CHAPTER 14
Fall of Harlem
"First , I didn't reach out because I needed to find a way to move on my own. And then I couldn't reach out right away , because as soon as I came back I had to get back my life back together and I didn't want you guys to get hurt again." Confessed Peter. "Get hurt, we were mourning you , Ryan made a shrine for you. And then you just show up in the city and you didn't even say anything to us. Hurt is nowhere of how we felt." Argued Samson. "Your right , I wasn't okay with it either, but I'm back and I'm here right now." Objected Peter. "That doesn't make what happened and what you did just go away." Objected Samson. "I know Sam!". "Then why show up now, we appreciate you saving our tails and all but these guys acted like they were after us specifically and …." Paused Benny as he started to realize something.
The lion started to have the same thought as well, " oh! Oh no , no way." , "What?", asked Peter. "Don't tell me you're involved in this somehow." Said Benny. "What, no, no , of course not, it's probably just a random coincidence." Stated Peter. Before he could lie any further Jacob interrupted , "Hey Pete, sorry to interrupt but we better get out of here if we're gonna get the rest of these guys." , "PETER!" yelled Samson, Benny, Nigel, Bridget, Larry. "Hey don't jump to conclusions guys.". Suddenly the bushes behind Peter and Jacob rustled causing them to draw their guns on instinct. "Wo , wo , wo it's me." Said Noah stumbling out of the vegetation raising his hands. "Jesus!" whispered Jacob, "Noah , what the hell are you doing here?" , asked Peter slightly frustrated. "I thought you guys could use some help and it wasn't hard to follow especially with all the gangs you've been taking out. And hold on is that Samson the Wild?" asked Noah turning to the lion behind them. "Um , Hello!" said Samson confused. "Oh my god you can talk to." Said Noah. "Peter , who's this guy?" asked Nigel. "You can all talk, awesome.", said Noah before Peter grabbed his arm tightening his grip. "Guys this is my Cousin Noah Ethrige. Noah this is Samson, his son Ryan , Benny, Nigel, Larry, and Bridget." "Ah, and does he know about your daily activities or do you keep him at a distance too?" asks Nigel.
"You mean his time as Spider-Man , he told me and my sister and just before some guy ow." Said Noah as Peter tighten his grip before pulling him away. "Can you guys excuse us for a minute , Jacob can explain everything." , "Wait hang on a minute." Objected Jacob as Peter and Noah took a few paces away from the group. "Bro can you loosen your grip please?" , asks Noah as Peter releases his arm. As Noah numbs the pain from his arm away Peter has his arms at his side, "Okay man , I don't know if you find this funny or a game , but just to be clear it's not." Stated Peter. "I know man, you really think I'd follow you without this?", asks Noah pulling a gun from his back pocket. "Jesus Christ Noah!" yelled Peter snatching it out of his hand.
"Dude , that s mine." , "I'm not letting you walk around with a gun." , objected Peter. "I've gotten a licensed and learn how to use one before you ever did." , said Noah. "That 's not the point." Said Peter. "Then what is your point?" asked Noah. "YOU CAN'T JUST GO OUT AT NIGHT ACTING LIKE SOME KIND OF VIGILANTE." Yelled Peter. "And you can?" , "I taught myself , then I was trained by several mentors. This isn't just something you can just start when you feel like it, it takes time , skills, and limits." Said Peter. "limits?" asks Noah. "Why do think I've limited myself from using fire arms whether it's as Xpertthief or Spider-Man." , "Because you'er to cool to use them?" , "Because I'm to good with them, I've said a lot of lives, but I've also taken them." Said Peter with a hint of regret in his voice. "But they were killers, bad people.", stated Noah. "But they were still human." Said Peter.
"Then why are you doing this, why are you going back to being Xpertthief , sense it burdens you?" , "Because there are somethings he can do that Spider-man can't." said Peter. "Is that why they don't seem happy to see you. Because I figured they were just plain zoo animals , no offense." Said Noah referring the animals talking with Jacob. "Hey , they're tougher than they look." Says Peter. Noah takes a glance at the animals then to Peter, the wheels in his mind turning. "Oh!" he says out loud. Peter looks at him confused, "Oh , what?" , "They pushed you away." , "Stop it!" says Peter. "They did!" says Noah. "Hey actually I did the pushing." Confesses Peter. "For a lovable super-hero you seem to push a lot of friends away." States Noah.
"Sometimes things change when you choose this life." Says Peter. "Before you say "Don't make me find you following me" , "Don't follow me." I'm gonna help you catch that thing weather you want it or not." States Noah. "Noah , you're gonna get yourself hurt, or something worse." Objects Peter. "I'm not afraid of Jason." , "You should be!" says Peter. "Why , why are holding back something about him, I think I , Jessica , and everyone else in our family deserves answers." States Noah angrily. "It's complicated!" , "Then uncomplicate it." , "We knew each other." Confesses Peter not caring that Jacob , Samson, Ryan, Larry, Nigel, Bridget, and Benny have stopped their own conversation and were now listening behind Noah.
"We knew each other, before, Spider-man, before the Avengers, even before the murders." Says Peter. "Murders?" asks Larry out loud. "We were friends, every-time at the camp we'd hang out, go hiking, hang out in a tree house. We were like brothers , until one night after he got picked on by three little ass holes, he went up to the dock , it gave way and he fell in. I tried to save him but when he went under I froze and it was too late. And then the murders started and Mrs. Voorhees died. Everything that happened there is because of me." Stated Peter. Noah and the gang are lost for words. "Peter, I , Pete?" Noah paused as he saw that is cousin disappeared. He then turned to Jacob who shrugged his shoulders, "He does that a lot."
