Shorter chapter. Like I said I wanted to give some time for readers to choose their arcs. Going by votes/reviews it seems like Sleeping Beauties is the preferred chapter, meaning that unless there's a sudden shift in preference we won't get to see an Avenger-turned-police officer working with a pop idol to fight against a group of militant racists.

Last chapter didn't get much attention. Hopefully this one being shorter fares a bit better. Also, second twitter segment in bold was made by Nerdman3000. Helps build the world outside of the main heroes.


Slavicmancer: So what kinds of heroes does everyone like? Like I'm a fan of vigilante types who uses weapons. Feels less goofy than weirdass superpowers.

reply from xxwolfmasterxx: I know what you mean. One reason I'm never going to Japan or Korea. Magical Girl or Idol heroes just make me cringe super hard. Feels like I stepped on an old manga.

reply from ErattarSQ: Really? I like more 'fantasy' type heroes. Guns and blades and shit just make feel sick. At least with magic or gimmicks I don't need to bleach my brain to forget about everything.

reply from Blue Monkey: Doesn't matter how they fight but I prefer heroes with brighter or more colorful costumes. Someone wearing black or brown or whatever just kinda blends into the background and makes taking pictures a nightmare.

reply from blackholeplayer: I'm more interested in how different types of heroes rank up. Like we've seen Spider-Man fight both idols and magical girls so are they just weaker kinds of heroes? I mean I can't imagine them beating someone with a gun even if he had no powers.

reply from Grognak The Barbarian: You know it is kinda weird that you barely ever see magical girls fighting normal criminals. Mostly it's people who got transformed or sometimes giant monsters. Why is that?

reply from blackholeplayer: Thought it was cus their magic only worked on those kinds of things. GUN pretty much works on everyone.

reply from Scythian: Except those transformed people or giant monsters who were bulletproof :/

reply from TAOKODAN: It's like an even more fucked up version of Beast Balls lol.


Peter found himself sleeping a lot more nowadays. It wasn't just Gwen's insistence that he try to pace himself, which was pretty rich coming from her. No, it was more his need to keep in the absolute best shape. A lot of the time it was easy to ignore small wounds. A few cuts and bruises wouldn't kill him and he didn't see the need to eight hours when there was still something to do.

Now he tended to find himself in bed the second sunrise hit. Felt like a damn Vampire. Still, right now it was better safe than sorry. With Sowande and Murakami dead the last two Fingers would be on even higher alert. According to Moon Knight they still had over half of the prisoners from the Raft and that wasn't even mentioning Bakuto's deal with Lilith. The last two Fingers wouldn't be broken as easily.

And then there was Bullseye...

Peter sat up on the makeshift bed and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The safehouse he was in was one of the bigger ones Moon Knight owned. Still only had one bathroom but it had multiple beds and the place was big enough that it could comfortably fit a group of people instead of the places Castle crashed in. Still didn't feel comfortable, though. Not somewhere he'd stay if he had any choice.

They all mutually agreed to stay at the safehouses, at least for the time being. Apart from his trip with Gwen yesterday he hadn't gone back to her apartment. Figured it was for the best if they didn't go anywhere the rest of the group didn't have access to.

So far it was...fine. Ran into a few of the others every now and then but apart from a nod of acknowledgement they more-or-less stayed out of each other's way. They were all following leads, trying to drum up their own trails to the Fingers. Echo and Rand were focused on Bakuto while Moon Knight and Castle (still weird to have him back in the city) set their sights on Gao.

Him and Matt? Bullseye.

"Ugh..." He shook his head then stood. He'd spent the past few days checking out Bullseye's old haunts and so far there wasn't a single trail. Bars, apartments, even old places only he and Teresa knew about. Nothing. It was as if he'd wiped all traces of his footprint on the city and it only made Peter more anxious. Bullseye was preparing something, he'd made that obvious. A proper duel for the ages, the ending they didn't have last year.

And every day that nothing happened he just got more and more worried. Worried that this would be the day Lana would get kidnapped or stabbed again or maybe Bullseye decided blowing up half of Hell's Kitchen would be the perfect ending to things. Lana was doing her best to keep a low profile for his sake. Taking an official leave from school (not that she complained much about that) and staying at a designated safehouse.

