Author's Note: Hello, wonderful readers! This might be my most ambitious story yet. Obviously, if you've read the title and summary, this is a Spider-Man/Justice League Crossover fic, and I'm really excited that I finally get to dive into the DC Universe. I wanna give a shout out to the author Orgo and his Distorted Reality fanfic, which is a big influence for this story. Additionally, for Spider-Man and The Justice League, they will be influenced by many forms of media. Probably the most obvious influence for The Justice League that can be seen is the DCAU 2001 Justice League show, along with Justice League Unlimited. Speaking of The Justice League, let's go over the team.
Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman are obviously Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, and Diana Prince. But aside from the big three, let's talk about the others. Flash will be Wally West, John Stewart will be Green Lantern, and Shayera Hol will be Hawkgirl. In Flash's and GL's case, all I'll say is… they might not be the only versions that appear in this story. And that's all I'm gonna say about that. Martian Manhunter, to no surprise whatsoever, is J'onn.
And finally, a big thing for this story is the Spider-Man/Wonder Woman ship, which is surprisingly rare, in my opinion. You'd think that the most popular superhero of all time (arguably) would constantly be shipped with the most popular woman superhero of all time, but from what I've found, that isn't the case. I'm here to change that. I will also say this, though. The Spider-Man/Wonder Woman pairing might not be the only pairing here, BUT I can confirm that it's the MAIN pairing.
I'm trying to make sure that I'm covering all the bases here. For everyone's ages, at least for the main cast, they will be somewhere in their 20's, so all of them are supposedly in their prime. I think that's enough, right? I don't wanna waste any more time, so let's get this party started! Enjoy the chapter, y'all.
Distorted Justice
Intro Music: Justice League 2001 Theme Song
Chapter 1: Brand New Day
Hey, everyone. Peter Parker here, your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. Life has… been tough for me, to put it lightly. I know that's not unusual, but I really need my Parker Luck to give me a break for once. There's only so much a man can take, and to be honest, I don't know how much longer I can keep going on like this.
I'm trying my best to live up to Uncle Ben's famous words. With great power comes great responsibility, but…
I don't even know if I believe in those words anymore.
New York City
BGM: Spider-Man: No Way Home - Grief Theme
It was just another cold, December night in New York City, one of many in a series that had left Peter Parker feeling like the weight of the world was on his shoulders. The icy wind bit through the thin layers of his worn-out red and blue Spider-Man costume as he sat alone in an alley, the bustling neon Christmas lights of Times Square a mockery of the emptiness he felt inside. He used to be Spider-Man, the friendly neighborhood hero, the protector of the innocent, but that was before everything fell apart.
Aunt May was gone. The woman who had raised him, guided him, and been his rock. Her death had left a hole that nothing seemed to fill. Harry Osborn, his best friend, ended up succumbing to the same demons his father, Norman Osborn, couldn't overcome. Gwen Stacy, Peter Parker's first love, had died due to the result of a tragic fall that Peter could never fully process. And Mary Jane... she was gone as well, their relationship dissolved into the ashes of past mistakes and unhealed wounds.
Peter glanced down at the worn picture of Aunt May that he kept in his pocket, his thumb brushing over the faded image. He should be out there—swinging through the streets of New York, fighting crime, making the world a better place. But the city no longer felt like home. The thrill of heroism was gone, replaced by an overwhelming sense of failure. He was homeless now, not in the good sense, but in the desperate sense.
Spider-Man had always been about hope, but for Peter Parker, that hope had faded long ago.
However, just when all hope seemed to be lost, the sound of a portal crackling behind him snapped him out of his spiral. He turned around, not knowing what to think right now.
"Peter," came the familiar, calm voice of Dr. Stephen Strange. The Sorcerer Supreme stood before him, his crimson Cloak of Levitation billowing gently in the night breeze. "We need to talk."
