King Kindred

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Things hadn't been the same for Gwen Stacy since Halloween night. Her world shattered. All she had was her dad and in one night she lost him and her best friend. The domino of which led to her losing her other best friends. All she had left was her uncle who she wasn't really close to and Harry. Harry at least understood what she was going through. His dad was almost killed the same night by the same lunatic. She couldn't understand why all of this was happening. She took a week off from school and spent it locked in her room crying.

Miles Warren never expected to be anyone's guardian. Especially not of a teenager going through the death of her father. She was never really close to his niece, but he did care for her. She was what was left of his sister and he hated seeing her like this. It hurt him to see her like this, because it was like he was watching his own sister. He decided something. He couldn't bring his own sister back, but he could bring back those that his niece lost. He had done some research into cloning in the past, but never got the approval for such experimentations and when he tried before to bring his sister back it was shut down. He then had to transfer to ESU. He put the plan in motion before the funeral. There wasn't much of his brother-in-law left. If they hadn't already called in an ambulance and fire truck he would've been ashes by the time the fire went out. But there was enough of him to get some damaged tissue. No one noticed anything, because of the damages and it was a closed casket funeral. He also wanted to know more about this Spider-Woman and Hobgoblin. Why they were so strong. He found samples of their DNA as well as Liz's at the Manhattan Bridge. It was a bloody fight. He also hacked into cameras on the bridge to get footage of the incident before erasing it from the main database. He didn't want them going after Spider-Woman for murder. He had other plans for her.

Through an interview with J Jonah Jameson he found out that Hobgoblin believed Gwen was Spider-Woman. He shut down that rumor immediately proving that she was at home during the fateful fight and had only left the house for the funeral since that night. But added that whoever this Spider-Woman was, was nothing more than a masked criminal who killed one of New York's greatest captains and destroyed his niece's life in one night. J Jonah Jameson agreed and that night became known as The Bloody Halloween. Most didn't agree with the sentiments and analysis of that night, but there was a split with the older generations.

Miles became a recluse himself after that interview and began his experiments. He analyzed the DNA he found at the scene and was able to identify the samples. Their DNA was extraordinary. He laughed. He had never seen anything like it. But he could do better. Not only with his clones, but with himself as well. Combining the DNA of Hobgoblin and Spider-Woman with a chemical compound of his own he created an elixir that would enhance his natural body, but give him a Mr. Hyde-esque transformation that would enhance him even more turning him into the ultimate predator with a brilliant mind. He used this new power to spy on Spider-Woman and Spider-Man to learn more about them, who they were, what they could do and for Spider-Man get his DNA.

He found out exactly who they were when Danny Davis came to talk to Gwen. Miles was in another room, but with his newly enhanced abilities he was able to hear that he and his sister were the Spider-Heroes. Now it made sense why the psycho thought his niece was Spider-Woman. He was close, but way off the mark. Now he understood it more. Why this Spider-Woman had been taking things so hard. Why she had become so brutal in her adventures. She lost a lot that night too. He had an idea. There was no way that his niece would forgive her best friends even if he brought back her dad and Liz. This city didn't deserve someone so incompetent that they'd kill the person they were trying to save. He'd clone her and her brother and have their clones kill and replace them. One night when they were both out patrolling he snuck into their home and acquired Danny's DNA to complete his experiments.

It took him a week before Christmas to finally finish. The first clone he awakened was Captain George Stacy. He looked perfect and talked perfectly as well. His memories were in tact, but as soon as he stepped out of the tank he destabilized. Miles cursed it all to Hell. He knew there was a chance that his DNA was too damaged and unstable to create a proper clone, but the others were just fine. Well, all except one. A mutant one. Stronger than the others, but not stable. That one would be on ice until he could perfect it. But the others were ready.

"Santa won't be coming for you this year, Spider-Twins, and even Krampus fears the WRATH OF THE JACKAL!"