Not that it was a perfect solution. Bullseye knew who her friends were and if she just dropped off the grid suddenly there'd be news of America's Sweetheart of the teenage Captain America getting kidnapped by a tattooed psychopath. So she alternated her time between keeping that low profile and making sure her friends were still in one piece. Helped that one of said friends was a mind reader.

Even her school wasn't safe. It wasn't like her dear old dad kept it a secret where his 'esteemed daughter' was staying. Lana was worried that if she just dropped off the grid completely Bullseye would target the school. At least if she was there she could help protect 'those prissy little princesses', to use her words.

Besides the search they were trying to lure him out. Storm, Van Patrick and Gabriel were making posts on that tweeter site about fake locations where Lana was. Figured they could maybe draw him out like when he attacked Lana last time. No luck so far, though.

He cricked his neck and looked at the time. Little past midnight, which was way earlier than his usual wake-up calls. Bar he was investigating turned out to be a haunt for some wannabe supervillains and they figured offing Spider-Man would be their ticket to to the top. A few smashed teeth and broken jaws (along with a call to the cops) had them regretting that thought but one of them got lucky and grazed his right arm with that fancy energy whop of theirs. Mostly he was curious on where these clowns were getting this stuff.

He looked down at his right arm and, sure enough, there was no trace left of the wound. He had mixed feelings on the Spider-God but at least this was something he was always thankful for.

Peter brought a hand through his hair and let out a soft breath. They were running out of leads. The last thing he wanted was Bullseye catching them with their pants down again. Even without the access to Hellfire he was still dangerous.

He stood up fully and left the room, leaving behind the burnt turtleneck and jacket and keeping his torso bare. The safehouse was reminiscent of a two-floor studio apartment with little in the way of creature comforts. A few beds, a couple of medkits and a bathroom that had (cold) running water. Apart from that it was sparse and barely lived in, which was a far cry from the homey feel of Gwen's place. Even through the mess he felt Gwen's personal touch all over where he went.

Gwen...damn he missed her.

Shaking his head again, he trudged to the bathroom and put his hands under the cold water of the faucet. They'd barely seen each other again since her San Fransokyo trip and now they were busy again. While he was trying to drum up leads on Bullseye he hadn't gone back to the apartment. Even his temporary break for Comic-Con was only ever going to be till the end of the day. No rest for the wicked like that little Annie comic said.

Didn't mean Gwen's sudden absence didn't weigh on him, though. For the year he spent apart they did their best to keep in contact and being so physically far apart actually helped keep his attention away from her. Even if he did want to see her again going back to New York wasn't easy and eventually cooler heads and logic won out. Now there was nothing actually stopping him from just going back home and he had to keep reminding himself on what was at stake.

Again he found his thoughts drifting. Gwen's smile when they saw each other again a day ago, the sound of her laugh, the feel of her skin on his when they embraced, the way her blue eyes sparkled when she told him about the con before the attack. He was glad that she had at least some fun despite everything.

He was also glad they got to spend some time before something else took their attention again. The feel of her lips on his, her intoxicating scent when she held him close, the grip of her fingers in his hair, the sounds she made when he was between her thighs-

Peter splashed the cold water on his face and let out a deep breath, 'Get a grip, Parker.' He splashed himself again and stared at his reflection in the mirror. He was never too...hormonal ever since he woke up in that alley, something his friends sometimes commented on or made fun of. While he wasn't above those needs, especially if he needed to distract himself, he tended to try and find other outlets. It wasn't like he went to fight clubs for fun, after all.

Maybe it had something to do with him being a kid and turning back. All those hormones and other things coming back all at once couldn't have been healthy. He was just glad all he got for it was a temporary loss of the Spider-God's 'blessings'.

He was almost finished washing up when he heard footsteps outside. Heavy and somewhat weighted...Castle, Moon Knight or Matt. Rand and Echo didn't wear armor and their steps were always light. Probably came with being trained by those monks. Matt was quiet too but only when they were on the job.

