"Doctor mactaggert; Peter Parker..." said hank to introduce them. "The legendary Spider-Man," said Moira in a thick Scottish accent. It reminded Peter of his new spider armor ai. "Your reputation precedes you. And we heard about Japan." "Oh that. Yeah. Just glad I could help." "And now you're with us."

They all took seats in Xavier's study. Moira: "I've been working with a joint mutant task force assigned to understand current mutant trends on an international level." "What sorts of trends?" Said Hank. "Mutant rights. There's been an increasing hostility towards mutants of late. Notably the past six months." Hank "what's generating the hostility?" Moira "that's what we don't know. It's also happening in Europe; which is one of the most progressive places on earth for mutants. It's bizarre."

As Moira explained these things Peter and Xavier shared looks. Charles was just as aware of what Mephisto posed as a threat after seeing his memory. That would now lead to greater insight. /sorry to enter your thoughts Peter but it would likely be best to keep the Mephisto angle to ourselves.../ Peter nodded a little. Still, he was curious as to what Charles thought about the demon lord's involvement in this. /do you think he's involved?/ /it's not a possibility we can ignore Peter. But as a scientist you know we must stick to what is evident for now./ /got it./

Peter "has magneto said anything about it?" Moira "he's actually been uncharacteristically quiet of late. Despite even this." Hank "unless something happened to him..." everyone then looked to Charles. "His thoughts are shielded from me. It could be his helmet. I'm not sure. I may need to use cerebro."

Peter couldn't help but feel that all of this was right on. Especially with Mephisto being involved.

There was a knock at the study door. Charles "it's Natasha." Peter frowned at that and opened the door. "Tasha?" "I have intel that might be helpful." She entered while Peter closed the door. "Sorry to interrupt but I think I know what this is about." Everyone remained quiet. Tasha looked at Charles. "Read my mind professor." Charles did. His brows went up in mild surprise. "The purifiers are back..." hank frowned. "Impossible. X force eliminated them." Charles nodded slowly. His gaze then shifted to Peter. /Mephisto.../ Peter frowned at that; but then his deductive instincts kicked in. /he resurrected them.../ Charles nodded outwardly. /precisely./ No one was really dead with a being of Mephisto's power levels playing serial villain... it could literally go on forever...

Moira "if the purifiers are back... that spells great danger for mutants everywhere." "Yes Doctor Mactaggert," said Tasha. "Natasha Romanoff of shield." "I'm aware of who you are black widow. If your intel is accurate how did they return? X force indeed killed reverend William Stryker..."

All eyes went to Peter. Everyone present knew the truth but Moira Kinross MacTaggert...

"Mephisto," said Peter. Moira "I beg your pardon." Peter told her the story. Moira was astonished to be sure.

"Why would he do this?" "Because he can" said Peter. This puzzled her. She shook her head. Charles "we don't know for sure but it makes all the sense in the world to us that have now glimpsed his evil."

Tasha "in any event the purifiers are a threat to all mutants." Pause "the X-men are still considered vigilantes. But now that you have two shield agents here that will help legitimize your operation." Hank "what did you have in mind Nat?"

"We go to New York where our intel says they're thriving again and take them out."

The looks went to Charles. "This is indeed an x force action. It's too discrediting for the X-men to be seen linked to this." "Agreed sir," said Tasha. "Director fury has authorized Peter and me to work with you in whatever way needed to secure victory. It will stay official yet remain covert at the same time."

This was better than the X-men typically got in state support terms. Usually it was an uphill battle for all involved. They had to run with it when it came their way.

Charles nodded at hank. It was done then. As they filed out Charles said to Peter /be careful out there Peter. If Mephisto is indeed driving this it could spell trouble./ /I will professor. And I won't let my emotions get in the way. I'm here to help everyone that I can. And I will./ Charles nodded. But honestly even Peter couldn't say that with perfect intent. None could. His sister was still Mephisto's slave. Nothing would change that for now. The current shield/x mission had to go forward.

He left the study and there Tasha was waiting for him. "Did he have any parting words of wisdom?" "He did. And they were more like thoughts." He checked his spider watch. "I think I'm just gonna fly in and go from there."

She nodded. "Want me to come with you?" "I think I got this. Besides New York is my town. I know it like the back of my hand. Can you give me whatever intel you have and we'll take it from there." "Yeah. I'll have shield download everything to your suit computer." "Thanks."

"Be careful. See you soon." "Definitely." They shared a kiss. He then left the mansion enabled the suit and flew off without delay for New York.

Xxx

He arrived not long later and at supersonic speeds. Having this toy really is nice! And hank and I can definitely maintain things on our own. Peter should only have to check in with Tony periodically for suit things. Peter and hank could adapt most of the tech themselves.

He landed in the daytime street. Everyone stopped and stared as the still recognizable iron Spider-Man arrived. "Spidey the mighty!" Some kids nearby cheered.

He wasn't trying to make a scene. It was impossible in New York not to.

"Peter."

His suit sensors picked up that super distinctive voice anywhere. He turned to his rear. There, was his ex, now a successful actress and model, Mary Jane Watson.

He dissolved his helmet and walked up to her. They were one of the most famous ex couples in the world.

What were the odds? Parker luck as always...

"Hey MJ. Been a while." "Yeah. It has."

Things got complicated again really quick. With ex's they always did...