Amazing Spider-Man (Marvel;Re Relaunch)/Issue 2

This is the second issue of the Marvel;Re ongoing series, Amazing Spider-Man, written by GazzaB9, Jacky 50A, and MarvelDCandFantasyFanBoy12. This issue is preceded by Amazing Spider-Man Issue #1 and succeeded by Amazing Spider-Man Issue #3.

Synopsis of My Strange Addiction
Will be added soon.

Plot
At the sad yet hopeful home of FEAST, a massive number of workers and homeless people are either serving soup, eating, or slumped over and asleep on the many beds in FEAST's main hall as the night continues its course. At the back the building stands May Parker, who is serving her famous wheatcakes to the people, handing a tray to a scruffy-looking homeless man with a warm, almost motherly smile.


 * May Parker: "Hand these out to the people. Keep a few for yourself, okay?"
 * Homeless Man: "Thanks, Miss Parker. You're an angel."
 * May Parker: "No I'm not, I'm just doing what's right. Now, hurry on."

The man smiles and nods before heading out to serve the wheat cakes to everyone. In the meantime, May Parker begins making more wheat cakes, seeming to be almost at peace as she does. That is until she's snapped out of it by the sound of a scream. She rushes through the halls, finding a circle of people gathered around a hooded homeless man who is rocking back and forth being comforted by Randy Robertson, who is wearing the FEAST apron worn by volunteers. May approaches but keeps her distance.


 * May Parker: "What happened?"
 * Randy Robertson: "I don't know, he just started freaking out all of a sudden!"
 * May Parker: "Don't yell, it could set him off."
 * Randy Robertson: "Can you do something?"
 * May Parker: "Move out of the way, slowly."

Randy nods and slowly moves away from the man, who reaches out to him as if not wanting him to go. However, Randy's place is quickly taken by May, who crouches down and starts gently patting the man's back, his agonized whines turning into more relaxed, but heavy breathing.


 * May Parker: "You okay there?"

The man nods.


 * May Parker: "Good. Let's take that hood off, you don't need that on in here."

May tries to remove the hood but the man grabs it and makes an almost animalistic snarl, only to be immediately silenced by May smiling at him. Upon seeing her smile, the man removes his hood himself, revealing his oversized and deformed head.


 * May Parker: "(Examining him in shock) Good Lord..."

Randy suddenly tries to pull May away, horrified as if he has suddenly realized the man's identity.


 * Randy Robertson: "May, get away from that guy!"
 * May Parker: "What? Why?"
 * Randy Robertson: "That's Will Turner! He's a supervillain!"

Everyone gasps and starts whispering among themselves. May looks at Will, who is staring at the ground in shame.


 * May Parker: "...what did he do?"
 * Randy Robertson: "He absorbed people's minds with telekinesis or something! He killed a bunch of people before he got caught!"
 * Will Turner: "Didn't mean to..."

May's head turns back to Will.


 * Will Turner: "Needed to... do it... I'm sorry..."
 * May Parker: "...What do you mean you needed to do it?"
 * Randy Robertson: "He's fishing for sympathy."
 * Will Turner: "No... My... my brain... it... doesn't work... not unless I absorb... Need to absorb... or... it hurts..."

He trails off. May seems sympathetic towards Will and approaches him again, putting her hand on his shoulder. Randy repeatedly glances between the two, clearly still unsure about Will's presence. May turns to Randy, looking disappointed in him.


 * May Parker: "He's a homeless man and he's clearly sick. Whatever he did in his past doesn't matter, Randy."
 * Randy Robertson: "(Opens his mouth but quickly closes it again) ...Well, what are we gonna do with him?"
 * May Parker: "Come now, Randy. You and I both know who to take him to."

May and Randy stand with Will between them, his hood back up and his hands in his pockets. The pair have clearly just gotten done explaining something to a man in front of them who is sitting at a desk.


 * Randy Robertson: "...And, that's the story, Mr. Li."
 * May Parker: "You once told me that the point of FEAST was to help those in need. So... can you help this man?"

Li stares up at the three for a while before looking down at his desk and sighing. After a moment, he stands back up.


