The Spectacular Spidey/Muppets Celebration

[theprawncracker]

Wow! Thanks for posting this in here again muppetwriter! Glad to see it again! And I'm getting super pumped for your next story!

 

[muppetwriter]

You're welcome, Ryan. It was (and still is) one of the best fanfics I read last year on the forums. And I'm glad that you're looking forward to the next Spidey/Muppets story, because much of your tale will be based off the events in mine.

I believe the capture of Robin and Flanzgo will be a good place to set up an intermission and share some more "Spectacular" treats with everybody. But there'll be more of Ryan's tale to come afterwards.

 

[The Count]

Hey MW... You do know you posted Chapter 9 of Old Friends, and then skiped Chapter 10 altogether to post Chapter 11 instead fright? Maybe you can still fix it though. Looking forward to the interview conducted by Ms. O'Neil.

 

[muppetwriter]

Actually, Count, both Chapters 9 and 10 of the story are under the same post. I had them together because they were both short, and I figured that I would save myself the trouble posting them separately.

 

[muppetwriter]

April: Wow. That story of theprawncracker's is really good. But as we await for the next chapters of his tale, let's go back to the main focus on this celebration, "The Spectacular" (the third Spidey/Muppets crossover). Now, in this next story, there are characters who are from franchises outside both the Muppets and Marvel that strengthen the crossover series even further with their own levels of action, zaniness, and marvelous storylines. This tradition of adding secondary franchises into the mix started with the first X-Men/Muppets crossover, when characters from the show "W.I.T.C.H." made their first appearance.

Meanwhile, in a fashionable Chinese restaurant in Downtown Manhattan that was closed down for the evening, five teenage girls and a young man named Caleb were watching aerial footage of Liberty Island on television. The secret behind the five girls was a fascinating one: they were chosen to be the Guardians of the Veil (mystical portals that led to parallel worlds) and given magical powers over the five elements (fire, air, water, earth, and energy). 14-year-old Will Vandom was the leader over her friends (Irma Lair, Cornelia Hale, Hay Lin, and Taranee Cook) and the keeper of a small crystal called the Heart of Candracar. The Heart was absorbed into Will’s body and emerged when it was needed; it transformed the girls into Guardians (they age to 16 and wear special costumes) and strengthens their elemental powers. Their ally, Caleb, was a rebel soldier from the world that they protected (Meridian).

“That is one impressive statue.” He said, keeping his eyes on the television set, which was a scarce object in Meridian. “Most of ours only stand at eight feet tall.”

“Never mind about Lady Liberty,” Will said, as she clutched the Heart of Candracar, “Something bad is happening on that island.”

“What? Are the pyrotechnics not functioning?” Irma joked, and Will shot a dirty look at her.

“I’m serious.” Will said. “I think someone’s putting the world in serious danger.”

“Is it Phobos?” Caleb asked, as the thoughts of the sly, arrogant, and ruthless prince of Meridian on Earth making him feel very nervous.

“No, it’s not Phobos.” Will told Caleb, who signed with relief. “It’s someone…more powerful…more…vengeful.”

“Then what are we doing just sitting around here for?” Hay Lin said, energetically. “Let’s get over there and kick this guy’s butt!”

“Wait, wait, wait.” Cornelia said, holding her hands up in protest. “Why should we waste our time stopping some weirdo on the Statue of Liberty? We only stop weirdoes from another universe.”

“Cornelia, we got these powers to protect both this world and the next.” Will said. “If we protect Meridian more than Earth, then we’ll just be leaving Earth to waste away more and more by the day.”

“Okay. Okay.” Cornelia said, as Hay Lin noticed one small thing about their wording in their conversation.

“Hey, that all rhymes!” She exclaimed, and the other girls just gave her an odd look, while Caleb was getting his caramel-colored overcoat on.

“You girls know what to do.” He said.

“Sure do.” Will said, just as she pulled out the Heart of Candracar from beneath her shirt and uttered the phrase, “Guardians, unite!” With those words, the five ordinary girls transformed into their Guardian forms in a quick second before Caleb’s very impressed eyes.

“Never get tired of that.” He commented.

“Let’s hope not.” Cornelia said, posing as if she was in a fashion show. “Because if you do, then we’ll start getting tired of lookin’ so darn good.” Will just shook her head at Cornelia.

