King Kindred

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.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Spider-Woman swung in and landed on the opposite side of Spider-Man and the Lizard leaving the latter to be the monkey in their game. “What he said. I thought Florida was the one with the big lizard problem.”

The Lizard snarled at them both keeping their attention on his face and not the tail that was inching towards Spider-Woman.

Spider-Woman felt an intense ringing in her head. There it was again. That Spider-Sense of hers, but she was confused. It usually warned her of danger, but she was looking right at the danger. Just then something wrapped around her leg pulling her from her train of thought and her position on the castle.

The Lizard charged towards Spider-Man, dragging Spider-Woman along with its clawed arms outstretched to tackle and rip the Spider-Man limb from limb.

Spider-Man’s own Spider-Sense tingled, and he was able to leap out of the way just in time. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he fired a string of pink webbing trying to tie up the lizard’s arm’s. “Sorry, Disneyland doesn’t serve giant lizards. You’ll have to leave the claws at the door.”

The Lizard dug its feet into the castle to stop its momentum after getting its hands webbed. Spider-Woman took this moment to break free from its tail. She kicked it causing the Lizard to roar out in pain and anger. This caught the attention of the crowd below just before the fireworks lit up the castle. Most were mesmerized by the light show, but some perceptive ones in the crowd noticed the show behind the show.

Spider-Woman jumped to her feet and shot a web at the Lizard's head trying to pull it back. Except what she thought was some sort of dragon crown was actually a hat. She pulled it towards her and saw that it was a Mickey Mouse hat. This Lizard… He was at the park. It was then that she looked up to see that the Lizard was wearing clothes. The shirt was ripped to the shreds and thankfully the pants were sorta okay, but this was a man. Someone's father.

“Spider-Man, he’s—”

Before she could finish what she was saying she was interrupted by another roar. He was angry. Was it the hat? Spider-Woman looked up to see the Lizard pulling his arms apart and breaking free from Spider-Man’s webs.

The Lizard snarled and turned towards Spider-Woman glaring at the hat in her hands. “Oh, was this yours? You can have it back. It wouldn't go with my costume. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to get sued.”

The Lizard charged towards her and Spider-Woman didn't need her spider sense to tell her that she was in danger. She dropped the hat and jumped into the air to land beside her brother. “He's someone's dad and I think he still remembers that. We have to figure out a way to turn him back. One of us is going to need to get his wallet while the other distracts him.”

Spider-Man gave a salute. “Got it, I’ll distract him, you get the wallet.”

With a swift leap, Spider-Man landed in front of the Lizard, taunting him with a quip. “Hey Lizard, ever heard of a spa day? I hear they work wonders for the scales!” He dodged another swipe from the creature’s claws, leading it away from Spider-Woman.

Of course. She had to be the one to get up close and personal with him. Though, it was her plan. Spider-Woman resolved herself to go through with it. She wasn't going to take someone's dad away from them. Especially if they weren't in control of what was going on.

Spider-Woman thwipped a web to the top of the castle and used it to swing herself close to the Lizard while Spider-Man was distracting him. She got close and reached into his pocket to pull out his wallet. Just as she grabbed hold of it she felt her Spider-Sense triggering. She turned her head to see his tail swinging towards her. She couldn't dodge in time and was smacked across the castle.

The fireworks still continued to light up the castle and their battle.

"Hey, Lizard! How about picking on someone your own size?" Spider-Man quipped, shooting more webbing to entangle the Lizard's tail, preventing it from striking again.

“Thanks…” Spider-Woman said as she got back to her feet. She gripped her side with her left hand and looked at her right to see his wallet. “And thank you, sticky fingers.” She then opened the wallet to look for an ID and to her surprise she found something even better. A picture of a man, his wife, and their young son. “Dr. Curt Connors. From New York!?” What were the odds of that?

The Lizard turned around to look at Spider-Woman as she yelled out. He swiped at Spider-Man with one arm and swiped at his tail with the other ripping it off. He ran towards Spider-Woman and was about to eat her until she showed him the picture. She saw the names on the back of the picture. “Dr. Curt Connors. This is you, isn't it? You, Martha, and Billy? Your family. I know you're still in there somewhere. Probably confused and scared as hell. Trust me, I get it. But your family's down there waiting for you. Come back to them.” She pointed her hand down towards the crowd. She couldn't see them, but she was sure he got the message and knew where they were. She just hoped it was enough to work and turn him back.

