An Arachnids Adventure

by MisterMcwhosawhatsit

Spider-man retold in the MCU. Technically an MCU-AU (Marvel Cinematic Universe/Alternate Universe) A complete retelling of Peter Parker's story/life from birth till possible death. Harem later on in the story, mature for a reason. The harem will NOT be the only focus of the story (although it will be 'a' main focus), so if you're expecting smut, begone until the later chapters.

7. Chapter 6

An Arachnids Adventure

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Chapter - 6 - The Bite…

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Astral Realm: The Webs Center

"The time has come, the day is here...Brother's Other & Scion, Sister Bride, are all of you ready?"

"Sister Weaver, it has only been a few cycles, are you sure it is time?" Asked an inquisitive Scion.

"Brother you've only had a small amount of contact with the mortals, thus you don't know how short-lived they can be, let alone, the 'Champions' species 'Humans'. The puny young ones only live for a scant few dozen cycles." Educated a pompous sounding Keeper.

"Wha? Then how will he ever come to grasp all of our power? It's taken me many a Millennium to even begin to grasp my strength and its intricacies. How will a creature so minuscule in life ever hope to grasp all of our powers?!" Bemused the Scion.

"Now you understand my original confusion, I never thought it possible. However, these 'Humans' have always proved impressive, they, when presented with a challenge will band together almost in a hivemind-like manner to solve their issues. Not with brawn, but brain. It remains though, that the 'Champion' will be practically alone in his endeavor...I simply can't understand how it will be done." Mused the Keeper.

"The 'Champion' will not be alone." Stated the Bride, sounding very assured of herself and her statement.

Her words caught the attention of the previously discussing duo of the Scion and the Keeper. The two now looking towards their sister in dubious interest.

"What do you mean, Sister?" Asked the ever-curious Scion.

"Sister, have you felt a pull in 'your' webs?" Asked the, now seeing the situation, Keeper.

"Mmm, the champion will have many of our avatars come to his side later in the future...one will even be by his side...from the very beginning of his adventures…"

"It seems you have felt it, haven't you Sister Bride?" Asked the gentle Weaver, as if she expected the Brides words.

"Sister, you knew?" Blurted a shocked Bride.

"Mmm, there is a reason you were named the Bride...your divinity has all along been to prepare for the 'Champions' arrival, alongside his lovers who you will bless, as well as his comrades." Stated a mysterious-sounding Weaver.

The now confused Bride turned to her Sister in shock and further questioned. "What? But I've only felt one calling...a strong one...one which might even be my Legacy Avatar...same as your own sister, the one known as Madame Webb."

"Yes Sister, she will be your Avatar, your Legacy, however, you will still bless his lovers and comrades. It is about time you realized your further connection to the Web and the 'Champion'." Said the Weaver, slowly walking towards the Bride. Reaching her side, the Weaver lifted one of her 'Limbs' and brought forth a brilliant golden light. Her 'leg' touched the Brides head; blessing her in a corona of bright light. The Web these Arachnids stood upon began to glow in an Aurora of iridescent light, seemingly in response to the actions of the Weaver. The Bride herself soon began to glow in turn, a bright white and black light shimmering forth from her body's hourglass pattern.

The other three, seeing this, stepped back. Doing their utmost to limit their own aura from seeping out, trying not to affect their Sisters divinity with their own.

Before long had passed the Weaver removed her 'limb' from the Brides head, the glow soon died off. The bride shook herself awake, her eyes now brighter than before.

"Sister...is it truly my purpose...to align the 'Champions' path?" Asked a slightly confused Bride.

"Yes and no Sister, you will only be responsible for your own Avatar, as well as blessing those the 'Champion' deems fit to keep by his side. You will not go out of your way to influence the mortals to join his side, only bless those whom choose to join it themselves." The weaver was still looking at the Bride while saying so.

"I...see, so my avatar….she will be the woman to stand right beside the 'Champion'?" Asked a bemused Bride.

"...Not exactly...from what I can tell of the 'Champions' blurry path….he will have many a partner….as for how many...well I can count a total of three who have already found a place in his heart, as well as a few more whom seem to have their destinies intertwined with his…it seems our 'Champion' will have quite a few many life partners…" The weaver while saying so, continued to look towards the center of the web and back at the Bride, almost as if feeling sympathy for the Bride's busy future.

"I-I see, it seems I'll be quite busy in the future…" The Bride tittered, letting her true thoughts on the matter slip through her forced calm.

"Pffft-hahaha, A job quite fitting of the Bride, to manage the 'Champions' Harem, hahaha..truly, quite fit to be our 'Champion'. A royal Harem is expected, after all, once he receives our strengths; I have no doubt they will increase his attraction to the opposite sex. Whether in pheromones or in simple physical attraction, but to think he has already begun attracting females. Ahahaha and that Sister Bride will have to manage them hahahaha...oh I can't- I can't hold it in anymore…." The Keeper, breaking his usual suave and mysterious demeanor, began laughing uproariously, without noticing the glare both the Bride and Weaver were sending his way.

The Other and the Scion, however, we're doing their best to hold back laughter and look imposingly at the Keeper, trying not to let their Sisters know they found the situation hilarious as well.

"Do you find the 'Champions' romantic interests, humorous...Keeper?" Asked the Weaver, in an almost imposing tone, similar to a mother whose child was just insulted.

"Yes, do you...Brother Keeper..." Asked the Bride dangerously.

"Eh...uhmm, n-no?" Said the Keeper, coming back to his senses, noticing the dangerous surroundings.

" " Mmm, I thought so…" " Stated both the Bride and Weaver.

The Other, seeing the tense situation passing asked the weaver. "Sister, what will we be doing today? I know today is the day we empower the 'Champion', but will things still follow the previous arrangements? After what happened prior?"

"Yes, Brother Other...although there will be some slight change…" Stated the Weaver, catching the other three arachnids, minus the Other, by surprise.

"What changes, Sister?" Asked the Other, beating out his other siblings.

"After the 'Champion's' recent endeavor, he has reached out to your old divinity and in doing so strengthened himself compared to prior, the 'Titans' power seemed to have awakened something in him...this has enabled the Champion to strengthen quite a bit. Further putting forward the date of his empowerment. This has abled the 'Champion' to be able to take on more power than we thought prior. Thus, what we shall do, is instead of us, one by one, infusing our strength into him; we shall instead join together our strengths." By this point, the Weaver turned towards the Other and spoke her mind.

"The Other will give unto him strength, speed and reactionary abilities combining with the already present 'Titan' divinity, giving him a balance of sorts, so that the 'Champion' does not lose himself in dark emotions. His physical abilities will far surpass any of our other Avatars, though he will have to grow into this strength." After finishing her addressal to the Other, the Weaver turned towards the Scion and spoke further.

"The Scion will give unto him future sight, further enhancing the 'Champions' reactionary abilities, giving him the ability of foresight. As well as his ability of dreams, giving the 'Champion' the ability to look into the future and past of his realm and many others." As before the Weaver, after having finished her piece, looked towards the Bride and continued her reveal.

"The Bride will give him the ability to see the Webs inner threads, the threads that connect people. As well as the gift to see into a person's inner thought to an extent. With this gift, he will be able to feel malice, as well, as well-wishes. The ability to know who his potential enemies are and who his allies are. The Prey or Hunter instinct, so to speak." The weaver, not caring whether her siblings were keeping up with her, turned towards the Keeper and let loose more words unto her siblings.

"Keeper you were originally supposed to wait till the 'Champion' had awakened further and for the most part, you still will. Today, however, you will send him a sensitivity to the mystical forces, the ability to sense magic and some of its inner workings and laws. Building his foundation for the mystical forces and their teachings, whatever the school of magic he learns, he will be able to master them all in time, should he so wish. However, you will have to teach him your own school of magic after, for it will prepare him for my gift later in life. I will band all of these gifts together into the bite, he is still a bit too weak to receive all our individual powers, thus, this will have to do for now. He will grow further into his powers and as he does I will continue feeding him our divinities, making him stronger as he grows, strengthening his body and abilities one day at a time. Later when the 'Champion' has mastered Brother Keeper's abilities, I will reach out to him and give him the ability to impact or move and manipulate the 'Web' itself." Finished the Weaver, to her astonished siblings.

"Sister, will that work?" Asked the Bride.

"Sister I hate to doubt your words, however, will the 'Champion' truly be able to handle all of those gifts at once?" Asked the Other cautiously.

"He should be able to, after all, it is Sister Weaver, who is giving them to him, knowing her she will give them to him at an acceptable rate." Finished the Keeper.

"Hmm, how odd, to have only Brother Keeper believe in me, fufufu." The Weaver chuckled under her breath.

"Sister, I never doubted you, hehe." Laughed the Scion.

"So it seems." The Weaver laughed as well.

The Bride and the Other soon settled down and relaxed.

"Brother's, Sister, prepare yourselves, Sister Bride you must prepare yourself further as well, Your Legacy Avatar will be bitten right after the 'Champion', you will need to be ready to impart your strength in her as well."