He stared at his reflection one last time then stepped away from the sink. As much as he didn't like thinking about it, it seemed more and more that they wouldn't be able to find any trace of Bullseye. None of his old mercenary 'buddies' or his old haunts turned up any clues. Guess that's what happened when the only friends you had were disposable guns for hire. Friendships in those circles were short and fleeting even if they didn't end at gunpoint. Same reason why no one really noticed he was gone after he died.

His footsteps stopped before reaching the door and he suddenly punched the tiled wall without warning. The ceramic cracked from the impact and looked down at his shaking fist. He was going to kill Bullseye. He'd made peace with that idea, but every now and then unwanted thoughts sprang up, hatred and gratitude mixing in an unpleasant cocktail. Bullseye was is friend once upon a time. The same man who put Lana in the hospital was the same one who sacrificed himself to save him.

And Peter was working with his killer to end him again.

Shaking his head, he stepped outside only to see Matt's leaning out the window with his back towards him. Like him he'd discarded most of his armored costume, leaving himself standing with nothing but a the bottom of his red and black outfit and a white shirt with small flecks of blood dotted across the surface. Despite that his posture was relaxed and he showed no signs that he was hurting in any way.

With the window open he made out the sounds of raindrops. Just a light drizzle but it was loud compared tot he previous silence.

"I was wondering when you'd come out." Matt craned his neck back with a slight smile. His nose was covered with bits of dried blood and slightly crooked. Must've gotten hit. In his right hand he held a cigarette between his index and middle finger and the smell of nicotine wafted past his nostrils.

Now he wanted a cigarette.

Peter pulled out his own coffin nail from the crumpled pack in his pocket then searched for his lighter, "Come on..." He put the white stick between his lips and turned his pockets inside out. Nothing, "Damn it."

"Something the matter?" Matt asked.

"Can't find my lighter. Must've dropped it." It wasn't like it never happened before. Way he moved around it wasn't odd he'd lose things even if his pockets were zipped up. Still annoying whenever it did happen, though, "You got one?"

"Out of fuel, sadly." Matt tossed him another disposable lighter and Peter flicked the switch. Nothing but a small spark, "My apologies. I didn't expect you'd need it."

"It's fine." Peter sighed and looked down at the unlit coffin nail. He really needed a smoke right now. Anything to stop his thoughts from wandering again.

"I could still light it if you wish."

"Sure. Just don't do something stupid."

Matt gestured for him to put it in his mouth again. He played along and raised a brow when Matt suddenly grabbed the wrist of the hand holding onto the cigarette and pulled him close in a surprisingly slow gesture, their face inches apart. Peter didn't say anything and just watched Matt press the tip of his lit cigarette to his own.

Seconds passed till the tip finally ignited and Matt stepped back. Peter took a slow inhale and let out a smoky breath, "...Thanks." Matt waved him off with a smile and leaned out of the window again. Peter sat down next to him with his back pressed against the wall. The sound of the pattering raindrops was oddly comforting in the silence.

"The city looks beautiful in times like these," Matt said lightly, "Normally my vision is so uneven due to the myriad of sounds but with the raindrops I can paint a perfect picture."

"If you say so." Peter took a relieved breath of nicotine and closed his eyes briefly. He really needed that, "...Didn't know you smoked,"

"Hm? Oh, it's a habit I've picked up ever since our outing a few days prior. It isn't something I try to do too much. At most I take a single one at the end of the day." Just the one? It would've been easier to just quit outright.

"Just hope Page doesn't get on your back about it."

"I'm sure it isn't any worse than the risks I already undertake." A minute of quiet passed before Matt spoke again, "I'm surprised to see you here. I would've assumed you'd go back home with Miss. Stacy."

Peter didn't look up and just continued to stare ahead, "We agreed, remember? We focus on this till we find a decent lead."

"Indeed, but I wouldn't have blamed you for resting at least one day."

"You think we can afford that right now? I'll take whatever days off I want when Bullseye's dead." Not that Bakuto and Gao were much better but they were cautious beasts by nature. They feared death and unless they were assured of victory they they didn't act. Bullseye wasn't the same. He didn't care if he died or how much he had to lose as long as he got what he wanted. He broke his own arm to save him back at the Raft just because he wanted a more dramatic ending to things.

"Hm..." Matt tapped the end of the cigarette and let the ashes fall, "And are you sure you can do what's necessary when the time comes?"