Peter stood, weary but intrigued. "What is it, Doc? If it's about that weird dimensional rift from last week, I already patched it."
Strange shook his head, his expression unusually compassionate. "No, Peter. This is about you."
Peter frowned, pointing to himself. "Me?"
"You're… drowning," Strange said, stepping closer. "I've been keeping an eye on you. You're lost, and your pain is bleeding into everything you do. You've been carrying more than anyone should ever have to."
Peter chuckled bitterly. "So what? You're my therapist now?"
"No," Strange said. "But I am your friend. And I want to help."
Peter hesitated. "How? Unless you've got a spell to bring back everyone I've lost-"
"I don't know if that's possible," Strange interjected, his tone firm but empathetic. "But I might have something else. A spell that can realign your path, restore balance to your life. It won't erase the pain, but it might give you clarity, and a newfound will to live."
Peter swallowed hard. Every instinct told him this was dangerous. But the thought of finally catching a break, of not feeling like he was suffering every second of the day… It was too good of an opportunity to pass up.
"Alright," he said, giving Strange a slow nod. "I'll do it. What's the worst that could happen, right?"
Strange would give Peter a nod in return, gesturing for the Spider-themed hero to follow him through his portal. "Come with me to the Sanctum. We'll prepare there."
Sanctum Sanctorum
BGM: Spider-Man: No Way Home - Doctor Strange's Spell
The Sanctum Sanctorum was as eerie and imposing as ever, even with all the Christmas decorations that could be seen. Peter had barely stepped inside when a floating candelabra drifted past him, nearly making him jump out of his skin. After that, though, he saw a familiar face who looked to be carrying some wrapped up Christmas presents.
"Hey, Wong." Peter said, trying to sound casual. "Keeping yourself busy?"
Wong grinned at Peter, giving him a nod. "You could say that. But after Christmas is over, I'm going on a much needed vacation." he said, making Peter chuckle a bit.
"I don't remember talking to you about going on vacation," Strange brought up, raising an eyebrow.
"You don't remember it because we, in fact, did not talk about it." Wong replied, his tone being mostly serious, yet slightly comedic while doing so.
Strange, who only allowed a sigh to escape his lips, didn't verbally respond. He and Peter were already moving to a circular chamber lined with arcane symbols and various lit candles. Once they arrived, Strange began drawing intricate patterns in the air, golden runes glowing as they formed.
"This spell will tap into the foundational threads of reality," Strange explained. "I'll anchor it to your essence, stabilizing the changes as they occur."
"Yeah, I understood about half of that," Peter admitted, beginning to awkwardly scratch the back of his head. "Just... don't turn me into a frog or something."
Strange slowly formed a small smile. "Sure. But stay still and try not to interrupt."
As Strange began the incantation, the air around them thickened with energy. Peter felt a strange pull, like the universe itself was holding its breath. The room dimmed, the golden light of the runes casting eerie shadows. Everything seemed to be going well as Strange continued with his chant.
Then… without warning, Strange froze mid-chant. His eyes widened, and his body trembled as if he were fighting an invisible, deadly force.
"Doc?!" Peter shouted, rushing forward.
Strange's voice was a rasp, and he started to breathe heavily. "Something's... Something's wrong." he managed to say, while adding, "Someone's... interfering."
Peter's spider-sense screamed, and the room seemed to darken further. A deep, menacing laugh echoed through the Sanctum, dripping with malice and creating an absolutely unsettling vibe.
"Well, well, well," came a voice that sent chills down Peter's spine. "Did you really think you could meddle with the fabric of reality without catching my attention, Stephen?"
Immediately, Strange knew the voice, and he visibly became disgusted. "Mephisto," Strange hissed, sweat beading on his brow. "Get out of my mind!"
"Oh, but this is too much fun!" Mephisto taunted. "The boy's desperation... your arrogance. It's a perfect recipe for chaos."
