C646 Spider-Man (Patreon)
Content
“So… have you changed your minds yet?”
In the wake of Peter's question, a heavy silence hung over the assembly. The Avengers and the Justice League exchanged uncertain glances, their prior decisions now wavering under the impressive display of united strength before them.
Peter couldn't resist a subtle smirk, mirroring the expressions of people like Tony Stark and Superman, who had fought for and voted to join Peter’s multiverse endeavor, but were outvoted in the process.
The once-confident groups were now uncertain, grappling with the realization that perhaps their initial decisions weren't as sound as they had believed.
Deciding to let the gravity of the moment sink in, Peter turned away from the hesitant heroes of the Avengers and the Justice League, directing his attention back to the diverse gathering of his new organization.
With a commanding presence, he addressed the Spider-People, Wakandans, Talokans, Asgardians, Valkyries, and the elites of Kamar-Taj.
"Truthfully, it doesn't matter if they join or not," Peter declared, gesturing towards the two groups beside him. "We have an infinite multiverse to recruit from. If these Avengers turn us down, we'll just ask the next. And if this Justice League doesn't want to take the security and safety of its universe seriously, then perhaps the next one will..."
The weight of Peter's words echoed through the minds of the undecided heroes. The realization that they were, in fact, replaceable and that alternate versions of themselves could easily fill the void left a profound impact.
In the midst of the contemplative silence, Jessica Drew raised her hand, seeking clarity. "Is that what we're doing now? Are we securing each other's universes from outside harm?"
Peter nodded in response. "Exactly. We'll operate similarly to the old Spider-Society. No outright killing of anomalies, no policing of Canon Events, of course. We've learned by now that, that was all bullsh*t. But as you said, the safety of each other's universes will be our number one priority…”
“I see, thank you…” Jessica nodded, clearly happy with the answer she received.
Peter continues. “The main reason that many of you Spider-People joined this little nameless organization of mine is simple. You want to go after the people that wronged you, the Council of Kang’s. But what happens after we’ve dealt with the Council? What will you do then?”
He paused for a moment to let his words sink in before continuing. “I’ll tell you what you’ll do, you’ll go back to your own universes and do what every Spider-Man and Woman does, you’ll protect your people. But what if another threat appears? An evil organization like the Kang’s or a multiverse hopping monster that you can’t deal with alone?”
Instantly, the crowd went silent. After all, many of the Spider-People here planned to leave Peter’s employment the second their goal was accomplished. But now, they began his second guess themselves.
Peter surveyed the crowd, “And that’s what this organization is for! We’re here to be the Watchmen! Our main objective is to simply spread across the multiverse by recruiting likeminded individuals and watch, waiting for the moment when something or someone rears its ugly head. And that’s when we strike, defending against the many unknowns across the multiverse…”
A collective agreement rippled through the assembly. While the Spider-People harbored personal vendettas against the Council of Kangs, the concept of forming an organization dedicated to the safety and defense of their respective universes resonated with them.
Suddenly, a chant began to ring throughout the crowd, starting from the many rambunctious Asgardians in attendance and spreading to everyone else. They shouted, “Watchmen! Watchmen! Watchmen! Watchmen! Watchmen! Watchmen! Watchmen! Watchmen…!”
As the unity among the many heroes solidified, Peter felt a sense of accomplishment. The organization he envisioned was now grounded in a shared purpose, and the multiverse stood witness to the birth of a formidable alliance.
…
As the chanting of "Watchmen" gradually subsided, Peter could barely contain his amusement. His gaze flickered toward the Avengers and the Justice League, who had retreated into their own groups, engaged in hushed discussions about whether to join the newly named Watchmen.
Overhearing their deliberations with his enhanced hearing, Peter couldn't help but smirk, confident that his plan was working, and they would inevitably seek to join by the end of the day.
‘Everything is going as planned…’ Peter thought, though he never expected the name Watchmen to appear out of nowhere. ‘I was just giving an example, but I guess the name stuck…’
As the crowd's excitement settled, Peter seized the moment to address the diverse assembly. He produced a sleek, Apple Watch-looking device, capturing everyone’s attention. The Spider-People seemed to recognize the device, while others looked on with curiosity.
"Many of you may not know, but I made a promise in our last meeting, and now I'm delivering on it," Peter declared, holding up the device for all to see. He explained, "The old multiverse-hopping watches that the Spider-Society used were tampered with, and no longer viable. So, I spent the past week rebuilding them from scratch, making sure they’re secure and work properly."
Excitement rippled through the crowd, with Thor wearing an especially eager expression, envisioning the multiverse-spanning battles that awaited him.
Peter continued, emphasizing the new watches, "The most important part of these new watches are the Improved security features! These aren't toys. Misuse them, and we're talking catastrophic consequences.”
