In the labyrinthine streets of Chinatown, Martin Li's sleek limousine glided to a smooth halt. Stepping out into the vibrant chaos of the bustling district, he was flanked by his entourage, each member donning the signature masks that marked them as part of the enigmatic Inner Demons.

Their movements were swift and purposeful, leading Martin through narrow alleyways that seemed to shift and coil like a living organism until they arrived at an unassuming building tucked away from prying eyes.

Inside, the atmosphere was thick with the heady aroma of incense, and the flickering candlelight cast eerie shadows across the faces of the assembled Inner Demons. Their eyes gleamed with unwavering loyalty as Martin addressed them in fluent Chinese, his words carrying the weight of authority and conviction.

"What is the current status of our territories? And how does our feud with the Maggia stand?" he inquired, his voice a calm river amidst the storm of the city's criminal underbelly.

The Inner Demons responded in kind, their voices resonating with determination and purpose. They recounted recent clashes, territorial gains, and the weakening grip of the Maggia in the wake of Spider-Man's distraction.

The accusations against the wall-crawler had sown seeds of discord and confusion, diverting attention from their own criminal enterprises.

Mr. Negative, the enigmatic alter ego hidden behind Martin Li's calm facade, saw opportunity in the chaos that gripped the city. "This distraction proves fortuitous for us," he stated, his tone measured but infused with a quiet intensity. "The authorities are consumed by their pursuit of Spider-Man, leaving our operations relatively unhindered. We can now press our advantage, expand our territory, and tighten our grip on the drug trade."

Amidst the strategic discussions, Martin's thoughts briefly shifted to his personal life. "Make sure our operations are swift and decisive," he instructed, his gaze flickering with a blend of determination and worry. "We do not have the luxury of time. We must act before the city wakes from its temporary blindness."

As the meeting continued, plans were meticulously laid out, alliances forged, and the Inner Demons prepared to exploit the golden opportunity presented by the distraction of Spider-Man. Unbeknownst to them, a trio of unlikely allies—Spider-Man, Black Cat, and Prowler—were converging on the same shadows, driven by their own motives and quests for truth.

As the meeting progressed, Li's mind was divided. Even amidst discussions of strategy and power plays, his thoughts strayed to his upcoming dinner plans with Jessica. She had unwittingly become entangled in his double life, a complication he hadn't anticipated.

"Ensure our operations are swift and decisive," he ordered, his tone unwavering. "We have a limited window before the city realizes our true intentions."

🕷️

Under the cloak of darkness, Spider-Man swung across the cityscape, his lithe form slicing through the night. Beside him, Black Cat moved with feline grace, her eyes glinting with a mix of excitement and determination. Prowler, the reluctant member of their trio, trailed behind, his steps deliberate and cautious. Together, they ventured deeper into the heart of Chinatown, seeking the elusive leader of the Inner Demons.

Their journey led them to abandoned buildings, once vibrant hubs of activity now reduced to decaying husks. Each location held secrets, whispers of the Inner Demons' nefarious activities. As they infiltrated one such building, Spider-Man's sharp senses tingled with danger.

"Well, folks, looks like we've hit the demon's den. Brace yourselves," he quipped, his voice laced with a blend of bravado and humor.

Within moments, the trio found themselves surrounded by Inner Demons, their menacing masks casting eerie shadows across the walls. Black Cat cracked her knuckles, a confident smirk playing on her lips. "Ready for some fun, boys?" she teased, her eyes glinting mischievously.

Prowler, more reserved but no less deadly, adjusted his gauntlets. "Let's get this over with," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the approaching threat.

The fight erupted in a flurry of acrobatics and strikes. Spider-Man, with his agility and speed, danced between foes, his webbing entangling his adversaries. "Come on, fellas, isn't there a knitting club you could join instead?" he taunted, his quips flying as swiftly as his fists.

