Miles Morales, Yakuza: Like a Dragon and AC: Valhalla. Couple with thesis and you can guess why this update took so long. Decided to do it all in one go to make sure that I give out something before the month ends.

This chapter goes back to New York and has more character moments for Noir and Mary Jane in their segments. Despite everything Noir really is becoming a friendlier character so hope you guys like it.

As always, italicized twitter segments are made by Nerdman3000


RapidFanGirlNum1977: Weird question, but you guys think Spider-Man should adopt a red and blue outfit, like he apparently has in those other worlds? I've seen a few cosplays of Alternate Spider-Man, based on those Captain America drawings and of Spider-Girl who showed up a while ago, and it's honestly a lot better than his current costume.

Reply from CabbagePitGirl: Better yes. But I wouldn't say it really fits the Spider-Man of our reality. In those other realities, Spider-Man's personality is supposed to be closer to Spider-Woman's. The only exception is the WWII Spider-Man, but our Spider-Man has his memories, so it really doesn't count.

Reply from SierraBlisswood: As a fashion designer myself, I think red and blue could still work with our Spider-Man, even with his dark mood. As long as the red and blue is darker and more muted, it could work. I've done a couple of sketches: -embedded link-

Reply from CabbagePitGirl: Huh, that's not actually all that half bad. I could actually see it working.

Reply from ScarletMJ: It is pretty good, though I'm not sure he'll agree to the costume change. He might really appreciate the jacket idea. I'll show it to Spider-Woman and see what she thinks though, as she might be able to convince him.

Reply from SierraBlisswood: That'd be so awesome if he started wearing my design.


Peter woke up covered in blood.

'This is familiar...' He groaned softly and sat up, ignoring the smell of copper that lingered in the air. The sticky, dried blood clung to his body and stained the mattress red, 'Castle's gonna want to burn this...' He put a hand to his neck and cracked it to remove the stiffness. It wasn't the first time he woke up drenched in blood - both his and someone else's - and it wouldn't be the last.

Castle was nowhere to be seen but he wasn't alone. Over in a corner, so quiet that she almost blended into the drab gray wall, was Echo. She was seated in a meditative pose, hands on her knees and eyes closed. For a short moment her right eye opened to meet his gaze before she closed it again. He was more surprised she wasn't wearing her mask.

"Keeping an eye on me?" he asked. No response as usual. Sighing, he grabbed for the crumpled pack of cigarettes that fell to the floor and picked up one of the few intact coffin nails. The click of the lighter was loud in the quiet safehouse and soon he felt the burn of nicotine in his lungs.

He must've looked horrible, drenched in dried blood but still grabbing for a cigarette, but he didn't care. Not like Echo was going to judge. He took another drag and leaned back against the wall, blowing out a puff of smoke as he looked up at the cracked ceiling. Castle's safehouses ran from the technological fortresses to abandoned buildings that he managed to get out of convenience. This was the latter. Place was secure - Castle never stayed in a place that wasn't defensible - but it was clearly showing its age.

Place like this didn't have any windows but he guessed it was already nighttime. He couldn't explain how he knew. It was almost instinctual, like an animal that knew its hunting grounds. Again her heard the Spider-God's whisper in his year.

Gwen was in San Fransokyo by now. He hoped she was having fun, at least. She deserved a break after that nonsense with Roxxon (still crippled in the hospital) and everything else this madhouse kept asking from her. Should he call her, he wondered. Knowing her she probably already saw what happened to him. He hoped she wasn't too worried.

...A quick call wouldn't hurt, right?

He fumbled for his phone with his right hand and tapped the first number on speed dial. She picked up on the second ring, "Peter?" Gwen's familiar voice made him smile. It was only a day but he already missed her. Didn't help that they always had one reason or another to stay apart. Turning into a kid, going undercover at that conversion center, her black widow run with Roxxon...always something needing their attention.

"Yeah, hey." He took another small drag and thanked the Spider-God that he didn't put it on video call. Last thing he wanted wanted was to ruin her mood, "Just checking in." He bent his legs till his knees faced up and let his left hand down, cigarette hanging idly between two fingers. Cigarette ash fell from the tip and landed on the bloodstained sheets. He'd buy Castle a new mattress anyway.

"Are you alright? I saw the news." Peter winced. There went that short lived hope.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed to sleep it off." He didn't tell her that little fact of him sleeping in his and other people's blood. Too small to worry about, "What about you? Enjoying your vacation so far?"

