Chapter Text
Hope’s POV
I love the view from up here I can see the New York skyline. Every time I get a moment to myself I come up here and just relax to the top of the Empire State building. I swear there is no better place in New York or maybe even the world. Suddenly my relaxing moment is interrupted by the sound of sirens. Great duty calls. Well time to have some fun. I brace myself tightening my muscles. My heartbeat starts to pick up I don’t think I will ever get use to this part. And then I push off suddenly plummeting over a hundred stories to the ground.
Well I guess I should back up and explain. I promise you I am not suicidal or one of those thrill seekers that parachute off of rooftops. Granted either of those makes more sense than the truth.
You see my name is Hope Mikaelson or technically Marshall, but that is a story for another day. This story starts with me getting bit by a spider and instead of dying I got superpowers. And for the last two years I have been the one the only Spiderwoman. In that time, I have stopped bank robberies, helped old ladies cross the street, fought some super villains, and even saved the city a few times. Even saved my brother, but I wasn’t able to save my uncle.
~thwipp~
“Hoohyoo!” I got to stop doing that every time is swing off of really tall buildings. But honestly it is involuntary. Like riding a roller-coaster you can’t help scream as the adrenaline hits your bloodstream.
“Hey Spiderwoman you done or should I give you a few moments before I tell you what you are about to swing into?” That annoying voice in my ear is Landon, my best friend in the whole world and one of the only people to know my secret.
“Sorry chair boy, but unlike you web slinging doesn’t make me want to throw up.”
“Hey I told you not to call me that. I am not your guy in the chair. And it was one time.”
“I’m sorry do you or do you not sit in a chair and feed me info?”
“Yeah, but…”
“And one time was enough. I do no appreciate getting vomit on my suit or getting laughed at by drug dealers. At least the ones that weren’t throwing up.”
“I still need a better code name, but that can wait. So there is a bank robbery in progress about two block north of your location and one block west. Six armed men with AR-15s and body armor.” They seriously need to ban those guns.
“Ok should be there in about a minute. Any hostages?”
“Ten people. Shots have been fired but the policed don’t think anyone has been hurt.”
“Well pretty soon there are going to six injured bank robbers. I’m going in vomit boy.”
“Damn it that is worse.”
As I swing around the last building I propel myself through the glass above the doors. The robbers are shocked by the action and I take full advantage. Two of them are in front of pillars. Two web shots each and they are stuck to them like flies in…well a web.
“So where does the line start? I can never tell who is in line and who is waiting to be helped. Also does anyone know why there are like twenty teller windows but only three tellers? Seriously I think I have seen more lanes open at a Walmart.”
Uh-oh my spider sense is tingling. I back flip into the air just in time as the other four robbers unload their guns at the spot I was standing. While mid flip I manage to grab two of their guns with my webs and disarm them. The one to my right I hit dead center of his chest with my webs and pull myself to him and send him to bed with one punch.
Before the others can react I jump up on to the ceiling. So that the civilians won’t be in harms way.
“Damn it stay still you freak!”
“Hey it is not nice to call someone freak didn’t your mother raise you better? Well I guess not you are robbing a bank and all. So let me teach you some manners. First call people by their names. Mine is Spiderwoman if you couldn’t guess by the red and blue costume and the giant white spider symbol on my chest. And from all the webs.” They keep firing their guns at me, but I just keep dodging every shot. If I can just keep it up until they run out of bullets.
“I know who you are and pretty soon everyone is going to know who I am. The man that killed Spiderwoman.” I can see the other guy I disarmed going for his gun. So I web the gun to the floor.
“Time for lesson two I see. Killing people is wrong. And on a more personal note I will never live it down if a two-bit criminal like you manages to kill me.” They open fire again, but this time I hear the tell tell click of the magazines going empty. Game over. I jump down from the ceiling and cross my arms webbing two of the gunmen and pulling them to the floor. Then I with a couple of web shots they are stuck to the floor.