The lizard let out a roar, and then slowly reverted back to his human form. He was dizzy and confused. “What happened? And what happened to my clothes?!” He exclaimed.

Spider-Man thought for a second. That name sounded familiar. “Dr. Connors… I’ve heard that name before… Do you work for Oscorp?”

Dr. Connors held his head trying to maintain his balance and awareness. “Yes… I was working on, perfected, a serum that would regrow lost limbs using—” He looked over to see something underneath a pile of webs. It was…

“Lizard DNA.” Spider-Woman finished. “It worked. Just turned you into a werelizard. But for now it seems like you can regain control. But I'd suggest going home and running experiments after you go be with your family. You're missing the show and we can find you clothes anywhere.”

Dr. Connors nodded, still trying to process what had happened. “Thank you… I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stopped me.”

Spider-Man nodded. “Just doing our friendly neighborhood duty.”

As the chaos subsided, the crowd below erupted into cheers and applause, meanwhile the fireworks continued to light up the sky, casting a colorful glow over the scene.

“Just in a completely different neighborhood.” Spider-Woman added. She helped Dr. Connors down away from all of the crowd and chaos. Grabbed a shirt and some pants and left her birthday money before anyone could see her swing in and web away. She gave the clothes to Dr. Connors and left him to go change and return to his family while she left to change herself.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty had a wonderful time with the girls. She really needed this. For the first time since having all of this responsibility she felt like a kid again, which is ironic because she was here celebrating her birthday. Nico and her got along well. She was a lot deeper than her dark exterior. She could tell that she cared too much and just didn't know how to express it. Gert was pretty cool. She reminded her of Danny. Not as self-confident as she should be, but bright with a heart of gold. Molly was just too adorable for words.

They took Molly to some kid rides before choosing things they were more interested in. At one point Molly got tired and Caty offered to carry her on her back. She fell asleep there and stayed that way while they got ready to watch the fireworks show. Karolina stood next to her and as everyone whispered in anticipation of tonight's show she reached for Caty's hand. Caty pulled her hand away and looked at Karolina with a hint of sadness in her eyes. She really liked, Karolina, but as a friend. She loved Liz and there was nothing she'd do to jeopardize that.

"I can't." She finally whispered. "I have a girlfriend. I'm sorry if I misled you."

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have assumed." Karolina turned away from Caty, a tear forming in her left eye. Caty was the first girl she felt that comfortable with. Of course she had a girlfriend. And what, they were going to have a long distance relationship? What was she even thinking?

Caty looked up at the Disney Castle and noticed something or rather someone crawling on it. "Hey, Molls?" She said finally deciding to wake the sleeping child.

Molly stirred awake and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes to see that it was night and they were surrounded by a lot of people. "Huh?"

Caty dropped down to let Molly off. "I just remembered that I need to get my bag from my locker and check on my brother, Danny."

Karolina turned to face Caty and Molly. "Do you have to leave? The show's about to start."

Caty nodded. "I do and I promise it's not because... I'll be back. Just trust me." Caty ran to the back of the crowd to go to the lockers she placed her bag in. While running she called Danny. They may have been at odds right now, but this was something she may need help with. Plus, it was their birthday. "Pick up, please."

Gert turned towards Karolina after noticing Caty was gone and Molly was awake. "Where'd Caty go?" She asked.

Before Karolina could answer, Nico caught their attention. "Umm... What's that?" She asked, pointing up at the castle.

---

Dr. Connors had hit from his family, but he had been feeling different ever since the success of his experiment. He just chalked it up to his body getting used to having an arm again and adjusting to the chemicals that were now inside him. He felt less bothered during the day and was able to really enjoy his time at Disneyland with his family. He didn't have a care in the world. He even wore a Mickey Mouse hat the entire time he was in the park.

