Chapter 75: House of Cards Part II

Chapter 75: House of Cards Part II

The setting was a large building right off in the outskirts of New York. On the inside, it did not stick outside, but in the inside, it was outfitted to look like a log cabin that you may find out in the wilderness. Various trophies adorned the wall and right on them, contained the heads of various animals, but one plaque had nothing on it. Engraved on the plaque in elegant writing was the word “Spider-Man”.

“I see,” said a gruff voice. “I do think that you have me confused for someone else, my friend. I am no paid assassin, but rather a hunter, who does it for the thrill and the sport, not because of any kind of profit.”

“Yes, and the Kingpin would not have come to you, if he had not had a good opinion of the skills you had, Mr. Kravinoff,” said a suited thug. “We have watched your work, hunting some of the wildest game in the world but there is one prey that continues to elude you.”

“Spider-Man,” said Kraven, with a nod, as he knew where this discussion is going. “Twice previously I had matched wits alone and a third time, with some other enemies, with Doctor Octopus. But once again, Spider-Man continues to slip right out of my grasp.”

“We can help each other. Just listen to the offer the Kingpin has on the table.”

Kraven just looked at the case and he opened it up to reveal several weapons more advanced.

“The ways of the hunter are too often corrupted by technology,” said Kraven. “But perhaps I need to move on with modern times. This is a matter of honor and as long as Spider-Man lives, I have been dishonored. He has made a fool out of me.”

“You take out Spider-Man,” confirmed the business suit. “We give you the weapons and you will be able to keep Spider-Man to do what you wish to him. We only require proof that he’s dead.”

“Very well, but the hunt requires strength of the mind, as well as strength of the body, so I will require bait to set a trap,” said Kraven, as he looked over some newspaper clippings. “I have the perfect individual to trap Spider-Man”

X-X-X-X-X

Kraven stalked around New York for the better part of the day, before he spotted his subject. A young man known as Peter Parker, who had taken many photos of Spider-Man. Naturally, if Spider-Man wished for this arrangement to continue, he would be inclined to rescue. Not that Kraven felt the need to physically harm this Parker, because he was merely just the means to a trap. He watched as his query discussed a manner with what appeared to be his mate, as they walked off, nearly overtaking a man in glasses.

They joined a girl with long red hair and a young man with one of the most absurd hair cuts ever. Kraven wondered sometimes about some of the hair styles some people had on this side of the world but he remained focused on the hunt.

The hunter was perched, the hunter had his prey in sight. Discussing with his friends some manner that Kraven could not hear. It mattered little, and Kraven perched.

The hunter was noticed. Mentally scolding himself for being careless, he quickly struck. A tranquilizer dart enough to put most beats down. Harmless and not deadly, but it would put someone to sleep.

Swooping down, Kraven just grinned and prepared to scoop up his prey, along with the bag that he had right to the side. The obvious resistance and protect nature from the target’s mate had kicked in. But it was pacified by another member of the group, long enough for the hunter to make his move. A shield would allow him to move into the night, by the time the police had arrived.

X-X-X-X-X

The smoke had cleared, as sirens could be heard. The police was called because of a disturbance.

Not that it did much good, as by the time they arrived, Kraven had been long gone. With Peter being kidnapped without a hint to where they go.

“Is everyone...”said Mary Jane as she coughed but she saw Gwen looking out in the distance, hoping against hope that she could see where Kraven would have went. “Gone, Gwen, I’m sorry…”

“Gone, where could he have…why could he…how could…” managed Gwen as she took a moment to compose herself. Freaking out would do no one any good. Yet there were several different scenarios running through her head and none of them were too pleasant.

“I still wonder why he took Pete,” said Harry in confusion.

“I don’t know,” said Mary Jane. “Do you know Gwen?”

Gwen wasn’t going to answer but was spared at that moment, with the police arriving, along with members of the press, including Eddie Brock, who arrived, as he took photos of the carnage.

“Yes, our friend, Peter, he was captured by some nutcase in a loin cloth,” said Harry to an officer.

“Kraven the Hunter,” said Gwen as she got looks. “One of the Sinister Six, when they kidnapped me.”

“Ah Parker, that’s what you get for taking photos of that wall crawler,” said Brock who had arrived but an officer stepped right to the side. “Relax officer, just a few pictures, perhaps this hunter guy is one of those disgusting mutants.”

