The Beginning
The sun was drawing nearer to the horizon and the swirling glow of magic swarmed Peter. The ebb and flow of the magic pulled and pushed the air around him as Dr.Strange chanted foreign words as the magic swirled stronger. The push and pull became unbearable, the feeling of ripping and tearing pulsed in Peters chest. Dr.Strange’s eyes glanced over at Peter, a soft almost solemn expression woven deep in his mysterious and enchanting eyes. “Peter… are you… are you sure? Doing this could have… consequences… unforeseen consequences. You’d be in a whole new place; a whole new world and after you’re transported there, you’d be all alone. Maybe I should even create an alternate… version… just to help you, but are you truly sure?” Strange peered at the young boy, his eyes watching the boy carefully. Peter simply sighed, peering at his two friends broken expression as the rumble of his universe shook him from his thoughts and strengthened his resolve.
“Yes, I’m sure Dr.Strange. This… this is something I have to do. No something that I have to fix.” Peters' eyes stared at Dr.Strange, his eyes screaming his resolve. The sight had Stranges’ eyes widen before softening once more. Peter took just a single second to glance at his friends, their eyes screaming, begging, pleading. He turned away. Dr.Strange looked at Peter once more, nodding before he continued his spell. A swirling, golden portal began to form around Peter and began to lift him up. Peter closed his eyes, preparing for the transport. Then a sudden thought crossed his mind.
“Wait… Mister Strange what did you mean by another ver?!” Before Peter could finish his sentence and ask Dr.Strange what the hell he meant he was pulled through the intricate webs of the universe. A pull and stretch pierced his soul, his body condensed and expanded and before the drop a hazy, shaking shadow formed in his vision, then… darkness.
“Ow!” Repeated both Peter and … Peter? Before Peters vision was a grim and grunge alley, trash and sewage filled his lungs but what caught his eyes was… himself? Except it wasn’t himself, it was different? The boy before him opened his eyes and peered up at Peter, eyes locking with his counterpart. Both stared at each other in shock. The boy before Peter was tall… like really reallytall. Like holy shit, they’re a giant! Their eyes were a deep blue almost a navy hazel colour, their hair was a dark brown to the point it was borderline black. What really caught Peter off guard was what the boy was wearing, an ash grey suit with dark blue webbing and a wolf with a spider crawling on it emblem embedded into his chest. In the boys' grasp was an ash grey mask with pointed tips, almost looking like ears. His belt… whip? Peter wasn’t quite sure but whatever it was it laid on the boy like a tail. Peter caught himself staring and began to panic at the awkwardness, but he took notice that just as he was staring so too was the boy. Their eyes locked and in that moment a light purring buzz ebbed through both boys. Same.
“Who… um who are you?” Peter spluttered out and began to feel the warm pulse of a blush form. The boy just stared at Peter. Awkward. Still Peter felt a sense of… familiarity? Unity? Whatever it was it wouldn’t hurt to confirm some things… albeit exposing himself in the process. Whatever, it wouldn’t be the worse thing he’s done. Peter Parker luck made sure of that. So, with a deep breath Peter began again. “Peter. Peter Parker. I umm think you’re like me… judging from the electrical buzz and costume.” At that Peter motioned towards both him and the boy's costumes. The boy looked down at where Peter gestured to him then suddenly the boy began recoiling back and hitting his face with his hand as a deep blushed formed on his cheeks. “I um… were you umm also bit by a genetically modified and radioactive black widow and then became a spider themed vigilante too?” Peter squeaked out, attempting to smile and shrug. The boy simply stared at Peter, eyes wide and mouth a little agape. Peter felt his stomach flip and recoil as he felt himself sink into the pits of embarrassment. Then… a laugh? The boy began laughing and his eyes watered.
“Holy, haha. Wow. Guess it’s a small world? Universe?” The boy chuckled out, tilting his head to the side as his hair fell over his eyes. The boy took a deep breath and pushed his loose hair from his eyes before crouching forward and peering at Peter. “Jayson Johnson. Got bit by a genetically modified and radioactive wolf spider.” The boy gestured to his emblem before continuing. “Went by WolfSpider… you?” Jayson gestured to Peters costume, a small shy smile etching onto Peters face. Wow. So, this is what Strange meant by ‘an alternate version’.
