Before this chapter of Spider-Man: Born Again begins, I want to address certain formatting changes that will be happening to my currently running and future stories across the board. I'd somewhat put them in a template of a TV show in terms of presentation, and that's gonna be changing. I'm instead putting it in more presentation format of a comic book. In this vain:
First: the "Previously on..." sections will be removed entirely.
Second: References to previous events in either older chapters or even separate stories will be marked with - *(#). There will be an index at the end where those marked texts will be referenced. This is due to comics doing something similar, using a * to mark references to older issues or other running series. I'll be adopting this format account-wide.
I know this is a small thing, but for any who would wonder about the change, this is what is going on.
I also apologize again for delay between chapters, so this is a longer one. Enjoy the newest chapter in Spider-Man: Born Again!
Spider-Man: Born Again
Chapter 4: Claws of the Cat
"You… you're like me…"
Miles still held his aching head, when suddenly his own mind cleared. He groaned in lingering pain, though, and glanced back up at Peter.
"H-How…?" Peter questioned.
"It… It was one of the spiders from Alchemax," Miles replied. "A-After the attack, it hitched a ride on my backpack… when I got home, it bit me. Then I was different… stronger."
"You got powers…"
Miles nodded. "Still figuring it all out, but I'm stronger, faster, I can stick to walls… the whole thing."
"You have my powers, almost to a T. They really did copy Oscorp one-to-one…" Peter noted.
"Spider-Man…" Miles said, "With these new powers, I could do good, real good in this city. I can stop being the kid in trouble you have to save and actually be the one saving people. Heck, I already have!" Miles gestured back towards the apartment complex, the flames not as violent within as the fire department began to make quick work of it.
"Yes, Miles, you did, but you almost didn't make it out, and you would've taken that woman with you. Having powers isn't everything. You have to be smart, and you have to be prepared for things to go wrong," Peter replied.
"I know that! I… I know I messed up! But I can learn from this, so next time it won't happen!" Miles insisted.
Peter sighs. "Miles-"
"You don't understand! I've looked up to you and other heroes for years! Saving people, protecting our home! If I have powers, if I can finally do something too, I have to! Especially now!" Peter was surprised by Miles' conviction as he spoke, the teen's frustration boiling through the surface. "The city is getting more dangerous by the day with Kingpin gone, and soon even you won't be enough! I've already lost my uncle, and I won't lose anyone else because I'm sitting on the sideline when I know I can do this!"
The air became silent, with Miles panting to catch his breath from his small outburst. But he wasn't angry, or hateful. Peter could tell. Miles was frustrated, helpless. And he didn't want to feel helpless anymore. The loss of his uncle, the rise of crime, the drive to do something to make a difference, it was pushing Miles to do something bigger and greater than himself.
And it was exactly what drove Peter to do the same five years ago, when he first became Spider-Man. He was seeing history repeat itself in Miles right now.
A spider-bite. An uncle. A city in need. A drive to do good.
Peter sighs. I hope I don't regret this…
He looks up at Miles with focus. "With great power, there must also come great responsibility."
"What?" Miles said.
"You've been given power, and whatever you do with that power, there will be consequences, good and bad. The next step you take, no matter what, will permanently change your life. It isn't a choice you should make quickly or easily."
Miles kept a steeled expression. "I have thought about it. And it's my responsibility to use this power to help those who need help, save those who need saving. To me, there's no other choice to make."
Peter slowly nods and rubs the back of his head. "Well, I can't promise much. I'm not exactly the best teacher in the world. Makes me wish Ozpin was still around…"*(1)
Miles' eyes lit up. "Wait… you're saying you'll teach me how to be a superhero?"
"Well, I can't have you going around without knowing what you're doing. Cause all it would take is me not being around, and you'll die. So we're gonna make you into proper Spider-Man material."
Miles giddily grinned. "Y-Yes! Absolutely! I-I'm gonna train with Spider-Man!"
Peter chuckled a bit. "Exciting, I know, but slow your roll a bit. If we're gonna do this, I gotta lay down a couple ground rules. First: until we actually get you prepared, no more stunts like tonight, alright? You'll have your chance to help, but we have to make sure you're actually ready."
Miles nods. "I understand."
"Alright, then second: you cannot tell anyone about this. Not about your powers, and not about this new 'tutoring' thing. Alright…?"
"Well… about that…" Miles said nervously.
"Miles…"
"I may have already told my friends Ganke and Kamala…"
"And the moment I leave, you're calling Ganke, aren't you…?" Peter questioned.
"..."
Peter sighed and facepalmed.
"Hey, hey, look at it like this: if they know, then they can help cover for me whenever I do get out there with you. Nothing makes an alibi stick like multiple accounts, right?" Miles pointed out.
Peter sighed, but couldn't deny Miles had a point. Covering his own tracks alone had been trouble for Peter many times in his early years as Spider-Man. To have in-the-know friends helping cover for Miles would keep some of that pressure off of him, and make his own early days even easier. "Fair. Alright, you can tell them, but only them. Understood?"
Miles nods. "I promise."
"Alright," Peter replied. He still couldn't believe he was doing this. Miles watched as Spider-Man stepped closer. "Here, hand me your phone." Miles does as he asked, pulling his phone from his pocket and handing it off the masked hero. Peter pulled a small device Miles didn't recognize from a compartment on his web shooter and plugged it into his phone. After a few seconds, Peter pulled the plug and stowed it away before handing Miles back his phone. "I'll call you when I've figured your 'curriculum' out. Until then-"
"Stay out of trouble. I got it," Miles said. Peter nodded.
"Now head on home. We'll talk soon." Peter said as he stepped towards the edge of the building. Before he leapt off, he glanced over his shoulder back at Miles. "Welcome to our world, Miles." He then front-flipped over the edge of the building. Miles then saw him swing upwards, and then away into the city, all the while having a giddy smile on his face.
"I'm gonna be a superhero…"
George Stacy rubbed his eyes while he stifled a yawn. He needed sleep, but he and the rest of the force had worked around the clock to prepare for the inevitable conflict between the many gangs gathering territory within New York City. On his desk in front of him were several portfolios and case files related to the current mobs and gangs on their radar. Yuri sat across from him looking at the same files, seeming just as exhausted.