"Yes Sister, I know, I have been preparing for her awakening for the last cycle or so." Stated the Bride, proudly. Almost praising herself for her forethought.

"Sister I was of the thought that I would give the 'Champion' my gift of 'Prodigy' as well, after all, he has a strong connection to this divinity…" The Scion weakly stated.

"Sigh, yes Scion, that should have been the plan, however, you remember how the Phoenix came here not long ago. If it took her all of a handful of cycles to find him, if we were to implant your Prodigal abilities in him as well, we would just be painting a target upon the 'Champions' back. After all the 'Champions' destiny is already startlingly strong enough." The weaver patiently explained to her youngest sibling.

"I see, it's only that the 'Prodigy' divinity is best implanted into a young and still growing Avatar. If we were to give it to him when he is older, it will only be wasted…" The Scion moaned.

"Yes, I understand, however, we simply won't be able to protect him, the way we do you, young one." The Weaver stated with a sense of finality.

"Sister, when shall we strike?" The Other doing his best to move the situation along further asked.

"Soon Brother, Soon."

Parker Residence, Queens

The Year, 2005 - Month, Mid-June

Peter Parker...now 14-years-old, lay in bed...exhausted after a night of cramming for his up and coming summer projects; he had planned for a few up and coming summer science fairs, ones in which he will be attending and entering a few of his side project experiments. The reason Peter had signed up for a total of three different non-academic credited science fairs...for the cash prizes.

Not paying any attention to the unseemly sight he presented to the world Peter rolled around. His tank top rolled up to above his abdomen, showcasing his still-forming muscle mass, his sweatpants legs rolled up to his calf on his right leg and his left leg rolled down. He was pitching an inglorious tent, showing his 'now' deep in the midst of puberty body.

Peter, lying flat on his back on the bed, with his pillow and blankets shoved off to the side was dreaming up some rather questionable things.

When all of a sudden there was a knocking at the door. Peter groggily awakening, saw his current ruffled state, panicked slightly, hoping it wasn't his Aunt May at the door, Peter called out.

"Who is it?"

"It's me. You up Peter? You decent?"

Peter Hearing his Uncle's voice, let loose a sigh of relief and responded. "Yeah Uncle Ben, come on in."

Peter sat up and tidied himself up, doing his best to hide anything unseemly. The door soon opened and in walked Ben Parker, looking more worn and tired then seen prior. His back slightly hunched now, the wrinkles in his brow now firmly present, though not too pronounced. Though, through all of this Ben still had his ever-present smile, adorning his face.

Ben saw Peter's state and soon had a knowing smile creep along his mouth, almost looking like a wry smirk.

"Hey Tiger, you ready for today?"

Peter seeing his Uncles face, then hearing his words. Knew that Ben knew what was going on. But he had chosen not to comment on it, making Peter grateful to not have any other conversations of a certain sort.

Peter soon replied to his Uncle. "Yeah, today's the last day of classes before graduation. That and I have my AP Class Field-trip today, even Cindy was pretty psyched about it."

"Oh yeah? So tell me...how are things...between-uh, your group of friends..."

"Ughh, not you too. Ever since that day they all came over, Aunt May has been going crazy. Always asking me how they're doing, whether or not any of them were going to come over again...it's gotten out of hand."

"Well...you won't catch me disagreeing with that sentiment, however, it still stands, how are you guys?"

"Good, I guess…"

"And you and MJ?"

"...complicated…"

"How so?"

"Sigh, it's just, well, we have been closer lately, but it's not just the two of us who have been getting closer. It's like whenever we're together, the other girls are there too. We never have any time together, alone I mean." Peter looked all the more uncomfortable as he dug deeper into the conversation.

"I see...and these other girls...how do you feel about them?"

"I, I like them too, it's just, they're not MJ." Peter spoke as frankly as he could.

"Mhm, do you have any problems with them?" Ben, doing his best to help guide Peter through his feelings, dug deeper.

"No, not really. In fact their great friends, they've been by my side all throughout middle school, both Gwen and Cindy have been able to help me in my AP classes...or more accurately speaking I've been able to help them most of the time. Though they did help me in the beginning! Liz has been teaching me about dressing more 'fashionably' as well as telling me all about MJ's new likes in the theater type stuff, stuff I never knew anything about. It's been great, they've all taught me a bunch."

"Then what's the problem?" Ben persisted.

"...I thought a man was supposed to only like one woman, to have only one, the 'one', y'know?" Peter, having finally asked the question that had been on his mind for the past few months, looked relieved yet cautious.

"Well, that is how it usually is." Ben, doing his best to tip-toe around the subject, answered in a fairly vague manner.

"...Then why do I feel, like I do? Why do I feel like I'm beginning to like all of them?" Peter asked, bordering on pleaded for an answer.

Ben seeing his nephew-cum-son beg for guidance, swallowed any doubts he may have had with one big gulp and dived in headfirst. Regardless of the fact that he was heading into uncharted waters, could anyone blame him? Exactly how many men had dealt with such a foreign and strange situation? "...Well, Peter, you're beginning to understand what it's like to be a man...having feelings for more than one woman is something all men go through at some point in time...but in the end, we have to decide who we want to spend our lives with. A long time ago, it was actually common for a wealthy and important man to have more than one lover. However, we live in a modern society, where such thoughts are frowned upon, rightfully so in fact, imagine this, you and MJ finally get together, but after a while MJ finds another man to be with, all the while still staying with you, how would you feel about that?"

"I would hate it!" The young man practically yelled.

"Right? So then why would you put MJ through that kind of feeling by introducing another woman into your relationship?" Ben advised, trying to get his nephew to see reason. Hoping against all hope that he hadn't already been contaminated by May's strange plots.

"I...I don't think I could." Peter, unknowing of his uncle's immediate relief, answered in all seriousness.

"Right? Which is why you have to one day decide." Ben, fighting back tears of pure unadulterated happiness spoke once more trying to jam the final nail in the coffin.

"How did the important men of the past, deal with that?" Peter asked in genuine curiosity.

"...What?" Ben asked, halting all prior feelings of happiness. Then a solid feeling of dread struck his gut as if a ten-tonne weight dropped, rupturing any further thoughts, causing his current confusion.

"How did the men of the past deal with their lovers having other men?" Peter elaborated once more.

"Well, Uh-they didn't. The women weren't allowed to have other men, the woman back then were treated more as objects, than people." Ben somewhat spat out in disgust.

"That's horrible!" Peter mirrored.

"Isn't it?"

"Mmm, then what am I supposed to do?" Peter asked once more.

"Decide, Peter, decide who you want to live the rest of your life with, but don't do it too quickly. Live your life Peter, deciding on who you want to marry, heavy decisions like those can come later." Ben advised in perhaps the most serious tone he had taken since their little morning talk had begun.

"Mmm, then Uncle Ben, what if they want to live together with me as well?" Peter asked in mock hope and slight jest.

"Wha?!"

"I'm just asking hypothetically!" Peter hurried to answer hoping his uncle didn't just blow a gasket or perhaps a blood vessel.

"...I don't know….that more than likely won't happen though…"Ben answered skeptically.

"I see, but still, what should I do in that situation?" Peter persisted.

"...live happily ever after…" Ben muttered in irritation.

"What?"

"Peter, if the girls in your life, one day decide that for whatever godforsaken reason to live together with you, sharing you, then there really isn't much you can do. Except enjoy it, and try to live up to their expectations." Ben dryly responded, exasperated with the turn this conversation had taken.

"...I see." Peter muttered in thought.

"...Alright, buddy. I'm off for today, I'll be putting in some extra hours at work to make up for the time off, for when we go to your Graduation Ceremony."

"Ok, Uncle Ben, I'm gonna start getting ready for school."

"Alright, later Tiger." Ben walked out of the room, thinking to himself. 'Did I just do, what I think I just did? Oh lord, it seems May is rubbing off on me.' He shook his head and continued on his way out of the house and off to work.

...

"Huh, What should I wear today?" Peter sat up from his bed, walked to his tall dresser across the room, opened the top-left drawer, grabbed a pair of red, black and white plaid Joe's Boxers and then a pair of Hanes socks.

Grabbing his underwear, Peter walked to his closet, opened the door and looked for something to wear.

Peter decided, a pair of black, skinny jeans and a white undershirt with a black, dark green, and dark blue plaid, long-sleeve, button-up shirt, over it.

Peter seeing this thought back to all the times Liz would gush over the new fashion trends, she herself had picked up this combo when their group had gone to the mall together. She informed him of the 'Correct' way to wear this outfit, jeans as tight as possible, boxers high, the undershirt comfortable and untucked, the plaid overshirt only having the top few buttons done.

Peter thought back to that time at the mall, looking at himself in the mirror and thinking he looked like some punk-ass skater.

The girl's, exception of MJ, thought the clothes suited him and his slim yet muscular frame.

MJ, uncomfortable with his new 'look', thought he looked more attractive in his usual attire.

While the other girls also agreed he looked just fine in his previous outfit style, the other three also thought his new look was fresh and nice.

Peter hearing both sides of the argument decided to try and find some middle ground.

