm a little pat on the forehead. Making the little girl squirm a little. However, she stayed in her slumbered state. Still though, making Firestar smile.

But then she looked away slowly. Staring blankly at the ground. Reflecting on the week as a whole. Everything that had happened so far.

"This isn't what it looks like."

"Y-You're the Spider-Man?"

"I'm not."

"You were on the ceiling!"

---

"I Basically created shutters on where the eyelids used to be. What I'm saying is you'll be able to express your emotion by either narrowing your eyes or widening them."

"Alright it wont kill me to see this for myself."

---

"Flash that description matches a criminal named....The Gold Serpent."

"Firestar what, what are you talking about?"

"Look, A few years ago there was this guy who'd been shot by a Mercenary who's linked to the Yakuza. He survived however and made it to the hospital. He was able to somewhat recover, enough for him to say a description of the person who shot him."

"I have to stop this guy..."

---

"Well, what if you learned a form of martial arts?"

"A form of martial arts, Why?"

"Think about it. You're practically raw talent. So, if you maybe practice a certain form. Maybe you could do more than a scratch on him."

---

"Yeah. Why?--Wait why Taekwondo?"

"Because you're pretty flexible. Sooo, high kicks could be a strength of yours. But anyway, you agreed to take a little Taekwondo right?"

---

"You told them?!"

"I had no choice! They came into my room and kind of saw me at the laptop..."

That last one had made Firestar a little teary eyed. That was the night. That was the night when everything had gone completely down hill for both her and Flash. Her parents had found out and for a whole day. Everything had been so awkward.

And now, now Flash was off fighting one the most dangerous criminals in Japan.

She was very tense to say the least. No, no not tense. She was worried!

She had faith in her big cousin. I mean he was always the older brother figure she and Snowstorm never had, But at the same time anything could happen on the streets. Anything catastrophic. She had already an Uncle by this point. One who was the most fun loving, father figure she could've ever had.

More tears began to swell up from her eyes. She bawled her right hand into a fist. Bringing it up to her lips and biting her middle finger as she was doing her best to hold back her tears.

"Guys...please come home fast! And Safely..."

Thunderstar and Spark were mostly doing the same. Having just sat in the car in silence. Both reflecting on everything that has happened all throughout the first week of summer. How things had escalated so quickly.

One such memory that subsided with both of them was when they had yelled their heads off at Flash after finding out he was Spider-Man.

Neither of the two liked how they had handled the situation. Looking back at it, Spark felt she had overreacted a little too much. And Thunderstar had also felt that there could've been a more peaceful way they could've handled the situation. Something where they could've all shared a laugh together.

Eventually. Spark broke the silence in the car. "I wish we didn't yell at Flash the way we did...."

Thunderstar nodded with a similar frown to her face. "I know. I just wanted us to be the people he could talk to about his struggles. Not make them worse...." She glanced at Spark. "But what makes it worse is he forgave us for it as quickly as it happened."

"Well....That's Lucas SoftMax's son for you."

Thunderstar glanced at Spark. A small smile formed on her face because of that comment. She responded with a smile of her own.

"Yeah...." Thunderstar leaned her head to the side and rested it on Spark's shoulder. Before letting out a sigh. "I--I just want all of this to be over. I just want this whole night to be over so we could all have a laugh and continue our fun vacation. Just like from before."

"I Agree..."

Serpent kneed Spider-Man in the stomach followed by roundhouse kick to his head.

Spider-Man though, he kept his footing and managed to stay on the platform of the Bridge tower. Not stumbling back in the slightest.

Serpent made a perfect 90 degree pivot. Attempting a back kick to Spider-Man. Raising his leg up in a swift motion. Outstretching it thereafter.

But of course, Spidey being Spidey. Caught his foot before it could collide square into his face. Proceeding to half-heartedly toss Serpent away from him. Using the moment to catch a breath and think.

Spider-Man had put up a lot of restraint during this whole fight. It was nothing like anything he'd ever ben in before. With Goblin and Electro, he had went all out no question. Electro had no relation to him and Flash didn't even know Goblin was Micro Chips until he had tailed him back to his home.

What was at the forefront of his mind was how we was gonna end this whole thing. For Ten minutes it's just been the two sides going back and fourth at each other. "Come on Flash. Think! It can't drag on like this any longer."

Upon watching Serpent get back to his feet. He let out a 'Spidey' remark. "Haven't you had enough bruises for one day. Come on man just give up and turn yourself in or something."

Serpent smirked to that. Retaining his Sinister mocking tone. "Unlike last time I have to finish what I've started." Serpent got into an offensive posture looking to continue what they had already started.

Spider-Man let out a sigh behind his mask. His lenses squinting upon letting out the sigh.