After making his theatrical exit from the zoo, Peter scurried up a wall until he reached the roof. He then removed his pack back from his shoulder then pulled a folder out of it. Once he opened it revealing images of Trevor and the recent thugs he and Jacob had encountered during the week. Unaware to him Jacob climbed up from the ledge using a ladder. Judging from his hard breathing he was climbing in a hurry. "Is it too much to hope we can talk business in a restaurant?" , "Not unless you know one where there isn't any sell outs, cops, or crooks." Replied Peter not taking his gaze off the file. "What are you doing with those, we got everyone on that file." , "But none of them lead us to Jason." Said Peter glancing at individual pictures of Trevor, Carlos, Fenton. Until he paused after spotting a photo of Trevor leaving a building. Jacob saw Peter staring at the photo and asked , "What is it?". Peter then handed it to Jacob, "Does that building look familiar to you?".
Jacob stared at it for 3 minutes before realization hit him, "Harlem Paradise!" , "Exactly!" said Peter taking the photo then placing it back in the folder before placing it in his bag. Peter then got up and started walking off until Jacob grabbed his arm. "Hang on , where are you going?" , "To see if Jason is hiding in Harlem s Paradise." Snapped Peter. "Harlem s Paradise is in Harlem , are you forgetting that you're not the only guy in this city with powers, or that the place you're heading to belongs to one of them?" , "I know Jacob, I just don't care." Answered Peter.
"Well you should , you cant just go into a bar with a bunch of high class criminals." Said Jacob. "You got any better Ideas?" asked Peter. "Yeah call the others, come up with a plan and not stomp in they're hot headed." Says Jacob firmly. "How is that plan any better?" , "Because we won't be completely outnumbered if things go south which I'm pretty sure they will." Says Jacob. Peter let out a loud sign , "Fine!" , "Thank you because I already called them before I climbed up here." States Jacob earning a frustrated growl from Peter.
About 10 minutes later Harlem's Paradise is packed with civilians wearing tuxes, dresses, fancy decorated jewelry urgently waiting in line to enjoy the night inside. Amongst the civilians two man wearing fully whit buttoned down shirts with hoodies and shaded glasses approach a security guard out front. The guard lets the two in as jazz music is song by a black person with a band playing behind him. Inside are people dancing to the music, having a drink or just sitting and enjoying the club. The two man approach a bar and remove their glasses revealing Peter and Jacob.
Peter puts two fingers on his left ear, "We're in.". Above them in the balcony is Kasey dressed in a bright red dress with Niko dressed in a tux with black pants carrying a trey of martinis and Wine. "So are we." She says threw the Com-link. Back down below Zack, Josh, and Preston are dressed in tuxes along with Will who is struggling to keep his balance as he leans on a bar taking a drink. "Do you think anyone noticed us?" whispers Jacob to Peter. "Nope , but let's try to keep it that way. I'll stare here and look for anything suspicious , you check in the back." Says Peter. "You sure about this?" , "Not really, just act like you always come here." , answers Peter. "That shouldn't be a problem." Answered Zack as he noticed a waitress eyeing him as she gave a couple two glasses of Wine. Josh and Preston smirk at Zack before going back to their drinks. Peter makes his way to the bar as a waitress approaches him smirking. "
Hey handsome, new here?" She asked. "Not really, just visiting." Said Peter. "Sweet or unsweet? , "Sweet , please." Answers Peter. "Be right back." She replies before turning back and exiting threw another room. As Peter glanced around the room he flinched as a hand rested on his shoulder he turned to see "Carmen, Christian?". "I gotta say this is the last place I d expect to find you here." Says Christian. "What are you both doing here?" , " Making sure you're okay." Answers Carmen. "MJ told us about what you'v e been doing, and we understand but we're also really worried about you." , Just as Peter was about to respond two men dressed in black tuxes approached the 3. "You guys must be looking for a table, their's one upstairs that's available." , "Thanks but no thanks." Answers Peter slowly putting himself between the them and Christian and Carmen. "Please , the manager insists." Says his friend. "Alright , Christian , Carmen save my spot, I'll be back." Says Peter. "No problem." Answers Christian trying to hide the concern in his tone as he and Carmen watched Peter follow the 2 men upstairs. Peter follows the men up the stairs across a balcony with fancy couches with men and woman talking and having drinks , he then followed the two men into an office with a large wooden desk in the center with an oval shaped window overlooking the dance floor and bar.
To his right stood a painting of a man wearing a crown over his head. Across the desk sat a muscular looking man wearing a dark grey tux , and tie. Peter recognized him by observing his hairless hair. "Hey Cage!" Said Peter slightly unsurprised. "Please call me Luke , all my friends do." Asks Luke. "I gotta say you look great in a tux, but I always thought yellow was your main color." Says Peter. "Well sometimes life gets us to hide our true colors , right Peter." Says Luke. "But I gotta say it's great to see you in Harlem s Paradise." , "Appreciate it , but to be honest this place wasn't always a Paradise." Says Peter. One of the men in tuxes reached into his pocket before Luke gave him a frown before turning back to Peter.
