Cherreads

Chapter 14 - the charity event

Izuku stands in an empty lot, his body crackling with green energy. One For All surges through him, but it's concentrated entirely in his right arm. He throws a punch, and the recoil sends him stumbling backward.

IZUKU (frustrated):

"I can't… I can't control it. Every time I use it, it either breaks my bones or barely does anything."

Andrew watches from the sidelines, leaning against a fence. He's been observing Izuku's training for weeks now, and something's been bothering him.

ANDREW:

"You're thinking about it wrong."

IZUKU (turning):

"What do you mean?"

ANDREW:

"You're treating your superpower like a weapon. Something you activate in one spot. But what if you spread it out? Like… distributing the load across your whole body instead of concentrating it in one place?"

Izuku blinks, processing.

IZUKU:

"Spread it… across my whole body?"

ANDREW:

"Yeah. Think of it like water pressure in pipes. If you force all the pressure through one narrow pipe, it bursts. But if you spread it across multiple pipes, the system can handle more."

Izuku's eyes widen. It's such a simple concept, but nobody's suggested it before.

IZUKU:

"That's… that could actually work. If I can learn to control the flow, keep it at a manageable percentage across my whole body instead of 100% in one limb…"

ANDREW (smiling):

"Exactly. Start small. Maybe 5% across your whole body. See how it feels."

Izuku activates his Quirk again, but this time he focuses on spreading the energy evenly. Green lightning crackles across his entire body instead of concentrating in one spot.

He takes a step forward. Then another. The power is there, but it's controlled. Manageable.

IZUKU (amazed):

"It's working! Andrew, it's actually working!"

ANDREW:

"Keep practicing. Master the low percentages before you go higher. You've got time."

Izuku looks at his brother with genuine gratitude.

IZUKU:

"Thanks. Really. I don't know why I didn't think of that."

ANDREW (thinking):

Because you're too close to it. Sometimes you need an outside perspective.

What would Peter do? He'd help his friends succeed. Even if they don't know he's helping.

🎩 Scene: Shield Charity Event – Grand Ballroom – Evening

The venue is spectacular. A massive ballroom filled with Japan's elite—heroes, businesspeople, politicians, and philanthropists. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and a live orchestra plays softly in the background.

Andrew stands near the entrance in a borrowed suit (courtesy of Melissa), feeling incredibly out of place. He tugs at his tie.

ANDREW (muttering):

"I hate formal events."

MELISSA (laughing, looking stunning in an elegant dress):

"You'll survive. Besides, this is a great opportunity. My uncle's charity does amazing work, and you'll get to meet some incredible people."

ANDREW:

"I'm here for moral support. And maybe the food."

MELISSA:

"And the autographs?"

Andrew pulls out a small notebook from his jacket pocket, grinning sheepishly.

ANDREW:

"Maybe a few."

They enter the ballroom together. The atmosphere is electric—heroes mingling with civilians, laughter and conversation filling the air.

✍️ Scene: The Autograph Hunt

Andrew navigates through the crowd with his notebook, trying to stay low-key. He spots Kamui Woods near the refreshment table.

ANDREW (approaching nervously):

"Excuse me, Kamui Woods? I'm a huge fan. Would you mind signing this?"

KAMUI WOODS (friendly):

"Of course! Always happy to meet supporters."

He signs the notebook with a flourish.

Next, Andrew spots Mt. Lady posing for photos near the main stage.

ANDREW:

"Mt. Lady! Could I get an autograph?"

MT. LADY (flipping her hair):

"Absolutely! You've got great taste, kid."

She signs with exaggerated flair, adding a small heart next to her name.

Andrew moves through the crowd, collecting signatures from Midnight (who gives him a knowing smile), Present Mic (who's impossibly loud even in a formal setting), and Ryukyu (who's gracious and kind).

Then he spots Principal Nezu standing near a window, observing the crowd with his characteristic intelligence.

ANDREW:

"Principal Nezu? I know you're not technically a hero in the field, but I'd be honored if you'd sign."

NEZU (intrigued):

"Not many people ask for my autograph. What's your name, young man?"

ANDREW:

"Andrew Midoriya."

NEZU (eyes narrowing slightly):

"Midoriya… Interesting. Are you related to Izuku Midoriya, by chance?"

ANDREW:

"He's my twin brother."

NEZU:

"Fascinating. I look forward to seeing what both of you accomplish."

