Chapter 1: Entering The Streets
Daredevil (Black Armored Suit/MCU) has been keeping an eye on the streets of Hell's Kitchen as usual. Daredevil, in his black armored suit, stands atop a rooftop, listening. He hears on a nearby television a reporter say “The President of The United States has been missing for almost a week now. If you have any information about his whereabouts please contact the local authorities.” His enhanced senses can pick up on the faintest sounds, the scurrying footsteps of the city’s underbelly. Despite his blindness, his enhanced senses allow him to navigate the city with ease. He's been hearing strange whispers of someone moving in the shadows, something more dangerous than any of the usual thugs he’s dealt with. Daredevil assumed it was The Kingpin (MCU), ever in control and hungry for more power. Kingpin has been making his move through the underground only this time, his power isn’t the only thing on the rise.
Luke Cage (MCU) is investigating a string of violent attacks in Harlem that seem more organized than typical street crime. The usual gangs are still there, but there's a subtle touch of something more calculated. Luke has already had a run-in with Shocker (Comic), who’s been trying to steal experimental tech from a local Harlem lab. But there's something else behind the attacks, something larger than just petty criminals.
The streets of Harlem are bustling, but there’s a palpable tension in the air. Luke Cage walks down a side street, his iconic yellow t-shirt a stark contrast against the graffiti-covered walls. The sounds of a distant siren echo the usual noise of the streets.”Another one.” growled Luke Cage “Shocker?What's going on?”
“I’m just here for the toys, Luke. I’m not in the business of causing collateral damage, ya know? But, hey, if things get a little shaky... I’m not gonna lose sleep over it.” Shocker said while smirking “Cut the shit. The attacks, the tech, it’s too coordinated. Who’s pulling the strings here? I know it’s not you heh.” Luke said, kind of laughing. Shocker (shrugging) said “I’m just a guy trying to make a living.” Luke looked at Shocker disappointedly and said “I’m not buying it.You know something, don’t you?” Shocker hesitates for a moment, clearly debating how much to reveal. He shifts on the fire escape, glancing around to make sure no one’s eavesdropping. Shocker (leaning down slightly, lowering his voice) said “Alright, you wanna know the truth? High-tech heists, big money, real quiet operations. There’s a lot more going on than just street gangs fighting for scraps” Luke (stepping forward, tone hardening) says "And you’re just fine playing along, huh? Stealing weapons and tech for whoever’s in charge?”
Shocker (defensively) but quietly said “I’m just in it for the cash, alright? I’m not the big villain you want me to be. But this? This is a different game hehe. Whoever’s behind this? They got some money.” (eyes narrowing, fists clenching) “Well whoever they are, I’m not letting them tear this place apart. Harlem’s mine to protect.” With a voice low and dangerous Luke while charging at Shocker said “Then I guess it’s time I found out who’s running the show.”
Shocker then blasts a burst of concussive energy toward the ground, creating a shockwave that sends Luke flying back against the wall. Shocker leaps down from the fire escape, landing gracefully. Shocker raises his gauntlet, charging up another blast and leaves the scene with the stolen tech.
Spider-Man (MCU/Tom Holland) swings into the city, dealing with the chaos left in the wake of Hammerhead's (Comic) latest turf war. Queens is a mess, sirens wail, smoke rises from a burning car, and civilians scramble for safety. Spider-Man swings onto the side of a building, catching his breath as he surveys the chaos below.”Okay, okay . . . deep breaths, Pete. It’s just another gang war. Nothing you can’t handle… right?” Spidey said panting. A chunk of debris crashes onto the street. Spidey winces. “Okay, maybe like… 60% sure I can handle this.” He leaps off, web-zipping between buildings, spotting Hammerhead’s goons unloading crates from a van.”Oh wow, moving day? You guys should’ve called me, I’m great at heavy lifting.” Spider-man said dryly. One goon raises a rifle before he can fire, Spidey web-yanks it away.”I’m also great at disarming.” spidey quipped. A sudden massive crash goes off in the distance. Spidey freezes mid-swing, eyes widening. “Oh… that can’t be good.”
