Web of Fate

Time seemed to slow for Peter as he watched Flash's punch inching toward him, every movement deliberate and clear. 

'So, this is how it feels?' Peter thought, a mix of curiosity and exhilaration flickering in his mind. His Spider-Sense had flared the moment Flash attacked, sharpening his perception and heightening his reflexes.

It was like the world had shifted into slow motion, and for the first time, Peter truly understood the power coursing through him.

'How should I handle this?' Peter wondered, quickly analyzing the situation. His decision was swift—he would take down Flash and his crew.

As Flash's punch came toward him, Peter weaved his head to the right and launched a left corkscrew punch directly into Flash's liver.

Even though he held back, the punch was powerful enough to send Flash crumpling to the ground, completely knocked out. The precision and execution of Peter's attack were impeccable.

Flash's two crew members sprang into action. The first lunged at Peter with a wild hook, but Peter easily sidestepped, causing the attacker to stumble and fall to the ground. 

The second charged forward, aiming a right straight punch at Peter. With a fluid motion, Peter sidestepped to the right and countered with a sharp kick to the liver, instantly knocking the attacker unconscious.

The first crew member recovered and tried a sneak attack from behind. Sensing the movement, Peter spun and delivered a powerful back kick, sending the man crashing to the ground. 

In mere moments, Peter stood victorious, leaving two of them unconscious and one clutching broken ribs. 

The crowd that had gathered around erupted into applause, cheering for Peter. But Peter didn't bask in the attention. He simply adjusted his bag and walked toward his class as if nothing had happened, his expression calm and unbothered.

Peter's quiet confidence inspired others, especially those who had been targets of bullying themselves. Watching Peter stand up to Flash and win sparked a newfound courage in them. For the first time, they believed they could fight back too, but sadly, it won't be the same.

When Peter arrived at his class, people were already talking about it because the thing that happened was one of a kind. Taking his seat, and greeted the fat girl next to him.

"Good morning, Laurie," Peter said casually before resting his head on the desk and drifting off to sleep. 

"G-Good morning, Peter," Laurie replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

'Peter's memories are kicking in... Great, one less thing to worry about,' Peter thought to himself, feeling a sense of relief.

When the teacher entered the classroom and began the lesson, Peter finally woke up. He sat up straight, his grogginess fading as he tuned in to the lecture. 

With laser-like concentration, Peter didn't miss a single word. His concentration sharpened, and he noted everything important. As he listened, fragments of Peter's original memories resurfaced, merging with his memories.

When lunch break arrived, Peter shot up from his seat and hurried out of the classroom. Peter had made his way outside, finding a quiet spot under one of the big trees on campus. He leaned against the trunk, closed his eyes, and let out a deep breath.

'Should I get stronger?' The question lingered in Peter's mind, heavy and unavoidable. It wasn't just a thought—it was a necessity. The world he lived in didn't tolerate weakness.

'Yes,' he resolved. 'If I don't, I'm as good as dead. And honestly, I'd be an idiot not to try.'

But then came the next thoughts, crashing down in like an uninvited guest.

'Who should I ask for help?'

Peter's mind raced, listing all the likely people who could help him with his current situation.

'Shang-Chi, Dr. Strange, Danny Rand, Reed Richard, Doom, Stark... Maybe even Thor might help if he sends me to Asgard'

Peter weighing his options. 'Out of all these, who would be the best choice?'

One name stood out among the rest. Doctor Doom.

Unlike the others, who excelled in specific fields, Doom mastered many. He was a scientist, a sorcerer, and most importantly, someone who valued his word—when it suited his goals. Despite the risks, Peter couldn't ignore the promise of reliability and versatility that Doom offered.

Peter's thoughts shifted, considering the future. 'The others can teach me later. But if I try to learn from them first, Doom might just turn me away when I finally ask for help.'

He cracked a small smile, a wry thought crossing his mind. "Guess I'll have to glaze Doctor Doom," he muttered to himself. "Even if I've already done that in the past... Doom forever." 

Peter opened his eyes, gazing up at the sky for a moment before muttering, "But first, I need to get money to get to Latveria." 

With a sigh, he pushed himself to his feet, brushing off the dust, sand, and whatever else had stuck to him during his moment of solitude. His thoughts were already shifting to his next move. 

Recess was ending, and the usual rush of students would soon fill the halls. Peter started heading back inside, the weight of his plan settling in.

As he made his way back to class, a familiar face caught his eye—someone who came from Peter's memory. She was a white girl with jet-black hair, a striking contrast against her pale skin. It was Jessica Jones.

"Hey, Peter," Jessica greeted, her voice soft but carrying a hint of concern.

"Yeah, what's up?" Peter replied, exuding confidence.

"Are you feeling okay now? Yesterday, you looked really sick," Jessica asked, her brow furrowed with worry for him.

"I'm good now, thanks for asking," Peter said, offering her a quick smile. "Wait, before I go are you free today?"

"Why are you asking me that?" Jessica was taken aback, a sudden thought racing through her mind. *Is he asking me out on a date?*

Peter, oblivious to her inner confusion, casually shrugged. "I'm bored. Do you want to hang out later?" His tone was light, but there was an underlying sincerity. He didn't want to wander around Queens alone.

"Sure," Jessica replied, trying to mask the excitement that bubbled up inside her.

But it was too late—Peter caught the small spark of enthusiasm in her eyes and couldn't help but smile. 'Cute'

"Let's exchange numbers so we can meet up later," Peter said, pulling out his phone with a casual grin.

They exchanged numbers quickly, both their fingers tapping away on their screens.

"See you soon then, Jessica," Peter said as he tucked his phone back into his pocket.

"You too," Jessica replied, her voice soft but warm.

With a final wave, they parted ways, each heading to their respective classes.

Jessica couldn't help but feel giddy as she walked away, her mind buzzing with excitement. 'I actually got a date with the guy I've been crushing on? Is this my lucky day? I've got superpower... and maybe my man too.' She tried to rein in her thoughts, but a smile tugged at her lips. 'Stop, don't get ahead of yourself, but...'

After the recent incident with her family, this was one of the best things that could have happened to Jessica. It was a rare moment of happiness in a time that had been full of uncertainty and pain. For once, she felt like life was offering her something good, and that was enough to make her feel truly happy.

Meanwhile, Peter muttered to himself under his breath as he headed in the opposite direction. 'During the date later, I can also keep an eye out for any job openings. Two birds, one stone.' He paused, his thoughts drifting. "I need that money to get to Latveria."