"Are you doubting me after everything I've already done?"

"Am I wrong to do so? Despite everything Bullseye was once your friend and despite your claims you're not as cold and emotionless as you feign yourself to be. If it came down to it could you take his life the same was as you would any other common criminal?" Peter didn't say anything, "If need be I can fulfill that role."

"Yeah you'd like that, wouldn't you?" The bitter words escaped before he could stop himself. Matt didn't say anything and just took another drag of the cigarette, "...Sorry."

"Considering what I've done it's hardly an unreasonable thing to say." Matt shrugged, "I do wish to clarify that I won't take any pleasure with his death. Bullseye's condition is due to the Hand warping his admittedly already imbalanced mental state. If I feel anything towards his death it would be that it's a mercy kill. Nothing more and nothing less."

"Yeah..." Peter looked down at the ground, his expression unreadable. Was it hypocritical of him to think about this so much? How many people did he already kill without a second thought? How many times did he feel nothing when he snapped someone's neck or watched the light fade from their eyes? Bullseye shouldn't have been any different, especially after what he did to Lana.

"When the time comes I'll be the one to end it," Matt said, "You don't have to say anything. I'll do the same whether you agree or disagree."

"...Do what you want." He almost crushed the cigarette in his hands when he forced the words out. He was a coward.

"Hm...permit me a question, if you may." Again Peter didn't say anything. Matt took it as his cue to continue, "If you had never took up this vigilantism crusade where do you think your life would've headed?"

"Seriously? Thought you'd be the last person to dwell on what-ifs."

"And why would you think that? You remember that I've spent the past decade of my life trapped in my own head. At many points thinking about what-ifs was my only relief. What if I'd never made a deal with the Beast, what if that truck hadn't crashed into us and killed my mother, what if my father chose to throw away his pride for the sake of his son. I'd conceive elaborate scenarios about how my life could've turned out. It was one of the few things the Beast let me have."

"Is there even a point? You make your grave then you lie in it. Thinking about what could have been is just a waste of time."

"Indulge me then. You don't honestly mean to tell me you've never considered where your life could've turned if not for some key differences?"

"Everyone does that. Difference is on whether you dwell on it or not." Hindsight was always 20-20. What if I did this, what if I didn't do that. Every time you made a mistake or saw someone get what you wanted it was hard not to have those kinds of thoughts. What if he'd never woken up in that alley, what if his brother just killed Octavius instead of dragging it out...

What if he never stabbed himself with that damn syringe and ruined Gwen's life?

"...It depends on who you're talking about," Peter said eventually. Matt waited for him to continue, "You know I've got two sets of memories bouncing around in my skull."

"I thought you'd made peace with your identity a year ago?"

"That would be so simple, wouldn't it?" Peter laughed under his breath, "But really, do you think it's that easy? I spent the first four months after I woke up thinking I was a completely different person. Even after Moon told me who I 'really' was I couldn't just slide back into that role. I don't know who I am and I don't think I ever really can. I've just learned to live with it."

"I'm surprised you can accept that so easily."

"Wouldn't call it easy but it's something I can't just ignore. Besides, do you honestly think I'm that much worse off than everyone else? Moon Knight's get three people sharing space, Rand's a rich kid turned mystical warrior and Echo's spent most of her life with her head on a vise. Hell, just look in the mirror for someone who's really fucked."

Matt laughed loudly and took a deep inhale of the cigarette, "We are quite a merry band, aren't we? And to think our 'fans' think of us as this glamorous group of rebels fighting for our own justice. I wonder how disappointed they'd be if they found out the truth? That we're all just damaged individuals no less broken than the rest of them?"

"What does it matter? It's not like we're doing this for publicity."

"Point." Another drag, "So...your answer?"

"...I don't know." Peter shrugged, "My brother wanted to be a scientist once and Parker - I - wanted the same." He took a shallow drag. The cigarette was half-finished now, "It wasn't selfless. The real Spider-Man just wanted to pull his weight and Parker wanted to be the next Tony Stark to prove he wasn't the loser everyone thought I was."

"You don't have any interest in science now?"

