Normal dialogue
'Thoughts'
Radio/Phone
'Telepathic link'
Computer
[Foreign language] <Dialogue in foreign language>

------------------------------

New York City
July 27, 14:18 EDT

In his standard Spider-Man suit, Nathan swung towards the docks in the Financial District. He had heard from Peter while volunteering at FEAST that Howard asked for some help.

While swinging, Spider-Man remembered helping Howard find some pigeons around New York City 8 months ago. Howard had noticed one of his pigeons, Pidgy, feeling lonely, so he asked Spider-Man to help find Pidgy's cousins.

Once he arrived, he saw a dark-skinned man wearing a brown jacket and a grey beanie sitting in the Marina, watching boats pass by as a pigeon sat next to him. Spider-Man smiled under his mask, recognizing the two of them.

Spider-Man: Hey, Howard. Hey, Pidgy.

Howard: Spider-Man! Long time. Join us.

Spider-Man sat down on the steps next to Howard.

Spider-Man: Peter called me earlier. He said you needed something.

Howard: Sometimes I just sit here. Take it all in...the ferry's coming in, see?

Spider-Man and Howard looked at the afternoon sun together as the former saw the ferry.

Spider-Man: I see it. You and Pidgy getting on board?

Howard: I'll skip this one. Y'know...I used to love the ferry. Always thought I was sailing off on an adventure.

Spider-Man couldn't help but notice the solemn tone in Howard's voice.

Spider-Man: Howard?

Howard: See that yellow skipper? With the black bottom?

Spider-Man looked on and saw the speedboat.

Spider-Man: Yeah. She's a real beaut.

Howard: Honey of a boat. Wish I could take that bumblebee out for a spin...

Spider-Man: Hey...Howard...are you alright?

Howard: Ride it all the way 'cross the river. All the way to those there pillars.

Spider-Man looked in the distance and saw three large smokestacks.

Spider-Man: The factory?

Howard: Worked there for 20 years. Laid off...lost my purpose for a while. And when my wife passed...I lost my heart, too. But my birds...they taught me how to fly again. Especially little Pidgy.

Spider-Man looked down and caressed the pet pigeon's head with a soft smile on his face.

Spider-Man: Animals have a way of bringing us back, huh?

Howard nods, a mixture of gratitude and sadness in his eyes.

Howard: They do, Spider-Man. Pidgy here, he's more than a bird. He's family. And so are all the others.

Spider-Man: What can I do, Howard?

Howard: Okay, last one. Can you spot Lady Liberty yourself? She's waaay over the left.

Spider-Man smiled even wider under his mask. He was enjoying his time with Howard and his "I Spy" game.

Spider-Man: Yep...I see her.

Howard: Watch this.

He made a whistling sound with his mouth, and a flock of pigeons flew over to their place.

Spider-Man: Whoa! The flock!

Howard: I need your help. Spider-Man. I'm finally going on an adventure. But I...wanted to set my birds free first. Let 'em see the world outside this city. Can you take them up north for me? Somewhere peaceful.

Spider-Man: But Howard...these birds...they're your family.

Howard: It's their time. Try a whistle.

Spider-Man took a deep breath and mimics Howard's whistle. The pigeons, hearing the familiar sound, gathered around.

Spider-Man: If that's what you want.

He patted Howard's shoulder before jumping off and began swinging, the flock of pigeons following him.

Spider-Man: Let's go, birdies!

While swinging, he started thinking about places where he could set the birds free.

Spider-Man: Huh...What about Central Park? Nah, that can't be right. Howard wanted you to see the world, not stay in the middle of the city.

After a while of swinging, he found himself near the Brooklyn Bridge.

Spider-Man: Is that a jet stream? Time to really fly!

He activated his web wings and began gliding over the Hudson River with speed.

Spider-Man: WHOOOOOHOOOOO! Yo, Pidgy, do a barrel roll!

As he passed through the bridge's suspension cables, he did a barrel roll.

Spider-Man: What about that area near Peter's? He, Gwen, and I used to hang out there everyone after school when we were kids. If I was a bird, I'd live there.

As he entered Queens, Spider-Man received a call from Howard.

Howard: Did you find a place for my babies to be free?

Spider-Man: There's a spot in Queens. It's a place I used to go with some good friends of mine. Tons of space for Pidgy and the gang. They'd love it there.

Howard: That sure sounds nice...not many folks have been nice to me in my life.

Spider-Man: Anytime, Howard! Oh, and you can still come by and see them. Just let me drop them off and I'll be right back, okay?

However, he received no response.

Spider-Man: Howard? Hey, Howard, you there?

The line cut off, which left Spider-Man concerned.

