Chapter 112

Seeing the worry etched on Erik's face, Lydia simply raised her hand, signaling for him to stand down. It wasn't necessary to escalate the situation when emotions were already running high. She knew Nina and Peter had been through a lot together, and this was a crucial moment for both of them.

Magda, on the other hand, couldn't hold back her motherly instincts. Upon seeing the tears streaming down Nina's face, she rushed over, her arms wrapping protectively around her daughter. Nina leaned into her mother's comforting embrace, shaking her head to indicate that she was okay, even though her eyes conveyed a different story.

Meanwhile, Lydia moved towards Peter, her eyes studying him carefully. Though she held the power of the cosmos, she knew when to use it and when to be patient. This was a moment that required the latter.

"You wish to be transported to New York City?" she asked, her tone measured, her gaze thoughtful.

Peter nodded, glancing back at Nina. He saw her sitting with her mother, a sight that filled him with a pang of longing. He wished for things to be simpler, wished he could whisk Nina away and protect her from all the chaos. But he couldn't, not when so much was at stake.

Lydia watched this silent exchange between Peter and Nina, and she found herself understanding. This was a decision that held not just their lives in the balance but the life of an unborn child.

She extended her hand, the cosmos swirling around her fingers. "Hold on, Mr. Parker," she warned, as a portal ripped open beside them, showcasing the glittering skyline of New York City.

Before stepping through, Peter took one last look at Nina. His eyes, full of uncertainty, locked with hers. "I'll be back," he promised, a silent plea in his voice. And with that, he stepped into the portal, disappearing into the cityscape beyond.

As the portal closed, the room fell into an uneasy silence. Nina, Magda, Erik, and Lydia were left behind, each grappling with their thoughts and fears, their hopes and wishes. But amidst the turmoil, there was a shared understanding, an unspoken agreement to stand by each other no matter what.

For now, they would wait and see what the future held. Only time would tell if Peter would choose to join them, to leave his life on Earth behind, and step into a future full of unknowns. All they could do was hope, and prepare for what was to come.

As Peter stepped through the portal, he felt a jolt of cold air hit his face, followed by the sensory overload that is the heart of New York City. The air buzzed with the constant chatter of people, horns honking, and the ever-present hum of the city that never sleeps.

As Peter's feet touched the grimy asphalt of the city, he glanced around to make sure he was alone. The alleyway was narrow, flanked by towering brick buildings on either side, and the smell of trash permeated the air. He was familiar with these backstreets, these silent corners of the city that offered the necessary cover for a quick change. A sense of urgency washed over him, compelling him to act quickly.

He slid off his red and blue suit, revealing the normal civilian clothing underneath. Folding the iconic Spider-Man outfit neatly, he stuffed it into a backpack that was hidden under his clothes. In mere seconds, he transformed from Spider-Man into Peter Parker, just another face in the crowd of the bustling metropolis.

Exiting the alley, Peter made his way towards the subway, keeping his head low and moving with the flow of the crowd. He was used to blending in, used to being just another drop in the ocean that was New York City. He had his destination in mind - Aunt May's apartment. The place where he could find solace, the place that was home.

On the subway, he stared out of the window, watching the city lights streak by as he mulled over his conversation with Nina. The gravity of her revelation was still sinking in. The woman he loved was pregnant and she was a commander of an alien empire. It all sounded like something out of a comic book. But the look on her face, the desperation in her voice - it had been painfully real.

Upon reaching Aunt May's neighborhood, he walked the familiar path to her apartment building. His heart ached with worry, not only for Nina but also for the woman who had raised him. Aunt May was his only family, his rock in the storm. How was he going to explain this to her? How was he going to tell her that he might have to leave Earth behind? And would she be willing to leave her life behind to follow him?

As he walked up the steps to Aunt May's apartment, he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation that lay ahead. The unknown was daunting, and the decisions he had to make were overwhelming. But for the woman he loved, for the child they were expecting, he would face it all head-on.

With that thought in his mind, he knocked on Aunt May's door, ready to face whatever came his way. The future was uncertain, and the path was unclear, but he was ready to do whatever it took.

