Chapter Text
The multiverse, one could compare it to a web. Every thread that this web has is another universe. Everyone knows of Earth-616, the Earth home to heroes such as Spider-Man, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Daredevil, the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Avengers, and so much more. But this Earth is also home to villains such a Doctor Octopus, Green Goblin, Doctor Doom, Thanos, and many other villains. Earth-616 is the Prime Earth, it is the Earth that all others branch from, and every one of these Earths have their own story, they are similar yet different in many ways. On one Earth, Gwen Stacy was bitten by the spider and became Spider-Gwen and her best friend Peter Parker died. On another Earth, the original X-Men consist of Jean Grey, Kurt Wagner (Nightcrawler), Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat), Rogue, Evan Daniels (Spyke), and Scott Summers (Cyclops), each of them are teenagers and are being taught by Ororo Monroe (Storm), Logan (Wolverine), Hank McCoy (Beast), and Charles Xavier (Professor X). There is another Earth where Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, and Wasp come together to fight a villain called Gravaton, and where the X-Men are trying to stop a desolated future with the help of Professor X who contacts them from the future. All these Earth branched off of Earth-616, but this isn’t about those Earths or Earth 616, this takes place in another Earth, Earth-1610 also known as the Ultimate Earth, and that’s where the current events take place.
Start Catch Up
New York City, home to many superheroes but also many supervillains. For the longest time this city has been under the protection of Peter Parker also known as Spider-Man, Peter had given it his all to protect New York, his friends, and his family till his dying day. Sadly, that day arrived, and Peter died while fighting the Green Goblin. Everyone mourned for his death friends, family, and the citizens of New York. For quite a while there was no Spider-Man until Miles Morales who was bitten by a spider enhanced by the OZ serum gained his own spider powers and decided to use them to become the new Spider-Man and protect New York. However, after one year, it was discovered that Peter Parker was indeed alive, no one knew how it happened, they had no explanation. But it wasn’t just Peter who was alive, so was the Green Goblin. Together Miles and Peter fought the Green Goblin and defeated him. Peter decided to try and find out how he is still alive but instead he left with Mary Jane to live a quiet life while giving Miles his blessing to be Spider-Man.
Everyone would think that Peter and Mary Jane would live happily ever after, but that’s not what happened. Peter wasn’t truly happy; he missed his friends and family, and he couldn’t get out of his head on how he is still alive. Peter decided to investigate, he decided to test his blood and snoop around Oscorp to get answers. Mary Jane wasn’t the happiest about this, but Peter had to do it, he had to find out how he is alive. Eventually after going through some files and studying a new sample of blood Peter found out how he is alive. The OZ serum which was used to mutate the spider that bit him and gave him powers had another side effect and that was that it granted the person immortality.
Peter was devastated, he was immortal. Most people would love to be immortal, but he didn’t, he wanted to get married and die with his wife, he wanted to see Uncle Ben and finally meet his parents. He didn’t want to outlive his friends and family; he didn’t want to be alone. With this discovery, Peter fell into a depression, Mary Jane tried to help as much as she could and he appreciated it and he appreciated Aunt May and Gwen trying to help, but there was nothing they could say to cheer him up, if anything their presence made things worse because when he saw them, he would imagine himself kneeling at their gravestones.
When it seemed like nothing was working Aunt May decided that perhaps another face would help bring him back. With that, she told the one person who she believed could help Peter, Kitty Pryde.
When Kitty found out Peter was alive, she was ecstatic but also suspicious, once she voiced it, Aunt May reassured her that it was the real Peter. Kitty decided to believe her but decided to wait and see if the person really was Peter. On their way to see Peter, May explained to Kitty that he found something out devastating and how he fell into depression and how everyone is worried. When she heard this, Kitty herself grew worried, if this was the real Peter Parker, she knew that she had to do everything she could to help him. When they finally arrived at where Peter and MJ were staying at, they entered through the door and there was Peter on the couch head in his hands, Mary Jane sitting next to him trying to get him to open up but failing. They eventually got the two’s attention and when Kitty locked her eyes with his, she knew that this was the real Peter Parker and tears were building up in her eyes, she didn’t know what to say it was Peter who said the first words, “Kitty,” Peter said in surprised.
“Hi Peter,” Kitty whispered
Peter got up from the couch, “What are you doing here,” he asked
“Heard you were in trouble, and I came to help,” Kitty said
It was quiet for a moment and Kitty couldn’t hold herself back any longer, she threw herself in Peter’s arms and hugged him for dear life her tears finally falling. Peter hugged her back, neither caring that they were being watched or the glare that Mary Jane was throwing their way.
