Arachnus-Immortus
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Chapter One: The Mysterious Stranger Part 2
JUSTICE LEAGUE WATCHTOWER
In the orbital station, known as the watchtower, the founding members of the League were in the meeting room. The ones who were present were; Bruce Wayne A.K.A. Batman, Clark Kent A.K.A. Superman, Diana Prince A.K.A. Wonder Woman, Barry Allen A.K.A. the Flash, J'onn J'onzz A.K.A. Martian Manhunter, Sheira Hol A.K.A. Hawk girl, and John Stewart A.K.A. Green Lantern.
"Thank you for coming and I apologize for calling on such short notice." Batman said.
"Wow, Batman is apologizing for something. Never thought I'd live to see the day." Flash joked but was ignored.
"What's the situation Batman?" Superman asked.
Batman pulled up a holographic image of Peter Parker.
Wonder Woman's eyes went wide in the image. "Is that…?" She trailed off.
"The man you've met in Germany, Peter Parker." Batman's words got everyone on edge.
Ever since Diana had told them that someone found out her secret identity, they were all put on high alert. This increased when Batman looked him up and discovered that Peter Parker was one of the most powerful men on the planet. So far, the man didn't make a move against them but they couldn't afford to be lax.
"The owner of Parker Industries? What about him?" Hawk Girl asked.
"Yesterday evening, Peter Parker entered and participated in an auction at the Gotham memorial auction house. Where I had an encounter with him." Batman confessed.
Green Lantern spoke up. "And? Did you manage to find any information about him?"
"No, however, I was shocked to learn that not only did he know Diana's identity but mine as well." Batman said in a grave tone.
This time everyone's eyes widened and their jaws dropped. This was shocking news indeed.
"Wait, so you're saying that this guy knows who you are?" Batman nodded at Flash's question.
"And if he knows my identity, then it stands to reason that he knows all of ours as well. But that's only part of the problem." Batman deduced.
"It gets worse?" Flash asked.
Batman then pulled up a picture of the red stone of Camelot. "This is the red stone of Camelot. Said to possess incredible power and can make anyone who uses it nigh unstoppable. The stone is currently in Peter Parker's possession."
"And if this is the real deal then that makes Peter Parker a real threat." Hawk Girl said.
"Yes." Batman responded.
"Now hold on, how do we know that he'll be a threat?" Clark asked. While yes he was uncomfortable that the richest man in the world knew his identity, he was not okay with deeming him a threat. Especially when he hadn't acted against them with that knowledge.
"He knows who we are, Clark, and he holds in his possession one of the most powerful magical items in the world." Batman stated.
"Yes but he hasn't acted against us in any capacity." Clark argued.
"Yet." Batman replied.
Hawk Girl then spoke up. "If what you say is true then we must take the stone back by any means necessary." she slammed her mace against the table to get her point across.
"I second that." Diana spoke in agreement. Though this was mostly due to her wanting to know how Peter Parker knew her mother. As far as Diana knew her mother never left the island before settling in Themyscira. And that was thousands of years ago!
It was then when John voiced his thoughts. "Now hold on, we can't just go to this guy's house and steal the stone."
"Lantern is right, that would backfire on us. Turning the public view of the Justice League against us." Flash reason.
"The longer we wait the more time Parker has to figure out how the stone works." Batman said. He could understand his teammates' reasoning but he knew that time was of the essence. They needed to get that stone away from Parker. Fast.
"I say we wait." Everyone turned to J'onn, speaking after not saying a word from the start of the meeting.
"What do you mean J'onn?" Diana asked. She was curious as to why the Martian would say that.
"While I agree that the stone must be retrieved, however, we cannot act without any evidence. If we do, then we must prepare to face the legal consequences. The best course of action right now is to wait and see if Mr. Parker has done anything unlawful." J'onn said.
The league was quiet after what J'onn said. He was right, if they acted now without proof then the backlash would be tremendous. They all looked at one another, as if coming to a mental agreement. They then turned back to the Martian.
