Spider-Man : The Story of a Hero

France — Large Square in Front of the Eiffel Tower — Morning

Midtown High’s class strolls through the streets of Paris until they reach the vast square facing the Eiffel Tower. The monument rises majestically beneath the clear morning sky, and the atmosphere is electric.

— ”I don’t think I need to tell you what we’re looking at, but just in case... for those of you who’ve been living under a rock... this is the Eiffel Tower! Construction began on January 28, 1887, and it was completed on March 31, 1889.”

Some students immediately pull out their phones to take pictures. Others, more discreet, simply stand there in awe, admiring the view. At the very back of the group, Peter and his friends walk along peacefully.

— ”Alright! Now that you’ve had the chance to see the Eiffel Tower up close... let’s go visit some other places, everyone! We’ve got the whole day ahead of us, so let’s make the most of it!”

A few students quietly tease their teacher, noticing that he seems almost more excited than they are about the visit.

Paris — Afternoon

The beginning of a great excursion.

The students board a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus that tours the French capital. Together, they visit the city’s iconic landmarks: the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. As they pass these magnificent monuments, Sally takes out the selfie stick she keeps in her small bag.

They then embark on a cruise along the Seine, which completes the outing, before taking a gourmet break around the city’s street food.

Shawarmas, bao buns, burgers, hot dogs, crêpes, waffles, and other pastries pass from hand to hand as the students share them without spending too much money.

At first, the tension between the two groups is obvious. Anya, Miles, and Harry keep their distance from Liz and Sally, and the opposite is just as true.

But little by little, the walls begin to come down.

A few conversations start, smiles appear, and jokes begin to flow.

Even Anya, who is usually more reserved, starts to loosen up.

Peter and Gwen watch everything from a distance, satisfied. But the one who seems the most moved by this change... is Flash. His eyes overflow with genuine happiness as he watches his two worlds finally begin to come together.

Unfortunately, he himself is still being left out. The efforts he’s making are obvious, but the others still struggle to forgive him. Peter can’t help feeling sorry for him.

Lost in thought, he doesn’t notice Gwen approaching with a waffle...

Which she gently presses into his mouth.

— ”What the heck is this?!”

Peter quickly pulls the waffle out of his mouth before looking at Gwen with a puzzled expression.

— ”Gwen... mind telling me what you’re doing?”

— ”What?! You were lost in thought and looked way too serious, so I wanted to wipe that look off your face. I know what you’re thinking about, but don’t let it take over your whole time here.”

She raises both arms as high as she can, still holding her waffle.

— ”Have fun and enjoy yourself!”

Touched by her words, Peter immediately softens.

— ”You’re right.”

As he looks at her, an idea suddenly crosses his mind.

A mischievous smile spreads across his face.

— ”As payback...”

Without warning, he crouches down before lifting Gwen onto his shoulders.

She lets out a small cry of surprise.

— ”P-Peter! What are you doing?!”

Blushing furiously and completely flustered, she starts flailing in every direction. But Peter keeps a firm grip on her legs.

— ”What?! Didn’t you just tell me I should have fun?”

— ”Y-Yeah, but-”

— ”Besides, can’t you see everyone else is already way ahead? Come on, hold on tight!”

He suddenly starts running.

Out of reflex, Gwen immediately grabs onto his head while continuing to panic...

And laugh at the same time.

A few moments later, they finally catch up with the rest of their class.

France — Large Square in Front of the Eiffel Tower — Early Evening

As the students finish their day in front of the Eiffel Tower, Mr. Harrington addresses them, visibly pleased with their behavior.

— ”Alright... since you’ve all been very well behaved, and I can even see that some of you seem to have grown a little closer...”

He gestures rather obviously toward Peter and Flash’s group, to the point where several students awkwardly smile.

— ”I’m going to give you a little gift and let you have the rest of the evening to yourselves. We managed to see a lot of Paris in just one day. Honestly, I didn’t even think we’d be able to visit this many places. And I’m exhausted too, so here’s what we’re going to do.”

