Spiders and Shadows
featuring Spider-Man and The Shadow 2000
by Chip Caroon
Chapter One: Senior Year
Peter Parker used to be really excited about school. He was a bookworm, and always looked forward to learning something new. However, during this summer, something changed. He changed.

Now, he felt more like a regular student. Learning wasn't as important as the actual high school experience. Before, he would always have his nose in a book, always trying to get the right answer. Now, he didn't mind going to school, but now Peter was hoping to socialize more, and show off his new physique, courtesy of his spider-enhanced strength. He also felt like he would be accepted more, especially since he had Jimmy as a friend.

'My strength and powers have been growing over the past year,' Peter thought as he got dressed. 'But with the extra action this summer as Spider-Man, I think I buffed up a little more. Plus, I don't have to wear glasses any more!'

Earlier that summer, Peter had surmised that his glasses were no longer necessary, since his eye muscles had also improved. A visit to the eye doctor confirmed this (although the doctor knew nothing of the spider powers).

Another thing that Peter had to look forward to was his senior year. Only one more year left until he started college. However, that did not bother him, because he was thinking about all of the privileges he would know receive as a senior.

However, this happiness was also matched with some sadness. Because of his inaction, his Uncle Ben was dead, and now would be unable to see him graduate. Peter sighed, and continued getting ready.

Meanwhile, not too far away, in a classy penthouse, Victor Cranston was getting ready for school, same as Peter. He was also thinking of the changes this year would bring. Unlike Peter, he had always been popular, and had many friends. However, this year would be different because over the summer, he had adopted the mantle of The Shadow, handed down from his grandfather, to his father, and then to him.

Now, he would have extra responsibility, but that didn't scare him a bit. Sure, it might cut into some of his free time, but it was all for good.

Victor walked into the kitchen and grabbed a box of cereal out of the cabinet. He poured a bowl and sat down to eat. His grandfather, Lamont, was already sitting at the other end of the table, reading the newspaper.

"So, Victor," he said. "School's back in session. A lot of interesting things are coming up."

"Yes, sir."

"I hope you don't have too many extracurricular activities going on."

"I don't think that The Shadow will be cutting into my life too much."

Lamont leaned in. "About that. I want you to be careful with your duel identity. Don't get careless at school. That is the last place you want to blow it, okay?"

"Yes, grandfather."

Lamont smiled. "Have fun today."

Victor finished his cereal, put his bowl in the sink and walked out of the kitchen. "Bye, Mom! Bye, grandpa!" He put on his coat, grabbed his backpack, and walked out the door.

Ten minutes before eight AM, Peter Parker walked into Midtown High for the first time since June. Almost instantly he was greeted by someone with whom he had spent most of the summer.

"Peter!"

"Jimmy!" Peter replied, turning to face his co-worker. "How have things been the past few days?"

"Good, good," Jimmy answered. "Come one, I gotta introduce you to my friends."

Jimmy and Peter started walking to a group of people standing together beside a wall. Before they could get there, a large boy stepped in front of Peter and Jimmy.

"Well, well," he said. "If it ain't puny Parker."

Peter gritted his teeth. "Davis, leave me alone. Just leave me alone this year."

Davis leaned down and got into Peter's face. "Oooh! Did puny Parker get a backbone this summer?"

"I'm just tired of the crap that you and others like you have given me."

Davis stood straight up again. "But, it's so fun!" he exclaimed, pushing Peter, causing him to fall to the floor.

As Peter stood up, Davis taunted him more. "Oh, you're getting up for more!"

'Time to shut this idiot up,' Peter thought.

Davis kept laughing, and prepared to push Peter down again. However, before he could touch Peter, he had been punched in the jaw, and found himself on the floor.

Everyone stared at awe at Peter. No one expected him to have that kind of strength or backbone.

"Peter!" Jimmy exclaimed. "What did you do?"

Peter looked down. "Took the hot air out of him."

Davis stood up, barely. He pointed at Peter. "This isn't over, Parker. Not by a long shot!"

As Davis walked off, Peter picked up his backpack. He and Jimmy continued to walk over to the group.

"Hey, nice over there," one of the guys said. "I don't think anyone has stood up to Davis like that!"

"Well, someone had to take him down a notch. Hopefully, he'll leave me alone for a while," Peter said, he held out his hand. "Peter Parker."

The guy shook Peter's hand. "Jason Todd."

"Nice to meet you."

Jimmy spoke up. "And these are the rest of my friends." He pointed to a girl with long blonde hair. She seemed somewhat familiar to Peter, almost as if she had some sort of danger about her. "This is Liz Allen." Peter nodded.

"This is Harry Osborn," Jimmy continued. "His dad's owns Oscorp. And, you've already met Jason. Everyone, this is Peter Parker." Peter felt another stab of unreality. He sensed some sort of danger with Harry, but not like his spider-sense was going off. No, more of deja vu. Again, he snapped out of it fairly quickly.

"It's nice to meet all of you," Peter said. "I'm sure we'll see quite a bit of each other this year."

"So, you work with Jimmy?" Harry asked.

"Since June," Peter replied.

"You're a photographer, too?" Liz asked.

"Yes."

Just then, the bell rang, and everyone looked at their schedules to find out where their homeroom was. Peter saw 'Room 135' written on the schedule. He knew where that was.

"I'll catch you later," he said, walking off.

Only a few yards away, Victor Cranston was talking to his girlfriend Natalie Casswell.

"Senior year," he said. "Are you ready for the challenge?"

"As long as you're beside me," Natalie replied. "Of course, silly. Now stop with the cliches."

Vic smiled. "Okay. Let me see your schedule."

Natalie gave Vic her schedule card. Vic held it beside his own. "Looks like we have three classes together."

"So we do," Natalie replied. "Wish we had more."

"So do I. But, we don't."

"I guess I'll see you third period, then."

"It's a date," Victor said. He leaned over and kissed her. "See you later," he added, walking off.

Peter walked into the computer lab, not expecting much to have changed since his junior year. Sure enough, most of the same people were in there, as well as the teacher. Of course, the class size had been reduced considerably.

Peter slid into a computer station in the middle of the room. He looked around. No one had really changed much over the summer, except him.

Sitting in front of him was a packet. Peter looked at the title: "ADVANCED COMPUTER PROGRAMMING." 'Hmm,' he thought with a smile. 'I wonder how high my grade will go this year.'

Meanwhile, at the Daily Planet, Jonah Jameson was standing in Perry White's office, filling the editor-in-chief in on current events.

"I don't believe it!" Jameson exclaimed. "Somehow that jackal has weaseled his way into the ad revenue. He's cutting it!"

"Now, Jonah," Perry said.

"How are we going to keep publishing?!?" Jameson interrupted.

"Well," Perry said, "who's to say it is him. Maybe it just happens to be a bad time for advertisers."

"But did you notice the first set of ads that were stopped? Most of them were connected to him in some way!"

Perry sighed. "Look, it's only a minor decrease. We'll be able to come back from it. I wouldn't start worrying until the ad revenue drops drastically. Now, just head back upstairs, and get back to work, so we can get the next edition out. Otherwise, we definitely will be in trouble."

Jameson walked to the door. "It's not going well, White. Some of the board members want to give in."

"Jonah . . . " Perry warned.

"Okay, okay. I'll find something to do."

It was twelve minutes after nine in the morning. Peter thought he never would get through the class. At least he only had a couple of minutes left.

Normally, he would enjoy a programming class, but the first day is always filled with the usual "rules and consequences." Each year they seemed to get longer and more boring, until finally, when you were a senior, you couldn't help but be on the verge of sleep.

Mr. Visey was in the middle of a sentence when the bell rang. 'Yes!' Peter thought. "Now, students," Mr. Visey said. "Remember to review the packet that was at your station this morning. Provided we get through the rules, we should start using the machines tomorrow."

Peter was out of the room before the last words left the teacher's lips. He has already memorized his schedule, and knew that his next class, physics, was in fourth hall, room 405.

As he was walking through the halls, he saw Flash Thompson.

"Parker!" Flash said, walking over. "Heard about what you did to Davis this morning."

"It was nothing," Peter said, trying to brush Flash off.

"Come, on! Here you are, Mr. Brain, and you knock a guy to the ground. I gotta give you points for that."

"Look, Flash, I gotta get to class."

Flash backed up. "Okay, okay. See ya 'round, Parker."

"Same to you," Peter said.

Peter reached the next class with a fair amount of ease. The teacher had made a seating chart (which most everyone found ridiculous, since they were seniors), and several people were standing at the board trying to figure out where they were supposed to sit.

Peter found his seat. The seat beside his had already been filled.

"Hello," the person said.

"Hi," Peter replied as he sat down. "I take it we'll probably be working together a lot this year. I'm Peter Parker."

"Victor Cranston. You can call me Vic."

"Well, Vic, do you like science?"

"It's okay. Sometimes it gives me a pain. You?"

"If science didn't exist, I probably don't know how I would have spent my life."

"Really?"

"Oh, yeah. Did you hear about the big explosion last year at Doctor Octavius's experiment?"

Victor thought for a while. "I think so."

"I was the kid that got hurt."

"That was you? Now I remember reading it in the paper! I thought I recognized your name," Vic said.

"You might have recognized it from the Daily Planet over the summer."

"Photographer?"

"Yup," Peter replied. "Got most of the Spider-Man exclusives. Me and Jimmy Olsen."

"You like working at the paper?"

"It's cool. But, enough about me. You have a job?"

"Not really," Vic said. "However, my family is fairly wealthy. Fortunately, I haven't really been sheltered or spoiled."

"Wait a minute. Your last name is Cranston, right?" Peter asked.

"Yes."

"Are you related to Lamont Cranston?"

"He's my grandfather. How did you know about him?"

"I saw an old news article about him this summer, or something like that."

"Really? What was it about?"

Peter shrugged. "I can't really remember. I just remember the name."

Vic shook his head. He looked down at his notebook. A few seconds later, he looked back up.

"Say, Peter, what lunch shift do you have?"

"I think I have it first."

"So do I! Maybe we could sit together. I can introduce you to my girlfriend."

"That sounds cool."

