Gwen quickly webbed up the sniper before making her way to Peter's room.

"What happened?" Gwen asked as she quickly climbed through the window.

"Ghost Spider?" Peter stared.

"I was on my way to meet you when I ran into the sniper. I've taken care of him, but then I heard screaming," she said frantically. "Did anyone get hurt?"

Gwen's eyes widened when she saw Aunt May flat on the ground, clutching her shoulder. MJ was applying a towel to the wound, which was now covered in blood.

"I sense the sniper; I think she was targeting MJ," said Peter, who had a horrified look on his face. "I pushed out of the way, but the bullet struck Aunt May."

"It only got me in the shoulder," Aunt May winced. "That being said, it's excruciatingly painful."

"I pulled the rifle up just as he fired," said Gwen. "If I hadn't arrived when I did it, I imagine it would have penetrated her stomach."

"She needs medical help now," MJ cried.

"You go, I'll take this sniper to the police station," said Gwen.

"You sure that's wise you're not registered," Peter pointed out.

"Tony is now the director of SHIELD, and unlike Hill, he is not enforcing the law at the moment," Gwen informed him. "I'm the feeling he doesn't want to start another civil war is no doubt coming up with a better solution."

"It's still dangerous," said Peter.

"You still have some friends among the police; I'm sure after everything you've done for them, they'll let it slide."

"But—"

"Peter, this is no time to argue," said MJ. "We need to get your aunt to the hospital now."

Peter reluctantly agreed with MJ and called an ambulance, which rushed Aunt May to the nearest hospital.

At the same time, Gwen escorted the sniper towards the police station, hoping they would arrest her on-site.

Unfortunately, a few policemen immediately aimed their rivals at her when she arrived on their doorstep.

"Freeze!" they ordered.

"I'm not here to cause any trouble; I'm just here to hand this guy over to you," she said, gesturing to the sniper.

"You're still an unregistered hero and therefore criminal by the law!" a police officer said.

"Stand down," said a voice.

Gwen then saw, stepping outside, a young police captain.

"Captain Watanabe? She's a criminal."

"I said stand down!" she snapped. "We're here to arrest criminals, not superheroes, even unregistered ones."

The police officers then reluctantly lowered their pistols, and the young captain made her way over to Ghost Spider.

"Ghost Spider, it's a pleasure," she said, offering her hand. "My name is Yuri Watanabe; I have just recently been promoted to captain. I believe you might know my mentor, Captain Jean DeWolff?"

Gwen remembered Captain Dewolff; she was a friend who had been murdered by the murderous vigilante Sin-Eater, who sadly had also been her boyfriend.

"So, what's the story of this guy?" Yuri asked, gesturing to head this might, which is now being brought into the precinct.

"No doubt a hired gun, he shot May Parker," Gwen explained.

Yuri's eyes widened. "Spider-Man's aunt?"

"He was even aiming at her or his wife, no doubt hired by an enemy of his."

"And people begin to wonder why mashed heroes keep their identities secret," Yuri muttered. "It is aunt, okay?"

"The bullet hit in the shoulder, but I think it could have been a lot worse."

"I'll see what I can find on this guy. Find out who hired him, but you better tell Spider-Man to be careful now that his identity is public."

"I think he's already aware of that."

Peter was currently at the hospital with MJ, waiting to hear from the doctor about Aunt May's condition. Unfortunately, the press had heard about the attack on about the hundred reporters outside the hospital.

"No comment!" Ben yelled at them as he made his way into the hospital, fending off the reporters.

He then quickly made his way over to Peter. "I just got word on what happened. Is May okay?"

"We're still waiting for the results," said MJ as she comforted Peter.

"This is all my fault," said Peter, placing his hands over his face. "Why did I reveal my identity in front of live TV?"

"Because Tony said it would be all right," said MJ bitterly. "Easy for him to say he doesn't have extended family. In fact, none of the heroes that signed on to this stupid Registration Act have that problem."

"But if I hadn't defected, you and Aunt May would still be in Avengers Tower," Peter pointed out.

