Chapter Text
Let’s do this.
My name is Penelope “Penny” Parker.
I am a freshman at Midtown High School of Technology, only 14 years old. My passions include the sciences and all things Star Wars, though I also have an appreciation for Star Trek. It's strange to me that some people can't enjoy both. Other than that, I'm just your average teenager with nothing particularly noteworthy about me.
What most people don’t know is that for the past few months is that I’ve also been the one and only Spider-Man.
You know the rest.
I've lent a helping hand to cats crossing busy streets.
I've aided little old ladies who got stuck in trees.
Or maybe it was the other way around?
I've assisted with moving heavy furniture.
I've prevented muggings.
I've foiled attempted robberies.
I've intervened to stop murders from happening.
Sure I’m nothing impressive, but I like to think I’m helping make my little corner of the world just that little bit better.
Courtesy, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
Now, you may wonder how I ended up like this. I'm sure you've heard this story countless times before, or at least a similar one.
It goes something like this.
It was four months ago in the bustling city of Metropolis, DE. Known as the City of Tomorrow, the City of Presumption, home to Superman, or Manhattan's pretty twin. Our high school field trip had taken us there after a five-hour bus ride and a night at a hotel, all so we could tour LexCorp. Located in the New Troy borough in its iconic L-shaped building, LexCorp was known for its groundbreaking scientific advancements, making it a perfect destination for our group of freshmen from a specialized STEM-focused school.
Personally, I would have preferred a tour of Wayne Tech, which was closer to New York and a shorter drive (though not by much). But I understood why our school didn't want to take any chances with Gotham City's bad reputation. Still, it would have been an amazing opportunity to see the company that funded my scholarship and allowed me to attend Midtown High School of Technology; without it, my family would never have been able to afford such an education.
I stood out as one of the five girls on that field trip, and in our entire year for that matter. As a lower-middle class student in a school for the wealthy, and a female interested in breaking into a male-dominated field, I faced discrimination from my peers. Though I was fortunate enough to not experience bullying outside of Eugene "Flash" Thompson, I still felt left out and ridiculed. Mary Jane Watson, on the other hand, would have been able to articulate this situation much better than I could. She had a natural talent for writing and a strong interest in media technologies, aspiring to become her own version of Lois Lane.
The tour began in the lobby, naturally enough. The guide handed each of us a badge to distinguish us as visitors. He was a somber man, likely in his forties, with dark hair and thick glasses like mine. The most note worthy aspect of his appearance was a long sharp nose and his lanky build, the way that he stood was almost like a vulture’s. He seemed weary and detached, as if he was thoroughly done with the world. He didn’t introduce himself but his employee badge identified him as Adrian Toomes.
“Welcome to Lexcorp,” began the man in a tone of voice that stated very clearly that he didn’t welcome our presence in the least, “Where we find solutions for tomorrow’s problems today. Before we start on the tour we have to go over the rules you will abide by or risk getting ejected from the building.”
The threat of us getting ejected from the building was the only time the man showed anything resembling joy. The rules themselves weren’t hard to grasp and were common sense. From there he gave a tour of the ground floor which was dedicated to the history of LexCorp.
“Originally founded as a small but ambitious aerospace engineering firm, LexCorp has since grown into a behemoth of a multinational corporation,” Toomes said with admiration in his voice, “Under the brilliant and strategic leadership of our founder and CEO, Lex Luthor, LexCorp has expanded exponentially. Over the years, it has absorbed numerous smaller businesses, solidifying our place as one of the most influential players in the global market.
“Although this event took place before my time, it is widely known that LexCorp was not originally founded in the grand building that we’re in now, but rather on the top floor of the bustling Daily Planet. Despite its unassuming origins, LexCorp proved to be a formidable force in the business world, making strategic acquisitions such as struggling airlines Inter-Continental Airlines and Atlantic Coast Air Systems (now proudly renamed LexAir). Under the umbrella of LexCorp, these once-faltering companies began to thrive. And when faced with the challenge of fuel shortages threatening their rising profits, LexCorp boldly acquired Southwestern Petroleum and rebranded it as the powerful entity we know today: LexOil.”