"Not so much." She let out a small breath and laughed, "Con got attacked. Might be Hobgoblin since one of his flunkies showed up but so far we don't really know. The guys who attacked either won't say anything or that they got their orders from dead drops, burner phones and all that fancy spy shit Cindy loves so much. Rest of the con's canned."

"An attack? Guess neither of us can stay out of trouble." He didn't ask her if she was alright. For someone who worried so much about everyone else she was oddly prickly about others fawning over her.

"Hey, it's not my fault supervillains want me!" She huffed, and Peter could practically see the smile that came after, "Anyway we're staying over here for a couple of days to investigate and see if we can come up with any leads. Guess we're gonna have to postpone our date."

"It's fine. We're both used to it." Much to Gwen's complaints. She really wasn't a fan of how often they had to cut or reschedule because some villain decided to hold the city hostage or he got a new lead on an organ harvesting ring. He'd been here long enough to not question why a place filled with so many clowns in costumes seemed to attract all the criminals.

They continued talking for a few more minutes before saying their goodbyes. Peter let the phone fall down next to him and looked at Echo again. She hadn't moved since their brief eye contact and if it was anyone else he might've thought she was sleeping. And even that was a stretch. Her chest barely moved and he had to concentrate to hear her shallow breaths.

From everyone on his 'team' she was the biggest mystery. Sure, Matt telling him about her relation to Lana's friend cleared things up by a lot, but even besides that she was an enigma. Matt talked her up as a mindless killing machine, more weapon than human. But that didn't explain why she decided to save Rand back in Arcade's fucked up 'game' or why she didn't just cut Murakami's neck when he showed up at the bar last night. Or the looks she gave Rand when she thought no one was looking.

Shaking his head, he stood up and opened the nearby closet. Skull shirts, trenchcoats and tactical pants filled the inside and he sighed. About what he expected. He picked out clothes that fit reasonably well and walked to the bathroom. It was small and even more rundown than the rest of the safehouse but it'd do. Castle was obsessive but he was also former military. Showers and daily hygiene were drilled into him.

The freezing cold water made him grit his teeth. He was getting spoiled staying with Gwen. Peter let out a harsh breath and washed the blood off of him, watching as the crimson fluid went down the drain. His blood and Murakami's. He wanted to be an honorable murderer and what did that get him? "Two down..." Just Bakuto and Gao left. Then this damn thing would be over.

He shut off the water and changed into the suit. Somewhat loose - Castle was a mountain of a man - but it fit him well enough. When he stepped out Echo had finally gotten up from her meditative stance and was poring over the table of weaponry. This place wasn't as well-stocked as Castle's other safehouses but he was too careful (Gwen would say paranoid) to not have spare weaponry on hand.

Echo was focused on a curved knife with a dark hilt. A karambit; he used one during his diversion to Russia. He lost it when that Vanko bastard nearly lopped his arm off, "See something you like?" he asked. She didn't move or give any indication that she heard him, "Knives like that are pretty rare around here. Not sure if Castle will appreciate you taking it."

It was quick but for a moment he swore she rolled her eyes at him. He moved to the table too and looked over the guns. He wasn't a fan of heavy ordinance. Rifles, shotguns and launchers were too hard to hide and made it difficult to move around. Still, he used them before when he needed to.

They stayed like that for a few minutes, just looking over the arsenal in complete silence, before Peter spoke, "You can talk, can't you?" he asked softly. She turned her head slightly to face him and her eyes narrowed in seeming refusal. His spider-sense blared by just the smallest amount, "I'm not asking if you won't talk or just don't want to. I'm asking if you're capable of it."

A beat. For a second he thought she'd grab the karambit and stab it right in his eye. Instead she looked back down at the table and, after seconds of silence, nodded.

"...I'm guessing the reason you don't is because of the way the Hand treated you." Another nod. Again he was reminded of Murakami's hypocrisy. Crying for honor and bravery while breaking down people to be used as disposable shields, "Well...I won't force you. If you wanna keep your mouth shut then I'm not gonna judge."

He set down the sawn off and turned to leave when he heard it, "...How did...you know?" Her voice was...difficult to describe. He expected it to be rough after years - decades - of disuse. Instead it was soft and airy, almost like the the young woman she looked like rather than the assassin who'd been killing when May and Ben still didn't have gray hairs.

"Honestly? I just guessed." Her lips pursed and it was clear she didn't like that explanation, "More specific? Fine. There weren't any cuts on your neck to indicate throat damage and even if they did I've seen what you can survive and heal from. Even if they slit your throat you could just heal it and I doubt you didn't do that once you started gutting their puppets.