"Maggia, Tracksuits… the Rivals and Diablos are duking it out in Harlem, as always," Yuri said.
"All the old players are fighting hard for any turf they can with Fisk not looking down on them now," George said. "Got any word on newcomers?"
"The Underground's been quiet since the Alchemax attack. People have also heard talk about 'demons' haunting some unoccupied territory. Nothing much beyond that," Yuri replied.
"We're still at the start. Before we know it, new groups will start coming out of the woodwork. We have to be ready," George said.
"And we will be, boss. But you look like you need some sleep," Yuri noticed.
George chuckled dryly. "Is it that obvious?"
"We all need a little rest, sir. We should call it a night."
"Just a little longer…" George frowned.
"I understand you want to get ahead of this thing, but you can't do much if you're running on fumes," Yuri said, concerned for George's well being. He hadn't really relaxed since the attack on the station*(2). He was out for blood. If he had to retire, he would take most of the city's gangs with him. That singular goal that he seemed to have made Yuri worry, more so than usual. She stood up and gently placed her hand on George's shoulder. "Cap, you won't help anyone by working yourself until you drop."
George sighed and rubbed his eyes again. "No… I suppose I won't," he admitted before rising from his seat. He grabbed his coat that was draped over the back of the chair and threw it over himself, sliding his arms through the sleeves like second nature. Yuri walked him out of their shared Captain's office, half-closing the door behind them.
"Want me to walk you down?" Yuri asked.
"No, I think this old man can manage that much," George chuckled. "You should head home before long too, Yuri. Let night patrols sort themselves out."
"Don't worry. I'll be joining you before too long. I'll wrap up with these files and put them away. You just head on home," Yuri said.
George nods. "Good night, Yuri. Take care of yourself." George then went to the stairwell and descended out of sight. Yuri then turned back and pushed open the door to the office, only to find the window open and someone inside; a woman with white hair and blue eyes wearing a domino mask and a skin-tight black bodysuit under a black bolero jacket with thick tufts of white fur along the trim of the body and the cuffs and a single-strap knapsack hanging from her opposite shoulder. In the woman's hands were the files she and George had just been scouring through, files that had information on every known major mob and gang in the city.
Yuri quickly drew her gun and aimed right at the thief before her. "Put your hands in the air!" She ordered.
The woman just smirked. "Sorry, officer. I'm taking these off your hands." She then acrobatically backflipped through the open window before Yuri could fire her weapon. Yuri rushed over to the window and looked outside, not seeing the thief below. She quickly turned her gaze upwards and saw her instead making her way swiftly up the fire escape. "Buh-bye, now!" The thief called before disappearing from sight and escaping into the night. Yuri wouldn't be able to catch her. But she knew someone who could, and quickly gave him a call.
The thief quickly made it away from the police precinct, jumping from building to building with acrobatic grace, her white hair flowing behind her. She had made it in and out in mere moments. She knew if she were caught, she could outrun the cops. They were never lucky enough to catch her.
It's like they say: a black cat will bring bad luck to those who cross her path.
She smirked at her own success, as expected as it was. She had never been caught, and she wouldn't start now.
As she leapt over the gap between two level buildings, webbing suddenly wrapped around her ankle, and she was yanked back, swinging back downwards until she slammed into the side of the building she had just leapt from, suspended by the webbing on her ankle, dangling several stories above the ground. She groaned from the impact and looked up to see Spider-Man crouched over the edge of the building looking down at her, the line of webbing leading back up to his web-shooter.
"What's wrong? I only wanted to hang out," Peter quipped.
"It's not the first sticky situation I've found myself in," The thief quipped back with a smirk. Metal claws protruded from the fingers of her gloves, and she then cut herself free from the webbing attached to her leg. She began to fall through the air, and Peter's eyes rounded in a momentary panic. However, the thief caught herself on a flagpole and swung herself forward through the air, landing on another fire escape and flipping and twirling her way up it towards the next roof.
What kind of claws can cut my webs? Peter wondered. He quickly sprinted and leapt over to the next building just as the thief reached the roof. She only smirked before sprinting ahead again. Peter rushed after her. The chase continued, hopping from rooftop to rooftop with elegant grace on both of their parts. Peter was surprised at how far ahead the thief stayed. She was clearly very skilled. But he couldn't let this go on. Yuri had told him what the thief had gotten her hands on, and the burning building he and Miles had been at was in the neighborhood. He was able to immediately cross paths with the thief, and he wasn't going to let her get away with those files. He spotted a water tower on one of the upcoming roofs. He quickly leapt off the side of the roof he was on and fired a line of webbing onto the side of the water tower, using it as an anchor as he dropped, then began to swing back upwards at a rapid pace. Peter's swing took him around the water tower, and he kicked his feet out just in time to connect with the thief's torso, sending her flying onto her back and stopping her escape dead. Peter landed safely on his feet while the thief groaned and held her stomach on the ground.
"Sorry, but I can't let you get away with those files," Peter said. The thief snickered, then flipped onto her feet again.
"Don't worry, I like to play rough too," She replied.
"Look, I don't want to fight you, but I can't let you leave with these files, Miss… thief," Peter said.
The thief chuckled. "The name's Black Cat. And cat's don't fight spiders…" She suddenly kicked high, which Peter narrowly dodged only to feel her other foot connect with his stomach, then her fist with his jaw. She spun around with her leg raised, but Peter quickly blocked the strike this time. Cat smirked and launched herself off of him to backflip away and put distance between them, landing softly on her feet. "... we just bat 'em around," She purred.
She's fast. Faster than I thought. I can't let my guard down. "What do you want the files for?"
"Now that'd be telling," Cat replied.
"I promise to keep it a secret between us, mask to mask," Peter said before webbing the bag. Before he could pull it his way, though, Cat grabbed the webbing and yanked him towards her. Peter stumbled for a moment, then saw Cat raise her leg to kick his upper body. He quickly dropped down and slid on his knees under the attack, sliding right past Cat herself. He braced himself to a stop and then yanked the web line hard, yanking Cat off the ground by the bag, which still remained thrown around her torso. While it robbed her of her balance, Cat just smirked as her momentum sent her flying towards Peter. She extended the metal claws from her gloves again and swiped at Peter as soon as he was within reach. Peter quickly leaned backwards to avoid being cut open, her metal claws just narrowly missing the bridge of his nose. He could feel the rush of air around her strike as her fingertips went over his face. Then Cat's momentum continued, carrying her over the edge of the roof. She smirked and cut the web line from the bag before plummeting from the building's height.
