With great power comes great responsibility.
It was a saying that my Uncle Ben used to tell me, obviously he didn't expect me to gain spider-related superpowers but he told me this because even at a young age I demonstrated an intelligence that made my guardians believe I would be standing on the same intellectual ground as geniuses like Tony Stark and Reed Richards.
They probably didn't expect me to be in the body of an old man while my younger body was controlled by one of my worst enemies, Doctor Octopus.
Here I was dying of old age when only a week ago I was running faster than Captain America.
It could have been worse, I thought to myself. At least he won't be running around my body doing crimes. And I'm sure the Avengers will figure out that that isn't me.
It was with those thoughts that Peter Parker, the Amazing Spider-Man, died in the body of Doctor Octopus.
"Wake, yourself mortal."
"Eugh, what time is it?" Peter's eyes flickered open to darkness. Actually that was all there was, he seemed to be floating in some kind of void. it wasn't a shroud as he could still see his hands.
"Time has no place here." Peter tried to look for whoever was talking but couldn't find anything just more darkness- it was starting to make him feel a bit claustrophobic.
"Um, who are you?" Many would have reacted differently, possibly started to scream, run or even threaten the voice but Peter had gone through so many strange things that he learned to just accept things as they come.
"I am called the Living Tribunal. It does not matter to me, call me what you wish." The voice's monotonous voice wasn't helping with the nauseating, endless darkness surrounding Peter.
"What?" Peter asked confusingly, that only just gave him more questions.
"I am the being that monitors the multiverse in its completeness and keeps the fragile balance of all their existences." He continued, ignoring Peter's response. "I follow the will of my creator and his will has brought me to you Peter Parker."
"Wait, are you saying God wants to talk to me?" Peter asked flabbergasted, sure he believed he was going to go heaven but having a chat with the big man upstairs? That didn't even cross his mind.
"He already has…wait…I see what the fault here is. One moment." Peter quirked an eyebrow in interest, he had a conversation with God already? Sure he talked to Thor on a daily basis but this was- and in an instant memories started to flash before Peter's eyes.
Memories of a life he had, memories that he couldn't believe he had even forgotten. The Superhero Registration Act, his unmasking, Aunt May being shot, and most importantly his deal with the devil.
He also remembered the conversation he had with God, at the time a sickly looking man, who had come to him when everything was falling apart and gave him answers that he needed.
It took a moment to somehow align those memories with the ones he had. It was a surreal experience, it was like he lived through two lives and just combined their memories.
The strangest thing was that he didn't feel anything. He didn't feel like crying from the lost life he could have had with MJ, he didn't feel rage at himself for making a deal with the devil because if he could save his aunt he would do it all over again.
"I believe that has corrected the problem. Now Peter, do you remember what my creator had told you?"
"Yes. He said that we all had our purpose and that if I believed in it, there was always a better tomorrow. Unfortunately I forgot those words because of that prick, Mephisto."
"Good, then you must understand your purpose, Peter."
"My…purpose? I thought I was just meant to continue being Spider-man?"
"While Spider-man is an important part of you, it is not your purpose. Your purpose is much different, though to be truthful even I don't understand why my creator is going to do this. So please, on the behalf of my creator I apologise for whatever may happen to you…brother."
"Wait- what?!"
No reply, just silence.
"Hey, Living Tribunal, get back here! I still got some questions!"
Again, no reply.
"I know you can hear me! If you're meant to be the monitor for the multiverse then you should be able to hear everything! So I'm just gonna tell you my questions, seeing as you're omnipresent, or whatever, could you give me Emma Stone's num-"
Ironically before Peter could continue with his questions, bright light filled the dark void Peter was getting familiar with.
Loading new world….
Database designated 'Marvel: Ultimate' added
Database designated 'DC: NEW 52' added
Merging histories….
Completed
Character: Peter Parker chosen
Alter-ego: The Amazing Spider-Man chosen
Loading new world…
Completed
Have fun Peter, think of this as my gift to you
And with the final message flashing before his confused eyes, realization began to set in.
"Why in the H-E-double hockey sticks am I being put in to a Game?! Otto is still running around out there in my body!"
Before his question could be answered, Peter witnessed another an even brighter flash causing him to close his eyes as he feel to a deep sleep.