“Come on, Heidi Klum.” Will told her. “Get your butt in gear, so we can start taking care of the trash that’s polluting Liberty Island.” The Guardians, with Caleb in tow, went up to the rooftop of the restaurant and used the beautiful, three-foot wide wings on their backs to fly over to Liberty Island; Caleb, who didn’t have any wings to fly with, was carried by Irma and Taranee.

April: And ever since then, the series has become more MARVELOUS than before, as more and more franchises come in. In "The Amazing...Sequel!" (the second Spidey/Muppets crossover), we were introduced to more characters of another franchise: Kim Possible!

“Who do we have here?” Kim stepped forward and shook Otto’s hand. She was smart, but not as smart as her helpful 10-year-old genius friend, Wade, who provided her with much information about Otto Octavius and his experiment before her arrival. In order for her to understand Drakken’s obsession with the invention, she must know all about Octavius’s background; and what she learned impressed her.

“Kim Possible, Dr. Octavius.” She introduced herself. “My friend, Ron Stoppable, and I came here to…”

“I know. I know what you’re doing here.” Octavius interjected, seeming a little annoyed. “But I really don’t have the time to talk to students right now.”

“Oh, we’re not doing a paper on you or anything like that, Doctor.” Kim said. “We’re here for a little investigating.”

“Yeah, we think this really mean, crazy, blue-skinned scientist is gonna rip you off sooner or later.” Ron said, and Kim shot him a dirty look.

“Thank you for laying it down so well, Ron.” She had a sarcastic tone in her voice that Ron was oblivious to notice.

“Just call me ‘Mr. Interpreter’, K.P.” Kim just shook her head.

April: Sitting with me here now are Kim, Ron, and Rufus from that particular crossover, each of them starring in the next story and continuing their partnership with Spider-Man. How are you kids doing this evening?

Kim: We're really thrilled about starring in this story. Just like we were in the previous story. Right, Ron?

Ron:*talking into a phone* Yeah, that's six Nacos with extra cheese, extra tomato, and extra lettuce. *turns to Rufus* Think we should get some hot sauce with that, buddy?

Rufus: Yes! Yes! *chuckles*

Kim: RON!!!!

Ron: Huh? *realizes the interview's started* Oh, sorry, K.P. *hangs up phone*

Kim: Anyways, we had a blast with the Muppets on the set of "The Amazing...Sequel!"

April: You kids were in another one of the stories with them, right?

Ron: Yes! And it was the best one we had done with them! I mean it was like riding a big roller coaster with all the loops and things that it was so great!

Kim: Ron....

Ron: It was like playing the last level of Kingdom Hearts and actually passing that level...that it was so thrilling!

Kim:*getting impatient* Ron....

Ron: It was like taking the first bite out of a Naco....the first bite...

Rufus: Yummy!

Ron: And savoring the flavor of the cheese with the beef and the onions....

Kim:*frustrated* RON!!!!!

Ron: Yeah, K.P.?

Kim: Do you even remember what that story was?

(Ron thinks for a moment)

Ron: No idea, K.P.

(Kim and April sigh in disbelief)

April: How 'bout we roll the clip?

Amongst the anxious crowd were a couple of characters that were visiting San Francisco, just for this occasion; their names were Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable, two teenagers that usually fought crimes on nights like that one. The two didn’t even bother wearing their usual gear (black shirt, black boots, and gray/khaki cargo pants) to the occasion; instead, Kim wore a white t-shirt with a heart stitched on it and violet-colored jeans, and Ron with his usual red/white/black shirt and his beige cargo pants, which he usually kept his pet naked mole rat, Rufus, in one of the pockets. Their reasons for attending the event were very much differentiated: Kim loved the Muppets and Ron loved the stories he read about the Hulk.

“THIS IS GONNA BE SO AWESOME!!!” Ron yelled, startling some of the people around him with his hyper attitude. “Can you imagine what it would be like if Banner just ‘Hulked-Out’ right in the middle of the interview?”

“Yeah…I can imagine several people running out of the building and freaking out, while a ten-foot green man crashes through walls and roaring like a wild lion.” Kim said. “Ron, this is not some theme park attraction. Notice how there isn’t any police officers or military soldiers around to guard the scene, just in case Banner does ‘Hulk-Out’?”

