THE AMAZING SPIDER-BAT

BACK FROM THE GRAVE

In the Batcave, Peter runs tests on the blood sample he took tonight. He waits for the results, praying that what he believes isn't true. Soon the computer finishes processing, revealing that the blood sample is a match for Jason Kaine. Peter is stunned, wishing that he was wrong, that somehow it was all just a coincidence. He then hears a crash behind him, turning around and seeing Ben, who dropped a plate of food, and Andrea with tears in her eyes. Peter quickly gets up to comfort them both.

"Ben. Andrea-" Peter starts to say.

"Is that true? Is your computer- right?" Andrea asks.

Peter doesn't say anything for a moment.

"Peter... Is it true?" Andrea asks one more time.

Peter stays silent a bit longer.

"Yes." He finally answers.

Andrea fully breaks down into tears, while Peter holds her in his arms. Ben doesn't say anything and just puts his hand on Peter's shoulder. Later, Peter sits with Ben and Andrea, talking about how Jason is alive.

"How is this possible, sir? People don't just rise from the dead." Ben says.

"And why is he doing all of these- horrible things?" Andrea adds.

Peter thinks for a moment, getting an idea of where to start.

"I don't know yet. But I think I know the man to ask." Peter says.

Meanwhile, Black Mask is yet again ranting about The Black Spider.

"Are you telling me that scumbag stole from me again!? Damnit! What else did he do?"

"Previously, he was just enlisting anyone under your province to come work for him. Now he just seems to be killing them." His assistant says.

"Oh, so now we've got another Spider-Bat? One who doesn't mind the blood?" Mask asks.

"No sir. He's no Spider-Bat, despite the similar names. He's still taking huge cuts from off the streets. But now he's eliminating the competition. He's coming after you."

Masks eyes widen, soon flipping his desk out of anger.

"You wanna tell me why this guy ain't dead yet?" Black Mask asks.

"We're trying. We sent The Enforcers."

"And look how well they did! Why hasn't Spider-Bat wiped this little smear of the planet?" Mask asks.

"Maybe he doesn't want to. Maybe he's letting you and The Black Spider take each other out."

Black Mask gets angry and storms off to the window.

"You're an idiot. And you don't know Spider-Bat. He's not letting this lunatic just run wild. He can't catch him either... Or it's something else. Maybe we're just stuck in the damn crossfire."

At that moment, Black Mask looks down and sees a red dot on his chest. He looks over and sees Black Spider on the roof of a building across from them, aiming a rocket launcher at him. Black Spider, then waves at him as he is stunned.