Everyone decided to leave the two alone. The two brunettes sat on the couch and enjoyed each other’s company. Peter was feeling much better than he had for the longest time, he truly was happy to see Kitty, she always had a way to make him smile.
After some quiet the two decided to talk and catch up on what the other was doing. It was really Peter asking questions about what she’s been up to and Kitty answering. Finally, it was Kitty’s turn to ask questions, and the first one was obvious.
“Peter how are you alive,” Kitty asked
Peter looked down at his hands, “That’s a long and complicated story,” Peter said
Kitty placed her hand on Peter’s making him look up at her, she smiled a soft and supportive smile, “I have time,” she said
With that Peter told her everything, about waking up in a lab, how he ran into Mary Jane, digging up his coffin only to find it empty, Miles, the Green Goblin, them fighting thereby revealing himself to Aunt May and Gwen, beating the Green Goblin. Him wanting to find out how he’s alive but instead went to try and live a quiet life with Mary Jane. He explained, how he really wasn’t happy because he wasn’t with his friends and family and how the question on how he’s still alive was still there. He explained how he investigated for a while until he found the answer.
“And that is,” Kitty asked
Peter sighed, “The spider that bit me was mutated by a formula called the OZ serum, it was supposed to create the next super soldier. When the spider bit me I had gained spider like powers, what I didn’t know until later was that the formula had another side-affect,” Peter said
“What side-affect,” Kitty asked, scared of the answer.
“Immortality,” Peter said
“Im-immortality,” Kitty repeated surprised.
Peter nodded solemnly, “I can’t die Kitty, someone kills me, and I’ll be revived, I won’t age. I will never die of old age or of being killed. Do you know what that mean,” Peter asked, when he got silence as a response he continued, “Aunt May, Gwen, Mary Jane, Johnny, Bobby, you, everybody, I’ll outlive. I can’t have kids because I’ll only outlive them. I don’t want to outlive everyone Kitty, I don’t want to be alone, and now whenever I see anyone, all I can imagine is me attending their funeral or kneeling at their gravestone. Even now Kitty as I look at you, I’m seeing that,” Peter said grabbing his head and tightly closing his eyes.
Kitty who was crying at this point at hearing the pain in his voice and seeing what this is doing to him grabbed Peter’s hands and pulled them away, “Peter, look at me,” Kitty said but Peter didn’t listen, “Look at me Peter,” Kitty said, her voice firmer, that seemed to have done the trick because Peter did look at her, “Look at me and see me Peter, me right here right now. Listen to me Peter, we’re all going to die, it’s inevitable. We can die at any time Peter, I can die at any time. With the life I live, I can die when I leave here, or tomorrow, or a month from now. We all die Peter, somehow, someway, we all die. You can’t think of what will happen in the future, don’t grieve our deaths now Peter, don’t grieve my death now, because if you’re so busy grieving you’ll miss out on all of the good times we could have, you’ll miss out on all of the memories that we can make,” Kitty said
“I just can’t get it out of my head, it always comes on its own, what am I supposed to do when those images appear,” Peter said
“Replace them with new images. When you see me, think of all of the good times we’ve had together or think of the things you and I can do together. If I remember correctly, someone owes me a movie night, and that someone said that we could watch the Cinderella Story,” Kitty said smirking
“You are obviously not remembering that correctly,” Peter said a smile appearing on his face.
“There’s that smile,” Kitty said smiling softly
“Thanks Kitty really,” Peter said
“I’m happy to help, whenever you need me, all you have to do it call,” Kitty said
Peter nodded, “I’ve decided something,” he said
“What’s that,” Kitty asked
“I won’t grieve your deaths until they happen, I will enjoy the time I have with everyone,” Peter said smiling
“That’s good,” Kitty said
“But I am gonna find a cure,” Peter said
“A-a cure,” Kitty said in surprise, she did not expect that.
Peter nodded, “It’s like I said, I don’t want to outlive you guys, so I’ll look for a cure for the immortality,” he said
“Peter, what if the only way to cure you is to lose your powers. Will you really do that,” Kitty asked, she’s not sure how to feel about that. Peter without having powers, no way to protect himself, scares her.