 * Martin Li: "I'll try. First though, I'll need to know what he actually wants to do with himself."
 * May Parker: "Is that okay, Will?"

Will glances over at May before nodding. May smiles.


 * May Parker: "Okay."
 * Martin Li: "It's a little personal, so you'll understand if I ask you to leave. Right?"
 * May Parker: "Of course, Mr. Li."

May and Randy both start walking away.


 * Will Turner: "Thank you, miss..."

May smiles and exits the room. Will smiles happily, only to immediately begin panicking when he feels a hand roughly placed on his shoulder. He turns and sees Martin Li has transformed into a photonegative version of himself.


 * Will Turner: "Wha--"
 * Mister Negative: "Don't struggle."

Mister Negative pulls Will towards him and presses his thumb against his forehead, the room around them transforming into a photonegative landscape accompanied by a strange sound. After a few seconds, the room turns back to normal and Will drops to his knees. Negative proceeds to climb on top of his own desk, sitting on it in a thoughtful pose with his legs crossed. Will looks up at him and starts rubbing his own deformed head, absolutely in shock.


 * Will Turner: "...It's gone. The pain... the pain is gone!"

Will smiles and gets up, happily going to hug Negative, only for Negative to get up and grab his head, using his strange abilities again which seem to put Will in even more pain than he was already in before.


 * Mister Negative: "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm your new boss..."
 * Will Turner: "What?!"
 * Mister Negative: "If what those two said is true, you can drain people's intelligence until they die. Is that right?"

Will groans and nods his head, the simple action a struggle for him.


 * Mister Negative: "And I just cured you of that. Correct?"

Will pauses for a long time before nodding again.


 * Mister Negative: "Then I'd like to ask for something in return."

He lets Will go, Will shaking his head to recover after that experience.


 * Mister Negative: "With a touch, I can take that cure of yours away. Now, listen to what I say from now on and never use my name with anyone unless given permission. Now, Mr. Turner... (Leans back on his desk with a snear) Are you ready to go from a nobody to a somebody...?"

Will stares at Negative in total horror and dread, clearly not wanting to know what he wants but unable to deny him of anything. Elsewhere at the same time, Peter Parker is seen entering an Italian restaurant somewhere in New York City. Upon inquiring the hosting staff concerning a table reserved under the name of Harold 'Harry' Osborn, he is led to a table on a far end of the restaurant, where the man himself is seen surveying the menu before spotting Peter and waving to him enthusiastically. Despite his legs being disabled due to the Menagerie's stunt in yesterday's raid on OsCorp, he keeps up a cheerful face. Peter and Harry share a laugh before the former takes a seat.
 * Harry Osborn: "Pete! Been a while, man! How's it going?"
 * Peter Parker: "(Approaching Harry and shaking his hand before embracing him) I'm doin' great, Harry! How about you?"
 * Harry Osborn: "(Smiling) A little bit shaken, to be honest, but I'm still alive, so that's amazing."

Harry calls for a waiter, who proceeds to gleefully take each of their orders. After accomplishing so, the waiter departs to perform her duties, and the two friends continue their conversation.
 * Peter Parker: "Nice joint you picked here. Is the food any good?"
 * Harry Osborn: "They're so tasty they'll take you to heaven on first bite, if you ask me."
 * Peter Parker: "Wow, you're really in love with this place, huh?"
 * Harry Osborn: "(Sarcastically) Understatement of the year. Try the lasagna, Pete. You won't regret it."
 * Peter Parker: "Okay, okay, if you say so. (Takes some time to read through the menu, speaking with a more serious tone) Everything going well, Harry?"
 * Harry Osborn: "I told you Pete, I'm doing fine. Yesterday put a dent on OsCorp's stock price, but I'm alright."
 * Peter Parker: "How are your legs doing? I heard those baddies shot you up bad."
 * Harry Osborn: "Don't worry about it. (Taps on the crutches beside him) Nothing a pair of good crutches can't help until I'm walking again."
 * Peter Parker: "I hope you get better soon, Harry. Seriously didn't expect some folks like the Menagerie would actually pull off that stunt. They're supposed to be thieves, not... you know."
 * Harry Osborn: "Oh, they still tried to steal from OsCorp, Pete. They just used excessive force. (Brief pause before looking at Peter) You've an order, already?"
 * Peter Parker: "I'll try that lasagna you said. (Smirking) This better be good, Harry."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Sniggering) Oh, I bet my life you'll fall in love with it."

