New York, Dawn.
The sun rose over an old neighborhood in Queens, its light sliding through the blinds into a well-kept room of a sleeping teenager. He turned away from it, unwilling to awake just yet. But there was no respite. An alarm began to shrill, and although an instinctive arm switched it off, the damage was done.
His eyes were open now, the mind slowly rebeginning itself. There was a reflexive, primal instinct to simply remain, turn over and go back – and for a moment he was tempted – but then he got up. The body was lethargic, and his mind felt all wobbly, but Peter Parker was awake.
The shower washed away drowsiness, the cold helping him to focus on his purpose. Breakfast, lunch-prep, homework. School, work, shopping. That would do for today. Everything else could wait till tomorrow.
With a plan in place, the work proceeded quickly. He was an expert in making sandwiches, and the integrals were easily put in their place. Sitting at his table, he took a moment to himself. A ratty old laptop, an abstract looking pencil case, and a holdover from his middle-school days –
[X] a certificate for winning a local science exhibition. (+INTELLECT)
[] a gold medal for the champion of the track team (+BRAWN)
[] a detailed miniature which he made in the crafts club (+AGILITY)
[] a plaque for winning a debate competition (+CUNNING)
[] a picture with all the members of the drama club. (+PRESENCE)
[] a collage from all the activities and clubs he had done. (+WILLPOWER)
Old stuff, from better days. Next to him was the photo. He took it in his hands and cleaned the surface. A smiling face stared at him.
[X] It was Aunt May, who had died in a road accident.
[] It was Uncle Ben, who was killed in a robbery gone wrong.
One day alive and the next day gone. Peter still couldn't believe it. If he closed his eyes and let himself slip, he could still see them walking about. He could hear the voice, always with the same old saying…
[] Don't let fear kill the greatness inside of you.
[] When you make a choice, you also choose a consequence.
[X] There is no wisdom that is greater than kindness.
He hadn't listened, or truly cared until they were gone. Peter carefully placed the photo back. Even if they were only echoes now, he would live up to those words left behind.
ЖЖЖЖЖЖЖЖ
Midtown High, Morning.
Midtown High was a bluster of teenagers – athletes, brainiacs, rich brats, theatre kids – the usual for any wealthy high school. Peter was an average one – just another face in the crowd. People knew his name, and that was the extent of it. The teachers might have suspected his talents, but it was only suspicion.
In all aspects, Peter was an unremarkable person. That included social bonds as well. A child by himself was too abnormal, but two of them, however, could pass off as well-adjusted individuals.
And so, he had a friend. More of an acquaintance, but Peter found the word too formal. In any case, they sat together at lunch, had a conversation, and generally tolerated each other's presence. And they were there today as well.
[] Harry Osborn. A rich tryhard who usually fails to belong.
[] Otto Octavius. A genius whiz-kid with zero social grace.
[X] Jean DeWolff. A punk oddball who wants to be 'free'.
ЖЖЖЖЖЖЖЖ
All votes by plan.
A/N: And here it is. A new beginning for a new Spider-man. Power option comes in the next update, though I'll be happy to hear your thoughts and interests. Those of you who know what's coming, please no spoiling. Thanks.