A/N: It has been a very, very long time. A little over a year. If you're still onboard with me, thank you for your time and patience. I do apologize for this long and unexpected hiatus, but I gift you with more Spider-Man ^_^

Enjoy!

"So...let me get this straight. You stopped a gang from attacking a man and stealing his wallet...and that's why you're late for class?" Miles Warren stared at Peter so accusingly that he almost took back his excuse. There was truth to it though even if it was obviously incredibly hard to believe.

"Yes." Peter replied, scratching the back of his neck. His Biology teacher sighed and shook his head.

"Peter Parker. Brilliant student, horrendous liar. Three days into the semester and you have two tardies as well as an eerily similar reason both times." Before Peter could speak, Miles pointed to his chair in the second to last row. "Sit down. You've held up my class enough." Peter sighed and walked to his seat, quietly sitting down. He looked to his right and sighed. Mary Jane was home, taking care of her aunt who had been stricken with a random feverish cold, leaving Peter alone at Midtown without her. It had been a while since that had actually been apart and Peter had half a mind to skip school entirely and sneak in her house. Then he remembered that her aunt had an odd mistrust of him and would probably tell Aunt Mae about him skipping...then Peter remembered that he had spider powers that included speed, agility and stick-em hands. He smirked at that thought. Maybe he could skip school later after all. But for now, he'd listen to the droning of his teachers.

Peter's first period went by quickly. Per usual, he had already read far ahead of Dr. Warren, who had gone from being nearly ecstatic over the subject of cellular cloning to being absolutely bored of zoology. It didn't help that Warren had actually skipped ahead just to ramble on about his favorite subject yesterday.

"And that class is the basics of zoology." Dr. Warren finally sighed, seemingly relieved that he was done with the subject for the time being. "Questions?" Peter looked around and stifled a laugh. Everyone looked either brain dead or completely uninterested but they had all taken notes on what was on the board. "Well, since nobody's asking questions, then I'm sure you're all ready for a pop quiz. No notes." Dr. Warren smiled deviously. When the words "pop quiz" exited his mouth, the entire class woke up and rustled in their seats. Dr. Warren chuckled softly. "As I thought. Don't worry, class. There won't be a quiz today but make sure you read the zoology chapter tonight. There may be a ten question quiz tomorrow for you." The loud but oddly relieving sound of the bell burst through the speakers and Dr. Warren walked back behind his desk. "Class dismissed." he said. As Peter stood up to follow his classmates out of the door, Dr. Warren called to him. "Not you, Parker. Come here." Peter froze in place and then sighed as he walked over to his teacher's desk, his bag hanging loosely from his shoulder.

"Yes?" Peter said as he approached. Dr. Warren placed his fingers together, bridging them over his nose.

"Peter, you are aware that you have two tardies for my class, right?" he asked. Peter nodded. Dr. Warren continued. "I do realize that you are a truly gifted young man. One might even say prodigious in your studies. But I have a very big issue with your work ethic." Peter looked confused.

"My work ethic?" he echoed. Dr. Warren nodded.

"Yes, Mr. Parker. Despite all of your achievements and high grades...you're lazy. You don't come to my class on time, you don't take notes...you just sit there and snicker with Mary Jane the whole class." Dr. Warren said. Peter frowned. Never had he been called lazy. Lazy wasn't even something he could be. Before he could unleash a verbal assault on his teacher about his horrendous teaching ability and monotonous voice that put even the most hardy minds to rest, he stopped himself. If he argued, he'd have to explain why he was always late in full detail...and that wasn't going to happen. He would just have to roll with it.

"Yeah...I'm sorry for all of that." Peter said, the words painfully rolling out in place of what he actually wanted to say. "It's that I've read basically the entire book with every detail and since you gave us the syllabus..."

"You've worked ahead, I know. That's not the issue." Dr. Warren replied. Peter sighed. He was losing patience.

"Then what is the issue?"

"It doesn't matter how amazing your grades are, Midtown has a very strict 'three unexcused tardies equals a failed class' rule. As you know, you have two, Mr. Parker. I am not like other more lenient teachers that will give you a pass because you're so brilliant. Even brilliance needs to be tempered by discipline. I am telling you this now as a warning. If you are late to my class again, I will fail you. Is that understood, Mr. Parker?"