When night fell the strange feelings returned, but they were a lot more intense. His family made their way to the front of the show since it their son, Billy's first time seeing it. Curt couldn't be happier with life so why did he feel so uncomfortable and sometimes in pain? He felt an intense cramp and excused himself to go to the bathroom, except he never made it there. He transformed into a humanoid Lizard and ran through the park before climbing up the castle.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

The dinner actually went pretty well. Denise could tell that Caty and Danny's spirits were lifted. She didn't know the reason behind it, but she was glad to see them feeling better.

Caty couldn't sleep after dinner so she decided to patrol for a bit to occupy her body and mind. Fortunately for her, but unfortunately for the people that lived there Anaheim was filled with crime. She found herself preventing armed robbery and carjackings on almost every block. Okay, it wasn't that bad, but towards the end of her shift it really did start to feel like that. But eventually things died down and she was starting to make a name for herself in the streets of Anaheim. That wasn't good. She was planning to play low since she was on vacation. She didn't want people to start investigating who she was based on travel patterns. But as long as nothing major happened it should be okay.

They arrived the next day at Disneyland ready to have a great time. Despite being in a better mood the twins still decided to their separate ways leaving their mom to explore the park or surrounding areas on her own.

It took about three rides for Caty to finally see Karolina. This time she wasn't alone. She was with a few other girls. One was what she imagined a goth girl on TV to look like in person. Another wore glasses and was a bit chubby. The last was a young girl in elementary or middle school. She couldn't really tell.

"Hey, Karolina!" She said running up to the group with a smile.

Karolina turned around to see who had called her and noticed it was her new friend. "Caty! I'm glad I ended up seeing you today. This is Nico, Gert, and the little one's Molly. Chase and Alex are off somewhere together. Decided to split the guys and girls."

"I'm not that little." Molly said in protest.

Caty laughed and turned to the others. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I met Karolina last night at the pool."

"Oooh." Molly said teasingly.

"Cut it out." Karolina said embarrassed. "So... How do you like the park so far?"

"It's fun." Caty admitted. "It's been helping, but still hurting too."

"It's to be expected, but you have us now."

---

Dr. Curt Connors brought his family to Disneyland as a way to celebrate the success of his limb growth experiment and giving his son a fun family vacation. Things were honestly pretty great. He started to feel a little strange at night, but there were no real noticeable reactions to the serum. As far as he knew he was perfectly healthy and fine. All that mattered to him in the moment was having a wonderful time with his family.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Things haven't been the best for Caty since the night her father was killed. For a week straight she couldn't bring herself to patrol the streets. She was too racked with guilt. She skipped school that week as well. She just needed to be alone and couldn't even talk to Liz about it either. It was just all too much. She returned to crimefighting after the week was over. Her father was right. She still had a responsibility to protect people no matter how she was feeling or no matter how badly she messed up. She killed someone. A murderer, but she still killed him and that wasn't her decision to make. She decided that she was going to save as many lives as she could to make up for the one that she took. She doubted it'd ever be enough, but she'd feel better knowing that she did all she could to prevent someone from dying or getting hurt.

Things between Liz and her got better after that week of ghosting. She was really the only one she could talk to and know that she wouldn't judge her. She still hung out with Gwen, but not as much as before. She felt so guilty about what she did and she wasn't sure she could ever tell her. She wouldn't want her keeping that secret from her dad even if she might have understood that Caty didn't intentionally do it, no matter how she felt in the moment. Maybe Caty was just trying to convince herself of the story she decided on that night. That whole night ruined her life. She and Danny weren't best friends anymore, their dad was dead, she killed someone and she blamed her brother for all of it. Though it wasn't fair to blame her actions on him. She should have controlled herself, but now she knew not to let her emotions get the best of her while trying to bring about justice. She wouldn't allow herself to lose who she was at her core in pursuit of saving people and fighting crime.

Once they finished the school year their mother announced a family vacation. Maybe that's what she needed, what they all needed, but she still couldn't really be around them. But she'd at least try for her mom.

"I'll try. It's just not the same without dad. He loved Disney."

"Do or do not, there is no try." Denise said with a smile. "Come on, it's your birthday. You're sixteen. Your father wouldn't want you two to be like this. You're his Wonder Twins. Our little miracles. Here's a deal. You can do what you want now, but tonight we're having a birthday dinner and tomorrow when you go to Disneyland please spend time with each other and have fun."

