Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

NEW YORK, JULY 2022
THE MOMENT THE AVENGERS SAVED THE UNIVERSE

We open with a pile of ash swirling through the air as people slowly start returning from being snapped from existence. The ash we follow keeps flowing in the wind until it reforms into Benjy, who is gasping in fright.

Benjy: What...? Mom? Mom, where are you?! Mom!

The six year old wanders around in slight panic as more people are returning from being snapped out of existence until he then sees his grandmother, Angela del Toro, reform in front of him and runs over to her side.

Benjy: Grandma!

Ange: Oh my God, Benjy!

The two hug each other before Ange starts looking around in search of Ava and the rest of The Parker Family.

Ange: Let's find your mother and sister. Stay close to me.

Ange starts walking down the street to find her patrol car. Speaking which, it pulls up beside Ange and an Older Carlie Cooper steps out.

Carlie: Commissioner?

Ange: Carlie? What is going on? Where is my daughter?

Carlie: Can I stop you right there, Ma'am? Because I would like to be the first to say it's good to have you back!

Carlie hugs Ange, who remains confused.

Benjy: Grandma?

Ange: Officer Cooper, tell me what's going on right now-.

Carlie: Oh, it's Lieutenant Cooper now and, there's no other way to sugarcoat this, you as well as half the population have been gone for two years. It's 2022.

Ange: Two years...?

Ange's trail of thought gets interrupted by seeing her daughter arrive on the scene. Ava stares in complete disbelief before rushing over to hug the hell out of her son and mother, breaking down in tears of joy.

Ava: They did it! They fucking did it!

Ange: Language!

Ava: Sorry, not sorry. I've missed you both so much.

Benjy: Mommy? Are you okay?

Ava: Yes. Yes, I think I am, Ben.

Ava lets them go as Maya comes onto the scene with April. The two girls approach their brother and hug the hell out of him as we slowly fade to white.

QUEENS, APRIL 2028
TWO WEEKS AFTER THE CAMP LEHIGH INCIDENT/FORMATION OF THE NEXT AVENGERS/SPRING BREAK

We fade to the early hours of the morning in The Parker Household. Benjy, now eleven years old, wakes up and looks at his watch.

Benjy: Time to get the day started. Wait, today...? Today's the day!

Benjy quickly gets up and very quickly gets washed and dressed for school before leaping down the stairs and landing in front of Ava.

Benjy: Good morning, Mom.

Ava: Benjy!

Ben: Sorry.

Ava: No, honey, it’s fine. You're in a good mood this morning.

Benjy: Yeah, I'm actually in a great mood right now.

Ava: Is it to do with school? Because I remember you mentioning something about school.

Benjy: Today's the school trip to The Science Foundation. The one named after Dad.

Ava: Oh yeah! Think you'll be allowed an internship?

Benjy: At my age? Doubtful.

Ava: Hey, weirder things have happened, especially to your dad when he was in his teenage years.

Benjy: I know. Now, do you have everything you need?

Ava: I should be asking you that, y'know.

Benjy: True. And...?

Ava: Yes, I have everything.

Benjy: Right, I'm heading on to school. Wait, where's Maya?

Ava: Oh, she left just as I got up. Said something about early morning practice.

Benjy: And no word from April?

Ava: No but your Auntie Mari from Earth-646 will let me know when she's coming back. Hopefully sometime this week.

Benjy: I hope she's doing okay over there.

Ava: Me too.

Ava notices the time.

Ava: Shit, I'm late!

Benjy: Same! See you later!

Ava: Love you~!

Benjy hugs his mother before they both rush out the door. The young boy runs down the street before finding a place to change. Benjy slips into his suit and swings for school as he narrates.

Benjy: My name is Benjamin Hector Parker, son of Peter and Ava Parker, and I am Spider-Boy. My life has gotten a little crazier ever since Sis and I enrolled at Avengers Academy. We survived an attack from a group of supervillains led by the daughter of The Red Skull and forms a new team of Avengers. Crazy couple of months but the good kind of crazy. Plus, I made a couple of new friends in Avengers Academy. Especially... Amber. Aside from that, life is going on like normal. Well, as normal as can be expected nowadays in a world populated by superheroes. Speaking of normal, gotta go to school.

Benjy stops a few blocks down from Midtown High and changes in an alleyway before heading on towards his school. Cue The Fantasticar zooming by overhead, catching Benjy's attention. Cue spider-sense and Benjy catching a football before it can hit him in the face. He tosses it back towards the guys in the football field before walking on inside. At his locker, he opens it up to get his textbooks for the day and gets approached by his twin sister, Maya (who is thirteen now).

Maya: Morning, Bro.

Benjy: Sis, you do your homework?

Maya: I might've had a quick glance at it. Why?

Benjy: You know Mr DeFalco is still gunning for you, right?

Maya: C'mon, we all know that the team will lose big time if I get detention before the next big match.

Benjy: Big match?

Maya: Yeah, the basketball match before Spring Break. I've been talking about since New Years.

Benjy: Sorry, I've been more focused on my studies.

Maya: You really should give that brain of yours a rest every now and again.

Benjy: Worried about me?

Maya: Duh, you're my brother. Why wouldn't I be worried about you, Mom, or April?

Benjy: Do you think she's doing okay over on Earth-646?

Maya: I'm sure she's fine, bud.

Cue the school bell ringing.

Benjy: Gotta head to class. See you after the trip.

Maya: Trip?

Benjy: To The Science Foundation.

Maya: Oh, right. The one named after Dad...

Benjy: You can still go if you want. I could try to convince-.

Maya: Nah, it's fine. You enjoy yourself with the other eggheads and I'll see you at The Academy later. Just don't stand too close to the chemicals, y'hear.

Benjy: I won't.

The siblings part ways and head to their respective classes. Benjy sits at his desk in his home room classroom when he's approached by his best friend, Nico Minoru.

Nico: So, did you study for the test?

Benjy: Good morning, Nico. Yeah, that last question was a pain at first but I managed to solve it.

Nico: Care to share?

Benjy: A hint is what I can share. Remember the square root of Pi? Divide it by the circumference of a triangle.

Nico: ... That's where I went wrong. Thanks, bud.

Benjy: No problem.

Nico quickly writes down the answer in her hand.

Benjy: There ya go.

Nico: What would I do without you?

Benjy: Not a clue.

???: Hey, Bookworm Benjamin!

Benjy groans in annoyance as the resident bully of the school, Eugene Thompson (son of Flash Thompson and Sha-Shan Nyugen), walks into the room.

Eugene: I need your help with somethin'.

Benjy: I already said I won't do your homework, Gene. It's not-.

Eugene: And I asked for a few pointers BEFORE the big match! Never said nothin' about you doin' my homework!

Benjy: I said I would consider it if you stop this whole big man on campus crap as well as the crappy stunts you pull on the rest of us.

Eugene: You wanna see how much of a big man I am right now?

Nico: Back off, Thompson!

Eugene: ... Fine. Just remember that your girlfriend won't always protect you.

Benjy thinks to himself about being able to defend himself without anyone else standing up for him but remembers what his dad taught him about his first test run with his powers. Benjy's thought is interrupted by the newest student walking into the room. The new student being Amber Agreste. Benjy, slightly shocked by her appearing in his school, watches her stand by the homeroom teacher, Mr Bagley.

Mr Bagley: Everyone, if I could have your attention please. We have a new transfer student from France staying with us for the rest of your time here.

Amber: Thank you for having me. My name is Amber Agreste.

Cue quiet muttering between the students.

Mr Bagley: Find yourself a seat, Miss Agreste. There's one beside Benjy Parker. He'll keep you right.

Amber walks over and sits down, giving her fellow Avenger-In-Training a little wave and a smile. After class and during lunch time, Benjy is approached by Amber.

Amber: Hey.

Benjy: Um, hi. I didn't expect to see you here.

Amber: Let's just say I wanted to be closer to The Academy and this school had an open spot. If I'm gonna be training to be a hero, I might as well learn here as well.

Benjy: In that case, welcome to Midtown High.

Amber gives a soft smile before deciding to get to know her friend a little more.

Amber: So, I didn't expect you to be in 8th Grade.

Benjy: I'm a really good learner. Then again, Mom did say I took after Dad a lot.

Amber: I could see the resemblance a little. How old are you anyway?

Benjy: I'm 11. Well, 12 in July. What about you?

Amber: I'm... older but not by much.

Benjy: Hey, don't you find it the tiniest bit weird being in a public school? Y'know, since you're related to the most famous people in Paris?

Amber: Not as weird as being able to create and destroy things at will with a touch.

Benjy: You gotta tell me how you do that one of these days.

Amber: Just so long as you tell me how you can do whatever a spider can.

Benjy: Deal.

Before Amber asks another question, Nico shows up to get Benjy.

Nico: Benjy, it's nearly time for the trip.

Benjy: Oh, shoot! Listen, Amber, I gotta go. If you have any questions, find my sister. Knowing her, she's outside training. Nice to see you again.

The young boy rushes off with Nico to go on the school trip. Amber looks down in slight amusement at seeing Benjy again before her thoughts focus on the times he saved her life during the whole mess at Camp Lehigh a few weeks ago. She blushes and shakes her head before taking a sip from her drink to get the dirty thoughts out of her head. Maya, meanwhile, is nearly finished her training lap around the football pitch and leaps over the finish line. Her GFF, Davida Kirby, gives her a clap.

Davida: Girl, you've gotten faster. Beat your personal record this time.

Maya: Gotta be for the next game. Can't have weak links, right?

Davida: Still, you could cut back a little.

Maya: Funny. I said the same thing to my brother about his studies.

Davida: How is Benjy?

Maya: Still the same, from what I see. Besides, he's got Nico with him.

Davida: Think they'll tie the knot?

Maya: What?

Davida: There's a rumour going around that they're an item.

Maya: And it's just a rumour, Davida. He'd tell me if they were dating.

Davida: Well, maybe or maybe not. He is a guy, after all, and a cute one at that.

Maya: Not cool, girl. He's my brother.

Davida: Hey, just calling it as I see it.

Maya: And you are two years older than him so he's not available for you.

Davida: Is there anyone you would allow to get close to him?

Maya: And I'm ending the conversation.

Maya does another lap around the pitch, trying to get the thoughts of Benjy dating out of her head. However, there is one girl she might be willing to let Benjy date. We cut to The Peter Parker Science Foundation and Benjy staring at the statue dedicated to his dad. Nico approaches and is about to speak to him to come on inside but refrains. Benjy looks at her and gives a small nod before heading on inside with the rest of the class, who get greeted by Dr Otto Octavius.

Otto: Good afternoon, students, and welcome to The Peter Parker Science Foundation! This is where the wonders of Science take life in memory of an old student of mine, Peter Parker. Speaking of which, I notice his son is amongst the crowd.

Everyone turns to look at Benjy, who tries to hide behind Nico. Benjy gives Otto an unfriendly look because of the events of Spider-Man: Ends Of The Earth. Otto sighs before kneeling down to Benjy's level.

Otto: I know you're mad with me after what I did to your family all those years ago and you have every right but it is good to see you again, young man.

Benjy is silent while Otto offers a handshake. Benjy takes it.

Benjy: Likewise.

Otto: Now, if you'll follow me, we'll begin the tour.

Otto takes the lead and Nico whispers to her friend.

Nico: You never told me you knew Doctor Octopus.

Benjy: Our family has a bad history with him as well as The-.

Benjy stares at another tour group leaving and spots a certain member of that group. That individual being Normie Osborn.

Benjy: Osborns...

Normie spots Benjy and gives a small wave. Benjy, despite feeling hostile, gives a wave back to Normie before heading on inside the main building. On the building on the opposite side of the street from The Peter Parker Science Foundation, a woman in an ARC reactor powered metallic green and purple armour looks at the building. This is Janice Lincoln, the new/current Beetle. Her employer contacts her via her comms.

???: Are you in position?

Beetle: Yup. Just so you know, there are kids in the building.

???: As long as I get Octavius' secrets, I don't care. Just get me those schematics.

Beetle: Fine.

Cue two wings emerging from the harness and she makes his way over towards the building dedicated to Peter's memory. We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with a close up pure tritium (based loosely on the tritium seen in Spider-Man 2) and one of Otto's arms slowly going over to pick it up slowly. He presents it to Benjy's class and Benjy is the one paying the most attention to Otto.

Otto: Pure Tritium is one of the most pure elements to recently be discovered and it's potential in clear energy production is limitless. Imagine that this single little thing could provide clean energy for the next 100 years of life for not only humanity but the entire universe. Now, I'll take a few questions if anyone has any? Anyone?

Silence from the class.

Mr Bagley: Come on, students. Don't be shy.

Still nothing until Benjy raises his hand.

Benjy: I have a question, Dr Octavius.

Otto: Ask away, Mr Parker.

Benjy: Have you thought about the chances of possible feedback from the element in case whatever is created to sustain it isn't enough?

Otto: Well, I'm glad someone asked that because I am working closely with Mr Xanatos and Mr Stark to create such a device with the additional backing from Mr Osborn at Oscorp. They are putting a lot of faith in me and I will not disappoint them. I hope this can make people believe that my intentions are true this time as we lead Humanity towards a cleaner and brighter future. Now, if you'll kindly follow me, we'll show you one of my other dream projects.

Nico: So what do you think of Doc Ock now?

Benjy: Dr Octavius knows his stuff but my dad will always be number one in my books.

Nico: Of course.

In Otto's office, Beetle quietly breaks in and heads towards his computer. She hooks up to the machine and begins copying all of the data into her suit.

Beetle: This is a goldmine, Octavius. My employer will be extremely happy for all of this lovely code. Science may be the step towards a brighter future and that future is making money in my book.

She unhooks and starts charging her lasers on her wrist gauntlets, ready to begin her performance. At Midtown High, Maya is in the middle throwing the winning shot in a basketball friendly match and, luckily, she pulls it off. The crowd cheers and Maya receives praise from her teammates as we fade to later in the locker room. Maya catches a bottle of water being tossed to her by fellow player, Blue Kelso.

Maya: Thanks, Blue.

Blue: Anything for our star player, Maya.

Maya: C'mon, it was a team effort. At least take some of the glory.

Blue: Whatever you say, Girl.

Sierra: Hey, Maya, wanna hang with us at the mall later?

Maya: Tempting but I have other commitments that take top priority.

Sierra: Family stuff and this secret club you go to with your brother?

Maya: She shoots and she scores.

Blue: Well, you know where we are if you change your mind.

Maya: I know. Have a good time celebrating our victory. ... Just not TOO good.

The girls, laughing at that last comment, leave Maya be as she gives her face a bit of a pat down and takes the time to lift out a photo she keeps in her locker for good luck. That photo being of her as a baby with her parents and Benjy. She smiles to herself, hoping her dad is proud of her for winning the match. She places the photo back before closing up and getting changed back into her uniform as we cut back to The Peter Parker Science Foundation. Otto leads the students back through the main lab.

Otto: You might be a little sick of seeing this room but it is important that you see the brightest minds at work. Minds such as our newest addition, Regina Morgan.

Regina: Doctor Octavius.

Otto: Students, Doctor Morgan is one of our brightest minds from ESU. Any words of encouragement for our possible future scientists?

Regina: Well, I won't take too much of your time but study hard, learn everything you need to know, and always remember that this is one of the most important things in today's world. Science helps make our planet a amazing place to live in.

Cue several security guards getting blasted back by a now arriving Beetle.

Beetle: Most accurate statement of the decade, sister.

Otto discretely activates a special device on his wrist to send a message to an old ally of his while he steps in from of the young teens.

Otto: Whatever you're wanting, Miss, you will not get it while these children are here!

Beetle: Y'know, for a genius, you really are just as dumb as ever. I already HAVE what I want and your termination will be a sweet bonus from my employer.

Benjy prepares to risk exposing his powers as Beetle aims her weaponry at Otto but, thankfully, he doesn't need to as an older Miles Morales (wearing a suit that's basically a combination of The T.R.A.C.K. Suit from Marvel's Spider-Man and his suit in the upcoming Marvel's Spider-Man 2) swings into the room via the skylight to kick Beetle right across the face. Miles stands ready to fight as Beetle recovers.

Spider-Man: Sorry, Ma'am, but harming kids is no way to improve their grades.

Beetle: Spider-Man!

Otto: Spider-Man, lead her out of the lab!

Spider-Man: On it, Doc. Hey, come and get me if you can!

Beetle: With pleasure. Always wanted a crack at you anyway.

Miles leads Beetle out the way he came and the building is now being evacuated. While everyone leaves, Benjy sneaks away from the group so he can change into his own hero suit (based on MCU Peter's suit in Far From Home) and help Miles. He is in his hero suit and ready to help out once he web zips out through the skylight. In Midtown General, Ava is helping Claire with the rounds.

Claire: And there's your mag, Steve.

Steve: Is it today's edition?

Claire: C'mon, do you honestly think I'd make that mistake twice? Yes, it's the latest edition.

Ava: And I made sure to remove the small leaflets because I knew they annoy the heck out of you.

Steve: Thank you, Nurse.

The two women head on out.

Claire: Not bad for my last night.

Ava: And you're sure I can't convince you to stay on?

Claire: Tempting but I need to move on with my life. Being here helping is great and all but...

Ava: I get it.

Claire: Plus, I've got the perfect replacement.

Ava: Thanks but I'm not you.

Claire: Then all I can really say is do everything you normally do and you'll be just as good as me.

Ava: Thanks, Dr Temple.

Claire: You're welcome, Dr Parker.

Ava is about to correct Claire, mostly due to that title belonging to Peter, but accepts it before the two share one last hug. Maya is jogging down the street when she nearly runs into Amber.

Maya: Amber?

Amber: Hey, Maya. It is Maya, right?

Maya: Yeah. I always thought you'd be hanging around that hotel of yours until the academy started.

Amber: Actually, I was on my way back to the hotel as soon as school ended and then decided to go on a little shopping spree.

Maya looks at the shopping bags Amber is carrying.

Maya: Anything of interest?

Amber: We'll have to wait and see.

Maya: I know that look. What did you get my brother?

Amber: Your brother?! Um, nothing! I mean, who's your brother?

Maya: Uh huh. Is it something he likes?

Amber: I hope so. ... Does he ever talk about me?

Maya: I do recall him mentioning you... in front of Mom.

Amber: Oh no...

Maya: Relax, Princess, he was only listing off the people he liked at the academy and you were the first person he mentioned.

Amber: Oh, that's great.

Maya: Mind telling me what it was you got him?

Amber: Well, I do recall him liking the Yu-Gi-Oh card game so I might have gotten him a few cards...

Maya: Aww, the easiest way to a man's heart is a children's card game.

The two girls laugh a little at that.

Maya: Did you remember his favourite type of cards?

Amber: Hard to forget. He really likes the Elemental Hero cards.

Maya: Got it in one. What school do you go to? I figured you'd find some way to juggle being here and in Paris at the same time.

Amber: Oh, Ms Romanov was able to get me transferred into Midtown High School and... I'm in your brother's class.

Before Maya can make a comment about that revelation, she gets an alert on her phone about Miles fighting Beetle on the roof of the science foundation.

Maya: Oh no, Benjy!

Amber: What? Benjy?

Maya: Amber, I gotta go help him. See you at The Academy and let the teachers know I might be a little late. Okay? Thanks.

She ducks into an alleyway... and swings out in her Spider-Girl suit, rushing towards the science foundation while Amber watches the teen heroine swing on down the street. Amber then ducks into the same alleyway to get changed into her Miss Fortune costume.

Amber: There really needs to be a better way to do this change into your hero suit thing.

Back to the current hero fight in progress, Miles fires multiple web shots to Beetle's boot jets and grounds her briefly so he can web zip over to land a few well timed hits to the back of the suit of armour. Beetle tries zapping the hero in the face but misses due to spider-sense. However, while Miles dodges, Beetle kicks him in the face before shocking him with her shock gauntlets. Miles flies towards the edge of the roof, saving himself by firing a web line onto the edge as he falls off. Beetle approaches while charging her wrist blasters, ready to end this, but picks up movement behind her. She turns... and gets treated to an uppercut to the face by Benjy. He lands a few feet back before she can blast him.

Beetle: First was Spider-Man and now we've got a Spider-Boy?

Spider-Boy: Well, it was either that or get Deadpool to be the sidekick.

Spider-Man: Kid, get out of here!

Beetle: Too late. He got involved and now he's gonna see what being a hero gets you.

The villain blasts at Benjy, who dodges and fires webbing at the wrist gauntlets to render them useless. The gauntlets explode, injuring Beetle in the process, and Benjy rushes the villain and quickly takes her down with the same manuvres James Rogers pulled on him in their first fight (a kick to the kneecaps, followed by a double gut punch, and finishing it off by flinging her over his head to slam her into the ground back first). Benjy leaps into the air and fires more webbing to keep Beetle stuck where she is. Miles walks over.

Spider-Man: Now for some answers. Who are you and who do you work for?

Beetle: Interesting question and here's my answer.

Cue Beetle letting a flashbang grenade roll out of her armour and letting the thing go off, blinding the two heroes and allowing her to escape. Miles tries flinging a spider-tracer on her but can't due to the effects of the grenade. He soon recovers on time to stop Benjy from falling off the roof by firing a web line that sticks to the boy's chest.

Spider-Man: I got you, Benjy.

Spider-Boy: Thanks, Miles.

Cue Maya arriving as Miles helps Benjy back onto the roof and she rushes over to hug the hell out of her brother.

Spider-Girl: Benjy! Thank God, you're okay. You're okay, right?

Spider-Boy: Ow, Sis, I'm fine. Just a little bruised.

Spider-Man: Your brother handled himself pretty well out there, Maya. Took down the villain without a scratch.

Spider-Girl: What...?

Spider-Boy: She got away, though.

Spider-Man: Hey, I get her the next time she rears her head again.

Spider-Girl: This'll probably be a difficult conversation to have with Mom later.

Spider-Boy: Forget Mom. What about Ms Romanov?

Spider-Girl: I got that covered. Your girlfriend, Amber, should be telling her we'll be late for class any second now.

Spider-Boy: What? Amber's not my-.

???: Hey!

Maya groans as she turns to see Miss Fortune only just arriving on the scene, out of breath.

Miss Fortune: You swing faster than I thought, Maya...

Spider-Girl: Well shit...

Spider-Man: Come on, I'll get you kids to your classes and try to take the heat for this afternoon's patrol mission.

Spider-Boy: I can't. I need to rejoin my class. They might suspect something if I don't-.

Spider-Girl: He's right, Miles.

Spider-Man: Okay but meet us as soon as it's your home time.

Benjy leaps back down into the lab to change while Amber watches him closely. Maya notices this.

Spider-Girl: You just wanted to see him, didn't you?

Miss Forutne: What? That's crazy. I knew you'd possibly need back up.

Spider-Girl: Keep telling yourself that, girl.

Spider-Man: If you two are done, we should get moving before the police notice us.

The three heroes leave as Benjy rejoins his class.

Nico: Dude, where the hell did you go?

Benjy: I, uh, needed to use the bathroom?

Nico: Bull. Tell me before-.

Mr Bagley: Benjamin Parker, where did you sneak off to?

Otto: I'm sure the young boy went to make sure there weren't anyone else in the labs when that villain attacked. You'd got a brave and smart student in your class.

Benjy: Yeah, that's right.