Black Cat's flexible movements were a lethal dance, her whip-like strikes keeping the Demons at bay. "You know, I've seen scarier bedtime stories," she remarked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Prowler, always more pragmatic, chimed in, "Or we could just stick to breaking bones. That's a language they understand."

Their synergy in combat was unmatched, each movement fluid and precise, a testament to their growing camaraderie. As the thugs fell, one after the other, Y/N seized the opportunity, snatching an unconscious thug's mask and stashing it away. This token held a glimmer of promise.

It was a clue, a souvenir of sorts that might come in handy at a later time. .

Amidst the battles, they questioned the thugs they captured, trying to extract any useful information. Prowler, his demeanor no-nonsense, asked, "Who's pulling the strings? We know it's not just you street-level goons."

One thug, battered and bruised, spat defiantly, "You're too late. The city belongs to Mr. Negative now. No one can stop him."

Outside, Spider-Man examined the captured mask, his fingers tracing the intricate patterns. "There's something about this symbol," he mused aloud. "It's not just random. It means something to them. We need to figure out what."

Black Cat leaned against a nearby wall, her eyes sharp. "Maybe we're looking at it the wrong way. Instead of decoding their symbol, what if we understand why they chose it in the first place? Symbols have power, after all."

Prowler, ever pragmatic, interjected, "So, what? We're becoming amateur psychologists now? Great. Just what I needed in my resume."

Spider-Man grinned beneath his mask. "Hey, if the shoe fits, Hobie."

🕷️

Y/N navigated through the sea of students, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. The presence of Peter and Mary Jane, blissfully wrapped up in each other, was a bittersweet reminder of the normalcy he yearned for. As they approached him, concern etched across Mary Jane's features, Y/N couldn't help but offer a weak smile.

"Hey, don't worry about these," Y/N said, brushing his fingers lightly over the scar marks on his face. "Just a little accident, nothing serious."

Mary Jane's eyes, filled with empathy, lingered on his scars. "Are you sure you're okay? You don't look fine."

"I promise, MJ, I'm tougher than I look," Y/N replied, attempting to sound more confident than he felt.

Peter, his tone apologetic, chimed in, "Sorry for not being around much lately, Y/N. Things with MJ have been... busy."

Y/N waved it off, concealing the sting of isolation. "It's cool, Pete. Life happens, right?"

Mary Jane, her ever-sparkling personality, suggested a double date, attempting to bridge the gap. "You know, we could all hang out sometime. Maybe invite Glory Grant? I hear she's got a bit of a crush on you."

Peter playfully teased his girlfriend, "Yeah, and don't forget about that secret woman Y/N keeps mentioning. Maybe she can join us instead."

Y/N chuckled, a hollow sound in his own ears. "Nah, nothing like that. Just focusing on school and stuff." he replied, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the alternate universe where Gwen lived.

The conversation ended as they went their separate ways, Peter and Mary Jane hand in hand, leaving Y/N to navigate the halls alone. Just as he entered the classroom, Flash Thompson, the perennial bully, couldn't resist throwing in a taunt. "You look like shit, L/N. Been in another fight?"

Ignoring Flash's remark, Y/N took his seat in Dr. Connors' class. The moment he entered the room, the atmosphere shifted from the bustle of the hallway to the quiet focus of learning.

Dr. Connors, with his disarming smile, greeted Y/N. "You've been missing classes, Y/N. Everything alright?" he inquired, genuine concern etched across his face.

Y/N hesitated for a moment before fabricating a story about his absence, not wanting to burden Dr. Connors with his real struggles. "Just some family stuff," he replied vaguely. "It won't happen again, I promise."

Dr. Connors' gaze softened, sympathy evident in his eyes. "I know it's been tough for you, losing your dad. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

The conversation shifted, and they delved into Connors' work on cross-species genetics. Y/N listened intently, his mind absorbing the scientific jargon. Connors' enthusiasm was contagious, and despite his own struggles, Y/N found solace in their discussions.

As the meeting concluded, Connors expressed his admiration for Y/N's intellect. "You're a bright young man, Y/N. Your potential is limitless. Have you thought about your future? College, perhaps?"