Peter stared forward, dumbfounded. There was no way Dr. Warren could do this, even with the policy. Peter had maintained a near perfect grade-point average since middle school. Failing wasn't an option for him...but he had responsibilities that couldn't be ignored. He had a crime boss pushing massive amounts of drugs into the city affecting him a little too close to home even if it was Flash. He also had this mysterious cat woman that he had partnered with...but his grades were important. He had a life outside of being Spider-Man, his aunt and girlfriend. The three months off had made him carefree and...Peter struggled with the thought...lazy. Perhaps Dr. Warren had a point.

"Yeah, I understand." Peter nodded. Dr. Warren pushed his glasses up.

"Good. I hope to see improvements in the future." he said, looking down at his watch. "Hurry along. You've got about two minutes to get to your next class."

Peter headed out of the classroom and walked down the hallway to the staircase. He felt a strong pang for Mary Jane and wished he could tell her what he was thinking. It made him sad to be away from her. Maybe the three months had spoiled him in that regard too.

"Why so down, Mr. Parker?" Peter instantly recognized that smooth, cooing voice. He swung his head to the left and saw Felicia Hardy, standing so perfectly against the lockers. She was wearing leggings today and the way she swung her hips seductively as she walked towards him, she clearly wanted him to take notice of it. Peter gulped a little bit as he stared down her figure and then stopped himself. Damn teenage hormones...

"No reason." Peter laughed as he slowed his walk to wait for her. When she made it to him, all he could do was stare into her emerald green eyes. They were so beautiful, alluring...and familiar. Peter's eyes then widened. He had definitely seen these eyes before. Last night...the cat lady from last night at the bay. Felicia didn't have platinum blonde hair...but it was still blonde. The hair could've been dyed blonde or platinum blonde whenever she needed to. Peter was sure of it. He smirked. He wondered if he should bring it up now and surprise her. "I know who you are." Peter said. Felicia's face looked shocked for a moment and then a coy smile crossed her face.

"What ever do you mean?" she said. Peter was about to call her out and then he thought again. If he called her out on being The Black Cat, then he would reveal himself as Spider-Man and blow his own secret identity. And she knew that. She was smart for sure. When Peter fell silent, Felicia giggled. "What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"

"That's rather funny coming from you." Peter retorted.

"I'm still not clear on what you're talking about, Mr. Parker." Felicia purred. Dammit...she's baiting me. Peter thought. Even knowing that, Peter fell right into the trap.

"Don't play stupid. You know I know that you know what I'm talking about. I know who you are, Black Cat." Peter whispered. Felicia smiled.

"Well, this makes life easier for me. I was wondering for how long I was going to have to act all flirty towards you before you broke, Mr. Webs." she said. Peter frowned.

"What do you mean?" he said. Felicia sat back against the wall.

"I figured out your little extra life last night." she pointed to her nose. "You wore the same cologne last night and used the same shampoo. Also, I picked up some of my scent on your mask and suit from last night too." She then wrinkled her nose in mock disgust. "Maybe you should wash that suit of yours." Peter sighed.

"I haven't really found a quick and easy way to do it without suspicions rising up from my aunt." Peter admitted. "But anyway...why are you here? You sai you had been tracking that crime boss's drug shipments throughout the country. Why enroll here where you could be traced and documented?" Peter asked. Felicia's smile left and her emerald eyes lost their softness.

"Because this is the grand finale to the whole thing. I've spent two years of my life tracking this bastard and now that I've found his home, I'll destroy him. All his money, reputation...everything will be over." Felicia said darkly. The sudden shift in her tone of voice had shocked him.

"What will happen to you and him after all that?" Peter asked. Felicia shrugged.

"I don't know. Maybe he'll throw himself out of a window with all his fortune gone." she said. "Me...hopefully, I get to finally finish the life I put on hold two years ago." she smiled. "But until then, my main goal is taking him down." Felicia walked towards Peter. "I'm sure you've seen the drugs around schools, in alleys and everywhere else the fat man can stick his fingers. New York would be much better off without junkies especially in schools. Peter, I'll need your help on this." she said. Peter looked around.

