Author's Notes: Have I lost my readers? No more reviews since... Ah well here's another chapter for all you reading this, whoever you are. The usual disclaimer applies and all that jazz; seriously though I should go to work for Marvel in their story writing department or whatever laughs.
The next morning after another good long shower and a decent breakfast I approached Mayday with a proposition; this was going to be difficult, but both the Professor and I agreed that Spider-Girl should be staying with her parents. Or at least the representation of her parents here in this reality; Scott agreed to take us both into town and now all I had to do was inform the young web slinger.
I found her in the back yard close to the swimming area that had recently been added; or so the Professor had told me, I believed the place had existed a lot longer then he proclaimed, but it wasn't until recently that the X-Men had decided to turn it into a makeshift pool. Kitty, Illyana and Jubilee were trying to both open up to the girl and get her to open up, but it wasn't easy because May wasn't in the mood to talk about anything.
"Uh, girls I'd like to have a word with Mayday." I informed as politely as I could.
"If you can get her to talk." Jubilee muttered in a hushed tone.
"Hush." Illyana chastised as the three of them quickly bid farewell and took their leave; May looked up at me and I rubbed the back of my neck in nervous tension. I didn't exactly know how the girl would feel leaving here to live with two people that might bring a flood of painful memories back to her, especially if what I'd heard in her mind was true.
"Uh, May the Professor and I got to talking at breakfast time and..." I paused wondering how best to phrase this so it wouldn't upset the girl. "We came to the conclusion that it might be better for you to stay with people you know." I finally managed; she shifted her weight a little and took up a different perch as she regarded me critically; I sure didn't like the way she was boring into me with her gaze like that, but I stood my ground.
"So you're going to send me to live with dad." She surmised an audible crack entering her tone at the mention of her father.
"Well he would be the ideal person to be with; I mean you both have secrets..." I trailed off averting my eyes from the intense look she was now shooting me with.
"You know who I am so I guess you know who my dad is." She surmised emphasizing the word dad in that last sentence; I nodded with a slight shrug.
"I know a lot of things about this Earth; or at least general stuff, so yeah I have a damn good idea who he is." I acquiesced. "That's why Scott agreed to drop us off at the New York Public Library so we could make our way to his apartment without letting him in on the secret." I elaborated.
"I guess it makes sense; no one really ever wants me to hang around for long... Too many bad memories I suppose." She muttered surprising me with how bitter she sounded.
"Now you just hold it right there young lady; I may not be up to speed on what went down before Roma plucked you out of your reality and requested your aid. But I damn well know for a fact that we'd love to have you stay here if we could; it's just not a good idea, besides letting Spider-Man in on what's going on might prove to be helpful in the long run so don't start hating everyone in the world just because of our decision." I snapped assuming the tone I used to whenever Amy crossed the line; May looked up at me in complete surprise and I shuddered a little from the effort to control my rage, I wasn't some jerk who'd toss someone out if they really needed a place to stay or anything like that. But I'd be damned if I let the girl stay here knowing that she'd just stick to this funk she was in and fail to open up or communicate with the X-Men like she did albeit very little with me. If it was one thing I knew; this reality had a Peter Parker who could talk to her and help her deal not to mention a Mary Jane Watson-Parker and Aunt May Parker who could really get people to feel a whole lot better.
"Sorry; I guess I'm still frightened about being taken over again." She whispered averting her gaze at last and looking out on the still waters of the lake.
"No big deal; I can understand what it's like to have your world beliefs ripped apart like that... I mean..." I stopped speaking as the memory of my assimilation hit me again; shrugging it off though I offered a friendly smile and a hand to help her up. "We can leave as soon as you're ready... Er and I hope you know the way, I kind of forget what apartment complex they're in." I admitted with a sheepish smile.
"Yeah I remember; funny for someone who claims to know a lot about this place you sure don't seem to know your way around to good." She quipped lightheartedly punching me in the shoulder as we headed back to the mansion.
"Hey give me a break; I never said I memorized the comics I just enjoyed reading them." I retorted hiding my own grin of amusement; she shook her head slightly exasperatedly and eyed me curiously.
"Just where in all the Omniverse did Roma dig you up?" She wondered faking an incredulous expression; I shot her a glare for about five seconds before I broke out into a hearty belly laugh.
