Two years later, Peter went to a scientific demonstration of Otto Octavius's latest cold fusion experiment. He knew from the waver he had to sign to relieve the lab of liability for any injuries suffered and all of Otto's safety precautions that it was dangerous, but that didn't deter him. He loved science, and risks are a large part of science. Once one accepted that fact they were unafraid of the risks posed by whatever they do. First impressions were good, for the energy readings were at an optimal level and there was no collateral damage, however the experiment took a turn for the worse: the device began overloading, as Octavius had predicted was 51% likely to happen, and an evacuation was ordered. However, one person was not able to get out of the lab before the reactor exploded: Peter Parker.

Mary Jane was doing the laundry when she heard the phone ringing. When she picked it up she heard the worst message she could've imagined: Peter had been hospitalized for leg injuries after a laboratory accident. After rounding up May, she got in the car and drove to the hospital.

MJ tried to keep her cool as she asked the receptionist if she could see Peter.

"I'm sorry," said the lady, "but visitors aren't allowed in the operating room during surgery."

"Surgery?" said MJ, "What kind of surgery?"

"You'll have to see for yourself once he's out. Which is expected to be in an hour or two."

"Okay." MJ left the front desk and sat in one of the waiting room chairs, "Just an hour or so." she whispered to herself, "Just an hour or so and he'll be fine."

When Peter did get out of surgery, MJ went to see him. What she saw, however, was not 100% of Peter: he was missing a leg.

"What happened?" said MJ.

"Otto's reactor exploded." said Peter, "Gave me fourth-degree burns from the lower thigh down."

"Was it painful?"

"The burns or the amputation?"

"Both."

"The burns hurt like hell, but they anaesthetized me while they removed the leg."

"He'll be in the hospital for a couple weeks," said his doctor, "but he'll be fine."

Tony Stark was going about business as usual when J.A.R.V.I.S. interrupted him.

"Pardon me, sir, but Mr. Parker is at the door, he would like to request a favor."

"Let him in." said Stark. A little later the elevator door opened and Peter entered, the sound of his crutches echoing throughout the room.

"Peter," said Stark, "good to see you're okay after the accident."

"Feels good to be okay." said Peter.

"So J.A.R.V.I.S. says you need a favor?"

"Yeah. You're the world's leading roboticist, If it's not too much to ask I'd love to be able to walk on two legs again. Could you make that possible?"

"Sure." Stark went over to his computer and got to work designing the holographic specs for the leg, "So word's going around on the Heli-Carrier that you're giving up superheroics. That's not true, is it?"

"I'm afraid it is, Tony."

"Are you sure that you're going to let a small handicap get in your way of spinning the web of justice over the city?"

"It's not that. It's because this happened in my civilian life. If stuff this bad happens to Peter Parker, imagine what could happen to Spider-Man. I can't afford the risk anymore, Tony. My family needs me."

"I have an idea that might be able to keep you better protected in your exploits."

"I'm not donning a suit of armor, Tony." Upon hearing this, Tony removed some stuff from the holographic leg.

"Me giving up is for the best, Tony." said Peter, "Without the weight of the world on my shoulders I can be more devoted to my normal life."

"Peter." said Tony, "I've been down that road. A traumatic experience befalls you so you give up your crime fighting career for your safety. But trust me, it'll come back to bite you later."

"Thanks, Tony. But until it comes back to bite me I'll stick to my decision to being a family man."

"Good luck, Peter. I'll call you when the leg's done."