Seeing Carter in the police car, Charlie tilted his head.
"Are we playing an undercover game?"
Carter frowned. "What?"
Charlie slid next to her. "This setup feels like something out of a movie."
Carter shook her head. "I'm just here to take you to meet someone."
"What about these guys?" Charlie glanced at the two officers.
Carter shrugged. "They've got their job, I've got mine. Just hitching a ride. No conflict."
"Exactly," one officer said with a smile. "Captain Carter's great. She didn't make things hard for us and let us nab you smoothly."
Charlie: "…"
He turned to Carter. "Am I headed to the precinct or your place?"
Carter grinned. "I got you a lawyer. As long as Kingpin doesn't testify you abandoned him, you're in the clear."
Charlie's mouth twitched. "Testify with what? His diaper?"
"So you'll be fine," the officer reassured.
Charlie facepalmed. "That's not funny."
"Eee-yah!"
From the corner, Baby Kingpin, swaddled in blankets, let out a protesting squeal.
But adults don't care about a kid's complaints.
Charlie shot Kingpin a glance, flashing a sinister grin.
"Until a kid grows up, they're just like dolls or toys—meant to be handled by adults."
Carter felt a chill down her spine.
Kingpin's scalp tingled with dread.
The officers, meanwhile, sank into deep thought.
"I get his humor now."
"It's not just humor—it's practically philosophy."
"Agreed."
"You drive."
"We have a driver."
"Vroom"
The police car roared out of Bleecker Street.
An hour later, Brooklyn.
Coastal villa. Charlie carried Baby Kingpin in one hand, following Carter inside.
"When Steve was Captain, he only got a dorm," Charlie remarked.
"If I weren't Captain, I could live in a castle," Carter quipped, leading him to the lab.
"Hey, Professor Connors, guess who's here?"
At Carter's voice, Professor Connors spun around.
Seeing Charlie, he ducked his head, hiding his face.
"Professor Connors, what're you dodging for?" Charlie chuckled.
Recognizing the voice, Connors froze.
He touched the bandages on his forehead, covering lingering lizard scales.
He wasn't a monster anymore.
He could face people now.
Taking a deep breath, he looked up at Charlie.
"Charlie, long time no see. How've you been?"
He forced a smile, then noticed Baby Kingpin, his expression softening.
"Congrats, Captain Carter, Charlie. Your kid's adorable, but you should probably keep this quiet, since…"
"We're cousins," Carter said, face darkening.
Connors blinked, embarrassed. "Sorry, my mistake."
"Congrats, Charlie. You and Gwen's kid is cute."
Charlie: "…"
"Professor, I've only been gone a month," he reminded.
Connors paused. "Right, you and Gwen are young. It's smart to keep this hush-hush."
"What are you talking about?"
Charlie covered his face, turning to Carter. "What's wrong with him?"
Carter thought. "Side effects, probably. His head's messed up. He was like this when I brought him here. Forgot a lot, but remembers what he shouldn't."
"Got it."
Charlie casually set Kingpin on the lab table.
He scanned the room. "Why bring me here? It's not just to catch up with Connors."
"Right. There's something important."
Carter clicked the computer, pulling up footage of last night's fight.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.'s intel system is fully operational. Your… Spider-Man's fight with that green bird is all recorded."
Charlie glanced at the screen, wincing at his low moments. "If you've got the video, you know who that guy is."
Carter nodded. "Young Adrian Toomes. But it's not enough evidence. Even if we had it, it wouldn't matter.
Nick Fury's trying to erase Adrian's impact. We stick to the original plan but need to catch him. He's too dangerous."
Watching the video last night, she'd been floored.
Outspeeding Spider-Man? His threat level rivaled Hulk's.
Luckily, Charlie's durability held up. Spider-Man couldn't catch Adrian, but Adrian couldn't kill Spider-Man either.
A draw.
Charlie guessed why Carter brought him here.
"So Adrian's such a pain because of the stolen Time Tablet?"
"Exactly."
Before Carter could speak, Connors cut in. "Captain Carter sent me Time Tablet data. It doesn't just rejuvenate—it can age people, too."
In his element, Connors shed his earlier haze.
He continued, "I studied Walter's condition. His cells aged naturally, but I found something odd in his belongings."
He instinctively raised his right arm, but the empty sleeve stopped him.
Human again, he was disabled once more.
But he'd rather be himself than a monster.
At least he wouldn't endanger others.
Switching to his left hand, he clicked the computer.
The screen showed Walter's ring, dull and rusted.
"I asked Felicia. She bought that ring for Walter's birthday three months ago," Connors said.
Charlie frowned. "Felicia's broke?"
"What?" Connors didn't follow.
"For Walter's birthday, she got him an iron ring?" Charlie said.
Connors: "…"
Carter: "…"
"That's not the point."
Connors coughed, continuing, "The ring's oxidation suggests that as Walter aged, his possessions aged correspondingly.
I deduce the Time Tablet doesn't directly affect cells—it alters time's flow, making us think it rejuvenates or ages people."