“What are you talking about, K.P.?” Ron asked, just before he pointed towards Bobo the Bear, the jovial but bumbling security guard at the KMUP TV studio. “Ya see? There’s one police officer right there.” Kim glanced over at Bobo, who was eating a honey and peanut butter sandwich at the moment.

“Ron, that’s not a police officer.” She said. “That’s a security guard.”

“There’s a difference?” Ron asked, and Kim rolled her eyes with disgust.

“Let’s just hope that nothing goes wrong tonight.” Kim uttered, as she and Ron went into the building and took their seats in the stands with the rest of the audience.

April: I hear that was a pretty intense story for you kids.

Kim: I believe it was a pretty intense story for kids.

Ron: But you gotta admit that it was pretty sweet, Kim. Especially at the end when you're fighting the Hulk and Scooter as that version of "The Abomination" in your battle suit. I don't think anyone's seen or even read that side of you before.

Kim: I nearly got killed in that story, Ron!

Ron: No big.

Kim: So big! And stop stealing my catchphrases!

April:*nervously* Uh...that reminds me. The second Spidey/Muppets crossover was set before the events of the new season of your show, which is currently airing on The Disney Channel now. I don't believe if the story had ever mentioned your relationship as heavily as it is now in the current season. Was there any chemistry happening either during the story or behind the scenes?

Kim: Well, Ron and I know how much we love each other, and so do fans of our show. There wasn't really any need to go into any detail about it in the story. Especially since the primary focus of its plot was the connection between us, Mickey Mouse, and Spider-Man and the formation of "The Web of Heroes".

April: Kim, you were part of the most intense fight sequences in that story. More intense than the ones in the Hulk/Muppets crossover.

Kim: Yes, I did get my butt kicked quite a bit in that tale.

Kim flew upwards at Octavius, who noted her sudden appearance and made a move quick enough to surprise even Kim herself. He grabbed her body with one mechanical arm and began smashing her body against a brick wall, tearing it apart in the process. Chunks of stone began to fall towards the crowd, leaving Kermit, Fozzie, Donald, Goofy, and Ron to move several people to safety in the process. Kim was shaken badly from the blows, but she tried her very best to fight back against the six-armed madman.

Ron: Wow. You sure did, K.P. I think you got more cuts and bruises in this story than that cheerleader on Heroes! *realizes* I think I see a connection here. I had this vision once that if I saved one of the Mad Dog cheerleaders, I would save the world.

Kim: Ron, that wasn't a vision. It was a dream. And you had it after watching that one episode of the show.

Ron: Peter's wasn't! I'm telling ya, Kim! He's gonna explode sometime soon! And he's gonna take all of New York City with him!

Kim:*shakes her head* Ron...stick to ABC.

April: Let's get back on topic here, shall we? Now, Ron, you suffer from a serious blow in this story, too. It put you out of comission throughout the rest of it in fact.

Ron: Yes, Miss O'Neil. It did. But tha "Ron-Man" didn't go out like no punk! He took one for the team. And though the bullet only graze me a little, it was all worth it.

April:*surprised* You got shot? I don't remember that being in the story!

Kim: He only sprained his ankle!!!

Ron: But it did get me taken out of all the good parts of the story.

April:*rolls her eyes* How 'bout we take a break for a while? *turns to audience* We'll have more with the stars of Kim Possible, as we talk more about their roles in the second story and their purpose in the third one with the Muppets, Spider-Man, and other characters from additional franchises. Stay tuned.

(Sound of a car approaching.)

Ron: Alright! The Nacos are here!!!

Rufus: Hehe! Nacos!

 

[muppetwriter]

Dr. Teeth: What's happenin', peeps! We're back again to perform another great track from the Spider-Man soundtrack!

Floyd: And this next one pretty much sums up the entire stylin' story of the one and only web-slinger himself. Check out a song inspired by the sounds of Mr. Chad Kroeger and Josey Scott. All you rad MC's know it, and you can sing along to it if ya feel groovy enough to.

Animal: ONE...TWO...THREE!!!!

(Animal starts off by banging his sticks rapidly on the drums, and then Floyd and Janice come in with guitars.)

Floyd: I am so high, I can hear heaven!
I am so high, I can hear heaven!
Whoa, but heaven...no, heaven don't hear me!

(The entire Electric Mayhem opens up with all instruments.)

