L.A. Presents: Spider-Man Episode 7: A New Life (Part IV)

Josh rushes outside to see the women and Spider-Man about to engage in an all out battle. He begins to run towards them, when Rachel calls for him. Rachel-No Josh! Josh-What? Rachel-This is the life Darnell has chosen, let him fight this one….by himself. Josh-Are you sure? Rachel-Yes, besides we can’t expose ourselves as mutants here. Josh-I see your point, what should we do? Rachel-If he needs us, we will be here… The women charge at Spider-Man and he begins running towards them also. Laser unleashes powerful blasts from her hands and Spider-Man dodges out of the way. He shoots a web line at her legs and yanks them. The power of the pull pummels Laser to the ground and sends her screeching into a huge water fountain in front of the Ball Room building. Fire hovers towards Spider-Man and hurls multiple scorching fireballs at him. Spider-Man out maneuvers the balls and jumps onto a light post. Spider-Man-Is that the best you can do, Firefighter? Fire gives a growl and charges directly at Spider-Man. Spider-Man-*thinks* That’s right hot girl, keep comin.. Fire almost reaches Spider-Man when he unleashes a very thick net of webbing on Fire covering her entire body. He leaps off the pole still having Fire in his grasps and makes a mighty yank and hurls her into the huge fountain. Fire-Noo! AARRGHHHHHHHH! The loud and painful shriek of Fire’s scream stuns Brick and Laser. Many on watchers cover up their ears as she violently sways back and forth in the water. Surprisingly, electricity begins appear in the fountain and is then followed by a loud explosion. Spider-Man runs towards the fountain to observe what use to be a fiery woman but is now in resemblance of a robot. Spider-Man-What the hell? She was a cyborg!? Brick-NO FIRE! MY SISTER! Spider-Man-Sister? You are all cyborgs? Laser-Doesn’t matter now web head because you are going to die! Spider-Man-Umm, die? Technically…she was never even alive. Laser fires powerful rounds of laser beams from her eyes and hands at Spider-Man. He uses his great agility to dodge each attempt with ease. Spider-Man-Missed…..missed…….missed…..and missed again. Meanwhile back inside the Ball Room, the attendants keep their distance as guards stand by with Mr. Alexander Miles’s orders. Security Guard-What should we do, Mr. Miles? Alexander-If I am correct, that mutant with the black and red is the very same one that saved the bus a few days ago and tried to stop that bank robbery. Not to mention that he just saved my life. He isn’t the danger, the other ones are. Just stand your ground unless they try to attempt another assault on us. Security Guard-Yes sir. Max-Almighty! One of the biggest stories is happening and I am stuck ringside! Max motions towards the front door when Alexander Miles and Winona pull him back. Alexander-Don’t be an idiot, Malone! Not even you would die for a story! Claudia-I can’t believe this…all these months of planning and the Ball is ruined! Winona rolls her eyes. Winona-What an airhead. Outside of the Ball Room, Spider-Man takes a glimpse at the front of the Ball Room. Spider-Man-*thinks* I better move this little fiasco away from here. Spider-Man jumps to a light pole and hangs upside down from a web line. Spider-Man-You know ladies or robots, this place is too expensive for you. How about something more on my budget like Burger King? Spider-Man tugs on the line to make himself airborne and swings pass Laser and Brick. Brick-Pick me up Laser! Laser hovers towards Brick and grabs her as she soars towards Spider-Man direction. As they draw near, Laser launches Brick at Spider-Man. Spider-Man senses Brick behind him and he freefalls from his web line. Brick soars above him as he falls. Spider-Man-Hey! I am right here playa! Brick growls in anger as she begins descending towards the street. She lands on her feet emitting a loud thud as she lands. Spider-Man runs towards her and they lock up hands. Brick-So, the itsy bitsy spider wants to hold hands and see how strong I am, huh? Spider-Man-Well, it seemed like the right thing at the time. Both of them grunt loudly as they press each other hands tightly trying to prove who is stronger. Laser-Break his hands, Brick! People on the street take cover while watching the two mighty combatants show their strength. Brick smiles and then uses her brute strength to press even harder. Brick-I am going to squash you… Spider-Man-Sorry, but you need a swatter for that… Spider-Man extends back and does a backwards kick with both feet sending Brick screeching backwards into a building. Laser begins firing at Spider-Man as he leaps out of the way and begins shooting multiple web shards at her. She tries to counter attack all the shards but one of them eludes her and takes out her right eye. Laser-AAAAAAAAAARRRGGGGGGHHHHH! Spider-Man-Whoa, I don’t think that is going to heal correctly. Brick emerges from the building when