Rand Industries Plaza.
New York was home to many powerful and prosperous companies and corporations, given the fact that it was one of the major economic centers of the world. Companies such as Oscorp, Stark Industries, Roxxon Corporation and many others had their headquarters located in this city, and Rand Industries was no exception. While not a giant of any industry that shared the city with him, it was still a fairly prosperous and prestigious company, ran by Daniel Rand, known to select few as The Immortal Iron Fist, though one who had more or less retired from the active heroic duty to focus on his family's company.
Thanks to this, his company was well on its way to becoming a major player on the market, and with the deal they were about to secure, it would be reality. Government recently put out a tender for a new, next-generation miniaturized energy capacitor, and with Stark keeping the secrets of his Ark reactor close to heart, this gave other companies chance. Rand's company appeared to be the one in the lead, as they already had prototype ready and were preparing to show it to the world tomorrow. All appeared to be going perfectly for Danny Rand and his company…
…At least until someone had managed to make their way into the lab where the capacitor was store. Danny only learned about this break in after he arrived with an impromptu visit, finding the guards either unaware of a break in, or knocked out. Security systems were all working perfectly, with the prototype's defenses still active, and those were enough to stop and detect even the most experienced burglars. Even Black Cat herself wasn't able to make her way around them, and yet whoever this was did just that, and now he was about to deal with Danny himself, as he entered the lab.
There he saw an imposing and powerful man, standing at 6 feet 3 inches, and with a physique one would associate with Hercules, but this was not what shook Danny for a second. It was the suit this man wore, which was all black bodysuit with mask, with white lenses, fingers, gauntlets, greaves, and the symbol of a large white spider on his chest and back. That suit looked identical to the one Danny only ever saw one of his best friend's wear, that it made his blood boil, feeling like this thief was dishonoring the memory of his late friend and true hero. The man himself appeared to be working on the computer, with Danny picking up a pen and chucking it at the monitor, destroying it.
"You have made a grave mistake coming here, thief." Danny stated, taking off his jacket and folding sleeves, while the thief turned and faced him. "I would normally ask you how you have gotten here, but seeing you in this suit, I think I'll skip to the beat down!" And with this Danny charged at the thief with a kick, which he dodged, before blocking a punch with next to no effort, surprising Danny, for no normal man could catch him.
"Not bad, but you used to be faster, Iron Fist." The thief spoke up finally, with Danny shook, as he almost recognized that voice, praying that he was wrong, before the thief threw him across the room, sending him crashing onto the table, before following it up with knee to the stomach, nearly breaking Danny's ribs.
"Wh-who th-the hell are you?" Danny wheezed out of him, as the thief removed his leg off his stomach, standing up and looking down on him, and spoke up.
"Didn't the suit make it obvious?" Thief asked, before adding. "I am Spider-Man." Danny's anger finally boiled over, as he picked himself up and launched at this man with combos of punches and kicks, with the man expertly dodging them.
"You don't deserve that name! It belonged to a great hero, this suit belonged to the real Spider-Man, not a dishonorable cur who dares smear the name and legacy of a true hero with dirt!" Iron Fist practically roared, before this Spider-Man caught hand, and then delivered a powerful knee to his ribs.
"Last I checked, this suit belonged to a murderer, betrayed by his own superiors and left for dead by his own teammates." Danny was not expecting that, before Spider-Man added. "Feels only natural, to deliver a bit of payback for such treachery."
"N-no… It…" This moment of hesitation was all that Spider-Man needed, before he delivered a rising kick to the head, followed up by a vicious five punch combo and finished by kick to the torso, sending Danny into the opposite wall, leaving an impact upon his landing.
The last thing Danny Rand saw before losing consciousness is Spider-Man approaching him, delivering a kick to his jaw, taking him out for good.
Hour and a half later.
"So, let's see if I understand it all correctly: someone just broke into your lab, avoided tripping all of the alarms and SHIELD-issue defenses, took the capacitor, and beat your ass like it's 19th Century China." Nick Fury, director of the SHIELD, stated to Danny, with bandages on his torso and forehead, as they were in the head office, while SHIELD and police worked their case. "Did I miss anything?"