EM: And they say that a hero can save us,
I'm not gonna stand here and wait!
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles,
Watch as we all fly away!

(Back on Floyd and Janice w/ guitars and Animal on drums.)

Janice: Someone told me
Love would all save us.
But how can that be?
Look what love gave us.

Floyd: A world full of killing,
And blood spilling,
That world never came!

EM: And they say that a hero can save us,
I'm not gonna stand here and wait!
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles,
Watch as we all fly away!

Dr. Teeth: YEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

(EM spends a little time playing each of their instruments, and then Floyd & Janice go into a brief duet.)

Janice/Floyd: Now that the world isn't ending,
It's love that I'm sending to you.
It isn't the love of a hero,
And that's why I fear it won't do!

EM: And they say that a hero can save us,
I'm not gonna stand here and wait!
I'll hold onto the wings of the eagles,
Watch as we all fly away!

Floyd: And they're watching us!
Janice: They're watching us.
Floyd: They're watching us!
Janice: Watching us.
Floyd: As we all fly away!

Dr. Teeth: YEAH!!

Janice: And they're watching us!
Floyd: They're watching us.
Janice: They're watching us!
Floyd: Watching us.
Janice: As we all fly away!!!

Dr. Teeth: YEEEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!

Floyd: And they're watching us!
Janice: They're watching us.
Floyd: They're watching us!
Janice: Watching us.
Floyd/Janice: As we all fly away. Yeah. Yeah.

EM: Whoooooaaaaaa!!!!


Check out the actual music video here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe-X2YhrrfU

 

[muppetwriter]

April: OK. We're....

Ron: BURRRRRRRPPPPP!!!!!

Kim: Ron! That is so gross!

Ron: Sorry, K.P. *rubs his bloated belly* But that last Naco was slammin'!

Rufus:*also rubs his bloated belly* Ahhhh.

April:*rolls eyes* Anyway, we're talking with the stars of Kim Possible now, getting into the topic of Kim and Ron's main adversaries, Shego and Dr. Drakken, who--if you can remember--teamed up with the dangerous Doctor Otto Octavius (a.k.a. "Doc Ock") in the second crossover tale.

“We…uh…want to…help you.” Drakken stammered, but Octavius still wasn’t buying into his tricks.

“What can you possibly do to help me?” He asked, and Drakken tried to think of something to tell him but couldn’t. When Shego realized that, she stepped in and improvised.

“Those arms appear to be talking through your mind and telling you to do things that we can assist you in, such as rebuilding your machine.” Shego said, and Drakken, following her improvisation, stepped in and addressed Octavius.

“Yes! Let us help you, Dr. Octavius.” Drakken said. “We can provide the technology needed to recreate the fusion process and take over the…uh…I mean, get your good reputation back.” Octavius thought over their proposal and started to grin, signifying his admiration and already dreaming about regaining the life he once had.

“Yes! We can rebuild!” Octavius exclaimed, his arms carrying him high into the air, as they stomped across the wooden floor and around Drakken and Shego. “Enlarge the containment field! Make it bigger and stronger than ever!” The mechanical arms rested him back down on the floor, as he faced his new helpers: Dr. Drakken and Shego. “You say that you have the technology to help me rebuild. Can you bring it here?” Drakken wished he could have said “Yes.” However, due to several attempts at defeating Kim Possible, he was running short on the money needed to purchase useful parts.

“Uh…what’s in your wallet?” Drakken asked, and Shego & Octavius rolled their eyes, seeing how empty Drakken’s pockets were.

“We need the money.” Octavius said, just as another of his mechanical arms had “spoken” to him. “Steal it? No, no, no! I’m not a criminal!”

“But we are.” Drakken said, with a wicked smile. “Shego here has even taught others how to become experts in the art of criminality.”

“Though with those sweet mechanical arms of yours, you wouldn’t need my teaching, Doctor O.” Shego indicated, and Octavius turned to his mechanical arms again, listening to what they were telling him.

“That’s right.” Octavius said. “The real crime would be not to finish what we started.” Two of the mechanical arms planted themselves on the hard wooden floor, bringing Octavius back up in the air, while the other two mechanical arms slithered high above his head. “We’ll do it here! The power of the sun in the palm of my hand! Nothing will stand in our way!”

