[ Sanctum Sanctorum ]

Strange was looking inside the basement-only now did he realize how terribly out of state it was. He really thought he had cleaned it over the few days he had.

All of the rocks and artifacts scattered around in random places. It was as if a battle had commenced inside; which was the case a few days ago. He was now thinking about all of his free days after today, until he was brought back into reality by Wong.

-The basement was hardly the important thing to be discussed right now.

Peter (Tom) was standing broken and near-death. MJ and May were just near him, trying to give him space but close enough that they could support him if he ever gives in. It had been rough day, especially after the Battle at Liberty. He gave it his all and yet... it wasn't enough.

They had been waiting for a call from Happy who was going to Liberty himself and contacting officials about the scene. Every police in the New York were either going to Liberty Island or on the hunt for Spider-Man. There was no in-between.

"He's not going to make it out of here." Strange told Wong, who gave him a look of curiosity. "Everyone will be hunting him. He either has to move somewhere else or stay here at the Sanctum for the rest of his life."

Wong didn't like where he was going. "Don't tell me..."

"Do you want the kid to live his life as an outlaw or a normal one? I want you to answer me that."

"You've messed the spell up once, doing it again-"

"Oh, trust me, Wong. You think I could sleep sound knowing I messed that spell up." Strange mentioned. "I already lost sleep when the bastard broke into the Sanctum."

"They broke in the Sanctum?!" Wong, furious, was now tensely staring at Strange.

"Pretend I never said that." Strange sighed, "The fact is that I can do the spell. I won't mess it up. I'm not doing it to one-up you-I'm doing it as a favor for the kid."

"You shouldn't delve too much into the kid's world. What if he doesn't want it?"

"I'm going to make him take it." Strange looked at Wong. "Because I actually want him to have a life. I know what it feels no longer having a place in the world; a second chance can solve that. I can solve that."

"Well..." Wong gulped, "I'll allow it this once, Strange."

"Call it even?"

"Granted."

Strange got off the wall and walked towards Peter (Tom). He was still shaken up from the battle, and MJ and May hadn't moved a muscle since earlier. This was the time to break the silence so that Peter (Tom) could at least move on with his life.

"Pete-" Strange was cut off by a sudden sound.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Peter (Tom) grabbed the phone on the table and answered it. He didn't even need to check who it was. Once the call picked up, the voice of Happy sounded off the device.

"Hey, kid. I'm uh... at South Cove. I'm getting some officers here and..." There was a melancholy tone coming from him. "They got Beck. Or... what you guys would call it-his variant. And... they got another causality. Blown up by shrapnel. I'm... sorry, kid. I wish I could've done something."

"I-it's okay, Happy. I'm-" Peter (Tom) glanced off to the side where Strange was standing with a face of determination. "You've done more than enough for me. You've helped me so many times... I'm really thankful."

"They've got a lot of people looking for you. I would watch out if I were you. I would try and help them reason with you but... the city's half and half with that. Maybe if I-"

"No, no... it's fine, Happy. I can solve this myself."

"How do you go about that?"

"..."

"Kid?"

"Look, Happy, we met thanks to Mr. Stark. Ever since, I've always looked up to you too. You guys had a relationship that I looked up to and for you to take care of me even after Mr. Stark passed away... Aunt May and I can't express how thankful we are for you to help our family." Peter (Tom) chuckled, "Even if you don't look at my messages, or call back, or hang up, you still look out for me when I need it. I'm really happy that I got to meet you."

"I... kid. Whe-where's this coming from?" Happy asked, genuinely confused.

"I'm going to solve this myself, Happy. You don't have to worry about me." Peter (Tom) said, a frown forming on his face. "Can you do me a favor for me?"

"What's that, Peter?"

"The next time I call, do you mind picking up?"

"..." Happy didn't know what to say, but found the courage to answer. "You can count on me, kid."

"Thanks, Happy. I appreciate it." Peter (Tom) ended the call and faced the people left in the room.

