(A/N: I do not own Spiderman or Assassin's Creed. That right belongs to Ubisoft and Sony [Looked it up. Still Sony]).
Peter awoke the next morning feeling iffy. After his morning routine, he went downstairs to find his Aunt May making breakfast. She turned and greeted him and asked what happened to his friends but he answered that it was getting late and they needed to go home.
May liked that Peter had new friends after the whole Gwen/Harry fiasco that happened in the months before. She told Peter that he never looked happier for quite a while and that she hoped it would continue.
"Yeah...so do I, Aunt May" Peter said. It was true that he did want to continue being friends with these two but he couldn't tell. Did they want to be friends with Peter Parker...or did they want to be friends with Spiderman. That was something that needed to be made clear before he went any further with Emmanuel and Chris.
He also wanted to know more about this group. He didn't know many groups that used crosses as their symbols but he guessed it may have been linked to some religious thing. Peter hoped this wasn't the case as he wasn't particularly a religious guy. However, they never brought the subject of religion up throughout their day with him and they didn't seem the uppity people who were trying to recruit people to their religious cause usually seemed to be.
After breakfast, it was time to head down to school. Peter kissed his Aunt goodbye for the day and went off to school.
Hopefully, his good luck (Or so he thought was good luck) would continue and it wouldn't be a bad day. However, he still wasn't 100% after what he heard yesterday. Maybe he should try to keep an open mind though. This group must be doing some good if it's been around for thousands of years. Not many cults or crazy religious groups last that long.
Peter didn't get the usual treatment he got from Flash that day. As a matter of fact, Flash hardly even acknowledged his existence. He only got a side glance. The same was received by Liz who tried to put on an angry glare but Peter could tell she was still hurting inside. Peter did feel bad about leaving her like he did especially when nothing good came out of it like he thought it would but if he was willing to leave her for someone like Gwen like that, maybe it would be better if they just stayed apart right now and allowed each other to mentally heal from the wound.
Peter went into 1st Period Biology and saw Emmanuel and Chris. Emmanuel noticed and turned Chris' attention over. They both waved him over and allowed him to sit down at a chair they were saving for him.
"Good morning, Peter. Sleep well?" Chris asked with a smile on his face.
"Yeah, thanks Chris" Peter said, a little nervous.
"You ok, Pete?" Emmanuel asked, getting comfortable with giving him that nickname.
"Uh...yeah. Yeah. Thanks, Emmanuel" Peter said, not sounding the least bit convincing.
Emmanuel and Chris glanced at each other before turning their attention back to Peter.
"Peter, you don't have to be nervous around us. We're still the same guys you hung out with yesterday and we really do want to be your friends" Emmanuel said.
Peter took a quick look at Emmanuel and Chris both before giving a deep sigh.
"Well the issue I'm having here is how do I know that's even true? You guys admitted that you wanted to spend time around me simply because you know about my….activities at night" Peter said, trying to keep his voice low but obviously referring to him being Spiderman.
"Yes, we admit that played a part in us wanting to recruit you but you're free not to join if you don't want to. We really do like you, Peter and we hope we can continue being your friends. All we ask for is a chance" Emmanuel said.
"Indeed. We won't be offended. It's not something for everybody" Chris said, affirming Emmanuel's line of thinking.
"Well...I mean...It's not some religious thing is it because that's not really my thing" Peter said.
"Not at all. Me and Chris are anything but religious really" Emmanuel said with Chris nodding his head, agreeing with his friend.
"Then what is it about? I guess I just need more info before I really commit to anything" Peter said.
"Fair enough. I think a brief synopsis of our group can be arranged. What's say we head over to my house after school so you can understand what our true mission is" Chris said.
"Ok. I'll need to check in with my aunt first but she seems to like you guys so it shouldn't be an issue" Peter said.
"Great. Now let's get seated before Warren finds an excuse to give us detention. We noticed he's in a cranky mood today...or is that how he always is?" Emmanuel chuckled.
"Eh...he'll grow on you" Peter said, shrugging and chuckling at the same time, feeling a bit better about this whole thing. Not completely but a little bit. He'd probably feel a whole lot better after he's briefed on this group of theirs.
The school day went by as usual. With them eating lunch together, having class together and such. Someone would've sworn they'd been friends for life how much they spent together. It was kind of amazing, really.
They didn't really run into Peter's other friends (or he guessed former friends albeit MJ). They just went about their business as usual.
Soon after school, the three went to Downtown manhattan to Chris' mother's penthouse at the top of a tall building. As Chris had said before, his mother Sofia was the CEO of Abstergo Industries so therefore he was very well off.
