Chapter 24: Birth Of Spiderman
(Zayne's POV)
A week had passed since the incident downtown, and the world had moved on like it always did. For me, however, every passing day was just another reminder that I was in a place that followed two very dangerous fictions: Marvel and Power Rangers. Both of which, when mixed together, spelled nothing but danger for the average human being.
But I wasn't average—not anymore.
Today, our school was going for an academic field trip to the Oscorp Atomic Research Exhibit. A public event showcasing some of Oscorp's greatest advancements. It was one of those rare times students were actually hyped for a science trip. Hell, even I was excited, for a different reason altogether.
Because this—this was it. The day Peter Parker would get bitten by the radioactive spider.
I walked in with the rest of the group, adjusting my glasses slightly, eyes scanning the pristine, clean-white walls of Oscorp's massive building. The air reeked of sterilized ambition. Security guards in tight suits lined the entrance, and lab-coated scientists were moving around like they were prepping for something big.
Curt Connors, the lead scientist of Oscorp's genetics and atomic division, was in charge of this exhibit. One-armed and brilliant. Yeah, I knew how his story ended too, but that wasn't today's worry.
Today was about Peter.
I moved alongside the class, teachers guiding us through the corridors, explaining the importance of Oscorp's innovations. While everyone else was in awe, I was just... observing. Calculating.
Because I knew exactly where to be.
We passed through several displays until we reached the genetics chamber. That's where the spider was. The room was dimly lit with blue and purple hues. Cylindrical glass cases housed mutated animals and robotic prototypes.
Then I heard Gwen's voice.
"Are you sure it's sixteen spiders? I only see 14"
Curt visibly flinched and ordered a thorough search. He calmed down the students and said there was nothing to worry about.
And then, I saw it.
2 radioactive spiders. One hanging above Peter and the other on Gwen's shoe.
"Wait, is this also a mixed Spider-Man verse? Why would it be two spiders?" I asked myself inwardly
If what I was thinking was right, then this universe is more fucked than it initially was!.
The spiders, shimmering faintly under the UV lighting. Its body was almost metallic. Oscorp clearly tampered with its DNA too far. And like fate playing a script, they both stood near it, unaware.
I exhaled softly. "Here it comes."
BITE!
Peter flinched first, hitting his neck, which effectively killed the spider.
Same with Gwen.
I narrowed my eyes. "And now their fates are tangled in a web."
I stared at them quietly as they rubbed their necks. A familiar wave of dizziness washed over both of their faces. Classic symptoms.
Peter stumbled slightly. Gwen reached for the railing.
I clenched my fists.
I admired Spider-Man.
Not just the powers or the suit—but the man behind the mask. The selflessness. The pain. The sheer will to always do what's right, no matter the cost.
But the cost? It was too cruel.
Ben. May. So much loss.
So much pain.
No one should have to suffer like that. Not again. Not if I can help it.
"Grid," I called inwardly.
[Yes, Master?]
"Is there a way... to break their ties to her?"
[Clarify.]
"The spider goddess. The one who weaves the web of destiny."
[You mean the Web of Life and Destiny. The deity in question: Madame Web or Anya, depending on interpretation. Your intent is to sever their spiritual cords from the Web?]
"Yes. I want them free. Independent. Not tools."
[Affirmative. There are five possible artifacts in the Grid shop that can achieve this. Each severs destiny threads permanently. However, each item costs between 4,000,000 to 8,500,000 Grid Points.]
"..."
I sighed deeply.
Millions of points?
Well, I did ask. Freedom isn't cheap. Especially from fate.
"Alright, Grid... I'll get it. No matter what. Even if it takes years. I'll free them both." (A/N: Yes, I know. He is a ranger. Of course, he is a hero. Being helpful and kind is one of the qualities, I like about we humans)
[Command acknowledged. Goals saved. Fate Liberation Protocol marked for future reminder.]
I took one last glance at Peter and Gwen, who were now being helped by a teacher.
"More Chaos for New-York," I whispered, almost laughing at the sheer absurdity of destruction centralized at New-York. Especially now, with monthly Kaiju attacks.
--- ✦ ---
(Peter Parker POV)
His head hurt.
Really bad.
Like a migraine mixed with vertigo. His vision blurred, and sweat began to gather on his temples.
"Mr. Warren," Peter said, swallowing hard. "I…I think I need to go home."
Gwen, next to him, nodded weakly. "Me too… I don't feel good."
Concern crossed their teacher's face. "Did you both eat something strange?"
"No sir… just feel a bit dizzy," Peter replied.
Their friends surrounded them.
"You guys alright?" Ned asked.
"Is this, like, food poisoning or something?" Mary Jane tilted her head.
"You two look pale as hell," Connor added, genuinely worried.
Peter smiled faintly. "I'm okay. I just need to lie down for a bit."
Eventually, they were both allowed to leave. As Peter walked away, he felt his heartbeat thumping harder than usual. His skin tingled. Gwen stumbled beside him, catching the wall for support.
"What the heck is happening to us?" she whispered.
Peter didn't have the answer.
But something inside him was changing.
--- ✦ ---
(Norman Osborn POV)
SLAM!!
"Explain to me," Norman Osborn growled, voice low and venomous, "how none of our specimens have reached stability?"
A frightened scientist fumbled through a tablet. "S-Sir, the mutagenic serum still causes cellular degradation. The test subjects—they just can't stabilize the changes."
Norman walked forward slowly, eerily calm.
Then without warning—he grabbed the tablet and smashed it against the wall.
Glass shattered. Scientists flinched.
"You're telling me," he hissed, "that after billions in funding, decades of work, I still don't have a viable enhancement formula?"
"W-We just need more time, sir," the man stammered.
Norman glared, eyes twitching with fury. "Time? Do you think I have time?! The Board wants results. Shareholders want breakthroughs. And I want… perfection."
He exhaled slowly. "Begin Phase X trials. Inject Subject-67. I want a full mutation spectrum by next week, or everyone here will be replaced."
They all scrambled away in fear
He turned away, jaw clenched tight. "I have spent so much on this. It would have been easier if my plan for getting grid energy had been successful. But no, they said. You have to be chosen to use the energy of the grid. What a load of bullshit!!!
"I'll do what it takes to complete this research and cure myself in the process," He muttered as he walked out of the lab
--- ✦ ---
So, guys, the birth of Spider-Man. But this time, two of them. Is it good or bad
Good
Bad