Chapter 104
Arc 7 - Ch 21: The Grand Hunt
Date: Monday, September 12, 2011.
Location: House of M, Manhattan, New York
Tyson entered the tunnels below the House of M. It had been over a week since Illyana returned to the Sanctum. And it had been surprisingly quiet. Tyson had three weeks of relative peace, two weeks in Limbo with Illyana, where, admittedly, he spent most of it in meditation, followed by another week in the real world. There had been no signs of the remnants of the Brotherhood of Mutants, nor the Sinister Six.
The Morlocks had chosen their representatives. Ironically, they chose to stay in the tunnels below the Armory, and Tyson had spent the week turning the space into something livable. Building an above-ground dormitory had been a quick process. Building underground apartments in the crowded below-ground landscape of Manhattan had been more trying. But with the help of a large adamantium drill, combined with his ferrokinesis and metal senses, Tyson had been able to create a safe, comfortable, if industrial space for the Morlocks.
Descending deeper into the tunnel system, the air grew cooler, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and freshly worked metal. As he walked, Tyson sensed the reinforced support beams, ventilation systems, pipes, and power lines. He passed by large, open spaces that would soon be communal areas where the Morlocks could gather, socialize, and feel a sense of community. Further along, he came across the individual living quarters. Each unit was a marvel of efficient design, with Murphy beds, storage compartments, and even small kitchenettes. Tyson had bought furniture in bulk to ensure that every Morlock would have a space to call their own.
Building this place was the first step. Now came the task of helping the Morlocks adjust to their new home, of fostering a sense of community and hope among those who had known little but fear and rejection.
Crossing the entryway, he found the group of Representatives waiting for him. Yuriko, Angel, Marrow, and Gambit. Those who fought for them against the Marauders were picked to lead them.
"Tyson, mon ami, you've outdone yourself dis time." Gambit drawled.
"Glad you approve. How's everyone settling in?"
"Like cats in cream," Gambit chuckled. "Dese tunnels, dey're somethin' else."
"Any issues with the living space? Anything that needs immediate attention?"
"Everyone seems happy. It's more than most of us ever dreamed of having." Angel was the one who answered. The man was far from the typical Morlock; thanks to Tyson's healing, he was handsome, with perfect features and white wings that he kept tucked against his back.
"Good. Now that the Morlocks are safe, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you all. I want to offer jobs within the House of M for all of the Morlocks. Anyone with skills, we can utilize them. And if not, there are minor jobs that need doing. The point is, everyone who wants to work will have that opportunity."
"Dat's mighty generous of you, but why?"
"Because it's important that you don't feel ashamed or like you need to hide from society. Especially now, with you living underground again. It's crucial that you try integrating into society in safe ways."
Angel's wings rustled softly as he shifted his weight. "Some of us... We're not exactly suited for public view, Tyson."
"I understand that," Tyson said gently. "And no one will be forced into anything they're not comfortable with. But House of M is a safe space. It's a place where mutants can be themselves without fear. Working here, even behind the scenes, could be a first step towards feeling more connected to the world above."
Marrow's voice was skeptical. "And you think people will just accept us? Just like that?"
Tyson shook his head. "No, not just like that. It will take time and effort. But we have to start somewhere. And I believe House of M can be that starting point."
Yuriko nodded slowly. "It would be good for morale. To feel useful, to contribute."
"Exactly, and it provides a sense of purpose, a way to earn your own way. It's about dignity as much as it is about integration. Another thing," he said, "Before everything happened here, we used to run morning self-defense sessions. We're starting them back up. It's available to anyone who wants to attend."
"Self-defense, eh? Dat could come in handy, no doubt."
"I think it's important for everyone to know how to fight. Even those of us with exceptional abilities, if we can't fight, we're wasting our potential."
"Some of us already know how to fight," Marrow said, "We've had to, to survive down here."
"I understand that, and that experience is valuable. But there's always more to learn. Different techniques, strategies, and ways to use your powers more effectively in combat situations."
Angel spoke up. "Who would be teaching these sessions? Someone who understands mutant abilities?"
"We have a few people proficient in martial arts. As far as integrating mutant abilities, we all work together to find different partners to hone our powers. Since all our abilities are different, we need to find what works best for them as far as combat training goes."
Yuriko asked, "And this would be open to all Morlocks? Even those who might not seem... suited for combat?"
"Everyone who wants to participate is welcome," Tyson affirmed. "The goal isn't to turn everyone into a warrior. It's about self-confidence, self-reliance, and being prepared for any situation that might arise."
"Sounds like you're buildin' quite de army here."
"Not an army, Gambit. A community that can protect itself. We've seen firsthand how dangerous the world can be for mutants. I want everyone here to feel safe, and to know that they have the tools to defend themselves and each other if the need ever arises."
"It's not a bad idea," Marrow admitted. "It can help some of us gain some confidence and learn how to stand up for ourselves."
Angel nodded slowly. "I can see the benefits. It could help boost morale too, give people a sense of empowerment."
Yuriko asked, "When do you plan to start these sessions?"
