MARVEL -BLACK SPIDERMAN

"Clatter!"

Crows scattered from the woods, their wings stirring up countless fallen leaves.

Peter stood atop the rooftop of Mount Sinai Hospital, his head snapping up as he looked toward the distant horizon. His view was obstructed by layers of towering buildings, so his gaze shifted toward the shadowy outline of the mountains.

He stepped back, retreating from the edge, as the mask covering his face slowly dissolved.

Despite searching the hospital morgue and its records, Peter couldn't find the body Dr. Antonia Aguilar had mentioned.

Had the hospital already disposed of the remains?

Frowning, Peter pinched his chin thoughtfully.

Beneath him, in a darkened alley, a stray cat rummaging through trash paused, lifting its head curiously.

"Meow."

The feline let out a curious sound, staring upward at a fleeting shadow before tilting its head in confusion.

"Bang!"

The shadow landed lightly atop a nearby building, its posture feline and poised. Silver hair shimmered faintly in the moonlight, and sharp, luminous eyes glowed against the night.

The figure surveyed the buildings below before leaping forward with practiced ease. Mid-air, her hands gripped a metal rod, and with the grace of a gymnast, she swung onto a balcony.

The balcony led to a jewelry company. Using a small tool, she drew a perfect circle on the bulletproof glass and carved out an opening.

With a deft hand, she reached inside, disabling the anti-theft mechanism and unlocking the door.

Inside, the safe glimmered with treasures. Smiling, the shadow collected the jewels, slipping them into her pockets.

Just as she turned to leave, she froze.

"Do you always enjoy sneaking up on people, Parker?"

The figure, known as Black Cat, addressed Peter nonchalantly, even as she took a cautious step back.

"Maybe I have a knack for it," Peter responded coolly, arms crossed.

Black Cat grinned slyly. "That's a good trait for a hunter, but don't mistake me for prey."

"Isn't that exactly what you are?" Peter challenged, raising an eyebrow.

Black Cat shrugged playfully. "A clever hunter knows how to pose as prey to confuse others."

She sauntered closer. "Word around town is that you're the new golden boy. Fought a monster, nearly wrecked the Brooklyn Bridge. A real hero, huh?"

Her tone dripped with mockery. "Oh, and how's your Spider-Girlfriend? I heard the green monster gave her a real thrashing."

"She's fine. Thanks for your concern," Peter replied flatly, brushing off her teasing.

"Planning to stop me from taking these?" she asked, gesturing at the jewels.

"No." Peter shook his head. "Justice isn't really my thing these days, but don't think it'll be that easy either."

Black Cat smirked. "I know. There's a tracking device on these gems. I just wanted to see if I could outsmart it...and you."

Peter warned, "You know what they say about curious cats, right?"

She only laughed, twisting out of Peter's grip when he tried to detain her. With a swift motion, she flipped him to the ground, but he responded by pinning her instead.

Lying beneath him, she looked up with a smirk. "You didn't come here to catch me, did you? Or is there something else you want to talk about?"

Peter stared down at her, ignoring her suggestive tone. "Have you heard about the recent rumors from Bear Mountain? People are calling it the 'monster sightings.'"

Black Cat sat up, brushing herself off. "Is that why you came? To talk about urban legends?"

"Urban legends?"

"Yes," she replied, casually dangling her legs over the rooftop's edge. "Like me—people think I'm an urban legend. It's easier for them to dismiss the truth as fantasy."

Her eyes gleamed as she added, "Speaking of rumors, people have been disappearing all over New York. It's been happening for weeks."

Peter frowned. "Do you know who they are?"

"Not really. I'm no prophet, Parker," she teased, waving her hand dramatically.

She paused, then leaned in closer. "But I'll tell you this—there are shadows moving in the city. Things that lurk in darkness. Maybe vampires, werewolves, goblins, or something straight out of a nightmare. Who knows? I've felt their eyes on me, though."

Peter mulled over her words. While her descriptions were vague, her instincts were usually sharp.

"That's all I've got for you," Black Cat concluded, standing and dusting herself off. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I've got places to be. If you want to find me, call this number."

She handed him a sleek black card with a phone number scrawled in pink.

"And if I want to reach you?" Peter asked skeptically.

"Check the Daily Bugle," she purred. "I'll leave you a message. Maybe we can meet for a date—assuming your little spider-girlfriend doesn't catch you."

Peter sighed, slipping the card into his pocket. "You're insane."

"Not insane," she corrected, stepping closer and brushing a hand against his cheek. "Just a little wild. One day, Parker, I'll get you to willingly take off that mask for me."

With that, she leapt off the rooftop, disappearing into the night.

Peter glanced at the card, then at the ominous storm clouds rolling across the sky.

---

The Next Day

Midtown High School

Walking through the school halls, Peter couldn't help but overhear conversations about the Brooklyn Bridge incident.

Even Norman Osborn's name was being dragged into the gossip.

Gwen entered, catching sight of Peter. She lit up, excusing herself from her friends and running toward him.

Betty and Glory watched her go.

"Well," Glory mused, "Gwen fell in love willingly."

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