“Yes! Nothing!” Drakken shouted. “Not even Kim Possible…or Spider-Man.”

April: "The Amazing...Sequel" marks the first time in the series that villains from one franchise have teamed with one from another. Did it first intimidate you two when you found out about Drakken and Shego's partnership with Doc Ock?

Kim: Not in the sense that we were frighten out of our wits.

Ron: Speak for yourself, K.P. I was more scared about that than I was when I first went to Camp Wannaweep! The worst summer ever!

Kim: Ron, save that one for another time, will ya? *turns to April* Anyway, we welcomed the challenge of facing off against three of the most sadistic villains ever. It was actually kind of fun, especially in that one fight sequence on top of the train.

Ron: Man! That's one part of the story I wish I was a part of! I would've been so cool kicking butt on top of a moving train.

Kim:*chuckles* Ron, no offense, but you would've fell off the moment we all landed on it.

April: At least you get a chance to make up for your absence in the fight scenes of the second crossover with those of the third story, Ron.

Kim: That's true.

Ron:*unimpressed* Oh, yeah. Some fun. I get to help my girlfriend and some chipmunks fight against some guy who's made out of sand.

Kim: Well, Ron might not be excited about going up against "The Sandman", but I am, because not only do we go up against Shego again as well, we get to face villains from a Muppet movie. All while teaming up with the Rescue Rangers.

April: I did find that very intriguing when I read the "MARVELOUS Mini" story that opened up this celebration. You two actually helped the Muppets take down Nicky Holiday and his three female associates at the Mallory Gallery, when you were just preteens.

Kim: I'd like to give a big thanks to the guys at ILM for making Ron and me look so young. It's amazing what technology can do nowadays.

Ron: Really? Because I didn't look so young in that one. I looked the same as I do now.

Kim: I guess maturity can only go so far, Ron. Sorry.

April: With Shego now involving herself with such a powerful and classic Spidey villain like Sandman and four classic Muppet villains like Nicky and his girls, does it seem like you kids have your work cut out for you in this next story?

Kim: Shego can team up with Shredder, and she still wouldn't beat us.

Ron: Yeah, I mean look at who she's teaming with. Nicky Holiday? I didn't even know that guy was still living!

Kim: Ron's right. If Shego's gonna want to put an end to us, she'll have to do a lot better than a guy made out of sand and three typical jewel thieves.

April: I dunno, kids. After looking at all of these rumors, they might not seem so typical in the end.

Kim: So not the drama. We can dish out whatever they throw at us. Right, Ron?

Ron:*seeming a bit nervous* Uhhh....what do those rumors say about them?

April: Can't tell ya, Ron. They're serious spoilers. But what I can tell you is that there's quite a storyline in this next story with you two and Spider-Man, as he undergoes a serious transformation. It's so marvelous that it'll take two other additional franchises to help tell it.

Kim: Yes, we know exactly what you're referring to, Miss O'Neil.

Ron: The black symbiote suit! Aww, man! I cannot wait 'til everyone gets a load of that plot!

April: Can you tell us a little about it?

Kim: Well, not so much that we spoil our readers, but enough to give you an idea. But Peter Parker gets a new costume that isn't a costume at all.

Ron: It's an alien from another planet!!! Is that cool or what?!?!

Kim: Ron, calm yourself. It's no big.

Ron: Oh, really, Kim? Tell that to the cast of Lilo & Stitch, who help us find out what it is that's making Peter Parker act so aggressive and do what they can to help us get it off of him.

Kim: Yeah, I've gotta admit that is pretty tight, especially seeing as how this will be the second time we've teamed up with those characters.

April: But I hear that the other additional franchise involved in the storyline will be the first for fans of both shows.

Kim: Ah, yes. Ben 10.

Ron: Never in my life have I appreciated such a terrific show off of Cartoon Network.

Kim: Ron, you watch Ed, Edd, and Eddy almost every single day on that channel.

Ron: Hey, the Edds are cool dudes, K.P. Though I can't put my finger on who they remind me so much of.

Kim: Anyway, back on topic, I really believe fans of our show and Ben 10 will love how we work together to stop the threat of the symbiote in this tale.

April: Who would you say your favorite characters are from that show?

Ron: Aw, man. Do you even have to ask for me? Definitely Ben! Hands down!

Kim: I dunno, Ron. I have to go with Gwen. The girl has those magic spells and that black belt. She sorta reminds me of someone.