The Amazing Spider-Twins

The next month was brutal for Caty. She wasn't herself after the funerals of Captain Stacy and Elizabeth Allan. She didn't know who she was anymore. She lost two of the most important people in her life in such a short span. She already felt like there was a hole in her heart when her dad died, but when she killed Liz it felt like someone ripped that hole wider until there was nothing left. It was a miracle she was still alive. But her will and drive to protect and punish kept her alive. After the funeral she contacted Tony Stark and decided to meet him at the Avengers Tower as Spider-Woman. She didn't feel like Caty anymore. Tony recognized this in her when she pulled her mask back to drink some water he provided her. He could see that she was losing herself into her darkness. He recognized that look, because it was the same one that he saw when he looked at the bottom of a glass. He wanted to offer her support, guidance, and a mentor. The Caty inside her was screaming for her to say yes, but she couldn't hear her. She declined his offer and asked for tech to upgrade her web-shooters. He offered to work on them with her instead. She decided there was no harm in it and they worked together in silence. That moment in silence was what she needed. Tony knew that and didn't force more out of her.

Unfortunately that moment wasn't enough to make her feel better or start to reform her torn heart. She desperately wished she did, but nothing could help. So she went searching for the next best thing. Someone to punch. Spider-Woman began making a name for herself in the underground. The worst of the worst, the people that profited off of the misfortunes of others were on her hit list and she was on theirs. She wished she could beat up Norman Osborn, but unfortunately she couldn't. As far as she knew Hobgoblin was a raving lunatic and there was no evidence of wrongdoings on Norman's part. But she couldn't deny the fact that a lot of strange things were happening at Oscorp. First the bio-engineered spiders, Doc Connors and his lizard serum, and Hobgoblin and whatever gave him his powers. What was next, supercharged electric eels? Regardless, she couldn't act and ruin Harry's life when they're not hiding what they're doing. She just hoped Danny was okay there. Maybe he was doing some investigating of his own. She honestly didn't know what he's been up to. She hasn't really talked to him or been home much since Halloween. She didn't like being home. It just reminded her of everything she lost. Everything that Caty lost and Caty didn't exist anymore. She was only at school to take tests and they sent her work home with Danny. She did it all, but it meant nothing to her. She just didn't want her mom bothered with it all. She officially quit the Cheerleading team. She only joined it because of Liz. She couldn't talk to Gwen either. She felt so guilty about everything. She tried to apologize to Gwen at the funeral, but messed up when she told her that Hobgoblin thought she was her. She blamed Caty for her dad's death. If only she knew that she felt the same way. But she let her yell at her, slap her, hit her chest, and vent out in anyway that she felt was necessary. Caty deserved it. She was right. She gave her, her space.

Spider-Woman really had no one. She was alone. She couldn't even go to Liz's parents house, not inside. She left them flowers at their door every morning, but she couldn't see them. She couldn't talk to them. She couldn't lie to their faces so it was easier to love them from a distance. Karolina reached out to her after she heard what happened on the news. In fact, the whole group chat messaged her with condolences and said they'd be there for her if she ever needed anything. She told them she appreciated them all and abruptly went ghost. She knew Nico would understand and Gert could handle it and Molly was spamming her with memes whenever she got ahold of Gert's phone and signed each one. If Spider-Woman were to be honest those memes were the only thing keeping her sane. It reminded her there was still light and good in the world. She felt bad for ghosting Karolina though. She really appreciated her support, but she felt guilty. Karolina was nice and attractive and she did not want to think of anyone like that, not so soon after Liz's death. Caty didn't even exist anymore so her dating life didn't either. It died with Liz.

The month moved in a blur. Spider-Woman barely slept and only ate to keep up with her increased calorie intake. She didn't eat for the joy of food anymore. She operated solely for the mission at this point and that included this Thanksgiving at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This was a huge event and she learned lately that whackos loved attacking New York on holidays. First a Norse god brings a bunch of blue giants on her and Danny's birthday. That may not have been a widely recognized holiday, but if Liz was correct they were the targets. Then Hobgoblin on Halloween. There's no way no one was going to try and ruin this holiday for her as well. She felt targeted and she was not going to bring that home. She decided to watch the parade afloat one of the floats. If anyone was going to attack this was the perfect time. This year the floats included members of the Avengers and she was atop Captain Marvel whose float was positioned as if she were flying across the city. Of course there was nothing for her and Spider-Man yet. Though she felt like she didn't deserve one at all. She was no hero. Just someone with powers playing vigilante.