Before Peter or Victor could say anymore, the bell had rung again, and the teacher began to talk.

'Good year,' Peter thought.

The phone rang at Lois Lane's desk. She picked it up and answered, "Hello?"

"Hello, Ms. Lane?" a male voice asked on the other end of the line.

"Yes, this is she."

"Hi. My name is Barry Slow, and I am running for President."

"Ah, the 'Armed Gorilla' candidate," Lois said, rolling her eyes.

"Yes! So you have heard of me!"

"I'm afraid I have," Lois replied.

"I was wondering . . . if it wouldn't be too much . . . if I could speak with you. Kinda do an interview, maybe help get my campaign some publicity."

Lois stalled. "Well, I don't know . . . . I have to check. My schedule is pretty tight for a while. Plus, I have to check to see there's anything that I may not know about. How about I'll call you when I'm ready. What's your number?"

Slow gave her a phone number, which she wrote down.

"Thanks for calling, Mr. Slow. I'll be in touch."

"Thank you, Ms. Lane," Mr. Slow said.

Lois hung up the phone and sighed. She really didn't like to get involved in third party politics. However, she couldn't just blow this guy off, could she?

It was nearing the end of the period. Peter and Victor didn't really care. The class was the usual first day procedure. The teacher tells you what not to do, and what happens when you do it. No time for real work. At least he had given out the books, and did a couple of demonstrations.

Finally the bell rang. Victor turned to Peter. "What class do you have next?"

"Photojournalism," Peter replied. "And you?"

"Government. It's near your class."

"Yes, it is."

The two left the class and headed upstairs. As they neared first hall, they heard two guys shouting.

"What's that?" Victor asked.

"Sounds like a fight," Peter responded.

As they came closer, they saw a crowd coming up, and the two guys were facing off.

"Look, man!" one of them said. "I've had it with this crap! I'm ending it now!"

Suddenly he pulled out a pistol from his jacket and pointed it at the other guy. Everyone else gasped, and the guy jumped back.

The same thought ran through Peter and Vic's heads.

'How can I ditch Peter now to change into The Shadow?' Victor thought.

'How can I ditch Vic now to change into Spidey?' Peter thought.

Several administrators came through at that point, and they shoved Vic aside. He used that opportunity to turn invisible. Since Peter was now unable to see his new friend, he ran off, to activate his spider-suit.

As he ran back, he saw the gunman raise the gun. Everyone else screamed and ducked. Some brave soul grabbed the gunman's arm. Everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. Then, Spider-Man heard a gunshot, and the school fell quiet.

Spidey ran faster. Everything in the school was silent. Then, another shot was fired, breaking the silence.

Chapter Two: A Shot in the Hall
Victor only had seconds to think before he acted. He chose to use his powers in a way he had never dreamed before. He reached into everyone's minds and said, {STOP!}

Everyone froze where they were.

"Someone call the cops!" a teacher yelled.

Meanwhile, the boy who had fired the gun started to kick his opponent. Suddenly, a foot flew into his face, and he fell back.

"Cool it!" Spider-Man shouted at the boy. He picked the boy up by his collar. "What is wrong with you?"

"Yes, man," The Shadow added.

Spidey turned around. "Who said that?" he asked. He couldn't see anyone, so he activated his heat vision.

"What the--?!"

"Excuse me, Spider-Man," The Shadow said. "You cannot see me. I assume you are using heat vision or something of that sort. I am The Shadow, and I have come to help you."

"That's cool," Spidey said, turning back to face the gunman.

"Ha! I got the sucker!" the gunman laughed.

"You're just sick, man," Spidey retorted. The gunman continued laughing. Spidey decked him to shut him up, but continued to hold him.

The Shadow bent down, examining the body of the victim as he heard police cars pulling up out front. Blood was oozing out of several places, surrounding the boy.

"How is he?" Spidey asked, setting the gunman down, holding his wrists behind his back. He was regaining consciousness.

"Not good," The Shadow replied, referring to the victim.

"Make way! Make way!" the police shouted as they came in. Two of them approached Spider-Man, the others let the medics through to the victim.

"Thanks, Spider-Man," the cop said.

"Eh, I was in the area," Spidey replied. "Just thought I could lend a hand until you got here."

"Glad you did. We'll take him now."

"Here you go." Spidey let the boy go, and the police cuffed him and led him away.

Meanwhile, The Shadow had helped the medics load the victim onto a stretcher. He was now being rolled out of the building.

"Okay, kids, back to class," a teacher said. "I'm sure most of you will have to give your statements about this later."

The Shadow stood up. Spidey grabbed his hand and shook it. "You're an okay guy. Not much we could really do, but you helped."

"I know what you mean. At least I calmed the crowd with my telepathy."

"Telepathy? You can use your mind to talk to people?"

{Yes.}

"Cool. Look, I gotta go. See ya around?"

"Sure," The Shadow said, nodding.

They ran off in opposite directions, to different bathrooms. In each, they changed back into their respective identities. Peter went to his photography class, while Victor walked to government class. Natalie was already there, sitting in the back. He slid into the desk beside her.

"Hey," she said.

"Hey. I kinda had to take care of some business," he whispered.

"The Shadow?" Natalie whispered back.

"Yeah. Met Spider-Man."

"Really, that's cool."

Just then, the public announcement system came on. The voice of the principal was heard in every room of the building.

"Attention students and faculty," he said. "May I have your attention?"

He was silent for a few seconds, making sure students calmed down. Finally, he continued. "Students, as you know, there was a gunfight in the halls just a few minutes ago. It was broken up by the excellent efforts of the police with the help of Spider-Man and a new hero called The Shadow. I would like to thank them for their help at this time."

Vic and Natalie looked at each other and smiled.

"Due to the emotional distress this could cause, school has been canceled for the rest of the day. However, students are asked to stay on campus until the time at which fourth period would normally end, so the police can get as many statements from eyewitnesses as possible. Teachers, please take attendance for this period, but do not assign any work, or do anything. Students, you may wander the campus. But anyone found leaving without permission will be punished in the appropriate manner. Thank you." The PA system cut off.

"Cool!" someone in the front of the room said.

"Calm down, class," the teacher said. "First I must call the roll, then you may leave the room."

Meanwhile, at the other end of the hall, Peter and Jimmy had met up again in Photojournalism class.

"So, Peter," Jimmy said after the announcement cut off. "Did you get any shots of the fight?"

Peter shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I didn't have time to get my camera out."

"Well, I have a few shots. Ms. Kelly said I could develop them this period, so I can take them to the Planet later this afternoon."

"Who's gonna cover the story?"

"I guess they'll send Lois. Or maybe Ben Urich."

"Ben Urich?" Peter replied. "I don't think I've met him. Is he new?"

"No. He's been around a while."

"Jimmy Olsen," the teacher called.

"Here!" Jimmy replied, raising his hand.

"Peter Parker."

Peter raised his hand. "Right here."

Jimmy nudged Peter. "Let's go."

"By the way," Peter whispered. "There's someone I want you to meet later. Victor Cranston. He's a pretty cool guy."

"Cranston? Related to Lamont?"

"His grandfather."

"Didn't we read about him in the paper archives this summer?"

Peter nodded his head.

Half an hour later, most of the film had been put through the process in the darkroom, and the pictures were starting to develop.

"Man, these are pretty good," Jimmy said. "Just a few more minutes and they'll be done."

"That's good. Say, can I go out now?" Peter asked. "I want to find Victor and talk to him a bit."

"Sure. I won't be long."

Peter walked out of the darkroom, and out of the photo classroom. As soon as he entered the hall, he ran into a very familiar person.

"Lois!" he exclaimed.

"Peter!" Lois said. "What are you doing here?"

"I go here. I'm waiting until they let us off campus."

"Hmmm. You wouldn't happen to be able to give me some details of what happened would you?"

Peter thought for a moment. "Is it okay if I tell you before I tell the police?"

"I'm sure they won't mind. I've already gotten permission," Lois said as she turned on her tape recorder.

"Okay, then," Peter began. "Victor Cranston and I were coming up the hall from physics. We see a crowd start to form, and two guys yelling at each other. We end up right in the front, and there are a bunch of teachers around us. I remember getting knocked down and losing track of Victor."

"Uh-huh, go on."

"I got back up, and all of a sudden, one of them pulled a gun. He shoots the other guy. Everyone gets quiet, and then he shoots again. Next thing I know, Spider-Man is on top of him, picking him up. But then comes the strange thing . . . "

"And what is that?" Lois asked.

"He starts talking to no one."

"He's gone crazy?"

"No, no," Peter answered. "Turns out, another hero showed up. The Shadow, I think his name is. So, The Shadow is helping the victim, Spidey is holding the gunman. Then the police show up and after that it's the usual. Everyone left, blah, blah, blah . . . "

Lois stopped the tape. "Sounds interesting. Especially this Shadow character. I think I better do some research on him. I've heard the name."

"Whatever," Peter said. "Hate to rush, but there's someone I want to meet up with. I'll see you at the Planet this afternoon?"

"Maybe."

"See you then."

"See ya."

Peter found Victor sitting on one of the concrete blocks at the front of the building. Beside him was a very beautiful girl.

"Hey, Peter!" Vic said.

"Vic," Peter acknowledged.

"I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Natalie Casswell."

Peter took her hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you, Natalie."

"Same here."

"May I sit?" Peter asked.

"Sure," Victor said, scooting down to allow Peter to sit comfortably.

"So, pretty wild first day, huh?" Peter inquired.

"Of course," Vic answered. He then leaned over and whispered, "You're playing hero today aren't you?"

"What do you - " Peter began to ask, trying to sound shocked, so not to reveal his alter ego. However, something that The Shadow told him came to mind. "You cheated."

"Not really," Victor said. "I just used logic. We got separated, and then Spider-Man appeared. You were no where to be found."

"I bet you figured that out when you commanded everyone to stop, Shadow."

"Ah, you've figured out my secret."

Peter looked at Natalie. "Hope I didn't blow your cover."

Vic grabbed his girlfriend's hand. "No. She's known forever. You are the only other person outside of my family to know my identity. And you can trust us with your own."

"I hope so. I know you can trust me."

