L.A. Presents
Spider-Man
Episode 5: A New Life (Part 2)
Mikey-Come on out freak!

The men begin circling the warehouse searching for Darnell. Suddenly a laugh is heard again echoing through the warehouse.

Darnell-Maybe you guys should try looking for a way out of here rather then looking for me.

Mikey picks up a radio.

Mikey-Guards, do those top lights on the ceiling work here?

Guard-That is a positive sir. Ackkkkkkkkkkk!

Mikey-Guard…guard!

A voice begins speaking on the radio.

Darnell-Sorry, guard isn’t here right now. At the sound of the click leave your name and number and he may or may not get back to you. Oh almost forgot, I took out those lights playa. They didn’t go good with the ceiling

Mikey-You better pray that I don’t find you freak, because I am going to spill your blood all over this place. Do you hear me you asshole?

Silence is heard on the radio and Mikey looks around nervously. He walks over to forklift and notices that one of the men are hanging upside down by a web. His mouth drops wide open and he takes a step back.

Radio-Hey, that makes the count 33 now…

Adam and Rick run towards a door but they can’t seem to open it.

Rick-Damn it! It is sealed shut!

Darnell slowly descends from a web line upside down and looks at them.
Darnell-Yep, all of them has been webbed shut.

Adam and Rick point their guns at him but don’t shoot.

Adam-You have no idea what you have gotten yourself into freak!

They both shoot at Darnell and he rapidly ascends up the web into the darkness of the warehouse. Both of the men point their guns blindly towards the ceiling and begin shooting.

Darnell-Aw, don’t you two like this game? I did this once before remember? When the two of you came into my hospital room looking for me. And guess what, I was on the ceiling looking at the both of you…

The men give a fearful look and try to break down the door. Darnell shoots 2 web lines and them and yanks them into mid air leaving them helpless he descends upside down beside them and begins speaking.

Darnell-Okay, why were you looking for me?

Adam-I don’t have to say a damn thing to you, masked mutie.

Darnell-True, you damn sure don’t. Only one thing, I believe a fall from this height on your head will have you either dead or eating from a straw the rest of your life.

Adam-Nah, I don’t believe you…

Darnell climbs back up to the web’s anchor to the wall and snatches it. Adam yells in fear as Darnell lets go of the web and Adam freefalls towards the floor. Darnell swoops down and catches him before he pummels into the ground. Darnell then goes back up to Rick’s position.

Darnell-Your turn, but this time if you say no…I might not be fast enough to catch you.

Rick-Eric Croft sent us! He paid us to bring you back to him! That is all I know I swear!

Darnell-Son of a bitch! I am going to get that no good…

Suddenly police sirens are heard outside of the warehouse and they begin ordering people to come out of the warehouse by a loudspeaker. Darnell climbs up to the ceiling and exit the warehouse through the ceiling window. He peaks over the side of the roof and observes that the entire building is covered with police.

Darnell-Damn, that idiot must have called the police himself! Heh, I really must have scared them.

Darnell leaps off the building and swings away.

Police Officer-What the hell was that!

Witness-Looks like a man swinging away to me.

Police Officer-Smart ass…

Darnell arrives at Rachel’s apartment and climbs onto the balcony. He enters the apartment and suddenly he paralyzed. He tries to move but that feat is impossible. Suddenly, he begins floating through the air and is brought to the center of the living room and the lights flash on. Rachel and Josh both sit on the couch and while watching the T.V. She uses her abilities to bring Darnell over towards her and turns him upside down.

Rachel-Well, aren’t you the popular one all over New York. Saw you on the news…saving buses, and roughing up some mobsters, eh?

Darnell doesn’t speak a word and remains silent.

Josh-You know, we are mutants and we have abilities too. But because of our minds, we chose to use some of our abilities for science and the future of mankind and technology.

Rachel-What we are trying to say Darnell is that we can’t tell you what to do with your abilities, that is your choice.

She turns Darnell right side up and lowers him to the floor.

Rachel-By the way, that little get up you got on is sort of…hip-hop.

Josh tosses him a D.V.

Josh-We were able to snag you one of the Digital Visualizers from the lab.

Darnell-What are you guys saying?

Rachel-If you are going to be a vigilante or hero, you got to have a better costume.

Darnell-Wait a minute now, who said I wanted to be a hero? I was just there at the time that bus was out of control and…well it was a reflex, sort of.

Josh-Well, just keep it anyway. It’s yours…

Rachel-Okay, I understand the entire “saving the bus” idea. Why were you at that warehouse?
Darnell-Two mobster guys visited me at the hospital and they didn’t look friendly. I outsmarted them and sniff them out. I was looking for info. Eric Croft hired them.