As their drinks are served, Peter recounts of both Aunt May and MJ's current activities. Aunt May is seen talking with William Turner and Randy Robertson in a warehouse in the FEAST headquarters after Turner's meeting with Martin Li, and MJ is seen signing a contract with Millie's Models.
 * Peter Parker: "So, what have you been up to?"
 * Harry Osborn: "Honestly, Pete? I've been busy with corpo stuff, even before yesterday. Didn't get much time to get-together with the others. Heck, you're the first buddy who I've met up in a while!"
 * Peter Parker: "Wow, I'm flattered. Speaking of which, how are Liz and Normie doing?"
 * Harry Osborn: "Oh, you know, the usual problems of a busy chief executive officer's family. (Pauses before blurting with a smile) Nah, they're doing fine. Normie's just found out that he's really into science, and Liz's been having a blast managing Horizon Labs."
 * Peter Parker: "Wow! Talk about a power couple."
 * Harry Osborn: "I guess it's kind of weird that I'm married to the CEO of a competing company, but we knew each other even before that, (shrugs) so..."
 * Peter Parker: "Best of luck for all three of you, Os. You are a really fortunate man. (Pauses) I mean, you're fortunate to have a family to help you out. But y' know, Liz and Normie, not..."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Small laugh) I know what you mean, Parker. Though I guess I'd have to thank dad for the company he's made. If there's a good legacy he's left, it's OsCorp. He may have used it for cruelty, but at least now I can direct the corp to do some actual good. (Gets an epiphany, his eyes widening) Oh, by the way, how are Aunt May and MJ?"
 * Peter Parker: "Haha! You really gotta ask the hard questions, huh?"
 * Harry Osborn: "(Sarcastically) Oh, you know I have to find out."

Peter's face begins to express embarrassment, looking down in a look of disappointment. A flashback of Mary Jane confronting Peter on the balcony of a fancy building ensues while Harry and Peter's conversation continues. From the looks of it, MJ was quite displeased with her fiancée. In the flashback, Peter was seen sadly web-swinging away from the building, still suited in his formal attire and not even donning the Spider-Man mask while Mary Jane simply observed from afar with tears flowing from her face. A waiter arrives to serve the duo their food, just as Harry is attempting to get closer to Peter. After the waiter departs, Harry and Peter settle things for the moment. They continue eating as soon the food is done and Harry pipes up.
 * Peter Parker: "They're doing wonderful! Aunt May's been enjoying herself with charity work over at FEAST, and she's been working with my roommate, Randy. You ask me, they're having a blast thus far."
 * Harry Osborn: "Randy, huh?"
 * Peter Parker: "Randy Robertson. He's the son of an old boss of mine back at Daily Bugle. Not Jameson, mind you."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Snaps his fingers multiple times to stimulate his memories) Robertson, Robertson... oh! Robbie Robertson?"
 * Peter Parker: "Yeah, him! You know 'em?"
 * Harry Osborn: "Not really, to be honest. All I know is that he's one of those people mentioned as being a Daily Bugler."
 * Peter Parker: "Heh. I guess Jameson just hogs up all the spotlight."
 * Harry Osborn: "Oh, he's basically the face of the Bugle up to this point. (Shrugs) So, if Aunt May's doing fine... how's MJ?"
 * Peter Parker: "Right, that..."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Pauses) It's one of those days, isn't it?"
 * Peter Parker: "Yeah. (Demoralized) I... my cowardice killed me."
 * Harry Osborn: "Pete?"
 * Peter Parker: "We loved each other. We cared for each other. But when time came for us to take it where it should make sense..."
 * Peter Parker: "... I.... I..."
 * Harry Osborn: "Alright, alright, I get it. (Pauses) Honestly, I never expected you to actually chicken out, but that's in the past, already."
 * Peter Parker: "What do you expect me to do about MJ? Not that I've seen her recently, mind you..."
 * Harry Osborn: "Look, in case you---"
 * Waiter: "Here's your lasagna and spaghetti..."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Recoils) Ah, yes, of course..."
 * Peter Parker: "(Playfully, attempting to lighten the mood) Oh, the super special lasagna!"
 * Waiter: "Yes, indeed, sir. (Puts down the plates) I hope you enjoy our food. Thank you."
 * Peter Parker: "You're welcome."
 * Harry Osborn: "You want me to continue?"
 * Peter Parker: "After we eat? Sure, yeah. This lasagna's sure to make things better..."