"I know what you're thinking why would I still be running this place even now that the Stokes are gone?". "Actually I know what you would say anyway, "This place is the only thing that keeps Harlem stable." , or something like that." Says Peter. "To be honest , I didn't think you'd ever visit here, why is that?"" Asks Luke. "Lets just say there's someone I'm looking for.". "That someone wouldn't be the guy that Spider-man up against in front of the Museum, I heard that place got really banged up and the maniac wasn't caught." Says Luke. "Well I guess he s familiar with how crazy the city is." says Peter. "Why not leave it to the cops, or even S.H.E.I.L.D?" Asks Cage. "Well from what s happening on the news , none of them know exactly what and who they're dealing with." Says Peter. "And I m guessing you do?" , "Trust me when I say this, it's probably best that you stay out of this, let the pros handle this."
Meanwhile back at the bar, Christian and Carmen are taking drinks, eyeing Peter and Luke threw the oval window. "You know what power I really wish I had right now?" Asks Carmen. "What?" , "Super hearing, so we wouldn't have to guess what he and Luke Cage are discussing.".
"Is it true that they actually worked together?", asks Christian. "I heard that they were part of a team owned by S.H.E.I.L.D. It was Pete, Luke Cage a.k. .a Power-man, some Tiger lady, and Space guy." , says Carmen loosing the names of the last two. Christian turns his attention to two men wearing tuxes eyeing him and Carmen every 5 minutes before looking at each other taking drinks. Carmen notices Christian before following his gaze to their watches. "What is it?". "I don't think Harlems Paradise is a fan of new guest." Says Christian.
"Well I think they wouldn't mind if their new guest used the restroom for the first time." Says Carmen setting her drink down. "You want me to come?" , "Thanks but I think I can manage." Replies Carmen as she makes her way threw the dancing crowd. Christian shrugs his shoulders before leaning turning his attention to his drink. Just as he took a quick slip , he catches a glimpse of something pass by behind him. He quickly turns around only to meet the same people who are dancing their minds off.
Back at the office Peter risks a glance seeing Carmen head to the restroom while Christian is enjoying his drink. He then sees the two men who are spying on his friends threw the crowd. Peter then turns back to Cage , "Is it really necessary to have your friends/goons spying on their customers. "Sorry bro, but some traditions can't be erased around here." Answers Luke. "I guess that s the cons of ruling a criminal empire." Snaps Luke Cage.
The henchman gave Peter offended look before moving their hands over their holsters. Luke waves a hand before turning back to Peter, "I really want to say it s the only way to keep Harlem. But coming from you is in a way hypocritical." , "Do not go there. We both know I didn't have much of a choice." Snapped Peter. "Far enough but you did have multiple options to get out, why didn't you?" asks Luke Cage. Peter sighs before shaking his head, "Because as much as I hated what I did, there was a small fraction of myself that enjoyed it." Confesses Peter.
After making her way through the restless crowd. Carmen entered the Restroom and was welcomed with the smell of mold and wine. "Gross!" She says to herself as she enters an opened stall. After entering the stall she hears the sound of footprints enter the Restroom. She looks under the stall doors to seem a pair of muddy looking boots walking her way. They stop as the sound of a door is opened and then violently swung shut causing the startled Carmen to jump. The footsteps take 2 more steps before opening another door and then violently closing it louder than the first. Carmen is slowly starting to feel creeped out as the boots stop in front of her door. The handle on her side jingles as she grabs it , "Excuse me, it's occupied!". The handle stops and the boots turn away for a minute giving her some relieve. But suddenly the bot turn around and a hand appears over the door. The palm opens as small objects fall on the ground in front of her. Carmen leans forward as her mind slowly processes what she's looking at before fear crosses her face as she stares at what seems to be teeth.
"Look man , I'm not trying to throw your mistakes at you. But serious why not are you back in Harlem." Says Luke Cage. "I just want your permission to search Harlem , just in case the person I'm looking for is here." Admits Peter. "Alright well here s to rebuilding partnerships." Says Cage as he passes Peter a drink of wine. The two take a sip and suddenly find themselves spitting there drinks onto the floor. "SWEET CHRISTMAS!" yells Cage wiping his lips.
"What's wrong?" , asks on of the henchman. "What kind of wine is this, it tastes more like…". , "BLOOD!" interrupts Peter rubbing his fingers inside the glass before revealing a crimson red on his fingers to Cage in the others. Peter glances outside as he sees some people spitting out their drinks. He mindlessly drops his glass as he sees Christian at the bar choking on his drink and to see Carmen not by his side. "SHIT!" Peter yells. "What is it?" Asks Luke as Peter pushes by the henchman , yelling "CALL THE COPS, GET EVERY OUT OF THE BUILDING." , "PETER WHATS?" Asks Luke Cage. "OUT OF THE BUILDING NOW!" Yells Peter as he rushes down the stairs , pushing now confused customers until he reaches Christian. "Christian , where's Carmen, where is she?" asks Peter quickly grabbing Christian by the shoulders slightly scaring him. "She went to the restroom! Why?" Asks Christian.
Before Peter can answer a woman screams as a waitress runs out of the kitchen door and runs right into a fellow waiters arms. "Woo, woo , what s wrong?" Asks the Waiter. The Waitress looks completely hysterical , "Something happened to Dan , his head, his head s in the wine cellar , it's just his head , OH GOD!" Cries the Waitress. People around watching start panicking and looking around and start making their way to the exits. Upstairs Niko, Will, Zack, Josh, Preston, and Kasey quickly leave their table and make their way passed screaming customers. A hooded person shoves Zack in the shoulder sending them both down. "Sorry man!" Says Zack helping the man up. Josh turns to see the hooded figure grabbing a knife from his jean pocket, "ZACK , WATCH OUT!" Yells Josh just as the hooded guy swings the weapon Zack horizontally , Zack dodges the attack and counters with a right hook in the face. The attack knocks the hood off revealing a young man with the eyes of a mad man as he menacingly smiles at the Zack.