Her Spidey-Sense temporarily pulled her out of the hole her depression was digging. "I hate being right. Who is it now?" She looked around and couldn't hear or see anything. The ringing was getting even more intense like the danger was getting clo---. Something rushed past her peripheral and the next thing she heard was a large POP, then the hissing of air. She felt herself sinking into Captain Marvel's back. That wasn't good. She could hear the sound of screams below. She dove off Captain Marvel to speed past her and ran underneath the falling float. She then released an abundance of webs in rapid succession to create a giant web that kept the float from falling even more. She then shot strings of web at the buildings to her left and right before attaching them to the giant web holding Captain Marvel up. The crowd cheered and thanked her and she was honestly getting overwhelmed.

The good mood was interrupted by the person who caused the danger in the first place. "You think you won, Spider-Woman? You feel like the hero? This city will know the menace that you are." Said a man in a green suit and feathered mechanical wings announcing his presence.

Spider-Woman was absently dumbfounded. She knew she saw something out of the corner of her eye, but she didn't think it was a flying turkey. "Oh, you read the Daily Bugle? I didn't know turkeys could read. But seriously, dude. A turkey costume debut on Thanksgiving?"

The green turkey was furious. "I'm not a turkey. I am the VULTURE! Inventor of the Underworld and Spider-Woman's assassin!"

Spider-Woman was more annoyed than anything at this point. But she needed to get this clown away from people. "A reading and inventing turkey. Man, what are they feeding you on that farm? Wait, are turkeys raised on farms? I don't know, I'm a city girl through and through."

"You!!!" The Vulture said, his pale face turning red with fury. He extended his wings and pushed back propelling himself forward towards Spider-Woman.

Criminals were all the same. Gullible idiots. Spider-Woman let the Vulture grab her and carry her away into the sky. She waved to to the people below. "Don't worry, I'm okay! I'm just leading him to the oven. This turkey's a little too fresh." When they were some distance away the Vulture through her into a building. She braced for her landing and gracefully landed on the glass. Her old ballet teacher would be so proud. She pushed off the glass pulling some of it with her fingers before bringing her arm around to punch the Vulture in the face. He feinted a punch in return, but shot her with one of his feathers. It grazed her and she fell from the sky. She held her side with one hand and shot a web at a building with the other. She sighed with relief, but that relief was gone instantly when she felt her Spidey-Sense again. She looked up to see the Vulture slicing her web through a flyby. She cursed and started falling again. "Not this time." She let go of her web and released another one at the Vulture's stomach. It attached and he began pulling her through the city as if he were a bull at a rodeo trying to get her off.

When the Vulture looked down and saw Spider-Woman still holding strong she removed the hand from her side and shot another web, this time at his forehead. As soon as it attached she pulled it forward with enough force to bring him crashing to the ground. They were close to the ground when he was finally able to cut both webs with his wings. Spider-Woman landed on the ground and watched as the Vulture was about to take flight again to recuperate. "Where do you think you're going?" She asked shooting two webs at his wing harness and yanking it off. She tossed it away from him and caught him as he fell.

"Don't think you've won, Spider-Woman! My genius can't be---." He was cut off by a web to the mouth from Spider-Woman. She dropped him on the ground and webbed him up.

"I think I just created a new Thanksgiving Dish. Turkey Stuffed Web. But don't worry, maybe the President will pardon you since it's still early." Spider-Woman said with a smile under her mask. Punching goons was okay, but she stopped another costumed weirdo today. One that wasn't able to hurt anyone, because she was there to protect them. Something was beginning to form inside the empty hole in her chest again.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Danny was right. This was the worst Halloween ever. She singlehandedly destroyed two families. Captain Stacy was dead because some lunatic thought she was Gwen and that same lunatic killed her girlfriend, was hunting her girlfriend, because she took pictures of her. She really wasn't sure there was a way to bounce back from this. She wouldn't blame Gwen if she hated her for this. She didn't even know if she could even look Liz's parents in the face.

She was about to respond to Danny when she looked up and noticed the Allans walk in. Caty immediately burst into tears and ran up to them. They embraced her as she cried in their arms. "I'm so sorry. I couldn't save her! It's all my fault." They caught the attention of others in the waiting room and Liz's mom began to soothe her.

"It's okay, it's not your fault. You couldn't have done anything."

But that wasn't true. She could have done something and what she did actually got Liz killed. But their words still comforted her despite her knowing the truth.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty had accepted Danny's hug. They stayed there until they heard sirens in the distance at which point Caty told Danny that they needed to get out of there. She dialed Liz's parents and told them that Liz was on the way to the hospital. She swung Liz over to the hospital. She landed right next to the entrance and carried Liz the rest of the way. She held her bridal style, thoughts lingering in her mind how they'd never be able to see the day they got married. She really didn't know what to do.