"Very well…we'll wait." Batman said with great reluctance.
J'onn nodded as he got up and left. Soon, the other members of the league got up and left, going back to their respective cities. All except for Batman.
When his comrades left, the Dark Knight sat back down on his seat and pulled up a couple of holograms. All of them displayed various photos, videos, and articles of Peter Parker. All of them detailing the incredible scientific breakthroughs he and his company had made.
Batman narrowed his eyes. "Just who are you Peter Parker?"
_
NEXT DAY, METROPOLIS
Clark Kent adjusted his tie and he squirmed nervously in his seat. He was currently inside an office building's waiting area.
"Stop squirming." Clark turned to see his colleague and girlfriend Lois Lane.
"Sorry." Clark apologized.
Lois simply shook her head. "Relax, will you, this is just like any other interview that we've done before."
"Yeah but the person we're interviewing happens to be one of the richest people in the world. Peter Parker." Clark replied. When Clark found out that he and Lois were assigned to interview Peter Parker, to say he was shocked was an understatement. Especially when just yesterday, he and the League were discussing what to do about him.
Lois hummed at that. "Fair enough, though I'm still shocked that there's someone richer than Luthor." She said.
Clark chuckled a bit. "Well, at least he's better than him in terms of morality."
Lois rolled her eyes. "Please, like these rich guys are ever squeaky clean." She retorted.
"Now that's just hurtful." Lois and Clark turned to see none other than Peter Parker himself. "I'd like to think myself a cut above the rest." He said with a smile as he approached the two. Fixing his suit jacket as he did. He then extended a hand to Lois.
"Hi, you must be Lois Lane, I heard a lot about you." Peter said.
Lois shook his hand as she replied. "Likewise, Mr. Parker." She then proceeded to introduce Clark. "This is my partner Clark Kent, he'll be helping me out during the interview."
Peter then turned his attention to Clark and extended a hand. A look of knowing appeared on his face. A look that Clark noticed as he shook Peter's hand. However, as soon as Clark grabbed hold, he was shocked to feel that Peter Parker had an unusually strong grip. He didn't have time to process as Peter spoke. "So you're the famous Clark Kent, you're taller than I expected." He said.
Clark blinked before he spoke. "Thank you, Mister Parker and I have to say that it is an honor to meet you. The charity work you've been doing has helped out a lot of people."
Peter smiled. "I simply wanted to help out my fellow man and please, call me Peter. Mr. Parker makes me feel old."
"Of course…Peter." Clark said as he let go of Peter's hand. The CEO of Parker Industries patted Clark on the shoulder.
"Come on in, my office is just this way." Peter escorted the two journalists into his office. It was modest compared to the office's of other billionaires that they had ever met. It is a simple design with a desk, coffee table, rug, and a couple of chairs.
Lois made a comment about the office. "Well, this is homey."
Peter chuckled, "I like to keep things simple, it makes no sense to overly decorate, especially when there's no reason to."
"If only other rich people thought the same." Lois replied.
"Now then, shall we begin?" Peter asked as he took a seat on his chair. Clark and Lois sat down across from him.
TWO HOURS LATER
After some time had passed, Lois and Clark had concluded their interview with Peter. With the two of them walking out of the office.
"Well, I must say that that was a… thrilling interview. Honestly, Parker was certainly different than what I'd imagined." Lois told Clark as she and him walked towards the elevator.
Clark chuckled wholeheartedly. "On that, I'll be inclined to agree with you." He replied.
"I still think he's full of it." Lois said.
"Really?" Clark asked as he cocked an eyebrow.
"Yeah, I mean look at this company's profits. They make six times more in a month than Wayne Enterprises, Lex Corp, and Queen Industries do in a year, combined. There's no way that money is legit." Lois explained her thoughts.
Clark cupped his chin. "Well, Parker Industries is considered the world's leading pioneers in technology and medicine, making them highly sought-after by many. Not only that but they're the only company in the world that has a trade-deal with the kingdom of Wakanda." He explained.
