jenscott: Yeah the Gwen clone would be too obvious route to go with. I am thinking of a way to get Jean back and to get her and Scott back together too, and yeah Peter and Scott do have a lot in common.

spyder616: Yeah I think that was the perfect reaction for Logan, and Peter and Ben are just the kind of guys you don't see as heroes, one of the reasons I like them. Yes it will be interesting to see how things go from here.

ldypebsaby: I'm not sure about Xavier, I'll thinking on it. Yeah he did chance and I wanted to show that.

Danrilor: Yeah I know but then again all the adults had to be in on it, it's going to be interesting to see if anyone can't be trusted with it. Although everyone else will see those two completely different now and there might be a few awkward moments with Peter and Ben with a few members.

Aaron: Ah so you were that guy, trying out a new name? I'm glad you liked it and yeah I heard they were bringing her back a few months back. I'm not sure crush is the right word with Felecia, I mean what guy wouldn't go for her?

Tsavong-Lah: Nice to hear from you again, well one of the reasons it took me so long to update was trying to figure out how to get out of the mess of Peter and Ben and their powers and I decided just the hell with it and get the secret out. Yeah that is a little weird how all those characters are now back (except for Ben and I do have an idea for Jean later) Unfortunately no plans for Black Cat to come back but then again Ben might think she's just using him as a stand in for Peter.

The Uncanny R-Man: It happened shortly after 'Aunt May' had died. He had gone all dark and that when she took this carrion virus in her. Wow…for once I know something you didn't, well first time for everything. Yep, that's what he's going to ask advice on, and we'll just have to see who Ben ends up with won't we?

Elizabeth Robbins: No I'm not doing that kind of a triangle, I think he's moved beyond that since he hasn't seen her for about five years after he was made. I hated that story arc with the Gwen twins so no. I thought I made it clear they couldn't stand each other but both hate Spider-Man more, of course that doesn't mean their planning to stab each other in the back later.

Thanks to: qwerty, El Varon, needles, Lady Suneidesis, Silver Warrior, Allyanna, TheUnknown325

THE NEW TEACHER

CHAPTER 41: COMPLEX EMOTIONS

It had been a few days since the attack of the Brotherhood. SHIELD had come and taken them away after Emma, Rachel and Betsy made sure they didn't remember anything about what happened or of how they got in. They were going to be taken to different holding facilities that specialized in super villains so they wouldn't have to worry about them for some time.

Scott had called off classes for a few days to let everyone get over what had happened. A few students were a little shaken up from it, Cain had left saying he was going to tell Sam's mom in person and they hadn't heard of him since. Everyone could see that the big guy was hurting and that was a sight many didn't expect. The X-Men had never seen Cain like this, for the first time he seemed more human to them then ever.

It also gave Ben time to get his own place, he found this nice apartment and bought a load of furniture thanks to those accounts left to him by that Guardian guy. In fact not only was Peter helping him move but a few of the X-Men as well. So far Dani Moonstar, Amara, Shan and Rahne were there as the other teaching staff were busy with the repairs to the mansion grounds. Then there was also Kurt and Bobby from the X-Men teams. Aunt May herself was helping out and she was talking with a few of them, currently she was talking to Rahne who seemed to really take a liking to the old woman.

Luckily Ben had found a place near enough to District X where mutants on the streets weren't that uncommon, in fact it was why he got the place to cheep he hated racism but even he had to admit it was saving him a few bucks, there were also a few other mutants living his the building too. Plus this was an area of the city he could do some good in too and it was also far enough from Peter's place so they didn't run into each other all the time.

That was just fine by Ben, sure Peter and him were close how could you not be being almost the same person and all but he did want to have a life of his own. He looked around his place and at his new friends, he had to admit it was nice to have so many and not have to hide things from then all the time. He also liked this apartment. There was a decent kitchen, living room a bathroom and two bedrooms. He wasn't sure what the hell he was going to do with that extra room but he would figure something out.

"Hey Ben what's in this stuff?" Amara, the blond princess asked him. She had a box that had nothing on it except a crude drawing of a spider.

Ben smirked at that, "That's all my spider gear, costumes, web shooters, web fluid you know stuff like that," He saw the curious look she had on and noticed a few of the others looking too and Ben gave a small laugh, "Fine you all can take a look just be careful with it."

Amara's face lit up and opened the box and Dani and Shan joined in. Amara pulled out one of the Scarlet Spider masks and gave a grin this was something she had to do she just hoped her hair wasn't too long and gently placed it on. She looked around a bit testing it out. "I can see why the eyes on this things are so large but you still get a few blind spots."

"That's were spider sense comes in, plus after a few years you adapt to it so well you hardly notice it," Peter looked at her with her long blond hair falling out of the back and had to smile, "That's not a good look for you Amara."

She made a face under the mask at him while Dani pulled out a web shooter. She tried it on but when she tried to make a web shot it didn't work. "Huh? Is this out of ammo?"

Ben checked it out for her examining it on her wrist. He also couldn't help but feel her skin, it was nice and soft and he caught a hint of the scent of her hair and it was really nice. He shook his head a bit to clear his mind, sure it had been some time since he was in a relationship, the last one was with the daughter of the man that killed Ben Parker. He never did know what ever happened to her and he often wondered how she was doing.

