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Peter rested his chin in his hand, his eyes narrowed as he observed the figure of Tobey in the distance. He was deep in thought, calculating the variables of this new reality.
"From his current state, it's clear the symbiote has only recently bonded with him," Peter analyzed. "We've arrived in the early stages of the timeline. This means there's still plenty of time before Sandman and Venom form their alliance to corner him."
This was a significant tactical advantage. It meant Peter had the breathing room to explore this parallel New York and understand its specific quirks. However, he knew that in a multiverse governed by the butterfly effect, any change to the plot could lead to massive deviations. If an uncontrollable villain emerged because of their presence, things could turn lethal very quickly.
Before Peter could finish his assessment, Gwen let out a soft hum, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Peter, my Spider-Sense... it's screaming."
Peter looked back at the distant skyscraper. The narcissistic flexing had stopped. Tobey had snapped his head toward the Empire State Building, his pitch-black mask locking onto Peter's position.
A heavy feeling settled in Peter's gut. The "Bully Maguire" era Toby was influenced by an alien parasite; he wasn't the friendly neighborhood hero they knew. In this state, he was capable of striking his loved ones and showing no mercy to his enemies. To a stranger, he would be even more volatile.
"Let me handle the talking," Gwen offered, stepping forward. "We both have the Spider-Sense; maybe there's a common ground we can find through the frequency."
Peter hesitated but nodded. He wanted to see if diplomacy could bridge the gap before resorting to tech.
The ConfrontationIn a blur of black motion, Tobey arrived at the summit of the Empire State Building. He crouched on the narrow edge of the parapet, his silhouette a dark blot against the moonlit sky. He remained silent, his gaze shifting between Gwen's white suit and the high-tech metal gauntlet on Peter's wrist.
Gwen held out her hands, palms open to show she wasn't armed. "Hello! I know this looks strange, but please, listen. I'm a Spider-Man—or Spider-Woman—from another parallel universe..."
Tobey didn't even let her finish. A sharp, mocking laugh escaped his mask. "What, did you two just break out of a mental hospital? There's only one Spider-Man in this city. And you're looking at him."
The symbiote had clearly stripped away his patience. He was irritable, arrogant, and entirely dismissive. To him, anyone wearing a mask without his permission was a threat or a fraud.
"I'll make this simple," Tobey continued, his voice dripping with condescension. "Take off the suits, drop the weapons, and I'll web you up and leave you for the police. They can figure out who you really are. I don't have time for a bedtime story."
He began to shift his weight, clearly preparing for a takedown. "I'm the hero here. I can't have suspicious 'cosplayers' threatening the safety of my citizens. Now, move."
Strength vs. SkillGwen was stunned. She had seen different versions of Peter Parker before, but never one this unreasonable. "Is this guy serious? Peter, is he even the same person we met last time?"
Peter reached for his wrist, ready to activate the Nanoscale Liquid Metal command. "Reason isn't working, Gwen. If he wants a fight, we'll give him one."
But Gwen placed a hand on his chest, stopping him. Her white mask masked her expression, but her voice was cold with annoyance. "No, Peter. Don't interfere. We're both 'Spider-Man.' I'm not going to let him look down on me just because he's wearing a new coat of paint."
She was fuming. The arrogance of this version of Tobey had struck a nerve. She wanted to prove that her strength and the training she had received from the Spider Society were more than a match for a bully with an ego.
Peter lowered his hand. He knew Gwen was capable, and with him standing guard, he could intervene if the symbiote-enhanced strength became too much. "Alright. But be careful. He's stronger than he looks. Use your speed advantage. Don't let him pin you down."
Gwen didn't reply; she simply lowered her center of gravity, her hands poised in a combat stance. On the opposite ledge, a dark smirk played under Tobey's black mask. To him, this was just a warm-up before his next photo op.
The duel between the Black and White Spiders was about to begin.
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