C618 Spider-Man (Patreon)
Content
Whilst Peter was beating the sh*t out of Galactus, Ben awoke in the dim confines of the Spider-Society's prison. Confusion clouded his senses until the memories of his ill-fated infiltration flooded back, a futile attempt to outwit the Spider-People that led him to this chilling cell.
‘Wait! Wasn’t he here…” Ben recalled seeing someone in particular before passing out…
Turning his head, Ben’s eyes widened as he saw a familiar elderly man in a tattered Spider-Suit. He sat on the floor, his back against the wall as he flipped through an old book.
Recognition dawned on Ben's face, and he muttered, "Uncle Ben? I-Is that really you?" Hope and disbelief mingled in his voice. After all, he vividly remembers the death of his Uncle Ben, so seeing him again is both a heartbreaking and warming experience.
The old man, seemingly irritated by the address, retorted sharply, "Stop calling me that. I’m not your Uncle... We are not related…" He emphasized, making it very clear.
Ben frowned, realizing that this Uncle Ben wasn’t as kind and welcoming as the one he remembers.
As Ben contemplated the strange circumstances, a sudden beeping noise echoed through the prison. Every cell door swung open, and a robotic voice announced a one-hour cafeteria break.
Silently, Uncle Ben rose to his feet, walking out of the cell, though he paused for a moment and reluctantly gave Ben a quick warning. “Keep quiet and avoid provoking anyone, especially the more spidery-looking inmates. Unless, of course, you’re okay with becoming monster food.” He said before walking off.
Rising out of bed, Ben rushed to follow his roommate, though he froze as soon as he stepped out, observing the peculiar procession of spider-people and creatures. Although many of the Spider-People seemed normal, the creatures, like the giant spider and the humanoid Spider-Man sent shivers down his spine.
[Insert picture of a Giant Hairy Spider-Man here] (A/N: Man-Spider might work, but I’m thinking something more spider-like than him. Less humanoid, I mean.)
Especially the giant spider, which evoked a mixture of fear and disgust within him. “What the hell is this place…” He muttered, but before he could think too much, he noticed Uncle Ben getting further and further away from him. “Hey! Wait up!”
Following Uncle Ben's brisk pace, the two of them arrived at the cafeteria, Ben's eyes widened at the surreal sight of various spider-people enjoying their meals. Even the more monstrous looking inmates had their own area and food to eat, which was hard to look at to say the least.
Ben hesitated, unsure of how to navigate this bizarre gathering. Uncle Ben, on the other hand, already grabbed his food and sat alone at a corner table, completely ignoring everyone around him, including his new roommate.
With nowhere else to go, Ben didn’t even bother grabbing any food and followed after his cellmate, causing Uncle Ben to grumble, "If you’re going to sit here, I expect you to keep quiet and leave me alone. Don't attract any unnecessary attention either..."
Ben didn’t reply immediately, as he was too busy looking around the cafeteria, feeling completely out of place.
In the midst of his unease, Ben couldn't resist questioning his mysterious companion, "Why are you so different from the Uncle Ben I know? What happened to you? My Uncle was a kind and loving man, but you… you seem like…”
“An a*shole?” The old man finished his sentence, clearly annoyed that they were even talking to begin with. "And let me guess, your benevolent and kind Uncle is dead, right?”
Ben flinched upon hearing his roommates blunt question. “…”
The elderly Spider-Man noticed Ben’s reaction, but didn’t seem to care. “Yeah, so much for being kind, huh? Look where that got him…”
Ben sputtered, his words failing him. His attempt to comprehend the profound the Uncle Ben had failed spectacularly. “You…”
And just as his shock left him and he was able to speak again, he was interrupted by the robotic announcement signaling the end of the cafeteria break.
Completely ignoring Ben once again, the elderly Spider-Man got up and left, headed right back to his cell. “…”
Sighing to himself, Ben had no choice but to follow after him, his stomach grumbling in hunger. ‘I should have grabbed some food…’
As Ben trailed behind Uncle Ben's stern stride, the chatter of spider-people's conversations and the clattering of footsteps echoed through the narrow corridors. His thoughts swirled with the unsettling words exchanged in the cafeteria.
Uncle Ben, oblivious to Ben's internal turmoil, maintained a brisk pace. As the gap widened between them and the rest of the spider-convoy, Ben's steps gradually slowed, the weight of the entire situation weighing heavily on his mind.
Lost in contemplation, Ben barely noticed the ominous hairy figure looming overhead, the same monstrous creature he had seen upon his arrival. The giant spider, having finished its meal at the cafeteria, eyed Ben with hunger burning in its eyes.
A primal instinct tingled in Ben's senses, and he quickened his pace, realizing the imminent danger. However, the creature above him, perceptive to the vulnerability of a lone straggler, descended swiftly from the shadows, eight legs gracefully carrying it toward its prey.