"My help?" Peter asked. Felicia sighed.

"Yes. You are Spider-" Peter covered her mouth.

"Alright, alright. I've got you. I'll help you." Peter replied. "Just don't go around yelling my secrets and I'll keep yours. Deal?" Peter asked. Felicia moved Peter's hand and nodded.

"Deal." she then smiled, flirtatiously. "Seal it with a kiss?" Peter blushed.

"I-I have a girlfriend." Peter said, almost like he was asking a question. Felicia giggled.

"Who? Mary Jane?"

"Yes. That's my girlfriend."

"Are you sure?" Peter nodded quickly.

"Yep." he said. Felicia purred. Peter loved that purr.

"She's very pretty and lucky. Hope she watches you carefully. Be a shame if someone took you." she said as she sauntered off. Peter nodded and then gulped.

"Yeah..." Because if Mary Jane Watson finds out that you're hitting on her boyfriend, she will kill you.

Kingpin's Office

Kingpin hadn't thought that The Hand would answer his call so soon, let alone in less than twelve hours but they had. The amount he had to pay for the heads of this Spider-Man and apparently his accomplice this young woman in the black cat suit was high. One hundred pounds of gold was a small fortune, but if it gave him power over two Hand operatives, then it pleased him. Now all that was left was to make the final negotiations with the leader of The Hand, Mr. Azuma Gōda. Kingpin hadn't seen this man before but he had been on rather good terms with the former leader, Junzo Muto and hoped that relationship would carry over. However, he feared that that probably wouldn't be the case. Kingpin sighed. He was a businessman. He hated having to generate an entirely new relationship.

"You are, Mr. Fisk, yes?" a voice said. Stealth entrance. Kingpin frowned. This new leader was rude, if anything.

"I am." Kingpin replied. He folded his hands.

"I trust that the payment is ready?" the voice said cooly. Kingpin nodded. No beading around the bush. He and Junzo would at least have a decent conversation before they rushed into their work. Once again, this was a new leader and a new relationship.

"Yes, yes it is. I trust that my order of two assassins are here as well?" Kingpin replied. The voice chuckled.

"Why, of course." there was a clapping sound and a puff of smoke and Gōda continued to speak. "Boido and Fōdo Hagetaka. The...Buzzard Brothers." Gōda said. "Criminals made assassins by The Hand." Kingpin let out an irritated exhale.

"I didn't pay one hundred pounds in gold for criminals. I'd like this operation to be clean and the bodies to be disposed of as quickly as possible. These two pests are a detriment to my business." Kingpin growled. Gōda yawned.

"I don't care about your little drug ring. But I do honor the preciseness of the objective. That's why I have brought the Buzzard Brothers. They'll kill them and make sure the bodies are never found." Gōda replied. Kingpin was skeptical.

"And how will these two do that?" Kingpin could almost feel Gōda grinning. His next words would shock and disgust him.

"Because they're cannibals." Kingpin kept himself from retching. "The only reason they were even caught and put in jail was because they weren't able to cook body in time." Gōda then strolled out the shadows, his two agents staying behind. "Now...tell us about the targets and we'll make our plans."

Hours later...Parker Residence, Forest Hills, Queens

How To Clean A Wetsuit

"What the hell is this?" Peter groaned as he scrolled down the Google page. He rubbed his head. Mary Jane giggled and sat down behind him.

"What's it say?" she asked, wrapping her arms around Peter's neck and chest as she rested her chin on his forehead. Peter laughed.

"It says to use Listerine." Mary Jane laughed with him.

"How is Listerine going to clean your suit? You're going to smell like spearmint swinging around New York. The gangsters will laugh at you." Peter folded his arms.

"I actually think they'll compliment my smell. Everybody loves spearmint." Peter replied.

"But not everyone loves Spider-Man." Mary Jane pointed out. Peter frowned.