“If it means losing my powers, then so be it, I’d rather be powerless and live my life and die with you guys than have them and see you all die,” Peter said
Kitty couldn’t help but smile, Peter Parker truly was something else. Despite how morbid it is, it makes her happy and proud that he is willing to give up his powers for them, he is willing to give up immortality for them. He is willing to give it all up just so he can live his life and die alongside them. Yes, Peter Parker is something special, “If that’s your decision, then I will do whatever I can to help,” she said
“Thanks Kitty, really,” Peter said
With that Peter started looking for a cure with Kitty’s help, however Kitty couldn’t always be there to help Peter with his search, she had other commitments but helped whenever she could. First was finding out if it was the serum as a whole that gave immortality or a chemical in it. They discovered that it was a chemical composition that added the immortality, if they could find a way to remove the composition without it affecting the whole formula then Peter would still have his powers and be cured. They researched diligently, experimented countless times, but every time it was a bust. When Peter wasn’t trying to find a cure, he took Kitty’s advice and started to spend time with the people who knew he was alive, Aunt May, Gwen, Mary Jane, Kitty herself, and he even decided to give Miles a call to see how he’s doing, he finally got the story of Miles meeting an alternate dimensional version of him which Peter found crazy, but who was he to say it wasn’t true, Gwen came back from the dead and he’s immortal, for now anyway.
Months would pass and finally Peter gave up on trying to save his powers, Kitty tried to convince him otherwise, but he just didn’t see away on how to save them, so he started looking for a cure to his powers. It would take months of research and alone probably years but with Kitty’s help along with Gwen, he felt that he was on the verge of a cure. Right when he felt he was a few days away from finding a cure, something strange happened. One morning Peter woke up feeling completely refreshed, almost as if he was reborn in a way. After eating breakfast, Peter headed to the lab that he created, today Kitty would be helping him. When he arrived there, he didn’t have to wait long for her. After the pleasantries they went in the lab to get started. As Kitty was taking his blood, Peter noticed how…well he wasn’t sure what to call it, refreshed maybe she looked. When he mentioned this Kitty answered.
“I know, it’s weird, it’s as if I was reborn or something, like I have a new start, and it feels great,” Kitty said
“I know what you mean, I woke up the same way,” Peter said as Kitty patched up his arm.
Thanking her, Peter took the blood and put it on a slide and then put it under the microscope, once he looked Peter expected to see what he always saw, the chemical composition still there, taunting him. That’s why he was surprised when he saw nothing.
“What the hell,” Peter said, getting the attention of Kitty who was reading a science book that she believed could help.
“Peter, what’s wrong,” Kitty asked as she walked over to the former Spider-Man.
“I don’t understand, how is that possible,” Peter said
“How is what possible? Peter answer me, you know I don’t like being ignored,” Kitty said
“It’s not there,” Peter said as he turned to face Kitty with a look of surprise and astonishment, “Kitty, it’s not there.”
“What’s not there,” Kitty asked
“The composition that gives me immortality, it’s not there,” Peter said
“What! No way,” Kitty said in disbelief, she pushed Peter aside to look for herself. Kitty is no whiz in science, but she knows some things and have been expanding on it since she started helping Peter with this. She knows what the composition looks like, she could tell you every chemical that makes it up because she’s seen it so many times. As she looks in the microscope, Kitty doesn’t see the composition anywhere in site, as a matter of fact it seems like a new composition was added. But how was that possible? Kitty took her head off the microscope and looked at Peter, “But, but how,” she asked
“I don’t know,” Peter said
“We need to be sure, get on the chair, I’m taking another sample,” Kitty said
Peter did as he was told and sat on the chair. Kitty did the proper procedure and then took the blood. Once the blood was taken, Kitty patched Peter up again, put the blood on a new slide and they both looked, first Kitty because she had the sample and then Peter and both saw the same thing.
“It isn’t there,” Peter said, he could hardly believe it.
Kitty took Peter by surprise when she tackled him in a hug, “This is incredible Peter, this means you’re not immortal anymore. Now that I think about it, I did find it strange how you looked more older, mature,” Kitty said
“Gee, thanks a lot,” Peter said sarcastically
Kitty giggled, “This is great isn’t it,” she said excitedly
“Yeah, it is,” Peter said smiling
“Why do I hear a but,” Kitty said raising an eyebrow.
“It’s just that. How is it gone? How did this new composition take its place,” Peter asked
“Peter,” Kitty said interrupting his inquiry, “If there is one thing this life taught me, somethings are best left unanswered. Besides, I have a feeling that this is a good thing. So, let’s not question it and enjoy it,” she said smiling.
Seeing Kitty smile, Peter couldn’t help but smile as well, “You’re right, let’s enjoy it,” Peter said
“Great, I’m gonna call the others and we are all gonna celebrate,” Kitty said with that Kitty left the lab to make the calls while Peter watched her from behind smiling.