Benjy is somewhat thankful Doc Ock is covering for him.

Mr Bagley: Hmm, I guess I'll let it slide when lives were at stake... but know that I'll be calling your mother about this.

And Benjy mentally screams his head off after that statement while Nico gives him a soft pat on the back. In a place called Nexus Industries, Beetle arrives and tosses a thumb drive to it's CEO and her employer, Luke Carlyle.

Beetle: That's got everything you wanted as well as the schematics for Octavius' old arms. No idea while a genius like him would have them on a computer.

Luke: Excellent. Your services are most appreciated, Ms Lincoln.

Beetle: Doesn't feel like it.

Luke: The job is done and the money I'm paying you should be in your bank account within the hour.

Beetle: Yeah but I want more. Actually, I want another crack at that little bastard and I may need some new tech thanks to him wrecking my gauntlets.

Luke: Nexus will provide you with anything you'll require including this early prototype I had in storage that I'm sure you can modify to meet your expectations.

Luke reveals a hidden room behind his bookcase and the prototype in question is a more bulky flight suit of armour powered by an ARC reactor stolen from Stark Industries.

Beetle: Hmmm. That'll do.

Luke loads up the data that Beetle retrieved for him and marvels at what Otto is currently working on.

Luke: Yes, Otto, this is a goldmine in the making and you just helped make it possible for my company...

We cut to black.

Chapter Text

We fade to Avengers Academy as Benjy arrives to be greeted by an Iron Legion Drone. It just so happens to be the one Benjy called Stan.

Iron Legion Drone: Benjamin Hector Parker, Natasha Romanov is requesting your presence. Miles Morales and Maya Parker are already there.

Benjy: Thank you, Stan. I'll head over there now. I really hope Ms Romanov isn't mad.

Smash cut to an angry Natasha Romanov showing the three individuals the latest DBC report.

Jameson: Tonight, folks, Spider-Man stopped a new version of The Beetle with the help of who many onlookers said to be his sidekick. It's nice to see Spidey working with other heroes again. However, the only question I have is about whether this "Spider-Boy" is the same one that saved Amber Agreste at the start of the new year.

Nat turns off the video.

Natasha: I quite clearly said that you kids were not to engage any supervillains after that mess at the training camp until your superhero training is more than halfway complete and you just ignored my rule tonight of all nights! I have a right mind to expell Benjy-!

Miles: Ms Romanov-.

Natasha: I'm not done, Miles. What were you thinking?

Benjy: I was thinking that Miles needed help-.

Maya: Ma'am, isn't expelling my brother a little harsh. They stopped the villain before she could harm anyone else.

Natasha: That may be but your brother could've let Miles handle it.

Benjy: Miles was about to be killed. You would have me stand by and watch someone die?

Natasha: I didn't say that. Miles is a seasoned hero and you are a hero in training. More importantly, you're eleven and your mother will go ballistic if you ended up dead on the news. Did you not think that would've been a possibility?

Benjy: I... no, I didn't think about that.

Natasha: Now, head to class and don't do this sort of thing again or I will expell you from The Academy. Understood?

Benjy: Yes, Ma'am.

Benjy leaves the office along with his sister, who gives him a short hug before heading off to class. Miles looks to Natasha, who gives him a glare.

Natasha: No. I know that look.

Miles: C'mon, Ms Romanov.

Natasha: He's too young.

Miles: So was I when I started out. Hell, all of us were when we became heroes.

Natasha: He's not ready for on the field experience.

Miles: Who said I was only gonna ask for him?

Natasha: ... Both of them?

Miles: Yes.

Natasha: Still no.

Miles: Y'know they'll end up doing it anyway.

Natasha: And I'll deal with it when the time comes.

Miles: You let James team up with Cap.

Natasha: Because James is ready and the top of his classes. I let them do the whole Next Avengers thing because it's a group effort. Benjy is great a few of his classes at the academy and Maya is... Maya about everything-.

Miles: At least give it a test run. A couple of weeks and we'll pull the plug if it doesn't work out. That’s all I’m asking for right now.

Natasha can tell Miles isn't going to stop until this whole thing happens. Cut to Maya in the middle of a rescue exercise with her class as her partner for the exercise, James Rogers, gets an idea before they rush into the apartment block serving as the location of the hostages by tossing her a pair of binoculars.

American Son: Spider-Girl, get up to the roof and scout that apartment block!

Spider-Girl: On it!

Maya thwips up to the rooftop of the building on the opposite side of the street and scouts out the place. She spots her quarry.

Spider-Girl: Okay, James, they are on the sixth floor and heavily guarded. How about I get you up there way quicker than the elevator?

American Son: Not a bad idea. Slingshot?

Spider-Girl: Slingshot.

Maya leaps off the building and fall towards the ground before firing two web lines towards the roof of the apartment complex. She sticks to the side of the wall and pulls down as hard as she can before James gets on top of her.

Spider-Girl: Easy on the goods, Cap Jr.

American Son: Ha ha...

Cue Maya unsticking to the wall and firing James up to the sixth floor. He smashes through the window and flings his holoshield at the LMD's posing as kidnappers to save the hostages, revealed to be Fitz and Simmons.

American Son: You good, Doctors?

Fitz: Aye.

Simmons: You missed one, though.

Cue an LMD shooting James in the chest with an ICER Gun three times when Maya swings in to quickly take it down, avoiding the robot's aim due to her spider-sense. When it shuts down, the exercise is over and the instructor for the day walks into the room. That instructor being She-Hulk.

She-Hulk: Excellent teamwork there, kids. However, you both should've been in the room to take down the droids. There's no I in team.

American Son: Hey, we still did it in the end.

She-Hulk: I'm just saying that there is a little area to improve on, Mr Rogers. That said, you did manage to take out five out of six armed dickheads without a bead of sweat rushing down your head. So that meets you get top marks, Mr Rogers. Miss Parker, your takedown of the final guy was excellent.

Spider-Girl: Thank you, Mrs Walters. I might've picked that move up from Mr Rand in the previous session with him.

She-Hulk: Good to know and you did it well. Hit the showers. You're both dismissed.

The two young heroes in training nod before leaving. Maya removes her mask.

Maya: Hey, James, that was on me. I should have-.

James: Forget it, Spider-Girl. I heard you and your pipsqueak brother took on a villain.

Maya: Call him that again and I will plant you in that wall beside you. And no, it was only him and Spider-Man. The villain got away, though.

James: Still, he did help out so he's earned a little respect from me.

Maya: Seriously, what is your problem with Benjy? He's done nothing but try to be your friend since we all started going here.

James is about to answer her when she gets a text from her mother about something important. Something that makes her jump for joy. Meanwhile with Benjy, he is working away at a modified version of his sister's web shooters. Morgan Stark (Tony and Pepper’s daughter) approaches.

Morgan: Are those web shooters?

Benjy: Yeah, I figured it'd be alright to make a more smaller version for my sister. Although, I still need to work out the firing mechanism pressure.

Morgan: Maybe take it down by 5 PSI?

Benjy does that and tests it out. It worked out.

Benjy: Thank you, Morgan.

Morgan: Not a problem, Ben. And please, call me M.

Benjy: Uh, right, M.

Morgan: What'd you do that got you landed in Ms Romanov's office? Before you ask, a drone asked for your sister the moment she showed up with Spider-Man.

Benjy: I... helped Spidey take on a villain.

Franklin: You do know that we're not allowed to do that, Benjy.

Benjy: I couldn't help it. He needed the help and I was the closest hero.

Morgan: You are still young, though.

Benjy: So was my dad... back when he started out.

Cue the long stretching arm of Reed Richards taking the web shooters Benjy was working on and gives a small inspection.

Mr Fantastic: Excellent work on this web shooter, Benjamin. You are definitely your father's son.

Benjy: Thanks, Dr Richards.

Miles walks into the lab.

Mr Fantastic: Miles, good to see you.

Miles: Dr Richards, is it okay if Benjy can be excused for his patrol session with me?

Mr Fantastic: Patrol? I don't see why not. Benjy, you're excused.

Benjy, confused a little, does what he's told and leaves with Miles.

Benjy: Miles, what's going on?

Miles: I might've convinced Black Widow to let me take you and Maya on patrol with me from time to time. It wasn't an easy talk after this afternoon's fight but cooler heads prevailed.

Benjy: Okay. What do I need?

Miles: Just your suit and your brains and maybe a note pad.

Maya: BENJY!!!

Cue Maya racing up to her brother and Miles.

Maya: Benjy, we have to go home-! Oh hey, Miles.

Miles: Maya, calm down.

Benjy: Did something happen at home?

Maya: Yeah, the best news ever! Auntie Mari and Auntie Rihoko are visiting and... April is back!

Benjy: Really?!

Maya: Hell yeah!

Benjy: That’s awesome!

Maya: I know!

Miles: Then I guess this could be a good first patrol mission for the two of you.

Maya: I’m sorry, what?

Benjy: Miles said that he convinced Ms Romanov to let him take us on patrol in the city every once in a while.

Maya: Oh, that’s cool and all but... April is back!

Miles: Okay, I think we know. C’mon, let’s pay a visit to your neighbourhood and hope your aunts don’t get too rough with your mother.

We fade to Beetle working away on her armour. She amplifies her palm lasers to be more deadly, her backpack’s wing stabilisers are a little bit longer and more flexible, her helmet’s built in HUD is upgraded to include X-Ray vision for better target locating purposes, and she changes her suits colours to better match her predecessor.

Janice: I really hope you give me a challenge when we next meet, kid, because only one person is walking away from this alive.

She resumes work as we cut to Miles and the twins arriving at The Parker Household. An older 646Rihoko is waiting for them by the door.

646Rihoko: Long time no see, Terror Twins.

Benjy and Maya: Auntie Riko!

The twins hug their aunt.

646Rihoko: Hey, Miles.

Miles: Miss Rihoko. Where is their mother?

646Rihoko: Ava is in the shower.

Miles: And your wife...?

Cue 646Rihoko remembers listening to really intense moaning a while ago.

646Rihoko: Mari is "helping" Ava in the shower.

Miles: And you are absolutely sure Pete was okay with the two of you playing around with his wife?

646Rihoko: Okay with it? He eventually took part in it.

Miles: I am so glad to have met the two of you(!)

646Rihoko: I know. Still, great seeing you again. I think I haven’t seen you since your wedding.
Miles: Yeah, Olivia and I are doing great. Working away at what we're doing, being a reporter and being a superhero.

646Rihoko: Good to hear.

???: I... smell... BENJY!!!

Cue a young eight year old girl (coming nine in September) rushing out to tackle hug Benjy onto the ground. She has light brown skin, green catlike eyes, grey stripes around her body, and wears glasses. This is April Patricia Parker, the third child of Peter and Ava.

Benjy: April, the pain...

April: Oh, sorry, Big Brother. I've missed you.

Benjy: At least you're still excitable.

April: Is that a bad thing? Wait...

April sniffs her brother, picking up Amber's scent, and gives a look of disapproval.

April: Who's this girl your hanging out with?

Maya: Benjy's girlfriend~.

Benjy: She's not my girlfriend. She's just a friend that just so happens to be a girl.

646Rihoko: This I'd like to hear.

Cue 646Mari and Ava coming down the stairs and Maya goes over to hug her other aunt.
646Marinette: Hey, Maya, you sure have grown.

Maya: It happens to everybody, Auntie Mari.

646Marinette: Benjy, how are you?

Benjy: I'm good, Auntie Mari. You look great.

His aunt chuckles lightly before hugging him tight.

Ava: More importantly, why are you three here? I thought Avengers Academy didn't close up unless it was a seriously situation regarding other heroes.

Miles: I managed to convince Ms Romanov to let me take them on patrol to see how things are done as a test run but also under the condition that they stay out of the action if it involves a supervillain.

646Rihoko: Hey, that's great. You two can finally learn from the best now and maybe we could join you if it becomes a permanent thing.

646Marinette: I'd definitely be down for that... but we've got to go.

646Rihoko: As in just Mari and I.

Benjy: Wait, you mean...?

April: Yup, you guys are stuck with me again.

Maya: I wouldn't have it any other way, Little Sis.

Ava: I'll... see you two out.

Ava walks with 646Mari and 646Rihoko out the door while Miles gets a couple of drinks from the fridge, even sticking on coffee for Ava, and notices the three women exchanging kisses at the window, shaking his head lightly. Sometime passes and Benjy is working away at his homework. April quietly sneaks in and quietly approaches her brother.

April: What ya doing?

Benjy: Homework, April.

April: All work and no play make Benjy a grumpy boy~.

Benjy: I'm not grumpy.

April: You so are when you're working away with school stuff. C'mon, play with me.

Benjy: I can't. This is important because I've got a lot of tests coming up.

April gives a little pout.

April: Boring~. Every time I visit/stay here, you're always busy with work now. It's no fun.

Benjy: Oh, and I suppose you aren't the same when you're over with our aunts and your school?

April: Only when I want to be. Can we at least talk about your girlfriend?

Benjy: Amber is not my-.

April: Oh, her name is Amber? I like her a little due to her name beginning with A.

Benjy: Look, I promise to let you meet her if you promise to behave and NONE of this jealous kitty mode you use.

April: I make no promises.

Benjy: Sis!

April: Aaaawwwww, fine. Is she nice to you?

Benjy: Yeah, she's actually one of the nicest people in Avengers Academy apart from Morgan, Hazmat, Cassie, and Torunn.

Maya: You should see Torunn on the battlefield because, being 100% honest, she's a beast.

Benjy: Well, she is Asgardian.

Maya: And an Honourary Eternian, according to her.

April: Do you think I could go to Avengers Academy?

Benjy and Maya: When you're older. Hey! Jinx! Double jinx! Jinx times infinity! Dammit.

April: Dammit.

Maya: Nononono, April, you don't say that word!

April: Auntie Mari lets me say it...

Benjy: Yeah but you're not with Auntie Mari right now and Mom will kill you for saying that kind of word.

April: What kind of word? Shit?

The twins are now in panic mode as April plays with them further, happy that her siblings are distracted from their work. Ava hears the children messing about up there and gives a small smile, happy that the family is back together.

Miles: Going by those noises up there, I guess that patrol is over for tonight.

Ava: I guess so.

Miles: And you think you'll manage okay with them?

Ava: Yeah. If I need help, I'll ask either you or Mom.

Miles: And how was your day?

Ava: Busy and it will get busier going forward. I'm sorta Claire's replacement now.

Miles: That's good to hear. My art studio is going great and I got a few more aspiring artists, including a very talented young girl named Hayley.

Ava: You sure have come a long way since Brooklyn Visions.

Miles: We've all come a long way.

Cue Miles finishing his tea and preparing to leave.

Miles: I gotta bounce before Liv worries.

He grabs his coat and Ava stands up to look to him.

Ava: When you guys go out on patrol, Miles, promise me that you will watch them closely.

Miles: You have my word that both of them will be safe with me. It'll be like when they were kids.

Ava: Thank you.

She hugs Miles, purring softly a little, and Miles hugs her back before leaving for home. Ava sighs before heading on to bed as we fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Amber lying in her bed in the middle of the night wide awake, thinking about Benjy and Maya correctly guessing her attraction to Benjy ever since he saved her life twice at the beginning of the year. She blushes a little before shaking her head. She decides that he's just a friend before heading off to sleep. Early the next morning, she eats an apple for her breakfast and quickly grabs her school bag. Ezra approaches her as she makes for the door.

Amber: Ezra, I might be a little late coming back to the hotel.

Ezra signs in understanding before asking what she's planning to do today.

Amber: Uh, just hang out with a boy. Hopefully. DON'T tell my parents or Josh if they call.

Ezra crosses his arms as if to say her parents won't approve.

Amber: Look, if I introduce him to you, would you promise not to tell them? I'd rather keep it a surprise.

Ezra thinks for a few seconds before giving a small nod of approval.

Amber: Thanks, Ezra. And, Ezra? Get yourself something nice. You deserve it.

Ezra offers her thanks and gives her a short hug before she heads off for school. Just after the door closes, Ezra gets a text and his face goes pale. At The Parker House, Benjy and Maya are both ready for school. April stands by the front door holding sandwich bags.

April: Made your lunches.

Benjy: Thank you, April.

Maya: Cheers, Sis.

Ava: Hey, I know I'm asking a lot but can one of you take April to school?

Maya: I'll take her. Benjy has that test this morning, right?

Benjy: Oh yeah.

April: Aw, but I wanted Benjy...

Maya: C'mon, you can annoy him later.

April: See you later, Benjy.

Maya heads on with April down the street while Benjy stays a while with Ava.

Ava: Something on your mind, Ben?

Benjy: No, Mom, I just wanted to make sure you were okay.

Ava: Yeah, I'm great. Why?

Benjy: Did my teacher ring to tell you about... me sneaking off?

Ava: He did but I'm not mad. You did the right thing in helping Miles and that is all that matters to me.

Ava pauses, sniffs her son's scent, and can tell that's not the reason he wants to talk.

Ava: Is there something else?

Benjy: I want some advice on something. It's about Amber.

Ava: The girl that Maya is teasing you about for some reason?

Benjy: Yeah, it's just... hard to explain. I do like her as she's one of the first people I made friends with at Avengers Academy but...

Ava stops packing up for work and can tell exactly what's going on with her son.

Ava: Hey, we've all been there. Even me when I was around your age. This whole thing is natural and you have to be extremely careful on how you act on your feelings. Trust me, it can slightly backfire on you if you're not too careful.

Benjy: Thanks, Mom.

Ava: Anytime, Little Cub.

Benjy hugs his mother and she purrs while patting him on the head before letting him rush off to school. Ava gets a text from her mother and smirks at the text asking about April getting home safely.

Ava: "Yes, Mom. April is back and her carers brought her back without a scratch this time. See you in a while if you're not too busy." Aaaaand send.

Ava puts her phone away before heading off to work, slightly nervous but a little confident as well. At Midtown High, Benjy writes away at his History Test while Amber takes small glances at the young boy. The History Teacher notices and politely asks Amber to focus. She does so. Later at breka, Benjy sits with Nico and Amber approaches.

Amber: Mind if I join you?

Benjy: Uh, not at all.

Nico: So how do you think you did in the test?

Amber: I don't know. History isn't my strongest subject. Aside from my family history, I know next to nothing about it.

Benjy: Nico could tutor you. She's basically the school's history buff.

Nico: Well, I wouldn't say that...

Amber: Please? I will literally die if I fail the next test.

Nico: Okay, I can hold a study session at your place on Sunday if that it permitted.

Amber: Yeah, I just need to speak with my guardian. He's strict but really nice once you get on his good side.

Benjy: And I will help out whoever is stuck on Science and Math.

???: Great to hear, Bookworm!

Gene walks over and plants his arse beside Benjy.

Gene: I desparately need some tutoring and you're the only nerd I know.

Benjy: Gene, doing this-.

Amber: At least hear the guy out. You did say you'd help whoever.

Gene: Finally, someone that listens. And who might you be, Beautiful?

Amber: Not interested.

Benjy: Well, first things first is that whole equation is wrong. Remove the seven, then you should be able to carry the three, and there ya go.

Gene: How'd you do that?

Benjy: That brings me to my second point, Gene. Meet me at the library at lunch and I'll be able to help you out if that's still what you want.

Gene: But I got practice-.

Benjy: Gene, I'm sure there are other opportunities to practice for the big match. Plus, you're our star player and you sure as hell will win this with or without practicing for it. Besides, your brain could use a boost in thinking power anyway.

Gene: Thanks. ... Hey!

Cue the bell ringing and Benjy heading off to his next class with Amber while Nico heads off to the library for her free period.

Amber: I never pictured you as a sassy guy.

Benjy: My dad used to do it all the time and I might have picked it up from him a little, according to Mom, along with his love for Science.

Amber: Were you and your dad close?

Benjy: We were a little before he... died saving our lives.

Amber: Oh. I’m sorry.

Amber remembers reading about his family’s history at Avengers Academy as well as his reaction to the statue of his dad inside the main building at Avengers Academy.

Amber: I guess I take after my mother a little rather than my father.

Benjy: That's nice.

Amber: So are you.

Benjy looks to her as she starts blushing like mad after saying that.

Benjy: Thank you.

They arrive at their destination as the school day flies by and Amber leaves the building to find Nico by herself.

Amber: Hey, Nico, right? Did you see where Benjy went?

Nico: He had to leave early for some reason.

Davida: Maya did, too.

Amber: I see. Maybe they are at their after school activity centre thing?

Nico: Possibly.

Davida: I'm sorry, who are you?

Amber: Amber Agreste.

Davida: Wait, as in Agreste Fashion?! Awesome! I'm Davida. Big fan of the company.

Amber: Oh, I don't really work for Dad or anything. I just do some modelling, sure, but it's mostly to help out.

Davida: Still cool.

Amber: Thank you.

Over with April, she waits patiently for somebody to pick her up from school. She loads up her mobile and flicks through her photos of her with her family as well as her trusted guardians from Earth-646 until a familiar face stands beside her.

Jess: Need someone to take you home?

April: Auntie Jess!

April hugs Jess tightly, purring loudly, and Jess hugs her back.

Jess: I have missed you so much, kiddy. Did those two bloodthirsty psychos treat you well?

April: They always do.

Jess: C'mon, let's get you home.

April: Everyone is so busy now. It's not fun anymore.

Jess: Hey, we can still have fun. I mean if you want, we can swing by my house and watch some really fun stuff.

April: Okay.

Jess: I'll take you flying first~.

April: YAY!!!

Cue April climbing her aunt and sitting on Jess' shoulders.

Jess: Hold tight but not too tight. Liiri, Wings Of Liberty!

Jess transforms into Eagle and takes flight, much to her niece's joy. Jess goes a little higher before deciding to fly at rooftop level. Ava notices them flying by and sighs a little before getting back to work, really wanting to be with her little girl again. Meanwhile, Benjy and Maya have suited up and have met up with Miles in Central Park.

Spider-Man: Okay, kids, welcome to Patrol Session. You will learn the basics of how your fellow heroes do their crime fighting gig. Did you bring a note pad?

Spider-Boy: Yup.

Spider-Girl: Crap...

Spider-Man: Not to worry. We'll work until it's fully inside your mind, Maya. Now, let's go and stay close.

The three spiders leap into the air before proceeding to web swing across the city. They stop on the side of a building as Miles web zips down to deal with a mugger and return someone their belongings. Benjy rapidly takes notes and Maya takes notice of Benjy focusing, finding it adorable and reminding her of their father. She is about to pass that comment but Miles asks them to follow him and Benjy is the first to follow closely behind him. Miles let's Benjy help a little kid get a cat down from a tree and return it to a little boy, who thanks Benjy. Maya takes a crack at dealing with a car jacker but nearly screws up because she webbed the car's owner by accident but rectifies her mistake by taking down the real perp. Miles gives her a pat on the back and Benjy gives her a coffee he bought off of a vendor. She takes a sip and gives her brother a soft smile. Sometime later, a bank robbery is in progress and the three are on the opposite side of the street overlooking the bank.

Spider-Man: Okay, you two need to stay out of sight and stay on the ceiling.

Spider-Girl: Miles, I count five guys in there.

Spider-Boy: Guys, get down.

They do that as Benjy signs to them that there are snipers on the roof. Miles gives a thumbs up and quickly web zips over without being seen. He climbs onto the roof to quickly dispatch the three snipers before Maya loudly deals with the fourth.

