The Amazing Spider-Man of Young Justice (Season 1)

A Girlfriend's Help

Queens; 17 October: 20:00 EDT

It was a quiet night in the city, with the glow of streetlights casting long shadows on the pavement as Spider-Man swung through the urban jungle. The cool night air whipped past him as he soared between buildings, the city a blur of lights and motion below. Peter's mind was clouded with frustration from the events of the day. The argument with Harry still weighed heavily on him, gnawing at his conscience. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd crossed a line, but there was also a darker part of him-one that seemed to be growing stronger-that relished in putting Harry in his place.

As he swung across the city, he focused on the task at hand to push those thoughts aside. He needed to clear his head, and there was no better way to do that than to throw himself into his work. The map he'd found in Mister Negative's hideout was still at the forefront of his mind. There had to be a connection between the locations circled on it. He had to figure out what Mister Negative was planning before it was too late.

Peter checked each of the circled spots one by one, but so far, everything seemed normal. No suspicious activity, no sign of Mister Negative or his goons. He perched on a ledge, overlooking a busy street below, frustration growing as he found nothing out of the ordinary. The city was alive with its usual nighttime hustle-people heading home from late shifts, taxis zipping through traffic, and the occasional sound of laughter from a nearby bar.

He was beginning to wonder if he'd misinterpreted the map when he swung toward the last location on his list for the night. It was the New York City Opera House, where a high-profile charity gala was being held. The event was one of those extravagant affairs where the city's elite gathered, adorned in expensive suits and designer dresses, to sip champagne and make generous donations, all while being seen in the right places with the right people.

Spider-Man landed silently on a rooftop across from the opera house, crouching low as he observed the scene below. The entrance was lit up, a red carpet rolled out for the guests who arrived in a parade of luxury cars. Photographers and reporters clamored for pictures and quotes from celebrities and business moguls as they made their way inside. It was a glittering spectacle, the kind of event that screamed wealth and influence.

He watched the crowd, his eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary. So far, everything seemed normal-security was tight, and the guests were all smiles as they posed for the cameras. But Peter couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why would Mister Negative be interested in an event like this? What was his angle?

Minutes turned into an hour as Spider-Man remained perched on the rooftop, his muscles tense as he waited for something-anything-to happen. The night was growing colder, the air biting against his skin despite the symbiote's warmth. Yet he barely noticed, his focus unwavering as he kept his eyes trained on the opera house.

The night's stillness was interrupted by a soft, familiar voice behind him.

"What're you up to, Spider?"

Artemis's voice carried a hint of curiosity, laced with concern.

Spider-Man didn't turn immediately, his focus still on the event below. "Just... keeping an eye on things," he replied, his tone distant.

Artemis, dressed in her sleek uniform, walked closer, her footsteps silent on the rooftop. "MJ told me about what happened at school today," she said, her voice gentle but probing. "Sounded pretty intense."

At the mention of MJ, Peter felt a surge of irritation rise within him. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white beneath the symbiote's black exterior. "She told you, huh?" he muttered, a bitter edge to his voice.