As they exited the elevator that binged when they reached the top floor, Peters eyes went wide. the living room itself was incredible. Marble floors, a crystal chandelier, beige sofas, a 80 inch plasma screen tv and an entertainment center with all the consoles one could ever own. That fact alone made this nerd heaven for Peter.
"Wow...you certainly don't brag, do you?" Peter asked.
Chris shrugged. "Eh, I try not to talk too much about my lifestyle unless I have too. Otherwise people will try to sell their friendship to me"
"Fair enough. Still dude, this is pretty cool" Peter said, whistling and looking around.
"Thanks. Mum should be by in a bit. Why don't we play some before she gets here? I have an aching to School some idiots on how to play Halo" Chris said, grinning.
"Uh I know you didn't just say that because I will whoop your sorry ass off your pretty penthouse balcony" Peter said, grinning evilly
"Now boys, boys, let's be civilized gentlemen about this. You're both about to be crushed because I'm taking this all the way home" Emmanuel said, adding fuel to the playful competitive fire.
"Oh you two are on" Peter said with a stupid grin on his face as he and the guys grabbed Xbox controllers and turned on a game of Halo.
The game was the most fun Peter had in months. All thoughts of this mystery group these two were in were out the window as he focused now only on cleaning their clocks at his favorite game.
"Oh that was a lucky shot!" Chris said as Peter did a headshot on him.
"Then I must have been getting lucky a lot then, Chrissy" Peter said in a mocking tone.
"Bah!" Chris said, good heartedly.
A few minutes later, the elevator dinged again and Sofia Rikkin came into the room through the elevator door.
She saw the boys playing and saw Peter in particular and smiled. This meant the boys succeeded in the first part of their plan.
Sofia cleared her throat. The boys paused the game and turned towards the woman in her early forties.
"Oh…hi, Mum" Chris said.
"I see you have visitors, Christopher. Had we not spoken about having people over without my permission" Sofia said.
"Ma'am, I'm sorry. It's my fault. I overheard Chris saying he had the latest Halo game and just begged him to let me come over. I'll just be on my way" Peter said, making his way to the elevator.
"Oh no, not at all. Stay. Your name's Peter, isn't it? Peter Parker?" Sofia asked, making conversation with him.
"Y…yes. Yes ma'am" Peter said.
"No need to be formal, Peter. Call me Sofia" Sofia insisted.
"Oh, uh, alright ma'am- I mean Sofia! Sorry!" Peter said.
Sofia chuckled. "Well you're very polite at least. I like that"
"Thank you, m-Sofia. Learned it from my aunt" Peter said, proudly.
"Well she certainly taught you well. Anyway, I heard that Christopher has talked to you about entering our group" Sofia said.
"Well…yes…but I'm not sure about joining, honestly. I don't really know anything about your group….and also…on a completely unrelated topic…are you aware of…well…you know…" Peter trailed off before Sofia interrupted him.
"That you're Spiderman?" Sofia chuckled.
Peter sighed. "Yes"
"Don't worry, Peter. Your secret is safe with us. We assure you. Don't we, boys?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, Pete. You have my word" Emmanuel said, crossing his heart.
"Mine as well" Chris said, holding his hand up.
"Well I do appreciate that. Still that doesn't mean I'm completely comfortable with this" Peter said, putting up a half smile.
"We completely understand, Peter. You have no reason to trust us. We're complete strangers who happen to know you're biggest secret. Of course you have reservations about this. That's why I wanted to tell you personally about what our organization is and what we do" Sofia explained.
"Thank you, ma'am. What role do you play exactly in the whole grand scheme of things with your group" Peter said.
"Well I'm the unofficial head, really, of our society. That office was previously held by my father but he died a few years back. I've held the mantle up ever since" Sofia answered.
"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss" Peter said, regretting his question as it probably brought bad memories to her.
"No, it's alright, Peter. We honestly weren't all that close. He probably only left his responsibilities to me because he didn't have any other name to give" Sofia explained.
"Oh, I see. That's...kind of sad" Peter said, still confused.
"Yes it is...anyway, let's move on. Let's get down to the nitty gritty. I'm sure Christopher and Emmanuel have given you the brief synopsis of our organization" Sophia said.
"Yes, that it was an organization dedicated to the safety and security of every society on Earth" Peter said.
"Excellent! You're a fast learner. Yes, our mission is to build a world of peace, order, structure, discipline, direction and above all, purpose. We have existed for thousands of years and we will continue to exist for thousands more long after you and I pass from this world. We...are Templar Knights" Sofia said, presenting her ring to Peter. He turned and saw Emmanuel and Christopher showing off their rings as well.
"Tem...Templar Knights? I've heard of them. They were a military for the Catholic Church back in the early 1100s. It dissolved in the early 1300s" Peter said.
