Ashlad

The people looked on as a shadow swept by.

" Look! "

" Up in the sky! "

" It is Arachne-Lad! "

" Please! Just call him: Ashlad! "

Arachne-Lad held up his hand, and from his wrist: shot out a line of web. The web connected, and Ashlad now landed on the top of a skyscraper.

" It has been tough, Bruce... " said Arachne-Lad, as he was sitting beside a gargoyle; " Haytham… Jack… many others… gone… "

Aqil grew up in the orphanage, which was directed by Jack Wayne. Jack had become like a foster father for young Aqil throughout the years. And his loss weighs heavily on him. Don't let the 'Lad' part of his hero name fool you. Arachne-Lad was now a young adult, with years of experience under his belt.

A cry went out.

" Thanks for listening. '' said Arachne-Lad, as he stood up. He shot out a line of web. It connected to the opposite skyscraper.

" Let's hero. " said Ashlad, as he swung into action. I should properly highlight his new costume. Arachne-Lad as an adult, wears a small cape and hood in memory of the Spider, Master of Men. A mask in the style of Wrench from Watch Dogs. A web-shooting-gun on his thigh in honor of Jack Kirby's original design for Spider-Man. And the Nazca Line Spider can be seen on the front of his small cape. He still had a spider located on his chest, in honor of Ben Cooper's Spider-Man suit.

As he swung past another skyscraper, Arachne-Lad saw the scene of the crime. The villain was a large humanoid, with white marble skin. Eight arms. And a face where only the eyes could be seen. Another feature of note was the fact that the villain was hovering over the ground. Arachne-Lad shot two web-balls, which stuck some of the villain's arms together. He then swung down. Did a pirouette in mid-air. Arachne-Lad then landed on his feet - hands on hip, chest shot out. He then proudly proclaimed:

" I am Arachne-Lad! " Aqil held out his arm towards the villain; " but please! - he put his hand on his chest - just call me Ashlad. "

The villain simply responded with:

" Call us: Ogdoad. "

Ogdoad now proceeded to break free of Arachne-Lad's web. Ashlad noted how easily he had done that.

" Hmmm…. "

Ogdoad flew towards Arachne-Lad. Ashlad stood his ground. He met the villain. Ogdoad tried to use his free hands to attack Arachne-Lad, but Ashlad countered by bringing forth his spider-legs from out his back(kinda like Superior Spider-man. Or Tom Holland Spider-man.)

The citizens looked on as the hero and villain struggled.

" I have to keep him here. " thought Arachne-Lad; " away from the civilians. "

But Ogdoad then did something unexpected… he headbutted Ashlad, breaking free from the stalemate. Arachne-Lad reeled back. His Wrench-like-mask slightly damaged. Ashlad looked on as some kind of powder covered Ogdoad's palm. Ogdoad clapped his hands together, creating an incredible explosion.

" Fulminated mercury… " coughed Arachne-Lad, as his suit was even more damaged. He looked around, and saw that Rabbi Loew's golems were able to protect the citizens from most of the damage. Ashlad looked on, as Ogdoad flew forth from all the smoke and ash. Arachne-Lad struggled to stand up, he had to use his spider-legs as support. Aqil looked on in horror, as powder once again covered Ogdoad's palms. Arachne-Lad jumped into action.

" Get the civilians out of here! " he yelled. The golems all obeyed, getting all the citizens to safety; even carrying those who could not walk.

Mr. Representative was made aware of the situation. He informed Astarte, but it would be awhile before Annebeth could arrive.

Mr. Representative wished to communicate with Arachne-Lad, but Ashlad's suit was too damaged for that. Arachne-Lad webbed Ogdoad's hands.

" No encore, please. "

Ashlad looked on, as powder covered the palms of Ogdoad's other hands.

" Oh… "

Arachne-Lad jumped into action, trying to web Ogdoad's other hands, but Ogdoad was now dodging; by flying all over the place.

" I can't help but imagine… what would happen if he clapped all eight hands at once… "

Arachne-Lad's Spider-Tingling told him: that it would create an explosion equal to that of an Castle Bravo Hydrogen Bomb… and that he had to prevent that at all cost. Ogdoad broke free from the web. He flew higher into the air, where he was sure Arachne-Lad's web could not reach him… and he was right.

" Damn… "

Ashlad then had an idea. Something he did when he was a kid. Arachne-Lad shot a web at a building. Everyone looked on, as Arachne-Lad swung around the building. He released his web, flying straight towards Ogdoad. Upon impact, Arachne-Lad grabbed hold of Ogdoad with all his spider-legs. Locking him in place.

" I would like to see you create an explosion now. " said Ashlad, as he was also using his arms to pin down all of Ogdoad's arms. The villain did not say anything. And Arachne-Lad could not read his expression, for he did not have one. Cold dread filled the poor hero's heart, as he saw powder cover all of Ogdoad's face. Arachne-Lad swallowed nervously.

" Let go. Or die. "

Arachne-Lad paused, his heart in his ear. He looked down. Down at the beautiful city. Filled with all those incredible people. What was it that Superwarrior used to say? "

" They have potential for good. Even if they don't see it themselves - it is there. "

Arachne-Lad let out a nervous sigh, his decision made. He tightened his grip on Ogdoad.

Ogdoad saw the smile and damp eyes through the damaged mask.

" Very well. "

Ogdoad headbutted Arachne-Lad, creating an indescribable explosion; which could be felt for miles. What Ogdoad had not mentioned: was the fact that he too would die from such an explosion.

Astarte had arrived on the scene.

" Arachne-Lad… "

She flew through all the black smoke. Astarte then looked on, as Arachne-Lad's cape was gently falling towards the ground.