The next morning came around.

After we all got cleaned up and ate, we were at the table of weapons. Kitty did take that FN Five-seveN for herself. Craig took the specially made Mossberg with the yellow furniture and Carmilla took the AA-12 along with two Beretta M9s. Joanna grabbed a black rifle which I later learned was an M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, along with a Beretta M9 and three flashbangs. Scott and I decided not to grab any weapons for ourselves. Instead, I worked with Edith to create a few presets for my webbing.

After that, most us relaxed for a while as Scott made his way to the roof to take in the sunlight. As Kitty explained, his powers depended on ambient energy – normally in the form or sunlight – to function properly. I asked if that meant his beams were made up of solar energy.

"Nope," Kitty answered with a shake of her head. "His beams are pure concussive force."

After about two hours, Scott made his way back down to the lobby. He looked around at all of us. After taking in a breath, he nodded.

"I'm going to put in the call at The Daily Bugle," he said. "After that call is made, I want everyone in uniform with your coms ready. We'll be going by codenames from that point on." He frowned slightly. "This is going to be a dangerous situation. And I have zero doubt that Scorpion and whoever else Hammer sends won't hesitate to kill is pushed to do so. Needless to say, on a scale of one to ten, the danger level of this situation will, at least, be a solid eleven. Remember plan one, look out for each other, and if things get too hot for you, run for cover and ask for help. Is that understood?" We said our confirmations. "Okay."

Scott made his way over to the exit and stepped out. During this, Craig pulled out a phone and unlocked it. He beckoned us all to gather behind him. Carmilla and Kitty flanked his left and right side respectively as I stood to Kitty's right. Joanna stood behind Craig. We all watched as he opened up The Daily Bugle app.

"That place has an app?" Carmilla commented with disgust.

"Yup," I confirmed. "We have a lot of things, even ringtones and alarms for cellphones, as well as Daily Bugle supplements."

"Are those even worth the price tag?" Kitty asked.

"They're not," Craig muttered. We all looked at him. He sighed. "They were handing out free samples to college students at NYU. I was there because DJ Veras was working an event and she needed me to help. There were some samples left. Each sample had enough for five days' worth of supplements. I took three. I started using them. They were… okay, I guess. But with the price they're asking for and the fact that, according to an article someone wrote, the supplements don't have as much of the vitamins and minerals they flaunt on the bottle, you're better off sticking to Centrum or One-A-Day or even a store-brand multivitamin."

At that, Joanna scoffed. "You're braver than I am," she stated as she shook her head. "Those supplements look sketchier than the pills advertised on porn sites." She then smirked. "…Do you know if those were worth the price, Craig?"

Craig tilted his head up and glared at her. "…Now sis…" This prompted us to laugh before we looked back at the screen. Craig tapped the screen a few times with his finger, bringing up current programming. From what I could tell, some host… Bill Price, I think… was interviewing this senator from Massachusetts. I didn't get a chance to know what they were talking about because a "Breaking News" graphic flashed across the scene. The camera cut to J. Jonah Jameson, who was behind his desk.

"We interrupt normal programming with breaking news!" Jonah barked out. "On the line, we have none other than the leader of the group of menaces known as the X-Men, Cyclops!"

After that, a chuckle was heard. "You know, there's a certain irony here," Cyclops stated. "You call us X-Men menaces, and yet you helped bankroll Justin Hammer's initiative against us. I don't mean to judge, but I think Hammer's track record speaks for itself."

"We're not here to talk about past indiscretions of a man who's been redeeming himself! What do you want, Cyclops?! Did you call here to waste my time?!"

"As tempting as that would be, no, that's not why I'm calling. I'm calling because it's been three days, and I still see that Justin Hammer is still active in New York. It's a shame, really. I was somewhat hoping he'd listen to reason. But… as they say… a promise is a promise. Justin Hammer wants us? He can find us in Westchester at the Ravencroft Institute – all six of us."

"Six?!" Jonah yelled out. "I was told there were only four of you?!"

"You were told wrong," Cyclops replied matter-of-factly. "We grow stronger day by day. Some days ago, we were four. Today, we're six. I wonder how many of us there will be tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?!" Jonah shook his head. "Your very hours are numbered! Once Justin hears of this, he'll send everything he has after you!"

"We're counting on it. Have a good rest of the day."

After that, there was a dial tone that was heard. J. Jonah groaned in annoyance before he spoke again.

"You heard it straight from the mouth of that menace! To all of the degenerates who support the X-Men, cherish them while they last!"

At that that, point, Craig closed the app before he handed the phone to Kitty. Kitty phased her hand through the phone, causing it to short circuit.

"It's a good thing I stay with a burner phone," Craig commented with a shake of his head. During this time, Scott walked back inside. He took in a breath before he looked at all of us.

"We won't have much time," he stated. "Everyone, get suited up."

