A/N: This chapter might start with some casual talk, but stay tuned—things are about to get serious.
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"It looks like the teacher is coming," Tessa said, glancing back down the hall.
Evan turned his head and saw the teacher approaching. "Yeah, looks like someone's in trouble," he muttered.
Peter was called to the office, and his parents were notified about the fight with Thompson.
---
School Office
"Thank you, teacher. I understand. I'll take care of Peter," Ben Parker said, sitting across from Ms. Janet. Even though it was the middle of his workday, Ben had rushed over as soon as he heard about Peter's fight.
Ms. Janet sat behind her desk, looking serious. "Peter has always been a very smart student. Honestly, I can hardly believe he'd get into a fight."
Ben nodded. "He's a good kid. I'll talk to him."
Ms. Janet sighed. "I know Peter's character. I'll look into what happened. For now, please take him home."
"Thank you, Ms. Janet," Ben said, standing up and guiding Peter out of the office.
---
Evan was waiting in the hallway when Ben and Peter came out. "Is everything okay?" he asked.
Ben managed a tired smile. "It's alright, Evan. Peter, you two go home. I need to get back to work."
Ben walked away, shoulders slumped. Peter watched him go, guilt in his eyes. "I shouldn't have caused Uncle Ben more trouble," he whispered.
Evan heard him easily, thanks to his heightened senses. "Don't worry too much. Let's just get home," he said gently.
Peter nodded, his mood heavy.
As they reached the school gate, Ned was waiting for them. He spotted Peter and grinned. "Nice job, Peter! I've wanted to see Thompson put in his place for ages."
Peter turned to Evan. "Evan, Ned and I have something to do. You go home first, okay?"
Evan raised an eyebrow. "Something to do? What are you- Oh, okay. See you at home, then." He waved and walked off.
Peter shook his head. "Ned. I just need some time alone."
Ned shrugged. "Alright, but if you change your mind, I know some great places to hang out."
Peter just waved as he walked away, not looking back.
---
Abandoned Industrial Area
Peter made his way to the old industrial site, his mind racing with everything that had happened. He needed to test his new abilities.
He found a large, rusted machine and stared at it. "Alright, Peter, let's see what you can do."
He gripped the machine and, with barely any effort, lifted it off the ground. "Whoa, I'm not even trying," he said, amazed.
He set the machine down and walked over to the wall. "I remember hanging from the ceiling this morning…"
He reached up and began to climb, sticking to the wall with ease. "Oh my God," he laughed, moving higher. "This is incredible."
For the next hour, Peter experimented with his powers, growing more confident and skilled with every attempt.
What Peter didn't know was that, hidden in the shadows, someone was watching him.
Evan, dressed as a black shadow ninja and wearing a brown mask, kept a careful eye on Peter. Now that he could summon humanoid shadow ninjas, he used one to cover for himself at home. After making sure no one was watching, Evan and the ninja swapped clothes in an alley. The shadow ninja, now dressed as Evan, headed home to keep up appearances, sunglasses hiding his unusual eyes.
Evan had suspected Peter would want to test his abilities, and he'd been right. He followed Peter all the way to the industrial area, making sure he stayed hidden.
As the sun began to set, Peter realized how late it was. He grabbed his backpack and hurried home. Evan slipped away, making sure to arrive home just a few minutes after Peter.
---
Ben Parker's House, Queens
Peter opened the door and called, "I'm home!"
Aunt May rushed over, worried. "Where have you been? You're so late!" She took his backpack and looked him over.
Peter gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Aunt May." He glanced at Ben Parker, who was sitting quietly on the sofa.
Ben didn't say much, just called out, "Alright, everyone's home. Let's eat." He raised his voice, "Evan! Dinner time!"
"Coming!" Evan shouted from upstairs, hurrying down.
The shadow ninja, who had arrived earlier, had gone straight upstairs without a word to Aunt May. She only caught a glimpse of him from behind. The ninja played a recording: "Aunt May, I'm going up to rest. Please don't disturb me!" before disappearing into Evan's room.
