On a particularly hot, very sunny day in Tokyo, Japan, many would be happy to stay at home with their air conditioning. Eating ice cream, drinking ice-cold drinks. It truly would be such a blessing to relax in the shade or indoors.
But if you're Sekinin Parker who is the Sensational Spider-Man and is wearing a suit that is tight but also worn all day even underneath regular clothes…
Yeah, it is a bad time to be Spider-Man, especially if you are sweating underneath the mask. And that pretty much covers his entire body, even when August began. Yet, for being out is simple, evil never rests. And that is pretty much confirmed literally since he began crime-fighting. Still, at least at this very moment Spider-Man is having the rare moment of his life.
And where exactly Spider-Man is…
"C'mon Schultz, at least tell me who got you out of police custody and I'll just tell the cops to hand you nicely."
And that is to fight Shocker once again. Yuri's plan has worked as Shocker had indeed gone to rob another place, even if it took a while. And his next target has indeed been a bank, a bank that already had people fleeing.
"Ha! As if I'll ever tell you, bug!"
A shockwave is also his answer, aiming at Spider-Man, whom he easily dodged, but ended up hitting the representative desk. Yeah, the bank truly has seen better days. Oh, and there are also the webbed-up thugs that Shocker brought along but were easily beaten by Spider-Man.
"Such a shame. Guess I had to go hard on you then Shocks!"
With a flip spin kick, Spider-Man slammed his right back so hard on Shocker's chest that he was sent flying to a sealed vault that was just literally a few meters away.
"I'm actually surprised you tried to rob this specific bank. Because you actually found actual bills to steal! So hey that is something I can congratulate you on. But that doesn't mean I'm letting you off the hook, no sir!"
With another web shot and an extra more, Spider-Man not only disarms Shocker's two gauntlets, but it seems he makes himself a new one after Spidey took one of them. Which almost prompts him to just take both gauntlets just to make him gearless completely.
But also bind him once again to ensure he wouldn't escape, not this time.
Speaking of which…
"Shocker, Schultz, just say who got you away last time and I'll put up a good word for you to get a nice prison cell. Or just be with one of my fans in the slammer. Your choice!"
What Spider-Man could only hear was grunting noises and screaming behind the mask as Spider-Man sighed before swinging to avoid being seen or interrogated. He knew not every officer would be nice to him.
A couple of minutes later after the police officers were certain it was safe seeing Spider-Man swing away and said "All clear!" And went to fix the damage caused by Shocker and by contrast in their eyes Spider-Man too. They ensure Shock was put away and this time it would be their captain who would take Shocker straight to the police station before he was taken to court then to prison.
Meanwhile outside the police taped bank, Spider-Man is currently observing the edge of the building he swung to, watching Yuri driving away as Spider-Man began to jump high from building to building to ensure Yuri got to the station safely.
Whoever got Shocker out last time, is actually currently trying to follow the police car to do something just to free Shocker. Unlike last time they doubted they would even impersonate Yuri, but Spider-Man tailed him just in case.
And to be very certain it was Yuri, Spider-Man sent a message to him.
[Sensational - Hey middle bro, is that you driving away?]
Spider-Man waited for a few seconds before he saw the [Typing…] on his phone before he saw the reply.
[Sibling Complex - First of all, is no one tailing me? Second of all, yes I am driving the car with Shocker. Third of all. don't text me while I'm driving, but since it is you I'm going to multitask.]
Spider-Man sighs sheepishly as he narrowly misses a landing on another building when he jumped and was on his phone. He continued typing anyway. But he did use his spider-sense and his eyesight and so far, nothing, it seems no one is tailing Yuri. Not even a car is following Yuri as everything just seems normal so far.
[Sensational - Not sensing anything, or even seeing anything suspicious. So that means Shocker will actually be taken into custody.]
[Sibling Complex - Sounds normal so far. But keep an eye on me just in case. We can't risk Shocker somehow escaping custody again. But hey, have you at least found anything from the Shocker of where he was or who managed to impersonate the officer?]
[Sensational - Unfortunately no, I've tried, and dodged a few of his shockwaves. And he didn't answer who got him away, or say who he was with. So I guess you are going to have your hands full to find out what he is keeping to himself. Or whoever is going to interrogate Shocker.]
[Sibling Complex - I have a few contacts who will give us the answers we need. But should there be anything that is related to Kamiki, then I will inform you once I get something.]
[Sensational - Thanks, Yuri.]
[Sibling Complex - Anyway, do you want anything for your present? Because I'm truly doing overtime just so I can join you, May, and Ben for your birthday.]
