was all we needed
Peter Parker considered himself no different from any other young man in the kingdom of Osbora, he lived in a modest home on the poorer side of the kingdoms village but Peter had been raised by his Aunt May and Uncle Ben to consider it modest nonetheless. At twenty-three, Peter had since went on to use his painting skills to paint anyone who was willing to pay for him to paint a portrait of themselves with the usual sole purpose of feeding their ego. Though, he was happily married to his lovely wife, Gwen Stacy, if one asked him, her blonde hair was like his very own sun casting light to his very own earth.
Peter was a scholar, paying no mind to the daylight ticking away as he spent his days in the village’s small library, conveniently owned by his aunt which left Peter all the time he could ever need to pour over ancient texts and manuscripts. Despite having a content and rather cush cush life in the walls of Osbora, Peter was always fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world and the waiting discoveries outside of the kingdom walls, his true passion was always the study of the mythical creatures he had taken an interest in defiance of the kingdoms strict rules that stated if those creatures were spotted, they were to be killed on sight. Of course, his closest companion was his wife, Gwen Stacy, whom was just as intelligent as she was beautiful and rather cautious. Together, they made a life filled with love and curiosity— a life they hoped to eventually share with children.
One autumn morning no different than every other autumn morning, Peter had snuck out of the kingdom at the convenient time when the guards were switching posts, setting out on what had become a routine to sneak out into the nearby enchanted forest. He had heard tales of a rare species of spider with webs said to be woven from threads of pure gold that lived deep in the woods, among the fairies and unicorns. Peter swung the leather satchel over his shoulder, turning to glance at the very groggy Gwen Stacy who was awoken by the amount of noise Peter was making. “Where are you bound at this early hour?” Gwen asked, glancing at the supplies Peter had brought with one of her golden-blonde eyebrows raised. “Journeying to the enchanted forest to seek knowledge, I shall return at nightfall.” Peter honestly promised, approaching Gwen and planting a humble kiss to her forehead. He felt the weight fly off his chest when he was able to be transparent with Gwen, something that he liked to do as much as possible. “Very well, but do take care, Peter. I worry for you. One may never know what lies within that forest until it reveals itself.” Gwen warned, showing her most admirable quality once again; her caution. “I’m well aware and far more well prepared, don’t worry, I love you.” Peter said, kneeling down to Gwens bedside and pulling her in for a kiss, the couple engaging in a lip lock without any real malicious intent. “I love you too, good luck.” Gwen finally said, reluctantly obliging and letting go of the matter.
It was strangely easy for Peter to sneak past the guards as they were rotating posts, having taken nothing but a few cautious glances and a simple walk out of the kingdom. Peter noted how the atmosphere seemed to change as he ventured deeper into the forest, watching fairies fly by in awe.. He found himself kneeling at every tree stump, looking underneath every underbush in a desperate attempt to find that rare species of spider he’d read about. Peter found himself growing frustrated at the fruitless attempts, staring at the blank piece of paper he had visioned to have notes filling the page with when he’d sought out earlier today, remembering the time limit he’d promised Gwen and reminded himself that there was always another day, so he turned to leave.
Just as Peter was going to turn back, he noticed something unusual from the corner of his eye— well not that there was really anything usual or ordinary in this forest. Nonetheless, his heart quickened as he approached, foolishly kneeling down right in front of the ferns that the noise was coming from, brushing the leaves aside. Beneath the ferns revealed a sight unlike anything he’d ever seen before, it was a spider web with each strand of silk glowing with an obvious golden hue. “Fascinating..” Peter muttered to himself, adjusting his spectacles as he made contact with the center of the web. At the center of the web, there obviously sat the spider Peter had set his sights on when he’d first entered the forest.
Perplexed and unthinking, Peter foolishly reached out, his hand trembling with excitement and fascination. As his usually hesitant fingers were quick to caress the web in such a way that might make Gwen envious, the spider didn’t waste a second to move with lightning speed and darted up Peters arm. Before Peter had a split second to react, he let out a yelp following a sharp pain as the spider sank its fangs into his flesh. He yanked his hand back, the bastard of a spider scurrying off into the underbrush as if it knew what it had just done was wrong. “Bastard..” Peter hissed under his breath, sucking on his teeth as he weakly brought his hand into his line of vision in an attempt to examine the bite.
