AN: If you've ever wondered why Spider-man isn't in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or in the Avengers movie, you're about to find out why. Spider-Man does exist in the MCU, this story, along with Volume 2 and 3 (and a Fantastic Four story) explain how Peter Parker became Spider-man, the events leading up to the battle of New York and how Peter's actions, and those of the Fantastic Four, were instrumental in the Victory in New York.
This first story shows how Peter learns about his new powers before becoming Spider-man, there are only small connections with MCU, these will grow in the following two stories as the MCU builds up to Avengers. There is however plenty of other characters making cameos from MCU and beyond.
New York City
On a dark street corner in New York City, two homeless youth, a young African American boy named Tyrone and his new friend, a beautiful young blonde girl called Tandy speak with some local men. The men have offered the two shelter for the night, Tyrone is sceptical and tells Tandy they can find somewhere to sleep. Tandy is cold and desperate, she trusts too much and follows them into an alleyway.
Tyrone begins walking away but he feels obliged to look after Tandy, he follows them into the alleyway, as he does he sees one of the men dragging Tandy into a van with a cloth over her mouth. Tyrone yells at the men "What are you doing, stop" and runs at them, when suddenly a large figure suddenly emerges from the shadows and knocks Tyrone to the ground. Tyrone tries to get up but a damp cloth cover his face, he breathes in the chemicals and loses consciousness. As the two men drag Tyrone into the van the large figure in the shadows speaks to them softly, "That was careless, their can be no witnesses, no one to tie this back to us, to the program."
Midtown High
At the front of Midtown High students are arriving to class as they do on any normal day of any normal week. Though for one student, this will not be a normal week, this will be the week where his life, and the lives of everyone within this city change.
As Flash and his friends approach the stairs of Midtown High, they come across Peter Parker. Flash looks back towards his friends, Sean McKeever and Seymour O'Reilly, with a smirk on his face, he gives them a sly wink and proceeds to walk closely behind Peter, mimicking his movements.
Peter looks back towards Flash, as he does Flash punches him in the arm, causing him to stumble, lose the bag that was hanging from his shoulder and fall to the floor. As Peter sits on the floor Flash leans down, bringing his face next to Peter's and yells.
"Peter Punch!"
Peter jerks back startled by Flash's aggressive outburst. Flash proceeds to cackle to himself and stroll off to class. As Flash's friends walk past, they join in the fun, each one punching Peter in the arm and following with the same words.
"Peter Punch!"
As Peter begins to pick himself and his bag off the floor the most popular girls in school approach.
Just my luck Peter thinks to himself.
The three girls walk past and giggle to themselves at Peter's expense.
Liz Allan is blonde, beautiful, but not very bright. She finds amusement in everything, but struggles to understand anything
Mary-Jane Watson is the more grounded of the three, she has flowing red hair, is gorgeous like the others, but her family and upbringing makes her more sympathetic to others, and slightly uncomfortable with her status as one of the In group.
Lastly is Gwen Stacy, Gwen is the most beautiful girl in school, long blonde hair flows down over her athletic body. Hey perfect physique is matched by her intellectual capacity to understand complex subjects and hold her own in a discussion with student and teacher alike.
Peter looks up with a grimaced smile in an attempt to not look pathetic.
"What a freak!" says Liz.
The other girls burst out laughing and head off to Midtown High's main doors. As they enter Peter continues to crouch on the floor with his bag, staring at Gwen thinking.
She's so gorgeous with her perfect blonde hair, her cute little nose and tight little.
Peter suddenly stops his line of though and shakes his head.
What are you doing Peter, these girls don't even care about you, stop thinking about her!
Peter walks into the main doors muttering to himself, "Peter Punch? Really, is that all they could come up with?"
The School bell rings for the start of first period, Peter is now running late, he runs down the corridor to his class and flies in through the door.
The entire class look at him as he slides in, Peter's teacher Mr Benson looks at him with disgust. Mr Benson is a middle aged balding man who smells of whiskey most days of the week and has an unusual habit of dressing in a shirt and slacks, but never tucking in his shirt.