Peter snapped around and leapt off to follow her and try to catch her midair. He dove straight down through the air like a speeding bullet, catching up with her quickly. Cat, however, was not panicked. She smirked at him over her shoulder, and then a cable with a three-pronged grappling hook shot from the white fur of her costume's wrist, latching onto a ledge out of sight before yanking her right out of Peter's reach. Peter's eyes followed her as she swung away down the street. He then realized he was still plummeting and shot his own web line to save himself. He yanked himself upwards just before he hit the pavement, bringing himself unto an upward swing, narrowly missing being struck by a bus driving the opposite way down the road. As Peter returned to the higher air, he spotted Cat swinging down the street with her grappling hook. "Hey! Swinging from buildings is my gimmick!" He began to quickly swing after her, closing the distance between them as fast as he could. "You start crawling up walls, I'll sue!"
Cat laughed musically. "Add it to the rap sheet! It's not the first thing I've stolen!"
"You're really not helping your case of innocence here!" Peter said.
"Please, when is being innocent any fun?" Cat replied.
"Listen, if those files are let out, it'll kickstart the single biggest gang war in history before we can do anything! It could tear this entire city apart!" Peter said.
"Not my problem!" Cat kept swinging away, until suddenly the web-slinger was in front of her, swinging around right towards her. Her eyes rounded in surprise. She hadn't expected him to catch up so quickly. She quickly detached her grappling hook and dropped just before the masked hero could grab her. His fingers zoomed right over her face. She felt the rush of air on her face, realizing the single instant action that had separated her from being snagged by the hero. As Spider-Man flew right by, she quickly recovered and fired her grappling hook again to begin her swing anew. She looked back as Spider-Man turned his swing around on a dime and continued his pursuit.
Cat smiled wide. No one had ever gotten that close to catching her. No one.
And that excited her.
Peter couldn't let this chase go on any longer. He pushed himself as fast he could, catching back up to Cat very quickly, much faster than even she had expected. Cat tried to zip away with her hook, but this time Peter shot a line of webbing that stuck to her back, then yanked her towards him mid-swing. Peter grabbed hold of her while she was disoriented, hooking his arm around her waist and pinning her arms to her sides, then swung to land on the closest roof. Cat wouldn't be caught so easily. She wormed her right arm free and slashed into his back. Peter's whole body winced at the attack, then she turned and cut his web. The two dropped from the air, but Peter kept his grip on the cat burglar. The two tumbled onto the roof, rolling over one another, until Peter stopped them, pinning Cat's arms down to the roof to avoid being scratched again. He used his knee to keep her lower half pinned as well. They may have similar speed and agility, but his enhanced strength overpowered her. She couldn't break free from his grip.
"Got ya now," Peter sighed, working to keep Cat from escaping. Both of them were breathing heavily, the work of the chase catching up to them.
Cat's smirk never left her face. She had been snatched. Someone had met her skill, and she felt a rush through her body that brought her great joy. "You sure know how to show a girl a good time," She chuckled exasperatedly.
"Is that what this is for you? A rush?" Peter questioned.
"A girl's gotta get her kicks somehow. And pay the bills," Cat said. "Now here's my question: how are you gonna get the files and still keep me pinned down, Spider?" Peter's eyes rounded and he eyes the bag still thrown around Cat's torso. He would have to let go of her arms to grab it, but as soon as he would, she'd strike him again. "That's part of the fun: the risk of it all. So, let's see who's faster, hero."
Peter frowned under the mask. He really couldn't afford to lose those files. So he had to be fast. Faster than her.
He let go of Cat's right hand for an instant to web her other hand down to the roof, but that very instant was all she needed to claw his face. Scratch marks were left on the cloth of the mask, but the durable layers under protected him from any actual damage. The strike did, however, stun him long enough for Cat to get a leg free and kick him off her entirely. She cut her webbed hand free and lunged forward, spinning in a pirouette before kicking Peter in his jaw and sending him over the edge of the roof. His head was spinning wildly as he fell. His senses didn't come back to him until he had already crashed onto a parked car and caved in its roof.
"Aaughh…" He groaned.
Cat looked over the edge of the roof. "I had fun, Spider! Let's do it again sometime!" She then disappeared from sight, taking the files with her.
Peter sighed and laid his head back as his entire body felt sore. "Everything hurts…"
"So she got away?" Yuri questioned with thinly veiled anger.
"After I took a three story plummet. I'm fine, thanks," Peter replied.
"She must've known her stuff if she got away from you of all people," George said, having returned right after Cat stole the files.
"Yeah, she was skilled. Trained. I almost had her a couple times, but she's just slippery enough. Got lucky," Peter said. He was crouched in the windowsill of the office.
Yuri groans. "If any of the gangs get their hands on those files, they'll control the entire city."
"They're the keys to the criminal underworld," George said. "We need to find her before she lets those files out."
"When I was fighting this 'Black Cat', she said she needed to pay the bills. She could be looking to sell the files to the highest bidder," Peter said.
Yuri frowned. "She'll be rich and scot free, leaving the city a warzone, with whoever has those files being on top of the mound. We need to find her fast, or at least keep an ear close to the ground for her sale."
"We also need as much information on this Black Cat we can manage. We'll scour the rest of our files, see what we can dig up," George said.
"I've got a contact or two from before I took my, uh… 'break' that I can swing by and see what they might have," Peter suggested.
"You run your angles, we'll run ours. We'll let you know if we hear anything about her selling the information. Meet up here tomorrow night," George said.
"Sounds like a plan, Cap. Keep in touch," Peter said before flipping out the window and swinging away from the precinct.
Let's hope we track the Black Cat down. The last thing we need right now is to give any of these gangs a key to the city.