Spider-Man: Maya, what are you doing?

Spider-Girl: I'm not sitting this one out.

Spider-Boy: He didn't say we were gonna sit this out. C'mon.

The three enter the vent shaft and soon find the main hall. Miles pulls out his watch to connect with one of Peter's old Spider-Bots that patrol the city in order to get a good reading of the room.

Spider-Man: Okay, here's how it's gonna go down. I'll distract the guys walking around and whoever is taking the money while you two rescue the hostages on the second floor.

Spider-Boy: How many?

Spider-Man: By this scan, I'd say about a dozen. Think you two can handle it without being seen?

Spider-Girl: Yeah. C'mon, Benjy.

Spider-Boy: Miles, be careful.

Spider-Man: Hey, I'm always careful.

The twins climb on up to the second floor via the vents and make their way towards a guy standing in front of the room where the hostages are being kept.

Spider-Girl: Just one guy?

Spider-Boy: What kind of tech is he wearing?

Spider-Girl: Don't care. He's getting kicked in the face.

Spider-Boy: Quietly. He might not be the only-.

Too late, Maya drops out the vent and beats the guy quickly without making any noise. She gives Benjy the peace sign... until she spots another bank robber standing with two cups of water. The crook looks at the fire alarm.

Spider-Girl: Don't. Even.

The crook tosses the water at her and tries to set off the alarm but Benjy swoops down to splatter the guy into the wall with a ton of webbing before quickly delivering a knockout kick.

Spider-Boy: Told ya.

Spider-Girl: Sorry. Let's just get these guys outta here.

The two burst through the door and a gunman has taken a pregnant woman hostage. The woman whimpers a little as the man has the barrel pressing again the side of her head. Benjy and Maya hold their ground.

Gunman: Let me past or the bitch gets it!

No movement or response from the twins.

Gunman: I SAID MOVE ASIDE! I'll kill her!

Woman: Help me...

Gunaman: Shut up!

Benjy is having flashbacks to when April was held hostage by The Snatcher years ago and he was powerless to help. Maya notices her brother is shaking a little as well as knowing what this situation reminds her of and tries to calmly defuse the situation.

Spider-Girl: Okay, dude, you win. We move out of your way and you let her go, yeah?

Gunman: I'm making the demands here, Girly! Move it!

Spider-Girl: It's fine. We'll step out of the way and-.

However, Benjy has had enough of this. He web yanks the gun from the gunman's hands as well as splattering the gunman's face with webbing before leaping over and slamming the gunman against the wall to start punching him repeatedly.

Spider-Boy: YOU WON'T HURT ANYONE HERE! YOU HEAR ME?!

Spider-Girl: Spider-Boy, stop!

Maya holds her brother back and the gunman drops to the ground, unconscious and breathing badly. Benjy calms down and notices what he's done. He turns and hugs his sister tightly and she gently pats him on the back before leading all of the hostages down the emergency stairway. In the main bank, Miles deals with the last guy quickly and prepares to text Angela about this robbery in progress when the twins walk into the room with the hostages safe and unharmed.

Spider-Man: Guys, you good?

Spider-Girl: Yeah, we're fine.

The pregnant woman walks over to give Benjy a hug, which surprises him at first before he returns the favour.

Pregnant Woman: Thank you, Hero.

Spider-Boy: You're welcome.

The woman leaves and the trio soon are on a rooftop with Angela del Toro.

Spider-Man: And that's what happened.

Angela: So I see.

Spider-Boy: Grandma, is the...?

Angela: The gunman you banged up will recover but he probably will be rethinking his career after that beating. Surprised to see you do this sort of thing, Benjy.

Spider-Boy: I just... lost control a little. It won't happen again.

Spider-Man: You want to talk about it?

Benjy doesn't say a word and Maya speaks up.

Spider-Girl: It was that night, wasn't it? That Snatcher guy threatening to kill April?

Benjy is silent still but nods.

Spider-Girl: Hey, we saved her that night and that's what is important.

Benjy sighs before looking to his sister.

Spider-Boy: Auntie Mari and Auntie Rihoko saved her.

Spider-Girl: Counts as a win for everyone in my book. Team effort sort of thing. But, yeah, those two did the heavy lifting... among other things.

Benjy laughs a little.

Spider-Boy: True enough, Sis.

Spider-Man: Okay, I guess we can end the patrol now, in that case. The two of you can take tomorrow night off and focus on your studies.

Angela: And no skipping either, Maya Parker.

Spider-Girl: Grandma...!

Angela: Don't use that tone with me, young lady. Your grades are slipping and I won't have someone in my family becoming a-.

Spider-Boy: Okay, Maya let's head home before Grandma overheats her water some more. Night, Miles!

The twins swing off and Angela sighs in annoyance before noticing Miles is grinning under his mask. Miles salutes before swinging for home. At The Peter Parker Science Foundation, Otto works away at his specs on his possible Tritium Fusion Reactor and notices that he made a small miscalculation. He corrects it quickly.

Otto: There we go. Wouldn't want to destory Manhattan now, would we?

He saved the changes and then leaves the office, unaware that someone copied the plans before he corrected that one mistake. At Nexus Industries, work on the reactor is underway and Luke Carlyle oversees the construction.

Luke: This will make me a very rich man and the most popular man in New York.

We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Ava arriving at Jess' apartment to collect April. Angel answers the door.

Angel: Ava, long time! Come on in!

Ava: Hi, Angel. April watching TV?

Angel: Had a hard time dragging her away from it. She is glued to that cartoon about Pete. Well, the last one you approved of.

Ava: Oh, really?

The two women walk in... and watch April reacting to the ending of The Spectacular Spider-Man Season 2 Episode 6.

TSSM Venom: You want the wall crawler? Then here's a scoop! Peter Parker is Spider-Man!

April: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!?!?!

Jess: Right?! That's exactly what I said when I first watched this one!

Ava finds this adorable.

Jess: Think we have time to watch the next one?

Ava: Mind if I join you?

April: Mama!

April hugs her mother while Jess pauses the video.

Jess: Nurse Joy finally out of work?

Ava: Ha ha...

Jess: We were just about to watch the next episode of this arc and it's the best one in the entire show.

April: Can we watch it please? I really want to know what happens next.

Ava: Okay, I guess it couldn't hurt.

April: Thanks, Mama~! You're the bestest!

Angel: I'm really lucky that I started making coffee. Would you like one?

Ava: Please, I'm dying for one after today's shift.

Jess: And no spoiling what happens, Ava.

Ava: I won't.

As they watch the next episode, Benjy and Maya return home to get changed into their normal clothing. Maya checks her phone for new texts and she opens the one from Davida.

Maya: Hey, Davida says that Amber was asking for you when we left for patrol.

Benjy: Oh, I forgot to tell her we'd be doing Patrol Sessions with Miles and-.

Benjy stops due to seeing his sister smirking like mad.

Benjy: I'll, uh, tell her tomorrow if I remember. Whatever, right?

Maya: Sure~. Is Nico jealous of her?

Benjy: No, why?

Maya: Imagine if Nico and Amber fought over you.

Benjy: Nico and I are best friends and Amber is-.

Maya: A great girl, Ben. In all seriousness, I'd be okay if you started dating her. April, not so much.

Benjy: April is really clingy with me.

Maya: Who can blame her. She was only 1 when you... y'know.

Benjy: Yeah...

Benjy remembers the day Thanos won all too well as it was also the day he died until his resurrection in 2022.

Maya: Do you still think about-?

Benjy: I try not to.

Maya: I'm still here for you if you want to talk about it, y'know.

Benjy: Thanks, Sis.

Cue the front door opening and their mother returning with April. Sometime later, Benjy finishes doing the washing up with Ava.

Ava: How did patrol go?

Benjy: It was... interesting. I saved a cat from a tree.

Ava: I see. Nothing bad happened then?

Benjy: Well... I nearly badly hurt a gunman because I remembered the night April...

Ava: The night April was born. I shouldn't have agreed to your patrol sessions if you remembered that-.

Benjy: Mom, no. I'm fine now.

Ava: What if something like that happens again and you accidentally hurt a civilian?

Benjy: It will never come to that. You and Dad taught me better.

Benjy looks down and Ava sighs in regret.

Ava: Okay, Benjy, but I will pull the plug on this if something like that happens. Do you understand?

Benjy: Yes, Mom.

The two are unaware that April and Maya heard the talk from the stairs. The two girls exchange a look and Maya hugs her little sister tightly. The next day, Benjy drops April off at her school.

April: Thanks, Benjy.

Benjy: Not a problem. Just be good.

April: I always am.

Benjy: We both know that's not true.

April pouts at Benjy before playfully nudging him on the arm and running off to her classroom. Benjy leaves once his sister is inside and runs as fast as he can to Midtown High. He arrives just in time... to bump into Amber as he reaches the front door.

Amber: Ow.

Benjy: Oh my God, I'm so sorry.

Amber: It's fine. I am-. Wait, Benjy?! I found you!

Benjy: Found me? I'm not exactly avoiding you. I'm talking to you right now.

Amber: Do you have any idea how worried I've been due to you not being at The Academy?

Benjy: Wait, you were worried?

Amber blushes because she realises she said that out loud before looking away.

Amber: I was a little bit worried.

Benjy: Listen, can we discuss this at break or lunch? Because I kinda...

Amber: Oh shoot, me too. See you later then?

Benjy: Yeah.

The two kids head on inside and cue a long day of studying/working/running. Maya is now in the middle of running her third lap around the football pitch and outruns Gene before they cross the finish line. Their coach, revealed to be an older Flash Thompson, applauds what he just witnessed.

Flash: Miss Parker, great job. Gene, you were off your game a little.

Gene: Sorry, Coach. Just been busy with studies.

Flash: Really? Oh, that's great to hear. Anyways, both of you hit the showers.

Maya: I can go another lap, Coach.

Flash: Maya, you're gonna overwork yourself.

Maya: I'm fine. One more lap and them I'll go.

Flash: ... Okay, Maya, go another lap. Gene, hit the showers.

Gene does so and Maya sprints around the pitch again despite feeling exhausted. Once she makes it more than half way around the pitch, she passes out due to her exhaustion and hits the ground hard. In the nurse's office, Maya wakes up in fright and Sha-Shan approaches.

Sha-Shan: Easy, Maya. You're safe.

Maya: What...?

Sha-Shan: Coach Thompson told me you passed out in the middle of a fourth lap around the pitch. That kind of exercise isn't good for-.

Maya: I'm fine. I nearly made it.

???: And hurt yourself in the progress.

Maya groans in annoyance/embarassment as her mother walks into the room.

Ava: You are lucky that I had a break right now.

Maya: First time for everything, right?

Ava: This isn't time for joking, Maya. You've been overdoing yourself and-.

Maya: And I'm fine, okay? Would you stop-?

Ava: Stop what? Worrying about you? It's in my job description.

Maya: Okay, I'm sorry. I just need to get to class.

Ava: We will be discussing this later, Maya.

Maya: Whatever.

Maya walks out the door without even responding to her mother. Ava sighs in defeat before looking to Sha-Shan.

Ava and Sha-Shan: Teenagers.

Sha-Shan: Still, she is a good student from what Flash told me about her.

Ava: That's great to hear but...

Sha-Shan: Something on your mind?

Ava: No, it's nothing. I shouldn't keep you from your job. Thank you for calling.

Sha-Shan: Anytime.

Ava leaves as we fade to Benjy looking at the pitch as he has his lunch. Amber sits beside him.

Amber: I haven't seen Nico today.

Benjy: The teacher told me she'd be off sick for the next few days. It's not like her, honestly.

Amber: People can surprise you, Benjy. You of all people should know that, given what you can do.

Benjy: Not so loud. Secret identity, remember?

Amber: Right. Sorry. So, on that subject, where have you been last night? I never noticed you at the academy.

Benjy: Maya and I are taking part in patrol sessions with Spider-Man.

Amber: Lucky. Is Spidey a good guy or what?

Benjy: He's been a friend of the family since I was three. Great guy and he owns a art studio in Brooklyn, I think.

Amber: I think I saw that place while looking for you.

Benjy: Why were you looking for me? I haven't gone anywhere important.

Amber: I, um, wanted to give you this as a thank you gift.

Amber pulls out the Yu-Gi-Oh! card she got Benjy and gives it to him. The card in question is Elemental HERO Great Tornado.

Benjy: No way. I've been looking for this card for a long time and could never get it in every pack I got.

Amber: Is that card special?

Benjy: According to Mom, it was my dad’s favourite card back when he played the game with Auntie Jess. He always beat her with this card every time they duelled each other. He lost it during one of his fights as Spider-Man and I’ve spent most of my free time trying to get another one of it. Never been lucky to get one... until now, thanks to you.

Amber gives a small smile.

Amber: Anything for a friend.

They sit in silence for a few seconds until Amber decides to ask about his patrol.
Amber: So, how was patrol session last night?

Benjy: It had it's ups and downs... but mostly downs.

Amber: How come?

Benjy: It's not something I'd like to talk about.

Amber: I promise not to tell anyone. My mother says I'm a great secret keeper.

Benjy: I dunno.

Amber: C’mon.

Benjy: Uh...

Benjy notices Amber leaning towards him and giving him a suggestive look that makes his heart skip a beat.

Amber: Please~?

Blushing like mad, Benjy is about to answer her but...

Marinette: Mind introducing me to your friend, Amber?

Amber squeals in terror before standing to attention.

Amber: Mom?!?! Uh, it’s not what you think!

Benjy: Hello, Mrs Agreste. I’m a classmate of your daughter’s. Benjy Parker.

Mari stares in shock as that's a name she hasn't heard in a long time.

Marinette: No way. You sure have grown. Last time I saw you, you were only four.

Benjy: I'm sorry but do we know each other?

Marinette: Oh, I'm a friend of your mother's back in the day. Marinette Agreste, at your service.

Benjy: And I'm at yours. Y'know, you look a lot like Auntie Mari.

Marinette: Oh yes, my variant. I met her a long time ago. She was... nice, to be honest.

Cue Ava arriving on the scene and staring in confusion at Mari, who she hasn’t seen in a long time (the day of Peter’s funeral, to be exact).

Ava: Marinette?

Marinette: Ava, hello. It’s been a long time.

Ava: Too long. You look well. What are you doing here?

Marinette: Adrien and I came to check on the New York branch of Agreste Fashion as well as paying my daughter a visit after finding out she goes here.

Ava: Your daughter, Amber?

Amber: Hello, Mrs Parker.

Ava then notices Amber is hanging out with her son.

Ava: Mind if I ask what you and my son were doing?

Benjy: We were just talking, Mom.

Ava: About?

Amber: I gave him a Yu-Gi-Oh! card to thank him for the times he saved my life.

Ava: You playing the game again, Benjy?

Benjy: Sometimes. Whenever I get free time.

Marinette: You're sure that was what you were doing?

Amber: Yes, Mom, we weren't doing anything other than that.

Benjy: Same here.

Ava: In that case, we'll leave you be.

Marinette: Yeah. Study hard, Amber.

Amber: I will...

Ava: Benjy, we'll maybe have a game when I get home. Sound good?

Benjy: Definitely.

The two older women leave the scene and the two preteens slump in annoyance.

Benjy and Amber: I am so sorry for my mom. Your mom? I'm so sorry for my mom. Jinx! Jinx again!

The two just quietly luagh after that last exclamation.

Benjy: Would you be willing to play the game?

Amber: I'm willing to learn how to play. I never really got into it.

Benjy: I can give you the basics real quick.

The bell rings, ending lunch period.

Benjy: Uh, maybe at the library?

Amber: I'll hold you to that. See you then, Benjy Parker.

Benjy: Likewise, Amber Agreste.

The two part ways as we pan over to Ava and Marinette.

Marinette: They seem to get along really well.

Ava: ...

Marinette: You're not mad at me due to-?

Ava: What do you think?

Mari then remembers Ava trying to talk to her over the phone several times but Mari kept blowing her off due to Adrien and Tikki being snapped from existence as well as Mari snapping at her after getting fed up with the constant phone calls, making the fashion designer look down in regret.

Marinette: Look, I'm sorry for avoiding you, snapping at you, and refusing to speak with you afterwards. I just... Thanos took a toll on all of us and I got hit hard.

Ava sighs before giving a reassuring smile.

Ava: Yeah, we all got hit hard after what that bastard did and I shouldn't really blame you for snapping.

Marinette: No, it was all my fault. I was-.

Ava: Mari, I forgive you. Relax. It's all in the past.

Marinette: How are you?

Ava: Honestly, I'm dying to get some time off and hang out with the kids now that April is back.

Marinette: Where was April? Oh, never mind. With my variant?

Ava: Yeah. Luckily, April came home without a scratch OR accidentally getting transported to hell.

Marinette: Ouch. Are you and my variant still...?

Ava: Friends with benefits, yes. Her and her wife do sometimes visit to help relief some of my stress and want to hang out with the kids.

Marinette: I never saw Maya. How's she keeping?

Ava: She's becoming too much like me.

Marinette: That a bad thing?

Ava: Depends on how you look at it. When my dad died, I was distant from everyone in my family...

Marinette: Until Peter entered your life. I know. He might've told me everything about you after your fight when he retired being Spider-Man.

Ava: Yeah, I never asked what he said to you about me.

Marinette: He told me you were the strongest girl he ever met and might've let slip you were "drop dead gorgeous".

Ava laughs at that.

Ava: Yeah, that sounds like him.

Ava composes herself.

Ava: Hey, you and Adrien should stop by the house sometime. We should catch up and maybe bring Amber along.

Marinette: Are you sure? Because you were in Protective Mother Mode when talking to my child.

Ava: ... Do you want to be the pot or the kettle?

Marinette: Point taken. Maybe tomorrow, if I can convince Adrien.

Ava: Great. Let's keep it a surprise for the kids.

Marinette: As long as I buy dinner.

Ava: Deal.

The two shake hands, exchange a long hug, and then go their separate ways. Miles, meanwhile, is about to open his art studio when he gets an alert on The Friendly Neighbourhood App.

Miles: Graffitti asking for Spider-Man? Guess I'm gonna have to open late today.

Miles walks into the art studio to change into his suit. He leaps off the roof and swings off towards his destination as we fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Miles arriving on the scene of the graffiti message for him.

Spider-Man: Okay, I'm here. So where's the messenger?

Miles investigates further and notices that one of the bricks looks a little uneven. He touches it and it's revealed to be a phone. It has a video ready to play. He plays it and a girl in a skater jumpsuit appears with a helmet and orange goggles to hide her face.

Screwball: Spider-Man! I am so glad you got my message. Name's Screwball and I would like to thank you for being the first hero star of Screwball LIVE!

Spider-Man: Ugh, everyone has a gimmick now...

Screwball: Now, you're probably asking why I left this phone here for you to find it so easily, aren't you?

Spider-Man: I was actually wondering-.

Spider-sense!

Screwball: It's to distract you from the bomb planted behind the wall.

Miles leaps away just before the wall explodes. He clings to the side of the building just as a drone hovers above him to project an image of Screwball.

Screwball: Damn it! You were supposed to die! No matter, we can work with this as planned.

Spider-Man: Okay, you've got my attention.

Screwball: Great because there's a hostage holed up in the city with a bomb strapped to them, ready to paint a certain part of the city red. Find the hostage and you both go free. Fail? Well, you can put two and two together. Happy hunting~!

The drone flies away and Miles gives chase. At Midtown High, the bell rings to indicate the end of the school day. Benjy walks out with Amber while she takes notes on his explanation on the rules of the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game.

Amber: What if I have a monster with five or six stars?

Benjy: They just need one monster for you tribute in order to summon it. Seven and higher require two monsters as tribute.

Amber: I see.

Benjy: On occasion, there's a way around it depending on the monster. For example, there's a monster effect that let's you summon a monster without tributing or allows you to summon without needing two monsters as a tribute...

Benjy then goes on a Deku-style ramble as Amber listens intently, taking every single note of his ramble, until Maya walks over.

Maya: Back into Yu-Gi-Oh!, Benjy?

Benjy: Yeah, I was just explaining the rules to Amber.

Amber: He was very furrow with the rules.

Maya: Yeah, you can thank me for that. Hey, we could all play a game someday. I'd just need to go into the attic to get our duel disks and see if the hologram projectors still work. Thank you, Tony Stark, for making actual duel disks before your passing...

Amber: Wait, how were you able to buy a actual working duel disk?

Benjy: Sometime after our dad... passed away, Mr Xanatos managed to gain control of his franchise merchandising rights and gave Mom the money made from most of the movies made before our time. She bought us a couple of duel disks and we were allowed to pick our own personal colour schemes for both of them.

Maya: She's also the main person who can give the green light on projects involving our dad. The Spectacular Spider-Man was the latest cartoon she actually approved.

Amber: Yeah, I watched a few episodes and couldn't get hooked on it. Sorry.

Benjy: It took me a while as well so you're not alone on that front.

Amber: How long did it last?

Maya: Two seasons and about twelve DTV movies to tie up all the loose ends.

Benjy then gets a text from Miles saying that patrol session is cancelled for tonight because he's tracking a supervillain down.

Benjy: Patrol session isn't happening tonight, Sis.

Maya: God dammit.

Amber: Why?

Benjy: Supervillain.

Maya: He's just trying to keep us from helping-.

Benjy: He's doing it to keep us safe. We aren't ready to fight a supervillain head on.

Maya: You fought Beetle and nearly got expelled because of it!

Benjy: Oh, and you wouldn't if you were in my position?!

Maya: Yeah, because I am too fabulous to get rid of and you are way too young for that sort of thing-!

Benjy: Too young?! I helped you and The Next Avengers take down those Masters Of Evil guys without-!

Maya: That's different and you know it!

Amber: Guys, check your notification feed.

The twins do so and watch the video of Miles dealing with Screwball's army (and by army, I mean production assistants and by production assistants, I mean unpaid interns and by unpaid interns, I mean fans).

Benjy: He needs our help and I'm-.

Maya: Going to head to Avengers Academy and stay there to study away.

Benjy: Oh come on! Miles is my friend too!

Maya: And he'll be happier to know you're safe!

Benjy: Do you even know where he is right now?

Maya: I can figure it out by following the explosions and punches.

Maya runs off to change into her hero costume.

Spider-Girl: Go to the academy. I mean it, Benjamin.

She swings on ahead as Benjy groans in annoyance.

Benjy: I hate it when she calls me by my actual name...

Amber: Wait, Benjy, can't we find out where Miles is based on all the videos being uploaded?

Benjy: Possibly. Why?

Amber: Because that rooftop Miles was fighting on just so happened to be near my hotel. It'll take a while to get there by you swinging-.

Benjy: That's all I need to know. Sending Maya the location now. C'mon, we can get there if we're quick.

Amber: But your sister-.

Benjy: Is being overprotective. I can handle myself out there.

Amber: I'm not allowed to be on patrol sessions yet. I can however text you some info if it comes up. Here's my number.

Benjy: Thanks, Amber. I owe you one.

Amber: You don't owe me a thing, Benjy. Go and help your friend.

Benjy rushes off to change into his hero costume and then swings off to help Miles, wherever the older hero may be currently. Speaking of Miles, he is in the middle of fighting a brutish member of Screwball's fans.

Brute Fan: Must kill you to get Screwball's prize!