Unfortunately for Peter, his vision began to get covered with little black dots up until his vision blurred completely. It wasn’t long before he stumbled and fell, the world around him spinning into darkness.
Peter was awoken by the sound of fairies buzzing in his ear, slapping his own ear to keep the fairy away. It didn’t take long for him to figure out that he was in the same spot as before, and he supposed he was grateful for the fact that there weren’t a billion spiders crawling on him right now.. But that didn’t mean Peter wasn’t in a mood, because he most certainly was now. He noted that the sun had begun its descent, and remembering the promise he’d made to Gwen, he quickly jumped to his feet despite his head throbbing and his arm burning from where the spider had bitten him. Groaning, Peter dragged himself out of the forest, one hand clutching his satchel while the other hand gripped the trees to keep himself steady. Staggering back through the woods, Peter finally emerged into the village, sparing himself the glares and accusatory demands from the guards since he was able to tune them out thanks to Gwen also waiting for him by the kingdom gates. “Peter, what happened?” Gwen demanded, her voice filled with worry and Peter knew he had to mentally prepare himself for her ‘I told you so’ the second they got home. “A spider.” Peter managed to gain the strength to say, leaning into Gwen as she tossed her arm around him to support him to prevent him from collapsing once again. “A magic spider.. It.. It bit me.” Peter continued, meeting Gwens gaze to witness her brows furrowing while she helped him into their cottage. “Peter, we need to get you to the healer.” Gwen said sternly, she knew Peter well enough to cover his mouth before he started talking off what little strength he had left discussing how it was a waste and they simply couldn’t afford it.
So, despite Peters protests, Gwen continued to insist and she briefly had ran out of the cottage to go call for the attention of Doctor Curt Connors, the local healer amongst the village. Connors examined the bite, his expression grave, much to Peters dismay. “This is no ordinary spider bite.” Connors trailed off, his voice low— something Peter never understood was why they always felt the need to talk in such a low voice when he was already fighting to stay awake. “You must rest, Peter, and let your body heal.” Connors insisted in a stern voice, so now he decided to talk at a normal tone? Great. “I am grateful for your concern, Doctor, but this matter does not warrant abandoning my duties.” Peter stammered, but Connors simply shook his head as he began to walk out of the room. “I know what i’m talking about, Peter. Just listen for once, okay? The kingdom will be fine without one of their painters.” Connors said sternly, clearly putting his foot down to any of Peters protests. “Prick..” Peter grumbled, finally giving up and laying down to heal.. Although he didn’t like Connors attitude, that was for sure, healers always thinking they were high and mighty because they had some superiority complex that came along with all the people they saved.
Over the next few days, Peter’s condition drastically improved, hell, he felt even better than he did before he got bit. He couldn’t exactly describe it, but the best way he could put it was that he felt different— stronger, hell, faster. His senses were heightened, his spectacles no longer provided any use, every sound, scent, and sight were far more intense than he could ever imagine. And did he mention that he’d discovered he could stick to walls with ease? It was actually kind of frustrating, his fingers stuck to every paint brush while he desperately tried to pull the brush off whilst trying not to accidentally break anything due to his new found strength. That evening, he sat by the cackling fire with Gwen by his side, something he was ever so grateful before if he hadn’t made that point before.. He decided to confide in her about the changes he was experiencing, if anyone knew what to do, it was Gwen. “I don’t understand it, Gwen.” Peter started, his voice cracking and his overall tone a mixture of awe and fear. “I feel like i’ve been given a gift, I know it’s no curse, but I simply don’t know how to use it.” Peter trailed off, gazing up at Gwen in order to gauge her reaction. “Whatever this is, Peter, we’ll figure it out together. Just promise me you’ll be careful.” Gwen stated as she took his hand in hers, her touch just as warm and loving as her gaze was. Peter didn’t hesitate to nod, his resolve hardening. “I promise.” Peter said back, cupping Gwens chin and giving her a peck on the lips.
