[CARNAGE] ARC

Chapter 12

A Tangled Web of Lives

You're Peter Parker- alias Spider-man- and you've all got proof that Norman Osborn killed your parents. You received a letter, given to you by your Aunt May, which was written by your mother. It contains a message to tell you to contact Nick fury if things get too dangerous for you as a last resort- it also contains the password for the hard drive.

And there you discovered something terrible- your father was making a breakthrough with a cure for cancer and, because he didn't want to make it into a weapon for Osborne- he, your mother and Eddie's parents were all killed.

Driven by sadness and fury, you finished your costume, well into the morning hours and slept through the day. That was yesterday- today is Monday.

Back to school…

You get up and get ready. There's no reason no to go, after all. You head out the door and go- you decide to head to the bus. As you head out the door, you feel your spider-sense buzz as you look and notice Mary Jane heading out of the door, a backpack on her bag.

She look in your direction before looking away, her voice so quiet its almost unnoticeable.

"…srry. Dn't knw way…"

You let out a sigh, seems like she'll need your help. Your spider sense seems to continue to buzz, even though the animosity between the two of you has seemed to have died away. Maybe it's a psychological thing?

You lead her to the bus stop and wait for the bus- she doesn't have a game console- it broke after all- but she does have a book, which she reads on the bench as she waits for the bus.

You go over and buy a newspaper, deciding to read it later before sitting down next to Mary Jane. You should probably try to make some sort of conversation.

"The other day… you alright?"

She gives you a look before looking back at her book. Eventually, she shakes her head after you lean back, probably thinking you aren't paying attention. "…no. But, thank you."

Her voice is soft, hard to hear over the traffic, but her words are heartfelt. Well, you're pretty sure. You give her a nod. "No problem. I… probably could have acted better myself."

She doesn't respond, but the tenseness of her hands grasping the book lessens. Eventually, the bus arrives.

You look over at Mary Jane. "Do you want me to sit with you?"

She shrugs, looking away and grabs an empty seat. It's your choice to sit next to her or not- she's seemingly indifferent. You're conflicted, part of you doesn't want to sit with Harry, but he's your best friend, too.

You point over to where Harry's at. "I'm going to talk with my friend, alright. If you need me, give me a signal. She nods and you move, sitting next to Harry. Your best friend, whose father murdered your parents.

Something nasty tries to swell up inside you at that thought.

You stare at Harry, doubt and something malicious plaguing you. You don't respond as you sit down, closing your eyes. But the scowl on your face says everything.

"Hey, Pete, what's wrong?"

You don't respond but you feel Harry slump next to you as you refuse to respond to him. The ride to school is quiet, plagued by turmoil.

How do you get over your friend's father killing your parents. Worse, you can't tell him why you're angry. Hell, can you even trust him? His father's rich. Why is he going to some crummy school- why is he even your friend?

Doubts bubble within you as you get off the bus.

To make your way to class, though you obviously don't want to be there. Mary Jane's gone, probably to her locker to the office. Still, you saw her go into the school. Harry- you don't want to think about him. So, when you arrive to Chemistry, its very awkward.

Gwen, not talking to you. You, not talking to Harry.

You sit through the day, barely there and finally lunch happens.

You go over to where Gwen's at, eating. You give her a tired look as she still doesn't look at you.

"Gwen, I'm sure I deserve whatever I did to upset you, but I've learned some new stuff. Whenever you have the time, we should talk."

When you finish talking with her, you head outside. You sit out at a table outside, the weather's getting colder, so not many people eat out here.

You sit alone and eat your lunch but after the situation with Gwen and Harry… it tastes like ash in your mouth.

You force yourself to eat and then dispose of your trash, waiting for lunch to end.

The day seems to drag itself to the end. Finally, you head to your locker as the last bell of the day frees you.

You head, like you usually do to go call Felix from the school phone for half a moment before pausing. You don't really need to do that anymore- you have your own phone.

You could just call him on your way back now.

But, you could also look into the calls from the school phone if you used it. That is, if they're still happening. You don't know- Gwen's not said a word to you.

You head to the phones, making sure you look busy. You pull out the want ads from the paper you bought earlier and look occupied while waiting to use the phone. You aren't able to do much without being seen- but you do catch one thing.