[Sensational - You don't really have to lose sleep because of my birthday, but I appreciate it nevertheless. But for my present… That is really to say, or even know what I want if I'm being honest.]
Just as Spider-Man is thinking of what he would want, his other self is in a conversation of his own as his subconsciousness is transferred to his other self.
—
"Hey, hey! Sekinin-kun, is there anything you want for your birthday?"
"Hmm? Ai? Aren't birthday presents meant to be surprises? Plus didn't you ask me this last week?"
"Yeah, but we rarely have time to meet so it would be best if we just hang out with you more, then perhaps what I got you would be good."
Speaking of the date, weeks have passed and it is now August 10th, Sekinin Parker's birthday. And currently Sekinin is speaking with Ai Hayasaka as right now they have a rare time to hang out with each other. And if Sekinin is being honest, Ai is the second person who has asked him regarding presents. Speaking of birthdays there have been previous birthdays as of late.
Rei's birthday was on April 17, and Sekinin recalled he had to literally have to instantly find and search for the right present for her after that unintentional absence he put her through. So he got her some new shrine maiden gear of great quality that made a dent in his allowance but he does not care.
Nijika's birthday was on May 29th and he definitely recalled what he got her for that day, well actually he can just say the Ai Hoshino concert is a birthday present to say the least. But what he actually got her was drumsticks for that new drum kit her mother got her. So at this moment Nijika may be practicing how to play the drums.
Usagi's birthday was on June 30th, and that was just a simple birthday party when he visited the Tsukinos. His present for his Bun-head was a manga series she wanted to read, and he can still recall how grateful Usagi felt about his present to her.
"Well, I really don't have anything specific I want for my birthday. But if I were to have something… I guess just spending the day with everyone I could. Like meeting up with you, even if it is a rare opportunity, it's still great to hang out with you."
Ai's face flustered for a bit before letting out a giggle as she playfully tapped his shoulder.
"Making a girl blush like this Sekinin-kun! I might fall for you!"
Sekinin blushed as he somewhat knew but somehow did so anyway.
"But if I'm being honest, I think I would like to do some sort of programming or tech-related thing as I wanted to try making something but I was not sure if YouTube videos would be enough. I'm practicing but I wonder if that will be enough."
"Hmm… So, you're learning to be a tech nerd?"
Ai asked with a sweet tone which made Sekinin sweatdrop.
"Oh? So is that how you view me? I recall you asking me what was an example of an advanced science homework just so you wouldn't get into detention for slacking off. Seriously, how are you not suspended or at least gotten detention from Shuchi'in Academy?"
"Well, it's because I have a cute boy helping me with my exhausting studies."
Ai teased, which again made Sekinin a little redder in the face. But before he could get to say anything he heard a phone notification buzzing from AI's bag. Ai went to check her bag to take out her phone, she looked at it for a few seconds before sighing and then looked at Sekinin who now looked apologetic.
"Sorry, Sekinin-kin! My family called and I need to get back home now."
"Oh? Is it personal?"
"Yes! Again sorry, I do wish to hang out with you more but I have to go! Oh but before I forget, here, I was meant to give this to you later for a surprise but I sadly have to cut short the surprise."
Ai once again reached out and took out a red-wrapped box with a red ribbon and handed it to Sekinin. He held it and just as he muttered his thanks Sekinin felt a warm sensation touch his left cheek. For an instant, Sekinin felt he suddenly had Déjà vu for a second. He thought he saw Idol Ai, but instead of seeing purple hair and the background being night, it was Gal Ai, in the afternoon.
Ai pecked his cheek and took a step back with a flustered smile on her face. Then with a wink and a wave, she ran off, not before yelling out.
"Happy birthday Sekinin!"
Sekinin could only stare at Ai leaving and never look his eyes away until Ai was no longer visible in his view.
"TODAY'S BATTLE RESULT" "AI WON" "FOR THE COURAGE OF HER SMALL GROWING FEELING"
Suddenly Sekinin felt like he swore he heard something and turned back and forth to different angles trying to see no one. Making him wonder if he imagined someone talking. If so then he swore it was a male voice and despite thinking it was somewhat heardable but couldn't understand what someone said.
Sekinin scratched the back of his head wondering if he should have gotten more rest that morning. Just as he was about to walk away while putting Ai's present to him in his shoulder bag, his phone began ringing.
He checked the caller ID and noticed that it was Idol Ai who was calling him. Sekinin did a quick background check again but this time to ensure no one was absolutely not within hearing range. Despite not putting his phone on speaker. You can never be too sure.
