¹ Dragonfire's Awakening - Ultimate Spider-Man ✓

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Smaug's POV

Let's say that MJ, or Mary Jane, can be a pain in the tail.

While she is sweet and a loyal friend, she never stops pursuing her journalism endeavors. It annoys me fully since I've never liked mankind's insatiable desire to know everything. Some things are meant to be hidden.

For example, Spidey's hidden identity. But somehow, MJ managed to land an interview with him.

I'm not complaining; just worried.

So right now, I'm soaring above Manhattan, trying to spot my best friend, the red and blue superhero, and his fiery-haired companion.

Soon, I spot Spiderman talking to MJ. I pause, hovering in the air, but then my heart tugs, and I turn to see a green beast marching through the streets of Manhattan. The Hulk, I think, unsheathing my claws. I had never had direct contact with the green beast, but Spiderman has. They're buddies.

But I don't believe that until I see it.

Without hesitation, I descend and land before a group of police officers. "Dragonfire!" one of them calls out to me, and I turn around. "What's the problem, officers?" I ask. The man points his weapon at the Hulk, and I sigh. "I'll take care of him," I promise, charging toward the Hulk, skillfully dodging flying cars and debris.

"Hey, big one," I growl, and the Hulk stops smashing everything, turning around to face me. His eyes widen, and I feel slightly uncomfortable under his stare. But he soon huffs, "Are you here to stop Hulk?" I blink in surprise.

"I... " I start to say, but the Hulk hurls a car in my direction before I can finish. I yelp and swiftly dodge it. "Well, apparently, I have to," I mutter. I unleash a torrent of flames toward something that I can't quite see, but it seems to draw my flames toward it.

In horror, I watch as a tremendous golden, zigzagging beast roars, absorbing my flames. Nothing should be able to do that! I think, growing increasingly worried. I just hope Spiderman stays away from this.

But apparently, my hope is in vain, for soon I hear the familiar thwip! And Spiderman lands beside me. "Dragonfire, are you alright?" he asks, skillfully dodging a flying rock.

I look at him intensely, my tail suddenly snaking around his waist. He yelps and struggles in my grip. "Stay away from this, Spiderman. You could get hurt. Watch over that reporter," I hiss, releasing him, then charging toward the energy beast again.

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I winced as energy bolts ripped through me, the searing pain coursing through my body. The scream of Spider-Man filled my ears, a testament to the intensity of the battle.

But despite the agony, I stood my ground; my massive wings spread wide, ready to retaliate. In a split second, I swiftly turned around, my powerful tail whipping into the face of the monstrous beast known as Zzzax. The impact was brutal, causing Zzzax to double over in pain, crashing to the ground with a jarring thud.

Exhausted and wounded, I sank to the ground, my wings drooping with fatigue. I wrapped my tail around my frame to alleviate the strain, using it as support. As I tried to catch my breath, Spider-Man gracefully landed before me, his real concern radiating waves of worry.

"No, no, no," he murmured, his voice filled with compassion. He came closer, extending a helping hand to lift me. His gloved fingers delicately traced the lightning-bolt-shaped wounds on my skin. But before his touch could fully register, my body responded instinctively. Scales quickly formed over the injuries, and a soft, radiant glow emanated from my body as I healed myself.

"Whoa," Spider-Man breathed, his eyes widening in awe. Behind him, the Hulk grunted, and Zzzax vanished along with our green friend. "Spider-Man," I said slowly, my wings beginning to bunch up, my tail uncoiling as I gradually regained my composure.

Spider-Man's smile could be seen beneath his mask as he gently cupped his hands around my arms, assisting me in standing up. "Shh, you're okay. I'm going to take you to the Helicarrier, and Fury will check you over," he rambled on, his voice filled with concern.

I snorted softly and wrapped one of my wings around him, drawing him close. Soon, my arms encircled him, holding him tightly. He was momentarily stunned, but then he reciprocated, wrapping his strong arms around me too. "No need, Spider-Man. Remember what I am; remember who I am," I whispered, planting a gentle peck on his neck. I stepped away, gracefully folding back my wings, causing my scales to fade as I transformed into my human form. Soon, my wings, tail, and horns had vanished as well.

Now, I stood before him as a human girl with long red hair and slitted eyes, the remnants of my extraordinary self hidden for the moment.

"Remember," I whispered once more, holding onto that word as I ascended the stairs, leaving behind the dark, abandoned subway. Step by step, I emerged into the radiant light, the outside world unfolding before me. The sun's warmth enveloped my skin, casting away the shadows that clung to me moments ago.

With each stride, I embraced my human identity, leaving the great behind for now. It was time to rejoin the ordinary world, to blend in and live among those who would never know the secret I carried within.

As I ventured forth, the memories of the battle and my true form lingered, a reminder of the power and uniqueness that resided within me. But for now, I would walk in the light as a human, my red hair flowing behind me, my slitted eyes hidden away from prying gazes. The world awaited, and with newfound strength, I embarked on the next chapter of my journey, carrying the echoes of the extraordinary with me.