Peter Parker: A Spider-Man Origin Story

The bus rumbled down the busy Queens streets, its interior alive with chatter and excitement. Peter Parker sat by the window, practically vibrating with anticipation as he glanced at the brochure in his hands.

"Oscorp Industries: Shaping the Future," the bold letters read, accompanied by sleek images of towering labs and cutting-edge technology. Peter's gaze flicked to Gwen Stacy, who sat beside him, calmly flipping through her own brochure.

"Did you know Oscorp is researching cross-species genetics?" Peter said, barely able to keep the enthusiasm out of his voice. "I mean, that could revolutionize medicine, agriculture—everything."

Gwen smirked, glancing at him. "I think you've mentioned it. Maybe once. Or a hundred times."

Peter chuckled, shrugging. "I'm just saying. This is huge."

From a few rows back, Flash Thompson's voice boomed. "Calm down, Professor Parker. We get it—you're marrying Oscorp when you grow up."

Laughter rippled through the bus, and Peter sank a little lower in his seat, fiddling with the straps of his backpack.

Harry Osborn, sitting a row behind, leaned forward. "Pete," he said, his voice low and serious, "just don't get too caught up in the shiny stuff, okay?"

Peter frowned, glancing back. "What do you mean?"

Harry sighed, his fingers tapping a rhythm on the seat in front of him. "Oscorp isn't what it seems. Trust me." He hesitated before adding, "Especially my dad. Just… be careful."

The Oscorp building towered over them, its glass facade gleaming in the sunlight. The students filed out of the bus, their chatter growing quieter as they stared up at the imposing structure.

A sharply dressed tour guide greeted them with an enthusiastic smile. "Welcome to Oscorp Industries! We're thrilled to show you how we're shaping the future of science."

Peter's eyes lit up as they stepped into the lobby, where holographic displays showcased Oscorp's achievements. A giant screen looped a promotional video featuring Norman Osborn himself, speaking about innovation and progress.

"This place is incredible," Peter whispered to Gwen, who nodded in agreement.

But Harry stayed silent, his gaze fixed on the floor.

As the tour began, the guide led them through pristine corridors lined with glass-walled labs. Scientists worked behind the scenes, adjusting equipment and scribbling notes. Peter couldn't take his eyes off the technology, soaking in every detail.

Midway through the tour, the guide's voice took on an excited tone. "And now, a special appearance from Oscorp's founder and CEO, Mr. Norman Osborn!"

The students turned as Norman entered the room, his tailored suit and confident stride commanding attention. He smiled, his voice warm but authoritative. "Welcome to Oscorp. You're standing at the forefront of the future. Here, we're not just advancing science—we're redefining what it means to be human."

As he spoke, his eyes swept across the group, pausing briefly on Harry before settling on Peter.

"You must be Peter Parker," Norman said, stepping closer.

Peter blinked, startled. "Uh, yes, sir."

Norman extended a hand. "Your teacher mentioned you have a keen interest in science."

Peter hesitated before shaking his hand, his grip firm despite his nerves. "It's… an honor, sir. Your work in cross-species genetics is groundbreaking."

Norman's smile widened, though his gaze grew sharper. "A bright mind and a sharp tongue. I look forward to seeing where you take those qualities."

Harry shifted uncomfortably, his jaw tightening.

As the tour continued, Peter's curiosity grew. He couldn't help but slow his pace, letting the group move ahead as his attention was drawn to a side corridor marked "Authorized Personnel Only."

The faint hum of machinery and a flickering blue light beckoned him. Glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one was watching, he slipped inside.

The atmosphere was cooler, the air filled with a faint chemical tang. Rows of glass enclosures lined the walls, each containing intricate setups of webs and tiny, skittering creatures.

"Spiders," Peter whispered, his breath fogging the glass as he leaned closer.

The creatures were unlike anything he'd seen before—larger, their colors vibrant and almost unnatural. Some spun intricate webs, while others seemed to watch him, their many eyes gleaming.

A quiet clicking noise behind him made him freeze. Slowly, he turned to see a spider crawling onto his shoulder, its legs moving with unsettling precision.

"Whoa—" Peter's voice caught in his throat as the spider's fangs sank into the back of his hand.

He yelped, swatting it away. The spider fell to the floor and scurried into the shadows. Peter stared at the bite mark, his hand stinging and faintly red.

"Great. Just great," he muttered, shoving his hand into his pocket.

Before he could turn to leave, the door behind him swung open, and Harry stepped inside, his face a mix of irritation and worry.

"Pete! What the hell are you doing in here?" Harry hissed, his voice low but heated as he glanced around the lab.

Peter froze. "I… I just got curious. The door was open."

Harry scowled and grabbed Peter's arm, pulling him toward the exit. "Are you out of your mind? Do you know how dangerous this place is? My dad doesn't let just anyone walk in here for a reason!"

Peter winced, his hand still throbbing. "I wasn't doing anything. I just wanted to look."

"Look? Pete, this isn't some playground," Harry snapped, his voice rising. "You could've been seriously hurt—or worse. Do you have any idea what goes on in these labs? You can't just wander off!"

Peter hesitated, guilt bubbling up. "I'm fine, Harry. Nothing happened."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his grip on Peter's arm tightening before he let go. "You don't get it, do you? Oscorp is dangerous, Pete. It's not some science fair project. You're lucky nothing happened, but don't push your luck. Stay with the group next time."

Peter nodded, mumbling, "Okay. I won't do it again."

"Good," Harry muttered, leading him back toward the main tour. "And stay away from my dad. Trust me, Pete—you don't want to end up on his radar."

As they rejoined the group, Gwen's sharp eyes caught sight of them immediately. She stepped forward, concern etched on her face.

"Where were you guys? I was starting to think you got lost," she said, her gaze shifting between Peter and Harry.

Harry shot Peter a knowing glance but didn't say anything. Peter forced a smile, his hand still tucked in his pocket. "I just… got distracted. Harry came to find me."

Gwen frowned and stepped closer to Peter. "Are you okay? You look pale. And you're sweating."

Peter stiffened, realizing he couldn't hide the bite's effects forever. "I'm fine, Gwen. Really. Just tired, that's all."

Her eyes lingered on him for a moment before she nodded, though her worry didn't fade. "Okay. But let me know if you feel worse, okay?"

Peter gave a quick nod, avoiding her gaze as Harry led him further into the group. Gwen's concern gnawed at him almost as much as the growing unease in his chest. The sting in his hand pulsed faintly, and his body felt strangely warm, but he tried to push the thoughts aside as the tour came to an end.

Later that night, Peter lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. His hand still tingled where the spider had bitten him, the faint redness now spreading outward like tiny veins. He flexed his fingers, but the ache didn't subside.

"I'm fine," he muttered to himself. "It's just a spider bite."

But as the hours ticked by, his body grew hotter, a fever spreading through him like wildfire. Sweat soaked his sheets as he tossed and turned, his breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

And then the dreams began.

Peter found himself standing at the edge of a massive web stretched across an endless void. Threads of shimmering silk reached out in every direction, connecting to nothing and everything at once.

Far below, spiders the size of cars scuttled across the darkness, their glowing eyes fixed on him. One by one, they began to climb, their movements unnaturally smooth and deliberate.

Peter tried to move, but his feet were stuck to the web. He struggled, pulling against the sticky threads, but they held firm.

A low hum filled the air, growing louder with each passing second. The spiders were closing in, their legs clicking rhythmically as they ascended.

Just as the largest spider lunged, Peter woke with a gasp.