Alright, a few notes so last chapter I know I wrote but I had several ideas in that last part that just kept spreading even more ideas which I am excited to say has been spread into this fic. And yes, the scene with Betty, Peter, and Jameson last chapter about Peter explaining recursive loops is from Ultimate Spider-Man #8.

Also, as I'm writing this fic, a few more inspirations came from other works.

1) YouTube started recommending Spider-Man fan films and the one that recommended the most was "Spider-Man: Hunted" by Declan Duggan, check that out by the way, and wow was it good and it gave me a few more ideas for this fic.

2) Spider-Man: Home Rebuilt by RavageDarkness on AO3 is super good. There was one scene in that fic I feel inspired to write about in this fic.

3) Spider-Man: Creating Home Again by Lebaas is also good, although a lot of ideas came from this fic, I felt as if it would've been too convoluted.

Like I said before check those out of you're interested.

Enjoy!

Act I (Part 4)

Spider-Man landed on top of a building rather not well. He laid down on the roof, groaned, and winced at the pain. Taking off his mask, he was breathing heavily feeling as if the pain was going to get worse.

He gulped and tried to get up. The First attempt was useless as he fell back down in pain.

He laid down there and said to himself, "Bad idea to hang out with them, Parker..."

His second attempt at getting up was a success and he began to swing off to his apartment rather too quickly. He entered through his window and made way to the cabinet in the bathroom where he could get some medical supplies.

He took off his costume which looked badly damaged from the fight with the Vermin.

Peter took out a medicine bottle, opened the lid and took out one ibuprofen in his hand, and put it in his mouth to ease the pain. He then took a Poland Springs water bottle and drank it heavily, swallowing the ibuprofen, but also almost trying to finish the bottle.

Noticing his injuries, they were only on both of his shoulders, really medium-sized claw marks that didn't cut too deep into the skin, but they were bleeding a bit and Peter quickly got Hydrogen Peroxide and cotton balls to not any infection on them.

He checked his back on the mirror only to find a lot of scratches on there. Though he tried his best to use the hydrogen peroxide and the cotton balls on his back, it ended up getting weird when he tried to bandage them up. Well, using the extra-large ones.

He put away his Spider-Man suit in his closet but just threw it on the floor. He quickly changed into his pajamas and then wondered about something.

As usual, he was talking to himself, "Am I doing the right thing?"

"I don't know anymore really. MJ, Ned, and Betty could've gotten hurt today. And I think Kraven definitely knows who I am and I don't know he got that info that I'm Spider-Man-" Feeling frustrated, he got up and started pacing back and forth rummaging his thoughts on huge speculations about Kraven, Riva, and the life he's been having.

He promised himself however that tomorrow he would go to MJ, Betty, and Ned and explain where he went during the fight with Vermin. That way they'd be less suspicious of him and mostly because it would be the last time he would ever interact with them.

Back at Flash's house, cops were busy questioning the people there, also parents came by and hugged their kids. MJ walked away from a cop after being questioned by him about the fight between Spider-Man and the mysterious creature that came out of nowhere.

Betty and Ned quickly walked up to her. "Any word on Peter?" Betty asked.

MJ shook her head.

"Is he dead?" Ned asked, worryingly, as Betty and MJ stared at him, suggesting something like that.

Betty spoke for the two of them, "I think we would've had the cops tell us they found his body."

Ned shrugged, "Sorry, got really anxious about him and assumed the worst."

MJ ignoring what Ned was suggestive pondered in her thoughts for a bit and then looked at Ned. And then an idea formed in her head.

The three of them left the premises of Flash Thompson and went back to the train station. MJ was texting Ned while Betty fell asleep.

'I have a theory on why Peter wasn't there with us when Spider-Man fought that thing.' She texted.

'Oh really' Ned texted back.

'Yeah, but I can't discuss it with you by text. We'll talk tomorrow after school ok?'

'Ok we'll talk tomorrow'

The next day, Peter was at work. He was fixing up some stuff with the Bugle's website. Peter shook his head, there were a lot of problems with the web design, good thing he could fix it and get paid for it.