That's when it hit him. That's when he realized that he had something on Serpent that he had no knowledge of. "Come on. We can just end this right now. Flare."

Serpent's eyes widened. His smirk faded away from behind his scarf. "What did you say?" He stood up straight getting out of his stance.

Spider-Man's lenses again squinted. As behind the mask his eyes narrowed onto the mercenary. Deciding to wing it completely. "Please. You don't think I'm dumb am I? I'm a crime fighter. I could get info on you that you thought was gone forever. Flamewalker!"

That sentence was the breaking point of Serpent. His eyes widened even more. No one had dared call him Flare. No less his last name. He grit his teeth behind his scarf. Letting out a grim remark. "You should've just stayed quiet and talked with your fists!"

Serpent lunged forwards. Going straight for Spider-Man with all his anger. Serpent threw a bunch of hand strikes, kicks and attempted to grapple Spider-Man but Spider-Man just either dodged his kicks, blocked his hand strikes or just jump over him entirely. Spider-Man knew he had finally struck a chord. His eyes widened behind his mask. "This could be my chance!"

Serpent scoffed at Spider-Man. As all's he did was dodge him. "Running away like a coward wont get you this far!"

Spider-Man's lenses squinted to that. Responding with a sharper bite. "So something you've been doing for years?"

Serpent's eyes narrowed on Spider-Man. Finally, he had managed to land one strike on him. Or rather a push as that's what he had did.

He was getting tired of this. So he was gonna end it one and for all. He had one more ploy in mind. A move he had never even put into action ever in his life. That being the Touch of Death. The attack was centered around the stomach . The attacker is to hit certain pressure points and end the attack with one push of a hand but it was only done as a deadly counter attack.

Serpent knew how to reel Spidey in. By getting him to counter attack. So that's what he was gonna do.

He went for it. Serpent ran at Spider-Man with everything he had and attempted to do a hand strike on him. However like his other attempts before. Spider-Man caught the fist.

But it was that. It was that mere motion that Serpent had anticipated for.

He wasted no time. Serpent headbutted Spider-Man making Spider-Man upon his fist getting caught. In-turn making Spider-Man yelp and release his grip on Serpent's clenched hand.

With Spider-Man now stunned for a quick moment. Serpent went for his finishing move. He lunged forward. In-turn making Spider-Man's Spider-Sense tingle. However before he could react. Serpent thrusted his fist forward into Spidey's stomach a total of three times. Making him groan in pain. Clutching his stomach.

Serpent then proceeded to move his right hand back. Straightening it as his next and final motion would be his palm thrusting into Spider-Man's stomach. "Nighty Night!"

Spider-Man's lenses widened to that. His Spider-Sense again went off. He played it smart. He knew Serpent was focused purely on his next attack. Rather then be focused on what he himself would do. So pretty easily. He knew how to respond.

"Oh I don't think so..."

Spider-Man outstretched one of his arms quickly. Flicking his wrists and pressing both his middle and ring finger on his palm. Releasing a web bullet out of his wrist.

It hit Serpent right in the face. Making the mercenary yelp and completely change course. "You little--" He stumbled back and off the bridge towers. Letting out a scream as he began plummeting towards the ground.

Spider-Man cocked his head. Widening his lenses. Staggering to his feet quickly. He too leaped off the Bridge tower to go aid his Uncle.

He spotted his Uncle who was plummeting. Getting closer and closer to the ground by the second. His lenses squinted as his eyes narrowed on his Uncle behind his mask. Outstretching his arm he fired a webline right towards his falling Uncle. Glistening through the night sky.

The Web line caught Serpent quickly. Spider-Man snagged it and tugged the webline as hard as he could. Bringing Serpent up and away from the ground. Right before anything catastrophic could happen.

Serpent was coming Spider-Man's way. So it gave Spider-Man the opportunity to catch him. Which he did. Catching him by the collar of his cut black turtle neck.

Spider-Man however was not done with Serpent himself. But first he wanted to get out of plain open sight. So using his free hand he fired a another webline. Snagging it and swinging away with Serpent.

The were near the docs in which Thunderstar and Spark were closely nearby. But Spider-Man wasn't going to them directly. First he had to have a one on one with Serpent himself.

He landed on a small building. Getting done his first order of business. Throwing Serpent on the ground. He quickly webbed the mercenary up. Incasing his whole body with exception of his head in a webbed cocoon.

Serpent. Didn't really put up a fight though. He felt humiliated. He had not only been beaten but, he was saved by his own enemy. It was just sick. He didn't even feel like fighting back. He didn't even know what to feel. In fact, he was feeling 'Just'.

Finally. Spider-Man broke the silence. Opening his mouth to speak.

"We need to talk..."

Author's Note

THIS FIGHT WAS LONG!