"Even if I did what's the point? Always someone else that needs saving." Or killing. Still, he'd be lying if he said he didn't think about it. Gwen's suggestions of going to college always appealed to him no matter how reluctant he seemed. Even if he wasn't naïve enough to think he could change the world with science he still loved science all on its own.

"...I don't think I'd have become a lawyer if I had a choice," Matt said, "Before I was blind I was never the most studious. It was only after the incident that my father insisted on my studies. 'Don't be like me', he said. He thought himself as nothing more than a thug who let himself be bloodied in exchange for payment. He wanted more for me."

"What would you have been if you had to choose?"

"Hmm...perhaps a circus acrobat?" Matt's lips curled in a small grin, "My father never knew but I spent my rooftop exploring the city, brushing death with every grasp. He thought I was a fragile little boy that had to be shielded from the cruel reality of the world. I didn't have the heart to tell him the truth. He'd already lost his wife, I wouldn't imagine how he'd react if he lost his son as well."

"You don't think much of him." Matt was never angry, at least not as far as Peter knew him. Still, the resentment was clear as day.

"How could I? For all his talks about family he threw it all away for the sake of senseless pride. Because for just one moment he wanted to feel as if he was in control without thinking of the consequences. Oh, Maggie would claim that he simply wanted me to be proud of him and that he at least left a sizeable life insurance by betting on himself, but it's a pathetic justification. Would any son truly exchange their father's life for a moment of pride and a payout?"

"Do you blame him for what happened to you?" Why the hell did he ask that? What was the point of knowing the answer? It never changed anything. A monster was a monster, didn't matter what kind of sob story they gave. A serial killer who was abused as a kid wasn't any different from someone who did it cause they were bored. It's all the same for the people they hurt.

"And what gave you that idea?" Matt looked honestly confused at the question, "While Jack Murdock's worth as a father and a human being is suspect I'm not so irresponsible to foist my own mistakes onto him. I was the one who made the deal with the Beast and damned myself. To claim otherwise both pathetic and patently false."

His spider-sense was quiet. Not a lie, "...Do you feel responsible for everything that's happened the past decade?" Was he looking for someone else to blame? The Beast was already dead - no, not dead: gone. Wasn't even a soul left. Matt was the only one left they could blame. It was why Gwen hated him.

"Of course I do." No hesitation and again his spider-sense was silent, "It would be so easy to blame the Beast for all my sins. So, so easy." His small grin turned wide and much too familiar for his liking. The traces of blood still on his face made him look manic, "People are much too easy to shirk responsibilities. 'It's not my fault', 'it's not your fault', 'it's someone else's fault'. Easier to sleep at night when you never have to own up to anything, hm?"

"...What the hell's the matter with you? Don't tell me you're having a mental breakdown."

"You said it yourself, Peter. This entire group of ours? We're fucked." Peter's eyes narrowed. In all the time he'd known him he could count on one hand the amount of times Matt let the smug mask slip. Seeing him like this now was eerie, "At times I wonder if it's a requirement. I doubt anyone sane could survive the things we do. Maybe that's why the Chaste failed in centuries what we've accomplished in a mere two years."

"You're overestimating. The Hand's a relic, that's all there is to it." The only reason they survived this long was because of that tick and because they kept their head down. Now their life support was gone and they were scrambling to keep breathing. If it wasn't him someone else would've been able to get rid of them, "Why the sudden shift? Painkillers making you loopy?"

"I don't use drugs. Makes me unfocused." But smoking was alright? Whatever. It wasn't like he had any room to talk, "But don't you feel the same? About responsibility, I mean, not the drugs. You blame yourself for the Lizard. You could easily shift the entire blame onto your past identity or others like Mr. Osborn and yet you continue to bear the weight on your shoulders."

"You about done?" He wasn't going to talk about this with Matt Murdock, of all people.

"Yes, the moment has passed." He shook his head, "I'm sorry you have to see me like this. I'd hoped you wouldn't catch me in one of my moods." Moods? That's what he called it?

"Doesn't matter to me." Wasn't like his opinion of him could change at this point.

"...Another question, if you'll indulge me." Peter took another drag and didn't say anything, "Do you still hate me?"