During their call, Strange had explained what he was planning to ask Peter (Tom) to MJ and May. He even explained his reasoning, which they couldn't deny. The best situation for Peter (Tom) was to get his second chance-because no one else would be able to help him.

"I-is this about the spell, Mr. Strange?" Peter (Tom) questioned, to which Strange only nodded to. "You promise you're going to do it right this time?"

"Wong would kill me if I did it." Strange lightly joked, smiling at him. "For everything that's happened, this is the best I could do for you?"

"But... what are the repercussions?"

"Look, Peter. Only you and I will know. Everyone else in the universe will forget that Peter Parker is Spider-Man." Strange explained. "I wish I could do something about it but... it's the most I can do for you."

"And what will happen to my relationships with them?" Peter (Tom) asked, pointing to MJ and May.

"Well, if I knew the answer to that, then the spell wouldn't be a problem, would it?"

"..."

May walked over to Peter (Tom) and hugged him unexpectedly. His face dug into her shoulder, trying to keep everything in together. He was thankful that May was able to accept the fact that he was Spider-Man; but her losing that knowledge would certainly keep her safe, but hurt him either way.

"It's okay..." May whispered. "It will hurt, but it's for the best."

"I don't know if I can do it." Peter (Tom) said with a rasped voice. "You've been there since you've known. You've supported me, took care of me... I can't live with you without you not knowing. I don't want to tell you again... because I know you're going to react differently."

"Peter..." May rubbed his head, hugging her nephew. "Ben would have wanted you to have the best life you could have. He sacrificed everything... and this... this is your second chance, Peter. If it needs me to forget that you're a superhero, I can live with that. As long as you can have the best life that you could have."

"I don't know, May..."

"I don't care if you're Spider-Man right now. I don't care that you have supernatural abilities, or that you can climb on walls, or shoot webs out of your wrists." May let him go and put some distance between them, looking at his eyes. "I love you because you're Peter Parker. No matter what, I'll support my nephew; even if you have a part-time job that gets you killed every goddamn time."

"Thanks, May." Peter (Tom), for the first time in a while, smiled. "I appreciate it."

He sat down on one of the chairs, contemplating the fact that what he was going to do was going to cost him everything. Strange was basically ready to grant his wish, only waiting for his blessing-something that was surprising for his ego. Everyone in the room once again fell silent, as they waited for Peter's (Tom) answer.

MJ went to him without hesitation. She kneeled down, holding both sides of his face softly. He was moments from breaking down, but welcomed the comfort of her hands. It may have been the best thing he could have felt that entire week.

"Hey, Peter, look at me." MJ quietly called, as his eyes met hers. "It's going to be okay."

"How can you say that?"

"Because everything that's happening to you right now, I want to be there with you through everything. Your problems are my problems, got it?" She said, grabbing one of his hands, "No matter what happens to you, we'll face it. Together..."

"I don't want to lose you too."

"You don't have too." She assured, "When this is done, I want you to go to me, alright? I'll understand. I'll believe you." There were tears coming out of her eyes, "I won't forget about the things we did. The things we had together."

"..." Peter (Tom) sighed, "Ever since I got bit by that spider, I only had one week where my life felt normal. That was when you found out. And I'll never forget about it... because of you. Thank you, MJ, for being with me. I finally felt... normal when I was with you... and I'll take that until..."

"Find me, okay? When you find me, tell me. Promise that, okay? Promise me that you'll find me again and tell me that you're Spider-Man..." MJ placed her head on his chest, "Because I don't want to lose this too..."

"I promise..." Peter (Tom) regrettably chuckled, "When I see you again, everything will be back to normal."

Peter (Tom) helped a crying MJ up, walking her beside May who also had tears in her eyes, but was fighting back. She was consoling MJ, who was slowly but surely composing herself back. Peter (Tom) then walked up to Strange, who was frowning himself.

It had been a very long week, an even longer month. However, it had finally came to an end. All the heartbreak, loss, pain-it had reached the best conclusion it could have found. With that, Peter (Tom) was going to lose it all for the good of everyone-because that was who he was: a hero.