They entered the hospital and she screamed out, "I need help!" The staff got to her and Liz immediately, but it didn't matter how long they took. She was already dead and it was all her fault. Everything leading to this moment was all her fault.

She waited with Danny for Liz's parents. She was glad he was here with her. At least he understood how she was feeling. At least partly. She decided to stay in her costume. It was Halloween and she needed it on in order to explain to Liz's parents what happened.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Once Caty and Liz noticed that Danny was actually having a great time with a cute redhead they decided they didn't have to stay for the rest of the party. They saw their friends, danced, and enjoyed each other's company. Neither of them were truly the partying type anymore. Caty felt like she had so much responsibility and was getting antsy.

She decided she wanted to walk Liz home before going on patrol. Things seemed eerily quiet on their way home. They were completely oblivious to all of the chaos currently going down in the city and to the fact that they had targets on their back. They wouldn't be oblivious for long.

Caty felt the intense sensation of her Spider-Sense again. She looked around, but couldn't see anything. She let go of Liz's hand and pushed her to the side while pulling her mask down. She heard an almost silent whirring behind her and turned to see a costumed Goblin riding some kind of death glider. He grabbed Liz and started to fly off.

Spider-Woman shot a web at his glider trying to keep him in place, but he turned around and sliced the webs with blades coming from his glider. "Uh, uh, uh. Not so fast, Spider-Woman! If you want Ms. Allan alive meet me at the Manhattan Bridge for a Halloween Showdown! And don't even think about asking your boyfriend Harry the Spider for help." He then flew off towards the bridge leaving her both confused and distraught.

"Boyfriend? Harry the Spider? He thinks I'm Gwen and Harry's Spider-Man?" She didn't stay long to think about it and swung after the two. This guy seemed to be after her, but didn't even know who she was and he knew who Liz was. She didn't know who he was or what he wanted, but there was no way she was going to lose Liz. Not after she lost her dad.

---

Spider-Woman arrived at the Manhattan Bridge and noticed Liz atop one of the suspension towers. She tried to rescue her, but was immediately knocked out of the sky by the Hobgoblin. "Not so fast, Spider-Woman. Beat me and she lives. Lose and you both die."

Spider-Woman didn't have time for this clown's games. She webbed him down from off his glider and started relentlessly assaulting him. She was glad that she got back into the dojo. Her movements were more fluid and precise and she landed more hits than he avoided. The opposite was true for her, but when he did land a hit she realized just how strong he was. He was as strong as her. So she didn't have to hold back at all.

Round two between them became more intense. Frustrated from his inability to make decisive blows he jumped back on his glider and launched two pumpkin bombs at her. She shot a web at them both and launched them back towards him. He avoided the first, but the second pushed him and his glider back. He was mostly unscathed and it caused him to laugh. "You have to do better than this or poor Elizabeth will end up like your father."

Even the eyes of her costume widened at the masked freak's words. He wasn't talking about her father. He was talking about Gwen's... Captain Stacy was dead and it was all her fault. This guy wanted to hurt her. "Who are you? What did I ever do to you?"

"Nothing personal between us. Blame your boyfriend's father. He destroyed my life so now I'm doing the same to his son. Though to be fair on a completely different scale. But as for who I am? You may call me Hobgoblin!"

"A stupid name for an even stupider man! I'm not Gwen Stacy and I'm not dating Harry! I'm dating---actually, nevermind. You don't need to know that. But you do need to know that I'm going to kick your ass." Spider-Woman said more pissed off and determined than before. She wasn't going to let this man get away with murder or take anymore innocent lives.

The two charged at each other. Hobgoblin extended the blades once again trying to impale her, but Spider-Woman jumped onto his glider and the two started boxing with nowhere to run. The chaos of the glider fight cause them to fly up towards the top of the suspension tower where Liz was. Hobgoblin feeling furious over the fact that he couldn't beat Spider-Woman despite how hard he attacked her decided it was time to play dirty.

