The court was adjourned not long after Matt had rested the defense. Peter was still puzzled beyond belief. He could only hope that Matt had a damned good reason for what he'd done. It had to be that. Matt was a superhero too. He knew what things required to get done. Peter left it out of mind for now and let things play out. There had to be something he was missing. There had to be.
They returned to his cell. Matt "they're against you Pete. Plain and simple." Pete sat down slowly at Matt's words. "I don't think it was corruption or anything malevolent." "Really?" "I can usually pick up on them. You know that. That wasn't the case here."
Pete ran his hand though his hair then blew air through tight lips as he tried to make sense of things. "It's gotta be Mephisto. He's doing this too."
"It's a good bet. But that's beyond all our abilities to prove. And that's all this court will care about. What can be proven."
In other words I'm screwed.
"I have to go Pete. We'll talk about things later." Matt left.
It was all unraveling now. Teresa would forever be Mephisto's slave and he would likely lose this case and be stripped of his powers. And all those innocent people would stay dead. And kill monger has the power he's always craved.
Can anything else go wrong?
"Things will actually start going right from here on out..." Peter looked up. "Mephisto." "Yes. That's right. I'm so touched that you remembered." Peter leaned back against his cell. "You won." "Well no doubt. But our little dance isn't over by any means. I'm gonna do one better. You're right. I did want that annoying bug you don't call a bug squashed. Bugs should never be that popular. That's like elevating a roach. No."
Mephisto paced a little, his clawed hands rhythmically tapping together in thought. Peter didn't wanna know where this was going.
The hell lord stopped and faced him. "But you will mister Parker. You so will." Peter frowned then leaned forward. "What're you talking about?" "I will conditionally end my pact with your sister now that Spider-Man is about to end. And he will. You know that. Lest I wouldn't have come here as I have."
"You'll free Teresa?" "I already have. And who says 'Satan' can't be generous right?" "What're the conditions?" "Be nerd Parker in fullness again and leave all those bug grandeur delusions behind. For good."
"Can you restore the murdered Nigerians?" "Of course; but that would restore credibility to Spider-Man and we can't have that now can we? Make your choice mortal Parker. Ticktock..."
Mephisto vanished.
He had no reason to fight on now. He wouldn't need to use Sabra's crazy plan of the Phoenix force. Peter was honestly glad for it.
He would always love Spider-Man and what it had meant for his life... but if giving it up was what would slow down Mephisto's sadism then it was worth it.
He made his choice.
Xxx
The court reconvened. Matt had already spoken over the matter with Peter. Peter had made his choice. He didn't see a better alternative with this. Matt hadn't liked it either but he knew the details well enough to see where things were going and would go. There was no avoiding it now.
They shared a look and Peter stood. This surprised the court. Judges "Did you have something to add mister Parker?" "I do your honors." "Continue." Peter sighed. "I wish to change my plea to guilty." This had them silent and attentive. "I will also accept any deals you are willing to offer."
Judges "very well mister Parker. We shall recess again to consider this; along with everything that goes with it."
Xxx
Matt had wanted to be sure this was what Peter wanted beyond all doubt. Peter wouldn't have put it that way but it was a start. He told him how it had to go. Matt was silent at first. "Are you sure this is what you want Peter?" "I don't see a better option. Teresa will be free and even you said a deal is likely." "Yeah; but it will mean the end of Spider-Man..."
"I think Spider-Man is already over."
They returned to the court. "With this sudden change in defendant plea this court has weighed the facts of the case and reached a conclusion... will the defendant please stand." Peter did. "Peter Benjamin Parker, also known as the superhero Spider-Man, it is the judgment of this court that you be conditionally released on all the charges made against you. First, you must submit to having your Spider-Man powers removed for good and to never pursue them or the Spider-Man role in any form ever again. Second, you must never associate with Natasha Romanoff ever again either. If any of these conditions are violated then you will be incarcerated again without delay for life without parole on the sole charge of treason. Do you understand this mister Parker?"
Peter sighed. "I do." A shield officer brought him a tablet with a stylus. "Then affix your signature to this document to make it legally binding for good." The agent held the stylus before him. This would be it. Where Mephisto would win over Spider-Man. Peter Parker would live on but Spider-Man would be over...
For Teresa. He took the pen and signed the electronic document without delay.
"Excellent. The procedure to remove your powers will begin tomorrow. This special court is otherwise adjourned."
The judge pounded the gavel several times. Peter jumped a little each time it fell. It felt like Thor's hammer was zapping him with lightning every time it happened.
Nothing would ever be the same again. I'm sorry Tasha. I had to. I hope someday you understand.
Matt and Peter faced each other. "I'm sorry Peter. I really am." "I know Matt. You did everything you could." They hugged. "If you ever need anything..." "I know. Thanks." Peter then said very softly into Matt's ear "keep our city safe." "I will. You have my word."