Miles Morales: New Spider chapter 2

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The year was 2003.

I’m a year old now, and boy, am I glad. My parents think I’m just a curious toddler fascinated by the pictures in their books, but the joke’s on them—I’m actually reading those books. Sure, the pictures are interesting, but the content is what really holds my attention.

I’ve developed the ability to think two separate thoughts simultaneously, which is absolutely wonderful. The multitasking training is paying off. My meditation has also been fruitful; the tiny orb of energy I’ve cultivated has grown to the size of a marble. I can already tell that my senses and physiology are being enhanced. I’ve made a breakthrough by directing the energy through specific channels in my body. Finding and unclogging these channels was challenging, but it was worth it. The energy now flows through every part of my body, strengthening my mind, bones, muscles, and overall health. Although the channels are as thin as a hair, they’re making significant changes to my physiology. I am, without a doubt, a very healthy baby. This progress is possible because I’m in the Marvel Universe and, thanks to my enhanced soul, I’m making the most of it. So, thank you, higher power—despite causing my demise, you’ve more than made up for it.

I’ve been crawling around the house, exploring every corner I can reach. Earlier this year, I confirmed that I was in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when I saw Robert Downey Jr. on the news about some arms deal. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that he was Tony Stark, which cemented the realization. I knew I had to survive, possibly even achieve immortality, and push beyond my bodily limits. The MCU is filled with opportunities, and I’m nothing if not opportunistic. Enough said.

My parents have been unusually busy today, and I wonder why.

"Jeff, honey, could you get the door?" my mom, Rio, asked my dad.

"Sure, hon, no problem," he replied, stepping out of the kitchen to answer the door.

Who could that be? We don’t get many visitors, especially on a Sunday. Curious, I crawled over, and when my dad noticed me, he picked me up.

"Hey, buddy, where’re you off to?" Dad asked with a smile. I made grabbing motions toward the door and babbled some gibberish, which made him chuckle.

"Look who’s a big boy," he said with a soft laugh.

When he opened the door, I saw the man I’d be thanking after getting my spider powers. A look of happiness spread across my face, and I opened my arms wide, thinking, *Come here, my sweet smooth criminal.*

"Gah! Gah!" I babbled at my uncle, Aaron Davis.

"Whoa, whoa, you’re really happy to see me, kiddo," Aaron said, handing my dad some gift bags before coming in and lifting me from my dad’s arms.

Oh, if only he knew how joyful I was every time he brought a bag, just hoping a spider might crawl out of it. I smiled broadly at the thought.

"Aaron, took your sweet time," Dad quipped.

"You know how it is, Jeff—New York and all," Aaron replied.

"Who is it, Jeff?" Mom asked from the kitchen.

"It’s Aaron, sweetheart," Dad replied as my uncle walked toward the kitchen.

"You look as gorgeous as always, Rio," Aaron complimented her, trying to dip his finger into the pie. Mom slapped his hand away.

"Sweet talk will get you nowhere, Casanova," Mom said, and I giggled, drawing their attention to me.

"I swear, it’s like this little guy understands everything," Aaron said, prompting them both to laugh.

"He’s my niño genius," Mom said proudly.

I’d seen *Spider-Man: Homecoming,* and Donald Glover played Aaron Davis in the parking lot scene with Spider-Man. But that version of Aaron wasn’t nearly as fit as the man standing before me. This Aaron was absolutely ripped—not in a heavy bodybuilder way, but in a lean, field-operative kind of way. And he was tall. What the heck is going on? Did the movies nerf him? Is this an alternate version of Aaron? Is this an AU MCU? I guess I’ll have to find out eventually.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand—why is Mom making pie? What’s the occasion?

We headed to the sitting room, where I saw quite the sight. There were gifts on the center table surrounding a cake with a single candle in it. Then it began:

"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday dear Miles, Happy birthday to you!" they all sang in unison.

"Wahhh!" I beamed happily. I couldn’t believe it—my first birthday, a whole year in the Marvel Universe without any doom or disaster in my home.

I was glad and grateful. It wasn’t bad at all. I could get used to this... But who am I kidding? Without power, there’s no peace in the Marvel Universe.

"Alright, Miles, blow out your candle," Dad said, placing me before the cake.

"Pufffssspppit!" I huffed and puffed, and out went the candle. "Hahah hahahah," they laughed at my antics.

That was a joyful day I’ll never forget.

We sliced the cake, took tons of photos, and had an overall happy, blessed day.

I was left with some toys while Dad and Uncle Aaron grabbed beers. Mom went to the kitchen to get some food, and I overheard them talking about the good old days.

Dad seemed to be reminiscing, laughing with Uncle Aaron, who said, "You know, I saw Maria on one of my trips."

Dad’s eyes widened. "Really? SHIELD?"

"Yep, they’re still active," Aaron replied.

"Well, good for them, because I’m happy here with my family," Dad said.

"Yeah, but you could always use a little extra," Aaron added.

"No, Aaron, I’m great here, and I don’t need it," Dad said gloomily.

"No need to be so defensive. I’m just saying there’s an offer waiting for you. Take it, and you’re set," Aaron stated.

"Don’t think I don’t know what you’ve been up to, Prowler, and I’ll have none of that shit. You hear me?" Dad said with a sneer and an angry undertone.

"Okay, okay, chill already. The kid’s looking," Aaron said as they both glanced at me.

"Ghaga," I giggled, raising a toy car, which made them smile before returning to their conversation.

*Whoa, what a save. Pheeeuww.*

So my uncle is already the Prowler? Nice. That means the Morales spider bite will happen—sweet.

But wait, it doesn’t happen in the MCU. Or maybe it will in the *Homecoming* sequel? No problem. As long as I get my powers, I might as well study magic. Teleportation alone is damn overpowered, but common sense is really undersold.

They mentioned Maria—as in Maria Hill of SHIELD. That settles my combat training. I’ll definitely have Dad and Uncle Aaron teach me.

Now, where do I find a base... Maybe when I’m older.