"No, you've summed it all up pretty neatly." Danny said with a wince from his breath, before adding. "As much as I appreciate the visit, Director, I doubt this is something worth your personal attention."
"Cage may not believe it, but both you and him are still worth my full attention, Rand." Fury stated, before turning to the guest he brought along. "Did you find anything unusual with the systems, Stark?"
"The only unusual thing about them is how absolutely "usual" they are. When compared to mine, of course." Tony Stark stated with swagger, with Danny shaking his head at that. "No offence, Bruce Lee, but compared to mine, your security systems…"
"Yes, we've all heard about how superior your systems are to everyone else, Stark." Rand cut him off. "Care to say something that doesn't involve patting yourself on the back?"
"Only that whoever this thief was, he either had access to your systems, because…" And in that moment the security systems blared, before being turned off. "Because that's the only way he could've gotten in without being noticed."
"What was that just now?" Rand asked. "I thought SHIELD turned off the security system of the lab."
"We did, but Stark offered to conduct an experiment, which I didn't give approval to." Fury stated, giving Stark a glare, who ignored it. "And I certainly didn't approve hacking into other people's systems."
"No harm was done, and it was a good chance for the kid to do something useful." Tony responded, just as the said kid appeared. "Speaking of which, did you have fun, kiddo?"
"Yeah, that's some crazy good systems, Mister Stark. I thought I had an opening when I hack it's pressure control, but…" Spoke up the boy, dressed in a black suit with red webbed pattern and spider and white lenses, looking no older than 15, which made Danny frown. "...Oh, sorry, guess I shouldn't have done it. I'm Miles, by the way, but you can call me the Ultimate Spider-Man." The boy stated with pride to Danny, and immediately offered his hand, with Danny looking at him with a frown.
"You realize you just gave me your real name?" Danny asked of him, with this new "Spider-Man," surprised with the coldness.
"W-well, yeah, but you are… I mean, you're the Iron Fist, one of the OG Defenders, and you worked with the OG Spider-Man. I mean, you are one of the good guys, so I thought…" The new Spider-Man babbled, with Danny's frown deepening at that, while Fury rubbed his eyes at that.
"Kid, get back to the Triskelion, now." Fury ordered.
"But, what about the investigation?" The moment he met with the glare of Fury, he finally scampered off.
"You've reopened the Defenders Initiative?" Danny asked of Fury, a hint of anger clear in his tone, as well as the implications behind his words. "I thought you said that Defenders were done for good, after what happened."
"They were, but time has proven that the world needs heroes to defend it, now more than ever." Fury said. "That's why I really came. I was planning to talk to you about it tomorrow, but this break-in just proves I've delayed this far too long."
"And what exactly did you want to talk to me about?" Danny asked of him. "You want me to go back to the Defenders? Maybe lead this new iteration of team?"
"No, we are not forming a new Defenders team. We are reorganizing and restructuring the Initiative, expanding and forming more than one team. Two, for now, and I want you in one of them." Fury told Danny. "I know you've chosen to uphold your family's company, Danny, but we could really use you. Spider-Man and others like him could use someone with your kind of experience, someone who could teach them how to be heroes, the best versions of themselves. Maybe even lead them."
"The answer is no, Fury." Danny stated to him. "You say you've changed, but you are just repeating the old experiment. One that has already failed badly seven years ago."
"It will not be the same as before, Rand. That team will be focused on lower level threats, keeping to the streets, helping people, but they are all young. They need someone who can inspire them, someone who can show them what it means to be a hero." Fury said. "They need a Defender, Danny, and I can't think of someone better than you for this."
"Why don't you ask the Iron Man here." Rand nodded towards Stark.
"Nice try, but I have much better things to do than play babysitter with a bunch of kids. That sounds like what you would be good at, anyway." Stark stated, before adding. "Besides, I'm already part of the big leagues. That other team, is the real game, and I'm already part of it, and… But why am I telling you about it. You'll hear all about on TV, it will be bigger than the Oscars and Game of Thrones, kiddo." Rand turned with an annoyed look to Fury, while Tony left them alone.
"Like I said, it is not the same as before, Danny." Fury commented.