"Mm." She walked to the bloodstained mattress and sat down without a care for the dried blood. Peter expected her to say something but she just looked at him with an unreadable expression.

"...Why did you turn against the Hand?" Peter asked eventually, "Murdock said it was because you wanted to protect your daughter, but that's not the only reason, is it?"

"No." Her expression shifted. It was clear she found it difficult to use words, "Decades enslaved. Freed then taken again. Revenge. Survival."

"You wanna make sure they can't take you or her again." A soft hum of agreement. He was almost tempted to ask about her daughter again before thinking better of it. She made it clear that she had no plans for any family reunions and he wasn't going to force the issue. He knew from experience that sometimes it was better to leave blood alone, "Fine, I get that. When the Fingers are dead you'll both be free."

"Bakuto...is mine," she said. Even through the eerie softness he heard the hate clear as day. There was history there, "I don't care for Gao...or any of the rest."

"Fair enough." He didn't pry. There was history there and it was her business. Instead he asked something he usually never dwelled on, "Rand talked about what happens after all this is over. You think about it?"

"No." She didn't say anything else.

"You don't like talking much, do you?" he asked, more to himself than her.

"Have not spoken...in 40 years. Even Amistad. He...didn't ask. He understood." Right...he didn't know what to say about that. He doubted she wanted his sympathy or cared about promises of revenge against her tormentors, "Fighting is...easier. Instinctual."

"Yeah, I bet." His phone's clock told him it was half an hour past 10. The city's nighttime inhabitants were crawling out of the woodwork, "...I'm investigating a fight club. Wanna come with me?" It was a front for a new high stakes game - superpowered brawls. According to Lana that new form of Terrigen Mist was spreading through the underworld faster than she or the cops could catch them.

But what really had her worried was the quantity. The Mist was rare - rare enough that wannabe Gifted couldn't find any before the Serpent Skulls started distributing. Which meant they either found some hidden stockpile or, a much more grim thought, they had someone manufacturing it for them. Either way the last thing anyone needed was a bunch of criminals getting access to powers.

He offered to check the place out when he had time. Lana's identity was open and her face was plastered on the weekly news. Jack ripped his mask away but he still knew enough to disguise himself.

Echo looked at him then stood up without a word. She walked past him and looked back, "...Coming?"

"I'm gonna regret getting to you talk, aren't I?"

The fight club was more upscale than his usual haunts. Most places he went to had makeshift cages with crowds of desperate people either betting on the winners or taking their chance at the ring themselves. This place was different. Raised seats surrounding a large, square pit where the customers could look down at the fights like a proper gladiator arena. Spotlights were placed up above while cameras lined the edges.

"Ladies and gentlemen, did you see that?! Whether on stream or in the crowd you could feel that hit!" The announcer cheered. Stream...meaning this wasn't just a local event. Explained the fancy digs, at least. Norah told him before about rumors on powered fights and even slave trades on the dark web. He doubted anyone would just put this up out in public with the cops after them.

The fight was a particularly desperate one: groups of normal people against one person who took the modified Mist. Peter looked down and scowled when the guy covered in a thick layer of rock-like skin ignored the crowbar to the head and punched the offender straight in the face. The poor bastard flew back and his jaw hung uselessly as blood dribbled down.

He doubted everyone who came in would still be breathing by the time the fights were done.

Echo showed no reaction to the violence down below. Then again why would she? Even ignoring her past they did much worse just a scant few hours ago, "Ready?" he asked through the cheering of the crowd. Plan was to draw enough attention and see if they could find the supplier. Apparently anyone who survived in this place got a meeting with the boss. Failing that they'd sneak and threaten to chop his pecker off if he didn't talk. Peter doubted he was the type to go for the sacrifice play.

Echo at least had enough sense to change out of her scarecrow get-up into something a little easier to blend into. Now she wore something that looked like something out of Jones' closet and he had to remind himself that she was probably older than Castle. Just an extension of just how crazed the Hand were in their fear of death. The chi extending their life just wasn't good enough for them.

His temporary partner turned her head slightly to look at him and nodded. She hadn't said a word ever since they left Castle's safehouse and he didn't expect that would change in a while. Old habits died hard.

He put up his hood and cracked his knuckles. He was sure that he looked different enough that people wouldn't recognize him at a glance but it didn't hurt to be careful.

