Anything in Italic means the character is thinking to themeselves.
Explanations…and a try
Ugh…Where am I? Thought Spider-man as he slowly opened his eyes, to his relief still under his mask. Yeah, pretty sure I'm not dead, death does not put a bandage on your shoulder. He did not move at first, but when he saw a man walking towards him, he suddenly bounced up, making the man jump a little. The man had short grey hair coupled with a very slim figure, probably in his mid-sixties from Peter's opinion. The man adjusted quickly then spoke in a tone that told him he was a solid man despite his age.
"I did not realize you were awake sir, if I may ask, how are you feeling?"
Spider-man was puzzled by the man's question, but then snapped to reality after a quick look around him: A cave, with the ceiling seemingly crawling with bats, if I'm not in Batman's "house" I'm not Spider-man. He positioned himself in his trademark crouching pose, noticing that he was on what looked like a hospital bed.
"Well I feel better, but I'd be even better if I had some explanation on my situation mister. But more importantly:" He suddenly spoke a little seriously. "Did you remove my mask?" The man smiled a little.
"Do not worry Spider-man, we did not" He looked behind him. "He made sure of it."
From behind him Batman appeared, no Spider-sense, no danger. Spider-man thought as the familiar tingle did not manifest despite the grave look on the dark knight's face.
Batman on the other hand was tensed. How did he recover so quickly? No one heals from an internal wound within one hour. He also wondered why the hero did not show any sign of nervousness, nothing in his body language showed stress, he was impressed yet still cautious. When he was close Spider-man got down from the bed and stood in front of him, the young hero was about a foot smaller than him.
"So you're Batman huh? Gotta admit, you're more impressive in person than on a blurry picture someone took by luck." The web-slinger said "I've been looking for you for a while now."
"Why were you searching for me?" He simply answered.
Spider-man had to answer quickly. I can't tell him the full truth, he'll think I'm crazy, but I won't lie either. "Why would someone fighting crime looking for you? Well I want to…"
"He's awake?" A feminine voice said.
Peter turned around to see Batgirl joining them, he had a blank until he was snapped to reality by the stern expression Batman was giving him.
"Long story short: I'm looking to work with you, this city needs more people that care, I saw Gotham and I knew why they needed someone like us, people who are not afraid." Spider-man said with determination.
"Then you know why, even if I'm grateful for your help, I am still skeptical about you."
"You don't trust me, I get it." Spider-man was starting to be confused again. "You don't know me or my possible motives for my actions, by the way, glad you're okay." He said while turning to Batgirl. She wanted to answer but knew that Bruce was doing his questioning.
"Trust must be earned, I did not remove your mask even when I could, as appreciation for your help." "But even my computer could not find any hero like you in any record, so I'm asking you to answer my questions, starting with your reason for being Spider-man and your story."
Spider-man seemed in thought for a second That I can tell the truth about. He jumped back on the bed while everybody looked at him, he knew he had to be as honest as possible and serious, more so with the reputation Batman had.
"You already know that I have superpowers, I gained them by complete accident three years ago. I got bit by a radioactive spider during a science tour" Batman slightly raised a brow at the irony "I did not think it would have such effects on the spot so I did not tell anyone at the time. When I discovered my powers…"
"What can you do?" Batgirl interrupted.
"Uh…I can stick to any surface at-will, I have superhuman strength and speed and I have a "Spider-sense" that warns me of any impending danger. The webs is from a small gadget I made myself."