"Likely tomorrow. We're trying to get back to a regular schedule. I'll be running shows at House of M again soon." He paused, thoughtfully. "Actually, that reminds me of something else I wanted to discuss with you all. It's about the shows at House of M. I'm always interested in expanding. And I was thinking... if there's anyone among the Morlocks who has an interesting story they'd like me to tell, I'd be open to hearing it."
Marrow's eyes narrowed slightly. "Our stories? What for?"
"To share them. To raise awareness about the struggles mutants face, especially those who've had to live in the shadows. However, it's also an opportunity for the Morlocks to earn money without having to work publicly, if they're not comfortable with that. For any stories I tell, I pay royalties. So if someone doesn't want to work publicly, they can earn money that way. It's another option for those who might not feel ready to take on a more visible job."
Yuriko considered this. "That's... an interesting proposition. But some might worry about exploitation. Our struggles aren't entertainment."
"I understand that concern. And I want to be clear. I'm not trying to capitalize on misery. But making our struggles public can help raise awareness. It can help people understand what mutants go through."
"And de additional money, it helps improve de lives of dose whose story is bein' told, non?"
"The royalties go directly to the person whose story is being shared. It's a way for them to benefit from their experiences, to turn their struggles into something that can help them build a better future."
"And what kind of stories are you looking for?" Marrow asked, "Not all of us have grand tales of heroism or tragedy."
"It doesn't have to be an epic telling. Every story matters, no matter how small it might seem. In fact, sometimes it's the everyday struggles and triumphs that resonate the most with people. Think about it. Spread the word among the others. If someone's story is short, maybe we can make a series that combines into a single movie or something."
"A series of stories... that could work well." Angel agreed. "It would allow more people to share their experiences without any one person feeling too exposed."
Yuriko nodded slowly. "And it would show the diversity of our community. Each of us has our own unique experiences and perspectives."
"Exactly," Tyson said, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "It's about painting a full picture of who the Morlocks are. Not just the hardships, but the moments of joy, the bonds of community, the small victories that have kept you all going."
Gambit chuckled softly. "You got a way with words, mon ami. I bet you could make even my sorry tale sound interestin'."
Tyson grinned. "I have no doubt your story would be fascinating. But remember, I'm just the messenger. The power of these stories comes from the people who lived them."
Marrow asked, "And you said this is entirely voluntary? No one has to share if they don't want to?"
"Absolutely," Tyson affirmed. "No one will be pressured to share anything they're not comfortable with. And even if someone decides to share their story, they'll have full control over what details are included and how it's presented."
"Some might be willing to share their stories but not want their identities known." Yuriko pointed out.
"We can work with that. We could use pseudonyms, or even create composite characters that combine elements from multiple stories while protecting individuals. I do something similar when I tell Spider-Man's story, to protect his identity and those close to him. The goal is to share experiences and raise awareness, not to put anyone in an uncomfortable spotlight."
Angel considered, "This could be a powerful tool for change. Helping people understand what it's like to be a mutant, to be forced to live in hiding..."
"Exactly, it's about building bridges of understanding. And for those who choose to share their stories, it's a chance to reclaim their narratives, to turn their struggles into something positive."
"Well, I for one think it's a fine idea. Might even consider sharin' a tale or two myself."
Marrow conceded, "I'll spread the word. Can't promise anyone will want to share, but... It's good to have options."
Tyson smiled warmly at each of them in turn. "That's all I ask. Spread the word. Let people know that this opportunity is available if they are interested. And remember, we're flexible. Whether it's a full life story or just a single significant moment, every bit helps in building understanding and empathy."
"We'll let everyone know. And... thank you. For everything you're doing here."
"All good. Before I go, I did want to talk to you, Gambit, Yuriko." He noticed their sudden tension and quickly added, "Relax, you look like you just got called to the principal's office."
The others chuckled nervously, and Tyson continued, "While I'm not making it mandatory for anyone to tell their stories, I'm going to need to ask you about yours. I know you're both not Morlocks, yet I found you in the tunnels." He turned to Gambit. "Your accent is obviously not a New York one. I saw in Healer's memories that you weren't with the Morlocks. I'm wondering how you ended up in the tunnels."
"It ain't a pretty story, mon ami. But I suppose it's one dat needs tellin'. My powers, dey were growin' out of control. I couldn't touch nothin' without it explodin'. Sinister, he promised to help me control dem. Said he could fix me up real good. I was desperate, you understand? Didn't have nowhere else to turn." Tyson nodded, encouraging him to continue. "So I signed up with Sinister. But I didn't know what I was gettin' into, not really." Gambit's voice grew quieter. "When I realized what Sinister wanted us to do... I couldn't go through with it. I didn't sign up to kill anyone, especially not folks who were down on der luck."
He glanced at Marrow, "So when I saw dis fierce little spitfire, I knew I had to help. Couldn't stand by and watch dem slaughter innocent people."
Tyson's expression was understanding. "I get it," he said softly. "Sometimes we make choices out of desperation, but it's what we do when we realize our mistakes that truly defines us."
"Dat's de truth, mon ami. I've been tryin' to make up for my mistakes ever since."
Tyson then turned to Yuriko. "I saw you at Alkali Lake. How did you end up with the Morlocks?"