her arm begins glowing a dim red. She gives a concerned look on her face as she searches for Laser. Brick-Laser, we have to go! Laser slowly hovers towards Brick when Spider-Man comes to a realization. Spider-Man-*sniff sniff* Damn, my ability for scent has come back. Laser grabs Brick and begins jetting away from the scene. Spider-Man-Hell, they don’t have a scent though. Think Spidey, think! He notices a pizza restaurant across the street and grins. He shoots a web line at a slice of pizza that a woman is about to eat. He yanks it away and begins twirling it wildly. He takes a deep whiff of the pizza and launches it at Brick’s back. Spider-Man-*thinks* Gotcha playa. Woman-Hey, what about my pizza!? Spider-Man-Mleh, you wouldn’t have like it…there was anchovies. Spider-Man swings away in the direction of the Ball Room where security and police are scattered everywhere. He notices Josh and Rachel away from the crowd and swoops down. Spider-Man-You two okay? Josh-Nope, the wine and champagne were terrible. Rachel-What happened to the cyborgs? Spider-Man-I am on my way to them right now. Oops, look like the police are on their way here…catch you guys later! Spider-Man leaps into the air and swings away. Officer-Come back here, we got some questions for you! Josh-It is okay officer, he thought someone was stealing my purse. Spider-Man takes another whiff and swings around a building into an eastern direction. Meanwhile at the old garage, Laser and Brick both smash through the roof and land abruptly onto the ground. Both of their arms glowing a brighter red now as they try to reach their pods. They walk through a doorway to see that all the mechanical devices and their charging pods have disappeared. Laser-No. He…abandoned us. Brick-No he hasn’t! They begin receiving a transmission inside their electronic brains. Voice-Oh but indeed I have. I no longer have any uses for either of you and now that you have been injured, you are useless. Laser-No Master! Please help us! Voice-Do not worry, once you have been completely depleted of your energy you both become active bombs. The brighter your arms glow, well………boom. Brick-If I ever get my hands on you again… Spider-Man bursts into the room. Spider-Man-Wow, even after taking a beating like that you still want more? What a woman. Laser collapses and Brick charges after Spider-Man. He leaps to the ceiling and jumps down on top of her shoulders and tightens his legs. Brick-Get off of me! Spider-Man-But you didn’t say please. Brick sways back and forth with force, but Spider-Man still holds on closely. She charges backwards to smash Spider-Man but he leaps off of her as she goes right into a wall demolishing it. Spider-Man-Pheeeeewww! Those anchovies stank, you need a bath. Oops, forgot that you cyborgs can’t take baths. Brick quickly emerges from the crumbled wall and grabs Spider-Man in a bear hug. He struggles to get free but no such luck. Brick-If we go, at least I will take you with us! His spider sense goes awry as he senses the bombs located on both Laser and Brick are only seconds from commencing. Almost out of air, Spider-Man notices a very large and sharp thick glass shard from the charging pods lying on the side. He concentrates his hands and shoots a web line onto the shard. He quickly snatches the shard at a tight upward angle and it soars towards Brick. She looks at the enormous shard heading her way and releases her hug on Spider-Man. The shard approaches too quickly and makes a clean swipe of her head as it slices completely off. Spider-Man tries to catch his breath as he watches the huge body going out of control as electricity goes whizzing out of the neck. Spider-Man’s spider sense becomes even more berserk and he summons enough strength to begin running. He observes a window on the far end and makes that his destination. Suddenly, the bodies of the two cyborgs give way to a huge explosion that begins disintegrating the old garage. The force of the blast sends Spider-Man through the window outside clear across into another building. He slams into the wall of the building and falls to the sidewalk. He gradually stands up and rubs his neck as he looks at the burning garage. Spider-Man-To hell with the cyborgs, I am more interested in knowing WHO made them? Spider-Man leaps into the air and swings away into the star filled night. The next morning at Rachel’s new apartment, Aquia knocks at the door. Josh hears the knock and answers it. Josh-Oh *yawns* hey Aquia. What’s up? Aquia-Hey Josh, Darnell and me are supposed to be job-hunting today. Josh-Oh yeah that is right but I don’t think he will be doing anything soon yet. He is still tired from his spider exploits last night. Aquia-Oh, well okay. Tell him I came by. Josh-Nonsense, come on in and have a seat. Aquia-Um, ok. Aquia walks in and has a seat on the couch. Josh walks into the kitchen and pours her a cup of orange juice. He walks back towards the couch