He takes a few steps toward his class, a smile forming at the corner of his lips.

— ”I’m giving you the evening off.”

At the announcement, the students are surprised at first, before several faces gradually light up.

— ”You can walk around and keep sightseeing, stay here and admire the Eiffel Tower, or simply head back to the hotel with me if you’re tired. Basically, it’s up to you. You all know how to get back to the hotel, and I’ve seen that you’re responsible enough, which is reassuring. Besides, you all have phones, so if anything happens, give me a call. Is that clear, everyone?”

— ”Yes, sir!”

— ”Perfect!”

He claps his hands together, as if giving the signal to begin.

— ”Those who want to head back to the hotel, come with me. Otherwise... enjoy your evening!”

The teacher walks away, turning around to see who decides to follow him.

No one.

A small tear appears in the corner of his eye, but he quickly wipes it away, trying to preserve his pride, before heading back toward the hotel.

The students gather together, somewhat uncertain.

— ”Alright, does anyone have any idea what we could do? I’m totally hyped! Throw me any suggestion, I’m in!” Anya says excitedly.

A brief silence follows her question.

Everyone exchanges glances, hoping someone else will take the lead.

But nobody says a word.

— ”Nobody? Seriously?”

At last, a hand is raised.

Sally’s.

— ”I do!”

— ”Really? Then why didn’t you say something right away?”

— ”I wanted to see if anyone had something better first, but my idea’s pretty awesome too, so we’re good! Look!”

Sally pulls a small flyer out of her bag and shows it to the group.

It features a luxurious mansion along with an invitation to a party with a pool, alcohol, music, and a special note:

”Party for Americans visiting Paris.”

Everyone exchanges glances. And, strangely enough...No one really seems against the idea.

In fact...Most of the group actually seems curious to go.

Peter is the only one who refuses the idea, already seeing exactly how this is likely to end.

— ”Alright, guys... I don’t want to sound like a killjoy, but are you really sure going to this party is a good idea?”

Peter quickly scans the group before stopping on Sally. His expression grows more serious.

He almost sounds like an adult surrounded by a bunch of kids.

— ”Sally, did you at least do a little research first?”

— ”Well, uh...”

— ”Oh, come on, nerd! What are you scared of, huh? Everything’s gonna be fine!”

— ”Yeah, Peter, Anya’s right. Everything’s gonna be fine.”

Anya raises an eyebrow slightly, surprised to see Flash taking her side. But she decides not to comment.

Peter then looks at Harry, then Miles, then Liz...

And they all wear the same hesitant little smile that says everything about their decision.

Feeling more and more alone, he finally turns toward the last person he still trusts completely:

His girlfriend.

— ”Gwen...?”

Several emotions cross the young woman’s face.

First surprise.

Then a little embarrassment.

Before a faint amused smile appears.

She quickly regains her composure and answers in a calm, reassuring voice.

— ”Peter... everything’s going to be fine.”

Her answer leaves him completely speechless.

For a brief moment, he almost feels like he’s surrounded by a pack of animals incapable of seeing the danger.

His bad feeling only grows stronger.

— ”No, guys, I’m sorry, but I really think we’d be better off doing something else!”

France — Party Villa — A Few Moments Later (Abrupt Transition) — Evening

A few moments later, the entire group has already arrived at the party.

Peter finds himself in the middle of a packed crowd.

The music is deafening. Strobe lights sweep across the villa. Screaming, laughter, people dancing, alcohol...

Complete chaos.

Around him, his friends seem to be having the time of their lives.

Liz and Sally are dancing as if nothing else exists, while Miles and Harry are chatting peacefully by the pool.

— ”This really isn’t my kind of party.”

Overwhelmed by all the commotion, Peter chooses to isolate himself in a quieter corner, leaning against a wall.

— ”But... maybe I’m just overthinking this?”

From his corner, he looks over the party once again. His gaze eventually lands on Gwen. Unlike the others, she isn’t dancing.

She’s simply eating and drinking.