Charlie mulled it over.
"So Adrian's insane speed comes from using the Time Tablet to accelerate time?"
"Possibly," Carter said. "Using time acceleration on himself to move faster. Otherwise, his Vulture suit couldn't be that quick—not even Spider-Man could react."
Charlie rubbed his chin. "Something's off. At the fight's end, Adrian aged again.
Even if he used time acceleration for speed, it shouldn't age him that fast."
Connors frowned. "He aged?"
Carter explained, "From the intel, I think Adrian absorbs life force to stay young.
It's temporary, though. He hasn't mastered the Time Tablet yet."
The Pyramid was destroyed, yet Adrian could wield the Tablet's power. A true genius.
Or maybe just lucky.
Either way, a Time Tablet-wielding Adrian was a massive problem.
Carter sighed. "If he's using time acceleration, catching him is near impossible.
But if he's just draining life force to stay young and boost speed, that's easier to handle."
Charlie shook his head. "Burning life force or burning cash—same difference."
He looked at Carter. "So, how do you plan to catch him?"
Carter paused. "I haven't figured it out."
Charlie: "…"
"You brought me here just to analyze Adrian?"
"I thought you'd have a plan. Your powers on the fritz again?"
"Don't talk to me about powers."
Charlie changed the subject. "One thing's clear: Adrian needs to drain life force to stay young.
Everyone wants youth—he's no exception. He'll show up again.
Captain Carter, keep tabs on Nick Fury. Don't let him erase Adrian's tracks before you."
"Got it." Carter nodded.
...
Meanwhile, S.H.I.E.L.D.
In his office, Nick Fury rewatched Charlie and Adrian's fight, his single eye deep in thought.
"Stumping even Spider-Man—because of the Time Tablet?"
He muttered, then summoned Coulson.
"Phil, find Adrian. I need to meet him."
Coulson frowned. "Commander, shouldn't we just issue an arrest warrant?"
Fury shook his head. "A guy who nearly beat Spider-Man—you think we'd win?"
Coulson's frown deepened. "He's got the Time Tablet. He won't hand it over."
"That's not the priority."
Fury took a deep breath. "Remember that plan?"
"Which one?"
"That one."
"Oh, I get it," Coulson said. "Suicide Squad plan."
Fury shook his head. "Bad name. I'm calling it the Thunderbolts plan."
"Thunderbolts?"
Coulson raised an eyebrow. "You want Adrian in it?"
Fury nodded. "None of the team can match Spider-Man. Not even Hulk."
"Hulk?" Coulson startled. "You want him in it?"
"Not decided yet."
"Better not."
Coulson's face hardened. "Banner's one of us. He's an Avenger."
Seeing Coulson's expression, Fury paused.
"I've never seen you this serious."
"I'm always serious."
"Not about this."
"Because I don't want to be disappointed again."
"I get it, Phil. I respect that."
...
Night, Bleecker Street.
Charlie returned, cradling Baby Kingpin.
"Hey, you're back."
Outside, Mary Jane waved.
"Been a while. Spider-Man keeping you busy?" she teased, squinting.
Charlie looked up. "You okay after last time?"
Mary Jane smiled. "I'm fine, thanks for asking—even if it's half a month late. I'll forgive you."
Her gaze locked on Kingpin. "You moved in?"
"Nah, just staying a few days."
"Be careful. Your new neighbors seem off."
"How so?"
"I see them sneaking out at night."
Charlie chuckled.
The couple's been playing Spider-Man. He knew.
But after tonight, they'd just be regular folks.
"When are Aunt May and Uncle Ben back?" Mary Jane asked.
Charlie shook his head. "No clue. Probably a while."
He pulled out his keys.
"Oh, tomorrow, grab Harry. I'm treating you to a big meal."
Mary Jane's eyes lit up. "I know Harry's paying, but I miss that place's steak."
"That's the spot."
"Great, I'll tell Harry the good news."
She ran off to call him. Charlie opened the door.
The room was dark. As he flicked on the light, a noise came from Aunt May's bedroom.
They're back?
Probably changing out of their Spider-Suits.
Charlie smirked, tossing his little spider to the ceiling and placing Kingpin in the crib.
"There's food in the fridge. Help yourself."
He headed to his room.
Kingpin: "…"
This guy has no heart!
"Eee-yah~"
He wailed loudly. Hearing him, Aunt May rushed out.
"Oh! The baby's back."
Seeing Kingpin's state, she knew he was hungry and started mixing formula.
The ceiling spider slipped into the bedroom.
Soon, Ben Parker yelped, and Aunt May dropped the bottle, rushing in.
"What happened?"
"May, it's Spider-Man's pet spider."
"What… ouch, it bit me too."
"Wah, we're not Spider-Men anymore."
Their wails echoed from the room. Kingpin strained for the nearby bottle.
He'd learned young that life was tough.
But not this tough.
Touching the bottle, he shed bitter tears.
Before he could get the nipple in his mouth, a scream made him tremble, dropping it.