Y/N nodded, his thoughts a whirlwind of possibilities. "I'm considering engineering, maybe art." He replied.

"Engineering could be my ticket to understanding more, to fixing things that are broken," Y/N confessed, thinking about being able to travel to other dimensions.

Connors nodded, acknowledging Y/N's potential. "Remember, your story is your own, and don't let anyone tell you differently Y/N."

🕷️

Jessica took one last look in the mirror, adjusting her outfit nervously. It had been so long since she'd gone on a date, and her heart was pounding with anticipation and anxiety. Her fingers brushed through her hair, ensuring it fell just right. Martin Li had invited her to dinner, and although she wasn't sure if it was a date, the prospect of spending time with him had her both excited and anxious.

As she made her way downstairs, the aroma of Y/N's home-cooked dinner wafted through the air. The scent was comforting, a reminder of the times when it had been just the two of them, navigating the world together after Jacob's passing.

Y/N, engrossed in his schoolwork, glanced up as Jessica descended the stairs. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of his mom in a stylish dress, her makeup done subtly but elegantly.

"Wow, Mom, you look great," he commented, putting his pen down. "What's the occasion?"

Jessica smiled, trying to hide her nervousness. "Well, I've got dinner plans," she admitted.

Y/N raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "Dinner plans, huh? With who?"

Jessica hesitated for a moment, then decided it was best to be upfront. "It's with Martin Li," she confessed, watching her son's reaction carefully.

Y/N's face fell slightly, and he looked away for a moment before meeting her gaze again. "Martin Li? Is it... like a date?" he asked, his voice cautious.

She sighed, understanding his concerns. "I'm not even sure, Y/N. It's just dinner. But I wanted to be honest with you about it."

He nodded, a conflicted expression on his face. "It's... a bit uncomfortable, Mom. But I get it. You have your own life, and you deserve to do whatever makes you happy."

Jessica's heart warmed at her son's understanding. She stepped closer and placed a hand on his cheek. "You're such a good kid, Y/N. I love you."

Y/N smiled, his eyes filled with affection. "I love you too, Mom. And if Mr. Li makes you happy, then I'm okay with it."

An hour later, the doorbell rang, and Y/N knew that Martin Li had arrived to pick up his mother. He watched them exchange a few words at the door before Martin turned to address him.

"You're handling this very maturely, Y/N," Martin commented, a sense of respect in his voice. "I know it's not easy when parents aren't around much."

Y/N nodded, feeling a connection with Martin's own loss. "Yeah, it can be tough. But I'll be okay. I've got homework to finish tonight, anyway," he said, his voice light.

Before they left, Y/N couldn't help but pull Martin aside for a moment. "Hey, Mr. Li, can you look at something for me real quick?" he asked, his voice low.

Martin, intrigued, followed Y/N to his room. Y/N handed him one of the masks that the Inner Demons wore, the one he swiped, his curiosity getting the better of him. "I found this on the street. It's for a school project. I'm trying to figure out the meaning behind these masks," he explained, though he knew it was a stretch.

Martin's expression turned stern for a moment, and his grip tightened on the mask. Y/N tensed, feeling as though he'd touched a nerve. But Martin quickly composed himself and began examining the sketch.

After a moment, he spoke, his voice tinged with an unsettling calmness. "This is an ancient Chinese opera mask," he said slowly. "I haven't seen these in years. The inscription here... it roughly translates to 'Demon.'"

Y/N blinked, surprised by Martin's reaction. "Sorry if I upset you with this, Mr. Li. I just thought it was interesting," he said, trying to defuse any tension.

Martin shook his head, his expression softening. "No, it's not your fault, Y/N. These masks... they bring back memories I'd rather forget. Just be careful with them," he cautioned before leaving Y/N's room.

Jessica, waiting downstairs, bid her son goodnight as she climbed into the waiting limo. Y/N watched them depart, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.