Spider-Man: Not happening. Unless you're shock proof.

Miles then pokes the brute with a small portion of his Venom Blast to zap the life out of the guy, rendering him unconscious. Miles sighs in exhaustion until Screwball's drone arrives on the scene.

Screwball: Well done-.

Miles then smashes the drone in one punch. Cue another drone arriving.

Screwball: Excuse me, that was rude!

Spider-Man: Tell me where the hostage is, Screwball! Now!

Screwball: So angry. Let's put that anger to better use.

Spider-Man: No more games!

Screwball: Relax, I'll tell you... as long as you follow this drone to a warehouse down by the docks and then you can save her.

The drone then takes off with Miles following closely as fast as he can. Maya tries finding Miles but only follows the trail he's leaving behind. She sighs in annoyance until she gets a text from Amber, which confuses her because she never gave Amber her number until she remembers that Amber is hanging out with Benjy. She opens it and finds out where Miles is going. She rushes towards her destination. Benjy is swinging down along the shore line when he gets the text... and nearly crashes into Miles mid swing.

Spider-Man: I thought I told you to head to the academy?

Spider-Boy: What kind of hero would I be if I didn't help out a friend?

Spider-Man: ... Okay but stay close to me. Got it?

Spider-Boy: Yeah.

The two continue swinging towards the warehouse with all haste, unaware that someone has watched the feed and knows Spider-Boy is now involved in this prank. Someone thirsty for revenge against Spider-Boy and powering up her upgraded armour. They arrive and prepare to smash through the skylight when more of Screwball's fans arrive on the scene along with a couple of weaponised drones and Screwball herself.

Screwball: Well done, Spider-Man. However, I forgot to mention that you were supposed to do this alone. Boys, take care of the brat.

Spider-Man: Leave my sidekick out of this.

Screwball: Too late. You doomed the hostage and you have three minutes to save her before my bomb goes off. Will you save her on time, Spidey?

Spider-Boy: I'll get the hostage.

Spider-Man: Screwball's mine.

The pair split and go after their respective targets. Miles goes on the warpath with Screwball, who dodges each strike and attempts to counter each of Miles' attack but fails due to spider-sense. Benjy drops down and notices the hostage. He leaps down... only to get whacked in the face by a giant hammer owned by a giant brute. Benjy webs the goon's eyes before throwing hit after hit on the guy. The brute removes the webbing and tries whacking the boy away. Benjy leaps away to encase the brute in webbing before using all of his strength to fling the brute onto the ceiling. Benjy then dodges gunfire from three gunmen and then web zips over to land three web strikes on each guy. Back with Miles, he is toe to toe with Screwball, who is enjoying the hell out of her fight until Miles decides to use her strength against her by going after/destroying her cameras.

Screwball: No, those are getting us a ton of great footage!

Spider-Man: Yeah, assuming anyone actually watches your junk!

Screwball: Hello? You fought a bunch of them already and they're 100% loyal to me!

Miles blocks her chatter out so he can keep doing what he's doing until there's one camera left. Screwball, acting quickly, flings a shock grenade at Miles and grabs her camera before fleeing the scene.

Screwball: Next time, Spidey!

She leaps off the side of the building. Miles leaps down after her... and she's disappeared from sight. The older hero groans before noticing Benjy has finished up inside. Benjy pants heavily before walking over to free the hostage.

Hostage: Thank you, Spider-Man.

Spider-Boy: I'm not...

The hostage hugs Benjy, which he accepts before Miles breaks open the front door. The hostage runs for her life.

Spider-Man: Not bad, Ben.

Spider-Boy: I learned from the best. What about that Screwball lady?

Spider-Man: Got away and-.

Spider-Sense! The two heroes dodge out of the way of a missile barrage and recover quickly to come face to face with an upgraded Beetle (wearing the armour of the Leila Davis incarnation of Beetle only with the colours of 1610 Beetle).

Beetle: Time for a rematch, Squirt!

Spider-Man and Spider-Boy: Aw, crapbaskets...

We cut to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Maya swinging across the city looking for Miles and her brother.

Spider-Girl: Amber, it's Maya. Where are they?

Amber: They should still be near the warehouse.

Cue an explosion near Maya's destination.

Spider-Girl: Something tells me that you're right about that. Listen, I'll be in touch and promise to save Benjy for you.

Amber: Thank you.

Maya hangs up and swings over towards her destination (even pulling off the slingshot move from the The Amazing Spider-Man 2 movie tie-in videogame). At the scene of the crime still ongoing, Beetle opens fire on the two heroes and they both leap out of her line of sight. Benjy uses webbing to blind Beetle briefly but (much like with anyone using a paint gun against a Dalek) it melts off of her visor and she resumes blasting away at Benjy, who dodges quickly before moving to higher ground with Miles. Beetle takes flight and zooms after the two... and gets two kicks to the face.

Beetle: You can't harm me this time, heroes! I've made a few well deserved upgrades like this!

Cue two homing missiles being launched from her jet boosters on her back and locked onto Benjy. The young boy dodges as best as he can, leading the missiles towards the water, but the explosion upon impact with the water sends the boy crashing back into the warehouse. Maya arrives on time to witness that and it naturally angered by that, web zipping over to Beetle and punching the villainess as hard as she can. Beetle staggers but stuns Maya with a small taser and blasts the heroine into a crate. Miles swoops in to prevent Beetle from delivering a killing blast.

Spider-Man: As long as I live, you will NOT touch them!

Beetle: Very poor choice of words.

Spider-Girl: Yeah, for you!!!

Maya gets back up and punches the helmet off of Beetle's armour, exposing her face.

Beetle: You bitch!

Spider-Girl: I know you are but what am I?

Beetle fires again but Maya dodges and counters with a back flip kick to the face and a few well timed web shots to the wrist laser barrels. Beetle tries blasting the heroes but the wrist gauntlets explode, wrecking Beetle's arms in the process. Benjy leaps out to web zip towards Beetle, leap over the head, and lands a well placed punch to the back of the armour. This sends Beetle zooming through the skies and crashing into the warehouse. Benjy looks at the piece of tech he pulled out of the armour and notices the logo for Nexus Industries. This is when Beetle emerges from the warehouse, armour heavily damaged and her mood now shifted to completely pissed off. Miles, charging up a small venom strike, rushes over as she tries to launch another missile and punches her right across the side of her forehead, shocking her until she's finally knocked out.

Beetle: Ugh...

Maya rushes over and hugs her brother tightly, making in groan in pain.

Spider-Girl: Sorry. Are you okay?

Spider-Boy: Yeah, thanks.

Miles takes notice of the object still in Benjy's hand as well as the logo on said object.

Spider-Man: What is that?

Spider-Boy: Nexus...

Spider-Man: You know what that means?

Spider-Boy: Yeah, it's a tech company run by Luke Carlyle. Nexus Industries. It's basically XanaTronics but lame, according to Dr Corazon.

Spider-Man: In that case, I'll keep a closer eye on Carlyle and that company. God knows what he's doing if he sent Beetle after you.

Spider-Girl: If that creep is sending villains after my brother, he better get ready to start eating through a straw.

Spider-Boy: You can't do that without proof.

Spider-Girl: She is the proof we need!

Spider-Boy: It would be her word against his. Carlyle is a respected member of the science community and can easily cover his tracks with a simple sentence.

Spider-Man: Again, I'll keep a close eye on his company. The moment he tries something like this on you again, I'll get on the phone with SHIELD Director Chang.

Maya doesn't like this plan but silently nods.

Spider-Man: Now, the two of you are dismissed for tonight and keep this whole mess to yourselves. One word and Ms Romanov is getting rid of your brother.

Spider-Girl: Over my dead body.

Spider-Boy: Sis, I can handle it myself.

Spider-Girl: Can you, though?

Spider-Boy: Yes, now please stop all this.

Spider-Girl: I'm just trying to watch out for you.

Spider-Man: Hey, no fighting! I'll see both of you tomorrow near Central Park. Since it's the weekend, we'll do it in the afternoon.

Spider-Boy: Good because I'm going over to Amber's for a study session.

Spider-Girl: Wait, what? When were you going to tell me?

Spider-Boy: I wasn't until tomorrow.

Spider-Girl: Okay, try not to have too much fun with your girlfriend.

Spider-Boy: She's not my-! Oh, forget it...

The twins head on home as Miles stays with Beetle.

Spider-Man: Listen, I can convince the chief to go easy on your sentence if you help me out here. Sound cool? This will only happen if you answer one question for me. What is Luke Carlyle planning?

Beetle: Dunno. I only was told to download stuff from Octavius's hard drives.

Spider-Man: Why Octavius?

Beetle: Again, dunno. It's possible that Carlyle has a grudge against Octavius but I wasn't paid to ask questions, Spider-Man. Y'know, Parker took down my dad a couple of times. L Thompson Lincoln. Despite all of those battles and him constantly getting his ass beat into the ground, he still respected Parker. Not me. I hope Parker's corpse has rotted away further in the dirt and insects living there.

Spider-Man: Why are you telling me this?

Beetle: Just needed to get it off my chest.

Miles hums in suspicion as the police start arriving on the scene... and a beeping starts coming from the damaged armour. He looks at the light coming from the back... and finds a bomb in the internal workings of the armour. Acting quickly, Miles forces the armour open and carries Janice to safety before the armour explodes.

Spider-Man: Guess your boss didn't trust you to complete your mission.

Janice: That backstabbing son of a bitch!

The Miles quickly webs Janice to the ground as Ava's mother approaches with handcuffs.

Angela: Miss Lincoln, you're under arrest. You have the right to remain silent and anything you do say will be used against you in a court of law.

Spider-Man: I'll send you the details later, Comissioner.

Miles swings away as we fade to Carlyle's office. He sits in reserved calmness as one of his employees enters the room.

Employee: Sir, The Beetle's Armour has been detonated but... Spider-Man saved her.

Luke: That is not acceptable! What happened to the failsafe that keeps the wearer inside the armour?!

Employee: It's possible that the failsafe was damaged in the fight with Spider-Man and his sidekicks.

Luke: ... Spider-Man... has sidekicks now?

Employee: We're not entirely sure but they do look like the Spidey wannabes from that whole incident a while back.

Luke: I see. And what about the reactor?

Employee: We are about to begin testing but... it was specifically made to be operated by someone using Otto Octavius' arms.

Luke: Oh, don't worry about that. I'll make sure we get someone to do just that. You may go now.

The employee leaves and Luke opens a door disguised as part of a wall. He enters a small lab to look at a newly designed and armoured version of Otto's harness (based on Luke's Doc Ock armour from the comics).

Luke: I've got the arms and the reactor. Now, all that's left is the tritium and I know exactly where to get some. However, I may need another distraction now that the web head is on my case.

Luke pulls up the videos of Screwball's fight with the heroes.

Luke: And who could be more appropreiate for the task than her?

At The Parker Household, as promised, Ava and Benjy sit at the kitchen table as they are in the middle of the most important Parker Family tradition since 2005. That tradition being... a children's card game!

Ava: Okay, Ben, are you sure you don't want to back out of this? If so, this is your last chance to say.

Benjy: Trust me, I'm ready.

Maya and April watch from the sofa.

April: C'mon, Benjy!

Maya: You got this, bro, and remember to have fun this time. Heads, Mom goes first. Tails, it's Benjy.

Maya flips the coin and it's Heads.

Ava: Okay, let's do this.

AVA'S LP = 8000

BENJY'S LP = 8000

TURN 1

Silence follows for a few seconds until Ava makes the opening move.

Ava: I set a monster and then throw down a couple of face downs. Your move, Little Spider.

TURN 2

Benjy: Alright. I summon Elemental HERO Solid Soldier, who allows me to summon another Level 4 HERO monster and I choose Elemental HERO Ocean Master. Next, I use Mask Change and send Ocean to my Graveyard in order to summon Masked HERO Vapor. Finally, I set a card face down. Now, I use Elemental HERO Solid Soldier to attack your set monster. Finally, Vapor attacks you directly.

AVA'S LP = 5600

Benjy: Go ahead, Mom.

TURN 3

Ava: Not bad, kiddo, but the gloves are coming off. I use Machine Angel Ritual in order to summon Cyber Angel Benten. Next, I activate the Continuous Spell called Banner Of Courage as well as setting another card face down. Now, Benten attacks Solid Soldier.

BENJY'S LP = 7300

Ava: Also, when Benten destroys a monster, you take damage equal to your monster's attack.

BENJY'S LP = 6000

Benjy: I reveal my face down card, HERO Signal, which allows me to special summon a monster from my deck. I choose Elemental HERO Stratos, which lets me use one of his two effects. The one I choose is to destroy your Spell/Trap Cards based on the number of HERO cards I currently have in play. Say goodbye to your Banner Of Courage and your face down.

Ava sends Banner Of Courage and her face down (revealed to be Magical Cylinder) to her graveyard.

Ava: I place another two face down cards. And that's me done for now.

Benjy: Okay.

TURN 4

Benjy looks at his hand as well as the monsters currently on his side of the field and notices he has what he needs to summon his dad's signature card as well as beat his mother.

Benjy: I summon Elemental HERO Blazeman to allow me to add Polymerization to my hand. I'm gonna use that card to fuse Blazeman with Stratos in order to bring forth Elemental HERO Great Tornado!

Ava: Wait, what?! Where did you get that card?

Benjy: Remember when I was speaking with Amber?

Ava knows that she's gonna kill Mari the minute they meet up tomorrow but retains her good mood in front of her kids.

Benjy: Great Tornado's effect activates. Benten's attack is cut in half. Now, I used the Equip Spell called Favourite HERO that I attach to Great Tornado. Now, for the battle and I get to add a Field Spell to my side of the field. The one I use is Skyscraper 2 - HERO City. Because of this my monster's attack increases based on it's defence points. Now, attack Benten.

Ava smirks at that.

Ava: Reveal my Trap, Negate Attack. It stops your attack as well as ends the battle.

Maya: Not bad, Mom.

April: Hey!

Maya: Calling it as I see it, Sis.

April: Benjy's gonna pull it off. You’ll see.

TURN 5

Ava: I use another Machine Angel Ritual card in order to summon Cyber Angel Dakini but it means sending Benten to the graveyard as it as well as a Level 2 monster in my hand. Dakini's effect activates the moment it's summoned. You have to send one of your monsters to the graveyard.

Benjy, seeing no other option, sends Vapor to his graveyard.

Ava: Next, I use Megamorph on Dakini to double her attack points. Now, attack Great Tornado!

BENJY'S LP = 3400

Ava: I end my turn, which allows me to add a Ritual Monster of Machine Angel Ritual from my graveyard back to my hand. Let's see you recover from that.

TURN 6

Benjy: C'mon, give me a good card...

Benjy draws and grins.

Benjy: Mom, prepare to eat your cards. First, I reveal my face down Spell, Shrink, and I'll use it to cut Dakini's attack in half. Next, I play Monster Reborn from my hand to bring back Great Tornado. Tornado, activates it's effect again to cut your monster's attack in half again. Finally, I summon to the field Elemental HERO Sparkman. Great Tornado, destroy Mom's monster!

AVA'S LP = 4150

Benjy: Sparkman then gives Mom a little shock as he attacks her directly.

AVA'S LP = 2550

Benjy: I end my turn.

TURN 7

Ava: All I can do is set a monster face down and end my turn.

TURN 8

Benjy: Sparkman attacks your face down. And finally, Great Tornado attacks you directly.

AVA'S LP = 0000

Maya and April: O_O

Ava: Well done, Benjy. You definitely believed in The Heart Of The Cards more than I did.

April tacke hugs her older brother, who groans in pain while Maya records this on her phone. Later that evening, Ava has finished getting ready for bed and can tell her son is standing by the door.

Ava: You okay?

Benjy: Mom, how come you never played your trap card when I had Sparkman and Great Tornado?

Ava: How'd you know it was a trap card?

Benjy: I know all of the cards in your deck and Mirror Force was the one I was looking out for. Just wondering why you never played it.

Ava: I honestly forgot to reveal it. That, and finding out you got a new Great Tornado surprised me... greatly.

Benjy laughs at that unintentional pun.

Benjy: So, do you think work will be busy tomorrow?

Ava: It's possible but I won't know because I am off tomorrow. Meaning I can finally spend time with you and your sisters.

Benjy: Oh. That's great.

Ava: Benjy...

Benjy: Miles wants Maya and I to go on patrol with him at Central Park tomorrow afternoon and... I promised a friend that I'd head to their place for a study session.

Ava: I see. Hey, at least we can hang out in the morning and evening, right?

Benjy: Absolutely. Hey, Mom, I'm sorry for not telling you about-.

Ava: Never apologise for helping out a friend or those in need, Ben. Just try not to have too much fun without me. Now, off to bed.

Benjy leaves and heads into his bedroom, satisfied and ready for tomorrow. Ava walks over to the window to unlock it after picking up Miles' scent and the hero climbs in.

Miles: We both know you never forget to play a card. Well, from what Peter told me about your duels with Jess, anyway.

Ava: He has been having a tough few days so I figured it was better to give him a fair win. That's not why you're here, is it?

Miles: After hearing your chat, I figured it would be best if the twins spend time with their family tomorrow.

Ava: Thank you. I'll let them know in the morning. Anything else?

Miles: Just have a good night and a good weekend.

Ava: You too, Miles. Tell Olivia I said hello?

Miles nods and heads off for home. He stops halfway and gets an alert from Angela.

Angela's text message: Miles, Janice Lincoln spilled the beans. Luke Carlyle is involved somehow. Be on guard becuz I don't think it's over yet.

Miles sends a thumbs up in response before swinging for home. We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Amber lying in bed, staring at the ceiling. Cue a couple of knocks on her bedroom door and Marinette enters.

Marinette: Doing okay, honey?

Amber: Mom, why are you really here?

Marinette: To see how you were fitting in since you never texted me or your dad.

Amber: Oh, right. Sorry.

Marinette: And I now know the reason why. That boy.

Amber: We’re just friends, Mom, and he’s been really nice to me. He even saved my life a few times now.

Marinette: You are aware that your dad used to say that I was just a friend, right? History is definitely repeating itself with you and Benjy.

Amber: Would you have been mad if I…?

Marinette: Of course not. Well, maybe if you didn’t want me to know about him. I’d have been mad then. He is a nice guy, though.

Amber: And cute and smart and-.

Mari raises an eyebrow and Amber blushes like mad as Adrien arrives at the hotel room.

Adrien: I’m home~!

Amber: Hi, Dad!

Adrien: How's my special girl?

Marinette: Been in America for four months and already has a boyfriend~!

Amber: He's not my boyfriend, Mom! He's just a friend, who just so happens to be a boy! Nothing more! Anyways, I need my beauty sleep! Night~!

Amber quickly removes her mother from her room and heads straight to bed, blushing like mad. Marinette smirks while Adrien walks over to stand by her side.

Adrien: ... Was I like this when we were-?

Marinette: Yes.

Adrien: Sorry.

Marinette: Eh, we got there in the end. Thank you, Lila...

Adrien: And Peter.

Marinette sighs a little but retains a small smile. Without the events that played out in 2010 (read Spider-Man: Dark Dynasty and Ladybug And Chat Noir: Deception to better understand), Mari and Adrien wouldn't have gotten together.

Marinette: Yeah, Peter too. Speaking of which, the boy she's crushing on is Peter's son.

Adrien: Wait, what?

Marinette: Not making it up. She has a thing for Spider-Man's son~.

Adrien: Definitely takes after you as well as me, then.

Mari playfully nudges Adrien as Ezra walks in to sign a greeting to Adrien. Adrien returns the greeting with a smile and a hug. Ezra sighs in happiness. Early the next morning, Benjy wakes up to the smell of bacon coming from the kitchen. He heads down and is surprised to see his mother doing the cooking.

Ava: You still like your stuff extra crispy, right?

Benjy: Mom, I was gonna-.

Ava: I figured you would like a break from doing everything around the house and consider this as my way of thanking you.

This is when Maya walks down the stairs, half asleep and hair messy as hell.

Maya: Something smells good.

Ava: Where's your sister?

Cue April pouncing on Benjy after walking down the stairs.

April: Got you, Big Bro~.

Benjy: Ow...

Ava: Breakfast is served.

One meal consumption later...

Maya: God, that hit the spot...

Benjy: No kidding.

April: Mommy is the better cook. No offence, Benjy.

Benjy: Hey!

Ava: No fighting at the table. I will admit I'm a little out of practice when it comes to cooking.

Maya: Can't imagine why...

Benjy nudges his sister with his foot, giving her a look.

Ava: So, what do you want to do today? We've got a whole day to ourselves.

Maya: Fascinating but I promised to hang out with Davida so I'm gonna pass. Sorry.

Maya heads up the stairs, unaware that her brother followed her closely behind. Before she opens the bathroom door, Benjy webs her hand to the handle.

Benjy: Sis.

Maya: Don't, Benjy.

Benjy: This is the first time Mom wants to spend time with us and you're passing on it?

Maya: Looks that way. I'm sorry, Ben, but sometimes I'm gonna have other plans. It happens. Plus, we both know that she's doing this for herself rather than for us.

Benjy: You don't mean that.

Maya: What if I did? The only people she's ever made time for since Dad died was Grandma, Auntie Mari, and Auntie Rihoko. We were with him when he died and not once did she ever worry about how we were coping after that event. She didn't even ask how April and I were coping when you were snapped out of existence. It's as if she only cares when it suits her.

Benjy: That's not fair, Maya.

Maya: Life's not fair. If it were, Dad would still be alive.

Benjy: She was hurting as much as the rest of us when that happened. How can you hate her for that?

Maya: I don't hate her, Ben. I just... wish she was more active in our lives.

Benjy has a hard time thinking of a way to defend his mother after that little sentence and Maya sighs in regret before entering the bathroom.

Maya: Just... have fun with her and make sure you're extra fun for me. It'll be like I'm there with you.

Benjy: Right...

The two siblings are unaware that Ava listened to the whole conversation and sighs in regret before heading down the stairs to give April some attention. Soon enough, Benjy is in Central Park with Ava and April. April is playing hide and seek with Benjy and hides in a tree every single time.

Benjy: Seriously, April, no tree climbing.

April: Tree climbing is fun. Plus, it's funny seeing you being frantic.

Benjy: How the heck do you know that word?

April: Dictionary from a friend of mine on Earth-646.

Benjy: Describe frantic.

April: In two words? Um... Benjy Parker.

Benjy: You little...!

April, laughing away in haste, runs on ahead as her brother gives chase. Ava watches on in amusement, quietly laughing at what she's seeing right now. She then picks up Maya's scent and notices her daughter with Davida nearby.

Ava: Maya?

Maya: Crap. Hey, Mom, fancy meeting you here.

Ava: Indeed. Hello, Davida.

Davida: Mrs Parker. You here for a stroll or something?

Ava: Just hanging out with my children for the day.

Ava shoots Maya a small death glare, which makes the teen flinch a little, and Davida chimes in before they start arguing.

Davida: Girl, why didn't you say your mom planned to spend time with you? Hang out with them. I am so sorry, Mrs Parker.

Maya: I'd rather-.

Davida: Great. See you on Monday, Maya. Again, Mrs Parker, I am sorry.

Ava: Don't worry about it, Davida. Tell your folks I said hi.

Davida: Will do, Mrs Parker!