"I'm sorry, Peter..." Strange told, "It's my fault that you had to go through this and have all of this happen."

"I understand." Peter (Tom) wiped a tear off his cheek, "You had to do it to keep our universe safe, right?"

"There's always a reason, Peter. I'm always looking for it." A rune appeared in Strange's hand, as he begun spinning around. "The world will now forget, that Peter Parker is Spider-Man."

The room begun filling with sparks of runes. Dust particles were now hovering, joining into what was a harmless but colourful tornado. The runes were spinning much more uniformly that last time, signifying that what Strange was doing was certainly in his control.

Peter (Tom) looked to his behind, seeing the image of May and MJ watching as the spell was being performed. Everything he was seeing would soon be gone. Everything he built. Everything he had worked hard for. He will now be able to do it in his second life.

MJ was staring into his eyes, the face of a broken but hopeful Peter Parker. The idea of meeting him again was optimistic, but one that she wished would happen. She was so sure that if she had met Peter (Tom) again, she would fall in love. It was only right...

"I love you..." MJ mouthed, as a glimmer of light came from Strange's chest.

"I love you too, MJ." Peter (Tom) smiled, getting his last look at MJ. "Goodbye..."

...

The cemetery was quiet on that day. No one was around as snow was now filling in the streets of New York. It was a rebuilding phase of sorts for New York, who had suddenly had a incident at Liberty Island with Spider-Man and a bunch of supernatural villains. It wasn't a new event, but certainly one that caught that eye of many.

It was also a mysterious and tragic event. They had found the body of Quentin Beck, who subsequently died again as he had died the first time in Europe earlier that year. Now, he was found dead again. Along with him was the death of a young teenager that shocked the whole world-Ned Leeds.

They couldn't find any connection to why he was involved. Tourists weren't allowed during that time, and nothing of interest linked him to that event. Besides that, the public cheered on Spider-Man as he did the best he could to save New York.

What they didn't know was that Spider-Man had failed...

"Hey, Ned..." Peter spoke in front of his grave. He had brought flowers the third time that week, making the most out of his part-time job. "How are you doing? You've been busy past two weeks?"

...

"I've, uh... almost got fired at that pizza job. Told me I was too slow for work but... I made it out of with a quick delivery." Peter laughed to himself. "Even though people found it weird that Spider-Man was holding some pizza."

...

"I'm also..." Peter gulped, "I also didn't get into MIT. I mean, I didn't, but I actually didn't even try. I know you wanted us to go there but... this job I'm doing-I can't go to MIT and be Spider-Man. It's too far for that."

...

"So, I got into Columbia University. I know; it's not the one we were hoping for. It's actually pretty far from it. But I'm hoping you would be proud of it."

...

"I'm sorry for letting you down." Peter changed the subject entirely. "You weren't the one who was supposed to go... I was supposed to be the one. I promised you that I would protect you... but I... I couldn't save everyone."

...

"And now I'm sitting here talking to you... because I want to ask your permission." Peter looked to the gravestone, holding the snow in front of it. "I want to be continue to be Spider-Man. You gave up your life... for me. I feel like I'm wasting it if I don't use it for good. But ultimately... it's up to you."

...

Peter waited for his answer. He didn't know what to expect. He didn't know if it was for the best, or he would be wasting the opportunity. It was his choice to get a second chance-it wasn't his to decide if he was Spider-Man.

Looking away, he felt something touch his hand. He glanced back, and saw a leaf that had landed there. Smiling, he removed the leaf off his hand and gently placed it in front of his grave.

"Everyday... I miss you, buddy. I won't let you down. Those days are over." Peter stood up, looking at the New York skyline in the distance. "I know what I'll do now."

...

He remembered his face-Ned Leeds.

"But I wish you were here for it..."

...

Spider-Man landed on a pole in the middle of New York. Everyone had been accustomed to that sight ever since he had gotten the upgraded suit from way back when. Now, he was a symbol of hope and justice for most, and now he was appearing more times than ever.