“Move it along, no pictures and everyone move to the side, we’ll have to investigate, we’ll see if there is anything here,” ordered the officer, in a tone that left no room for dispute.

“Right here officer, we found this slip of paper, a note!”

“I will exchange the Parker boy, for Spider-Man. The web slinger will meet me outside of this concrete jungle. I regret the necessity of anything that I have to do if Spider-Man does not show.”

Everyone heard the words that were spoken, which included a certain attorney. He quickly moved off.

If his hunch was right, circumstances would indicate that Spider-Man may not show up right at that time. But once he could find this hunter, it should be an easy enough job to take him down.

X-X-X-X-X

Peter woke up in a daze. Several moments it took to reconstruct the events that occurred earlier in the day in his mind. He had taken a dart right to the neck right after he saw Kraven.

“Ah, Mr. Parker, you’re awake,” said Kraven polite and dignified tone of voic as Peter realized he had been locked inside a cage. Almost instinctively, Peter moved to try and force the cage door open. “Please don’t, you will injure your hands. That cage has been reinforced that not even Spider-Man can break it.”

“So I’m stuck,” thought Peter. “I wonder…no he couldn’t…could he?”

“Why am I here?” asked Peter groggily, as he tried to not betray his fears.

“I hold no ill will against you, Mr. Parker, but you have been proven to have a connection with one of my most bothersome hunts throughout my time,” said Kraven. “That being Spider-Man.”

“Spider-Man?” asked Peter as he feigned confusion. “I don’t know what I would have to do with that, I just take pictures of him…”

“Ah, but you do have everything to do with him, friend,” interrupted Kraven. “I have studied Spider-Man. It is a mark of the hunter, to know everything of his prey. Spider-Man is a master of what you might call being a super hero. He will save the innocent and once he learns that I have captured you to get to him, then he will dash to rescue you.”

“Well, I suppose it might work,” said Peter. “But what makes you certain that he’ll…”

“I would have tried alternative methods to capture him if I was not certain,” said Kraven as he pressed his face against the cage. “You are merely just a tool to be used. Bait to set the trap much like a rabbit or a squirrel for larger game. Nothing can be gained by hunting you, but you are here to lure in the big game. Once Spider-Man is here, you will be released. But if Spider-Man does not arrive within twenty four hours…I do apologize, but I am honor bound by my word once I had given it.”

“You know, you have a twisted definition of honor, locking someone in a cage,” said Peter but he feigned cowering. He did not want the mighty hunter to put two and two together if his quips were a bit too sharp.

“Your lack of bravery, is rather unfortunate, but you are merely a young one who has been dragged into a situation beyond his comprehension,” said Kraven as he sat down. “Spider-Man will find us and once we duel, you will be set free. Regardless of who wins, you can take that as my word, Mr. Parker.”

“Pete, you sure get into the darndest fixes, got to get out of here,” said Peter. “Somehow you have to save yourself within a day, less by now. It is a good thing the mighty hunter hasn’t checked my bag, because it would be hard to explain outfit and the web shooters. Got to think, figure out a way, without tripping up your secret identity.”

X-X-X-X-X

Norman Osborn had learned of the kidnapping of Peter Parker. While not a major news story, he had an inside track, his son had mentioned it. Given some of his other sources, he quickly determined who exactly was the architect and he dialed up the phone.

“Fisk, this is Osborn,” said Osborn over the phone. “What were you playing at, having this nutcase hunter kidnap Peter Parker?”

“Norman, my friend, I have not the slightest clue of what you’re talking about,” said Fisk without emotion in an expression. “Believe me, I’m distressed about Mr. Parker’s kidnapping as much as the next person. A bright young man, I did offer him a scholarship.”

“Fisk, I know you’re behind this, I have ears, Spider-Man shut down one too many of your plans and this hunter thinks he could use Parker as bait,” said Osborn softly.

“An intriguing plan, young Peter does take pictures of Spider-Man,” said Fisk.

“Indeed, anyone could be aware of that and so is this hunter,” said Osborn. “You know you’re playing a dangerous game, Fisk.”

“No more of a dangerous game than you are, Norman,” said Fisk. “When the dust clears, there can only be room for one. You have made some powerful new friends with your anti-mutant aims but will they be there for you when your money is no longer useful to them?”

“I wonder the same about you, Fisk,” said Osborn unshaken.

“Only time will tell which of us is right in the end,” said Fisk.

“Perhaps, one wrong move,” said Osborn.