As Mr. Toomes continued his lecture on the history of LexCorp, he highlighted the company's undeniable impact and contributions to the fields of science. Despite its controversial reputation and the polarizing figure at its helm, there was no denying the immense influence that LexCorp had on the world of scientific innovation. From groundbreaking technologies to revolutionary discoveries, the company had left an indelible mark on society, for better or for worse.
As we moved from the history section, Mr. Toomes led us towards the research and development wing of LexCorp, where the real magic happened. The floors above ground level were a hive of activity, with scientists and engineers bustling about, immersed in their work.
They were laboring over the latest advancements in aerospace technology, the very foundation of the multinational corporation's success. Their minds were consumed by calculations and blueprints, their hands busy with intricate designs and delicate tools. Each person in the bustling lab was a crucial cog in the machinery that propelled humanity towards the stars. The walls were lined with models of futuristic aircraft and spacecraft, and the air hummed with the sound of powerful engines being tested. This was the heart of innovation, where dreams took flight and boundaries were constantly pushed.
“Aerospace is a continually evolving discipline requiring both a grasp of the fundamentals and an eye for new developments. Only those with a keen understanding of the laws of physics and a relentless drive for progress can hope to keep up with the rapid pace of change," Mr. Toomes proclaimed, his condescending tone making it clear that he considered himself superior to everyone in the room.
"Are you allowed to tell us about what projects that you're personally involved with?" Mary Jane asked out of curiosity.
Mr. Toomes looked at Mary Jane with a hint of irritation. "I'm afraid that information is strictly confidential and not for the ears of high school students," he replied curtly, his condescending tone sharpening. "Our ongoing projects are of a sensitive nature and cannot be shared with outsiders, especially those who lack the expertise to comprehend their complexity."
Mary Jane's green eyes sparkled with defiance as she shot back, "But we are future scientists and engineers in training. Wouldn't it be beneficial for us to learn about the cutting-edge research happening here at LexCorp? It could inspire us and ignite our passion for innovation."
Toomes let out an exasperated sigh before dismissing Mary Jane's inquiry with a wave of his hand. "I assure you, young lady, that what we do here is beyond the scope of your current understanding. It is best for all involved to keep such matters confidential. Now, if you will kindly follow me, we will proceed to the next section of our tour," he declared, gesturing for us to move along.
As we made our way through the bustling research and development wing, my curiosity only grew. The sights and sounds of innovation surrounded us, fueling my imagination with endless possibilities. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer brilliance and dedication of the scientists and engineers working tirelessly to push the boundaries of aerospace technology. Despite Mr. Toomes' dismissive attitude, I was determined to soak in as much as I could from this rare opportunity.
Suddenly, a loud alarm blared through the facility, causing a wave of panic among the visitors. People rushed past us, shouting and scrambling to reach safety. Mr. Toomes' composed demeanor faltered for a split second before he regained control and instructed us to stay calm and follow him to a secure location.
As we hurried along the labyrinthine corridors things got… weird.
The air crackled with static, sending shivers down my spine as the building seemed to glitch before my eyes. The walls flickered like a faulty hologram, and the sounds around me warped and distorted. It felt as though the hallway we were in was part of a video game where the wrong textures were loading in place of the correct ones.
Before I could comprehend what was happening, a sudden jolt rocked through the floor beneath me. I somehow plummeted through through the solid floor and into darkness, my heart pounding in my chest. As I fell, the sensation of weightlessness enveloped me, disorienting and terrifying.
With a sharp thud, I landed on a hard surface, gasping for breath as my surroundings spun. My head swam with confusion as I struggled to push myself upright. When my vision cleared, I realized I was on a different floor entirely and alone. I somehow gotten separated from the group.
I felt lucky that my fall wasn't much further than that, or that I hadn't gotten stuck half-way inside the floor. I couldn't help but wonder how many other people weren't so lucky though.
Shaking off the disorientation from the fall, I quickly scanned my surroundings. The room I found myself in was dimly lit, with rows of towering shelves filled with all sorts of mechanical parts and gadgets. It looked like a storage area for experimental equipment.