They got down to the stage and Peter winced as the spotlight overhead shined on his face. Place was cleaner than every other fight club he'd been to but the stench of blood was all the same, "We've got a pair this time! Confident ones, aren't they?!" The announcer said. Peter wrinkled his nose and ignored the jeers and taunts of the crowd. Last thing he needed was being distracted.

The fight was...easier than he expected. Even with having to pretend to just be a normal person Echo's presence turned what could have been a difficult fight to something trivial, 'Ngh.' Peter ducked the punch and winced as the rocky fist broke concrete. But that wasn't the only thing that drew his attention. The would-be golem's eyes were bloodshot and practically bugging out of their sockets and every missing hit made his breathing more ragged. Lana told him that the first one she fought before keeled over without her having to throw a punch.

Peter slipped past him. As soon as the rocky bastard turned around Echo hit him right in the throat, her hand slipping past the craggly armor covering his skin, "You fucking bitch!" he shouted. The mutated man's breathing hitched and he stumbled back, left hand grasping his throat while the other flailed desperately. Echo dodged the clumsy sweeps and kicked him right between the legs.

Any other time and Peter would've laughed. Instead he charged as soon as the guy went down on his knees and kicked the right side of his head, knocking him to the ground with a loud thud, "Agh, son of a-" He grit his teeth and only had to half pretend to lean on the wall in pain. Even through the thick, steel toed boots his foot felt like it got crushed under an anvil.

"Ooh, looks like our challenger is experiencing some buyer's remorse!" Peter resisted the urge to give him the middle finger.

The rocky bastard tried to get up. He only managed to get on his knees before his eyes suddenly widened and he let out a choked scream. Peter narrowed his eyes and watched as the guy fell on his face, a pool of spit forming under his face, "It looks like Mr. Chesterson was one of the unlucky ones! Oh well, he knew the risks!" The announcer shrugged. Peter didn't say anything and just looked down at the dead(?) body. One of the unlucky ones? So death wasn't a guarantee. That explained why anyone was willing to risk taking it.

Echo let out a soft breath, almost like she was disappointed. They gave one another look before she nudged her head to the gate. The crowd was cheering and eagerly changing crumpled bills with one another. A few more rent-a-clowns stepped past them and grabbed the drooling statue behind them. Best case scenario they'd burn him or bury him somewhere so he wouldn't be used as evidence to trace back to them.

The announcer was all smiles when they got up to him. He was an older man, probably in his early 40's, with jet black hair and dark skin. His wide open grin showed off impeccably whitened teeth, "Hey hey, it's our new couple!" Even without the microphone his voice was loud. Peter made sure most of his face was still hidden under the hood and eyed him up and down. Gun hidden under his fancy jacket, the only firearm in the entire place. Not even the guards were packing.

"Where's our money?" Peter grunted. Better play the part.

"Impatient one, huh? Fine, fine." He sighed and tossed him an oddly neat stack of benjamins. A quick count showed 2000 dollars, "That's just the small stuff, though. No offense but I'm pretty sure you got lucky. Chesterson was gettin' pretty tired by the time you and your girlfriend stepped in."

"A win's a win. He didn't want to start spitting up he should've stayed out of the ring." He took half of the stack of long green and gave the other half to Echo. She looked down at it for a second like she wasn't sure what it was supposed to be before she followed his lead and pocketed it. Hand probably didn't teach her much about money except the bare necessities. Wouldn't do to have her want things, would it?

"Yeah, you got point." The announcer nodded, "So what say we make this a more permanent gig, huh? You and your side piece there can definitely take care of yourselves and a challenge'll up the bets. Whaddaya say, wanna talk it over at my office?"

Peter was about to reply when he saw someone in a gray hoodie slip out of a back room. The same room the announcer was about to look at, "I'll think about it," he said quickly. Needed to keep the attention on him, "Listen, we'll be back in a couple of days, yeah? I've got a few opportunities lined up and I need to make sure this one's the best."

"Hey, no problem, I totally get it. But remember, that 2 grand? Chump change. You'll be main twenty thousand if you play your cards right."

Peter left quickly and followed the figure outside. He looked suspicious even for this place, covered head to toe without an inch of skin seen. His hands were stuffed into his pockets and he kept his head down on the ground.

The three of them were out in the alley by the time Peter caught up, "Hey-" Peter grabbed his shoulder and his spider-sense immediately blared. The hooded figure turned around and Peter saw a tazer in his right hand lunging straight for his side.

