"Hurry up, boys! I'm going to be late!" Ben Parker's voice echoed through the modest house, urgency clear in every word. Ben, an ordinary middle-aged man with pale hair and a gentle but firm demeanor, moved briskly around the kitchen, glancing at the clock on the wall. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the breakfast table.
"Coming, Uncle!" Peter called, his voice muffled as he hurried down the stairs, struggling to slip one arm into his coat while juggling his backpack in the other. He slid into his seat at the dining table, grabbing a piece of toast and taking a hasty bite.
Ben, ever the caring guardian, noticed Peter's rumpled collar and reached over to straighten it. "Where's that kid, Evan?" he asked, scanning the room for his other nephew.
Peter shrugged, chewing quickly. "I don't know. Maybe he's still… sleeping…" He tried to speak between bites but ended up choking on a piece of bread. He coughed, pounding his chest, and washed it down with a gulp of milk, eyes watering slightly.
"Still sleeping? That brat!" Ben grumbled, shaking his head in mock exasperation. He grabbed the handrail and started up the stairs, calling out, "Evan!"
Upstairs, in the dim light of his room, Evan Parker stirred. "Huh? Is someone calling me?" he muttered, rubbing his tired eyes. The familiar ceiling greeted him, and for a moment, he let himself drift in the haze between sleep and waking.
It had been sixteen years since he arrived in this world, and now he was living as Peter Parker's brother, Evan Parker, in the Parker household. Sometimes, the reality of his situation still felt surreal. As a transmigrator, Evan carried the weight of two lives: the memories of his previous world and the knowledge of the Marvel story unfolding around him. He knew what was coming for Peter-the bite, the powers, the responsibility. He knew, too, that Ben Parker was destined to die, a loss that would shape Peter forever.
But with Evan here, Ben Parker would never die. Not if he could help it.
Evan wasn't cold-blooded. Ben had raised him for over a decade, treating him as his own son, and now was the time to repay that kindness. He would do whatever it took to keep this family together.
A faint tingle ran along the black tattoo winding around Evan's forearm-a constant reminder of the strange gift he'd received from the system that brought him here. He focused for a moment, and a ripple of darkness flickered in the corner of the room, coalescing into the vague silhouette of a ninja crouched in the shadows. The figure bowed silently, awaiting orders, but Evan waved it away with a thought. He still wasn't used to the Kingdom of Dark Shadows, or the ten shadow ninjas he could summon-silent guardians, never far from his side, though still bound by mysterious limits.
The system had first activated about a year ago, and at the start, it was barely more than a whisper in his mind, its powers weak and unpredictable. But as Evan grew and adapted, the Kingdom of Dark Shadows gradually strengthened. Now, he could summon up to ten shadow ninjas, each one a flicker of darkness and loyalty. Not enough to change the world, maybe, but enough to protect the people he cared about. Without it, surviving in the Marvel Universe would be nearly impossible. Especially with entities like Thanos out there-Evan wasn't about to leave his fate to luck.
Click-
The door swung open, and Ben Parker strode in, yanking Evan's blanket off with a practiced motion. "Get up, or you'll be late for school!"
"Oh! Right away!" Evan shot up, the last traces of sleep vanishing. He threw on his clothes, splashed water on his face, and hurried through his morning routine.
Downstairs, Peter was finishing his breakfast, scarfing down the last of his toast. Evan rushed in, hair still damp, and shot Peter a mock glare. "Hey, Peter, why didn't you wake me?"
Peter grinned, wiping his mouth. "I tried. You were still dreaming."
Aunt May, always attentive, handed them their school bags. "Don't forget your lunches," she said, smiling warmly.
The two brothers exchanged a few words, their banter light and familiar, before Peter headed for the door.
"Wait up!" Evan called, grabbing a piece of bread and his bag from Aunt May before dashing after Peter.
"Slow down! Want some milk-" Aunt May started, but the door slammed shut behind them, leaving her words hanging in the air.
Aunt May shook her head, a fond smile on her lips. Ben came down the stairs, straightening his shirt.
"They're gone?" he asked, glancing at the empty hallway.
"Yes, but Evan didn't have time for milk," Aunt May replied, a note of worry in her voice.
Ben put an arm around her, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "It's fine. It's not the first time."