"Good. I can see our alter egos having a long, prosperous working relationship together," Vic said.

"That'd be cool. The only other partner I have is Batman, but he kinda . . . different. Hardly know anything about him anyway."

Natalie spoke up. "So, Peter, have you given your statement to the police?"

Peter shook his head. "Not yet. I figure they'll call me if they want it."

"Same here," Vic said.

"So, Natalie," Peter asked. "How much of the fight did you see?"

"I really didn't see any of it. I was coming up from another hall. I heard the gunshots and that's it."

"You know who was involved? Or why they were fighting?"

Natalie and Victor shook their heads. They turned their heads to see several more cars pull up.

"It's probably more parents," Victor said. "Have you called yours, Peter?"

Peter nodded. "I called my aunt shortly after the announcement. You?"

Victor tapped his head. Peter understood. "Ah," he said. "Hopefully they won't worry."

Peter looked at his watch. "Say, since we probably won't be able to eat here, how about we go out for lunch, and get to know each other," he said. "We could invite my friend Jimmy Olsen." He turned around. "Speaking of which . . . "

Jimmy walked up. "Hiya, Peter. Is this Victor?" he asked, extending his hand.

"Yes, and this is his girlfriend Natalie."

Jimmy shook her hand. "Nice to meet you."

"We're going to lunch after we get out of here," Victor said. "You wanna come?"

"Sure. I can just give the pictures to Lois to take to the paper."

"So, Jimmy, how did the pictures turn out?" Peter asked.

"Pretty good. I got some Spider-Man shots. I made doubles, since the police will probably use them for evidence. However, I didn't have that good a spot. You were right on it, weren't you?"

Peter shook his head. "Something like that."

Just then, Lois came walking over with a police officer. "Guess it's time," Peter said.

"Hey, Peter, Jimmy," Lois said. She looked at Vic and Natalie. "Hey, Vic."

Peter was startled. "How did you know that this was Victor?" he asked.

"Very simple," Lois replied. "He's my second cousin."

"Yes," Victor confirmed, turning to Peter. "My grandmother was Margo Lane. Her brother is Lois's grandfather."

"Cool," Peter said.

Lois turned to the officer behind her. "This is Officer Dibny. He's here to take your statements."

Officer Dibny was a nice looking cop, not the kind that looked like he took too many doughnut breaks. Peter thought he looked familiar.*

*(Dibny was the cop at his uncle's murder scene in Spider-Man #2. - Chip)

Dibny looked at Peter. "I'll start with you. What did you see?"

"Well, Vic and I were coming from physics, going to first hall when we heard some shouts," Peter began. He continued his story, telling the same thing he had told Lois before. When he was done, Dibny looked at Victor. "Is this true?"

"All of it. I can't really add much, since we were in the same place," Victor replied.

"And you, miss," Dibny said, looking at Natalie. "Where were you?"

"I was on the other side of first hall. All I heard was the noise and the gunshots. I ran out to see what happened, but there were too many people in the way," she replied.

"Thanks," Dibny said, writing some notes down. Finally, he turned to Jimmy. "And you, young man."

Jimmy handed him a package of pictures. "I'm a photographer. I work at the Daily Planet. I had my camera with me, and took these pictures. That's pretty much what I saw."

Dibny looked at the pictures. "Thank you very much. These pictures are just the evidence we need."

Jimmy smiled. "Thank you."

"Well, you kids are free to go now," Dibny said. "I'll see you later, Ms. Lane," he added, tipping his hat to Lois before walking off.

"I guess I'll see you at the office later," Lois said to Peter and Jimmy.

"Sure," Jimmy said. "We're off to lunch right now, but here's the other set of pictures that you can give to Mr. White."

"Thanks, Jimmy," Lois said, placing the package in her purse. "See you boys at the office."

"Bye, Lois," Jimmy said.

"Bye," Peter added.

Twenty minutes later, the four teenagers were sitting and eating at the burger shop just around the block from the school. Thirty minutes later, they had finished eating and Jimmy stood up.

"Well, it's been a swell time here, guys and girl," he said. "But I better swing by my place, and then to the Planet. Catch you later."

The other three told him bye.

"Vic, Natalie, it was nice meeting you," Peter said. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I think I should go as well. I guess I'll see you tomorrow." He stood up.

"See you tomorrow," Vic said.

"Bye, Peter," Natalie said.

As Peter walked out, Victor took his arm from around Natalie's shoulders. "We should leave too. Want to go to my place or yours?"

"Let's go to yours. My parents probably aren't home," Natalie replied. "Besides, they changed the locks last week and haven't given me an extra key yet."

Vic and Natalie went to Vic's place, where they hung out for a while. They also talked to Lamont about the events that had happened. After they were done, Lamont shook his head.

"It's a shame," he said. "What kids do now."

About an hour later, Vic was in his room with Natalie when the phone rang. It was Peter.

"Peter! Why do you call?" he asked.

"We just found out some interesting information here at the paper," Peter replied.

"What is that?"

"Well, at least one of the guys involved today is in a drug ring. The police busted one part of it, but it turns out it a major operation. Might even have some crime involved. Just thought your 'friend' would like to know."

"You were right," Victor said. "But that still leaves some questions. Like, why were they in a fight to begin with?"

"I dunno," Peter replied. "But I'm sure that we can find out. We'll talk later."

Chapter Three: Extracurricular Activities
When Peter Parker walked into his physics class on the fourth day of school, he had a pack of papers in his hand. He handed it to Victor. Vic flipped through the four stapled pages.

"What's this?" he asked.

"It's all of the background information I could find in the Daily Planet's archives, in relation to the shooting. Basically, there's only one connection I can find between the two guys," Peter replied.

Victor read the first page. "They are both in gangs," he noted.

Peter sat down. "Exactly. But it's the weirdest thing. They appear to be in different gangs, but both gangs look awfully familiar."

"You have a plan."

Peter smiled and nodded. "Feeling like busting some butts this afternoon?"

"I am so ready," Victor answered, smiling. "Where should we meet?"

"Out front of the school. We can change on the way."

About four o'clock that afternoon, Spider-Man and The Shadow were in an alley, waiting above for the gang to come in.

{Are you sure that they come to this alley?} Victor asked, using his telepathy. {Just respond by thinking your answer.}

{Of course I'm sure,} Peter replied. {I got the information straight from the gunman.}

{When?}

{Two days ago, I paid him a little visit.}

{How do you know he wasn't trying to fool you?}

{He was too scared to tell a lie. He's a new member. Besides, he's only a sophomore.}

{What!} The Shadow exclaimed. {What is this world coming to?}

{Quiet!} Spidey said. {Duh! They can't hear us. Anyway, they're coming and we need to hear them.}

Four teenagers came up, all males, all from different directions. They stood in a circle. Two wore blue coats, while the others wore red.

"So," one of the blue coats asked, "you got it?"

The red coat standing directly in front of him pulled something from his pocket. "Right here," he said. "Are we going back to the original plan? Tommorrow night?"

The guy nodded. "The bosses aren't happy with the setback. Intergang has lost quite a bit of revenue."

{Intergang?} Spidey asked. {Have you ever heard of that?}

{Not once,} The Shadow replied. {Ready to go?}

Spidey pressed a button on his right wrist. His camera detached.

{Nice,} The Shadow commented.

{Let's go,} Spidey said.

The two heroes leapt down, and took out two of the gang members, one of each color.

"It's Spider-Man!" the other blue coat shouted.

The Shadow punched him. He fell to the ground, grabbing his bleeding jaw. "How'd he do it?" he asked.

"Very simple, moron," The Shadow replied. "He's not alone."

The red coat turned, taking his concentration off of Spider-Man. "Hey, it's The Shadow! He busted Jolt a couple weeks ago!*"

*(Detective Comics #1)

That was all the time Spidey needed to club the boy in the back of the head. He fell to the ground, but the other three were able to get back up. The Shadow was able to take care of the kid he had punched out, but the other two rushed Spider-Man from different sides. Spidey put his arms out, and fired two weblines, attaching one to each of his foes. He jerked his arms together as fast as he could. This made the two guys on the end of the weblines to be smacked together and knocked out.

Meanwhile, The Shadow chose to finish the fight rather quickly, and used his invisibilty powers to make a battering ram, sending his opponent flying. Spidey used a webline to bring him back, and slammed him to the ground.

Then, he picked him up, and put him in a headlock. "Who are you scum working for?" he asked.

"Nobody!" the gang member replied.

Spidey tightened his hold. "What is Intergang?"

"I don't know what you're talking about!"

Spidey tightened the hold once more.

"Don't give us that!" The Shadow exclaimed. "We know good and well that you do know. Your leader mentioned it!"

"Doesn't mean I know!"

"Bull!" Spider-Man replied. "Now, what's the plan? I know you guys have some plan!"

The gang member began laughing. "You'll never get it out of me!"

Spidey slammed the guy's head into the brick wall, and then set him down on the ground. Within minutes, the two heroes had tied the gang members together, and Spidey had called the police. Less than five minutes later, Spider-Man and The Shadow had fled the scene and the police had arrived.

Peter Parker and Victor Cranston entered the Daily Planet's city room only moments later. They were greeted by Jimmy, who was coming out of the darkroom.

"Hey, guys," he said. "What's up?"

Peter held up the roll of film that had been in his camera. "We saw Spider-Man and The Shadow take out members of some gang."

"Cool. Wanna develop them now?" Jimmy asked.

"Actually, I wanted to talk to Lois first," Peter answered. "Tell me, have you ever heard of Intergang?"

Jimmy thought for a second, and then shook his head. "No, I don't think so."

"Okay," Peter said. "Catch you in a minute."

"Nice seeing you, Jimmy," Vic added.

Peter and Vic walked over to Lois's desk. She was on the phone.

"Yes, I understand, Mr. Slow," she said. "I know you really want to get your message out. But, I am very busy." She paused as the person on the other end said something. "Look," she said when she was able to speak again. "I'd love to come interview you right now, but as it is, I have a hot scoop coming in right now." She looked up at Peter and Victor. "Goodbye, Mr. Slow." Hanging up the phone, Lois turned to the boys. "What's the story? I hope you have one."

