Timeline: May 2, 1992
Location: Queens, New York 11354
[In my room]
Two years have passed since my return as Spider-Man, and I can't shake off the memory of the intense fight with Sinister. It was a close call, one that nearly cost me my life. Fortunately, S.H.I.E.L.D. was right on time to support me back then.
You see, I kind of overestimated myself back then. Being stuck in the ice for 38 years really took a toll on me. My muscles and stamina weren't what they used to be; they were way weaker. Turns out, not moving much, not eating right, and facing extreme cold messes you up big time.
My muscles got smaller, my bones got weaker, and I just wasn't as strong as I used to be. It was like my body forgot how to be superhuman.
"Status update." I said to the Spider-Man System,
The familiar AI voice echoed in my mind, responding promptly,
"Affirmative. Host initiating... Complete. Show status window."
Status
Name: Michael Wilson (formerly Jonathan Anderson)
Nationality: American
Energy: 500
Age:59 years old (physically 21 years old)
Attributes:
Strength: 230
Agility: 200
Endurance: 220
Stamina: 222
Intelligence: 150
Reflexes: 224
Charisma: 60 (hide)
Luck: 60
Abilities:
Soul freeze
Berserker Mode
Chi Sense
Enhanced Spider-Sense
Enhanced Wall-Crawling
Enhanced Organic Web
Enhanced Detective Skills.
Leadership Skills.
Available Points:
Experience Points: 100
Shop Points:10 million points
Technique Skills:
Boxing: Beyond Master
Taekwondo: Master level
Kungfu: Beyond Master level
Systema: Master level
Street Fight: Beyond Master
Aikido: Master level
Muay Thai: Beyond Master
Eskrima: Master level
Judo: Master level
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Master level
Wing Chun: Master level
Capoeira: Master level
Traits:
Frozen Resilience: After spending 38 years stuck in ice, you've become incredibly tough against harsh conditions. Whether it's freezing cold, scorching heat, or other tough environments, you can handle them better than most. This toughness helps you keep going even when things get really tough, making you both physically and mentally strong.
As I review my status, I can't help but feel a mix of satisfaction and frustration. My physical attributes are still impressive, especially in just 2 years of training again, but they're nowhere near where they used to be in my prime.
Feeling the need to invest in some upgrades, I decide to use my shop points. I mentally command the system to show me the available options in the shop.
"I want to see the shop," I say in my mind.
Immediately, the shop interface appears before me, presenting a wide array of powers and others that I can purchase to improve my abilities and equipment. Now, it's time to decide what would be most beneficial for me in my ongoing battles against crime and adversity.
As I checked out the items in the shop, one really caught my eye. It was priced at a whopping 10 million shop points.
Fast Healing factor: This makes you heal fast. Minor wounds heal almost instantly, while more severe injuries may take a bit longer to heal completely. Additionally, you can still suffer from broken bones and other injuries to your body and you can still get hurt badly enough to be knocked out. But you'll recover from them faster than regular human. So overall you're not invincible.
Gravity Gadget: This handheld tool changes how heavy things feel nearby. Enabling you to manipulate small objects or create obstacles for your enemies. While it has limited range and power, it can still be used creatively to gain tactical advantages in various situations."
Camouflage Power: This ability lets you blend in with your surroundings, making it hard for others to see you. It's great for sneaking around or surprising enemies. However using it too frequently can drain your energy, leaving you fatigued and vulnerable. So, be careful not to use it too much, or you might not be able to react quickly when something important happens."
Zombie Mode: This ability lets you tap into the powers of the undead, granting you increased strength and resilience. While active, you become tougher to take down, but you also lose some of your higher brain functions, making you more aggressive and harder to reason with. It's a double-edged sword, giving you power at the cost of your humanity.
Web Veins: You can shoot webs from your body like Spider-Man using both your arteries and veins. These web strands allow you to swing between buildings, trap enemies, or create makeshift traps. However, excessive use of this ability can strain your arteries and veins, leading to fatigue or injury. So, it's important to use this power wisely and not overexert yourself.
Transmutation Power: With this ability, you can change one thing into another temporarily. For example, you could turn a stick into a sword or a rock into a loaf of bread. However, the changes only last for a short time before things go back to how they were. It's useful for solving problems on the spot, but you have to think fast because the transformations don't stick around for long.
Dimensional Pocket: This mystical artifact creates a small pocket dimension that you can access at will. Within this space, you can store items or even temporarily hide from enemies. However, the pocket dimension has a limited capacity and cannot hold living beings for extended periods.
More...
You know, I've been eyeing this incredible thing in the shop lately—it's called "Fast Healing Factor." Basically, it's like having super-fast healing powers. Small cuts and bruises? They're gone in a flash. Even bigger injuries can heal up faster than normal people, yep this is the same as Spider-Man Healing factor.
Now, they've got some other neat stuff in there too. Like this "Camouflage Power," which lets you blend into your surroundings. It's great for sneaking around and catching people off guard. But you gotta be careful on using it after all it drains your energy.
But seriously, who needs Zombie Mode? I've seen enough zombie movies to know that's just asking for trouble. And Web Veins? Shooting webs from my veins and arteries? No thanks, I'll stick to the traditional organic web-shooters.
Then there's this "Transmutation Power." It's like magic! You can turn one thing into another, but only for a little while. Like, you could change a stick into a sword, or a rock into a loaf of bread. Pretty handy for solving problems on the spot.
After some careful consideration (and a bit of joking around), I decided to go for the Fast Healing Factor. I mean, who wouldn't want to recover from injuries in the blink of an eye? Plus, it's like having a built-in first aid kit without the hassle of bandages and antiseptic. It was a no-brainer, even if it meant splurging a big chunk of my shop points. Besides, It's like a classic superhero thing, you know? Every Spider-Man's got it. And I figure, with tougher villains popping up, having that healing factor could really come in handy. So, I'm thinking that's the one I'm gonna go for.