"What do you mean? The people love me." Mary Jane shot him a glare that simply said You idiot and went to the Daily Bugle webpage. The largest headline in bold print read The Masked Menace of New York: Who Is Spider-Man? Peter's jaw dropped and he clicked on the headline and quickly skimmed the page. When he was finished, he was completely fuming. "This is a bunch of bullshit!" Peter yelled, before covering his mouth. He waited and listened, hoping that he hadn't been loud enough for Aunt Mae to hear him. When she didn't come up to his room, Peter continued. "First off, this is a complete crap picture of me. That might not even be me. Looks like they threw a mannequin into the moonlight and snapped. Second, they're making it seem like I destroyed Old Midtown like there wasn't a fucking fifteen foot tall carnivorous lizard killing people. And thirdly...that really is a crap picture of me." Mary Jane laughed and shook her.

"I didn't think you'd be so upset...even if they are slandering your name and reputation." she then kissed Peter on the cheek. "And that crap picture of you doesn't look too bad. If you can do better, why don't you?" Mary Jane said. Peter shrugged.

"I don't know. I'm trying not to concern myself too much with my superhero life. Don't want that to get in the way of..." Peter trailed off. "This." Mary Jane looked at him and smiled. Her soft lips touched his and all of Peter's problems melted away.

"Don't worry about any of that. I'm your partner in crime...um, heroism. You need to worry about how the public and media see you. If the cops like you, they'll be less likely to shoot you." Mary Jane said.

"Hopefully." he then stared at the screen and sighed. "What about this newspaper? They clearly have a very biased hate for me." Mary Jane gave a smirk.

"Then create a very biased love for you. Work there." Peter's eyes widened and he looked up at his beautiful, intelligent and hilarious red-haired girlfriend and wondered where he'd be without her.

"You are amazing, y'know that?" he said. Mary's smile didn't fade in the slightest.

"And so are you." Peter almost didn't wanna break the kiss that followed but he had to if he wanted to make it to the Bugle before nightfall.

"So, I have an idea." Peter said.

"Shoot."

"How about I dress up as Spider-Man and you take a couple pictures of me doing Spider-Man stuff like swinging around or something and then I can take those pictures to the Bugle?" Peter suggested.

"Uh-huh." Mary Jane said, with a twisted face. "And what's in it for me?" Peter was taken aback.

"Um...your boyfriend on the front page with an actual good picture. How about that?" Mary Jane shook her head.

"Half."

"Pardon?"

"You heard me, Peter." Mary Jane walked from behind Peter and went to get her phone. "If the pictures sell, I want half of however much you get for them. It'll be...photographer credits." Peter rubbed his face. How did he always fall into women's traps?

"Jesus...fine, babe." Peter said, finally succumbing. Mary Jane giggled and the two ran outside.

Mary Jane suggested that Peter swing around downtown Queens randomly and slowly so that she could focus the camera. Reluctantly, Peter did as he was told and swung through downtown, eliciting "wow"s and "cool"s from the kids on the street and worried faces from the parents that held their children closely as he passed. After that was done, Peter swung Mary Jane back to his house to print out the pictures and then walked her to her house and kissing her goodbye. Peter then continued his search for a way to wash his costume and after finding no other options, dipped it in a small tub of Listerine. Peter Parker then donned his spearmint scented Spider-Man suit and began to swing towards Manhattan.

Peter loved these swings and no matter the time of day, they were wonderful and served as some form of a stress reliever. There was no greater feeling to him then swooping down at one hundred miles per hour and then arcing back up and launching himself into the air. The adrenal rush was simply amazing although sometimes, Peter felt like he was a more addicted to the thrill of it then the actual practice of swinging. He didn't about it that much though. But he should. Peter knew about adrenaline junkies. He knew how it could effect a person and make them more reckless, trying to find a thrill in any situation at the expense of the people around them or even people they loved. He wouldn't let that effect him. He couldn't. He had responsibilities.

With great power comes great responsibility.

The last words of his beloved Uncle Ben. Peter felt tears under his mask. He missed his old uncle a lot. He missed his wisdom, something he desperately needed at this point in his life. He could've told his uncle about his Spider-Man adventures and sought his counsel. Compared "war" stories with him and perhaps even have taken him out for a swing...ok, that was a bit much. However, whenever Peter took time to think and reflect, his uncle always came up.