Strange gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain control of the spell. But Mephisto's interference was too strong. The runes began to warp and crack, the golden light turning a sinister crimson.
"Peter, get out!" Strange shouted, his voice strained. "I can't… I can't control the spell!"
And as soon as Strange said that, the spell imploded. A shockwave of energy ripped through the room, and Peter felt himself being pulled into a vortex of blinding light.
"DOCTOR STRANGE!" he yelled, but the Sorcerer Supreme was already fading from view. The only thing that could be heard now were Peter's screams.
And then everything proceeded to change.
In another universe…
BGM: Thutmose - Memories
Peter's world spun in a dizzying vortex of color and light, and for a moment, he felt like he was being torn apart and put back together again. When Peter opened his eyes, his vision steadily cleared, soon finding himself lying down on the top of a towering building as the snow and cold air became more prevalent. Once he rose to his feet, he looked around, taking in the gleaming buildings, the unfamiliar skyline, and the bustle of the city below. The neon Christmas lights he saw were similar to the ones back in New York.
Although... it didn't take him long to realize that he wasn't in New York anymore.
He took a deep breath, absorbing the strange, alien atmosphere around him. The city was unfamiliar, yet somehow... similar. There were hints of New York in the architecture, the energy, the people rushing by in a blur of motion.
He was in Metropolis.
"Okay," Peter muttered to himself, shaking his head. This wasn't his first rodeo when it came to traveling to alternate universes, but he truly didn't know what to expect this time around. "I've been transported to an alternate universe, and I'm standing in a city that looks like New York, only... different. Alright, just take it one step at a time, Pete. Don't panic. You've handled worse. Just gotta find Doctor Strange and everything will go back to nor-"
But before he could finish his sentence, something else caught his attention. He was standing on a building, yes, but when he took a deeper look, he realized he was standing on a… constructed planet of some kind. Using his powers to leap and stick onto a nearby building, he wanted to read the words on the constructed planet, and it caused his eyes to widen.
"The Daily Planet?" Peter said, tilting his head as he read the words. "What kinda wannabe version of The Daily Bugle is this?!" he added, but The Daily Planet could only keep his attention for so long. Close by, a commotion would ensue, and it would cause Peter's spider-senses to start tingling. From down the street, he saw a group of armed robbers storming out of a bank, bags of cash in hand. Peter didn't even hesitate. His superhero instincts kicked in, and he darted forward, leaping into action.
BGM: Justice League OST - Main Theme (Extended/Alternate Version)
With a series of quick web swings, he soon landed with a graceful thud in front of the robbers, blocking their path to escape. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in his appearance—red and blue suit, webs, and all.
"Hey, pal!" one of the robbers shouted. "We're not interested in a fight!"
"Too bad," Spider-Man said with a grin under his mask, his voice filled with playful menace. "You guys picked the wrong city to rob. And during Christmas time too? Seriously, where's your holiday spirit?"
Without wasting any time, he unleashed a barrage of webs, ensnaring the robbers' guns and pulling them from their hands. "Yoink! I'll be taking those, thank you very much!" Spider-Man exclaimed. He spun around, webbing up their legs and knocking a couple of them off balance. Then, using his supreme acrobatic skills, he would effortlessly dodge any punches the remaining robbers tried to throw at him.
"Way too slow!" yelled Spider-Man, finding an opening and sending strong punches and kicks to the robbers who were trying their best to fight back, but all their efforts proved to be futile. Spider-Man's attacks would effectively knock them out, and within seconds, the group of robbers found themselves tangled in his webs, now being unable to move.
"W-What the?!" said one of the conscious robbers, clearly not believing how quickly everything went haywire.
Spider-Man stood over them, hands on his hips, chest puffed out in triumph. "Well, that was easy."
However, within mere moments, a crowd of people began to surround him. Some of them were regular civilians, while others were reporters. Cameras started to flash repeatedly, and while it's something Spider-Man was used to back in his universe, he wasn't sure how to react this time.
