AlienWarlord
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C518 Spider-Man
🕑 Added 2023-11-02 05:48:12 +0000 UTCThe dimly lit meeting room held a heavy silence as the screen dimmed, and the lights came back on. Both sides of the League sat in stunned silence, their faces etched with horror and conflict.
Each of them had witnessed the graphic depictions of crime, chaos, and suffering caused by the very villains they had once apprehended and subsequently allowed to be released. The weight of their previous methods and the consequences of their actions now bore down on them.
Batman maintained his usual scowl, but inside, he too grappled with the grim reality the documentary had unveiled. Though he remained quiet, neither confirming nor denying any change of heart.
Taking a deep breath, Peter, the man who had masterfully orchestrated this eye-opening presentation, snapped his fingers, deactivating the magical restraints that had kept Batman and his followers captive. They made good on their agreement to watch the entire video without interruption, so now they were free.
Superman stepped forward, his expression solemn. "I want to apologize for subjecting you all to such atrocities," he began. "But it was necessary to make you realize the harsh truth of the world and the roles we've played in it. We had to show you why we've chosen this new path."
Wonder Woman added, her voice filled with empathy, "We're not seeking to punish you, but to open your eyes to the suffering that we've allowed to continue. We believed we were doing the right thing, but it's time for a change."
The League members who had once staunchly supported Batman's no-killing policy now found themselves wrestling with the grim reality they had witnessed. It was a transformative moment, and their expressions slowly shifted from shock to understanding.
Green Lantern was the first to break the silence. "I never realized the extent of the devastation caused by our methods," he admitted, his voice laced with regret. "We were too focused on the rules and ideals, and we failed to see the bigger picture."
Aquaman reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Flash was right," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "We It felt like we were doing the right thing, but was it truly the right thing for innocent people in that video? If we had just killed certain criminals, then none of that would have happened..."
One by one, the released League members began to voice their agreement, recognizing the need for change. The room's atmosphere shifted from resistance to a shared understanding of the necessity of more extreme measures against unforgivable criminals.
Peter smirked, happy his plan seemed to be working. “What about you, Bats?” He asked, eyeing Bruce curiously.
“…” Instantly, everyone turned their attention to Batman, the one who had always been the unwavering proponent of the no-killing policy. All eyes were on him, wondering how he felt about this revelation and if he too would change his stance.
The silence grew increasingly uncomfortable, broken only by the faint hum of the room's ventilation. Peter's question hung in the air, challenging Batman to reveal his stance on the matter.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Batman spoke, his voice as resolute as ever, "I understand the need for change. I've seen the devastation and suffering caused by our methods, and it's a burden that I’ll continue to carry." He paused, his gaze unwavering. "But I still believe that killing is not the answer."
Peter couldn't help but exclaim, exasperation in his voice, "Ugh… Come on already! You've seen the evidence. You've seen what allowing these criminals to continue living does to innocent people. Your ideals have merit, but it's not working… You've seen that it doesn't prevent more suffering, it perpetuates it."
Superman, standing by Peter's side, sighed and offered a wry smile, having expected this from Batman. He respected the Dark Knight's unwavering dedication to his ideals, even if it was starting to tax his patience.
Others in the room, those who had once been staunch advocates of Batman's ideals, chimed in with their own perspectives. They pleaded with Batman to reconsider, to adapt to the changing world and the new insights the documentary had provided.
Aquaman added, "Batman, your ideals have their place, but in a world where our actions have led to unimaginable suffering, we have to make a difficult choice. We can't allow these atrocities to continue."
Green Lantern spoke up as well, "It's not about becoming murderers, it's about putting an end to the suffering that these villains have caused for far too long. It's about saving lives and preventing more pain and loss."
However, Batman remained steadfast in his beliefs. He couldn't abandon his principles, no matter how compelling the evidence against them. His determination to preserve the sanctity of life was unwavering, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Frustration simmered in the room as those present tried in vain to sway Batman's stance. Everyone was ready and willing to follow Superman’s new way, except for him.
Finally, seemingly weary of the persistent attempts to change his mind, Batman rose from his seat. The room fell into a stunned silence as he declared, "If the League is so lost that you’d all turn to murderer to solve your problems, then I have no place here anymore."
The shock that rippled through the room was palpable. No one had expected Batman, the stoic leader of the League, to quit. The consequences of his decision hung heavy in the air as he strode toward the exit, each step carrying a weight that echoed like a drum.
But just as he reached the door, Peter couldn't let him leave without one more attempt to reach the Dark Knight. He snapped his fingers, which caused the door to slam shut in Batman’s face, locking him inside.