There's a member of the football team on the phone. You don't recognize the person, but they seem to not be on the phone for long, though they seem to linger for a second when they finish the call- doing what, though, you can't tell. They step out and look around and stare at you, but you are currently circling ads, tapping your pen against your chin, so they stop paying attention and walk off.

After a few moments you approach the phone.

You use the redial function on the phone to quickly call the number they called last. Two rings, then a familiar voice mail message-

Gwen's phone.

You hang up and look around the phone- you don't see anything obvious, just a small crevice by the side of the phone that's easy to overlook. You shake your head and call Felix.

There's a few rings before Felix picks up, he sounds tired. "Hello?"

"Hey, Felix, it's Peter. How are you feeling?"

You voice is sympathetic and Felix's voice comes across the line, softly. "I'm going to be fine now, Peter. Thanks for asking. Um…. Would you be able to come over? I'm not good for studying, but I'd like to talk with someone and you and I are friends, we are, right? Well, I thought you might help me out."

Felix's voice is embarrassed and nervous.

"Yeah, no problem, Felix, I'll be over in a little while."

You exchange some final pleasantries with Felix, confirming your plans to head over to his house. It will be a little while until you should get there, around five, and its only about two forty-five. You have a good two hours at least.

What should you do in the meantime?

You remember the football player, and you know of another football player you crossed- Flash Thompson

You look in the direction the football player went. You want to confront Flash- its one thing to go after you, but to go after the people you care about is too far. But, you have a more pressing concern- you should make sure Mary Jane gets home safely.

You look around, using your spider sense as a beacon. The school is emptying out- barring any clubs or sports that are meeting. Eventually , though, you find her.

She's sitting on a bench near the front doors of the school. She's got a book that she seems to be periodically reading, but she's looking around- when she spots you you see her put the book away.

The buses have already left. You gesture for her to follow you. "C'mon, let's go home."

She nods and follows- it takes a little longer than usual and by the time you see her off into her house to put your backpack away- it's about three thirty. You could waste some time here, or you could go out and do something.

You grab the newspaper from your bag and go downstairs- there's a note on the board from Aunt May- she's going to get a few things from the store- so you have the house to yourself for now- Uncle Ben won't get home until five or so.

You turn on the TV and flip to the news- there's something there-

-"BREAK-IN AT OSCORP"-

There's an article there on the news and in your paper- it seems like there's some property- experimental technology- that's been stolen from Oscorp. The weapons were patented but were major prototypes for flight based technology and theoretical stand ins for Kevlar, along with a few other minor things.

At the current time, the person suspected by police is the Black Cat, though the article notes that this is contrary to his normal modus operandi, especially since there wasn't a cat card left behind.

Regardless, the police feel that people should be on the lookout for any suspicious persons and if they have any tips, to sent them to the police hotline immediately.

You stare down at the paper, feeling oddly satisfied. Serves Osborn right.

A break-in at Oscorp, though, and Black Cat is suspected?

You head downstairs, locking the basement door as you go and grab your mask and put it on before pulling out the Black Cat's card and dialing the number. You /could/ use a public phone, but then she's hear your voice, unaltered by the mask.

The phone rings once- twice- three times- before she picks it up, a bit out of breath. "Spider, is that you? I thought you'd never call."

"Yup, I saw the news so I had to call. I'm still in the planning stages so it wasn't me and this doesn't have your style over it at all."

You keep your voice calm as she catches her breath, her voice becomes teasing. "Ah, you know me too well Spider, and you were waiting until we could do it -together.~" She pauses and gets more serious, her voice almost sounding angry.

"This wasn't me, and I'm actually upset people think that it is. The news isn't reporting it but there was a guard injured, badly, and that goes against my code of conduct. Furthermore, I like to have a challenge and there's no reason for me to steal something that can fly- this Cat likes to stay grounded."

"I want your help Spider-man. Help me catch and reveal the person responsible for this, please."

Her voice is serious and pleading.

"Yeah, I'll help- but I'm caught up with something tonight; keep an ear out and look for some leads. When we catch this guy... girl... whatever he might have some important intel on Oscorp.

Besides, you can't let scum like that run around- your Uncle is a security guard. Thank god that you know it wasn't him- he was home at the time of the break-in. But, if this guy was to expand wherever he was hitting…

Not to mention you don't have to give back what was stolen- you could destroy it or keep it for yourself.