“Until there is proof, there are no wrong moves,” said Fisk.

“Until that moment, but I expect that moment to come,” replied Osborn.

“Perhaps, I’m keeping my eye on everything you’re doing, Norman and I expect more of the same of you, but once the cards are on the table, we’ll see who has the stronger hand,” said Fisk. “I have pressing business to attend to, as I’m sure you do as well.”

The line went dead but Osborn held the phone in his head, deep in thought.

X-X-X-X-X

Not knowing the motive was something that only bothered Gwen slightly more than the fact her boyfriend was kidnapped. The fact that Chameleon had recently learned the identity of Spider-Man kept nagging right in the back of her head. Could Kraven had purchased the identity? Or was it something else?

“Peter’s aunt is taking it about as well as can be expected,” said Mary Jane gently and seriously. “About as well as you’re taking it, with the brave face hiding what you’re really thinking.”

“I’m fine, really, well I’m not fine…” stated Gwen, as she wiped her eyes. “I look like a wreck, don’t I?”

“Yeah, but considering everything that’s okay, the love of your life got kidnapped,” said Mary Jane. “Someone would have to be kind of a jerk to not understand that.”

“Yes,” said Gwen as she looked out, as she looked at her cell phone. “Thanks, I’m sure that if it happened with Harry, I know you haven’t been with him as long, but still it tends to weigh on you..”

“With him?” asked Mary Jane utterly confused. “Uh, Gwen, did I miss something?”

“Well, you and Harry, you’ve been getting close and Harry did say that you are essentially going out,” said Gwen but she just realized.

“Oh my God, we’re just friends, that’s…wow, kind of awkward,” said Mary Jane. “I mean, a boy and girl can just be friends without anything happening, you know.”

“Yes, I know, but…Harry did jump the gun on that idea,” said Gwen. “I should have known.”

“Hey, believe me, that’s not the worst thing someone could have said about me, but a relationship, just really wouldn’t work,” said Mary Jane. “I mean, Harry’s a nice guy, in his own bizarrely charming way, but he has baggage and…I know he’s your friend, but…”

“He has issues, I know and…” said Gwen as she trailed off. “His father doesn’t help.”

“I kind of figured that one out,” said Mary Jane. “I better tell him, that he’s reading too much into it and hope that things are not awkward.”

“Just, do me a favor and let him down gently, I mean, I’m not telling you to sugar coat it is just…” started Gwen, as she struggled to find the right words.

“I understand, it won’t be easy, truth hurts and all of that, but better to do it now and later,” said Mary Jane. “Let me know if you hear anything about Peter.”

“Okay, thanks Mary Jane, I’ll keep in touch,” said Gwen as she looked off at the girl as she left. She kind of dreaded how Harry would react but agreed that it would be for the best.

Right now, she had to sit and wait. The worst part, as the seconds seemed to creep by like something much longer.

X-X-X-X-X

Those who controlled the media controlled what the people knew and those who controlled what the people knew could point them in any direction.

Wilson Fisk gazed upon several folders. He had acquired the Daily Globe recently, through buying out all of the majority shareholders and managed to expand its operations throughout the city. The print media game was dying, so Fisk enhanced it through the Internet and social media. Social media moved to be a valuable tool for the Kingpin recently.

The results were as such. The Globe had the widest penetration of any newspaper in the city and also had a vast social media presence.

Only the Bugle and J. Jonah Jameson stood, defiant to the very least, but Fisk knew his paper was beginning to make Jameson feel the pressure. The media presence was a crux of his empire.

There was no business in maliciously tearing down enemies in an instant but there was a great deal of business of slowly building up a negative perception.

“No sign of Spider-Man yet,” said Fisk as he talked to someone on the phone. “Ten hours. And all evidence of our dealings with the hunter will be removed. Osborn pieced it together but right now, he won’t move, unless he knows that I don’t have something that will derail him. We wait. When the dust clears, you have your orders”

Fisk paused, as he looked at the press release, where he stated that he would support Peter Parker’s family and friends in their time of need and do everything necessary to locate him. Should Spider-Man not show up before too long, Fisk would have to play the white knight and it would do wonders for his public image.

Regardless, he won. Wilson Fisk always won. That is why he was the Kingpin of Crime.

X-X-X-X-X-X

After all he had fought, Peter really hated the fact that a simple lock could really defeat him. Nothing but a cage that should hold animals, at least in theory. Kraven had sat on a chair, reading a thick book, only periodically getting to his feet to check to see if Spider-Man had shown up.

