Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

Chapter 76: Reflections in the Dark

The city stretched beneath Peter like a sprawling canvas of concrete and steel, the lights flickering like stars in the night. He swung through the air, his movements fluid and precise, but his mind was anything but at ease. The battle with Morlun had left him physically drained, but it was the haunting sense of foreboding that gnawed at him. Something was coming. Something worse. And he wasn't sure he was ready for it.

His phone buzzed again, and Peter's heart skipped a beat. It was another message from MJ.

"Peter, please talk to me. You're acting strange."

He paused mid-swing, hanging upside down on a nearby building as he read the message again. She was worried. He could feel the weight of her concern in those simple words. But how could he explain what was happening? How could he tell her about Morlun, the ancient predator, or the sinister force that still lingered in the air, waiting to strike again?

Peter let out a deep sigh and shot another web, swinging toward the apartment he shared with Aunt May. He needed a moment to breathe, to gather his thoughts before he faced the people who depended on him.

Inside the apartment, Aunt May was sitting at the kitchen table, her brow furrowed with concern. She had been waiting for Peter, but he could tell she had expected this moment to come. She knew something was wrong.

"Peter," Aunt May said, her voice soft but insistent. "What happened? I saw the news. The explosion, the fight at the docks—what's going on?"

Peter stood in the doorway, his costume still clinging to his body, the remnants of his battle evident in the bruises and scrapes that lined his skin. He took a deep breath, trying to push aside the overwhelming sense of guilt that always came after he'd faced a major threat. It wasn't just about the fight—it was about the people who had been affected by it, the lives that were at risk every time he put on the mask.

"I'm fine, Aunt May," he said, but the words felt hollow even to him. "Just a little… a little bruised, that's all."

Aunt May didn't buy it. She stood up, crossing the room and placing a hand on his arm. "Peter, you can't keep doing this. You don't have to carry this burden alone. I know you think you have to protect everyone, but you're only human."

Peter looked down at the floor, unable to meet her gaze. "You don't understand. There's more at play here than just—just some regular villain. Something… something bigger is coming, Aunt May. And I don't know if I can stop it."

Aunt May's eyes softened with concern, but there was a glimmer of understanding in them. "You don't have to be Spider-Man to make a difference. You're already doing enough by being here, by being Peter. And that's all anyone needs from you."

Peter's chest tightened. She was right. He knew she was right. But that didn't make it easier to shoulder the weight of the world on his own.

He pulled his mask off, revealing his face, the exhaustion clearly visible in his eyes. "I know, Aunt May. I know."

She smiled gently, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "You're not alone in this, Peter. You never will be."

For a moment, they just stood there, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Peter wished he could just leave everything behind for a while, take a break from the constant fight. But he knew that wasn't an option. As long as there were people out there who needed Spider-Man, he had to keep going.

The moment was interrupted by another buzz from his phone. Peter glanced at the screen. It was MJ again.

"Peter, where are you? I'm coming over. We need to talk."

Peter hesitated, then typed a quick response.

"I'll be home soon. Don't worry. I'm fine."

He put the phone down and glanced at Aunt May. "I'm going to take a walk. Clear my head a little. I'll be back in a bit."

"Be careful," Aunt May said, her voice filled with that familiar, protective concern. "I love you."

"I love you too," Peter said, his voice quiet, filled with a mixture of gratitude and guilt.

Peter stepped out into the cool night air, his mind still reeling from the events of the past few days. Morlun had been defeated—at least for now—but the feeling of dread had not dissipated. If anything, it had only grown stronger.

As he swung through the city, the streets below looked peaceful, but Peter knew better. Peace was an illusion. It was only a matter of time before the next threat would rise, and this time, it might be worse than anything he had ever faced.

He arrived at MJ's apartment a short while later, landing on the fire escape outside her window. He could see her sitting inside, pacing back and forth, her face etched with worry. She had been waiting for him.

Peter climbed through the window and stepped into the room, the warmth of her presence comforting him, even as his mind remained clouded by the battle that still raged within him.

MJ's eyes softened when she saw him, her concern shifting to something deeper. "Peter… what's going on? You've been acting distant. I'm worried about you."

Peter smiled weakly, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine, MJ. Really. Just… a little tired. It's been a long week."

MJ raised an eyebrow. "A long week? Peter, this isn't just about being tired. You're hiding something, and I can't help you if you won't let me in."

Peter stood silently for a moment, his thoughts swirling. He could feel the weight of the secret he was carrying—about Morlun, the web of life, and the dark force that was still out there, lurking in the shadows. How could he explain all of that to her without sounding insane? How could he burden her with the truth when he could barely comprehend it himself?

"I wish I could tell you," Peter said quietly. "I really do. But right now… there's too much going on. And I can't risk putting you in danger."

MJ took a step toward him, her expression softening with understanding. "Peter, I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to do this alone."

Peter looked down at the floor, his heart heavy. The fight was far from over, and the road ahead was uncertain. But he wasn't as alone as he once thought. He had MJ, Aunt May, and the people who cared about him. And for the first time in a long while, Peter felt a flicker of hope.

"Maybe," Peter said, his voice barely above a whisper, "maybe I don't have to fight alone."

MJ smiled, reaching out to take his hand. "You don't, Peter. We're in this together."

Peter squeezed her hand tightly, feeling a sense of warmth spread through him. The battle was far from over, but maybe, just maybe, he had something to fight for beyond just the city and the web. Maybe it was time to start fighting for himself.

End of Chapter 76