Recently, Peter had returned to his suit that he wore from his trip to Europe. Even though it got destroyed from his first fight with the six villains, he had come to miss it. So with that, he repaired it and brought it back, much to the cheers of many people.

That was when he had caught the eye of the public in downtown New York. People were racing to picture the Spider-Man who was quietly watching the streets. They thought he was scouting for trouble, but they took pictures of him anyways.

-But they didn't know why he was there.

There she was, walking with her friends on a normal day out. She was wearing a coat with comfy pants to keep out the cold, as she held a hot drink in her eyes. She was probably the last one to notice the Spider-Man perching on top of a pole, but she was fascinated just as quickly.

To this day, MJ was still so-ever beautiful. It was like it was just yesterday that she was assuring him that everything would be all right. In a way, it has. Peter was still trying to figure if everything was good for him, though.

But he couldn't focus as much as his eyes were fixated on Michelle Jones. At some point, she noticed that he was staring at her. The actual Spider-Man was staring at a passerby in the middle of New York. Even if the crowd hadn't noticed, Michelle certainly has.

-And then it hit him.

Even though at the start, you kind of hated me, that turned around at an instant. For some reason, I fell in love with you-Michelle Jones. The person who would joke about my antics with Ned, the one who would call me out randomly during club hours, the one who would flip me off during homecoming.

That was the person I came to love.

No, it wasn't just because of "some reason." I found you funny, brave, bold, and dare I say it-too honest. And for that, I fell in love with you. Every time I looked into your eyes, it constantly reminds me of how beautiful you are. When I'm with you, it's like I'm a whole different person.

It's like there's nowhere else I would be than to be with you-wherever you are.

And that shocked me.

The moment you found out.

At first, I thought it would be terrible. MJ finding out? She would tell everyone. She would tell my friends, she would tell the school, she would tell the world. But it wasn't. When I heard those words come out of your mouth...

"MJ, I-"

"-am Spider-Man." Those words that blurted from your mouth.

That was what I found terrible at first. Did you only care because I was Spider-Man? Was everything that I was working to just because of the person I wasn't? To be honest, I nearly gave up the moment I jumped out of that roof in Venice. But... I didn't. Because I believed that somehow, everything would go how I... least expected it.

You loved me.

For being Peter Parker.

You accepted me not because I was Spider-Man, but because I was that awkward teenage boy that tried his best to keep you and his friends safe.

That first time you embraced me. That first time you held me in your arms. That first time that you showed your love.

Even if I was bruised and torn apart-I was really happy.

And from then on, you kept on supporting me.

I didn't expect that you would be the one to calm me down, tell me everything was alright, encourage me to continue this dangerous life as Spider-Man.

But you knew how important it was to me. And I'm glad that you kept on pushing. I'm glad that you stuck with me through everything. I'm glad that you helped me even at my worst moments. I'm glad that I got to spend time with you. I'm glad that you loved me for who I am. I'm glad... that I love you.

And I'm so glad that we were together.

You pushed me to do what was right-for everyone. You promised me that everything was and will be alright, and I'll be pushing for that everyday. This was the reason why my life is what it is right now-one that has a chance of being normal. You pushed that for me, and I will never forget that.

I will never forget you, Michelle Jones.

I will and always love you, Michelle Jones, until the day that I die.

With your wish, I'll do what is right.

I'll keep you and this city safe. I'll ensure that you have a bright future ahead of you. I'll make sure that you'll live the rest of your days in peace and out of harm's way. That will be the only way I could live with myself-knowing that you're safe and spending the rest of your life with no regret.

Even if you don't know it, I will always do.

I kept your promise, MJ. Everything is back to normal.

And it's all thanks to you.

I love you, MJ.

This is goodbye.

In those parting thoughts, Spider-Man swung away.

...

The news had gotten on air, with helicopters circling the view of the damaged Liberty Island. The reconstruction of the statue was now underway again, after the entire shield collapsed during the battle. It had been going on for a solid three weeks now, and they were still covering it.