Josh-That son of a bitch!

Rachel-Can’t you just “sniff” him out, Darnell?

Darnell-Apparently not. I can only smell and track those who I have come into contact with after I got my powers.

Josh-Aha I see that makes sense.

Rachel-Just remember D, a lot of mutants despite their good deeds still are met with animosity and hatred. So please, if you are going to do anymore spider antics…use the D.V.

Darnell-Sure, I promise. I am feeling a little tired, could you put me down so I can get some sleep Rachel?

Rachel winks her eye and Darnell is swung right side up and stands on his feet. He walks off to his bed and glomps on top of it. Before he can fall asleep, he remembers the feeling he had when he saved everyone on the transport bus that day. A feeling of both satisfaction and somewhat arrogance that made him feel confidently good. As he sleeps, a vivid dream of Darnell walking with his first love Tiffany Walker. He turns to look at her and smiles.

Tiffany-You looks so happy Darnell, I miss you so much.

Darnell-I miss you too Tiff.

Tiffany-I know you are going to do the right thing with your new powers right?

Darnell-I really don’t know.

Tiffany leans over and kisses Darnell on the cheek and begins walking away.

Tiffany-You will do the right thing Darnell…

Darnell sits up from his dream in a cold sweat. He rubs his face in disbelief in that the dream was so real. He gets out of the bed and walks to the bathroom and turns on the water faucet. He throws some water on his face and looks at the mirror.

Darnell-Do the right thing…

The next morning, the smell of eggs and bacon fill the apartment’s rooms. Joshua kicks back on the couch in the living room and sips on some coffee. Darnell enters the room and flops on the couch next to Josh.

Darnell-Wow, what time is it?

Josh-Hmm, 9am and Rachel is cooking up some chow.

Darnell-Ummm, have you ever eaten any of Rachel’s cooking playa?

Josh-No, why do you ask?

Darnell-*coughs* Nothing, just asking. Hey, what are those?

Josh-Those are the suits and dress that were brought here for the Miles Ball tonight.

Darnell-Damn, I forgot all about that!

Josh-Yep, going to be a lot of people there in that huge ball room. Lots of food, lots of ladies. Grrrrrr baby!

The sound of plates touching a table is heard and Darnell gets up.

Darnell-Umm, I am going to take a shower. Be right back in a minute.

Rachel-Sure thing, must not be hungry. Come on Josh, food is ready!

Josh walks over to the table and sits down. He picks up fork and begins eating. He stops chewing and gives Rachel a nervous look.

Rachel-I tried something a little different with the eggs! You like it?

Josh gives an unassuming nod and tries to swallow the food. Rachel quickly picks up the plate and dumps the food into the trash.

Rachel-Hmm, maybe the International House of Pancakes is open.

After a brief shower, Darnell walks back towards the living and picks up a note left by Rachel.

Note: Darnell, decided it was best to get some pancakes from some professionals…be back in a sec.

Darnell-Heh heh heh, she will never be able to cook right.

Darnell also notices an envelope on the table that has a big black X on it. He decides to be nosy and reads the return address.

Darnell-Hmmm, I wonder who the hell a Professor Charles Xavier is? Rachel never mentioned this before. Oh well…

He puts the letter back on the table and flops on the couch. Suddenly, he hears a door knock and gets up to answer it. He takes a brief sniff and looks puzzled. He opens the door to see a blue skinned woman at the door.

Darnell-Don’t I know you?

Aquia-Sure you do! You saved me remember?

Darnell-You don’t look anything like you did before! You look you are at least 23 now!

Aquia-22 actually. I kind of shedded a little bit. It happens every year, I revert to the age of about 16 before I reveal my real age. I am use to it.

Darnell-Well, come on in now that I know who you are!

Aquia giggles and then walks in with a duffle bag. She has a seat on the couch and looks around.

Darnell-How did you know I was here?

Aquia-Your bag had the address on it and I am pretty good with New York addresses. So I decided to bring it back to you. The least I could was return it after you saved my life.

Darnell-Ah, thanks that is sweet of you.

The door opens then Rachel and Josh enter the apartment. They both walk in carrying bags and observe Aquia sitting on the sofa.

Rachel-Wow Darnell, fast work there…playa.

Darnell-Heh heh heh, oh! I mean, I kind of helped her because she was in some trouble.

Aquia-Hello, my name is Aquia.

Rachel walks over and shakes her hand and is followed by Josh.

Rachel-My name is Rachel and the pet behind me is Josh.

Josh gives a grin and waves.