Peter knew where he could easily get information from the next day. If there was anywhere to get information on the Underworld, it would be from Frederick Foswell, a common contact Peter used before his year-long break from Spider-Man. Talking to him was no trouble. Problem was, the place to find him was a building Peter never thought he would step foot in again. Above him, brandished along the trim of the top of the building in big, bold red letters, was one name:
The Daily Bugle.
Peter sighed. I do not want to do this…
And yet, he stepped through the revolving door into the lobby, and quickly entered the elevator that would take him to the main newsroom.
Once the elevator doors split open, Peter was greeted with the familiar sight of the Bugle's newsroom, something he hadn't seen in almost two years now. Just as busy as always, it seemed. Luckily, Foswell still seemed to be at the same desk he had always been at. Peter awkwardly made his way through the newsroom, though it was fairly crowded. Jonah had clearly hired more staff since Peter's last visit. He was so slowed down by the crowd, Foswell actually noticed him first.
"Is that… Peter Parker?" Foswell questioned, clearly surprised to see the young man.
"Yeah, heh. Long time no see, Mister Foswell," Peter replied nervously. Foswell was a tall but lean man, with short curly blond hair and a thick mustache to match it. He always wore brown two-piece suits to the Bugle, and it seemed that hadn't changed much either.
"It sure has, kid! You've grown a bit!" Foswell chuckled. "Ain't he, Betty?" Foswell turned his head to Betty Brant, a woman eight years Peter's senior with brown hair cut into bangs, fair skin and bright blue eyes. Right now, she wore a wide-collar black dress with white polka-dots and a navy blue collar.
Betty was just as surprised to see Peter as Foswell was, if not more so. "Peter?!" She stood up from her desk and quickly approached to greet him with a bright smile. "It's wonderful to see you!" She pulled him into a friendly hug, which Peter gratefully returned.
"You too, Miss Brant," Peter chuckled, feeling his nervousness melt away. It felt nice in a weird way, like something familiar had been missing and was finally returned to him. Truth be told, maybe he did miss the Bugle. "It really is nice to see some familiar friendly faces."
"How have you been, Peter? We haven't heard from you in so long," Betty asked.
"Just… figuring things out," Peter answered. "I think I've finally gotten things back on track."
"So what all did you do?" Foswell asked.
"Oh, y'know, went to some weird new places, met some new people. Help get my perspective right again," Peter said.
"That sounds wonderful. I'm happy for you, Peter," Betty said. "So what brings you by?"
"Part of the new life track actually," Peter said. He then turned to Foswell. "I'm working as a sort of understudy at the new Alchemax facility, and ever since the Underground attack last week*(3), Doctor Rao's been concerned about anyone else trying to steal anything from the facility. I was wondering if maybe you could have any information on a particular thief she's keeping an eye out for. Goes by the name Black Cat?"
"Black Cat, huh? The name definitely sounds familiar. Lemme look through what I got, see if something rings any bells," Foswell said before dropping back behind his desk and going through his computer.
"Thanks, Mister Foswell," Peter said gratefully.
"Hey, anything for old friends, right?" Foswell said kindly.
"It really hasn't felt the same without you, Peter," Betty added.
"Thanks. That means a lot. Really," Peter smiled.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'VE GOT NOTHING?!" The voice bled through the walls and thick glass panes of J Jonah Jameson's office, an office that is otherwise soundproof. But if one thing could make its way out of a soundproof room, it would be Jonah's voice. Peter saw Jonah with a man about Peter's age he didn't recognize, and clearly Jonah was giving him hell. The rest of the conversation was still muted within the office, but when Jonah snaps, he snaps.
"I guess some things never change," Peter chuckled. "Jonah will be Jonah."
"He's been a bit high strung lately. His son's on another space expedition. He's always antsy when he's worried," Betty explained.
"Well, say what you will about JJ, but above all, I'd say he's a good dad. Who's that with him?"
"That's Ned Leeds, a recent hire. He's an investigative journalist and photographer. Jonah needed someone to replace you, and he never quite found the right fit. Ned's just the newest in a line of photographers trying to fill the spot you left," Betty said.
"Jonah's back on being bent to get pictures of Spider-Man?" Peter raised an eyebrow. For years, Peter took photos of himself in his masked persona for Jameson. And ever since returning to that role, he hadn't come back to the Bugle. So he guessed Jameson had to try and make due.
"Yeah. Old habits die hard, I guess," Betty sighed.
"He sells papers. Can't blame him, especially with newspapers becoming less and less profitable. He's gotta keep the Bugle going somehow," Peter said.
"We've tried pushing new ideas to him, but he's not taking. If only Robbie were still here, he could get some ideas through that thick skull of his," Betty said. "But no, just the same old 'Spider-Man: Threat or Menace' stuff."
"I mean, if it ain't broke, I guess," Peter shrugged. The door to Jonah's office swung open, with both Jonah and Ned exiting.
"Look, it's a little hard to get pictures in the middle of a firefight. There were so many bullets flying at the ceremony, I didn't have time to get a good shot of Spider-Man," Ned said.
"Not when they're focused on the web-head!" Jameson growled. "That's prime opportunity!"
"Look, I've given you plenty of good pics already. Why not use some of those while I-" Ned began.
"Old photos is old news! And old news doesn't sell papers, Leeds! And if we don't sell papers, the Daily Bugle sinks further into the pit! And I haven't kept this place running for thirty years just to be dragged down by a photographer who can't do their job!"
"It's not like getting pictures of the guy is easy! And I've still done better than any of your other photographers!" Ned bit back.
"Not all of 'em! If Parker were still around, he'd show you how a real photographer gets work done!" Jonah said.
"Aw, you flatter me so, Jonah," Peter remarked. Jonah turned and stood straight up in surprise, finally noticing Peter's presence in the room.
"Parker?! What are you doing here?" Jonah questioned.
"Just getting some help for my new job at Alchemax. And things here haven't seemed to change a bit," Peter remarked.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Jonah said before turning back to Ned. "Which doesn't apply to you! Get me some good photos! I know you can, so do it!"
"Yes sir," Ned said before glaring at Peter. He walked by, bumping his shoulder into Peter's purposefully before continuing on to the elevator. Peter didn't need to be a genius to tell that Ned didn't like him very much.