"Alright, deal. I'm going to the pool." Caty grabbed her bathing suit and cover up from her suitcase and headed to the bathroom to put them on. She had gotten used to changing her clothes quickly ever since becoming Spider-Woman. She looked at Jumper, who had been her emotional support spider throughout all of this, and was genuinely surprised he snuck on this trip with her. The little guy just would not leave her side ever since she started feeling like this. She walked out with him on her shoulder and headed to the pool.

---

Caty was sitting poolside lost in thought, staring at at her reflection in the water.

"You're not getting in?" A young girl around her age asked.

"Huh?" Caty asked finally snapping back to reality.

"You've been staring at the water for like... five minutes. You okay? Can't swim?"

"I can swim, but I'm not really okay. It's my brother and I's sixteenth birthday, but it's also our first one without our dad. Our mom brought us out here to go to Disneyland hoping it'd make us feel better."

"Not working, huh?"

"No... I miss him so much. He really knew me. He was the best and I just feel like I'm failing at making him proud."

"Woah, none of that. First, Happy Birthday! Second, your dad sounds awesome and because he's awesome there's no way you can fail at making him proud. He loves you, no matter what and just wants you to be happy. Grief sucks and you can feel it, but don't let it consume you."

"Thank you..." Caty said with a sniffle. "You're pretty wise random girl in pool."

"Karolina Dean." She reached out her hand to shake Caty's and she accepted before letting go. "My parents and their friends are here for a conference so they brought us kids along to go to Disneyland so maybe we'll see you and your brother there tomorrow."

"Catherine Davis, but everyone calls me Caty. But us and we?" Caty looked around to see that only she and Carolina were there.

"Wow. We're both KD. That's pretty awesome. And oh, the others are kind of antisocial. Except Chase, but he's probably somewhere getting into trouble, which is why they want us at Disneyland instead of the Hotel."

"CD, actually, but close enough." Caty appreciated the conversation. She didn't know why, but it felt so easy talking to Carolina. Almost as easy it was talking to Liz. The two continued to talk and for the first time in a long time Caty even managed to laugh.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty couldn't stop crying. What good were these powers if they couldn't save her dad? She should've stayed home tonight. Flint would've gotten plenty of money for his daughter and Aleksei didn't seem that bad. But whoever did this? They were truly evil. They took the life of an innocent man. One that saved and helped others. David Davis was the greatest man she knew. She couldn't help, but think how she almost took a father and daughter away from each other tonight. She would've been just as bad as the one who took her dad. But there was no way the person who did this was a father or had a good one. He couldn't have. He wouldn't have killed hers if he did.

She looked up when Danny yelled that he couldn't take this and left. She knew what he was doing. Spider-Man was going to catch who did this. Not without Spider-Woman, he wasn't. She stood up and walked over to her mom to hug and kiss her on the forehead. “I'm sorry, mom. I'll be back.”

Her mom tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen. She disappeared into the crowd and swung after Danny once she got to the other side. It didn't take her long to catch up to him. “Don't think for a second that you're doing this without me.”

Danny nodded in acknowledgment. “I figured…” It shouldn’t be too hard to catch. The police had to be all over it now. It didn’t take long to find police cars chasing after a black car. “Is that our guy?”

Caty looked down to see the many cars chasing after one black car. “It's gotta be. Captain Stacy must be putting the whole department on this.” She pulled her mask down furrowing her glowing blue eyes in fury. “I'll go down first. Stay in the shadows until I bring him to…” She looked around and saw what looked like an abandoned warehouse. She pointed to it with her free hand mid-swing. “That warehouse over there. We don't want them feeling like the new Spider-Heroes are undermining the police.”

She swung down closer to the police chase. Fortunately for them she hadn't turned her hoodie back the proper way and there wasn't a helicopter overhead shining down on them yet. She noticed the driver leaning out of the window to fire at the police behind him. They swerved a bit to avoid getting direct hits. She couldn't believe it. Taking one life just wasn't enough for this guy. No more.

She dropped a bit before shooting one web towards her next building and the other into the driver's side window pulling the gunman out of the car making him drop the gun in the process. His legs pushed the wheel before he was fully out of the car, sending it crashing into the side of the road. That should keep the police busy for a bit.