He grabbed his wrist and stopped before it could make contact, "L-Let me go!" the figure shouted. He sounded familiar. Peter's grip tightened and he tugged the hood down.

"...Gabriel?" He didn't look much different from when he saw him over a year ago. A bit taller and less gangly but still recognizable. His hair was shorter now and there was a small scar on his lip.

"What? Who are you? How do you know my name?"

"Don't remember? Not surprised. I kept my distance ever since that damn warehouse."

It took a few seconds for the words to sink in. When they did the teen's eyes widened and he gasped like he was punched, "Sp-Spider-Man?"

"Shh. Keep it down. Trying to keep a low profile." He let go of the younger teen's wrist and looked back at Echo. Her brow was raised and she crossed her arms expectantly, "This is Gabriel Reyes, someone I knew over a year ago. He's...a good kid." Least from what Lana told him. Last thing he expected was for the two of them to be friends but he wasn't complaining. Seemed like they were good for each other.

"It's really you! Spi-"

"Call me Reilly. Low profile, remember?"

"O-Okay! Uh...Reilly."

"Good. Now, what are you doing here? Doubt you were coming here to place a bet."

"No, it's...I was searching the place for Lana." He pulled a USB out of his pocket and raised it slightly, "You saw what that guy down there was like. Figured I could sneak in and maybe get something we could use to investigate."

"Huh...then it looks like we're here for the same reason." Peter smiled slightly, "Still, you shouldn't have gone in there alone. One mistake and it's over." Nevermind that he prefered to do things alone. He never said he wasn't a hypocrite.

"Well Norah's busy with another case - something about another human trafficking run with Gifted - and Eugene said he had something else to do. Apparently he's doing a team-up with Scarlet Spider?"

"First time I heard of it." Then again he didn't check in as much as Gwen did. He trusted Mary to know her limits, "...Since you've got that information mind coming over so we can check on it? Be faster if we work together."

"R-Really? That'd be awesome! Thought I'd have to do this by myself."

"Two heads are better than one." He turned back to Echo, "I'm gonna go back with the kid. Wanna come with?" She shook her head, "Right, see you later then. Don't be afraid to drop in if you need something."

"Mm...thank you...Peter."


Mary Jane couldn't believe she was doing this.

'I can't believe you're doing this.' Crimson groaned.

'Can it.' She tried her best not to think about how much she actually agreed as she swung over to their meeting spot. A part of her was tempted just to skip out with some kind of excuse. What was he gonna do, call her out? He didn't have her number and even if he did it wasn't like she cared what Frog-Man thought of her. Gwen didn't and she was practically a saint.

He was already there waiting for her. Great, "S-Scarlet Spider! You came!" He jumped up excitedly. Like a frog. Heh. Mary Jane landed with a slight flip and raised a brow when she saw the go-pro awkwardly attached to is mask.

"What's with the camera?"

"Oh, I just thought it'd be cool to record things. You know, so I have something to watch in case I wanna refresh my memory. Can't learn if you don't do any studying." Okay...seemed sensible, she guessed, "And, you know...people got really excited when I told them I was doing a team-up with the Scarlet Spider. A lot people said they didn't believe me so I even bought a new cam that can livestream."

Ah...so he was using her for clout. Why was she not surprised? She wanted to be offended that she was being used like this but she kept her mouth shut. As much as she wanted to say she changed a part of her was still giddy that she was famous enough to actually be clout chaser bait.

That and she could sympathize with him. Just a year ago she wasn't much better.

"Alright so let's go on patrol, I guess." She didn't actually do the patrol thing much like Gwen and Lana. She tried it when she had some free time but between the modelling gig, college and her 'side-gig' with Felicia and Murdock she didn't have a lot of time to start going around beating up purse snatchers, "Uh...lets do a lap for a couple of hours then we can take a break. Sound good."

"Yes ma'am!"

"...Please don't call me that."

Patrol was...straining, and that wasn't a word she found herself using a lot. Not only did she have to wait for him to catch up, which made her feel like a hero escorting an NPC in one of Gayle's old games, but the guy was constantly turning his gopro like he was filming a movie. That just slowed them down even more and it was an hour before they saw their first purse snatcher.

"Alright, so just uh...watch me, I guess?" Mary Jane swung down after the blonde woman wearing a black jacket who snatched a purse from an old lady. Of all the victims... "Hey, heads up!" The woman turned around just in time to get a kick to the face that put her flat on her back. Mary Jane snatched up the purse and swung back to the old woman only to see her flat on her back and gasping for hair.

'That's new.'