"I left with Stryker on the helicopter. When we landed, he'd forgotten I was a mutant and just thought I was his assistant. He ordered me to take the day off." She paused, her eyes distant as if reliving the memory. "When I awoke and the serum wore off... I was free. Free of his control, finally." Her hands clenched into fists. "So I took my revenge. I killed him. But the authorities caught on. I was hunted and forced to flee from Washington, DC. I made my way north until I reached New York. I stumbled upon the Morlocks by accident, but it was a safe place for me to lay low."
Tyson nodded slowly. "Thank you for sharing that, Yuriko. I know it couldn't have been easy."
Marrow spoke up, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. "We've all got our stories down here. Some are darker than others. But we look out for our own."
Angel nodded in agreement. "The surface world may not understand us, but down here, we've found a kind of family."
Tyson regarded Yuriko. "I know it couldn't have been easy for you, living on the run all this time. But you don't have to keep looking over your shoulder anymore. I'll do my best to keep you safe, Yuriko. I have some connections in SHIELD that I can leverage on your behalf. Granted, I'm kind of in the penalty box with them at the moment. But once I get out, I'll see if I can get the authorities to back off."
— Rogue Redemption —
Dr. Curt Connors' sedan emerged from the Queens-Midtown Tunnel in the midst of his morning commute to the House of M at the Flatiron Armory. His body drove, but his mind was on his most recent breakthrough serum. It had been administered days earlier and, to date, showed no downsides or side effects, but its positive effects had been a resounding success. He couldn't help but be proud of his work, and had been riding high for a few days. He barely noticed the throngs of pedestrians or the honking horns that made up the city's morning ambiance.
Suddenly, there was a loud pop, and the car lurched to the right, the steering wheel jerking in his grip. He guided the vehicle to the curb, narrowly avoiding a collision with a yellow taxi. "Damn it," Connors muttered.
Climbing out of the car, he circled around to the passenger side, where the front tire lay flat against the pavement. A glint of metal caught his eye, and he bent down for a closer look. A knife protruded from the ruined rubber.
A knife? This was no accident.
He straightened, turning slowly. What he saw made his blood run cold.
A muscular man stood before him wearing a vest fashioned from a lion's head, its mane encircling his broad shoulders and thick neck like a bandoleer. A necklace of animal bones clattered softly against his chest. His lower half was clad in tan combat fatigues, stained with dirt and what looked unsettlingly like dried blood. But it was the man's eyes that were truly unnerving. They were the eyes of a predator sizing up its prey.
"Who—" Connors began, but his question was cut short as the stranger lunged forward.
Pain exploded in Connors' chest as a spear, previously concealed behind the attacker's back, plunged through his sternum. He gasped, and the taste of copper flooded his mouth. The world tilted and swayed around him as his legs gave out, but the spear held him upright, pinned like a butterfly in a collection.
The attacker leaned in close, his breath hot on Connors' ear. When he spoke, his voice was thick with a Russian accent. "I know what you are, doktor," he growled. "The great Sergei Kravinoff does not hunt mere men. I have come for the beast that hides beneath your skin."
Connors' eyes widened in shock. How could this man know? He had been so careful, so secretive about his... condition. The pain was overwhelming, threatening to drag him into unconsciousness. He fought against it, but it was futile.
He needed to transform or he'd die.
Kravinoff took a step back and smiled cruelly as he watched the change take hold. Connors's body contorted, bones cracking and reforming. His skin rippled, hardening into scales of mottled green. His arms extended, ending in wickedly curved claws. His face elongated into a reptilian snout filled with razor-sharp teeth.
Where Dr. Curt Connors had stood moments before, the Lizard now towered. The spear, now seeming comically small, clattered to the ground as the creature's expanded chest pushed it free.
"You want the Lizard?" the creature hissed. "I'm here."
Kravinoff's grin widened. He crouched into a fighting stance, muscles coiled and ready to spring. "At last," he said, "a prey worthy of Kraven the Hunter."
This would be no ordinary hunt. This would be a true test. Kraven's blood sang at the thought; he would savor every moment. "Come, beast. Let us see who is the true apex predator."
The Lizard surged forward, jaws gaping. Kraven leapt to meet its charge, holding only his hunting knife. This was the moment he lived for.
The hunt was on.
The Lizard struck first. Kraven ducked, the creature's claws whistling past his ear and shearing off a few strands of his wild mane. The Russian's eyes glittered with excitement as he rolled to the side, coming up in a crouch.
"Yes," he growled, "show me your strength, beast!"
Around them, chaos erupted. Cars screeched to a halt, their drivers abandoning them in terror. Pedestrians fled in all directions. A foolish few pulled out their phones, capturing shaky footage of the monstrous brawl unfolding before them.
The Lizard's tail whipped around, smashing into a nearby parked car. The vehicle crumpled like tinfoil, glass exploding outward in a glittering spray. Kraven used the moment to close the distance, slashing at the Lizard's scales, drawing a thin line of blood across its chest.
The creature roared in pain and fury, its reptilian features contorting into a mask of rage. Curt Connors' consciousness recoiled at the violence, at the danger to innocent bystanders. But that voice was drowned out by the Lizard's need for survival.
Kraven laughed. "Come, doktor! Surely you can do better than that!"
