"Has it really been five months? It seems like he still hasn't gotten over it. I hope Aunt May can help him through this." The first-generation Uncle Ben sighed, his expression filled with sorrow.
"Poor Peter… I can't even begin to imagine the pain he must be feeling." The first-generation Aunt May wiped her tears silently, looking at the second-generation Spider-Man as if she were seeing her own Peter all over again.
The first-generation Spider-Man held Gwen close, his grip tightening slightly. "I'm just grateful you're by my side. I can't imagine how painful it would be if I lost you."
"I won't leave you, Peter! I have Venom protecting me. Nothing will happen!" The first-generation Gwen smiled reassuringly. At that moment, Venom emerged from her clothes, scurrying onto her shoulder and wiggling proudly.
Peter glanced at Venom, narrowing his eyes slightly, as the symbiote was blocking his view of Gwen. Noticing Peter's less-than-friendly stare, Venom instantly shrank back, retreating under Gwen's clothes in an attempt to avoid his gaze.
[Peter returned to his room, his eyes landing on a framed photo of Gwen. Beneath it, he noticed a USB drive. He picked it up, hesitating for a moment before plugging it into his laptop. The screen flickered to life, revealing a video—Gwen's graduation ceremony.]
[He watched as the camera focused on Gwen standing at the podium. He remembered that night vividly—Gwen had invited him to dinner, hoping to share her graduation speech with him. But consumed by the weight of Captain Stacy's last words, he hadn't gone. They argued, and Gwen broke up with him. Now, at last, he was hearing her speech for the first time.]
["It's easy to feel hopeful on a beautiful day like this. But there are dark days in life too, days when you feel completely alone. And that's when you need hope the most."]
[Peter stared at the screen, his fingers lightly touching the laptop as memories of Gwen flooded his mind. It all still felt so real, as if she were right in front of him.]
["No matter how deeply hope is buried… No matter how lost you feel, promise me you won't give up. Hold on! We must be stronger than everything we've endured!"]
["My wish for you is to be a beacon of hope. People need hope—even in the face of failure! What else helps us push forward more than hope?"]
[Peter closed his eyes, listening to Gwen's voice. It felt like she was speaking directly to him, encouraging him. A small, bittersweet smile formed at the corner of his lips.]
[He started packing Gwen's belongings, carefully placing them into boxes, just as Aunt May had done. He gathered family photos of Richard and Mary Parker, his father's briefcase, and finally, a picture of him and Gwen together. He placed it gently on the table, staring at it for a moment before looking away.]
["Today, we gather together with those who have shaped us. I know it feels like another goodbye, but we will carry each other's hopes as we step into the next stage of life."]
["This will remind us of who we are… and who we want to be. These past four years with you have been unforgettable. I will miss you all so much."]
[Peter opened his closet, his eyes falling on his long-dusty Spider-Man suit. Slowly, he stepped forward...]
"Well said, Gwen. No matter how many times I watch it, it still resonates with me." George Stacy nodded approvingly at his daughter, though he had already seen the footage before.
But for Peter, it was different. Watching it now, at his lowest moment, her words carried a new meaning. Her speech had given him the strength to move forward, the hope to keep going.
Destiny had played its cruel game—Gwen had died, yet Peter still carried her hopes. Just like how Ghost-Spider, mentioned in the previous narration, carried Peter Parker's hopes even after his death.
"Dad…" Gwen lowered her head shyly, feeling emotional. Peter squeezed her hand gently, his grip warm and reassuring.
George looked at Peter, saying nothing. He didn't need to—one look was enough. Peter's unwavering gaze made it clear: he would protect Gwen with everything he had.
[The streets of New York bustled with people enjoying their day—some eating lunch, others reading newspapers. Suddenly, a man sprinted past them in a panic, catching their attention.]
[People turned to look, curiosity piqued. Store employees leaned out of windows, and pedestrians stopped mid-step to see what was happening.]
[Then, a deafening crash. A massive, armored figure burst through the reinforced concrete wall of a bank. Bills scattered behind him, fluttering like green leaves in the wind.]
[In his room, Peter sat on his bed, the Spider-Man mask in his hands. He thought of Uncle Ben's words, of Gwen's speech… His grip tightened. His eyes, once filled with doubt, hardened with determination.]
[Meanwhile, in the heart of the city, Aleksei Sytsevich hurled a car to the side, sending it crashing onto the pavement. Pedestrians screamed, scrambling to escape. His enormous Rhino armor thudded heavily with each step, the ground cracking beneath him. Panic erupted in every direction.]
["Move! Get out of here, now!" New York police officers rushed to evacuate civilians.]
[Vehicles were overturned as Aleksei rampaged through the streets. The police opened fire, but the bullets merely bounced off his thick armor, leaving no trace.]
[Snarling, Aleksei activated the Rhino suit's mounted machine guns, unleashing a hail of bullets at the police. A patrol car was instantly torn apart, riddled with holes.]
[Officers dove for cover as their squad cars ignited into flames.]
[A helicopter hovered above, capturing the chaotic scene. "I'm reporting live from Park Avenue and 56th Street! A massive attack is underway—an individual in advanced armor is wreaking havoc! The city is in turmoil!"]
[A crowd had gathered, drawn by the commotion. Among them was a little boy, George, clinging to his mother's hand. He stared at the destruction, eyes wide with hope.]
[He whispered under his breath, "Come on, Spider-Man… Please show up."]
[Aleksei lifted the metal plating on his helmet, revealing a twisted grin. He sneered at the police, his voice booming.]
["I am the Rhino! I told you—I would be back!"]
Elsewhere, in a small town in Mexico, Aleksei Sytsevich sat at a worn-down bar, his face dark with frustration. He took a long drink, trying to ignore the eyes on him.
The locals had seen the broadcast. They were murmuring, chuckling, exchanging glances.
One particularly large, muscular man stepped forward, smirking. "So… you're the Rhino, huh?" His thick accent only made the mockery more obvious. The group behind him burst into laughter.
Aleksei clenched his fists, veins bulging on his temple. He had barely escaped U.S. authorities after his last failed heist, only to end up in this mess again.
And now, thanks to that damn screen, everyone knew exactly who he was.
As the group surrounded him, their laughter ringing in his ears, Aleksei let out a furious roar.
And then, the brawl began.
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