"Excuse me, excuse me!" one female journalist repeatedly said, wanting to get Spider-Man's attention. She's a pretty woman with long, black hair, violet eyes, and red lipstick that's usually seen with a press badge around her neck. Her attire consists of a purple blazer and a white skirt, while also wearing purple heels and having silver earrings. "Lois Lane with The Daily Planet. You took down those robbers rather quickly. Are you a new hero?" she asked.
Upon hearing Lois' question, Spider-Man turned to her, trying to think of a response. He has been a hero for a long time now, but in this universe, he would most certainly be considered new since nobody has seen him before until now. "Uh… Ahem. Yeah." Spider-Man managed to say, clearing his throat. "I'm a new hero."
Lois would then ask another question. "In that case, who are you?" she inquired, as the rest of the people and media looked on with supreme interest.
"Who am I?" Spider-Man repeated, looking at Lois, and then at the rest of the crowd. He took a moment to reply, but he figured he would leave them on this note. The best note, if I do say so myself.
"I'm Spider-Man."
As soon as Spider-Man said that, he leapt high into the air and began to acrobatically web-swing away. The cameras started flashing even more, signaling that all the photographers were trying to get the last few pictures of Spider-Man before he eventually disappeared into the heart of Metropolis.
The Watchtower
BGM: Justice League OST - The Watchtower
From their vantage point in the Watchtower, the Justice League observed the bustling city of Metropolis displayed on the monitor before them. A breaking news broadcast showed a scene unfolding—a group of armed robbers fleeing from a bank, only to be intercepted by an agile figure swinging effortlessly between buildings. The figure, dressed in a red and blue costume with a distinctive spider emblem on his chest, moved with uncanny grace and precision.
Superman folded his arms and leaned closer to the screen, a small smile forming on his face. "Who is that?" he asked, his tone laced with admiration. "His moves are incredible."
Batman, seated at the console, typed rapidly on the keyboard, analyzing the footage. His sharp eyes dissected every motion of the figure. "He calls himself Spider-Man," Batman stated, his voice cool and measured, yet it was laced with clear suspicion. "From the looks of it, his combat style is a mix of acrobatics, web-based attacks, and remarkable reflexes."
Wonder Woman stepped closer, her gaze fixed on the screen. The camera zoomed in on Spider-Man as he dodged every possible attack, webbed the weapons from the robber's hands, and ensnared the entire group in a web cocoon.
"Impressive," Wonder Woman said with a nod of approval. "His skills could make him a valuable ally to the League. Perhaps we should talk to him. What do you all think?"
Flash, lounging casually in his chair, shrugged. "Guess it wouldn't hurt to find out more about the guy," he said, his tone casual but with a glint of intrigue in his eyes. "I mean, anyone who can hold their own like that is worth a conversation."
Martian Manhunter, his calm and steady voice cutting through the room, nodded in agreement. "If we decide to approach him, I'm willing to assist. Shall I accompany you on this mission?"
Batman shook his head without looking away from the monitor. "No. It's better if the rest of you stay here and monitor the situation. Superman, Wonder Woman, and I will handle this."
Flash rolled his eyes dramatically, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair. "Of course, the Big Three get to have all the fun," he muttered, though the faint smirk on his face betrayed his jesting tone.
Hawkgirl, standing near the weapons rack, turned to the trio. "If you need backup, don't hesitate to call," she said firmly, her mace resting on her shoulder.
Green Lantern added, "We'll be right here if you run into anything unexpected."
Superman turned to them, his trademark reassuring smile in place. "Thank you. I'm sure we'll be fine, but it's good to know you're all prepared."
The three heroes moved to the Zeta Tube, the gateway that would transport them to Metropolis. Wonder Woman glanced at her companions. "Are you both ready?"
Batman adjusted his utility belt, his face a stoic mask. "Always."