"I guess we got off on the wrong foot," Peter said.
"Don't take it too hard. You set a high bar that Jonah thinks should be the standard. It's why we've gone through so many photographers," Betty remarked.
"Because apparently, pictures of that wall crawler that are actually usable is too much to ask for," Jonah growled. "Which reminds me, kid, now that you're here, think you can manage your old job? It's good money, and I know you can do it. Whaddya say?"
"Uh, gee, I dunno, boss. I've got this new gig at Alchemax that I'm working hard for. I dunno if I can handle two jobs at once right now," Peter said. That was partially true. He didn't want to fill his plate too much. However, he also wouldn't look forward to the idea of being around Jameson after what happened. His hatred of Spider-Man reached all new heights once Osborne's blood stained his hands. Peter had only just managed to escape the shadow of that event, and he wasn't looking to be dragged back under it.
"Understandable," Jonah started, "But tell you what: any pictures you bring in that we can use, I'll pay you double what your freelancer fee was before. No contract, no deadlines, just cold hard cash whenever you can manage. How does that sound?"
This surprised Peter. Jonah? Being reasonable? Had the whole world turned upside down? As surprising as it was, it was a good offer. Take pictures like he used to for a nice chunk of change in between his hours at Alchemax? It could help get his life on the up and up, gradually at least. He didn't want to live in a small apartment forever, or worse, go back to sleeping on the couch at Nelson and Murdock. It felt like an opportunity he really couldn't pass up.
"You strike a hard bargain, boss. But… it sounds like a deal to me," Peter said. Jonah shook his hand firmly.
"Good man. And maybe when you're around, show Leeds a thing or two. Kid's got potential. Shouldn't be wasted, especially if you're not gonna be around all the time."
"I'll do my best, sir," Peter said.
Foswell stood from his desk with a USB drive in hand and held it out to Peter. "Here ya go, Pete; Everything I've got related to this 'Black Cat'. Hope this boss of yours finds it useful," He said.
Peter took the drive and pocketed it. "I'm sure she will. Thanks, Mister Foswell."
"Anytime. Be seeing you around, I guess," Foswell said before returning to his desk.
"Well, guess I should let you run along now. Don't wanna keep your real boss waiting," Jonah said. Peter turned to leave, but Jonah grabbed his shoulder before he could. "Hey, one more thing."
"Yeah, boss?" Peter asked.
"Glad to have you back, kid," Jonah said kindly. Peter couldn't help but smile.
"Thanks, sir," He replied. Jonah pulled his hand away from Peter's shoulder and saw many members of the staff staring his way.
"WHAT ARE ALL OF YOU LOOKING AT?! I'M NOT PAYING YOU FOR THE BETTERMENT OF MY HEALTH! GET BACK TO WORK!" He roared. Everyone quickly returned to their tasks at hand, with even Betty returning to her desk outside Jonah's office. Jonah stomped off towards his office and slammed the door behind him. Peter, meanwhile, was still smiling.
Never change, Picklepuss. Never change. He glanced at Betty and waved as he started for the elevator. "Bye, Betty!"
"Be seeing you, Peter!" Betty waved back. Peter chuckled as he entered the elevator, and turned back to face the newsroom as the doors were closing behind him. Maybe getting back to normal wouldn't be so hard after all.
George plugged the USB drive into his computer, and began to access the files with the masked Peter standing on his left and Yuri on his right. After a few minutes of perusing the files together, they had a better idea of their thief.
"Looks here like the name 'Black Cat' dates further back than the past few months. Thefts dating back years, back before I was even Captain," George said.
"Our cat burglar seemed way too young to be stealing that long professionally. Early twenties at best," Peter said.
"Could it be a family name?" Yuri questioned.
"It's definitely not the same person. The sparse sightings of this original Black Cat describe a male thief. I remember some of these thefts, but there was never enough evidence to point to a suspect. He was a pro. We just called him the Shadow Thief," George said. "Eventually, the thefts stopped and we called it a cold case. We could never track him, and he dropped off the face of the Earth."
"Seems like someone was keen to take the mantle. She saw it all as a thrill ride that just happened to be a payday. She's doing this because she loves it, and she doesn't care about what'll be left standing if one of the mobs gets their grubby mitts on those files," Peter said. Yuri's phone chimed, and she stepped aside.
"Lemme take this," She said before answering. "This is Captain Watanabe…" She left the office, leaving George and Peter alone. The room was filled with an awkward silence for a few moments.
"Soooo…. How's the whole co-captain thing going with Yuri?" Peter asked.
George shrugged. "Unorthodox. But I'm not taking the position away from her just because I'm staying in the game a bit longer. So for now, we share the rank and the office. And once Hammerhead is behind bars and this gang war is over, she'll have the place all to herself."
"I'm surprised you would still want to step down. I mean, considering all you've been through for this city," Peter said.
"Son, that's exactly why I'm stepping down," George replied. "I've given my all and then some for this city. And I'm not sure I have enough strength left to keep ahead of the tide for much longer. This city deserves better than that. That's why Yuri will be taking my place. She's proven she's just as capable as me, maybe even more so. I trust her to do right by both this city and this force when I'm gone. And I trust you, too."
"Me?" Peter raised an eyebrow under the mask.
"You've risked your life more times than anyone can count to keep this city safe. You've bled, you've fought, and you've lost so much for this city's sake. And everyone can't be more grateful for that. There's no one else I know who would lose everything and still find a reason to fight the way you do."
"I, uh, appreciate the faith, sir. But, uh, what exactly would this great loss be? I'm still here, aren't I?" Peter questioned, playing dumb. George frowned slightly, and Peter got the feeling George was seeing through him. His words weren't specific, but they felt aimed right at him. He… he doesn't know who I am… does he?
Before Peter could question it further, the office door swung open and Yuri re-entered in a rush. "I just got word from our ears on the ground. Black Cat just sent out an encrypted line that the files are being put out for auction. Maggia and the Tracksuit Mafia are already mobilizing."
"Sounds like we need to bust an auction," Peter said, almost grateful for the attention change. "Any idea where it's being held?"
