The Extraordinary Spider-Man - Vol 1
Chapter 4: Grief
Likenesses used
Erin Richards as Lisa
Kenneth Choi as Principal Andrew Davis
Christopher Plummer as Priest
Peter sat in his geometry class that day, with his head lying on his crossed arms on the desk. Moping, he didn't even bother paying attention. He turned to look at Gwen, who was staring at him with a concerned look. Peter quickly turned away.
"Anyway, class, to find the formula for the surface area, we'd multiply-"
The bell started ringing, and the students started packing their things.
"Silly me, losing track of time again," Mr. Johnson joked. "The exam's in two days, so make sure to study!"
Peter sighed, packing his backpack and heading out the classroom. He proceeded to put his earbuds in.
"Peter?"
Peter turned around to see Gwen approaching him. Taking his earbuds out, a shocked Peter stuttered, "Oh-oh, hey! What's up?"
As the two continued walking, Gwen put her hand on Peter's shoulder. "I know we don't talk, but I just wanted to say I'm really sorry about what happened with your uncle. My dad, the police captain, was over at your house the other night, and he told me about it. I figured you could use a friendly face."
"Oh, uh, I-I really don't know what to say," Peter admitted. "But thank you, that really means a lot."
"No problem, bud. Is there anything you want to get off your chest?" Gwen asked.
"I mean, they still haven't identified the guy who did it. Hell, they didn't even catch him."
"Don't worry about it. My dad's pretty persistent. I guarantee you they're gonna find him," Gwen assured.
Peter nodded. "Thanks."
"My mom always had a saying, and I want you to remember it. As a kid, she always told me, 'It's all gonna be okay. Despite how awful the moment feels, there's still better days ahead,'" Gwen said.
"Wise words. Your mom sounds like a smart lady," Peter complimented.
"Thanks. I'm sure your uncle was a great man."
"He was the best."
"I don't doubt it. Anyway, my locker's this way, but I'll see you around, Peter," Gwen said.
"Thanks again, Gwen."
Gwen hugged Peter. "Anytime. Just remember I'm always here to talk."
Gwen walked off, and Peter headed to his own locker, getting there in a few minutes.
"Pete!"
Peter turned to see Harry heading over.
"Hey, man. I've only known you for over a week, but just know I'll be there if you need it," Harry promised.
"Thanks, Harry," Peter sighed, putting in the combination. "It's like, I-I just don't know what to…"
Harry patted his friend's shoulder. "It's okay, buddy. Just let it all out."
"Gwen Stacy offered the same thing. Not much luck."
Harry's eyes widened. "Holy shit, she finally talked to you? Wait, not the point. Just say what's on your mind, it'll help."
Peter opened his locker. "My parents were killed in a plane crash when I was a kid. Since then, it was always my aunt and uncle and I. And now I don't know what's gonna happen. I don't know what I'm gonna do. The whole thing was my fucking fault."
"Buddy, what are you talking about?"
Peter took two of his textbooks out. "Nothing. Forget I said anything."
"Hey, I'm here to talk-"
Peter slammed his locker shut, alarming a few nearby students. "Talk? To me? What the hell do you know?!"
"Peter-"
"You know what, Harry? Just leave me alone!"
Harry looked startled, while anger was flowing through Peter's eyes. However, Peter's enhanced senses started alerting him to two unpleasant figures approaching from behind.
"Yo, Parker!" Flash called.
Peter turned around to see Flash and Kong approaching. Scoffing, Peter started walking away.
"Stay back a sec, Parker!" Flash continued.
"Coach told us you quit the team this morning! The hell happened?!" Kong asked in disbelief.
"Not now, guys," Peter muttered, continuing to walk away.
"Guys, just leave him alone," Harry defended, walking with Peter.
"Dude, you could've helped us get to state!" Kong exclaimed.
"Told you he couldn't do it. Little bitch," Flash scoffed.
Harry turned around, facing Flash. "Walk away, asshole. Right now."
"Back off, Osborn," Flash responded as he pushed Harry aside and approached Peter. "Should've known you're still a pussy. Holy shit, you were juicing, weren't you? Pathetic Parker."
Peter kept walking away, further triggering Flash. Harry and Kong were also following, with a couple students listening in.
"I'm talking to you, bitch!" Flash angrily said, pushing Peter with one hand, to minimal effect.
Instantly, Peter turned around, grabbed Flash, and slammed him against the lockers to everyone's shock.
"Oh, shit!" Kong exclaimed.
"I'm right there with you," Harry admitted, his eyes widening.
"Listen to me, asshole. You've pushed me around since the third grade. And now, you're fucking done. Back off before I beat your ass," Peter warned.
Peter let go of Flash, and started to walk away. In fury, Flash threw a punch, only for Peter to turn around, grabbing his arm.