Betty came by his desk and started to ask him questions about where was he last night after the creature attacked.

Peter sighed and said, "Listen, I'll tell you guys at Peter Pan's today, ok. I promise you that."

"Ok well, you better. It was so concerning where you were that even Ned thought you were dead." Betty stated sadly.

Peter nodded and continued to work on the website. However, there was an argument going on between Jameson and his partner that helps with the Bugle, Robbie Robertson. It was loud, but not to the point of screaming since it was coming from Jameson's office.

Robbie argues, "Listen, Jonah, none of those kids know what that thing was that attacked them last night. Between that creature and the Tarzan, nobody's got pictures of them fighting Spider-Man."

Jameson countered, "Probably because Spider-Man hired them to make himself look good. Besides don't you think it's a huge coincidence he showed up at that party to fight that thing."

Robbie shook his head, "Now why would Spider-Man do that... and moving on from that, we need pictures. I'll get Peter."

He exited Jameson's office and approached Peter's desk. "Peter, Jameson's office now."

Peter nodded and headed there. He saw Jameson was disappointed in him a bit. Probably because of no pictures of Spider-Man fighting Kraven or that new creature last night.

"Parker, you're a great photographer, I don't like to admit myself, but you really are." Jameson began.

Peter was surprised Jameson said that. This was the man pre-Spell that almost ruined his life by spreading that doctored video of Mysterio revealing his identity. To see him being this nice was rather welcoming.

Jameson continued, "Any reason you don't have pictures of Spider-Man with the two crazies... whatever they are..."

Peter looked down on the floor, then back at Jameson and said, "Well, I wasn't there at those times, but next time Spider-Man shows up, I'll get the shots."

Jameson nodded, "Alright, listen, I know I may come across as like an idiot to some people. And maybe being a crazy boss, but I expect good work from my employers. Just get the shots."

"Will you double the money?" Peter asked.

Jameson looked at him and started to laugh. "You're funny, anyway get back to work!" He barked. Peter had a baffled look on his face and sighed, classic Jameson.

After work, Peter stopped by Peter Pan's. He took a deep breath, entered through the door, and saw Betty, MJ, and Ned.

MJ working her shift, Ned is being on his laptop and sitting, and Betty also sitting and on her phone. Peter exhaled deeply and simply said, "Hey, guys."

They all looked at him and nodded. Ned was the first to ask, "So where were you, bro?"

Peter looked at the floor and then back at his friends. Good thing he actually prepared an excuse this time. "Well, I was running away to... contact Spider-Man."

MJ looked at him weirdly, "Contacting Spider-Man?" She let out a chuckle and asked, "You know Spider-man, like that?"

Peter nodded and said "Yeah, I didn't tell you guys before because... he and I have a mutual agreement. I take his photos and he goes and saves people."

Betty asked him, "So if you contacted him that would mean you know who he is then?"

"Uhm... he doesn't like to share his secret identity with anyone." He said gleefully.

"So, he knows you, but he won't reveal to you, his identity? Seems a little too convenient to me." MJ commented.

"Yeah, way too convenient. Cause I used to be his guy in the chair and then he stopped contacting me for some reason-" Ned was interrupted by the number of whispered shut-ups by MJ.

Betty looked at Ned in astonishment, so she blurted out in offense "You know Spider-Man and you didn't tell me?"

Ned feeling embarrassed decided to say nothing, but then opened his mouth "Um, well to be fair it was during Homecoming and I don't know that well. And then there was London with-" Yet, again only to be met with a lot of whispered shut-ups by MJ. Betty shook at her friends' antics and Peter smiled a bit at this, although he didn't want them to notice that he smiled at their antics as if he knows them very well.

"Anyway, we're getting off-topic. This is about Peter somehow knowing Spider-Man and leaving us last night," corrected MJ.

Ned and Betty nodded and Peter shook his head as this was going to be a long day for him. "Well, what else do you want to know about my relationship with Spider-Man?"

"Do you do anything else for him other than take photos for the Bugle?" Ned asked.

Peter smiled a bit and stated, "Uhhh... well this one might surprise you, but I am also the guy that makes his tech."