He signs the notebook with a flourish, then walks away, leaving Andrew slightly unnerved.

ANDREW (thinking):

Did he… did he just analyze me in three seconds?

🤝 Scene: The Unexpected Meeting

Andrew is heading toward the balcony for some air when he literally bumps into someone turning a corner.

ANDREW:

"Sorry, I didn't—"

He looks up and freezes.

IZUKU (equally surprised):

"Andrew?! What are you doing here?"

ANDREW:

"Melissa invited me. Her uncle's hosting. What are you doing here?"

IZUKU:

"I'm here with… a friend. He got an invitation."

Behind Izuku, Toshinori Yagi (in civilian form) steps into view, looking gaunt but smiling warmly.

ANDREW (thinking):

So this is All Might. Izuku told me about him - his mentor, the one who gave him his Quirk. The #1 hero in his civilian form.

TOSHINORI:

"You must be Izuku's brother. I've heard a lot about you."

ANDREW (shaking hands warmly):

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Yagi. Izuku's told me a bit about you. Thank you for helping him."

TOSHINORI (surprised but pleased):

"Ah, so he's mentioned me. Your brother speaks highly of you as well."

IZUKU:

"Andrew's been helping me with… training techniques. He's really smart."

TOSHINORI (genuinely impressed):

"Is that so? Well, it's always good to have support from family."

ANDREW:

"Yeah. Izuku's going to do great things."

There's a moment of comfortable silence before Melissa appears, linking her arm with Andrew's.

MELISSA:

"There you are! Come on, my uncle wants to make a speech."

ANDREW (to Izuku):

"Catch up later?"

IZUKU (smiling):

"Yeah. Definitely."

As they part ways, Andrew doesn't notice the thoughtful look Toshinori gives him—a look that suggests recognition, curiosity, and perhaps evaluation.

🎤 Scene: David Shield's Speech

David Shield takes the stage, the crowd quieting as he begins his speech about innovation, heroism, and the future of support technology.

Andrew stands with Melissa near the front, half-listening. His mind is elsewhere—on Izuku, on the strange man with him, on the growing unease in his gut.

His spider-sense has been quiet all evening, but now it's starting to tingle. Something's wrong.

ANDREW (whispering to Melissa):

"Do you feel that?"

MELISSA:

"Feel what?"

Before Andrew can answer, the lights flicker.

Then the room explodes into chaos.

💥 Scene: The Attack

Green smoke floods the ballroom. People scream and scatter. Through the haze, a figure appears on the main stage—wearing a dramatic fishbowl helmet and a flowing cape.

MYSTERIO (booming voice):

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the greatest show you'll never forget!"

Illusions flood the room—dragons, demons, explosions. None of it's real, but the panic is. Civilians run in every direction.

Heroes immediately spring into action. Kamui Woods uses his branches to shield civilians. Mt. Lady grows to her full size (crashing through the ceiling). Midnight releases her sleep gas. Present Mic uses his voice to try to disorient the villain.

But it's all chaos. Mysterio's illusions are too convincing, too disorienting.

And in the confusion, a second figure emerges from the shadows.

Scorpion.

He's massive—covered in green mechanical armor, a long, articulated scorpion tail extending from his back. The tail drips with glowing green venom.

SCORPION (hissing):

"Target acquired."

He moves with terrifying speed toward David Shield and Toshinori, who are trying to help evacuate civilians.

DAVID (seeing Scorpion):

"Toshinori, run!"

But Toshinori is in civilian form. Weakened. Out of time. He can't transform into All Might.

Scorpion's tail strikes, and Toshinori barely dodges. The venom sizzles where it hits the floor.

SCORPION:

"You're coming with me, Shield. And you too, skeleton."

Andrew watches from across the room, his heart racing.

ANDREW (to Melissa, urgently):

"We need to get out of here. Now."

MELISSA:

"My lab. This way!"

They run through the chaos, weaving between panicking civilians and fighting heroes.

🕷️ Scene: Melissa's Lab – Transformation

They burst into Melissa's private lab, slamming the door behind them.

MELISSA (locking the door):

"Okay. We're safe here. The door's reinforced—"

ANDREW:

"I need you to stay here."

MELISSA (realizing):

"Andrew, no. You're not seriously—"

ANDREW (already pulling off his jacket):

"David's in danger. That skeleton guy—whoever he is—he's in danger. And I'm the only one who can stop that scorpion thing while the heroes are distracted."