His father was a completely different kind of monster. Peter knew nothing of him except for what was told to him. Including the assassination attempt on his father that killed his mother instead. In between being Spider-Man, helping Aunt Mae and being Mary Jane's boyfriend, Peter did whatever he could to try and uncover information. He couldn't find anything, of course. His father was the head of a spy organization and whoever attacked him was probably head of a rival...but who could that even be. Peter had never even heard of S.H.I.E.L.D. before that day that his godfather finally showed up in Peter's life and fed him secrets and answers. But if his superspy godfather didn't know who killed his mother and tried to kill his father, then who would?

Those thoughts would have to rest for now. He had arrived at the Bugle.

Located on 175 5th Ave, the Daily Bugle headquarters was actually the converted Flatiron Building in Manhattan. It was one of the largest skyscrapers Peter had ever seen and just swinging up to it left him in awe. The building had bright red letters on the top that would glow neon at night as well as a red bugle over top of it. Peter hoped that maybe this would be where he would come here every week.

Peter landed on top of the building and changed into a shirt and tie with a cardigan for safe measure. He then leapt down behind the building and walked around the front and entered. The inside of the building was extremely busy as any headquarters would be and people rushed around with papers and telephones or were hurriedly typing up a prospect story for their editor, Jameson. Peter figured he'd be at the very top floor. Peter sighed. It'd either the longest elevator ride in history or...a quick couple of leaps up the steps.

Finding the stairwell was a trial. Peter had to push through crowds and do it gently, making sure he didn't accidentally throw a person across the room with a simple tap by his estimation. Once he made it to the stairwell entrance and opened the door, he walked up a few flights until he was sure nobody would see him and leapt onto the walls of the staircase and made his ascent. Climbing up the walls with the occasional leap was easier and much faster then walking although it was hard to keep back his instincts of firing a web strand or two to get up there faster. Peter finally made it to the top floor and sighed happily as he pushed the door. It didn't budge. What the hell? Why would they lock this door. Peter groaned. Looks I'll have to kick it down. With a powerful kick, the door was swung open, hitting the wall directly in front of him. It was noisy and Peter hoped nobody heard him. He stepped through the doorway and turned the corner.

Everyone's eyes were on him. Great way to make a first impression, Parker. Peter said as he looked down at the door and almost facepalmed himself. The sign read "pull".

"Kid...don't you read? It clearly says-"

"Pull. Yes, I see it." Peter sighed. Now. Another voice spoke up.

"You really walked up all of those stairs? We have a perfectly functioning elevator."

"Yeah, but it was a lot of people in the way and I really didn't have time to get-"

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU ALL STARING AT? STOP ACTING LIKE A BUNCH OF SHELLSHOCKED DEER AND GET BACK TO WORK!" a voice boomed from in the front. Immediately, everyone went back to their seats, typing and hopping on the phone. A few workers snickered and Peter frowned. All the way across the room from him stood a somewhat tall middle aged man with a toothbrush mustache and black hair that grayed on his sideburns. There was the most contemptuous scowl on his face as his eyes locked onto Peter. He pointed his finger and waved him over. Peter was stiff as he walked. He had fought gangbangers and a giant lizard but somehow this man scared him witless. It had to be Jameson. When Peter got inside the office, there were two others inside; an older black man with a seasoned and wise expression and a young brunette woman with a bobcut. Both of them stood with their arms folded as Peter sat down in front of Jameson's desk. The silence was starting to crush him. He had to speak.

"Hello sir-" he started.

"You come in here breaking down doors and disrupting my workers and the first thing you say is 'Hello sir'?" Jameson snapped. Peter shrugged.

"S-sorry. I didn't read the sign on the door. I was...kinda in a rush to see you." Peter said. Jameson sighed and Peter swore he saw a thick cloud of steam exit his ears.

"Who the hell are you and what in the blue hell do you want? I'm a newspaper editor, kid. I don't have time for any bullsh-"

"It's about Spider-Man." Jameson's face softened.

"Spider-Man, you say? What do you got? He hurt you? He hurt your grandmother? He beat your brother into a bloody pulp and he's on life support because of the injuries?" Peter raised an eyebrow.

