Peter couldn't stop thinking about what had happened that week. It wasn't every day you almost got run over, met a kid with a golden helmet in his backpack, and then fought off interdimensional creatures with Doctor Strange. And then there was Doctor Fate—the guy who showed up out of nowhere, sealed the portal, and vanished just as quickly.
Strange had told him not to overthink it. "New heroes pop up all the time," he had said in that calm, all-knowing tone. But Peter could tell Strange was just as curious as he was. Doctor Fate wasn't some random guy. There was more to him, and Peter was determined to figure it out.
The rest of the week, Peter kept a close eye on Kade. The kid seemed normal—maybe too normal. He skated to school, skated back home, hung out during lunch, joked with classmates, and did his homework—nothing out of the ordinary. It wasn't like Kade stood out much either. Peter hadn't even realized they were in the same class until Kade introduced himself. That was the thing about Kade—he was easy to miss, sliding under the radar like he didn't want to be noticed.
Peter never saw the golden helmet again. It was almost like that whole morning with the cars and the helmet hadn't even happened.
Peter spent every spare moment thinking about it, trying to connect the dots. If Kade really was Doctor Fate, he sure wasn't showing it. The kid kept a low profile—nothing suspicious, no sudden disappearances, no magic. Peter's spider-sense hadn't gone off around him since that day, but something still nagged at him.
And then came science class.
Peter had barely taken his seat when the teacher announced a group project. The words *science project* were enough to send a collective groan through the room. Peter usually didn't mind—science was one of his better subjects—but the idea of working with a partner wasn't exactly exciting. He preferred working alone.
"Alright, everyone, I've already assigned your partners," the teacher called out.
Peter barely paid attention, lost in his own thoughts, until he heard his name.
"Peter Parker, you're with Kade Fate."
Peter's stomach did a small flip. *Fate?*
He looked over as Kade strolled toward him with that easygoing grin.
"Looks like we're science buddies," Kade said, casually dropping his bag beside Peter's desk.
"Uh, yeah," Peter muttered, still trying to process the name. *Fate?* That had to be too much of a coincidence. The golden helmet, the sudden appearance of Doctor Fate, and now... now the guy's last name was *Fate*?
Kade didn't seem fazed at all. He pulled out his notebook, completely relaxed. "So, what's the project about? I kinda zoned out when the teacher explained it."
"Uh..." Peter flipped through his own notebook absentmindedly. In all honesty, he hadn't been paying much attention either. His mind was too occupied with everything Kade-related.
Before Peter could respond, MJ approached their desk, a smile lighting up her face. "Hey, Peter! Do you mind if we pair up with you guys for the project?" She glanced over at Flash, who was lounging a few tables away, clearly more interested in his phone than the assignment.
Peter's enthusiasm sparked almost instantly. "Uh, yeah! That works. We can all team up," he replied, a bit too quickly. He could feel Kade glancing at him but ignored it, trying not to seem overly eager. "Kade, this is MJ. MJ, this is Kade."
Kade gave a casual nod, looking relaxed.
MJ smiled. "Nice to meet you, Kade. Looks like we'll be brainstorming together."
"Yeah, should be fun," Kade replied, though Peter sensed he had picked up on his sudden enthusiasm around MJ.
They spent the next few minutes discussing where they should meet up to brainstorm ideas for the project. Flash didn't bother to join in, and it was clear he wouldn't be much help.
"So, how about the library?" MJ suggested. "It's quiet, and we can spread out and work."
Peter thought for a second, then turned to Kade. "Or maybe we could meet up at your place if you're cool with that? Might be easier to focus."
Kade looked hesitant at first but then shrugged with a grin. "Sure, man. I'm down. My place is pretty chill and spacious. We can work there."
"Great," MJ said, nodding. "Library or Kade's place, whichever works. Let's just get started soon. This project sounds like it's going to take some serious planning."
Peter nodded, trying to concentrate, but he couldn't help glancing at Kade again, the pieces still not quite adding up. *Fate...*
Midtown High broke off for the weekend and Peter Parker found himself swinging toward Kade's home, relying more on instinct than the location Kade had pinned on his, MJ's, and Flash's phones.
Kade's house turned out to be in a fancy neighborhood in Queens, a sprawling mansion that looked like it belonged in a magazine. Peter couldn't help but think that Kade was definitely one of those rich kids.
When Flash arrived, he whistled, clearly impressed. "Wow, this place is sick!" he said, glancing around with wide eyes. MJ looked at Kade, as if the house somehow explained his laid-back personality—a spiky brown-haired, lanky kid who seemed to give zero cares about anything.
"Hey, what do your parents do?" Flash asked, leaning casually against the doorframe as if they were old friends. He straightened up, puffing out his chest. "I'm the distant nephew of a billionaire, you know." He made it sound like they were in some kind of exclusive club.
Kade shrugged, a nonchalant smile on his face. "My parents are archaeologists. They're away for the weekend, so it's just us and the attendants."
Peter raised an eyebrow, thinking, *You don't say.* Kade led them into the mansion, and Peter couldn't help but take in the opulence around him. They stopped to grab some snacks before heading into the study.
As they walked through the spacious living area, Peter noticed a lot of golden accents—decorative items, wall art, even some furniture. It all seemed oddly fitting. But there was no helmet on display, just a suspicious door that made his spider-sense tingle. No, it *blared*.
Kade caught Peter staring at the door. "That's my parents' study. No one goes in there without permission."
"What are they keeping in there? Mummies?" Flash joked, but Kade maintained a serious look, making it clear he wasn't laughing.
They entered the study and began brainstorming ideas while Flash engaged with some of the accessories meant for breaks, like video games.
Meanwhile, a knock echoed through the Fate mansion. An attendant opened the door and greeted a visitor. The attendant proceeded to inform Kade, discreetly. "There's someone here. He says his name is Doctor Strange—Master of the Mystic Arts and Sorcerer Supreme of Earth Dimension."
Kade excused himself from the study and went to meet him.
"My parents aren't in right now, but I can take a message," Kade said, glancing at Doctor Strange, who stood waiting.
"No need for that. I'm just here for a routine check. I assure you, it won't take long," Doctor Strange replied, his tone casual but focused.
Kade nodded, reluctantly stepping aside. "You are here to check for…"
"A dimension portal, you say?" Kade inquired, a hint of skepticism creeping into his voice.
"Yes. Just want to make sure none has popped up in this neighborhood that could endanger your lives," Doctor Strange explained, his expression serious.
"Right," Kade said, his tone suggesting he didn't quite buy it. He gestured to the gold-colored door. "You can look wherever you want, except through this door. No one is allowed in without permission."
"I won't be a menace," Doctor Strange promised, giving Kade a reassuring nod.
With that, Kade returned to the study, and the atmosphere shifted back to their brainstorming session.
But it didn't take long for Doctor Strange's curiosity to get the better of him. He'd walked through countless dimensions and even visited a section of Hell where no mortal dared to tread. What was one door to him?
The second his hand touched the handle, Kade's heart leaped in excitement. "Uh, I need to take a bathroom break," he excused himself, hoping to put some distance between his friends and whatever might happen next.