"An abandoned warehouse overlooking the Hudson in Chelsea," Yuri answered.
"Yuri, mobilize SWAT and get them there ASAP. You're leading the charge," George said. Yuri nodded and quickly left again. George quickly turned to Peter next. "And I want you there first. Get those files and stop the auction before it can even begin. If we're lucky, we can sweep both Black Cat and a large chunk of Maggia and Tracksuit thugs off the street in one fell swoop, and put a real big dent into this gang war."
"Yes sir," Peter nodded before leaping out the window and swinging off into the night.
Peter reaches the warehouse, noticing multiple sleek black cars as well as larger silver-paneled vans begin to pull up on the premises, with Maggia and Tracksuit goons filing out respectively. Peter landed behind a larger shipment crate left behind in the storage yard, peeking around its corner to keep an eye on the criminals. "Captain Stacy, it looks like Maggia and Tracksuits are already here, starting to go in," Peter said. "I don't think swinging headfirst in right now is gonna do anyone any favors."
"Yeah, probably not," George agreed. "Yuri and SWAT aren't too far behind. Wait it out as long as you can then, and take note of anyone of importance. There are bound to be high-ranking reps if this auction of Black Cat's is legitimate. This could be our chance to get info on some hierarchy."
"Got it," Peter said before hanging up. He watched as the lead cars from both sides stopped. From the Maggia's lead came out three men: one dressed in a trenchcoat and cowboy hat with a thick mustache, another that was shorter and dressed in a two-piece suit and sunglasses, and a third man standing massive and built like a brick house while dressed in a yellow sweater that was harsh on the eyes under a black vest. From the Tracksuits' lead car filed out a few armed men surrounding another man, clearly of importance. He wore the same obnoxiously bright red tracksuits as his followers, but his had a higher collar, and over the tracksuit he wore a faded white trench coat. He had dark curly hair and facial hair to match, and a black teardrop tattoo under his right eye.
"Well I'll be damned, Kazi. I never thought I'd see yer sorry mug again," Montana remarked to the lead tracksuit.
"Montana. And it looks like you've still got your entourage," Kazi replied. Dan and Ox started to step forward, but Montana halted them.
"Easy now, partners. We got Hammerhead's orders. This is an auction, not a firing range. I trust we can all be civilized for just a few minutes, can't we? Right boys?" He spoke to the entire troop of armed Maggia as well, who kept their weapons at the ready, clearly itching for violence. The tracksuits seemed ready for the same. Kazi waved them all down as well.
"The same goes for all of you. We're here for the package. Step out of line before then, I'll kill you myself," He warned his subordinates. Kazi then turned back to Montana. "I didn't peg you for one of Hammerhead's goons."
Montana scoffed. "Hardly. But the Maggia's payin' the big bucks for some 'armed labor' shall we say."
"Still a lasso for hire then," Kazi remarked.
"Gotta pay the bills somehow. What, don't tell me you of all people have gone soft, Kazi."
"I have loyalties, the kind you don't break."
Montana chuckled. "I guess we always find a way to be at each other's throats. Then may the best mob win."
Kazi didn't seem fazed by Montana's boldness. Instead, he just gestured to the warehouse. "Shall we?"
Montana backed away and tipped his hat. Kazi rolled his eyes and started for the warehouse doors first, with the tracksuits tailing behind him. Montana chuckled lowly and did the same, with Dan, Ox and the Maggia following suit. Peter watched them start to file in, then once they were all inside, Peter swung his way onto the roof of the warehouse and slipped his way inside through a shattered skylight. He clung to the inside roof and crawled inward until he was right above the main air of the warehouse, peering down on the criminals wandering into the building. He stuck to the shadows so his bright colors wouldn't pop out.
Kazi and Montana led their troops inside respectively, no one seeing Black Cat inside. "Where's the cat?" Kazi questioned.
"Up here, boys." They all looked up to see Cat on one of the rusted metal catwalks, leaning over the railing with a small smirk on her face. "I'm a little disappointed. Only two mafias opted to make the trip for little old me?"
"Yeah, the two strongest in town. The small fry ain't got the nerve to compete," Montana replied.
"You showed some nerve reaching out city wide. Do you have what you've promised?" Kazi asked.
Cat reached into her bag and showed off the folder she had stolen from George and Yuri's office. "The cops' entire personnel files on every current major crime boss in the city, including the stuff even the press couldn't pry from their boy scout hands. If they're running a mob, everything the cops know about them is in here. And if you brought cash, it could all be yours." Montana and Kazi gestured to their men, and bags were brought inside. They unzipped one bag from each mob to prove their contents: countless stacks of secured clean bills. Cat smiled wide. "Good. So what say we start the bidding at fifty-thousand?"
"Captain, I've got eyes on the files, and they're starting to bid. How close is SWAT?" Peter whispered.
George replied, "On standby a few blocks down. I'll give them the go ahead to move in. Get those files, and we'll handle the rest."
"One hundred-thousand," Kazi bid.
"One-fifty!" Montana exclaimed.
"Three-hundred," Kazi upped him.
Cat smirked at the growing competition for what she held in her hand, until suddenly it was yanked from her grip by a web line. The files flew up into Peter's hand, and he made himself known. "Sorry, gentleman. I'm afraid your money isn't accepted here. Maybe you should put it back for bail money. You're all gonna need it."
"It's the Spider! Fry him!" The goons of both sides quickly aimed their weapons and began to fire. Peter leapt away before the bullets tore apart where he was perched, and Cat quickly hit the deck as well and scrambled to get out of the firefight.
"Hold your fire, you idiots! He has the files!" Kazi exclaimed.
"I think that's the least of our worries," Fancy Dan remarked. Kazi and the other Enforcers turned to see the lights of police cars turning in front of the warehouse.
"Son of a bitch, it's a sting!" Montana cursed. "Which means our courtesy goes out the window. Ox?"
Ox smirks, then swings his tree trunk of an arm right towards Kazi. Kazi quickly bent backwards to avoid the attack, but the goon behind him wasn't so lucky. The tracksuit behind him was sent flying until he slammed into a wall, the sounds of his spine snapping signifying an instant death before he even hit the ground. Kazi quickly leapt back to avoid a following slam from Ox as well.