But now, there were interviews they were showing on screen. The past few weeks, all they had been talking about was the contents of the battle. Now, they were actually talking about the person who had saved the day-Spider-Man.

"Recently, we asked some of the famed 'Avengers' on their thoughts about the hero of the hour-Spider-Man? Here's some of them." The reporter announced.

The video cut to a commercial set that was still being produced. In the view was Doctor Bruce Banner standing funnily in a pose-supposedly practicing for the said commercial. The reporter came up to him, asking him the question.

"He did a good job-that guy. First he essentially saved the universe with us. Then he goes out and saves New York a year later. That's what he does. He keeps on striving for what's right and we can see that it pays off. If he weren't there, we don't know what would happen. I'm just lucky that he was and is a proud member of the Avengers."

"And if you could tell us about-"

-Suddenly, a women walked on screen and joined Bruce in the pose. He shook his head, realizing that his "colleague" got in the middle of the interview meant for him.

"If you want to know my thoughts on the whole thing, I think it's a brave act and it sends a message to everyone in New York-don't mess with Spider-Man! I mean, it's just a simple-"

"Walters, come on..." Bruce scolded his companion.

"What?! They were asking the question!"

The video then cut to a place that was supposedly in Europe. It was in the middle of a police scene, with dozens people in the background. They managed to reach the Avenger who was informing the police about the incident and asked him the question.

"I-uh... I think it's remarkable, you know? He did it all by himself on home turf and prevailed. I couldn't think of anyone else that can do it besides him. I mean," Sam chuckled, pointing to someone off camera. "I can't even do things by myself. He truly embraces the traits of an Avenger; and even better, he embodies the very meaning of what a hero is. We should all be thankful for Spider-Ma-"

/ / / / / / / / / /

Strange turned the television off, scoffing at Sam's remarks. Well, he did believe everything that they were saying-but he did help Peter (Tom) with some things. It wasn't like he did everything by himself-he even had the help of the other two Spider-Men.

-But he had to admit himself, that final battle was left up to him.

He could have tainted his entire self if he had killed Osborn, but he didn't. To him, that was the most important part. With that, he could somewhat let it slide that Spider-Man (Tom) was the true hero of it all.

"So that was the Avengers?" Peter (Andrew) asked, entering the room with hot tea.

"Yeah, somewhat." Strange irritatingly answered, forgetting that he was still here. "Look, just because Wong's not in the house doesn't mean you can just wander around."

"But you gave me the tea?"

"Because you asked for it!" Strange shook his head, plopping his cup on the table. "Only a few more days and I'm sure I'll have found a way to get rid of you."

"You'll miss me, right?" Peter (Andrew) stated with a smile, as he loudly sipped his tea.

"Hardly," Strange turned to the sound of the Sanctum's doors opening, as Peter (Tom) entered the house. "Ah, Peter (Tom)! Another one..."

Peter (Tom) nodded to Strange, and greeted Peter (Andrew). Strange was very exhausted due to the fact he had to hide Peter (Andrew) and other things away from Wong because he forgot about the Multiversal events. Luckily, he had mastered the arts of hiding them.

-In actuality, this was Peter's (Tom) first visit since the spell.

"What brings you here, Parker (Tom)? Hopefully not for another spell." Strange proclaimed, taking his cup.

"I just wanted to see what was going on." Peter (Tom) alluded to Peter (Andrew). "Seems like you haven't gotten that spell working."

"I'm trying, alright? I take my time slowly; especially after the stunt we pulled off a few weeks ago." Strange said matter-of-factly.

"You regret it so far?" Peter (Andrew) direct at Peter (Tom).

"I'm doing good... making it work." Peter (Tom) ambitiously spoke. "How about you? What do you plan on doing when you get back?"

"Uh... back to where I was, I guess. Hope to catch a cat. And probably doing what the other Peter (Tobey) said-just try and move my life along as Peter Parker."

The thought then crossed his mind. "How about Peter (Tobey)? You plan on burying him, right?"

"Ye-yes... I-" Strange was then cut off by the sound of footsteps coming from the basement.