Kitty had called everyone and made some excuses to get them all to Peter and Mary Jane’s place when they were all together, Peter and Kitty revealed the good news to everyone. Everyone was happy, tears were falling, hugs were exchanged, kisses were given, and congratulations were said. With that out of the way Kitty brought out the snacks that she bought for the party and turned on some music and everyone celebrated the wonderful day. Not everyone was there because only a few knew Peter was alive, but the party was nice and fun. Peter really enjoyed himself.
Weeks passed by and Peter was enjoying his life. He’d go out on his own sometimes and would look around the area thinking what it will be like in 1000 years, he’d then feel happy that he wouldn’t know because he wouldn’t be around that long. He’d spend time with his friends and family, and he was even thinking about finding a job. Peter was much happier.
However, when he was hanging out with Kitty, he actually discovered another odd thing.
Peter and Kitty were in a park sitting on a bench with ice cream in their hands.
“I was talking to Storm, and you were brought up,” Kitty said
“Really,” Peter asked
Kitty nodded, “I ended up mentioning how wonderful it was that the public honored all of your deeds as Spider-Man and how they finally knew the face of their hero,” Kitty said
“That’s sweet,” Peter said teasingly
Kitty lightly punched Peter in the arm, “Don’t let it get to your head Pete,” she said making Peter laugh, “Anyway when I mentioned this, Storm said something that really surprised me.”
“Let me guess, she was secretly in love with me. I knew it,” Peter joked
Kitty grinned, “Not even if your wildest dreams. You’re too much of a dork for her,” she said
“Ouch, right in the ego,” Peter said
Kitty chuckled, she then got serious making Peter serious too, “No, Storm asked what I was talking about,” she said
“What,” Peter asked
“She asked what I was talking about. When I clarified that I was talking about how the public knew you were Spider-Man. Storm told me that the public had no idea that you were Spider-Man. She told me that everyone decided that it was best for the safety of your friends and family that your identity didn’t get out. I argued with her, said how that was impossible, that your identity was revealed when you approached the Green Goblin and his Sinister Six maskless. Storm told me that you had your mask on, it was tattered in the fight but that was it. I couldn’t believe it, so I went to Bobby then Johnny because they were there and they told me the same thing, even said that they made a cover story for your death about you dying during the Goblin’s attack. After I asked them, I went to Aunt May and she said the same thing,” Kitty said
“That doesn’t make sense though,” Peter said
“I know, I don’t understand it either, they even explained that they had someone called Dr. Voodoo erase your identity from the Sinister Six’s minds,” Kitty said
“That’s crazy,” Peter said
“I know it is. I mean, either we’re crazy, or someone changed things,” Kitty said
“Well, we are definitely not crazy, I know how I died, and I died without my mask,” Peter said
Kitty nodded, “So, what do you think we should do,” she asked
Peter sighed, “It’s like you said before, some things are left better unanswered. So far it seems that whatever might have caused this has not had any negative effects. Maybe one day, we’ll look into this if the need arises. Till then, we live our lives,” he said
Kitty nodded, “I suppose that’s best for now,” she said
Peter smiled, “What do you say to some stone skipping, bet I can make my stone skip more that you,” he said
Kitty smiled in response, “You are so on, there is no way you can skip a stone more than me,” she said
With that the two got up from the bench and headed to the pond that was nearby. Peter was confused with the current events, but he wasn’t gonna worry about it. It seemed that whatever is going on, only good things are happening. Peter decided to just take it in stride and enjoy his life.
Peter’s enjoyment would soon dwindle when he found out some shocking news. Miles was gone and no one knows where he is, they weren’t sure if he was dead or not. All everyone knew was that Miles was MIA and with no Miles meant no Spider-Man. It would appear that the villains took notice as well and took advantage of the situation by causing as much trouble as they can. Peter seeing this knew that he had to return to New York, it was hard to convince Mary Jane though.
“No Peter,” Mary Jane said
“But I have to,” Peter said
“What do you hope to accomplish there,” Mary Jane said
“I don’t know, but I can’t just stay here,” Peter said
After days of arguing Peter finally convinced Mary Jane, he then told everyone that knew he was alive what he was doing, and they couldn’t help but smile at that.
‘You really are something else,’ Gwen thought
‘Your uncle would be so proud,’ Aunt May thought
‘Always worrying about everyone else, aren’t you Peter? Doesn’t matter if you’re Spider-Man or Peter Parker, you’ll always be a hero,’ Kitty thought
With that Peter and Mary Jane packed up and headed to New York and that’s where our story officially begins.
END CHAPTER