Spider-Man: It's probably nothing...At least, I hope it's nothing...Please, be nothing.

Adjusting his course, Spider-Man swung towards the chosen area in Queens, hoping to provide a peaceful sanctuary for Howard's beloved birds.

A minute later, he finally arrived at the location he picked. A fountain in a small park.

Spider-Man: Okay, we're here. Pidgy, you're in charge.

He saw a train passing by and decided to hitch a ride back to the marina.

Spider-Man: Man, I'm beat. I should check on Howard.

After a few minutes, the train got close enough to the marina. Spider-Man jumped off and swung towards it.

Once he arrived, though, his heart sank.

Where Howard was just sitting, there was an ambulance and two paramedics talking.

Spider-Man: Oh, no...Howard?

He swung towards the paramedics and managed to hear what happened as he landed next to them.

Paramedic 1: ...Looks like natural causes. Oh, hey, Spider-Man.

Spider-Man: Hey...Sorry, friend of mine.

Paramedic 2: Take all the time you need. If it helps...it looked like he was at peace when he passed.

Spider-Man: He was...he finally got to go on that adventure with his wife.

As the ambulance departs, Spider-Man is left to grapple with the unexpected loss of Howard, an innocent soul he met in the FEAST shelter.

Howard's simple request for an adventure and his love for his birds left a mark on Spider-Man. The noises of the city continued around him but he took a moment to pay his respects.

Spider-Man: Don't worry, Howard...The flock is free...

------------------------------

Nathan climbed through his bedroom window and unmasked himself. He closed his window and rubbed his face before taking off the top part of his suit, leaving his toned torso exposed. Once he did, he heard an "EEP!" from his window.

He raised an eyebrow as he looked out the window. He looked around until he noticed an invisible figure floating just outside his apartment building. He immediately knew who it was.

Nathan: M'gann?

M'gann: Sorry! I'm so sorry! I wanted to come see you, but I didn't know what to say, so—

Nathan: Just get inside before someone on the street thinks I'm crazy for talking to nothing.

He stepped away from the window, and he heard a soft thud. He closed the window as M'gann, in her civilian clothing, turned visible in front of him, looking down while trying to hide a blush.

M'gann: S-Sorry.

Nathan: It's fine.

He went to his closet and picked up a T-shirt before putting it on. M'gann looked up at him.

Nathan: Were you following me?

M'gann looked down sheepishly and nodded before looking back up at him.

M'gann: I'm, uh...I'm sorry about Howard. He seemed like a good man.

Nathan: Yeah...He was.

He sat down on his bed.

Nathan: At least he was at peace.

M'gann let out a sigh as she sat down on the bed next to him. She gently placed her hand on top of his, making Nathan look at her.

M'gann: Maybe...you could tell me more about him.

Nathan nodded before telling M'gann the story of how he met Howard while Nathan was volunteering at a FEAST shelter in Manhattan along with Peter. He told M'gann about how he helped Howard out as Nathan Rollins and Spider-Man.

After he was done, Nathan took a deep breath as he wiped a tear that was falling his cheek.

Nathan: Thanks, M'gann. I guess I needed that.

M'gann: (smiles) Anytime, Nathan.

They stared at each other for seconds, but to them, it seemed like it was longer. The sounds of the city were tuned out as if the two were in their own little world. Nathan was staring into M'gann's auburn eyes, while she stared into his green ones.

They were taken out of their trance by a knock on their window. They looked over and saw Superboy right outside.

Superboy: Hey.

Nathan and M'gann blushed heavily as the former opened the window, allowing Superboy into his bedroom.

Nathan: What are you doing here, Superboy?

Superboy: I figured I could see the city, you know? Stopped a robbery, and then I, uh...

He rubbed the back of his neck.

M'gann: You heard us, didn't you?

Superboy: Yeah. (turns to Nathan) For what it's worth, I'm sorry, Nathan.

Nathan: Thanks.

Superboy: Well...if you want, the three of us could just...go around the city?

Nathan: (sighs) Sounds good, Superboy, but...I'm not feeling up for—

He was interrupted when he heard the comms of his mask pinging. Nathan glanced at M'gann and Superboy before grabbing the mask, taking out the earpiece inside, and placing it in his ear.

Nathan: Hello?

Black Canary: Spider-Man, it's Canary.

Nathan widened his eyes in surprise.

Nathan: Canary? Been a while since I heard from you. What's up?

Black Canary: Good. As much as I might want to catch up with you, I'm afraid this isn't a social call. I need your help with something.

Nathan: Yeah, sure. What is it?

Black Canary: Remember Santa Prisca? When Prowler took a vial of your blood?

Nathan: Yeah...kinda hard not to.