Kingpin: "…"
I'll starve at this rate!!
Then, cheers erupted from the room.
"Hahaha, our powers are still here!"
"I feel lighter."
"Look at my muscles!"
"Spider-Man didn't take our powers—he made us stronger."
As they celebrated, the little spider scurried into Charlie's room.
"Screech screech screech"
On the bed, it waved its front legs, as if complaining.
Charlie's ears twitched, catching Ben and May's conversation.
"Powers still there?"
He frowned, sensing something wrong.
He called Carter.
"Something weird about Uncle Ben and Aunt May."
"I figured."
Carter said, "Your uncle and aunt have been making waves. From what I've seen, their powers are growing."
"So?" Charlie had a hunch.
Sure enough, Carter continued, "The mutant spider program was tailored for the Parker family. You know what I mean."
Charlie exhaled. "Got it."
Mutant spiders affected people differently.
But they meshed perfectly with Parker genes.
Once compatibility crossed a threshold, the little spider couldn't absorb the mutated cells.
So, Uncle Ben and Aunt May as Spider-Men was permanent.
The house was now a full-on Spider-Nest.
They wouldn't stay put, as Mary Jane and Carter confirmed.
To boost their "survival rate," Charlie decided it was time to teach them how to be proper Spider-Men.
He tapped his chest, donned his nano-suit, and leaped out the window.
Ben and May, boosted by the spider's bite, wanted to test their stronger bodies.
They suited up and left, leaving Kingpin to chase the fallen bottle alone.
...
New York, under the night sky.
Atop a skyscraper, Ben Parker gazed at the neon city.
He took a deep breath. "May, ready?"
"Ready," she said eagerly.
"Great, let's do this!"
Ben prepared to jump, but a red-and-blue figure zipped past.
"Hey, new neighbors, wanna team up?"
Charlie landed on a nearby billboard, waving.
Seeing his metal suit, Ben and May lit up.
"It's Spider-Man!"
"He's inviting us!"
"Awesome!"
They shot webbing and joined him on the billboard.
"Mr. Spider-Man, thank you for not taking our powers," Ben said sincerely.
From the news, he knew what Spider-Man's pet did.
Charlie waved it off. "No biggie."
He tapped his nano-device. "Got a tip—shooting in District 13."
"What're we waiting for? Let's go!" May said.
Three red-and-blue figures leaped from the billboard, swinging through skyscrapers, drawing screams from below.
"Oh! Three Spider-Men!"
"That metal suit's the real Spider-Man!"
"Those two are Spider-Virus carriers. He didn't take their powers?"
"No, damn Spider-Man, it's not fair!"
"That jerk stole my powers!!"
Charlie ignored the curses.
"Hey, your web-swinging's too basic. Watch this."
He launched from a web slingshot, speed surging.
Ben and May mimicked him.
"BOOM~"
Winds roared. After the familiar weightlessness, the world blurred past, and they screamed in excitement.
"Ben, we're flying!"
"Yes, May, flying! So cool!"
Freshly mastering the slingshot, Charlie continued the lesson.
"Spider-Men need to master webbing and know when to land, always finding the right perch."
He shot webbing to cushion the slingshot's force, his left hand locking onto a balcony, swinging in a parabola toward a streetlamp.
Ben and May followed suit.
Under the streetlamp, three figures hung upside-down.
"Your teaching's really helpful, Mr. Spider-Man," May said.
Charlie smiled. "That's just the basics. Now for the real stuff."
He pointed at the gunfight ahead. "Spider-Men are tough, but you can't tank bullets yet. So, question:
How would you jump into that chaos?"
Ben eyed the intense clash between thugs and police, scratching his head.
"You're teaching now?"
May added, "If we're late, people could get hurt."
Charlie shook his head. "Wrong. To be a hero, step one is protecting yourself.
When I first became Spider-Man, before I knew my powers, I'd never jump into a gunfight like that."
Ben: "…"
May: "…"
Charlie continued, "So, in this situation, you wait."
"Wait?"
"For what?"
They didn't get it.
Charlie explained, "Waiting's just ambushing—striking when they're off-guard, biding your time, whatever you call it."
They were speechless.
This is Spider-Man?
They kept listening.
Charlie pointed at the gunfight. "See, their firepower's still heavy. Rushing in now gets you hurt.
Find a hidden spot to scope the situation. When they reload or run dry, then you move."
Ben raised a hand. "What if someone gets hurt meanwhile?"
Charlie crossed his arms. "I said, a hero's first step is self-preservation. If you can't protect yourself, how do you save others?"
May pondered. "What if it's your closest person in danger? Still wait?"
"Your closest person?"
Charlie stood. "If that happens, I'll show you."
The little spider crawled onto his hand, magical energy surging.
"Bzzz~"
Launched from a web slingshot, a radiant meteor crashed into the gunfight.
"BOOM!!"
Thugs were engulfed by magical energy.
Ben and May exchanged looks.
"That's not what he taught us."
"Definitely the wrong example."