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"Looks like the teacher's here," Missy whispered, glancing over her shoulder.
Sylas turned too sure enough, a teacher was striding down the hall. Yeah… my brother's in for it.
The verdict came quickly, Both Peter and Flash were reported for fighting, and their parents were called.
...
Faculty Office
"Thank you, sir. I understand. I'll talk to him," said Ben Parker, still in his work uniform. He'd dropped everything the moment the school called.
Mr. Jedek, Peter's teacher, leaned back in his chair. "Peter's a bright student honestly, I was shocked. Fighting isn't in his nature."
He sighed. "But since it happened, it's best he learns from it. I'll look into what really started it. You can take him home."
He already had a strong suspicion who was to blame.
"Thank you," Ben said sincerely, leading Peter out of the office.
Sylas, waiting outside, straightened. "Everything okay?"
"It's fine. You two head home," Ben said, waving as he walked off toward his car.
Peter watched his uncle's stooped figure disappear, guilt twisting in his chest. "He shouldn't have had to leave work because of me…"
"Stop brooding, let's go," Sylas said, his sharp hearing had caught every word.
"Yeah." Peter's voice was small.
...
At the gate, Ned Leeds was waiting. "Dude, that was awesome! About time someone put Flash in his place!"
Peter forced a smile. "Sylas, I've got something to do with Ned. Go on ahead."
Ned blinked. "Huh? What thing—"
Peter clamped a hand over his mouth, flashing Sylas an awkward look.
"Ohhh," Sylas said knowingly. "Got it. Don't do anything I wouldn't. See you at home, Casanova."
He waved and left.
"Wait—" Peter groaned, Too late.
Ned pulled free, grinning. "Finally, man. You're growing up! I know a few great spots come on!"
"Ned, I've got something else to handle," Peter sighed.
Ned shrugged. "Suit yourself. Still, these spots are killer I'll text you later."
Peter just turned and walked off, waving halfheartedly.
"Yeah, yeah, go become a man," Ned called after him, smirking.
...
Abandoned Industrial ground.
Peter slowed to a stop, exhaling hard. 'Okay, Time to test this'
He faced an old, rusted machine the size of a car. "Alright, Peter. You can do this."
He gripped it and lifted.
"Holy—" The heavy unit rose clean off the ground, arms barely straining.
He set it down, laughing. "Incredible…"
Then he eyed a wall. "This morning, I woke up stuck to the ceiling. So maybe…"
He pressed a hand to the brick and climbed, feet adhering effortlessly. "No way!"
Before long, he was flipping, twisting, and balancing upside down.
It felt natural, right.
...
Unseen in the shadows, a figure watched.
"He's getting the hang of it," murmured Sylas, voice distorted through a layered, demonic tone the effect of the Oni Mask covering his face. His body was wrapped in the gear of a Shadow Ninja.
He could now summon humanoid shadows, though the full army was still locked.
When Peter finally left, Sylas slipped into an alley, made sure there were no cameras, and summoned a clone-like shadow.
They swapped outfits the ninja disguised as "Sylas" heading home first, sunglasses hiding the inhuman eyes.
Sylas knew his brother too well; of course, Peter would come test his new powers.
By the time Peter grabbed his bag and headed out, the real Sylas was already halfway home.
...
Queens – Parker Residence
"I'm home," Peter said, stepping inside.
"Oh, thank goodness. You scared me, being out so late," Aunt May fussed, taking his backpack.
"Sorry, Aunt May," Peter murmured, sneaking a glance toward the couch where Ben sat, calm as ever.
"Since you're both here, let's eat," Ben said, calling upstairs. "Sylas! Dinner!"
"Coming!" came the quick reply.
Moments later, "Sylas," the shadow double, rushed down silently, saying little before darting back upstairs again.
Aunt May raised a brow. "He's been quiet lately."
A muffled recording echoed from above: 'Aunt May, I'm gonna rest for a bit! Don't disturb me!'
By the time she smiled at the message, the real Sylas had climbed back in through his window.
"Oh right… Those two ninjas from this morning are still fixing the door handle," he muttered. Luckily, May rarely entered their rooms these days they were old enough for privacy.
Peter poked his head in. "Where were you?"
Sylas faked confusion. "You hungry again?"
"Little bit," Peter deflected.
They ate together as usual.
---
Later, Peter knocked on Ben's door. "Uncle Ben, can I talk to you?"
"Sure, son." Ben closed his paper.
"I… I don't even know where to start."
Ben smiled gently. "It's alright. I'm not angry. I know you, Peter. You're not a troublemaker."
Peter froze, speechless, as Ben stepped forward and hugged him. "You and Sylas both make me proud."
He straightened Peter's collar. "Just keep being yourself, okay?" Then he turned to leave pausing at the doorway.
"By the way, why aren't you wearing your glasses?"
Peter blinked, panicking. "Uh… they hurt my nose."
Ben chuckled softly. "Alright." But they both knew he didn't believe it.
"Thanks, Uncle Ben," Peter said quietly, smiling as he watched him go.
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Thanks for reading!