“Think Parker, it’s what you’re good at,” thought Peter. “There has to be some kind of structural weakness in this cage, something that you can exploit to get out. But if I find it, how do I break it without giving Kraven a hint of who I am.”

“I’m certain, Spider-Man thinks he is going to pull a dramatic last minute rescue, when my guard is down, but I remain calm and will take him down,” said Kraven breaking the silence.

“If he shows up, that is,” muttered Peter.

“Oh believe me, he will show up, that I am confident of and when he shows up, than the hunt will be on,” said Kraven.

“What then, what if you capture Spider-Man?” asked Peter. Kraven pointed to a plaque on the wall with “Spider-Man” written on it, around the heads of other trophies. “Um, yeah I get the picture. But what bigger game is there than Spider-Man?”

“It is a matter of pride, once I have captured Spider-Man, I have proven myself the greatest hunter of them all,” bragged Kraven.

“Yes, but what will you do after you capture him?” asked Peter.

“You ask so many questions but it is to be expected, a soft city dweller could not understand the complexities of the hunt,” said Kraven in a prideful voice. “I recall my first hunt, back before most youths began to walk. I had to hunt or I would not live to see the next sunrise. As I hunt more, I grow stronger, get bigger game, I live, and it became my goal to become the greatest hunter that ever lived. It is the law of the Jungle, survival of the fittest nothing like this city.

“He should see New York traffic at rush hour,” thought Peter. “Ah loose bolt, here we go, just got to keep him talking.”

“What is your motivation anyway for Spider-Man?” asked Peter.

“I heard tales of Spider-Man, not quite man but not quite beast either, the cunning of the man and the strength amplified of a spider,” said Kraven. “I hunt him, but not because of any ill will I hold towards Spider-Man. I respect him as a fellow warrior. I will give him a noble death in combat, and a place of honor right here on my wall of trophies once I have succeeded in the hunt. Once I have defeated Spider-Man, then I have become top of the food chain, and I have fulfilled the hunt.”

Kraven paused.

“At one time, I hunted to live but now I live to hunt,” narrated Kraven. “I have considerable wealth, but it is the enjoyment and the thrill that keeps me on track. Spider-Man is the ultimate hunt. It is a shame that it may have to end, but honor dictates that I continue to pursue Spider-Man until one of us is no longer breathing, standing, and fighting.”

Kraven turned, as Peter remained rigid.

“Merely the wind,” said Kraven. “But do not fear, we still have time for Spider-Man to show up. Now, other than Spider-Man, allow me to tell you a tale of the most dangerous game that I have ever placed. Let me share the story for us to pass the time before Spider-Man arrives. It happened seven years ago, in the middle of one of the most treacherous jungles in the world.”

X-X-X-X-X

Outside, in the shadows, a figure crept in the darkness. Enhanced hearing picked up a conversation inside. The hostage appeared to have engaged the hunter, perhaps in a vain attempt to buy him some time.

He listened and sensed the landscape. There were a few traps, designed to trip up anyone who had attempted a daring rescue. Right through the shadows, right around the house.

Timed perfectly the hostage would be saved. It would take key precision as the hunter would be a formidable threat. Yet, being without fear, Daredevil managed to find his way right in.

X-X-X-X-X

“As you could expect, I learned several extremely valuable lessons that day,” concluded Kraven as he turned around. “Something is creeping outdoors. But not Spider-Man, no this is something else. Excuse me for just one moment, Mr. Parker.”

Kraven picked up a crossbow instinctively and he shot right at a figure, who quickly doused the lights, which caused them to be entombed in complete darkness.

“Very clever, but futile, because in the hunt, you must realize that we have more senses than sight,” said Kraven, as a scuffle occurred right in the pitch black darkness.

“Well whoever turned out the lights, they made it easier, just barely enough light, for me to see, just get this other bolt out, and slide right through, there we go,” thought Peter, as he felt someone smash against the side of the cage, but he rolled on the ground, groping around in the dark, before he found his bag.

“Don’t worry Parker, I’ll get you out of this mess!” shouted Peter, in a more authorities voice, as he slipped on his costume, as Kraven lit a torch so he could see them.

“Ah very good, Spider-Man, just as expected and my friend right in the shadows has crept…” started Kraven but he got struck right back an attack from the side, as Daredevil engaged him right in battle. Kraven remained moving, and smashed Daredevil right outside through a window, to engage the battle.

