One Week Ago

"This is… incredible."

Peter Parker looked away from the microscope and fixed his gaze on Professor Curtis Connors, who leaned against a table with a smile spread across his face.

"This is my blood?" he asked.

"Yeah," said Connors. "It’s an incredible reaction. The way your blood has responded to the cocktail and the spider DNA is just incredible. It’s created a unique hybrid, something we’ve never seen before. Something that could change the face of modern medicine." Connors moved over to a computer monitor. "Here, come take a look at this."

Peter followed Connors over to the computer monitor and watched as he brought up close-up images of the DNA sample.

"From the tests we’ve been running on your DNA, as well as your own heightened physical capabilities, it seems that the spider’s DNA and the cocktail has given your immune system a boost. Many of the allergies you previously had seem to be gone. You have perfect vision—probably even better than perfect, actually. Your white blood cell count is incredibly high, which shows that you’re able to fight off a lot of ailments far easier than the average person your age. Assuming these results are permanent, I doubt you’ll ever find yourself with another cold or allergic reaction for the rest of your life."

"This is nuts," said Peter. "Where do we go from here?"

"I’m going to prepare a report, pass it on to Dean Warren and the board, and see if we can get some additional funding. Right now, this is an incredible first step and who knows what else it could potentially lead to."

Connors moved away from the computer and took a syringe from its packaging. He approached Peter with it. "In the meantime, let’s take a bit more blood and see if there’s been any change."

Peter extended his arm and rolled up his sleeve. Connors carefully inserted the needle and took a small amount of blood out. He removed the syringe and looked at the crimson fluid inside.

"Perfect. I’ll give you a call once I’ve heard from Warren or if there are any changes."

"Sounds good," said Peter. He put a small Band-Aid on the spot where Connors had drawn blood and picked up his bag.

"Oh, how are your classes going?" asked Connors.

"Can’t complain," said Peter. "Nothing too special right now. The science classes are pretty simple, though."

"Compared to what we’re doing, I imagine so," said Connors. "Just don’t get too cocky, Peter. Everyone has to pay their dues."

"Gotcha," said Peter.

Yesterday

Peter sat at his desk, his eyes focused on his biology textbook. It was a relatively simple course, and he had already learned much of what was in the book on his own. But he had gotten into his study habits back in high school and they carried over to college.

A sound came from the speakers on his computer. He put aside his textbook and looked at the monitor. An instant message appeared on his computer and he smiled when he realized who it was. He glanced over to the photo of him and Mary Jane Watson from prom before he replied to her message.

Peter smiled as he began to type his next message. He stopped once he heard a knock at the door.

Peter stood from his seat and walked over to the door. When he opened it, he saw Harry Osborn leaning against the doorframe, a smile on his face.

"Hey, how you doing, Pete?"

"Doin’ alright," said Peter. He looked somewhat confused at seeing Harry at his front door, and the confusion only increased once Harry stepped inside the room. Harry put his hands in his pockets and looked around the room with a chuckle.

"Damn, dorm life. Am I glad those days are over."

"Umm… Harry, right?" asked Peter.

"Yup," said Harry. He pointed to the bed. "You mind if I sit down?"

"No, go right ahead," said Peter. Harry plopped down on the bed and rested his right foot on his left knee. Peter was about to close the door, but then decided to leave it open before he walked back to his desk and took a seat facing Harry. "Well… is there something you needed to see me about?"

"Oh, I just came to see how you were doing," said Harry. "Y’know, after what happened at the house."

"But… that was almost two weeks ago…"

"Yeah, I know, I wanted to come by sooner, but you know how those things go, what with classes starting and all," said Harry.

"Well, I’m doing okay, I just got a little sick."

"You gotta watch it with the booze, man. And that roommate of yours, Frank something?"

"Flash."

"Right, Flash. He should’ve known when to cut you off instead of encouraging you to drink more," said Harry. "See, roommates like that you can do without."

"Is this another pitch for your frat?" asked Peter.

Harry smiled and raised his arms in mock surrender. "Guilty as charged. Seriously though, I generally don’t make personal calls like this after the initial roundup. But I’d really like to see you join. I’ve known Gwen since freshman year and she says you’re a pretty cool guy."

"Really?" asked Peter. "She said that?"

"Yeah, says you’re different from most of the freshmen and coming from Gwen, that’s definitely a compliment. She’s got high standards."

Peter stopped for a moment to think about what Harry said. He considered the possibility of joining a frat. Maybe it would raise Gwen’s opinion of him…?

"I dunno, I’d have to think about it," said Peter.

"Hey, not a problem," said Harry. "Here, let me give you my cell number. You got a pen and paper?"

Without even asking, Harry grabbed a notebook and pen that lay on Peter’s bed. He flipped to a clean page and wrote his name and phone number on it. Once he was finished, he quickly tore the page out and handed it to Peter.

"Just give me a call if you change your mind," said Harry.

The door to the room opened and Flash stepped inside. He saw Peter and Harry and walked in, dropping his bag on his bed.

"Didn’t know we had company," he said. He looked at Harry. "Hey, from the frat. Harry, right?"

"Yeah, that’s right," said Harry, a bit nonchalant. "And you’re… Flesh?"

"Flash."

