Lizard Trap

It was a nice day today. Shame that I couldn't enjoy the weather, with it being the day that the police raid was scheduled and all. Even if the whole thing was hush hush and all that, Hanz hacked into the NYPD database to make sure the date Gwen had been given was accurate. I couldn't risk it and neither did Hanz.

I threw myself into training with Johnny Cage and my mind took in his instructions like water flowing into a river. Slowly but surely I grew more confident in my fighting skills, though I was still outclassed by Johnny in terms of pure technique, I made up for it by taking advantage of my powers, grabbing his hand and sticking to it before flipping him over, ensuring he couldn't break my grip.

I sparred with Hanz too, though to keep it fair, he couldn't grab me with his telekinesis and instead had to manipulate the environment around me instead. It helped me tune in to my spider-sense more, until I was dodging instinctually, without even seeing the attacks coming. Though I still experienced some losses, especially when I didn't rely on my spider-sense. It was incredibly useful.

Still, I honed my body too, working out everyday, though there wasn't much noticeable change, it helped discipline my mind. Those tasers I had been working on had come along nicely, though I wasn't a master engineer by any means. Or would it be an electrician?

While I worked on that, Hanz developed a new type of webbing for me, electrical webs. In order to swap out what kind of web I wanted to use, we had a system in the suit that would swap out the webs for me, I just needed to say the name and it would swap out the webs for me.

In addition, my webs were no longer going to dissolve in water, and I had more cartridges now. Though there was the issue of how bulky it was, I didn't mind much. The extra weight comforted me and served as a counter-weight. In addition to these upgrades to me, Hanz had developed a new type of robot that he called the Omnidroid.

During the fight, I thought I had the advantage with my spider-sense but after landing a few hits, it became near impossible to beat it as it predicted my attacks before I made them, adapting to my moves at a pace that was incredible. Even with all of my training, it was too hard to beat. 

But I felt good, I felt giddy. After all, I had come so far, with all these advantages on my side, Peter was on even ground with me. Anyways, enough reminiscing! I grabbed the sewer cover, ripping it out of the ground with ease before jumping down, coughing from the smell. 

A metallic noise echoed as Hanz's Frighthounds followed me down, the Omnidroid was probably looking for an entryway its size. I picked a direction and began walking along it, trusting in Hanz to inform me if he encountered the Lizard. "Hey Hanz, see anything yet?" I asked, looking around. ''Nothing but rat shit. Frighthounds are at least getting some experience out of moving in such tight corridors. Omnidroid-M is just entering the sewers, he'll meet you in the water treatment plant underground. We should start with such wide open areas like that. Chances are, Peter is around those due to his size. I'm surprised he managed to squeeze himself into these tight tunnels.'' Hanz commed, murmuring the last part in curiosity.

I nod and cough, "Wonder what he must have survived on down here. Not like there's a lot to eat besides sewage and one or two workers every so often." I mutter, making my way through the tunnels, I had memorized the map for the entirety of this place. 

''Sewer rats, most likely. That or he has a crocodile's metabolism, able to go without eating for weeks to months depending on how strong it is. You're approaching a junction, just go straight ahead, you'll get to the water treatment plant from there.'' Hanz commented. I followed his words before wondering out loud, "Do you know where the NYPD's going to be entering from?"

''From your position? About South-west. They'll probably be stuck wandering the tight corridors without having all the blueprints with them. Don't expect them for backup, though I am keeping track of their progress. Their comm-links are really easy to decrypt and break in. Nothing of note on their side.''

I shrug as I finally arrive at the water treatment plant, noticing the Omnidroid and firing a web, swinging over to it. "Found the Omnidroid." I announce to Hanz, looking around for any signs of the Lizard. 

''I noticed.'' Hanz dryly commented, before he quickly responded, ''Got contact, North-west side. Just follow the Frighthounds, Omnidroid-M is going along, corridors big enough for him and Peter.'' Hanz said in a quick and focused tone as I immediately jumped into action, blood pounding in my ears as I followed after the Frighthounds. Finally, I'm tired of waiting for revenge. 

With a grin on my face, I rush to where Peter is, finding him in the middle of tearing a Frighthound in half, the others biting his back and tearing chunks of flesh off, though he's regenerating fast. I snarl and leap at him, smashing into his shoulder and sending him into the wall. "Peter!" I growl as he hisses back at me. He slashes at me but I dodge out of the way, firing a web at his face before ducking under his legs, slashing at them with my claws, gouging them deep.