"So when I discovered my powers, I tried to cash in on them and made this costume to fight in an underground wrestling match against a giant brute." Everyone suddenly felt a great sadness entering Spider-man's voice despite him. "I won of course, but after I got paid, a thief robbed the organizer of the match, he was running towards me and a guard was behind him telling me to stop him." He turned his head a little. "I did not do anything, judging it was not my problem and that I was not a cop. A few hours later I came back home and I found out by a policeman that a thief had shot and killed the man that raised me. Full of anger I put on my suit and went after him myself. I cornered him in an old warehouse, the cops had surrounded the building but were not going in because he was armed. I disarmed him but when I saw his face I recognized him: it was the man I did not stop. Because of my selfishness, I lost my father figure. I was about to kill him, but I remembered something he told me: With great power comes great responsibility, so I left him to the cops. Since then I used my powers to do what no one else could. It is not by guilt that I do what I do, it is simply because it is the right thing. I was until now pretty much a solo hero, even the police did not like me. But I learned that there was other heroes here. So I moved here but stayed discreet while looking for you until a few days ago when I had to come out to save that Bruce Wayne from two thugs. You know the rest," He finally finished, it's just then that he saw the trace of sadness in Batman's eyes, sadness that quickly dissipated.
He's telling the truth, no doubt. Maybe he could be an ally after all… Batman thought.
There was no sound in the cave, Spider-man was still recovering from the memory and everyone else was taking in what he said. Batgirl was the first to speak up.
"I'm sorry for your loss, this should never happen to anyone."
Spider-man nodded to her than smiled weakly under his mask.
"Thanks, but like my old girlfriend who knew my secret told me: if it wasn't for that, maybe there would not be Spider-man, this event and my uncle's words defined me."
Batman looked at him then after a long, painful stare, he finally spoke.
"If you're really serious about helping this city, you must first earn our trust. And for that we must know you. Why are you wearing a mask? I know many heroes that do not wear masks."
"Mainly to protect my close ones, if my enemies knew who I was they would become a target. But it's also because I don't think Spider-man is supposed to have a real name, he could be anyone, and that's my point, I'm trying to give people hope. Although my many nicknames and my personality sometimes exasperate people, it's just who I am, your friendly neighborhood Spider-man." With these words he slightly turned to Batgirl.
Batman seemed in thoughts again. Despite being different in our image, we both had a motive and a purpose. Maybe I was wrong, he is worthy of at least a try, but there is still some explaining to do. I also don't like how he looks at her, because I can't know how he looks at her under that mask.
I hope he believes me and I can join him, when I learn what this threat is I will tell him. And who knows, I may like it here. Spider-man thought a little dreamily.
"Spider-man, until I am certain you can be one of us, we will keep our true identities hidden from each other, I'm sure you understand. But first I will make sure you can truly withstand the criminals out there."
"Pretty sure that if all the crime bosses are as stupid as that Penguin guy, we won't have any problem…" The stare he received from Batman froze him, Spider-sense or not.
Allrighty, no underestimating the criminals of this place. Spider-man noted.
"Trust me, some of the worst beings are here, I have no doubt you faced dangerous criminals, but an advice: Never underestimate your opponent. Especially the ones here."
"Will do and duly noted Batman." Jeez this guy is serious.
"If I may ask, where do you come from Spider-man?"
Damn, the million dollar question that I did NOT want to hear…let's improvise"
"I started in Metropolis but I stayed discreet, that's probably why you don't have records of me."
He's lying. Batman thought. Even with the suit I can tell with his slight hesitation, even if it is plausible that one hero would be overlooked, the Batcomputer would have found the appearance of a wrestling amateur followed by a murder. He must have his reasons, since he did not lie about anything else, but I will find out, sooner or later.
Batgirl went to the Batcomputer and started searching for any accidents in any lab in Metropolis in the last four years, many came up, and it would take some time to narrow the search to 1 since the young hero kept the accident to himself, leaving the computer with only mere records to work with.
Spider-man saw this and sweat-dropped in his mind. That was not in the plan.
Batman was skeptic, but after a few seconds he made a decision. I only hope I'm not making a mistake. "Your honesty and your motive are noble, but it takes more than good intentions to be with us. I will make you pass a series of tests to find out if you really have what it takes, I warn you, those tests will be harsh and will prove to me your resolve and your skills, mind and body. Because some of the criminals in Gotham are far more than thugs relying on others." Spider-man almost choked but kept his cool. "I am asking only once: Are you ready to do whatever it takes to fight crime?" It was a trick question that few people ever answered right.