Hobgoblin brought the two of them over to Liz and grabbed Spider-Woman's neck so she couldn't stop his plan. With his other hand he reached down and grabbed Liz by the neck. "You may claim not to be Miss Stacy, but it doesn't matter anymore. You pissed me off so now I'm going to make sure you feel even more guilty tonight."

"Please! Don't! She has nothing to do with this!" She tried to break free from his grip, but the more she struggled the tighter his grip got.

Liz looked at Caty beyond the mask with tears in her eyes. "It's okay... I love you. Don't let him win. Don't let any of them win."

Spider-Woman struggled desperately to break free. She had to save Liz. She couldn't lose her. She watched as Hobgoblin released his grip around Liz's neck causing her to fall to the ground. Right after he dropped Spider-Woman as well and hovered above to watch the show.

Spider-Woman had to act quick. She shot a web at the top of the suspension tower and once it was attached she looked down at Liz and shot a web towards her leg. She stopped her right before she could hit the ground, but Spider-Woman heard a sudden snap. She connected the two webs and climbed down towards Liz. She ripped her down from the web and checked to see if she was okay. She wasn't. She wouldn't wake up.

"Liz... Liz, wake up. Don't do this to me! I need you. I can't do this without you. I already lost my dad. I can't lose you, too." But she did. Liz was dead. She knew it and Hobgoblin knew it and it was all her fault. What good was she as a hero if she couldn't save the ones closest to her?

Hobgoblin hovered down to gloat. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! I BROKE THE SPIDER! I WON! I WO---"

What he won was Spider-Woman's unrighteous fury. All she could see right now was read. She tried so hard to do things the right way, but sometimes criminals were just evil and irredeemable. She didn't care that Norman destroyed his life. That was no excuse to kill innocent people. But him? He wasn't innocent and she was a witness to that fact.

She placed Liz gently on the ground in the middle of his gloating and turned to web his glider. She yanked it with enough force to send it and him flying into the side of the bridge causing the glider to explode into pieces and a few of his bombs went off in the impact.

Unfortunately for them both he was still alive. Seriously injured, but still alive. That was fine for her. She wasn't done with him yet. She rushed towards him and started beating his face in. She wanted the pain to stop. Hers or his, it didn't matter. Before she could finish what she intended to do she heard the sound of a rocket's engine behind her. The sound stopped before the sound of heavy metal hitting the ground followed after. "I think he's had enough, kid."

Spider-Woman turned around to see Tony Stark, no Iron Man right there on the bridge with her. Under normal circumstances she would've been fangirling, but this wasn't normal circumstances. She dropped Hobgoblin on the bridge and looked back at him. He was completely unconscious. Had she actually gone through with her last punch, he would've been dead. She then turned back to Iron Man. "He... he killed my girlfriend and my best friend's dad, because he thought she was me. This is all of my fault. I have to make it right. Why should he get to live?"

"I asked myself that very question. Once for myself and once for my enemy. A man named Obadiah Stane worked for my father and I. But he wanted more. He wanted the company so he secretly had my father killed. Unfortunately for him, I'm better in every way and the rightful heir so the company went to me. He didn't like that so he tried to kill me as well. Tried to blow me up with one of my own weapons and when that didn't work he had me kidnapped by terrorists. I built my first armor in that cave because I realized what the weapons my company and I made had been doing. Destroying and taking lives. Almost took my own, but didn't. So I asked myself, 'Why do I get to live and not all of the people I killed with my weapons?'. I came to the conclusion that I survived so I could make up for every life that I took."

His words resonated a lot with Caty. That was exactly how she felt and exactly why she worked so hard following the night she killed a man.

Iron Man continued. "I freed myself with my new armor and resolve and eventually confronted Stane with the evidence. He then revealed to me that he was behind my father's death. I wanted to kill him so desperately, but my girlfriend stopped me. She reminded me why I decided to keep the armor on after I freed myself. To protect lives. Not take them, not anymore. They may not deserve to live, but they don't deserve to have the power to kill the good inside us as well."

"Thank you, Iron Man." Caty said finally. "You really don't know how much I needed to hear this."

"No problem, kid. And call me, Tony. I see me in you so I guess this time I just had the right words to say." Tony walked over to Hobgoblin and picked him up before pulling a business card out of who knows where. It had the Avengers logo on it with the name 'Tony "Iron Man" Stark written in the center with his phone number underneath. He handed the card to Spider-Woman. "Call or come by the Tower anytime. Mask or no mask. I already know who you are, Miss Davis. In the meantime I'm taking this one to SHIELD. I'm sorry for your loss. Don't drown in the darkness. Have someone you can talk to." He gave her a nod before flying off with Hobgoblin still unconscious dangling in his arm.