"Well, yes and no. Yes, Templars officially dissolved hundreds of years ago but at the same time, it didn't. It just...moved underground, so to speak and continued operations then. Come, Peter. Let me show you something" Sofia said, gesturing for Peter to follow her to another room on the side of the living room.
Peter followed with Emmanuel and Chris following close behind. Sofia opened the door to the room. On the side was a portrait of an older man he assumed was her father. She moved the picture over to reveal a keypad. Sofia entered in some numbers on the pad. Peter didn't see what she put in for sure but he swore he saw her enter the numbers 112007.
A sort of secret passage door opened and Sofia went inside with Peter slowly following behind. Inside this secret room was a collection of different things. Portraits of a man in Templar Knight attire kin to the early 12th century with armor with a cross on the torso and a sword, a Pope named Alexander VI as it says on the picture frame, a man with a tri-hat and an older looking man with slick white hair, a clean white moustache and beard and an ascott tie. There were also artifact swords, shields, rings and other treasures as well.
"All these Gentlemen were Templars. They were dedicated to making the world a better place. Robert De Sable, Pope Alexander VI, real name Rodrigo Borgia, Haytham Kenway and Laureano Torres. All fantastic men who had a dream of making the world a better place. For everyone" Sofia said.
"They sound like they meant well yes and I recognize some names from history but what were their end goals in making the world a better place? What's the definition of a 'better place'?" Peter inquired.
"So glad you asked. I think it was a good man that was in our society a few centuries back named Colonel George Monro of the British Army during the Seven Years War (The French-Indian war it's called over here) that stated that mere survival isn't enough. That full bellies, warm clothing and basically anything that could free a person from want. That it was truly the greatest freedom of all" Sofia said, gleaming.
Peter scratched his chin. "Alright...I think I'm starting to get the picture but I'm confused. You said that the Templars were a thing for millennia yet they only formed in the early 1100s and if your goals are so honorable and if there are powerful people in your ranks, why are you still fighting for your cause? Wouldn't it have been accomplished somewhat by now?"
"You're very inquisitive and educated, Peter. A great tool for our cause. Yes, the Templars formed in the early 1100s but our group wasn't always called the Templars. We used to be known as the Order of the Ancients until we reformed into the Templars during the Crusades and our group began as early as the days of Cleopatra and Julius Caesar" Sofia explained.
"Huh...this group does really know how to keep secrets after all" Peter said, a bit impressed by the history.
"Indeed. As for your question about why we're still fighting for our cause and why we haven't made much progress. To tell the truth, we have...adversaries. Adversaries that are aware of our existence but insist that the world remain in chaos rather then pull the world into a secure and safe place for all, free from criminals you face such as The Green Goblin or Venom" Sofia said which made Peter twitch, bringing back bad memories.
"Who are these adversaries?" Peter asked, curiously.
Chris decided to chime in.
"A group of criminals who kill people simply because they disagree with the other's world view. They feed on manipulating others to believing that there can be such a thing as absolute freedom with the world going to bits" Chris said, almost sneering.
"But freedom is a good thing, isn't it?" Peter asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh it certainly is, Peter but not all freedoms are absolute. You've heard the phrase 'You can't yell fire in a crowded theater', haven't you?" Sofia asked to which Peter nodded.
"Then that's what we advocate for. A society under one central ruling body to make sure that freedoms are granted but not taken advantage of and that everyone is given according to their needs. A ruling body known as the Father of Understanding" Sofia explained.
"Hmm...I'm...a bit more intrigued, really. I had no idea the history delved this deep but I'm not sure I really agree with the message. A central ruling body sounds more like a sort of dictatorship. I'm strict believer in a democratic society" Peter said firmly.
"It's not surprising. Many people are but democracy doesn't keep many safe. That's the problem with democracy. There's too much yelling and not enough doing. You've seen the state of the US Congress haven't you?" Sofia asked.
Peter couldn't really argue with that one.
"What we do is cut out the middleman and install a central leader that listens to all and works for all and is given the authority to do what it takes to uphold the foundations of our civilized society" Sofia explained.
The 17 year old didn't know what to say. This was a lot to take in.
"We understand you need time to adjust to this new revelation, Peter but just remember, our group is a worthy cause and if you could find it in your heart to help us with our cause and maybe even...join our cause...we'd be ever so grateful" Sofia said, leaning down to Peter's level, taking his hands in her and giving him a sort of motherly smile.
"I...I'm still not sure. It makes more sense than it did last night but I still have doubts about it" Peter said.
"How about this, then? We've heard of an operation right here in New York developing dangerous weapons somewhere in central Queens. Our sources claim they only plan to use it against law enforcers which is sick on its own but we fear it can expand to civilian level as well. Why don't you meet us tomorrow to stop this threat?" Sofia asked.
