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The gentle hum of a lullaby filled the room as Peter lay in his crib, eyes wide open, taking in his surroundings with an intensity that seemed unnatural for a newborn. He couldn't move much or speak, but his mind raced with the realization of his bizarre situation. He was a baby again but with all the memories and experiences of his 56-year-old self. He knew he had to be careful not to arouse suspicion, so he cried when he was hungry, gurgled contentedly when he was fed, and cooed at the soothing presence of his new parents.
Days turned into weeks, and Peter's sharp intellect remained hidden behind the guise of an ordinary infant. He listened intently to conversations, absorbing information and piecing together the details of his new life. His parents, Richard and Mary Parker, were devoted and loving, but he knew this time with them was fleeting. His memories told him that they would leave him with Uncle Ben and Aunt May soon.
'I have to cherish every moment with them,' Peter thought as he watched his parents go about their day. 'I can't let them know how much I already understand.'
At four years old, Peter found himself living with Ben and May, his parents having gone abroad for work. The young boy's maturity and high intellect became evident in subtle ways. He never threw tantrums, rarely cried, and seemed more interested in taking apart his toys than playing with them. Ben and May were both amused and perplexed by their nephew's behavior, but they chalked it up to him being an unusually bright child.
"He's just curious, May," Ben would say with a chuckle, watching Peter dismantle a toy car with intense concentration.
Peter's days were filled with secret training sessions. Remembering the techniques taught by Shang-Chi, he started simple exercises like running, push-ups, and sit-ups. Though his young body couldn't perform the moves perfectly, he practiced diligently, knowing that his efforts would pay off in the future.
'I won't be just the nerdy Peter Parker this time,' he resolved, his small fists clenching with determination. 'I have to be stronger, smarter.'
Whenever Uncle Ben took him to the library, Peter devoured books with his photographic memory, absorbing information on a wide range of subjects. He read about science, engineering, history, and even martial arts, knowing that all this knowledge would be crucial in his future battles.
"You're quite the reader, aren't you, Peter?" Uncle Ben remarked one afternoon as Peter checked out a hefty stack of books.
Peter looked up and smiled. "I like learning new things, Uncle Ben."
By the age of six, Peter's body had become noticeably stronger than other kids his age. His muscles were more defined, his reflexes sharper. It was then that he began incorporating the more complex techniques from Shang-Chi's training into his routine. He practiced in secret, using the basement of their house as his dojo. The focus and discipline required for the martial arts training also helped him manage the overwhelming flood of emotions and memories from his past life.
One Monday night, Peter's routine was abruptly disrupted. His parents came home in a hurry, their faces pale with panic. "We have to go," Richard said urgently, his voice trembling.
Mary knelt down and hugged Peter tightly, her eyes filled with fear and sadness. "We'll be back soon, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice cracking.
Peter tried to act like a normal six-year-old, tugging on their clothes and begging them not to go. "Please, don't go! Stay here with me!" he cried, though deep down, he knew what was happening. Despite his efforts, they left, assuring him that it was to keep him safe.
The next day, the news of a plane crash flashed across the TV screen. Peter's heart sank as he realized that his parents were on that plane. He felt broken, the weight of his grief overwhelming him. Uncle Ben and Aunt May did their best to pull him out of his despair, comforting him and reminding him of the love and support they would always provide.
"Peter, we're here for you," Aunt May said softly, hugging him close. "You're not alone."
Time passed, and Peter slowly began to heal, though the pain of losing his parents never fully faded. At seven years old, Peter continued his intense training and studies, determined to honor his parents' memory by becoming the best version of himself.
One day, while at the library with Uncle Ben, Peter stood on tiptoe, trying to reach a book on a high shelf. His fingers brushed the spine just as another hand grasped it.
Peter looked up to see a girl around his age, her eyes bright with curiosity and intelligence.
to be continued
Image Peter 7 Years old