"Yes, but I will never take a life." Again the young hero surprised Batman, they shared the same rule, another proof of his resolve. It is much harder to spare than to kill, that I know. Batman approved in his mind.
Question 1: Complete. Spider-man said to himself after seeing the shadow of an approbation look on Batman's face, well jaw.
"If I may ask, how do I call you?"
"No nickname." Batman simply responded. Spider-man almost laughed at his tone.
"Your first test is not a test of brawn, those will come later, I must first make sure of your mind's resistance, come with me."
Spider-man followed him as the old man was leaving through at long stairwell. Batgirl followed them and walked beside him.
"Don't worry, I passed those tests, I'm sure you can." She said.
"Not to sound weird or anything, but I'm sure that we are not going to have the same tests. And furthermore, I may have superpowers, but I don't have your experience, I'm not necessarily your superior."
Batman was listening to every word that was said and still was impressed by his humility despite his powers, many meta-humans would brag about their abilities, he really was a rare case. Although his way of speaking was slightly annoying at times.
A few minutes later they arrived at some sort of giant lab. Batman grabbed some sort of injector and filled it with an orange liquid. Batgirl immediately approached Batman, leaving a confused Spider-man behind.
"You're not serious are you? Fear toxin as a test? I never received that kind of treatment…Why him?" Barbara whispered as they were several meters from the web-slinger who was scratching the back of his head while waiting.
"It's not pure Fear toxin, I modified it to create mere hallucinations, not bring people to suicide if that's what you're implying, I also made a slight change in the formula that will lightly hurt him so his Spider-sense will not break the illusion by not triggering. You don't argue what you don't know. I want to know how he will react to these visions." With those words he walked passed her and went to Spider-man, who stopped his daydreaming to watch the injector and Batman one after the other.
"This will tell me if you can control your emotions and your choices during stressful situations, such situations you will surely encounter out there, I will monitor the test, are you ready?"
Spider-man was not expecting something like that as a first test, but he remembered his mission and knew that backing out was not an option. He nodded. Batman gave him the injector and the two bat-heroes backed up, Batgirl with worry in her eyes. After a brief look he injected himself in the arm. He felt nothing then started to feel dizzy.
Not sure now if it was such a good idea…Spider-man grunted before falling on one knee.
In Spidey's mind…
Peter stood up to see he was on a skyscraper's roof.
What!? How did I end up here? Madam Web called me back? He looked around him and saw New York. Then he heard an explosion followed by an evil laugh. Spider-sense! He quickly jumped to see the Green Goblin pass under him with his glider.
"You again! Guess I'll have to get you in jail again Norman!" Spider-man said in a slightly venomous tone. Calm down Peter, don't make the same mistake as last time. He was about to jump when his Spider-sense rang again. He jumped and off the building when the glider suddenly shot a missile at him.
Damn, the missile is guided. Peter thought when he saw the rocket turn to follow him in his fall, it was too small to kill him, but enough to kill normal people. He started to web swing between buildings, still hearing the laugh of the Goblin behind him and the motor of the missile. After several minutes of chase, the missile suddenly turned and went downward. After looking back Spidey saw the new direction of the missile: a school on the street.
You monster! Shouted Spider-man in his head as he used his webs to accelerate his fall to catch up with the missile. When he was close enough he threw a web at it, and a web on the Glider behind him, and pulled with all his strength.
The missile stopped a few meters from the school and was thrown backwards, Peter let go of the webs and watched as the missile exploded in the Goblin's own glider, making him fall from it. He launched a web at Norman and pulled them together. When they were close to the ground he slowed their fall with a web. Everybody on the street was gawking at the scene as Spidey arrived on the ground and dropped the Goblin who was still weakly laughing at Spider-man.