MELISSA:

"You don't even know what that venom does!"

ANDREW (pulling his mask on):

"Then I won't get hit."

He's in full Spider-Man gear now—the PS4 suit gleaming under the lab lights.

MELISSA (grabbing his arm):

"Be careful. Please."

SPIDER-MAN:

"Always am."

He kisses her forehead (through the mask), then launches out through the lab's emergency exit.

⚔️ Scene: Spider-Man vs Scorpion

Spider-Man swings back into the main ballroom just as Scorpion is dragging David and Toshinori toward a shattered window.

SPIDER-MAN:

"Hey, bug boy! Wrong arachnid!"

Scorpion whips around, his tail poised to strike.

SCORPION:

"Spider-Man. I've been hoping to test myself against you."

SPIDER-MAN:

"Flattering. But I'm gonna have to decline your kidnapping invitation."

He fires web lines at Scorpion's tail, yanking it away from David and Toshinori. The two men scramble backward to safety.

Scorpion roars and charges, his tail striking with lightning speed. Spider-Man's spider-sense screams—he dodges left, the venomous tail missing him by inches.

SPIDER-MAN (thinking):

That venom looks nasty. One hit and I'm done.

He uses his agility to stay ahead of Scorpion's attacks, webbing the villain's legs, his arms, his tail. But Scorpion's armor is tough—the webs stick but don't hold.

SCORPION:

"You're fast. But not fast enough!"

The tail strikes again. This time, Spider-Man catches it mid-strike with both hands, using all his spider-strength to hold it back.

The venom drips dangerously close to his gloves.

SPIDER-MAN (straining):

"You really need to work on your people skills!"

He yanks the tail, using Scorpion's own momentum to throw him off-balance. Then he fires a web line at the ceiling, pulling himself up and delivering a devastating kick to Scorpion's helmet.

The armor cracks.

Across the room, the heroes have finally subdued Mysterio. Kamui Woods has him wrapped in branches, and Midnight's sleep gas is taking effect.

MT. LADY (shouting to Spider-Man):

"Need backup?"

SPIDER-MAN:

"I've got this!"

He doesn't, really. But he can't let them know that.

Scorpion recovers and lunges again. This time, Spider-Man doesn't dodge—he intercepts. He webs Scorpion's tail to the floor, then fires multiple web lines at the villain's torso, creating a web cocoon that immobilizes him.

SCORPION (struggling):

"You think this will hold me?!"

SPIDER-MAN:

"Long enough."

He delivers one final punch—enhanced by all his spider-strength—directly to Scorpion's cracked helmet. The armor shatters, and Scorpion collapses, unconscious.

Spider-Man stands over him, breathing heavily, adrenaline still pumping.

The room erupts in applause.

Civilians cheer. Heroes nod in respect. Even Principal Nezu, watching from a safe distance, looks impressed.

David Shield approaches Spider-Man, extending his hand.

DAVID:

"Thank you. You saved my life. Again."

SPIDER-MAN:

"Just doing what I do, Mr. Shield."

DAVID:

"You're remarkable. If you ever need anything—support gear, resources, anything—Shield Corporation is at your service."

Spider-Man nods, then his eyes scan the crowd. He spots Izuku standing near Toshinori, watching him intently.

For a moment, their eyes meet across the room.

Izuku's expression is analytical, curious. He's studying Spider-Man's movements, his build, his fighting style.

But he doesn't recognize him. Not yet.

SPIDER-MAN (thinking):

So close. He's so close to figuring it out. But not tonight.

Spider-Man fires a web line and swings toward the nearest open window—not out into the city, but toward a service corridor. He needs to get back to the lab and change before anyone realizes Andrew Midoriya is missing.

👔 Scene: Service Corridor – Moments Later

Spider-Man drops into an empty corridor, quickly peeling off his mask and suit. He stuffs the Spider-Man gear into a maintenance closet and pulls his formal clothes back on—slightly rumpled but passable.

He runs his hands through his hair, trying to look like he's been hiding from the chaos, not fighting in it.

ANDREW (checking his reflection in a window):

Okay. Civilian mode. Just a scared guest who hid during the attack.

He takes a deep breath and heads back toward Melissa's lab.

🤗 Scene: Melissa's Lab – The Reunion

Andrew bursts through the lab door, slightly out of breath.

ANDREW:

"Melissa! Are you okay? I got separated in the chaos and—"

He doesn't finish the sentence.