"Don't ask me; I was in transit when she called me up." I quipped causing me to laugh all the more harder; she soon joined in though she didn't understand why and the two of us laughed ourselves silly all the way back to the mansion.
A few hours later after we'd taken the scenic route to get to Fifth Avenue Scott dropped us off in front of the New York Public Library; I recognized the location immediately and smiled at the familiar landmark, May wanted to get this over with right away. However I figured it would be better to wait until the evening considering Parker was a teacher and he wouldn't be home right now; besides I could use the opportunity to check out books on automotive repairs and the like so I could get a better grasp on the subject.
May sighed as she followed me down to the references section where such books were usually stored; I easily managed to locate the materials I needed and with her help hauled them over to a selected reading area.
"You wouldn't mind if I check out a different section would you?" She asked.
"No; I'd rather do this alone if you don't mind." I returned with a sheepish grin.
"No problem I'll meet you back here when it's time to head out." She stated slipping off down the aisles. I began to flip through the pages using my precise and logical mind to absorb the information at a rapid pace; I read each book in less then a minute or more depending on the length and amount of repair lingo in each one, I was so engrossed in my reading that I failed to pay attention to the odd tapping sound that was approaching my location. Without warning a noise from behind me alerted me to the arrival of someone else; I spun in my seat and found a rather ordinary looking man fumbling around on the floor for some reason. He had red hair and stood at least six feet tall; though from his current position I couldn't be sure, he was also wearing sunglasses inside.
"Oh, I'm extremely sorry." I apologized quickly getting up and helping the man up; apparently he'd tripped over one of my finished books, which I'd carelessly thrown behind me. Making sure he didn't notice anything suspicious I summoned the white cane he'd been searching for to my arm and passed it to him. "I guess I should really be taking better care of these things once I'm done with them." I added with a sheepish grin as I rubbed the back of my neck nervously.
"It's ok; I just heard such a commotion over here I had to see what was going on. You have quite the talent for speed reading." He complimented wryly as he held out his hand to grasp my own; I shook hands surprised at the firm grip he was using. "Matt Murdoch."
"Allan Rutherford." I returned. "And thanks for the compliment; I guess I forgot how fast I could be sometimes." I admitted with a slight chuckle.
"Well Mister Rutherford a pleasure to meet you; I trust we'll be seeing each other again some time." He stated politely bidding farewell with a brief nod before he began to walk off; now that I saw what the cane was used for I realized the man I'd been speaking to was blind. After he vanished from sight the sudden remembrance of his name forced me to lift my head back up from where I'd been straightening up the pile of read books and stare after the spot he'd vanished from.
"That was..." I trailed off remembering that he could probably still hear me. "It's true what they say; it is a small world." I muttered finishing up the work and then resuming my seat; I still had four books to get through and only an hour and fifteen minutes before I had to meet back with May.
Three minutes and thirty-seven seconds before the meeting time I was standing near the entrance having gleaned all the knowledge I possibly could; sometimes having this new photographic memory could really come in handy. Besides learning about automotive repairs I'd brushed up on aircraft repairs as well so I could help out with the Blackbird if ever I needed to; you never knew what to expect around the X-Men.
May and a strange teenage guy joined me a short time later; she was politely trying to get him to back off, though I could see she didn't mind the attention. As soon as he caught sight of me he shot May an incredulous look before switching to one of disgust as he eyed me; probably thought I was dating her or something seeing as how we didn't look like we were related.
I shot him a smug smirk; mind you it was only to help May get rid of him so we could get going to Peters' place already, he shot a death glare at me, but I shrugged it off. May and I quickly left before the guy could do or say anything and May took the lead walking at a brisk pace.
"Man some guys just don't know how to take a hint." She muttered with disgust.
"Tell me about it." I agreed with a sigh; not that I could empathize with her, then again some women couldn't take a hint either. "I trust we aren't going to take forever to get there." I added; not that I minded walking, but New York was one big city after all.
"Relax as soon as I find..." She trailed off as she spotted what she'd been looking for. "How much do you weigh?" She demanded leading me into the darker area of the alley.
"I don't know I haven't weighed myself in years..." I replied she eyed me critically then and seemed to nod slightly before she slipped behind a dumpster.