"No, you are now putting rich ego-maniacs in power suits out in the field. I remember how I and my team fought against exactly what Tony and Iron Man are." Danny stated, before sighing. "Anyway, the answer is still no, Fury. I've had enough of SHIELD, and knowing Cage, he'll say the same thing to you."
"He already did, in much less pleasant tone." Fury said. "I had hoped either you or him could look after those of the younger generation."
"If there was someone who could teach them to be heroes, then he died eight years ago." Danny stated, with Fury sighing, understanding what he meant. "And about this new Spider, I'd suggest he change his name."
"He is only trying to uphold Peter's legacy, Danny, not usurp it. Spider-Man was his favorite hero, and he's much the same as old one, even gotten his powers the same way." Fury argued. "If Peter was alive, I doubt he'd object to this new Spider-Man."
"It's not about the legacy, Fury, but the Spider-Man itself." Danny stated, confusing him. "That thief that took me to school… He wore the suit and used his name." Danny picked up a framed photo and showed it Fury, pointing to Fury the figure in the middle.
"We've had imposters of Spider-Man before, a few of them wore a black suit. This is nothing new, Danny." Fury countered. "Two-bit crooks with mediocre skills and impressionable idiots thinking they can play dress up. We've gotten rid of them five years ago, after the heat died down."
"Maybe, but this one… He was different. He had training, extensive and thorough, being able to read my moves and act accordingly, not to mention that he is also enhanced, seriously." Danny stated to Fury. "And that's not to mention that he knew who I was, that I was Iron Fist."
"It may surprise you, but quite a lot of people know who you are." Fury commented. "Anything else you can add?"
"He knows about how Peter died, though how much I cannot say." Danny said. "As for physicals, he is about 190 cm, about 95 to 100 kilograms, with a build that can give Captain America a run for his money. He wore the same black suit as Peter did, but modified. Don't know if he has webs or not, but he was able to get past security without being noticed, and didn't trigger this security system. Not even Peter could do it, since it was designed to detect someone of his level."
"Meaning we now have a new player in town, who is also a fan of Spider-Man." Fury said. "Thinking he was linked somehow to Parker?"
"You tell me." Danny said. "You recruited him, and then punched his ticket."
Oscorp Tower.
Norman Osborn stood in his office, looking out the windows of his office, his mind for once not focused on his business, and more reminiscing. He has been doing this far more often than he used to, something his younger self would've scoffed and mocked him for, but that man was gone, along with much of what was most important to him. That Norman had built a multi-billion dollars' company that rivals Stark Industries from scrap, was a leading corporation in multiple fields, even managed to successfully recreate and enhance the Super Soldier Serum, even managing to create a new Super Soldier, one who rivaled Captain America…
…Only now it all meant nothing for Norman, for while he was the man who done all this, he was also the man who lost one person who mattered the most to him – his son, Harry. The boy he believed could be the next Captain America, and who become the new hero, thanks to Norman's serum. Norman never was prouder of his son than when he became the Iron Patriot, clad in Oscorp's best armor and taking on new age's villains and enemies. Had he been as wise as he is now, Norman would never have allowed his son to undergo the procedure or take up the armor, if only to save his life.
But he wasn't wise, he was proud and arrogant, believing his son was invincible, and for almost three years, he was that, an unbeatable hero of America, part of the Defenders. Until it all fell apart at the seams, after a mission where his son bravely sacrificed his own life to save New York. Then came the betrayal of Peter Parker, whom Norman saw as his second son, a brother in all but blood to Harry. What happened to Norman was a tragedy, but what happened to Peter… If anyone ever deserved better, it was Peter, but fate, or rather, SHIELD and their leaders, decided otherwise, and did what they always done best – cut their losses.
This time, they had done it in a messy, bloody way, one that nearly cost them too much, as they attempted to put down Spider-Man for good, who less than a day before was one of their best heroes. For eight years since, Norman believed that they had succeeded, until a week ago…
"Nice view." Norman heard the voice from behind him, making him turn and see Spider-Man, standing before his desk.