Skinny jeans and boxers worn appropriately, white undershirt one size smaller so as to not look too baggy, plaid over-shirt all buttoned up, except for the top and bottom three bottoms. Accenting his white under-shirt and not revealing any unseemly goods.

MJ seeing this laughed out loud for quite a while, startling the group. When asked why she lost herself in laughter she responded with.

'You look like a younger and more fashionable Uncle Ben, the plaid and jeans combo with a white under-shirt makes you look like Ben went through a time machine and went to the mall to pick out clothes.'

The group hearing this; looked at Peter and then began giggling as well.

Peter, now aware of this thought, inwardly thought that he should have just asked Aunt May to help him buy clothes, after all, she's the one who bought Uncle Ben's outfits.

Peter, having finished reminiscing quickly left the room and walked to the bathroom. After refreshing himself, Peter brushed his teeth and washed his face then got dressed. He looked at himself in the mirror and thought.

'I'm missing something….Oh that's it.'

Peter remembered about his glasses. Peter rushed back to his room, looked at his nightstand and saw his glasses case. He walked over to his bedside, grabbed and opened the case, saw his glasses then put them on.

He thought back to when he got these 'new' spectacles and the events leading up to his acquiring them.

. . .

It all started a week after the 'event' at MJ's, shortly after his being brought back home, Peter discovered that his 5 senses were undergoing a massive change, each one strengthening to a startlingly large extent over the days following Peters return home.

His sense of smell strengthening twice maybe even thrice over, enabling Peter to smell things a few streets over if the scent was pungent enough. A rather annoying ability after actually experiencing it, albeit slightly useful when trying to find someone in a crowd. It took Peter quite a while to get used to it. Having to mentally filter out all the horrendous scents one normally never senses daily, took quite a bit out of the young man.

His sense of touch was far more sensitive than prior, giving Peter a new understanding for all the materials he touched on a daily basis. If Peter were to be blindfolded and tested on comparing and naming fabric types, ten out of ten times, Peter would be able to accurately guess them all. This is also the reason for Peter's newfound need for a brand new wardrobe, as the cheaper fabrics his old clothes were made out of, were in fact grating on his skin, slowly driving Peter insane one step at a time.

His hearing at least four times more efficient than before the fight. Similar in class to a dog a few weeks old, this being far more efficient than the average humans hearing. Peter could now hear things a large distance away, this being the most drastic improvement in recent times. This was also the one sense he had the most control over now, following his sense of touch.

Peter's sense of taste also saw a drastic increase in power. This gave Peter quite a bit of trouble, as many of the foods he ate prior, junk food and manufactured foods, in particular, now gave Peter a rather visceral gag reflex. Peter could now taste all the preservatives in his food, akin to tasting pure alcohol or carbon or other minerals and chemicals. Although, if the foods he ate were of a more natural or organic origin, he would be able to eat them, including dessert foods.

His sense of sight was by far the most difficult to adjust to. His sight had changed the most out of all his senses, He not only had a new sense of distance he also had a changed sensitivity to light, but this also enabled Peter to see quite well in the dark, see further, and most importantly and annoyingly see quite well up close. His eyes were in a constant state of fluctuation, his pupils dilating and contracting nonstop when faced with bright light or an absence of light, such as sunlight or the lights in each of his classrooms. This non-stop sensory overload gave Peter non-stop migraines all throughout the day.

After doing his best to deal with his newfound abilities and the constant pains that accompanied these changes for a week, Peter eventually reached a breaking point.

Peter sought out his Parental Figures, telling them of these new changes and when they occurred. May and Ben hearing this, looked at each other, then Peter, then proceeded to contact Franklin and Susan Storm.

After getting through to them, they drove Peter to the Baxter building. Peter, having seen all of this, went quiet. Thinking to himself on why he always had to go to the Storms place of residence rather than an actual doctor's office or hospital, this thought now plagued Peter, what was wrong with him, why was he so different than his peers…

When the trio finally arrived at the building, they collectively exited the Cadillac Deville. May grabbed Peter's hand and pulled him into the building ahead of Ben. Doing her best to guide him to the aid she felt he so very desperately needed.

After walking in they saw Susan waiting at the end of the lobby, she was standing in front of the Elevator. Almost seeming as if she was waiting for their arrival.

Peter, seeing Susan had a smile come over his face; remembering their study session last Sunday. He remembered Susan's smile as she taught him all that he had to ask, pointing him in the right direction, giving him reminders and little shortcuts to make the process easier.

Susan was a great teacher, patient, and understanding. Peter also thought of the conversations they had together. Ones in which she would explain all of her current projects, explain what they were and their implications on the science world today. She spared no expense or details in explaining things to him. Holding nothing back and then asking him for input on them, asking him for ideas for when she got stuck, to try and include him in her work as much as possible, although he doubted she was expecting much from him, he was glad she was trying.

One case though, Peter was able to point out the misuse of resources in her lab experiment, giving Susan an answer to a problem she was suffering with for the past couple of weeks, although he didn't know if the project would work out later, Peter was glad to have been of use even if in only the slightest.

Peter and May walked to Susan, rushing along thanks to May's quick pace.

Ben just walked through the building's spinning doors, seeing May and Peter walking towards Susan, he hurried along trying to catch up to the group.

"Peter, is everything ok?" Susan asked concerned, seeing May's quick pace, Susan thought the worst.

"I'm fine Susan, just dealing with a pretty nasty headache." Peter sighed out, somewhat frustrated with May's pampering.

"I'm sorry for springing this on you, Miss." Ben walked forward and said.

"Come on, let's talk on the way up." May pleaded.

The group of three seeing May's impatience decided to indulge her. They walked into the elevator, Peter began explaining the situation to Susan.

"I see, it's good you decided to come to us, this way we can look into things as quickly as possible. Peter if anything like this happens again, I want you to call me right away, alright?" Susan implored.

"Mmm, okay. Hey, Aunt May, Uncle Ben?"

"What's up, Tiger?" "What's the matter, sweety?" May and Ben answered simultaneously. Not even bothered in the slightest after having talked over each other.

"Why do I always have to come here or to Dr. Franklin whenever something is wrong with me?"

The other three in the elevator, hearing Peter's question, went silent.

Ben and May, quickly pondered on what to say to Peter in response.

Susan saw the situation and realized that Peter really, actually didn't know of his 'medical' situation.

"Pete we-" Interrupting Ben's words was the sound of the elevator doors opening.

After they opened the sound of an explosion and gunfire spread through the elevator as well as two different voices yelling.

"Ha! Take that baldy!"

"You take that back, ya runt!"

"Pahahaha! You suck at this game old man!"

"I'll get you back brat! It's only the first couple kills, I've still got time to make a comeback!"

"Yeah, I'll believe it when I see- Hey! You Cheater! Sniping me when I'm talking!"

"Talk less! Play more! Survival of the fittest punk!"

"Oh that's it, you're dead!"

Ben and May hearing all this, put on blank expressions. Whilst on the inside, they were grateful to these elevator doors for opening when they did. This gave the two proper time to think about how to answer Peter's worries.

Susan and Peter had two completely different reactions, Peter hearing this was intrigued as to the noises origin.

Susan, however, grew exasperated, quite quickly.

"Ben, Johnny! We have guests!" Susan shouted.

Soon after Susan's slight shout the noises stopped, the trio in the elevator soon walked into the open room.

Looking at the left-hand side of the room, near the kitchen area, there was a large multisectioned couch, on it sat two men, a young adult, bald muscular and fidgeting. Beside him sat a teenage boy, blonde-haired and blue eyed, smiling and looking unashamed.

Peter saw the two and smiled, then greeted them.

"Ben, Johhny! It's good to see you two again."

"What? It's only Peter? Sis, you said we had 'guests', it's not the first time Peter's been here he's just 'company' it's not weird for him to be here."

"Geeze Sue, you startled me!"

Ben and Johnny both visibly relaxed, seeing Peter they both greeted him.

"Hey squirt, how you doin?" Ben smiled and said.

"Sup Peter, you wanna play?"

"Hey Ben, I'm alright, just here for a checkup of sorts. What are you guys playing?"

" " Call of Duty 2" " The duo replied.

"Hmm? As far as I know, there isn't a sequel out yet, are you sure you guys are playing that?"

"Ha, my dad has a friend in the video games industry, he knows a guy at 'Activision', we were able to get a copy of the game early. It's supposed to come out sometime this November, pretty cool, huh?" Johnny proudly explained, Ben shook his head to Johnny's showing off.

"Woah, that's crazy!" Peter exclaimed.

"Come on, sit down squirt. I'll kick this brats butt in no time. Then you can hop in."

"Huh? As I remember it, I'm in the lead?" Johnny showboated.

"By two kills, at the beginning of the match? You don't actually think you've won this game just yet, do you?" Ben said.

"Ah, I wish I could, but I've got to get that check-up."

Susan seeing and hearing their conversation, smiled at Peter's childish side showing through. She spoke up and said. "Peter once I'm done with all the tests were going to run, you can come out and play for a bit as I'm going to be reading the results."

"Sweet! You guys save me a spot on the couch. I'll be out soon!"