Davida rushes off and Maya can tell that her mother, who sits down on a bench, is wanting to talk.

Ava: Maya, sit down.

Maya does so.

Maya: Mom...

Ava: Save the excuses. I want to know what's on your mind.

Maya: Nothing.

Ava: It sure didn't seem like nothing. I know you hate me-.

Maya: Benjy told you?

Ava: I heard the whole talk.

Maya: Then you heard about-?

Ava: That you thought I didn't care about your feelings when your father or Benjy died? I did care. I was just...

Maya: Going through a tough time and trying to come to terms with it? Now who's making the excuses.

Ava: It's the truth. Peter's death hit all of us hard-.

Maya: Then why didn't you make any attempt to comfort me afterwards?

Ava: I wanted to but, like I said, it hit me hard. Hell, it hit the whole world hard. I had only got him back and he did everything he could to keep you and your brother safe. Maybe if he was still around when Thanos...

Ava fights the urge to break down in front of her daughter. Maya can tell she's going a little far with this.

Maya: I'm sorry, Mom. I shouldn't have-.

Ava: It's fine, Maya. I'm fine...

Maya: Do you still think about it?

Ava: Sometimes. Whenever I'm feeling lonely.

Maya: I thought that-.

Ava: Seeing your father again brought me closure but the pain never truly left. I should've done more to save him back then.

Maya: Listen, Mom, I don't blame you for Dad's death. I never have. It was that Osborn guy and-.

Maya stops talking as she notices Normie Osborn hanging out with father nearby. Ava then notices too and stands up as the two Osborns approach. Harry is in between his Human and Hobgoblin forms and Normie is wearing a green tracksuit.

Harry: Ava?

Ava: Harry. It's been a long time since I saw you.

Harry: Took the words out of my mouth. How have you been?

Ava: It's a long story. You?

Harry: Likewise. Normie, you remember your Auntie Ava, right?

Normie stays behind his dad, slightly ashamed for nearly killing Ava back during the final battle with The Goblin Nation.

Ava: Hey, Normie, you okay?

Normie silently nods but remains behind his dad. Ava offers a hand.

Ava: It's okay.

Normie: I'm sorry for trying to hurt you, Auntie Ava.

Ava: Hey, don't worry about that. You weren't yourself and I don't hate you. Come on.

Normie walks over and shakes Ava's hand while Maya crosses her arms.

Harry: Maya, you've grown.

Maya: Mr Lyman.

Harry: Still holding a grudge against my family?

Maya: Until the day I die.

Harry: I am not my father. I won't harm you or your family. I only wish to try to mend the bridge between our families. That is, if you'll let me.

Ava: Of course. So, how's Liz?

Harry: Still in custody, awaiting her release later this year.

Ava: That's... good to know.

Maya: Last time I saw Auntie Liz, she kidnapped me and my brother as well as tried to kill Mom.

Harry: I had no part in that scheme and never will. You're not the only person she hurt back then.

This is when Benjy and April approach. Benjy goes over to Normie.

Benjy: Normie.

Normie: Benjy.

Benjy: How's school?

Normie: Not too bad. You?

Benjy: Still the same. No complaints and Nico keeps me right when Maya ain't around. It is good to see you.

Normie: Yeah. Hey, how'd your trip to your dad's science foundation go?

Benjy: It was an... explosive experience, to say the least.

Normie: Think you'd want to work there when you graduate?

Benjy: If only it were that easy.

Harry: Hey, would you all like to get some coffee? I hear The Coffee Bean is still doing three coffees for the price of one offer.

Ava: Thanks for the "offer". However, we have other plans at home and need to have the house ready for our guests.

That little comment make the Parker Siblings look at their mother in confusion.

Harry: I see. Maybe another time then?

Ava: Count on it, Harry. And, Harry? It was good seeing you again.

Harry: Likewise.

Harry and Normie head on their way towards The Coffee Bean as Ava gets a look from her children.

Maya, Benjy, and April: Mom, mind telling us what's going on~?

Ava: It's a surprise and we really need to head back and get the house ready for our guests. C'mon, time's running out.

Benjy: Actually, Mom, I need to head somewhere. I promised someone I'd help with their studies.

Ava: Wait, what? Who?

Benjy: I promise to be back to help out but I really should help my friend.

Ava: Okay. Don't be late.

Ava rushes on ahead and her children follow closely behind after shrugging off their confusion while Benjy texts Amber to left her know he's on his way. Speaking of Amber, she's in the middle of working on some homework when she answers the text... and realises that he's coming over to her home and hasn't given her enough time to make herself more presentable to him. She rushes past her father to get ready.

Adrien: Amber, you okay?

Amber: No, Dad! I have a boy coming over!

Adrien: Wait, what?

Cue a knock on the door and Mari answers it to get greeted by...

Nico: Hello, Mrs Agreste. Is Amber here?

Marinette: She is indeed, Miss...?

Nico: Minoru. Nico Minoru, at your service.

Cue Benjy arriving with a bunch of small flowers.

Benjy: Hello again, Mrs Agreste.

Marinette: Benjy, good to see you again.

Cue Amber dying in the bathroom before calmly walking out to greet her friends.

Amber: Good afternoon, guys.

Nico: Nice place you have here. Definitely a step up from where I live right now.

Adrien: And where would that be?

Nico: It's a long story and you probably wouldn't believe me if I told you.

Adrien then takes notice of Benjy, who has really grown since the last time they met.

Adrien: So, you're Peter's son. Haven't seen you in a long time.

Benjy: Mr Agreste.

Adrien: Red roses mixed with white. You, young man, have great taste in flowers. Well, unlike some I could name.

Marinette: You are never gonna let me live that down, are you?

Adrien laughs a little until Amber walks over and motions to her friends to follow her.

Amber: We'll let you know when we're done.

And Amber quickly closes the door.

Adrien: He does look a little bit like him.

Marinette: Right? So what do you actually think of him?

Adrien: He's a good kid and, again, he has great taste in flowers.

Cut to the study session as Nico gives Amber a few notes on History.

Amber: Okay, that makes a lot more sense.

Nico: And also, your little paragraph on Merlin is wrong. It was a unicorn that Arthur killed that brought a curse to Camelot.

Benjy: Ever the magician.

Nico: Always the science wizard.

The two laugh a little.

Amber: So, Benjy, how's things at home?

Benjy: They're... fine. Why?

Amber: It's just you have an "everything is fine but not actually fine" look.

Benjy: There's a look?

Nico: It's easy to tell. Lemme guess, your sister?

Benjy sighs in defeat.

Nico: What did she do this time?

Benjy: I'd rather not talk about it. Let's just say she said a few things and leave it at that.

Amber: You know, I once tried to tell my mom I wanted a sister. Boy, the reaction she had.

Nico: Trust me, it's much more fun being an only child. Especially where my family is concerned.

Amber: What, are your parents bad people?

Nico: You could say that.

Benjy: At least you grew up with both your parents...

Amber: Hey, maybe we should put more focus on our studies.

Nico: Says the daydreamer.

Amber: Hey, I get distracted easily!

Benjy: I can be like that too so you're not the only one.

Nico: Oh no, he's gonna tell the Gigawatt story.

Benjy: Hey, it's a good story. Y'see, I was learning how to speak for the first time while my dad was working on some project for Mr Xanatos...

Amber pays full attention to Benjy speaking but doesn't hear most of the words due to her being in love mode. Soon, there's a knock at the door as Ezra opens it to let them know it's time.

Amber: Oh yeah, we're going to have to end this because my folks are taking me out to dine with some old friend of theirs.

Nico: Aw, and I was ready to delve into The Clawthorne Legend too.

Benjy: Next time, Nico. Next time.

Nico: In that case, I'll head on to my home and I'll hopefully see you two on Monday. Benjy, safe travels.

Benjy: You too.

Nico leaves the room and heads towards the door. Once outside and a quick check to see no one sees her, Nico summons a magic channeling staff and teleports back to The Sanctum Sanctorum. Benjy is about to leave when Ezra stops him.

Benjy: Um, Sir, I need to head home.

Adrien: So soon? We were gonna give you a ride over.

Benjy: I wouldn't want to be a bother.

Marinette: Oh, Benjy, it's completely fine. It'll give those little arms of yours a break. Besides, we're heading to your place to experience some Old Parker Family Dinner Traditions.

Benjy and Amber: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa...?

We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with April pouting in her bedroom. Maya walks by and notices this.

Maya: Something wrong, April?

April: Benjy's taking his time with this person he's studying with.

Maya: Hey, he's allowed to spend some time with his friends, isn't he?

April: I suppose...

Maya: Don't tell me we're gonna go through the whole thing of you getting used to Nico again.

April: I make no such promises.

Maya: Sis, at least make an effort.

April: Fine.

Ava: Maya, can you come down and help me with the potato slices?

Maya: Yeah, I'll be right down.

April: Any thoughts on who our guests could be?

Maya: Your guess is as good as mine at this point.

Maya heads on downstairs to help her mother with the cooking and April resumes pouting. She then remembers the day Benjy first introduced her to Nico and April did not like Benjy's best friend one bit but eventually grew to like her after knowing a little bit about her as we fade to the night they came to an understanding. April is lying in the tree in the garden as Nico approaches.

Nico: Hey.

April: ...

Nico: Look, I know you don't like me because I'm friends with your brother but I am not going to hurt him.

April: If you do, you're dead.

Nico: I wouldn't blame you. Hell, my folks wouldn't be worried if I do end up dead on the news.

This gets April's attention as the young girl sits up.

April: What's wrong with your mommy and daddy?

Nico: They... aren't nice people, April. They have done bad things that would make you scream for your mother and wanted me to be just like them. I did the right thing and left. I just left, no letter to say why or anything like that. I ran as far away from them as fast as I could until... I met your brother. He's probably the first kind person I've ever met in my life and I'm better off for it.

April: Mommy says he gets that from Daddy.

Nico: Your dad, as in Spider-Man? The first one?

April: Yup.

Nico: Yeah, I think I can see that. Y'know, your dad saved my life once. It was before he died and he probably wouldn't remember. There was a fire and I was dumb enough to be near it. The building was slowly coming apart and I would've died because I wasn't paying attention to the falling debris and then there he was, swinging in to save my life.

April: Daddy was a good guy.

April then carefully leaps down to stand beside Nico.

April: You're a good guy too.

Nico: Thank you.

April: Benjy is a good guy and him saying you're cool is okay in my book. Well, so long as you don't do any kissing stuff with him.

Nico: Uh, what? I wouldn't-. He's nice and all but I don't see him that way. He's like the brother I never had and that's good enough for me.

April: Okay, Nico, you're in the clear for now.

Nico: And the minute I'm not?

April: Expect me to go Prehistoric Park on you.

Nico laughs at that while April isn't laughing at all. In fact, the young girl is completely serious.

Nico: Wait, seriously?

April: You didn't think my stripes were just a birth defect, did you?

Nico: Your brother said you don't like to talk about that because everyone made fun of you.

April: And it's the reason I like him more than the kids at school. Well, him and a friend from another universe. If I tell you...

Nico: Stays between us and your family. I swear.

April: Also, don't tell my mother I know about that special thing grown ups do together in bed at nighttime.

Nico takes a few seconds to know that April means sex.

April: Before Daddy died, he and Mommy had one last special night together and I was the end result come September 2019. However, the reason I have these stripes is because Mommy was in what I call Tiger Lady Mode. I call it that because she can transform into a sort of tiger lady. She gets pale white skin, black stripes, slightly tall, slightly stronger, can jump higher, and the other things a tiger can do. You probably think that's weird or something.

Nico: I've heard weirder things, kid.

April: That's basically why I am the way I am. The only other person to accept me apart from my family and my aunties is a friend I know in another world because, like me, she has a gift. Different than my own but she can do things no other person I know can. She's the first person around my age to accept me for who I am and I will never forget her reaching out to me while we were in the Japan of that other universe. And that's my life story. People still think I'm the happy go lucky type of girl but I know they think I'm a freak and say it behind my back. That's the main reason why I have a hard time trusting people that I don't know.

Nico can see a bit of herself in April as she knows full well what it's like to be treated like a freak by the people she thought were her friends until she met Benjy.

Nico: I think we can see eye to eye on a couple of things, April.

April: One last question, though, and it's the most important question I'm going to ask you so choose wisely. Do you like Yu-Gi-Oh?

Nico: I used to collect the cards and watched Zexal as a kid. I do play the game from time to time. Why?

April then brightens up a little and playfully smirks.

April: Good news, Nico, you're now completely in my good books! Surprise attack!

And April promptly tackles Nico into the ground to play with her, the two girls laughing as they roll along the grass. We fade to present as April hears a car pulling up at the driveway and picks up her brother's scent, perking up a little... until she picks up a few new scents along with him. Outside, Benjy opens the door of the passenger side of the black limo after helping Amber out of the back of the vehicle. Mari takes his hand as she steps out of the vehicle.

Marinette: Thank you, Benjy. Quite the gentlemen.

Benjy: Uh, no problem.

Cue the front door opening and Ava walking out.

Ava: Glad you could make it, Mr and Mrs Agreste.

Adrien: Been a long time since I saw you, Mrs Parker. You look fantastic.

Ava: Ever the sunshine boy.

Adrien and Ava exchange a hug... and Plagg emerges.

Plagg: For crying out loud, is the cheese ready or are you gonna keep me stuffed in that coat forever?

Ava: Good to see you've not changed, Plagg.

Plagg: Ava, how's my favourite tiger?

Ava: Soldiering on as best as she can. How's my favourite cheese consumer?

Plagg: Fammished and ready for Meal 3.

The two high five each other as Tikki floats over.

Ava: Tikki.

Tikki: Long time, Mrs Parker. Thank you for inviting us into your home.

Marinette: Aw, I wanted to say that...

Ava: I'm sure the opportunity will rise eventually, Polka-Dot Shorts.

Maya walks out and is surprised by the visitors, especially since her brother arrived with them. She goes over to speak with Amber.

Maya: I see you followed Benjy home, Amber?

Amber: Actually, our parents set this whole thing up a few days ago. Before you ask, I knew nothing about it and neither did your brother.

This is when Amber takes notice of April hiding by the doorway, giving the 12 year old a death glare.

Amber: Is the shy one giving me a death glare your sister?

Maya: April, come say hello!

April: Hi.

April walks over and just waves at Amber before going to greet her brother, hugging the hell out of him. This is when we fade to later as both families sit down at the table and enjoy some well deserved evening meals.

Adrien: So, Maya, what's your school life like?

Ava: Oh, don't get me started...

Maya: School is fine, Mr Agreste. I do well at my studies and I'm the star player of The Midtown Basketball Team.

Adrien: Interesting career choice.

Maya: What, did you think I'd follow in my folks' footsteps? Nah, as fun as that would be, I'm leaving that for Benjy.

Marinette: That mean you want to be a scientist, Benjy? Amber mentioned you were quite good at the subject.

Benjy: I'm trying my best to do so. I know Dad would want me to follow in his footsteps.

Adrien: You do look a bit like him, your dad. He was a great man.

Marinette: And a good friend. If only he could see you all now...

Marinette then notices April fighting back a couple of tears, mostly because the young girl never knew her dad.

Marinette: Oh, I'm sorry. I shouldn't-.

April: *sniff* It's fine, Mrs Agreste. Really.

Amber: I have a tissue, if you want.

April: Thanks.

April blows her nose quietly.

Ava: What about Agreste Fashions? Any new products I should look out for?

Adrien: Not really, unless you'd want to smell like cheese all day.

Plagg: Oh come on, people would've like to smell like that. It's just like you~.

Adrien: Because of you!

Plagg: You're welcome.

Ava laughs a little.

Ava: I've missed this. Us, hanging out and just talking about whatever we want.

Marinette: We could set up a Discord Account for you that way we could talk whenever we get free time.

Ava: I'd be okay with that.

Maya: Oh God, it'll be like Facebook all over again...

Benjy: Nononononono...!

The three adults laugh at the twins' reactions. Sometime later, the grown ups are outside on the front porch talking away while Benjy does the washing up and Maya is out in the garden practicing her basketball moves for the next match. Amber decides to dry the dishes for him, much to his surprise.

Benjy: Hey, I can manage.

Amber: I know you can but I want to help out. Besides, I'm a master dish dryer back in Paris.

She gives a small wink, making the boy blush a little.

Benjy: Uh, the cutlery goes in the drawer beside you to the right and the plates go above you in that cupboard.

Amber: Why don't your sisters help out?

Benjy: They do ask but I prefer to be alone when it's this kind of chore.

Amber: Your mom seems a little happier. I think this get together was a great idea.

Benjy: Same. Didn't like that our folks kept it from us, though.

Amber: Sometimes adults have their own secrets to keep, like how we keep our superhero identities secret from our friends.

Benjy: Fair point. So, any secrets of your own?

Amber: A wise woman never reveals her secrets, especially one like myself.

Benjy: Is that why your bad at History?

Amber: Hey, I don't have to be great at everything. Besides, you used to struggle with it according to Nico.

Benjy: Yeah, but I got better with time thanks to her.

Amber: She really means a lot, huh?

Benjy: Yeah, she's my best friend. We'd be lost without each other.

Amber: Then you're both lucky to have each other.

Benjy: I also have you.

This makes Amber pause for a second before she looks to him.

Amber: What do you mean by that?

Benjy: I am not really good at this sort of thing, Amber, and I'm gonna give it a go. I... care about you. Like, really care about you. I know we've known each other for a few months but-.

Amber: It's okay. I do too. Care about you, that is, ever since we first met. Well, when we actually first met at Avengers Academy because we didn't get properly acquainted when you saved my life before we enrolled there.

Benjy: Listen, if you're not too busy during the summer, we could... I dunno... we could...

Amber: Sure. I'd like that as long as you're willing-.

This is when Amber cuts her finger with the knife she was drying.

Benjy: Run your finger under the hot water and I'll get the first aid kit.

Amber: It's fine. I can create a plaster, remember?

Amber does just that as Benjy gets her a tissue to press against her small wound. Once the bleeding stops for a bit, Benjy gently places the plaster around Amber's finger and the two exchange a look. Amber and Benjy look at each other, their hearts beating quickly, before the two slowly start leaning in and...

April: What's going on here?

Amber and Benjy: AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Benjy: April, what-?!

April: Amber's folks are getting ready to head home now. Better hurry.

Amber: Oh, right. Thank you, April, and it was nice meeting you.

April: Hmm...

Benjy: I'll see you out.

Amber: Thank you but-.

Benjy: I insist.

With that, Benjy leaves with April. Maya walks into the living room via the back door, watching her brother with a small smirk, and joins a pouting April.

April: I don't like her. That doesn't make me seem like a troglodyte, does it?

Maya: Okay, we need to tone done your vocabulary, Baby Sis.

April: Do we, though?

Maya: He's happy around her just as much as he is when he's with you. That's the main thing.

April: Does that mean they...?

Maya: Let's just see how it goes first. Besides, I'd be okay with it.

Before April speaks again, Benjy walks back into the house with Ava close behind.

Ava: Thank you all for being on your best behaviour tonight. I haven't seen The Agreste Family since... well, it's been a long time.

Maya: So, Lover Boy, wanna play some Yu-Gi-Oh?

Benjy: Actually, I was gonna study more but I can make some time right now as soon as I find my Duel Disk.

April: Below your bed in the trunk next to your chemistry set.

Benjy: Thanks, Sis.

April: It's what I do~.

Maya: Think you'll beat me this time?

Benjy: Anything's possible.

Ava: And I'm going to hit the showers. April, watch some TV but nothing too violent or edgy.

April: Yay!

April jumps onto the sofa and sticks on Rise Of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles while the other three head upstairs. Benjy pulls out his duel disk and we get the reveal that he has the colours match his favourite fictional hero, Kamen Rider Zero-One. He looks through his and his dad’s decks as Ava walks in.

Ava: I like her.

Benjy: Who?

Ava: Amber. She seems nice.

Benjy: Yeah, and she's... pretty.

Ava: When's the first date?

Benjy blushes like mad and his mother laughs a little at his embarassment while Maya walks over showing off her duel disk.

Maya: Ready, Ben?

Benjy: Just need to pick a deck and I'll meet you in the garden, Sis.

Maya heads on down and Benjy picks his chosen deck before sliding it into his duel disk. He walks past Ava but rushes back to hug her, making Ava purr a little.

Benjy: Thanks for tonight, Mom.

Ava: Anytime, Little Spiderling.

Benjy rushes down after his sister as Ava heads into the bathroom to get ready for her shower. Meanwhile, at Nexus, Miles watches the logo from a rooftop of a building across the road before deciding to web zip over towards a vent and procceeds to conduct his investigation. We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Benjy and Maya at the end of their duel and...

BENJY'S LP = 0

Benjy: Damn it!

Maya: Hey, you'll beat me eventually.

Benjy: I thought if I had Dad's card, I could finally gain the upper hand.

Maya: Well, you did for a bit with the combined might of Contrast HERO Chaos and Masked HERO Blast. That's gotta count for something, right?

Benjy: I guess so. If I could just...

Before the twins head back inside and finish their conversation, a badly beaten Miles crash lands in the middle of the garden. He struggles getting up again a bit until the twins come to his aid.

Spider-Man: Thanks, kids...

Once inside, the twins call their mother and Ava soon rushes down and gets the first aid kit out.

Ava: Okay, how badly hurt are you and how did it happen?

Miles removes his mask before speaking.

Miles: I hurt my everything bone and didn't know who else to turn to but you were close by. As for how, a new Doc Ock and Screwball.

Ava: "Screwball"?

Miles: Hey, I have to fight villains with lame names sometimes. Trust me, Screwball isn't one to be taken lightly.

Ava then starts bandaging Miles' wounds as quickly and carefully as she can while the kids watch. Benjy rushes upstairs to get his laptop and comes back down in a hurry to connect Miles' mask to his laptop via a connection cable.

Benjy: Okay, I need your mask's password.

Miles: Liv<3

Maya snickers at that.

Maya: What are you thinking?

Benjy: I want to know if Miles left a tracer somewhere.

Miles: I did. How'd you know?

Benjy: Going by your injuries, you had to have put a tracer on this new Doc Ock, right? Did you at least track it?

Miles: Yeah, and it lead me back to Nexus Industries.

April: Nexus?

Maya: Long story, Sis.

Ava: Miles, maybe it's better if you tell us everything that happened before you landed in our garden.

Miles: Okay, y'see I was working away with my students at my art studio until I decided to call it a half day...

We fade to that afternoon as Miles closes up. However, one of his students, Hayley, hasn't packed up yet. He walks over.

Miles: Hayley, you good?

Hayley: Yeah, I just needed to touch up one last bit on my piece.

Miles takes a look and nods in approval.

Miles: Again, it's a great piece.

Hayley: Well, yeah, Mary Jane was my inspiration for this and I figured this would be a good look for her if she ever wanted to do a sort of Spider-MJ spinoff from those Spider-Man movies she used to be in.

Miles: Not a bad idea. Think you'll finish it on Monday?

Hayley: One can only hope. Thanks again, Miles.

Miles: Not a problem, kid.

The young girl heads for home and Miles closes up his art studio before going to start his patrol around the city. He swings along the streets of Brooklyn until his phone rings. He patches the call into the HUD of his mask and Olivia's face pops up at the side.