"What do you know about Intergang?" Peter asked.

"Intergang?" Lois wondered. "I don't ever recall ever hearing about that."

"What is the gang activity like in this city?" Victor asked.

Lois thought for a moment. "I'm not sure, that's never really been my beat, but come to think of it, I have noticed something."

"What's that?" Peter asked.

"None of them have had any major gang war. Sure, there's been a few squabbles, but nothing major."

"Can you see what you can find out about this 'Intergang'?" Peter requested. "Vic and I happened to see a gang get busted up by Spider-Man and The Shadow on our way here. I got some pictures."

"I'll try," Lois replied.

"Thanks," Peter said. "I'll go develop these now." He turned to Victor. "I guess I'll see you later."

"Actually, I'll stay here until you're done. I can help Lois out," Victor replied.

"All right." Peter walked to the darkroom.

If he had stayed in the city room just a little longer, he would have seen J. Jonah Jameson enter. He walked over to Lois, and gave a mean look to Victor.

"Uh, I'm kinda hungry," Victor said. "I'm going to the vending machines downstairs. I'll be back."

"All right," Lois said quietly, just as Jameson reached her desk. He leaned on the top of her cubical.

"Lois," he said. "How much do you know about the situation that the paper is in?"

"I know that someone is trying to buy it."

"Do you know who?"

"Of course not. But I'm assuming you do. Plus, I'd bet that he is threatening you," Lois replied. "I'd also say that whoever it is has started."

"How do you figure that?"

Lois held up the latest edition of the Planet and pointed to the cover price. It read 30 cents. "Last time I checked, it was only a quarter."

Jameson shrugged. "Okay, so you've proven why you're a good reporter. What have you heard around here? Have the employees been talking?"

"We tend not to talk about that kind of stuff. Most of us don't like the possibilty of losing our jobs, which is what could happen."

"How much do the photographers know?"

"Not much," Lois answered. "Peter and Jimmy are mostly in the dark. Especially Peter, since he's newer. Of course, everyone has noticed that you've been acting strange for the past couple of months."

"Is it that noticable?" Jameson asked.

Lois nodded. "We're reporters. It's our job to notice."

Jameson grunted and turned to walk away.

Half an hour later, Peter and Victor were walking out of the Daily Planet's main building.

"Any luck?" Peter asked.

Victor held up a printout. "This is all. One page. Intergang is obviously very good at keeping a low profile. I'll look over it some more tonight."

"You didn't happen to go into that creep's mind earlier, did you?"

Victor shook his head. "I tried, but something was blocking me."

The two boys were silent. Finally, Victor spoke. "So, did you get anymore information from the pictures?"

It was Peter's turn to shake his head. "Not yet. Jimmy is going to analyze them tonight. I'm going to come back and join him, so we can get them ready for the morning edition. You tell Lois the story?"

"Yup. Now it's all a matter of time. I have a feeling that Intergang will either become more careful, or less careful."

"Either way, it's good," Peter said. "The more careful they are, the easier to have a screw up, it's just a matter of time. Less careful, and they go public."

"Exactly," Victor replied. He looked at his watch. "Say, I have to get home. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sure," Peter said as Victor began walking away. "Oh! And are you going to the football game tomorrow night!"

"Of course! Who doesn't?"

When Victor got home that night, his mom had gone out shopping. His grandfather was sitting at the table, reading a mystery novel. Sitting at the place where Victor usually sat were three ring boxes.

"What are these?" he asked.

Lamont looked up from his book and smiled. "Why don't you find out?" he answered coyly.

Victor picked up the larger of the three boxes, the one which was sitting in the middle and opened it. Sitting inside was a beautiful gold ring with a glowing red stone in the center. His eyes grew large. "Wow! What is this?"

"It's something I found the other day," Lamont said. "It's the ring I wore as The Shadow. The others were for my agents. Whenever I needed them, I just pressed the stone in the middle. It channeled my thoughts, and only contacted those that I wanted. And now, I give it to you."

"Thanks," Victor replied. "I guess this means you want me to create a sort of 'Shadow Underground.'"

Lamont nodded. "Something like that. It's a dangerous place out there, and you'll need all the help you can get. But first, make sure that you can trust the person first."

Victor picked up the other two boxes and opened one. The ring was just as beautiful, but smaller. He pocketed them both. "Thanks, grandfather," he said, putting the bigger ring on his finger, and admiring it.

Lamont wiped his eyes. "I wanted to give them to your father," he said. "But I never had a chance. They were lost in storage, and by the time I found them . . . "

Victor walked over to his grandfather. "What happened?"

"No, I can't tell you. It was an accident."

"That's the exact same answer I've gotten all my life. I think it's time I deserve to know!"

"Some other time," Lamont said. "Now, go do your homework."

"Okay," Vic sighed, as he left to go to his room and call Natalie.

"Hey," he said.

"What's up?" Natalie asked.

"Can you come over real quick?" Vic asked, looking at one of the rings. "I have something for you."

"Okay," Natalie replied. "I think I can make it there in fifteen minutes."

Sure enough, fifteen minutes later, Natalie was standing in front of Victor's door. He let her in and took her to his room. She sat at the foot of the bed.

"I have something for you," he said, pulling out one of the ring boxes from his pocket.

Natalie took it and opened it. "Victor!"

Vic smiled. "I knew you'd like it. But watch." He pressed the stone on his own ring, which caused hers to light up. "Natalie," he asked. "Will you be an agent of The Shadow?"

Natalie smiled and put the ring on. "Of course," she said, standing up. She grabbed Vic and they kissed.

Finally, a while later, they stopped. "But you do have to tell me one thing," Natalie said.

"Oh, yeah?" Victor asked.

"Yeah. How do I turn this thing off?"

Victor stepped back and took hold of her hand and tapped the stone on her ring.

"Thanks, Vic," Natalie said. "When will The Shadow be calling?"

"Whenever he needs you. Most likely when I need you to get me out of a trap."

Natalie smiled. "Like this one?" she asked as she pushed him on the bed and began kissing him.

Back at the Daily Planet, Peter and Jimmy were sitting at Lois' desk, trying to search the photos for clues to Intergang.

"The thing that gets me," Peter said, "was that two of them wore blue, and the other two wore red. That's gotta mean something."

"Maybe some of them have been members longer," Jimmy suggested.

"Although I hate to say it," Lois added, "some of them might committed bigger crimes than the others."

"Of course, with our luck, it could end up not meaning anything," Peter replied.

"Did you see what was in the package?" Jimmy asked. "That could have something to do with it."

Peter shook his head. "I wish I could, but I don't think that we can enhance these pictures to tell us." He fell silent for a moment. "You know, I just remembered something. They mentioned something about tomorrow night. What's going on tomorrow night?"

Jimmy and Lois thought.

"The only thing I can think of is the football game," Jimmy replied. "But there are several football games, and they could mean any of them."

"Of none at all," Lois said.

Peter shook his head. "No, I don't think so. They are teenagers, after all. More than likely, they'll do whatever under the bleachers or something like that."

"Do any of you recognize these people?" Lois asked.

"Hey, don't look at me!" Peter exclaimed. "I've been the school nerd! It's only this year that I haven't had my nose in a book."

"I don't recognize them either," Jimmy said. "However, this one," he added, pointing to the one who appeared to be the leader, "I think I've seen him. But I could've seen him anywhere."

"Maybe we should call the police," Peter said. "Get them to do some checks at all of the high school games tomorrow night."

"Not a bad idea," Lois said. "I'll get them a call in the morning. Are you guys going to the game?"

Both boys nodded.

A thought ran through Peter's head. "Hey! Maybe Victor will know who some of these guys are."

"Wouldn't he already know that?" Jimmy asked.

"We didn't exactly get a good view. I used a special lens for these, so it's a wonder we have these pictures."

Lois spoke up. "I'll take them over to him tonight. You boys go on home now, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am," they said simultaneously.

Meanwhile, a few stories up, the phone rang in Jameson's office. He was afraid to answer it. He was tired of messing with it. He let his answering machine pick it up.

"Jonah," the voice said. Jameson hated the voice. "I know you're there. You can't fool me."

Jameson grunted and stood up. He picked up the phone and threw it across the office. Jonah stood there, his right hand covering his face. His world was coming down around him, and there wasn't anything he could do . . . .

Chapter Four: Gang on the Gridiron
Emil Hamilton was working in his lab and didn't hear Spider-Man enter through the window.

"Professor?" Spidey asked.

Hamilton jumped, startled. He turned around. "Spider-Man!" he exclaimed. "It's been a while since I've seen you. How are you?"

"I'm fine, but kinda busy."

"What can I do for you?"

"I want to make some changes on the costume. The buckle is kinda bulky. Can I change it around so the suit comes out of a watch or something?"

Hamilton stroked his beard, thinking. "I should be able to do that, and without you having to unmask."

"Great!" Spidey replied. "Are you available to do so now?"

"Of course," Hamilton answered. "Just come over here."

About thirty minutes later, Hamilton completed his work. He handed the watch to Spidey.

"Here you go," he said. "Next time you take the costume off, the nano-machines should go into the watch."

"Thank you, Professor."

"Oh, and I made another change. I know that you must refill your web cartridges occasionally. Now, all you have to do is place the cartridge right here . . . " Hamilton pointed to the top of Spidey's hand, " . . . and it will be absorbed into the suit."

Spidey put his hand out. Hamilton shook it. "Thanks, Professor Hamilton," Spidey said. "You've been a tremendous help. I don't know what I would have done without you. It would have taken quite a bit of time for me to do this myself. And even then, I might not even have a proper costume."

"Anything else you need?" Hamilton asked.

"Well, could I borrow the programming device? I want to add a web cape."

"Sure," the professor replied. He walked over and grabbed the device from a shelf. "Here you go."

Spidey quickly redesigned his costume, and downloaded it into the watch. Handing the device back, he said, "Thanks again. I'll see you around."

With that, he climbed out the window, shot a web, and flew out.

Norman Osborn sat in his office, looking out his window, staring at the Daily Planet building. The only thought in his head was 'I want it!'

The phone rang. Osborn quickly pressed the speakerphone button. "Osborn," he said.