"It is. Interesting, I never really thought it was, until eight years ago. Back then all I saw were opportunities, ambitions, goals and desires, but… Not a nice view." Norman commented with a sigh, as he moved back to the desk. "It took me loosing what really was important to see things differently."
"I can understand that." Spider-Man commented, as he placed the capacitor onto the table.
"Perhaps, but I doubt we have the same interpretation of it." Norman said, before turning to business. "I take it all went well?"
"Within expectations." Spider-Man answered, before Norman added.
"And I assume your fight with Danny Rand was also within your expectations?' Norman asked. "You've made a quiet entry, but left in quite a loud manner. First the police showed up, and then SHIELD with Stark and Fury in tow. Care to tell me what went wrong?"
"Nothing went wrong, and Rand's appearance was anticipated for, even if it was by chance he arrived there." Spider-Man answered, before adding. "Like I said, all that happened was within expectations, with the job complete."
"Perhaps, but what is to stop Rand from recreating the prototype?" Norman asked of Spider-Man, before he saw him place a USB. "What is this?"
"The blueprints of the capacitor. Rand and Stark may not notice any tampering with the systems, but not with the schematics of the capacitor." Spider-Man stated. "By the time they get back to making a new one, they'll find it unusable, while you will have your prototype ready and fully functioning." Norman considered the answer, before answering.
"Well done. Most would've just grabbed the prototype and left, but you've followed the task to the letter." Osborn said. "Perhaps it would've been preferable to avoid the fight with Rand, but I think it will work out better in the end."
"If you say so. My payment?" Spider-Man asked, with Norman making a transfer, with Spider-Man noticing it and nodding to him. "Pleasure doing business with you, Mister Osborn." Spider-Man said, preparing to leave, before Osborn spoke up.
"If I may ask, are you not concerned about being discovered, Peter?" Norman asked directly, with Spider-Man stopping in his step and turning to face Norman. "It may have been eight years, and you are no longer a lean acrobat you used to be, but I knew you your entire life, son. You may throw off Rand and even Fury, but don't think your new act will work on me." Spider-Man took a few moments before answering.
"I expect them to figure it out, sooner or later. For now, all they know about me is that I know the truth, and that I've taken up original's name and suit for myself." Peter Parker spoke up, with Norman understanding that it was him. "As for you, I would prefer you do not get involved in this, Mister Osborn. Your job offer was an unexpected, but it was what I needed, so I took it."
"And why did you need it?" Norman asked of him with a voice, filled with concern, with Peter refusing to answer that. "You are planning to take revenge on Fury, for yourself?"
"Not just myself, but for all that died because of him, and others." Peter stated, anger barely hidden in his tone. "Fury deserves to pay, he and others with him."
"You will hear no argument from me, but what about those that you still have left, Peter?" Norman asked of him. "What about Teresa? Do you know how hard she took your death and what happened?"
"I know." Peter said, his voice clearly showing regret. "I... I appreciate you taking care of her, Mister Osborn. You didn't have to."
"It was the least I could do, after she had lost everything she had." Norman said with a heavy sigh, before adding. "You both were like my own children to me, you know that? You… Even before Spider-Man, you were a son I thought I wanted, all that I wanted Harry to be… I realize now I was wrong in thinking this way, but… I still see you as a son, Peter, and I can help you. You can have a normal life, life with Teresa and free from Fury, from all of this."
"Maybe, but this is a choice I've already made, and we both know that after I said yes to Fury, I wasn't free from him, SHIELD or the mask. Even if I were to come out into the open, all I would do is paint a target on Teresa's head again. I won't do it again." Peter stated to Norman. "She is safer with me being away from her, safer with you. If you wish to help me, then keep it that way. Fury may find out who I am, but at least Teresa is safe with you." Norman could see his logic, and let out a heavy sigh, before speaking up.
"What is it that you plan to do? Why take up this contract and fight your old friend? Are you trying to become a villain?" To that, Peter refused to answer, with Norman deciding not to prod further. "I know I can't ask you to be careful, but… At least do not end up like your past enemies. The world now has far more heroes than it used to, and SHIELD is going to use it to their full advantage. They are already forming two new teams of heroes, the supposed successors of the Defenders, only these will be fully official and made into public ones, more or less. And… Not sure if you have heard, but there is a new kid in town, who has taken up your name, and seems to follow in your footsteps. Fury has already poached him."
