My name is Peter Parker, and I'm the one and only Spider-Man... of my universe.
My story is pretty simple. Bit by a radio-active spider. Gained superpowers. At first, I tried to use them to make money. I had the chance to stop a criminal, but I didn't get involved, and it ended up killing my uncle Ben.
The last thing that he said to me was "with great powers must also come great responsibility."
And I took it to heart. From that point on, I focused on fighting crime and doing whatever I could to protect the innocent. I steered clear of any relationships or close friendships, so I could stay vigilant. No part-time jobs or hobbies. I spent my days studying and my nights patrolling the city.
I'll admit, it wasn't easy. Watching my friends lead normal lives. Turning my back on Mary Jane, my childhood crush, when she finally confessed her love for me. Pretending to be happy when she started dating my best friend Harry. Finding out when they got engaged.
Instead, I dedicated my entire life to being Spider-Man, and it paid off. New York City is safer than it's ever been, thanks to me.
Even now, swinging through Manhattan. I can't find any crime to stop. Not even a stolen bike or a cat stuck in a tree. It had been this way for over a month, and honestly, I was getting a bit bored.
"Peter Parker. We've been expecting you..."
Norman Osborne's voice echoed in my ears with the faint cackle of the Green Goblin behind his words.
"I thought you'd be in by eleven."
I reluctantly hit the button on my earpiece.
"Sorry, Doctor Osborne. I was just doing one more pass around the city."
"Your devotion is admirable, my boy, but we have something that merits your attention."
"I'll be there in ten. Peter out."
WHISK
I shot a web at the Empire State Building to change directions and flung myself towards Oscorp headquarters, my home away from home.
---
"What have you evil geniuses concocted this time?"
One of Doc Octopus' metal arms reached up, removing his glasses.
"Bleh. I don't know when I last did anything evil. Though my birthday is coming up, so I might talk Mae into-"
"Doctor Octavious! Stop! That's my aunt you're talking about."
"We're both consenting adults."
"My ears didn't consent to hearing any of this."
Luckily, Dr. Osborne stepped in. "Leave the poor boy alone, Otto. You know he isn't comfortable with... mature subjects. I'm sure he's blushing behind his mask."
"Hey. Didn't you two call me in about an urgent matter?"
"That we did," Dr. Osborne explained. "You know the side project that I've been working on with Otto and Doctor Connors?"
"Your multiversal telescope?"
Dr. Osborne nodded. "Connors has been a bit obsessed with finding a universe where lizards evolved instead of primates, but other than that, he's been surprisingly helpful. We turned on the telescope a few days ago, and... well..."
My Spider Sense tingled.
"We received a signal."
I couldn't believe my ears. "You made contact with a parallel universe?"
"More precisely, they reached out to us. It was from Doctor Richards, a brilliant scientist who was broadcasting a distress signal."
Instantly, my chest puffed up. "What kind of distress?"
"It seems that the Peter Parker of their universe was killed by a villain that only a Spider-Man can defeat."
"That's horrible!"
"Since our universe is pretty peaceful, Doctor Richards asked if you could travel there until the threat is eliminated."
"This all sounds so... strange."
My Spidey Sense continued to tingle. It wasn't the full "there's a steel beam coming at your head!" tingle. It was more of a faint tingle that made my costume feel a bit warm.
"Peter?"
I snapped back to attention.
"What do you and Doctor Octavious think? Does this seem like a legitimate call for help?"
Norman and Otto shared a glance. For a second, I swear I saw the glint of Green Goblin and Doc Ock sparkle behind their eyes. Not evil. More... scheming.
"We all agree, this is a good idea. Both for this other universe and for you. There hasn't been a challenge worth your attention in years. Connors, Octavious, and I all think you should go."
I looked into both of their eyes. There was no sign of their alter egos. No tingle warning me of danger. Just genuine concern for their friend.
"How soon can I go?"
"Right now."
"Now? You mean NOW now?"
"There isn't a moment to lose!"
Before I could react, Dr. Octavious' metal arms lifted me into the air and dressed me in a protective suit while Dr. Osborne flipped on a large machine.
"Doctor Richards sent us over the schematics. This device will transport you to the alternate universe."
"Are we sure that oxygen is the same there? And gravity?"
"Physics and biology are exactly the same. Only their history will be different. Apparently, this world has a larger population of individuals with heightened abilities."
"More superheroes? That will be cool. Ah! Otto! Watch it!"
"Sorry." Octavious apologized while zipping up the suit.
"Is there anything else that I should know about this universe?"
"We don't know much else. Only that their Peter Parker went by his middle name."
"Benjamin?"
"Yes. I think people called him BJ Paker. Everything else... you'll have to find out for yourself."
"That's not much."
"Doctor Richards will fill you in when you arrive."
Otto's arms set me down on a platform, fully dressed in the space suit, just as Norman flipped the switch on his machine, making a translucent door appear right behind me.
"Alright, fellas, be good while I'm gone."
"We will, Peter. Have fun."
I gave Norman a confused look. Fun? What was that supposed to mean? Isn't this an important, dangerous mission? But they were both already waving at me, so I stepped through the doorway."