He grunts in pain before turning around to face me, "Aw, what's the matter? Still pissed that Gwen didn't want you?" I taunt, leaping upwards as he charges at me, ignoring the Frighthounds tearing at him before he tailwhips one, sending it flying against the wall.

I don't care though, as I dodge and flip away from his attacks, tearing into him whenever I find an opening. "Still just a loser Peter. Can't believe I ever felt pity for you. You're not Peter Parker. You're a coward who doesn't deserve his name." I insult him scathingly, swapping over to electric webs and zapping his soaked form, causing him to screech in pain. "Doesn't feel so good now, huh?!" I demand as I leap at him, smashing my fist into his jaw, as hard as I can, sending teeth flying out of his mouth and clattering to the floor.

He turns around and begins running but at this point all I can see is red. Here he is. The guy who ruined so many lives, who killed so many innocents, and he thinks he can get away? That he can run from his crimes? I won't let you run!

I web the sides of the walls and make a web-slingshot, firing myself at his back, sending us both to the floor. "You aren't allowed to run!" I roar, getting up and hitting him over and over, leaping upwards into the air, firing webs to the ground before slamming down on the Lizard's chest, no doubt breaking his ribs as the ground beneath us shatters, sending us both deeper into the sewers. 

It gurgles in my face, clearly in pain as the Omnidroid arrives, firing lasers at Peter's back, while the Frighthounds attack him before a loud noise echoes through the tunnels, a green armored figure appearing on a glider and throwing a bomb at the Lizard's face, a brilliant green flame covering its face as flesh burnt and charred off, the poor Lizard screeching in fear.

What the-? Was this-? The Green Goblin? No, no time for him, I decided, charging after Peter as he began fleeing deeper into the sewers, the Goblin following after me, on his glider alongside the Frighthounds and Omnidroid. I refused to let him go, I'd make Peter pay for this! "Peter! I'LL CHASE YOU TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH!" I roar, firing electric webs at him, blasting him with volt after volt, taking advantage of the few seconds he stopped to turn on the tasers and push them into his skin, until they all broke apart, the Lizard's hisses becoming raspier, weaker. I raised my hand to deliver the final blow before the Goblin roared, "No! I will kill him!" His voice was strangely robotic, but I turned to him. "No, he's mine to kill." I mutter, ready to fight him. 

Peter died by my hands. No one else's. Yet in that brief conversation, Peter is already back up, charging through a wall into what looks like a laboratory, though it was one of the shoddiest looking one's I had ever seen, especially with how dirty and unclean the equipment looked. "No!" I roared, rushing after him, hearing another scream, this one more human. Familiar to me. 

The Goblin was hot on my tail, a pumpkin bomb in his hands, "Where is he?!" He growled, his voice echoing around the room. I stomped around, noticing blood on the floor before following it and finding… Gwen?

But… how? Why? She was pinned beneath some massive vat, blood leaking from her… Nonononono! I was hyperventilating, my brain going into overdrive as the Goblin snarled, "I found where he ran off to, there's a tunnel here!" He called. I turned, conflicted. Did I follow my revenge plan or save the life of my friend?

I… I grabbed the vat and threw it off Gwen, "Go without me." I don't bother to see if he leaves, the Frighthounds coming over and picking her up, "Hanz… Is she going to make it?" I ask, looking around the lab for the first time and choking in fear. All around me are similar vats, filled with blonde clones that look just like Gwen Stacy… but each of these are disgusting abominations, freakish mutants with misshapen limbs, bodies that would never survive. Peter… I swear to god, you got off lucky this time.

''Vitals are declining rapidly, I don't have the tools to help her. I'm sorry, Ace. This… Clone isn't going to make it.'' Hanz said gravely through the comms.

I look around, searching for a solution, something, anything! I can't let my friends get hurt again… I promised to protect them. I stared down at my claws, stained in blood… "What if I used my blood?" I asked Hanz.

''And risk her dying quicker? Or worse? Ace, I have barely tested your blood. I don't even know if you are both compatible. And if you expect a miracle cure from your blood, I hate to break reality over your head, but your regenerative factor isn't strong enough to… Heal this. She's going to die, nothing I, or you can do about it. I'm sorry.'' Hanz explained hopelessly through the comms.