Ben finally seeing Susan and Ben and May, straightened his back and said.

"Mr. and Mrs. Parker, It's good to see you two again. If it's alright with you two, would it be alright for Peter to play a game or two?"

Ben and May, hearing Ben's polite words, smiled and nodded.

Susan took Peter to the med room after making sure Ben and May were accounted for.

Susan ran some basic vision and hearing tests on Peter, seeing the results she began doing some more in-depth tests, testing his reactions both visual and audio, having Peter do tests in the dark. Touching and describing what he was touching before guessing what it was whilst blindfolded.

Doing every test she could think of to test his Senses, seeing their current limits to the best that she could, trying to understand what he was going through.

After around 30 minutes of non-stop testing, Susan took him to a different room to run some other tests, MRI, Cat Scan among a few others.

After another 30 minutes, Susan said. "Alright, Pete, you can go out now. I'll come and get you in a bit, can you send your Parents in?"

"...They're my Aunt and Uncle…"

"Oh...Pete, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to-" Susan looking remorseful and tentative began to apologize.

"It's okay, it's true they're not my blood-related parents, but I still think of them as my parents...It's just that I know they always wanted to have kids of their own...and they've never referred to me as their son...so I didn't want to make them sad or angry by calling myself as such…" Peter responded somewhat shamefully while rubbing the back of his neck, a wan smile plastered across his face.

"I...see, that's very considerate of you Peter...have you ever talked to them about this?" Susan took to delve deeper for the sake of her young ward's mental state.

"...No, like I said, I don't want to hurt them."

Susan, feeling the need to speak up; hesitated no further. "Well, this may not be my place to say this...but I'm pretty sure they would like to hear you call them that...your parents."

"I don't know about that...but I'll think about it." Peter looked towards the closed door, thinking upon his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. Wondering how they would respond to his calling them his parents.

"Alright, well please send them in, there are a few questions I'd like to ask them. Oh and Peter?"

"Yeah?"

"I would like for you to call me Sue from now on, okay?" Susan smiled looking down at the young man, unaware of exactly how enticing she had just made herself appear.

"Oh, sure!" Peter replied in a hurry, doing his best to get out of the room as quickly as possible.

"My friends call me Sue, and I call you Pete all the time, I figure It's only fair." Susan smiled even further.

"Haha, but you still call me Peter as well." Peter smiled with a slight blush adorning his features.

"Oh hush, go have fun, if looking at the TV gives you a headache then take a break and close your eyes to relax." Susan turned to her work and called out.

"Mhm." Peter walked out of the room. Looked to the kitchen area and saw May and Ben sitting on a pair of stools, side by side. Peter walked over to them and told them what Sue had said. The two hurriedly walked over to the room Peter had exited.

May said this before leaving. "Peter, dear, try not to play too much, rest your eyes, okay?"

"Leave it be, May, boys will be boys." Ben implored.

Peter, seeing his Parental figures walk into the room, looked towards the couch where Johnny and Ben sat, walked over and said. "Hey guys, I'm here. Who's winning?"

"Heh, me, of course, told you this brat was no good, once I got used to the controls he didn't stand a chance!" Ben chortled.

"You're only up like 5 kills! I'll catch back up!"

"There's only 1 minute left till it ends, how do you plan on doing that?"

"So what, it's still 1v1, I won the first match, you took the second, we only need a tiebreaker! Hey, Pete, you don't mind us playing another game do you?"

Peter looked at the two, looking at him with feverish eyes, seemingly imploring for the chance to beat the other up.

"Yeah, that's fine, I've kinda got a headache from all those tests, go for it you two."

"Ha, I'll wipe the floor with you now, old man! I'm bringing out my favorite gun for this next match!"

"Cheh, there you go again, using an unfair advantage!"

"What was it you said? Survival of the fittest?"

"You- using my own words against me! That's it! You're dead meat!"

Peter saw the two exchange between each other and was a little put-off, after all, all of Peter's closest friends were girls his age. This was the first time Peter had seen two guys outside his school interact with each other.

This undoubtedly was a first for Peter, while he had been to an arcade before, most of the time, the people at the arcade never really interacted with each other, most interaction at the arcade was the placing of a coin or a token in line for use of the machine.

The only exception to this rule would have to be all the fighting game machines and their community, they seemed to interact quite well with each other...Peter was always too intimidated to interfere and interject himself into their group, even though all of them seemed nice enough.

Seeing Johnny and Ben bicker and talk with each other, seeming like they were entering some new deathmatch, Peter decided to close his eyes like Sue had told him too.

Peter, now sitting back onto the comfortable couch leaned his head against the headrest and tuned out the rest of the world to the best of his abilities.

Soon Peter's hearing came back to him, only it seemed to be on the fritz, Peter could hear a faint buzzing, focusing on this noise Peter was eventually able to place it as Ben and Johnny's gameplay and banter.

The same two people to his side, sounded as if they were a couple of rooms over, Peter stopped focusing on the buzzing and waited to see if he could hear anything else.

Before long Peter could hear two groups of indistinct mumbling, Peter decided to focus on the first and quieter noise.

Soon Peter could hear a man mumbling to himself, talking to himself about something, mentioning many things Peter could eventually place as scientific terms.

"What should I do to….the field of magnetism is already finely tuned…maybe the cooling unit isn't providing enough heat prevention...if only things were so simple…..string theory is a fool's errand...our very plane of existence couldn't be so linear….what am I missing?"

Peter finally remembered this voice, it was Reed Richards. Peter had only met Reed once, the last time he was here, although it wasn't the first time Peter had heard of the man, it seemed subscribing to Science Monthly had paid off. The magazine had labeled Richards as the next Einstein of the physics world.

Peter remembered freaking out when he saw him, almost asking for an autograph, though his reason won out in the end. Peter had Sue to thank for the introduction.

Peter, overhearing Reed's words decided not to eavesdrop any more, and stopped focusing on the mumbling, Peter came back to where his hearing was previously, hearing this other group of mumbles, Peter decided to focus on it.

"Mr. and Mrs. Parker, don't you think you should tell Peter the truth? If incidents like this keep popping up he will eventually start asking questions, he isn't at fault in this situation, don't punish him for who he is…"

Peter heard Sue say….hearing this took Peter aback, he decided to continue listening in.

"It's not that we don't want to tell Peter, It's just that hearing these things will be hard for him, a boy his age should be focusing on the good things in life…" Ben's tired voice came out.

"It will be hard to deal with this…" May's voice drew Peter's attention, it seemed sad and worried.

"Miss Storm, is everything alright with him?" Asked Ben seemingly trying to change the subject.

Susan seeing this sighed and decided to push past the subject for now.

"For the most part, yes. Peter just seems to be adjusting to his new gifts. The constant strain on his eyes seems to be the most draining on him, I've already begun thinking on how to aid Peter in this. I'm thinking of making a pair of glasses, till his body has grown accustomed to his new abilities. These glasses will be specially made for him, with all the necessary features built in to help him to deal with all of his eyes' special needs."

"How long would that take, money is no expense for Peter's medical needs." May said, catching Peter's attention. As far as Peter knew, his family while not financially destitute, were most definitely not well off.

"It's alright, I'll be making them with some leftover materials here, it won't be much. It should take me maybe a few days, I recommend letting Peter take the rest of the week off from school, I'll give you two a doctors note for his school."

May and Ben hearing this, relaxed a bit and let loose a sigh from their lips.

"That's not all." Susan's words caught the two unprepareds, shocking them back into place. "Do you two remember my father's words previously?"

The duo nodded, silent.

"It seems he's hit the nail on the head, with regards to one of his assumptions. Peter's cognitive functions might have undergone another leap. Last Sunday when he came over to study, I noticed Peter wasn't having any difficulty keeping up with what I was explaining to him. These subjects were things he was suffering with just the week prior, seeing this I decided to increase the workload during the study session and he was not only able to keep up he was able to help me on a project I've been stuck on for quite a while now. Thus I tested his ability to multitask earlier, seeing him doing things most people shouldn't be able to do all at once, answering questions on three different subjects, two vocal, one written, while solving a 500 piece puzzle with his off-hand and doing an audio test, signaling me with his feet whenever he heard an audio cue. This made me want to give Peter an EEG, or as It's also called an Electroencephalogram, Peters results, displayed levels only matched by genius' of the century. On the same level as Tony Stark, and Reed Richards….he's only 12...this is amazing...and frightening….for someone to have this kind of potential at such a young age can be truly devastating to the persons psyche, it can affect their outlook on the things surrounding them, make them see the world differently, it can build pressure on them, make them apathetic to the issues of the world or increase their sympathy to an almost suicidal level." Susan paused her half-tirade to let the impact of her words truly hit both people in front of her.

Seeing their shock and paling faces she continued. "Look at Tony Stark, famous billionaire, inventor, arms dealer...a self-centered megalomaniac, someone who is undoubtedly one of the worlds most brilliant minds, yet he remains one of the world's most selfish individuals, developing weapons without a thought to where these weapons will be used, selling to the highest bidder…Then look at Reed Richards, a genius who doesn't lose out to Tony Stark yet isn't anywhere near as well known. The reason being, he donates almost all his assets from his inventions to good causes, every one of his invention's patents goes to a senior scientist who worked on the project. Only recently has he begun working with peers his age, now under the Baxter Corporations protection, he will begin getting some credit."

