Chapter 3

"Spider-Man is a threat to our business. Already interfering with our weapons robbery was a sign that this is bad for us. I want you to handle it. Discreetly," said the large man as he overlooked the gloomy city as it was pouring rain.

"Understood…Kingpin," said the Prowler as he left the office.


Spider-Man was swinging through the streets of New York, on his way to meet MJ for the coffee he owed her. It had been a week since the mystery gang made their robbery attempt and it had been quiet since.

Maybe Captain Stacy was wrong. Maybe we brought an end to the gang the other night, Spider-Man thought. Just as he was still pondering about the unknown gang, he realized he was close to the coffee shop he was meant to meet MJ at.

After quickly changing in an alley, he circled around the corner and saw MJ who was waiting in front of the store.

"Hey MJ! Sorry I'm late", said Peter.

"Wouldn't be you if you were on-time Pete," said MJ smiling.

The two entered the coffee shop and after finding a seat, there was this uncomfortable silence between the two.

"So, how are things at the Bugle?" asked MJ looking down.

Peter was shocked that MJ of all people was engaging in "awkward chit chat."

Is she nervous? Am I nervous? This isn't a date right? Man I knew I shouldn't have swung here, I probably smell.

I should probably say something.

"Oh, you know, Jonah's got me on my toes all the time! How's it going with uh theater…er…things?"

MJ laughed and said, "Theater things are going well. I'm just not sure how realistic it is."

"What do you mean?" asked Peter.

MJ looked down and said, "For as long as I can remember I loved being on stage. It's definitely something I want to pursue, but in terms of a career…I think I need a backup plan. At the same time though, it feels like I'm putting my dream aside."

Peter was once again shocked. MJ always seemed like the type to know what she wants and wouldn't let anything get in her way. This was a different side of MJ that Peter had never seen before, not that he minded.

"A backup plan is never a bad idea, MJ. Plus, you never know, you might end up liking the backup plan even more. What were you thinking about anyway?"

MJ shyly looked away and said, "I was thinking about journalism…"

Peter smiled and said, "Reporter Mary Jane Watson has a nice ring to it in my opinion."

Smiling, MJ replied, "Thanks Tiger. It feels good to actually tell someone."

"Anytime," said Peter.


The rest of their time was spent sharing laughs and advice until it was starting to get dark.

As they were leaving the shop, MJ looked at Peter and said, "Thanks again for the talk Pete. You're a good friend."

Well, I guess that answers my questions from earlier. Definitely not a date, thought Peter.

"Anytime MJ," said Peter.

Suddenly before he could react, she hugged him tightly.

Wow she smells good, I wonder what that scent is. Oh yeah that's what you're supposed to be thinking about right now dummy. HUG HER BACK! Peter thought to himself as he hugged MJ back.

As they let go, they both locked eyes.

Friends Peter!

Snapping out of it, Peter said, "Well I guess I'll see you around Red."

MJ, broken out of her trance, said, "You bet Tiger."

With that, they parted ways.


As Peter was swinging home; his thoughts were racing through his mind.

What was up with that stare? She probably thinks I like her. I mean do I? NONO, she said friend, plus she hasn't dated anyone since Mark Allan. I don't think she needs another super powered boyfriend in her life. Then again, Spider-Man isn't a hot head like the Molten Man was.

Suddenly, Peter's thoughts were interrupted as he was tackled in midair and quickly heading to the ground.

His landing was anything but soft as he landed on his back on a rooftop. Slamming against the concrete, he got up quickly.

What was that?

Suddenly a purple and black figure appeared launching his attacks at Spider-Man. Spider-Man did his best to react but he was a step too late as the figure's advancement knocked Spider-Man off his balance. Grabbing him by the throat the figure threw Spider-Man across the street into a construction yard.

Breaking one of the concrete walls, Spider-Man, a little slower this time, stood up and searched for the figure.

"Mr. Criminal? Where'd you go?"

Almost as if he appeared out of nowhere, the figure punched Spider-Man square in the jaw. Then grabbing his shoulders, he kneed him in the stomach. Staggering backwards, Spider-Man still couldn't keep up with his pace as the figure punched straight in the chest, knocking him down and flipping onto his stomach.

"And they said you were tough," said the figure.

Looking up, Peter could see his opponent more clearly, he was tall, with a helmet that had two white slits for eyes, gloves that looked more like talons, and he was wearing an armored bodysuit.

Weak from all the blows he had taken, Spider-Man was only able to say one thing, "Who are you?"

The figure quietly looked down at the web head and said, "The guy who brought an end to Spider-Man."

Looking up there were a number of support beams that were being held by a crane. The figure threw what looked like a dagger up. However, before throwing the dagger, he looked down again at Spider-Man and said, "Goodbye Spider-Man, the Kingpin send his regards."

Before Spider-Man could say another word, the beams were heading straight down crashing one on top of the other.

The Prowler turned around and started walking away. As he left the construction site, he received a call.

"Quite the show," said the Kingpin.

The Prowler responded in a growl, "I better see the money in my account. You have nothing to worry about anymore. Spider-Man is dead."