Peter and Ned stared in shock at the baseball in Evan's hand, then looked at him incredulously. The ball had come out of nowhere, hurtling straight for Peter's head, but Evan had snatched it from the air with a single, fluid motion. For a moment, time seemed to freeze as the three boys stood there, the ball still spinning slightly in Evan's grip.
"Oh my god-how did you do that? That was awesome! Can you teach me?" Ned exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement and admiration. The awe in his voice was unmistakable.
Peter, still catching his breath, looked equally stunned. There was a flicker of gratitude in his eyes-if Evan hadn't caught the ball, it would have hit him squarely in the head. "Seriously, Evan, that was insane," Peter managed, shaking his head in disbelief.
Evan retracted his arm, squeezing the baseball thoughtfully. The power of the Shadow System didn't just let him summon ninjas-it had also quietly enhanced his body. He was stronger and faster than most people, though not superhuman. His reflexes and agility, however, were on another level-almost ninja-like. He felt the familiar tingle of the tattoo on his arm, a subtle reminder of the shadows at his command.
"Hey, Evan! Nice catch! Want to join our baseball club?" Thompson shouted from across the lawn, waving his arms. His tone was light, but Evan could see the annoyance in his eyes. Just moments before, Thompson had intentionally aimed the ball at Peter, hoping to embarrass him. Evan's quick reflexes had ruined his little plan.
"It's them again," Ned muttered under his breath, glancing at Thompson and his friends with a frown.
Peter nodded. He knew Thompson picked on him for a simple reason-because he liked Liz Allan. Thompson's jealousy had made Peter's life at school more difficult than it needed to be.
Evan shook his finger at Thompson, signaling a clear refusal, and tossed the baseball back with a flick of his wrist. The three friends walked away, leaving Thompson to stew in his own frustration.
As they reached the school gate, the tension faded. "See you tomorrow!" Ned waved to Peter, then turned to Evan. "Have a great weekend!"
"You too," Evan replied, smiling. He watched Ned disappear down the street before turning back to Peter.
"Peter, I heard you're crushing on Liz?" Evan teased, grinning mischievously.
Peter's face turned red in an instant. "Wha-who told you that?" he stammered, clearly embarrassed.
"Ned," Evan said, selling Ned out without hesitation.
Peter groaned, covering his face with his hands. "I knew he couldn't keep his mouth shut. Please, don't tell Aunt May."
"Relax, I won't say a word," Evan promised, patting Peter's back reassuringly.
Peter, eager to change the subject, said, "I heard there's an exhibition next weekend. Are you going?"
Evan smiled, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Definitely. I wouldn't miss it."
He knew this exhibition would be a turning point for Peter-a moment that could change his life forever. Evan was aware that, just like Peter, he had Parker DNA. If he was bitten by the radioactive spider, he might even gain Spider-Man's powers too.
Peter looked puzzled. "You never go to these things."
"I don't want you to be bored, so I'll go with you," Evan said, draping an arm over Peter's shoulder. The two laughed and made their way home, the familiar streets of Queens stretching before them.
When they got home, Peter immediately shut himself in his room to study. Evan, on the other hand, flopped onto Peter's bed, pulling out a handheld game console and switching it on. The cheerful beeps and clicks filled the room.
Peter, drawn by the noise, turned around. "Where'd you get the money for that?" he asked, eyeing the console with curiosity.
"Want to play?" Evan asked, waving the device enticingly.
"That's not what I asked," Peter replied, his curiosity only growing. Their pocket money was never enough for something like that.
Evan just grinned. "Do you want it or not?"
"No, I just want to know where you got the money. You didn't steal it, right? Uncle Ben always says stealing is wrong."
Evan laughed, shaking his head. "Relax, I didn't steal it. I won a little money in a lottery."
"How much?" Peter pressed, moving closer.
Evan held up a finger. "A thousand dollars."
Peter's eyes widened in shock. Before he could shout, Evan quickly covered his mouth. "Shhh-keep it down!"
Peter calmed down, though he still looked skeptical. "A thousand dollars… That's more than we ever have."
Evan reached under the bed and pulled out a box, revealing a camera inside. "Yashica Electro 35…" Peter read the brand, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
"It's yours. Brand new," Evan said, handing it over.
"For me? Thank you, Evan!" Peter hugged him tightly, overjoyed.
Downstairs, Aunt May heard the commotion and frowned, wondering what could be so exciting.
Peter examined the camera, still in awe. "It's brand new… but it must've cost $600."
"Thank you, brother," Peter said, hugging Evan again before heading to his computer to study.
Evan smiled, watching Peter's enthusiasm. He hadn't expected Peter to be so happy. As for the money-it wasn't stolen, but it wasn't exactly a lottery win either. A few days ago, he'd sent his shadow ninjas to rob a group of robbers. The ninjas only managed to snatch a bag of cash before escaping, and most of them were shot, dissolving into black mist. Evan learned then that the ninjas could be destroyed, but would regenerate in the Shadow Kingdom, though only within five meters of him.
"If I ever need anything risky, I'll send the Shadow Corps. My own body can't take a bullet," Evan thought, making a mental note.
"Awesome! Now I can take pictures at the exhibition tomorrow," Peter said, excitedly fiddling with the camera.
"Hey, Evan, look over here!" Peter called, aiming the camera at his brother.
Lost in thought, Evan turned his head. Click! Peter snapped a photo of Evan's surprised face.
"Haha! Look at you, Evan. You look hilarious!" Peter laughed, showing him the picture.
Evan glared, holding out his hand. "Delete it."
"No way!" Peter refused, grinning mischievously.
The two brothers wrestled for the camera, but Peter managed to keep the photo-for memories, he insisted.
The weekend finally arrived. Drip-drip-drip-the sound of Evan's alarm clock echoed in his room.
"It's nine already?" Evan groaned, turning off the alarm and dragging himself out of bed. He got dressed, feeling a rare sense of motivation.
Downstairs, Aunt May stared at him in disbelief. "Is this a miracle? You're up at nine on a weekend?"
Normally, Evan would sleep until eleven and barely make it to lunch.
"Yeah, Aunt May. I have plans with a friend. I'll be back this afternoon," Evan said, straightening his clothes.
Aunt May raised an eyebrow. "This afternoon? Do you need money for lunch?" She reached for her purse.
"No need, my friend's treating me," Evan replied quickly.
"Well, have a good time," Aunt May said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
Evan smiled. "Thanks. Where's Peter?"
"He left early for the machinery exhibition with his friends," Aunt May answered, glancing at the empty hallway.
With a wave, Evan headed out to his meeting spot, feeling a sense of anticipation.
The agreed time was ten o'clock, but Evan arrived before half past nine. He didn't want to be late for once, so he sat alone on a bench at the park, watching the early morning sun filter through the trees. The city was just waking up, and the park was still quiet.
Soon, a familiar figure appeared in the distance. "Hey! You're not late. How long have you been here?" Tessa called, jogging up behind Evan and tapping him on the shoulder.
Evan had already spotted her but pretended to be startled when she touched him. "Whoa-why'd you sneak up on me?" he laughed, grinning.
Tessa wore a white short-sleeved shirt over a checkered top, with jeans that showed off her figure. She looked stunning, her hair catching the sunlight.
"Let's go!" she said, smiling brightly, her excitement infectious as they set off for their day together.
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A/N: Hey Everyone, If you like the chapter please share your reviews and feedbacks. Thankyou for reading.