Olivia: Hey, Miles, I'm gonna be working late tonight. Just wanted to give you the heads up.

Spider-Man: That's not a problem. I'm on patrol, anyway. May I ask why you'll be late?

Olivia: I managed to snag an interview with Luke Carlyle, the head of Nexus Industries.

Spider-Man: Nexus?

Olivia: You saying something I just said in that tone means bad news.

Spider-Man: Just be on guard while you're there. We've got a hunch that Carlyle is not who he claims he is.

Olivia: Glad I'm not the only one that doesn't trust him.

Spider-Man: Then why...?

Olivia: Better to learn about your enemy first before striking him down. Didn't Peter's friends and family teach you that when they taught you how to be Spidey?

Spider-Man: Good call. Again, be safe.

Olivia: I'm married to you and have you on speed dial. I'm safer already.

Miles stops outside The Peter Parker Science Foundation as something is going on inside.
Spider-Man: Listen, Liv, I gotta go. Someone's broken into The Science Foundation again. Talk later.

Olivia: Be careful.

Spider-Man: Love you too.

Miles hangs up and web zips over to the side of the building. He climbs into the building via the hole in the wall and spots the culprit. The culprit being a man in Carlyle's new Doc Ock armour, which has gained the mask of Otto's variant from Marvel Disk Wars. New Ock has found what he's been looking for. That thing being the tritium.

Spider-Man: Late night shopping?

New Ock: Spider-Man. And here I was thinking this would be easy.

Spider-Man: You guys always seem to forget that I'm the sheriff of this city.

New Ock: Okay.

New Ock uses his two laser tentacles to try to graze Miles but the hero dodges quickly... only to get smacked across the side by the other four tentacles on New Ock's armour. New Ock the rushes Miles to get up and close with the hero to try to take Miles out but Miles back up with a couple of web shots to the armour's side, which are only mildly effective against this new incarnation of Doc Ock. New Ock then sets his lasers to stun and Miles swoops in to kick New Ock in the face before back flipping away to avoid the lasers.

Spider-Man: Y'know, the previous Doc Ocks were better than this. I mean did you even pass the multiple arm lisence exam?

New Ock: ENOUGH!

New Ock blasts Miles back a little before making an escape via the window and into the streets, unaware that Miles managed to stick a spider-tracer on his back. Our hero follows in pursuit with New Ock taking a moment to fling a taxi into the air, slamming into the side of a building and the driver hangs on for his life. Miles web zips towards the driver seconds before he lets go of the car door. Miles sets the driver down before resuming the chase into the subway. New Ock swats a couple of people onto the train tracks but Miles slingshots down to get them to safety before the train runs them over. Back to the surface Miles has lost sight of New Ock until he thinks back to the connections to Nexus Industries and decides to conduct his investigation. He swings towards the building in question as we fade to Olivia in Luke's office, waiting for the big man himself. Speaking of which, Luke enters the room in his tuxedo.

Luke: Ah, Mrs Morales, did I keep you waiting long?

OIivia: No, not at all. Lovely to meet you, Mr Carlyle.

Luke: I really hope this doesn't take long because I have a really busy schedule that I'd like to keep to.

Olivia: Trust me, this won't take long.

Luke: Good. Now, what would you like to know?

Olivia: My first question. How'd you manage to gain the money for all of this? There are rumours, that I'm sure aren't true, that you've been buying up stock from what's left of Alchemax.

Luke: I assure you that those are merely rumours. When Alchemax fell, everyone was scraping for the leftover scraps. Me, on the other hand? I used my wealth and technological knowhow to raise my company from the ground up just like my main inspirations, Tony Stark and David Xanatos.

Olivia: Ah, the great pioneers of Science alongside Reed Richards, Bruce Banner, and Peter Parker.

We pan over to the vent shaft as we see Miles peeking in, quietly chuckling at his wife at work before moving on. He reaches a laser grid and hooks his phone to the control centre. He hacks away at the controls until the grid goes off. He leaps down before doing the yoyo pose after firing a web further up the shaft. Before he does anything, he notices a camera.

Screwball: Long time no see, Spidey! Care for Round 2?

Spider-Man: Screwball?

Screwball: The one and only, my dude! Now, do me a favour and try to not die for more than two seconds starting.... right now!

Spider-Sense Overdrive Mode! Miles dodges laser blast after laser blast before web zipping towards the bottom of the shaft and quickly leaping into a room full of Screwball's fans. He does a neck crack before they charge towards him. Miles does his best to hold them off, getting stabbed in the process while dodging gun fire, and takes out all but two of them. The two survivors back away as their boss leaps into the room to take Miles on herself.

Screwball: Having fun?

Spider-Man: As if, Dee-Dee.

Miles fires webbing but Screwball easily leaps over and quickly engages in hand to hand combat.

Screwball: Have to admit, this is a dream come true for me! A big time supervillain taking on one of her idols with the help of a big shot in the world of science!

Spider-Man: You need better dreams... and a little therapy.

Screwball kicks him in his stab wound before flinging him over her shoulder. Miles then quickly trips her up with webs and a kick to the feet. Miles stands up to web Screwball to the ground before taking down the two remaining fans with little effort. Feeling dizzy, Miles leans against a wall... and is grabbed by two tentacles by New Ock.

New Ock: Spider-Man, this will be your first and only chance. Stay out of my way.

Miles can tell the voice is a little different but isn't given time to fully think it through as New Ock slams the hero through several walls and dropping him towards the streets below. Several civilians start taking pictures as Miles starts running away so he can get into a swing. This is when Olivia is escorted out of Nexus with Luke.

Olivia: This should make Jonah very happy, Mr Carlyle.

Luke: Always a pleasure to help out, Mrs Morales. Let me know when you would like a second interview.

Olivia: Oh, something tells me it will be coming sooner rather than later. Good evening.

Luke: Likewise. And remember, Nexus is science.

We fade to the present as Ava finishes tending to Miles.

Ava: I recommend bed rest for the next three days but you'll probably ignore that advice.

Miles: Not this time. Guess that also means patrol sessons are postponed until further notice.

Maya: Oh, come on!

Ava: Maya...

Maya: Patrol was fun.

Benjy: Sis, Miles barely made it out of there. He's in no shape to show us anything else until he's better.

April: Maya's being a sourpuss.

Maya: No, I am not!

Ava: Kids, don't fight.

Cue a knock on the door and Ava answers it to be greeted by Olivia.

Olivia: Figured I'd find you here, honey.

Miles: Hey, babe. You know the hospital is risky now No offence, Ava.

Ava: None taken. Just don't overdo it the next few days, Miles. I mean it.

Miles: Yes, Ma'am.

Olivia helps Miles out.

Miles: And you kids study hard and don't get involoved in this.

Ava: I'll make sure they do so.

Maya: Mom, I-!

Ava: Maya Gabriella Parker, you are NOT to get involved in the stuff involving Nexus Industries OR Luke Carlyle under any circumstances. End of discussion.

Maya groans in annoyance, mostly because she hates it when her mother uses her full name. Sometime later, Benjy is on his computer while Maya walks into his room and just bounces onto his bed.

Maya: I can not believe this, Bro! So not fair! This is a real case involving an actual supervillain and they are treating us like kids!

Benjy: We are kids.

Maya: Not the point!

Benjy sighs in defeat before turning to talk to his sister for a brief minute.

Benjy: You heard them downstairs, Sis. We should focus on our training for now until Miles is better.

Maya: How can you be just okay with this?

Benjy: Who says I am?

Maya then notices Benjy is looking up Nexus Industries on his laptop.

Maya: What are you working on?

Benjy: I might've decided to do a little digging on Nexus to find any weak points in it's security grid.

Maya: Never figured you for a rebel, Ben.

Benjy: Miles is our friend and hurt because of this mess. I want to make it up to him by cracking this case for him.

Maya: You think there's more to this than we already know?

Benjy: Yeah, and I have a hunch that it's got something to do with whatever that Beetle lady was ding at Dad's science foundation. Whatever you do, DON'T tell Mom about it or Ms Romanov.

Maya: My lips are sealed... as long as I get to help.

Benjy: Best you can do is try to get more info at The Academy on Monday while I try to come up with something that might give us an edge.

Maya chuckles a little while crossing her arms, much to Benjy's confusion.

Benjy: What?

Maya: I believe Dad would be smiling at us right now. Do you think he's...?

Benjy: I like to think he is watching over us and possibly encouraging us to do the right thing.

Maya: I'm hoping he's proud.

Benjy: He always was, whenever it involves us. Now, I'd like to finish this before going to bed and then I'll give you a few notes tomorrow.

Maya: I'm liking this homework assignment more than, y'know, an ACTUAL homework assignment.

Benjy: Oh, you would.

The two playfully nudge each other... and fail to notice April walking into the room.

April: What are you two up to?

Maya & Benjy: O_O Ummmmmmm... nothing?

April: Mommy will not like you doing this secret hero stuff.

Benjy: April, Miles is hurt and we just want to help him.

April: I know. That's why I wanna help, too.

Maya: You can help by not telling Mom. It'll make her angry.

April: Mommy is scary when she's angry.

Maya: Exactly. It would be nice if Mommy stays happy and you don't tell her we are helping Miles. Benjy will take you web swinging if you promise not to tell.

April: ... Okay, I promise. Nighty night, Big Brother and Big Sister!

The young girl leaves the room, humming away, and the twins sigh in relief. Back with Luke and Screwball, he polishes his armour.

Screwball: Have to say, Boss, those are killer threads.

Luke: And these "killer threads" will ensure that New York will be the most clean energy producing city in the world. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to make a few adjustments to the machine.

Screwball: No problemo. Call me when you need me~!

Luke: Don't worry, I will.

Luke slips into his armour and makes his way towards his nearly complete Tritium Fusion Recator. He begins adjusting the allignment as well as welding the fuses together as we fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open on Monday morning at The Parker House. Benjy and Maya are making breakfast together, much to Ava's confusion.

Ava: Good morning?

Maya: Oh hey, Mom.

Benjy: Maya decided to help out with breakfast this morning. Oh, Mom prefers her bacon and egg to be partially crispy.

Maya: Oh, right. Thanks, Bro.

Benjy: I'll make a cook out of you yet.

Ava is about to say something but April arrives.

April: Benjy Style Breakfast!

Maya: Ah! Wash your hands!

April: I did.

Ava is just confused as hell at her kids being nice this morning without any arguments. This makes her slowly start to suspect them of being up to something. Ava takes April to school this time around and April is all smiles this morning.

April: Ah, school.

Ava: April, what are your brother and sister up to?

April: ... Nothing.

Ava: And you're sure?

April: Yes.

Ava: Hmmmm... in that case, Little Cub, have good day.

April hugs her mother tight before heading on inside the school and Ava heads off to work, while her thoughts are still focused on her children being up to something. We now get treated to a montage of Benjy and Maya working through their lessons, much to the confusion of their classmates. Or, in the case of Maya's classmates, confusion and concern because she's always slacking off on her coursework and NEVER this engaged in doing it. At lunch, Benjy gets some printouts from Maya before Nico approaches him to discuss his change in attitude today.

Nico: You've got a "man on a mission" look.

Benjy: Really?

Nico: It usually means I should worry. Mind telling me what's up?

Benjy: Nothing.

Nico then shows off Benjy's printouts on Nexus Industries.

Nico: Sure doesn't look like nothing if you're interested in Nexus Industries.

Benjy: What-? How did you-?

Nico: They fell out of your bag.

Cue a brief flashback showing Nico was actually using a phasing spell on her hand to grab Benjy's printouts before talking to him. Back to the present.

Benjy: Okay, I heard Grandma saying that the guy who runs it is a bad guy and I want to help her out.

Nico: That's dangerous and illegal for a minor to be involved in an investigation, Ben.

Benjy: I know but she's been working so hard on this case that I had to help.

Nico: Does your mom know?

Benjy: No, and I really don't want to tell her so please keep it between us.

Nico: Ben-.

Benjy: I'll make it up to you somehow.

Nico: Okay, but I don't like this. If something goes wrong, I'm telling your mother.

Benjy just nods. The two friends part ways to head to their respective classes as Maya meets up with her brother after watching the whole talk.

Maya: Nico can do magic?

Benjy: What?

Maya: I saw her literally reach into your bag and pull the leaflets out.

Benjy: Nico? A magician? Be serious.

Maya: Oh yeah, you don't believe in magic.

Benjy: It's not that I don't believe in it. I just don't understand it. Anyway, she knows about our investigating Nexus and will tell Mom if it gets out of hand.

Maya: And I thought it'd be smooth sailing for us, Bro.

Benjy: I'll still try to hack into it at The Academy.

Maya: And this is why I love you sometimes.

Benjy: Only sometimes?

Maya: Okay, till the day I die.

Benjy: Please don't say that.

Maya: I meant till the end of time. Sorry.

Maya gives Benjy a quick hug before rushing off to her next class. At the hospital, Ava is doing her rounds with the patients and checking on a coma patient by the name of Maggie Nelson. There's no change in her condition and Ava still remains hopeful that the kid will come around. The 33 year old doctor leaves the room and bumps into Rio Morales.

Ava: Hey, Rio.

Rio: Ava, checking on our favourite long term patient?

Ava: Yeah, there's no change whatsoever.

Rio: And yet you remain hopeful that she'll pull through?

Ava: If there's one thing I learned it's never give up on people, even when others tell you otherwise.

Rio: I heard Miles needed patched up last night. What happened?

Ava: He's investigating Nexus and had a bad run in with supervillains. I told him he needs to rest and, surprisingly, he's taking my advice for a change.

Rio: He's not that boy you used to know anymore.

Ava: While we're on that subject, were there ever any times you feel like you're... not doing enough for your kids?

Rio: Ah, that phase. What brought this on?

Ava: Just something Maya said... and she is mostly right.

Rio: My advice? Keep doing what you're doing if you think it's right. There might be moments where they'll hate you for your decisions but that won't mean they'll completely hate you.

Ava: I'd be surprised if they didn't hate me. They've got my blood in their veins. But what if I make a choice and it ends up being the wrong one?

Rio: Do everything you can to make it right.

Ava: Thanks, Rio.

Rio: Anytime, Ava.

Rio leaves Ava to her duties as we fade to Avengers Academy. Natasha Romanov is walking down the hallway... and stops at the computer room as she notices Benjy is there by himself.

Natasha: Benjy?

Benjy: Hm? Oh, Ms Romanov, I didn't see you there.

Natasha: I thought you had combat practice with your class right now.

Benjy: Right. I said to Miss Wu that I'd be a little late because I had a bit of paperwork to catch up on. I really missed a lot while on patrol sessions.

Natasha: That's good to hear but your combat training needs the boost more than your coursework.

Benjy: ... Yeah, you're right. I managed to get caught up anyway. I'll head to the training arena now.

Benjy rushes on and Nat shakes her head in slight amusement at the young boy's behaviour, reminding her of back when James was around Benjy's age. She then takes the opportunity to check her emails and is surprised that Benjy has also taken the time to send her one about a possible request. She opens it... and is somewhat confused.

Natasha: What the hell is a "Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament"?

Cut to Benjy in the middle of a sparring session with Iron Heart and Iron Maiden as the two girls are doing everything they can to out strategised the young boy. Benjy is backed up against a wall, panting heavily after dodging so many repulsor blasts.

Iron Heart: Okay, Spider-Boy, you're outmatched here. You're only strategy is to give up.

Spider-Boy: What, and be the next person to suggest tofu for the cafeteria?

Benjy then webs their face plates before sliding to web their boot jets, grounding the two girls. He leaps into the air to land two well placed kicks and two well timed punches to their lower torsos respectively. This victory is short lived as Riri switches to autoattack mode and goes all out on Benjy while she is blinded. However, Benjy prepared for this as he manages to web zip into the air and tosses a newly made web grenade at Riri, covering the MIT student in webbing. Benjy performs a superhero landing and the session ends.

Fei: Zu gou.

The three trainees stand to attention.

Fei: Spider-Boy, you have improved a little bit but you're still a little stiff when it comes to attacking an opponent.

Spider-Boy: Yes, Sensei.

Fei: Still, you did a great job nonetheless. Ladies, you both did a good job but Riri should ease up on her punches. He's a trainee same as you. Save the harder punches for the bad guys once you become real heroes.

Iron Heart: Yes, Ma'am.

Fei: Hit the showers. Next up is Miss Fortune of Class Beta and she'll be facing Steel Spider and Jolt of Class Gamma.

After getting changed into his normal clothes, Benjy senses someone is wanting to speak with him and knows who it is. It's James.

Benjy: I'm guessing you're either gonna talk to me, insult me, or possibly both.

James: Just wanted to know how patrol is going. Heard you went apeshit on some guy with a gun during your first session.

Benjy: I don't want to talk about it...

James: Hey, I get wanting to let off some steam every once in a while but you don't do it on the punks we're putting away-.

Benjy: It wasn't like that. I... had a bad experience with a guy with a gun when I was 5 and I lost my cool. Nothing more.

James: Oh? Oh, you're serious right now. Sorry.

Benjy: What, making fun of me because I had a bad childhood ain't worth your time? We can't all be Mr Perfect like you, y'know.

James: No, I just... wanted to-. Forget it. Just count yourself lucky it wasn't a supervillain.

Benjy: Would you be surprised if I said I actually beat a supervillain on my next patrol?

James: Not bad. I took down three on mine so... A for Effort.

Benjy: What is your problem with me, James? Seriously? What is it about me that pisses you off so much?

James: ...

James leaves the room without answering Benjy's question. Benjy groans in annoyance before heading out to meet up with Maya.

Maya: Wanna watch your girlfriend kick ass? She's doing a good job so far.

Benjy: She is? Good. Then those notes are helping her well.

Maya: Aw, helping out your sweetheart~.

Benjy just blushes like mad as they head over to the window to see Amber put her powers to full use against Steel Spider and Jolt. Jolt lets loose a huge, um, jolt of electricity at Amber but Amber deflects the bolt towards Ollie, who's armour begins short circuiting uncontrollably. Amber rushes her opponent while creating a kendo stick to knock the wind out of Jolt before landing a strike to the back of the neck with an open palm. Jolt goes down and Amber brushes the hair in her face into the air, making Benjy stare in slight awe. Maya nudges her brother lightly while grinning like mad. Benjy playfully shoves her towards the computer room and they get greeted by Franklin Richards, Valeria Richards, Morgan Stark, Riri Williams, and a departing Toni Ho.

Toni Ho: Oh, excuse me.

Benjy stands aside and lets the young girl head on down the corridor before he enters the computer room with his sister.

Valeria: Maya Parker actually coming here to work? Surprise of the year(!)

Franklin: Val.

Valeria: What? It's still true.

Benjy: Hey, Riri, sorry for going a little rough on ya.

Riri: Don't sweat it, kid. You did good out there that I had to resort to using AMI a little bit.

AMI: I apologise if I hurt you, Master Benjamin.

Benjy: I'm fine, AMI, and just call me Benjy, please.

Maya: Yeah yeah. He knows you don't mean it, AMI. Now, c'mon and get us what we need, Little Bro.

Benjy gets to work after logging into the computer while the smartest kids in the room crowd round him along with Maya.

Maya: Um, this is a sibling bonding thing?

Franklin: By attempting to break into the mainframe of Nexus Industries? How does that constitute as sibling bonding moment?

Valeria: Didn't complain when I did it, Franky.

Franklin: That was different, Val.

Benjy: Why does everyone have to talk when I'm in concentration mode?

Benjy makes another attempt but growls in frustration, nearly channeling his mother.

Benjy: Man, this whole hacking thing is difficult.

Maya: I thought you were good at this?

Benjy: Yeah, but only against something small like our masks but not a corporation's hardware.

Morgan: Then you need a little help in the hacking department, Benjy. Let me take a crack at it.

Benjy stands up and watches Morgan type away after stretching her fingers.

Morgan: This is their security network? My dad could unlock it with his eyes closed and one hand tied behind his back while honeymooning in Croatia with Mom.

Riri: Looks like a triple bypass is needed.

Morgan: And using a quadrouple bypass.

At Nexus, Luke gets an alert on his computer about the hack and calls Screwball.

Luke: Screwball, my office. Now.

Screwball drops in via the roof, to Luke's slight moment of surprise.

Screwball: Someone is breaking through MY genius?! Let's try to put a stop to that, shall we?

Cue Screwball sitting down to the computer... after politely swiping the chair Luke Carlyle is sitting on and gets to work on trying to protect Luke's hardware. However, Morgan's countermeasures are way more effective than Screwball's countercountermeasures and they get into the system.

Morgan: Ha! Stark 1, Nexus 0!

Benjy: Wait, what's this? Tritium Recator?

Valeria: Didn't you say Stark Industries was working on that prject with The Peter Parker Sceince Foundation, Morgan?

Morgan: Yeah. That thieving asshole...

Riri: And he's got a Project Octopus 3.0?

Benjy clicks on it to see Luke's New Ock armour.

Benjy: This Carlyle guy must be who Spider-Man faced on Saturday. Quick, copy the files onto a thumb drive.

Morgan: Doing it now.

At Nexus, Screwball is throwing a tantrum around the room after being bested by Morgan.

Luke: Can you just track the person who was doing the hack so I can get their evidence before they show it to the authorities, please?

Screwball: Oh, right. Excuse moi~!

Screwball gets to work... and is unsettled by the source of the hack.

Screwball: Oh God, The Avengers...

Luke: No, not The Avengers. Avengers Academy. Your firewalls and hacks were beating by mere children?!

Screwball: Wait, I'm getting up the information now and... there's our kid.

Luke: Benjy Parker, son of Peter and Ava Parker.

Screwball: He's kinda handsome, honestly.

Luke: And in over his little head. See when The Academy closes for the evening. I'm going to be making a personal visit to Mr Parker.

Screwball: You sure you want to mess with The Avengers, Boss?

Luke: Why wouldn't I?

Screwball: They're The Avengers.

Luke: They are nosy little brats that will shut down my plans if my plans are made public as well as my other activities.

Screwball: Listen, harming kids is where I draw the line. Along with harming animals.

Luke: Luckily for you, I don't care. I'm going to get my property back.

Luke slides into his armour and powers up before he leaps out of the window to head towards Avengers Academy. We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Benjy pondering about the thumb drive as he looks at it while waiting on his sister. Amber approaches.

Amber: Hey, did you see me take those guys down? Your advice really saved me out there.

Benjy: Yeah, you were amazing.

Amber: Thank you...

Amber hugs Benjy tight before giving him room to breathe.

Amber: Sorry, I forget my strength sometimes.

Benjy: You ain't the only one.

Amber: What's up with the thumb drive?

Benjy: Oh, it's a personal project. Nothing important.

Amber: Oh, colour me intrigued.

Benjy chuckles a little at that remark as Maya exits the building and The Iron Legion Drone called Stan arrives to talk with Benjy.

Stan: Benjamin, Ms Romanov is considering your request. The key word being considering.

Benjy: Thanks, Stan. Tell her thank you if you see her.

Stan: Affirmative. Have a good evening.

Stan takes off.

Maya: What request?

Benjy: Um, it's a surprise.

Maya: Uh huh. Hey, Amber, you were fab out in that session.

Amber: Oh! I mean, thank you for that.

Maya: Benjy might've been a little more than impressed with your moves, if you get what I mean.

Benjy: And we're heading home. See you tomorrow, Amber. I love you. Bye~!