She continued on her way with her attached cargo to the abandoned warehouse launching him through one of the half broken windows and following inside. She expected Danny to already be there.

Meanwhile, Danny remained hidden, and watched Caty apprehend the driver. Then he made his way to the abandoned warehouse, and Caty threw him through the window. It was time to see who his father’s killer was. But if Danny thought he was upset before, it got a whole lot worse when he saw the perpetrator. “You!” His eyes went wide with rage. It was the guy who robbed the competition organizer. The one he let get away. Well, he wasn’t about to be so lucky this time.

All Danny could think to do at that moment was punch the guy, multiple times. Each blow fueled with every ounce of Spider Strength he had. “Robbing a wrestling competition wasn’t enough for you?! You had to go and get your jollies by killing an innocent man too?! Well guess what, you picked the wrong guy. I let you get away last time, but now, you’re gonna pay!”

“Wait.” Caty said putting two and two together. Danny not only knew who their dad's killer was, but he let him rob the wrestling competition and leave. She didn't know exactly what happened, but all she knew was that if Danny had stopped him their dad would be alive.

Caty jumped in front of Danny, her glowing blue eyes glaring down into his. She couldn't believe what she just heard. “You let him get away? Responsibility, remember? He… he killed dad.” Fury, sadness, and pain all flooded her body. She couldn't think straight. She pushed Danny back, but not with much force. “You've done enough.”

Danny's eyes went wide with shock. He hadn't realized the consequences of his actions until now, and the results of his mistake crashed down on him like a ton of bricks. "You're right." Danny said, his voice heavy with remorse. "I messed up. I should've stopped him when I had the chance.”

She turned around to face their dad's killer. She could see the fear in his eyes and she could only imagine that's the same expression their dad had when he… “You. You're not going to hurt anyone ever again.” Caty pulled her arm back and made a clenched fist. She didn't think or hesitate with what she was about to do. She wanted to punch him as hard as she could, consequences be damned, so she did just that. She sent her fist flying forward with as much force and power she could muster to punch him square in the face sending the man flying, and hitting the wall with a thud.

Danny approached the man. His face was bloodied, and it looked like his jaw was broken. He also wasn’t moving… “Well, he definitely won’t be killing anyone else…” Danny said somberly. “I think he’s dead…”

“No…” Caty said with shakiness in her voice. “He can't be.” But the truth of the matter, he was. In her moment of anger all she wanted was the man to hurt like she was hurting. She didn't want to kill him. She didn't want to kill anyone. She looked down at his blood left on her hand. It… it was true.

She walked over to Danny and the man looking at exactly what she had done. Her body was shaking. It took everything in her not to throw up. She wasn't doing it in this mask and she definitely wasn't doing it at this crime scene.

She looked out one of the broken windows of the warehouse and saw they were by the harbor. She couldn't be a wanted fugitive. She didn't mean to do this, but no one would believe her and it's not self-defense when you took their gun and stop them easily with your strength or webs. She then looked at Danny. She was upset with him right now, but if she went down for this he'd never be safe. Everyone would know he was Spider-Man. If he wasn't here she'd be fine taking it on herself, but she wasn't alone.

She picked up his body and jumped out of the warehouse towards the water. She landed just short of actually going into it. “I'm sorry.” She said looking at the corpse in her arms. “You may have killed my dad, but you didn't deserve this.” She tossed him into the water and looked back up at Danny, her glowing eyes saying only one thing. We need to go.

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty found herself once again swinging through the beautiful scenery of what was nighttime New York. The lights, the people, the hustle and bustle down below. The city truly never slept and that meant crime didn't either. Was that why she immediately took to crime-fighting? Because she wanted to get around the city? No, that wasn't it. That dream of hers. Her future. She could feel how she felt in that moment. She was excited, sure. But she truly did feel a sense of duty and responsibility. Like she had to do this. That there were people out there depending on her and Danny to keep them safe. She hoped Danny realized why they were doing this and didn't let his new powers get to his head. Despite how talented and smart he was Danny found himself at the bottom of the social totem pole and it really hit his self-confidence. But if he really embarrassed Skyler like that at school after years worth of bullying there was a definite shift. Caty started to wonder if she should've gone with him to the wrestling match. If not to keep an eye on him at least be there as support. No wonder he felt the way he did. His own sister rather swing through the city looking for crime than support her brother in his big moment. Was she really that selfish or self-righteous? She shook the doubt from her mind as something caught her attention mid-swing.