He readies himself, realizing this is bigger than just a turf war. He has to think like a hero now and not just react, but connect the dots. And something tells him those dots are leading to something way bigger than Hammerhead even though nothing is bigger than his head.”So much is going on man, I really gotta start writing this stuff down …” Spidey muttered.
With a deep breath, he slings a web and swings toward the loud crash.A dark, grimy warehouse in Queens is where the sound of crashing metal and shattered glass filled the air as Venom (Tom Hardy), with a savage growl, slams a Hammerhead goon against the wall. His eyes are wild, primal more symbiote than man, as if something is forcing him to act against his will.”You think you can stop us? Think again, puny human!” snarled Venom. He grabs another goon by the throat, lifting him off the ground with terrifying ease. The symbiote’s tendrils whip around, creating chaos, as it seems to be in a state of frenzy. One of Hammerhead's goons gasped “W-we’re just following orders, man! We don’t know” Venom growled
“Don’t care. Not interested in excuses!” With a roar, Venom hurls the goon across the room, sending him crashing into a stack of crates. His skin ripples with the black, slick symbiote, a creature no longer bound by Eddie Brock’s will.”Want to eat... need to eat…”. Suddenly, a web line slams into the wall, and Spider-Man swings into the fray, landing between Venom and the remaining goons. Spidey quipped “Oh, great. Just what Queens needed today yet another rampaging monster.” Spidey said sarcastically. Venom snarls, his eyes locking onto Spider-Man with primal intensity. He takes a step forward, the symbiote almost shivering with hunger. “Spider... we’ve been waiting for you.”
Spidey squinting, confused said “Uh, okay, yeah, no, . . .you alright? (then, softer) What’s going on with you? You’re acting... different.” said spidey now more concerned. Venom growls, stepping closer to Spider-Man, clearly unstable. (grinning with his sharp teeth) “Not in control anymore. Too much... rage.” Spider-Man tries to reason with him, but the tension in the air is palpable, Venom's movements jerky and erratic, like he's being forced to fight against his will but he can’t help it.(whispering, trying to buy time)”Something’s wrong, Eddie. You’re not normally like this.” Before Spider-Man could react, one of the goons yells, “I’mma take a shot at Spider-man”. Venom, still in a blind fury, knocks the gun out of the way, slamming the goon into the floor. (voice low and menacing)
“HE’S MINE... , NOOOOO ,We are NOT a puppet…”
Spider-Man hesitates for a moment, his heart racing. Something's definitely off. But before he can act, Venom takes a wild swipe at him, sending him tumbling back. The symbiote lets out an eerie hiss, its tendrils stretching out toward Spider-Man. (getting up quickly) “Alright, enough is enough. Time to knock some sense into you Eddie!”
Spider-Man slings a web to disarm the remaining goons, but as he turns back to Venom, the warehouse door bursts open Hammerhead himself walks in, chuckling darkly. “Well, well, well. Look who’s joined the party. I knew Venom’d be useful.” Spider-Man’s eyes dart between Hammerhead and Venom, realizing this is all part of a larger game. Venom’s rage isn’t just random, it's been manipulated. “Great... just great.” said Pete to himself under his breath.
Spider-Man looks back at Venom, who now seems to be fighting against the mind control, his movements stiff and jerky, still acting on instinct.“Come on, Eddie! Fight it!” spidey shouted with urgency. For a moment, there's a flicker of recognition in Venom's eyes. But it’s quickly swallowed by the unknown source of darkness.
Venom roars in frustration, his body writhing, as Hammerhead watches with a smug grin and a book in his hand. The situation is spiraling out of control, and Spider-Man knows it’ll take everything he has to stop both the chaos and the mind that’s pulling the strings.
Despite his youth and inexperience, Peter Parker is rapidly learning that being a hero means not only saving people but also connecting the dots of a city teetering on the edge. He doesn’t realize it yet, but his next encounter will lead him to allies and enemies he would never see coming.