The last guy is trying to reload so I jump back up to the ceiling and snare him my webs. And I jump back down. And I swear I never get tried of seeing the big bad criminal hanging upside down.
“And time for the final lesson of the night. When you break the rules you have to be punished.” I know he can’t see my smirk under the mask, but I know he knows it is there.
“Alright people you are safe now. The police are just outside and the paramedics if anyone is injured. Is anyone injured?” I hear a room full of no’s. “Well folks it’s been a pleasure but I just realized this isn’t my bank so I have to get going before they close.”
Not my best exit line but I have had worse.
“Really this isn’t my bank?”
“Shut up vomit boy.”
“Ok ok. Just please don’t call me that anymore.”
“Fine this weekend we will figure out a code name for you. But it can’t be cooler than you are. So it is going to be pretty lame.”
“Hey! I’m cool. I’m in a band. Which by the way you are coming to rehearsal after school this Friday.” Ugh not this again.
“First off anybody that has to say they are cool is not cool. Second a garage band in high school isn’t cool anymore this isn’t the eighties. And I told you I have to patrol.”
“And I told you this city survived hundreds of years before you showed up and it survives the eight hours you have to spend in school five days a week. So it will survive for a couple of extra hours this Friday.” I hate when he has a point.
“Fine! Will you at least tell me were this super secret band practice is taking place. You haven’t told me anything about it other than your brother Rafael is in it too.”
“I told you it is a surprise.”
“I hate surprises.”
“You are going to like this one I promise. Have I ever steered you wrong?”
“Last week when sent me to the opposite side of city for that car chase.” I can hear him groan.
“My map got turned upside down. But other than that have I ever given you a reason to doubt me?” Fuck, I hate that he is right.
“Fine one practice. That is all I am promising. And if the city is under attack or anything bad is happening I am out of there.”
“Deal. Now how much long are you going to be out for?”
“A couple of more hours.”
“Ok just be careful.”
“Aren’t I always?”
“Do I need to answer that?” No he really doesn’t. I can’t believe I am hoping for something bad to happen on Friday so I don’t have to socialize.
Friday comes too quick and school for once doesn’t feel like it is dragging on into infinity. So here I am in the back seat of Landon’s car with Rafael in the passenger seat heading to an unknown destination.
“Come on Raf! Just tell me where we are going.”
“Sorry, Hope but Landon swore me to secrecy. And don’t try to pout. Because A I can’t see you right now. And B you won’t break me before we get there.”
“Spoil sport. Fine, can y’all at least tell me how much longer?” Landon finally decides to answer one of my questions.
“We are here.” It is a decent size house with an attached garage.
“Please tell me y’all actually practice in a garage.”
“Yes we do. Why do you find that so funny?”
“Because of course you dorks took the whole garage band thing to literally.” We get out of the car and the garage door opens and behind it is Lizzie Saltzman. You have to be kidding me. Anyone but her.
“What took you guys so long! Practice was suppose to start five minutes ago!” Lizzie is ranting and complaining about nothing as usual. But seeing me makes everything worse. “What is she doing here?”
“Lizzie you said yourself we need to start playing for an audience.” Landon tries to calm her down. And the results are as expected.
“An audience! Not Mope Marshall!”
“Hey!” I hate that name. I mean get why it exist. Hope rhythms with mope and the alliteration thing. Doesn’t help that I don’t socialize either. But still what did I ever do to her?
“Lizzie be nice.” Behind Lizzie is Josie setting up the equipment. Of course Josie is here this is her house. Fuck Landon! He could have warned me. Granted if he had warned me I would have never come. Please, please let some idiot criminals rob a bank or fuck even a hotdog cart. Anything so I don’t spend the next two hours making an idiot of myself in front of the prettiest girl in the school.
“How can you expect me to be nice when my sworn enemy is here?”
“Lizzie don’t be so dramatic. Hope can stay. Like you said we need to practice in front of an audience.” Josie turns and gives me her patented sunshine smile and fuck I am definitely staying now.