"For once, Montana, we can agree on something," Kazi said before tossing a flashbang grenade from his trenchcoat, which quickly went off in Ox and Montana's eyes. Dan was quicker, though. He turned away and covered his ears before the grenade went off, then quickly rushed Kazi. Kazi drew a handgun from his coat as well, but Dan ducked down before he could fire and shot his leg upwards, breaking Kazi's grip and sending the gun flying. Dan quickly shifted before connecting his other leg with Kazi's stomach. Kazi stumbled back with a hand to his stomach, allowing Dan the time to get his feet under him again, and then aim a spinning kick straight for Kazi's head. Kazi's arm shot up and blocked the strike, then the tracksuit leader shot his palm forward and caught Dan in the jaw, flattening him out onto the ground. Kazi glanced up to find Ox and Montana recovering, then around as Tracksuits and Maggia had begun to shoot and brawl it out against each other.
"Vykhodite! K mashinam!" Kazi commanded his followers in Russian. The tracksuits quickly stormed out of the warehouse, and began to trade bullets with the police as well as the Maggia behind them. Montana crouched down and pulled Dan onto his feet. Dan wiped blood trickling from his mouth, glaring after the Tracksuits and Kazi.
"Easy, partner. Let them Russians take the heat," Montana said. He glanced up at the catwalk the Black Cat had been standing at, and spotted an open door on that floor that let the moonlight pour in. "We've got ourselves a kitty to catch."
Meanwhile, Peter had crawled back out of the warehouse with the files in hand and swung behind the barricade of police cars and SWAT vans that now filled the parking lot. SWAT had engaged the fleeing Tracksuits as they attempted to get to their cars, and furthest behind the barricade next to her own vehicle, Peter spotted Yuri geared up in a tactical vest with a rifle in hand. Peter dropped down next to her and held the folder out to her. "Got the files back, Yuri," Peter said.
Yuri took the folder back gratefully. "Thanks." She put it securely in the glovebox of her vehicle. "Nice work."
"If you guys have this all settled here, I'm gonna try and catch the Black Cat before she gets away again," Peter said.
"Go ahead. I think we've got things under control here," Yuri assured him. Peter nodded and launched into the air before swinging into the night.
Now, if I was a black-clad cat thief hoping not to be found, where would I be? He wondered. Peter thought he'd struggle with his search, but in reality, he managed to spot Cat running between the rooftops, just as before. Getting predictable, Cat. Peter swung down and landed right in front of the thief.
"Sorry, Cat! All strays get taken to the pound!" Peter quipped. He quickly shot strands of webbing for her feet, but Cat leapt above them and kicked high for Peter's head. Peter ducked down, but then Cat landed on his back and launched herself forward off of him, crossing the gap between this building and the next and continuing her sprint. Peter grunted and leapt to follow her. "Y'know, this whole chase schtick is getting real old!"
"For you, maybe!" Cat replied with a smirk.
"This thrill ride is taking an early stop!" Peter webbed the ground ahead and yanked himself forward, catching up to Cat almost instantly. Cat dove down just before Peter could grab her, and he landed just in front of her. They were both in a crouched position opposite one another, looking back at one another.
"Says the thrill," Cat said. "You make quite the dance partner. You sure you don't wanna toe my side of the line for a while? It could be fun."
"Sorry, I don't flirt with the edge of that cliff."
Cat leaned in closer to Peter. "And what if the edge flirts with you?~" She purred.
"I'll have to take a raincheck on that date," Peter quipped back. Cat just smirked. They were even with each other in terms of speed, skill and wit. She was quite enjoying herself.
"So there will be a date?" Cat raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, with you and a judge."
Cat was about to reply with another quip of her own when a rope suddenly was thrown around her neck and yanked her back. She was lassoed and dragged back towards the other side of the roof, with the Enforcers standing in the stairwell doorway. The rope was in Montana's hands. "Sorry, Spider-Man, but this kitty's been leashed. No one double crosses us and gets away with it!"
Ox raised his humongous boot right above Cat's head, and immediately brought it down. Cat flinched, expecting a harsh impact, but it never came. She opened her eyes to see that the masked hero had quickly closed the distance and held back Ox's lethal stomp. She didn't waste second - she cut herself free of the rope and quickly slashed Ox's leg with her claws. He cried out and stumbled backwards right into his comrades. "Ox, hold it-!" Montana cried out before Ox stumbled back and sent both he and Montana falling backwards into the stairwell. Dan, however, quickly scrambled over them without being taken down with them. He then lunged for Peter and dealt out several quick strikes that Peter narrowly avoided. He went for a leg sweep that Peter jumped to avoid, then kicked his feet out midair, connecting with Dan's torso and flattening him out onto the roof. Dan flipped himself back onto his feet, only for Cat's heel to meet his neck and send him sprawling onto the roof again out cold.
Peter looked up at Cat in surprise, but she shrugged without a word. Then the stairwell door was blown off its hinges, and Ox and Montana returned to the roof. Montana whipped his lariat towards Peter, slashing into his costume's arm. Meanwhile, Ox rushed for Cat. He tried to grab her but Cat ducked down and slashed into his torso, then straight to punch him, but he was so sturdy, the punch hurt her hand. She flinched and pulled back for the briefest moment, then felt Ox's stone-hard arm wham her into ground, winding her completely. Ox picked her up and wrapped both of his arms around her while holding her against his bulky torso and began to squeeze, slowly applying more pressure. Cat let out a pained cry, and was helpless with her arms pinned to her sides.
Peter kept avoiding Montana's lariat, but was still getting slashed every other strike. They weren't making it past the armor in his costume, but it still stung like a burn each time. And Montana was keeping him at a distance. Then Peter heard Cat's cries. He glanced over and saw her helpless in Ox's hold as he was trying to crush her. He was distracted long enough for Montana to lash the face next. Peter groaned in pain. He needed to save Cat, so he needed to wrap this up quickly. Montana lashed at him again, but this time Peter caught the rope and yanked Montana towards him with all his strength. Montana was pulled towards Peter through the air, then he delivered an uppercut that connecting harshly with Montana's jaw, sending him flying back onto the unconscious Fancy Dan.