and hands her the glass. Aquia-Thank you so much. Josh-No problem, Rachel and I have been called early this morning to an emergency meeting at the lab. So we are heading down there now. You just stay here and do whatever until Darnell wakes up, ok? Aquia drinks the orange juice and nods. Rachel enters the room and says hello to Aquia. They both wave good-bye to Aquia and exit the apartment. Aquia finishes her orange juice quickly and walks down the hall until she gets to Darnell’s room. As she enters, she notices Darnell stretched out and in a deep sleep on the bed still in his Spider uniform. She approaches the bed closely to notice that the mask is off and Darnell’s face is calm and silent. She gives a slight smile and walks back into the living room and turns on the television. Meanwhile, Josh and Rachel have arrived at the lab. They sit quietly in the Boardroom calmly but excitedly at the huge table. Josh-I wonder what this is all about. They didn’t even say what this was about on the phone. Rachel-Josh, I am sensing something rather uneasy and hostile about this. The door opens and Dr. Ron Jones enters. He is carrying some folders and gives the two young scientists an uncomfortable glare. He sits down at the table and begins to speak. Ron-Before we start, there is something I want you to view first. A large screen descends in front of them and a picture begins to come into view. The video is showing flashes of Dark Fire and Rachel from the footage of the Man Spider attack and footage of the Nyte attacks. Rachel and Josh drop their heads as the video continues to reveal showing Josh and Rachel transforming into their mutant states. Ron stops the video and forwards his attention towards them. Ron-Now, I am a very fair man and I will ask this only once…were the two mutants in that footage both you Ms. Williams and Mr. Beck. A heavy line of silence is drawn and both of them reply with yes. Ron-Damn it, why did you lie on your applications for this job? Josh-You know as well as we do if we would have answered yes on the application, we would not had have a fair status here as a regular human would have. Ron-*sighs* I personally have nothing against you, but…you ARE mutants. Rachel-We are no different from any other human besides our mutant gifts. Ron-I know, but think about your fellow employees here. Some have even threatened to go public about this situation and even quitting. Which is why this has come down to me saying that I need both of your resignations in the next hour. Josh-I can’t believe this shit! Ron-All of your experiments and contributions to this lab will be for you to compensate and take with you. I am truly sorry… While Ron continues, both Rachel and Josh stand up and leave the room. As they walk down the hall, many of the employees at the lab look at them in silence in shame and some in fear. They enter the elevator and Rachel holds Josh tightly and begins to cry. Back at the apartment, Darnell slowly wakes up from his sleep and stretches. Noticing he is still in his uniform, he places his finger on the D.V. and deactivates it giving him his normal clothes. He walks to the living to find Aquia watching some anime. Darnell-Oh damn, I forgot we were supposed to go and find jobs today. I am sorry. Aquia-It is ok, Josh told me you were out last night. Darnell sits on the couch next to Aquia. Darnell-Speaking of which, where are the wonder twins? Aquia-They had to leave early. Something about an emergency meeting at their job. Darnell-Oh, sounds important. The phone suddenly rings and Darnell hops up and answers it. Darnell-Hello? Rachel-Oh, hello Darnell. Darnell-Rachel, are you okay? Rachel-Huh, oh yes I am fine. Darnell-Are you sure? You don’t sound fine. Rachel-Darnell…me and Josh…we were forced to resign. Darnell-Resign? What the hell do you mean resign!? You were fired? Rachel-Yes, somehow the Board Committee came into footage of me and Josh using our mutant abilities. Darnell-Came into footage? What the…Croft! I am sure he is the one responsible. Rachel-That is also what Josh thought. We are on our way home right now with some of our patent experiments. Darnell-Take your time Rachel. In the mean time, I am going to see if I can find… Rachel-No Darnell, don’t. Josh and I have something to tell you. Please stay there until we get there, okay? Darnell-Sure thing. Darnell hangs up the phone and returns to the couch with Aquia and lowers his head. Aquia-Did they really get fired? Darnell-Yeah, and I just know that bastard Croft is the one responsible. Aquia-I am so sorry. Darnell-It is not your fault. Darnell rises up from the couch and walks outside to the balcony. He sniffs the air and cannot detect Croft’s scent anywhere. He nods his head and breathes heavily. Aquia walks up beside Darnell and grabs his hand emotionally. He lifts up his head to look at her giving him a warming smile. A few short minutes later, Rachel and Josh enter the