"Norman," the voice on the other end said. "You know who I am, right?"

Norman nodded. "Yes, sir."

"You know what I want."

"Same as me, the Daily Planet."

"Right," the other man replied. "I know you've been going after it, and, well, I kinda helped you out."

"You also stopped all of your ads?"

"And a few others. But that's not my point. I called because I know we share a common goal. You're a businessman, Norman. You know how it works."

"You want to partner up?" Osborn asked.

"Of course. Two heads are better than one."

Osborn wasn't too thrilled about this at first, however, as he ran the scenarios through his mind, he was starting to like it. He smiled. "Of course, I'll work with you. Shall we meet sometime?"

The man on the other end of the line smiled. "Yes, if you could come to my office sometime . . . "

In most cities and town around the country, if it was Friday night, the high school football team was playing a home game, and you're in high school, then you're at the football game. Peter Parker, Jimmy Olsen, Victor Cranston, and Natalie Casswell are no exception. Vic and Natalie were hanging out, walking around the stadium. They were enjoying the night, but Vic was also keeping an eye out for trouble.

Peter was on the other side of the stadium. He was actually doing some investigating. Thanks to a tip that Spider-Man had received the day before*, Peter knew that Intergang would be at the game, doing something that they probably shouldn't be doing.

Jimmy, on the other hand, had no real idea of what was happening. He knew that Intergang was around, but he wasn't sure if they would be at the game. Peter seemed to have said something about it, but he was real cryptic. So, Jimmy was just having a good time, enjoying the game, and the music that the band was playing in the stands.

As Peter passed the home stands, he heard some strange noise under the bleachers. He couldn't really tell what, since the band was playing. He decided to investigate.

'Odd,' he thought. 'Usually there are a bunch of little kids playing their own game of football here.'

Creeping up, he peered around the edge of the bleacher. Underneath, he saw several people underneath, talking quietly, and passing bags back and forth. Peter turned around and ran out. As he came back to the main walking area, he spotted Victor and Natalie together.

'Hate to break them up,' Peter thought, 'but . . . '

"Vic!" Peter said aloud.

Victor turned around. "What's up?"

"Wish I didn't have to tell you this, but I found Intergang."

"No!" Victor exclaimed. 'Just once, can't I have a decent evening?' he thought. "Where?"

"Under the home stands. I'm guessing we should call up the heavy hitters."

Vic turned to Natalie and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "You understand?"

Natalie smiled. "Of course. Now hurry back."

Victor and Peter ran out of the stadium. When they were sure they were out of sight, they transformed and doubled back. Peter activated his nano-machines and Victor became invisible.

"You've done some upgrading," The Shadow said, noticing the gossamer cape flowing on Spider-Man's back.

Spidey nodded. "Like the cape?"

"Makes you look more heroic."

"Really?"

"I guess. Enough talking, let's kick Intergang's butt!"

{Vic,} Spider-Man thought.

{What?}

{Should we call Lois? So she knows what is going on?}

{Not yet. Don't want to get any more people in danger than already are.}

Just then, the two heroes were back in the stadium.

{Shadow,} Spider-Man said. {You sneak around back. I'll come from above, and attack them.}

{Good.}

The Shadow walked around the bleachers. He was stood right behind an unsuspecting member of Intergang. Spider-Man, meanwhile, climbed up the back of the stands, and crawled under. He looked down and Intergang.

"Hey, guys!" he said, switching on his light.

All of the gang members stopped what they were doing, and turned towards Spider-Man.

"Get him!" one of them shouted.

No one at the game heard him, because at that moment, the Midtown High had just scored a touchdown, and the crowd was cheering heavily. However, that didn't keep Intergang from rushing the amazing wallcrawler.

The Shadow only had seconds to act. He picked up a weapon that had been dropped by the Intergang member standing in front of him. The owner didn't seem to notice it was missing. He also didn't seem to care. The Shadow picked it up and threw the knife at the most concentrated area. About three gang members fell to the ground.

Spider-Man leapt down and landed on his feet. Immediately, several gang members were on top of him. The Shadow ran around, and grabbed the knife again.

'Why aren't they aware of me?' he thought. 'Oh, well. Gives me the advantage.'

He threw the knife again, and it lodged itself into the neck of a large male. As he turned around, The Shadow thought that this must be some sort of leader. Not of the whole operation, but maybe of this little faction.

"Alright! Who was the little piece of crap that threw the knife at me?" he growled.

The Shadow laughed.

"What the--? That laugh! Who are you? Why can't I see you?"

"I am the Shadow. You can't see me because I am invisible." The leader was then knocked down to the ground. The Shadow followed that up by another punch to the face, knocking him out.

Meanwhile, Spider-Man had gained enough strength to stand up and knock the pile of Intergang off of him.

"Whew!" he exclaimed. He then noticed that many members were on the ground. He quickly webbed up as many gang members as he could.

{Shadow,} he thought, {Anytime you want to broadcast a general SOS, you know, get some cops down here or something, that's fine by me.}

The Shadow pressed the stone of his ring. Across the stadium, Natalie's ring lit up. The Shadow knew her mind was open, and easy to communicate to.

{Natalie. Please, bring the police over underneath the home stands.}

{Yes, Vic,} Natalie replied. {Right away! Are you okay?}

{I'm fine.}

The Shadow broke contact, and turned back to his partner. "The cops are coming. I think we should go."

"Good idea," Spidey replied, firing a webline. "Wanna lift?"

"Sure," The Shadow replied.

"Hang on," Spidey said as The Shadow grabbed his back. "We'll be out of here soon."

One websling later, Spider-Man landed and The Shadow let go. He quickly became visible, and Spidey deactivated his costume.

"That's enough action for one night, don't you think?" Peter asked.

Victor smiled.

Norman Osborn sat outside his partner's office. He looked at his watch. It read nine minutes after nine.

'There's somewhere I must be. Why can't I remember it?' he thought.

Just then, the door to the office opened up. A female stuck her head out. Osborn placed her at about age twenty-eight. "You may come in now, Mr. Osborn," she said.

Norman walked in, and tipped his hat to her. "Thank you." Walking in, he noticed that the room was dimly lighted. 'This is beginning to become some sort of theme with us conniving businessmen. We really do need to light our offices better.'

Osborn's partner was sitting in a large chair, facing out his own large picture window, overlooking New York City.

"Mr. Osborn," he said. "Please, sit down." Osborn did so. His partner continued. "Do you see that city out there?" he asked.

"Yes," Osborn replied.

"There is very little in that city that I don't know about. There is very little that I don't control, but not as much as that which I know nothing of. You will help me achieve another goal."

"The Daily Planet."

"Of course. With that, I will have one more piece of the puzzle. I will control the news. And that can ultimately benefit you, or ultimately destroy you."

"You'll make us come off looking very good," Osborn said.

"Exactly. I know reporters. They are easily manipulated. I am the ultimate manipulator."

Osborn was starting to get wary of this partnership. However, he really had no choice. If he didn't willingly agree to partner, then he would be forced to later on. He knew what this man was like.

Just then, Osborn's cellular phone rang. "It's mine," he said, before his partner could wonder if it was his own.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Osborn," a feminine voice on the other end said. It was his secretary.

"Yes? Can this hurry. I happen to be in an important meeting."

"You wished to be updated of the football score every once in a while."

"Football score?"

"Yes, sir. The Midtown High game?"

'Oh, no!' Osborn thought. 'That's what I forgot. Harry'll never forgive me if I'm not there.'

"Never mind the score, I'm on my way to the game," Osborn said, ending the conversation. He closed the phone, and put it back in his jacket as he stood up.

"I'm sorry, I must go. My son is on the football team, and well, I kinda promised that I would come to at least one of his games."

"I understand," the partner said. "Even though I have no children of my own, I realize how important they are, and how they should be treated. Go. I will be in contact by Monday."

Osborn walked out.

The cops came, and quietly apprehended Intergang. They didn't want to disrupt the game. As most of the crowd could tell you later, they must have done their jobs, since no one really noticed that they were there.

No, they were too busy watching the Midtown High football team take the field at the fifty-yard line, the best starting field position they had all night. Everyone watching had a feeling that this drive would be awesome. Midtown was down by five late in the fourth quarter. This drive could change the momentum of the game.

The quarterback shouted to the team. The ball was snapped. The quarterback ran back, looking for eligible receivers. Finally, with no other option, he tossed it up, as high as he could go. One of the opponents saw this, and tried to position himself under the ball. He stretched his arms out and waited.

He could fell the ball come close, but it never reached his hands, because at the last possible moment, Harry Osborn came up and grabbed it out of his opponent's reach and began running. The crowd went crazy.

"Osborn has the ball! He's at the twenty, the fifteen, the ten, finally stopped just shy of the five yard line!" the announcer shouted through the PA system.

'I hope Dad saw this!' Harry thought.

Alas, Harry's wish would not be fulfilled, for at that moment, Norman Osborn was caught in traffic, only five miles from the football field.

"Come on, people!" he shouted. "I don't have all night!"

Back at the stadium, the crowd was roaring. "Go Harry!" Peter and Jimmy shouted.

"Man, that was the best play I've ever seen," Jimmy said.

"Did you get a shot?" Peter asked.

"I think so. I got the camera up just as he came in. With my position, I have no real way of knowing, though."

The offensive line was getting in position once more. They were all quiet, which confused the other team. Finally, the quarterback shouted, and the ball was snapped. He took it, ran back three yards, followed by Harry Osborn and three other players. He handed the ball to one of them; which one, the defense couldn't tell you. They went after all five. However, they didn't put their best players on the man with the ball.

"Osborn has the ball," the announcer said. "He's running in, chased by a very confused defense, and he's in for the touchdown!"

The crowd cheered again. "Midtown High is now up to 34 points!" the announcer continued. "They have a one point lead!"

Norman was still caught in traffic. However, by now, he was on the road that would take him right up to the stadium itself. He could almost hear the cheers.
"Osborn goes in for the two point conversion!" the announcer shouted. "And only ten seconds left on the clock! Can Midtown High start the season off with a win?"

