Peter Parker often wondered what he truly wanted in life. Did he even have a goal?
For the longest time, he believed his sole purpose was survival.
First, he had to deal with the alien parasite on his chest, living under constant threat. Then, when the parasite's activity ceased, he grappled with the deeper mysteries of the alien world.
What role did he play in this hierarchy of aliens? Was he the one in control, or was the parasite steering his fate?
Such thoughts frequently troubled him, lingering like a shadow.
Reed's Question
"Can I ask you something?" Reed finally mustered the courage to ask Peter.
Peter gave him a glance and replied, "Sure. What is it?"
"Are you... short on money?" Reed's tone was cautious. He suspected Peter's obsession with the lottery might be a sign of financial trouble.
Peter smirked under the strange-looking helmet he was wearing. "Not at all."
Then, with a mischievous glint in his eye, he added, "Actually, my real identity is an alien invader. My mission is to conquer Earth. My first step is to abduct extraordinary minds like you and bring them back to my home planet."
Reed froze, his face pale. He instinctively took a step back, stammering, "I-I might not be the smartest person. Could you... maybe save me for last?"
Peter couldn't help but chuckle, taking off the helmet and handing it back to the bewildered Reed. "Relax, kid. I'm kidding. But this is impressive tech. Can I have it?"
Reed hesitated. That helmet—his invention—was supposed to amplify subconscious thoughts, but Peter seemed unaffected.
"Why do you want it?" Reed asked.
Peter raised a brow and countered, "Why do you need money?"
Reed sighed, deciding to share his dream. "I was studying quantum physics at Princeton before... well, before circumstances brought me here. I want to build something groundbreaking—a time machine."
Peter's curiosity was piqued. "A time machine?"
"Yes," Reed said, growing more animated. "I believe the monsters, like the Vampire Queen and those creatures in Bear Mountain, might be from different dimensions or times. If time is irreversible, perhaps we can travel between parallel universes. Somewhere out there, maybe there's a Vampire Queen or even... a better version of me."
Peter listened intently, impressed by the boy's ambition. "How much do you need?"
Reed's face lit up. "Are you serious? You'd fund me?"
Peter nodded. "On one condition—I get access to the time machine when it's finished."
"Deal!" Reed exclaimed, grinning.
---
Nightfall
Peter stood atop a building, clad in his black exoskeleton suit. The alien Queen lurked nearby, her presence ominous but strangely comforting.
She leaned toward Peter's chest, as though trying to sense the alien within him. Peter gently stroked her head, his thoughts elsewhere.
Earlier, when he wore Reed's device, a vision had appeared in his subconscious—a face, a smile.
He pulled out his phone, staring at a photo of Gwen Stacy.
"Smiling is good," he muttered. "It means hope."
Meanwhile, Gwen was busy packing her room, surrounded by boxes of Cleola dolls and Sesame Street posters. She smiled as she tucked a doll into a box.
Her phone buzzed with excitement—an email from Felicia Hardy, the famed rock star, inviting her to perform at a concert.
Gwen couldn't contain her joy. She quickly called Peter.
"Peter, I have amazing news!"
"What is it?"
"I'm performing with Felicia Hardy at her concert!" Gwen gushed. "Can you believe it? She's a superstar!"
Peter chuckled. "She's also a skilled thief at night. But don't worry, Gwen. You'll be amazing."
Gwen hesitated before saying, "Honestly, I'd rather perform just for you, Peter."
Peter's heart skipped a beat, but before he could respond, Gwen abruptly ended the call.
She lay back, staring at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting.
---
The Next Day
Tony Stark was in a foul mood, having spent the night at a noisy hotel near a construction site.
"Obadiah," he grumbled, "I can't believe I had to endure that racket all night."
Obadiah shrugged. "Forget that. Focus on the Valen Mining deal."
Tony sighed, annoyed. He grabbed his keys and said, "I've got somewhere to be. Don't wait up."
Sliding into his sports car, Tony spoke to his onboard AI. "Upload all information about the Vampire Queen."
If the rumors about ancient murals in the ruins were true, Tony needed to know more. The Queen might hold the key to everything.
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