"Stay there." She ordered; I shrugged as if I wanted to see what she was doing since I had a pretty good idea and after all I was no peeping tom. A few minutes later Spider-Girl appeared from behind the dumpster and quickly shot a web-line up. "Come on we'll get there in half the time this way." She stated.
"I could just fly." I offered.
"You can't keep up with me while flying." She countered shaking her head negatively. "What'sthe matter don't like being dragged around by a girl?" She wondered most likely a smirk on her lips.
"Nonsense; I'd just be feeling weird..." I stopped at the way she was standing her hands on hips and most likely glaring at me. "Well now that, that's out of the way hit it." I stated moving up to her; she nodded wrapping her free arm around me before shooting off into the air, I kept myself from squirming in the young girls grip and just let myself enjoy the ride. We were there in no time just as she predicted; we landed on the roof and she hid from view to change back into May Parker, she led the way down to the apartment and I took the time to memorize the number.
"Are you going to knock or am I?" She asked shuffling her feet in nervous agitation.
"I'll do it; I just hope Peter has gotten home." I stated raising my hand and rapping on the wood. A muffled voice told us to wait a minute prior to the door opening and the attractive form of Mary Jane Watson-Parker stood in the doorframe keeping us from entering; May stiffened up visibly and moved to hide behind me.
"Yes can I help you?" She asked glancing up in slight surprise at my face; I sighed internally as once again I found myself looking down to see the woman's face, five feet eight inches, green eyes and red hair yep definitely Mary Jane Parker .
"We need to speak to your husband." I explained putting on a friendly smile. "Is he home?" I wondered she suddenly got a confrontational look on her face and began to shut the door; I raised my eyebrow in confusion wondering why she was suddenly so mistrusting.
"I'm afraid we have no interest in talking to you or anyone else they send." She stated; I sighed and jammed my foot in between the door and the frame before she could fully close it wincing at the pain caused by my toes breaking; boy she was fast if that could break bone.
"I must insist; besides we're not affiliated with whoever you think we are." I countered wedging myself further in between the door and forcing it open wider; she glared at me and I cringed, the lengths I had to go through just to get an audience with Spider-Man. I'd have better luck if I walked around downtown until someone got bold enough to mug us; at least it would have saved me some toes.
"Excuse me sir, but this is considered private property so get lost before I call the police." She snapped; suddenly a new voice called out from the interior of the apartment.
"Come now Mary Jane let the nice gentleman in; he seems harmless enough." An elderly woman's voice stated in a gentle tone; MJ sighed, but finally relented opening the door so fast that I found myself tumbling into the apartment and falling flat on my face.
The younger May Parker followed me staring around at the apartment and soaking it all in as the elder May Parker moved into my line of sight and offered me a hand; boy having two May Parkers' in the same room was going to get confusing I better just refer to her as Mayday for my sanities' sake. "Good evening young man."
"Ah, um, good evening; Allan Rutherford." I offered shaking her hand warmly.
"A pleasure to meet you; forgive my daughter in law, but Peter has been getting a lot of unwanted visitors these past few weeks." She explained maneuvering over to the couch and taking a seat indicating that I should join her.
"I can't do this." Mayday suddenly stammered turning and heading back for the door.
"Please let's not get into this again." I moaned turning back to regard the teenaged girl; she shot me a warning glare before turning the knob, with a quick hop assisted by a timely gravitational burst I was standing between her and the door arms crossed over my chest. "I thought we discussed this at Xavier's." I hissed careful to keep my voice low.
"I can't be here, not with her. Do you have any idea how hard it is to live up to the expectation of a name?" She demanded visibly trembling with a mixture of fear and rage.
"How is living up to a name any different from the pain I've endured?" I shot back with a growl. "You were sharing my mind briefly; don't tell me you didn't get at least some hint as to what I've gone through." I hissed; she reached up and slapped me, honest to God slapped me hard across the cheek. A welt appeared briefly and she seemed surprised when it disappeared bare moments later; I sighed this wasn't going the way I'd hoped.
"This wasn't as good an idea as I'd thought." She whispered averting her eyes and shifting on the balls of her feet.