“Your neighbourhood friendly, Spider-Man!” Peter beamed out, feeling himself chuckle at the catchphrase. Jayson simply smiled at Peter, his mouth smirking before he let out a chuckle. “So… I’m gonna presume you also aren’t from here.” Peter emphasised as Jayson simply nodded, a little hint of sadness in his eyes as he glanced at the floor chuckling to himself. “Well, at least I’m not alone. So that’s… something…” Peter began to ponder before finally coming up with an idea. Two Spider-Man’s… Spider-Men? Whatever you’d call it should be able to handle this new world and together they should be… okay? Hopefully. Regardless first things first, cover their costumes and get info. Peter turned to look at Jayson to share his thoughts before noticing the boy had somehow managed to hide his costume with ragged and torn clothes. Huh, guess they had more in common with each other than he first realised. Jayson looked over at Peter, eyes glancing between the street and Peter, a small, confused smile making its way onto Jayson’s face. “Right, first we need info, then shelter and access to clean water and food. So maybe find a library and an abandoned building and go from there?” Peter shifted himself of up and off the ground, so too did Jayson. Peter patted himself down before glancing at Jayson.
Jayson looked over the street before looking back at Peter. “Library… might be easy to find. Abandoned building, 100 percent. Practically guaranteed. Food… gonna be tricky, and fresh water…” Jayson looked over the street once more then glanced at Peter with an unsure expression. “Don’t know how ‘fresh’ any water we get is gonna be, but maybe at best we’ll only get severe stomach pains?” Jayson shrugged, clearly not believing any water in this world will be safe for consumption and to be honest, Peters inclined to believe that. I mean if you were to go off the strong chemical smell that seems to emanate from the puddle formed by the bin the two are currently concealed by. Yeah… maybe hoping for fresh water is a bit of a stretch, but a boy can dream. With that Peter gestured for Jayson to follow his lead. Jayson simply shrugged, following behind Peter. Both found a little comfort in having each other. Not just cause they both are far, far from home but also safety in numbers. The people in this place seemed… distant.
“Well, those are some… friendly faces. Huh.” Jayson quipped out staring at the frowning and suspicious citizens, sarcasm practically lacing his every word as he rolled his eyes before looking down at Peter. Yes, looking down at Peter cause turns out this alternate version of Spider-Man was over 7ft tall! Like holy shi… no wonder some of the people were pausing to stare at the two, the man was practically a giant. Peter simply nodded in return to Jayson’s remark, still reeling in the fact that the man was over 7ft tall! 7ft tall! Jayson seemed to catch onto Peters spiralling descent into his thoughts and gently nudged him. Peter looked up at Jayson with a slight tint to his cheeks as the boy simply glanced over to somewhere before nudging Peter again. Peter… a little dazed and confused looked over to where Jayson had glanced to, only to find the library they had hoped to find. Huh, convenient. The two began to slowly walk towards the building, the dark gothic style complimenting the dark dismal aura of this place. Above hung the words ‘Gothem’s Library’. Well, they had a name to this place now. A positive Peter supposed. The two began to ascend the stairs, surprisingly the stairs seemed maintained, or they just weren’t used enough to ware and crack… most likely the latter of the two if the quite and desolate atmosphere of the inside was anything to go by. As they entered and encroached further a swish of long ginger caught the two’s eyes. There behind what was presumed to be a reception desk was a fair faced, ginger and gentle looking lady. It was the first friendly looking person the two had seen. The young lady began her usual greetings.
“Hello, welcome to Gothem’s Libra…ry?! Holy moly, you’re a giant!” The receptionist choked out, spluttering a little as she gazed up at Jayson. A small faint chuckle slipped out of Peter as Jayson simply reeled back from the explosive response, glaring a little at Peters clear amusement. Jayson brought a hand to his mouth and coughed before nudging Peter and smiling down at the receptionist, a single eyebrow raised, before tilting his head ushering for the receptionist to continue her interrupted greetings. The receptionist, blushing a little from the slip in composure turned to look at Peter before readjusting herself and taking a deep breath. “Ahem. Apologies. Where was I? Oh yes, hello and welcome to Gothem’s Library, is there anything you need or want help with today?” The woman spoke in a clear voice, with a customer service smile that simply emanated professionalism, at least it would if it wasn’t for her little slip up at the beginning. Not that Peter can blame her.