He then launches at Zack pinning him on the floor. He then throws him knife at Zack who blocks it with his hands. Josh quickly grabs the feral maniac by the shoulder before swinging him to the railing. Niko and Will are ready to attack when suddenly two more man with crazed eyes attack the two from behind. Josh rushes to his attacker sending them both over the railing. The two landed on the table shattering it causing people to scream and run as soon as Josh and his opponent continued to duel. Christian and Peter made their way passed Josh and his attacker. Until Peter sees another hooded figure with a knife. "GET DOWN!"Peter yells grabbing Christian by the shoulder and taking cover behind a knife just as the landed right on the opposite side. The blade went right threw the wood nearly stabbing Peter in face. The two men suddenly here a scream within the a door , the two quickly stare at each other terrified, "CARMEN!".
Carmen let s out a terrified scream as the figure standing on the opposite side of the door starts shaking the door violently. Carmen quickly gets on the floor and crawls into the next stall on her right just before the door I breaks off from its locks. Carmen makes it half way just as she feels a large hand grab her leg causing her to scream. She grabs onto toilet to keep herself from being pulled to her demise. She kicks her attacker frantically before he releases her. She gets to her feet and puts herself against the door just as her attacker starts pounding on the door. She loses her balance as the door is smashed open causing her to fall on all fours. She turns to see Jason Voorhees armed with a metal crowbar with blood stains on the hook. Along with a large Butcher knife in the next also caked with red crimson. Carmen is pinned against the end of the stall, with no way to escape. "NO , NO PLEASE DON'T, PLEASE NO." begs Carmen as her attacker ignores her pleas raising the crowbar as her cries grow louder. Just as he is about to swing it down.
A figure charges into Jason until his back hits the wall. Another figure gets to the stall giving Carmen a hand, "Christian?" , "Come on, COME ON." he yells as he helps Carmen to her feet and out of the stall. The two turn to see Peter relentlessly kicking , punching , and slicing Jason at the arms and legs with a hunting knife. Jason blocks an attack and boots Peter back who gets up quickly then grabs a gun from his back jean pocket. "GET HER OUT OF HERE?" , yells Peter. As Carmen and Christian run from threw the door the sounds of thunder goes off inside the restroom before a figure is thrown threw a nearby wall into the dining room. Peter gets up armed with his hand gun and knife. He dodges as hooded figure attacks him from behind. Peter counters the attack by stabbing the attacker in the back of the leg , and then grabbing the other leg and violently twisting it right. The maniac let out a painful howl just before Peter swung the bottom of the handle of his gun at his face. Knocking him out cold. He them grabbed the now unconscious thug s hoodie and put it over him.
He noticed that there were less people in the building now. Those that were left was Jacob and Kasey fighting a muscular looking thug while , Josh and Preston stood against 4 thugs dodging and countering their attackers. While the Zack , Niko, and Will fought their attackers on the balcony. Christian and Carmen help Peter up just before Jason bursts threw the door armed and with bloodstains on his jacket. "OH SHIT!" Says Christian. "Take Carmen , get outside , get the cops." Ordered Peter. "Peter!" Says Carmen. "GO , NOW!" Yells Peter as Christian guides a terrified Carmen towards the exit as she watches Peter pull the hood over his head before charing towards Jason. Jason swings his crowbar vertically at Peter who dodges it merely having his head impaled. Peter swings his knife at Jason s side slashing his waist. He then fires his gun into Jason s abdomen , puncturing flesh as Jason continued swinging his weapons. Jason s knife makes contact with Peter s shoulder , creating a slice in the jacket and to Peter s skin.
Peter lifted his leg upwards before kicking Jason in the mask knocking him back as Jason released the knife in his hand and grasped it around Peters ankle. He then turned to his left swinging Peter by the leg before letting go , sending him threw the kitchen door. Peter landed on his back giving a slight groan as he got up. He was greeted with a bloody hand grabbing his neck as he was lifted up to his feet and then swung into a wall. Peter put his hands up grabbing the end of the crowbar , stomping it as Jason forced it towards Peter s face. The piece of metal moves closer and closer until a hand grabs Jason by the shoulder and swung Jason back. "You Picked the wrong club to crash , friend." , states Luke Cage as he removes his Tux. Jason charges at Cage and then thrust his knife into his side. He backs up as he looks down to see the blade on the handle and laying on the floor in pieces. Luke tilts his head , "I guess u don't watch TV.". He throws his arm attempting to grab Jason who dodges the attack , he grabs a nearby bowl and swung it across Luke s face knocking him back. " I heard you can't be broken , but you can still fall!" Says Jason before shouldering Cage into a shelf before grabbing the left side of it and pulling it forward until it hit the floor hard sending pots, pans, spatulas and bowls on the floor. As Peter got up he saw Luke Cage pinned under the shelf with his eyes closed shut.