Batman turned back around, looking p*ssed off. “Open the door… now.” He ordered, a threateningly tilt to his voice.
“Not just yet.” Peter shook his head before speaking up. “What if I show you that our way works? Would you be willing to change your mind?”
Batman turned his glare to Peter, his gaze questioning. "What do you mean, show me that it works? How?"
Ignoring Batman’s question for a moment, Peter turned to Superman and asked, "Can we end this meeting and talk in private? It's a delicate matter, and I think it's best discussed away from prying ears."
There were a few murmurs of protest from the remaining League members, who were eager to hear Peter's plan, but Superman nodded and instructed everyone to leave. "We'll hold another meeting soon to outline the new rules for the League. But for now, please give us some privacy."
As the League members left the room, the heavy doors closed behind them, leaving only Peter, Superman, Batman, and Tony. The atmosphere in the room shifted, and Peter finally revealed his plan.
Peter met Batman's gaze calmly. "I mean, I can take you to a universe where they've adopted a similar approach, where they don't hesitate to deal with these kinds of criminals. You'll see for yourself that it works, especially in the long run, which I’m sure is your main concern."
Batman's skepticism remained evident, but he couldn't help but be intrigued. "And how do you plan to do that?"
Tony smirked knowingly. “We have a ship that can travel the multiverse.”
“How else do you think we got here?” Peter looking directly at Batman. "I can take you to my universe where we've been following a similar approach to the one Superman has been proposing. There, you'll see firsthand how it's worked for us, how it's made a difference."
Batman remained skeptical, his arms crossed. "And why would I agree to this?"
Peter's smirked as he spoke, "Because sometimes seeing is believing, Batman. You're not one to take things at face value, and I respect that. I think if you see the results with your own eyes, you might consider a new perspective."
Superman, who had been quietly observing the exchange, couldn't contain his excitement. "I think it's a great idea, Peter. I'd like to come along too, if you don't mind. After all, traveling to another universe is an opportunity that I’d regret missing out on."
Tony chimed in enthusiastically. "I can’t wait to show you guys how much better the Avengers are compared to the Justice League~" He just wanted to show off, and so did Peter.
Peter shrugged. “Well, that’s just obvious…”
Batman sighed, his reluctance evident, but he couldn't deny that the idea intrigued him. "Fine, I'll go. But I'm not promising to change my stance. I just want to see this for myself."
Peter nodded, satisfied with Batman's agreement. "That's all I'm asking for." He says as he waves his hand, opening a portal to his and Tony’s temporary base in Gotham. “After you…”
Superman raised a brow. “We’re leaving now?”
“Yeah, we might as well get this done before he changes his mind.” Peter says as they step through the portal one by one, finding a normal looking room with a tall metallic cylinder sat in the middle.
“Is this your ship?” Batman asks, surprised by how small it was. After all, it’s about the size of a small closet or a public phone box.
“Yup…” Peter smirked as he approached the ship. It stood a bit taller than he was, unassuming in appearance. He glanced over his shoulder at the others, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Time for my favorite part," he announced, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Superman and Batman exchanged puzzled glances, not sure what Peter was getting at. Tony, however, rolled his eyes, already familiar with the routine. He knew that Peter thrived on moments like these. "You never get tired of this, do you?"
Peter chuckled and turned his attention back to the cylinder. With a flourish, he opened the door, revealing the interior of the ship. It was incredibly vast, a sprawling expanse of advanced technology and sleek design, a stark contrast to the exterior's humble appearance.
Superman's eyes widened in astonishment, and he couldn't help but utter the words that always seemed to make Peter's day. "It's bigger on the inside."
Peter couldn't help but laugh at Superman's comment, his excitement bubbling over. "Ah, you said it! I love that part." He flashed a grin at Tony, who was unimpressed.
"Seriously, when is that joke going to get old?" Tony asked, though he couldn't deny the wonder of the technology he and Peter possessed.
Peter just shrugged, still grinning. "Never."
With everyone on board, Peter set about starting up the ship's systems. Without explaining anything to his guests, he started up the ship, which soon phased in and out of this universe before finally disappearing altogether. It was a sensation that could make one's stomach churn if they weren't used to it.
Seconds later, the ship reappeared on top of the Avengers tower, with the New York City skyline stretching out below. Peter opened the doors, ushering the shocked Superman and Batman into his and Tony's universe with a wide grin.
"Welcome to our world," he said, gesturing to the cityscape. "Now, let's show you what we're all about."
A/N: 1868 words :)
Comments
Jake122
Great story.
Nazarickk
Thanks for the chapter