The Lizard's response was a swipe of its powerful tail, catching Kraven in the midsection and sending him flying. The hunter crashed through the window of a nearby coffee shop, showering patrons with broken glass and splintered wood. Screams erupted from inside as people scrambled for the exits.
For a moment, all was still. In a flash of movement, Kraven burst from the ruined storefront, launching himself at his prey with inhuman agility. In his hands, he wielded the legs of a broken table like primitive clubs. He brought them down on the Lizard's head with bone-crushing force, eliciting a pained shriek from the creature.
Dazed, the Lizard stumbled backward, its tail lashing out blindly. It connected with a fire hydrant, shearing it clean off. Water erupted in a pressurized geyser, quickly flooding the street.
Kraven pressed his advantage, raining down blows on the Lizard's scaled hide. Each impact drew pained hisses from the creature. But with each hit, the Lizard's rage grew, drowning out the pain, silencing the last echoes of Connors' humanity.
With a roar, the Lizard counterattacked. Its jaws snapped shut mere inches from Kraven's face as the hunter barely managed to lean back. In the same motion, the Lizard's claws raked across Kraven's chest, shredding his vest and drawing four parallel lines of crimson.
Kraven stumbled back, his hand going to the wounds. He looked at his bloodied palm, then up at the Lizard. His lips pulled back in a feral grin. "First blood to you, beast," he growled. "But the hunt is far from over."
The Lizard lunged forward, and Kraven dove to the side, rolling across the wet pavement. The creature crashed into a parked delivery truck, its momentum carrying both it and the vehicle into the side of a building. Bricks crumbled, and dust billowed out in a choking cloud. For a moment, all was silent save for the hiss of the broken hydrant and the distant wail of approaching sirens. Then, with a screech of tortured metal, the Lizard emerged from the wreckage.
Kraven had used the momentary reprieve to arm himself. He now held a spear in one hand and a net woven from what looked like steel cables in the other.
"Come, doktor," Kraven taunted, twirling the spear. "Let us see if your might can match the blessings of the jungle gods!"
The Lizard's only response was a guttural roar as it charged forward. Kraven met its rush head-on, ducking beneath a swipe of its claws and jabbing upward with his spear. The weapon's tip scraped along the Lizard's scales, seeking purchase. Then the hunter threw his net. The steel mesh entangled the beast. It thrashed wildly, its strength straining against the cables.
He laughed triumphantly… Until the Lizard's jaws clamped down on the net. With a sound like tearing fabric, it ripped through the steel cables, shredding them as if they were made of paper. Kraven's eyes widened in surprise.
The Lizard spat out fragments of metal. Deep in its reptilian brain, a plan began to form. It wasn't the careful strategy of Curt Connors, but rather the cunning of a predator recognizing an opportunity. It darted forward. But instead of attacking Kraven directly, it plunged its claws into the street. Asphalt shattered like dry clay beneath its strength. It scooped up and hurled a chunk of road at Kraven's face. The hunter ducked, the projectile missing him by inches. But this was merely a distraction. The Lizard used the moment to close the distance. It sprang forward, tackling Kraven with the force of a bus.
Both combatants went flying, crashing through the plate glass window of a nearby electronics store. They landed in a shower of shattered screens, rolling across broken smartphones and tablets.
The creature's jaws gaped wide. For the first time since the battle began, a flicker of fear crossed Kraven's face. But the hunter hadn't survived countless safaris and battles with superhumans by giving in to fear. His hand scrabbled amidst the debris, fingers closing around a jagged shard of glass. With a roar of his own, he plunged the makeshift weapon into the Lizard's softer underbelly. The creature shrieked, rearing back. Kraven used the moment to roll to his feet.
Blood matted his hair, and fresh cuts crisscrossed his arms and torso. But his eyes still burned with the thrill of the hunt. "Is that all you have, doktor?" Kraven taunted, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "I expected more from the Terror of Midtown!"
The Lizard pulled the shard of glass from its side, tossing it aside with a clatter. The wound was already beginning to close, thanks to the creature's incredible regenerative abilities. It fixed Kraven with a hate-filled glare, lips pulling back from its teeth in a horrific parody of a smile. With that, it charged forward once more. Kraven met its rush. They crashed through displays, scattering electronics and toppling shelves in their wake.
Their battle carried them back out onto the street, where the first responders were finally arriving. Police cars formed a hasty perimeter, officers crouching behind open doors with weapons drawn. But none dared approach.
The Lizard's tail swept low, knocking Kraven's feet out from under him. The hunter hit the ground hard, the breath driven from his lungs. Before he could recover, the Lizard was upon him, pinning him once again with its considerable weight.
Kraven struggled, but the Lizard's strength was overwhelming. Its claws dug into his shoulders, drawing fresh streams of blood. Slowly, its gaping maw descended toward Kraven's throat.
In that moment, staring death in the face, Sergei Kravinoff felt truly alive.
A laugh bubbled up from his chest, equal parts joy and madness. "Yes!" he roared. "This is how Kraven the Hunter should meet his end!"
The Lizard paused. In that moment of hesitation, a small part of Curt Connors' consciousness resurfaced, horrified at what it was about to do.