Lois simply huffed in return. "And that's suspicious enough as it is."
"True, but like I'd said earlier, he's a lot better than Lex-" Clark's comment was cut short after his super hearing suddenly picked up something.
"I know you can hear me, Clark. Meet on the roof of this building. We need to talk."
Lois noticed her partner's silence and quickly replied.
"Something wrong?" She asked, grabbing his attention.
Clark quickly responded as he backed away slowly. "I think I left my keys back at Mr. Parker's office." He turned to walk away before adding. "You go ahead, I'll meet up with you soon." He called out as he turned the corner on a hallway. Leaving Lois alone in front of the elevator, as it opened up.
"Okay then." She muttered, shaking her head and head inside the elevator.
Once Clark was walking into a hallway, he used his powers to make sure that there was no one around. When everything was clear, Clark quickly entered a janitor's room, conveniently, with a window. Clark took off his glasses and disrobed his civilian clothing, revealing his Superman suit underneath.
When he was fully dressed, Clark floated towards the window and carefully lifted it open. He hovered out of the building through the window, and closed the window behind him. Clark then looked up at the roof of the building, his eyes narrowed slightly as he started to fly upwards towards the roof.
Upon flying just a little bit over the building, Superman looked down to see Peter Parker waiting for him. The man in question looked up at the man of steel and gave him a playful wave.
Cautious, Superman hovered down until his feet touched the floor of the roof. He now stood across from Peter Parker.
"Mr. Parker." Clark said.
Peter smiled. "Come on Clark, I told you to call me Peter."
"Under different circumstances, perhaps, but right now I think the situation doesn't call for it." Superman replied.
"Fair enough." Peter shrugged as he started to walk around Clark, with the Kryptonian keeping an eye on the man. "I bet you have questions, Superman. Questions that I'll be happy to answer, within reason of course."
"Okay." Superman began, a serious expression formed on his face. "Let's start with how you know all of the members of the league's identity?"
Peter chuckled at Superman's question. "Straight to the point huh?" He asked before he straightened himself up. His facial features grew as serious as Superman's. "I've known who all of you are because I've been keeping an eye on you since you all first started out as heroes. It was relatively easy to do when one pays attention to thing such as: behavioral patterns, physical appearance, body language, medical records, bank statements, job history, time stamps, personality, and so on. You, for example, had people fooled due to how you change your mannerisms in and out of costume. Making everyone think that you're weak by your boy scout attitude and meek demeanor." He answered.
Superman was completely surprised to hear those words come from the CEO's mouth. The fact that it was so easy for Peter Parker to figure out Clark's identity made him feel dumb.
Clark steeled himself as he asked his next question.
"Going by that logic, I guess you figured out the identities of the rest of the league with that same method?"
Peter nodded. "I even know the identities of the reserve members and the teams that are connected to the League. Though…Batman's was a bit less easy to figure until I found out who his closest ally was under the mask."
"If that's the case, how come you didn't reveal our identities to the public? I know if Luthor was in your shoes he would've done so without a second thought." Superman asked.
"Because unlike Lex, I don't see any of you as a threat to the earth. Not yet, at least." Peter answered honestly. "All of you sacrifice so much of your own time to protect the world from numerous threats, wether it's an invasion from space or a common bank robbery. In my eyes, that makes worthy of being this planet's protectors."
Superman was, once again, genuinely surprised to hear that.
"Well…um, thank you for your honesty Mr. Parker." He said.
"Don't swear it." Peter replied.
"Ok, one last question. Why were you interested in the red stone of Camelot?" Superman asked.
Peter let out a curt laugh at that question as he hung his head low. "Figured that would come up." He muttered before he turned to the Kryptonian. "All I could say, is that some very dangerous people who'll be looking for it once they realize its power."
"If that's the case, then it would be best if the stone was handed over to the League's custody." Superman replied.
"I'm afraid that isn't going to happen." Peter replied back.
"Mr. Parker, if the stone is as powerful as you say it is, it's best to hand the stone to us. We could ensure its safety." Superman argued.