Caty walked back over to Liz and just cradled her in her arms. She couldn't believe she was gone.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

The Hobgoblin crashed through the window of the Daily Bugle's editor's office. Fortunately most of the employees had gone home for the night. J Jonah Jameson hadn't. He fell to his desk from the force and picked himself back up after he saw a shadow hovering over him. Then he saw the weirdest looking thing standing on a glider in his office. There was barely enough space for that.

"I'm looking for the one that takes pictures of Spider-Woman." The Hobgoblin snarled.

Jameson fixed his tie and said, "I don't know who you're talking about."

"Liz Allan," he replied. "It says it right there in your papers."

"Oh, that kid. I don't deal with interns. Can't tell you anything about her if I wanted to and frankly I'd never want to. Get out of my office." Jameson said confidently and unafraid.

The Hobgoblin rushed forward and grabbed him by the neck and gave him a gentle squeeze. He didn't want to kill him after all. "You're lucky I need you alive to tell the story of my glory. The Rise of the Hobgoblin and the Fall of Spider-Woman and Spider-Man!!"

In that moment blue and red lights flashed outside and a helicopter beamed a light through the broken window.

Down below Captain Stacy got on the MegaPhone. "Costumed freak! It may be Halloween, but destruction of property, attempted murder, and false imprisonment are still very much against the law. Come out with your hands up and your... He's on a what? Okay. And your glider down!"

"Attempted murder?" The Hobgoblin asked, confused. "I must rectify that." He dropped Jameson and headed out the window and down below to the police officers. "You provided me a wonderful opportunity Dear Captain! I get to kill you and the last thing you'll know is that it's your daughter's fault because she's Spider-Woman!"

Captain Stacy and the other police opened their eyes and mouths wide with shock. Captain Stacy's daughter was Spider-Woman? That wasn't possible. This distraction was enough for Hobgoblin to pull three pumpkin bombs and launching them at the police officers. He watched them erupt in orange-green flames. He laughed maniacally while it happened and turned to face the Helicopter. He pulled another pumpkin bomb out, but before he could throw it the Helicopter took off.

"WHERE ARE YOU MY ITSY BITSY SPIDERS!?"

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty and Liz pulled their lips apart and giggled as Danny came in and interrupted their kiss. But Caty did feel bad about Danny having to third wheel with them. The closest people to him were all coupled up and just when he had someone that was boyfriend material he was all the way across the country. It was his first time being invited to a party outside of birthday ones when they were kids and he couldn't even bring the boy he really liked with him. That had to suck. She hoped they'd get to meet again someday, but with them fighting crime all the time they didn't really have the schedule that allowed for planned trips unless their mom made it like last time.

She frowned at the second person commenting on her costume of choice tonight. "I could, but how many people can go as themselves and just blend in? Plus, it's not like I can hide my costume under another one. Not a good one at least."

"Could just wear the spandex and go stealth." Liz added with a mischievous smile.

"Not a bad idea, but I'm going to ignore the reason behind it." She then turned back to Danny. "You're lucky Skyler has no idea about Pokémon lore or else he'd be calling you fairy all night."

---

Caty laughed upon entering and seeing what Skyler was wearing. Not only did it look ridiculous on him, but the thought of his favorite superhero being the guy he bullied and was later embarrassed by in front of the whole school was amusing to her. Skyler was such an interesting character. She started to wonder if there was more to him. There was no way he didn't at least think Spider-Man was gay.

She placed her hands on Danny's shoulders and said, "You're a trendsetter, Danny. You have people opening up their pink closets. Forget Skyler and just have fun tonight. For once we're off the clock." She lifted her hands and pushed him into the party so he could mingle. She and Liz followed after him, dancing.

---

Meanwhile a disgruntled Oscorp chemist who only ever wanted to design fashion was making his mark on the world. He was fired from Oscorp after numerous lackluster performances. Norman knew that his heart wasn't in his work. Sloppy work when it came to chemistry and biology and science overall could potentially lead to disastrous consequences. Norman had given him a week's notice to gather all of his things and leave the premises for good. He had hoped by giving him extra time he'd have a cool head and a plan by the time he left, but the opposite happened. Feeling like he was forced to dedicate to something he didn't even love, Roderick Kingsley decided to destroy everything Norman held dear, by breaking his son and his other pet spider project. He unfortunately didn't have any plans on leaving Norman himself alive.