He quickly got to his knees , " Luke, Luke, LUKE!", yelled Peter as he shook his shoulders. He then grabbed the edge of the shelf and lifted it up , he pushed it aside as before grabbing Luke by the shoulders and dragging his unconscious body to the wall. He quickly turned to see Jason gone. Suddenly the lights the kitchen went out , Peter could hear the people outside gasping and screaming outside. "SHIT!" , he said as he dragged Luke into a nearby door and opened it with determination, inside he could smell fruit, and vegetable s. "Sorry about this!" , he whispered before leaving the room and closing the door and firing webbing on the door knob. He then took his gun out of his holster and made his way to the door as quietly as possible.
The dance floor was now left in complete darkness. It looked as if a hurricane had went threw the room. But what made Peter really concerned was not to find a soul in the room. "Jacob? , Will?, Niko? , Kasey? , Zack? , guys?" , whispered Peter. He jumped as he heard the sound of doors breaking open. Peter quick jumped upward landing on the wall on his hands and feet. Looking down he saw 4 men wearing armor and armed with rifles. A fifth person entered the room as Peter observed from the shadows. "Spread out, check every room. If you see or hear anything , even if it's nothing. Don't shoot unless it s wearing a weird mask and is acting rabid. Understood?" , asked Tynan. The for S.W.A.T Officers nodded before spreading out.
Two went upstairs while the other two and Tynan now armed with a shotgun entered a different door that lead into the kitchen. Peter released his grip on the wall, landing on the floor without making a single sound. Here He made his way up the stairs armed with his handgun. As soon as he got over the first step he jolted at the sound of something break. Then the sound of something dripping could be heard threw a doorway in front of Peter.
He tightened his grip on his weapon as he used his free hand to open it. He swung it open and turned away as he saw the sight of two out of the four officers strung up from the ceiling by their inners. Peter could smell the scent of blood and intestines as he heard the sound of objects dropping before the bodies. The thought of it made Peter feel sick. The thought was erased as a scream came from inside the Kitchen. Peter quickly jumped over the railing and barged into the now pitch black kitchen. Unfortunately for him he , saw the other two cops dead on the floor. Suddenly the sound of gunshots could be heard threw another doorway. "TYNAN!" He gasped.
Tynan couldn't see what was happening around him but he knew that he and his men weren't the only ones in the room. As soon as his men s lights went off the next thing he saw was the sights of gun fire and then the sound of painful screaming. And as quickly as if started, it ended in a flash. Tynan grabbed one of his men s flashlight s and quickly turned it off. He regretted it as the light revealed his men laying on the ground. Their blood was all over them and their limbs were unnaturally twisted. They looked as if they've been butchered. Tynan turned his attention away as he saw a figure leave threw a doorway. Without hesitating he ran into a hallway and as soon as he saw it. He then grabbed his gun and fired madly hoping to get a hit.
As soon as his gun stopped firing bullets he quickly reloaded and shined his light down the hallway. To his surprise the figure was gone. He was about to head to where he saw it until a pair of heads grabbed him by the shoulder and the mouth. The hands pulled him back into the kitchen and pinned him against the wall , Tynan s vision was blurry but he could tell that it was definitely , "PETER!". " Don't make a sound!" Whispered Peter.
Peter released his grip and entered the hallway with Tynan behind him. "Where's Christian and Carmen?" , asked Peter. "Their fine , I left them outside with my best man.". "You better pray they're the best , and that we stop him now." , "You mean catch him?" , asked Tynan. "No I mean stop him." , snapped Peter. "How?" Asked Tynan. Peter quickly turned around clearly getting frustrated at Tynan s question. He then saw a figure appear behind Tynan. "DUCK!" , he yelled pushing Tynan down as he felt something hard smack him in the face , he then felt a boat kick him back until he landed on his back hard and his head hit the floor. Peter s vision blurred as he saw the figure standing over him before it raised his boat again over Peter and pressed it down, knocking him out.
Peter quickly woke up to the feeling of metal he woke up and found himself wrapped in chains against a large brick pillar. His head was pounding as he saw crimson liquid drip from his fore head. "Well, well, well. I almost thought we were gonna have to stay here all night." , said Jason as he approached the bruised , tied up Peter. "Where's Tynan ?" , asks Peter weakly. "Don't worry , he s fine, but he'll have nasty headache when he comes up, well if he makes it threw tonight." , "What did you do to the others? WHERE'S JACOB AND THE OTHERS." Yelled Peter.
"I got good news and bad news for you Pete. Good news is your cop friend is alive even though he's gonna have a real headache. Bad news is , well your mercenary buddies ditched you with me. Some friends huh." Says Jason. "Save me the fibs, your news buddies are probably keeping them busy." Says Jason. Jason shakes his head as he hunches in front of his hostage. "You know what s your problem. You put too much faith in your friends." Mocks Jason. "And if I didn't know any better. I'd say you don't have faith in anyone , except a ghost." Counters Peter. "If this is your plan. Why don't you just cut to the part where you try to kill me." , "Peter. Peter. Peter. Naive as always , I didn't come all the way here to kill you. Not physically , I already tried that and we both know how that went down. You know I steal feel the itch when you took off my head. After what happened the last time we we met I learned one truth. You and I aren't completely different." States Jason. "Of course , the "we're the same" speech crap. We're nothing alike, I help people, and you butcher them." Says Peter. "Well, all evidence to the contrary. I chose to punish the sins of people. You chose to save them with the law.