MJ, Ned, and Betty were surprised by what he just said. Ned, however, pointed out a flaw "Wait, I thought Spider-Man got his suit from Tony Stark, so how did you make the suit for him? And I thought you were doing GED? I don't see the connection."

Peter clarified "When Stark died I was his new tech guy. At first, Spider-Man and I just did photos, but when he discovered I could make new tech, he made me his tech guy. And plus I used to be in a great high school until my family members died so I have to do GED."

Ned abruptly stated, "Oh I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry-"

"It's okay, you guys were concerned about me and I had to keep a big secret. I let Spider-Man know I had to tell you guys about our work together." Peter affirmed.

After that the four of them just as usual talked about their day, Peter being the quietest and just listening.

Vermin was crawling through the sewer, growling and peaking through the streets of Manhattan. "Spppppiiiiiiiiiddddddeeeeerrrrrrr..." He growled the name of his new foe.

"There you are Vermin," a familiar voice called out to him, Kraven.

"Kraven." Vermin said his name.

"Vermin, I don't know why you failed to get me Spider." Kraven said sadly.

Vermin looked around and growled, "Spppiiiiddeer hurt Vermin..."

"Hm, I see. And you just left him by?" Kraven asked.

"No, no...Vermin smell Spiiiiddderrrr." Vermin said proudly.

Kraven nodded, "See that you get to it, I'll leave you by and get me the Spider."

"Vermin will do..." Vermin said and growled as he descended into the darkness of sewers, deep red eyes glowing.

Betty suggested they go to the mall or the movies next time. MJ rolled her eyes and kept saying work would keep her busy, plus she needed to take extra shifts the next few days. Ned had to study for two tests coming up on the same day. Peter made a lousy excuse, but somehow Betty bought it.

Betty shook her head and just said she'll see what she could up with the new few weeks. Peter had to smirk at Betty's loss of hanging out, he had to admit it was amusing to see, albeit a bit mean to think about.

He also had to admit no crime or bad thing had happened which was a plus for him. It didn't mean he had to stop patrolling at the night. He looked at his phone for any crime updates, but none whatsoever. While he would be proud that nothing is occurring, it was too convenient and suspicious.

"Say guys I gotta go," Peter said abruptly.

"Go where?" MJ asked.

Peter had to think of a good excuse this time, "Something's just come up, I just gotta take care of it." Before anyone could say anything, Peter walked out of Peter Pan's very fast and abruptly.

"Very weird dude," Ned commented.

Peter walked by an alleyway and quickly changed into his Spider-Man, reached up to the roof, and webbed his clothes so that way they wouldn't get put and taken by garbage men.

He swung around, doing a few spins in the air and flips, running on the walls of buildings, and so on. After a few swings, he landed on top of a building, near Peter Pan's and saw MJ, Ned, and Betty walking by. He assumed the girls just asked Ned to walk them to their homes. They were out of his sight and knowing that they were safe was all that mattered.

And then at the worst possible moment, his spider-sense tingled. He tried to locate where the danger was or rather coming from. It hit him when he saw a sewer lid open and out came the creature that attacked him and his friends and party folk last night.

"Oh boy," he muttered.

Vermin crawled on all fours and was sniffing around. He turned to see Spider-Man leap into action and attack him.

"Nice to see you again." He quipped.

Vermin got angrier and lashed out at Spider-Man. He kept dodging his claw attacks, not making the same mistake twice. "Woo boy! You have sure gotten slower!" He quipped again.

"RRRRRAAHHHHRRR!" Vermin roared as he tackled Spider-Man to the ground, only for Vermin to be kicked off by Spider-Man. He then webbed his feet and hung him near a street light. However, Vermin cut off the web and fell to the ground. Feeling a bit light-headed, he started to stumble a bit, Spider-Man went on the offense with a few punches.

Vermin growled and got him into a choke-hold. The web-head was now in trouble. He was starting to feel out of breath. "Losing... consciousnesssss..." He yelped as Vermin was choking the life out of him.