"I'll be doing it." Octavius declared, walking using his legs instead of the mechanical tentacles.

"And you go out too."

Octavius approached Peter (Tom), grabbing his shoulder immediately and looked to him. He could see the pain still in his eyes, and he felt the dread of what he had done in the past.

"I'm sorry, Peter (Tom). And I'm sorry that this is the only thing I can do." Octavius apologized, sighing.

"The fact that you helped us, that's enough for me. You're one of the reasons to why we're here. And I'm glad that this time around, you're standing with us and not against us. You don't need to do this." Peter (Tom) assured. "I'm speaking this for all of us-we forgive you."

"..." Octavius glanced at both Peter (Andrew) and Strange. "The world is in good hands with a kid like this."

"He's our problem," Strange sipped his cup, "But he's also our future."

"I love this boy," Octavius pointed to Peter (Tom), who chuckled.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Peter's (Tom) phone went off, which he quickly checked under his pocket. It was Aunt May, who was calling him for the groceries. He had totally forgotten. He pointed to the exit and began walking.

"I got some shopping to do. I'll be back soon enough," Peter (Tom) promised, now speed-walking.

"I'll walk you out." Strange told, following him as his cup hovered back to the table. "Don't even think of going out." He told off the two variants.

As they exited the building, Peter (Andrew) and Octavius were left to their own devices.

"You really plan on burying him?" Peter (Andrew) pondered, "What will you do without him? A world without Spider-Man?"

"..." Octavius hummed, "Peter (Tobey) showed me a person who is humble, curious, smart, fearless, and most importantly-one that uses his powers for his greater responsibilities. I told him that I would change the world one day..."

Octavius stared back at his tentacles.

"I think I'll carry it on for him..."

Peter (Andrew) smiled fondly, "Great to have you, doctor."

"As always." Octavius grinned.

...

As soon as Strange walked out, Peter was already dressed-ready to go off and get those "important" shopping items. He crossed his hands, looking at him somewhat proudly and sadly. He didn't know why he was being down about it, but he just ignored it.

-Maybe it was because of how he was right now.

And he thought of it anyways. This Peter was far different from the Peter Parker he knew from before. More philosophical, yes. But he carried himself even more maturely now-something he hadn't expected.

"Are you sure you're fine?" Strange questioned.

Without looking at him, Peter spoke, "I'll work it out, Mr. Strange. I've got college coming up so... I've got to do my best being Spider-Man with the time I have left."

"That's not what I asked. How about now?"

"..." Peter crouched normally, knowing he had to think about it. "It's not so bad. I got the suit back and I said goodbye to a few things..."

"He said that you should be a good Spider-Man and an even greater Peter Parker." Strange reminded. "I hope you hadn't forget."

"I didn't forget. And that's the hardest part. You take one from the other, but it is what it is. I live this life because I have a responsibility."

"I'm telling you, Peter, living two lives is a dangerous task. I still don't think you're-"

"I'm up for it, Mr. Strange." Peter stood up, looking for a ledge. "I know I'm up for it."

"And what makes you say that?"

"If I wasn't, then we wouldn't be having this conversation." Peter stuck a web to a ledge, and pulled hard enough to be flung by it, "See you later-!"

Strange watched, as the ever energetic Spider-Man pulled himself off the ground and into the noisy streets of New York City. After everything that had transpired, Peter Parker is still Spider-Man.

He thought to himself, if he had stopped, then New York would have no protector. Manhattan would be in crumbles. It would hardly be a safe place to live in. But because of him, people can sleep soundly knowing that Spider-Man is not only a hero, but a symbol.

Knowing Peter, he wouldn't have given up either way. He's too heroic for it. He had all that power in himself, and yet he has never folded. Only special people are able to that. People that are willing to put themselves and the ones they love on the line-all for the greater good.

A person who had great powers fulfilled their greatest responsibilities.

-But that was his thoughts on it.

And those were the only ones as he watched a true hero swing around the streets of Manhattan.

-Their friendly-neighbourhood Spider-Man.

[ THE END ]