Aquia-Darnell was amazing! He took out at least 5 or 6 guys with no problems and saved my life.

Darnell-Aww shucks, it was nothing.

Rachel-Darnell, and you didn’t even get her phone number? You are slipping.

Aquia-Actually, I did not mean to intrude. I was just dropping off his bag but I will be on my way now…

Rachel-No you will not! We have a huge breakfast feast courtesy of IHOP! Will you not stay for breakfast?

Aquia-No thank you, but I appreciate it.

Darnell hops off the couch.

Darnell-Oh come on, just for one little pancake?

Darnell winks at Aquia.

Aquia-Well, okay.

All of them sit at the table as Rachel grabs some plates and begins loading them with bacon, eggs, pancakes, waffles, and syrup. Darnell and Aquia begin rudely rocketing down the food quickly. Josh and Rachel look in awe as they continue pigging out.

Rachel-Now I understand Darnell’s eating etiquette, but yours?

Aquia-Oh, I am sorry it is just that…that…

Darnell-She doesn’t have a place to stay Rachel, she just recently became homeless.

Rachel-OH! Excuse my ignorance then! Eat up Aquia.

Aquia gets an embarrassing expression and continues eating. Josh gives Rachel kick under the table.

Darnell-Well, I am going job-hunting tomorrow and you are more then welcome to join me Aquia.

Aquia grins but it soon fades.

Aquia-Thanks but I don’t think it will do any good, my mutant appearance will not help any. I have tried…
Rachel grins at her.

Rachel-Nonsense, because I have a friend who has a job opportunities just for mutants.

Aquia-Really? You would do that for me?

Rachel-Hell yeah! You are Darnell’s friend and that legalizes you to be my friend.

Aquia-You all are too kind. I really hate to leave right now, but I must go…

Suddenly, Darnell’s spider sense goes berserk and he stands up.

Rachel-What in the…

A large explosion emits through the wall and shatters it away leaving nothing but debris. The force knocks everyone clear across the apartment. Rachel and Aquia lay unconscious as Darnell and Josh come around. Josh looks up at the door entrance and there is a huge hole. Clearing the debris and smoke stands an enormous creature figure. Josh tries to see pass the smoke and then his eyes widen to a horrific sight of a massive bat figure standing there with red glowing eyes. He ducks down to walk into the apartment and makes it way towards Rachel.

Nyte-Well, well…Professor Williams looks like she is taking a nap. Maybe I should wake her.

Before Nyte can pick her up, he notices a blue burning inferno hovering into the air with eyes of determination in his glare.

Dark Fire-If you touch her, I will make sure hell will not be hot enough for you.

Nyte-Professor Beck, good to see you too. Don’t you recognize me? It’s Eric Croft, but you can now call me…Nyte!

Dark Fire-I don’t give a damn what you call yourself now, I am going to make sure there will not be even an ash of you left!

Nyte-Well make your offensive, if you can…

Dark Fire hovers to the air and quickly charges Nyte at full blast. The charge takes them out the other side of the apartment wall into the air of New York. Dark Fire eases up from the charge and notices that Nyte is hovering in the air flapping the wings that are on the underside of his arms.

Nyte-Wow, that kind of burned…my turn.

Nyte soars towards Dark Fire, but Dark Fire burns brighter and soars off the other direction and the both of them going flying away into the bright skies of New York City. Back at the apartment, Darnell gets up and dusts himself off.

Darnell-Damn, that was a new shirt!

He looks to see Aquia and Rachel still lying on the floor. He rushes to their sides and carries both of them into his room.

Darnell-Rachel! Aquia! Talk to me…

Aquia slowly comes around and sees Darnell standing beside her.

Aquia-*smiles* You are always there for me….aren’t you…

She passes out again and closes her eyes. Darnell gets a cold glare on his face and grabs the D.V. device and rushes towards the hole in the wall of the apartment. He activates the device and a dark light emits from it and he is in a completely different outfit. Wearing black pants with a red webbed stripe along the sides. A black belt with a huge silver spider on the front of it. A black skin tight shirt with a small red spider on the middle, black shoes that resemble Lugz boots, and a leather jacket that goes down about 2 inches below the waist with a huge red spider on the back. Darnell begins to run towards the hole when he remembers one small detail. He actives the device again to give him gloves on his hands that have a red spider on the back hand side, and an all black mask that has red eyes on them. He jumps out of the hole and dives outside to a lower balcony.

Darnell-Now where did you go?

Darnell looks up and observes a huge blue flame on the other side of the city.