"Of course I do." He didn't bother to look up and see Matt's expression, "I don't see any point of fighting it out with you anymore but that doesn't mean we'll ever be friends. Beast is dead and you were the one who made the deal with him, like you said." He raised the cigarette briefly, "Don't forget why I haven't killed you yet. I made a deal with Page."

"To save the friend who has dedicated his second chance at life to murdering you." Matt let out smoky breath and laughed, "Your sense of loyalty is ever confounding."

"You done with your questions? Cause I've got one." Cigarette was running out. He didn't bother to get another, "You're honestly telling me you're not scared of the inferno? Most criminals they think they can handle it because they have no idea what it's really like. Easy to be brave when you just imagine it's not that bad. But you, you've been there. You know what it's like. No pretending it's not as bad as you think."

"You're one to talk. You've seen both what Hell is like and the 'care' of your patron and yet you do not let it weigh on your mind."

"You gonna answer my question or not?"

"One thing before. You talk about tortures and the like, what is the worst one you've seen? And don't try to be philosophical. Just be honest."

"...Brazen bull. Know what it is?" Matt hummed. Take that as a yes, "Saw it in one of those Hand camps. Think it was Bakuto's, seems like the type of thing he'd like." The body he pulled out gave him nightmares for a week afterwards. She was still alive for a minute afterwards but most of her skin had sloughed off and the sounds before he got her out... "Burned the whole place down afterwards."

"Karmic retribution, was it?" Matt finished off the last of his cigarette then extinguished it under his boot, "Yes, I imagine Hell is much the same. Tortures made in this world are horrific and yet ultimately they do have an end. With Hell it is eternity. Even a brief taste marks you."

"Didn't answer my question."

"Of course I'm scared." Matt turned around and looked down at him, their eyes meeting, "But isn't it the same for all of us? I doubt even Moon Knight feels nothing when there's a gun pressed against his head. We don't rid ourselves of our fear, we simply suppress it deep down. I'm much the same. The fear I have is buried deep down because there's no point. There is no escape and I won't exhaust myself looking for an answer to a problem with no solution."

Peter was about to say something when a sudden clap of thunder rang out and the gentle drizzle turned into a rainstorm, "The hell?"

"A storm." Matt said. Thank you, Captain Obvious, "Suppose we should've paid attention to the forecast."

"Just what I need right now." He sighed and stood, stuffing the cigarette into his portable ashtray, "Hopefully Moon Knight doesn't mind me borrowing a jacket."

"Have a case that needs resolving?"

"Hardly." He put on his sweater (he'd fix the burn later) then searched in the closet for a thick, hooded jacket, "There's a homeless camp me and Summers visit from time to time. Ever since she went into hiding I've been checking in now and then. Storm like that? Better if I look them up and make sure none of them drowned." Some of them were lucky enough to have a roof over their head...and some of them had cardboard boxes. Wasn't a problem you could fix with cash. Even when he bought them tents there was always more problems or more poor bastards drifting in.

"How noble of you." Matt chuckled.

"Beats listening to you talk my ear off, at least." What was that about trying to avoid arguments? So much for that.

"Hm...do you mind if I come with you?"

"What, think a little charity will make the guys downstairs take it easier on you?"

"Hardly. I'm simply interested how you are when there's no villain to fight. I'll admit I'm looking forward to seeing the softer side of the fearsome Spider-Man."

"Do what you want, just don't go there in your costume. Last thing those people need is anyone seeing Spider-Man or Daredevil hanging around them."

Peter waited and messaged Norah about checking in on the camp. She gave a thumbs up back and mentioned helping Gwen do some research on the Roxxon board of directors. She doubted she'd find anything blatantly incriminating but they just needed enough to unbalance them.

Matt came back wearing a hooded jacket like his own and a pair of jeans and sneakers in place of his costume. Looked odd seeing him out of his suit or dressed like the devil, "How's Ms. Stacy doing? he asked.

"Wasn't her." He stood and put the hood on. No one at the camp knew who he really was. They had suspicions, especially after what happened with Hammer, but they kept quiet. No one wanted to look a gift horse in the mouth, "Let's go."

