A TEAM

One night, Andrea walks down to the Batcave to see Jill and Ben down there already, with Jill on the computer and Ben making tea.

"Hey, everything ok?" Andrea asks.

"So far so good. You know, as long as he gets to the bomb in time." Jill says.

Andrea is surprised by this.

"I'm sorry, bomb?" Andrea asks.

Meanwhile in a warehouse in the middle of the city, Spider-Bat sends a criminal flying into a wall. Another thug charges in with a punch, but Peter easily dodges and counters with a punch to the gut. The hero throws a roundhouse kick that the thug barely ducks, with Peter landing a knee to the chin and a dropkick, knocking him to the ground. He webs him up and walks through the warehouse, soon seeing the bomb in another room.

"Oracle, I found the bomb." Peter says through his ear piece.

Jill looks at the image through Peter's mask.

"It's not just one, those are four bombs put together." Jill says.

At that moment, Peter's Spider-Senses goes off and he dodges an attack from Scavenger.

"Crane." Peter snarls.

"You won't stop what's coming Spider-Bat. This entire city is going to get a taste of fear."

Peter quickly dodges Cranes wings, coming inches away from getting cut. He then kicks one of his wings out of the way and lands a side kick that knocks Crane to the ground. An angry Scavenger quickly gets to his feet and flies at Peter, but the vigilante flips into the air not only avoiding Crane but also throwing a high tech batarang into the bomb.

"I'm in. It's going to take awhile to disarm though. Do you think you can keep Crane busy?" Jill asks.

Meanwhile, Peter is holding back one of Scavengers wings that's inches away from piercing his throat as his back is against the wall.

"I don't think that'll be a problem." Peter says.

After a short struggle, Peter webs Cranes face and moves out of the way of his wing, causing it to get stuck in the wall. Scavenger tries to free himself but Peter jumps into the air and lands a right hook that knocks him out cold.

"Tell Commissioner Stacy that I left a present for them."

Peter then turns around and sees someone, wearing a mask, messing with the bomb.

"Get away from that!" A concerned Peter yells.

"I'm disarming it." A female voice says.

Before Peter can stop her, the new vigilante phases through the bomb, causing a malfunction.

"Well whatever she just did, that things just a really ugly piece of modern art now." Oracle says.

"Aw. You gonna make a new friend?" Andrea jokingly says with a smile.

The new vigilante then stands up with a proud smile on her face.

"No need to thank me, it's what we heroes do. Up top." She says.

Peter gives her a very serious look.

"I thought I told you to stay off the streets." Peter replies.

The new vigilante sighs.

"Come on, I just stopped the bomb from going boom and blowing up half the city."

"You got lucky."

"It's my city too."

Peter doesn't reply for a moment.

"You want to help? Make donation to the police department." Peter says.

He then throws down a smoke bomb and quickly disappears, leaving the young aspiring hero frustrated. Later Peter walks into the cave and is met by Andrea, Jill, and Ben.

"Welcome back, sir." Ben says with a smile and tea.

Peter smiles back and takes the cup of tea.

"Thank you Ben."

He is then welcomed by Andrea with a kiss

"Hi honey." Andrea says.

"Hey." Peter says with a bigger smile.

Peter then turns his attention to Jill.

"Jill, great work tonight."

"Thank you boss." Jill says.

"Speaking of tonight, me and Jill made something for you to look at." Andrea says, handing Peter a folder.

"What's this?" Peter asks.

"A little dossier on Shadow Bat." Jill says.

Peter sighs.

"We've had this conversation before." He says.

"I know you said no to bringing others into your mission, but things have been a little rough out there lately. You can't tell me it wasn't easier when you had someone out there to watch your back." Andrea says.

Peter stays silent for a moment.

"I'm not putting together a team. I can't bring anyone else into this life... Not after Jason."

Andrea looks at Peter for a moment, putting her hands on the side of his face, kissing his forehead.

"I understand. But everyone needs help. Even Spider-Bat."

Peter let's out a sigh as Andrea and Jill leaves the cave. He then sits down with Ben.

"You agree with her?" Peter asks his oldest friend.

Ben stays silent for a moment.

"I do understand your hesitation, especially after what happened with Master Kaine. But it would put my mind at ease to know that you weren't alone out there anymore." Ben says.

Peter thinks to himself for a moment, then looks over and sees the files on potential team members.

"I don't know. I mean, it takes more than putting on a mask and giving yourself a codename. These are kids. Amateurs."

"True. But they are already out there, sir. Because of you. Inspired by you."

As Peter continues to think to himself, considering that everyone might be right. He then stands up and goes to leave the cave.

"Where are you going, Master Peter?" Ben asks.

"I have to go see someone." Peter says.

In a small town outside of New York, a young man walks into a dinner. The waitress sees the young man and smiles.

"Hey Jason. I'll have that apple pie right out for you." The waitress says.

Jason Kaine smiles and takes a seat.

"Thanks Amanda." He says.

At that moment, another person walks through the door.

"Well hello there, haven't seen you in here before. What can I get you?" Amanda asks.

"Just a cup of coffee, please."

Jason recognizes the voice instantly and quickly turns around to see Peter Parker.

"Peter?" Jason says.

"Hey Jason. It's good to see you."

Peter sits down next to his former partner as a silence passes between them.

"How did you find me?" Jason finally asks.

"I heard rumors about a vigilante wearing a black mask and a leather jacket. Heard you were taking criminals in alive too." Peter says with a smile.

Jason sighs.

"I switched to using rubber bullets after I left New York. Guess what you said kinda got to me." Jason replies.

Amanda then gives Jason his pie and Peter his cup of coffee.

"So, what made you come see me after all this time."

Peter doesn't answer for a moment, taking a slow sip of his coffee.

"New vigilantes are popping up in New York." Peter says.

"Yeah I heard. A girl that can walk through walls, a guy with suit that's more advanced than the Iron Lanterns, and a new Scarlet Spider."

"Yeah. Andrea, Ben, and Jill think I should bring them in like I did with you. Make a team. And I guess I'm here to..."

As Peter pauses for a moment, Jason looks over at him.

"You came here for my opinion?" Jason asks.

Peter looks over at Jason.

"I came here for your permission." Peter corrects him.

Jason is surprised by this, never thinking that Peter would still hold what he thinks to such a high standard. He then thinks about what Peter is asking him.

"I know things didn't really end up going great for me when I put on the mask. But despite everything that happened... I don't regret you taking me in. Peter, you save my life. You gave me purpose. That's what they need." Jason says.

Peter smiles, holding back tears, then he hugs his adopted son. Jason smiles back, slowly embracing Peter and enjoying the moment.

"Well, I think it's time for me to go. If you ever need me-"

"I know. Thanks for coming, Pete."

The two share one last smile as Peter walks out of the diner.