“Umm… are there any computers we could use?” Peter softly spoke as he tried to maintain his composure as he glanced at Jayson who seemed to be looking over himself in confusion like he was totally unaware of just how huge he truly was. His expression was priceless, and Peter had to do everything in his power not to snicker and laugh at Jayson’s clear and utter confusion. The receptionist smiled at Peter and began typing away at her laptop before smiling at the two and choosing to make eye contact with Peter. Probably because he was the only one, she reasonably could.
“Yes, we do have computers, however, to access them you’ll need a library card. I’m presuming you two don’t?” There was a slight change in the woman’s voice and appearance, almost like she was looking for something. Peter felt the strange urge to fidget under her gaze, like she was trying to look straight through him. Peter simply nodded; I mean he could probably hack into the computer without a library card but that could draw more attention than just hacking with a library card. “Well then all I need is your names and date of birth and preferably some sort of identification however that isn’t mandatory.” The woman smiled, though her smiled seemed to hide something behind it and it seemed even Jayson picked up on the strange undertones, though neither seemed to sense any danger so maybe it was just the fact they were in an unfamiliar place. Peter glanced at Jayson who simply looked over at Peter and shrugged. Taking that as the all clear sign, Peter turned to the receptionist catching a name tag that wrote ‘Barbara Gorden’ a name that Peter made sure to lock into his memory.
“Peter Parker, 18, Birthday August 10th 2001. That’s Jayson Johnson, he’s… um.” Peter began to stumble a little, he didn’t want to presume their birthdays were the same and if they were it would be better to lie. However, his stuttering caught the attention of Barbara, and she raised an eyebrow as her eyes sharpened. Shit. Well, this is bad, before Peter could dig the hole deeper, Jayson chimed in.
“18, February 16th 2002. And you? Barbara?” Jayson’s voice was monotone at best and his words were laced with sarcasm once more but this time with the added flare of venom. The two had a staring contest and from the recoiling and scrunching expression of Barbara it seemed Jayson had won the match. Seemed that this spider themed vigilante was a lot more sarcastic and intense than Peter. Hmm a thought for future Peter. Barbara, a little miffed and also evidently slightly intimidated, no doubt Jayson’s sheer size and mass had a huge part to play in that, handed the two their library cards and returned her customer service smile, albeit a little more strained than before. Peter ushered Jayson to follow him as the two roamed around the library before coming across the computer area, both choosing to sit the furthest distance from eyes and cameras, vigilante habits no doubt.
The two began to search different things, there’s efficiency in looking at all areas when it comes to gathering info. Jayson stuck to more conventional research, searching history and basic info on the societal structure, norms and influential figures… you know normal stuff. Peter however took the time to really dive deep into his research. He began hacking government files and sites, creating birth certificates, identification, social security numbers, health care records, you know anything that’ll make both him and Jayson seem like they belong and aren’t just two people that blipped into existence less than an hour ago. As Peter delved more into hacking, he peered over at Jayson’s screen, catching sight of a rich, influential figure by the name of ‘Bruce Wayne’. Jayson simply stared at the articles an almost bored expression gracing his features as the harsh glow of the computer had both boys reeling back a little. Heightened senses have their pros and cons, Peter supposed. At the thought of the rich figure that was Bruce Wayne a thought encroached Peters mind. Money. They were going to need money and who else to help them with that than dear old billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne. Peter began creating a shared account for the two before hacking into Bruce Waynes account and taking around $1,000. It would seem a lot to them but to a billionaire, they’d probably never be the wiser. Jayson peered over at Peter clearly unamused by whatever article he had been reading and caught a glimpse at what Peter was doing. Jayson’s eyes widened as he realised what Peter was doing. “Dude, are you seriously hacking in a public library and not only that but stealing from some billionaire?” Jayson’s hushed whisper still seemed to encapsulate his sarcastic tone even if there was no sarcasm present in his words. “What if we get caught, I really don’t think we wanna deal with some billionaire that has his claim on the entirety of Gothem on our ass.” Jayson hushed out making sure to pay close attention to their surroundings.
