Chapter 3

A/N Sorry that this is taking forever to get updated! I don't have much time for fanfiction at this point in life as my family is beginning to restrict my use of computer and overall fiction in general. I'm trying but it's hard to keep Writer's Block away. I have, however been thinking of merging this with the companion story Spidey's New Ally, since I think the end concept will be the same. Reveiws of course will determine this. I also need two villians working together on that one since it has to be a bit of a mystery and my knowledge of Marvel is rather low.

Here is the next installment! Enjoy!:)

The next day, Fury called for training and as normal, Spidey didn't show. Or at least Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D thought it was normal. The team knew different though and Nova knew his time for leading had come. And he had no idea what he was doing. He had woken from a few bad dreams that weren't quite nightmares, but almost, the night before. He had to force himself to pay attention as Fury was telling the team what they'd be doing for a team bonding exercise.

"Alright, since Spiderman is late, again, I am going to adjust the whole plan. The plan was that he was going to work with each of you, talking about the things he did and decisions he made, teach you what it means to be a leader. But since he's not here, I'm sorry to say that you're going to have to figure it out on your own. I want you to give a speech on what you think defines a true leader. This is something due in a few weeks, so feel free to take all the time you need."

The team exchanged glances. Nobody dared to tell Fury that Spiderman wouldn't be back for training for a long while. Nor did they see much point(yet) in mentioning that Spiderman left the team under Nova's care. Speaking of which, everyone turned to stare at him as Fury left. "What?" "Well, don't you think we should investigate Spidey's case? I mean what if he needs us. He's known to try and keep us out of the fray when really he needs to worry about himself." Powerman answered. Nova stared at the floor. His stomach started twisting loops again. He wondered if Pete was still in the city. He decided to check in at his house.

After school, Sam walked to Pete's place and knocked. Aunt May answered with a delighted smile. "Hey Sport! Wanna go rollerblading with me and the gals today?" She asked nicely. Sam loved Aunt May like he loved his own mom. She was a sort of stand in for him since his mom had died a few years ago. He remembered when he and the team had stayed at Pete's place while waiting for the Tricarrier to finish being built. "Thanks Mrs. Parker. Not today though. I got to speak with Peter. Is he home right now?" "Why as a matter of fact he just got in. He was talking to Mr. Jameson though and for some reason, even though those two are friendly to each others faces, Peter seems to really dislike the man. Although of course, Mr. Jameson really wants Peter to take a job at the Daily Bugle. He's up in his room. I'll go and get some cookies for you boys." Sam dashed up the stairs as fast as he could.

When Sam reached Peter's room, Peter was cleaning out various cuts on his arms and legs. "What happened to you?" Sam asked. "Fight with the Goblin." Peter answered. Characteristically, Peter said it like it wasn't a problem, but he had a very personal issue with Goblin. He was his best friend's father, and his being the Goblin was starting to really have a negative effect on Harry.

"Surprised you haven't left town yet." Sam said, changing the subject, sort of. Peter sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He was tired and stressed, plain as could be. Sam wondered how Aunt May didn't figure the whole Spidey business out yet. "Yeah, well I'm leaving tonight. I think I have the leads I need to get started. Anything you wanna ask or say, you'd better do it now." Sam noticed that Peter's voice sounded scared and sad, although that was all well hidden.

Sam suddenly realized that Peter was again referring to his possible demise on this mission, which he never did. Something was really bugging him. "Hey, uh, Pete?" Sam waited until Peter looked at him. "I know we usually don't do this whole heart to heart thing two days in a row, but you really seem like something's bugging you. What is it?"

Peter stayed quiet so long after the question that Sam almost gave up on getting to hear the answer."I don't know. I can't really tell you anything. I guess I didn't hide it as much as I should have. I might not survive this mission. It's something big and I don't know what all is involved, but I do know that it's one I can't get anyone else into. Not yet." "Why didn't you hide it as well as you usually do?" "'Cause Sam, I think you have this strange thing where I feel like I can talk to you without fear what you'll think. Of course, I know you're going to pick and tease, but it helps lighten my load, without increasing anyone else's. Make sense?" "Yeah." Aunt May came in with the cookies right then and made a fuss over Peter's cuts, which she hadn't seen before. It took them a full five minutes to convince her that he was fine and that she could go.

After that drama, Peter shifted his attention back to Sam. "So what did you come to talk about?" Sam explained the situation with Fury's assignment and how the team suddenly considered it his responsibility to help them with their speeches. "So what's the problem?" He asked like it wasn't obvious. "Pete, I don't know how to lead. How am I supposed to teach them?" "Relax. Once you go on a few missions, do a few trainings, you'll figure it out. Ask the team what they need. Have deep conversations about morals and stuff. Eventually you'll figure out what you're doing."
"Ok." Sam had to leave since he was due back on the Tricarrier at five.

"Pete, just so we're all clear and everything, I know I can be mean and odd. But you've been the best leader that I know. You're my friend and I love you man. Come home safe ok?" He felt the unexpected urge to cry and as he threw his arms around Peter, knowing he might not see him again, he really almost lost it. Peter apparently felt the same way. "You hold on to my team. Hold 'em together you hear me loud and clear?" Sam swallowed hard as he replied, "Loud and clear."

They hugged one more time and Sam felt one tear slip through his fierce control. He didn't care. Peter was his best friend and as soon as he was in his quarters on board the Tricarrier tonight, he was going to bawl his eyes out. He was going to remember everything about Peter and what had made him a great leader and then work towards those values himself. Maybe along the way, he'd find the Definition of A Leader.