It was all the opening Kraven needed. With a surge of strength born of desperation, he brought his head up, smashing his forehead into the Lizard's snout. The creature reeled back, momentarily stunned.
Kraven rolled free, coming up in a crouch. His hand closed around a length of pipe, torn free from the building during their battle. With a war cry that would have made his ancestors proud, he swung the improvised weapon.
The pipe connected with the side of the Lizard's head with a sickening crack. The creature stumbled, its movements suddenly uncoordinated. It lashed out blindly, but Kraven easily sidestepped the attack.
"First rule of the hunt, beast," Kraven growled, circling his dazed opponent. "Never hesitate when you have your prey at your mercy."
He brought the pipe down again and again, each blow driving the Lizard further into a defensive curl. Green blood splattered the pavement, mixing with the water from the still-gushing hydrant to create sickly swirls of color.
Standing over his fallen foe, Kraven's chest heaved with exertion. He tossed aside the bent and bloodied pipe, then knelt beside Connors, placing a hand on the unconscious man's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "You fought well, doktor," he murmured. "Perhaps too well. Our hunt is not yet finished."
He slung the unconscious form of the Lizard over his shoulders and took off running northward, away from the police lines. Even under the creature's considerable weight, his face showed no sign of fatigue. His path took him through back alleys, avoiding the main streets where police sirens wailed in the distance. The few unfortunate souls who crossed his path scrambled out of the way, eyes wide with terror at the sight of the monstrous green form carried by the wild-looking man.
As they traveled, the Lizard's wounds closed, its accelerated healing factor kicking in even in its unconscious state. Scales knitted back together, gashes sealed shut, and bruises faded from angry purple to sickly yellow before disappearing entirely.
After several blocks, the skyline began to change. Modern skyscrapers rose into view, dominating the horizon. And there, at the center of it all, stood their destination.
The partially constructed Stark Tower.
Kraven came to a stop and lowered the Lizard to the ground, propping it against a dumpster. The creature's chest rose and fell with steady breaths. From a pouch on his belt, he produced a small potion vial filled with a viscous, green liquid.
"Wake up, beast," Kraven growled. "The real hunt is about to begin."
Mindful of the teeth, he pried open the Lizard's jaws and poured the concoction down its throat. The sickly sweet liquid coated its tongue, and its eyes widened in surprise. Then, they narrowed into slits.
The potion was brewed using dark magics by the voodoo priestess Calypso. It was designed to send The Lizard into an uncontrollable frenzy, eliminating any last shred of Dr. Connors' human consciousness. Kraven had not come here merely to hunt. No, this was about unleashing the full primal fury of The Lizard.
The effect was almost instantaneous. A roar of pure, unadulterated rage tore from its throat. He stepped back, watching with satisfaction as the Lizard thrashed and snarled, becoming more frenzied by the second. The potion was doing its work, stripping away any remaining vestiges of Dr. Connors' consciousness and leaving only the primal, savage beast.
"Yes! Let the rage consume you. Show the world the true face of nature's fury."
The Lizard's gaze locked onto Kraven. It lunged forward, but he was already moving. With the agility of a leopard, he leapt across the street to the base of Stark Tower. "Come, beast!" he called in challenge. "Show New York your strength! Show Tony Stark what true power looks like!"
It let out another roar and charged out of the alley, its powerful tail leaving gouges in the brick walls as it passed.
Kraven quickly ducked around the corner, leaped high, and hid. Watching from his perch, he observed the chaos he created on the street below. Cars swerved and crashed as drivers caught sight of the monstrous creature. Pedestrians screamed and ran in all directions. The Lizard's potion-addled brain focused solely on destruction. Its tail whipped around, smashing storefronts and overturning vehicles. Workers at Stark Tower began to notice the commotion. Shouts of alarm rose from the construction site as the Lizard drew closer, its path of devastation leading inevitably toward the base of the tower.
This was exactly what Kraven had hoped. The chaos, the destruction, the panic, it was all part of a carefully designed plan. For as fearsome as the Lizard was, it was merely the bait in his grand hunt.
"Come out, come out, Iron Man," Kraven muttered, his eyes scanning the skies. "Your city is under attack. Will you rise to defend it?"
As if in answer, alarms began to blare from Stark Tower. Emergency protocols kicked in, blast shields slamming down over windows and doors. But it was too late to stop the Lizard's rampage. The creature had reached the base of the tower, it began to climb, scaling the building. Glass shattered and metal screamed as the Lizard tore its way upward, heading for the unfinished upper levels.
Kraven watched it all unfold with a satisfied air. The stage was set. The players were in motion. Now, it was only a matter of time before the true game began.
In the distance, the faint sound of repulsors could be heard, growing steadily louder.
"Come, Stark," he growled, crouching low on his perch. "Let us see if the Man of Iron is a worthy hunter."
As the Lizard continued its ascent of Stark Tower, Kraven turned and headed off for the next stage of his grand hunt.
— Rogue Redemption —
The low murmur of freshman chatter filled the auditorium of Empire State University as students filed in for their seminar. Among them, Jessica Drew, Peter Parker, and Felicia Hardy made their way down the aisle. As they sat, the empty seat beside them was a reminder of their missing friend, Tyson, who had accepted his expulsion from ESU without a fight.