The Midtown High kickoff team lined up. The kicker raised his hand. The drum line had already begun their drumroll. The team ran forward, and the kick went very high, but not so far. The team stopped suddenly at their position. The kick returner called fair catch, and put his hands out to catch the ball. However, since he really wasn't supposed to catch it (after all, the kick had only gone about ten yards), he dropped it. Immediately, Harry Osborn was on top of the ball.

"I don't believe it," Victor said. "Osborn has single-handedly saved the team here!"

"How did he manage?" Peter asked.

"I guess he has something to prove," Jimmy replied.

The crowd continued cheering, and the band began playing. The game was essentially over, since all the quarterback had to do was kneel.

"And Midtown wins it 36-33!"

Harry stood on the sideline, and turned around. "Dad!" he shouted to his father, who was just running up. "Did you see it?"

"See what?" Norman asked.

"Everything!"

"Well, uh . . . "

Harry put his head down. "You didn't. You know, this is typical. You're never around for anything."

"But, Harry, you know I'm proud of you."

"You say that, but if you really were proud, then you would have been here."

"Harry, something came up."

"You really are full of crap, Dad. You say that every time." With that, Harry turned and walked back to the team.

Across the stadium, Peter and his friends were looking over. "Who's that?"

"Harry's dad, Norman," Jimmy replied. "He's in charge of Oscorp, second biggest company in New York, behind LexCorp and related companies."

"Looks like they don't get along too well," Victor said.

"Yup," Jimmy said. "Come on, let's go. I'm sure there are plenty of things we could do right now! Let's celebrate."

"That's an idea I like," Natalie said.

Chapter Five: Chance Encounters
Several hours after the football game, Victor walked into his house. He had been out with Natalie and some other friends for a couple hours after the game, and then took Natalie home. His mother was still up, watching late night TV when he came in.

"How was the game?" she asked.

Vic shrugged. "It was okay. We won by a few spectacular plays by Harry Osborn."

"Osborn? Doesn't his father own Oscorp?"

"Yup," Vic said, nodding his head. "Although it seemed like he doesn't care about his son's activities much at all."

"Really?"

"Yeah. He didn't show up until after the game. By that time, Harry was pretty upset. Guess that happens when your parents don't care like that."

"At least you don't have to worry."

"Nope," Vic said, walking to his mother. He gave her a hug. "Good night."

"Night, hon."

The next morning, Peter Parker walked out of the darkroom, holding the last set of pictures he had developed, including the ones from the fight at the game. He walked over to Lois's desk.

"Lois, can you still use these pictures?" he asked.

Lois looked up from her computer monitor, shaking her head. "Not for the morning edition, which has gone out. We can get them in the afternoon edition. They would make an excellent addition to my story."

"Just doing my job," Peter said.

"Say, how did you get those photos? I mean, no one else seemed to notice a fight was going on."

Peter shrugged. "I guess it's because I keep my eyes open. I kinda had a hint that Intergang was coming."

"How on Earth did you ever get such a hint?"

"Spider-Man kinda let me in on some insider info."

"Hmm," Lois said, her reporter's instinct kicking in. "Do you think you could get Spider-Man to do an interview with me?"

Peter thought for a moment. "Uhh, I don't know if he would like that. I'd have to ask."

Just then, the phone rang. Lois answered it. "Lois Lane, Daily Planet."

"Lois! Is Peter there?"

"Vic!" Lois replied. "Yeah, he's standing right here."

"Good," Victor said. "Can you put him on."

"Sure," Lois said as she handed the phone to Peter. "It's Victor."

Peter took the phone. "Hey, man, what's up?"

"I'm getting this weird vibe," Victor replied. "I think it has something to do with . . . uh, last night, if you follow."

"I follow," Peter said.

"Anyway, can you meet me somewhere?"

"Uhh . . . " Peter was trying to stall. He needed to ask Victor something, but couldn't without making Lois suspicious. "I think I can," he finally said. "Where?"

"The roof of the Daily Planet."

"How am I supposed to get there?" Peter asked.

"I assume that there -- oh! You mean -- Use the red and blue lines."

"Gotcha," Peter said. "See you then."

Peter handed the phone back to Lois, who hung it up.

"What's that about?" she asked.

Peter shook his head. "Nothing really. So where were we?"

"You are going to get Spider-Man to sit down and have an interview with me," Lois answered.

"Sure. No problem. Say, did you hear about those big plays last night in the football game?"

"You mean the ones that Harry Osborn made to save the game?"

"That's it."

"Of course. Everyone's heard."

"I find it kinda strange myself," Peter said.

"Why?"

"Even though I haven't exactly been in the 'in-crowd' or even anywhere near 'cool,' I do know what is going on. And I have never heard of anyone making those sort of plays. Especially not Harry. Heck, he was second string for most of the past two years."

"You think he might be on drugs?"

Peter shrugged. "I don't know. But I thought drugs were supposed to make you messed up."

"Special kind of drug," Lois replied. "His father does own Oscorp. I'm sure they've made plenty of unusual items, a lot of which would be very easy for an Osborn to get."

Peter glanced at the clock. "I gotta go, Lois. See you later."

"Been waiting long?" The Shadow asked Spider-Man when he reached the Daily Planet five minutes later.

Spider-Man shook his head, and activated his heat vision, so he could see The Shadow. "Nah. What's up?"

"I have a feeling that Intergang is following me," The Shadow replied. "Nothing concrete, but it seems like every time I do something with my powers, something in my head starts screaming."

"Sounds bad," Spidey said. "Have you figured out where they are holed up?"

The Shadow shook his head. "Should we go looking?"

"I think we better wait for them. They're expecting us now."

The Shadow walked to the side of the building, and looked down. Spidey followed him.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

The Shadow looked at him. "No. I was just trying to decide when to give you this," he replied, holding a ring out. It was just like the one he gave Natalie.

"A ring? And it's only our third date?" Spidey said, jokingly.

The Shadow smiled. "Not like that. I want you to be one of my agents."

"Agents?"

"Yes. You see, the original Shadow had many agents all over. They made sort of an underground for him."

"So when he needed information or help, he called them. What does the ring have to do with it?"

"The ring is how he contacted people. He would press the stone on his ring, and the stone on the ring of the person he needed would light up. The ring also helped identify agents to each other."

The Shadow handed the ring to Spider-Man. Spidey's right glove disappeared, and he slipped the ring on his ring finger. The glove reappeared.

"The ring is automatically hooked up to my systems," Spidey said. "Whenever it goes off while I'm in costume, it'll let me know somehow."

"Great."

Just then, the door opened, and Lois came out. She was shocked.

"Spider-Man?!"

"People always forget about me," The Shadow said.

"Maybe cause they can't see you . . . " Spidey replied.

"The Shadow?"

Spidey turned to his friend. "See?"

Lois walked over. "Spider-Man, hi. Peter must have talked to you?"

"Er, I think he did mention something to me, but I'm not too sure. I was in a hurry," Spidey replied.

"Are you two still working on the Intergang case?" Lois asked.

"Yes," The Shadow replied. "Do you have any information that might be useful?"

"Not too much. They covered their tracks really well."

"Maybe not," Spidey said. "Maybe they are operating where everyone can see them, but blaming their actions on others."

"Sounds feasible," The Shadow replied.

Lois, Spider-Man, and The Shadow heard a whistle behind them. They turned around to see a blinding explosion in the air above them.

All three turned to shield their eyes. When they looked back, they saw a message written in light.

WE ARE COMING FOR YOU, SHADOW!

"Just great," The Shadow said, as several grappling hooks landed on the roof.

Spider-Man looked over the side of the building, seeing several people wearing all black climbing up the building. "Hey, Shadow! I have this strange feeling that Intergang isn't big on long term planning."

"I wonder how you figured that out."

"A couple rounds of impact webbing should take them out," Spidey replied. He leaned over the edge, and fired one round of impact webbing at each person. All but one hit, and knocked the climbers off, and sent them falling to the street. Spidey jumped down, and fired many rounds of impact webbing at the ground, hoping to create some kind of cushion. Only seconds later, Intergang hit, and landed nicely. The police pulled up to arrest them. Spidey fired a webline, and began to swing back up.

When he reached the roof, he saw that one of the climbers had reached the top. Lois had hidden behind the door of the roof access, so she wouldn't get herself into too much danger.

"Shadow, Intergang wants you," the man in black said. "Come with ME - EEEE!" he exclaimed as Spidey came down on him, knocking him out.

A minute later, the police found another black clad person hanging above them.

Later that afternoon, Peter and Victor were sitting at The Crib - a eatery/club for teenagers - discussing Intergang. They had grabbed a back booth, to stay away from the crowd that usually came in on Saturday afternoons.

"The number one question I have is why they are only after you. Why not me?"

"I don't know," Victor replied. "I would think that they would want you as well."

"Maybe it's because you really embarrassed them. They never saw you."

"Or maybe it's because I busted them first." Victor was silent for a moment. "Or maybe it's because they were told not to go after you."

"Are you saying that someone else wants me?"

"Who knows? You have any real enemies yet?"

Peter chuckled. "Joker. Although, he doesn't have the mind enough to order Intergang around. Then again, there is the missing money . . . "

"Missing money?" Victor asked.

Peter nodded, and lowered his voice. "When I first got my powers, I went into showbiz. I saved the money. Then, I needed it for something, I don't even remember what now. Anyway, I go in, and find out that someone had taken it. I thought it was Mysterio, but he revealed to me that someone had swiped it electronically just as he was about to take it. He got none."

"So you think that whoever took your money took it as a way to control you?"

"Maybe. But why haven't they mentioned it? I haven't had any sort of contact. I have no real clues, because the bank people thought I - well, Mysterio disguised as me - took it."

Victor nodded absent-mindedly. "Peter, I think that Intergang is in here," he whispered. {I heard them up here.}

{What did you find out?}

{Just that they are here.}

"That reminds me," Peter whispered. "Did you find anything else out?"

"All I know is a little bit of the hierarchy. There is someone in charge of the whole operation," Vic whispered back. "Under him are some smaller 'bosses.' They control sectors. Within those sectors, there are smaller gangs, mostly the kind that we've busted."

"You mean there's more?"

"Intergang is well rounded. They range from teens selling dope to superpowered adults -- and everything in between."