Ben and May, hearing all this, grew even paler. Worrying about their little genius. Afraid of the pressures that would most likely come down on his shoulders.

"Having a genius intellect can be both a blessing and a curse...this...and…"

Peter having heard all of this, grew pale...intensely curious about all this, wondering why all this was happening, curious to find out more...before he could refocus in the conversation Peter heard a..."Peter, are you alright?"

Peter opened his eyes, looked to the source of the voice that called out o him, he saw Johnny and Ben looking at him, worry and caution on their faces.

"Yeah, I'm alright, I just haven't eaten anything today, so I'm slightly hungry."

"Geeez, way to freak a guy out!" Johnny exclaimed.

"Pete, there's some food in the kitchen, why don't you grab some?" Ben said, once again proving his kind side.

"He can eat after our match, don't try and take away attention from the fact that you lost baldy!" Johnny yelled.

"Hmph!" Ben said no more, rose from the couch and walked to the kitchen. After arriving Ben walked over to a cabinet, pulled it open and reached inside to pull out a cylindrical container, with a logo on the side, a sideways oval faced man with a twirled handle-bar mustache.

Ben walked back to the couch, tossed the 'box' of 'Pringles' to Peter and said.

"Here, Squirt, eat some of these to tide you over. Then kick this bossy brat's butt"

Peter seeing this smiled and popped open the container's cap, grabbing a few chips and declaring.

"Sure no problem, I've spent many a night at the arcade, they set up a booth with two screens and 'Call of Duty' on it about a year ago, and while I won't say I've gone undefeated I'm most definitely good enough to have a little reputation at the place, heheh." Peter finished saying his piece, looked to Johnny with a gleam in his eyes. "You sure you wanna do this? Huh? Johnny?"

"Ha, if you could give me some decent competition I'd be happy enough." Johnny exclaimed, excited about the idea of going against a pro.

Before long, the scoreboard on the screen showed a monstrous defeat, on the side of Johnny, 30-5 Peter's advantage.

Ben and Johnny looked at Peter like he was some kind of freak.

Peter seeing this blushed a bit and said.

"I've got some experience with first-person shooters...though I suck at fighting games…" Peter shrugged.

"Hmph if that's how it is!" Johnny said while walking up to the TV's stand and pulled out a 'SNES' or as it's also known, a Super Nintendo. In the cartridge input was a game Peter was truly atrocious at…'Street Fighter II'...seeing this Peter groaned…

"Ughhh, do we have to.."

Both Ben and Johnny nodded and said. " " Yes! " "

Peter not seeing a way out, complied with a nod and then asked Ben. "Ben, If you're here then where is Reed?"

"Do you think I don't come here without him?"

Peter looked at him then nodded.

Ben looked affronted, to be seen through so easily by a kid almost half his age.

"...He's in his lab...apparentely he's stuck on a project, considering the time, chances are he'll come out in a bit for a bite to eat."

"I see."

Peter spent the next 10 minutes getting thrashed by both Ben and Johnny.

Soon the trio heard a door open, they turned around to see who the 'intruder' was.

Peter and the two saw, a tired and disheveled looking Reed, walk out of his lab while holding his stomach; looking like it had been days since he'd last eaten.

Reed saw the trio, which as far as he knew should have been a duo, thusly now noticing Peter's presence.

"Pete, when did you get here?" Reed asked lowering his hands.

"Maybe like an hour and a half ago. How are you, Reed?"

"I'm alright just a bit hungry." Reed smiled in response.

Peter, seeing this as a chance to escape this torture, rose from the couch, tapped Ben on the shoulder and said.

"I'm tapping out Ben, I'm getting pretty hungry too."

"Wha-?"

"Hey! Don't run Pete!"

Peter rushed to the kitchen area, ignoring the two's seemingly sadistic calls. The two were more than likely upset at losing their virtual punching bag.

Reed seeing this smiled wryly and walked into the kitchen area as well.

"So Reed, Ben tells me you've been stuck on something as of late...is it anything you can talk about?" Peter asked while opening the fridge and looking for something to drink.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I guess I could." Replied Reed, looking somewhat intrigued by Peter's interest. Reed then remembered how Peter had helped Susan with her project, although Reed didn't put much stock into Peter actually being able to help him he spoke up none the less.

"Well, Peter, I'm trying to find a way to prove some of the laws of our universe, have you ever heard of string theory?"

"Yes." Peter replied whilst continuing his hunt for sustenance.

"Well, I don't really subscribe to that train of thought...I truly can't believe the fact that this world, this universe, this realm of existence could be so linear. Thus I've been trying to find a way to disprove this theory...lately I've stumbled upon some energy readings that I believe could truly prove that our realm of existence is, in fact, just a layer in a much larger fold, these energies, are in fact quite foreign to us. From what I can tell these energies seem to be quite faint in the earth's atmosphere...thus I've been lobbying for an opportunity to go into space for the last few years, but no matter what I say or do, I can't seem to prove my findings. At least not to a sustainable level, not to the level needed to request for the funding required to be able to launch us into space to check out if my readings were correct. Thus, I've turned to a way to test them 'from' Earth. I've gone through avenue to avenue, looking for the best and most sustainable way to prove my readings were, in fact, correct." Here, Reed paused and thought deeply, scruching up his brow in a furrow so fierce he could give a stern Uncle Ben a run for his money. "Recently I think I've found a way...Quantum Computing, to prove my Quantum Theory, I will have to use a computer capable of Quantum equations and analysis."

"Woah, a Quantum Computer! That's like the stuff of science fiction! With a computer that strong it would be possible to do so much more than just prove your theory." Peter gleamed.

Reed seeing Peter keep up in the conversation was impressed with Peter's ability to understand everything so far.

"Yes, it is...however, because of that fact, it's essentially proved impossible to bring that sort of computer to life. I've done almost everything possible to bring the machine to fruition, and yet here I am, stumped on how to proceed."

"What have you tried?"

"Do you know what a bit is Peter?"

Peter shook his head.

"I see, well a bit is a small form of storage memory, capable of holding a 0 or 1 in terms of binary code. There are in fact many forms of 'bits'. I've recently designed the smallest bit know to humankind, I've decided to name it the Qubit, short for Quantum Bit. The way processors for computers work is they run binary code, faster than any human mind could, this usage of Binary code, makes running computers possible, running multiple processes at once, doing amazing things, the more 'powerful' the processor, the more they can compute. I made the qubit in an attempt to build a Quantum Processor."

"I see." Peter halted his search for food and sat next to Reed, truly listening in full.

"Recently I've done almost everything to get the Quantum processor to run, however, no matter what I do or what cooler I place it in the processor overheats, threatening to burn out and damage the processor. Forcing me to stop running the system."

"If you don't mind me asking, how is a Qubit made?"

"I've made the qubit by using a silicon-based phosphorus electron or nucleus, this has enabled me to save space in the qubit itself. Enabling me to cram as much as possible in the processor. 'My' processor has millions of qubits running with electricity running through the multiple silicon layers, powering and running the processor, this seems to be heating up the machine too much."

"What if you were to limit the qubits in the process?" Peter uttered in curiosity.

"...what?" Reed halted his thought process' and looked to Peter in bafflement.

"What if you were to limit the Qubits running in process, to have only sections in layers run at different intervals, also I don't see why you don't decrease the number of Qubits overall in the processor and include both the nucleus and electron in a qubit. Also what is your current design of the qubits, is it ordered appropriately?" Peter continued unaware of Reed's current state.

"...what do you mean?"

"Well, think of it this way; traffic in the city, if it were allowed to run un-checked there's no doubt there would be many accidents and traffic jams. Slowing things to a crawl or presenting a speed so quick, friction and in turn, accidents are bound to happen. But instead, we have traffic lights, stop signs, traffic police, orderly roads, and other paths to guide each person to their desired destination. After all, 'All roads lead to Rome.' although the saying isn't exactly accurate, it most definitely holds some truth to it as well. So the design and appropriate moderation of the qubits should be monitored and controlled well, In my opinion at least." Peter spoke with his chin held in hand, doing his ever-most to recreate Auguste Rodin's "The Thinker".

Reed looked to Peter with a gleam in his eye, noticing his seemingly absent-minded state. This state was in fact quite familiar to him, for it was something he knew well. He himself underwent a similar state of hyperfocus whenever he thought up his most ingenious inventions, plans, and ploys. Unbeknownst to Reed and Peter both, slowly but surely a cold and calculating grin etched its way upon Reed's face. It lay there, not cruel, not harsh, but appraisingly. Similar in manner in which one battle-hardened creature would evaluate a rival. Anticipation, thirst and, understanding reigned in this expression.

