A/N Once more the standard disclaimer as insisted by my lawyers at the Law Firm of Hild, Tokimi, and Associates: I do not own any of these recognizable Marvel properties and this is for fun, no profit here so please no lawsuits.

As always, reviews are greatly appreciated.

That said, we present...

Chapter Ten: Interview

"So you see, I established the Xavier Institute to train gifted individuals. Mutants... Much like yourself in the use of their abilities."

"Except that technically speaking I'm not a mutant."

The X-men looked in surprise even as Xavier nodded in understanding. "That would explain why Cerebro was unable to locate you. It is designed to scan for the X-gene."

"But if you're not a mutant... How did you get your powers?" Kitty asked.

"Well... I'm not sure you would believe me."

"Let me guess." Scott said. "You were bitten by a radioactive spider."

Ben waved a hand. "Of course not!"

"Yeah Scott! Don't be ridiculous!" Bobby rejoined.

"I'm a clone of a guy who was bitten by a radioactive spider." He pointed out with a smirk under his mask.

Everyone looked at him with a mixture of astonishment and suspicion.

"I swear... Well at least I'm pretty sure I'm the clone." Ben pondered this. Yes he was fairly certain. The way Peter had embraced MJ that night. Ben could only remember feeling that way for Gwen... Gwen who was now gone. Her clone was out there somewhere but Perhaps it would be for the best for her to have a life without Spider-men and the dangers that followed them.

"You realize you're putting us all at risk of exposure with your little hero bit." Wolverine said coolly.

"It's not a bit." Ben bristled. "We do this because we have to. This isn't some sort of game. I do this because I was given great power... And a damned better man than you taught us that with Great Power comes great responsibility You think it's some kind of dream dealing with people who want to kill you and don't care who gets hurt in the process?" Or just hurt you and not caring who gets killed along the way... The only thing worse is knowing that if I quit... Those maniacs will still be out there. Hurting people because they can! So forgive me if I don't particularly care about your opinion." He said pointedly at an annoyed Logan.

Xavier quickly interposed himself between them. I only pray that Jean and the other girls are listening my masked friend. "Please! Logan... Now is not the time." He gave Wolverine a look then turned to Ben.

"I ask you to forgive us for the way that sounded, but Wolverine is quite correct in that there is a reason we mutants prefer to remain in anonymity. If we were to be exposed under the wrong circumstances, the potential for misunderstanding and panic is immense and could result in a wave of anti-mutant hysteria.

"Frankly there are those mutants who believe that conflict with humanity is inevitable. They are convinced that the only chance for mutant survival lies in violent struggle. We oppose this. Mutants and humans must be able to reason together but to do that, we must await a time when conditions are more favorable for revealing to the world of our existence. I believe that you can understand that the wrong sort of exposure can twist even the best actions and intentions into something unpleasant."

Ben reluctantly nodded in agreement.

"Yet it is also true that the world is better off for having heroes among its marvels." Xavier added.

"So what is it you want with me?" Reilly asked

"We would like you to join us." Xavier replied. "Even if you aren't a mutant, your skills and abilities would be a considerable asset to us. And I believe our mutual association would be of benefit to you as well. It would be an opportunity to possibly help millions."

Ben thought carefully for a minute.

"I'll accept with certain conditions."

"And what would those be?" Xavier asked calmly.

"First is that I owe a great deal to someone in Bayville. He helped me when I had nothing because he decided it was the right thing to do and while I intend to pay forward what he gave me, I still intend to do anything I can to repay him and his wife."

"Not unreasonable. We'll see what we can do." Xavier promised impressed by the young man's integrity. "Second?"

"Second is that I still have an obligation here in Bayville. I'm not going to give that up."

"I think we can work out an acceptable compromise on that. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. I'll give you MY identity but not Spider-man's. Don't pursue it. Even if we learn he's the clone, I have no intention of EVER telling him. I'm not going to wreck his life over a meaningless so called 'truth'. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

"Then I guess we have a deal.'' Reilly said. "Well then I suppose it's time to take this mask off..." He pulled it off revealing the face of a blonde haired twenty year old.

"I'm Ben Reilly. How do you do?"

Magneto's Lair (The next day)

Magneto was surprised when Sabretooth returned. He noted the faint traces of finger shaped scars still on Creed's face.

"What happened?"

Sabretooth scowled as he reached for some burn cream. "Even with mutant healing this still burns like hell."

"Where is the Scarlet Spider?"

"Don't know. Didn't see him. The guy what did this sure weren't him but whoever he is... I'd hate to be someone he was really mad at.''

"Could we recruit him?" Magneto asked intrigued.

"Doubt it. He's got his own agenda and I'm guessin' he ain't gonna take to taking orders from anybody. Take my advice. Leave this one alone and let someone else get in his way.''

Downtown Bayville (Later that afternoon)

'Randy Green' aka Mystique stood waiting at the bus stop arms folded and unhappy. She had gotten the call from Jameson that Peter Parker would be arriving to assist her in investigating both the Scarlet Spider and Spider-man, who was now presumed to be heading for or already in Bayville looking to confront his copy. Professionally, Randy Green had no cause to object. Parker being known for his ability to find the notorious wall crawler might be a particularly valuable asset. But Mystique on the other hand found very little to like about this situation. She certainly didn't need this human looking over her shoulder. She would keep him in the loop as much as necessary in regards to the Scarlet Spider, but as far as she was concerned, their investigations would be completely separate.

Currently a young man with dark hair got off the bus.

"Peter Parker?"

"Yes?" Peter couldn't understand why he felt the tiniest twinge in his Spider senses. Probably just nerves. He's out there somewhere. Peter thought to himself.

"I'm Randy Green. Mr. Jameson said we would be working together." She held out her hand politely.

He shook it politely. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way Ms. Green but I think that we'll cover more ground if we work different angles."

Inside Mystique smiled. So Mr. Parker has his own angles to play... Works for me!

"No offense taken." She smiled a touch. "I understand completely Mr. Parker..."

To Be Continued...