Ron: Gwen might have the magic, but does she have....*pulls out Ben 10 action figures*....Heatblast and Four Arms, baby?! YEAH!!!!

Kim: Ron...you didn't steal those from The Tweebs, did you?

Ron:*sheepish* Uhh...maybe.

Kim: Oh my goodness.

April: Well, okay. The last question I have for you kids deals with the "Extended & Alternated Version" of the second story. What can readers expect to find in that version of "The Amazing...Sequel!"?

Kim: Well, they can expect a lot more action-fueled scenes; more characters from Muppet movies, specials, and shows--one of which is a hidden "Spidey/Muppets 3" villain; and more storylines that'll help them get ready for the events in the third story. Fans of the Playhouse Disney series, Bear in the Big Blue House, will be pleased to know that the show's characters will have scenes with us and even play a crucial role in the new story arch.

April: And judging from the angry look on Ron's face, I take it that he has no connection with either of those additional features.

Kim:*moves her arms around Ron's* My boyfriend knows he'll play a special part with me in the third story.

Ron:*smiles at Kim*

Rufus: Awwwww. *chuckles*

April: Well, there you have it, fans. Two friends...two lovers...two heroes will put their skills on the line to help other noble heroes save the day from a man made of sand, jewel thieves, and an alien lifeform from outer space. But will they succeed in their task? Find out this May, as "The Spectacular" (the third Spidey/Muppets crossover) spins its way to Muppet Central. But, for now, stay tuned for more of this spectacular celebration.

 

[The Count]

That was rully great, loved the interview. Not sure if this puts a dent in your plans... But you do know that both villains Flint Marco (The Sandman) and Maury Bench (Hydro-Man) merged into one single being... With Sandman taking the lead persona in this new merged character... And turned good guy becoming a new hero? Just thought you should maybe know about it.

 

[muppetwriter]

Thanks, Count. I have heard about how Sandman and Hydro-Man had merged into one single being in the comics. Haven't read the comic itself yet, but I am familiar with the storyline.

It doesn't really put a dent in my plans, but I have been thinking about how Sandman could do the same with my female version of Hydro-Man in this upcoming story.

 

[muppetwriter]

Gonzo: Hello.

Rizzo: Wat up!

Gonzo: What you're about to see now is the very last "deleted scene" from the first Spidey/Muppets story, "The Amazing!"

Rizzo: Awww. Dere's no more aftah dis?

Gonzo: Nope. This is the very last one.

Rizzo: Aww, man. Well, what a way ta end it with a deleted scene dat features one of da most vicious Muppet villains we've ever had.

Gonzo: That's right, folks. In this deleted scene that practically leads in to one of the most shocking story archs in the "MARVELOUS" universe, Rachel Bitterman shows a bit of interest and concern for the former CEO of OsCorp, Norman Osborn.

Rizzo: Wait! Hold it! Hold it! Da witch is actually showin' compassion....towards a goblin?

Gonzo: You make it sound awkward.

Rizzo: Well, it is, when ya look at dat two people who're involved here.

Gonzo: Let's just let the readers check it out and decide for themselves, shall we?

Rizzo: Alright. Let's.

Gonzo: Enjoy, everybody.

-----------​

"The Amazing!" (Deleted Scene)
"The Bitterman Encounter"​

“Well, well.” A voice from behind Kermit and me had uttered, and I turned my gaze away from the heartbroken Peter long enough to notice an attractive auburn-haired woman wearing a long black, expensive trenchcoat, black tailored pants, and black high heels. After seeing this woman, I couldn’t help but notice how Kermit’s face had scrunched a little, like it always did when he saw something distasteful, and I couldn’t understand why. “Kermit. What’re the odds of meeting you here at this festival, only a month away from Christmas?”

“Yeah…small world, isn’t it?” Kermit said, and as he looked away from the woman, she turned to me and stuck her right hand out in a friendly gesture.

“Rachel Bitterman, owner of Bitterman Bank and Development.” She told me. “And you are?”

“Sean Thomas, Daily Bugle reporter.” I told her. “I’m here with Kermit now for an assignment we were given by our boss, J. Jonah Jameson.” Rachel’s eyes widened in surprise when I told her that, and they darted in the direction of Kermit, who still had his back facing her.