The fuck? "No..." Peter said. Jameson's scowl returned.

"Then get out." he growled. Peter raised his hands.

"Look...I was reading an article that was written about Spider-Man and couldn't help but notice that you had an absolutely crap picture of him on the front page. I mean, it was completely blurred and far away and dark! If you're going to slander someone, at least get a clear picture of him." Peter said. Jameson twisted his face.

"It isn't slander...in print, it's libel. Anyway, what's your point, kid?" Peter pulled out the printed out photos that MJ had taken of him in downtown Queens. Fully colored and in HD thanks to her phone and some editing tools on his laptop, the images were vivid and stunning. Even the other formerly hostile employees in the room looked impressed. Jameson didn't though. as he sifted through them, his face continued to grow more and more disappointed. "You don't have a picture of him stealing someone's pizza or something?" he asked. Peter shook his head.

"No. Spider-Man's not like that." Jameson raised his hand.

"You're a photographer, not a writer." he said.

"Actually, I could wri-"

"I didn't ask for your skill set, kid." Jameson said dismissively as he looked through the photos. "How often can you get us new photos of the menace?" he asked. Peter shrugged.

"I don't know. I guess weekly." Peter said.

"Good." Jameson said as he then turned to his brunette employee. "Betty, get this kid a check for $100." He then looked back at Peter. "Anyway...what's your name? How old are you? You in school or something?"

"My name's Peter Parker. I'm sixteen years old and a sophomore at New Midtown High School." he replied in a professional tone. Jameson chuckled.

"Midtown. How does a scrawny kid like you survive in Brooklyn let alone, Midtown High?" Peter gritted his teeth.

"I'm not from Brooklyn. I'm from Queens." Jameson wasn't even paying attention and sipped his coffee.

"Yeah, yeah. Anyway, you've got a job as a freelance photographer here, kid. You come in here every week with pictures and you'll get paid. If you're good and faithful...perhaps one day, I'll give you more money or something. We're done. Get your check...and don't kick down anymore goddamn doors."

Peter rose out of the chair he was in and went outside to get his check. Betty printed it out and handed it over to him. She gave him a half-smile.

"Don't mind Jameson. He's a jerk and a real jackass...but...yeah, he's a jerk and a jackass." Betty laughed. "But you'll get used to him eventually. Congrats on the freelance thing. Awesome pictures of Spidey by the way." she said. Peter was about to turn and walk away before Betty tapped his arm. "If you could do me a favor and take a picture of him just for me? I might add a little extra to your check." she said with a wink. Peter smiled.

"Cool, I got you." he said slickly as he made his exit to the elevator, barely even glancing at the door he had kicked down. Peter transitioned back into his Spider-Man costume after he had pushed back through the crowds of workers on the first floor and had discreetly climbed to the top of the building. Peter swung over the skyscrapers and took in the chill of the winter air. He landed on a highpoint and gazed around, the sounds of police sirens echoing throughout the city. Across the buildings, Peter spotted two shadows slithering across the rooftops towards another. Even in the night, Peter could make out the distinct platinum blonde hair.

It was Felicia...and she was in danger.

Felicia Hardy sat on a rooftop in her Black Cat costume, stretching and flexing her muscles and taking in the scents and sounds. After her and Peter's little "confrontation" in the hallway, she had finished the school day and gone home to plan her next assault on the Kingpin. She sighed. It had been two years. Two years since she had sought to destroy Kingpin's fortune and reputation and eventually watch him die. Two years since the Enforcers had killed her father at the behest of Kingpin. She didn't know why it happened or what her father even knew, but she would find even if she had to beat Kingpin within an inch of his life to get information.

There was something foul in the air. Felicia turned around and gasped. In front of her stood two large men, one dressed in a black trenchcoat, pants and boots with the other wearing a black hooded cloak with black pants. Both of them were armed with multiple weapons and when they smiled, Selina could see that they had teeth that had been filed sharp. Felicia was instantly on guard. Nobody dressed like they were ever came with good news or intentions. Felicia was ready to fight.

