Chapter Text
Arc 1:
Many spiders act on fear or curiosity.
But some, even if they're lacking the bite, will fight when they or their children are threatened.
[ Somewhere under Alchemax Labs ]
Peter felt like it was right. He felt like he deserved it.
But then he didn’t.
As soon as he settled down enough to hear that rushed heartbeat, one that didn’t belong to them or him- As soon as he heard it, he felt himself crumble. He felt his eyes tear up as he forced his head to turn, eyes wide to see him.
Everything screamed at him.
Get up
Stay down
He’s in the line of fire
He’s in danger
Save him
Get up
GET UP
Don’t leave him alone
It’ll be your fault if he dies
It’s going to be your fault
This is all your fault
He pressed his lips together, blinking away the debris and tears. He looked directly at him, at the boy who's saved his life each day he came to visit. He looked directly into his eyes.
“Go. Leave now. ”
He stumbled, but he got up. He got up when Peter couldn’t. He got up because Peter wouldn’t be able to anymore. And Peter was going to make sure that the kid at least lived another night. Another day. Just to see his family at least one more time.
So when they waltzed over, he didn’t hesitate to antagonize him like the good old days. Didn’t hesitate to laugh in hysteria or give out his stupid quips. He lied, he stabbed deep into the big man’s heart. He stalled for as long as he could. He stalled for as much time as possible. He stalled for the remainder of his own.
And then, unlike all of the movies, it went white.
No. He was sure that he was seeing all sorts of colors. Sparks or purple, green, orange, and many other colors with names and without.
White. It was white. He couldn’t move, he couldn’t breathe.
It was like he was underwater.
Nothing stung or felt broken, but there was a weight on his chest.
It was like a boulder was on him.
There was a constant sound, one similar to a fast flowing stream or river with rocks slightly peeking out here and there that created a louder sound.
It was like there was a river nearby.
It wasn’t loud, but it was all he could hear. It wasn’t painful, but it was all that he felt. It wasn’t suffocating, but he couldn’t get himself out.
Then he heard cracking. He heard whispering.
“Lost. You lost everything. Everyone.” There was a pause. “I was hoping for a good ending.”
And for some reason, as condescending as it could’ve been perceived, Peter could only think of one thing. One fading thought that he could somehow hear. A fading thought he somehow was barely able to hear.
I’m sorry.
He could hear a sniffle and the tears dropping into still water despite the roaring river sounds in the background.
“They were always so selfish and greedy that I had to make a requirement. And even past that, all I’ve seen is grief in such an innocent child. I’d like to feel happy. I’d like to see you happy. Would you let me?”
Peter couldn’t hear what he thought. He couldn’t even feel anymore. But he knew he responded to the voice. He knew because he heard cracking. He knew because he was hearing more. But 1 hissing voice was the first he heard with such clarity that it nearly made him lose a grip he hadn’t had a moment ago.
“Where is Gamora?”