The winner of the last contest was Juhiko
[Today Insert an Image of Frederick Dukes/Blob Here]
***
Leaning back in my seat I watched as Ned slowly but surely finally regained consciousness.
Along with everyone else.
Since we agreed to put our conversation on hold until Ned woke up.
That was give minutes ago.
"Guys. Oh man. You know I had the weirdest dream. It was Peter was Spider-Man, that Gwen was Ghost-Spider, and that Felicia was the new hero known as Black Cat. And that we met the Fantastic Four. Then Peter and the others brought us to their super secret base, where they had an arti-"
"-None of that was a dream Ned." I interrupted him. "All of that actually happened and is happening right now."
"Yes. Peter is correct." Spinner spoke up.
"Oh." Ned replied. "Cool." He said.
"Great." I said. "Okay, now we can move onto the main course of this conversation meal."
"Yes. We can." Harry said. "Alright first question Pete. When did you get your spider powers?"
"During the field trip to Oscorp last year." I instantly replied.
Because I already decided to tell Harry and the others as much of the truth as I possibly can today.
No matter the consequences.
Since it will benefit all of us in the long run.
"One of the genetically modified spiders bit me and the next day I woke up with my powers."
"Woah." Ned mused. "So you're saying if one of those spiders bit me I could get powers too?"
"No, Ned. If one of those spiders bit you then you'd either die an agonizing death or become some horribly hideous spider/human hybrid monster." I replied.
"What, why?" Ned asked in utter shock.
"Because that what would happen to anyone else who were bitten by those spiders. Save for me, or those who share my DNA."
"If that's the case then how did Gwen get the same powers as you?" Liz asked.
"By accident." Gwen replied.
"That still doesn't make things any clearer." Harry said.
"No, it doesn't." I replied. "But this will. Spinner, play my father's message."
"Peter, are you sure?" Gwen asked me.
I nodded without hesitation. "I am." I replied.
When I did Gwen simply nodded and didn't say another word.
As for Spinner he didn't even comment and instead simply played my father's video message.
While it ran through everyone, save for Gwen and I, became utterly entranced by the screen it was on.
Then when it finished playing an eerie silence filled the Web.
"Is my dad involved?"
That is until Harry broke it.
"I don't know Harry." I replied. Looking him in his eyes. "So far I've found no evidence to suggest he is, but just because I haven't found it yet doesn't mean it isn't out there."
"And if it does? What will you do then Peter?" Harry asked me. An edge in his voice.
"I know what I would want to do. Which is destroy your father and everything he has." I said.
Not flinching at all as Harry jumped towards me and pulled me up to my feet.
"However, that is one of the reasons I'm telling you guys all of this. So that if I go too far, or end up losing myself, you'll stop me."
"You trust us that much?" Felicia asked.
"If I didn't Felicia I never would've gotten close to you in the first place." I replied.
"You really mean that, don't you Peter?" Harry asked me.
"Of course I do Harry." I replied. "Listen, I have no idea what will happen in the future." Which is partially true, but semantics. "But what I do know is that I don't want to lose any of you. My friends. My family. That's why I'm getting this all out in the open today. So we can move forward together. In your case especially where your dad is concerned. Since despite all he might or might not have done he's still your dad and as someone who knows the pain of losing one myself I won't simply take one away from someone I consider a brother."
"Peter." Harry mused. He then wrapped me in a manly hug. "Thank you."
"Of course." I replied. Returning his hug.
"Aw, you two are so cute." Felicia mused.
As she did Harry and I broke our hug then both simultaneously flipped Felicia off.
Like true brothers would.
After we did this Harry and split apart and returned to our perspective seats.
"Okay, so now that you two are done bromancing, I have a question." Liz spoke. "What is SHIELD?"
"Nothing too troubling miss Allen. It is just a clandestine scientific and militaristic organization founded by the United States after the end of Word War II to deal with threats both foreign and domestic. Especially in regards to superhuman and super powered individuals. Among other things like extraterrestrials." Spinner explained.
"Oh, is that all." Liz sarcastically replied. "And wait, did you just say extraterrestrials?"
"Yes." Spinner replied.
"So aliens exist huh." Felicia mused. "Damn what's next, magic is real?"
"Well actually..." Gwen trailed off, a smirk on her face.
"You're kidding me." Felicia said.
While Ned had stars in his eyes. "This is the best day of my life." He muttered.
Ned not knowning how wrong he was.
Since the best day of his life will be when he learns real magic. After I introduced to the Mystic arts and the masters of Kamar-Taj that is.
"Okay, can we take a minute." Liz requested. Using her fingers to gently rub her temples. "My brain needs a minute to process all of this."
"Sure, no problem." I replied. I then stood up and moved over to the fridge, opening it. I also opened the mini cupboard beside it. "Now then if anyone wants some snacks or refreshments then feel free to dig in. Since I am nothing if not a gracious host." I said.
Having given everyone an open invitation for food and drink.
Though no one took it and we simply continued our discussion.
I even told Liz, Harry, and Ned about my deal with SHIELD, and about my plan to form the Defenders.
I shared it all, though of course not every single thing, and by the end of the conversation everyone was eating and drinking.
Since we had just talked for three hours straight without stopping.
Though once everyone was finished Harry asked a question.
One I had been partially expecting.
"Hey, so do you think I could be a hero too?" He asked.
"Of course Harry." I replied. I then put a serious expression on my face. "But I want you to think long and hard before you say with certainty this is absolutely what you want. Same goes for you Liz and Ned. Because a heroes path is not an easy one. It's filled with sacrifices, with hardship. Tell me, can you all live with the failures of those you won't be able to save? Of those you won't be able to protect?"
"Woah, lay it on a little thick there aren't you Parker?" Felicia asked me.
When she did I turned and looked her straight in the eyes. "No, actually I'm not. Truthfully I'm being easy on them right now."
Seeing how serious I was Felicia didn't retort with the snarky comment I knew she had waiting on the tip of her tongue.
Instead she simply stopped talking.
A gesture I'm grateful for in this moment.
After Felicia went quiet I turned my attention back to the others. "I didn't say what I said to be cruel, I'm simply saying it so you all know what you're getting yourselves into."
"We know Peter." Harry replied.
"Yeah, you're not the kind o guy to tear others down for no reason. Not like Flash." Ned commented.
"I haven't known you for long Peter, but I do know you're not that kind of person." Liz said.
"Thanks you guys." I replied. "And on that note Liz Reed gave me all the data he collected yesterday when we were at the Baxter Building, so give me a few days and I'll definitely be able to help you manage your powers better." I told her.
Leading Liz to smile in happiness.
"But just because I help you manage them doesn't mean you shouldn't train with them. For power without control is just chaos waiting to occur."
"I got it." Liz replied.
Once she did I turned to Harry. "Oh and Harry what's say you help me put the finishing touches on the cure that will save you and your mothers lives."
"Yeah, sure." Harry replied. His eyes bulging a second later. "What, what?"
"Did I stutter?!" I replied.
Having always wanted to say that.
Feels good.