Superman gave a small nod. "Let's do this."
As the Zeta Tube activated, its bright light engulfed them, and with a soft hum, the trio disappeared from the Watchtower, their destination set for Metropolis.
Metropolis
BGM: Kingdom Hearts - Treasured Memories
Spider-Man found himself perched on a building, his mind running rampant on everything that's happened to him recently. And hey, you can't really blame him. "Boy oh boy, where do I even begin?" Spider-Man asked himself, shaking his head as he watched the snowfall. "Where in the world could you be, Strange?"
Though, after he said this, there was an additional moment of silence, but then he felt like some people were… watching him. His spider-sense wasn't going off, so he didn't feel like he was in danger, but when he turned around, he saw Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman right behind him. He didn't flinch when he saw them, but he was very clearly on his guard.
Superman, noticing the tension, would try to lower it. "You've got some moves, Spider-Man." he said with a grin, his voice deep and welcoming.
This caught Spider-Man's attention, making his eyes widen. But when he thought about how Superman and the other two knew his name, he realized that his conversation with Lois Lane could have something to do with that. "Word travels fast, huh?" Spider-Man replied, still not being sure if he should trust these people.
"Indeed it does," responded Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man would naturally turn to look at her as a result. And when he got a better look at her, it became quite obvious that she was arguably the most beautiful woman he's ever laid his eyes on. Big, long dark curly hair, bright blue eyes, silver star earrings, while having an athletic-looking body that truly represents her warrior background.
"Whoa…" Spider-Man thought to himself, as he looked at Wonder Woman. These were the moments that made him very thankful for his mask covering his actual face.
But this wouldn't last forever, because Batman would bring him back to reality.
"Why is it that we've never heard of you before until now?" Batman inquired, clearly still having his suspicions.
When Spider-Man heard this question, he looked down for a moment. Even with his mask hiding his face, it didn't take a genius to figure out that the vibes turned into something more somber. "It's…" Spider-Man paused, his voice carrying sadness. "It's a long, complicated story." he managed to say.
Being able to notice the shift in the conversation, Superman and Wonder Woman would form empathetic looks for Spider-Man. And while it was hard to tell what Batman was feeling, maybe he felt the same way too. Maybe.
Wonder Woman stepped forward, her expression still one of understanding. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Spider-Man looked at Wonder Woman again, and gave her a slow nod. "Something like that." he confirmed, speaking in a low tone.
"If you're willing to explain, we'd be willing to listen," Superman assured, his tone becoming softer.
Spider-Man would look at him, taking in those words about how they'd be willing to listen. Again, this trio didn't seem like bad people, but still. If he was going to explain, then how much should he explain? That's the question. "You guys… might not believe me if I told you." Spider-Man mentioned.
"Try us," Batman responded, never taking his eyes off Spider-Man. "We've witnessed our fair share of chaos."
"He's certainly correct about that," Wonder Woman confirmed, her tone ever so slightly becoming more lighthearted.
This would cause Spider-Man to think even more, as multiple debates were going on in his mind. If he's going to tell them the real deal, then he needs to know something first. "Before I say anything, I'd like to know your names." Spider-Man stated, looking at the trio. "Your superhero names." he later clarified.
Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman looked at each other, showing slight surprise at Spider-Man not knowing their names. At that moment, they figured there was definitely more to him than meets the eye. So, they would turn to look at him again, proceeding to say their names.
"Batman."
"Superman."
"Wonder Woman."
When the three heroes revealed their names to Spider-Man, he made sure not to forget them. Now, he knew it was his turn to explain some things. He would take a deep breath, before going on to speak. "I'm… I'm not from this universe." Spider-Man admitted, while adding, "Something crazy happened with a friend and I back in my universe, and that same crazy thing is the reason why I'm here right now."
This is when the trio's eyes would widen. It's not the first time they've dealt with something like this, but admittedly, they weren't expecting Spider-Man to be from a completely different universe. But when they thought about it… it honestly made sense.