Black Cat talks over the line, her voice relieved and grateful.

"Thanks, Spider… I owe you. So, busy this evening, eh? Well, that's fair enough. Are you busy ~tonight?~ I'd like to meet up with you."

You think about it, so long as you grab a short nap after hanging with Felix, you should be able to manage it. "Yeah, tonight could work".

"So, Kitty likes to play in the night, huh?"

Your voice is teasing as Black Cat laughs, a very pleasant sound as she continues to banter with you. "Of course I do, Spider. But its always been alone, maybe this time I'll have a partner? But it'll be my first time, so you'll have to be ~gentle.~"

"Still, though, I have an appointment of my own to keep Spider, I need to put on my a face- a girl never should go out without looking her best. So, give me a call when you're free and we'll set up a meeting place.

"See you later~"

And she hangs up. You sit there and relax. The call was decently long, you should probably be getting ready to go now. You've agreed to meet Black Cat tonight, so should you bring your costume?

If you have to return back for it- it might alert Aunt may and Uncle Ben, after all.

You take off your mask and look at it before grabbing your backpack and empty out all of your books, taking your costume and putting it into it. It's a bit risky, but it'll have to do.

Better than heaving to explain your costume's existence to Aunt May and Uncle Ben. After making sure everything's in order downstairs, you leave a note- saying you're over a Felix's place. You don't say you're tutoring, but she knows you can be over at Felix's place for a decent amount of time.

With everything in order, you look at the clock. it's a little after four, you might arrive a minute or two early-nothing too big.

You take you time walking there as you look around. The skies have some clouds in them, but it isn't supposed to rain again for a few days. According to the weather forecast you read, at least.

You ring the doorbell when you arrive at Felix's house and he opens the door with a smile, letting you in. He looks a little tired, but in good spirits.

"Peter, good to see you. Um.. Why do you have your backpack. We aren't studying today."

He looks confused at the presence of your backpack, but you wave it off, looking embarrassed. "Well, since I was meeting with you I stuck around school late to check out some books in the library. I got really involved in one on current material sciences- Well, anyway I kinda spent most of my time there before heading here."

Felix lets out a sigh and shakes his head, looking exasperated. "You don't have anything but science on the brain, do you Peter?"

He gives you a grin as he hobbles on his crutch over to the living room, where you normally study. "Well… this is rather new for me. What do you normally do when you hang out, Peter?"

You shrug helplessly. "... I have no idea... Watch a movie or play a video game or something? Is Magic the Gathering still a thing?"

You give a helpless look as Felix laughs before shaking his head as you sober yourself as you sit in your usual spot. "Well, I guess a movie, but didn't you have something you wanted to talk about?"

Felix looks away embarrassed. "W-well, I suppose. The thing is part of the problem was dealt with a little bit ago. I met this person, you see, our first meeting wasn't the best… They called me earlier today and it seems like everything's okay, they were just busy."

He clears his throat. "S-so, I was wondering if you could give me any advice, as I'd like this not to mess up."

You nod your head as you listen to Felix. So, he needs some advice. He probably met someone while he was at the hospital, poor guy. You're not the best at relationships, but you can tell him what you can.

"Well, how much do you know about this person, Felix?"

Felix looks thoughtful before shaking his head. "Not too much, why?"

You give a smile, at least you can give this advice. "You shouldn't rush things- get to know the person first. Learn what they like, what their hobbies are- that sort of thing. You shouldn't make them feel pressured, you might drive them off. But don't cross boundaries they're uncomfortable with, either."

Felix considers it and nods. "Yeah. You're right. I should get to know this person better. Thanks, Peter."

He gives you a smile as you shake your head. "Not a problem."

Felix smiles, turning on the TV, which is rather large. "So, what kind of movie would you like to watch?"

The two of you watch an action film- the cult classic Escape from New York- both of you talk through the film and enjoy it. When its over, you're both in a good mood as you feel your stomach rumble.

Felix seems about as hungry as you are.

"Should we grab something to eat?"

Felix looks towards the kitchen.

You nod your head and get up, the two of you having dinner like always- soup and sandwiches. Felix does most of the preparations while you set up. It doesn't take long and you're both enjoying the meal, making small talk. When the food's through the two of you sit and talk for a little while longer before Felix looks at the time.

"Ah, its getting late. I have to head to bed soon, Peter, so we'll have to call it a night."

