The premise of this story is based on Amazing Spider-Man Annual #3. Spider-Man has been an Avenger since forever. How has the inclusion of the good ol' Web-Head affected the Marvel Universe? This is that story. Dark, grey, strong, reliable, leader-like Spidey.
This story takes place in Earth-701. It shares a lot of things with dear Earth-616, but some events will happen in a different way, and others will not exist at all. This version of Spider-Man is also a darker one. I mean, he still is Peter, the friendly neighborhood hero that saves people, but he has suffered some things that have changed his ideals. Also, I want to make it clear from now on that there won't be clones in this story. So, no Kaine or Ben, etc. I'm tired of multiple Spiders from all dimensions and clone extravaganza.
It was a special moment in the life of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Today was the day in which two new members were to be presented. Well, only one of them was new. The other one was a returning member. An old friend and rival. Clint Barton. Hawkeye.
The new member designation caused quite the uproar. Especially considering her cousin's history with the group. Yes, The Hulk's cousin. She-Hulk. Bruce Banner's cousin. Jennifer Walters.
In the past, new members would have been added to the main Avengers' team instantly. The thing is, since last year, there have been two teams comprised of Avengers goodness. Yes, two groups.
One group, labelled as the 'classic' team. The one with the Big Three: Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. Even if the Captain claims that there is no leader, his teammates say otherwise and have elected him as one. Other members of this team are Wasp, Ant-Man, Beast, Vision, Wonder Man and Black Widow. Hawkeye is the latest addition to this group. Given that Clint had had a lot of good memories and hardships with the founding members, it was decided he would be more comfortable in this team.
The second group is the one known as the 'shadow' team. Widely known, but not so famous as the 'classic' one. This team is led by a dark horse. The Amazing (and enigmatic) Spider-Man. Other members of this group include Ms. Marvel, Swordsman, Mantis, Black Panther, Hercules, Scarlet Witch, Quicksilver and Daredevil. Being a new member, it was thought She-Hulk's place was in this team.
The idea of having two teams came from a brainstorming session between Iron Man, Spider-Man, Beast and Black Panther, on how to improve the team's efficiency. Dr. McCoy came up with the (at the time) crazy idea and the rest of the members in the meeting seconded the motion, agreeing that it would not hurt to try a different approach. Since the idea of a second team was now solid, there was one more question to be answered: who was worthy of being its leader?
Taking into account that the main team was under the leadership of Captain America, Spider-Man suggested the Golden Avenger, Iron Man, as the new leader. Tony Stark (his civilian identity still unknown to most members) declined, saying that being a leader of a team (again) would be too much of a hassle. Iron Man then suggested T'Challa, because the King of Wakanda had a lot of experience ruling his country. Said ruler kindly turned down the offer, saying he already had a lot to deal with his country and being a normal member of the Avengers. It was Dr. McCoy who came up with the name of the future leader of the team: Spider-Man. Peter Parker (his civilian identity known to most members) felt flattered, but tried to turn down the proposal saying he lacked the experience or pedigree of other members, such as Thor or the previously mentioned Iron Man. Stark and T'Challa said he was being modest and agreed wholeheartedly with Beast's designation. Understanding the situation was 3-1, he gave in.
After the meeting, they communicated the idea of the new team, and its leader, to the rest of the Avengers. The idea was a success within the members, with Captain America himself praising Spider-Man's designation, saying that he could not think of someone better to take the Avengers' leadership. Even if Spider-Man's designation was 'not good' in the eyes of most people (J.J. Jameson, for example), he has proven to be an exceptional asset to the Avengers' success.
Together with Captain America, both leaders have taken the team to an unprecedented level of efficiency and have achieved society's trust. Now, more than ever, the name of Avengers is a synonym of the best superheroes. Earth's Mightiest Heroes.
Avengers' mansion:
It was 2 a.m. All members were sleeping. All members except one: the amazing Spider-Man. Said man was busy working with a computer. The only light in the room was the one emanating from the screen. The webhead was focused on switching from file to file in the computer, and at the same time, drinking coffee from a mug at his right. He was now reviewing file number 0197: Taskmaster.
Peter started reviewing files and all kinds of information at 11 p.m. 3 hours of pure research. He was so concentrated in his work that he didn't hear a person enter the room, until it called his name:
"Peter"
The man with the aforementioned name turned around to look at the newcomer. He was now staring at the beautiful face of the Scarlet Witch. It is a face that he always like to see. Not only because of its beauty, but because its owner is a person that matters a lot to Peter.
"Wanda, why are you up so late? Do you need something?" Peter asked the brunette calmly.
"I was on my way to get a glass of water when I heard the sound of someone typing at the speed of light, so I came to check." The daughter of Magneto answered with a giggle.
"You know what they say of the cat, right?" Peter asked with a smirk.
"Never let a black cat cross your path?" Wanda replied with feigned ignorance.
"You know well what I meant" The man expressed with a smile.
Seeing the photo of a well-known villain on the screen, Wanda couldn't contain her interest.
"So, Taskmaster, uh? Are you researching him for future encounters? Or is he one of your rumored preys?" The brunette asked sincerely.
"Don't remind me of the prey rumors, I don't even know where that came from."
"Well, there's the comment on the street that Spider-Man is taking down certain villains for unknown reasons. And seeing that some bad guys have been on the low for a bit only reinforces that rumor."
"Complete lies, I tell you, my dear Maximoff. And to answer your first question: yes and no. I'm not only researching him but also many other villains. I want to gather more information that can be of use in the future."
"And you said you were not worthy enough of being the leader of our team. Complete lies, I tell you, my dear Parker." Saying this, Wanda walked up to Peter and put her right hand on his left cheek with care. "We are the ones not worthy of having you, Peter. You do a lot of things for this team. For all of us." She locked eyes with passion with the man. "For me. Peter, I also want to ask for your forgiveness for what happened two months ago. I-"
"You're too kind, Wanda. I have always liked that. Your warmth. You don't need to apologize, it's me who needs to do it. I took advantage of you, of your care" Peter took Wanda's hand between his two hands. "Of your love."
"Don't try to take the burden of this too, Peter. You were hurt. You were dealing with all the aftermath of May's… and I wanted to be of use to you, to be there for you, and I… I… I couldn't control myself. I only wanted to be at your side, just like you always were for me when I needed someone. But everything escalated so quickly… I'm sorry, Peter" Wanda expressed downcast.
"You don't need to be. I reciprocated everything you did, so please, don't feel guilty. Tell you what, would you like to have a fancy dinner on Thursday? I'll pay." He said with a small smile.
"I would like to have a fancy dinner, yes. And how generous of you, Mr. Parker"
"The bad guys say the same thing when I turn them in"
"I'm sure they do." Wanda decided to go back to the door and when she was about to leave, turned and said:
"Thank you, Peter."
And she left.
Now alone, and after a few seconds of looking at where Wanda was standing, Peter stated:
"I'm sorry, Wanda. I'm the one who doesn't deserve you."
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Until next time!
Edited 12/02/2019