Peter let out a low whistle. "Who's in here?"

"I think we have ourselves one of those small gangs. If we take them, we might put a slight dent into Intergang."

"How did you find this out?" Peter asked.

"I kinda read the minds of the guys that came after us today." Victor turned back to listening to thoughts. {Peter, we need to leave.}

{And come back later . . . ?}

{Exactly.}

As they stood up, they heard a crash. A waitress had spilled a tray on a table. That upset the people sitting there: Three boys, looking to be in their late teens and early twenties. They all wore blue jackets. The biggest one was the one that had gotten most of the mess. He had light brown combed hair and looked the oldest. The guy beside him had long black hair, and black eyes. Across from them sat a blonde-haired boy.

"Uh oh," Victor said.

"Intergang," Peter replied. "Let's go."

Peter and Victor began running outside. However, Davis was also at the club. He saw Peter coming, and stuck his foot out. Peter tripped over it, and landed on the waitress, who fell into one of the Intergang members. 'Just great. The biggest one,' Peter thought. Standing up, he noticed that the waitress had red hair. He also saw Davis laughing.

"Davis, you are a real idiot."

The bully shrugged. "I thought it was funny."

"Hey," the brown haired guy said to Peter. "Do you know who you're messin' with?"

Peter shook his head. "Can't say I do."

During this time, Victor slipped out, walked to a remote area, and changed into The Shadow.

"Oh, so you think you're funny?" the guy asked. "Well, maybe me and my buddies had better show you and this chic here who we are."

Peter started backing up. "I don't think that is really necessary. After all, I was tripped by Davis here," he said, pointing to Davis.

"So? You should have been watching where you were going." The guy stepped out. Peter grabbed the waitress by the arm. "Get behind me," he whispered. She got behind him.

"Oh? Being the big time hero? Save the girl?"

"Look, I'm just trying to do the right thing. I was leaving. You're the one that's being the jerk here. If you weren't so uptight, and spoiled, I'd be gone," Peter replied. 'I sure hope this goes the way I planned,' he said. He could feel the waitress holding on to his arms.

The guy started forward.

"Hey, Parker, you're wormfood!" Davis shouted.

The blonde guy turned, grabbed hold of Davis's shirt, and picked him up. "Shut up. This isn't your business." He threw him down onto the floor. Davis stood up and threw a punch.

The next thing everyone knew, Davis was in a fight with two guys bigger than him. The "leader" kept coming towards Peter, who stopped moving backward.

"Shouldn't we keep moving?" the waitress whispered.

"Don't worry."

"'Parker,' is it? Well, Parker, you're as good as dead."

"I seriously doubt that."

"Why?"

Suddenly, the guy felt a chop to the back of his neck. He turned around. "What the--?" he shouted.

Peter came up and kicked him in the back, knocking him down. The Shadow then kicked him in the balls.

"Juke! It's The Shadow! Get him?"

"I thought he was supposed to be invisible?" the guy with long hair asked.

"Find him anyway!"

Peter turned to the general area where he thought The Shadow was. "Nice job."

"Thanks," The Shadow replied. "You better get her out of here."

"Right," Peter replied, grabbing the waitress's hand and running out.

"Where can we go?" he asked once they had gotten outside.

"My car's around back," she said.

"Let's go there." As they were running back, Peter asked "What's your name?"

"Mary Jane Watson. You?"

"Peter Parker."

"Well, Peter, I guess I owe you."

Peter blushed. "Hey, I had to help."

"Here's my car." They had stopped at a grey 1991 Ford Taurus.

"Get in," Peter said. "Stay in there. Keep the doors locked. If those guys come out, drive away."

Before Peter could do anything else, Mary Jane leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

"What was that for?" he asked after she pulled away.

"Thanking you." Mary Jane opened her car. "What are you going to do?"

Peter looked at The Crib. "I'm going back in."

Mary Jane grabbed his wrist and squeezed it. "Good luck."

Peter smiled. "I'll be back for you when it's safe."

Inside, Davis was finally getting what he was due: A severe beating. That was one of the reasons The Shadow let Intergang do that. He kept concentrating on the brown haired guy. However, once he had rendered him unconscious, he had no choice but take down the other two.

"Hey. I know Davis is a pain in the rear, but I kinda got stop you guys from beating him."

"You don't scare me," Juke said.

The Shadow laughed. Juke dropped Davis.

'Hope I didn't crap myself,' he thought. The Shadow picked up on this because he was so nervous.

Just then, Peter came back in, rushing at the blonde guy.

{Peter!} The Shadow exclaimed. {Where's Spidey?}

{Too public.}

With Peter's speed, he leapt and dropped kicked his target, knocking him back into the wall and sending him to la-la land.

Now it was just Juke against Peter and The Shadow. He looked at Peter, and then at where The Shadow should have been. He looked at his buddies, and then raised his hands.

"I give up," he said. The Shadow punched him in the face, and make it a trio.

Davis stood up. "Oh, I never thought I'd be saying this to you, Parker, but thanks!"

Peter punched him in the face.

Davis grabbed his now bleeding nose. "You son of a -----!" he yelled, running to the restroom. Peter heard the sirens and the police cars pulling up. He turned to The Shadow.

"Not bad, eh?"

"Nope. He deserved it."

It was a while before Peter could leave. Victor came back, and also got grilled by the cops. Fortunately, Mary Jane had heard the sirens, and came back in. About an hour later, as it neared dark, the police finally left.

"Hey, Peter," she called. "You need a ride?"

Peter shrugged. "I guess." He turned to Victor. "Nice working with you. I'll see you around."

"Of course. See you." Victor walked out.

Peter turned to Mary Jane. "Are you sure you can leave now?"

"Oh sure," Mary Jane said, walking over. "Not like much is happening tonight. Bob's shutting down for the evening."

They walked out. "Where do you live?" Peter asked. "I don't want you to go out of your way."

"Don't worry about it. Where do you live?"

Peter gave her his address in Queens. Mary Jane's jaw dropped.

"You're kidding, right?"

"No, why?"

"I live next door to you."

That night, Victor was talking to Natalie on the phone.

"We took them down pretty hard."

"So, you think you can stop worrying about Intergang?" Natalie asked.

"I don't know, Nat."

Somewhere else in the city, someone was very upset. He sat on a large chair in a very dark room. Several people stood in front of him. They were his inner circle; his best agents. These were the big guys, the real members of Intergang. All those teenagers were just in so they could be controlled.

"Intergang has gotten too large," he said. "Having these kids in it is not a good thing. This 'Shadow' character has got to be stopped. He is causing us to lose business."

"But, sir," one of the men said, "what about Spider-Man? He helped."

"Only because The Shadow brought him along. I want you to follow this 'Shadow.' Don't attack him until the time is right. He must be tested. I have no interest in Spider-Man. There are others who will take care of him. However, The Shadow shall require . . . my personal attention."

Epilogue: Planning Ahead
At the Daily Planet City Room, all eyes were on the TV. WGBS was covering the latest announcement from Lex Luthor, wealthy businessman and philanthropist. He was coming live from his offices at LexCorp.

"My fellow citizens," he said. "As you know, LexCorp is very versatile. We are always looking for new ways to expand our horizons. That is why I am here today. As of now, LexCorp will be starting a new subsidiary. This new business will be an Internet news site, using the latest LexCorp technology to bring you up-to-the-second news. We have not set an official launch date, as we are still gathering a news team, and other resources. This is just another way of LexCorp serving you. Thank you."

Lois Lane was shocked. She walked into Perry White's office.

"Chief," she said.

Perry raised his hand. "I know. I saw it too."

"Does this have anything to do with the threats that Jameson has been receiving?"

Perry shrugged. "I'm not sure. Even if I was, I probably couldn't tell you."

Lois sighed and walked out.

The bell rang, and Peter Parker stood up, ready to walk out of his C++ programming class. However, before he could reach the door, he was stopped by his teacher.

"Peter," Mr. Visey said, "there is a sophomore in my Pascal* class, that I think . . . well . . .actually, I know he needs a tutor."

*(Pascal is a computer programming language, used mostly as a teaching language to beginner programmers, while C++ is a widely used language, and is taught in higher level programming classes - C++ Chip)

"What kind of a tutor?" Peter asked.

"Mostly for the sciences. When I was asked if I could find anyone, you were the first person I thought of."

"I don't know. I have been quite busy recently."

"Oh," Mr. Visey replied. "It would only be for about an hour every other day or so. Nothing too major."

"What's this kid's name?" Peter asked.

"Cody Driscol. He's a very talented athlete, and I'm sure his mind is easily as talented. He just doesn't use it to the fullest."

"Okay. I guess I can tutor him. When can I meet him?"

"Are you doing anything this afternoon?"

Peter thought. "Well, I have to swing by the Daily Planet . . . but I think that Mr. White won't mind if I come a little late."

"Great," Mr. Visey said. "I'll let him know."

Peter walked into the gymnasium. It had been quite a while since he had done so while class was going on. He lifted up his camera and made sure it was working. He walked over to the teachers, who were gathered, watching the students play basketball.

"Excuse me," he said. "I'm just here to take pictures for the yearbook. Is that okay?"

The teachers nodded.

Peter walked around the perimeter of the gym, observing first. Then, he lifted his camera. Through the lens, he saw some guy run almost superhumanly fast, and dunk the ball in the basket, nearly cracking the rim.

"Amazing!" Peter said. "Hey!" he called out to one of the students near him. "Who's that guy over there? The one that just dunked the ball?"

"Oh, that's Cody Driscol."

'That kid has talent.'

Norman Osborn was once more on the phone in his office. "Now that we have this deal nearly cemented, when are we actually going to take the tour of the Daily Planet?"

"Soon," the voice on the other end of the line said. "Jameson still hasn't agreed to sell. No sense going in, and playing our hand before it is dealt."

"Should I do some more convincing?" Osborn asked.

"Only if you can do it in a different way. After a while, menacing phone calls just won't work."

"Should I set up a meeting in person?"

"That might be good. However, you should also come up with some other tactics to convince." The person on the other end hung up.

Osborn sat. "I think I have a few other ways," he said to nobody, grinning.