The door to Aunt May's apartment creaked open, revealing her familiar face framed by her silver hair. The sight of him standing on her doorstep surprised her, a spark of fear igniting in her eyes. She had seen the news. The whole world knew that Peter was a wanted criminal. Yet, there he was, standing in front of her like nothing had changed.

"Peter?" May's voice trembled slightly, the worry evident in her tone. The room was softly lit by a single table lamp, casting warm yellow light across her concerned face. The apartment was filled with the comforting aroma of fresh coffee and old books, a scent that was distinctly Aunt May's.

"Hey, Aunt May." Peter managed a small smile, though he knew it didn't reach his eyes. His heart thumped loudly in his chest, fear and uncertainty gnawing at his insides. He stepped inside, the door closing behind him with a soft click, leaving the chaos of the outside world behind.

The pair sat down at May's old wooden dining table, a cup of coffee was placed in front of Peter. The hot liquid was black, as dark as the night outside. He cradled the cup in his hands, soaking in the warmth it radiated but didn't drink. His gaze was distant, his mind far away.

"Peter, what's wrong?" May asked gently, her voice echoing softly in the quiet room. Her eyes were filled with worry, scanning Peter's face as she tried to understand what was troubling him.

Peter took a deep breath, steadying himself before diving into the deep end. He looked up at May, meeting her eyes as he began to talk. He told her about Nina, about her real identity, about her mission, and about the baby. The words spilled out of him, his voice steady even though his heart was pounding.

Aunt May listened, her face impassive as she took in his confession. Her hands were clasped tightly together on the table, her knuckles white from the pressure. She was silent, her mind working to comprehend the information.

Peter watched her, his gaze anxious. He had no idea how she would react. He sought her wisdom, her guidance. It was a situation far beyond his understanding, and he needed the comfort of her advice. He knew he could always trust Aunt May to see the bigger picture, to guide him with her wisdom and love.

As Aunt May digested the information, she seemed to age before Peter's eyes. Her shoulders slumped, her face drawn and tired. But then she straightened, her eyes meeting Peter's with a renewed vigor. The old woman had weathered countless storms in her life, and this was just another challenge to face.

Aunt May was always a beacon of strength, an unwavering pillar of support for Peter. Despite the shocking revelations, he knew she would guide him through this, as she had done through every other challenge in his life.

"Okay, Peter," she began, her voice calm and resolute, "Let's talk about what this means. And what you're going to do next." She offered him a small smile of reassurance, giving him the strength he needed to navigate the uncertain path ahead.

"Peter," Aunt May began, her hands cupping around the warm mug in front of her. The slight hiss of the radiator filled the room, adding to the intimate, private air of their conversation. Her eyes were stern yet kind, mirroring the woman herself.

"The life you lead has always been complex, more so than most people. But it is your life. And the decisions you make should reflect what you feel is best for you and for those you love." Her voice was soothing, the familiar rhythm and cadence wrapping Peter in a comforting embrace, even as her words spoke of difficult choices.

Peter listened attentively, his eyes never leaving his aunt's face. He nodded slowly, understanding the underlying message. It was his life. His decision. His future. The thought was both freeing and terrifying, a double-edged sword. The idea of having control over his destiny was empowering, but the weight of the responsibility it brought with it was daunting.

"But Peter," Aunt May continued, her voice softer now, more reflective. "Remember, every choice has consequences. If you choose to go with Nina, to be with her and your child, you'll be leaving behind everything you know. Your home. Your friends. Your identity as Spider-Man. It will all change."

Peter could see the worry etched on May's face, the worry for him and for the future. Her words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the gravity of the decision he faced. There was no denying the truth in her words, the undeniable reality that his life would drastically change.

"However," May's voice regained some of its earlier strength, her gaze steady on Peter, "if you choose to stay, you're choosing a life on the run. Always looking over your shoulder, living with the constant threat of capture. And, Peter, you'd be walking away from your child, from the opportunity to be a father. That's not something to take lightly."

A silence settled between them. The enormity of the situation pressed down on Peter. He felt torn between two worlds, two lives, both of which held their own appeal and their own share of complications.

"But, Peter," May concluded, her hand reaching across the table to grip his tightly, "no matter what you decide, remember that you are loved. You are not alone in this. You have people who care about you, who will support you no matter what."