Caty glanced down to see two large men breaking into a bank. It looked like she did need to be out here tonight. "These guys just make it too easy." She adjusted her trajectory and landed on the side of the building. She climbed to the roof and found another entry to sneak in and surprise the duo.

---

"Thanks again for telling me about this score, Aleksei. I don't have insurance and my daughter's treatment is really expensive." One man said as he and his friend Aleksei were stuffing money from the vault into some duffel bags.

"Not a problem, my friend! You're like a brother to me, plus even I can't carry all of this money by myself, yeah?" A large man said with a thick Russian accent.

The two continued to stuff money into the bags sure that their plan was going off without a hitch. In the shadows of the dark a pair of glowing blue eyes appeared descending from the ceiling. "Is that true?"

The two turned around and yelled. Aleksei pulled out a gun, but before he could do anything with it a web appeared out of the dark and attached to the gun pulling it out of his hand and towards the pair of eyes. "No guns. Is that true?"

"Is what true?" The unnamed man asked.

Caty dropped to the floor and stepped into the light revealing her full Spider-Woman costume and the gun in her hand. The two stepped back in fear and she noticed why. "Oh. Sorry." She made sure the safety was on and tossed it towards the vault door and shot a web at it to stick it to the door. "Your daughter. You're doing this for your daughter?"

"Y-yes. Please don't do us like you did Black Fox. She's got leukemia and they won't treat her if my wife and I can't pay."

Caty looked at him and thought for a moment. It was true that healthcare in this country was the real criminal, but bank robbery was a serious crime. Then again the money was still going back to the government in the end and it wouldn't have to be stolen if healthcare was free. "Okay, you can go and take the money. This is your one get out of jail card. What's you and your daughter's names?"

"I'm Flint." The man said, finally introducing himself. "Her name's Penny. Cause she's my precious coin."

Caty tried not to cry under her mask. "I'll be praying for you and Penny. Please hurry."

"What about me?" Aleksei asked earnestly.

"Are you doing this for any sick loved ones?" Caty asked genuinely.

"No," Aleksei said honestly in defeat. "I just love money. At first it was to get my family here from Russia, but they didn't want to, but I love the rush. I love the game."

Caty nodded satisfied with his answer. "I appreciate your honesty, but you lost this round." She webbed him up to leave him for the police. She didn't need to knock him out this time. Maybe another day if he kept this life of crime up. "You have a good partner, Flint. I have one too, but he's out wrestling right now. Take care of your family. They need you at home, not in prison."

She watched as Flint escaped out the front with two duffels and she escaped where she came. She didn't want anyone seeing her and a criminal coming out at the same time and she didn't catch him. She could say he knocked her out while she was distracted webbing up his partner.

---

Caty finished up her patrol for the night. It was pretty quiet after meeting Flint and Aleksei. A little too quiet if she were being honest. Like a calm before the storm. Her spider-sense wasn't tingling, but the thought of the other shoe dropping had her in a spell of anxiety that she never experienced before. She tried to calm her nerves as she swung through the city on her way home, but couldn't shake the feeling off her. Once she got home she understood why. She landed behind a gathered crowd in her neighborhood. She couldn't see what was going on, but there was an ambulance and police cars near her home. Her heart dropped as she did. She couldn't stand or breathe. She pulled her mask back and felt the once fresh air that was now filled with dread and fear. She didn't have the time to process it. She pulled her hoodie off and flipped it inside out and put it back on. Focusing on the task helped her regain her bearings. Despite the anxiety and fear piling up in her she had the rationale to not put everything in jeopardy.

Caty finally managed to stand and pushed through the crowd. Once she got to the front she placed her hand over her mouth and screamed internally. Tears started to pour from her eyes as she shook her head in disbelief. She ran towards the crossed off police line. The police tried to stop her, but she pushed them aside as if she were a professional linebacker and they were elementary school kids. She crossed the line and fell to the floor before the man laying there. There was an EMT over him trying to keep him alive.