Jessica's lips pressed into a thin line. "I still can't believe Tyson just... accepted it."
Peter's brown hair was slightly tousled, as if he'd just taken off his mask. "I know. But he was right. If he's being targeted, attending a school packed with innocent students isn't a good move. He made the decision he had to."
Felicia said. "Look at it this way, it's not like he isn't going to be learning. He's got plenty of other things to work on right now. Honestly, he's never going to use a degree anyway, what's the point?"
As they settled in, a middle-aged man in a tweed jacket made his way to the podium. His salt-and-pepper hair and wire-rimmed glasses screamed 'professor' even before he opened his mouth.
"Welcome, students. Today, we'll be discussing strategies for effective time management..."
As the professor droned on, Felicia leaned over to Peter and Jessica. "If only he had tips on how to manage time between patrols, right? Or how to manage Tyson… Now that would be a useful lecture."
Peter and Jessica exchanged amused glances. For Peter, juggling academics and superhero duties was a constant struggle. A lecture on that particular balancing act would indeed be welcome.
Suddenly, he felt a familiar tingle at the base of his skull. Beside him, Jessica stiffened, her own spider-sense flaring to life. They shared a concerned look, eyes darting around the room for any sign of danger. That's when they noticed a faint, barely visible mist seeping from the air vents. The effect was almost immediate. Students around them began to slump in their seats. Even the professor at the podium swayed, his words slurring before he collapsed to the floor.
"Gas!" Jessica hissed.
Peter had already slipped on his mask. He leaped up, tearing off his clothes to reveal his costume beneath. Jessica finished sliding on her domino. They held their breath, fighting against the increasing lightheadedness as they made their way to the windows. Their vision blurred, the room seeming to tilt and spin around them. They were mere feet from fresh air and escape when the wall to their left exploded inward in a shower of brick and plaster.
Through the dust and debris stomped a monstrous figure.
A man encased in what looked like a giant rhino suit.
"Surprise, bug-brains!" the Rhino bellowed. "I'm here to capture you!"
Before either Peter or Jessica could react, the Rhino's massive fist connected with Jessica's midsection. The impact sent her flying backward, into Felicia, and both women tumbled deeper into the gas-filled room.
"Jess!" Peter cried out.
He fired twin streams of webbing at the Rhino's feet. The sticky substance began to envelop the villain's legs. But Peter's spider-sense tingled again. He backflipped just as a green energy blast scorched the air where he'd been standing. Through the hole created by the Rhino stepped another costumed figure. This one was sleeker, with a wicked-looking tail curled over his head.
"Aw, did you start the party without me, horn-head?" the newcomer quipped, his voice dripping with mock hurt.
Peter landed in a crouch, his mind racing. "Scorpion," he growled, recognizing the villain. "I saw your footage from the attack downtown. What are you two doing here? Was Green Goblin busy today?"
The stinger at the tip of Scorpion's tail glowed with energy. "Oh, the spider's got jokes. Let's see how funny you are after I melt that smart mouth of yours!"
Another blast of energy shot from Scorpion's tail. Peter dodged the attack, which left a smoking crater in the floor where he'd been standing.
"Hey, watch it!" Rhino bellowed, still struggling against the webbing at his feet. "You nearly hit me!"
Scorpion scoffed, firing off another blast that Peter barely avoided. "Just stay still and let me blast this pest!"
As the villains bickered, Peter's mind raced. He needed to get Jessica and Felicia out of here, but he couldn't leave the other students defenseless. And with every passing second, the gas was making it harder to think, to move.
Across the room, Jessica was stirring. She pushed herself up on shaky arms, and her vision swam. The first thing she saw was Felicia's unconscious form beside her. The second was Peter, outnumbered.
"Hey, uglies!" she called out. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to crash a lecture?"
Rhino and Scorpion turned, momentarily distracted. It was all the opening Peter needed. He fired two web lines, one attaching to Jessica and the other to Felicia. With a mighty yank, he pulled them both toward him and the hole in the wall.
"No!" Scorpion snarled, lashing out with his tail.
But Peter was faster. He caught Jessica and Felicia, tumbling with them through the opening and into the fresh air beyond. They hit the ground hard, rolling across the manicured university lawn.
"Nice save," Jessica coughed, struggling to her feet.
"Don't thank me yet," he said grimly. "I feel like this fight's just getting started."
As if on cue, the wall of the auditorium exploded outward as Rhino charged through, finally free of the webbing, with Scorpion right behind him.
"You think you can just run away?" Rhino bellowed, pawing at the ground like his namesake.
Scorpion's tail swayed menacingly. "Nowhere to hide out here, Spider. Time to end this little game."
Peter stood his ground, fists clenched at his sides. Beside him, Jessica Drew's eyes darted between their two foes and Felicia Hardy, who lay unconscious at their feet.
"Enough talk!" Rhino said. "I'm gonna squash you like the bug you are!"
"Arachnid," Peter and Jessica corrected in unison, sharing a brief glance.
"Whatever!" Scorpion hissed, his tail twitching menacingly. "Let's just get this over with. I've got better things to do than play exterminator all day."
