Spider-Man: At breaking point

Chapter Nine: Deaf Ears

Perched on a rooftop overlooking Hell’s Kitchen, Spider-Man stared out at the city, his thoughts racing. The sun had just set, and the streets below were alive with the usual rhythm of cars, pedestrians, and sirens. But Peter wasn’t focused on any of it. His mind was consumed by the latest string of deaths and the accusations swirling around him.

The Reaper had done more than just kill; he’d turned Peter’s world upside down, and now, the people of New York were questioning everything about their masked hero.

A soft thud sounded behind him, barely audible over the city’s noise. Peter didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.

“Spider-Man,” Daredevil’s voice cut through the air, calm but firm. “We need to talk.”

Peter didn’t respond right away. His eyes remained fixed on the distant skyline, tension radiating through his body. He could feel Daredevil’s presence, the weight of his concern pressing down on him like a heavy blanket.

Daredevil took a few steps closer, his red suit blending into the shadows of the rooftop. “I heard about last night. You’re slipping.”

Peter clenched his fists, anger bubbling just beneath the surface. “I’m handling it.”

“No, you’re not.” Daredevil’s voice sharpened. “You’re letting your emotions get the better of you. The Reaper’s playing with your mind, and you’re falling right into his trap.”

Peter whipped around, finally facing Daredevil, his frustration boiling over. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Matt.”

Daredevil’s brow furrowed beneath his mask. “I know enough. I know you’re blaming yourself for every death, every failure, and it’s eating you alive.”

Peter’s fists tightened. “And what would you have me do? Just sit back while people die? While the Reaper continues to kill off everyone I’ve ever saved?”

Daredevil took another step forward, his voice softening, though the concern in his tone remained. “You can’t save everyone, Peter. You never could. But if you keep going down this path, you’ll lose yourself. You’re already pushing the limits—last night was proof of that.”

Peter scoffed, turning away again. “You sound like a broken record.”

“Maybe, but I’m not wrong,” Daredevil pressed, stepping closer. “This isn’t you. Hurting people, going too far—you’re better than this. If you let the Reaper push you over the edge, you’ll become no better than him.”

Peter’s patience snapped. He spun around again, pointing a finger at Daredevil. “You don’t understand! He’s killing people because of me! I’m the reason they’re dying! How am I supposed to sit back and let that happen?”

Daredevil’s face remained calm, but there was an edge to his voice. “I’m not saying do nothing. I’m saying don’t lose who you are in the process. Spider-Man doesn’t kill. He doesn’t take things too far. That’s what makes you different from guys like the Reaper.”

Peter shook his head, bitterness coating his words. “Maybe I’m not different anymore.”

Daredevil stiffened at the admission. For a moment, there was only silence between them, the distant sounds of the city filling the void. Peter could feel the weight of Daredevil’s gaze on him, but he couldn’t meet it.

“You don’t believe that,” Daredevil said quietly, his voice softer now. “You’re hurt, you’re angry—but deep down, you’re still the same man you’ve always been.”

Peter scoffed again, the frustration rising. “You don’t know me, Matt. Not really. You don’t know what I’ve been through.”

“No, I don’t,” Daredevil conceded. “But I do know that you’ve always stood for something bigger than yourself. Don’t throw that away because of one psychopath.”

Peter turned away from Daredevil, staring out over the city once more. The anger inside him twisted and coiled like a serpent, tightening around his chest. He didn’t want to hear it. He didn’t want to be reasoned with.

“I don’t have time for this,” Peter muttered, shooting a webline to the next building. Before Daredevil could say another word, he swung off into the night, leaving his friend standing alone on the rooftop.

Daredevil watched him disappear into the darkness, a deep frown on his face. He could feel Spider-Man’s pain, his anger, but he couldn’t shake the sinking feeling that Peter was already too far gone.