Caty's hands dropped from her mouth as she let out a bloodcurdling scream. "DADDY!!!!!!"

The Amazing Spider-Twins

Caty woke up Saturday morning walking on air. She went into the bathroom to brush her teeth and her hair before heading downstairs. When she entered the kitchen she saw her dad was already there reading the newspaper and eating breakfast. She glided into the kitchen and kissed her father on the forehead. ”Good morning, daddy!” She said before walking over to the kitchen closet and getting a box of cereal.

“You're in a great mood this morning, sweetie. I'm glad, I actually wanted to talk to you and your brother this morning.”

“It's Saturday. No school.” She pulled the Cheerios down and got a carton of milk from the fridge and a bowl from the cabinet and sat down at the table across from him. She turned on the TV and a Breaking News Broadcast appeared on the screen.

The reporter on the screen began talking. “Breaking News this Morning. Infamous Jewel Thief only known as the Black Fox was caught last night by a woman dressed as a spider. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing her swing away on a web. New York seems to have a new hero.”

Right on cue, Danny came down. Things were falling perfectly into place. His web shooters were coming along, and now he just had to finish his costume. He knew he was going to crush that wrestler tonight, and make a lot of money doing it. New York would soon find they had two Spider heroes to contend with.

Danny hummed a tune to himself as he piled on a lot of food for breakfast. It seemed like the spider powers had also given him an increased appetite. He sat at the table next to Caty. “Mornin’ guys!” He said as he started chomping down on his breakfast.

“Good morning, Danny! You look like you've bulked up a bit with an appetite to match. I'm proud of how much you two have grown. I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. Almost sixteen years later both you and the world have changed a lot. You're brilliant with bright futures and competing in a world with Black Foxes and Spider-Women. But I know even in all of this craziness that you two are going to change this world for the better. But speaking of your futures I wanted to take you two to ESU today for a college tour. You're starting your Junior year soon so I figured now was the right time.”

”Dad, I'd love to spend the day with you and Danny, but I already promised Liz I'd hang with her.” Caty replied. She was torn though. Part of her really did want to go to ESU. She heard they had this crazy young professor there.

“You see Liz every day. How often do you get to go with your dad to one of the greatest universities in the country?” He replied with enthusiasm, but there was a hint of sadness behind it. He wanted to spend the day with both of his kids. It's been a while.

Danny giggled. “I had plans with Harry and Gwen today, but something tells me we won’t be getting out of this one.” He really wanted to spend the day putting his Spider-Man gear together, but he also knew his dad well. “They’re doing a lot at ESU.”

Caty lifted her hands in defeat. “I surrender. ESU it is.” She then finished her breakfast and got ready.

---

The trio arrived at Empire State University and joined a tour group. Two tours in three days. That had to be some kind of record.

Caty was barely listening to the tour guide. She was distracted trying to find the department where the famous young professor was. Her dad noticed she was looking around and whispered, “No sneaking off. This is bonding time, remember?”

“But can we bond in Dr. Octavius's lecture?”

Their dad chuckled, but shook his head with a smile. “Nice try. How about we stick with the tour for now. We can always come back to attend one of his lectures on a different day.”

Meanwhile, Danny was half-listening to the tour guide, his mind wandering to thoughts of his upcoming wrestling match. He couldn’t wait to put his skills to the test and show off his newfound powers in front of an audience. But he also felt a twinge of guilt for leaving his dad out of the loop about his plans.

As the tour came to an end, their father turned to them with a smile. “Well, what did you two think? Pretty impressive, huh?”

Danny nodded. “Yeah, it was cool. Thanks for bringing us.”

“Yeah, dad. It was great.”, Caty agreed. “I'm definitely coming here. They have a lot to offer and it's close to home. There's nowhere better than New York.”

Their dad nodded, but had something else to add. “Don't just stay constricted to New York. There's a whole world and universe out there. If you have the power to help anyone, anywhere you have the responsibility to do so. No matter the cost. Don't forget that.”