Peter thought for a moment. He was still Spiderman and he still dedicate a good part of his life to helping protect people. Maybe he could try this out and see where it goes.
"Alright...count me in" Peter said.
"Splendid. We really appreciate it, Peter. To show our gratitude, we'd like to gift you with something" Sofia said excitedly.
Before Peter could even protest, she led all 3 of them out of the room. She closed the door and blocked it. She then walked towards another door and opened it which led to what Peter assumed was her bedroom.
Inside was a dozen shirts, coats, pants, shoes, boots, socks and other pieces of clothing.
"A new wardrobe just for you" Sofia said, presenting Peter his gift.
"New...clothes?" Peter asked.
"Yes. We figured you would like some new clothes" Emmanuel said.
"What, are you saying I dress dirty or something?" Peter asked, slightly offended.
"Oh no, Peter. We just feel friends like you deserve the best and we want to give it to you. As a thank you for not only what you're doing for us but what you've done for New York. Is that ok?" Emmanuel asked.
"Well...yeah. I guess so" Peter said, still skeptical. It was still a little weird despite how kind it was.
"Great. Now come. I have a feeling this needs a woman's touch and we need to do something about this hair. It's awfully too shaggy" Sofia said, practically dragging Peter into the dressing room of the bedroom.
Peter was then...given a bit too much attention than he would have liked. He could hear Emmanuel and Chris snickering outside the dressing room which caused Peter to sigh annoyingly.
"Oh stop making a fuss, Peter. I'm almost done" Sofia said, tying Peter's hair back into a small ponytail so his hair was slicked back.
After a few more finishing touches, Sofia said "Voila" and turned Peter around so he could look at himself in a mirror. He had to say, he looked quite different in a somewhat goodish way.
He was wearing a grey robe, a yellow undershirt, black pants and black boots as well. His hair was slicked back into a small ponytail that looked kinda stylish for a guy.
"Wow. This...looks good actually...thank you, Mrs. Rikkin" Peter said.
"I told you Peter, call me Sofia...and it's my pleasure. You do look quite the gentleman now" Sofia said, smiling down at Peter.
They both left the dressing room. Emmanuel and Chris let out playful wolf whistles.
"Hot stuff!" Emmanuel exclaimed.
"Dashing" Chris said, sarcastically swooning.
"Now now, boys, stop teasing" Sofia softly scolded the two but held a smile.
"Seriously though, it's a good look. Very fitting" Emmanuel said.
"Thanks, guys. Really. I...I think I may be starting to feel better about this whole thing...though I don't think I'm 100% there yet" Peter said, rubbing the back of his head.
"One step at a time, Peter. Just come back tomorrow and you'll see what good we can do for not just this city but for the world as well" Chris said.
"Yes...yes, that sounds good. Anyway, I'd better get home. Thanks again for the new clothes, I'll just gather them up" Peter said before Sofia stopped him.
"Oh there's no need, Peter. I'll have these sent over by tomorrow afternoon" Sofia said, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"Oh ok. Well...thanks, guys. For everything" Peter said, softly smiling at the 2.
"What are friends for, Peter?" Emmanuel said, giving a hug to Peter with Chris following suit.
Afterwards, Peter said his final goodbyes and left the room and soon, the Penthouse, on his way back to check on his Aunt May. He practically couldn't wait to surprise her with his new outfit.
Sofia turned to the two boys and said "Well done, boys"
"Thanks, mum. One question though, what if Peter still doesn't want to join us after tomorrow?" Chris asked.
"Oh I have a feeling he will. Don't worry. Peter needs to be loved and cared for after a bad summer break and the Templars will be the ones there to provide it for him. Then when he's finally one of us, there'll be nothing that'll step in the way of our plans then" Sofia said.
"That sounds excellent, mum" Chris said, smiling.
"Now come along. We have to discuss the other person of interest in our plan. Do you have a name?" Sofia asked.
"Yes, Sofia. His name is John Standish" Emmanuel said, showing a picture of a young boy with a large nose, a small goatee and mismatched eyes, one red and one blue.
"John Standish...hmm...research everything you can tomorrow and report back to me as soon as you can" Sofia said.
"Yes, mum. We will" Chris said, nodding his head.
"Good...now go along and do your homework. I have some things to do before dinner" Sofia said.
The boys nodded and left the room, leaving Sofia to further scheme. Everything was going as expected. There was very little that could stop her now. Soon, the Assassins would be wiped off the face of the Earth and they could finally establish order to a crumbling world
(A/N: Peter's new outfit is a modern day resemblance of Shay Cormac's outfit in AC: Rogue.
If you like the story or have CONSTRUCTIVE criticism, please leave a review and if you really like it, leave an alert or favorite it so I know that people that are reading it are enjoying it)