Peter continued his thoughts uninterrupted and undeterred. "As for the Qubits creation, why shouldn't you include both the nucleus and electron at the same time? If you were unlucky, with your current design, it might even be possible to initiate a slight nuclear reaction, you could cause cellular fission, creating an exorbitant amount of heat, separating the atoms like that. I'm sure that could help solve some of your heating issues. If you're worried about the space in the processor then that's why you should remove some of the 'Millions' of Qubits. Limit it to the most basic form, the form that could help you prove your theory. If the most basic form isn't enough to help you, then use the resulting processor to run simulations in building a better Quantum Computer. I also recommend you don't just haphazardly cram them in there, build a circuit in the silicon layers, one that the electricity can spread through, dispersing as much of the heat as possible." Peter finished in a nonchalant manner, dropping his hand from his chin.

"...Peter...you're a genius…" Reed uttered in slight disbelief, his former manic grin having long disappeared, unbeknownst to both men.

Peter, hearing Reed's praise blushed and came back to reality, back from his stoic scientific state.

Reed noticed Peter's change, from a cold and pragmatic explanation to the shy boy in front of him.

"What? No, I don't even know the science behind what I'm saying...I'm just blabbing from an uneducated point of view."

"But that's just it Peter, your out of the box thinking is exactly what's so clever!"

Before Peter could respond, the two heard a door opening, interrupting the two's conversation.

Peter looked over to the door and saw Susan leading May and Ben out of the room, seeing them, Peter was brought back to the bit of the conversation he had overheard prior.

"Peter, come on over, Sue has something to tell you." May said.

Peter and Reed hearing this, decided to put this topic of conversation aside.

"I'm coming." Peter replied before nodding at Reed and walking over.

"Pete, come on in, we'll talk in the main office."

Sue stated before leading the trio to one of the back rooms. Peter following Sue, thought back on his conversation with Reed, hoping he could have helped him some.

"Pete, have a seat, I've already told your Uncle and Aunt everything, you're the only one who needs to hear the news."

"Mkay." Peter decided to keep quiet about what he had overheard...until later that is.

Peter listened as Sue explained her plan to make him a pair of glasses in the next few days. How he would be staying home for the next few days until they were ready, she also recommended he rest a bit, and try and do some eye tests at home, until the pain came back then rest with his eyes closed.

After hearing everything and saying his goodbyes to the group at the Baxter Building, May, Ben, and Peter left the place and drove home.

After getting home May got to the kitchen, immediately starting on Brunch, as all three people were hungry, having skipped breakfast and with lunchtime soon on the way. Peter sat in the living room next to Ben, both quiet...both thinking on the same subject, both afraid to begin the conversation.

Before long, Ben broke the quiet, telling Peter everything, from beginning to end. All that he knew, answering all of Peter's questions. How they had funds for Peters' glasses and medical expenses in general, how his parents had been sending money prior to their disappearance, how the agency they worked for eventually sent them an insurance check of sorts. Leaving Peter's future Medical expenses and College funds covered.

Peter went quiet afterward, ate lunch and kept quiet for the next few days. Ben and May tried reaching out to him, to no avail, Peter just needed some time alone.

When the time came for Peter to go pick up his glasses during the weekend, he finally spoke up, telling them he understood, that he blamed no one and that he was thankful to them. He called them his parents for the first time, making May cry for the rest of the day. Not out of sadness but rather happiness. Ben drove Peter to the Baxter Building where they picked up Peter's new glasses, slim, black frames with thin lenses.

After putting them on, Peter felt immediate relief, no longer having vision issues or the constant headaches.

. . .

Peter, once more arising out of his reminiscing session, thought to himself, before looking to the alarm clock on his nightstand.

'What's up with me today? Thinking back on all this?'

Peter saw his clock read 5:57 AM, then realized he would be late for the bus if he delayed any longer, Peter grabbed his pair of Chuck Taylors Converse, put them on in a hurry before hurrying downstairs and calling out. "Aunt May, did you make breakfast?"

"Yes hon, come on into the kitchen and eat, then brush your teeth again and get ready for the bus."

Peter walked into the kitchen and saw his aunt May working on clipping some coupons. Waffles, and eggs with English muffins on the side sat on the table, ready to be eaten.

Peter, not hesitating for a second, dove in trying to eat as quickly as possible. Not at all noticing, the other plate served to the chair on his right.

[Whisshh]

Peter startled by the sound of a faucet being used looked up at May, thinking to himself.

'Aunt May is still sitting, has Uncle Ben not left for work yet?'

Peter looked at the table once more noticing the plate to his right side, Peter saw it then looked at his Aunt questioningly. May simply smiled impishly and ignored him.

[Click]

Peter heard the sound of the doorknob being opened, Peter turned around and saw a Beautiful redhead walking through the door, said redhead saw Peter and smiled at him.

"Hey Tiger, good morning."

"MJ, what are you doing here?"

"What? I can't come over for breakfast?"

"Wha-no, of course, you can! But what's going on, don't you usually have breakfast with Auntie Anna?"

"Anna's having people over today and is preparing for her guests, she kicked me out of the house and took me over here for breakfast before leaving." MJ explained, smirking at her Aunt's behavior.

"MJ, you're always welcome here, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and breakfast again, even staying the night is okay!" May said.

Peter and MJ hearing May's words and most importantly her un-said implications, blushed.

"Thank you, Aunt May…" MJ whispered.

The trio enjoyed a pleasant breakfast before Peter and MJ had to head out to catch the bus.

"I'll see you later tonight Aunt May, remember I have the Field-Trip today after school so I won't be back till much later."

"Yes, I know, be safe you two." May said and waved from the front door before closing it, looking to give the two as much alone time as possible.

"Sorry about her, she's always so into things, she can sometimes say some pretty heavy stuff." Peter explained wryly.

"It's ok, It's not the first time I've interacted with May, you know that Peter." MJ rolled her eyes and continued her jaunt to the sidewalk.

Peter hearing MJ's words was put at ease. The two waited for a while in silence, just enjoying the others company.

Before long MJ said. "Hey, Tiger?"

"Mmm?"

"You're going on a field trip with Gwen and Cindy today, right?"

"Yeah, technically it's our AP Chemistry class that's going, apparently we aren't only the only group that's going though. It seems to be some school system funded program, a bunch of nearby schools are gonna be going. There's gonna be some high schoolers with us too."

"You guys are going to Oscorp right?"

"Mhm, It's gonna be pretty cool, apparently they're doing some pretty cutting edge genetics stuff. Oscorp seems to be pretty amped about it as well, Norman Osborn himself is supposed to be there to introduce himself and Oscorp at the beginning of the tour. They seem interested in the idea of attracting 'young minds' to Oscorp as soon as possible."

"...I see"

"Mmm."

"Hey, Tiger?"

"Yeah?"

"...will you miss me?"

Peter hearing this went blank, trying to understand what MJ meant, by what she said.

"This summer...I'm going to that acting camp...you do remember that right?"

Peter, finally understanding what MJ was talking about, felt that he couldn't help not remembering what it was she wanted him to right away, as he felt her question came out of nowhere.

"Yeah...it's a whole month right?"

"Yeah…"

"Yes, I'll miss you. But I'm happy you're going to be pursuing what you love too!"

"Mmm, I remember when I first told you I wanted to be an actress...you were the only one who believed in me right away, you didn't question me like Aunt Anna, you didn't just wish me luck or tell me to aim for something else, like everyone else did either...you just believed in me."

"Gwen, Cindy, and Liz believed in you too. They still believe in you."

"But you were the first one, you were also the only one who encouraged me to join the school plays...you helped me rehearse, you even helped me find this acting school, the school who regularly has talent scouts looking for new faces...you told me which scouts to look out for and which ones to be careful of. You were there for me, right by my side when I told Auntie Anna that I wanted to go there or go to this Acting Camp…"

"Of course I was, I'll always be there for you MJ...I told you that before didn't I?"

"...mmm, you did..but why?"

"What?"

"Why are you always there...there for me?"

Peter took a deep breath, steeling himself, ready to tell this girl how he feels, this girl who might as well mean the world to him.

"MJ-" Before Peter could finish his sentence, The familiar sound of the school bus pulling up sounded out. Startling the two out of their dreamy daze.

MJ seeing the Bus arriving and then looking at Peter's determined eyes, felt her heart seize up in nervousness, seeing the situation as is, MJ spoke up.

"Save that thought for later, Tiger."

Peter heard MJ and saw the bus about to arrive, had no choice but to let loose his courageous breath and deflated.

Seeing the moment pass him by, Peter looked to the bus in spite.

"..stupid bus.."

MJ hearing Peter mutter, realized she wasn't just seeing things and thought.

'Peter really was...he was about to confess….'

MJ's heart was all a flutter, imagining the sweet moment that could have been, she too began to spite the bus and its arrival, not remembering it was her who told Peter to hold up.

The two eventually got on the bus, as hateful as they were feeling, the two got on and saw the crowded seats, this stop was one of the last on the buses route hence the fullness of the vehicle.

Peter soon spotted Cindy and Gwen, each sitting in a row of their own, one in front of the other. Gwen closest to the bus's door.

Peter soon began making his way over to the two, knowing they had saved seats for MJ and him. MJ following in tow.