"Mr Parker, nice of you to join us," he bellows in a sarcastic tone.
"Sorry Mr Benson, I was just …" Peter tries to respond, "All right, all right, just take your seat!" Mr Benson orders.
Peter takes his seat and immediately feels a spitball hit the back of his head.
God I hate it here, I'm so looking forward to tonight.
Later on that day, Peter arrives at his advanced science class. Peter sits down at the front of the class and smiles to himself, The one time of the day when I can actually concentrate on something important, away from the Neanderthals.
As the class begins Dr Walker, an old man in his sixties and hunched over, slowly yet methodically goes through his exercise book, staring at his sometimes ineligible notes through thick bottle top glasses. He finally arrives at today's notes and looks at an opening address he has prepared for the new year. Dr. Walker smiles with pride as he looks briefly through his speech.
"Good afternoon everyone, it is a pleasure to see you all again this year, as the best and brightest of Midtown High" Dr Walker pauses and looks up.
"I look forward to enhancing your education, and scientific minds, to push the boundaries and grow your knowledge" he continues.
One student yawns aloud in response and receives muffled laughs from a few students in the class. Dr Walker looks around, realizing that the class has not quite been as inspired as he'd hoped decides he will let the class know the really big news.
"Before we start this year I'd like to make an announcement that I'm sure you'll all be excited to hear. This year Norman Osborn of Oscorp has created a special foundation for the brightest scientific minds, The Osborn Science Academy."
The distraction and murmurs in the class suddenly disappear.
"Only the best high school students were selected for this program throughout the state of New York, and I am so proud to announce that we have two students from our very own class."
Dr Walker now has the full attention of the class. The Osborn Science Academy has been a high profile program, plastered all over the media as a PR exercise to boost Oscorp's image. This push is in light of recent controversy's surrounding unsanctioned testing of experimental treatments.
Dr Walker continues, "The two students who will be participating in this program are Gwen Stacy and Peter Parker!"
Peter already knew he'd been accepted into the program, but when Gwen's name was announced his face is filled with both shock and disbelief.
Peter peers over his shoulder, back towards where Gwen is sitting. He sees fellow class mates walk up to her and congratulate her with high five's and a few hugs. Peter looks at her as she smiles with glee and thinks to himself, She's as smart as me, that is so hot!
Peter continues to stare at Gwen but then looks around and comes to the realization that nobody is congratulating him. The entire class is fixated on Gwen, amazed that a girl could be so gorgeous, talented and smart, yet nobody has even approached him or acknowledged him.
Dr Walker calls the class to attention to begin the session. The class begins with a discussion of mutation and rapid evolution. Peter's attention is refocused and his face lights up as they learn about the rapid adaptation of Peppered Moths to changes in soot-covered trees.
Later that day as Peter leaves Midtown High, Flash and his friends corner Peter.
"Hey Parker, we have this project due tomorrow about … um science and stuff. You need to do it for us, or else!" Flash demands.
"You'll have to be a little more specific, Flash, science and stuff is kinda broad." Peter replies with a hint of sarcasm totally missed by Flash.
Flash, confused by what Peter has said, continues "It says . . . . ahhh natural selection."
Peter smiles "Ahhh, natural selection, don't worry Flash I know a lot about it. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to be working on homo sapiens anymore."
"Ha, then why are we learning about stuff that doesn't exist?" Flash says puzzled.
Peter smiles, "Don't worry Flash; don't confuse yourself. I'll make sure the consonants are verbs and the grammar is isometric and the teachers will give you full marks."
Flash looks more confused than before, he shoves the papers into Peter's chest, "Whatever Parker, just get it done."
"Ok Flash I'll do it this time, just leave me alone from now on."
Flash laughs and pushes him into the wall.
"We'll leave you alone when we say we'll leave you alone Parker, just get it done!"
The group leave and Peter is left with Flash's report in his hand.