Benjy drags his sister along the footpath while Amber's face has turned red after hearing Benjy saying "I love you" and spends the next few minutes trying to process that statement. About halfway home, Benjy stops walking when he realises that he said "I love you" to Amber.

Benjy: Maya, please tell me I did not say that.

Maya: You totally did not say that, Bro(!)

Benjy drops to his knees and groans in embarrassment while Maya pats his head.

Maya: At least you got it off your chest after four months.

Benjy: Maya, you don't say that until after a few dates. Amber and I haven't even been on one yet.

Maya: I know. Hey, I'm proud that you did say it. April, on the other hand...

Benjy: Oh, she's gonna flip out, isn't she?

Maya: Absolutely. That, and she might've thought you were a good match for Keni.

Benjy: Keni? Well, I do like Keni, yeah. She's cool, funny, strong, and amazing but I see her more like a sister than the other thing.

Maya: That's not what it looked like when you first met her.

Benjy blushes like mad, remembering the first time he met Keni on Earth-646 and thought she was the most beautiful girl he ever met. Cue spider-sense and the twins dodging a laser blast from New Ock, who lands in front of them.

New Ock: You have something that belongs to me.

Benjy: Carlyle...

Maya: So you're the asshole that hurt Spider-Man, right? Time to pay you back for that.

Benjy then signs to Maya, saying that they can't go around showing off their abilities in public and they need to lead New Ock away from potential civilian casualties as well as their neighbours. Maya nods before Benjy shoots web in New Ock's eyes and the twins run for their lives in the opposite direction of their house. New Ock recovers and chases after them. This gets Noticed by Jess and Firestar, who are enjoying a night to themselves.

Angel: Isn't that...?

Jess: It was. C'mon! Liiri, Wings Of Liberty!

Jess and Angel transform into their superhero identities and Jess gets out her mobile to inform Ava about the ongoing events. At The Parker House, Ava and April retun home. Ava collapses onto the sofa and sighs in relief.

April: Mommy, are you okay?

Ava: Yeah, Little Cub, I'm just a little overworked today. How was your day?

April: Better than usual. Nobody was calling me weird anymore.

Ava: Why would they think you were weird?

April points at her stripes and eyes.

Ava: Hey, that just means you're different from the other kids. Is it weird? Only to others but not to me or your siblings. Don't ever forget that.

April: Thanks, Mommy.

Ava boops her daughter's nose before April rushes up to her room. Ava then gets a text from Jess about New Ock trying to hurt her children. Ava sits up and shifts into her tiger form, growling like mad, as we cut back to the chase. Benjy and Maya have managed to lead New Ock to the harbour.

New Ock: You really shouldn't play Chase The Rabbit with me, children. Now, what did you see in my files?

No response from the twins.

New Ock: And I didn't want to get my hands dirty. Oh wait, I can't because of these!

Cue Luke unleashing his six metal arms on the kids just as Angel and Jess arrive to help out.

Eagle: You two okay?

Maya: We will be once he's dealt with.

New Ock: Eagle and Firestar. Let's see how I handle senior heroes.

New Ock gets in close to fight both Angel and Jess while his tentacles resume their assault on the twins. Benjy narrowly dodges a laser but it scaves his leg around his pocket. Maya then kicks the laser arm away from her brother before it can kill him. However, Maya gets stunned and the laser takes aim at Benjy... and his mother arrives on time to slice the arm. Luke gets a nasty shock from this before he takes notice of Ava.

Tiger Ava: GET THE HELL AWAY FROM MY CHILDREN!!!

Ava lunges at Luke and slashes at his torso and helmet before kicking him a few feet away from Jess and Angel. New Ock can begin to tell he's outmatched, mostly because Ava is in Extreme Angry Protective Mother Mode. He uses another one of his arms to stun her but Ava dodges before ripping the arm off of his armour, sending another shock to his body.

New Ock: Stay on your guard, kids. Momma Bear won't be around to protect you all the time.

With that said, New Ock retreats for now and Ava begins calming down before composing herself a little.

Angel: Not bad, girl.

Jess: Still as flawless as ever.

Ava nods at her friend as she reverts to her human form and looks at her twin children, who are slightly worried about what their mother is going to say next.

Ava: Home. Now. You two have some explaining to do.

Over at Nexus, Screwball meets her boss and Luke tosses his helmet across the room.

Luke: Their psychotic bitch of a mother damaged my armour. I'm gonna have to lace it with a stronger metal next time I don it.

Screwball: What about the data they know about?

Luke: The kids kept quiet about it and there's no way I can get the truth out of them.

Screwball: Unless somebody did some digging about where they get a proper education to become respectable members of society while moonlighting as superheroes... "which I have".

Screwball shows off an image of Midtown High to Luke and he starts thinking of his next move while looking at his helmet. We cut to Benjy and Maya in their living room sitting across from a really mad Ava, who's crossed her arms and is impatiently waiting for an explanation.

Ava: So, who wants to fess up? Why was that new Doc Ock after you two?

Maya keeps her mouth shut.

Ava: The longer you keep the truth from me, the more angrier I'm going to get. Now, I ask again, why was he after you?

Benjy: We... hacked into his company to find out what he was doing.

Ava: Where did you accomplish that?

Benjy: Avengers Academy...

Ava: Did I tell you strictly to NOT involve yourselves in this mess with Nexus and Luke Carlyle?

Maya: That bastard-.

Ava gives Maya a death glare after hearing her daughter swear. Maya slumps back in fear at the glare.

Maya: That guy hurt Miles and we wanted to find out why.

Ava: And did you find out why?

Benjy: Yes. We had his plans for a Tritium Fusion Reactor as well as his armour's schematics on this thumb... drive.

Benjy reaches into the pocket of his injured leg and reveals the now damaged thumb drive to his mother. Maya groans in disappointment.

Ava: I see. Who else knows about this? That way I know who to notify. Well?

No response from the twins, who wish to keep their friends' involvement anonymous. Ava then notices April by the top of the stairs and the young girl scurries back to her room. This makes Ava's next decision a little heartbreaking to both herself and her children.

Ava: Okay, this whole thing isn't working as well as I thought it would. I’m pulling you both out of Avengers Academy.

Benjy: What?!

Maya: Mom, it was my idea. Don’t punish Benjy because I-.

Ava: This isn’t up for discussion, Maya. Miles and I strictly told you both not to get involved and you went ahead doing that exact thing. More importantly, you got your sister to lie to me.

Maya: We just wanted to help people like you and Dad!

Ava: If you really wanted to help people like me and your father, then you should’ve learned to listen to your mentors' advice as well as your heart. You only acted on your personal feelings, which is something a hero should never do.

Maya can only stand up and glare at her mother before walking out of the living room to head upstairs. Benjy wants to follow suit but he knows that he was in the wrong.

Benjy: Mom, it was me that chose to go behind your back to help Miles with this case. If anyone should get the full brunt of this, it's me. Don’t punish Maya for my actions, please.

Ava: Benjy-.

Benjy: Please. This whole thing means everything to Maya. At least take out of there for a few weeks-.

Ava: I’m sorry but my mind is made up. You’re both not allowed to go back to Avengers Academy and that's the end of this topic.

Benjy just looks down in regret before heading up to his room. Ava slumps into the sofa and sighs in regret before staring at a picture of Peter, wondering if she’s made the right choice because she gets the feeling that she's making the wrong one right now. She picks up Angel and Jess' scent.

Ava: How much of that were you listening to?

Jess: Pretty much all of it.

Angel: They were just trying to help out in this-.

Ava: Did they really have to go behind my back to do it?

Jess: They're kids, Ava. Sometimes they'll make mistakes just like we all did when we were their age.

Ava: Yeah? Then how come it feels like I'm the one that made the mistake tonight?

Angel: Depends on what mistake you're talking about. If you have, what are you going to do to rectify it?

While this whole conversation is going on, Benjy checks on his sister. She's naturally pissed off and upset about the whole thing as she lies on her bed clutching her pillows.

Benjy: Sis, I-.

Maya: I know, Little Bro. I know. Just... leave me alone for a while.

Benjy sighs in regret before heading to his own room. He then gets a phone call from an unknown number. He cautiously answers it.

Benjy: Hello?

Morgan: Hey, Benjy, it's Morgan.

Benjy: Morgan? I don't remember giving you my phone number.

Morgan: I might have asked Riri to use AMI to find out your personal info. Sorry in advance as well as on her behalf. Never knew you were a snap victim. It must've been hard.

Benjy: It was but... that doesn't answer why you're calling now.

Morgan: I was wondering if we should get The Next Avengers to meet up and take down Carlyle before he destroys the city.

Benjy: Not likely because Mom is pulling us out of The Academy-. Wait, "destroy the city"?

Morgan: I ran some calculations of Carlyle's Tritium Reactor and the result is not gonna be pretty if it's switched on.

Maya walks in as Benjy talks away.

Benjy: Define "not gonna be pretty"

Morgan: As in most of New York being sucked into the equivalent of a tiny Black Hole.

Benjy: Crapbaskets...

Morgan: Oh, you say that too?

Maya: What's going on? Who are you talking to?

Benjy: Hold on, Morgan. Maya, it's Morgan and she's saying that we really need to stop Luke Carlyle before he kills everyone in New York.

Maya: We can't do anything, Ben.

Benjy: But-.

Maya: For once, it's time we listen to Mom and not get involved.

Benjy: The city will be destroyed if we stand and do nothing to help.

Maya: I don't like it any more than you do, Ben, but... let's not get ourselves in any more shit than we already are.

Benjy groans in annoyance before nodding to his sister.

Benjy: Morgan, rerun your calculations to make sure and then tell Spider-Man about this if you run into him at The Academy.

Morgan: Benjy, this is our case. Hell, it's your case and you're just dropping it?

Benjy: I'm sorry but... we can't help. Good luck and goodbye.

Benjy hangs up with regret before looking at his sister. Maya leaves the room and Benjy sits on his bed, frustrated by this whole thing until April enters the room to comfort him. April hugs her brother tightly, purring quietly.

April: Sorry, Big Brother.

Benjy: Not your fault, Little Sis.

He strokes her head while being unaware of Ava watching them. Ava heads back downstairs as we fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with the twins eating their breakfast quietly and without speaking, much to Ava's slight concern.

Ava: Listen, about last night...

Maya simply puts her cutlery down and heads upstairs to get ready for school before Ava can finish her sentence. Benjy just quietly continues eating without looking at his mother. April, hating this whole mad at each other thing, then lightly kicks Benjy to get him to say something.

Benjy: Mom, we just need some time to come to terms with it. Just...

Benjy sighs before following his sister upstairs. Ava quietly sits down and buries her head into her hands until April gets up and hugs her mother. Ava accepts the hug after a few seconds, purring softly with her daughter. Upstairs, Benjy just heads into the bathroom once Maya is finished. Maya knows that Benjy wants to end the whole thing with Nexus and decides to talk with him.

Maya: Listen, Ben, I know you're slightly mad at me because of your conversation with Morgan but...

Benjy: I never said I was mad at you.

Maya: It was in your body language.

Benjy: Since when could you understand Body Language?

Maya: You'd be surprised at my many unknown talents.

Benjy: Not counting being an ass at times?

Maya: Oi!

The twins playfully nudge each other before we fade to them leaving for school. This time, since it's likely they won't be superheroes anymore after last night, they take their bicycles to school. Benjy's bike is actually Peter's bike that he used after Gwen died and his mournful depression is why he quit being Spider-Man for ten months. Maya's bike is one Davida gave her for her twelfth birthday. Ava is slowly beginning to think that pulling them out of Avengers Academy wasn't a good idea as she takes April to school.

April: Mommy, I think Benjy and Maya are good heroes.

Ava: Really? What makes you say that?

April: They wanna make people feel better like you do and follow their heart. Isn't that what you do?

Ava: ... Yes, it is.

April: I wanna be like you three when I grow up. I wanna make people feel better when they're sad.

Ava smiles a little at her daughter's ethusiasm.

Ava: You already are, Little Cub. Race ya to school?

April: Yay!

The two then sprint down the street. April nearly trips but does a forward back flip to recover from said trip. At Midtown High, Benjy and Maya arrive five minutes before the bell rings. Nico and Amber approach Benjy.

Nico: First time since I've seen you ride your bike to school.

Benjy: Felt like a change...

Nico: ... Okay, what happened?

Benjy: We had a falling out with Mom.

Nico: Both of you? Why?

Benjy: Can we discusss it at lunch? There's something I've been meaning to tell you and... it's about my after school club.

Benjy heads on inside with Maya, who just had the same conversation with Davida (minus the telling you something important thing). Nico and Amber exchange a confused and worried look just as the bell rings. In Science Class, Benjy works away at a new experiment with Nico as his lab partner. Maya, meanwhile, is actually taking a small interest in Maths as well as Science. The key word being small. At lunch time, Benjy meets with Amber and Nico on the roof of the school.

Nico: Okay, what happened?

Amber: Benjy?

Benjy: Mom is pulling us out of The Academy, Amber, after this new Doc Ock attacked me and my sister because we hacked into his server.

Amber: What?

Nico: Hold up, The Academy? As in Avengers Academy? You go to Avengers Academy?

Benjy: Not so loud. I go to Avengers Academy along with Amber and Maya.

Nico: Be serious, Ben.

Benjy: I am being serious. I... am Spider-Boy.

Nico: The kid hanging around Spider-Man? Come on.

Benjy: My dad was the original Spider-Man, Nico, and...

Benjy sighs before firing a web line at the door leading back into the school and then leaping to stick to the wall near said door. Nico stares in slight awe.

Benjy: Believe me now?

Nico: Yeah, and it's... cool. What about you, Miss Perfect?

Amber pulls out her costume.

Amber: My name is Miss Fortune, actually, and I have the power of creation as well as destruction at my fingertips.

Nico: Hmm. I guess it's my turn, then.

Nico concentrates while holding her hand in front of her to summon The Staff Of One.

Nico: I'm a sorcerer training under Doctor Strange at The Sanctum Sanctorum. Mama's got magic, boom.

Benjy: Three superheroes and a magician.

Nico: Sorcerer.

Amber: Quite the combination, honestly.

Nico: When were you gonna tell me about this superhero thing?

Benjy: Around the time you told me you were a trainee sorcerer.

Nico: ... Yeah, that's fair. Wait, why is your mom pulling you out of Avengers Academy?

One plot explanation of this storyline so far later...

Nico: I see.

Amber: But you were doing the right thing in stopping the bad guy, right? Surely that's got to keep you in the academy.

Benjy: Not in her opinion. Once she's made up her mind, she sticks to it. Well, except at the beginning of the year because she let us sign up for Avengers Academy.

Nico: Then you've still got a shot, Ben. At home time, I'll head there with you to convince her it's a bad idea.

Benjy: Nico...

Nico: No, you were happy going to that place and I am gonna do everything I can to get your mom to change her mind. Oh shoot, class is starting in a few minutes! C'mon!

Nico puts her staff away and heads down the stairs. Benjy and Amber head down together, giving Miss Agreste an opportunity to settle the thing said last night.

Amber: Hey, Benjy, about what you said last night at the academy... when you said "I love you" to me...

Benjy blushes a little.

Benjy: Oh, you heard that...?

Amber: I did and...

Amber has trouble finding the right words to say so she just decides to woman up and full on kisses Benjy. Benjy is shocked a little before they embrace each other until the bell rings and they break off while looking into each others eyes. Amber nervously pushes the hair on her left side behind her shoulder and Benjy leans against the wall.

Benjy: That was... amazing... as well as...

Amber: Your first kiss? Me too...

Benjy: I think the bell rang...

Amber: Yeah, it did...

Benjy: We should...

Amber: Right, classes... See you later?

Benjy: Definitely.

The two sheepishly walk down the stairs and the intercomm goes off once they part ways.

Principal: Benjamin Parker, please report to my office please.

Benjy is slightly confused before heading towards the principal's office. He arrives and knocks on the door before entering... and is slightly shocked to see Luke Carlyle sitting in the chair in front of the desk.

Luke: Ah, you must be Benjy. I'm Luke Carlyle, head of Nexus Industries.

Benjy: Yeah, I know.

Principal Feige: Mr Carlyle here was wondering if you'd like a place in his company part time.

Benjy: Aren't I a little young for a work experience?

Luke: Nonsense. Say, Principal Feige, would it be a problem if Benjy and I discuss this between ourselves?

Principal Feige: Not at all. I'll let you talk in the office here. I need to get some paperwork by the printer anyway. Benjy, I'm leaving you in charge of the office.

Benjy: Yes, sir...

Principal Feige leaves... and Carlyle's "nice guy" act disappears.

Luke: Now, let's get to the point. Did you make a copy of my plans?

Benjy: I did but it was destroyed in your attack last night.

Luke: Good. Besides you and your sister, does anyone else know?

Benjy shakes his head.

Luke: Again, good. I don't know how you managed to break through my security at your age and, quite frankly, I don't care because it won't be happening again after tonight. Here's my offer, kid, and I need you to think long and hard about your decision here. You will go about your life, study hard, and forget everything you saw on your little computer about my reactor as well as my armour. If you and your sister interfere with my plan again, I will have no qualms in killing you, your mother, and that pretty little girlfriend of yours. Do you understand?

Benjy nods nervously because he can't cause a scene here.

Luke: See? You can do the smart thing. Now, do you think there's anything else you need to tell me that I don't know?

Benjy: When I skimmed through the plans you stole for that reactor, you made a miscalculation.

Luke: I never make miscalculations, kid. That's how I got in the business side of Science. Well, that and being too smart for my own good. "When an opportunity presents itself, seize it before time runs out." Something my mentor said to me before I graduated and I'd like to keep following that principle.

Cue Principal Feige returning.

Principal Feige: Well?

Benjy: Thank you for the offer, Mr Carlyle, but I'm gonna have to decline your offer. I'd really like to get the work experience from you but... I'm just too young and don't think it'll work out.

Luke: Shame. I had high hopes you'd accept my offer, kiddo. Oh well, thank you for your time.

Benjy shakes Luke's hand before leaving to head back to class. On the way, he texts Morgan that Carlyle plans to turn on the reactor tonight before bumping into Maya.

Maya: Benjy, you okay?

Benjy: We're going to Nexus tonight, Sis. I'm not letting him do this.

Maya: Ben...

Benjy: I don't care if we get pulled out of Avengers Academy or not but I want to at least put an end to this before he destroys the city.

Maya is about to make another argument but relents.

Maya: You have your costume?

Benjy: It's at home. You?

Maya: Likewise.

Benjy: Then we get changed as soon as school ends, tell Miles, and have this sorted before Mom finds out.

Maya: And if she does find out?

Benjy: Let me take the heat this time.

Maya then hugs her brother before they separate and head to their respective classrooms. Meanwhile, Ava stands outside Avengers Academy and is hesitant about entering to remove her kids from the one place other than home where they can just be themselves. She grits her teeth before refusing to go through with her choice just as Iron Maiden and Iron Heart shoot across the skies to deal with Carlyle. At Nexus, Carlyle slips into his armour but ditches the mask for a pair of red shades to make him more comic accurate and enters the fusion reactor room, to the shock of his employees.

New Ock: Clear the room. I can manage on my own.

They do so as he walks up to machine to work away at the controls, not realising that Benjy is right about the miscalculation. At Miles' art studio, he's back in action and ready to get moving again. He receives a text from Morgan about Luke turning the reactor on tonight. He leaps into the air and swings off towards Nexus while calling Angela del Toro.

Spider-Man: Ms del Toro, it's Miles and Carlyle is switching on the machine.

Angela: I'm on my way.

Miles hangs up and then sends a text to Ava to ask for Benjy and Maya's help on this mission.

Ava's Text: We're on our way.

Spider-Man: "We"?

He resumes swinging towards Nexus as we cut to the twins arriving home and they rush up to their bedrooms to change into their suits.

Maya: Any idea where my web shooters are?

Benjy: Above the wardrode, Sis.

Maya: Thank you~.

Benjy is tempted to text Amber about this but relents as he doesn't want her to get hurt. This is when Ava can be heard walking into the house, much to the twins' shock.

"Ava": I'm home. I had to get something from a friend of mine's at The Tower and I'm letting April spend time with Auntie Jess and Auntie Angel again. Sound good?

The twins don't respond, turn away, and head into Benjy's room facing the window as Ava is heard walking up the stairs. Ava stops outside the bedroom doorway and sighs.

"Ava": Kids...

Maya: Mom, We know you're going to say that we are going too far but the city is in danger and we can't just stand by while the others are risking everything to stop Carlyle's plan.

Benjy: Doing the right thing doesn't mean obeying the rules, Mom. It means doing whatever you think is right, regardless of what others may think. And I know you're gonna think we're just kids involved in something over our heads but we know the risks and they are risks I'm willing to take.

Maya: As am I. To hell with listening to what our mentors say. Our hearts are in the right place.

Five second silence.

"Ava": ... I was actually gonna say you can both go help out as long as I get to go with you.

The twins finally turn to look at their mother, who is in a newer version of her White Tiger costume. It's the same form fitting costume she had like always but the mask doesn't cover her mouth, the stripes are longer as well as broader, and the sleeves of the suit stop just before her elbows. The White Tiger is back just this once.

White Tiger: I am so glad your Auntie Mari made this for me long before I chose to retire and had it in Avengers Tower in case something came up. I guess this counts as something.

Maya: Hot damn, Mom...

White Tiger: So, Little Spider, would you wanna see me in action one more time?

Benjy gives a small smirk.

Benjy: That depends, Mom. Have you gotten over your fear of heights yet?

Cue the confidence in Ava fading.

White Tiger: I'm sorry, what?

One jump cut later and Maya is swinging across the city while Benjy swings himself as well as his terrified mother towards Nexus.

White Tiger: OH, I FORGOT HOW MUCH I HATE THIS!

Spider-Boy: Would you like me to set you down?

White Tiger: JUST DO THAT WHEN WE GET THERE, BENJY, AND DON'T DROP ME, FOR GOD'S SAKE! OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD! WHOOOOOAAAAAA, WE'RE TOO CLOSE TO THE GROUND!

Spider-Girl: C'mon, Mom, live a little and enjoy the ride!

Maya lightly chuckles to herself while this is going on while doing a dive swing. Cue Benjy doing a massive swing and Ava finally screams her head off as her son fires another web line before they hit the ground. We cut to black.

Chapter Text

We open with Amber heading to Avengers Academy and is lost in thought. Mostly about her kiss with Benjy. She then gets a call from her mom.

Amber: Hey, Mom, what's up?

Marinette: I just wanted to see if you're okay, honey. You were quiet last night.

Amber: Oh, I'm great now. Nothing to worry about, really.

Marinette: That so? What about your friend, Benjy?

Amber blushes due to remembering the kiss.

Amber: I, um... I kissed him.

Marinette: Aw, my little girl has a boyfriend~.

Amber: Yeah, I guess so. Now, you can tease me about it.

Marinette: Not this time, sweetie. I'm happy for you and so's your dad. Did Benjy ask you out yet?

Amber: Not yet. Can we talk about this when I get home? I'd rather not discuss this thing in public or possibly make it official to the public/press.

Marinette: Sure. As soon as you get back, we can talk all about it. Love you.

Amber: Love you more.

Amber hangs up and heads on inside as we cut to Iron Maiden and Iron Heart arriving at the building opposite Nexus. Iron Heart looks at the building.