"A different universe, huh?" said Superman, placing his hand on his chin while continuing to think. Somebody did come to his mind. "Sounds similar to Karen."
Wonder Woman, trying to connect more dots, would continue speaking to Spider-Man. "Since you come from a different universe, I assume that must mean you currently don't have a home?"
Spider-Man sighed a bit. "Yes, that's what it means." he replied, his tone still carrying a bit of sorrow. "But… I was already homeless even before I ever got here."
Once the trio heard this, they couldn't help but to form sympathetic looks on their faces. If Spider-Man was already homeless before the universe switching stuff happened, they could only imagine how much he's been through. And as the silence grew, somebody had to break the ice eventually.
"I'm sorry, Spider-Man." Batman said, having an idea of how tough it's been for him, even if he doesn't know all the details. However, what he does know is the feeling of being alone.
Wonder Woman would place a comforting hand on Spider-Man's shoulder, wanting to show him some support. "I'm sorry as well. We all are." she told him, trying to figure out what to say next, and soon enough, the words would come to her. "You don't have to face your battles alone. We can help you."
"We sure can," Superman added, crossing his arms as he looked at Spider-Man. "We can give you a home. The Justice League could use somebody like you."
Spider-Man's eyes slightly widened, and internally… he was torn. Aside from not knowing anything about The Justice League whatsoever, could he actually trust these people? But the more he thought about it, there was a part of him that felt like he could trust them, especially considering that he's already explained why he came from a different universe. Well, explained for the most part, anyway.
Regardless, Spider-Man knew what it was like to work alone, to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. But maybe, just maybe, there was a chance for him to stop being so alone.
"...The Justice League?" Spider-Man inquired, obviously wanting somebody to explain.
"The Justice League is a team of heroes who wish to use their skills to protect the planet." Batman explained.
"Kinda sounds like The Avengers," Peter thought to himself, but he was still quiet. He still wasn't sure if he should accept the offer, but Wonder Woman would try to convince him.
"You don't have to trust us right away," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "But let us help you. You don't have to keep fighting by yourself."
Peter looked at her, then at Superman and Batman. He knew he couldn't do this alone anymore. Not in this universe. Not when he had a chance for something better. And as all of this finally started to settle in, he would reach a conclusion.
"Okay," he finally said, his voice quiet. "I'll join. But I'm not giving up my secret identity."
"We understand," Superman said, nodding at Spider-Man.
After Superman's statement, Batman proceeds to pull him and Wonder Woman aside for a private conversation. His voice low and measured, Batman addresses them.
"Do we really want to bring Spider-Man into the Justice League so quickly? We barely know anything about him," he says, his piercing gaze flicking between them. "And until we do, I don't trust him."
Wonder Woman crosses her arms, her tone calm yet firm as she replies, "Spider-Man may seem mysterious, but he doesn't strike me as deceitful. Did you see the look in his eyes when he spoke about his situation? He was being honest."
Superman nods in agreement, his expression steady. "I don't think he's a threat. There's sincerity in him. It's not easy to fake that kind of pain or openness, even with a mask."
For a moment, Batman says nothing. His sharp mind processes their words as his eyes wander to where Spider-Man is standing, his posture tense yet hopeful. There's an innocence to him, a clear inexperience with their world. Batman's jaw tightens as he looks back at his teammates.
"I don't like this idea," he says flatly. "But I hope for both of your sakes that you're right about him. If he turns out to be something else, it'll be on your heads."
"Fair enough," Wonder Woman replies, meeting his gaze without flinching. "But I believe in giving people a chance to prove themselves."
"Same here," Superman added, having hope that Spider-Man was truly genuine.
With that, Batman steps away, rejoining Spider-Man while Superman and Wonder Woman follow. Batman regards Spider-Man with his usual stoic demeanor. "This isn't a decision we make lightly," he begins, his voice stern. "You'll have to prove yourself if you truly want to be part of this team."