"GAHHHH!" Flash yelled, as Peter's grip wasn't exactly light.
"Dude, let him go!" Kong demanded as he stepped in, only to be pushed aside by Peter.
In an absolute fit of rage, Peter slammed Flash against the lockers, before punching him across the face, knocking him to the ground. The students started going crazy, cheering on the two "combatants." Peter threw another punch at Flash's face, causing his nose to bleed. Peter then prepared for another punch.
"PETER, STOP!"
Peter turned around to see Liz pushing past the crowd of people. Liz ran over to Peter and started attempting to pull him off.
"Pete, you have to calm down! Please!" Liz begged, trying to restrain him.
Peter started heavily sighing, before putting his fist down.
"L-Liz…" Peter stuttered.
Liz pulled Peter off of Flash completely. "Pete, what the hell-"
"What the hell is going on here?!"
The students turned to see Principal Andrew Davis walking over. A majority of the students scrammed, with a few others including Peter, Harry, Liz, Kong, and the injured Flash staying behind.
"Parker, please don't tell me what I think is!" Principal Davis sighed.
"He started it!" Peter protested, pointing at Flash.
"It's true, Flash literally threw the first hit!" Harry defended.
"Then, what are you doing?" Principal Davis asked.
Nervously, Peter responded, "Ending it?"
Harry and Kong groaned.
"Peter, you and Flash should both come with me," Principal Davis said, walking over to help Flash up.
The three walked off to Principal Davis' office.
"Unbelievable. Why does he always have to start shit like this?" Harry asked in disbelief.
Liz's eyes watered a little. "Not like you know the whole story."
Liz walked away, as did Harry and Kong in seperate directions.
"Look, May, I said he was the one that started it, okay?!" Peter justified through the phone, having just left the subway, walking down the street.
"Peter, that isn't how I raised you to be!" Aunt May scolded over the phone. "That guy's been beating on you for years and-"
"And I finally defend myself! Silly me for being sick of getting bullied all the time! And what do I get when I stand up for myself? A lecture! Just give me a break!" Peter yelled.
"No, you give me a break, Peter! You think I wanted to get a call from the principal saying that you got into a fight at school?"
"They didn't even call you down to the office, 'cause they knew I didn't start it! Flash got suspended for two weeks! I didn't even get in trouble or anything!"
"That's not the point! After what happened with Ben, this isn't what I need! How do you think he'd feel if he knew about you getting so violent?! We always taught you to never be like that! You're better than that!" Aunt May screamed through the phone.
Peter stopped walking, falling and sitting against a building. Placing his non-phone hand on his face, tears started going down Peter's eyes.
"Peter, I'm so sorry!" Aunt May rapidly apologized. "I should've-"
Peter hung up, and continued to cry.
"Please, don't! Just let me go!"
Peter turned to see a woman being forced into an alley by three thugs.
"Stop! Please!" the woman begged.
The first thug took the woman's purse, while the second aimed a pocket knife at her. The third one simply smiled like a creep.
"Say, lady, I'm not exactly satisfied here," the first thug said, looking through her purse.
"You better have something else for us," the second thug taunted, aiming the knife closer to the woman.
The woman started crying as the thugs approached her closer.
"Hey!"
The four looked to see Peter standing at the alley. The teen started walking towards the thugs.
"Leave her alone! She didn't do anything to you!" Peter growled.
The three thugs started laughing.
"Don't be stupid, kid," the third thug scoffed.
"You think you're some kind of hero?" the first thug laughed.
"Believe me, you do not want to start with me today," Peter threatened, getting closer to the thugs.
The first thug threw a punch, only for Peter to grab his fist and throw him against the wall. The other two thugs ran at Peter, who kicked the second thug in the chest, knocking him down. Peter grabbed the third thug's arm, delivered jabs to the stomach and neck, and threw him to the ground.
"Little brat!" the first thug yelled as he charged at Peter, who grabbed and kneed him in the chest.
The other two thugs ran at Peter, who punched the second in the face and kicked the third in the chest, knocking them both down. Peter's enhanced sense started alerting him, and he turned to see the first thug slightly plunge the pocket knife in his shoulder.
"AHHHHHHH!" Peter screamed as he grasped the knife, kicking the thug down.
The third thug stumbled towards Peter, who punched him across the face, knocking him down for good.
"Gah!" Peter groaned as he fell to the ground, his shoulder bleeding.
"I'm calling an ambulance!" the woman assured, pulling out her phone.
Peter crawled and sat against the wall, grasping his shoulder. "Thanks."
"No, thank you for saving me, young man!" the woman thanked, calling 911. "Hi, a teenager just saved me from getting mugged. He was stabbed in the shoulder, so you're gonna need to get some medics here, and the cops."