As I finalized my decision, Mary Rose Taylor, the love of my life, called me downstairs.
Michael, dinner is ready," Mary announced. Her words pulled me out of my thoughts, reminding me of the simple pleasures of everyday life.
As I walked down the stairs, Mary again called out to let me know that dinner was ready. The smell of delicious food filled the air, drawing me closer to the kitchen. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, I noticed Mark and my dad sitting in the living room, watching TV together.
Mark, who's like a brother to me, and my dad, who's getting older, were both here to keep me company. Mary, my partner, and Mark had decided to live with us, so I wouldn't be alone. It means a lot to me.
Dad, now 92 years old, was a cherished presence in our home. Knowing that his time with us was limited, I made sure to spend as much time as possible with him, cherishing each moment and creating memories to hold onto.
"Hey, everyone," I greeted them with a smile as I joined them in the living room. "Dinner smells amazing. Let's dig in." We all gathered around the table, ready to enjoy a meal together and make the most of our time as a family.
As we settled around the table, passing dishes of food and filling our plates, the atmosphere was warm and comforting. Mary served up her famous lasagna, a dish that never failed to bring smiles to our faces.
"Mary, this lasagna is incredible," I complimented her with a grin as I took a bite.
She blushed at the praise. "I'm glad you like it, Michael. It's always a pleasure to cook for you."
Mark chimed in, his mouth full of food. "Yeah, Mary's cooking is the best. Beats anything I could whip up, that's for sure."
Edward Wilson (dad) nodded in agreement, a twinkle in his eye. "Your mother was a fantastic cook too, Michael. But I have to admit, Mary's lasagna might just give hers a run for its money."
We shared a chuckle, enjoying the camaraderie of our little family gathering.
"Wow, can you believe it? We're almost done with college already, and we're only 21," Mark said, while eating.
"Yeah, it's crazy to think about. Just two years ago, I was frozen in ice, and now here we are, about to graduate from college." I remarked, struck by the reality of how much has changed in such a short time. "If it weren't for Dad and Chris helping me out, I might still be stuck in high school instead of moving on to my second year of college."
Edward Wilson, my dad, spoke with a mix of amazement and pride. "It's quite remarkable, isn't it? I'm incredibly relieved and happy that you managed to come back to us, son. It's been quite a journey for all of us, but seeing you here, about to graduate college, makes it all worth it."
Then Mary squeezed my hand gently, her eyes reflecting her affection and pride. "You've come a long way, Michael. I'm so proud of everything you've accomplished."
Her words warmed my heart, and I couldn't help but return her smile. "Thanks, Mary. I couldn't have done it without your support."
Mark Taylor said gently, "I'm proud of you, buddy"
Dad nodded in agreement, his expression filled with paternal pride. "You've faced challenges that most people can't even imagine, Michael. But you've never let them hold you back. That's something to be proud of."
"Thanks, Mark, Dad" I replied, feeling a surge of gratitude for their support. "And I couldn't have made it this far without you guys by my side. You're the ones who have given me strength, especially during the toughest times."
....
As we were enjoying our meal together, savoring the warmth of family and good food, a sudden knock on the door interrupted our conversation. It was unexpected, but not entirely unwelcome.
Curious, I excused myself from the table and made my way to the front door, wondering who could be visiting us at this hour. Opening the door, I was surprised to see the 12 years old Peter Parker.
Peter Parker and I have been pals for two years now. He's just a kid, so he's not swinging around the city as a Spider-Man yet.
Hey, Peter! What brings you by?" I greeted him with a smile, curious about his unexpected visit.
"Hey, Michael! Remember you said you'd help me out with my project? You know, something that requires two people to work together," Peter excitedly reminded me, hoping I hadn't forgotten our agreement.
"Oh, right! Of course, I'll help you out. Just let me grab my jacket, and we can head out," I replied, realizing my oversight. Helping out Peter with his project was the least I could do for him.
As I retrieved my jacket, I turned back to the kitchen to bid farewell to my family. "Hey, guys, sorry to cut dinner short. Peter needs a hand with his project, so I'm going to head out for a bit."
Mary looked up from her plate, concern flickering in her eyes. "Oh, Michael, are you sure you're okay to go out?" Her voice was soft, tinged with worry. "You've been fighting and helping people nonstop lately. You must be tired."
I stopped for a moment, feeling the warmth of her hand beneath mine, her concern evident in her gentle touch. "Don't worry, Mary," I reassured her, speaking softly. "I'll be fine. It's important to help Peter with his project. I can't let him down."
Her eyes met mine, a mixture of understanding and worry. "I know, Michael," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "But remember to take care of yourself too. You've been working so hard lately."
I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I will, Mary. I promise," I said earnestly, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze before reluctantly letting go.
Mark chimed in, his mouth full of lasagna. "Yeah, don't worry, Mary. Michael is a tough guy"
Dad nodded, his expression a mix of pride and concern. "Take care, son," he said, his voice filled with paternal warmth. "And remember to be careful, okay?"
I smiled at him, grateful for his words of wisdom. "I will, Dad," I replied, feeling really touched by his care. "Thanks for always looking out for me."
He gave me a reassuring pat on the back before I headed out
With a last wave to my family, I followed Peter out the door, ready to help him with his project. I was thankful for their support, and I knew I could count on them whenever I needed it.
As we walked out from the house, I turned to Peter and said, "Showtime." I grinned and gave him a sign to fist bump.
Peter mirrored my action, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Showtime," he echoed, aising his fist to bump with mine.
To be continued