A brief moment of silence ensues as they share a small laughter.
 * Peter Parker: "(Full) Oh, man, you were NOT joking when you said that it tastes like heaven."
 * Harry Osborn: "Told you, Pete. You can trust me when it comes to culinary delights."
 * Peter Parker: "Heh. You know I trust you wholly, right?"


 * Harry Osborn: "Yeah... I know. And I trust you wouldn't want me to press on about MJ."
 * Peter Parker: "(Thinks) I want to know what your thoughts are, Harry. More advice doesn't hurt, y' know."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Props himself up) Alright, if you say so..."
 * Peter Parker: "(Sarcastically) This is gonna hurt, isn't it?"
 * Harry Osborn: "Well, you know what they say. Better a bitter truth than a bunch of sweet lies."
 * Peter Parker: "Okay, I'm listening..."
 * Harry Osborn: "(After drinking his lemon tea) I think it's undeniable that you have to be responsible about your actions towards MJ. You left her hanging back then, and that's just... uncomfortable, to say the least. Knowing that, the next time the two of you meet in favorable terms, you should apologize to her about your actions. Tell her that you're still growing while admitting that you weren't ready. Hell, maybe you're still not ready, but at least a sorry will help mend relations with her. It's not like MJ hates you or anything."
 * Peter Parker: "You have a point. (Ponders) I just don't know how I can meet her around these days. She's been busy with that new contract she struck with Millie's, while I'm stuck teaching kids at Midtown."

Harry's eyes flashes over in another bout of epiphany, seeing an opportunity before him. Harry massages his forehead for a moment before continuing his talk.
 * Harry Osborn: "You work at Midtown High School?"
 * Peter Parker: "(Shrugs) Doesn't pay the best bills, but at least I get to help people with what I know."
 * Harry Osborn: "What're you teaching?"
 * Peter Parker: "Chemistry. Always been a strong suit of mine, you know."
 * Harry Osborn: "Oh, I don't doubt that for one bit. But... (sighs while looking at Peter) I'm really going to be guilty for this, but I need you, Pete."
 * Peter Parker: "(Raises an eyebrow) What is it?"
 * Harry Osborn: "The attack on OsCorp Tower killed a lot of good people. People who were making a difference. I know you've always wanted to change the world for the better, so I figured... that it'd be best for you to become an employee at OsCorp."

Peter nods at Harry before looking down in disappointment. Afterwards, he looks back at Osborn with concern in his eyes.

Peter is still confused and struggles to make an answer. An awkward moment of silence occurs. Harry's face becomes flat.
 * Peter Parker: "Are you... serious Harry?"
 * Harry Osborn: "Yes. Yes, I am. I know... that most of the people who were killed during the incident were from the accounting division, but I think our R&D would really benefit from the presence of your brilliance."
 * Peter Parker: "(Hand gestures) Harry, I know you mean well, but... (shrugs) I don't know about this, man. I-I-It's not that I distrust you, but... (scratches his head) I don't know, man, I don't know."
 * Harry Osborn: "I see."
 * Peter Parker: "Harry, I... I..."
 * Harry Osborn: "What is it?"
 * Peter Parker: "This is going to sound really weird, but..."
 * Harry Osborn: "Pete, it's fine. Just tell me about it."
 * Peter Parker: "(Sighs) A week ago, I've applied for a job at Horizon Labs as a researcher."