And now everyone sees you as the hero." Says Jason. "You make sound like it's a lie." Says Peter. , "Here s the hard truth , the people in this city see you as a loose canon, a plan B when things go south. They act like you're one of them , and that grateful for you. But the one thing they really want , is to see you fail , fall, die a hero. Because to them all you and your gang is just a punch of freaks. They need you now , but once they're done with you. They'll stab you in the back. I know you know I'm telling the truth." Says Jason. "I'll admit Jameson is not the man to spread my public opinion. But unlike you, I know the difference between a bad person and someone who s desperate. Despite what you think the world isn't full of bad people.
There are good people in the world. " says Peter. "Im sure there are. People like Martin Li, Otto Octavius, Curt Conors, let's not forget Norman Osborn. This Cities great Mayor who has done so much for this city." Says Jason looking out over the city streets. "There to kinds of people in this city Peter. The first ones live off their friends. They're always one step ahead of each other and the moment they feel in trouble the first thing they do is panic and throw the closest person under the bus. Those people that suffer are forced to stick to what they do best. They build their roads, keep their money safe. They do all these things and in return the only thing they get is spite, and taxes. You and me were from that group. But we've risen so high we're on the same level as these other people, like Osborn." Says Jason as he grabs Peter by the jaw. "And I could gut you like a Trout right now. But I'm want to offer you a one time choice for old times sake. Join me! Imagine what we could do for this city , what we could start together." Says Jason as Peter looks at him with disgust. "OR WE COULD JUST DESTROY THINGS LIKE WE ALWAYS DO." Continues Jason releasing his grip on Peter, "CAUSE THE DEATHS OF COUNTLESS INNOCENTS IN SELFISH BATTLES AGAIN , AND AGAIN , AND AGAIN UNTIL WERE BOTH FINALLY DEAD. Is that what you want. Is that how you're legacy to end, just like your Mentors legacy ended?" Asks Jason. "Don't you dare bring him into this, he may have been an ass but he eventually became twice the man than you did." Snaps Peter. "You could be too , if you would stop resisting yourself. I can see it in your eyes, I see the darkness in you rising. And so do you." Says Jason as he unsheathes his hunting knife and uses the blade to open his jacket revealing the scar on his chest. Peter looks down to see blackish veins under his skin slowly forming and spreading from the scar. "What did you do to me?" Asks Peter. " Call it a gift. I'm giving your mind , body , and soul the push it needs.
Soon you'll be seeing things my way , or possibly share the same grave with your twin sister." Says Jason. Peter instinctively throws this head to Jason head butting him. Jason gets up shaking his head "I bet you're been wanting to do that for a while." , "If you take these chains off , I'll gladly show you what I've been wanting to do to you.". "You know what I never understand about you Peter. You have an intimidating costume, interesting tools and gadgets, skills in both combat and in weapons. And yet when you use them you hold back." States Jason as he walks away from Peter and grabs a nearby bag , he opens it taking out a couple a bow and arrow with a couple of arrows as well. "Well unlike you, I know that there are consequences to my actions and that there are lines I can't cross. And you what I don't get. How you never seem to doubt yourself after all the things you do." Says Peter. "Because I don't see the need to doubt anything I do." , "Oh really , you never stop to think for one second. Shit , I just murdered a human being." Yells Peter. "Your definitely one to talk." Says Jason as Peter continues. "A human being who may have done a lot of stupid things, maybe terrible. But has a spark or maybe even a flicker of goodness in them. And then people like you come along and it s gone." Says Peter as Jason throws an axe down and walks to Peter before squatting in front of him.
"You know what I think?" , "What?" Asks Peter. "I think you're wrong. You're wrong about all of it. You're just telling yourself that lie because it came from a long time dead man who you saw as a father even when he never knew the real you. You can swing around this city like a playground and web up crooks all you want but no matter how many fights you win this city will always have the stench of criminals. You send messages to criminals while I send messages to the world , so that people will learn that their actions have consequences. And if they don't learn their lesson then I gladly choose for them. Because I'm not a monster, I just know how to live in the real world." Says Jason. "That's BULLSHIT Jason and you know it. I live in the real world too and I've seen things, things that you wouldn't understand." , "Like what?". "Redemption I've seen it. I've even seen from people who did really terrible things. And it s possible for everyone , even for people like you. Not just to make up for the things they did but to be better. And if you don't get that then you really are things you were called when we were kids." States Peter. Jason stands over Peter menacingly , "What did you say?". "You're unhinged Jason. You may be trying to go after the closest to me to get to me, but you're also going after others. People with lives, friends , families and have nothing to do with you and me. You think you're god s angel of death, but you're not. And you might as well kill me now because there s no way in hell that would ever join and I will never stop going after you. You want to known why?" , "Why is that?" Asks Jason looking away.
"Because you're just as delusional as Pamela." Jason lets out a laugh before shaking his head and swinging his boot into Peter s head. Peter s head hits the concrete hard as his vision blurs and he feels something warm and liquid trickling from his noise. He then realizes that he can't feel his noise breathing. "Well will see who's right in a few seconds." Says Jason before looking back , "BRING THEM UP." He orders as a hooded figure opens a nearby door dragging to bodies with duffle bags over their heads. He then takes the bags off revealing Carmen and Christian. Carmen looks back at their attacker terrified before looking to see Peter. "Peter?" She says terrified. "Let them go. LET THEM GO." Repeats Peter he starts struggling against his chains. "You know before before tonight. I thought she was just another friend in your life. But seeing the you threw yourself at me and away from. I see that there s a certain history between you two, either that or you too are just close friends either way. This will hurt." Says Before grabbing a crowbar from his duffle bag and swinging it into Peter s stomach. Peter hunches forward as he yells in agony before coughing for air. "NO!" Screams Carmen. "You son of a bitch. Leave him alone." Yells Christian who gets pinned on the floor. Jason then turns to Jason before he raises the crowbar and then slams it down on the concrete mere inches away from Christian s face. "No, don't do this." Yells Peter. "You really think your way helps then go on. Break loose and stop before I bash your friends face in." Says Jason.