The crowd's reaction reflected a mix of understanding and acknowledgment of the potential risks involved. “…”
Peter flipped the watch over, revealing a small needle, which shot out of the backside. "This is for DNA verification," he explained. "When you strap it on, the watch will give you a little poke and catalog your blood. It'll only work for the person with that exact DNA."
Unbeknownst to the crowd, Peter kept a crucial detail hidden… the watch also verified the wavelength of the user's soul. This was just one of the many additional layers of security not explicitly disclosed.
After all, telling them wouldn’t do anything but make them aware. And Peter would much rather keep them in the dark and avoid any annoying questions or idiotic tinkerers, who decide that they want to crack the watch open and see how it works.
‘I truly pity the first idiot who tries to tamper with my watches…’ Peter thought, a vindictive look flashing over his face for a brief moment.
Continuing his explanation, Peter touched on another big change. "These watches will limit your travel. You'll only be able to freely access each other's universes for friendly visits and defensive purposes. Miguel may have allowed you to do whatever you want, to a certain extent, but I assure you, those days are over…”
The crowd's reaction to this restriction was mixed, reflecting a universal disdain for limitations on their personal freedom.
Spider-Punk was among those who were conflicted. On one hand, he enjoys his freedom, but on the other hand, he understands the need to keep people in check, especially after his time spent in the Spider-Society.
Sensing the discontent, Peter reassured them. "I know many of you won't misuse the watches, but I have to plan for the small fraction who might. However, that doesn't mean you won't be able to explore the multiverse. Just get permission for access to other universes, and you're good." His words seemed to soothe the initial discontent, “Of course, there will be guidelines for traveling to new universes, but we can go over that at another time…”
Murmurs spread throughout the crowd as everyone wondered what those guidelines might be, but most of all, everyone seemed to accept the added restrictions that were being placed on them.
The crowd hushed into a muted murmur as Peter raised his hand, signaling for their attention. "Alright, folks, time to get your new watches." He gestured towards the sleek watches resting on a table nearby. "Line up, one by one and I’ll hand them out. But remember, these watches belong to me, and I won't tolerate anyone trying to tamper with my property."
As the heroes formed a line, Peter's gaze scanned the crowd, making eye contact with a few individuals who seemed a bit more eager than the rest. He raised an eyebrow, his voice taking on a stern tone. "I see some curious minds out there. So let me make this clear.. if I catch anyone tampering with these watches, the consequences will be severe. Don't test me on this."
A ripple of unease spread through the assembly, and a few guilty expressions betrayed those who had contemplated dissecting the devices. Peter's warning sent shivers down their spines, reminding them of the weight behind his authority.
…
..
.
After the watches were distributed, Peter urged the members to explore their new base of operations. "Feel free to claim an apartment if you plan on staying for prolonged amounts of time. Just remember, this island is ours now, keep the place clean and don’t fight over insignificant things."
As the members of Watchmen dispersed, excited chatter filled the air, the Avengers and the Justice League stood nearby, watching Peter's interaction with a mix of curiosity and resignation.
They had reached a decision, swayed by the revelation of the Watchmen's true purpose and the impressive show of unity that Peter purposefully prepared for them.
Once the last members rushed off to explore the island, the Avengers and the Justice League stepped forward. Tony Stark spoke first, a hint of excitement in his tone. "I’m delighted to say that we've decided to join the Watchmen.” He said before his eyes were drawn to the watch on Peter’s wrist. “And as your bestest friend in the whole wide world, I expect my own watch that I can mess with all I want…”
These watches made their Tardis practically obsolete, and Tony was just too curious to crack them open and see how they worked.
Peter shrugged, a smile on his face. “Sure, Tony. I’ll even give you my notes and data. It’s not that different from our Tardis actually, so you already know how it works.” He trusted Tony not to be an idiot, especially since he already has a way of traveling the multiverse.
Superman spoke next, "We’d like to accept your offer as well. Our universe needs protection, and it seems you've got the right idea."
Batman stepped forward, “I’d also like access to your notes and data…”
“Hell no.” Peter answered swiftly, all to happy to turn down the Dark Knights request.
Batman’s lip twitched in annoyance. “…” He was about to argue with Peter, planning to convince him otherwise, but both Superman and Wonder Woman rested a hand on both of his shoulders, shaking their heads, silencing him.
Enjoying the angry scowl on Batman’s face, Peter handed out their watches before eyeing his newest members, a victorious feel welling up in his chest. "Welcome to the Watchmen."
‘I love it when a good plan comes together…’
A/N: 1827 words :) Do you guys like the name Watchmen? If not, give me names in the comments and I may change it.