“Trust me, if I’ve learned anything steal from old money. New money is obsessed, old money is bored. He won’t notice and even if he does, I doubt he’d care it’s not like I’m taking thousands, just enough to get us going before we find a way to make a secure living.” Peter whispered out, memories of Mister Stark pulling him close and teaching him the ways of old money and snobby rich dickheads. Jayson, a little unconvinced simply looked at Peter with a stern, yet bored expression before turning back towards his computer eyes glancing between Peter and his screen. “What?” Peter ushered out clearly taking the hint that Jayson wants to show him something.
“Well… hope you weren’t planning on being Gothem’s ‘friendly neighbourhood, Spider-Man’ anytime in the future.” Jayson deadpanned out, making sure the words ‘friendly neighbourhood, Spider-Man’ were in heavy quotations. Peter simply stared at Jayson a slight pout forming at the obvious sarcasm and venom the boy intended Peter to notice. Jayson simply glanced at Peter; expression stilled bored. Peter simply ushered for Jayson to continue his explanation. Jayson sighed before continuing. “Well other than Gothem not exactly emanating the ‘positive friendly’ kinda vibe, we have… bigger issues.” Jayson simply looked away, tilting his head away from Peter and staring at the dimming street outside, a small hum leaving his now sharpening features. Peter confused and a little on edge now gently nudged Jayson hoping the boy would explain instead of leaving him in the dark. Jayson continued to glare at the streets outside but continued his explanation. “From what I can gather from news articles and security camera footage.” Peter didn’t let the security footage mention slip by, a small smirk encroaching on his face. Look who’s hacking on a library computer now, huh?
“I can feel you smirking and can hear your thoughts from here, just so you know.” Jayson drawled out, tearing his eyes away from the street for a second to glance at Peter with a raised eyebrow, an unimpressed look on his face. Peter simply looked away and began whistling while rocking back and forth. Jayson simply rolled his eyes and continued staring at the streets before continuing. “As I was saying, while reading and going over footage I’ve found two things. One, Gothem has its vigilante crusade looking over it and two, it seems the main leader of the vigilante group, who goes by the alias of ‘Batman’ seems to have a strict no meta rule imposed on Gothem. And… from what I can gather and infer we fall under this ‘meta’ category.” Jayson continued to stare out at the street, a new meaning behind his sharpening and scowling features coming to light. It seems Gothem’s people wasn’t the only ones who were unwelcoming. A soft shit left Peters mouth as he raised his hand to cover it, slowly sinking into deep thought. “Shit, indeed.” Jayson huffed out, clearly the two shared some sort of bad luck. Maybe it wasn’t just a Peter thing but a spidey thing instead.
From further on in the library the two heard the familiar soft but domineering voice of the library receptionist, Barbara. “The library is closing in 5 minutes, so finish what you need and get ready to head out, please.” The two looked at each other and began erasing all indications of what they had been doing, making sure to keep the less incriminating activities still on the computer to avoid any suspicions in case someone decided to check for some reason. The two got up and started to leave. Jayson was the first out of the building while Peter stayed behind for just a sec to bid his farewells and give his thanks to the receptionist. “I hope to see you two again.” Barbara softly said, a smile gracing her features once more. Peter simply nodded before bowing and ducking away after Jayson. Jayson was stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Peter, his head slightly tilted and eyes following Peter intently.
“Come on we should find some form of shelter.” Peter ushered out, gesturing for Jayson to follow suit. The two began their search for a building to take shelter in. They found many an abandoned infrastructure, but the problem became not finding an abandoned building but finding one that wasn’t just a layer of rubble and debris. Eventually after a long journey and the setting of the sun, the two found a relatively intact building. Sure, it was decrepit and smelled of foul chemicals and carnage. But it had walls… and a roof. So truly it was sent from the heavens. One thing though did make it a little… unappealing. In front of the mostly intact building stood a crumpling worn out sign reading ‘Radioactive. Stay Away!’ Well, it wasn’t the most welcoming of signs both literally and figuratively but with radiation already flowing through both their bloods it’d probably be okay.