“Thank you, Josie.” Lizzie huffs but doesn’t say anything else. Landon has a stupid smile on his face that makes me want to punch. And Raf just seems amused by all of this and starts getting the equipment out of the car.
It doesn’t take long to realize that Lizzie isn’t actually part of the band. Raf is on drums and Landon has his guitar. And it seems like Josie is lead singer.
“So what is y’alls band name?” Josie is the one who answers me.
“We don’t have one yet. Nothing we try seems to fit.”
“I told you the name should be the Lizziettes.” Of course Lizzie wants to name it after herself.
“Lizzie we vetoed that idea when you still part of the band.” Landon hides a laugh as he says this.
“I am part of the band. I am the most important member.”
“And what part pray tell is that all important one?” Lizzie glares at me before answer and while answering.
“The band manager. Of course. They can’t get gigs without me.” Pretty sure they could but I need to try an be civil or risk making Josie disappointed in me. And disappointing Josie is like kicking a puppy.
“Hey, how about we start practice? Does that sound good to everyone?” Everyone nods because we can tell Josie is getting annoyed with us. “Hope please take a seat or stand, just make yourself comfortable.”
It’s not long after that they finish setting up. I had elected to lean against the garage doorway. Trying to look cool and non chalant in front of Josie. But right now she seems more focused than I have ever seen her. And then she starts singing.
I have a question
It might seem strange
How are your lungs?
Are they in pain?
‘Cause mine are aching
Think I know why
I kinda like it though
You wanna try?
Oh would you be
So kind
As to fall in love with me, you see
I’m trying
I know you know that I like you
But that’s not enough
So if you will
Please fall in love
I think it’s only fair
There’s gotta be some butterflies somewhere
Wanna share?
‘Cause I like you
But that’s not enough
So if you will
Please fall in love with me
Josie comes alive while singing in a way is just contagious. I can’t help but get into the song. My foot tapping along to the beat and my eyes never leaving Josie.
Let’s write a story
Be in my book
You’ve got to join me on my page
At least take a look
Oh, where are your manners?
You need some time?
Let’s swap chests today
That might help you decide
Oh would you be
So kind
As to fall in love with me, you see
I’m trying
I know you know that I like you
But that’s not enough
So if you will
Please fall in love
I think it’s only fair
There’s gotta be some butterflies somewhere
Wanna share?
‘Cause I like you
But that’s not enough
So if you will
Please fall in love with me
I wish she was singing this too me for real. Because I would tell her I have already fallen for her. That the butterflies are in my stomach. Gods when did I get so cheesy?
Oh, do me a favor
Can your heart rate rise a little?
Do me a favor
Can your heart rate rise a little?
(ooh)
Oh do me a favor
Can your heart rate rise a little?
(ooh)
Do me a favor
Oh my heart rate is definitely raise. Any higher and I would be having a heart attack.
Oh would you be
So kind
As to fall in love with me, you see
I’m trying
I know you know that I like you
But that’s not enough
So if you will
Please fall in love
I think it’s only fair
There’s gotta be some butterflies somewhere
Wanna share?
‘Cause I like you
But that’s not enough
So if you will
Please fall in love with me
When the song ends I can’t help but feel disappointed because that energy that Josie had just a moment ago seems to fade way.
“So what did you think, Hope?” She sounds terrified like she has no idea how amazing she is.
“I think you…y’all were amazing. I had no idea you could sing Josie. Why haven’t you preformed before at like a talent show or something?”
“I don’t do well with audiences. That’s why Lizzie suggested we preform in front of a few people before we try to book a gig.”
“You seemed to do just fine with me here. And you have nothing to worry about people are going to love you.” She blushes which makes me blush. And I really hope no one noticed.
“See Josie I told you. You were worrying for nothing. Now we just need to get a real audience.”
“Lizzie not yet. We still don’t have an original song and even though Hope being here helped with my nerves she is still just one person and not a room full of people.”
“Y’all are working on an original song?” This time it is Landon who answers.
“Yeah. Josie is our song writer and I help every now and then.”