"Peter, we're not going through this again," she said, putting her arm around his shoulder, "and both May and I knew what we were getting ourselves into when we supported you."

"She's right, Peter. We need to figure a way to go from here," said Ben.

"Mr Parker," said a Doctor approaching them. "I have news regarding your aunt."

"Is it bad, Doctor?" Peter asked, rushing to his feet.

"The bullet was lodged in her shoulder, but she's surprisingly resilient given a woman of her age," said the doctor with a small smile. "She's doing fine, son, but she will have to remain here until she is fully recovered."

"That's great," said Peter relieved.

The doctor then winced. "Then there is the slight matter of her life insurance. I'm sorry to say that it has spiked significantly, given your heroic exploits."

Peter groaned. "And neither MJ nor I are employed at the moment."

"I wish I could help, but I can barely make ends meet myself," said Ben regretfully.

"There's no need to fret," said a voice. Everyone turned and was surprised to see that Jarvis had arrived. "Mister Stark and I overheard what transpired over your aunt Master Parker, and he's agreed to pay for her life insurance. You do not need to worry about anything."

Peter didn't like Tony's bailing him out, but he was not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"Thank you, Jarvis," said Peter gratefully.

"Guess now all we need to do is wait until we find out who hired the gunmen," said Ben.

As it turned out, Wilson Fisk had hired the gunmen, which was surprising considering that he was in jail. Peter had half a mind to beat him up, but Gwen and Ben managed to calm him down and said it was probably not the best course of action.

Gwen was now talking to Madame Web about the events that had just transpired.

"My memories of this incident are now different," said Gwen, looking at her. "Is this the point that changed Peter's life?"

"It is hard to say; you have access to memories that I don't, and those memories are altered versions," said Madam Web. "However, the future from now on is not entirely certain. Not even I can determine which outcome is meant to be."

"The attack on Peter's aunt will be the first of many," said Gwen as she paced up and down. "Now that everyone knows his identity, it's a matter of time before one of them gets lucky, either killing his aunt or MJ."

Madam Web nodded. "It doesn't take someone with clairvoyance to figure that one out. However, I do not have the power to make everyone forget. Also, I believe this is a conversation you would have with Spider-Man, don't you think?"

"You're right. I will, but I get the feeling that Mephisto isn't quite through with Peter and MJ."

"He is most certainly aware that something has altered reality by now," Madam Web agreed. "When you were sent back in time, it was like throwing a small pebble down a mountain would go unnoticed. However, that pebble has no doubt started an avalanche by now, and that would have gained his attention."

Gwen then began to make her way back to the hospital when she suddenly heard a voice from out of nowhere.

"Ghost Spider, Doom is communing with you for the signal of your danger sense ability," said Doom's booming voice. "Meet me at the Latverian embassy; I have a debt that needs to be repaid."

Gwen nearly crashed when she heard his voice, but thankfully, she was able to stop before she slammed into a building. She was rather shocked to be getting Doom's voicemail, half wondering whether this was a trap, but she knew that Doom hated being in anyone's debt, so she decided to investigate.

She made her way to the Latverian embassy and found Doom waiting for her likely glorified gargoyle.

"I hope I haven't kept you waiting," she said.

"You have, but I'm willing to overlook this insult," he said.

"I'm assuming that this debt is about Spider-Man saving your life," Gwen assumed. "If that's the case, should you speak to him in person?"

"You mean Peter Parker, don't you?" Doom questioned. "And to answer your question, I would not lower myself to pay to visit him in the hospital where his aunt is currently being observed. That is why I have summoned you."

"So this is about the debt," said Gwen, folding her arms. "How do you plan to repay it?"

"By giving you the information that he currently desires, the location of his daughter," said Doom, pulling out a USB drive. "Once that identity became public, it was easy for me to track down his daughter."

"I don't know what to say," said Gwen as she took the drive.

"There is nothing to say. I'm merely repaying my debt," said Doom and turned around, making his way back into the embassy. "Now, I believe you have other matters to contend with."

Gwen was still stunned as she looked at the drive.

After that, Gwen talked to Peter and Ben on the hospital rooftop.