Plus, no sane person would go near a radioactive site, so they were safe from any harm except radiation poisoning. Still with the streets becoming darker and the encroaching sounds of gunshots and explosions, a radioactive death pit seemed the more welcoming option. The two began to scale the wall, and by scale Peter meant crawl and squeeze through the cracked window on the 4th floor. Jayson began settling into a dark corner, peering out through the window every so often. Paranoid, perhaps? Peter wasn’t sure but he couldn’t exactly blame the guy. Tomorrow they’d have to set about securing food and water and maybe get to know each other. If push comes to shove being able to cooperate and aid one another might just get them out of a sticky situation. For now, though, Peter was more than happy to rest. Finally, he could finally rest. “Night Jayson.” Peter whispered out, getting a soft hum in response. As he felt his eyes closed Peter thought back on home. A single tear fell.
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“B… I have something I think you might want to hear.” A feminine and dominating voice rang out in the padded room, the light clicks and taps of a keyboard softly filled the otherwise quite room.
“Speak.” A deep, grating voice boomed through the room despite the individual not shouting. Their presence demanded respect and fear.
“Two boys were at the library today. Not too strange except they seemed… off.” The woman spoke, a slight tremble to her voice wether she intended it or not. The man on the other end picked up on it, a low growl rumbling from his throat. From behind the faint sounds of snickering and giggling could be heard. The woman sighed before continuing. “The two approached in need of the computers and signed up for library cards, one seemed… nice albeit a little awkward, the other…” She paused trying to find the words. “The other was… intense to say the least, I picked up on the fact he didn’t like me observing his friend. Was quick to turn the questioning and observing onto me. It felt… dangerous.”
At those words the others behind the man hushed and the looming figure on the coms let out a deep, cruel growl clearly displeased by the implications of a threat towards the woman. “Regardless I got their name and age… the thing is they didn’t exist… or at least didn’t exist on government records until 2 hours after I checked for their information.” At that a boy peeked out from behind the large figure, eyes hidden behind a red mask, though despite that it was clear the boy was interested and intrigued by the implications and notion of two people suddenly appearing on the data base. The woman continued. “I tried to glance at what they were doing but both were conveniently sat away from any cameras and away from my sight, like they knew to avoid it.” A deep strange indeed left the man's throat before the woman continued one final time. “I felt it when I first talked to both of them, they knew I was trying to worm info out of them. Clearly, they are two we should look out for.”
The man on the coms hummed, clearly deep in thought and analysing the new information. “Indeed. Any information on them?” The man huffed out as the boy beside him leaned closer into the coms clearly eager to hear what the woman had to say.
“Well, they gave their names… well presumably their names. Peter Parker, 18, born August 10th 2001. Short, slightly curled brown hair, brown eyes. Freckles, dimples, seems relatively friendly but still just as cautious. Wearing a black shirt and baggy trousers, a little scruffy, presumably from being on the streets. I’d say a little over 5’10.” The man nods and the boy takes notes of all the details he’s given. “Jayson Johnson, 18, born February 16th 2002. Short, straight-ish looking hair, dark brown but almost black, deep blue eyes that almost are navy brown? Some scarring, most notably a scar on his left side going from his brow and over his eyelid. Looks like an old wound, may have slightly impaired vision. Unclear. He’s cautious like the other one but definitely more sarcastic if not even a little rude. Wearing a black hoodie and jeans.”
Before the woman could continue another voice chipped in. “Name Jayson, sarcastic and a little rude. You sure you aren’t describing our Jason?” The boy snickered, an angry growl coming from behind.
“Sarcastic? Definitely. Rude? Yeah. I mean the boy full on looked at me and went ‘and you? Barbara?’ and then proceeded to stare down at me with this honestly a little intimidating glare.” At that all the individuals on the other end of the coms perked up and began to bubble and boil with rage.
“What?! He glared at you!” The teasing voice from before shot up, rage lacing their words. “Perhaps I should have a talk with this other Jayson.” The others mumbled in agreement, clearly all sharing the sentiment and disliking the idea of someone threatening the woman.
“Did I forget to mention he’s over 7ft tall?” At that the hushed murmurs came to a stop, all paused in what was clear shock and horror at what the woman had just revealed to them.
“7ft tall! You know what… never-mind. I’m sure you can handle this.” A nervous chuckle was heard from the coms. The woman simply rolled her eyes.
“That’s… hmm. We should definitely look into those two. Oracle try to find anything about those two. R look through the files. N, Hood pay them a… visit.” The larger man spoke, as R eagerly began typing away on the computer while N looked at the man in horror and Hood glared at him.
“Will do, contact you later, B.” With that Oracle shut down the coms. Now all she had to do was find the two.