'What the hell happened?!' Mary Jane knelt down beside her and their eyes met, "Hey, what's going?! Did she hurt you?!"

Her choking gasps continued for a few more strenuous seconds before she managed a single word, "A-Asthma..." She pointed a shaky hand at the purse, "I-Inhal-

"I got it!" She ripped open the purse and rummaged through it, "Just hold on-"

"Let me help!" Frog-Man jumped down. He didn't land on her but he was close enough that the purse was knocked out of her hands and spilled its contents all over the alleyway floor, "Shit, sorry! I didn't mean-"

"Just find the damn inhaler!" She tore through the cluttered contents till, finally, she found it under a packet of tissues, "Got it!" She pressed it through the woman's lips and pressed the switch twice, "Here..." She gently guided the woman's hand to it and held her hand till she was strong enough to hold it on her own.

'Thank God...'

'You're being dramatic.'

'Well excuse me for not being a psychopath!' She shot back hotly. Maybe it was weird for her to react so much after everything she'd seen and done but it was actually relieving. Proof that she wasn't totally crazy despite everything.

It took a few minutes but eventually the woman's breathing stabilized. Mary Jane helped her sit up while Frog-Man awkwardly gathered up the spilled contents of the purse to put back, "'Th-Thank you..." She gave them both a weak smile.

"No problem" Mary Jane let out a relieved sigh, "Are you alright? Do you need us to take you somewhere? Hospital or home?"

"O-Oh no, dear, but thank you for the offer."

"Make sure to call the police, okay?" She felt like Gwen right now.

They stayed over for a few more minutes to make sure the woman was alright and left before the police arrived. Much as she wanted to stay she and Frog-Boy were still vigilantes and she wasn't sure how happy New York's finest would be to see them. Peter got a pass cause he was the only one crazy enough to fight demons, vampires and whatever crazy magic shit this city spat out.

It was only when they landed on a deserted rooftop that Frog-Boy finally spoke up, "Hey...I'm sorry about what happened back there. I didn't mean to-"

Mary Jane took a deep breath to calm herself, "It's fine." It really wasn't, but she wasn't gonna pretend that she never fucked up before. Least the woman made it out okay, "Just be more careful next time, okay? It's one thing if you put you or me in danger but that woman didn't do anything wrong."

"G-Got it!" He nodded eagerly.

'Thought you said you weren't a teacher?'

'Shut it, you.'

They took their break after Mary Jane made sure he wasn't livestreaming. She bought a couple of corner store subs and sat on the rooftop vent, legs swinging idly. The mask around her mouth peeled back but kept the rest of her face hidden. Frog-Boy looked disappointed that it wasn't an identity reveal but she didn't say anything. According to Cindy the guy was a major fanboy and wanted to be part of the exclusive club who knew the faces behind the mask. She wasn't gonna humor him.

She was halfway to her sandwich when he asked, "So...where'd you get your powers?" he asked, trying and failing to sound casual. Mary Jane raised a brow and didn't say anything, "Just curious, you know! No one knows where you got your powers from and why they're so much like Spider-Woman's. Some people think you're a clone or something."

'Tell him how we met. I'm sure that'll shut him up.'

'Don't tempt me.' She took a deliberately slow bite and considered her next words. The Terrigen Mist lie wouldn't work since she was around before that whole thing, "How do any of us get powers? Mad science experiment gone wrong." Wasn't exactly a lie, even if Carnage didn't like to think about it, "Guess I just got lucky."

"That's it? You're not gonna tell me?"

"Nope."

"Oh..." He looked down at his almost finished sub, "That...cool, I guess. We all have our secrets. Could I ask another question?"

"You just did. What?"

"Why are you doing this?" She stopped mid-bite, "The Avengers had their interviews on their whole heroic origins but you just...showed up one day and helped Spider-Woman out fighting Ms. Negative."

I'm bonded to a symbiote that I have a love-HATE relationship with and I made a deal to kill scumbags to keep myself sane was what she didn't say because she wasn't an idiot. Instead she said, "Why does Spider-Man do it?" she asked back, "Honestly there's no big backstory or dramatic origin. My mom's alive, my dad's shit but he's still kicking too and none of my friends are dead."

"Shitty dad? Yeah, I can relate."

"Oh?" She was actually somewhat curious, "What about him?"

"He was the 'original' Frog-Man. He wasn't making much money and figured he could rob a couple of stores and diners to try and make some extra cash. Instead he got caught by Spider-Woman and I became the laughingstock of the entire school. Frog-Man's kid, his loser tadpole."