As I got up, a sharp pain shot through my ankle, making me wince. I must have twisted it during the fall. Ignoring the discomfort, I limped towards a nearby door, hoping it would lead me back to where the group had gone.
I pushed open the door, hoping to find my way back to the group. Instead of a corridor or some other way to an exit, I found myself face to face with a room full of terrariums. Each one housed different species of spiders, ranging from tiny jumping spiders to large tarantulas. The room was illuminated by a soft purple light, giving it an otherworldly feel.
Confusion washed over me as I took in the sight before me. Why was LexCorp studying spiders? What connection did arachnids have to aerospace technology or scientific advancements?
Before I could dwell on these questions, a strange sensation crept over me. It was as if the spiders were watching me, their multiple eyes fixed on my every move. I couldn't shake off the feeling of being scrutinized by these eight-legged creatures.
As I moved closer to one of the terrariums, one spider in particular caught my attention. I was hardly an expert in araneology, but it didn't look anything like a spider I have ever seen before. It seemed to be covered almost entirely in white fuzz with black markings around its legs and pink markings around its primary eyes.
The spider's eight eyes gleamed with an otherworldly iridescence, reflecting the dim purple light of the room. Its movements were fluid and deliberate, as if it was aware of my presence and observing me with a sense of curiosity that mirrored my own. As I studied the peculiar arachnid, a sudden realization dawned on me. This wasn't just any ordinary spider; it was something extraordinary, something beyond the realm of natural evolution.
Before I could contemplate the implications of this discovery further, a low hum filled the room, vibrating through the air and causing the terrariums to rattle. The glitching had started again, causing the room around me to pixelate wildly. I half expected to be sent falling through the floor again but instead the very spider I had been observing got loose in the brief moment where its terrarium seemingly ceased to exist and was now scuttling towards me. Without hesitation, I unzipped my backpack and swung it down over the strange spider, trapping it inside. As the creature skittered around in a panic within the confines of my bag, I quickly secured the zipper to ensure it couldn't escape. My heart pounded in my chest as I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of fear and wonder at the situation.
Despite the bizarre turn of events, I knew I had to keep moving. With my injured ankle protesting each step, I shouldered my bag with the trapped spider and limped towards what looked like an exit. The dimly lit corridor stretched out before me, shadows dancing ominously along the walls as if whispering secrets of the facility's hidden experiments. As I made my way through the labyrinthine passages, the sense of unease lingered in the air. The glitching effects continued sporadically, adding to the surreal atmosphere that surrounded me.
The first thing I looked for was the emergency stairs. My uncle Ben is a firefighter and he always told me that in case of a fire to avoid elevators and use the stairs. "Well, there isn't a fire but I think this applies uncle Ben," I said out loud, wishing he was with me at that moment. I wasn't looking forward to descending at least five flights of stairs on a bad ankle. With my heart racing and my ankle throbbing with pain, I scanned the corridor for any signs pointing to the emergency exits. The glitching effect still lingered around me, making it even harder to navigate this strange place. Each flicker of the lights added to my growing unease as I hobbled along, trying to keep my movements as quiet as possible.
After what felt like an eternity of limping through the shadowy hallways, I finally spotted a sign indicating the emergency stairs. It was a relief to have found a way out of this surreal nightmare. As I descended, the flickering lights above made the shadows dance menacingly, creating an eerie ambience that set my nerves on edge. The air grew colder with each step, adding to the sense of foreboding that hung heavy around me. My heart pounded as I hobbled down the seemingly never-ending staircase, each step sending a jolt of pain up my injured ankle. The flickering lights and glitching effects continued to disorient me, heightening the tension that hung heavy in the air. Five agonizing flights of stairs later, I sobbed with relief as I finally reached the emergency exit.
With a surge of relief, I pushed my way through the door and stumbled out into the blinding daylight. The fresh air filled my lungs, washing away the stale, eerie atmosphere of the facility. Tears welled up in my eyes as a mix of fear and gratitude overwhelmed me. Outside, I saw employees who had evacuated the building along with my classmates.