"He'll have to change the name, because Spider-Man is back, and he is no hero anymore." Spider-Man stated, finally leaving, with Norman not even noticing it, having turned his head to answer the call.
"Mister Osborn, your daughter has arrived. Shall I send her to you?" Osborn heard from the reception.
"No, I was just leaving." Osborn said, and soon was in the elevator, which reached ground floor, stepping out to greet his adoptive daughter with a smile. "Teresa, what a pleasant surprise, dear. How's the university?" Norman asked pleasantly, as he stepped forth, kneeling and hugging Teresa Parker, a young brown haired woman with blue eyes, seated in a wheelchair, who returned the hug.
"Depends on the teacher, but I'm doing great." Teresa answered. "Doc Connors had to call in sick again, so I've got out early. Thought I'd drop by and ask if we could do that lunch, if you are free."
"I was just about to head for it. Come, I know a great café, just around the corner." Norman said, before he and Teresa headed for the café, with Teresa pushing her own wheels.
And just beyond their view, a lone figure in black watched them from afar, taking a few moments to look at his sister. Lingering for longer than was safe, Peter finally took his leave, knowing that his sister was safe and sound, and for the moment, it was more than enough. Right now, he had to lay low, but if he was right, then it would not be long until his break in produced the needed effect.
One week later. Fisk Tower.
Being the current reigning monarch of crime, or Kingpin, as he was more widely known in criminal society, Wilson Fisk was a man who usually got what he wanted. Ambition was second nature to him, alongside determination and patience, all of which had helped him climb the hierarchy of New York's crime and finally bring order to it. When he began his rise to power, there was chaos in the criminal underworld of New York, with clans, families, rival gangs and all the rest of the scum fighting for territory, profit and more. The old structures and powers were gone, destroyed when Kingpin was not yet a noteworthy criminal, but their fall taught him a few valuable lessons.
Maggia and their families, led by Silvio Manfredi, had thought they had the city like in the days of old, when Mob ruled uncontested and even government bowed to it. Their arrogance nearly brought about the destruction of the very city they tried to control, which was saved by the sacrifice of the Iron Patriot. Most thought and expected that his death would be inconsequential in the long run, but that was before Spider-Man finally broke the rules of the game he and his Defenders played, and went on a warpath, slaughtering nearly every boss and his structure in New York, with Manfredi and his family being wiped out completely. In less than 24 hours, Spider-Man did what New York's leaders promised to do for almost 80 years now – destroyed the Mob.
Soon after, however, people in power decided to get rid of Spider-Man, quietly sweep him under the rug and make most forget about him, and while most didn't remember him, some did. Kingpin was one such person, remembering the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, his whimsical jokes and goody-two shoes attitude, as well as what a serious problem he could be, at least when he was not playing agent of SHIELD.
And after he was done playing heroes, he became a true menace, one that Jameson always called him to be, one that the powers that be deemed too much and decided to get rid of. Kingpin didn't begrudge them for it, as he would've done the same in their place, but still… a thought of having such a powerful instrument working for him was quite appealing. The world has changed quite a bit since Spider-Man death, with more heroes and villains popping up, more freaks, mutants, Inhumans and more coming out, and if Kingpin wished to stay in power, he would need right agents for the job. One potential agent of caliber necessary to contend with the current times has recently appeared on the radar, and Fisk extended him an invitation. Now he wondered if he had taken it up or not, with his answer present when Kingpin turned his head and saw his guest appear, observing one his armor stands.
"You have an impressive collection of Japanese artifacts, with a clear leaning towards Sengoku Period." Spider-Man commented, before turning and moving closer to the desk. "Apologies for not announcing myself, I assumed it would not be in your best interest for me to arrive in an official manner."
"You assumed correctly, but I must warn you that I do not appreciate sudden intrusions." Kingpin said. "Still, your arrival at least partially confirms your reputation. I am glad you have accepted my invitation."
"Doubt it would have been wise to decline." Spider-Man commented. "I have heard of some who refused your invitations."