“Just give it up, Kraven, you can’t defeat the both of us!” shouted Spider-Man but Daredevil said nothing, as he dodged an attack from Kraven.

“That is where you are wrong, Spider-Man,” bragged Kraven as he reached into a side pocket and threw a blinding flash right into the air, aimed directly at Daredevil. Spider-Man shielded his eyes but Daredevil jumped through the air. “Impossible, that should have blinded you complete…”

Kraven could not speak as he managed to doge an attack from Daredevil. Spider-Man swooped right in and somersaulted, before he webbed around Kraven’s spear and yanked it right out of his hand, but Kraven rolled right onto his hand, but Daredevil took him down. Kraven bounced up and was webbed around his feet and hands, binding him, as Daredevil knocked him down.

With a struggle, Kraven was taken out handily. Daredevil and Spider-Man turned towards each other.

“Too easy,” said Daredevil.

“It took the two of us, and you call that easy,” said Spider-Man before he realized. “Um, normally when someone says something is too easy, that means….”

Spider-Man’s spider sense went off and he dodged a bullet which was aimed right directly towards him by a sniper.

“Something like that,” muttered Spider-Man as he propelled himself right up and web yanked the gun right out of the hand of his attacker before he could shoot again. Daredevil took him out and threw him down.

“Talk,” said Daredevil swiftly.

“Forget it, I know my rights,” said the sniper, but Daredevil grabbed his arm and twisted it slightly, just enough to give some pain but not enough to break it. “Alright, the Kingpin staked me out here, to shoot Kraven or Spider-Man depending on who won. And I would have got you as well if I had the chance.”

“Are there anymore?” interrogated Daredevil.

“Oh there’s always more but the question is, do they have a gun to your head or not right?” asked the sniper with a twisted grin. “Kingpin has it out for both of you, especially you, devil, after you cost him big money. I don’t care, but a job’s a job.”

Daredevil rendered the sniper unconscious.

“So all we have to do is take care of that guy and…Kraven?” asked Spider-Man as he turned around, to see that Kraven had disappeared, with sliced strands of webbing. “Gone but…”

“Leave him for now, he’s in no condition to fight and there are bigger problems than some crazed game hunter,” said Daredevil. “You’ve gotten yourself right on the Kingpin’s radar right now, not a place you want to be.”

“Look, I can handle myself,” said Spider-Man.

“That’s not the point, I do what I do, but you have a choice and you’re going to make the wrong one,” said Daredevil. “Don’t ruin your life. Stop while you’re ahead. If the Kingpin digs deep enough, he will go after everyone you care about, and then he will leave you a battered wreck. He didn’t get to that point by placing nice.”

“Sounds to me like you know who the Kingpin is,” accused Spider-Man.

“If I do, then that’s not something you should concern yourself for,” said Daredevil. “I’ve seen your background, I get why you want to help but this a war that is too dangerous for a seventeen year old to get into, Peter Parker.”

“Parker, I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Spider-Man.

“Don’t play dumb with me, I have my ways of figuring out who you are, even if that hunter was fooled by your tricks,” said Daredevil roughly. “Reckless, just happening to be there, taking pictures of your heroics and sending them to J. Jonah Jameson under your real name. It’s a wonder no one has been able to connect the dots. And you’re giving the Kingpin more reasons to dig deeper and connect them.”

“If you know anything about me, you know why I can’t just look the other way,” said Spider-Man but Daredevil just remained stoic, not saying a word. “Look, you can’t tell me what to do..”

“I can’t, but if you had any sense, you’d listen to me and understand that the Kingpin is dangerous business,” said Daredevil. “Go home, tell people that Spider-Man saved you, and leave the Kingpin.”

Spider-Man opened his mouth but closed it. Daredevil apparently had vanished once again into the night.

“Bright package of sunshine and flowers that one,” thought Spider-Man. “Given that I saved him from getting his head blown off my Kraven.” Speaking of which, got to see if I can find the hunter, licking his wounds somewhere. And I’m sure people are worrying about me, so better have a quick look around and make your way back, Spidey.”

X-X-X-X-X

Gwen sat in her bedroom, as she looked at her cell phone. She wanted news but dreaded news about Peter at the same time.