The day that he was told he was fired Roderick took one of the samples of the Goblin Serum and replaced it with a liquid that looked similar enough to it. He decided to stay at work in order not to raise suspicion, but the entire week he was forced to go in and take his things he lost a bit of himself and his sanity. The serum was working in more ways than one. It made him stronger, faster, more tactical, but it had the unfortunate side effect of breaking down his psyche. He had surmised that Harry Osborn was Spider-Man and his girlfriend was Spider-Woman. He knew that they were here the day the spider got loose and he saw Norman observing the masked heroes on a monitor one day. If he knew anything about Norman, he barely and rarely ever cared about anything or anyone other than himself. It was all, but confirmed once he hired his son's best friend as an intern. No doubt to figure out more about Harry's dealings as Spider-Man.

But tonight, on Halloween, he was ready. He had finished gathering his things a few days prior and spent the remainder of his time finishing up his Hobgoblin costume and creating goblin and Halloween themed gadgets to make this a night the Osborns and New York would never forget.

The Hobgoblin hovered on his Demonic Glider in front of Norman Osborn's office. He laughed out loud maniacally before throwing a pumpkin bomb that shattered the glass window on impact. Norman took cover behind his desk and looked up to see the masked Goblin flying in. There was only one person who'd be dumb enough to attack him here, like this, in a goblin costume. "Roderick Kingsley. Couldn't take your firing like a man? You didn't want to be here either."

"Says the one cowering behind a desk, Osborn! Besides, you never gave me a choice! Both times. You forced me to work with you and now you forced me out. You destroy lives. Now I'm going to destroy yours. I'm going to kill you and break your son. When I'm through there'll be no more Spiders in New York!" The Hobgoblin launched a pumpkin bomb at Norman and flew away. He didn't need to verify his death. There was no way he was surviving that.

The Hobgoblin made his way to his next destination. He needed to find Spider-Woman and there was one place, one person, that had to know where she was. He was heading to the Daily Bugle.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty's eyes widened at the suggestion that someone else in the group knew they were masked superheroes. Though if they ever needed someone to start their fan club it would be better to have them nowhere in proximity to them so they wouldn't be in danger. "I'm pretty sure at least two of them figured it out on my end." She finally responded.

When Danny mentioned him and Chase, Caty froze. Their vacations were almost as identical as they would've been had they been identical twins. But it reminded her of how guilty she felt for giving Karolina that impression and feeling like she was betraying her girlfriend even though she shut it down. "I gotta call Liz." Caty left the room dialing her on the way out.

---

Months had passed and Caty and Danny were almost halfway through their Junior Year. They've been learning a lot both in and out of school. Caty rejoined her dojo to get more training in. She didn't want to lose her anger and hurt or kill someone like she did when her journey as a hero began. So she was here to relearn the basics and refocus on the spiritual aspect of martial arts. It took her a while before feeling comfortable enough to spar again and when she did it was only with her best friend, Xander. She made sure to hold back as much as she could until she gained full control of the force she exerted. This and practical practice in the streets helped her spread the Spider-Woman name.

She hadn't had anything major happen ever since Disneyland and she was honestly glad for that. That wasn't even intentional on the Doctor's part. She also checked on the good doctor from time to time as Spider-Woman helping him with his experiment to make sure that he had complete control over the Lizard transformation. He even offered her an internship and she thought about accepting it, but declined for the time being. The doctor was great and all, but she wasn't ready to trust Him with that part of her life yet.

But today was Halloween and Caty couldn't be anymore excited. She and Liz were going to a party together. She was going as Spider-Woman and Liz was going as Captain Marvel. Caty didn't blame her for choosing one of the heroes that had made a mark in her city on her birthday. Mostly because she looked amazing in the costume and honestly the idea of dating another superhero sounded perfect to her. She wished Liz could've gotten bit that day.

As they put the finishing touches on their costumes Liz looked to her with a concerned expression. "Are you sure it's a good idea to dress up as Spider-Woman tonight?"