Darnell-Looks like Josh is pissed off, I better get going…

Darnell shoots a web line and swings away. On the other side of the city, Dark Fire sends fiery bursts of flames at Nyte. He is able to counter attack the flames with his wings as a shield. Dark Fire soars towards him but Nyte flies the other way and surprises Dark Fire with a hard chop to his neck. The strength of the blow sends Dark Fire twirling towards the streets and he lands on top of a car making it explode throughout the streets. As Nyte hovers down to the streets, pedestrians scream in fear and terror at the horrific sight of him.

Nyte-Yes, run you incompetent fools! I shall make all of you into genetic freaks and you will only obey me!

As Nyte gives a sinister laugh, he is kicked from behind and is rocketed a very lengthy slide down the street from the force. Witnesses are in complete silence as they look at the black and red clad figure hanging from a web line. He jumps from the web to Dark Fire’s location and pulls him from the exploding wreckage. Dark Fire seems kind of out of it begins to focus his sight on Darnell’s mask.

Dark Fire-What is it today, Freaky Friday?

Darnell-Sure, as long as you are at it, I think a “thank you for pulling my hot ass out of that wreckage” is in order too.

Dark Fire-Nice get up you got going there…reminds me of that one vampire movies I saw once called Blade, only your coat is shorter.

Darnell-Smart ass

Nyte slowly gets up from the attack and looks over to see the masked man standing next to Dark Fire.

Dark Fire-You know, I think you really hurt him.

Nyte takes off to the air and looks down at them.

Nyte-My turn…

Nyte opens his mouth and a huge blast of sonic energy hurls towards Darnell and Dark Fire. Darnell flips out of the way, but the injured Dark Fire takes a dose of the force and is knocked out. Darnell hurries to him and tries to wake him up.

Darnell-Fire! Wake up man!

Nyte-I called that my “nyte scream”. Very solid, and very dangerous to the ears. Another blast to him like that will kill him most likely.

Darnell slowly rises up and the red eyes on his mask begin glowing violently. He clinches his fist and jumps on the side of the building and rapidly crawls up to the altitude of where Nyte is hovering.

Darnell-You are going to pay for all you have done. I am going to make damn sure of that.

Nyte-You should really calm down Darnell…

Darnell-Don’t you ever call me that…I am Spider-Man!

Spidey leaps from the building and aims for Nyte. Nyte flies the opposite way and Spidey shoots a web line at his leg. Nyte takes off with Spider-Man tagging below him from the web line. He begins climbing up the line but Nyte twirls around trying to maneuver him off the web. He turns sharply and sends Spider-Man into a glass-building cutting the web off. Spidey quickly gets up and runs to the other side and leaps out of the glass and lands on the wide back of Nyte.

Spidey-Not getting rid of me that easily, Croft!

Spider-Man goes onto the underside of Nyte and shoots webbing in his eyes. He lets go of him and adheres to a building. Nyte swings back around and hovers in mid air.

Nyte-Fool, I don’t need my vision! I am partially a bat now, and my hearing can guide me through any terrain!

Spidey-True, but you didn’t even notice that lady standing behind you did you?

Nyte-What?

Hovering in a huge aura of blue energy, Rachel is behind him and looks in a total trance. She focuses her power and hits Nyte with a psychic blast that sends him soaring through the city until he is no longer seen. Spider-Man stands sidways on the building and watches as he goes away from view.

Spidey-He’s going…going…and that bastard is gone! Home run!

He leaps from the building and swings back down to Dark Fire’s location. He lifts up his head to see that he is still breathing. Rachel soars down next to them and looks in sadness.

Spidey-He is breathing, but I don’t know how badly he is wounded…

Rachel starts shedding tears when unexpectedly, Aquia walks up slowly and kneels down next to Dark Fire.

Spidey-Aquia?

Suddenly, Aquia begins emitting a bright orange aura and the on watching people gasp at the sight. Aquia places her hand on Dark Fire’s head and his flames begin glowing brighter and then he opens his eyes.

Dark Fire-You know, every time I wake up I am surrounded by freaks.

Rachel hugs him and Spider-Man shoots a long web line to a building.

Aquia-Wait, where are you going?

Spidey-I am going after Nyte…
Rachel-Don’t do it, if he hits you with the same thing he hit Dark Fire with…

Spidey-Don’t worry, I will be all right…I have a plan

Aquia stands up and walks towards Spider-Man and lifts up his mask to reveal his cheek. She kisses him and then steps away.

Aquia-Be careful…

Citizen-Go get him, Spider-Man!

Spidey-Heh…

He tugs on the line and jets towards the air in the direction Nyte was blasted. The people on the streets cheer him on as his friends look on in admiration.

To Be Continued…