After we made our way to the top floor, we did just that, putting on our outfits after getting our coms in our ears. I donned the Black Dahlia Armor. Craig was dressed in the new armor MJ and I created for him, which he dubbed The All- American. Kitty changed into her black spy suit. Scott dressed himself in his swat style uniform. Joanna wore the same outfit she had on when we invaded the base. Carmilla was donning a skin tight blackish green suit that left her defined abs exposed. While her right sleeve was short, her left sleeve was long, disappearing underneath her gauntlet. On her feet were grey boots that reached halfway up her shins. On her right hand was a glove that matched the color of her suit. On each of her shoulders were black polymer pads. Over the bottom half of her face was a black gaiter mask.

"It's been a while since I've seen you in this suit," Craig commented as he walked up to her and nudged his shoulder against hers. "You look great in it, as always."

"You're only saying that because you like looking at my derriere," Carmilla teased as she looked at him.

At that, Craig chuckled. "You're right." He then looked at the ceiling in mock-thought. "I might even be a bit distracted when things go down."

Carmilla turned and fully faced him. "So is that's the excuse you're going to use when I have to bail you out when things get hot?"

"Maybe. Or maybe I just want your company."

"Oh get a room you two," Kitty stated in mock annoyance as she adjusted her own mask. She smiled. "But seriously, it's great you in your old costume. It feels like the good ol' days." She chuckled. "I can't wait until we expand, though."

"Yeah, about that," Joanna interjected. We all looked at her. She took a moment to double check the magazine before she inserted into her rifle. She then lifted her head and looked straight at Scott. She dropped her rifle, letting it hang from the strap that was over her shoulder. "So, six X-Men, huh?"

"To be honest, I was going to ask you to join after this was over," he admitted. Even though his mask was on, something told me he had on a sheepish expression. "…Sometimes, my propensity for speeches can get the better of me."

Joanna sighed. "You know, I don't whether to be touched by the fact that you want me on the team, or mad that you put a target on my back."

Scott tilted his head. "I'm hoping more of the former, but I can make it up to you if it is the latter."

Joanna smirked. "Oh you will." She walked up to Scott slowly. The rest of us looked at each other curiously before we looked back at Joanna. Once she reached Scott, she brought her hands up and grabbed the bottom of his mask. Scott stiffened up a bit, but didn't make another move. Slowly, Joanna peeled the mask upward until his lips were exposed. "Consider this me calling it even." She leaned forward and placed her lips against his. As the two kissed, Carmilla, Craig, Kitty, and I exchanged high fives. The kiss lasted for some seconds before Joanna pulled away. She fixed Scott's mask before she smiled. "Consider me an X-Man. Oh, and by the way, we are now a thing."

Scott didn't say a word, merely nodding in response.

"Well would you look that," Craig teased. "Joanna got my man speechless!"

Joanna chuckled as she turned to face us. "I tend to have that effect on people."

"I can't wait to tell the rest of The American Idiots about this," I stated. "I know they're going to have a field day."

"They're not allowed to come to the apartment anymore," Scott grumbled, causing all of us to laugh. He took in a breath. At that moment, I knew things were going to take a turn for the serious. "We're using codenames from here on out. I don't expect us to have more than an hour before Justin, Scorpion, and their forces to arrive. We all know our respective specialties. Be smart and stick to the plan. But in case there is a breakdown… well, I have contingencies."

"Heard," Frenzy replied.

So, we made our way up to the top floor and into the headmaster office. I looked at the sandbag barriers that backed the tungsten paneling. Metal paneling aside, it was no different from the sandbag barriers I've seen in war movies.

"Doesn't this kind of remind you of Fallout New Vegas?" Carmilla asked as she walked up to my right side. "Like, when you walk up to the NCR bases?"

"It does Car-" I quickly closed my mouth, reminding myself that we were using codenames. "I'm sorry, are you going by Scorpion for your codename?"

"Well, I will when we knock off the knockoff." She paused for a moment as if she realized what she just said. She then sighed as she shook her head. "Let's pretend I didn't say that. But, for now, just call me Greenie. Calling me Scorpion while we're fighting Scorpion is just going to confuse everyone."

"Okay." I nodded. "I'll call you Greenie." I tilted my head. "Who gave you that name?"

"One of the people who trained me," she replied. "She's a SHIELD agent by the name of Melinda May. She looks tough on the outside – and believe me, she's not one to mess with – but she's really cool. We still keep in touch. I even saw her when I met with SHIELD later on. She told me if I ever cut ties with everyone again, she'll kill me. Of course, that's her way of saying she was worried about me." She chuckled.

"So you're still a part of SHIELD?"

"Yup, but I'm suspended without pay for three months." Greenie sighed. "It's a good thing Frictor is covering my would-be share of the rent. I owe him a lot."

"You really don't," Frictor called out. Greenie and I turned towards him, seeing that he was leaned up against a wall. "I told you, it's the least I can do since I have as much of a hand in you cutting ties with us as you do." He then tilted his head briefly. "But if you're so bent out of shape over it, then just take me out to dinner or something. It's all I ask for."

Greenie chuckled. "Sure thing," she replied. "I'll even throw in a backrub."

Frictor tilted his head. "…Now you know dang well what that does to me."

Greenie put her hand on her chest as she feigned innocence. "Oh do I?"