Black Canary: Well...I think I might've found where it went.

Nathan looked back at Superboy and M'gann.

Black Canary: I don't have much, but I know that Prowler gave the vial to a Dr. Miles Warren. You know him?

Nathan: I know of him. He went quiet after he was fired from Oscorp. Heard his experiments were too radical.

Black Canary: Good. I might have found his location. 1660 East New York Avenue, Brooklyn.

Nathan: (raises an eyebrow) There's no lab there, or any place where he got get whatever he needs.

Black Canary: Well, it might be nothing, but it might also be something. I want you to check it out.

Nathan: Yeah, we're on it.

Black Canary: "We"?

Nathan: I'll call you back if I find something.

He took out the earpiece and placed it back into his mask before looking back at Superboy and M'gann.

Superboy: We'll meet you on the roof.

Both Superboy and M'gann went to the open window. Superboy crawled out, and M'gann glanced back at Nathan before flying out.

------------------------------

The trio arrived at the warehouse in Brooklyn. Spider-Man landed on the roof, and Superboy and Miss Martian landed next to him.

Miss Martian: This is the place?

Spider-Man: According to Canary's intel, yeah.

Superboy: Well, what are we waiting for, an invitation?

He walked to a hatch on the roof and ripped it off. Superboy jumped down and he was followed by Miss Martian and Spider-Man.

They looked around and they saw nothing peculiar. The place looked like any other warehouse.

Miss Martian: There's nothing here.

Spider-Man: Maybe the address Canary got was a decoy, something to throw us off the scent.

Superboy: Maybe not.

Spider-Man and Miss Martian looked at him.

Superboy: I can hear an air current from those walls over there.

He pointed to a wall to his left. The three walked over to it and Miss Martian knocked on a part of it a few times.

Miss Martian: It sounds hollow.

Superboy cracks his knuckles.

Spider-Man & Miss Martian: NO!

Superboy: What? I'm just gonna open it.

Spider-Man: Yeah, and you're gonna end up alerting whoever's inside. Just...wait. Maybe there's another way in.

He used his lenses to scan the wall. He noticed that there were wires connected to it.

Spider-Man: Looks like there's a locking mechanism inside.

Miss Martian: Can you bypass it?

Spider-Man: Here's the thing about this specific one...It needs power to lock the door. No power...

He followed the wires until he stopped at a breaker box on the other side of the warehouse.

Spider-Man: No lock.

He swung over to the breaker box and opened it. He placed his palm on it and started drawing power from it, absorbing it into his power.

Once he stopped, the hidden door opened. He then swung back, feeling more energized.

Superboy: How are you feeling?

Spider-Man: Like I just drank two cups of coffee. Come on.

The three entered the door and went down the stairs. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, they saw an incredibly advanced lab of some kind.

Miss Martian: Whoa.

Spider-Man: No way Warren built this by himself.

They heard Superboy's breath hitch. They turned around and saw his face paled while staring at something. They looked at what he was staring at, and Spider-Man ended up being the most shocked out of the three of them.

It was a large water tank mounted on the wall. Inside the tank was a brown-short-haired girl around Spider-Man's age with a breathing mask over her mouth and wires connected to her head. What was the eye-catcher was the red sleeveless jumpsuit with a large white spider on the front.

They snapped out of their shock when they heard a door opening to their left. They looked over and saw a middle-aged, brown-haired, mustached, bespectacled man in a lab coat. The man looked at them and dropped the tablet in his hand.

Man: What the—

Spider-Man shot a web line at the man and pulled him towards them. Once he did, he wrapped his upper body in webbing, restraining him.

Spider-Man: Dr. Warren.

Dr. Warren: Spider-Man. Fancy seeing you and your friends here.

Superboy: Can't say the same to you.

Spider-Man: Six weeks ago, you were given a vial of blood by the Prowler. My blood.

Dr. Warren: I don't know what you're talking about.

Miss Martian: Yes, you do.

Spider-Man: Word of advice, Doc: Don't lie in front of a lady. They always know the truth.

He gently shoved Dr. Warren towards Miss Martian and Superboy.

Spider-Man: Watch him.

He walked towards a computer in front of the tank and typed into it, looking for information about the girl inside.

Spider-Man: "Weapon Designation Arachne. DNA acquired from Spider-Man and..." the name's redacted. (turns to Dr. Warren) Who put you up to this? Was it Oscorp?

Dr. Warren: (scoffs) Please. As if I would willingly work for that heartless bastard again.

Spider-Man looked back at the computer.

Spider-Man: "Subject was force-grown from the two acquired DNA samples in 5 weeks. Several modifications to the resultant DNA were applied during the accelerated growth of the subject."

Superboy: Open it.

