Chapter 5
Over the last few days Takashi and Matsuo kept an eye on Elektra's movements and did some research into Spider-Man. Their only source of research besides seeing the wall crawler in action was through the newspapers. They gathered several back issues of the prominent newspapers in New York like the Post and the Times but the two men were able to find only one paper that talked about Spider-Man the most, The Daily Bugle.
By scouring through back issues of the Bugle, Matsuo and Takashi found a great deal of information on Spider-Man.
"This guy named Jameson really has it in for Spider-Man," Takashi told Matsuo.
"That he does, my friend. I just wonder what he has against him," replied Matsuo.
"Who cares? It makes Spider-Man that much more a better candidate to become part of the Hand."
They found out a lot about Spider-Man especially articles that had linked him with the Green Goblin and his battles with Doctor Octopus. Once they were done with their research, they continued their observation of both Elektra and Spider-Man.
As the week went by, Elektra kept a lookout for Spider-Man while she wasn't busy at the university. Sometimes it was difficult for her to find the wall crawler and other times it wasn't. When Elektra saw Spider-Man in action she was amazed at what he could do and wondered why he did the things he did. But Elektra had a job to do and she had to remember that he was her target. She still had to try to get to close to Peter to see what he knew about Spider-Man.
Elektra was still in the process of learning more about her intended target when the phone rang.
"Have you made any progress?" the caller asked.
"It's going fine. Just this week I was able to talk to Peter Parker for a little bit. I'm still in the process of gaining his confidence and becoming his friend so I can learn more about Spider-Man through him," Elektra said.
"Excellent."
"I have also been able to observe Spider-Man in action. It will still be sometime before I'll be able to take a shot at him because he seems to be very mobile and he doesn't stay in one place very long."
"Fair enough. How long do you think it will take?"
"A few more weeks give or take. I want to get the job done the first time around and I want to be ready if something unexpected happens."
"Good. Keep me posted on your progress. Good day Ms. Natchios," and the caller hung up.
After Elektra hung up the phone she decided to do some work pertaining to her teaching assistant job.
Overlooking the cityscape that was New York, Elektra's mysterious employer gazed at the city below from their living quarters.
"It appears that everything is coming together," the mystery person said to them self, "Spider-Man will meet his fate." That was when the person started to laugh.
After a nice workout to keep her skills as sharp as ever, Elektra went out for a nice walk to clear her head. She made her way to Central Park when all of a sudden someone bumped into her.
"I'm sorry, let me help you up," the person who knocked Elektra down said while grabbing her hand and helping her up.
When she got to her feet, Elektra was surprised at who it was.
"Peter?" she asked.
"Elektra," Peter replied, "we have to stop meeting like this or else someone will really get hurt."
"Yeah. It's becoming a habit with us always bumping into each other."
"So, what brings you out on a lovely day like this?" Peter asked.
"Nothing in particular. I just decided to get out of my apartment to take a walk and get a little fresh air. What about you?"
"I just dropped off some pictures to the Daily Bugle."
"Were they pictures of Spider-Man?"
"A few of them were. How did you know that I take pictures of him?"
"Mary Jane mentioned it to me the other day. I think it's interesting that you can get pictures of him."
"Thanks. I'm also trying to do other things besides just taking pictures of Spider-Man."
"Why?"
"I don't what people to think that I can just take pictures of Spider-Man. I can take pictures of other things as well. The Bugle is starting to realize that which makes me glad, but I still enjoy taking pictures of Spider-Man. You know there is a café not to far from here if you would like to continue our conversation there."
"I would like that. Lead the way, Peter."
They made their way to the café. This opportunity would provide Elektra to get know Peter better and to see what he knows about Spider-Man. They placed their orders, waited for what they ordered and when it came, they continued their conversation.
"How long have you been working for the Daily Bugle, Peter?" Elektra asked.
"For a couple of years. I'm not officially on the payroll, I'm just freelance. When I started, Mr. Jameson told me that it was the best thing to do for a person my age," Peter replied.
"I think I've heard of him before. What does he do there?"
"Well, besides owning the paper, he's also the publisher. He can be a real hard ass at times especially when you want the best price for your photos. Don't get me wrong, I like working there but dealing with Jameson can be a pain at times. Luckily there are some wonderful people there who treat me a lot better than ole JJ does."
"I guess that comes with the territory for working at a newspaper. How long have you been taking pictures of Spider-Man?"
Now Peter had to tread lightly on that subject. He couldn't reveal too much just in case Elektra pieced together that he was Spider-Man.
"Just after he first appeared, I saw an ad in the Daily Bugle about getting a picture of Spider-Man with a cash reward for it. I was just lucky enough to get some shots of him, brought those pictures to the Bugle, and I guess you can say the rest is history. You could say that was how I got my start at the Daily Bugle and I have been taking Spider-Man's picture ever since."
They continued talking for a while until Peter mentioned that he should get home to do some homework. They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
From the conversation that she had with Peter, Elektra learned a lot about Peter and how he was able to get pictures of Spider-Man. Now she knew why her employer wanted her to get to know Peter.
Matsuo and Takashi had been watching Elektra from a distance yet again. But this time she wasn't alone. They remembered from following her a few days ago that she was in contact with the person she was with before. It appeared that they knew each other. It was fortunate of them that they had a camera and Matsuo was able to get pictures of the two of them. Matsuo then decided to place a call to Roshi to update him on their job.
"Roshi," Roshi answered the phone.
"Sir, this is Matsuo. Takashi and I have been keeping an eye on Elektra as per your orders. It seems that she has a male friend who we have seen her with a couple of times. Do you wish for us to find out who he is?"
"Go ahead. He may be of some importance. If you find anything interesting about that man let me know. But if you turn up with nothing then leave him alone."
"Yes, sir."
"How is your research on Spider-Man going?"
"It's going well, sir. We have learned a great deal about Spider-Man," Matsuo said. He went into great detail to Roshi about what they were able to find out about Spider-Man.
"Excellent, excellent. Keep up the good work you two, and keep me informed of the situation concerning both Elektra and Spider-Man."
"We will, sir."
"Good," and with that Roshi ended the conversation.
"What did Roshi have to say this time?" Takashi asked.
"He said that we're doing a good job and he was pleased with the information that we dug up on Spider-Man. Roshi also said to look into the guy that was with Elektra today, he could be important," replied Matsuo.
"Okay. I remember seeing the two of them at the university and he could be a student there. I'll take a look there and see what I can turn up once I get the film developed."
"Good idea. I'll meet you back at the apartment."
With a nod of his head, Takashi went to get the film developed so that they could figure out what they would do next.
AN: There you have it. Another chapter has come to an end. The plans of the Hand are starting to take shape and now they have their eyes locked on Peter Parker. What are their intentions towards him? What does Elektra have up her sleeve for the amazing Spider-Man? Who is Elektra's mystery employer? The answers to these questions will be answered in upcoming chapters. I would like to thank the following reviewers: SpartanCommander, Laser Crusader, Georgia Kennedy, Jenn1 and zizzy333. Now all that's left is for you to review and tell me want you think of this chapter and/or the story as a whole.