Peter Parkers House
As Peter arrives home his Aunt May is waiting. "How was your day Peter?" she asks.
"It was fine" Peter replies.
Peter immediately goes up to his room. He throws his bag onto the bed, Flash's test flies out of the bag and onto the floor reminding him of what had just happened.
Peter goes to the bathroom looking at himself in the mirror; his eyes becomes blurry as tears well up, then roll down his cheeks. He begins to sob quietly, "Why me? What did I do to deserve this?"
He holds his head in his hands, runs the tap and then washes his face trying to hide his red eyes. He hears Aunt May knock on the door.
"Peter, you'll be late for your first day!"
"Ok Aunt May, I'm just getting ready," Peter yells back.
"I'll be downstairs Peter" she replies.
Peter washes his face, looks at himself again in the mirror and speaks to himself quietly.
"Come on Peter, you have to do this for Aunt May and Uncle Ben, this is your chance to be someone."
He practices his smile, putting on his happy face. Finally he feels that he looks presentable and goes downstairs.
Aunt May sees Peter and her face lights up, "Oh Peter, are you excited about starting at the science academy tonight?.
"Yeah, it should be good." Peter replies with mild enthusiasm.
Uncle Ben enters the room and boasts, "Peter, this won't be just good, it will be great! You've beaten all the other kids in the state to get into this academy!"
Peter gives a little smile at his uncle's unwavering enthusiasm and positivity.
"Now, I know that we haven't been able to provide much for you…"
Peter interrupts, "No, Uncle Ben, its fine, you've been great to me…"
"Peter, let me finish' Uncle Ben interjects, "We aren't a rich family, we couldn't give you tutors, the best education, but you still exceeded anything I could have imagined. You will be a great scientist and change the world Peter, I have no doubt in that."
Peter's face lights up with a broad smile, pride fills him and the confidence to do anything. One thing Peter has always been able to depend on is his Uncle seeing the positive of everything, and making him feel like he is more than what the rest of the world tells him.
Aunt May is quietly shedding a tear, she smiles at her husbands words and the achievement of her nephew. Aunt May gives him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek as he and Uncle Ben leaves for his class.
Oscorp Tower
Uncle Ben pulls up out the front of Oscorp Tower, "Now Peter, just enjoy yourself and make the most of this opportunity" Uncle Ben tells Peter as he opens the door.
"I will Uncle Ben," replies Peter.
Peter walk into the large stone covered courtyard leading to the Oscrop Tower front doors, he looks up in amazement at this giant skyscraper in the heart of the New York's business district. The building is a glass covered tower that is over 90 stories high. Each pane of glass is connected, sealed and polished with the next pane, giving it a seamless join with no concrete in sight. The building is an oblong shape, with a wide base but much narrower upper section, its form is both modern and and sleek, the centrepiece of Manhattan's business district.
Peter stares for a few moments, then finally walks through the main doors and heads to the main elevator. Peter hits floor 61 as per his invitation.
As the elevator doors open Peter walks out and sees an expansive lab that is open plan with twelve areas, aligned in four rows of three columns. Each area contains an arc of approximately twenty transparent enclosures, each area containing a different type of arthropod from scorpions and chameleons to spiders.
The rest of the class is standing in front of the main desk that is located at the back of the room. To the side is a contingent of media present to cover the event. The main desk is raised above the rest of the room, and Dr Connors stands behind it peering over his new students. Dr Connors wears a white lab coat with one arm tied up partly disguising the fact that he only has one arm.
"Now that everyone is here let us begin" Dr Connors.
Dr Connors begins, "I welcome you all to the Osborn Science Academy for Young Scientists. This is the first time that anyone has brought together the greatest young minds together to learn cutting edge science and develop beyond the constraints of the state education system."
The students assembled clap with enthusiasm, Dr Connors continues, "Here at the Academy we are continuing on with a ground breaking project that until recently was top secret."
Dr Connors waits in silence, building anticipation within the crowd. The students are all wide-eyed awaiting what cutting edge project he will unveil.
