Prologue
It was quiet.
Never before, during her entire existence, had she felt ... at peace. Don't get her wrong, something is bound to go wrong eventually, but still, at least there was some peace.
Madam Web sighed, finally resting from helping the various Spider-Men across the multiverse. Travelling between worlds and meeting countless alternate versions is always a pleasure.
However, there was always a sticking point between them that stayed with her. No matter how much they smiled or acted like a late-night stand-up comedian. Underneath those masks are just people with a great burden.
She grimaced about how little she did to help them, not just at their duty, but in their lives. She knew it was their responsibility to take care of themselves but sometimes fate can be extra cruel to them.
She placed her hands down and stared at the great web of life and destiny, letting her spirit leave her body, passing through the web. Through the web, all realities intertwine and co-exist. This connection allowed her to view the lives of the spiders.
She saw images of one on the run from the world as he was framed and his identity revealed. One throws his suit at the bottom of the ocean, countless ones just turning into bitter people and many dead.
"Extraordinary, aren't they?" mused out a voice.
Madame Web made no indication of registering the question other than a slight perceived nod. She focused her senses to properly greet her fellow weaver. Within her mind's eye, they were having a psychic conversation.
She continued a follow-up to his question, "Indeed, there was a reason that the center of the multiverse and all worlds are tied to the fate, actions and influences of the Spider-totems, rather than another type of avatars. You would never find a more selfless and heroic group!"
Though his face was covered, she could feel his agreement stretch through. When he spoke next, his usually solemn and uncaring tone was mixed with an undertone of admiration and fondness.
"When I first accepted my role, I knew why I had to do it. It wasn't just to serve as penance for my past sins, although that played a large factor. But instead, it was to oversee and repay them. You know, the web considers them as its children, whenever a new totem is chosen or born, it is as if a new child is adopted." He admitted.
"The Spiders are just as much a part of the great web as the web is a part of them. Solus knew this, hence why his original hunger developed. It's the same reason why Octavius is regarded as a false totem. He was not chosen by the Web despite inhabiting a body chosen by it. In that case, it was more of a temporary disownment."
She took a 'glance' at him. They stood in quiet thought, broken by the subtle and slow drift of their consciences to one universe on a particular spider, where the strong aura of darkness surrounded him. she frowned as she saw Spider-Man perched over the roofs of Christmas night, staring blankly at the moon. His spirit was greatly wounded, and the man stood motionless with the white snowfall all around him.
His costume was torn, with multiple cuts bleeding profusely, and he suffered many burns and stab wounds. His mask was ripped and his lenses cracked. He looked like this was a regular annoyance. But she could see that tears were beginning to let loose. He turned his head to the city and back to the moon.
He got up and leapt with the grace of a dancer, free-falling towards the streets below, before suddenly turning, spinning a web and swinging in the distance.
What had happened to the poor hero? She could feel Weaver's presence watching the scene.
"This was another reason the Web chooses spiders, as they are some of the only ones who can truly bear torment and still abide by their sense of justice. Take this one for example. He has had it especially rough, compared to most other Peter Parkers" He stated.
Curiously she peered over at him and inquired "Oh and what is the difference between this world and the rest?"
He stayed still for moment collecting his thoughts "I had my eye on this world for a while now so I understand how at first glance, you would believe that this is the Spider-Man 616 Prime Universe, most of the events and general things are similar enough to pass most scrutiny." He admitted. "But this is more like an alternative timeline, a different narrative direction. Much like those singular event changes Watchers obsess over, however unlike them it actually is its own designated universe with many changes instead of one keen choice. All the people and their choices are largely the same but the small details are altered. This is especially true for this Spider-Man. I would dare say he is the only one really different, or should I say the only one who makes different choices. If you wish to see, then all means go on ahead"
Madame Web knew what he was referring to and at once she pulled all her powers to this world, and images began flashing through her head. All of his memories were seen and she watched the life this Spider-Man has gone through.
She saw his rise and falls, his triumphs and failures, and what he sacrificed for his world. All the choices he made compared to his 616 counterpart. Some better, some worse, some just different or some the same. She saw the entirety of the Masked Marvel.