"Come on Mayday you've got to get over this; besides we can't keep you at the mansion if you're going to be all closed mouthed about it." I reminded as gently as I could. "We don't get to choose our paths in life; we have noble souls and big hearts and a great sense of justice so we take the path we must. It's difficult at times, but we have to keep on living day to day it's the only way." I stated; she looked up at me once more tears staining her cheeks and once again she surprised me by wrapping me up in a hug, perhaps being father to Amy helped me to become a better listener/problem solver.
"That's twice now you've made me see the light without asking for anything in return; why are you so concerned about my well being?" She wondered looking up at me with a shy smile.
"Just a curse I guess; I can't stand seeing friends hurt." I replied.
"You consider me a friend?" She demanded incredulously.
"Hell yeah." I supplied before clearing my throat nervously and indicating the fact that she was still embracing me; with a slight flush of her cheeks she pulled away and moved to sit down on the couch.
"You remind me of my father." She stated with a happy smile.
"Just what is going on here?" Mary Jane wondered totally at a loss; Aunt May, I couldn't think of calling her anything else glanced at the younger girl sitting beside her with a hint of understanding. Looking to MJ and then to me she shot me a smile; I shuffled under that gaze feeling decidedly awkward.
"So you know about Peter's night job." She stated matter of factually; MJ's eyes widened turning now to stare at me; Mayday eyed Aunt May with a glint of curiosity in her eyes. Without warning Mary Jane marched straight up to me and swung the flat of her hand at me; reacting out of reflex I caught her arm by the wrist before she could connect totally baffled as to why she'd suddenly gotten so hostile.
"Duck!" Mayday cried suddenly, but it was too late I suddenly found myself slumped up against the far wall with a very sore jaw and slight disorientation.
"All right who sent you?" The familiar voice of Peter Parker demanded marching further into the apartment and closing the door; MJ moved to stand beside her husband and both of them looked down at me with contempt. "Was it Fury or Osborn because other then the people in this room they're the only ones who know." He added his fists still clenched; Mayday surprised us all by leaping over the couch and standing in between the two of us.
"Back off old man; I may only be fifteen, but I could still take you back home and there's probably no difference here." She stated with a hiss.
"May, please he had every right to jump to conclusions; I mean he doesn't know a thing about me right now." I stated climbing slowly to my feet.
"But that's no excuse for hurting you; besides Norman would never tell anyone else because he'd lose the power he has over Peter that way." Mayday countered.
"Relax kiddo I'm tougher then I look." I stated with a wry smile rubbing my jaw with a slight wince. "You're wrong on both counts Petey boy." I remarked. "I've been sent here by the Omniversal Guardian to deal with a little chaos that's starting to brew and threaten the rest of the Omniverse. Mayday here was sent earlier, but she was taken over by the Shadow King and only recently was freed thanks mostly to me."
"Omniversal Guardian, Omniverse?" Aunt May wondered glancing between her nephew and me with some confusion, but she smiled at least seeing that he'd lost the hostile stand towards me.
"I'll tell you about it later." Peter supplied before approaching me and reaching out a hand, we shook cordially. "So why'd you come here?"
"Uh..." I trailed off rubbing the back of my neck in nervous apprehension; now I had to make the plunge of explaining why I was here and I hardly think it would be appropriate in front of Aunt May.
"Oh come now Peter, don't you see the resemblance between you and the girl?" Aunt May suddenly demanded; I stared at her incredulously and she smiled. "I'm not as uniformed or feeble minded as some might think young man." She stated.
"Oh believe me I'd never think that about you Aunt May." I hastily countered slapping both hands across my mouth in shocked embarrassment at calling the woman aunt.
"Think nothing of it dear, in fact I insist on being addressed as such." She stated with a smile and a wink; then she turned to the younger May. "I take it this has something to do with all this Omniverse stuff; you're what, Peter's daughter?" She guessed; a collective gasp could be heard and I realized belatedly that I had gasped with the rest of them.
"My, daughter." Peter exclaimed swaying slightly before managing to recompose himself.
"Er I think I'd better take my leave now and let the young lady deal with this." I began; Mayday looked at me in horror, but I shot her a thumbs up and a wink. "Relax little spider you can handle this; Peter when you're ready to talk to me, and I know you're gonna want to you can find me at Xavier's." I informed before giving a quick wave of farewell to Aunt May so as not to appear impolite and then quickly taking my leave; heading downstairs I sure hoped I could find my way back to the library in time to get picked up by Scott.
To Be Continued