"Those had other reasons for their sudden demises, but we are not here to talk of them." Kingpin said, before continuing. "Now then, my arachnid-themed friend, may ask what nom de guerre do you go by?"
"Spider-Man, as my attire should imply." Spider-Man replied, with Kingpin seemingly amused. "Do you think I am joking?"
"No, no, though you must admit that it is amusing in a certain way, that you've taken up a name of a hero." Kingpin said, before adding. "Unless, of course, you are the very same Spider that died 8 years ago."
"And if I were?" Spider-Man asked of Kingpin.
"I would have certain questions, but seeing as I've already homework, I know you have merely adopted the moniker. You have quite an impressive resume, Spider-Man, or Ravager, as you've previously gone by. Mercenary, assassin, thief, and more, with successful jobs across Europe, Africa and Asia, enough to land you a spot in The Hand, which you've left after about two years." Kingpin stated. "By all accounts, you should have no problem finding job anywhere in the world, so why come to New York, and answer my invitation?"
"I needed a change of scenery, seeing as my movements across the world became more restricted. New York, with its plethora of colorful people and criminal galore felt like a good place to settle in." Spider-Man answered, before adding. "And seeing as my stay with the Hand went poorly for my finances, I am open to contracts."
"Yes, many religious organizations have such effect on people." Kingpin stated. "As it so happens, I have sent the invitation precisely because I have contract I wish completed. Normally, I have plenty of people that can handle most of my problems, but this one has proven to be an enduring, elusive and infectious to me and my enterprises."
"I am listening." Spider-Man said, with Kingpin smiling, before speaking up.
"Have you heard about The Punisher?" Kingpin asked, with Spider-Man nodding.
"He is a vigilante, operating outside of the law, killing any and all criminals in his sights." Spider-Man stated.
"Indeed, the man has been a literal bane of criminals, small and big across his entire tenure, and with my rise to power, he has been quite interested in taking my life." Kingpin stated. "My organization can handle antics of so-called "superheroes" without serious loss, but Punisher, or rather, Frank Castle is a different matter. Rules mean nothing to him, and he doesn't compromise or make exceptions, he only pulls the trigger, and the law enforcement doesn't want to touch him. Rumor has it that he has silent patronage of the SHIELD, possibly because he worked for them, which would explain the absurdly large armory, impeccable information network and training he has."
"You want him dead?" Spider-Man asked.
"Dead, for certain. I want you to find him, and put an end to his reign of wrathful vengeance, crush him once and for all. It is long past time that this poor grieving soul was reunited with his family." Kingpin stated. "He is a man grieving and seeking death, and I want it delivered to him. And I want you to send the message to anyone who serves as his patron. Will you take it?"
"Yes. Timetable?" Spider-Man asked.
"Before Friday." Kingpin stated. "Will you be able to do it?"
"I will, for the right price, a certain favor, and a little help on your end." Spider-Man added. "I will need a way to funnel my money into legitimate source."
"Let us discuss it then." Kingpin said.
Three days later. Docks.
Setting up on his firing position, Frank Castle made ready his sniper rifle, preparing to fire upon his targets. Normally, he would spend more time, preparing for an op like that, but this was an opportunity he could not ignore. According to his sources within the force, Kingpin was planning some kind of deal in the docks, one that would require presence of either himself, or one of his close lieutenants. Being a paranoid soldier he always was, Frank double checked if this information was right, and it was, with info coming from Kingpin's own office.
Whatever it was, it was secretive enough to warrant interest, and important to draw Fisk out of his ivory tower, and Castle wasn't going to miss his chance to put him down. From then on, it will be all business as usual with gang wars and disjointed gangs, just the way he liked it, when he could operate without so much care and caution. Under Kingpin, thugs became organized, focused and harder to handle in his usual way, and while crime may be down overall, this was not really what Castle wanted. He wanted a war, one he was trained to wage and win, and war he will have, for it was all that he really knew and was good at.