"The project we will be working on is trans-genetic combination, and I'm sure I don't need to explain what that means to any of the student here".
The students giggle to themselves, looking at each other with smirks on their faces.
Dr Connors continues, "But for the sake of the media what that means is we are combining the DNA from different species into one animal with the help of radiation, and a few other things, but you don't need to worry about the details."
Media representatives scribble down notes intensely.
"Students will work with arthropods that have had their DNA manipulated using radiation and viral RNA as a vector for introducing specific DNA sequences. These subjects will have enhanced abilities and new morphological aspects to that original species" Dr Connors finalizes his overall speech.
Dr Connors asks the media gallery for questions. Ned Leeds from the Daily Bugle is first in line and asks "What are the benefits to this type of research? How does it help your average Joe?"
Dr Connors chuckles to himself, "Mr Leeds, let me put it plainly for you, and your readership. Trans-genetic research has the possibility to end disease, disability and poverty." Dr Connors pauses as the assembled media frantically take notes.
"We are currently only at an early stage, but we envisage creating plants resistant to fungus and insects, animals that create more food, that provide us with resistance to disease, that allow people who suffer from disability to be whole again."
"Are you talking about changing people's DNA, making mutants?" asks Ned.
"No no no, not mutants, there is a possibility that we can fix parts of our DNA that are broken, or not developed, but this is years, 20 years away we are still just working on arthropods" replies Dr Connors.
After answering a few more mundane questions the media leave and let Dr Connors begin the actual class.
Dr Connors begins the class with an overview of what they're doing and why.
"Trans-genetic research is one of the most important endeavours in science today. What we want to do is enhance the genome of the plants and animals we use, making them more efficient, more effective for the benefit of all humans."
A student raises their hand as he finishes, "Yes, do you have a question?" asks Connors.
The student asks, "Does trans-genetic research have application on higher order animals, such as humans?"
The class begin to murmur with excitement. Dr Connors smiles at the enthusiasm in the room.
"Potentially any living organism could be utilized in these experiments, but as I stated before we are years away from successful implementation in Arthropods, never mind humans."
Another student puts there hand up to ask a question, Dr Connors looks across and points in her direction.
"Why did you start in trans-genetic research?"
Dr Connors now shuffles uncomfortably on the spot, he looks around the room, "Well I've been working in the science department at Oscorp for nearly my whole life. Originally I had been a lead scientist on a human enhancement program. But then I was involved in a tragic accident, I was extraordinarily lucky to survive but not all of me made it out" Connors looks down at his missing arm.
"After that event I came up with an idea, whereby we could introduce specific animal DNA segments into a person enhancing them, maybe even growing back a lost limb."
"Norman Osbourne believed in our vision and funded our program to develop the technology."
"Now Oscorp has other priorities, but that means that you, the top students from New York, now get an opportunity to work on the cutting edge of science."
"I have seen the work that you have produced in order to qualify for this academy, and I have the upmost faith that you will be able help us find the answer, and maybe one day, in the future, I'll be able to play a round of golf, or even just snap."
The students laugh and clap as Dr Connors holds his arm up in appreciation. As they quite down Dr Connors introduces his two assistants.
"During your work here we will have two Phd students from Empire State University who are both experts in their own right."
"Firstly we have Michael Morbius, who is a major in biochemistry."
"Secondly we have Miles Warren, majoring in biochemistry and genetics. These two are great scientists and are who you should aspire to be!"
Dr Connors begins assigning students to groups, Peter looks across at Gwen, he thinks to himself, What if I'm partnered up with Gwen, then maybe she'd notice me!
Dr Connors eventually reads out Gwen Stacy, Peter's eyes light up. He focuses his entire attention to Dr Connors who read out her partners name "Peterson, John Peterson."
Peter's face drops in disappointment. Dr Connors reads out the next lab partner grouping, "Peter Parker will be partnering with…" Dr Connors hesitates; he looks at his sheet again and then announces.
"Peter Parker will be partnered with Harry Osborn."