A shy smile appears on Peter’s face.

— ”I’m happy to see her enjoying herself. After everything that’s happened... it’s a good thing.”

The memories come back naturally The fight against Tombstone, George’s death…And the pain he shared with Gwen.

And all the events that had turned their lives upside down during the previous year.

— ”There have been a lot of difficult moments, but now... things are only going to get better. I’m sure of it.”

Holding a drink in his hand, Flash walks over to Peter with a big smile.

— ”Hey, man, why aren’t you joining us? Everyone’s having fun!”

— ”Yeah, I know, but this just isn’t really my kind of party. You go have fun. Don’t worry about me.”

Flash watches him for a moment.

Slightly concerned.

— ”You sure?”

— ”Yeah! Go spend time with the others instead!”

Flash smiles at him before turning around. Then, just before leaving, he simply holds out his fist toward Peter.

Surprised, Peter hesitates for a split second before returning the fist bump with a genuine smile. Flash heads back to the others, leaving Peter alone.

For a few moments, Peter simply watches everything happening around him.

Some people are kissing. Others are dancing. A few are eating or drinking. Suddenly, a commotion catches his attention.

He quickly turns his head. Gwen is standing on top of a table. A microphone in her right hand. A beer in her left.

— ”E-Everyone! Listen to me! I-I... I have something important to say!”

— ”Gwen...? What is she-”

His eyes suddenly fall on the beer she’s holding.

— ”Oh, come on... don’t tell me she’s been drinking?!”

Every guest turns toward her.

Even those by the pool walk over, curious.

— ”I’d like to say something to the friends I love. There’s Sally, Liz, Flash, Anya, Miles, Harry... and finally Peter. He’s my boyfriend, you know?! And I love him! I love him sooo, sooo much!”

As she keeps waving her arms around, Gwen nearly loses her balance several times.

She seems completely out of it. As if she’s living in her own little world. 

Around her, several people—including Liz—have already pulled out their phones to record the scene.

Peter rushes toward the table. Nervous...And terribly embarrassed. An awkward laugh escapes him.

— ”G-Gwen! That’s enough, please get down!”

— ”Peter, s-stop! W-Wait, I’m not done yet...!”

Peter gently grabs her leg to help her down.

But Gwen immediately pulls it away.

— ”You know... Peter and I have known each other for a really long time. You could even say we grew up together. The two of us have been through... so much! T-Things you can’t even imagine!”

Little by little, Gwen stops waving her arms around. She finally regains a bit of her balance. Without anyone noticing, her expression suddenly becomes much more serious.

— ”More than six months ago... I lost someone. And that someone... was my father.”

Silence instantly falls. Even the music stops. Peter freezes. Gwen’s face gradually darkens.

Her head slowly lowers.

— ”My mom was already gone when I was little, and since I didn’t have much family... it was hard. Really hard...”

Thinking back to the people who helped her move forward, she slowly raises her head again.

A faint smile appears at the corner of her lips.

— ”But luckily... I had Peter and his aunt. Two incredible people who welcomed me into their home. They treated me like family, and if I managed to get through that... it’s only because of them.”

Her voice gradually begins to crack. Her breathing becomes uneven. Her eyes redden. The first tears slowly begin to appear.

— ”The reason we’re all here today... is because we’re on a school trip, and we’re leaving tomorrow. Before this trip, our group was divided, and a lot of us didn’t like each other. But now... things have changed. We spend time together, we talk, we laugh... and we actually enjoy being around each other! And I just want to say that I’m... I’m really happy to be here with all of you. Sally, Liz, Flash, Anya, Miles, Harry... and you too, Peter.”

She pauses for a moment.

Her eyes remain locked on Peter.

— ”I love you... I love you more than you could ever imagine! I’m really happy to be with you.”

Peter is left speechless. Looking up at the girl he loves, he’s unable to look away. As though drawn into her eyes, he remains trapped in the raw emotion of the moment.

— ”Gwen...”

Following her heartfelt confession, reactions erupt from every direction. 

