Chapter 2
[3]
Ren's next day at school, all he could think about was food. He woke up starving, at three plates of Sojiro's curry and still felt malnourished. He couldn't even pay attention in class as he spent each period watching the clock eagerly as he waited for lunch to come.
His final class before lunch was Biology, a class he was usually quite invested in as he was looking to become a biologist after college. Unfortunately for Ren, Dr. Maruki, the biology professor, was more perceptive than his peers.
"Amamiya, see me after class!" He informed Ren in a strict manner that differed greatly from his normal cheerful disposition. After the bell rang, Ren reluctantly approached the front of the class, his head hung in embarrassment.
Once everyone had left, Dr. Maruki finally spoke.
"What's going on today? You seem distracted." His tone had returned to its typical friendliness.
"Sorry if I made you worry with how I spoke earlier, I just wanted to make sure you were paying attention, you're normally so invested in class."
"Sorry about that professor, I'm just not feeling great today."
"I'm sorry to hear that, be sure to take care of yourself, if you feel sick you should go see the nurse."
Dr. Maruki was a kind and caring man in his late 20s, he was well liked among the student body as he rarely gave out homework and provided snacks to anyone who wanted them in class. The only bad thing he was known for was his clumsiness as he had a bad habit of fumbling with microphones and dropping notecards for important lectures, though these could be excused by the fact that he only had one arm, having lost the other one years ago in an accident.
"I'll be fine, I just need to eat something."
"Well you're welcome to all the saltine crackers and apple juice you want. Well maybe not all of it, that's going to be my lunch today... Again."
Ren took him up on his offer as the two sat down to chat.
"So how was the field trip yesterday? I wish I could have chaperoned, but I had a mountain of paperwork to get through."
Ren finished chewing his saltines before speaking "You didn't miss much, they wouldn't let us see any projects or anything. I honestly don't even know why they took us."
"Yeah Shido Sciences aren't huge on PR, but they do some amazing things there. You know, I actually applied to work there before getting a job here."
"Really? I can't imagine why they turned you down. You're a brilliant scientist"
"They didn't, I was actually accepted."
Ren was shocked. "Uh, then if you don't mind my asking, why work here? The pay's gotta be worse and you're stuck teaching a bunch of rowdy teenagers all day."
Maruki laughed at that. "I love working here, it's one of the top schools in Japan for STEM fields and I get to enlighten a new generation of students like yourself with promising futures."
A look of sadness crossed his face as he looked down. "But as for the reason I decided to work here…" He gripped the stump of his right arm with his remaining one. "Life happens and I had a change of perspective. I realized that my time is better spent helping a new generation find an appreciation for science like I have."
His expression brightened and he looked back up towards Ren. "But I haven't abandoned the lab entirely! In fact I have something I've been working on in my spare time that I think will excite you. It's still in its infancy so I'll tell you more about it when I'm closer to completion, but if I can complete it, it's going to help so many people!"
Ren smiled at his mentor's excitement, Dr. Maruki had an almost childlike sense of wonder when it came to his field of research. It was hard not to feel happy seeing the man's attitude,
Ren hoped to be like him when he was older.
"Oh wow, look at the time! I didn't realize I'd held you here for so long. Here I'll write you a pass for your next class."
[4]
"Happy Birthday!" A resounding cheer sounded throughout the apartment. It was about 4 in the afternoon when Yu's friends showed up to his home to celebrate his 25th. It was great to see all of his friends again as most still lived out in the countryside and didn't get the chance to visit Tokyo often. Having adult responsibilities sucked.
"Dude, I can't believe you're living in a penthouse apartment overlooking the city! Some guys have all the luck." Yosuke said, his usual playful tone softening the complaint.
"Have you gotten taller since we last saw each other senpai? I could've sworn we weren't the same height last time I saw you." Kanji, the toughest but sweetest of the group asked Yu.
Teddie had taken it upon himself to immediately make himself at home as he typically did, taking off his shoes and lounging on the living room couch. "I can't bear-lieve how soft this couch is!"
He was looking prepared to fall asleep when he was interrupted with a slap to the back of the head courtesy of Chie.
"Don't be rude, you're in someone else's house!"
Shenanigans continued to ensue among the group as they were all reunited for the first time in years, their busy schedules keeping them from meeting up very often. Yu was incredibly glad to see them all together in one place again. It reminded him of when they had all met and formed their close bond with each other.
8 years ago in the town of Inaba, Yu had experienced an event that would alter his life forever when a spider bite made him into the now world famous hero, Spider-Man. It had been a weird experience at first, suddenly being able to stick to walls and pick up cars, but through working with his closest friends, he honed his skills, gained some helpful gadgets as well as a cool new suit, and learned to become a hero.
Despite being a small town in the middle of nowhere, Inaba became a battleground as other, less morally inclined, individuals gained powers of their own and used them to terrorize the town and its citizens. Luckily, in the end Spider-Man always came out on top, arresting the villains and making a name for himself in the process.
With the small town back to normal, Yu thought it appropriate to put his talents to use in the big city. Now for the past 7 years, Spider Man has existed as a beacon of hope and justice for the people of Tokyo as new threats arise across the city.
"Honey we're about to cut the cake!" Called the voice of Yu's wife from their balcony, snapping him out of his nostalgia.
Yu walked out onto the patio and saw his cake, a look of bewilderment crossing his face as the cake prepared for him was clearly made for a child, signified by the large 8 written in frosting.
Rise giggled at the look he gave. "Well as it turns out, they don't really sell Spider Man cakes for adults so I figured we could celebrate 8 years of Spider-Man instead!"
The entire group chuckled at the display and watched as Yu blew out the candles.
"Make a wish Big Bro!" Came the voice of Nanako who was eager to have Yu open the present she'd prepared.
Celebrations were cut short as a large explosion sounded from the streets below. Everyone immediately stopped what they were doing to look down off the balcony, everyone but Yu who rushed inside to grab his suit. The rest of the group came in to turn on the news and find out the cause of the explosion.
The news broadcasts showed live footage of an attack in Shibuya, a large winged creature with green skin hurled balls of fire recklessly throughout the city streets. Police fired upon the creature to no effect, civilians ran in terror as debris scattered around them. The vaguely humanoid creature only yelling "SPIDER MAN!" As it continued its attack.
Yu came out of the bedroom wearing his suit with his mask in hand, webshooters freshly loaded.
"Be careful out there!" Rise said running up to him
Yu smiled back at her, "Don't worry, I'll be back in time to open gifts." He donned his mask and leapt off the balcony with practiced ease.