Fixing his scope for the position which he scouted earlier, Frank prepared to wait, feeling secure in his position, at least that was so. Next second, however, that completely changed, Frank suddenly felt something attach to his back, arms and legs, before he was flung with extreme force up in the air. Without even having the time to scream or shout, Frank then found himself slammed hard against the crane he set himself up on, before being flung off it and towards the ground. The previous slam was enough to disorient him and prevent him from doing anything to save him, while the slam against the ground was enough turn him into a sack of broken bones, punctured organs and torn muscles. Before he passed out from extreme pain all over, the last thing Frank registered was being flung up the third time, with sensation of the wind on his skin reminding him of the last day with his family in the park, for it was a little breezy back then.
Police Precinct. Half an hour later
"With all due respect, Agent Coulson, but this is Police matter, not one of SHIELD." Captain Yuri Watanabe stated with stern expression. "Last I checked, Rand Industries wasn't a government contract or anything like that, so why would SHIELD get involved, and impede our work."
"Everything is SHIELD's matter, Captain Watanabe, and this is one import." Coulson stated. "I haven't come to argue semantics. You have your orders to transfer all of your findings to SHIELD, and yet you've refused to do so."
"Yeah, because 90 percent of the time, SHIELD just stashes it in their archive and does jack about the case." Yuri stated. "The only time you do get involved is when some big-wig or a business mogul with a few friends on the Capitol Hill gets mugged or something. And when that happens, we have pick up the pieces after your work."
"I assure you that we are treating this case with utmost…" Before Coulson could even finish his sentence, something came crashing through the window, landing squarely on the table before him and Watanabe. "…importance. Is this… a body?" Coulson said with a shocked expression, as he and Watanabe examined with looked like a crushed and broken meat sack of a person, with Watanabe turning her head towards the window.
"Agent." Watanabe drew Coulson's attention, as both looked out the window, and saw none other than Spider-Man standing on the other roof, before leaving. "Was… Was that Spider-Man?"
"No… I mean, he is dead, it was probably an… an imposter." Coulson stated, before examining the body, while the other officers rushed into the office, with Watanabe giving out her orders. "Looks like this poor fellow has been thrown off a skyscraper. There's not a single unbroken bone on him, but his face… I-I think I know who this is." Coulson said with a shocked expression, with Watanabe too recognizing the still barely recognizable visage of dead Frank Castle, aka The Punisher.
Two hours later. Fisk Tower.
"…We have finally received forensic report, confirming without a doubt that this is indeed Francis Castle, the infamous Punisher, who was thrown into the precinct. Sources are conflicted as to who had ended the reign of vigilantism, with Police and SHIELD refusing to comment. However, this does raise the question if there is a new player in New York, seeking to make a name for themselves, or if Castle's reign of terror ended by the hand of a mysterious Kingpin. More details in the evening report, this is…" And with this, Wilson turned off his TV, a pleased smile on his face and a cigar in his hand.
"Are you satisfied with the results?" Spider-Man asked of Kingpin, who turned to face him.
"Excellent work, you are every bit you were advertised and then some more, and worth every cent of your paycheck." Kingpin stated with a smile, before moving to transfer money to Spider-Man's account. "I have taken the liberty of setting up a small business for you to launder your money, should you so need it. A small enterprise, which should do nicely, although the location of it is somewhat… grim. I presume you have nothing against New Jersey?"
"No, so long as it remains outside of the watchful eyes of SHIELD and other agencies." Spider-Man commented.
"Believe me, not even IRS these days prefers to set foot in Gotham City." Kingpin commented, taking a smoke of his cigar. "Imagine New York, only out of hellish nightmares. Once a thriving, powerful metropolis, now merely a shadow of it's former self, ruled by anarchy and madness. Some would even say it is a curse city, but quite an excellent place to handle money laundering without any problem."
"I will pay a visit there, to see if it is so." Spider-Man commented. "The money has been transferred. Pleasure doing business with you, Kingpin. If that is all, I will be taking my leave."
"One moment, if you do not mind. I would like discuss with you the topic of a more… permanent employment, if you are interested." Kingpin commented, with Spider-Man taking a few moments to consider.
"Go ahead." Spider-Man said.
