Chapter 292: 292. Peters
[You can read the last chapters in advance, OP and GOT fic on -patreon.com/misterimmortal.]
It was a festival around the world. Fireworks launched in celebration as the news of the war's end was announced on live television by Hector, right in front of the new building of the United Terra.
The building was not built in any pre-existing country. Instead, it was constructed on a new island that Hector had created. There were two different headquarters of the United Terra, one in the middle of the Pacific and one in the middle of the Atlantic. The islands were made to fend off any kind of storm easily.
At the same time, they were connected with underwater Hyperloop Version 2. The technology was derived from Xandarian transportation this time. These could travel at Mach 9 speed and easily transport anyone anywhere, along with goods, without affecting those inside. At the same time, a few private companies were starting their space-based world travel.
Hector was simply telling the world that he would permanently retire soon.
...
Baxter Building.
"Is that the President? Ben, can you increase the volume?" Susan Storm quickly sat on the couch in the living room where her toddler son and Ben Grimm played together.
"Guess who scored a date with the hottest actress..."
"Shh... shut up, Johnny!" Susan shushed her brother, who had just entered with a pretty woman by his side.
Silently, they all watched the old-looking Hector on the television. His skin finally wrinkled, and the walking stick beside him made it clear.
[In Television]
"Since the war is over, we will soon unite the world. My duty will be over as soon as the declaration of unification is signed. Therefore, I will resign from the office of the President of the United States and the President of the United Terra—Earth.
"This is also my last public appearance as I wish to retire in my home now until I eventually pass away. I'm old... I have seen the turn of the century twice, which brought something terrible and good each time. First, it was the wars, but then came economic prosperity and technology. This time there was an alien invasion, and now we're on the brink of reaching the stars.
"I'm old, and I've done enough. I held your hand when you were young, taught you what's the best, and guided you when you made a mistake. But now, I shall let go of your hand and let you grow on your own.
"The world is one. Humanity is one. There is no black, brown and white—it's all just red underneath. So I leave you with a legacy to build upon—A world to etch out of this start.
"Now, this world is yours to ruin and yours to grow. Wherever I go next, this world will forever be under my gaze. I can only pray that you won't set it ablaze."
Hector stepped back a few steps and waved his hand at the cameras before they all cut off.
[End Television.]
"Mom... why are your eyes sweaty? Is grandpa not coming on my birthday?"
Susan Storm hugged her son, Reed Richards. "He will... probably. But we can't force him, okay? He's very old now."
"So he's going to finally rest forever? Well, he did live one hell of a life." Johnny commented.
Ben Grimms sighed and switched off the television. "Things will get much busier for us when he's gone."
...
Hector didn't return to his office next. Instead, he went to meet the Peters of New York. The infamous Spider-Man and his brother in all but name. So many of them had appeared that the one news channel had its stock price shot through the roof and had to go for a mass expansion.
The Daily Bugle was on fire, and it was raking in money. The fact of the matter was that there were still many people who were jealous of superheroes and wanted to be them. But, when they discover that their X-Gene has no functional ability, they start hating on the existing superheroes. And that's where the Daily Bugle made money from.
However, the channel was soon going to make a huge mistake. One that would cost it not just the channel but the whole ire of even its supporters. Because there was one thing universally accepted by the world, be it a superhero hater or lover, Hector was in the hearts of all because he's been a hero even before the heroes existed.
Ring!
The bells of the Midtown High school rang, and out of the doors of the building, along with ordinary kids, came out one boy in a Spider suit and instantly slung away.
The scene had become so common that nobody even looked at it anymore. And after slinging away, the boy headed to the top of the Empire State Building to have a meeting with the other Peters.
As soon as he reached, he securely put his backpack on a wall and met with his brothers. Most were older than him, but that didn't change much.
"I can't believe your world is so forward with all this. Your President allowed superheroes to go to school without releasing their identity. I would have done anything for this." The tall Spiderman who lost Gwen to an accident said.
Peter Prime smirked with pride. He had learned that Hector was a rare case and only existed in his universe from what he knew. And honestly, that was something that made him proud.
Woosh!
"How is everything, lads?" Hector just flew down and landed beside them. "I think it's time to head home."
The Peters were shocked upon hearing that. The oldest Peter asked. "How did you find a way to travel the multiverse?"
"I didn't. I just took some technology and learnt how to. I also technically now watch over the multiverse timelines from secret, but that's for another day. The good news is that I can take you to your respective universes. So, who wishes to go first?" Hector asked them.
"I'm from here."
Hector chuckled. "I know that, Miles. Don't worry, I won't drop you into a different universe. But I also have a gift for you later, so you might want to stick around. Anyway, since you all are being so hesitant, here, pick any stick."
One by one, they took one stick out from his hand with a number written on it.
Pa!
Hector slapped Peter Prime's hand away. "What are you picking for? You are from this universe."
"Ah... Sorry, I just felt like including myself and... I will shut up now."
Soon, all Peters from other universes had their sticks. And number one appeared to be the tallest among them. (Andrew Garfield one)
He quickly hugged his fellow spidermen and said goodbye. He had some words of wisdom as well; after all, he had been through a lot. So when he hugged Peter Prime, he told him one great lesson. "Don't always just be about being a hero. Give time to your loved ones too... lest you may only cry when they're gone forever."
Hector boomed. "Alright, this will be a hard ride, tall Peter. Also, don't react to what you are about to watch—I got everything covered."
"What do yo-"
...
Before Peter could ask, a strange cubical block appeared on their heads, swallowing them whole. After that, all Peter remembered was feeling like he was standing in pitch darkness.
Ting! Ting!
And the moment he saw things again, his heart nearly burst into pieces. The love of his life was falling down as the clock mechanism broke apart. His eyes were full of dread as he knew what was to come. So, he just jumped for her. But he couldn't move faster than before. The outcome was already known to him no matter what.
"Gweeen!" He cried aloud and threw as many spiderwebs as he could. But from just travelling the multiverse and the shock of the moment, he couldn't coordinate perfectly, and most of the webs just touched the scraps of the clock that were falling alongside.
"No!"
"Peter!" The fear-filled and hopeful voice of Gwen echoed.
He knew they were the last words he'd ever hear from her. He felt helpless, hopeless and angered. If only he could do something... he'd do anything for one more chance.
Thud!
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