Melissa runs toward him and throws her arms around him in a tight hug. She's shaking—relief, fear, adrenaline all mixed together.

MELISSA (voice muffled against his shoulder):

"You idiot. You absolute idiot. I was so worried."

ANDREW (hugging her back):

"I'm okay. I'm fine. See? Not a scratch."

MELISSA (pulling back slightly, eyes watery):

"You fought that thing with the poison tail. If you'd gotten hit—"

ANDREW:

"But I didn't. I'm careful. You know that."

MELISSA:

"You're not careful. You're reckless. There's a difference."

They're standing close now, still holding each other. Andrew's hands rest on her shoulders. Melissa's hands are on his chest, feeling his heartbeat to confirm he's really okay.

ANDREW (softly):

"I had to. Your uncle was in danger. All Might couldn't help. I was the only one who could stop it."

MELISSA (voice breaking):

"I know. I know you did. But that doesn't make it less terrifying."

ANDREW:

"I'm sorry."

MELISSA:

"Don't apologize. Just… just promise me you'll come back. Every time. Promise."

ANDREW:

"I promise."

They stay like that for a moment longer—just two best friends, one of whom risks his life every night, the other who patches him up and keeps his secret.

Then the lab door opens.

DAVID SHIELD (entering, slightly disheveled):

"Melissa, are you—oh."

He stops short, seeing Andrew and Melissa in what looks like a very intimate embrace.

Both of them jump apart like they've been electrocuted.

ANDREW (flustered):

"Mr. Shield! I was just—we were just—"

MELISSA (equally flustered, face red):

"Dad! It's not what it looks like! Andrew got separated during the attack and I was just—"

DAVID (raising an eyebrow, amused):

"Making sure he's okay? That's very… thorough of you."

MELISSA:

"Dad!"

ANDREW (mortified):

"I should… I should go check on my brother. Make sure he's safe."

He practically bolts for the door, but David catches his arm gently.

DAVID (seriously now):

"Andrew. Thank you for being here for my daughter. And for keeping her safe during all this chaos."

ANDREW:

"Of course, sir."

DAVID (with a knowing smile):

"You're a good young man. Melissa's lucky to have a friend like you."

Andrew nods, still embarrassed, and makes his escape.

Melissa covers her face with her hands.

MELISSA:

"Oh my god. That was mortifying."

DAVID (chuckling):

"I think he's good for you. Whoever he is."

MELISSA (peeking through her fingers):

"We're just friends, Dad."

DAVID:

"Mm-hmm. Friends who hug like that."

MELISSA:

"Stop!"

But she's smiling despite herself.

📺 Scene: National News Coverage – Later That Night

NEWSCASTER:

"Breaking news: The Shield Charity Event was attacked tonight by two villains—Mysterio and a new threat calling himself Scorpion. While pro heroes successfully subdued Mysterio, it was Spider-Man who stopped Scorpion's attempted kidnapping of David Shield and an unnamed civilian."

Footage plays of Spider-Man fighting Scorpion—dodging the venomous tail, using his webs tactically, delivering the final punch.

NEWSCASTER (cont'd):

"This marks Spider-Man's most public appearance to date. Multiple heroes, including Kamui Woods and Mt. Lady, witnessed his actions. Public opinion continues to shift in Spider-Man's favor, with many calling for official recognition."

🏠 Scene: Midoriya Household – Late Night

Andrew slips through his bedroom window, exhausted but uninjured. He changes out of his Spider-Man suit and collapses onto his bed.

His phone buzzes. A text from Melissa:

"You did great. Get some rest. We'll debrief tomorrow."

He smiles and sends back a thumbs-up emoji.

Then another text comes through. This one from an unknown number:

"Impressive work tonight, Spider-Man. You're making quite the impression. - A Friend"

Andrew stares at the message, unease creeping in.

ANDREW (thinking):

Who is this? How did they get my number?

He deletes the message and sets his phone aside, but the worry lingers.

Across the hall, Izuku sits at his desk, rewatching footage of Spider-Man's fight on his laptop. He's taking notes, analyzing every movement.

IZUKU (muttering to himself):

"His fighting style is so efficient. Tactical. Almost like he's studied engineering or physics. The way he uses his webs—it's not just instinct. It's calculated."

He pauses the video on a frame of Spider-Man mid-swing.

IZUKU (cont'd):

"Who are you, Spider-Man?"

He doesn't know the answer yet. But he's getting closer.

More Chapters