Humming to myself I rode my skateboard, stopping when I arrived in front of the entrance to Midtown.
I then headed inside and soon reached my locker.
Where I then collected my books for my first classes for the day as Harry, Ned, and Gwen, all walked up and Joined me.
The four of us having become quite the friend group in the months since the school year began.
"Morning guys." I said to them when they reached me.
"Morning Pete." Gwen said.
"Morning Peter." Ned added.
"Pete." Harry spoke. Stifling a yawn right after.
"Late night?" I asked him.
"Like you don't know the reason why." Harry replied.
Speaking the truth.
I do know the reason he's tired, as he has been for the last couple of weeks.
For I've been forcing him to constantly study.
Why?
So he can expand his knowledge, thus allowing him to get closer to his father Norman.
What I mean by that is Norman Osborn only respects certain kinds of people.
Namely those with powerful connections and those with high intelligence. Both categories he himself falls into, more so the latter, given he was a genius before he became a businessmen.
His wife Emily isn't too shabby in the brains department either.
Yet despite being their son Harry's intelligence has been average at best.
But with my training his IQ level will definitely rise and so in turn will his grades and like, this Norman will likely notice him, giving the father and son duo a chance to fix their relationship.
Hopefully.
Well if nothing else Harry will get smarter as a result of his efforts so at least he gets something out of this arrangement.
Even if it's not entirely what he wants.
"Hey, you're the one who asked for my help and I did give you an out but you decided to go ahead with this. So essentially you dug your own grave." I explained.
"I'm not complaining all Pete. I really appreciate all you're doing for me. It's just, my head is killing me." Harry spoke.
"Don't worry, it will pass." I told him. "That's just your brain getting used to the extra strain. But once you do things long enough you won't even notice it."
"Okay, what are you guys talking about?" Gwen asked.
"Yeah. Let us in on the secret." Ned spoke. "Unless you can't of course. I wasn't trying to say you should. I just mean, since we're friends and all maybe you could tell us?" He suggested.
But before either Harry of I could answer Liz Allen suddenly walked up to our group.
The MCU version, whose father has the potential to become the Vulture.
[Insert Image of MCU Liz Allen Here]
Though through some research I learned this version of Liz also has an elder brother named Mark like in the Spectacular Spider-Man cartoon.
"Hello. Liz Allen, right?" I asked.
"Yes." Liz replied. "Sorry for just coming up to you guys like this but I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time?" She asked.
"I don't have a problem." I spoke. I then briefly looked at the others. "Guys?"
No one spoke up.
Thus I turned back to Liz. "And there you have it."
"Okay. Thanks." Liz replied. "So to put things simply the academic decathlon season is starting up in the next few weeks, and since you guys are some of the smartest kids in the school I wanted to see if any of you would be willing to sign up and join the team?" She asked.
"Sorry, I can't." Gwen immediately replied. "I applied for an internship at Oscorp Industries and just heard back that I got accepted into their program." She revealed.
"Wow, congratulations." Liz spoke.
"Yeah, congratulations Gwen." I added. A genuine smile on my face.
Ned and Harry offering Gwen their congratulations as well.
Since this is a huge deal.
I mean for a highschool freshman like her to get an opportunity to work at a company like Oscorp Industries, despite the cloud always hanging over it, will definitely pad her resume and reflect well overall on her record.
"I'm afraid I'm out as well." I added after Gwen. "Let's just say I'm busy with other things at the moment."
"Sure, no, that's fine Peter." Liz spoke. She then turned her gaze to Harry and Ned.
"I'm game." Ned immediately spoke.
"Yeah, sounds like it could be fun. So count me in." Harry spoke.
Liz nodding.
She then took down all of Harry and Neds information on a clipboard she was carrying before instructing them to report to a certain classroom after school where the academic decathlon team would meet.
Finishing up just as the first warning bell rung.
So with that we all went our separate ways.
***
Hearing the last bell of the day ring I put my belongings into my bag.
I then exited the current classroom I was in, Gwen right beside me.
The two of us heading to our lockers.
Ending up passing Flash in the hallway as we did.
But he said nothing to us and simply continued chatting with his friends.
His personality having changed in the past few weeks.
Not only because of the public tongue lashing I gave him, but also due to my appearance as Spider-Man.
Since just like most of his incarnations Flash is a Spider-Man superfan and once I began my own personal anti-bullying campaign the guy became like a neutered puppy.
Leaving me with complicated emotions.
Since while on the one hand I'm glad Flash is finally turning his life around, on the other hand I am disgusted by how much he praises Spider-Man and in turn me.
So I can't wait to see the look on his face when I one day reveal my true identity to the world.
Oh boy, I'd pay good money to see that.
Wait.
I'll just invite Flash to the inveling and capture a photo of his shocked and dumbfounded expression myself.
Problem solved.
Anyway.
Gwen and I reached out lockers and began collecting our stuff to go home.
Where she eventually decided to ask me a question.
"So Peter, not to be rude, but what did you mean earlier when you told Liz you had other things to deal with when you refused to joined the academic decathlon team?" She questioned. "Because honestly I think you'd make a great addition to it."
"Oh no need to tell me, I know I would." I replied.
"Smug much?" Gwen asked me.
"Nope. Just telling it like it is." I replied.
The two of us then shared a quick laugh before I put a serious expression on my face.
"But seriously Gwen, the reason I didn't join the academic decathlon team is exactly why I said. Being busy with other things at the moment."
"Like?"
"Well, making plans for the company I will found one day. As well as seeing if I can come up with another invention I can patent and sell, once again bolstering my name of the scientific and business community at large." I told her.
Neither of those things bring a lie.
"Wow. Ambitious aren't you Parker?" She asked me.
"Says the highschool freshmen that beat out numerous other candidates, most of whom are likely older and more experienced, so she could work at one of the largest scientific companies that currently exist in the world." I replied.
"Touche."
"Why thank you Ms. Stacy." I said. "But, do you get why I refused Liz's offer earlier?"
"I do now." Gwen replied. "And I understand."
"Thanks." I said. "So on another note when do you officially start your internship?"
"This weekend actually." Gwen revealed.
The two of us then talked for a bit longer before going out separate ways.
Me heading directly to the Web before suiting up and heading out on patrol.
Though right as I began swinging I stopped and latched onto a building, since an earthquake suddenly started out of nowhere.
But New York doesn't get earthquakes.
Combine that with the fact my Spider-sense suddenly began going crazy and I knew some shit was about to go down.
I just didn't know what.
That is until I heard something in the distance.
Turning in that direction I immediately began swinging towards the area the sound came from.
It being pretty obvious I was on the right track as I saw people running away from whatever had just appeared.
Wondering what it could be.
Getting my answer as soon as I arrived.
It was none other than the monster Giganto.
Me only knowing of one Marvel villain who had any relationship to the creature.
But before I could dwell on that Giganto moved to attack down fleeing civilians.
Seeing this I prepared to move in and assist.
"Oh no you don't you big ugly!"
Onyl to stop when I suddenly heard Ben Grimm shouting.
Looking in the direction of his voice I saw the famous Fantasti-Car coming in hot.
Ben jumping out of it and heading straight towards Giganto, delivering a punch that knocked the beast back.
As it fell on the ground I webbed over to the Fantasti-Car and landed on top of it.
Leading Reed, Sue, and Johnny to all turn their attention towards me.
"Huh, Spider-Man. What are you doing here?" Johnny asked.
"Was in the area so I thought I'd come and help out. So, got room for one more?" I asked.
Grinning under my mask.
As this would be my first official team up with the Fantastic Four.
***
Title: A Fantastic Team Up