Despite his support for his mother's happiness, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Martin Li than met the eye. But for now, he thought it was just intrusive thoughts caving in and put those worries aside for the time being.

🕷️

As Jessica and Martin settled into the luxurious backseat of the limo, the plush seats enveloped them in comfort. The dimly lit interior and the soft hum of the engine gave the ride an air of elegance.

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner, Martin," Jessica began, a smile on her face as she looked at her companion. "It's been a while since I've been out like this."

Martin returned her smile warmly. "The pleasure is mine, Jessica. I've been wanting to take you out for some time. You deserve a break from all the hard work you do at F.E.A.S.T."

Jessica chuckled. "Well, I appreciate it. And, you know, it's nice to get out every now and then."

As the limo glided through the city streets, Martin continued, "I must say, your son is quite mature and understanding. Not every teenager would be so accepting of their parent going out with someone new."

Jessica nodded, her eyes distant for a moment. "Yes, he's a good kid. He's had to deal with a lot, especially after his father passed away. I want him to be happy and to have a bright future."

Martin glanced out the tinted windows, watching the city lights go by. "You're doing an excellent job as a mother, Jessica. It's clear how much you care about him."

She smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Martin. It means a lot to hear that."

Their conversation continued as they chatted about various topics, their voices filled with warmth and genuine interest. The evening was shaping up to be enjoyable.

Unbeknownst to Jessica, the driver of the limo, a man dressed inconspicuously in a black suit, was listening intently to their conversation. He spoke no English, and as they chatted away, he communicated in low murmurs with someone on the other end of a hidden earpiece.

Martin, catching Jessica's attention, switched to speaking in Chinese. "请让我知道你正在考虑什么，弗朗西斯。" (Let me know what you're thinking, Francis.)

The driver, Francis, nodded subtly, his eyes focused on the road. He responded in Chinese, "我会提醒他们继续关注蜘蛛侠，这样我们就可以继续前进。

Jessica, not understanding the language, assumed they were discussing something related to the restaurant or their evening plans. She leaned back into her seat, content with the company and the sense of normalcy this date was bringing to her life.

But she had no idea, this evening was about to be anything but normal.

🕷️

Late as always, Spider-Kid," Prowler teased, his tone laced with sarcasm as Y/N approached the meeting spot.

Y/N rolled his eyes, not letting Prowler's comment get to him. "Had some homework to finish. Education first, you know," he replied, his voice masked by the suit.

Black Cat chimed in, her tone playful. "Well, aren't you the responsible one."

Ignoring the banter, Y/N quickly got down to business. "We have some new information. Those masks the Demons wear, they're related to an ancient Chinese opera. It translates to 'Demon.' Martin Li confirmed it. Now we need to find out who's leading these guys."

Prowler revved his bike's engine, ready to hit the road. "Let's not waste any more time. Chinatown it is."

With a shared sense of purpose, the trio set out, each of them driven by their own motivations. As they ventured deeper into Chinatown.

The trio moved through the darkened streets of Chinatown, their senses alert to every sound and movement. The air was thick with tension as they approached the mysterious building guarded by the masked thugs. Each step was deliberate, every movement calculated. They knew they were walking into the lion's den, but they were ready.

Silently, Spider-Man shot a web to the rooftop, swinging up and perching like a shadow. Prowler used his gadgets to scale the wall, his movements precise and efficient. Black Cat gracefully leaped from one rooftop to another, her lithe form disappearing into the night. Together, they circled the building, searching for an entry point.

Spider-Man's keen eyes spotted an open window on the second floor. With a nod to his companions, he shot a web, pulling himself up and disappearing inside. Prowler and Black Cat followed suit, entering the building one after the other.

Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with the stench of drugs and the sound of hushed conversations. The trio moved like ghosts, webbing up guards and disabling security cameras. They made their way deeper into the building, discovering rooms filled with crates of drugs and weapons. It was evident that this was the heart of the Inner Demons' operation.