The giant spider lunged at Ben, its massive hairy legs propelling it forward with deadly intent. Ben dodged its initial attack, narrowly avoiding the venomous fangs that snapped where he stood. However, the agile creature swiftly adjusted, launching forward and tackling Ben to the ground.
Desperation fueled Ben's struggle as he grappled with the monstrous spider. He managed to push it off momentarily, gaining a momentary respite. Yet, the creature's hunger burned in its eight eyes, and it lunged again, its powerful legs sending Ben sprawling.
Meanwhile, Uncle Ben returned to the confines of his cell, flipped through the aged pages of his book. However, as the seconds turned into minutes, a subtle unease crept over him. He glanced towards the open cell door, a conflicted expression etching his face. Concern mingled with a hint of guilt, as he began to wonder where his missing cellmate was was.
Back in the chaotic skirmish, Ben struggled to stand, his body battered and bruised. The Man-Spider relentlessly attacked, its venomous fangs threatening with every strike. Ben's realization of the creature's strength sank in, and he fought with newfound urgency.
Despite Ben's valiant efforts, the tide turned against him. Wounds covered his body, and the Man-Spider showed no signs of wear. A powerful kick from one of the spider's legs sent Ben tumbling to the floor. The spider creatures closed in, mounting over him, their multitude of legs pinning him down.
The giant spider, hungry and relentless, loomed over Ben, its menacing presence casting a dark shadow. The struggle intensified as Ben fought against the overwhelming force of the monstrous arachnid. Each attempt to break free met with resistance, the creatures closing in with a predatory hunger.
As the giant spider lunged towards Ben, its fangs aimed at his head, a surge of terror gripped him. In a split-second reaction, Ben twisted his body just in time to see a familiar figures arrival. "Uncle Ben! Help!" he shouted, desperation lacing his voice.
Uncle Ben, hearing Ben's cries, froze momentarily. The urgency of the situation clashed with memories long buried, the haunting echoes of his wife and nephew calling for him to save them right before their tragic end. The weight of those memories lingered in his eyes, a momentary hesitation clouding his resolve.
"Help!" Ben's voice snapped the elder Spider-Man out of his haunting recollections.
Acting swiftly, Uncle Ben rushed forward, his aged muscles fueled by a surge of determination. With impeccable timing, he delivered a powerful kick, sending the giant spider reeling away from Ben, narrowly preventing a gruesome fate.
Without a moment's hesitation, Uncle Ben pressed on, closing the gap between him and the monstrous arachnid. In a display of remarkable agility and strength, he executed an uppercut, sending the creature up into the air.
Seizing the opportunity, he kicked off the ground, following after the spider before grabbing his head mid-air, and twisting it with a swift, forceful motion.
A sickening crunch echoed through the narrow corridor as the spiders head was maliciously spun. The spider's body screeched and flailed, its limbs thrashing in a chaotic dance. Yet, Uncle Ben's relentless assault continued, undeterred by the creature's futile resistance.
With a quick tug, the spider's head was torn from its body, landing on the floor with a visceral thud. The lifeless body convulsed for a few moments, its death throes dissipating as the hallway fell silent.
Uncle Ben peered down at the defeated creature, a stoic expression masking the complexity of emotions buried beneath. “…”
Landing beside Ben, the older Spider-Man clapped his hands together, cleaning off any blood or hair. “Ugh… Disgusting…”
“Uhh… Thanks for saving me…” Ben reluctantly thanked his Uncles lookalike, slightly shocked by what he just witnessed. ‘He may be an a*shole, but he’s still got some Uncle Ben left in him…’
As the older Spider-Man turned his gaze toward Ben, a noticeable frown lingered on his weathered face. ‘He really does look just like him…’
————
Unable to contain his impatience, Peter retrieved his six rings, each housing a glimmering infinity stone. With deliberate precision, he slid them onto his fingers, one by one, the power of the universe converging at his fingertips.
As he snapped his fingers, an instantaneous surge of energy enveloped both him and the fallen Galactus, mending their battered bodies to pristine condition. If anyone were to witness them now, they would never guess the intensity of the battle that had just unfolded.
Seconds later, Galactus stirred, groggily regaining consciousness, his once-shattered armor now seamlessly restored. Confusion clouded his eyes as he surveyed the area. However, his gaze soon landed on Peter, whose victorious smirk held a smug air to it.
"I... I lost..." Galactus muttered, disbelief coloring his words.
Peter's smirk widened, a victorious glint in his eyes. "Yup, and now it's time to pay up."
Galactus felt a chill down his spine, a realization settling in. It was as if he had made a deal with the devil himself, and now the time has come to pay his dues…
A/N: 1734 words :)