Day 23: First Blood

MJ looked around the arena seating, making eye contact with Volcania. The blonde gave her a stoic nod, her arms crossed as she looked down expectantly. Mary Jane turned back to look at the beaten and exhausted man. She couldn't **** someone.

But then again, this wasn't ****. This was a fight for survival; a climb to the top. They had both thrown their lives into the pot and now she got to collect. With it, an increase in not only status among the hunters, but something inside of her. Something prideful and primal.

It felt good to stand over an enemy for once instead of being the damsel in distress. She had done this. Not Peter. Not any of the other spiders. Her.

She gripped the knife in her hand, holding it with purpose. "You fought well," she said gently.

"As did you. It was a glorious hunt," the man replied with a content smile on his face. He held no malice for her; she knew that. To die in the hunt was the only way to die for them. With a quick slash across his throat, he was gone— the life drained from him.

Kraven looked on from his seat as Mary Jane took her victory. The blood splashed across her chest, giving her an almost wild look. But beyond that, he noticed something. Even though her head was down, he saw it.

A smile. He knew how she felt. He could recall his first kill and the rush of adrenaline, of pride, of honor! And now she felt it too. He was impressed with her; she was moving along far quicker than he anticipated. Though, he would not dare complain.