"That's rough..." Wasn't getting scared because of a raised fist but she wasn't so self-centered that she'd play misery poker. Somewhere out there someone had it way worse than her but that didn't mean what she went through was any less bad, "Still talk to him?"

"Sometimes. He doesn't like me putting on the suit, thinks that I should just focus on college." He snorted, "Just cause he was a loser doesn't mean I'm going to be. He might have made Frog-Man a laughingstock but I'm not."

"Huh...that's actually pretty cool." So sue her she liked a good underdog. Even if the guy was kinda cringy she could respect what he was trying to do.

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. I mean, I think you need some work but I do think it's cool that you're trying so hard." Granted a lot of it was cause he wanted clout and to be one of the big names but what did it matter if he did good along the way? Gwen and Tiger didn't do it for the fame but they still got it.

She got a text message. She checked the screen and her mood immediately soured. A text from Norah with nothing but an address and a couple of pictures. She knew what it meant: another hit on her Gifted trafficking investigation, 'Guess you're done playing babysitter,' Crimson said gleefully. Mary Jane just hummed in agreement, 'Ditch the idiot in the suit. He'll just get in the way.'

'Right.' She pocketed her phone and turned to Frog-Man, "Listen something just came up. I gotta go."

"More hero work? I'll come with-"

"No. Trust me, this isn't something you should be involved in. Not yet, at least." She stood and pulled her mask back on fully, "Just go home. We'll meet up again in a couple of days."

"But-"

"Go."

She swung over to the address and stopped only when she was at a nearby rooftop. Not the docks this time, thank god, but where she ended up at wasn't much better. Yancy Street, the ass crack of New York, and she came right on rush hour. The streets were packed with people and even with her enhanced senses it was hard to see through the sea of gray, brown and yellow.

'Should be around here...' Norah's address was an old office building the traffickers were using as a base. From what she gathered they kidnapped a 12 year old boy with the power to scream real loud. She had to be careful here.

She found the building and made a quick swing around. Good news was she didn't have to wait too long, "Get out there!" A bearded man with a snake tattoo on his face dragged the kid out of to the alley quickly followed by half a dozen other guys in various street clothes; guess suits would've stuck out too much in a place like this. The kid looked rough. His clothes were in tatters, his face was streaked with dirt and dried tears and he looked like he hadn't slept or bathed in days. His brown skin was matted with bruises and dried blood.

Time to step in.

Mary Jane landed on the first trafficker's back and slammed him to the ground, "Run!" she screamed at the kid.

He just stood there, eyes wide and mouth agape. Mary Jane moved to grab him when the rest of the thugs charged her, "Die, you fucking bit-" She punched him right in the face, blood splattering on her fist at the impact. He flew through the air and impacted against the brick wall.

She took down the rest of the group till there was only one left. Mary Jane pivoted and growled when the last piece of shit grabbed the kid and put a switchblade to his neck, "Back the hell off!" he shouted. He pressed the switchblade against skin and drew blood, "You think I'm fucking bluffing?! I'll slit this little shit's throat if you don't walk away right now!"

She concentrated and aimed two webs, one on the trafficker's face and another at his hand. She raised both hands and fired just when she saw a green blur come from overhead and land right on top of her.

The impact knocked her to the ground and made her miss. The trafficker was surprised too and jerked his hand, stabbing the kid's cheek with a painful swipe that made him scream.

She barely saw the distorted cone of air before it hit her straight on. Mary Jane screamed as the sound washed over her and she felt like her skin was being ripped off. She slammed against the wall and through blurry eyes saw the last trafficker punch the kid's lights out and drag him out of the alley to the crowded streets.

Mary Jane wanted to stand up and chase, to drag him back and make him hurt like she did, but her body refused to move. She flitted in and out of consciousness for god only knew how long till, eventually, her vision came back in one painful burst.

"...ider! Scarlet Spider! Are you okay? Are you-"

"Get out of my way!" She shoved Frog-Boy hard to the ground and stumbled out of the alley. People turned to look at her; someone with a costume was a rare sight in this place. Mary Jane ignored them and swung up to a building to get a better view, "Come on, come on...!" They couldn't have gotten too far, right? He was one guy carrying a kid. She could still track him.

She spent minutes swinging up and down the street till she finally stopped and, with a bitter growl, admitted that she'd lost him, 'Stupid human,' Crimson seethed, 'We would've had him if he hadn't interfered!'