"Hey Ai-tan. Something wrong?"
"[Hmph! Something is wrong here! Was there any point in telling me when it was your birthday?]"
Sekinin instantly froze on the spot. Before he could say anything else, his spider sense reacted for a split second then calmed down. He searched, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"[Silence? Hmph! If you're wondering how I knew, your sweet number one fan told me that you told her about your birthday. I'm actually secretly with her at the moment, hold on let me give my phone to her.]"
This actually surprised Sekinin, to hear Ai willingly visit a fan of hers and his. But then again, it was good that it was Sarina. Had it been anyone else, yeah it really depends on who would have the sanity to handle Ai Hoshino in the same room as them.
Sekinin can hear the sound of Ai's voice passing the phone to another familiar voice as he instantly hears Sarina's voice.
"[Spidey! Happy birthday! I drew you a comic about you. I also made you a birthday card. I can give them to you if you're visiting me today. Oh, and you won't believe it, Spidey! Well actually you must have already known, but Ai Hoshino is actually here with me. You wouldn't believe how much I had to hold back from screaming the moment I saw her!]"
Sekinin can hear Ai giggling as if she saw the exact expression that she saw when she first walked through that hospital room in her disguise. Heck, he could already imagine Gorou's expression when he possibly already met Ai Hoshino when he checked in on Sarina and saw a guest of someone who is visiting Sarina.
"Thank you, Sarina. It really means a lot to me."
"[Hey! I wish to say happy birthday to you too! And…! Uh… Mmm… Are you perhaps okay with another kiss on a cheek Spider-Man?]"
As if that was another callback to what recently happened and how Ai wanted to kiss his cheek again. Sekinin coughs while blushing for a moment before speaking.
"Hey Sarina, I'll definitely come by once I make sure Shocker is properly in police custody for real this time."
Sekinin heard Ai and Sarina gasp.
"[Shocker was caught! Hold on… Oh, are there some video clips of the aftermath of what happened to a bank in Koto city? Were you there? Was Shocker easy to deal with like how you saved Hoshino-sama!]"
"[Sarina-chan, I am pretty sure Spidey-kun was able to beat him again after that first encounter. And learned a lot back then at the same time.]"
Sekinin just sighs in amusement as he had indeed learned a lot since that first brawl encounter with Shocker. Heck, he even modified his suit to protect himself from Shocker's shockwaves. And that truly protected him in the first part of the rematch as Shocker did catch him off guard at the beginning. But his modified suit really helped a lot to endure the shockwaves.
Speaking of Shocker, Sekinin did a quick thought of his other self, sure enough Yuri is safe and reached the police department. Shocker was properly where he was meant to be. And he would rather not risk that part of the area being left unguarded for now. But once he is very sure his other half doesn't sense anything nearby, Spider-Man will go and visit Sarina. Possibly Ai as well should she have that much time to stay there for who knows how long.
"Hey, I'm going to hang up, got to be somewhere now that I realized the time. But I will drop by once I truly have the free time."
And he was not kidding. He took a second to check what time it was, and he was supposed to be at Rei's place as she asked him to visit her. He could assume with Gal Ai that Rei was meant to either hang out with him too, or give him the present she got for him. Still, he would rather not be late.
"[Oh, okay Spidey! I will make sure your presents are in perfect condition! …Ai, is it okay to add more glitter?]"
The phone call ended as Sekinin sighed again, still having a smile on his face.
"At least I know what two people will get me once I visit the hospital. And now looking back on presents, perhaps I can ask Yuri for some police tech just to see what I can do with them. Still… What on Earth did I sense a moment ago?"
Sekinin gave one last check to see who he sensed but again saw nothing noteworthy. Then again there were barely any people where he was currently at. But far from where his sense was unable to reach, nor could he sense any real malice. Ai Hayasaka was staring at Sekinin the moment she got far enough to observe him.
Sees of him suddenly looking around as if he heard something, and how he showed when speaking to whoever called him. Seeing the blush on his face made her wonder if Rei Hino was calling him. But she couldn't really get as far as she would have hoped as it seems Sekinin may have felt someone was watching him. It seems he possesses a good sixth sense but still, Ai wonders what Rei said to Sekinin to make him blush.
Meanwhile, back with Sekinin, he wonders, he hasn't found anything new, yet he knows. Kamiki was still out there, and he knew, for some odd reason, he was going to emerge from the darkness. He just knows it, he just doesn't know when that is going to be. Sekinin just hoped some miracle would happen. Just at least anything.
But… It was like… Something in his chest… It just felt like… He got the worst feeling of his whole life.