"This is fine Dani, you have to press that little switch just right otherwise it won't fire. It's set up like that so it doesn't go off all the time." He showed her how to fire it by standing behind her and using his hands to guild her. Danielle herself felt her heart quicken a beat, and felt a bit flushed. It had been so long, too long in fact without being close to another man like this. God she couldn't even remember the last date she had been on, and she was sure it had been two years at least since she had ever been intimate with someone and having Ben there was a nice feeling.

She had to admit, he was cute, nice, and was a real stand up guy. Okay so he was clone of Peter but so what? In fact she thought he looked better with the blond hair anyway. To tell the truth she kind of liked him, they talked a few times and it was nice and relaxing and she felt comfortable around him, and that was rare thing for her since all those that she trusted were at the Institute and meeting someone outside the Institute was a rare thing, being a mutant and living her life really put a damper on her love life.

In the kitchen Kurt was putting away the new silverware away but he was also hoping to get a moment with Peter. Currently he was joking around with Bobby telling him of a few pranks that he had pulled on Johnny Storm every now and then and Bobby was laughing so hard it looked like his ice form would crack. Kurt was glad to see his friend smile, ever since Bobby got stuck in that form he had been a bit depressed and was glad that Peter seemed to be able to do that. Kurt had to admit that Peter and Ben had this way about them that let others loosen up and make them feel better. That was a true give in Kurt's opinion.

But he was hoping that Bobby would leave so he could ask Peter's advice on something, and since he was the only happily married man he knew he figured that Peter could help him out with this relationship issues he had with Rachel and Storm. Just then Bobby finally left and he was alone in the kitchen with Peter finally, "Peter…can I talk to you?" He asked a bit nervous.

Peter shrugged as sat down in a chair with a table in the room and Kurt sat down next to him, "I need to ask your advice…on women."

Peter got a bit uncomfortable, "Uh…you sure, I mean I don't have the best track record with women."

"Ja but you're also the only man I know in a stable and loving relationship at the moment." Kurt said with a grin and then got a bit more serious, "I need your advice."

"Rachel and Ororo right?" Kurt just blinked at that and Peter couldn't help but grin, "The girls talk all the time and both Rachel and Ororo told my wife on a few girls night and she told me. First thing you got to learn about women Kurt, they love to gossip."

Kurt sighed into his hands, "I don't know what to do. I mean I went out with Ororo a few times and it was nice but when I kissed Rachel…it was…"

"Yeah I know that feeling, let me guess you can't make up your mind about the two women. Believe me I've been there…twice."

Now Kurt looked up surprised by that statement, "What?" He asked not sure if he heard right.

"Yeah first it was Gwen and MJ and then MJ and Black Cat."

"You mean that woman Felecia that Bobby went on about?" He saw Peter nod with an amused look on his face and Kurt was wondering just what was it with this man, "Does anything normal ever happen to you?"

Peter couldn't help but laugh, "Yeah I know, it just seems that life never wants me to have a nice normal quiet life. But then again if I wanted normal I would have retired from this hero thing. But we're getting off track. Now I want you to think on this, is there anything else I should know?"

Kurt thought about it and there was a few things, "I think Logan and Ororo have an interests in each other but its at the same level as mine and I don't want to feel like I'm stealing her away from him. I mean they also went out on dates, Ororo and me had too but we're not like in a relationship."

Peter thought about that for a moment, "Okay now I know Rachel is free but what are you're real feeling towards her?"

"Well…I do like her. She's a free spirit, and very passionate and beautiful too…and I just can't stop thinking about that kiss."

Peter looked at the sight of Kurt's face when he was talking and smiled at his new blue friend. He always did like Kurt he was just a nice guy like him and Peter admired how he kept his spirits up all the time, "Okay I think you have your answer there Kurt. You say hanging out with Ororo is nice but the way you talk about Rachel, I think you're into her more. Now just think about this, who can you see being with down the road?"

Kurt thought about it, really did. Could he see himself walking up in the morning next to either woman in his arms? He envisioned Ororo but it felt…wrong…like he was visualizing a sister, but with Rachel…he had his answer. He smiled at Peter feeling a weight being lifted, "Thank you my friend I think you helped me out tremendously."

"Anytime buddy," Peter smiled glad he could help out, "So…how's fatherhood with your 'daughter' lately?"

Kurt smiled and shook his head, having TJ around was strange and yet it was also nice to see her again. He always wanted a family one day and she was proof that it could happen, "It's is strange…and yet…nice. The first time she was here we got close and she is an amazing young girl, and if Jean and Scott could deal with Nate and Rachel then I think I can handle this too."

-Xavier Institute-

Paige couldn't take it anymore, she and Warren had been taking some time apart as she collected herself but she needed to know. She needed to know how Warren felt about her, and if he was still in love with Betsy. Not that she couldn't blame him, they did have a long history together and she and Warren had been only a couple for a few months. Although it wasn't going as he had hoped, they were both far too busy lately to do the normal couple things and they hadn't gone out on a date in over two weeks.