Peter looked up, meeting Aunt May's loving gaze. He could see the genuine concern, the love and support that radiated from her. It was a lifeline in the sea of his tumultuous emotions, a rock to hold onto in the storm of his life.

In the end, Aunt May's advice was not a direct path to a decision but a guide, a reminder of the stakes of his choice, and an assurance that he was not alone. Now it was up to him to decide which path to follow. And that decision, he realized, was the most daunting of all.

"Would…Would you come with me?" Peter asked nervously.

The question hung in the air, heavy and suffused with desperation. The dim light from the lamp seemed to flicker a little more uncertainly, casting long, wavering shadows around the room. Peter looked at Aunt May, his eyes pleading, the weight of his decision reflected in his gaze.

May blinked, her heart skipping a beat. She had known that this might be asked. It was a fair question, after all. She was all the family Peter had left, the last remaining tether to his old life. But to leave Earth, to journey into the unknown, it was a prospect that both thrilled and terrified her.

She drew in a deep breath, holding it for a moment, letting the silence fill the room. She closed her eyes, a silent prayer slipping past her lips before she let the breath out. When she opened her eyes again, they were filled with resolve.

"Peter," she began, her voice a gentle whisper in the quiet room. "You're asking me to leave my home, everything I've known, and follow you into the unknown. That's... that's a lot." She was honest, her heart pounding in her chest. The thought of leaving her home, her friends, her job was daunting.

Peter's gaze fell to his lap, his heart sinking. It was a lot to ask, he knew, but the thought of going without her was unbearable.

But May wasn't finished. She reached across the table, taking his hands into hers, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "But," she continued, her voice steady despite the emotions welling up within her, "I would do anything for you, Peter. You're my family, and if you believe this is what's best, then I will trust you and follow you."

Peter looked up, his eyes meeting May's. There was a spark of determination in them, a fierce love that wrapped him in a warm embrace.

Aunt May was not just agreeing to accompany him, she was entrusting her life to him, following him into the unknown. It was a testament of her faith in him, a testament of her unconditional love. And with that realization, Peter felt a renewed strength surge within him.

Whether he chose to stay or go, he would have Aunt May by his side. And that knowledge was the only certainty he needed in these uncertain times.

Peter leaned against the balcony railings, his gaze wandering over the cityscape that stretched below. The city lights danced and twinkled, resembling a sea of stars. A soft breeze rustled his hair, bringing with it the scent of the city - the familiar mix of concrete, car exhaust, and a hint of the river. He closed his eyes, letting the city's lullaby wash over him. It was a melody he had grown up with, one that had underscored his life in every possible way. Now, standing at the precipice of a life-altering decision, he couldn't help but find comfort in it.

Behind him, he heard the rustling of bags and boxes as Aunt May went about packing essentials. He turned his head, peeking through the half-closed door. There she was, moving with a determination and grace that spoke of a lifetime of resilience. His heart clenched with a strange mix of pride and regret. This woman, this force of nature, was willing to upheave her life for him, yet again. He felt a surge of gratitude for her, and the love he held for her deepened even more.

His gaze dropped to the device in his hand - a small communication device given to him by Nina. It seemed so insignificant, yet it held the potential to change their lives irrevocably.

His mind began to reel backward, revisiting the fragments of his life where Nina had played a role. The FEAST center, where he had first encountered her. She was just another face in the crowd, another volunteer like him. But then, she was Nina Kowalski, not Nina Gurzsky-Lehnsherr. She was human, not Genoshian.

Then came the time when he was being framed for murder. The city had turned against him, his identity threatened to be exposed. Yet, there she was, Ivy, standing against the tide, helping him navigate through the turbulence.

The memories of their battles with the Sinister Six, and Doctor Octavius, their relentless fights against the odds. He remembered her strength, her courage, and how they had stood side by side, comrades in arms, heroes in their own right.

His mind drifted towards their shared moments away from the battlefield, the quieter times when they were just Peter and Nina. The moments filled with laughter, shared secrets, dreams, and fears. They were moments where they were simply two young people navigating their way through life and love.

Peter opened his eyes, his gaze returning to the device in his hand. A decision had to be made. The choice was his. He could stay or leave, and in doing so, he would determine not just his fate, but also that of Aunt May and his unborn child.