Careful not to alert the guards, Spider-Man used his webbing to silence any noise, ensuring their presence remained undetected. Prowler utilized his wrist gauntlets to disable security systems, while Black Cat used her cat-like agility to navigate through the maze of corridors.

As they ventured further, they stumbled upon a room where Demon thugs were communicating with one another. Y/N recognized the masks they wore, identical to the one he had shown Martin Li. This was a significant discovery, a link that connected the Inner Demons to their enigmatic leader.

Spider-Man gestured for silence, his eyes narrowing as he eavesdropped on their conversation. The thugs were discussing their next shipment and the distribution of a new weapon — one that seemed to have an otherworldly energy. Y/N's mind raced with possibilities, wondering what kind of technology or dark power could be at play.

Their mission went smoothly until a hulking thug, seemingly impervious to subtlety, discovered their presence. "Intruders!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the building. With lightning-fast reflexes, Hobie silenced the thug with a swift blow from his wrist gauntlets, rendering him unconscious.

Prowler turned to the others with a smirk beneath his mask. "Guess stealth was fun while it lasted."

The situation escalated quickly. As backup arrived, the trio found themselves surrounded by a horde of enraged Demon thugs. Spider-Man's spider-sense tingled, warning him of imminent danger.

"Looks like we've got company, folks. Shall we dance?" he quipped, his voice laced with bravado.

Prowler cracked his knuckles, a sly grin crossing his face. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Black Cat purred softly, her voice as sultry as ever. "You guys should try doing this in heels sometime. Adds an extra layer of challenge."

"Uh, sure, I'll get right on that."

Black Cat twirled gracefully, tossing smoke bombs that filled the air with a dense fog. Amidst the confusion, she darted in and out of the haze, her retractable claws finding their mark with lethal precision.

Prowler's rocket boots propelled him into the air, allowing him to rain down punches on the bewildered thugs. "You guys really need to upgrade your security," he quipped, his gauntlets crackling with energy as he incapacitated one thug after another.

Spider-Man swung between the walls, using his web-shooters to disarm the thugs and immobilize them.

"I guess subtlety isn't their strong suit," he remarked, his voice muffled by the mask. His stingers discharged, slashing through the remaining foes, leaving them groaning on the ground.

With the last Demon thug incapacitated, the building fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside.

Breathing heavily, the trio regrouped, their eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. "Not bad for a night's work," Black Cat said, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Yeah," Y/N breathed. "Would not recommend doing that again." 

Nice gadgets, Hobie. Mind sharing?" Black Cat quipped, her voice laced with sarcasm as she dispatched another thug.

Prowler shot her a glare. "Sorry, my toys, I don't share."

Spider-Man, his senses heightened, detected movement in the distance. He pointed toward a nearby door. "There's something important in there. We need to check it out."

With bated breath, Spider-Man pushed open the door, revealing a lavishly furnished office adorned with intricate Chinese antiques. As he scanned the room, his eyes widened in disbelief and horror. Among the documents strewn across the desk, he found evidence linking Martin Li to the Inner Demons. Payments, donation slips, and insurance claims—all bearing Li's signature.

A sinking feeling settled in the pit of Spider-Man's stomach.

Martin Li, the seemingly benevolent leader of F.E.A.S.T, was the mastermind behind the Inner Demons.

The man his mother was currently having dinner with was, in reality, a dangerous crime lord.

She's in danger.

This was not good.

Clutching the incriminating evidence in his hand, Spider-Man turned to the others, his voice tight with urgency. "We need to go. Now."

Little did they know, a flicker of security lights in the office had alerted Martin Li to their intrusion.

🕷️

The ambient chatter of the restaurant filled the air as Jessica and Martin enjoyed their dinner in the dimly lit atmosphere. Conversation flowed easily between them, covering various topics from the city's vibrant culture to the challenges of raising a teenager.

Martin's warm smile and genuine interest in Jessica's life put her at ease. It had been so long since she'd felt this way on a date, and it was refreshing.