Many are deeply moved. Some applaud her and congratulate her for her honesty. Others chuckle softly at the situation.

And finally, a few—like Flash, and especially Sally—remain genuinely surprised.

Flash is touched.

He simply hadn’t expected their relationship to be this strong. Sally, on the other hand, merely lets out an unimpressed smile.

— ”Aaaah... the power of alcohol...”

Liz and Anya immediately glare at her before giving her a light elbow to the side.

But suddenly, while the applause is still going on, sirens can be heard in the distance.

— ”Police sirens...?”

A boy suddenly bursts down from the second floor. He rushes down the stairs at full speed, nearly tripping several times.

Completely panicked, he screams at the top of his lungs:

— ”THE COPS ARE HERE! SOMEONE SNITCHED ON US! THEY’RE HERE FOR THE DRUGS, RUN!”

For a split second, everyone freezes. Then panic explodes. Screams fill the villa.

Boys and girls immediately start running in every direction, terrified of getting arrested. The crowd instantly scatters toward the back of the house.

Amid the chaos, the group of students instinctively gathers around Peter and Gwen.

Peter shoots Sally an irritated look.

— ”Drugs?! Seriously, Sally?!”

— ”Oh, don’t pin this on me! How was I supposed to know there’d be drugs?!”

At that very moment, the front door is nearly smashed open as the police prepare to storm the villa.

— ”We don’t have time for your stupid argument! We need to get out of here!”

Still standing on the table, Gwen suddenly collapses. The alcohol has finally caught up with her. Peter and Flash catch her just before she hits the ground.

The group bursts into the garden. Peter carries Gwen in his arms like a princess. After running for a few seconds, they come face to face with a massive wooden fence.

It’s at least twice as tall as they are.

— ”We have to climb that?! Guys, just so you know, I’m terrible at sports!”

— ”We know! Stop whining! We’ll give you a boost!”

— ”Anya’s right! Flash, help everyone get over, please!”

— ”Got it!”

One by one, the students make it over the fence with Flash’s help.

First Liz, then Sally, Harry, Miles...And finally Anya. Now only Flash, Peter… And Gwen, still asleep in Peter’s arms, remain.

— ”Your turn now! You can climb it by yourself, right?”

Flash looks at him in confusion.

— ”Yeah, but what about you? You should hand Gwen over to me!”

— ”No. I’ve got this!”

— ”Are you really sure?!”

— ”Yeah! Trust me.”

Flash can’t help but worry. And yet, the confidence in Peter’s eyes is enough to convince him.

He gives Peter one last look before climbing. Within a few movements, he clears the fence and joins the others.

Now safely on the other side, the rest of the group watches Flash arrive. But they don’t see Peter...Or Gwen. Concern immediately spreads through the group.

— ”Hey! Where are Peter and Gwen?!” Miles asks anxiously.

— ”He’s coming!”

The moment Flash finishes speaking, Anya lightly shoves him.

— ”What do you mean, ’he’s coming’?! He’s carrying Gwen! How do you expect him to get over a fence that’s twice his height?!”

— ”I offered to carry Gwen, but he told me he’d handle it!”

— ”Guys, look!” Harry shouts.

Everyone immediately looks up at the fence. At that very moment, Peter appears at the top. He clears it in a single leap. Without even touching it.

Still carrying Gwen in his arms, he lands calmly beside Flash and the others, as if her weight didn’t even exist.

The entire group freezes.

Completely stunned.

— ”W-Wow...”

— ”That was insane!”

— ”How did you do that?!”

Strangely enough, Flash doesn’t even seem surprised. He’s simply relieved to see Peter rejoin them safely. A friendly smile appears on his face.

— ”Nice one, man.”

Peter answers with a smile.

— ”Thanks!”

Without wasting another second, they all flee into the Parisian night. Beneath the stars.

Before the French police can even catch sight of them.

The group begins running through the streets of Paris, trying to put as much distance as possible between themselves...

And that villa.

TO BE CONTINUED.