With a deep breath, he pressed the button on the communication device. A decision had been made. His journey was about to take an entirely new path, and all he could hope for was that it was the right one.

The device crackled to life in Peter's palm, and Nina's voice echoed softly through the quiet night. There was an edge of fear and uncertainty laced in her voice that sent a pang through his heart. He hadn't seen her scared very often, and hearing it in her voice now was disconcerting. It was a stark reminder of just how much was at stake.

"Peter?" Nina's voice quavered slightly, laden with unshed tears.

Peter's heart twinged. He gripped the railing, his knuckles turning white. His other hand tightened around the device as he replied, "Nina."

His voice was steadier than he felt, masking his inner turmoil. He watched as the city sprawled before him, every flickering light a life, a story. His life. His story. And yet, he had chosen to leave it behind. For her. For their child.

"I...we'll come, Nina. Aunt May and I," he stated, his voice full of quiet resolve.

There was a gasp on the other end of the device, a small hitch of breath that told him just how much his words meant. The brief silence that followed was thick with unsaid words and suppressed emotions.

"Be...be ready to be transported," Nina's voice finally broke through, wavering as if she was struggling to keep her composure.

"I will," he replied, releasing his grip on the railing.

He took one last look at the city. He'd always been the one to protect it, to save it from danger. But now, it was time for him to step away, to protect and save those who mattered most to him - his family.

Peter let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding, a sense of resolve settling over him. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he knew one thing - he'd face it all, as long as Nina and his family were with him.

Peter's heart pounded in his chest as he dialed Miles' number. He had been thinking about this call, going over it in his head over and over again. Now that the time had come to make it, he was surprised to find himself hesitating.

"Miles," he began, his voice heavy with the weight of his decision. "I have to...I'm leaving. I don't know for how long, but..."

His words faltered, but he cleared his throat, forcing the words out. "Take care of the city, alright? I'm trusting you with it."

He could almost feel Miles' surprise through the phone. But after a pause, Miles' voice came through, steady and sure. "I got it, Peter. Take care of yourself, okay?"

Peter let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "I will," he said. And with that, he ended the call. The deed was done.

The unexpected scream from Aunt May nearly had him leaping out of his skin. He whirled around just in time to see Lydia materialize in the middle of the room. She was clothed in her regal attire, a vision of imperial majesty amidst the humble apartment. His heart pounded in his chest as he took a step towards her.

As Aunt May's scream faded, an uncomfortable silence descended upon the room. Lydia stood motionless, her eyes scanning the room before they finally rested on Peter.

"Are you ready?" She asked, her voice echoing in the silence. Peter, for all his nerves, found himself nodding. It was time.

Lydia's eyes softened as they fell upon the flustered Aunt May. An apology slipped from her lips effortlessly, despite the regality of her attire and position. It was genuine, and Aunt May could see that.

"I apologize for startling you, Mrs. Parker," Lydia said, her tone even but not void of warmth. "Unexpected entrances seem to be a recurring theme with us."

A laugh, light and nervous, slipped from Aunt May's mouth. Despite the abrupt nature of Lydia's appearance, Aunt May couldn't help but admire the woman. She had heard stories of her from Peter, had seen glimpses of her on the news, but seeing her in person was another thing entirely.

Lydia, noticing Aunt May's efforts to gather her belongings, offered to help. Aunt May, flustered but appreciative, declined the offer, assuring her she had everything she needed.

Lydia nodded, telling Aunt May that the rest of her things would be taken care of. She then extended her hand, inviting Aunt May and Peter into her world. With a small inhalation of breath, Aunt May took a step forward, accepting Lydia's offer.

Then, in an instant, their surroundings shifted. Aunt May's quaint, familiar apartment was replaced with the cold, metallic interiors of the Genoshian ship. The abrupt change was disorienting, but Lydia's steady presence was a beacon of calm amidst the sudden chaos.

Peter, on the other hand, was used to the sudden shift in surroundings. His eyes darted around the ship, taking in the advanced technology and the alien nature of it. It was a whole new world, a world he was ready to explore, for the sake of the woman he loved and the child they were going to have.

It was a moment of transition, a moment of new beginnings. It was the start of a whole new chapter in their lives, one filled with uncertainties and possibilities. And they were ready to face it head-on.