You nod and grab your backpack as he sees you out. When you get outside, the sun's setting. According to your watch its Eight-thirty.

You grab a good out of the way area on a roof- climbing it when you can't be seen- that you wouldn't be able to be seen well, by other people or from the air, and change into your costume before setting your phone's alarm for an hour from now.

You then take a nap in your costume. When you awaken to the sound of your alarm, its entirely dark out- night has fallen and you have a meeting to set up.

You sit up and adjust your shoes- the one thing you had to buy- shoes with incredibly thin soles- thankfully not custom made, so you can easily use your climbing powers with them on.

You pull out your phone and call the Black Cat- the phone rings once before it is picked up. "Hey there, Spider. You made me wait, you know. I was getting nervous. Where would you like to meet?"

"Why don't you decide, Cat?"

There's silence on the other end for a minute or two- you think she might've hung up- before she finally speaks. "The rooftop of Our Lady of saints Church. You know the place?"

That place- you remember it. Most definitely you do- its not too far from here.

"Yeah, I can be there shortly."

"Good, see you then."

She hangs up as you look over the rooftops in the direction of Our Lady of Saints Church. It won't take you long to get there by Webslinging, but you could also try to reach it more stealthily from jumping from rooftop to rooftop.

You limitedly used your webshooters to websling around- and you have a new costume- you should show off some. But first- you web your backpack with your normal clothes to a wall- that's safe for now.

Then you're off- its enjoyable to do this, really. As you begin to fall you extend a wrist forward, webshooting out as you release and grab the web strand and use it like a pendulum to send you flying higher- again and again you do it.

The fast movement, the wind biting at you- its exhilarating. Forget a car- THIS is what it means to travel in style!

An a few minutes, you arrive at the Church's roof and wait- she's not here yet.

You sit in the shadows, the dark red and blues are almost unnoticeable in the shadows at the top of the church. However, even though you're on the lookout, you can't see where the Black Cat is coming from.

One moment nobody's there and the next, she's sitting on top of the church in the open- hard to see from below- easy to see from your position.

It seems like she doesn't know you're here, in fact she seems to be deep in thought.

"Huh, never took you much for the religious type."

She turns around, shocked as she sees your form before she smiles. "New uniform Spider? I'm flattered."

She walks closer as you lower yourself to her level as she gives your costume a critical eye. "It's still a beginner's work, but it looks nice. Though, I think you'd look better in black myself."

She steps away and sits down, gesturing for you to sit next to her. Your spider sense is silent and she's rather serious so you take the risk and sit down. She smiles at you before letting out a sigh.

"What do you think of me, Spider?"

You let out a sigh. "I don't know yet. From what I've seen you're smart, incredibly competent as a thief and you do go out of you're way to make sure no one gets hurt as collateral during your capers".

"I know that last time, to an extent, it was a bit of a game to you and this time, because someone else is using you as a scapegoat and because they got someone seriously hurt, it isn't. And in a weird way that's a little reassuring, that you have a serious side."

You shake your head, trying to say what you mean.

"Look, we're both running around on rooftops in masks, there are going to be some trust issues, but my gut says that while you aren't on the side of the angels, you're good people".

"So miss Cat, it is my pleasure to get to know you better, and I think it's time to turn that question back on you. What do you think of me?"

She stares at you for a few moments as you look at her before she shakes her head, a small smile on her face. "Well, you have a way with words, honestly. You also have your own self-interests, but you aren't a bad person- you don't force people to do things- you could have made Jameson give you the money, but instead you manipulated him to do it instead".

"Honestly, that can be a bad thing, but, after tonight, I'm certain- you're a good person and I want to know more about you."

She smiles and stretches before pointing a finger in your face. "But I'm not going to steal these answers from you, I'll get them fairly. How's a question for a question- honest answers only. AND I promise not to ask your name. If we're going to work together, we have to trust that what we tell each other is the truth."

"How does that sound?"

You shrug. "Alright, works for me."

She smiles and points at you. "Well then, Spider… Here is my first question. Was the kiss I gave you your first kiss?"

You remain silent before nodding as her eyes sparkle and she grins, pleased. "Good, you were mine, too. Alright, then. Your turn."

To be Continued...

Publishers Notes: Sorry for dropping it short here but I needed to look over some things first.

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