"Well? What do you think?" Jessica was beaming, clearly thrilled by Jack Kadere's praise. She turned excitedly to Gwen and Skye. "I protected the people of New York today!"
"Jessica, you were amazing!" Skye's eyes sparkled like stars. "You took on that huge lizard monster like it was nothing! I was really worried at first, but you handled it like a total pro."
She had always been fascinated by superpowered people, but this was the first time she had witnessed such a fight up close. Now she was genuinely in awe of her friend.
"Your popularity's skyrocketing," Gwen added, pulling out her phone. She flashed the screen at Jessica with a sly smile. "The internet's flooded with clips of your fight. You've already got fans calling you a Valkyrie."
"Valkyrie? Please, the boys at school have said that so often it's boring now," Jessica replied proudly. "My name is Knightress. I hope they actually start remembering it!"
"You should start your own fan club," Skye suggested cheerfully.
"I don't have that kind of money…" Jessica's voice trailed off as she instinctively glanced at Jack—and caught him staring at the tear in her stockings.
"Nope! Not happening!" she yelped, quickly shaking her head as if to block out the thought. If she asked him for more club funds again, her legs might never recover from all the "training."
She had to stay strong. She was a superhero now. She couldn't sell out for pocket money.
Gwen chimed in, "You know… we could rename the Ghost Spider Fan Club to the Ghost Spider and Knightress Fan Club?"
After all, Jessica had started the original club for Gwen. She didn't mind sharing the spotlight with her best friend.
But Jack cleared his throat, clearly preparing to intervene before things got out of hand. "I think the name can stay as Ghost Spider. It's symbolic—it honors the origin of the club."
He continued, "What you can do is expand the club's purpose. Instead of focusing on one hero, open it up to include other members—like Jessica. That way, it becomes more inclusive. More members means more growth… and of course, more membership fees."
The girls were nodding along thoughtfully—until he mentioned money. Then they all rolled their eyes in unison.
You're already rich, Jack. Why are you talking like a penny-pinching club treasurer?
"Don't give me that look," Jack said, catching their expressions. "If you really want this club to grow into something bigger—like a real organization—you need to think long-term. That means sustainable revenue, not just throwing money around. Even the X-Men had the Xavier Institute to back them."
His tone was calm, but firm. The logic was sound.
Jessica, Gwen, and Skye paused, genuinely considering it for the first time.
At first, Jessica had started the club just for fun—a small tribute to Gwen. But now, with real battles and increasing public attention, the idea of turning the club into something more… serious… didn't sound so far-fetched.
An actual hero organization? That would be cool.
"We're here," Jack said, pulling into the school's parking lot and smoothly turning off the engine.
The girls snapped out of their daydreaming and hopped out of the car, following him toward the main building.
It was mid-morning—between classes—so students milled around the quad and hallways.
Seeing three pretty girls walking alongside a tall, striking guy, the students couldn't help but stare. Whispers quickly spread through the courtyard.
"Is that Jessica?"
"No way—that's the Knightress? I saw the video this morning. She was insane!"
Excited chatter followed them, but the group ignored the commotion. Jessica and Gwen headed for their next class, while Jack Kadere walked with Skye, who was happily bouncing at his side.
One group, three heroes—each with their own destination.
"My class starts at ten," Jack said, checking his watch. "Skye, head to the studio and prep the lab. I'll join you soon."
"On it, boss," Skye said with a mock salute, before vanishing into the hallway with a playful twirl.
But Jack didn't head to class right away. He'd sensed something—someone. His eyes narrowed.
Peter Parker.
He hadn't talked to Peter in a while, not since they were kids playing in the neighborhood. But Jack could feel the tension in the air. Something was off.
Guess it's time to check in on the neighborhood Spider-Kid.
....
"Back off, Parker. Liz has nothing to do with you!" Flash Thompson loomed over Peter Parker, fists clenched, his usual group of hangers-on circling around.
"Flash, I'm serious," Peter replied sharply. "I'm not bothering Liz."
"You think you're smart, huh? Without Gwen, Harry, or anyone else around, you're nothing!" Flash shoved him hard in the shoulder.
Peter clenched his fists, holding back. "Don't push it, Thompson."
"Oh? What are you gonna do? Spit science facts at me?" Flash laughed, pushing Peter again.
Peter braced himself, refusing to rise to the bait. He didn't want trouble. But the humiliation stung more than the shove.
Then—
"Teenagers. Always so full of themselves."
A voice cut through the tension like a knife. Everyone turned. Jack Kadere stood behind them, arms folded, his expression unreadable.
"You—" Flash froze, instantly recognizing him. "Why are you here?"
"Just thought I'd sprinkle some wisdom," Jack replied with a lopsided grin. "And maybe some dust."
Before Flash could react, a breeze kicked up out of nowhere—unnatural, focused. Dust blasted directly into Flash's eyes.
"AAAH! MY EYES!"
As Flash stumbled around blindly, his crew scattered like pigeons, tripping over themselves to escape.
Jack casually dusted off his jacket, then gave Peter a short nod. "Handled."
"You didn't have to—" Peter began, but Jack was already turning away.
"Relax. Just don't lose your cool next time," Jack said over his shoulder. "Anyway, I've got class."
....
Under the tree, Peter stayed behind. He slowly sat down and pulled out his phone.
News reports were everywhere—footage of the Lizard's rampage. But Peter wasn't focused on Jessica's rising fame.
His eyes narrowed on the creature itself.
That power… That strength…
He recognized the signs. He'd been helping Dr. Curt Connors with his regenerative research after school. And now, it all made sense.
"That has to be Connors," Peter muttered.
Watching the way the creature moved, how it overwhelmed its surroundings—Peter couldn't look away. He was fixated.
If I had that kind of power…
Flash Thompson would never lay a finger on him again. Mary Jane would stop looking past him. No one would laugh at Peter Parker.
The decision grew in his mind like a vine creeping up a wall.
He opened his contacts.
Dr. Connors — Send Message
Peter typed out a short, simple line.
"I'm ready to try it."