Peter then rushed for Ox, leaping up and punching the brawny man in the face. Ox was stunned. He let go of Cat and stumbled back. Cat dropped down and gasped for breath for a few moments. Peter leapt behind ox and then kicked the back of his knee hard, sending him forward into a kneeling position. "Cat, I'm serving you up!" Peter exclaimed. The thief looked up and smirked, then rushed forward. Peter dealt a blow to the scratch wound on Ox's leg, forcing a yell of pain from him, and Cat quickly leapt up acrobatically and kicked Ox between the eyes. Ox started to fall backwards, then Peter quickly got his arms under him and lifted Ox above his head by his back. "Jeez, you're heavy… what are the Maggia feeding you?" He strains for just a moment, then throws Ox upwards towards the other two flattened Enforcers. Montana opened his eyes just long enough to see what was coming, then his much larger compatriot fell right onto him, leaving the Enforcers all in a crumpled pile of unconscious bodies.
Peter wipes his hands cockily. "Well, I'd call this a nice cleanup. We actually make a pretty good team. Maybe you-" Peter turns to find that Cat had already gone, and he sighed. "Should've seen that coming…"
The NYPD managed to get their hands on a decent number of Maggia and Tracksuit thugs and throw them in lockup, but just as many if not more actually managed to escape, including Kazi. Even the Enforcers had escaped between their defeat and when the police had arrived to where Peter had left them. On the bright side, the files were successfully recovered and locked away more securely, with the same being done for all their physical copies of data. Peter had considered it a successful night, and now sat crouched on a corner of the roof of a skyscraper, waiting for anything else to happen tonight. Then he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"You sure like your tall buildings." Peter turned to see Cat crouched there next to him. He stood up quickly and defensively. She just chuckled a bit and stood up as well. "Easy, boy scout. I'm not here to fight."
"Are you here to turn yourself in?" Peter questioned.
Cat scoffed. "Please. Not that either."
"Then what are you here for?" Peter asked.
"You saved my life tonight when you didn't have to," Cat said.
"It's what I do. Not that you care. You were gonna give the keys to the underworld to whoever paid the highest bidder," Peter said.
Cat sighed. "I was never gonna give them the files. That cowboy crook was right, I was gonna double cross them, take the money and run. I'm a criminal, not a monster." Peter was honestly surprised by her, but was also glad that he had pegged her wrong. She wasn't nearly as bad as she seemed. Cat slowly approached him and gently gripped his shoulders. "And this is for such a fun time…" She then quickly leaned in and kissed him, without even removing the mask. Peter's eyes rounded in shock as he felt her lips meet his and her arm curl around his neck. Out of all things to happen today, this was the most unexpected.
After a moment longer, Cat pulled away with an entertained smirk on her face. "What's wrong? Don't tell me I'm your first?"
"N-No, uh.. just never had someone try to French me through the mask before…" Peter stammered.
Cat chuckled and backed away towards the edge of the roof. "See you around, Spider," She winked before falling off the roof. Peter watched after her, seeing her fire her grappling hook and swing away.
"Huh…" Peter said aloud. "I'm gonna not tell Captain Stacy and Yuri about this…"
It was a fairly small high-rise apartment, but it was what Black Cat called home. She slipped in through the window and silently shut it behind her. She turned on a lamp near her desk and pulled the domino mask off her face, setting it down. Next was the bolero jacket. She slung it over the back of the desk chair, then stripped herself of her black bodysuit and tossed that aside as well. She still felt sweaty from the events if the previous night, and went to her shower to clean herself up.
It had certainly been an eventful past two nights. The first being when she stole those files and had her first meeting with Spider-Man, where she had been almost caught for the first time. Then tonight, the attempted selling of the files she had stolen and another encounter with the hero, where they had actually worked together. For the past year, Felicia Hardy had taken the identity of the Black Cat. And nothing quite gave her the rush these two nights had.
She may have lost the physical files, but she was much harder to outdo than that.
She stepped out of her bathroom with a towel around her waist and another wrapping up her hair. She sat herself at the desk and opened her laptop, watching the time. A chime came from it after a few minutes, and then a voice, distorted but understandable.
"Miss Hardy. I assume you completed your mission?"
"Yep. Stole the files and put both the Maggia and the Tracksuit Mafia as the police's center of attention. And all the while…" She picked up a USB drive and slid it into the laptop, "I managed to copy all of the data from those files into a digital form before the Spider got his hands on them again. Sending now."
The voice on the other end of the call was silent for a few moments. "Received."
"Call it curiosity, but why would the so-called 'Master Planner' need something as simple as dossiers on the Big Apple's most wanted?" Felicia asked.
The distorted voice, the Master Planner, chuckled. "You know what they say about curiosity and cats, don't you? Heh. What would a Master Planner be without a master plan?"
Felicia scoffed. "Anyways, do you have what you promised or not?"
"A work in progress." Felicia rolled her eyes, but then looked up at the pinboard on the wall before her above her desk. Various articles and photos were pinned about, revolving around a photo of a silver-haired man in the center. "It's not easy to find someone who disappears off the face of the Earth without a trace."
"If you cross me-"
"Please, you think too little of me. I have some of my best tracking down every possible lead to find your father. They're eager to solve the mystery of what happened to the original Black Cat."
Felicia frowned and sighed. Walter Hardy, her father, the original Black Cat, had disappeared a long time ago, and she was determined to find him, no matter what.
Dad… where are you…?
"I guess I'll just have to take you on your word," Felicia said.
"You can take me on more than that. A large sum has just been deposited to your accounts. Consider it a sign of good faith. I'll contact you when I have more information on your father's trail."
"Or when you have something else for me to do in the meantime."
The Master Planner chuckled. "You're learning. You fit your father's mantle well."
"I don't need your approval," Felicia hissed.
"Heh. Of course not. Good night, Miss Hardy." The transmission then cut, and Felicia sighed before letting her head hang back. The excitement that had been rushing through the body all night had quickly drained away, leaving her just feeling tired.
*(1): Read The Defenders of Remnant
*(2): See Chapter 2: Unceremonious
*(3): See Chapter 1: Pilot