"Right, Flash, that’s what I said. Anyway…" He extended his hand to Peter and Peter shook it. "Pete, give me a call." Harry walked towards the door. "Nice to see you again, Bash."

"Umm… it’s Fla—"

"Right, whatever," said Harry. "Later fellas."

He walked out the door and Flash moved closer to Peter.

"That guy?" he said, pointing towards the door. "Huge flamer."

"What?" asked Peter.

Flash picked out a CD from his album and popped open the tray on his stereo. "Oh yeah, big time. The whole frat, man. I mean, not that there’s anything wrong with that… just letting you know."

"You sure?" asked Peter.

"Oh yeah," said Flash. He looked over his shoulder at Peter. "You sure you’re not gay?"

Peter sighed and rolled his eyes. "I’ve gotta run, I have to meet with my professor."

"I mean, dude, seriously, I don’t discriminate," said Flash. "It’s totally cool if you’re gay. I vote Democrat."

"Bye Flash," said Peter as he walked out the door.

"Yeah, he’s gay," said Flash to himself, before he pressed play on his stereo.

Peter could hear the blasting sounds of 50 Cent all the way to the elevator.

When Peter arrived at the science building, he was greeted with an instant shock. There was police tape surrounding the science building and several uniformed police officers blocked the entrance. Peter tried to move closer, but was stopped by one of the officers.

"Hold on, where do you think you're going?" he asked.

"I was supposed to meet with my professor," said Peter.

"Who's your professor?"

"Curt Connors."

"Just a moment, wait here," the officer said. He left Peter and walked over to a man and woman who were both dressed in suits. The man Peter recognized as Dean Warren. The woman, he imagined, must be a detective. The officer exchanged a few words with the two of them and then Warren approached him.

"I'm afraid all classes in the science building are canceled until further notice," said Warren. "What were you going to see Connors about?"

"I'm his lab assistant," said Peter.

"Ah, so you're Peter Parker," said Warren. He extended his hand. "Miles Warren. I'm the Dean of the College of Science."

"I know," said Peter. "What happened? Where's the professor?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out, Mr. Parker," said Warren. "Unfortunately, I'm not at liberty to discuss anything more at the moment. Just pay attention to the university webpage for further announcements."

Warren walked back to the detective and Peter started to walk off. He was worried about what might have happened to Connors. He felt he had to get into the lab somehow. It was the only way he could hope to get any answers. Peter looked around and slowly circled around towards the back of the science building. He set down his bag and ensuring that there was no one watching, leapt onto the side of the building.

He quickly scaled the building until he reached the third floor, where Connors' office was located. He slid the window open and climbed inside. The office was in general disarray. Peter noticed a keychain on the desk. He picked it up and examined it. It must have been the keys to Connors' home, but why would he leave those behind? He also noticed the folder on the desk. Peter opened it and saw it was the report Connors had prepared. There was also a letter on it from the board, informing Connors that his funding had been discontinued.

"What the...?"

Peter felt the buzz in the back of his head, the same one he felt when he was almost hit by the car. He dropped the folder on the desk and leapt up, his hands clinging to the ceiling. He laid his body as flat as possible against the ceiling and the door to the office opened. Warren and the detective stepped inside.

The detective walked up to the desk and picked up the keys. "Don't see why a man would leave his keys in his office. Makes it difficult to get home."

"What do you think happened to him?" asked Warren. "Any connection with the damage we found in the lab?"

"I don't know," she said. The sound of a ringtone came from her jacket and she pulled out her cell phone. "De Wolfe. Okay... alright. Thanks for the update."

She put the phone back in her pocket. "I just had someone speak with Connors' wife. She said he never came home last night. Let's go take another look at that lab."

"Certainly," said Warren. He opened the door and allowed De Wolfe to walk out first and then he followed. Once Warren closed the door, Peter dropped back down to the floor. He climbed back out the window and returned to the dorms.

Today

Peter wrapped the towel around his body once he stepped out of the shower. He walked down the hall from the bathroom to his room and along the way, saw Gwen walking towards him.

"Have you heard?" she asked.

"Heard what?"

"There's some wild animal loose on campus!"

"What?" asked Peter.

"The police have ordered that all students stay indoors," said Gwen. "I've got the TV on in the rec room, everyone on the floor is in there right now. Are you gonna come?"

"Just... let me put on some clothes first," said Peter, slightly blushing.

"Right, of course," said Gwen. She turned a bit red herself. "I'll see you there."

She walked past him and Peter went back to his room. Sure enough, Flash was gone, probably already in the rec room. Peter turned on the television in his room and saw images of a giant, lizard-like creature terrorizing the campus. He opened his closet and quickly began to dig through his drawers. He pulled out a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt and quickly put them on. Whatever that thing was, it was far too strong for the police to take on alone. If anything, he might be able to hold it off for a little. He put his sneakers on and quickly tied them, but caught sight of his face in the mirror. He remembered what Connors had said earlier about people wanting to study him and realized it would be best for him to try and cover his face somehow.

Peter dug through the drawers again. He found some winter clothes in there, including a ski mask. He quickly pulled it over his face and opened the window. He climbed onto the side of the building and extended one arm. A webline shot out from his wrist and snagged onto one of the other dorm buildings. Peter swung from the building towards the center of campus.