Peter shook his head. "Look, I know you mean well Mr. Kent, but this is something I have to do." He said sternly, before adding. "However, I promise you that if it were to ever come to a worse case scenario, then you have my word about turning the stone to you."
Superman stared at Peter for a good while, pondering what he was told. On one hand, it's a risk to leave such a powerful artifact in the hands of a normal man. On the other hand, Clark knew that Peter Parker was honest on his word. Besides, he had a feeling that putting his trust in Peter Parker was the right call to make.
With a deep sigh, Superman responded. "Alright, I'll leave the stone in your hands for now." Peter nodded at this before Superman added another thing. "However, if things do get that bad, then me and the league will have no choice but to take custody of that stone from you. Is that acceptable?" He asked.
Peter nodded his head. "It's a deal then." He said.
Superman nodded before he flew off into the sky, in a blink of an eye. Any normal person would have not even noticed it, all except for Peter. Peter watched the man of steel fly off in the air.
Peter exhaled loudly as he put his hands into his coat pockets and made his way to the rooftop entrance.
"Hopefully, it doesn't have to come to that." Peter mumbled to himself. Getting closer to the door, he reached out and grasped the handle. He turned to the left, opening the door. "Though, knowing my luck, it just may happen." He added as he went inside the building.
DEEP REACHES OF SPACE
In the far off corner of the Galaxy, a massive warship roamed the stars. This warship was the Sanctuary II, the flagship of a mad Titan. Within the warship, two alien beings walk throughout its corridors. One was a large and massive brute, while the other was a slender and lanky figure with gray skin. The two approached a set of large doors, which opened up before them. On the side of the door, were several other beings. One was male wearing a dark cloak with a large spear in hand. Another was a woman with blue skin, a large black helmet with black armor and gold armor covering her left arm. One was a very tall blue humanoid wearing a white hood. There was another woman wearing black leather with pale white skin, white hair, and red eyes. Yet another woman with blue skin and a slender body, wearing a purple suit with long black hair. The final figure was a large towering man with purple skin and dark eyes, wearing blue and gold armor. Adorning his left hand was a gold gauntlet with six slots on the top of the hand.
These beings were all members of the Black Order, with their leader being the Mad Titan; Thanos. The other members consist of: Cull Obsidian, Corvus Glaive, Ebony Maw, Proxima Midnight, Supergiant, Black Swan, and Nebula.
Thanos glanced at Obsidian and Maw entering the room.
"Maw." Thanos spoke. "What do you have to report?"
Maw bowed before the mad Titan before speaking. "The scouts have confirmed what you have suspected my lord. The stones are located on Earth."
Thanos grimaced at the news. He stood silent for a minute before he replied.
"If that is true, mobilize the troops. We will head to Earth with post haste. Now go, all of you." The mad Titan ordered.
Everyone nodded before they all left the room. All of them except for Nebula. She simply stayed behind and simply stared intently at her "father".
The mad Titan noticed his "daughter"'s stare. "Is there something you wish to discuss Daughter?" He asked.
"Yes." She replied. "The fact that the stones are still on Earth, then it should stand to reason that he is there as well."
Thanos's grimace grew grimmer. He knew full well what Nebula was referring to.
"I am not under the illusion that he's still around. Regardless, he will not stand in my way this time. Now go." Thanos said.
Nebula nodded as she turned to leave.
"And Nebula…"
Nebula stopped walking as she looked back at Thanos.
"When you meet him again, do not let your past with him cloud your judgement."
Nebula stood silent, not giving a verbal or nonverbal reply to the mad Titan. She didn't even spare a glance at him. Instead, she continued to walk out of the room.
Once she was out of sight, Thanos frowned as he leaned back on his throne. He pressed a button on his left armrest and a hologram manifested shortly after. The hologram in question showed a man wearing red and blue armor with a large black spider symbol on the chest and a helmet with large white lenses.
"Soon, I will have my revenge on you. Arachnid."
To Be Continued