"I just worry about him," Aunt May sighed, her eyes lingering on the closed door.
"He'll be okay," Ben said, settling into his chair and picking up the newspaper. "Now, how about some milk for me?"
The morning air was crisp as Evan and Peter hurried down the sidewalk, backpacks bouncing against their shoulders.
"Why are you in such a hurry?" Evan called, jogging to catch up.
"If we don't hurry, we'll be late," Peter replied, glancing at his watch.
Evan flashed a confident grin. "Relax. With my experience, we'll never be late at this time."
The school building loomed ahead, its halls already buzzing with students. Inside, the familiar chaos of lockers slamming and voices echoing off the walls greeted them.
"Peter, even you're late?" Ms. Janet, their homeroom teacher, looked up in disbelief as Peter slipped into the classroom.
"Yes, I'm late," Peter admitted, cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Ms. Janet didn't make a fuss. Peter was rarely late and was one of her top students. "Don't make it a habit," she said, gesturing for him to take his seat.
Ned Leeds, Peter's good friend, was already seated nearby. Chubby and cheerful, Ned couldn't resist teasing. "Didn't expect you to be late, Peter."
Peter shot him a look. "Blame Evan. He said we wouldn't be late."
"Evan? He's famous for being late. You actually believed him?" Ned laughed, shaking his head.
Ms. Janet's sharp eyes landed on Ned. "Is there a problem with my class?"
Ned quickly covered his mouth, trying to stifle his laughter.
Elsewhere in the building, Evan was just arriving at his own classroom. Mr. Adrian, his teacher, checked his watch as Evan slipped in. "Well, Evan, only one minute late today."
Evan shrugged, a sheepish smile on his face. He hadn't expected to misjudge the time-Peter must be late too.
"Come in," Mr. Adrian said, and Evan took his seat. Behind him, Tessa Lane tapped him with her pen.
"What's up?" Evan asked, turning to face her.
"You were only one minute late this time," Tessa smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Tessa Lane was one of the most popular girls in school, her striking features and easy confidence making her stand out in any crowd.
"Too bad I still got the timing wrong," Evan sighed, slumping in his chair.
The rest of the school day passed quickly, a blur of lessons, laughter, and the steady rhythm of routine. As the final bell rang, Tessa leaned over, her voice low.
"Tomorrow's the weekend. Want to go out?"
Evan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's the plan?"
"Let's go to the amusement park. My treat!" she said, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
"Sure. What time?"
"Ten in the morning. Meet at the park. We'll have fun all day."
"Don't worry, I'll be on time," Evan promised, slinging his bag over his shoulder.
"Really? You're always late," she teased, grinning.
"This time's different!" Evan called as he headed for the door.
"I'll be waiting!" Tessa's voice followed him out.
In the hallway, chaos reigned as students jostled for space. Thompson and his friends barreled past, bumping into Peter without so much as an apology.
"Sorry, nerd!" Thompson sneered, already moving on.
"They're the worst," Ned muttered, nudging Peter.
Peter just sighed, adjusting his glasses. Thompson had always picked on him, and Peter knew better than to fight back.
"Evan!" Peter called, spotting his brother weaving through the crowd.
"Hey, Evan, don't you have any club activities?" Ned asked as the three of them met up.
"No, I'm not into clubs," Evan replied, shaking his head.
"I heard you were late this morning," Evan teased, slinging an arm around Peter's shoulders.
Peter brushed him off, rolling his eyes. "If I hadn't believed you, I wouldn't have been late."
"Sorry, just a mistake," Evan said, a bit embarrassed. He'd kept Peter up late the night before, which probably hadn't helped.
"What are you doing this weekend?" Ned asked Peter, curiosity in his voice.
"Same as always. Staying home," Peter replied. He didn't have many friends besides Ned.
"How about the machine exhibition tomorrow? I heard there's something new-should be fun," Ned suggested, his eyes lighting up.
"Sounds good," Peter said, looking at Evan. "You coming?"
"I'll pass. I've got plans," Evan replied, thinking of his date with Tessa.
As the three crossed the lawn, the sun dipping lower in the sky, a baseball came flying toward Peter. Evan, quick on his feet, reached out his right hand toward the ball.
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A/N: Hey Everyone, If you like the chapter please share your reviews and feedbacks. Thanks for reading.