The lingering effects of the gas made it hard to focus, and Peter could tell Jessica was struggling too. They needed a plan, and fast.
"Any bright ideas?" Jessica muttered, her fists raised in a fighting stance.
Peter opened his mouth to respond, but the words never came. Instead, his spider-sense screamed a warning, and his body instinctively dove to the side.
Jessica's spider-sense flared to life at the same time. She threw herself backward, narrowly avoiding a massive mechanical tentacle that slammed into the ground where she'd been standing.
Rolling to her feet, she spun to face this new threat. Her eyes widened as she took in Dr. Otto Octavius, the brilliant scientist who'd been in a coma after the events of the Stark Expo. He still wore his four mechanical arms, which carried him like he was a passenger. He regarded Jessica through his round, dark glasses.
"Ah, the female specimen," Octavius mused, "How fascinating. I look forward to studying your genetic makeup... well, during your autopsy, of course."
Jessica's lip curled in disgust. "Sorry, Doc. Not really into the whole 'mad scientist' thing. I'm going to need to reschedule my appointment for… never?"
While Jessica faced off against Octavius, Peter found himself in a predicament of his own. He'd avoided the tentacle, but in his compromised state, he'd missed another, equally dangerous threat.
A strand of webbing, not his own, suddenly ensnared his foot. Before he could react, a vicious punch caught him in the side of the head, sending him sprawling.
Stars exploded across Peter's vision as he hit the ground hard.
Kaine, the failed clone of Peter Parker, stood over him. His costume, no longer a mimicry of Peter's, was now solid red, with black at the head, shoulders, and that iconic spider symbol, but with reflective red lenses.
"Hello, brother. Miss me?"
Peter struggled to his feet, shaking his head to clear it. "Kaine," he spat.
As the two Spider-Men faced off, Rhino and Scorpion exchanged confused glances.
"Hey, what gives?" Rhino rumbled. "I thought we were supposed to get Spider-Man?"
Scorpion's tail lashed in agitation. "Who cares? Just squash the bugs, just not that one." He said, pointing at Kaine.
"I told you," Octavius snapped, "Arachnids are not insects, you simpleton."
"Oh, put a sock in it, Ock," Scorpion retorted. "Not all of us got our degrees in boring."
As the villains bickered, Jessica saw an opportunity. She locked eyes with Peter. In perfect synchronization, they sprang into action. Jessica launched herself at Octavius. At the same time, Peter fired a web line at Rhino's feet, yanking hard. The behemoth toppled forward with a surprised bellow, crashing into Scorpion.
"Oops," Peter quipped, narrowly dodging a swipe from Kaine. "Didn't see you there, big guy. Maybe try a brighter color scheme next time?"
Kaine snarled. "Always with the jokes," he spat. "Let's see you laugh through a broken jaw!"
The battle exploded across the university grounds. Jessica weaved between Octavius' tentacles, peppering him with webbing, trying to tie up his mechanical arms. Peter danced around Kaine's attacks, all the while, both Spiders kept Rhino and Scorpion off-balance with well-placed webs and acrobatic maneuvers, all while fighting off their other target.
"Stand still, you wall-crawling menace!" Scorpion hissed, firing off blast after blast from his tail.
"Now you're starting to sound like Jameson," Peter quipped, flipping over one blast, letting it hit Rhino instead. The larger villain roared in pain and anger.
"Watch where you're aiming that thing, you overgrown cockroach!" Rhino bellowed, charging at Scorpion.
"It's not my fault!" Scorpion protested, scuttling out of the way. "If you weren't such a big target—"
Meanwhile, Jessica was holding her own against Octavius, but only just. The effects of the gas were still slowing her reflexes, and the doctor's multiple arms gave him a distinct advantage.
One tentacle wrapped around Jessica's ankle. He whipped her through the air, sending her crashing into a nearby statue. The marble crumbled under the impact, covering Jessica in dust and debris.
"Jess!" Peter called out, momentarily distracted. It was all the opening Kaine needed.
The clone tackled Peter to the ground, his hands wrapping around his "brother's" throat. "Always worried about others," Kaine growled. "That's your weakness. One I don't share."
As Peter struggled against Kaine's grip, his eyes fell on Felicia's still-unconscious form. She was vulnerable, exposed. If any of the villains decided to target her...
With a surge of desperate strength, Peter brought his legs up, planting his feet on Kaine's chest. He pushed with all his might, sending the clone flying.
"Weakness?" Peter gasped, climbing to his feet. "Caring about others isn't weakness, Kaine. It's a strength. Something you know nothing about!"
"Save your lectures. I'm not here for a heart-to-heart."
Peter opened his mouth to retort, but the words died in his throat as he felt a familiar tingle. His spider-sense screamed a warning. Without thinking, he threw himself backward in a leaping somersault, narrowly avoiding a spear that whistled through the air where his chest had been moments before. Time seemed to slow as Peter's eyes followed the trajectory of the weapon, tracing it back to its source. A new figure was falling from above.
Sergei Kravinoff, better known as Kraven the Hunter, landed in a crouch.