In the testing room at Hammer Industries, Justin Hammer and a couple scientists were prepping the experiment, as a shirtless Mac was strapped inside a chamber. Carmilla stood by him.
"Remember, hon, it's all gonna be okay," Mac reminded his wife.
"I know. Just make sure you don't do anything stupid," Carmilla jokingly requested.
Mac smiled. "Wouldn't dream of it."
"Alright, Carmilla. If you could step out, I think we're ready to start," Justin declared.
Carmilla complied, and Justin pressed a few buttons, closing the chamber and attaching vials and syringes to Mac's chest and arms. Rays elevated above Mac. Soon, the serum started entering Mac's body through the vials, syringes, and rays. Smoke started coming out of the ground.
"Wait, wait-" Carmilla started.
"Don't worry. It's helping stabilize the serum. It should be done pretty soon," Justin explained.
Eventually, the smoke cleared, though Mac was breathing heavily, and his already-muscular physique was further enhanced. The scientists started clapping, and Justin went to open the chamber.
"Easy, buddy," Justin said as he and two scientists helped Mac out. "How you feeling?"
"Honestly? Extremely good," Mac answered. "Can I test it out?"
Justin brought out a cinder block. "I was hoping you'd ask that."
Focusing, Mac threw a punch, reducing the block to pieces. Everyone started clapping louder, and Carmilla squealed, kissing her husband on the cheek. Mac ran around the room, jumping and flipping with ease. Excited, Mac ran over to a table and threw his fist down, smashing it in half.
"I'm so thrilled the experiment worked. So thrilled that I'm not even gonna get mad at you for doing that," Justin admitted with glee.
"A guy could get used to this," Mac chuckled.
Peter woke up in a hospital bed, wearing a gown. Looking around, he saw his now-startled Aunt May get up in her chair.
"Oh my God, Peter! You're up!" Aunt May exclaimed in relief.
"Wa-wait, how long have I been out?" Peter asked.
"A few hours," Aunt May answered. "But I'm so glad you're okay. Honestly, I'm more than glad, 'cause the doctor said your wound is healing up faster than expected!"
Peter pretended to act surprised. "Seriously?"
"I'm not even joking. They were amazed at how well you're recovering. We should be able to head out in around an hour or so," Aunt May said. "I swear to God, Pete, you almost got yourself killed!"
"This again," Peter groaned.
"Peter, I'm serious! Second fight you get into, right after Ben and-"
The door opened, and the same woman from the alley walked in. "Oh, you're awake now!"
"Oh, uh, hey!" Peter greeted.
"What's your name, young man?" the woman asked.
"Peter."
"I'm Lisa, and I really can't thank you enough for what you did. I had no idea what those guys were gonna do to me, and you saved me," Lisa thanked. "Ma'am, you should be proud. You really raised a hero."
Aunt May blushed. "Oh, well, Pete's always loved helping people. But, I'm extremely proud of him for this."
"You should be. How often will a teenage kid just run into an alley to help someone in need? I have a husband and a daughter around your age, Peter. If I wouldn't have been able to go home to them… well, thanks to you, I don't even have to worry about that," Lisa praised.
Aunt May put her hands to her mouth as she started tearing up.
"I really don't know what to say, Lisa. But I'm glad you're safe," Peter responded. "Thanks for the kind words."
"Peter, I feel like I can't thank you enough. Don't worry about the hospital bill, though. It's on me," Lisa promised.
"For real? You really don't have to do that!" Aunt May insisted.
Lisa's smile grew. "It'd be my pleasure. And it's the least I can do."
Crying, Aunt May stood up and hugged Lisa. "Thank you so much! It would really help us out right now!"
"Thank you so much, Lisa!" Peter thanked.
Lisa went over and hugged Peter at the bed. "Again, thank you, Peter."
A few tears went down Peter's face, and Lisa got up.
"I'm gonna go handle the bill, but I wish both of you well in your lives! And thanks again!" Lisa said with gratitude in her eyes.
"I wish you the best too! Thank you!" Aunt May replied, still crying.
Peter held his hand up. "Have a great life!"
Lisa left the room.
"'Have a great life?' Weird way to phrase it," Peter commented.
"Pete, don't you dare beat yourself up. You did an amazing thing today, and I couldn't be more proud. Uncle Ben would be so proud of the compassionate young man you've become," Aunt May praised.
"Thank you so much, Aunt May."
Aunt May wiped some of her tears away. "And it is amazing that Lisa's handling the hospital bill, but I really should start working again. It's bad enough Ben was laid off, but the firm will hopefully take me back after a few years off."
"Don't worry, I'll be helping out too. Hopefully, I can find a job."