"A final question, if I may." Peter sighed. He was starting to regret this already, "You've made your feelings toward me clear enough but I wonder if it would be possible to change your mind." He expected the question to be taunting or lighthearted. Instead Matt sounded soft and honestly curious, "A foolish question, perhaps, but one that's been nagging at me. You don't have to answer if you have no wish to."

"Ask yourself if anyone you hurt could ever forgive you. You've got your answer." It was a non-answer and they both knew it. Still, Matt didn't say anything and just hummed in seeming acceptance, "Now stop wasting time. Storm's not gonna let up any time soon and I don't need those people on my conscience."

"As you wish, Peter. Lead the way."


Wingslessy: Holy shit! I was in New Jersey and this literal real life Minotaur showed up out of nowhere and attacked, only for this super strong buff naked dude with a lion pelt hat to beat it to death with a huge club! -embedded link-

HumansAreWeird replied: Jeez, you couldn't have at least censored the damn picture?! 😧

Graceishere replied: Wow! That dick is massive! 😍 Momma want! 😍

VanishingPoint replied: Why is he naked though?! And why is he wearing a lion pelt on his head? Animal cruelty much?

HumansAreWeird replied: Yeah. Seriously who the fuck is this guy? And why the fuck is he naked?

ThorGodOfLightning replied: Haha! That is my good friend Hercules, the son of Zeus! We go way back!

Wingslessy replied: Wait, your telling me the Greek Mythology/Olympian Pantheon is ALSO real?! Christianity, Norse Mythology, and Greek Mythology are ALL REAL?!

ThorGodOfLightning replied: Of course! I'm afraid though that Asgard and Olympus have never had much in the way of good relations. Zeus and my father rarely get along and Zeus in particular has always hated me. I suspect he is merely filled with deep jealousy though.

VolstaggTheBrave replied: My friend, I think you mean he hates you for 'defiling' his precious daughter Artemis and convincing her to finally break that famous vow of chastity of hers.

ThorGodOfLightning replied: Well yes, that too! I must say, it has been a while since I've seen fair Lady Artemis. I have missed her much. Perhaps I shall visit her soon!

GrimHogun replied: Maybe this time you'll even manage to avoid Apollo's arrows.

FandralTheHandsomeAndBold replied: If you do intend to visit Olympus, do remember to bring me and the others along. I for one have missed Aphrodite's tender care. That night when were were together was surely the best night of my life!

ThorGodOfLightning replied: Which you've never let us forget my friend.

SifTheSwordOfAsgard replied: I am never going to Olympus again with you idiots after what happened last time! Also, I'm pretty sure we're still banned there by Zeus regardless, so the point is mute.

BrunnhildeValkyrie replied: I must agree with Sif. The last time we were there, Olympus and Asgard almost went to war due to your antics. We're lucky as it is that Frigga was able to negotiate that truce with Hera.

ThorGodOfLightning replied: Oh yes, I forgotten all about that. Pity.

HumansAreWeird replied: Okay, as interesting and freaky as this weird conversation between you gods sounds, can one of you please explain why this Hercules dude is running around naked?!

SifTheSwordOfAsgard replied: Hercules is always naked. You'll eventually get used to it. Hel knows I have after all the times he used to visit Thor.

TBoneJim replied: Anyone else find it kind of unsettling how quickly all these Norse Gods learned how to use Tweeter and Social Media?


Nothing much here but I figured it'd be good to get some one-on-one focus between Matt and Peter since, slight spoilers, I'm planning to go forward with the Hand and Bullseye arc very soon and they're the two main characters.

This chapter took some re-writing. There were times where Peter seemed too friendly and other times he seemed too hostile and genuinely hating Matt. I tried to go for more of a middle ground where he hates Matt less but can't or won't forget everything he's done, especially killing Bullseye. I know some readers think they should just get along at this point but it's not exactly easy given their history.

Anyway, next chapter will be the chosen arc then we'll continue the plot. At the rate we're going either Peter or Mary Jane's plot will conclude first, at which point they'll probably become supporting characters for the remaining protagonist to help resolve their storylines.

Question:

1. More out of curiosity, but if Mary Jane ever actually did get into a romance would you guys prefer more of the regular relationship stuff (monogamy, dating, sappy romance moments) or do you think it should be as damaged and warped as Mary Jane currently is by having it be more unstable or at least less ideal.