"Ah, the spider evades the first strike," Kraven purred, his thick Russian accent dripping with anticipation. "Good. I would be disappointed if this hunt ended too quickly."
But in Peter's moment of distraction, his clone capitalized on the opening, driving a vicious haymaker into his face. The impact sent him spinning.
As Peter stumbled, disoriented, Kraven struck again. The hunter's knife found its mark on Peter's side.
"Peter!" Jessica screamed.
Rage and fear fueled her as she charged toward Kraven. But in her haste to reach him, she'd left herself exposed. Scorpion, seeing an opportunity, unleashed a blast from his tail. "Lights out, spider-babe!"
Jessica's spider-sense warned her just in time. She threw herself into a roll, the energy blast sizzling over her head. But her evasion put her squarely in the path of another threat.
Doctor Octopus's tentacles.
Before Jessica could recover, one of the metal appendages wrapped around her midsection, squeezing with crushing force.
"Fascinating," Octavius mused, adjusting his glasses with his hand as he observed Jessica's struggles. "Your enhanced physiology allows you to withstand pressures that would incapacitate a normal human. I wonder how long you can last before your ribs crack?"
Jessica gasped, fighting for breath as the tentacle constricted further. She pulled at the metal arm.
Meanwhile, Peter fought on. He gritted his teeth and pushed through the pain. He'd suffered worse, he told himself. He had to keep fighting, had to save Jessica and Felicia.
Kraven circled him. "You are strong. But this time, I will defeat Spider-Man!"
Peter dodged a swipe from Kraven's knife, firing a web that the hunter easily avoided. "Who taxidermied your wardrobe? Was it a group project, and you decided to bring your partners on your hunt?"
Kraven's eyes narrowed. "Your attempts at humor will not save you."
"Tough crowd," Peter muttered. He launched into a series of rapid-fire punches, trying to overwhelm Kraven with speed. But the hunter was ready, blocking or deflecting each strike. Peter realized Kraven had changed. He was too fast, too strong, this was not like how he'd been the last time they'd fought.
Rhino and Scorpion watched from the sidelines. "Hey, how come the new guy gets all the fun?" Rhino grumbled.
"Patience, horn-head. We'll get our turn soon enough. Besides, I'm enjoying the show."
Their bickering was cut short as Kaine re-entered the fray. The clone's attacks perfectly synchronized with Kraven's. Peter found himself desperately trying to fend off attacks from two skilled opponents. A particularly vicious blow from Kaine caught Peter in the solar plexus, driving the air from his lungs. He stumbled, and Kraven seized the opportunity, sweeping Peter's legs out from under him.
As Peter hit the ground hard, Kaine was on him in an instant. The clone straddled him, raining down brutal punches.
"This is what you get," Kaine snarled between blows. "This is what happens when you're weak, when you let them take Gwen from us. From me."
Peter tried to defend himself, but his movements were sluggish. The combination of his injury, the lingering effects of the gas, and the relentless assault was taking its toll. Across the battlefield, Jessica's struggles were growing weaker. Octavius's tentacle maintained its crushing grip, squeezing the air from her lungs. Her vision began to darken around the edges, unconsciousness creeping in despite her best efforts to fight it off.
"Remarkable," Octavius murmured, observing her with clinical detachment. "Your resilience is truly impressive. But even you have limits, my dear."
As Jessica went limp in Octavius's grasp, Peter made one last, desperate attempt to break free. But Kaine was ready. The clone fired his webbing, quickly binding Peter's arms to his sides.
"It's over, brother. You've lost."
Peter struggled against the webbing, but it was no use.
"And so, the spider falls," Kraven intoned, crouching beside Peter. "But fear not. Your defeat will be remembered. Songs will be sung of this day when Kraven the Hunter bested the amazing Spider-Man and Mirage."
Peter wanted to retort, to fire off one last quip. But as Kaine continued raining down blows, unconsciousness beckoned like an old friend. As Peter's eyes closed, the last thing he saw was Felicia's still-unconscious form nearby.
The villains gathered around their fallen prey. Rhino and Scorpion jostled for position, eager to claim their share of the victory.
"I say we finish 'em off right now," Scorpion hissed.
"Yeah! Let's squash 'em once and for all!" Rhino agreed.
But Octavius held up a restraining tentacle. "Patience, gentlemen. They are far more valuable to us alive."
Before the argument could escalate further, Kaine stepped between them. "Enough. We have what we came for. Let's get out of here. Time for the main show."
With grudging nods, the villains gathered up their unconscious prizes. Rhino scooped up Peter's bound form in one hand. Octavius kept Jessica wrapped tightly in his tentacle. As they prepared to depart, Scorpion glanced around at the devastation they'd wrought. The university grounds were now a wasteland of craters, shattered brick, and upturned earth.
"Gotta hand it to us," he mused. "We sure know how to redecorate."
Rhino snorted in amusement. "Yeah."
Kaine noticed the unconscious Felicia Hardy. He pointed at her and said, "That's Tyson's girlfriend, grab her too."
Kraven picked up the white-haired woman and hefted her over his shoulder, her hands hanging limply behind him, down to his waist level.
The villains dismissed her as just a normal student, adding her to the group they intended to use as bait for the upcoming trap.