Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

Chapter 2: Black Cat's Return

The next morning, Peter Parker awoke to the sound of sirens blaring outside his window. Not the most pleasant alarm clock, but it was a New York City staple. He groaned, dragging himself out of bed and glancing at the clock.

"8:15 AM," he muttered. "At least it's not too late this time."

His muscles ached from the previous night's escapades. Stopping a car chase, disarming a group of armed robbers, and defusing a rooftop hostage situation—all in a day's work for Spider-Man. But while Spider-Man had saved the day, Peter Parker had let MJ down again.

He reached for his phone and hesitated. Should he call her? Apologize?

Before he could decide, his phone buzzed. It was a text—from MJ.

MJ: "Don't worry about last night. Just… don't let it become a habit, okay?"

Peter exhaled, feeling a small wave of relief. But the pit of guilt in his stomach remained.

Peter: "I'll make it up to you. Promise."

He tossed his phone onto the bed and changed into his usual day clothes—t-shirt, jeans, and his trusty backpack containing his Spider-Man suit. Another day, another chance to juggle the chaos of being Peter Parker and Spider-Man.

By mid-morning, Peter was swinging through the city again, his camera strapped securely to his chest. Jonah had demanded more Spider-Man action shots, and Peter needed the money. As he perched on a gargoyle overlooking Midtown, he scanned the streets for anything photo-worthy.

Then he saw her.

At first, Peter thought it was a trick of the light—a figure moving gracefully across the rooftops, clad in black. But as she drew closer, he recognized the sleek silhouette, the whip-like movements, and the distinct glint of white hair beneath her mask.

"Felicia Hardy," Peter muttered under his breath.

Black Cat was back.

Peter followed her across the rooftops, keeping a safe distance. Felicia was a master thief, and wherever she went, trouble usually followed. But she wasn't just any thief—she was a wildcard in Peter's life. Their history was complicated, to say the least.

He finally caught up to her as she crouched on the ledge of a high-rise, surveying the street below.

"Hey, Cat," Peter called, swinging onto a nearby flagpole. "Long time no see. What brings you back to the Big Apple?"

Felicia didn't even flinch. She turned her head slowly, her signature smirk visible beneath her mask.

"Well, well," she purred. "If it isn't my favorite spider. Miss me?"

Peter crossed his arms. "You didn't answer my question."

Felicia stood, her movements as fluid as ever. "I heard some interesting things about Oscorp while I was… away. Thought I'd come check it out for myself."

"Oscorp?" Peter's brow furrowed. "What kind of 'interesting things'?"

Felicia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, you know—stolen tech, shady deals, secret experiments. The usual corporate shenanigans."

Peter's spider-sense tingled faintly, a warning that Felicia wasn't telling him the whole story.

"You're not planning to steal anything, are you?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Felicia placed a hand on her chest in mock offense. "Me? Steal? Spider, I'm hurt. You know I've turned over a new leaf."

"Yeah, sure," Peter said, rolling his eyes.

Felicia leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "If you want the truth, meet me tonight at the old Gotham Trust building. Midnight. Bring your A-game."

Before Peter could respond, she leapt off the building, landing gracefully on a lower rooftop before disappearing into the shadows.

Peter spent the rest of the day trying to focus on his normal life, but Felicia's words lingered in his mind. Oscorp. Stolen tech. Secret experiments. If Felicia was right, it was worth investigating.

By the time midnight rolled around, Peter found himself perched on the roof of the abandoned Gotham Trust building, his Spider-Man suit blending into the darkness.

Felicia arrived moments later, moving like a shadow.

"You're punctual," she said, her voice light and teasing. "I'm impressed."

"Let's skip the small talk," Peter said. "What's going on at Oscorp?"

Felicia pulled a small device from her belt—a portable hard drive.

"This," she said, holding it up, "is a list of Oscorp's most recent acquisitions. Weapons, prototype tech, and something labeled 'Project Chimera.' Ring any bells?"

Peter shook his head. "Doesn't sound familiar. Where'd you get that?"

Felicia grinned. "A good thief never reveals her secrets."

Peter sighed. "Felicia, if Oscorp's up to something dangerous, I need more than just a list. I need proof."

Felicia stepped closer, her tone suddenly serious. "That's why I called you, Spider. I can get you into Oscorp, but you'll need to do the heavy lifting. Think you can handle that?"

"Let me guess," Peter said. "You're doing this out of the goodness of your heart?"

Felicia's smile returned, sly and playful. "Something like that. But if you're not interested…"

Peter sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "Alright. Let's do this."

They spent the next hour going over Felicia's plan. She had already scoped out an Oscorp facility on the outskirts of the city, where she believed "Project Chimera" was being developed.

As they talked, Peter couldn't help but notice how easily they worked together. Felicia's confidence and charisma were infectious, and her skills were undeniable. But he also knew better than to let his guard down.

"You're awfully quiet tonight," Felicia said, breaking the silence.

"Just thinking," Peter replied. "About how much trouble I'm probably going to get into because of you."

Felicia laughed, the sound soft and melodic. "Relax, Spider. You'll thank me later."

Peter wasn't so sure about that.

As dawn approached, Peter returned to his apartment, exhausted but unable to sleep. Felicia's revelations about Oscorp weighed heavily on his mind.

He stared at the ceiling, his thoughts racing.

If Oscorp really was up to something dangerous, it was his responsibility to stop it. But working with Felicia was a risk—a risk that could cost him more than just his reputation.

And then there was MJ.

Peter closed his eyes, wondering how much longer he could keep his double life from falling apart.

End of Chapter 2