Spider-Man looked back at Superboy and noticed that his fists were clenched tight as he glared at the pod.

Spider-Man: SB...Are you—

Superboy: I said. Open it. Now.

Spider-Man turned around and attempted to open the pod from the computer, but...

Spider-Man: It needs a code. Six digits.

Superboy: (turns to Dr. Warren) What's the code?

Dr. Warren remained silent. Superboy immediately grabbed him by his collar and pulled him closer.

Superboy: I won't ask again, Doctor. What's the code?!

Dr. Warren: I'm not compelled to tell you simpletons anything.

Miss Martian immediately put her hand on her head, her eyes glowed white for about a second before stopping.

Miss Martian: 0-2-0-1-7-4.

Dr. Warren widened his eyes as Spider-Man typed the code into the computer. Once he pressed enter, the tank began draining water out of it. After the water was drained, the tank opened, and the breathing mask and the wires detached themselves from the clone's head as she slowly leaned out of the tank.

Superboy quickly let go of Dr. Warren, ran to the open tank, and caught the clone just as she fell out. He looked at her face just as she was head groaning.

Voiced by: Ashley Johnson

The clone then opened her eyes, revealing her green irises, and gazed into Superboy's blue orbs. She then looked at Miss Martian before her gaze fell on Spider-Man. As she did, however, Spider-Man held his head in pain and groaned while the clone screamed in agony as she held her head with both hands. Their Spider-Senses rang, and it resulted in a feedback loop that rang so loudly in their heads that it felt like their brains would explode.

Superboy: What's going on?

Miss Martian: Spider-Man?

She stepped in front of Spider and cupped his masked face with her hands, making him look into her eyes.

Miss Martian: 'Focus on my voice, Nathan. Focus on me. I know it hurts, but you're gonna be okay. Just focus on my voice.'

After a few seconds, the loud ringing in Nathan's head stopped as he lowered his hand.

Spider-Man: I'm okay.

He and Miss Martian turned and saw the clone passed out in Superboy's arms.

Superboy: What just happened?

Spider-Man: I think it was our Spider-Senses. They bounced off each other and just...created some kind of feedback loop. I felt like my head was gonna explode.

Dr. Warren glared at the clone in what looked like disgust.

Dr. Warren: Pathetic. I was expecting great things from it. But I suppose the truth is often disappo—

He was interrupted when Superboy grabbed him and tossed him into the ceiling, knocking him out as he landed back onto the floor, Superboy breathed heavily in an attempt to calm himself down. He then looked at Spider-Man and Miss Martian before carrying the clone bridal style and walking past them.

Superboy: (to Spider-Man) Call Canary. Tell her we got something she'd like to hear.

As he walked up the stairs, Spider-Man and Miss Martian glanced at each other before following him, leaving an unconscious Dr. Warren behind.

------------------------------

After calling Black Canary and telling her what they had discovered, Nathan, M'gann, and Superboy were now back in Nathan's apartment as the clone lay on the couch in the living room, still unconscious.

Superboy knelt next to the couch, staring at the clone, while Nathan and M'gann stood behind him.

M'gann: I don't think I've seen him like this before.

Nathan: Can you blame him? He probably had flashbacks of back when he was in Cadmus when he saw her.

Superboy: I was designed to be a weapon for Cadmus. And I would've become one if it hadn't been for Kaldur, Robin, and Wally. I wasn't going to let someone else suffer the same fate, clone or not.

Nathan: Well, we know that it isn't Cadmus this time. But it has to be someone working from the shadows. Probably the same ones that made the Kobra Venom back in Santa Prisca.

M'gann: You think they're related?

Nathan: Those two, as well as Cadmus and Mr. Twister. Dr. Warren is an expert in biochemistry and genetics.

Superboy: Like Curt Connors. They both worked at Oscorp. But Connors' acts came from desperation. Warren didn't look like the sanest person on Earth.

Nathan: Yeah, got that right.

They heard a groan from the clone, making them look at her. Her eyes snapped open as a metallic stinger came out of her wrist as she slashed Superboy's face.

Superboy: ARGH!

The clone got up and aimed her stingers at the trio.

Clone: BACK UP! BACK UP!

M'gann and Nathan raised their hands in surrender. The clone then narrowed her eyes at them.

Clone: M'gann? Superboy?

M'gann: How did you—

Clone: (turns to Nathan) I think I got it from you.

Nathan raised an eyebrow as the clone's stingers went back into her wrists.

Clone: When our Spider-Senses went haywire, I saw flashes in my head. Memories. Your memories.

Superboy looked at Nathan.

Nathan: I mean...I don't know if that's what happened, but...