As I scanned the crowd for familiar faces, a wave of relief washed over me when I spotted Mary Jane's fiery red hair among the group. She caught sight of me and hurried over, concern etched on her features.
"Penny! Thank goodness you're okay," Mary Jane exclaimed, her voice filled with relief as she embraced me.
"You aren't getting rid of me that easily," I replied as confidently as I could, thankfully she couldn't see the blush on my face due to her sudden closeness. I might have the slightest bit of a crush on her, okay?
Mary Jane's arms around me felt warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the chill that still lingered within me from the strange events at LexCorp. As she pulled away, concern still evident in her green eyes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence.
"Thank you, MJ. I got separated from the group back there," I explained, trying to push aside the lingering unease that clung to me like a shadow.
Mary Jane's expression softened with understanding. "I'm just glad you're safe. What happened in there? It looked like a disaster movie unfolding before our eyes."
I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal about my bizarre encounter with the glitching facility and the peculiar spider. But I decided on a half-truth to keep her from freaking out too much.
"I fell through a solid floor into a storage closet. Had to navigate through a literal maze and down five flights of stairs on what I'm sure is a twisted ankle. All I need is a cold compress and a good night's sleep and I'm sure I'll be right as rain," I replied with the best smile that I could muster. As the adrenaline from the bizarre experience at LexCorp started to wear off, the full extent of my injuries became apparent. My ankle throbbed with each step, sending shooting pains up my leg.
"Come on, let's go find Mr. Harrison and let him know you're accounted for. Our teacher was looking for you, you know," Mary Jane said, her voice laced with concern as she gently guided me towards where the rest of our group had gathered.
As we made our way through the crowd of evacuated employees and students, I couldn't shake off the lingering unease from my encounter at LexCorp. The glitching facility, the strange spider, the surreal atmosphere - it all felt like a fever dream that I couldn't quite wake up from. Mr. Harrison's relieved expression upon seeing me safe and sound contrasted sharply with the worry etched on his face just moments ago. He quickly ushered us towards a nearby bench where I could rest and take the weight off my injured ankle. "Let's get you off your feet until someone can look at your ankle," Mr. Harrison said with a hint of humor, trying to lighten the mood in light of recent events.
As I finally sat down, I observed my surroundings and realized that the glitching wasn't confined to just the tower; other parts of Metropolis were affected as well. "What the heck is going on?" I asked, my voice filled with a mixture of concern and confusion.
Mr. Harrison shook his head, his brows furrowed in deep thought. "I don't know, but you just missed the arrival of the Justice League. So, whatever it is, it must be big," he stated gravely. The mention of the Justice League piqued my interest even amidst the chaos unfolding around us. If they were involved, then this situation was undoubtedly serious. My mind raced with questions as I tried to piece together what could have caused such widespread glitches in the city. I barely had a moment to process Mr. Harrison's ominous words before the ground beneath us began to tremble. The low hum that filled the air grew into a deafening roar, sending shockwaves through the ground. People around me stumbled and fell as the world seemed to warp and distort once again. Just as suddenly as it had begun, the earth fell silent, the vibrations ceasing abruptly. It was as if reality itself had paused for a fleeting moment before snapping back into place. The glitches, the strange distortions that had plagued both LexCorp and Metropolis, vanished without a trace.
The chaos of moments ago now lay still in its wake, leaving a sense of disorientation and disbelief in its aftermath. As I gazed around at the bewildered faces of my classmates, the unease from before lingered like a shadow, even though the glitches were no more. As the chaotic events settled down, a strange calmness washed over the city of Metropolis. The glitches, the tremors, the surreal distortions - all of it disappeared as if it had never occurred in the first place. The people around me looked bewildered, trying to make sense of what had just transpired.
After a moment of silence, a single thought echoed in my mind like a beacon of clarity amidst the chaos. "I want to go home," I finally whispered, the words carrying a weight that mirrored the heaviness in my heart. The desire for familiarity, for safety, for the comfort of my own space surged through me, drowning out the chaos and uncertainty that had threatened to consume me moments before.
“So do I Penny, so do I,” Mary Jane replied, a trace of tiredness in her voice.