“I didn’t know you were back in the field of journalism, Kermit.” She said, in what seemed at the time a slightly sarcastic way. “He always was so cute in that little trenchcoat of his, interviewing all of those nursery rhyme characters. Of course, it’s always the same coat that he wears when he’s reporting.”

“Was there something you wanted, Ms. Bitterman?” Kermit asked in frustration. “Because if there isn’t, I’d appreciate it if you would not harass me in front of my friend and colleague!” The look on Rachel’s face seemed to be that of shock and confusion.

“Kermit, I’m not here to harass you.” Rachel said. “Why…I’m just here to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and say that I’m sorry I was so harsh during the time I was trying to foreclose your theater.”

“Yeah, right.” Kermit murmured, while I stared at Rachel in surprise, remembering all of the things that I’ve been told about her from some of the other Muppets, as well as my own sister. And I must say that what I heard about Ms. Bitterman was anything but good.

“So you’re the infamous Rachel Bitterman that people have told me about.” I said, as she smiled at me, even though I knew it wasn’t a very sincere smile. “What’re you doing here at this festival?”

“Well, Mr. Thomas, as a businesswoman, I feel it’s my duty to keep up to date with all of the deals that are being made between other companies, because you never know when one of those businesses might want to sign a contract with my business.” Rachel stated. “Actually, one of the businesses that’s being merged today was one that Bitterman Bank had been funding before the company decided to fire its CEO, Norman Osborn.”

“Norman Osborn signed a contract with you?” I asked in surprise, and Rachel nodded with a grin. “So…you two were sort of like business partners?”

“In a way we were.” Rachel said. “We helped fund the technology necessary for them to create a new super solider for the U.S. military, and they paid us back with whatever shares they received from the government, which would’ve left everyone happy.” The look on Rachel’s face had instantly gone from a pleasant, friendly one to an ugly, sinister one in a matter of seconds, as she reached this part of her explanation. “But then those militia morons had to go and get all suspicious towards Norman and give the contract to another company, leaving both OsCorp and Bitterman Bank empty-handed. Norman didn’t deserve that…I didn’t deserve it. But, like myself, Norman won’t take it sitting down. I wonder what’ll happen to AeroQuest and OsCorp now.”

Kermit and I exchanged awkward glances after seeing the look on Rachel’s face and hearing the tension in her voice as she talked about what happened. I had only met the woman for a few minutes, and I’m already starting to get a little uncomfortable just standing a couple of feet away from her. I slowly started to back away from Rachel Bitterman, along with Kermit.

“Well, it was very nice chatting with you, Ms. Bitterman.” I lied, trying to avoid discussion over a topic that might lead to an ugly confrontation. “I’ll be sure to tell my sister that you were never here, so she won’t try to hunt you down and kick your butt.” She then directed her sinister glare towards me and shouted as Kermit and I were about ten feet away from her.

“I didn’t deserve that either!!” She yelled. “You tell your sister that house was going to be torn down long before she even purchased it! Ya hear me?!” After Kermit and I were able to disappear into the crowd and avoid the furious Rachel, we noticed how some kind of unknown flying figure appeared in the distance.

“What the heck is that?” Kermit asked.

--------------​

Rizzo: Man! What is dat lady's problem, anyway? Is she always that upset?

Gonzo: It seems so.

Rizzo: It makes no sense at all. What's da big interest in Norman Osborn with dis contract between da two companies and all dis talk about how he doesn't deserve what happened and she doesn't either? And of all da places ta be at da time Gobby attacks, why was she dere at da festival?

Gonzo: Those are all good questions, Riz. But the only way you or everyone else will find out the answers to them is by staying tuned to this celebration for a one-on-one interview between Rachel Bitterman and Kermit the Frog, which will come after the conclusion to Ryan's story, "Old Friends Who've Just Met".

Rizzo: Great story. Have ya read it?

Gonzo: Read it? I was in the commentary, remember?

Rizzo: Oh.

Gonzo:*back on topic* Also...for futher information on Rachel Bitterman's role in this series, check out the "Extended/Alternated Cut" to the second Spidey/Muppets crossover, "The Amazing...Sequel!", which will also come after the conclusion to "Old Friends".

Rizzo: Yeah. Ya don't wanna miss dis, people. Haha!!

Gonzo: Stay tuned.