Clone: When you were six years old, you and Peter were fooling around on the monkey bars in the park three blocks from his aunt and uncle's house. Your hand slipped, and you landed head-first onto a rock sticking out of the sand. Your dad ran three red lights taking you to the hospital, while your mom held your head to stop the bleeding. You still have the scar...

She and Nathan pointed at a certain spot at the back of their heads at the same time.

Nathan & Clone: Right here.

Nathan's eyes widened in surprise and shock. M'gann gently dug her fingers through Nathan's hair and, sure enough, she saw the small, horizontal scar on his scalp. Superboy leaned in and saw the scar as their eyes widened in surprise.

Nathan: Well, I'll be damned.

The clone gave them a smirk. It was the exact same smirk M'gann and Superboy saw on Nathan's face whenever he does it.

M'gann: Well, what do we call you? Arachne?

Clone: Please, don't. I'd rather not be called that.

Nathan: (shrugs) Well, what about...Valeria? After my—

Clone: Abuela.

Nathan: (smiles) Yeah. After my abuela. Val for short, if you want. And you can take my last name, too.

The clone smiled at the name.

Valeria: Valeria Rollins. Yeah. I like the sound of that.

------------------------------

After regaining consciousness, Dr. Warren went to his safe and pressed the code to open it. Once it beeped, he opened it and took out an injection device that contained a vial of a bright green substance. He was talking to himself, full of anger and hate.

Dr. Warren: They think they can steal my life's work without consequence, huh?

He sat on a stool and rolled up one of his sleeves, revealing his bare left forearm.

Dr. Warren: They think that no one would take back what's theirs by any means necessary? HUH?!

He lifted the injector two inches from his arm.

Dr. Warren: They will PAY!!

He injected himself with the green serum. He collapsed onto the floor and began screaming in pain.

------------------------------

Back in Nathan's apartment, Valeria was drawing something on a sketchpad while she was listening to Linkin Park on Nathan's headphones.

While she drew, Nathan, M'gann, and Superboy sat in front of Mary Jane, Peter, and Gwen, who were staring at Elena in shock, having heard the story from Nathan.

Gwen: Whoa.

Mary Jane: That's the craziest thing I've ever heard.

Peter: And I thought a giant talking lizard was weird.

Nathan: Honestly, that was the first thing I thought.

Mary Jane: And she's wearing Gwen's clothes.

M'gann: (to Nathan) Yeah, why do you have those just lying around?

Gwen: Sometimes, I'd stay the night here. After the first couple of times, Nathan decided to buy clothes my size in case I stayed here again.

M'gann: And how many times did you sleep over?

Gwen: I could count them with both hands, and it still wouldn't be enough. Nathan didn't have to, but he always did it with no complaints. He's sweet like that.

Nathan lowered his head as his face turned red.

Gwen: (smirks) He's cute when he's blushing, right, M'gann?

Now it was M'gann's turn to blush.

Nathan: GWEN!

Gwen just shrugged while smirking.

Superboy: What about Harry? I know you guys wouldn't tell him, but what if he starts thinking something's up when he sees Val?

Peter: Harry's in Japan on a business trip with his dad. Even if he sees her, we can just say she's Nathan's cousin or something.

Nathan snaps his fingers and points at Peter, agreeing with his idea.

Superboy: His cousin that looks exactly like him?

Nathan: Well, we can't exactly tell him that she's my sister, even though I always wanted one. He knows I'm an only child, and so do a lot of kids and teachers in Midtown.

Superboy just nodded as Valeria took off the headphones and gave Nathan the notepad, letting him see what she drew up.

Nathan: That's good.

Valeria: (smiles) Yeah? (turns to Superboy) What do you think?

She showed Superboy the drawing.

Superboy: That's...very good, actually.

Valeria smiled even wider.

Nathan: Tell you what. There's a fabricator in my room, right—

Valeria: Right next to the closet, hidden under a tarp.

Nathan: Yeah, exactly. Feel free to use that.

Valeria wrapped her arms around Nathan in a hug, then ran into his bedroom before closing the door.

Mary Jane: She's like a kid in a candy store.

Nathan chuckled, but then he heard the dispatch program on his phone going off.

Dispatch: Attention, all units. Attention, all units. We have a 10-40 at the Metropolitan Building. Suspect is seen to have green skin and elf-like features. Multiple units requesting 10-33.

M'gann: What does that mean?

Gwen: Fight in progress. They're asking for immediate assistance.

Superboy glanced at the bedroom door.

Peter: Hey, Superboy. We'll keep an eye on her. Go.

------------------------------

A police cruiser was thrown at another cruiser, forcing the police officer next to it to jump out of the way before he could get crushed.