"What's so funny Gobby? Can't accept failure?" Spider-man mocked. The Goblin suddenly stood up and threw a bomb at a nearby building. The bomb destroyed one of the pillars and Spider-man turned while the glider somehow reappeared and Norman jumped on it.
"So what's it gonna be Spider-man? Stop me and send me to jail or save these people? Hahahaha!" He said as he flew away.
Spider-man did not lose a second and dashed to the building where he started to stick the remains broken pillar to the ground to stabilize the foundation. I can't let anyone stay here! As he started to get people out everything went dark and he awoke in a warehouse.
What the hell!? What is happening? That's the warehouse where I fought those thugs, I'm back in Gotham! He was completely lost until a grumpy voice saying:
"It's your fault."
"What?" He turned back to see the Penguin holding what looked like a photo under his arm.
"What's that you got there little bird? Taunting the guy that kicked your men's butt is not that smart."
"It wasn't smart to defy me either hehe" he said while smiling and threw the photo at Spidey. He looked at it and saw dozens of people in body bags. He raised his head at Penguin who was smiling. "You should not have mocked me mate, I never kill for fun."
With these words Spider-man jumped on him in an instant and lifted him in the air, then threw him several meters away, landing in boxes. He threw a web and pulled him back to him, punching the little man mid-flight as he was coming back, knocking him out cold. Peter looked at the photo then realized something: When Madam Web transports him there's always a purple vortex, and his Spider-sense never triggered when Penguin sneaked up in him, and he was a threat, not a physical threat but still…Then he remembered the test. He webbed the Penguin on the ground and looked around him, then closed his eyes.
In reality…
Batman was watching as Spider-man was slowly standing up and shook himself.
He seemed to be resistant to toxins, he recovered quickly. He still made the right choices despite his enemies killing people.
As Spidey stood up completely and opened his eyes to see the Batcave he made a loud sigh.
"Congratulation Spider-man, you managed to stay true to your oath despite the death around you. Tell me, what happened with this man on the glider that made you see him? Remember to be honest."
Peter lowered his head and flexed his fists for a second before relaxing again.
"He killed someone I loved years ago. He said it's my fault."
"Did you ever thought about killing him?"
"Yes, when it happened I almost did, I was no longer holding back and he was cornered, but I stopped and left him on the ground, bringing my girlfriend's body…"He stopped when Batman made a "stop" sign with his hand.
"No need to say more, your next test will have to wait for tomorrow night. Join me at the clock tower tomorrow night, don't be late, Batgirl, help him find his way out." He then turned and started to type on another computer in the room. Batgirl went to him and showed Spidey the way.
"You did great back there. How did you know it was the test?"
"My Spider-sense did not trigger when I was with…Wait you knew everything?"
"Yeah your visions were being showed to us by the computer, by the way let me remove that." She put her hand on each side of Spider-man's head, which made him stop breathing, then saw Batgirl showing two little grey squares in her hand.
"Batman put those on you before the test so the computer relayed what you were seeing to us."
"Sweet gadget to have, the guy must be super rich to have all that."
"Yeah you think the same way I did when he showed me around. There's the exit."
"Seriously? I can't leave through the door?" Spider-man pouted as Batgirl pressed on a button and a small opening on the very high ceiling opened.
"You can't see where you are yet, this tunnel will lead you to the city. Goodbye Spider-man."
"See you soon Batgirl" He jumped on the wall and just climbed to the opening.
In the lab…
He's noble and has heart, I will test his awareness tomorrow, now something else: the convention tomorrow morning. Batman thought as he recorded the results of his test, in the process saving the name of the villain he fought in his "dream".
"Tomorrow is going to be a long day…"
So this is the fourth chapter, I won't be updating for the next 2 days but i am NOT giving up on this story i have every intention of finishing it one day.
Leave a review it always help, hope you enjoyed!