She was pulled right out of her thoughts, by a tapping on her bedroom window. She remained alert, but she relaxed, when she saw Spider-Man outside the window and then her mouth opened, before she rushed through the window and threw it open, allowing Spider-Man to climb in. Immediately, she pulled off his mask and kissed Peter right, pinning him against the wall.

“Thank you, thank you, you figured out a way, I knew you could but still…you’re safe,” said Gwen but once her relief had washed away, her frustration with Peter sunk in. “What made you think it was a bright idea to jump right in the way of a tranquillizer dart?”

“No one was hurt when Kraven dragged me off,” said Peter.

“First thing he asks, of course, yes, no one was hurt,” said Gwen, exasperated. “Still…”

“So, yeah, everyone is safe and my guardian devil saved me yet again,” said Peter with a grin. “Quite a night too, getting locked in a cage, used as bait for myself, fighting Kraven, nearly getting shot at by a sniper, so how’s your night been?”

Gwen remained silent and stared at Peter, unable to formulate the words. There were times where she honestly thought her boyfriend had a death wish.

“Right,” said Peter as Gwen folded her arms together and glared at Peter which caused him to take a deep breath. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you look when you’re angry?”

“A few times, yes,” said Gwen but her expression softened, unable to stay mad for too long she wrapped her arms around Peter and buried her head into his shoulder. “Just….don’t take a tranquillizer dart to the shoulder ever again.”

“I’ll try and remember that,” said Peter with a smile, which Gwen just backed off, and sat down with Peter following her. “Uh, your Dad’s not home, is he?”

“No, thankfully,” said Gwen, calmed down. “That’d look really cute if he walked in with me kissing you in full Spider-Man outfit minus the mask. How would I explain that?”

“Roleplay?” suggested Peter.

“Wouldn’t be the most far fetched thing in the world,” muttered Gwen. “What am I going to do with you, Peter Parker?”

“I’m sure you can think of a few things,” said Peter with a wink and Gwen just laughed, she left herself wide open for that one. “So, anyway, tonight’s not over…yeah I know, but I still have one finished piece of business left over.”

“You do know your aunt is worried sick about you, don’t you?” asked Gwen slowly.

“Taken care of, I just called her, after I made sure the Bugle knew that Spider-Man had saved me,” said Peter. “As far as Aunt May knows, I’ll be back by the morning, but I’m staying at your house, because it was closer to where Kraven was keeping me. I need you to cover for me if anyone asks.”

“Yes, because that can’t go wrong,” muttered Gwen but Peter just looked at her. “Yes, I’ll do it, you know that.”

“Thanks, Gwen, I appreciate that, really, you’re the best,” said Peter, as he kissed her once again.

“I know I’m going to regret asking this but…what do you exactly still need to do?” asked Gwen.

“Track down the Kingpin, once and for all,” said Peter. “Daredevil said I should stay out of this…but I’ve got an idea.”

“You’re bound and determined to give me grey hair by the time I’m twenty, aren’t you?” asked Gwen and Peter slowly analyzed his girlfriend’s hair.

“No, you’re fine,” said Peter, as Gwen just slightly rolled her eyes, but she smiled in spite herself. “Don’t worry, you know I can handle myself. I’ll be back by morning but if I’m not…check the papers.”

“PETER!” shouted Gwen in a horrified tone, caught completely off guard.

“Sorry, that was a bit too far, wasn’t it?” asked Peter and Gwen just nodded, as Peter gave her one last kiss good bye and pulled his mask back on. “See you later, hopefully it ends tonight.”

“Beat him Peter, I believe in you,” whispered Gwen as she watched her avenging arachnid swing into the night.

“The fact I have no idea who the Kingpin might be, might make this harder than I thought,” thought Spider-Man as he swung out the window. “I’m leaving my wonderful girlfriend to fight a bunch of crazed people who want to shoot at me. How many times have I been hit in the head again?”

X-X-X-X-X

Midnight approached but news never slept, as J. Jonah Jameson was at the Daily Bugle, working the late shift. Robbie had stayed over but as most of the employees were snug in their beds, Jameson detailed a battle between Kraven and Spider-Man as Parker had told him. Naturally, he had to fill in a few blanks but that was par for the course. The involvement of the mysterious guardian devil of Hell’s Kitchen added color.

“Jonah!” called Robbie.

“Robbie, I’m on a deadline!” bellowed Jameson. “What could it be at this hour?”

“Someone dropped a package outside of the door,” said Robbie. “It’s addressed to Spider-Man.”

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