Iron Heart: AMI, give me a scan of the building.

AMI: Riri, I'm detecting a ton of fusion energy spiking uncontrollably at the very top of the building. If it is not deactivated or stabalised in approximately thirty minutes...

Iron Maiden: It explodes and takes out most of New York.

AMI: Correct, Miss Stark.

Iron Heart: Then let's get to it.

Cue Miles arriving on the scene.

Spider-Man: You the girl that sent me the message?

Iron Maiden: I did, yeah. We've got half an hour to stop Carlyle. Well, nearly twenty nine minutes.

Spider-Man: Then let's get to work.

Cue Maya arriving.

Spider-Girl: Did ya miss me?

Iron Maiden: Change of heart?

Spider-Girl: Something like that.

Cue Benjy arriving and Ava is holding onto her son tightly.

Spider-Boy: Mom, you can let go now?

Ava then lets go while composing herself.

White Tiger: Sorry, Benjy. I'm just... never doing that again. Ever.

Spider-Man: White Tiger?

Iron Heart: Wait, White Tiger is your mom?! THE White Tiger?! Ma'am, I'm your biggest fan! I mean, Iron Man's my main man but you're my favourite heroine ever!

White Tiger: Thank you, Miss...?

Iron Heart: Williams. Riri Williams, aka Iron Heart. I'm a friend of your kids.

Spider-Man: Hey, let's do this talking thing AFTER we save the city!

White Tiger: Right. Iron Maidens, you two are our eyes in the sky for this. If that reactor starts going mental, do everything you can to protect the people on the ground.

Iron Maiden: First though...

Morgan tosses a thumb drive to Benjy.

Iron Maiden: That's a virus program I invented before coming here. It should shut the reactor down before it goes boom. Whatever you do, DON'T break it.

The girls shoot off into the skies as the police arrive.

Spider-Man: Okay, your mother/grandmother is here. Let's get Carlyle wrapped up nicely in his bow. Ava, stay close to me.

White Tiger: Will do. Kids, stay close to me.

Miles leaps over first, then Maya, and Benjy carries Ava over to Nexus. The four then make their way past a bunch of security guards before heading towards the doors of an elevator. Miles and Ava pry open the doors before Ava leaps over into the shaft.

White Tiger: Long way up... and down.

Maya stick to the wall beside her mother.

Spider-Girl: Need me to carry you?

White Tiger: Just start climbing, Firecracker.

Miles and Benjy enter the shaft as we see a hidden camera watching them. In the room containing the reactor, Luke works away when Screwball contacts him.

Screwball: Boss, Spider-Man is here along with the kids and White Tiger.

New Ock: They're too late. Delay them as best as you can as I increase the power of the reactor.

Screwball: Sure.

New Ock: I've come too far to lose it all now.

Carlyle keeps up the work while our heroes are close to their destination. However, Maya sets off a motion detector.

Spider-Girl: What the-?

White Tiger: MAYA, MOVE!

Ava leaps up to shield her daughter and the two get sucked into a vacuum in a hole forming where Maya clings. Next to get separated is Miles via the shaft cutting him off from Benjy. Benjy keeps climbing as fast as he can and avoids most of Screwball's traps, reaching the top floor via web zipping through the elevator doors. Benjy pants a little but gets up and stays alert for any more traps. Maya groans as she finds herself lying on top of her mother, who also lets out a long groan.

White Tiger: You okay?

Spider-Girl: Tis but a scratch...

White Tiger: Very funny.

Spider-Girl: Benjy isn't the only one to inherit Dad's humour. What about you?

White Tiger: Lightly bruised but I can manage.

Ava senses something and quickly drags Maya back onto the ground before her daughter is killed by a laser sentry. Speaking of which, laser sentries emerge from the wall.

White Tiger: Stay close and strike fast.

Spider-Girl: You read my mind.

The two ladies get to work, staying close to each other and striking each drone as fast as they can with Ava slicing them to pieces and Maya webbing them to the wall so she can deliver a punch. Over with Miles, the door leading into a corridor opens and he leaps into the corridor to face Screwball as well as her fans.

Screwball: Spider-Man Vs Screwball 2!

Spider-Man: Minus The Electric Boogaloo.

Screwball: But doubling the pain!

Screwball and her fans charge and Miles does a neck crack before channeling his venom strike and lunging towards his enemies, dealing well placed punches to each of Screwball's fans while Screwball uses her natural agility to dodge his attempted attacks. Miles then faces off with Screwball one on one, with Screwball on the defensive and Miles on the extreme offensive. Back with Benjy, he makes it to the lab just as the energy levels of the tritium cause a malfunction as predicted by Morgan. Benjy rushes towards the control console but gets zapped away by Luke. Benjy recovers before he can crash through the wall and glares at Luke Carlyle.

New Ock: Way past your bedtime, kid!

Spider-Boy: Mr Carlyle, we need to shut it down! You're gonna wipe out the city!

New Ock: Science always has risks and the risks with this machine are ones I'm willing to take!

Spider-Boy: Then I'm gonna do the same by taking you down!

Benjy leaps towards the top to the wall before he can get zapped again. He tries web zipping towards the console but Carlyle grabs him with two tentacles and flings the kid away before lunging in to get up close and personal. Benjy blocks each punch well before countering with a kick to the knee cap and a right cross to the jaw. Luke then whacks the kid back with his tentacles before flinging the young boy over his shoulders... only to get web rushed by Benjy, who then does a web strike to the centre of Luke's armour to the point of leaving a small dent. Benjy back flips away before Luke zaps him again. However, Luke finally used his four arms to hold Benjy in place so he can kill the boy properly. The lasers fire and...

???: DEFLECTOR!

A barely visible shield forms around Benjy and the laser blasts are redirected at Luke, who gets sent flying through a wall. Benjy is saved from hitting the ground by Nico, who is in her Sister Grimm outfit and is holding him in the bridal carry position. She helps Benjy to his feet.

Spider-Boy: Hey.

Sister Grimm: Hey.

Nico twirls her Staff Of One around a couple of times as Luke emerges, pissed off.

New Ock: I will not be defeated by a pair of meddling kids!

Sister Grimm: Go do your thing, Ben. I got this asshole.

Benjy nods and the two split up with Benjy going for the reactor while dodging incoming attacks from Carlyle and Nico gets up close to fight Luke hand-tohand after casting an armour spell on herself. Over with Ava and Maya, they deal with the last of the sentries together in one well timed strike. The two breathe easy for now.

Spider-Girl: Well, that was quite the mother-daughter bonding exercise.

White Tiger: Wouldn't have it any other way.

Spider-Girl: Hey, Mom? About my attitude recently and at the park on Saturday, I'm sorry.

White Tiger: You haven't anything to be sorry for, Maya. I'm sorry for not being there for you when you needed me.

Maya responds to that with a tight hug. Ava lightly strokes her daughter's head in response to the hug before hugging her daughter back... just as more drones emerge from the walls. The two ladies nod before going to town once again. Ava's nails get long and sharp like claws as she goes into her tiger form. To her and Maya's surprise, Ava's suit changes with her to give her a more furry look. Ava purrs in satisfaction, knowing how she's going to repay 646Mari the next time she visits with 646Rihoko, before roaring at the incoming sentries and resuming her onslaught. Maya then shrugs before leaping forward to assist her mother with the attack on the drones. Back to Miles, he finally has Screwball on the ropes with a lot more fast paced punches and kicks.

Screwball: Okay, not funny anymore! Time to split!

The live streaming villainess breaks off from the fight.

Spider-Man: Not this time!

Miles fires two web lines but Screwball slides towards her destination. Screwball leaps into the elevator shaft and Miles dive bombs after her. He web zips her closer to him and they engage in a brief freefall fight before Miles finally lands a venom strike to the chest, sending Screwball into a wall that she becomes embedded on. Miles performs the yo-yo move to prevent himself from falling and encompasses Screwball in impact webbing, mentally thanking Ben Reilly for teaching him how to make the stuff.

Spider-Man: Now, THAT'S how you get Screwballed.

Screwball: Bite me, Web Head!

Miles then webs her mouth shut.

Spider-Man: Seriously, how did people like your show?

Screwball: *muffled speech*

Spider-Man: Yeah, I knew you didn't know either.

Cue an explosion going off a few feet above Miles and several destroyed drones plummet towards him. He leaps off of his web and sticks to the walls of the shaft before looking up to see Ava and Maya panting like mad.

White Tiger: I think... we got them all... this time...

Spider-Girl: Thank... frigging... God...

Miles web zips up to them.

Spider-Man: You both good?

White Tiger: Where's Benjy?

Spider-Man: I thought he'd end up with you two.

Cue muffled explosion from the floor above getting their full attention and Nico bursting through the floor.

Sister Grimm: Float!

Nico begins floating and realises that Maya, Ava, and Miles are staring at her.

Sister Grimm: Um... Hi, Mrs Parker?

White Tiger: Since when could you do that?!

Sister Grimm: I'll explain later. First, Benjy needs our help!

The four then rush up as we cut to Benjy inserting the thumb drive into the USB port on the reactor control console. It loads... slowly.

Spider-Boy: C'mon...!

Cue Benjy dodging a laser blast from Luke as he charges towards the boy, throwing every conceivable attack he's got at the eleven year old.

Spider-Boy: Mr Carlyle, please stop this!

New Ock: Not when I'm so far!

Benjy gets pinned against the wall so Luke can deliver a gut punch. The boy grunts in pain as he gets punched two more times and then flung across the room. New Ock attempts to stop the deactivation of his machine... but Ava and Maya deck him across the face. Luke then hits the tritium part of his reactor and gets the shock of a lifetime, screaming in immense pain as it happens. However, it then looks as if Luke disappears for a brief second. He hits the ground hard and struggles to get back up. Ava grabs the guy by the collar of his damaged armour and her nails become claws again.

White Tiger: I said stay away from my children.

Outside, Morgan and Riri detect something going wrong with the deactivation process.

AMI: Riri...

Iron Heart: Yeah, I see it. Morgan?

Iron Maiden: EDITH, call Benjy.

EDITH: Of course, Miss Stark.

Iron Maiden: Benjy, you guys need to get out of there now! You managed to decrease the blast radius to that room but you need to move as fast as you can! Benjy?!

Hearing this, Benjy recovers and notices the machine going haywire slightly. He web zips to tackle his mother out of the way of a small fiery tremor and Luke gets half of his face badly burned before Benjy pulls the villain away from the now exploding machine.

Spider-Boy: We need to get out of here!

Spider-Girl: Not enough time!

Sister Grimm: Teleport!

The group then teleports out of the lab before the reactor explodes, destroying the top floor of Nexus Industries. Our group of heroes and Carlyle arrive just outside the front entrance of the tower. They drop to their knees and give a long sigh of relief. The Iron Maidens hover down to help their fellow heroes.

Iron Maiden: You guys okay?

Spider-Man: Nothing an ice pack won't fix overnight...

Spider-Girl: Brother, you good?

Spider-Boy: Yeah, I'm fine.

Cue Ava hugging the hell out of her son.

White Tiger: Thank you for saving me, kiddo.

Spider-Boy: Not a problem. That's what family does, right?

Ava resumes hugging him while Maya lightly nudges her brother. Benjy then goes over to offer Nico a handshake, which she gladly accepts.

Spider-Man: Screwball is webbed up in the main elevator shaft a few floors up.

Iron Heart: I'll get her.

Iron Heart flies up to get Screwball while Angela del Toro approaches the injured Luke Carlyle with a pair of handcuffs in her hand.

Angela: Mr Carlyle, you're under arrest.

Luke can only groan in pain. Later, Carlyle and Screwball are shoved into a police car and Angela carts them down to the station while our heroes watch. Maya "politely" flips them off and Ava lightly taps the back of Maya's head. Benjy just looks on with confidence in himself. We fade to black.

Chapter Text

We open with a Daily Bugle News Report by Olivia.

Olivia: Hello, New York, this is Olivia Morales of The Daily Bugle. Last night, a superhero fight occurred within the science corporation, Nexus Industries, and Luke Carlyle was arrested for fraud as well as attempted child murder for trying to kill young students from Avengers Academy. Mr Carlyle hasn't been allowed to give a comment prior to his arrest but this reporter expects to see him soon for that next interview. As for the heroes, it appears to be Spider-Man leading the charge with students from Avengers Academy as well as White Tiger. White Tiger hasn't made a public appearance since the death of the original Spider-Man almost ten years ago. Is she back for good? Or was this a temporary situation? More importantly, what is her relationship with the young heroes, Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl? Only time will tell. Spider-Man did say to me that Spider-Boy is the one to end Carlyle's attempt to destroy the city and I say thank you if he'[s watching this reporter right now. Now, over to you, Jonah.

We pan out to reveal that we're in the living room of The Parker House... and our favourite family are tired as hell. Angela walks in with tea and coffee. smirking like mad.

Angela: Some things never change, do they?

Ava: Please don't start, Mom...

Angela: I'm just saying.

Cue April walking down the stairs, fresh as a daisy.

April: Good mornin'~!

Benjy: Morning, April.

Maya: Sup?

April: You guys were awesome! You took down that big meanie!

Maya: With great difficulty!

Benjy: And with great difficulty, comes great injuries.

Ava: Hehehehe...

Benjy: What is it?

Ava: Nothing, I'm just reminded of something your dad used to say. "With great power, comes great responsibility." It was something your Great Uncle Ben told him before he died and he did his best living up to that saying since.

Cue Miles walking into the house via the back door.

Miles: Likewise.

Benjy: Miles?

Miles: I got off the phone with Ms Romanov and she said you two and Ava are to be in her office immediately after school. Didn't sound really good but there's a slight possibility it's great news.

Benjy and Maya give their mentor a deadpan look because it's never great news when it comes to Black Widow.

Ava: Yeah, I'm on their side. Mostly because I know what Ms Romanov was like back when she trained me.

April: Is Black Widow really scary?

Maya: Only on a good day.

Benjy: Crap, we should get to school!

Maya: Shit!

Angela: Language?

Maya: I meant OH shit!

Angela sighs in annoyance as the twins rush to get ready while April cuddles next to her mother before getting ready for school. Ava gently strokes her daughter's head. At Midtown, Benjy and Maya make it minutes before the bell rings. Benjy notices that Gene is wearing a shirt featuring his hero persona.

Benjy: Gene, is that...?

Gene: Oh, I got this made for me. Kid's crazy and, I have to admit, I like him.

Maya: What about Spider-Girl?

Gene: Dunno but I'm sure she's awesome.

Gene heads on to class as Amber enters the building. Maya takes notice before her brother and decides to let them hang out before the bell rings.

Amber: Good morning, Benjy.

Benjy: Amber, good morning.

Amber: You okay? I watched the news and-.

Benjy: I got banged up a little but I-.

Amber interrupts him with a hug. He returns the hug before they share a kiss.

Amber: Good job, hero.

Benjy: Thank you.

Cue Nico appearing out of nowhere.

Nico: Um, when did this happen?

Benjy: Oh, we're an item now. That is, do you want to be-?

Amber: Yes. I would like that. Maybe more later down the line as well but...

Benjy: One step at a time.

Amber: Right.

Nico: You did good last night, Ben.

Benjy: You weren't so bad yourself, Nico.

They share a quick hug before the bell rings.

Amber: What about Carlyle?

Benjy: Abuela said he's at SHIELD in a holding cell due to how dangerous he is. Meaning we won't deal with him ever again.

The three head to class as we cut to Carlyle is a holding cell at The Triskellion. His face has been bandaged up to cover his burns and scars received in his fight with Spider-Boy. His metal arms have been removed from his armour and their power cells have been removed. He sits alone to his thoughts until someone speaks.

???: Hello, Luke.

Carlyle looks up and stares at the man that was his mentor back in MIT.

Luke: Mr Gryphon?

Marcus: Oh please, Luke, we're not in college anymore. Call me Marcus. And yes, it's me and we don't have long before SHIELD's security detects me. What can you tell me about The Parker Children?

Luke: They grow up to be very dangerous threats to your plans, Marcus. It's just like you said...

Marcus: I know. Still, you tried your best in both attempts to stop The Parker Boy as well as his family and I'll never forget your loyalty to me.

Luke: Master, please take me with you.

Marcus: I'm sorry, Luke, but you have no place in my plan for the future. Farewell, old friend.

With that said, Marcus Gryphon fades in a flash of light just as SHIELD Agents rush into the holding cells before they can even arrest the man. At Avengers Academy, Benjy and Maya are standing in Natasha's office along with Miles, Ava, and SHIELD Director Monica Chang.

Natasha: Here we are again, Benjy and Maya.

Benjy and Maya: It was my fault, Ms Romanov.

Natasha: Relax, kids, because you're not in trouble. In fact, it's quite the opposite after Miles and your mother gave accurate descriptions of what transpired last night. Congratulations, the pair of you. You have managed to impress me to the point that this lady would like to speak with you about your possible future.

Monica steps forward.

Monica: Hello, young heroes. I'm Monica Chang, Director of SHIELD. What you did was impressive that I'd like to-.

Ava: Please tell me this conversation isn't going where I think it is.

Monica: Mrs Parker, I'd like your children to become part time SHIELD Agents when they come of age.

Maya: Wait, seriously?

Benjy: I heard your labs are well stacked with tech not released to the public.

Monica: That, and the rest is top secret. What do you two think? Interested in helping SHIELD protect the world?

The twins are excited at first but calm down a little.

Maya: It's a kind offer, Director Chang, but...

Benjy: I mean, it'd be cool but we'd prefer to stay where we are for now.

Monica: Then the offer stands and I'll ask again when you both come of age. Good work out there and listen to your hearts just as much as your teachers.

Benjy and Maya nod.

Natasha: Dismissed. Oh, Benjy?

Benjy: Yes?

Natasha: This Yu-Gi-Oh tournament you're proposing, consider it acceptable as long as it takes place at Christmas and you take me through the rules.

Benjy gives a small smile as well as a nod, which Natasha returns before letting him leave the room. Natasha looks to Ava once the kids have left.

Natasha: You raised great kids.

Ava: I didn't do it alone, Ma'am.

Natasha: Of course. He'd be proud of you all.

Ava nods to her mentor with a small smile and Natasha returns the favour.

Monica: While you're here, Mrs Parker, there's a little thing I'd like to discuss with you. It concerns the son of an old "friend" of yours that wishes to join Avengers Academy and would like to know more about his dad from someone that knew him.

Ava: Who...?

Monica: Guys, bring him in.

Cue the door opening and a young blonde haired boy walks into the room accompanied by a couple of SHIELD Agents.

Monica: Dylan, meet Ava Parker. Ava, this is Dylan Brock. He's the son of Eddie Brock and Ann Weying.

Ava stares in shock at the boy because she hasn't talked about Eddie since he died to end the threat of Cletus Cassidy way back in 2017. Ava gives a small smile.

Ava: Hey, Dylan. I'm an old friend of your father's.

Dylan: You knew my dad?

Ava: I did know him a little bit and he saved us all in his last moments. Your father died a hero, Dylan.

Dylan hugs Ava, who is shocked at first but returns the hug. Ava looks to Monica and gives a small nod.

Ava: I'll help out however I can, Director Chang, as long as you tell me everything about this young man.

Monica: Glad to have you on board.

Over with the twins, they get greeted by their classmates and are treated to a round of applause. James, while leaning in the doorway, just gives Benjy a thumbs up. Benjy smiles while giving James a thumbs up. Cue Ms Romanov arriving with Dylan.

Natasha: Avengers Academy Classes Alpha-Gamma, settle down. We have a new recruit in this academy and I expect you to treat him well.

Dylan: Hi, I'm Dylan. Dylan Brock.

After Dylan introduces himself, a black blob emerges from his shoulder and is revealed to be Sy'kina.

Sy'kina: And We are Sy'kina.

Natasha: Dylan, you'll be a part of Class Gamma. Class Gamma, look after Dylan and Sy'kina as you have looked after each other since the start of the year. If you have any problems, talk to your class rep or come see me. Okay?

Dylan: Thank you, Ms Romanov.

Natasha: Alright, kids. Dismissed and... take some time to yourselves today to train or study or have fun.

Nat leaves and Dylan is approached by his new classmates.

Amadeus Cho: You have a Symbiote? Awesome. I'm Amadeus Cho, aka Brawn.

Riri: And I'm Riri Williams, aka Iron Heart and your class rep. Have any questions you wanna lay on me?

Dylan: Just one. Do you know Benjy and Maya Parker?

Benjy and Maya approach Dylan.

Benjy: Hey, I'm Benjy.

Maya: Maya.

Dylan: Your mom said you would help me with my powers.

Benjy: Bonded to a Klyntar, right? Well, you'd basically just have powers like myself, Maya, and technically Steel Spider. Crawling walls, spider-sense, webbing, etc.

Maya: We can help you with the basics before you start finding your own style of fighting. Us Spiders gotta stick together, right?

Dylan: Thank you.

Benjy: Do you have a hero form?

Dylan nods before he transforms into a less monstrous version of Venom.

Venom: We are Venom.

Everyone nods/wows in satisfaction. Cue a portal opening and Nico stepping out of it, much to everyone’s surprise.

Nico: Am I late?

Benjy, Maya, and Amber: Nico?

Nico: Oh right, I might’ve convinced Doctor Strange to let me take part in this Avengers Academy thing part time and he confirmed it with Ms Romanov. Hope that’s cool with you guys.

Benjy: Welcome aboard.

The two high school friends shake hands and then share a hug. Sometime later at The Parker House, The Parkers are eating dinner.

Angela: So, still going to Avengers Academy?

Maya: Yup, and we're gonna be famous for, oh, a few days at most.

Ava: Don't get used to it. And hey, I'm proud of you both despite going against my instructions.

Angela: Hmm, reminds me of a young lady I used to know...

Angela points at Ava, much to her kids' shock.

Maya: No way...

Ava: I was young!

Angela: Oldest excuse in the book!

Ava: Oh please, like YOU were the innocent type at their age!

Angela: I'll have you know that I was Valedictorian in my school!

Ava: Before or after the egging of-!

The kids just laugh at their mother and grandmother arguing and soon both mother and daughter laugh as well. Benjy gets a text from Amber.

Benjy: Hey, Mom, is it okay if I take Amber out on a date?

Cue Maya and April doing a spit take.

April: What?!

Maya: Hell yes!

Ava: As long as you're back home at 10 o'clock.

Benjy: Thanks, Mom.

Benjy is getting a death glare from April.

Benjy: Oh yeah, we're boyfriend/girlfriend now.

April keeps the glare going a while longer before she breathes easy and gives her brother a little smile.

April: As long as she makes you happy, I support you.

The two share a hug. We fade to a few days later as New York is under attack by Miles' longtime foe, Frost Pharaoh.

Frost Pharaoh: I am Frost Pharaoh and I will have my vengeance on the people of New York!

He conjures up several Ice Beasts just as Miles arrives with the twins.

Frost Pharaoh: Spider-Man! And you brought your sidekicks?!

Spider-Man: Oh, they're more than sidekicks.

Spider-Boy and Spider-Girl: We're The Spiders!

Frost Pharaoh: And I am unimpressed! Ice Beasts, rip them apart!!!

The creatures snarl before charging towards their prey. Miles, Benjy, and Maya swing into the air before punching the nearest enemy. We cut to black