When Evan climbed in through the window, he remembered he hadn't recalled the two shadow ninjas from that morning. He figured Aunt May wouldn't notice, and besides, she rarely entered their rooms without asking.
At dinner, Evan tried to act normal. "Hey, Peter, why'd you get back so late?"
Peter tried to change the subject. "Why, are you hungry?"
"A little," Evan replied, playing along.
After dinner, Peter quietly went to find Ben Parker. The two of them headed to Ben's room, leaving Aunt May and Evan in the kitchen.
Aunt May frowned, curious. "What's going on with those two?"
Ben didn't want Aunt May to worry, so he kept quiet about what happened at school.
Evan just smiled. "Don't worry, Aunt May. I'll help you clean up."
Aunt May smiled, ruffling Evan's hair. "Thank you, Evan. You're really growing up."
---
Peter's Room
Peter and Ben sat in silence for a moment. Finally, Peter spoke. "Uncle Ben, I…"
Ben smiled gently. "It's alright, Peter. I'm not angry. I know you. You're not the kind of person to start a fight."
Peter looked down, embarrassed. Ben stood up and hugged him, patting his back. "You and Evan are my pride, Peter."
He straightened Peter's collar and said, "Just be yourself, okay?" Ben started to leave, then paused at the door.
"By the way, why aren't you wearing your glasses?" Ben asked.
Peter hesitated, touching the bridge of his nose. "Uh… they hurt after a while, that's all."
Ben nodded, but Peter could tell he didn't believe him. Still, Ben didn't push.
"Thank you, Uncle Ben," Peter said quietly, a smile returning to his face.
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Downstairs
Evan finished helping Aunt May tidy up the kitchen. "I'm heading upstairs, Aunt May," he said, stretching his arms.
She smiled warmly. "Go on, dear. There's a cup of hot milk on the table. Take it with you and drink up before bed."
"Thanks, Aunt May." Evan grabbed the mug and made his way down the hall. As he approached Peter's room, he knocked gently. "Peter?"
He heard a thud from inside, followed by Peter's voice, slightly flustered, "Come in!"
Evan opened the door, grinning as he entered, holding the steaming milk. Peter was sitting at his desk, a little startled but relieved to see it was just his brother.
"What are you up to?" Evan asked, setting the milk on Peter's desk.
Peter hesitated, glancing at his computer screen, then back at Evan. "Oh, it's nothing. Just, uh, thinking. What's up?"
Evan shrugged, pulling up a chair. "Just wanted to chat. You seemed different today. You even stood up to Thompson. That's new."
Peter rubbed the back of his neck, looking embarrassed. "I don't know what came over me. It just… happened. Everything feels different lately. I can't explain it."
Evan nodded, understanding more than he let on. "Well, whatever it is, you'll have to protect me now," he joked, giving Peter's shoulders a friendly squeeze.
Peter rolled his eyes. "Come on, I don't even know my own strength yet. Besides, you've always been the one looking out for me."
Evan smiled, remembering all the times he'd stood up for Peter as kids. But now, things are changing.
Peter grew thoughtful. "Evan, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, go ahead."
"If you suddenly got really strong, what would you do?" Peter's voice was quiet, almost uncertain. "I mean, if you had powers… would you use them? For what?"
Evan paused, pretending to consider. He knew exactly what Peter was feeling, but now wasn't the time to reveal his own secret. "I don't know. That kind of thing doesn't happen, right? I guess I'd try to help people… or at least not get into trouble."
Peter nodded, still looking lost in thought. "Yeah. I guess fighting at school isn't the answer."
Evan decided to lighten the mood. "Want to play a game?"
Peter shook his head. "I still have a report to finish."
Evan groaned. "Me too! I almost forgot." He grabbed his milk and headed for the door.
Peter smiled at his brother's retreating back. "Goodnight, Evan."
"Night!" Evan called, pulling the door shut behind him.
As Evan was about to enter his room he heard a voice inside his head "New system notification received."