"No no no please don't do this, ugh." Chokes Carmen as the hooded figure grabs her by the neck and pulls out a dagger. "Or you can just watch both of them die, come on Peter. COME ON."yells Jason as Peter is yelling in agony as he feels his adrenaline pumping and his bones are slightly starting to grow inside of him. "FIVE" COUNTS JASON as the chains start to slowly crack. "FOUR!" Peter eyes once again turn yellowish, "THREE!" , his feet are loose. "TWO!" Jason raises the crowbar just as breaks free of the chains and reaches for his back pocket. "ONE!". Peter throws two throwing knifes one hits the hooded thug in the shoulder knocking him back while the other hits Jason in the arm. Carmen kicks back at her attacker only angering him. Just as he s about to throw his knife at her. Peter uses all his speed and jumps to Carmens attacker disarming him and knocking the wind out of him , he then grabs the mans pistol and shoots Jason until Jason backs away from the wounded Christian. "GET CHRISTIAN AND GO!" Yells Peter as he charges at Jason both unaware of the large window as the two fall backwards into the building.
The two fall hard on their backs as Peter is the first to get up. He finds himself back inside Luke s office as he turns to see Jason gets up with the oval window behind him. Peter quickly charges at Jason sending them both threw the window and into the dance floor. They both feel the pain in their bodies as they continue to fight but their adrenaline keeps them going as Peter grabs a chair and throw it into Jason s back.
It shatters on impact as Jason grabs Peter by the neck and then throws him on the the stage. Peter is about to pull out the gun he stole but Jason takes the gun out of his hand and throws it away before throwing his hands around Peter s neck. Peter starts choking for air as his face turns red. He suddenly remembers the hidden blade Sam gave him at the museum. He then flicks his wrist as a blade comes from his sleeve. He then instinctively thrusts it into Jason s neck who releases his grip.
Peter then kicks Jason back as he gets up. He sees Carmen and Christian exiting the building, Carmen risks looking back as she exits the building before the door closes on her. Peter then reaches into his back jean pocket and pulls out a small device. "You're not walking away from this." Says Peter as he throws the device at Jason s feet. He then pulls out a small detonator and presses a button. Jason looks at Peter as a small smile form on his face. Suddenly a wave of fire explodes sending them both back.
Peter wakes up feeling slightly light headed as he gets up. He suddenly finds himself on a rooftop with Luke Cage leaning against a chimney. He sees Peter slowly get up. "What the hell was that?" Asks Luke with complete anger. "What happened?" Asks Peter. "WHAT HAPPENED? Sweet Christmas Parker. You blew up Harlem's Paradise." Yells Cage. "Did he get away?" Asks Peter not seeming to completely care about what he did. "PARKER , DID YOU LOOSE YOUR HEARING , HARLEM'S PARADISE IS GONE. YOU BLEW IT UP, AND COST THE JOBS OF MANY PEOPLE IN HARLEM." Asks Luke Cage. "If we're gonna be honest that wasn't really a "paradise" and maybe that s a good thing. Now none of the gangs in Harlem have anything to fight over. Your Welcome!" Snaps Peter. "That's not the point Parker." Says a voice from behind. Peter turns around as a man wearing a red and black armored suit emerges from the shadows.
His face is cover by a helmet with blood red horns on the top that covers eyes and head but his mouth who has facial hair that Peter instantly recognizes. "The point is that you blindly went into a bar and started a fight , endangering thousands of civilians , and deliberately caused an explosion." Says the man as he removes his helmet revealing his dark brown hair. "I'm starting to see why you're a lawyer, Matt!" Says Peter before turning back to Luke. "Did you ask him to come here and try to talk some sense to me?". "It wasn't actually hard to say no when there s a massive fire nearby." Says a woman wearing a leather jacket along with jeans. She has on a green scarf and Peter can smell the scent of alcohol as she approaches behind Matt. "Were not trying to fight you. We just want to help you, I can see there s conflict in your eyes." Says a third man with short blonde curly hair and wearing a dark green jacket with jeans. "What a surprise , Daredevil , Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist. You all came here to either try to talk me out of finding the guy that's the reason Harlems Paradise is gone, or you're just here to pick up a fight." Says Peter. "We're actually here to try to help." Says a figure then lands in front of Peter wearing blackish armor and a helmet with a yellowish color with a red streak in the front of it. "And to keep you from doing something stupid." Says a woman wearing a white pale leather suit with black stripes all over the suit with bright yellow eye lenses in the mask. Her hair s wrapped up into a single ponytail as she leases against an air vent. "Nice to see you to Ava, Sam!". "I really wish I could say the same." Says Danny. "Who s the guy in the mask? Asks Jessica.
