Weeks Later
Kraven the Hunter was a man who thrived on challenges. He always sought out the most difficult prey to prove he was the best. But everything changed the day he met Spider-Man — a worthy opponent. He would always give him a chance to escape: if he succeeded, he would let him live; if he was caught, he would dissect him and keep him as a trophy in his room. Peter always managed to escape, and for that, he earned Kraven's respect.
— I don't understand, Father — his daughter said, arms crossed. — I thought you hated Spider-Man.
— Spider-Man was a worthy opponent. He earned my respect — he replied. — If I had known the Goblin would kill him like that, I would've never captured him for him — he stated.
The hero's body was wrapped in a white cloth, almost like a mummy.
— Are you sure, Father? — she asked. — Bringing Spider-Man back to life could be dangerous — she whispered.
— He is a worthy opponent who deserves a worthy death — he answered. — If he's going to die, then let it be by my hand.
Kraven picked up the body and stepped into the pit. He let the body sink and then stepped out of the water. He watched as the body slowly submerged, bits of fabric floating to the surface. The cloth unraveled, revealing the body underneath. A smile crept across the hunter's face as he saw life gradually return.
Their eyes met — and at that moment, Kraven noticed the change.
— Peter Parker, also known as Spider-Man — said Kraven. — Welcome back to life.
Peter didn't reply. He furrowed his brow, leaped up, and ran, leaving Kraven, his daughter, and his aide behind.
— After him! — ordered the hunter.
.............
New York
Steve Rogers had removed all his belongings from both Avengers Tower and the Avengers Mansion. People like Carol Danvers and Natasha had tried to talk him out of it, but his decision was made.
— There's still time to change your mind — Natasha said.
Steve frowned at her, leaning against the doorframe.
— I've already made my decision — he crossed his arms. — Stark sent you, didn't he?
— Not this time — she replied. — Steve, I know his death hit you hard, just like it hit all of us, but what you're doing is...
— Ridiculous — he cut her off. — Widow, you don't even understand why I made this choice — he murmured.
— I do. You think it's your fault, but it's not — she stepped closer. — He got distracted, the Spider...
He suddenly approached, grabbed her by the neck, and slammed her against the wall.
— Don't you ever say something that stupid again! — he shouted in anger. — Peter's death could have been avoided, and you know it — he growled. — We failed because we weren't ready. Because we're not a real team... we're not heroes — he said with finality.
He let her go and turned away.
— Peter was right all along — he looked over his shoulder. — We're more like celebrities than heroes.
.............
The mutants watched Logan in a state they'd never seen him in before — quiet, withdrawn, deep in thought. He didn't touch his beer cans, and his cigars remained untouched.
— We need to talk to him — said Jean. — He can't keep going on like this.
— He doesn't want to — replied Remy. — He's ignoring everyone. Even Laura — he crossed his arms.
— Ororo will talk to him — the Professor intervened. — For now, let's give him space.
— We've been giving him space since the funeral — Jean retorted.
— Then go talk to him — Elizabeth said bluntly.
Jean ignored the blonde. She was worried about her friend. Ororo Munroe entered the room.
— Where is he? — she asked.
— In his room — Rogue replied.
Ororo nodded and made her way to her ex's room. She knocked gently and opened the door slightly.
— James, it's me — she said softly. — Ororo.
When there was no answer, she stepped inside, closed the door behind her, and saw him sitting at the edge of the bed.
— Hey, James — she said gently, sitting beside him. — How are you coping? — she asked, placing a hand on his back.
— Grr... — he grunted. — I'm doing just great — he growled sarcastically.
— Really? Because it doesn't seem...
— What are you doing here? — he cut her off.
— I came to talk — she replied calmly. — Because even if you hide it, I know you're hurting from his loss — she whispered.
— Tsk.
— It's not your fault — she said, gently rubbing his back. — None of us knew this would happen — she whispered.
— I was too late — he whispered. — Way too late — he looked at her. — And I'll never forgive myself for that — his eyes welled up.
— Oh, James... — she embraced him.
— He died — he broke down. — My brother in everything but blood... is gone — he held her tightly. — Peter is dead — he repeated through tears.
James "Logan" Howlett broke down in his ex's arms, and for Ororo, it was the first time she had seen him like that — and it broke her heart.
............
The Avengers were gathered, discussing Captain America's resignation and the growing crime rate in the city.
— Do we have any intel on the rise in crime? — Stark asked. — I mean, Kingpin's in jail...
— Black Cat — Natasha said. — She and her gang are taking over everything Fisk left behind — she explained. — And they're moving fast.
Jessica Drew lowered her head, visibly upset at the mention of Black Cat. She slammed the table and looked up.
— That damn bitch! — Jessica snarled. — She doesn't care — she whispered. — She doesn't care that he's dead!
— Jessica — Janet interjected. — Please, calm down.
.............
Black Cat stood atop the Empire State Building, looking out over the city — the same spot she had once stood with Spider-Man.
She didn't want to think about him, didn't want to remember their adventures or moments together. She didn't allow herself to think about him... instead, she kept busy, taking everything that once belonged to Fisk, building her criminal empire. And even though she denied it, a part of her still believed Spider-Man would show up to stop her.
"I know you, Felicia. You're more than just a thief."
His voice echoed in her mind, driving her mad.
"I love you. I love the thief... and the woman behind the mask."
"You only think about yourself."
"Do whatever you want."
— Tsk — slipped from her lips.
"I missed you. It's good to be together again."
"Not like this."
His loss hurt. And now, staring down at the city, she had to admit... she loved the man behind the mask too. She loved Peter Parker. But what did it matter, if he wasn't here anymore? That's why she couldn't think about him or remember him — because it hurt too much. And the only way to avoid that pain... was planning the next heist.