"Yeah. She's gotten more popular lately. I've even seen people showing their versions of the costume for Halloween and Comic Con." Caty said confidently, but with a slight hint of narcissism. People were dressing up as her. It was crazy. "Your photos at the Bugle actually really helped. I'm surprised Jameson stopped asking you for pictures of the Avengers."

"Yeah..." Liz started, still unsure. "But how many look like the real deal? And it wasn't easy. The man wants what he wants, but the people started wanting more of you. Claim that you started this whole superhero phenomena when you took down Black Fox. Rumor has it that Loki was actually looking for you and Danny, well Spider-Woman and Spider-Man."

"I'll admit." Caty said with a sigh. "Not many. I honestly didn't think it'd be hard to copy. But this is like the only night I can fully be me. Plus if anything happens tonight I'll already be in costume without having to change out of another costume. I appreciate you for all the work you put in and your concern, but trust me... Now, come here, Captain Marvel, and kiss me."

Liz had to admit. She did have a point with that. "With pleasure, Spider-Woman." The two embraced with a passionate kiss. One that almost made them stay in for the night.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty was surprised, but also happy to see Danny so happy and willing to talk to her. She was glad that he was able to have a great time without her and it was funny. Even when they didn't try they always seemed connected. "That's wonderful, Danny!" She said with a gleaming smile. "Actually, I'm pretty sure I'm friends with your boyfriend's friends." She decided to hide the connection between she and Karolina. "They told me their friends Chase and Alex were hanging out together."

It honestly sucked that their new friends lived all the way across the country, but that was the price you paid for making vacation friends. But she hoped a long distance relationship could blossom between Danny and Chase. She had never seen him that happy before.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty returned to the group of girls pretending as if nothing had ever happened. She gently grabbed Karolina's shoulders from behind and said, "I told you, I'd be back. What I miss?"

"What'd you miss!?" Gert exclaimed. "As soon as you left Nico spotted a giant Lizard on the castle. Then two Spider-Heroes fought him!"

"Wow. That sounds pretty awesome. I saw the fireworks when I was with my brother, but I missed all of that." Caty said. "I'm glad no one got hurt."

"Yeah, it was crazy." Nico said unamused with Caty's attempts at hiding the truth.

"Yeah. I'm glad you're okay, Caty." Karolina added before averting her eyes. She couldn't believe what she had witnessed and the fact that she---no. She shouldn't even be thinking about that right now.

"I couldn't see a thing." Molly gruffed. "No one wanted to shoulder me."

"I offered." Gert corrected.

"You're barely taller than me!" Molly announced disappointed in missing what had happened. "One day I'll be a superhero and beat up all kinds of giant things!"

Karolina and Caty laughed together. "I'm sure you will, Molly." Karolina said, affirming her young friend.

"But remember to protect as well." Caty added before noticing Nico eyeing her. Did she know she was Spider-Woman? Did they all? Karolina seemed like she did as well. If they did, she was okay with it. She trusted them and they didn't try to call her out on it. Most importantly she was able to help a man regain his humanity and return to his family. She'd risk her secret a thousand times over if it meant protecting people. Caty hoped that New York was okay while they were gone.

The girls continued to enjoy the rest of the night together and she gave all of them her number, even Molly, even though she didn't have a cell phone yet. But she assured her she'd call on her house phone to ask her about life and New York.

---

The Davis Family returned to New York to find it not at all how they left it. There was a lot of damage to the city and thankfully their house and school was undamaged. But for the most part everything was okay. Some lives were lost, but a group known as The Avengers came together to protect the city and the world from a Norse god and his army of Frost Giants. He apparently even controlled a giant green creature filled with Rage that eventually turned against him and joined the side of the heroes. What was with the Big Green theme this week?

Caty was disappointed that she missed out on the world's first big superhero team-up. They had Tony Stark, freaking Captain America from World War Two, and a flying superwoman. And to make it even worse? They had two partnered creepy crawly themed heroes named Ant-Man and Wasp! And an actual spider-themed hero named Black Widow! She couldn't believe it. This was the Spider-Twins' time to shine. No, they didn't do this for fame or glory. What they did in Anaheim was much bigger. Who cares if it got drowned out in the news of the Avengers? She actually preferred it that way. This way the Connors family could know peace while they figured things out. Maybe she'd check on him one day as Spider-Woman, but as a friend.