“I don’t know if I can be called a song writer. I haven’t even written a song yet.”
“You have half of a song written that is more than the rest of us can say.” The other nod in agreement. So Josie doesn’t just sing she writes too. Is there anything this girl can’t do?
The rest of band practice goes without anymore interruptions. Besides the occasional goofing off. Which I find myself participating in despite of myself. For a while I forget that I am a superhero with responsibilities and just act like a teenager with friends. But unfortunately I do have responsibilities and I need to get on patrol.
“Hey, Landon as much as this pains me to say. We have to get going. I have stuff to do remember?”
“Yeah, just give me a second to pack up the gear.”
“You have to leave already?” I want to tell Josie that I can stay a little longer, but if something happens while I am here then I will never forgive myself.
“Unfortunately, but if it isn’t a problem I would like to come back. I mean I am y’alls only fan so it is kind of my job to show up and support y’all.” Why am I so lame?
“I would like that. And anyway I guess this is good timing. Me and Lizzie have something to do tonight anyway.”
“So next time then?”
“Yeah see you then.”
“Hope! We are ready!” Shit. Landon and Raf are both already in the car with the gear.
“Coming!”
Landon drops me off at my house. As I enter the door I can see my mother and father sitting at the dinner table. Shit! I forgot to tell them I was going to be late.
“Hello, sweetheart good of you to make it. We were afraid we were going to starve waiting for you.” Great dad skipped straight over anger and to into dad mode.
“Where were you?” Mom’s arms are crossed and judging by the look on her face she is just as pissed as dad.
“Sorry I forgot to tell you I made plans with Landon to watch his band practice.” They both visibly relax, but are still clearly mad.
“Well I am glad you are socializing, but please love next time call us if you are going to be late.”
“Yes dad. I promise.”
“Good now tell us who is in this band other than Landon. I assume his brother Rafael is in it? I want to hear all about your new friends.” Ok so mom is clearly no longer angry and Dad seems satisfied.
“The Saltzman twins. Well Josie is the one in the band. Lizzie just manages it.” I put air quotes around manages.
“I thought you didn’t like the twins? Aren’t y’all on bad terms or something?”
“Little wolf you forget so easily. Lizzie is the one Hope has a problem with. She has a crush on Josie.”
“Dad! Shut up I do not!” I totally do, but how did he know that? Please don’t tell me I am that obvious about it. It was bad enough when Landon figured it out.
“Whatever you say little one.”
“Klaus stop teasing her. I’m sure Josie is just a friend.” Mom might sound like she is on my side but with that grin she totally agrees with dad. “Now Hope eat your dinner and tell us how it was.”
I take my place at the dinner table and start to eat. I try to not talk about the band practice or Josie but my parents are giving me the look. You know the one. The we aren’t going to let this go so give us something look.
“So Landon convinced me to attend his band practice. Though the asshole didn’t tell me where it was or who else besides Rafael was in the band.” That earns a snicker from both of my parents. “And Lizzie of course was her normal bitchy self. Apparently Landon didn’t tell them I was coming.” And now they are laughing.
“I’m sure it wasn’t that bad, sweetheart.”
“Trust me dad it was. Lizzie hates me and I have no idea why. But Josie got her to be civil so I played nice.”
“So what does Josie do in the band?” My mom is way to pleased with this conversation, both of them are.
“She sings. And she is amazing. But apparently she is not so good in front of crowds or just people in general. That’s why I was there to be a test run of sorts.”
“Well judging by what you said she didn’t have a problem singing in front of you.” Dad’s let mom take over the conversation, but I can still see his shit eating grin at mom’s statement.
“I’m just one person. Crowds are different. That is probably why she didn’t have a problem.” By this time, I have finished my dinner. So excuse myself. “I have to go do some homework. I want to get it done so I can enjoy my weekend.”
“Alright sweetheart, but please remember to call us next time you are going to be late.”
“I will Dad I promise. Oh and band practice is going to be a regular thing for awhile so. I don’t wait up on me on Fridays.” They both get that look in their eyes. So I retreat to my room to do my ‘homework’. And by homework I mean crime fighting.
