A Spider in Gotham

The darkness of the night swallowed Peter Parker whole, the only sound being the soft hum of the city's nightlife as he stumbled through the unfamiliar streets of Gotham. Just hours ago, he was in New York, dealing with the aftermath of the multiverse-shattering events of No Way Home. But now, he found himself lost and alone in a city that seemed determined to swallow him whole. The towering skyscrapers and cramped alleyways seemed to close in around him, making him feel like a small, vulnerable spider caught in a web of uncertainty. As he turned a corner, the grandeur of Wayne Manor loomed before him, its sprawling gardens and intricately carved facade a beacon of hope in the darkness. Weary and disoriented, Peter made his way up the driveway, the soft crunch of gravel beneath his feet the only sound breaking the silence. The imposing structure seemed to loom over him, its high ceilings and sweeping staircases a testament to the wealth and power of its owner. Upon reaching the entrance, Peter hesitated for a moment before pressing the doorbell. The door swung open, revealing a stern-looking butler who eyed him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "Can I help you, young man?" the butler asked. Peter hesitated, unsure of how to explain his situation. "I...I got lost. I'm from New York. I was hoping for some help." The butler's expression softened, and he stepped aside, allowing Peter to enter. "You're welcome here. I'm Alfred Pennyworth, the Waynes' butler. Please, come in, and we'll do our best to assist you." As Peter followed Alfred into the manor, he couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the opulent decor and advanced technology that seemed to permeate every aspect of the estate. The air was thick with the scent of old books and polished wood, and the soft hum of machinery provided a soothing background noise. Just then, a tall, brooding figure emerged from the study, his piercing eyes scanning Peter with interest. "Alfred, who is this young man?" "This is Peter Parker, sir," Alfred replied. "He seems to have gotten lost on his way to...or from...New York." Bruce Wayne's gaze lingered on Peter, his eyes narrowing as he took in the Spider-Man logo emblazoned on Peter's jacket. "I see," he said, his voice measured. "Well, Peter, you're welcome to stay with us for the night. We'll help you figure out how to get back home...or perhaps find a new home here in Gotham." As Bruce led Peter to a guest room, Peter couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward this stranger who had taken him in. Little did he know that his life was about to take a dramatic turn, one that would entangle him in a web of family ties that would change him forever. The soft glow of the manor's lights seemed to fade into the background as Peter's thoughts turned to his own life, his own struggles, and his own sense of identity. He had always been a Spider-Man, a hero, a kid from the streets of New York. But now, in this strange new city, with these new people, he felt like a blank slate, waiting to be rewritten. As he lay in bed, Peter's mind racing with thoughts of his new surroundings and the mysterious figure of Bruce Wayne, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life was about to become a lot more complicated. And yet, despite the uncertainty, he felt a spark of excitement, a sense that he was on the cusp of something new, something big. The darkness of the night seemed to recede, replaced by a sense of possibility, a sense that anything could happen in this strange new world. And Peter, Spider-Man, was ready to face it head-on.