"Yeah..." For once she completely agreed.

Speak of the frogger and he shall come. She was barely managing to calm down her boiling temper when Frog-Man jumped behind her clumsily, "Scarlet Spider, are you okay?" She turned around and didn't say anything. His go-pro was cracked but the red light showed it was still recording, "I...I'm sorry back there. That guy had a knife to that kid and I thought-"

"What the fuck are you doing here? I told you you to stay away!" He flinched like she punched him. She was really tempted to right now.

"I-I thought I could help-"

"Well you didn't! And because of you a kid's out there in the hands of some piece of shit who's gonna sell him! Do you even realize that?!" She needed to calm down. Yelling at him wouldn't do anything or help anyone. But she didn't care. She was angry and he was the only one left to blame, "And for what? Because you wanted to get some internet points so you can forget how much of a pathetic loser you are?! That you're even more of a has-been than the guy who got caught robbing diners in a frog suit?!"

"I just-"

Mary Jane yanked go-pro out of his mask and threw it to the ground, "You know what? Stay the hell away from me. Go pretend to be a hero somewhere you can't screw things up for people. Or better yet, take off the suit and jump off a building. I promise you that's best thing you can do for everyone and it's something even you can't screw up."

She shoulder checked him, knocking him to the ground again, and swung away without looking back. The kid was gone but she wasn't going to give up. She'd scour all of Yancy Street before the day was done.


GotchaGirl: You know, Striker, Black Cat, and Echo have to be the luckiest goddamn bitches around. They get to hang around with all those hunks in the Defenders and keep them to themselves. Like have you seen Daredevil's bod?

Reply from ButterflyTornado: I doubt Striker is interested. Not only is she the youngest one there, but her and Spider-Man's relationship is more sibling-like apparently.

Reply from StruGil: Still, even if Striker isn't interested, GotchaGirl is right that Black Cat and Echo are lucky as hell. What I wouldn't give to have a go with Spider-Man or Moon Knight.

Reply from SpiderCat4Eva: Spider-Man definitely has to have a big d**k, considering he's managed to keep that b*tch Spider-Woman around. I bet that's the only reason that shallow wh*re hasn't abandoned him again like she did last time.

Reply from ButterflyTornado: First off all, Spider-Man and Spider-Woman's breakup was fake. She was trying to get Will-o-the-Wisp, cause he had a crush on her. Secondly, what the hell do you have against Spider-Woman?

Reply from N1DevilCatShipper: She's a crazy SpiderCat shipper. You expect her to like Spider-Woman when she's competition to her favorite ship?

Reply from SpiderCat4Eva: What'd you call me b*tch?!

Reply from ButterflyTornado: Considering you seem to like DevilCat, I'm curious what you think of RedCat since that's the most popular Black Cat related ship.

Reply from N1DevilCatShipper: I get why people like it, but personally I think Black Cat and Scarlet Spider are just friends. DevilCat to me makes more sense though. I mean, have you seen the looks she's always giving him when they fight together? She's SO crushing on him.

Reply from SpiderCat4Eva: Stop ignoring me you stupid DevilCat-loving wh*re!

Reply from GotchaGirl: Well before this turns into another shipping argument, I have to agree with part of SpiderCat4Eva comment. Spider-Man definitely has got to have a big d**k.

BlackCatHardy: I can't believe you people are really talking about Spider's extremities and pairing me off with that diable Daredevil. The internet really is a magical place at times.


Yikes, Mary Jane really blew her fuse at the end. Before anyone says anything: no, Mary Jane isn't meant to be completely right. Eugene definitely screwed up but one could argue that she went way too far, especially at the end when she essentially told him to commit suicide.

Don't worry, this is part of Frog-Man developing as a character. Ever since V2 started his ego escalated and, while he does have moments of competence, his creeper behavior and overconfidence does him no favors. Mary Jane was cruel at the end but it's also the knock on the head he needs to finally get it into his thick skull that he can't just jump into heroics because he wants twitter followers.

Now he's seen what consequences his behavior has and either shapes up or permanently alienates everyone around him.

Questions:

1. I got some comments indicating that some readers wanted to know what Noir was doing during the time-skip. Should I have some flashback segments to show that or is it better left to the imagination?

2. Do you guys think Mary Jane went too far or do you agree with her? It was a genuine accident on Eugene's part but the consequences are severe. Still, was she justified or did she go too far?

Review answer:

RedHood001 - Thanks :) Yeah, seems like people want Laura to be attending too.