Prologue  

Timeline: 2001

Peter Parker leaned against the edge of the rooftop, the cool breeze ruffling his Spider-Man suit as he recounted the tale to Miles Morales. The city sprawled beneath them, a mosaic of lights just beginning to flicker to life as dusk settled over the skyline. The top of the tower offered a panoramic view, the horizon painted with hues of orange and purple as the sun dipped below the buildings in the distance.

"So you beat the alien in another universe, cool!" Miles Morales, a black teenager with an infectious enthusiasm, exclaimed.

"Yeah, it was pretty cool, Miles," Peter chuckled softly, his voice carrying over the gentle hum of the city below. "That day... it was something else." He paused, memories of Michael, his mentor, flooding back vividly. "I can still see the look on Michael's face. Pure pride. His eyes were practically sparkling."

Miles stood beside him, the faint glint of his own Spider-Man suit catching the fading sunlight. His expression turned thoughtful, empathy flickering in his eyes. "Pete..."

Peter glanced at him, a reassuring smile tugging at his lips. "Hey, don't get down on me now. Our story's not finished yet." he reassured, his gaze returning to the distant horizon.

Miles nodded eagerly, his interest undiminished. "Okay, tell me everything about you and Michael, your mentor."

Peter's smile warmed. "Sure thing. We're nearing the end of this tale." he replied, just as his Mcall device began to emit a faint buzzing, momentarily interrupting their conversation.

Peter quickly picked up the Mcall device and answered the call. "Hello?"

"Hey, Pete... Um..." It was Mary Rose, his friend more like a sister. Her voice carried weariness and urgency, slightly muffled against the backdrop of the city's ambient noise.

Peter's brow furrowed as he listened attentively, his focus shifting momentarily from the view before him. "Hey Sis, what's wrong?"

Mary sighed deeply, the sound barely audible over the faint whir of passing traffic. "Can you take care of Mars for me? I'm really busy tonight and I can't leave Marsel alone. She's only five, you know."

Peter's eyes swept over the cityscape, watching as countless lights blinked on one by one, casting their glow as darkness settled over the skyline. "Of course, Mary. I'll take care of her." he promised immediately, his gaze lingering on the unfolding cityscape before him.

"Thanks, Peter. I really appreciate it. Ever since—" Mary began, but Peter interrupted gently, his voice a soothing contrast to the bustling city sounds around them.

"I'm still waiting... Still waiting." he murmured softly, his tone filled with empathy and a glimmer of hope, his gaze drifting back to Miles beside him.

"Yeah, still waiting." Mary echoed, a mix of hope and sadness in her voice.

"You should go now. Don't worry, I've got her." Peter reassured her, his voice steady and comforting, his attention momentarily drawn to the distant glow of the city lights below.

"Thanks, and... sorry for pulling you away from your Spider-Man duties tonight." Mary apologized, her voice tinged with guilt.

"Don't worry about it. It's just one night. Can't let Michael down, right?" Peter replied lightly, but his gaze turned wistful as he stared into the distance, lost in thought for a moment, before returning to Miles, who was patiently waiting beside him.

"Yeah... Michael..." Mary murmured, her voice carrying a deep, lingering pain.

"Bye, Sis. Take care." Peter said gently, ending the call and then quickly putting the mcall device back into his pocket.

Turning to Miles, who had been quietly observing, Peter exhaled slowly, his gaze sweeping over the sprawling cityscape. "Looks like we'll have to continue the story after I drop by Mary's House."

Miles tilted his head curiously, his expression thoughtful as he gazed out over the city's skyline. "What's going on?"

"Mary asked me to watch Mars tonight. She's got her hands full." Peter explained, his voice calm and reassuring against the backdrop of the city's evening chorus.

Understanding dawned on Miles' face, his gaze drifting to the distant lights below. "And what about being a hero tonight?"

"Consider it a night off." Peter said with a grin, his gaze returning to Miles, who smiled back in understanding.

"After we drop by, you'll tell me everything, right?" Miles asked eagerly, his voice filled with anticipation.

"Absolutely. I'll tell you all about Michael and me." Peter promised, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him as he glanced once more at the sprawling cityscape beneath them.

As they stood together on the rooftop, Peter reflected on the journey he had undertaken. From the moment Michael had taken him under his wing to the incredible adventures they had shared, it was more than a tale of mentorship. It was a story of growth, of friendship forged in the face of the challenges they faced together. Their story.