 * Harry Osborn: "Wait, what?"
 * Peter Parker: "Look, maybe I can help you by sharing some of Horizon Labs' research, provided Liz allows for it. I mean, don't you think Liz wouldn't mind more cooperation between Horizon Labs and OsCorp?"
 * Harry Osborn: "Honestly? She may be down for it, but I don't think the shareholders would want that. Liz is the majority shareholder there, but she has to pay attention to the other shareholders, who I'm pretty sure wants to reap the profit from Horizon's own research by keeping them exclusive."
 * Peter Parker: "Right, the suits. (Pauses) Oh, wait."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Blurts out in laughter) Careful where you step, Peter. (Pauses) Wait, that was a joke, not a threat."
 * Peter Parker: "(Sniggers) Oh, I always watch where I land, y' know. (Sighs) Yeah, I don't think I'm ready for the OsCorp job, Harry. You're right about me always wanting to change the world. (Pauses) But I think I haven't gotten the guts yet to work in one of the world's biggest science corporations."
 * Harry Osborn: "To be fair, Horizon Labs is also one of the largest."
 * Peter Parker: "They don't have as much reach as OsCorp has, you know."
 * Harry Osborn: "(Thinks) Fair point"

Peter stands up and starts to leave.


 * Peter Parker: "Look, in any case, just... give me some time to think, alright?"
 * Harry Osborn: "(Gets up, standing with the help of his crutches) Alright, Pete. No need to worry about it. OsCorp or Horizon Labs, I hope you can make great changes for this world's betterment, Peter."
 * Peter Parker: "Thank you, Harry."

Peter embraces with Osborn before they say their goodbyes, departing from the restaurant together. Outside, a car is seen waiting for Osborn, which he enters. Before being transported elsewhere, Harry waves at Peter with delight, which Peter reciprocates. Harry's transport departs, and moments afterwards, Peter's phone rings.


 * Peter Parker: "Huh. Wonder what this is about. (Picks up the phone) Good evening---"
 * Yuri Watanabe: "(Interrupting) Spider-Man, we need your help now."
 * Peter Parker: "Don't worry Yuri, (in a sudden deep tone) Spider-Cop's here."
 * Yuri Watanabe: "(Deeply sighs) Oh, for f--k's sake…"

It cuts to the NYPD as Spider-Man swings in as he sees Yuri, smoking a cigar.


 * Spider-Man: "So what's the problem? Morbius back with a vengeance? Kangaroo disturbing a local zoo? Black Fox stealing from bingo night?"
 * Yuri Watanabe: "It's something far more…. disturbing."
 * Spider-Man: "That's never a good sign."

They walk in and see White Rabbit, Hippo and Panda-Mania's corpses lying in their cells, their bodies drained of all life. In a cell next to them is Will Turner also known as Mindworm.


 * Spider-Man: (clearly mortified) "Jesus Christ… what happened Yuri?"
 * Yuri Watanabe: "Ten minutes ago, Mindworm went here and drained only these three. I was able to surprise him and knock him out. But as you can see, not for long."

Spider-Man walks to Mindworm's cell.


 * Spider-Man: "Turner! I thought you told me you'd turn over a new leaf."
 * Mindworm: "I'm sorry… he forced me to."
 * Spider-Man: "Who?!"
 * Mindworm: "I can't say… he'll steal my cure… my head no longer hurts and I want it to last.."
 * Spider-Man: "Stop this, Turner. I can stop him! I can save you."

Suddenly Spider-Man's head starts to hurt as well as Yuri's as Spider-Man, falls into the cell, breaking it open.


 * Mindworm: "I'm sorry… I have to go to the Raft… or he will kill me!"

Mindworm runs off as Spider-Man and Yuri's heads feel better.


 * Yuri Watanabe: "He said he's going to the Raft, do you have any bright ideas?"
 * Spider-Man: (having a realization) "Skein, Grizzly, Squid and Ox, he is going to kill them all unless I stop him. Sorry Yuri but I have to do this alone. I don't want things to escalate."

Spider-Man starts to swing off.