At that, Frictor scoffed as he shook his head. "All I'm saying is don't start what you can't finish."

"Seriously, do you two need a room?" Frenzy called out.

I couldn't help but chuckle before I walked away and sat on one of the barriers.

After waking up Edith, I spent the time watching the feed of the Spider Cameras I placed. It was about an hour until we saw something. During that hour, different X-Men came and sat with me, conversing with me on different things. Frenzy and Cyclops checked up on me, making sure I was okay. Shadowcat came by and asked me if I ever heard of this island nation known as Genosha before she went on and told me about it. Greenie came by and asked if MJ and I would be down for a double date with her and Frictor in the future. Finally, Frictor joined me and…

"Okay, can I be real with you for a moment?" he asked.

I turned my head towards him and raised an unseen eyebrow. "What's up?" I asked.

"I didn't expect someone like you to be Spider-Man."

I scoffed as I shook my head. "Is it because I'm a teenager?"

"No, no…" He trailed off for a moment. He then nodded. "Well, yes, but that's not the main reason. It's just that… You're from Queens, you got that suit, and you help a lot of poor people…" He trailed off again before he tilted his head briefly. "I just thought you were black."

I slumped off of the barrier and down to my knees in an extremely slow and dramatic manner as I kept my eyes on Frictor. "DUUUUUUUUUDE!!!!"

Frictor held his hands up defensively. "I'm just sayin'! I'm just, sayin'!"

I laughed as I shook my head. I slowly stood up, about ready to respond. That was when Edith spoke up.

"Spider-Man, I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I picked up something on the Spider-cameras near the gate," Edith informed. I quickly stiffened up.

"Would you kindly show me the best shot?" I asked. As I said this, I beckoned to everyone to gather around me. A feed from one of the cameras took over my HUD. I saw it – a whole swarm of vehicles at the gate. The vehicles in questions were black Hummer EVs. There was a man in tactical gear using a bolt cutter to deal with the chain that held the gate closed. After that, he pushed the gates open before he entered one of the Hummers. After that, the hummers drove in. Slowly, but surely, the front lawn was taken over by the vehicles. "They're here."

"Oh, awesome!" Frictor exclaimed as he clapped his hands together. "I was getting tired of waiting for them!"

I kept on watching the feed. The doors of the Hummers opened, and men in tactical gear filed out. I thought that was all who was going to file out of the vehicles until I spotted on particularly large vehicle. One of the doors opened. My eyes went wide.

Justin Hammer was on the scene.

"Guess who's here?" I said aloud.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Hammer has made an appearance," Cyclops commented.

"Yup!" I watched as Hammer made his way to the front of the crowd. During this, I heard the sound of helicopter rotors. Using Edith, I had the spider aim its camera upward. That's when I saw The Daily Bugle Helicopter. I sighed as I shook my head. "The Daily Bugle is on the scene, too."

"I'm so shocked," Shadowcat deadpanned.

I had the spider aim its camera back at Hammer. He was speaking to who I assumed was the head of these forces. After some time, the leader turned and addressed the gathered men. After a few minutes, the forces moved out, splitting up into smaller groups as they spread out over the premises. There was one group headed towards the main building.

"Edith, how many people are headed towards us right now?"

"Counting now," Edith stated. After a few moments of silence, she spoke again. "A group of 80."

"There's 80 heading for us right now while the others are searching the other buildings."

At that, Frictor scoffed. "Oh that's cute," he laughed out as he clapped his hands together three times. "They think that's enough."

"It's even cuter that they think all 80 of them are going to reach us," Shadowcat added.

"Don't get cocky," Cyclops warned. "This isn't The Friends of Humanity we're dealing with. These men most likely have military training. Letting your guard down even a little bit can spell disaster for you."

"We already know, Cyclops," Greenie assured. "We're just putting on a brave face." She sighed. "We're all nervous, aren't we?"

"I know I am," I admitted. "But we got this, though."

"Yeah we do," Frenzy agreed. "But, Spidey, do me a favor."

I tilted my head. "What's that?"

"When we face Scorpion, please don't pull that anime protagonist 'I'll take him on by myself' bullshit."

"I won't," I assured.

"You bet your behind you won't," Cyclops reinforced. "Even if you wanted to, we won't let you. We're X-Men. We may not kill, but we don't fight fair. When Scorpion appears, we're jumping him the first chance we get."

"True story," Greenie added.

"…I like being an X-Man already," Frenzy stated with a wide smile.

I smiled at the group. Internally, a part of me wondered how things would have turned out if they were in my life earlier. Maybe I would have been able to take down Toomes easier. Maybe I would've taken down Mysterio before he could ruin my life with that doctored footage. But, as they say, better late than never, right? What mattered was that they were in my life now, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I was taken out of my thoughts when Edith spoke.

"Spidey, you received a message from MJ," she announced.

"Oh?" I responded, caught off guard a bit. "What does it say?"

"'Kick their asses'. Should I compose a response?"

Underneath my mask, I smiled. "Yes. Tell her I said 'Gladly'."