"What happened to May is something we can expect in the future if we don't do something about your whole identity being a public thing," said Gwen.

"Not a lot we can do about it, though," Ben pointed out. "It's not like we can make everyone forget that he is Spider-Man."

"Maybe we can't, but maybe there's someone out there who can," Peter pondered. "Maybe Professor X?"

"I doubt that he would use his powers to wipe everyone's minds," said Gwen. "Emma Frost might, but I wouldn't say she's trustworthy."

"Even if we do find a telepath powerful enough to wipe everyone's minds, we still have a problem with the fact that it was on live television; there's no doubt tons of recordings by now," said Ben.

"What about Doctor Strange?" Peter asked. "He is a powerful sorcerer; he might be able to help."

"Whether a shot," Gwen agreed.

"I'll stay here with May and MJ," Ben offered. "Even with all the police officers standing guard and not entirely confident they can stop a supervillain if one decides to visit."

"That's diverse to pay the doctor visit," said Peter.

They made their way to the Sanctum Sanctorum, and they appeared to be expected at the doors open when they landed on the porch.

"Looks like the doctor is expecting us," said Peter.

They made their way inside, and the doors slammed shut behind them. Meeting them in the foyer was Doctor Strange himself.

"Spider-Man, Ghost Spider, I have been expecting you," he said as he floated onto the floor.

"Then you know why we've come," said Peter.

Doctor Strange nodded. "I can create a spell that will make everyone forget that you're Spider-Man. I can cast it right now if you want, but everyone will forget who you are, and I mean everyone."

"I don't think that's a wise idea, Peter," said Gwen.

"But if everyone forgets, then my family will no longer be in danger," Peter pointed out.

Gwen then looked at Doctor Strange. "Correct me if I'm wrong, Steven, but if everyone forgets about Peter's identity, that will alter their memories."

Doctor Strange nodded. "That is indeed correct, and I have no way to tell how these alterations will affect you as a whole."

"So you're advising me not to go through with this?" Peter groaned.

"I didn't say that. I can alter the spell to make certain people remember who you are, but that will take time and preparation. All you have to do is tell me who you wish to remember you, and I can make it happen."

"But every time we wake up with my family, there is more danger," said Peter anxiously.

"Both May and MJ are under protection, and I do think this is the best course of action," said Gwen.

"I will tell you when the spell is ready," said Doctor Strange.

"What do we do in the meantime?" Peter asked.

"Actually, I have something regarding your daughter that I want to tell both you and MJ," said Gwen.

They soon returned to the hospital, and MJ met them on the rooftop.

"Have you found May?" MJ asked.

"Technically, I wasn't the one who found her," said Ghost Spider. "Believe it or not, we have Doctor Doom to thank for that."

Both Peter and MJ looked at her as if she was crazy.

"You're serious?" Peter stared.

"Believe me, I was quite surprised myself, but before you get all giddy, he is merely repaying you for saving his life," Gwen warned. "The information he provided puts little May in an orphanage on the other side of the city. Fortunately, it wasn't destroyed during the Civil War, but whether they moved the children to a safer location, I don't know."

MJ was in tears. "After five long excruciating years, we might finally be able to hold our baby in our arms again."

"She won't be a baby anymore," said Peter, putting his arm around her. "Yes, I can't wait to hold her myself."

"We need to go now," said MJ.

"It'll be fast if we web-sling there," said Ghost Spider.

"Won't that draw people's attention?" Peter asked.

"Better that than walking through the streets being hampered by reporters," said Ghost Spider, folding her arms.

"She's right; I want to be without them as soon as possible," said MJ.

"Let me just inform Ben and Jarvis, and I'll be back in five minutes," said Peter.

They watched as Peter made his way down into the hospital.

"Do you think we can trust Dooms Intel?" MJ asked, looking at Ghost Spider.

"Victor Von Doom may be many things, but the liar is not one of them," said Ghost Spider. "He's given us a chance in a single take it. I hope that no one else knows about her."

"You're thinking about Norman, aren't you?" MJ assumed.