Later that day, Peter sat down to lunch at his usual table. He sat with his friend Victor Cranston, and his girlfriend, Natalie Casswell.

"So, has Intergang been taken care of?" Peter asked, in a low voice.

"I can handle it myself now," Victor replied. "They don't seem to be too interested in you anyway. Besides, you probably have your own problems to deal with."

"Not really," Peter said.

"Maybe not now, but I don't know how long this could take. You've been around longer, you've made several enemies. Plus, since you are more high profile, you're more apt to have to take on new villains."

"I guess you're right," Peter said.

Just then, Peter heard a girl's voice from behind him. "Peter?"

Peter turned around and saw Mary Jane Watson standing behind him. 'She looks a lot better when she's not wearing that waitress uniform,' he thought.

"May I sit?" Mary Jane asked.

"Sure, sure," Peter said, gesturing to the seat beside him. He then gestured to Vic. "Mary Jane, this is Victor Cranston, and his girlfriend, Natalie Casswell. Vic, Natalie, this is Mary Jane. She's a waitress at The Crib."

"Nice to meet you, Mary Jane," Victor said.

"Same here," Natalie added.

Mary Jane smiled. "Glad to meet you too. Peter here saved my life last weekend from a bunch of guys."

Peter blushed. "Oh, it wasn't that bad. I just helped her out."

"I know," Victor replied. "I was there. Well, I was able to run out before the fight and call the cops."

"You weren't the only one," Mary Jane said. "Seems like everyone in the joint did the same."

"Of course," Peter said, "the strangest thing was the fact that she lives right next door to me."

"That's cool," Natalie said. "Sounds like you two might be working on some homework together."

"Yeah, sure," Peter replied, knowing exactly what Natalie was thinking. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing.

Elsewhere in the cafeteria, Jimmy Olsen was talking to Harry Osborn in line.

"Harry," Jimmy said. "Those moves you made in the game on Friday. Awesome."

"Thanks," Harry replied, smiling. "I just wish my dad was there."

"I saw that. He came up at the last minute, right?"

Harry nodded. "He's always like that. Never there. Most of the time he's at work, perfecting his new 'wonder drug.'"

"Wonder drug?" Jimmy asked.

"He calls it 'Oz' or something. I don't know what it is though. He never lets me see his work."

"Bummer."

The phone rang. Lois finished typing the sentence of her latest column, and picked it up.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Ms. Lane, this is Barry Slow, and --"

"You want an interview," Lois replied. "I know. You've only been calling me everyday for the last week. I'll tell you what. I can meet you somewhere in an hour. Where do you want to meet?"

"There is a quaint little coffeehouse right near the Daily Planet . . . " Slow replied.

"I know where it is. I'll see you in an hour."

Peter walked back to Mr. Visey's room after the final class of the day. He hoped that he would be able to talk to Cody. There was something about him. As he walked in, he saw the tall, blonde haired boy standing beside Mr. Visey's desk.

"And here he is now," Mr. Visey said. "Come over here, Peter."

"Mr. Visey," Peter acknowledged. He turned to Cody. "You must be Cody," he said, offering his hand.

Cody shook it. "Yes, I am. You're Peter Parker."

"That's me."

"Aren't you the one who took all of those Spider-Man pictures in the newspaper?" Cody asked.

"I've been getting a lot of that lately. Yeah, it was me."

Mr. Visey stood up. "I have to go, boys. If you'll excuse me . . . "

Cody and Peter also left the room.

"So, are we going to start today?" Cody asked.

Peter shook his head. "Not really. I just wanted to meet you. I saw you in gym today."

"The basketball?"

"Yup. Pretty interesting. You into sports?"

Cody shrugged. "I like playing them sometimes, but I'm not on any teams. I kinda think school sports are a joke."

"So, what exactly do you need help in?" Peter asked.

"Biology, mostly. That and maybe math. I do okay, it's just sometimes . . . sometimes it takes a while for my brain to wrap around a new concept."

"I see," Peter replied. "Well, I'm more of a chemistry person, but I know a bit about biology. As for math, I don't think there is anyone in this school that has gotten a higher math grade than me."

"Sounds great. When can we start?"

"I'm free tomorrow afternoon. How about we meet in the library right after school. Only for an hour?"

"Awesome," Cody said. "See you then." He turned and began walking away.

"See ya," Peter replied.

As Peter was walking out of the school, he saw Mary Jane pull up in front of him.

"Hey, Tiger!" she shouted. "Need a ride home?"

"Sorry, I can't," Peter replied. "I have to go by the Daily Planet."

"No prob," Mary Jane replied. "I can take you there, if you want."

'It's better than walking,' Peter thought, 'but slower than webslinging. Oh, heck, Parker, you get to hang out with a good looking chick!'

Peter walked over and opened the door. "That'd be cool. Thanks."

Mary Jane pulled up in front of the Daily Planet.

"Here you go," she said.

"Thanks, Mary Jane," Peter said. "I hope this wasn't too out of the way for you."

Mary Jane shook her head. "Nah. Anything to spend time with friends."

Peter got out of the car. "See you later," he said, looking through the window.

"Bye!" MJ exclaimed as Peter walked inside. She sighed when he went through the door.

Peter walked up to the City Room, and saw Lois sitting as her desk typing.

"Lois, what's up?" he asked.

"I'm just typing up this interview I just conducted with Barry Slow."

"Isn't he that weird Presidential candidate?"

Lois nodded. "I thought he was just a quack. However, I find him most fascinating."

"Really?" Peter inquired. "You gonna vote for him?"

Lois shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't really seen too much from any of the candidates that have given me any reason to go one way or another."

"Not even Alan Scott?" Peter asked. "Or Senator Cray?"

Lois shook her head. "Not even Mr. Slow. Have you decided?"

"Don't have to."

"That's right," Lois replied. "You're not eighteen."

"And I won't be until early next year."

"So, you missed out by a few months."

Peter nodded. "So, anything you need me to do?"

Lois shook her head. "Not really."

At that moment, Peter noticed J. Jonah Jameson walking to his office.

"Say, Lois, have you found out anything about what's making Jameson so worried?"

"Well, I think so. This morning, Lex Luthor announced that he was going to be created an Internet news site."

"Really? When?"

"That's the thing. He claims that they are still looking for a team of reporters, and such."

Peter stroked his chin, thinking. "So, you think that might have something to do with how Jameson's been acting?"

"All I know for sure is that Jameson has been receiving threats to sell the paper or else."

"Or else what?"

"They take it from him."

"So, he's in a lose-lose situation."

"Exactly."

Peter returned home about an hour later. Aunt May was in the kitchen, fixing dinner.

"Peter, dear," she called out. "How was school?"

"It was okay," Peter replied. "Nothing major. Except I'll be tutoring a sophomore a couple days a week."

"That's great, Peter," Aunt May said. "I'm always glad to see you share you're knowledge."

Peter changed subjects. "Any mail for me?"

"No, but Mary Jane Watson called earlier. I think she likes you."

Peter smiled. "Did she say what it was about?"

"I think she needed some help with some homework or something."

"I'll go talk to her. She lives right next door."

"I know," May replied. "Her aunt Anna is one of my best friends. I was wondering how long it would be before the two of you kids got together."

"You mean meet?"

"Whatever. If you're going over there, be back in an hour for dinner."

"Okay," Peter said.

"And if she can, you may invite her to dinner. I made plenty."

"Will do," Peter said, as he walked to his room. He put his books down and then walked back downstairs and out the door.

When Peter rang the doorbell, Mary Jane answered. "Peter!"

"Aunt May said that you called."

"That's right," MJ replied. "I was hoping that you could help me with my math homework. Once I looked at it, I kinda got lost. Come on in."

Peter stepped inside.

"Come on," Mary Jane said. "My room's upstairs."

They walked upstairs. When Peter walked into her room, he noticed how neat it was, just like his own. The bed was made perfectly, and nothing seemed out of place, save for the books and papers scattered across the bed. Mary Jane walked over and picked up her math book and notebook.

"We can sit on the floor here. Can you stay long?"

"For about an hour. Then Aunt May wants me home for dinner."

"Cool. We should be able to get this done," Mary Jane said, sitting down in front of the bed. Peter walked over and sat on her left side.

"What math are you in?" he asked.

"Trig," MJ replied. "I'm usually good in math, but the past couple of years, I've slowed down. I dunno what happened."

"It's okay," Peter said. "I can help you out. I've been told I'm a fairly good tutor."

Mary Jane looked over, right into Peter's eyes. "You look like a good tutor," she said softly. For a few seconds, their eyes met. They gazed at each other. Finally, Peter looked down at the book.

"So, what's the problem?" he asked.

"Yes, I guess I should tell you. It's right here," MJ said, pointing to the middle of the page. "I just don't understand how to combine functions . . . "

Norman Osborn was reading over the latest batch of papers to cross his desk. Most of them were formulas and test results for his new product, known only as Oz. He knew what he wanted it to do, however, he still wasn't sure if it would do that.

Suddenly, his intercom buzzed. "Mr. Osborn, you're five o'clock is here."

"I don't have a five o'clock," Osborn replied.

"He insists that you shall see him," the secretary said on the other end of the intercom.

Right then, Norman had a feeling he knew who was here to see him. "Ask him what he is here for."

"He says he's here to discuss corporate takeover policies."

Norman was silent for a moment. "Send him in," he finally said.

The door to his office opened, and a bald man walked in. He appeared to be in his fifties. "Mr. Osborn," he said, extending his hand.

Norman shook his hand. "Sit down, Mr. Luthor. I'm sure we have a lot to discuss."

Originally published as Spider-Man #8-10, The Shadow 2000 #1-2, and Detective Comics #4 at DC/Marvel: The Merging, and may not be reused or republished in any way without the permission of the author.
DC/Marvel: The Merging is a fanfiction site, and is not affiliated with nor endorsed by DC Comics or Marvel Comics, nor any company that owns these characters. All of the stories here are written for fun, and the authors are not making any profit from them, and do not intend any harm to the original creation. This site is for entertainment purposes only. DC/Marvel: The Merging concept created by Chip Caroon, developed by Chip Caroon and Ritchie Filippi, with other writers.