As they sipped on their wine, a sudden blaring alarm from Martin's phone shattered the tranquility of their evening. Jessica's eyebrows furrowed in concern as he muttered an expletive in Chinese, his eyes darting to the intrusive notification.

"Is everything okay?" Jessica inquired, her concern evident in her voice.

Martin quickly composed himself, a practiced smile masking his momentary distress. "Just an issue at work," he explained vaguely. "Nothing for you to worry about, my dear."

His response seemed plausible enough, but Jessica couldn't shake off her unease. She knew there was something more, something he wasn't telling her.

Meanwhile, Y/N was on a mission, his heart pounding as he swung through the city, racing to the only high-class Chinese restaurant he knew in Brooklyn. The thought of his mother's safety consumed him, fueling his every move. Hobie and Felicia followed, their curiosity piqued by Y/N's frantic determination.

Jessica found herself torn between the enjoyable evening she had been having and the nagging suspicion that Martin was hiding something significant from her.

His earlier reaction to the security alarm had raised her concerns, and she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his story than he was letting on.

As they continued their conversation, the worry in her eyes must have been evident, for Martin's tone grew slightly harsh.

"Jessica, I told you, it's not something you need to concern yourself with," he said, his voice carrying an edge of frustration. Realizing his tone, he softened, placing a hand over hers. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap."

Apologies were uttered, but the unease lingered beneath the surface, casting a subtle shadow over their dinner.

In the midst of their strained conversation, the restaurant's serene atmosphere was shattered by Spider-Man's sudden entrance. Gasps echoed through the room as the hero swung dramatically from a web, landing with a controlled grace in the midst of the diners.

"Listen up, everyone!" Spider-Man's voice, muffled by his mask, cut through the murmurs of surprise. "This man," he pointed an accusatory finger at Martin, "is the leader of the Inner Demons!"

Disbelief and shock rippled through the crowd, but Martin was quick to defend himself. "This masked vigilante is accusing me without any evidence!" he protested, his tone laced with indignation.

Jessica, still seated next to Martin, felt a mixture of disbelief and betrayal. "This can't be true," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the chaos.

Spider-Man, undeterred, held up photographs and documents, revealing the Inner Demons' criminal activities. "I've got proof, and I've got backup."

It was at that moment that Prowler, confronted a Demon thug near the restaurant. With a swift move, he sent the thug crashing into the restaurant, his desperate cries for Li's help ringing in everyone's ears.

Martin's eyes flared with rage, his pupils disappearing beneath the intensity of his emotions. An aura of dark energy enveloped him as he unleashed a powerful blast toward Spider-Man, who managed to evade most of it but was struck by a falling debris, crashing to the ground.

In the chaos that ensued, Jessica clung to her chair, her heart pounding with fear and confusion.

The elegant surroundings of the restaurant had transformed into a battleground, with shards of glass and debris filling the air as the trio clashed. Spider-Man's agile moves and Black Cat's cunning tactics were met with Martin's potent bursts of negative energy, creating a dazzling but dangerous spectacle.

In the midst of the fight, Martin's eyes fixated on Jessica, who, now fully aware of his true identity, was trying desperately to escape. Fear etched across her face, she fought against the thugs who were attempting to drag her away. "Let me go! Get your hands off me!" she screamed, her voice carrying through the chaotic scene.

Martin, his voice laced with malice, ordered his henchmen in Chinese to seize her. Despite her struggles, they managed to restrain her, their grip firm and unyielding. Jessica's desperate cries filled the air as they forcibly moved her toward the waiting limo.

Seeing his mother in distress, Y/N's rage boiled over. "Let her go, Li! This is between you and me!" he shouted, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and fury. His fists clenched, he moved to intervene, but Martin swiftly raised a gun, pressing it against Jessica's temple.

"Stay back, Spider-Man, or she dies right here!" Martin threatened, his eyes cold and merciless. Jessica's eyes widened in terror, her breaths coming in shallow gasps.