As Peter learned to harness his newfound abilities, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of exhilaration. For the first time in his twenty three years on the earth, he truly— honestly felt alive, as if he had been chosen for something greater, he had something that finally made him stand out from every other commoner. However, his adrenaline was at an all time high right now, and with that came temptation. With his new powers, he saw opportunities to make quick money, to elevate his status within the kingdom, he thought maybe he, Gwen, May, and Ben wouldn’t have to feed off the rich folks scraps for once.. Perhaps, this was the light at the end of the tunnel. While wandering through the market, Peter ears perked as he overheard a group of villagers talking about a tournament being held in the palace— more specifically, the kings arena that was rumored to house chimeras, griffins, and dragons.. Peter didn’t know if he could win against a fire breathing dragon with his newfound abilities, but the prize for the winner was a hefty sum of gold calling his name. It left Peters mind racing with possibilities, he could use his powers to win the tournament, secure the gold, and provide a better life for his loved ones.. Sounded easy enough. “Peter, are you certain this is a good idea?” Gwen asked, like many, Gwen knew how money and power could get into ones head. “Yes, Gwendy, I know what i’m doing, I promise.” Peter said with a dismissive wave of his hand, giving Gwen a brief kiss on the forehead before he was on his way.
Peter wasn’t that stupid though, he knew better than to draw the kings attention to himself, so he’d gotten the idea to enter the tournament under a pseudonym, the disguise was nothing much; consisting of a cloak with a black mask and white bug like eye holes. His opponent was a familiar face, a solider in training by the name of Eddie Brock, Peter definitely didn’t like the guy, he was awfully smug and just overall quite irritating.. He disliked Brock the same way he disliked Connors, they acted like they were above commoners simply because they’d saved a few lives, but neither of them ever talked about how many lives they’d failed. “Your majesty, pardon my concerns and vulgar language.. Who the hell is this?” Eddie asked, digging his sword into the sand while he turned to look at King Osborn, whom was sitting in a throne in the center of the arena bleachers. “Your opponent.” Norman said with a tone of heavy nonchalance, a contrast to the tense glances of both Brock and the town crier beside Norman, J. Jonah Jameson. Peter had seen both of them from afar, but this was the first time he’d ever seen them this close up in person, but nonetheless, he decided to take advantage of Brock being off guard and drew his own sword, knocking Brocks sword straight out of his hand.. Despite Brocks humiliated and furious gaze, Peter had easily bested his opponents, claiming the prize with ease. But ultimately, in the long run, his victory was short-lived. Throughout the fight, he could feel Normans eyes following his every move with a keen interest, much to Peters dismay, his actions had drawn in the undivided attention of Osboras ruler, King Osborn, a man known for his ruthlessness towards mythical creatures and overwhelming thirst for power.
Upon returning to the village as Peter Parker, he found himself in the company of his closest friends: Prince Harry Osborn, someone Peter had formed an unlikely bond with over being paid to paint portraits of him over and over again, Flash Thompson, one of the local knights who Peter had grown up alongside his whole life and Peter could admit that Flash was quite a prick to him when they were younger, Liz Allen, a pretty noble and possible suitress for Harry, and Mary Jane Watson, a bard with fiery red hair and an even more fiery personality.. Of course, they were all talking about the mysterious fighter from earlier today, unbeknownst to any of them, he was standing amongst them. “Father said he had an impressive display of sorts..” Harry said, his tone edged with obvious suspicion and unease at the bare mention of his father, Peter supposed he couldn’t blame Harry, having Norman for a father couldn’t possibly be easy. “I wonder where he learned to fight like that, you think he’s enhanced? Perhaps one of those forest elves in disguise.” Harry trailed off, turning to meet the gazes of his friends. “Elves are shorter, that wasn’t an elf, I suppose it’s natural talent, Gayle and I were there.” Mary Jane chimed in, crossing her arms and her gaze briefly lingering on Peter before her gaze met the ring on his finger and she quickly drew her gaze away. Flash clapped Harry on the back with a sneer and laugh, dusting his hands together shortly after he’d clapped Harry. “Well, whatever it is, he’s got a gift, doesn’t he?” Flash stated with a smile, leaving Peter unable to tell if it was a genuine smile and Flash perhaps had changed for the better.