Despite the chaos settling down, we weren't allowed to return to the hotel we were staying at until we all talked to the authorities. I was given treatment for my ankle by the EMTs who arrived at the scene promptly who gave me a cold compress and told me not to put much weight on it for the next couple of days. We left back for New York the next day, although I doubt that any of us got any sleep, our bus ride filled with a thick silence that none of us dared to break. Mary Jane sat beside me, holding my hand with hers, her presence a comforting anchor amidst the storm of uncertainties that swirled around us.
I managed some fitful sleep on the eight-hour bus ride. Every bump on the road jolted me awake, my mind filled with fragmented dreams of glitching hallways and mysterious spiders. Mary Jane's hand holding mine offered a sense of comfort amidst the lingering unease from our bizarre encounter at LexCorp. As the bus rumbled on towards New York, the events of the day replayed in my mind like a broken record. The glitches, the tremors, the surreal distortions - it all felt like a fever dream that I couldn't quite shake off. And that strange spider... What was its significance in all of this?
The city lights of Manhattan gradually came into view as we neared our destination, casting a familiar glow that both reassured and unsettled me. The bustling cityscape outside seemed to contrast sharply with the eerie events we had just experienced, adding to the surreal nature of it all. I can barely remember how I got home after being let off the bus, but when I arrived in the apartment that I shared with my uncle it was late in the evening and he was waiting for me.
The familiar sight of our small, cozy apartment brought a sense of relief after the chaotic events of the day. With a heavy heart and a mind still reeling from everything that had happened at LexCorp, I pushed open the door and stepped inside. The soft glow of the living room lamp greeted me, casting a warm light over the familiar surroundings. Uncle Ben was sitting on the couch, his expression a mix of concern and relief as he looked up at me. His gentle eyes met mine, silently asking questions that I wasn't sure how to answer. Despite the weariness etched on his face, there was a reassuring presence about him that made me feel safe.
"Penny, you're home," Uncle Ben said softly, rising from the couch to approach me.
“Yeah, I’m home,” I replied, accepting the embrace. I truly was home. As Uncle Ben embraced me, a sense of comfort washed over me, grounding me in the warmth of his presence. He didn't press me for details about what happened at LexCorp; instead, he offered a silent understanding that allowed me to breathe a little easier.
"You should get some rest, you must be exhausted," he said gently, his voice filled with a quiet concern that spoke volumes. I nodded gratefully, the weight of the events settling heavily on my shoulders. With a small smile and a reassuring pat on my shoulder, Uncle Ben ushered me towards my room. The familiar surroundings of our apartment enveloped me in a sense of safety and calm as I unpacked my bag with trembling hands.
After settling into my room, I carefully unzipped my bag to unpack my things. As my hand rummaged through the contents, a sudden sharp pain shot through the back of my hand, causing me to instinctively recoil. The spider! In the chaos of everything that happened, I had completely forgotten about it. With a gasp, I flung my hand out of the bag in a panicked motion, sending the spider hurtling against the wall. It landed with a soft thud, its fragile form crumpling upon impact. Guilt and fear surged through me as I watched the arachnid lie still, a stark reminder of the strange turn of events that had unfolded at LexCorp.
My heart raced as I stared at the motionless creature before me, its once otherworldly iridescence now dulled by death. Despite the surreal nature of its existence, it was still a living being that I had inadvertently ended. Before I could dwell on the unfortunate fate of the spider, a sharp pain shot through the back of my hand where it had bitten me. At first, it was just a dull ache, but it quickly escalated into an intense burning sensation that radiated up my arm and through my body. I gasped in shock as the pain intensified, feeling like fire coursing through my veins. The wound on my hand throbbed with a ferocity that made my vision blur around the edges. I clutched my hand to my chest, trying to suppress a cry of agony.
With each passing moment, the pain grew more unbearable, spreading like wildfire within me. My heart raced in panic as I collapsed onto my bed, struggling to make sense of what was happening. The room spun around me in a dizzying haze as I fought to stay conscious amidst the searing agony that consumed me.
Little did I know, as I lost the battle to remain awake and fell into a feverish sleep full of half-remembered dreams, that my life had already irrevocably changed. Forever.