"The teacher's coming," Missy said, glancing back.
Silas turned and saw the teacher approaching. Looks like big bro's in trouble, he thought.
Soon, the verdict was out: Peter and Thompson were both disciplined for fighting, with their guardians notified.
In the Office
"I understand, teacher. I'll talk to Peter," Uncle Ben said. Despite being at work, he'd taken leave the moment he heard about Peter.
Teacher Jedek leaned back in his chair. "Peter's a bright student. Honestly, I'm surprised he got into a fight. But since it happened, he needs guidance. I'll investigate further, but you can take him home."
Jedek knew Peter's character well. Though he hadn't gotten to the bottom of it yet, he had a hunch about the cause.
"Thank you, teacher," Ben said, leading Peter out of the office.
Silas, waiting outside, overheard and approached. "Everything okay?"
"It's fine. Silas, Peter, head home. I've got to get back to work," Ben said, waving them off as he headed out.
Peter watched Ben's hunched figure leave, guilt weighing on him. "I shouldn't have troubled Uncle Ben…"
"What're you moping about? Let's go," Silas said, his enhanced hearing picking up Peter's whisper.
Peter nodded, his mood heavy.
At the school gate, Ned was waiting. Seeing Peter, he grinned. "Nice job, Peter! Been wanting to see that jerk get what's coming!"
Peter glanced at Silas. "Silas, I've got stuff to do with Ned. Head home without me."
"Stuff? What—" Ned started, confused, but Peter covered his mouth, giving Silas an awkward look.
"Oh, I get it," Silas said with a knowing wink. "See you at home, bro!"
With that, Silas left.
"Hey!" Peter called, realizing Silas misunderstood, but dropped his hand from Ned's mouth.
Ned laughed. "Peter, thank God you're finally getting it! I know some cool spots—let's go!"
"Ned, I've got something else to do. You head home," Peter said, exasperated, turning to leave. He waved without looking back.
"Alright, see ya!" Ned called, muttering, "You'll be a big boy soon."
Abandoned Industrial District
Peter arrived at a deserted area, replaying the day's events. He couldn't resist testing his new abilities.
Approaching a massive, rusted machine, he muttered, "Alright, Peter, you've got this."
He gripped the machine and lifted. "Oh my gosh!" It rose easily, and he barely felt the strain.
Setting it down, he moved to a wall. "This morning, I woke up stuck to the ceiling…"
He placed his hand on the wall and climbed. "Holy crap!"
"Unbelievable!" Peter grinned, exhilarated, and started dancing across the wall, growing more confident with each move.
Unbeknownst to him, someone watched from the shadows.
"He's getting the hang of it," Silas said.
Dressed in a Shadow Ninja outfit and wearing a brown mask—modeled after Tara from Jackie Chan Adventures—Silas's voice took on a demonic, dual-toned echo due to the mask. Currently, he could only summon humanoid Shadow Ninjas, not other types.
After leaving Peter's sight, Silas slipped into an alley, confirmed no cameras were around, and summoned a Shadow Ninja. They swapped outfits, with the ninja donning sunglasses to hide its crimson eyes and heading home in Silas's place.
Silas had suspected Peter would test his powers and followed him here, confirming his hunch.
As the sun set, Peter grabbed his backpack and left.
Silas had already departed, returning home minutes after tracking Peter.
Queens, Ben Parker's House
"I'm back," Peter said, pushing open the door.
"Where were you? It's late," Aunt May said, worried, taking his backpack.
"Sorry, Aunt May," Peter apologized, glancing at Ben on the couch.
"Alright, you're home. Let's eat," Ben said, seemingly unbothered by Peter's earlier trouble. He called upstairs, "Silas! Dinner!"
"Coming!" Silas bounded downstairs.
Earlier, the Shadow Ninja had returned, silently heading to Silas's room. It played a pre-recorded message: "Aunt May, I'm resting upstairs. Try not to disturb me!"
Silas, sneaking back through his window, realized he'd forgotten to recall the two ninjas fixing his doorknob. Luckily, their stealth and May's habit of respecting their privacy meant they went unnoticed.
"Peter, why so late?" Silas asked, feigning curiosity.
Peter dodged the question. "What, you hungry?"
"Kinda," Silas played along.
The family ate dinner together.
Afterward, Peter approached Ben, and they went to his room.
"What's going on?" May asked, puzzled.
Ben, not wanting to worry her, hadn't mentioned Peter's school incident.
"Nothing," Silas said, covering for them. "Aunt May, I'll help clean up."
"Thanks, Silas," May said, kissing his forehead. She smiled, noting how mature he'd become.
Peter's Room
"Uncle Ben, I…" Peter started, unsure how to explain.
"It's okay, Peter. I'm not mad. I know you're not that kind of kid," Ben said warmly.
Peter froze, unsure how to respond to Ben's understanding smile.
Ben hugged him, patting his back. "You and Silas are my pride."
He adjusted Peter's collar. "Just be yourself, Peter." He headed for the door but paused. "By the way, where are your glasses?"
"Uh… they hurt my nose after a while," Peter said, touching his nose nervously.
Ben nodded, unconvinced but not pressing further, and left.
Peter could tell Ben knew he was lying—the excuse was weak. But Ben let it slide.
"Thanks, Uncle Ben," Peter said, smiling again.