On the day of the funeral, a good amount of people had shown up, and were sitting in the church. Peter and Aunt May sat together in a pew, with the former looking around to see the turnout. Some of Uncle Ben's friends, coworkers, and boss had shown up. Some of Aunt May's friends and former coworkers had shown up as well. Captain Stacy, his wife, and Gwen and her two younger brothers were also in attendance. Some of the NYPD, including Officer Jean DeWolff, even showed up. Peter exchanged a look with Gwen, who nodded to him. Peter nodded in return.
"Peter? Mrs. Parker?"
Peter and Aunt May turned to see Harry walking over.
Peter got up to hug Harry. "Harry, you made it! Thanks a lot for being here."
"Always, man."
Harry walked over to Aunt May, who stood up. "You must be Aunt May. I'm Harry. I'm really sorry about your husband."
Aunt May hugged Harry. "Thank you so much. I know Ben would appreciate a friend of Peter's being here today."
The three sat down together, in time for the funeral to officially start.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to honor the memory of Benjamin Franklin Parker. To remember those happy times when we laughed and those times when our hearts broke as one. For who could put a price on memories? We gather to share the pain. To hurt when you hurt without presuming that our pain is the same. To cry when you cry and not try to hide or avoid our tears. For tears are memories in motion. We gather to give the gift of grief. To stand beside you in silence and not be uncomfortable with your tears. To allow you the gift of mourning this loss and not lose patience. For grief is nature's way of healing a broken heart," the priest recited. "We have two of his loved ones that would like to give a eulogy. The first one is May Parker, his wife. After that will be Peter Parker, his nephew."
Aunt May got up and walked over to the stand.
"Thank you so much for coming, everyone. I know it would mean the world to Benjamin. Though he usually went by Ben. I've known Ben since our high school days, where he helped me out of a toxic relationship and saved my life one night. Since then, we have always stuck together, side by side. There were obviously difficulties at times, but which relationship doesn't have them? Despite all that, the amount of love in my heart for him was infinite, and there's a permanent scar there that'll never heal from his passing. I'll never forget the happiest times we had together, whether it was going rock climbing on one of our first dates, to a beautiful vacation to Paris, and even the smallest moments are cherished, such as him dealing with my crying and always telling me it'll all be okay. And he's right, because I know it will be. There was a lot to love about him, whether it was his genuine sense of humor, or compassionate heart. And I know he'd want me to keep my head up and keep moving forward. And I know that one day, I will be okay. Thank you."
Aunt May walked back to her pew, and Peter got up to head to the stand.
"Hi, everyone. Thank you for being here today. I could honestly go on for hours about my Uncle Ben and why I loved him so much. Believe me, there's no other man like Benjamin Parker. I'll never forget the first time he taught me how to ride a bike, the first time he took a quarter out of my ear, or even that time we stayed up all night having a Star Wars marathon. I have an endless amount of memories with him, and those are memories that are forever imprinted in my mind. Uncle Ben wasn't just the funniest and most peaceful man I ever knew, he'll always be one of the most moral and honorable people ever. He always believed in doing the right thing and helping others, whether it was me or Aunt May, or even some random homeless guy on the street. He always believed that there was nothing better than spreading love and compassion to others. To say that he was an inspiration is a massive understatement. Hours before his death, Uncle Ben told me that with great power, there must also come great responsibility. I didn't get it at first, but I know what it means now."
Peter looked to see Aunt May and Gwen tearing up. He found himself welling up a little as well.
"And I plan on following that to honor his memory."
Disclaimer: Spider-Man and any other Marvel characters are created and owned by Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. I do not have any ownership over them.
And here's the newest chapter in Peter Parker's journey. I'm still seeking to keep this weekly schedule a regular thing. Still focusing on building up the origin, though I have to keep promising that you guys are really in for exciting and unforeseeable things in the future.
Man, all this coronavirus stuff is so insane. All the places and services they're shutting down. And my mom just put me on quarantine. What a time to be alive.
As always, favs, follows, and reviews are always greatly appreciated. They keep me going and further motivated lol. One support always makes the difference. And I thought I'd take this time to respond to the reviews I've gotten so far.
ThePurpleArcher24 - Thanks again for reading! I love how you're supportive of my decision to start with a scene from the future. Let me say that all the buildup and payoff with that will all be worth it.
Chamba5567 - Haha you'll have to wait and continue reading to see what happens with Peter and Gwen! As for future potential heroes, I'm not saying or giving away anything…
Charlotte Katakuri - I actually just finished watching The Spectacular Spider-Man the other day. Fantastic show, shame it was cancelled. And I did take a lot of inspiration from a lot of Spider-Man arcs and media, though ironically, I didn't think a whole lot about Spectacular lol. I assume you saw the resemblances because I used the same teen characters. Regardless, thanks for the feedback!
-redbird12