Caty was surprisingly shocked. She knew her dad was smart and caring, but didn't know he was this profound. She wondered if this was something he learned as an EMT. The timing of his words honestly were perfect. Her and Danny did have great power. They had their minds before, but now they have these powers. This gift from a spider, but no. It seemed like more than that. A gift from God who knew they need these powers right here and right now. For what? She wasn't sure yet, but she was both nervous and excited to find out.

“Thank you, daddy. I needed today. I needed to hear that.”

Danny reached out and gave his dad a hug. “Yeah, Dad. Thanks for everything. You’re the best.” He still felt guilty about keeping secrets from him, but he was sure his father would be proud of him when everything was said and done.

And then Danny’s stomach started growling. He laughed sheepishly. “Um… can we get lunch now? I’m hungry again…”

---

Lunch was great. They spent it laughing and catching up with their dad. They couldn't tell him everything of course, but Caty finally told him that she and Liz were more than just friends to which he promptly replied that he and their mom both knew, probably before she did, and they loved them together.

Caty honestly couldn't believe how perfect their weekend was. She couldn't wait to get back out there tonight, but she wanted Danny with her. After she was done getting ready she knocked on Danny’s door.

“Danny, you decent?” She asked, not wanting to walk in on her brother flexing his new body.

Danny was wearing his pink and purple costume, without the mask. Now he was just tinkering with his web shooters. “Yeah, come in!”



Caty turned the doorknob to open the door and stepped inside to see her brother in his new costume. She whistled to show that she really liked how it looked. “I'm glad to see you're already dressed. I was wondering if you'd want to patrol with me tonight and test these powers of ours out a little more?” She was unaware that he already had plans to do that in his own way.

Danny grinned. “Thanks, I’m glad you like it. And I’d love to go on patrol with you. But not tonight. Spider-Man has to make his solo debut first.” He handed Caty the flyer for the wrestling competition. “It’s a great way to put my powers to the test, and there’s a cash prize.”

Caty grabbed the flyer and looked it over and then looked up at Danny with an expression of concern on her face. “Are you sure, Danny? You heard what dad said. We have to be responsible with our powers and last night I found out we're a lot stronger than we look. What if you accidentally kill this guy or expose that Danny Davis is Spider-Man?” She didn't want to sound like she was crushing Danny's dreams, especially since if she hadn't thought to just push the thief last night she'd have been a murderer. She just wanted to make sure he really thought this through.

Danny shrugged. “Hey, I managed to send Skyler flying, and he got up to swear vengeance. I think I can handle a professional wrestler.”

Caty's eyes widened in shock and confusion. She still hadn't heard at all about what happened the day before. “You did what?” Her question was more rhetorical as he had just answered the question. She was less concerned with what he did and more upset with the fact that Skyler tried things with Danny again knowing she wasn't at school. She was glad that he was able to defend himself and not kill his bully in the process, but he shouldn't have had to.

Caty resigned in defeat. “Okay, just be careful and don't take your mask off, okay?”

Danny nodded. “I’ll be careful. I’m not going to go in there swinging punches like a maniac. I’ll use my powers wisely, and if things start to go badly, I’ll bail. I just want to see what I can do, and earn some extra money in the process.” He then put his mask on. “And don’t worry, the world doesn’t need to know that loser Danny Davis is Spider-Man.”

Caty sighed and placed her hand on the cheek of her brother's mask. “Danny Davis is not a loser. Even when mom was pregnant with us I've been behind you.” She decided not to bring up the part of her coming out of hiding and choosing to be born first since it'd ruin the core of her message. “You're so much greater than you realize, Danny, and I hope you finally start to realize it.”

Danny wasn’t so sure about that. Caty was the one that got all the attention. He had always blended into the background in school. People only started noticing when he beat up Skyler. Now wasn’t the time to argue though. “Uh-huh, right. Anyway, wish me luck!” He opened the window, fired a pink web, and attempted to web swing. Attempted being the key word, because the web didn’t stick to anything, and he just fell face first. “Ugh, I’ll be ok. I’ll get the hang of this eventually!”

Caty ran to the window after Danny fell from it. She was glad to see he was okay and was comfortable laughing at the accident. She looked at the web still attached to his wrist and thought webs that matched his costume was pretty neat. “Good luck!”

She then went back to her room to get ready for her own night out.