Y/N, torn between his desire to protect his mother and the safety of everyone around him, gritted his teeth, his mind racing for a way to outmaneuver Martin. He glanced at Black Cat and Prowler, his allies in this fight, and made a quick decision.

"Prowler, Cat, round up the remaining Demons. I'm going after Li," Y/N commanded, his voice steely with determination.

Hobie and Felicia, though confused, nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Y/N couldn't bear the thought of Martin harming his mother.

This had become intensely personal.

🕷️

In the dark limousine, Jessica's cries echoed as the thugs held her tightly. "Let go of me, you bastards!" she screamed, her voice breaking. Martin Li, his face a twisted mask of regret and determination, turned to her slowly. "I didn't want it to come to this, Jessica," he said, his tone surprisingly sincere. He raised his hand, delivering a swift blow that sent her into unconsciousness.

Unbeknownst to them, Y/N had followed the limo all the way to Chinatown, his agile form scaling walls and leaping across rooftops. He silently dispatched the Demon thugs guarding the entrance, using his webs and stingers with precision. Inside, he found his mother tied to a chair in a dark, foreboding room. With swift movements, he incapacitated the guards.

"Sleep tight." Y/N said darkly, moving further into the mansion.

As Jessica regained consciousness, her eyes widened in fury. "Martin, you son of a bitch!" she spat, her voice dripping with venom. "Where's the man who helped the homeless? The one who cared about people?"

Martin, now fully consumed by his alter ego, Mr. Negative, gave her a smug smile. "That man is gone, Jessica. This city needs a new order, and I'm here to establish it." He paused, his expression darkening. "But I didn't want it to be this way. I didn't want to hurt you."

Fury burned in Jessica's eyes. "Save your excuses, Li! You're a monster!"

Martin's face contorted with desperation. "I can't afford to let you expose me any further, Jessica," he hissed. "You know too much. But perhaps we can find a way for you to stay silent. Your son, he's resourceful. He could join me, be part of something greater. Think about it."

Jessica's response was swift and defiant. With a furious glare, she spat in Martin's face. "I'd rather die than see my son become a part of your criminal empire, you soulless bastard!"

Y/N felt a surge of pride for his mother's unwavering bravery as he watched from the darkness.

With a swift movement, Martin backhanded Jessica, his patience wearing thin. "Enough! You talk too much," he snarled, his voice venomous. "I can't have you jeopardizing my plans. It's time to put you out of commission."

As Jessica's eyes darted around the dimly lit room, they suddenly caught a glimpse of Spider-Man lurking in the shadows. Relief flooded her, and she couldn't help but smile. To distract Li, she taunted him, "You know, Li, even with all of this, you're still just a scared little man hiding behind a mask."

Enraged, Li lunged at her, his hand crackling with dark energy, but before he could harm her, Y/N, as Spider-Man, appeared with a swift and powerful kick to Li's face. The impact sent him staggering backward.

Y/N wasted no time. He used his stingers to cut Jessica free from her restraints, and with urgency in his voice, he instructed her, "Get somewhere safe, Ma'am. I'll take care of Li."

Jessica nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude. She couldn't help but notice the sneakers Spider-Man was wearing, the same color and brand as the ones Y/N often wore. "Thank you," she said before running out of the mansion.

Li regained consciousness, a malicious grin spreading across his face. "Spider-Man, you're everything that's wrong with this city," he sneered.

Y/N, undeterred, retorted, "You messed up big time, Li. You're going to prison for what you've done."

Li laughed darkly. "You're just a child in a mask, playing hero. What can you do?" he scoffed, his arrogance unwavering.

Y/N squared his shoulders, his determination shining through. "I took on a two-ton zoo animal and won. I think I can handle a man in a suit."

The room fell into a charged silence as the two faced off, the framed vigilante against the once-thought kind-hearted man turned exposed crime lord. Y/N's retractable stingers were at the ready.

Li had not only disrupted the lives of countless New Yorkers, but he had also dared to threaten Y/N's mother.

And that shit can't go unpunished.