"What 's the deal with you and him?" Asks Matt. "If you listen to the news you might get some answers." Says Peter. "True but I think we'd get the full truth from you." Says Matt without even looking at Peter in the eyes. "Or you could just stay out of this and keep your parts of town safe and I'll take care of this guy, not just for my shake but for yours and everyone else in your lives." Says Peter. "Is that a threat ?" Asks Cage. "No , I wouldn't dream of threatening any of you, but the man who s after me would." , "Well after what happened in there I'm not willing to take the risk." Says Nova. "Fine, do what you will." Says Peter as he turns around and starts to walk away until Sam stands in front of him. "Get out of the way bucket head!" Says Peter. "Hey we may have been a pain to each other in the old days but we were team. And now you're just gonna leave us in the dark." Asks Nova. "I'm trying to keep you out of a fight you can't win." Says Peter. "If you tell us why then maybe we help you win." Says Ava. "Or you both get yourselves and anyone else you care about killed, like Claire or even Colleen." Says Peter looking at Luke and Danny. "You can either cut the shit and just tell us or I can will personally burn it out of you." Yells Sam. Grabbing Peter by the shirt "I'm sure you can but your forgetting something Bucket head. I've worn my mask longer than yours." Says Peter before before swinging his elbow into Nova s stomach then using his other hand punching him in the face.
Nova looks back at Peter as his suit and helmet start to have a bright bluish beams start to consume the suit . Peter quickly back flips to safety just as Nova fires blue beams out of his fist. Peter quickly grabs his mask and puts it on before dodging another attack. He counters it by kicking Nova back before doing an Ariel kick causing Nova to fall on his back. Peter fires a web line at his chest and pulls him up just as Peter swings his fist into Novas chest knocking him back on the ground. Peter s sense go off as he dodges Luke who tries to grab him from behind. Peter quickly jumps onto Luke back and fires webbing all over him until his arms arm stuck to his sides. Suddenly Nova flies towards Peter grabbing him by the throat before throwing him hard on the ceiling. His gauntlets start to turn bright blue until a black stick hits his gauntlets. "ENOUGH!" Yells Matt. "Sorry about this Peter, but this won't get us anywhere." Says Cage. "You right , but at least none of you will have to burden yourselves with this." Says Peter just as a small device lands behind Luke. "INCOMING!" Yells Danny just as lightning shoots out of the device stunning Daredevil, White tiger, Iron Fist, Luke cage, Jessica jones , and Nova. A figure quickly land in front of Peter and helps him to his feet before the two of them jump over the edge of the building. "Who was that?" Asks Danny. "I'm pretty sure it's someone Peter knows too." Says Luke Cage.
About 20 minutes later Peter finds himself in the back seat of a truck. "Morning sleepy beauty!" Says Jacob. "the boys and I leave you alone for a few minutes and you somehow pick a fight with New York s Defenders.". "They wanted to know why I'm after Jason and why he's hell bent on killing me." Admits Peter. "Did you tell them why?" Asks Jacob as he continues drying threw the city streets. "No!" Says Peter. "Damn , I probably know the answer but why?" Asks Jacob. "If I got them involved in this then Jason would go after them too. He already knows who I am." Says Peter. "And there's a high he knows who you've team up with, makes sense but also doesn't."says Jacob. "Why?" Asks Peter. 'Because while you were catching up with your friends , the guys and I met with one of Jason s fans and I'd think he's got plans out of town." Says Jacob passing Peter a small device. Once Peter places it in his palm a hologram appears revealing a miniature map of New York. Suddenly a red dot appears and suddenly moves out of New York and into a different city.
"My god!" Says Peter to himself. "So what do you think an undead psychopath would want in the biggest criminal infested city ?" Asks Jacob. "Probably a lot of things , weapons, soldiers, evil lair.". "evil lair?" Asks Jacob confused. "Bro a guy that wears a hockey mask and can take a ton of hits would only go to Los Santos to make an evil lair." Says Peter. "I'm guessing we're going on a little field trip." Says Jacob. "Oh no , no way, not we , just me.". "You really think I'm just gonna let you go back to los Santos alone?" Asks Jacob. Peter stays silent seemingly lost for words. "Exactly , besides the guys are already ready to go, they're s a plane ready to leave in the morning. But before we head back to my place I think there s someone you need to talk to." Says Jacob. "Who?" Asks Peter just as the car stops.
Peter exits the car and finds himself at a construction site. Not far away is park a motorcycle with a figure leaning against it holding a duffle bag. As Peter walks towards the bike he recognizes him instantly. "Sam!". "Hey little brother, I wanted to tell you this at the place but I'd figured your schedule might get in the way." Says Sam as Peter notices the duffle bag. "Going somewhere?". "Yeah but not for a job but a personal trip to South America. Peter slowly starts to put the pieces together. "Lara! Are you sure she's there? You know you could give her call." Suggests Peter. "Yeah but that would feel like a low blow. It's probably better that I see her in person. Let her know that it's me." Says Sam. "I should have told the moment I found out you were still alive." Says Peter shaking his head. "She'd probably be looking for some other hidden treasure like we were at the time. And no offense but with everything that's happening here, I think I should make sure she's okay." Says Sam. "your right, but just be careful , after I told you we're gone, we haven't talk in a while." Admits Peter.
"Take care of yourself little brother." Says Sam as he gives Peter a hug before grabbing his bag and climbing onto the back. As Sam turns the key the engine roars to life, "And if you see that ugly Son of a Bitch again, kick his ass." He says before riding off into the road and threw the city. As Peter watches his older sibling disappear into the night, Jacob walks to his side looking in the direction where Sam went. "So you ready for a road trip?" Asks Jacob. "Yeah I just need to make some calls." Answers Peter. "Good and while you're doing that , I know a few guys that could help us." Says Jacob as he leads Peter back to the car.