Spider-Man tilts his head, his lenses narrowing slightly in a curious expression. "Prove myself? How exactly?"
Wonder Woman interjects before Batman can respond, her voice softening the tension. "By working with us. By showing us that you stand for what's right. It's not about passing a test—it's about trust, which takes time to build."
Spider-Man hesitates for a moment before nodding. "I get that. I guess trust goes both ways, huh?"
Superman smiles, a warmth in his eyes. "It does. And for what it's worth, I think you're off to a good start."
As the group prepares to leave, Batman gives Spider-Man one last look, his expression unreadable. "Remember, Spider-Man. Actions speak louder than words. Let's see if you're as good as they think you are." Without waiting for a response, he turns and walks ahead, his cape billowing behind him.
Spider-Man watches him go, then glances at Superman and Wonder Woman. "Is he always like that?" he asks, his tone light but curious.
Wonder Woman chuckles softly. "You'll get used to him."
Superman grins. "Maybe."
As they head out together, Spider-Man can't help but feel a mix of trepidation and hope. This was going to be an entirely new chapter for him—a chance to prove himself not just to them, but to himself.
The Watchtower
BGM: Kingdom Hearts II - Lazy Afternoons
And so, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman led Spider-Man through the corridors of the Watchtower. The halls sparkled with various Christmas decorations, as a seemingly unlimited number of heroes were carrying presents and exchanging warm greetings to prepare for Christmas Day.
As the group entered, a red blur streaked toward them, halting abruptly to reveal Flash with his trademark grin. His enthusiasm was as contagious as ever.
"Looks like the Big Three worked their magic," Flash quipped, casting a glance at the trio before turning his attention to Spider-Man. He extended his hand, a blur of motion even while stationary. "Welcome to the Watchtower, Spider-Man. Call me Flash."
Spider-Man, taken slightly off-guard but always polite, grasped Flash's hand for a firm shake. He couldn't help the brief flicker of memory the name stirred—Flash Thompson, his high school bully-turned-friend. Shaking the thought away, he replied, "Nice to meet you, Flash."
Before he could take in the moment, more heroes began to gather. Green Lantern stepped forward with a confident air.
"Green Lantern," he said with a nod. "But you can just call me Lantern or GL. Whatever works."
"Lantern or GL," Spider-Man echoed, committing it to memory. "Got it."
Hawkgirl was next, her wings slightly ruffling as she stepped forward. "And I'm Hawkgirl. Welcome aboard."
"Thanks. Good to meet you," Spider-Man replied.
The final figure was quieter, his voice calm and resonant. "Martian Manhunter," he said. "But everyone calls me J'onn. A pleasure to meet you."
Spider-Man nodded to the group, genuinely impressed by the diversity and presence of the Justice League. "It's great to meet all of you."
Flash smirked, always ready with a quick comment. "Well, not all of us. You're just meeting the VIP section—the original eight. Speaking of which…" He looked around dramatically. "Anybody know where Aquaman is?"
Batman answered in his usual stoic tone. "He's attending to affairs in Atlantis."
Superman added with a small, reassuring smile, "But he told me he'll be back in time for Christmas."
Spider-Man glanced around the bustling Watchtower, his eyes drawn to the intricate decorations and the sheer number of heroes in festive spirits. He paused as he realized they were in space—something he definitely hadn't anticipated. "Speaking of Christmas... You guys definitely know how to deck the halls."
Wonder Woman's smile was warm, her tone carrying a slight lyrical note. "Well, it is the most wonderful time of the year, after all."
Spider-Man chuckled at the unintentional pun—or was it intentional? "No arguments there," he said. He gestured toward the expansive halls and countless branching corridors. "But as much as I'd love to admire the décor all day, I should probably get the grand tour. Something tells me it's pretty easy to get lost around here."