I think for a bit before thinking about something, I carefully grab a vial, letting some of Peter's blood drip from my claw into it before cutting my own skin, mixing my own blood in. I grab a syringe and fill it with the mixed blood. Gwen Stacy… She was meant to be Spider-Gwen… And I guess this does technically fulfill her becoming it. Even if it is in a really roundabout way.

I injected her with the blood, staring at her, begging Anansi, the One Above All, Stan Lee, anyone for this to work. 

''Ace… It's hopeless… Just go on. I'll… take care of her body.'' Hanz pleaded through the comms, ''You still gotta avenge her. Avenge everyone that he killed, and injured. You can't let him run off again. Please, leave her to me… I'll… Try and help her. Just, go.'' Hanz pleaded.

"I can't. That isn't what a hero should do. They shouldn't put revenge over saving someone. The thought of leaving her to die, to let someone else die to satisfy my hatred… I can't allow that. I understand you might not like it. But I'm Spider-Man. I have to do my best to save people." I muttered, beginning to do compressions on her.

"Please.." I whispered, "I've lost before, so just let me win for once." I begged, holding her hand tightly, before feeling her fingers twitch. My breath hitched, as I grasped her hands.

''Vitals… Vitals are rising!'' Hanz said in shock through the comms, ''That's… Impossible!'' He shouted in disbelief. I let myself crack a smile, staring down at Gwen before she cracks her eyes open, "W-who are you?" I tug off my mask, staring down at her and hugging her, "Gwen, it's me. Ace!" She just tilts her head, "Who?"

"Ah… I'm your friend. Well, the uh real you. Not that I'm saying you're a fake. You're just as real as me. You're just a clone and uh… I sort of maybe injected you with my blood and some of the Lizard's sinceyouweregoingtodie!" I mumble that last part.

''Ace, just shut up. Let me do the talking, I'll take care of her, go after the Lizard. Now, Gwen, just follow the robot dogs, they'll take you to safety. I'm going to be off comms, I have to grab her up from the surface. Don't do anything stupid! Omnidroid-M will follow you, but he will act on his own!'' Hanz commanded from the comm line.

I leap away, racing down the tunnel, pulling my mask down to stop the smell from overwhelming me. I raced down as fast as I could, going from two legs to rushing on all fours like an animal before I noticed a humming noise, stopping as I saw the Green Goblin, floating right outside the sewer exit.

"Did he escape?" I call out to him as the Omnidroid lands behind me, noisily. The Goblin turns and I finally get to take in his mask. It's a wicked looking thing, sharp teeth, yellow lenses for eyes and a toothy grin. Somehow I feel the look on its face is not matched by the guy wearing the suit. "He did. Tail whipped me just as I was about to bomb him, I would have fallen to my death if my glider wasn't as resistant as it is."

I cough, "I'm sorry. If I had come after him with you maybe he wouldn't have gotten away.." Before I watch in surprise as the Omnidroid scans the Goblin's suit with a blue light, before it tucked its legs into itself and barreled away. "I.. I don't think we can really catch up to him now. He's fast in the water. I have a proposal for you though."

"Tell that to your metal ball. Thing's chasing him either way, but I'm listening. You're clearly special.''

I nod at him, "I'd say the same for you. I want us to work together. We have a common goal, we both want the Lizard dead. We pool our resources together, we can come up with something he can't find a way out of. Make him pay for what he did. But we can't do that without some degree of trust, right Mr. Osborn?" I was taking a risk, what if it wasn't Norman? What if it was someone else? 

The Goblin freezes for a second before relaxing, "How did you know? I scrubbed all the files clean, had the logs for the armor destroyed, it was all perfect." I just shrug, "I have some advantages of my own. But don't worry. I don't care about who you are. See, I'm thinking that with your funding, my skills and some of my associate's technological prowess, we can come up with something to end the Lizard, once and for all. That's all, if you want to do it yourself, be my guest. Of course, trust can't be made by just threats. Which is why I want you to come to this address, where we can meet and hash out the details without any risk of being spied on." I handed him a piece of paper, Hanz's address scribbled on it before firing a web. "Who are you?" Norman asked.

I turned my back to him, "Me? I'm Spider-Man." Before I swung away.