Several police officers were shooting at a humanoid creature. It had scaly green skin, bat-like ears, and sharp teeth.

Amongst the officers shooting at the creature were Detective Henry Rollins and Captain Yuri Watanabe.

Officer 1: How is that thing not even hurt?

Yuri: Doesn't matter! (takes out her radio) This is Captain Yuri Watanabe requesting a gunship at the Metropolitan Building ASAP.

Henry saw the creature pick up a taxi and throw it in their direction.

Henry: INCOMING!

He tackled Yuri to the ground in an attempt to avoid the car. However, the impact never came. Henry and Yuri looked up and saw the cab floating in the air before getting tossed back at the creature, who dodged it.

The creature looked ahead of him and saw Spider-Man, Superboy, and Miss Martian landing in between it and the police officers.

Spider-Man: 'M'gann, link us up.'

Miss Martian pressed her hand against her head for a few seconds.'

Miss Martian: 'Everyone online?'

Superboy: 'Loud and clear.'

Spider-Man: 'I hear you. Let me try and talk to it.' Okay, buddy. I don't know if you know this, but New York's already had enough green, scaly monsters running around. So if you could go back to whatever hole you came out of, that'd be great.

Creature: You...

Everyone looked stunned to hear the creature speak.

Miss Martian: 'I've seen it happen with the Lizard before, but it still sounds weird to hear something like that actually speak.'

Spider-Man: 'Yeah, you can say that again?'

Creature: You stole my life's work! GIVE IT BACK!

Spider-Man, Miss Martian, and Superboy looked at each other before they quickly realized who the creature was.

Superboy: Dr. Warren? What happened to you?

Jackal: There is no Warren! There is only the Jackal!

Spider-Man: Okay, this is happening.

He shot a web projectile at Jackal's face, covering it, as Superboy charged at him. Unfortunately, Jackal managed to rip the webbing off his face quickly and dodged Superboy's right hook. Superboy went for a left uppercut, but Jackal caught his arm and used his momentum to toss him into a semi-truck.

Spider-Man quickly lunged at Jackal with a Venom Punch, but Jackal dodged it before swiping his claw at his face. Spider-Man was too slow to react, as his mask was immediately sliced, revealing his left eye and mouth, before he got Spartan kicked back by Jackal.

Jackal quickly noticed a lamp post flying towards him, so he dodged it. He then looked up and saw Miss Martian using her telekinesis to hurl as many projectiles as she could at him. Jackal picked up a nearby car and tossed it at Miss Martian, but quickly swiped it away with her powers. However, she couldn't evade the incoming motorcycle that was immediately thrown at her, as she was knocked out of the sky and back onto the ground.

Jackal started marching towards Miss Martian, but he was punched into a car by Superboy. He was joined by Spider-Man as the two immediately began throwing multiple punches and kicks at Jackal, not giving him a chance to think.

However, Jackal caught Spider-Man's arm and used him to hit Superboy away. He then smashed Spider-Man into the pavement before throwing him in the same direction as Superboy.

Superboy and Spider-Man ended up landing next to Miss Martian, who was still barely recovering from the hit she took earlier. The three looked up and saw the Jackal marching toward them.

However, he was forced to stagger backward because of some bullets hitting his body. Superboy, Spider-Man, and Miss Martian looked behind them and saw Henry marching towards Jackal while shooting, ignoring Captain Watanabe's orders to stand down.

The Jackal was forced to retreat into an open manhole before closing it behind him.

Henry lowered his gun as he walked back to the three heroes and Yuri began barking out orders to her officers.

Henry: Can either of you explain to me what the hell that was?

Spider-Man, Superboy, and Miss Martian glanced at each other.

------------------------------

Back in Nathan's apartment, M'gann put a bag of frozen peas on her forehead, while Henry, Peter, Mary Jane, Valeria, and Gwen sat across from them.

M'gann: (groans) Motorcycles hurt.

Nathan: Consider yourself lucky, M'gann.

She looked at Nathan and Superboy. Superboy was relatively okay, but Nathan held an ice pack on his cheek while using his free hand to hold his ribs.

Nathan: At least your body wasn't used as a baseball bat to hit a frickin' Kryptonian.

Superboy: Well...It doesn't look so bad.

Nathan: Shut up, Supey. Your body is tougher than diamonds. You're effectively a metal wall.

Henry: Okay. Just to make sure I'm not missing anything. Dr. Miles Warren got a hold of your blood and used it to make her.

He gestured to Valeria.

Nathan: Yes.

Henry: You, M'gann, and Superboy got a tip from THE Black Canary, telling you where he is.

M'gann: Uh-huh.

Henry: Once you found Valeria, you knocked out Warren and broke her out.

Superboy: Correct.

