Marvel Knight of Zodiac

James's voice sliced through the tension that hung in the air behind the sniper.

In a heartbeat, Peter's spider-sense tingled, alerting him to danger. He glanced up and saw a figure perched atop a nearby building, gesturing mockingly.

Instinct kicked in as Peter shot a webline, propelling himself forward with lightning speed.

"Mr. Sheriff, I appreciate your concern, but I can't comply with your request," Peter called out, releasing the sniper mid-air before swinging to an adjacent rooftop and disappearing into the night.

The police below hesitated, their resolve faltering as they observed the chaotic scene unfold.

As the sheriff grappled with what had just occurred, an unfamiliar voice crackled over the radio.

"Good evening, officers," James began, his tone calm and steady. "The sniper is taken care of, so there's no need for alarm."

"We respect your dedication, but we're as much guardians of this city as you are," one officer replied, frustration evident in his voice. "Please don't treat us like criminals, or divert your focus from the real threats out there."

"We have our own principles to uphold. Don't push us into opposition with the law," another officer added.

"Lastly, to answer your question, I am Zodiac . I stand alongside Spider-Man. Whether you've seen me or not doesn't matter. We'll meet again."

With that, the transmission cut off, leaving Chief George in stunned silence.

"These damn vigilantes! How dare they provoke law enforcement like this?" George fumed, clenching his fists. "I'll expose their identities and hold them accountable for their reckless actions!"

Ten minutes later, Parker and James regrouped on a nearby rooftop.

Once his mask was off, Peter's earlier excitement faded, replaced by unease at the sheriff's reaction.

"Are we doing the right thing?" James asked, his confidence wavering.

Peter considered the question, then replied, "I love helping people. The mask gives me a chance to be something more."

"Then what you're doing is noble," James reassured him. "Whether the sheriff approves or not, you're making a positive impact."

"But... we may be breaking the law," Peter hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his face. "The sheriff wasn't happy with us."

"Who says you can't wear a mask to do good?" James countered. "Don't worry about him. Most officers appreciate the help. You're aiding them in upholding the law."

"But..."

"Let's just head home. You have school tomorrow," James urged, steering the conversation away from Peter's doubts.

As Peter departed, James reflected on their differing philosophies. While Peter embodied the archetype of a conventional hero, James leaned towards a more pragmatic, even anti-heroic approach.

The thought of potential conflict with Peter loomed in the back of his mind, casting a shadow over their partnership.

Settling into the Zodiac box, James prepared himself for another round of self-improvement. As the cosmic energy surged through him, he felt the transformation begin.

Visions of past Zodiac Knights flooded his consciousness—a legacy he was now a part of. Yet alongside the pain of their memories, a sense of purpose began to crystallize.

Emerging from the ordeal, James found himself in an attic, surrounded by darkness and stars.

"Was that the previous Zodiac Knight's memory? And who was that black-haired boy?" he mused, the mysteries weighing heavily on his mind.

Exhausted but resolute, James steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead, the burden of his newfound power pressing down on him.

At school the next day, Peter approached James, concern etched on his face, unaware of the cosmic trials his friend had endured.

"Hey, James, you look rough. Did you get any sleep?" Peter asked, his genuine worry palpable.

"Hiss!" James winced as Peter's hand grazed his sore muscles. "Slept in the attic without a blanket. Caught a cold, feeling pretty lousy."