As the days passed, every town crier and journalist had made it a point to make Peters alter ego the talk of the kingdom. He enjoyed the attention and newfound respect, even if he didn’t actually get to experience it, he just simply got to watch folk talk about him while unknowingly in the room with him.. But Gwen, oh Gwen remained wary as ever. “I’m worried Peter.” Gwen confined in him one night while the two were lying in their shared bed, hands interlocked and gazes meeting. “You’re changing, and not just because of the spider bite.. This power.. It’s affecting you, I fear I may not recognize the man I fell in love with and married someday.” Gwen stated in a heavy tone, her sapphire colored eyes teary which showed how heavily this was weighing down on her, but for some reason, Peter didn’t feel guilty. “Don’t worry, Gwendy, I know what i’m doing.” Peter said dismissively, once again waving her concerns away, his confidence bordering on arrogance.. But deep down, was Gwen right? Perhaps he was losing of who he was.
This heart to heart with Gwen prompted Peter to visit his Uncle Ben the next evening, the sun dipping below the horizon and casting a golden glow over the village.. Golden like Gwens hair. Peter sat with Uncle Ben in the garden, Ben had always been a source of wisdom and guidance throughout Peters life, he and Aunt May had stepped up to raise him when his parents were assassinated, and there was no way Peter could ever thank him enough. “Uncle Ben, i’ve been given this incredible gift, but i’m finding myself unsure if i’m using these abilities the right way.” Peter admitted, his voice heavy with uncertainty as he glanced at his own palms. Ben looked at him with that compassionate look he always wore no matter the circumstances, tossing an arm around Peter. “Peter, power is a strange thing. It can bring out the best in us, or the worst.. Look at the king, did that bring out the best or the worst in him? The point is what matters is how we choose to use it.” Ben stated with a tone ever so full of wisdom, Peter frowning as both Ben and Gwens words replayed in his head. “I thought I could use it to help us, to make things better.” Peter trailed off, although he knew he could make things better— he had convinced himself so. “And that’s a noble intention. But remember—“ Ben began to say, before Peter had stubbornly cut him off. “No but, I know what i’m doing is a noble intention. I’m nothing alike to Osborn, and i’m starting to believe you and Gwen just want to hold me back for a hopeless reason, we’re finally getting by and you two don’t like how i’m achieving that, well, oh well.” Peter spat, standing up and tuning out anything else Ben had to say because he was already off.
Despite Peters resolve cracking, fate had other plans. One fateful night as Peter had returned from another adventure in the forest, he noticed a commotion near the village square. Peters had heart sank to his feet as he saw a crowd gathered, their faces pale with fear as guards desperately tried to calm the commoners down. Shoving past the guards and commoners alike, Peter’s face fell when he saw Uncle Ben— the wise man he had just yelled at lying in a pool of blood, the blood still spreading beneath him. He rushed to Bens side, his heart pounding in his chest with a guilt-ridden expression. “Uncle Ben, what happened?” Peter demanded, desperately fighting the tears streaming down his face. Ben looked up at Peter, their gazes meeting for one last time— Bens eyes filled with pain but strangely enough, a calm acceptance. “Peter, listen to me.. Take care of your aunt, and with great power, comes great responsibility.” Ben stated as Peter was forced to watch the life drain from his uncles eyes, his heart shattering as he clenched Bens hand as if the clenched hand was supposed to bring him back to life. He wanted to scream, shout, to rage against the injustice, but all Peter could do right now was hold the cold body of Uncle Ben close, his grief consuming him.
As the previously drained out whispers of villagers began to pour around Peter, he vowed to honor his uncle’s words. He had been given a gift even if he hadn’t asked for it, but regardless, he would use it to protect those he loved, to protect those who had wronged him, to fight for what was right.