As he was walking over Peter soon noticed a foot slide out into the walking aisle, Peter flicked his gaze up and to the left, he saw one of Flashes 'friends' or more aptly put 'lackey's', sliding his foot out most likely in an attempt to trip him.

Peter not letting the lackey know he was found out, continued walking forward, looking to Cindy and Gwen, right when Peter was about to collide with the outstretched foot, he lifted his own foot and stomped down, right on top of the lackey's.

[BAMM]

The bus dipped slightly soon followed by a yelp, screaming out. The bus driver hearing this looked back through the rearview mirror and saw nothing out of the ordinary, said.

"Oh, calm down, It's just a bump in the road, keep your shorts on."

The teenager who now could hardly feel his foot looked towards the front of the bus and then decided to keep quiet about things, afraid he would get into trouble for trying to trip another student.

Peter not showing a single iota of strange behavior continued walking to his newfound seat, thinking to himself.

'Did I step too hard? It's always so hard to find the right balance when interacting with other people.'

The only people on the bus who knew the truth of the matter were Flash, his lacky, Peter, and MJ, who was standing behind Peter.

MJ snickered to herself.

Peter and MJ soon arrived at Gwen's side, before, Cindy stood up and grabbed Peter by the arm and asked.

"Heya Pete, you ready for today?"

MJ, seeing this, was conflicted. Happy that she didn't have to sit next to Peter after their earlier embarrassing encounter, annoyed that Cindy had grabbed him from her side and was so close to him.

Gwen grabbed MJ and pulled her to sit next to herself.

Before Peter could respond to Cindy, a voice called out.

"Well if it isn't Puny Parker!" Flash called out, possibly eager to override his lackey's earlier blunder.

"Why hello Flash, quite prudent of you to greet me right after I've sat down, are you always this polite?"

Flash hearing Peter's words scowled and audibly clicked his tongue.

"Tsk, whatever Parker, don't expect things to be the same next year, I'll be starting varsity quarterback, there's no way I'll let you go unpunished when I have all that authority at school!"

"Wow, so while I'll be winning the school scholastic accolades and breaking records, you'll be leading the team to championships and practicing how to become an underachieved middle-aged asshole with a beer belly. You and I, we'll make the school proud, that's for sure."

"What! That's it, Parker!"

Flash hearing Peter's cynicism, rose from his seat and began walking towards Peter, looking as if he wanted to eat Peter alive.

"Sit down, Thompson, you don't want your precious football career to end young, after all, you get into any fights and you're off the team. Trust me, I'll tell Coach Mathews myself." Cindy spoke up.

"Cindy, why do you always defend this loser, what do you care about more, him or hockey? And don't think you can threaten me with the coach or I'll tell Coach Garcia about you hanging out with these nerds too. On a school night no less! I wonder what she'd have to say?"

"Shut it, Flash, trust me when I say Cindy is doing you a favor when she stops your dumb self from starting something you can't finish." Gwen said catching Flashes attention.

"Ha, fat chance Stacy, tell me did your Dad come home alright last night?"

"Flash...shut up…"

Peter interrupted, clearly aware of the sore spot Gwen has for her father, as the Police Chief of the N.Y.P.D. George Stacy had made many enemies over the years, both in the station and out of it. This caused a sometimes sore, home to work relationship between he and his family.

Flash heard Peter, and his imperious tone then looked at Peter.

Flash saw a dark look in Peter's eyes, something dangerous, Peter was already standing up and using one hand to clench the seat in front of him, slowly making it look like the area was slowly collapsing in on itself.

Flash seeing this was slightly intimidated, but he couldn't back down, not now.

"Or you'll what Parker?"

"Hey! You two in the back, sit down!" The bus driver yelled.

Peter and Flash both hearing this, looked at each other before each finding their own seats.

"Gwen, I'm sorry you got dragged into that."

"It's not your fault Flash is an asshole, Pete" Gwen responded, somewhat down.

The group seeing Gwen's dour mood struggled for a few seconds before Cindy piped up and asked once more.

"Peter, you never responded, Gwen and I were talking all about it before you and MJ got here, are you ready for the trip to Oscorp?"

Peter hearing Cindy's saving grace, latched on full force and replied.

"Duh, I can't wait!"

The group continued conversing, trying to bring Gwen out of her funk.

They succeeded quite soon after. Gwen began smiling and laughing with the group, excited about the trip.

Time quickly passed and they arrived at school, going their separate ways until lunch and meeting back up, along with Liz now present.

After a pleasant lunch, free from outside intervention, the group separated once more and finished their classes for the day.

Peter alongside Gwen and Cindy got on a bus, awaiting their new adventure to take off, after getting on the bus the three alongside their teacher, saw a bus teeming with teenagers of varying ages in the back seats and a few middle-aged men and woman of differing ages, more than likely Teachers same as their own in the front.

Peter led the two girls to the back of the bus, passing inquisitive eyes all along the way. Both those of the teachers and the students.

Although they watched while they made their way to their seats, there were no rude remarks or insults hurdled their way either. It seems the academic community saw fit not to insult others for no reason other than a difference of opinion or appearance, that or the fact that the people surrounding them were just special cases.

Peter, Gwen, and Cindy sat in the back of the bus in a wide seat, very much capable of seating the three of them in one row.

They discussed all that they could on the subject of their visit in hushed tones, speaking on Genetic modification and it's possible uses. After about a forty minute ride in the bus most of it stuck in traffic, with no other stops, it seems Midtown-Middle was the last for the bus soon arrived in Manhattan, the three looked out the window, at the busy city streets, and the occasional sky scrapper that they passed, after a while Peter pointed out the Baxter Building and explained what they did there.

After another 15 minutes, the bus approached its designated stop.

The trio were the last three off the bus, their teacher called out for them a little loudly, almost sounding afraid the other teachers wouldn't know they were his students. The three were, in fact, the youngest students there.

Their teacher resembled a proud peacock spreading his feathers out, for the accomplishment that his students were the youngest students that had the privilege to be there.

Peter and the girls didn't give their teachers actions much thought, they were too invested in looking at their new surroundings.

The group of students and teachers were standing in front of the Oscorp building entrance, about to enter and see it's main lobby.

Before long had passed, the group moved forward under the most senior and accomplished university professor's lead.

The group entered the building, and saw a grand yet professional looking lobby before them, in the center of the lobby just past the reception desk stood two people, looking at the group smiling,

A fairly tall and slender man with luscious brown locks and a traditionally handsome face, albeit it, slightly worn from age. The man wore a very intricately made two-piece tux. Gray and white, being the suits' main highlight colors.

Beside the man, stood a young man, more than likely around Peter's age, Standing strong and tall, although appearing slightly uninterested in the current happenings.

The boy seemed an almost exact replica of the older gentlemen, only much younger.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to Oscorp, my family's legacy, and future. A place I consider my home. I would like to take this time to welcome you all in! My name is Norman Osborn, and it's nice to meet you all!"

Norman Osborn finished his opening greeting, bordering on speech and looked at the group, seemingly in expected response.

The boy on his side, flinched when he mentioned 'future'.

The Professor in the lead walked forward towards Norman and sought for a handshake, smiling all the way.

Norman seeing the man's ingratiating smile, smiled in response.

"Professor it's good to see you again."

"Norman, to think you would remember me, haha, it's good to see you again as well."

"Come now, don't mention it. Ah, Professor, I would like to introduce you to my son here, he alongside my personal assistant will be the ones guiding your group around for the remainder of your tour." Norman finished his sentence than looked towards his son, in hope that the boy would introduce himself and make a good first impression. His son didn't let him down and stepped forward with a well-timed flourish.

"Professor, my name is Harry, Harry Osborn, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Haha, It's nice to meet you lad, tell me are you as much the scientist as your father?"

"Oh, no, while I would love to accept that praise, I know better than to shoot above my station and abilities."

The professor hearing this put on a strange expression for a moment, before fixing it and asking.

"I see, well you're still young I'm sure you have time to grow."

"Yes, that's what my father tells me all the time."

Norman hearing this frowned, knowing his useless son had just ruined his chance at impressing the professor in front of him. One of the main reasons Norman had agreed to come and welcome the group himself was because of this Professor right here, it's also the only reason Harry was even here at all.

"Tell me, Harry, how old are you?"

"I'm 14 years old this year sir."

"I see, we actually have three middle going on high schoolers here today. Teacher Ramirez, bring your class up here won't you?"

Peter's teacher hearing this, straightened his back and called out to Peter and the Girls.

"Class, let's go forward."

Peter and the two followed their teacher further into the lobby, going to the front of the group. After following along, they eventually made their way up. Now in front of the group, Peter could see the situation upfront more clearly.

Seeing the head CEO of the multibillion-dollar company watching the trio with interest, his son looking at them in pain at the inevitable comparison his father would make in private, and the professor looking at them and their teacher with pride.

"Norman, Harry allow me to introduce one of my former students and his new students. Peter, Gwen, and Cindy, each of the three all started out their middle school classes in AP chemistry and advanced with excellent grades every step of the way. If my student Ramirez is to be believed Peter has actually well advanced beyond his class and has already begun his studies in higher-tiered subjects, all the while acing his chemistry and calculus classes." The un-named Professor finished regaling the tale on behalf of his student.