Dr Connors then continues to read out the rest of the assigned partners.
Harry is standing next to Peter, "Hi I'm Harry, looks like we going to be lab partners."
Peter looks back at him in disbelief "Harry Osborn? As in Osborn, Osborn?"
Harry looks at him peculiarly, "I'm not sure what that means, but yes, I am Norman Osborn's son."
Peter looks in amazement, then regains his composure and holds out his hand.
"Well it's nice to meet you, I hope we have a great lab partnership."
Harry laughs, "Thanks Pete, I'm sure we'll get some great results."
Dr Connors begins assigning each team an arthropod to work on, Peter suggests to Harry.
"Lets work on the beetles, they're the most diverse animal form in the world."
Harry shakes his head "Spiders are way cooler, we should definitely do the spiders."
Peter is reluctant, "Harry, I don't really like spiders. I don't have arachnophobia …but can't we do something a little less… well dangerous."
Harry laughs again at Peter. "Spiders have some of the most interesting features of all arthropods. It will make great science Peter, trust me."
Peter is apprehensive, he stands silently looking at Harry.
"Spiders are amazing Peter, they can walk up walls, on roofs, anywhere. They create intricate traps in the air using biologically constructed materials stronger than steel. They have a power to mass ratio beyond any mammal!"
"Ok Harry I get it, spiders are cool - they are fast, strong, smart."
"Yeah exactly, but also some scientists believe that the spider has a sixth sense. They have observed spiders predicting when a predator is approaching and avoid being captured."
Peter laughs, "Tell that to the house spider my uncle squashed last night. I don't think his spider sense wasn't working too well."
They boys laugh and Peter reluctantly agrees with Harry, "Ok we'll do the spiders."
The two boys take their assignment from Michael Morbius and head over to an arrangement of glass enclosures which form a wall on top of their working desk.
The boys perform their initial assessments of the subjects within each of the enclosures. After they have finalized their assessments the two boys leave the building. Harry and Peter exit the front of the building and Harry's limousine approaches.
"Do you want my chauffer to give you a ride home?" Harry asks Peter.
Peter looks surprised at the offer, "That's really ace of you Harry but I'm ok, my uncle is coming to pick me up".
Harry smiles "No worries Peter maybe next time."
As they shake hands and say goodbye Gwen walks past the two.
"See you guys next time."
Both boys momentarily stop and look at Gwen as she strolls up to a waiting car. As her car leaves the boys look at each other, both with a grin on their face.
"Well suddenly I'm really looking forward to our next session" Harry mentions to Peter with a cheeky wink.
Peter is still grinning "I know what you mean, though I've gone to school with her for 10 years and that's the first time she's actually spoken to me."
"Have you tried speaking to her?"
Peter begins to blush and looks down at the floor awkwardly "um, not really, I can't speak to her, we are in different social standings, she's a cheer leader, I'm just," Harry interrupts, "You're just the only person at that school as intelligent as her" Harry explains. "Think about it Peter, just give it a try tomorrow, what do you have to lose?"
"Ok Harry, see you later" Peter replies as Harry's limousine drives off.
Uncle Ben's old car stops at the curb-side and Peter gets in, "How was your first class Peter?" Ben asks.
"It was great actually, we are learning about trans-genetic manipulation and recombination"
Uncle Ben looks blankly ahead, Peter stops himself from continuing on with the realization that Ben doesn't understand any of this.
"We learnt lots of cool stuff, and I think I made a friend as well" continues Peter, "Well that's great Peter, I'm glad to hear it, you'll have to invite them over for dinner some time."
Peter goes silent, "What's wrong Peter, you don't want us to meet your friend? Is it a girl?"
Peter chuckles, "No, its not a girl, it's Harry Osborn, as in son of Norman Osborn."
Now Uncle Ben is silent for a moment, "Oh, as in the guy who owns that really big shinny building we just left?"
"That's the one" Peter replies, "Well I guess we better get the good china out then!" Uncle Ben jokes and the two laugh on their way home.