She was starting to wonder even if Betsy hadn't been brought back how long their relationship would have lasted, she wanted to believe forever but she may be young but not stupid. She knew things didn't always work out like that and happily ever endings didn't come true in the real life.

But that didn't mean she wanted what they had to end, but she had to face some ugly possibilities.

She was in just a plain pair of jeans and a white T-shirt since she wanted to get out of her uniform and was looking at Warren's door. She raised a shaking hand to it and knocked a few times, her heart was hammering in her chest. When the door opened and she saw Warren and the look on his face she could tell why she was here. Without a word he moved aside and let her in, he closed the door after her and they were alone in his room.

She looked around and she knew this room, they had made love on his bed only four times, about a dozen times since they were a couple and she was wondering if those pleasant times were coming to an end? If he would ever hold her or kiss her ever again. Well it was time to find out.

"Warren we need to talk…I need to know, do you still love Betsy?" She couldn't even face him her back was to him and she was scared of what she would see.

"Paige," He said softly taking her shoulders gently in his hands from behind, "I care about you deeply, you were there in a dark and lonely part of my life. You're an amazing, beautiful and brilliant young woman."

She gave a week smile, "That wasn't an answer…do you love her?"

There was a moment of silence before he answered her, "I never stopped."

"Do you love her more then me?" She asked him, Warren didn't answer her and she closed her eyes feeling a tear fall from her face, "Please…tell me."

"Paige, I…I…" He didn't want to hurt her, he cared for her he really did…but he still loved Betsy, he always would and to be truthful he did love Betsy more then Paige.

Paige could sense this and knew what she had to do. What kind of relationship could they have if she knew that he loved another woman? She had to face facts…what they had was special and she would treasure it…but in her heart she knew, she knew it was over, "Go to her," She whispered out and he tried to say something but she stopped him, "Warren…please…if you ever felt anything about me please…go to her…follow your heart and it that's not enough for ya then…I'm breaking up with you, does that make it easier?"

"Just go to her!" Paige ran out of her room, she felt like she wanted to break down an cry but not in front of him, she ran all the way to her room and shut the door behind her and then flopped down onto her bed. She just started crying right then and there. Her face was buried into her pillow as he left out all her heartache. She felt like her heart was in a vise at the moment and all she really wanted to do was just cry.

Warren had watched her run off and wanted to run after her but there was nothing he could do or say that could take away her pain. He sat down on his bed and sighed, he felt like hell seeing her like that. He didn't want to cause her pain, she didn't deserve it, but he also couldn't deny his feelings.

Outside on the grounds Betsy was watching the children play. They needed to unwind after all that happened and she couldn't blame them. She had seen a few of the kids were shaken, at the moment she saw Jubilee tackle Angelo and Betsy couldn't help but see the young Chinese girl laughing as she began tickling her gray skinned boyfriend. Seeing the two of them she found herself envious of those two and she sighed. "Young love."

"I know what you mean," Came Warren's voice from behind her, she was so wrapped up that she didn't sense him coming. "Can we talk?" She nodded and he sat down on the bench next to her, "Paige just broke up with me." He said in a flat voice.

Betsy was surprised by that remark and didn't know what to say. On the one hand she knew that Paige cared for Warren if not in love with him and she hated to think of what that girl was going though, on the other hand maybe she and Warren could get back together again.

"Betsy…you do know that with how our relationship ended we can't just get back together right?"

She nodded her head, "Yeah I know…but I do want to try…can we start over? You know…take it slow?"

Warren took her hand in one of his and smiled a little at her. "Yeah I'd like that and I think that would be best." They looked into each other's eyes for a moment and then they both went back to watching the children run and play but still holding each other's hand.

-Unknown Location-

The dark skinned being only named Shadow Spider was preparing, he still wore his cloak and was standing between two alters. One held the body of a cyborg corpse of Jason Macendale one of the previous Hobgoblins. Shadow Spyder had placed a spell he knew over the corpse to prevent it from decomposing more and the smell. Although he had a smooth face with no nose he could still smell. He suddenly had a coughing fit, he fell to his knees and after five minutes he was able to be back to normal.

His time was coming to a close, he had been created in the distance past and the opposite of The Chosen, he was created to devour the blood of The One, when Ezekiel had freed him the fool had thought he could control The Shadow Spider to deal with Ezekiel's problem with how he made a deal for the power of The Spider but after a time he would die.

When Shadow Spider had been freed he could sense the power in Ezekiel, it was nearly pure but he hadn't been The One. They had fought and the coward had fled, it took Shadow Spider two years to find the person that had to be The Chosen One. Soon though he would have what he needed, he was too weak to fight The Chosen and win, so he had resorted to help, plus the spell he had placed on Norman that would bend him a little to his suggestions had helped.

It also made Norman's suggestions to other people carry more weight. Now he was close to completely the group that he would need to take out The Chosen, the ones called Spider-Man. He just had to wait for the Devil Stone in order to complete the ritual.

"Ssssoon, very ssssooon." He said to himself readying the symbol on the ground, which was good since he was living on borrowed time as it was.

NEXT UP CHAPTER 42: LITTLE LOST CUB