Peter's teacher raised his head a little higher, proud of each of his student's accomplishments, Peter especially.

Norman hearing this looked at Peter them looked at Harry and looked down before stealthily sighing, the only people present who caught it being, Peter and Harry themselves.

Norman looked at Peter once more with a gleam in his eyes and a smile on his lips.

"Is that true young man?"

"Mmm."

"I see, if you don't mind me asking, do you have a teacher, if so would you mind letting me know what that person's name?"

"Susan Storm, current lab partner with Reed Richards."

Peters words silenced the room, Norman, the professor and even Peter's own teacher all looked at Peter like some sort of monster.

The rest of the room heard the name Reed Richards and inwardly gasped.

Only the professor and Norman himself were in fact shocked by the name Susan Storm as well as Reed's.

"Young Peter?" The professor asked.

Peter nodded, inwardly smirking at the responses of the surrounding people.

"Did you say your teacher was Susan Storm?"

"Yes sir, I visit the Baxter Building every Sunday for study sessions."

The professor hearing that put on a familiar ingratiating smile and said.

"Well, why didn't you say so?"

Noman seeing all this smiled wryly, thinking that this person changed expressions on the flip of a dime. Norman then asked.

"Susan Storm and Reed Richards could be said to be among the best and brightest minds around today, far surpassing my own prime. Tell me young Peter, do you interact with Reed Richards often, there have been rumors of him joining a foundation lately, I'm wondering if that could be true?"

Peter hearing this decided to give the Baxter Corporation some advertisement.

"Yes, that's true, he's joined the Baxter Corporation actually, he has told me he wouldn't want to go to any other place, that the future lied in the hands of visionaries like those at the Baxter Building."

Norman hearing this and seeing the lights in the eyes of the surrounding high school and university students realized what Peter had just done.

Norman thought, 'It seems this boy just used me as nothing more than a foil, to advertise for those prudes over at the Baxter Building...it seems this boy isn't just smart, he's quite cunning as well...if only my own son were as capable..'

Norman looked towards Peter and smiled then said.

"I see, thank you for telling me, Peter. However, I would have to disagree with Reed's statement, after all, it takes money to make money, and it takes money to invest and actually do anything. While being a visionary is a wonderful thing, you actually have to do something to bring all those hopes to life."

"I agree completely, however, if you're spending all your time looking down at the floor in front of you, wondering how to make money and how to spend it, how will you ever know if you are going to hit a wall, whether creatively or financially." Peter rebuffed, looking as confident as ever.

Norman smiled and looked Peter in the eyes for the first time, surprised this boy had the wit and the courage to respond to his verbal attack.

The un-named Professor, seeing the hidden rising tension between the two, spoke up.

"Well Norman, thank you for today, I'm sure all of the students present would love to start our tour."

"Yes, Yes I'm sure you all would like to begin, Harry, lead the group to the Genetic's Laboratory, you'll find Samantha there, where she'll take over the tour guide position. I want you to follow the group, and see if you can't learn a thing or two." Norman instructed to Harry.

"Yes, father."

Peter's teacher soon fell to the back of the group as did all the other teachers present, with the exception of the professor.

The group soon began a tour of the facilities of the laboratory where a young yet educated woman, took over the lead of the group. Introducing all of the lab's current projects and all that they've been working on lately.

She made a few astute comments comparing Oscorps work in the genetics field to Stark Industries and even the Baxter Corporation. Though she never mentioned Susan's name, more than likely in fear of being rebutted, as Susan was, in fact, one of the leading researchers in the field.

Peter noticing the woman dancing around his teacher's name, all in an effort to wow the students of all ages. Peter wryly smiled, occasionally asking questions, not intending to make things difficult for the woman, but instead because he was genuinely interested in the answers.

The poor young secretary, however, wasn't able to properly answer Peter's in-depth questions. The professor seeing this took it upon himself to answer the questions in her place.

Gwen and Cindy seeing this were doing their best to hold back their laughter. Snickering through their teeth.

Some time passed on by, the tour was slowly coming to an end. The group approached the end of the large multi-roomed lab as well, the tour guide took this moment to say.

"And here Ladies and Gentlemen we approach the end of the tour, we have saved the best for last, here in front of you is our applied science area, this is where we test our genetic modifications on lab subjects, such as mice, rats and other vermin like insects or arachnids."

The whole group grew in activity, teachers and students alike, buzzing in anticipation.

"We have already informed some of our scientists on-site to answer any questions you all might have."

The tour guide thought to her self. 'So stop asking me like it's my job to know all this stuff…'

The group soon spread out, each class with their own teacher, each looking in the direction that interested them most.

"Peter, come on, they have spiders here, some of natures apex predators, I wonder what they did to them?" Cindy said, pulling Peter by his arm, leading him to the Spider exhibit. Gwen and their teacher following in tow smirks on their faces.

"Alright, alright, calm down Cindy, It's not like their going anywhere." Contrary to Peter's words, fate had another plan in mind.

"Woah look at all of them, so many colors!"

Cindy was like a little girl at an amusement park, hollering here and there, dragging Peter from one case to another.

"Woah look at this one Pete! It's so big and it's white and black colors are so pretty!"

"You think these things are pretty?" Gwen asked in disbelief.

"Maybe pretty isn't the right word, but they are pretty bewitching." Cindy supposed.

"That black and white one looks kinda like a black widow, only instead of the red hourglass figure on its back, it's white."

"Correct young man, you've got a good eye! That one is Black widow that's undergone some genetic mutations."

The worker beside the case supplanted.

"I see, no wonder it's so bewitching...hey doesn't it look kinda 'too' big-"

Before Peter could finish his sentence, the spider leaped, seemingly out of its display case.

Before anyone there could say anything, the spider leaped its way towards Peter.

Peter with his quick reactions was the only one who could move even the slightest, only it's rather unfortunate that the only move he took was to raise his hands to shield his face.

The arachnid took this chance to sink Its overgrown fangs into the backside of Peter's right hand.

Peter felt an immediate pain shoot up his right hand, all the way up into his shoulder, travel through his chest into his heart. From there it spread to the rest of his body in one quick wave, although this took some time to explain, in reality, it all happened in the blink of an eye.

Peter screamed out in pain and almost fainted from the pain, if only it weren't for what he heard that kept him on his feet, he would most likely have fallen unconscious.

However, fate is hardly ever so kind to its victims.

Peter heard another yelp follow soon after his own, Peter recognized this voice, it was Cindy's!

Peter forced open his eyes and looked to his side, seeing the Spider on Cindy's neck and about launch it's way toward Gwen, Peter reacted on instinct and reached out with his right hand, intercepting the Spider mid-flight.

Peter grasped the spider in his palm then squeezed his fingers, to prevent the creature from 'attacking' anyone else.

An audible [Squelch] was heard, Peter knew that the threat was gone, once and for all. Knowing as such Peter couldn't keep his eyes open anymore.

Peter fell unconscious, unaware of the ruckus surrounding him and Cindy, both on his world and the Astral Realm above them.

---

*Authors Note*

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Alrighty then, I don't have too much to say here this time, just two matters of address, the first one.

I have practically no clue about when it comes to actual science or physics, everything I put into this novel is my own broken understanding on subjects far beyond my own education level. Thus I ask all of you more educated persons out there, to look the other way or assume it to add up to comic-book-esque science fiction, with no actual scientific foundation. Just assume it's my own tongue in cheek attempt at understanding and replicating any knowledge I might have halfheartedly picked up in my years.

Now onto the more recent and heartbreaking news, If you are a comic-book fan or even a cinephile of recent years, you're probably aware of the man, the myth, the legend, Stan Lee himself has passed away recently.

I actually thought long and hard about what to say in this post, what would be the best way to "send him off" so to speak. However, no matter what I though up it just didn't feel right. After all, I didn't personally know him, regardless of how much he and his creations helped me over the years, for example, growing up my father wasn't around much...out there working his ass off to provide for my family, as such he didn't have much time to teach me much of anything with regards to being a man or what that even really meant. It wasn't until later I learned he was teaching me by example rather than with words.

Thus it was through watching cartoons and then one-day reading comics, that I learned about responsibility and what shirking it could do, either to my friends my family or even to myself.

For example, Uncle Ben's age-old adage "With Great Power comes Great Responsibility."

When younger I didn't understand the entirety of the weight of these words, but they gave me a guiding light of sorts, something I didn't have much of growing up with a tired and angry, yet trying, Father.

Stan was in some ways a father figure to many a person, both men, and women. At the same time, he was a person who brought so much happiness to this world through his works. Thus instead of some overly cheesy send-off, I'd just like to say

"Excelsior my friend, I hope to one day finally meet you, but for now, may you rest in some much-needed peace."

I suppose I should also thank any of the people out there who took the time to read this fanfic of mine, it is appreciated.

P.S. I made this chapter a bit longer than usual, because of the long absence due to the voting poll time. I hope you all enjoyed it!