Without a sound, the two ran forward, criss-crossing as they drew their swords. The hooded man jumped over his partner and swung his sword downward at Felicia while his partner ran behind him to back him up in case he missed. Felicia smirked as she activated her probability manipulation causing the hooded man to land awkwardly and miss her, while her partner failed to choreograph his brother's movements and aborted his attack. Felicia jumped backwards and fastened the clawed glove on her hand tightly. She smiled. She had the advantage in this fight. With her probability manipulation, which increase or decrease the possibility of something happening greatly, she could easily counter their attacks. The only problem was longevity. Using her powers drained her stamina significantly, depending on the magnitude of the probability that she changed. It was essentially like using a cheating die and being stabbed every time she did.

The two assassins sprinted toward her again, this time both of them staying on foot. Felicia frowned. She could only use the power on one person at a time. Now to figure out which of these baddies is the bigger threat...she thought as she dodged the first swing. The second attack from the man in the trenchcoat caught her off guard and she was smacked with the hilt of the sword and then kicked to the ground. Felicia rolled and quickly rose to her feet in time enough dodge another diagonal swing. Finally, Felicia jumped on the offensive, swinging her claws viciously but precisely. The hooded man she focused her attacks on was being fought evenly while she used her probability to keep the man in the trenchcoat away by making him trip and fall or miss each time he attempted to attack her. But she was growing steadily more exhausted and her attacker more intense. All they were waiting for was for her to falter. She couldn't catch the attack this time. Felicia felt the sword slice the back of her thigh and she fell to one knee and winced.

"Shit..." she hissed. She looked up and the two men loom over here as the hooded man raised his sword to cut her down. Felicia wouldn't close her eyes even if all the fear in her wanted her to.

A blue and red flash swooped in, knocking both of the assassins the ground, sending them sprawling across the roof. Peter landed in front of her and turned to her. "You're not hurt are you, scaredy cat?" Felicia smirked.

"As a matter of fact, I am, dipshit." she said. Peter folded his arms.

"Next time, I'll just let your pretty little head get lopped off. How about that?" Felicia pouted.

"You wouldn't let me get killed, would you, Mr. Webs?" Felicia purred. Peter's heart raced and his scent changed like it had earlier when she purred. Felicia smirked. She knew he loved it when she purred. Peter sighed.

"I suppose not. Now, if you wouldn't mind actually paying attention..." Felicia said. Peter whirled around and punched one of the men, sending him flying into his partner. Peter pointed at his head.

"Spider-Senses tingled." he grinned under his mask. Felicia rolled her eyes.

"That's the best you could come up with?" she asked. Peter sighed.

"Can we just fight these guys and talk about my name choices another time?" he asked. Felicia nodded.

"If we survive."

The assassins rushed forward and went straight for Felicia. She winced as she tried to get up but luckily for her, Peter leapt in front of her and intercepted their attacks, grabbing one sword with his hand and kicking the other out of the assassin's hand. Peter tossed the hooded man to the side and twice punched the man in the trenchcoat. When they were far enough away, he spray a thick coating of webbing on Felicia's wound. It stung and felt rather septic but the burning sensation gave way to a cooler relief.

"Hopefully, you can move now. Get out of here." Peter said. Felicia winced slightly as she stood up and then scoffed.

"Oh, please. We're handling this together. No doubt the Kingpin hired them...but who are they really working for?" Felicia said. Peter shrugged.

"I don't know. If you're going to stay here, we need a strategy to fight them." Peter said. Felicia sucked her teeth.

"What the hell do you mean 'strategy'? You have spider powers. Knock them out or kill them. Simple." The two assassins appeared to understand her and they exchanged looks with each other. After a quick nod of their heads, the two began to form different signs with their hands, chanting loudly in Japanese. Felicia and Peter backed away slowly as the air seemed to thicken. Smoke formed around the two men and Felicia heard the men begin to moan. Wings sprouted from their backs with black feathers blacker than ebony. Their teeth grew more ragged and sharp and the nails on their hands extended. The pair growled at Peter and Felicia. The platinum blonde girl gulped. "Ok...maybe not that simple."

Next, Humanitarians