Henry: So Warren decided to turn himself into a giant, green, ugly version of Dobby in order to take Valeria back and kick all three of your butts. A Kryptonian clone, a Martian, and a superpowered human spider. Did I miss anything?

Nathan & M'gann: Nope.

Superboy: What's a Dobby?

Nathan: (groans) I'll get you the movie set. You can watch it in the cave.

Mary Jane: Can we focus? How exactly are we supposed to beat this thing if you three got your butts handed to you?

Valeria: I got an idea.

Everyone looked at Valeria.

Valeria: It might be stupid, but it might work if we play our cards right.

Gwen: Okay. What are you thinking?

Valeria: Use me as bait.

Peter: WHOA!
Gwen & Mary Jane: Are you nuts?!
M'gann: What kind of stupid idea is that?!
Nathan & Superboy: Absolutely not!

Valeria: Does anyone here have a better idea? Cuz I'm all ears.

Nobody responded.

Valeria: Didn't think so.

Just then, Nathan got a text message on his phone. He took out his phone and saw the message.

Shorty🐦
You seeing the news?

Nathan: Dad, turn on the TV.

Henry: Why?

Nathan: Just do it.

Henry picked up the TV remote and turned it on, the first channel was a news channel. The broadcast showed the Jackal wreaking havoc on Queensborough Bridge.

Nathan: Maybe we don't need to use Val as bait. If we can pin him in the water, we might be able to take him down.

Gwen: (points at Nathan & Valeria) Okay, you're both crazy. Do you realize that Warren would've killed you if it weren't for Mr. Rollins? How do you know it's not gonna end any differently than it did before?

Valeria: Because before, you didn't have me.

Everyone looked at Valeria in disbelief.

Valeria: He made me. Maybe if he sees me, he might be distracted.

Peter: What makes you say that?

Valeria: Warren didn't make me for himself. He made me so that his boss, whoever he is, would use me as a weapon. He wouldn't want to damage an effective weapon.

Superboy: You're not a weapon.

Valeria: I know. But right now, I'm your ace in the hole.

Nathan looked down, thinking about Val's suggestion. It sounds good, but it was risky. But if she was anything like him, she wouldn't let that stop her.

Nathan: Alright. Looks like you're coming with us. But you're not coming dressed like that.

Valeria: (smirks) Don't worry, brother. I have my uniform ready.

She walked into Nathan's bedroom and closed the door. Only a minute later, she came out...wearing her own Spider suit.

The suit's body, thighs, feet, and most of the arms were red, while the mask, lower legs, shoulders, and spider logos on the front and back were grey, and the lenses were white. The mask left her short brown hair exposed. On her forearms were a pair of black bracers with red stripes on the sides and white spider logos on the top.

Peter: That looks awesome.

Valeria: (smirks) Thank you. I aim to please.

She looked over to Nathan, M'gann, and Superboy.

Valeria: How does Spider-Woman sound?

Superboy, M'gann, and Nathan looked at each other before looking at Valeria.

Nathan: Let's go show 'em who's boss, Spidey.

He held up his fist, and Valeria grinned before fist-bumping him.

------------------------------

On the Queensborough Bridge, Jackal tossed a car into the air, making it back on the road on its roof. He let out a roar as police cruisers blocked both sides of the bridge.

???: HEY, DOBBY!

Jackal turned around and saw Spider-Man, Superboy, Miss Martian, and Spider-Woman landing behind him on the bridge.

Jackal gazed at the four heroes before his eyes landed on Spider-Woman. His eyes widened for a split second before he started grinning.

Jackal: Arachne...Good to see you standing on your own two feet.

Spider-Woman: Can't say the same about your ugly butt. And it's Spider-Woman.

Jackal snarled as he glared at the other three.

Jackal: You truly think yourselves heroes? You are nothing but abominations. I am the one destined to perfect this world, and all you are ever good for is destruction and chaos.

Superboy: Let's see how much destruction we can bring you.

He cracked his knuckles, Miss Martian floated a few feet off the ground, Spider-Man summoned his Spider Arms, and Spider-Woman extended her stingers from her wrists.

Jackal charged at them as they took a battle stance.

Jackal jumped at them, but Miss Martian knocked him back telekinetically. Once he was on the ground, Superboy jumped and was about to drive his fist into his head. Jackal rolled out of the way, but Superboy grabbed his feet and threw him towards Spider-Man, who used one of his Spider Arms to clothesline him.

Jackal swiped Spider-Man's feet, knocking him down, but he was slashed across the face by Spider-Woman's stingers.

Jackal backed up and pressed his clawed fingers against his sliced cheek, seeing the blood that was flowing from the deep cut she gave him.