Things they don’t tell you before you becoming a superhero. Number one that even with super strength punching people still hurts. Number two that the mask really limits your vision. And number three that putting on a super suit is no easy feat. It takes at least 20 minutes to get the suit on. No wonder Superman always wore his under his clothes. So after a heroic battle with my super suit I am patrolling the streets of New York. It isn’t long before both sirens and Landon are screaming in my ear.
“There is a shoot out between some new gang and the police. Five block north of you. Hurry!”
“Really I thought I would take my time you know stop and smell the roses. I’m sure the cops can handle this and no civilians will get hurt.”
“What’s your ETA?” ok so no witty banter right now got it.
“A minute out. What’s the situation one the ground?”
“Ten armed gunmen with body armor. And who knows what else. From everything I have heard they just started shooting on the police.”
“Fuck that is never good. The cops got the area blocked off?”
“Yeah and civilians are being cleared. At least the ones they can get too.” The sounds of automatic weapon fire fill my ears. I perch myself on the seventh story of a nearby building to get the lay of the land. Yeah seems to be ten bad guys. Cops have both end of the street blocked off, but the criminals came prepared. It seems like they have grenades and holy shit is that a rocket launcher? Fuck!
I propel myself mid air across the street just as the rocket launcher is fired. I manage to catch it and redirect it toward the assholes. I don’t hit them but a fucking missile landing in front of you is going to knock you on your ass. Wasting no time, I fire two webs at a couple of cars and catapult myself right in the middle of the gang.
I manage to knock a few of them out before they recover from the blast. But the rest manage to get their guns pointed at me. It if wasn’t for my spider sense I would be dead. Two more down as I dodge bullets. Half way there. I rip a car door off and use it as a shield. Ramming two more and webbing them up for good measure. Fuck a grenade! I grab it and toss it as high into the air as I can.
I manage to get close enough to one of them to throw them into building and web them there. I web up the last two’s guns and knock them out. Once the fight is over I notice something, but I need to leave and let the cops take it from here.
“Landon. They are wearing the same armor.”
“Hey code names. Never mind. What do you mean the same armor? They are a gang I would expect them to have the same armor.”
“No they have the same armor as the bank robbers.”
“What? Do you think they are all part of the same gang?”
“Probably. Have you heard anything weird going on?”
“Uh let me check something first. Ok so apparently when you stopped that bank robbery you didn’t get all of them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Apparently there were two more bank robbers in the vault. They must have been disguised as customers. They got away with a couple of million.”
“Why didn’t we hear anything about that?”
“Cops wanted to keep it quite. And that couple of million makes me think of something else.”
“What?”
“Before the shoot out I was going to have you go to the docks. There was suppose to be a big drug deal or something going down.”
“I don’t like the timing of that. Heading there now.” It doesn’t take long to get to the docks. At first I am afraid I am too late by how quite it is. But what I see before me is definitely the last thing I expected.
I got two groups of criminals judging by the clothes. One looks like your standard street gang. Tattoos, sleeveless jackets, and just general poor taste in clothing. The other is dressed to nines with body armor over it. Which kind of ruins the look but smart none the less. But that isn’t the part that shocks me. They are all unconscious and if I didn’t know any better I would say this is my handy work. Webs everywhere. Bad guys hanging from he ceiling and a big pile of money just laying in the center of the floor untouched.
Suddenly I hear a sound and when I look I see a figure dressed in white swinging away. Yes, swinging just like I do.
“Spiderwoman! Come in! Do you hear me?” Landon must have been calling for me for awhile now. I was just to shocked to hear him.
“Yeah I hear you. We are a little late to the party.”
“They already cleared out. Fuck! That shoot out must have been a distraction for you and the cops. Look around do you see any clues to where they went. We can’t have missed them by much.”
“Landon. I didn’t say they were gone. Someone else beat us to this one.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t think I am the one and only Spiderwoman in New York anymore.” Things are about to get interesting.