"That's enough Vermin!" Kraven called out of nowhere and approached the two.

Vermin growled, "Krrrravveeen."

"You got the Spider for me, good job." Kraven congratulated.

Vermin let Spider-Man out of the choke-hold and as he let himself get his breath back, Kraven went in for a few haymakers. The hunter knocked the hero down to the ground and continuously punched him.

Kraven stopped himself and laughed. "Victory, you've been beaten Spider."

Spider-Man groaned and muttered, "It's just your bones... your muscles... walk it off..."

"But now my mission is complete. I'll leave you with one lasting reward." Kraven said as he approached Spider-Man closer and closer to his laying semi-injured body. In a rush, the web-slinger threw a punch to Kraven's face.

Vermin was about to attack, but Kraven ordered him to stand down and that he will take care of it.

"Well, that's nice to hear, but I'm on a busy schedule, Tarzan." He quipped and then webbed Kraven's face. Then threw a haymaker, and a few kicks to the side, chest, and back. He was going to punch one last time before Kraven caught the punch, pulls his arm towards himself thus dragging his entire body, and gives Spider-Man a nasty headbutt.

Kraven went for a few punches in the chest, then in the face, another headbutt, and then went for a leg sweep, causing Spider-man to fall on the ground again. He groaned in pain and turned his body over onto his stomach.

"Come on, Spider... Is that all you got?" Kraven began as he came close to his enemy's body. He placed his left hand on his shoulder and with his right hand grabbed his wrist to lock it in place.

SNAP!

"aaAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Spider-Man let out a huge scream and winced in pain. Kraven had dislocated his arm out of place, well his shoulder to be exact.

The hunter laughed and said something the web-slinger couldn't make out; he gave him a light tap on the shoulder he just dislocated and walked away, Vermin following suit.

Spider-Man grunted, "Ugh... aaah... gotta let that enhanced healing work, need a place to stay... overnight."

He thought about and it might be a good idea after all it was close.

Happy was busy dealing with calls about the investigation. Suddenly, a knock on his balcony, an injured Spider-Man.

"Spider-!" He quickly ran and opened the slider door and let him. "What the hell happened to you?" He asked eagerly and worryingly at the same time.

"Just lay me down on anything." He requested. Happy laid him down on his couch and then asked, "Need a doctor? Hospital?"

"No, no hospital..." He spoke. "Enhanced healing will take care of it."

"Well, you can't just rely on me. I have no medical qualifications." Happy states firmly.

"I understand but-"

"But nothing, Spider-Man. You need help. Professional help. I'll get somebody to help you." Happy suggested as he got chair and sat down next to him.

The hero sighed and then winced in pain.

"Is your face injured?" Happy asked, being concerned.

"No." Spider-Man lies.

"Come on, your shoulder looks out of place, and you have probably a few injuries on your body. Surely your face is injured."

"Nooo... ugh..." Spider-Man lies and groans in pain.

"Listen, I'll keep your identity safe if you just let me see how badly injured it is." Happy suggests and approaches the web-slinger who was trying to get his masked face away from his former colleague.

Happy approached closer and closer until he could finally get the mask off.

Happy screamed "Peter!", he fell back a bit, and then fell into his chair.

He had just seen Spider-Man without his mask off. His face was bruised, but not too bloody. He was lying there all injured on his couch. Happy also instantly got his memories back of who he is and why he dated May.

He cried out, "Peter..."

Peter groaned in pain and then he softly coughed. "Hey... Happy."

"Peter... what happened exactly to you? To your friends? To me?" Happy asked worrying about everything.

He tried to speak, but he was in so much pain. He took a few breaths softly and tried to talk.

"I made a lot of mistakes," he said starting to tear up.

"Mistakes that cost my life," his eyes leaked tears and his nose was about to be runny.

"I asked a spell to make everyone forget that I'm Spider-Man with a Doctor Strange because Ned, MJ, and I... we... we didn't get into MIT. I messed the spell up for him and that caused enemies of alternate universes Peter Parker's who know they're Spider-Man to come to our universe..." Peter explained as he was crying.

Happy was about to speak, but Peter interjected "There's more..."