"Seeing as you intend to remain here in New York for a prolonged time, I would like to offer you a place within my organization. Your handling of Punisher is proof of your competence, and your recent heist of Rand Industries proves your wide range of capabilities." Fisk stated, with Spider-Man not even fazed by it. "A man with your talents and capabilities in our city will have little problem finding sources of income, but why take the chance, when you can have a stable, permanent income now, with secured line of work, within your range of capabilities?"
"Sounds tempting, for both of us, seeing as it would also ensure I do not end up working for your enemies." Spider-Man noted, with Fisk nodding. "What are you offering?"
"I will pay you every two weeks while you are employed, along with for every job I have for you to do. The tasks will vary, from protection of my enterprises, to elimination of my opposition, and maybe even heroes, should they become too much of a nuisance." Kingpin stated. "In addition to payments, you will have all the luxuries one can expect, when working for me, and more, along with a substantial monetary bonus upon accepting my employment. I will also allow you to take side jobs, so long as they do not interfere with me and my organization." Spider-Man considered it, before giving his answer.
"I accept your offer." Spider-Man stated.
"Splendid. I believe we shall achieve great things together, Spider-Man." Kingpin told him. "For now, with your resounding success, also comes notoriety and unwanted attention. Can I expect you to keep a low profile, until it becomes safe for you to operate?"
"You do not have to worry about it, sir." Spider-Man said, before another idea came to mind. "I'll take this chance to visit this Gotham City, see what I am working with in terms of money."
"Do take care, it is quite a dangerous place and I would hate to lose you to either madness, or other circumstances within that city." Kingpin said, with Spider-Man nodding, before taking his leave, while Kingpin reclined in his chair, smoking his cigar, already preparing count his increasing income.
Triskelion.
"So, the specialists have finished their analysis?" Fury asked of Coulson.
"Yes, sir. It is confirmed to have been Castle, one hundred percent match." Coulson said. "We have found trace amounts of adhesive compounds on his body. They are not one hundred percent a match, but could be used to create something akin to Spider-Man's Web."
"Or it could be a new version someone cooked up, maybe got their hands on Peter's notes or something." Fury said, before taking a sigh. "And you sure you saw him on that roof?"
"With my own eyes, sir." Coulson said. "Same as Captain Watanabe. She will keep quiet, at least for now."
"Good, the last thing we need is dead people coming back to life." Fury stated, as he rose up from his seat. "Or giving people the impression of it happening."
"With all due respect, sir, but are we certain that this is just a pretender and not…" Coulson did not voice the full part, with Fury finishing it for him.
"Not Peter Parker, come back from the dead to haunt us?" Fury asked of Coulson. "I've personally confirmed his death, Coulson, and destroyed the body, so that there's no chance of him being back."
"Perhaps, but if it really were him?" Coulson asked of Fury.
"Then… Then we would be in serious problem." Fury commented. "Spider-Man was a juvenile messy teenager, but after that bloodbath he showed his real colors. And he did that after losing his best mate, imagine what he would do to those who killed his parents, his aunt and uncle who raised him, and ensured his life was miserable?" Fury asked in a rhetorical fashion, knowing full well that Spider-Man would be in full right to do so.
Well, looks like I'm still in my Spider-Man phase, so let's see what my imagination has come up with, along with my first, more or less, villain story, with Spider-Man taking the role of protagonist, and villain. As you may have deduced, this isn't set in the normal or adjacent to MCU or 616 universe, as there are no Avengers yet, but there was Spider-Man already, and now he is back.
For those who are wondering, this Spider-Man is built like Batman, literally, and in many ways, will be comparable to him in terms of training and capabilities outside of fighting. Also, I will be using elements from DC Universe, without making it into a full on Crossover, just expect places, some characters and other stuff to be added in, to spice things up.
Now, more will be revealed about this Spider-Man later on, but know that he will be on the villains' side, yet not like most supervillains. Hope you enjoy this chapter and story and give me your opinion, ideas for the future events and what you wish to see.
Now, for the moment I must warn you that my updates may not have as much consistency as my Agent of Hydra did, since my work shift has changed, and latter half of April will be packed for me. Keep it mind, for I may not be able to squeeze as many chapters as I usually did.
See ya!