Ghost Spider nodded. "Don't forget he's the one who orchestrated all of this and seems to make it his life mission to make Peter's life a living hell. Fortunately, he thinks she's dead, but as read of the Thunderbolts, he is undoubtedly keeping a close eye on us spiders."

MJ nodded, and Peter arrived in costume.

"We're good to go?" he asked.

Norman was currently in his office; he had been made director of the Thunderbolts, whose main task was apprehending those who refused to sign the Registration Act. He had been looking forward to locking Spider-Man away, but now he was cleared of all charges, so he could not make a move unless he broke the law again.

"Frustrating, isn't it, having your enemy so close yet so far," said a voice.

Norman practically ripped out of his skin as he stood before him like a fiery demon.

"W-Who are you?" Norman asked.

"Some people call me the devil, but I'm a different devil," said the demon. "My name is Mephisto, and I wish to make another deal with you, Norman Osborn."

Norman frowned. "You're saying we've met before, but I don't remember."

"You wouldn't because your deal made you forget that we have made it in the first place," said Mephisto. "This deal, however you might enjoy it, involves the destruction of the Parker clan."

"Go on," said Norman, looking intrigued.

"I had hoped to interfere with young Peter and his darling wife, but alas, certain events have changed things," said Mephisto as he walked up and down. "I sense that someone has altered reality, but this is someone completely out of my control. I believe that you know her as Ghost Spider."

Norman's eyes widened. "Ghost Spider? What does she have to do with anything?"

"Everything, because of her interference, my original deal with young Peter is now null and void. I had hoped to reaffirm our deal later in the future, but he is expected to survive the attack on her, and now he knows his daughter's existence."

"What?" Norman stared. "But I gave explicit orders to have her eliminated."

"Well, it would seem as if your employees did not follow through with it," said Mephisto. "They are right now making their way to the orphanage where she resides."

"I can gather my Thunderbolts and hunt them down," said Norman as he rose to his feet.

Mephisto raised an eye. "So you intend to arrest Spider-Man because his only crime is to reunite himself with his daughter, who I might add you kidnapped. I very much doubt that the public and SHIELD will support this move. Additionally, they will see this is your personal vendetta against young Peter, who no doubt has a mass of sympathy ever since his aunt was shot."

"Can't you do something about this?" Norman demanded.

"I'm against making any actions against you mortals because of certain celestial laws," Mephisto informed him. "I can only interfere with a mortal life by offering them deals, and they must accept them. With his daughter so close in hand, I very much doubt that Spider-Man will make any deal with me, even if it is to save his aunt's life."

"What do you suggest we do?" Norman growled.

"We?" said Mephisto. "I can do nothing. I am nearly offering you a deal, and it will be up to you to fulfil it. My deal is simple: eliminate the Parker clan, and I will release any hold on your son's soul."

Norman's eyes widened. "My son? Would you mean you have a hold on him?"

"Never mind how I acquired your son's soul, but I often get back to you, and all I ask is for you to eliminate the Parker clan. Either eliminate young Peter or his lovely wife; I don't really care which one. You can even kill them both if you want."

"Why do you want them dead?" Norman asked.

"Let's say that their union would be trouble for me in the future. Do you accept the deal or not?"

"What do you expect me to do if I do accept it?" Norman questioned. "I have spent a long time trying to distance myself from the Green Goblin. I am now the director of Thunderbolt, and I can hardly dress as the Green Goblin attacking Spider-Man."

"I leave it to you to detail how you accomplish this, but this still does not have a time limit," said Mephisto. "You can either attack the parkers today or tomorrow. I don't really care as long as you get the job done. However, if you do fail, your soul belongs to me."

Norman looked as if he had two minds on this deal.

"Ah, I see," Mephisto smirked. "When it's your soul on the line, you have doubts. I guess your soul is worth more than that of your son's."

Norman glared at him. "I'll accept this deal on one condition. That was harmful in this transaction; you temporarily released your hold on my son."

"Agreed," said Mephisto.

"Then I accept your terms."

Mephisto smiled. "Excellent, good luck on your."

He then disappeared into thin air, leaving Norman completely alone.