Jackal: You little b—

He was cut off by Spider-Woman's Venom Punch, releasing a burst of orange electricity that sent Jackal flying.

Jackal was about to get up and charge again, but Spider-Man jumped onto his back and put him in a reverse chokehold. He then used his Spider Arms to drag himself and Jackal towards the railing of the bridge before launching them both over it, making them free-fall towards the East River.

Once they hit the water, Jackal began thrashing around frantically in an attempt to release himself from Spider-Man's hold. But his grip was too strong as the two sank deeper into the depths of the river.

While holding on, Spider-Man could feel himself running out of breath. But he continued holding on while Jackal kept thrashing.

After an agonizing minute, Jackal finally stopped moving. Spider-Man released him, but he was too weak to swim back up to the surface.

As he began to black out, Spider-Man had only one thought in his head.

Spider-Man: 'Mom...George...M'gann...I'm sorry.'

He closed his eyes.

He then felt himself being lifted up by an invisible force. Once he broke through the water's surface, his eyes shot open. He frantically pulled his mask off his head before coughing out water that went into his lungs.

Shortly after he recovered, he looked around and saw himself and an unconscious Jackal levitating towards the shore. Once they both landed, Nathan looked up and saw Miss Martian, Superboy, and Spider-Woman landing in front of him.

Without hesitation, Miss Martian ran up to Nathan and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Nathan was stunned for a second before hugging her back.

Miss Martian: You idiot. You could've died.

Nathan: Well...I'm not dead yet.

Miss Martian let out a chuckle.

Miss Martian: Don't push it.

Nathan smiled softly as he looked at Valeria and Superboy. He nodded at them, and they both nodded back.

------------------------------

His claws cuffed behind his back and his whole body restrained, Jackal was forced into an armored van, screaming out profanities.

Henry: Yeah, yeah. Just wash your mouth with some soap when you get there. You need it for your stinking breath, anyway.

He shut the van's back door, locking the Jackal inside. He banged the side of the van with his hand, and it drove away.

Henry turned around to face the four young heroes.

Miss Martian: Where is he headed?

Henry: The Raft. It should hold him for a while.

Superboy: Just as long as nobody decides to break him out.

Henry: They shouldn't be able to. That place is a fortress designed to hold the most dangerous inside. We don't have to worry about any mass breakouts anytime soon.

Spider-Man: That's good.

Spider-Woman: Now that this is over...Where do I go?

Spider-Man, Miss Martian, and Superboy looked at each other and nodded.

Miss Martian: There is one place you could stay.

------------------------------

In an undisclosed location, an unknown woman in a red suit stood in front of several holograms.

???: This is becoming intolérable. How have we now lost both Projects Superboy and Arache?

???: And to make matters worse, Dr. Warren is now imprisoned in the Raft. We cannot simply break him out, even if we want to. He has become too unstable, anyway.

Woman: It matters not, gentlemen. Superboy may be lost, but Arachne may still be brought back to the Light. I will personally make sure of it, given the chance.

------------------------------

Mount Justice
July 27, 19:53 EDT

Wally and Dick were playing darts using holograms, while Kaldur watched them. Dick landed a third dart at the triple 20, earning a total of 180.

Wally: Oh, come on! This can't be fair.

Dick: (laughs) Well, you should've thought of that before you decided to play darts against me.

Kaldur: He does raise a valid point, Wally.

Wally shook his head while grumbling.

Computer: Recognized: Superboy. B-0-4. Miss Martian. B-0-5. Spider-Man. B-0-7. Access granted. Spider-Woman. A-0-1. Authorization, Spider-Man. B-0-7.

They turned around to see Nathan, M'gann, Superboy, and Valeria coming out of one of the zeta tubes.

Wally: Hey, look who's here! The trio of the day! (turns to M'gann) We saw you on the news. You were amazing.

M'gann: Thanks.

Superboy: I'm pretty sure he meant the four of us.

He glared at Wally while saying.

Wally: Y-Yeah, that's what I meant. The four of— (points at Valeria) Wait, who is she?

Kaldur: I have to say, I don't think I've ever heard of a Spider-Woman before.

Valeria: Well, I just started out today, Kaldur.

Kaldur raised an eyebrow, surprised that Valeria knew his real name, and then he looked at Nathan.

Nathan: Right. Kaldur, Wally, Robin, this is Valeria Rollins. She's my, uh...

Valeria: I'm Nathan's clone. I even have all his memories.

There were mixed reactions between the three. Kaldur raised his eyebrows, but shook Valeria's hand, welcoming her to the team. Robin just smirked while cracking a joke, which only made Valeria roll her eyes.

Wally, on the other hand...

Wally: WHAT THE FU—

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