door. Rachel walks to her room while Josh tells both Darnell and Aquia to have a seat. Both of them give Josh a puzzled look as Rachel comes back to the living room with an envelope that has a big black X on it. Rachel-Darnell before I asked you to come here, I was offered another job in Westchester, New York. Darnell-Oh yeah? Rachel-Yes, it was a job as a teacher and school counselor…for gifted youngsters. Darnell-Um, could you please clarify gifted? Rachel-Well, that is all that I know for sure…gifted in these terms meaning mutants. Aquia-A…a school for mutants? That seems so unreal. Josh-Yes, Rachel and I both said the same thing but it is true. They also offered me a job there as a teacher. Darnell-Are you saying that the job is still open for both of you? If so, I think you should take it. Rachel-Yes, which is my point. With the footage of Josh and me exposed as mutants, it will be very difficult here now trying to get another scientific job at such a high stature. Darnell-Well, does this school have any idea that the both of you are mutants? Josh-We briefly spoke with a teacher there over the phone and we told him we were. If I recall, his name was Mr. Hank McCoy. Rachel-One other thing too, they asked if we knew any other “gifted” friends who might be eager to see the campus. We have decided to go and visit the weekend at the school and we want to take the both of you with us. Darnell and Aquia give a friendly smile. Darnell-Hey, you can count me in. Sounds like it could be interesting and fun. Aquia-Wow, a chance to might even feel comfortable around other mutants…I am going for sure. Josh-Great, we have already called before coming home and we will leave tomorrow. Rachel-Early tomorrow, but for now…me and Aquia here have to do some shopping. Aquia-Ermmm, we do? Rachel grabs Aquia by the arm and grabs her purse. Rachel-We sure do! Be back in a couple of hours boys! Rachel continues pulling Aquia quickly as she tries to make a swift good-bye wave as they exit the door. Josh-Damn, only if she was like that when… Darnell-Stop right there playa, too much info. Josh-Ok man, I gotta know! Are you and Aquia…a couple? Darnell shoots some webbing at Josh’s mouth. Darnell-No cupid, we are just good friends. Josh makes his hands go flame up as he burns away the webbing. Josh-Well, doesn’t seem that way to me. Darnell-How about I wipe that condescending smirk off your face? Josh gives a sly grin and tosses Darnell a key. Darnell-What the hell is this for? Josh-It occurred to me that since you have been here, I haven’t given you a gift. Darnell-Um, but this looks like a rather HUGE gift! Josh-Nah, just one of my babies I am giving to ya. Darnell-Ah thanks man! Josh-Hey, you saved my life man…it is the least I can do. But I am sure you would like to at least see what kind of “car” it is? Josh and Darnell rush out of the door and into the apartment hallway. They rush into the first elevator doorway and press the control panel to go down into the garage parking lot. Darnell-Come on, come on! This damn thing takes too long. The elevator finally arrives at the parking lot level and Darnell bolts out. He observes the key has a parking number and begins slowing down to see the correct numbers. Darnell-Hmm, 5A…5B…5C…aha, 5D! Darnell stops at the correct parking number as his mouth drops open to reveal a black and red motorcycle. Josh finally catches up to him and grins. Darnell-Yep, that is if I remember correct the 2003 Venom 900. Top of the line and damn near new. I never really drove it because it scared the hell out of me. Darnell-Heh heh heh heh, punk. Did Rachel tell you I love motorcycles? Rachel-Wouldn’t shut up about it really. My gift to you man. Darnell-Thanks again man, just don’t hug me. Hate to get Rachel’s viruses on me. Both of them laugh as they begin walking back to the elevator. The next morning, everybody is all set and packed for their weekend at the Xavier School. Josh and Darnell put all the baggage into the trunk of Rachel’s Mercedes Benz. Rachel and Aquia meet them in the parking lot. Rachel-You boys ready to hit the road? Josh-Might as well because you are driving. Rachel-Sure, I love to drive fast and make you sweat on the road! Josh-Damn you Rachel, just damn you. Darnell-You ready too, Aquia? Darnell hands Aquia a motorcycle helmet. Aquia-You are not going to ride fast are you? Darnell-Who me? No! *evil grin* Rachel and Josh hop into the Benz and turn on the ignition. They begin exiting the parking lot when Aquia gets onto the motorcycle and puts on her helmet. Darnell-All right Aquia, hold on… Aquia puts both arms around Darnell’s waist and he pulls rides off into the exit. He turns on his signal light and makes sure there is nobody heading his way. He gives a slight grin and thunders onto the street and screeches behind Rachel’s Benz. Aquia-You told me you weren’t going to ride fast! Darnell-I lied…. TO BE CONTINUED… NEXT EPISODE: Enter The X-Men!!