Superman chuckled, his laugh as light as his demeanor. "You've got a point. Let's make sure you know where everything is. The last thing we need is Spider-Man wandering into the containment cells by accident."
With a grin, Spider-Man motioned forward. "Lead the way, Big Blue. Let's see what you've got."
BGM: Kingdom Hearts - Dearly Beloved
Afterwards, the seven League members would proceed to give Spider-Man a tour around the Watchtower. The training rooms, the lounge, and the cafeteria were only scratching the surface. Throughout this process, Spider-Man already realized that despite getting this tour, he was still going to get lost in the future since there's so much to take in. That includes getting to know the rest of the League that lived here, which is going to take a considerable amount of time, all things considered.
As time passed, the League would finally show Spider-Man his room. "And this is your room." Superman said, motioning his hand to reveal the inside. Spider-Man, who has obviously been homeless for a good while now, suddenly began to feel a bevy of emotions. At long last, he had his own room again. A home. And not only that, but with how kind the League has been treating him so far, he potentially had friends. He potentially had a family.
The weight of everything—the loss, the pain, the loneliness—flooded him all at once. But there was something else there, something that he hasn't been able to see or feel in a long, long time.
A glimmer of hope.
"You okay, bro?" Flash asked, as he and the rest of the League clearly noticed Spider-Man's silence. They all had concerned expressions on their faces.
"Y-Yeah… I'm okay." Spider-Man managed to say, taking a breath and pausing for a moment. "Thank you," he whispered, his tone being emotional and sincere. "Thank you, everyone." he said again, trying to keep himself together. "You guys have no idea how much this means to me."
The League noticed how grateful Spider-Man was, and couldn't help but to be touched by his genuine thanks. Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman had an idea of why this meant so much to Spider-Man, given their conversation in Metropolis earlier.
"You're not alone anymore, Spider-Man," Wonder Woman said, her voice being soft as a warm smile could be seen on her face. She would then place a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We're here for you."
When Wonder Woman said these words, the rest of the League showed that they shared her thoughts by offering supportive looks to Spider-Man.
Spider-Man couldn't help but smile under his mask. For the first time in what felt like years, Peter felt something warm in his chest. He had a place to be. A place where he could belong. Plus, Wonder Woman's kind words made him feel like maybe, just maybe, things could get better.
And for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to believe it.
END OF CHAPTER 1: BRAND NEW DAY
BGM: Justice League - End Credits Theme
Flash: Hey there, readers! I'll be taking over now, if you guys don't mind. The next chapter should be about-
Batman: Are you really going to spoil it?
GL: Come on, kid. You know better than that.
Flash: What is this? Gang up on Flash day?
Spider-Man: You definitely remind me of Johnny in some ways.
Flash: Who?
Hawkgirl: Okay, since we're getting off track, I'll summarize the next chapter.
Martian Manhunter: Unfortunately, it appears that we're out of time.
Superman: Well, that's just great.
Next time on Distorted Justice!
*Cricket Noises*
Wonder Woman: Does the author not have a title for the next chapter?
Aquaman: All I know is that I'm going to be in it.
Spider-Man: Stay tuned, readers! We'll see you again!
Author's Note: So, how was that chapter, guys? Introduction chapters are important to get right, and hopefully, you guys enjoyed it. While I do have a general plan for the story, I don't know what the next chapter should be about, so I'm going to ask you guys for help. Even though this chapter was set during Christmas time or whatever, should the next chapter actually be about Christmas? Like, the League and Spider-Man celebrating Christmas day. I'm debating it, but let me know if you guys want that in the reviews.
Anyway, to keep you guys busy until the next chapter comes out, I do have a ton of other stories y'all can read. But before you do that, if you enjoyed this chapter, then make sure to give it a FOLLOW and a FAVORITE. Don't forget to READ and REVIEW! See you guys next time. Stay safe, and Happy Holidays.