"I thought that returning these enemies home would make them safe only to find out they die in their universes. I wanted to help them, but Strange didn't in order to keep the Multiverse safe. I fought him and won. And I began to cure the villains, but one was going against the idea... Osborn... the Green Goblin was against it and he fought me in your condo. And then he," he paused as even more tears started to leak of his eyes, "he got his glider which hurt May, and then threw a bomb at her, but I tried to stop it. May was ok, and I told her I should've listened to Strange. She told me, 'I had a gift. I had power. And with great power, there must also come great responsibility.' She collapsed and then died..." As Peter said this, Happy was also tearing up.

"I met other me's, other Peter Parkers and they helped make cures for their old enemies. They helped me so much and we fought them at the statue of liberty. We cured the villains as we fought them. All but one... Osborn. I fought Osborn so hard... I was angry... I wanted to kill him, but other me prevented me from doing so... I cured Osborn and then I asked Strange to cast a new spell. Make everyone forget who Peter Parker was..." Peter explained even more as he was crying heavily and then tried to hold it in.

"The villains and the two Spider-Men returned to their universes... and I was forgettable to everyone because of the spell..." He said and he let it all out.

Happy didn't know what to say, but he had tears in his eyes. "You sacrificed a lot for us... why put yourself through that pain, Peter?"

He started to calm down and he sniffled, "I wanted to make all of you remember me... but then I saw how happy Ned and MJ were and I saw you at the graveyard of May... and I just couldn't let you guys get hurt because of Spider-Man. I'm responsible and I want to fix it."

Happy smiled a bit with tears in his eyes, "You're practically way too young to take on something like this. And now May would be proud of you, but she would also be disappointed you're not living a happy life yourself."

"I want no one else to suffer because of me. Because of Spider-Man." Peter sniffled.

"I don't really know what else to say...it's not your fault May died—" Happy got interjected by Peter, "But it is... as much I refused Goblin's words... I can hear his voice in my head..."

Happy shook his head, "Peter, what do you want exactly? I could berate you for doing the spell, for making me forget that May Parker has a nephew... but what do you hope to accomplish this life by dying? By sacrificing so much and not gaining anything from it? It's just causing you more solitude."

"I just want everyone safe... no more pain because of me, no more of their lives ruined."

"And what about your life?!"

"My life is fine..." He said that as he groaned in pain.

"That's some depressing lie right there. I think you need to rethink your choice here... yes, the universe was in peril because of you... but why do you want it that way..."

Peter thought long and hard about what Happy said, "I always wanted a life of my own... but I made a choice..."

"And that choice you think is a good one?"

"Yes..."

Happy cried, "You big selfless selfish kid... you have the choice of telling your friends, but if you push them away I think it'll make your life even harder than ever."

"I just sometimes I don't know what to do..."

"Every young person does... look Pete... the world is not a good place, every hero has been trying to save it... but there have been times when even heroes don't know what to do... cause even then they could be human, alien or whatever and keep fighting on and you could do that, that's your choice, and you can get back up fighting and fighting. But you do always have a choice of letting those you love to be with you or don't be with you. You came to me for help with your injuries and I'm grateful to help. Really I am. But the spell and the choices you're making is just going down a path, everyone you love and know will not agree with you on." Happy surmised.

Peter took in what Happy was saying and thought it over.

Happy then changed the topic, "By the way, the spell was supposed to make everyone forget Peter Parker is Spider-Man, how come I instantly remembered you."

Peter thought it over and made an educated guess, "Probably because I'm with my mask all the time and you wouldn't remember who I am. And I think it breaks when you see me as Spider-Man and it brings back your memories."

"I see. Also, who kicked your ass for you to be like this?" Happy asked.

Peter chuckled at that and replied, "Kraven the Hunter."

Happy looked at him like he was from another planet, "That sounds like a badass name- Wait was he the Tarzan you beat a few days ago."

Peter nodded. Happy shook his head and said, "You're dealing with a lot of crazy guys."

Peter chuckled harder at that and then winced in pain even more. Don't laugh too much, he told himself.