(Next update is here, hope you all enjoy it.)
Noble Six: Thanks.
Death Fury: Thanks.
Chapter 6: Building Bridges
(New York City, Avengers' Tower, a few days later)
Spider-Man and Director Fury stood with the Avengers in their meeting room. The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. addressed the entire group.
"The recent number of hate crimes targeting the mutant community has been staggering. Those swayed by the hate filled agenda. The X-Men are beginning to prepare to investigate."
"These X-Men, I have not heard much about them."
Thor sat in his chair, one hand holding the other. Director Fury nodded.
"A covert team of mutants fighting for mutant rights and peace between the mutant and human communities."
"I'm surprised we haven't heard much about them through S.H.I.E.L.D."
"They prefer it that way. Like with the Inhumans, the mutants are seen in a hateful manner by much of the human community so they have to work in secret as best they can."
"A shame, warriors with powers have been revered in Asgard."
"Here, unfortunately, we're often targeted."
Thor turned to Spider-Man, eyes softening.
"Man of Spiders, you are greatly unappreciated. Though it seems that's a bit complicated. Captain Rogers has been highly respected."
"Uh, no offense…but Cap's still human. Peak human obviously, maybe a bit more…but still human."
Thor laughed, patting Rogers' back. Rogers rubbed his chin.
"Wouldn't the actions taken in defense of the Inhumans set an example for our stances of the superhuman community?"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean some will go along with it. Your faith in people is touching, Captain…unfortunately, Ultron used humans'...conditions against us when it came to the matter of the Inhumans. You may have an ally in the, the mutant community however has gotten a rise in hate crimes as now that the Inhumans have the protection and allegiance of the Avengers."
Rogers nodded, eyes soft.
"I've heard whispers that there are certain mutants still fighting…aggressively for mutant rights."
Director Fury nodded to Black Widow.
"There are those in the mutant community who don't just fear humans, but hate us as well. And that hate extends to viewing us all as a threat to their very survival."
Hulk's fist left his chin before gently laying down on the table.
"That's a lot of anger…even for me."
"It is unfortunately a sad truth about our species."
Everyone turned, seeing Professor X in the doorway. Director Fury nodded.
"I invited the Professor to speak with you."
Professor X nodded. His machine carried him to position himself before the Avengers.
"Avengers, I would like to personally thank you for all you've done not just for humanity…but the world itself."
Captain America walked over and shook hands with him.
"A pleasure, sir."
"It's an honor to me you, Captain Rogers."
Rogers smiled, nodding.
"Ah, you must be Spider-Man."
(Didn't know I was so popular.)
"Nice to meet you, Professor."
"Laura wanted to say 'hi' to you and your team."
"Oh cool. How is she? Haven't heard from her in a bit."
"She's doing fine. I know I maybe shouldn't gossip, but she's dating one of our newest young X-Men."
"That's great, glad she's doing better."
"Since what happened, she's been doing much better."
"That's good."
"Yes. My X-Men have made her feel at home. Though now we are preparing now that certain people in politics are trying to maneuver more restraints on mutant rights."
Captain Rogers rubbed his chin, burrows furrowed.
"Politics isn't something we necessarily involve ourselves in, Professor. This may be something the system will have to sort out."
"I do trust the system, Captain. Unfortunately, certain powers at play are trying to keep our community from acting in support of ourselves. There are thankfully people voting to ensure their rights when and where they can."
"Fighting the government is something we've done, only to find out it was Ultron controlling it."
"Pitting biological lifeforms against one another. Sadly, seeing that has not stopped those from seeking laws targeting us."
Spider-Man nodded.
"A mutant I helped earlier talked about the harassment they've been receiving has only increased. My team has begun increased patrols of Manhattan."
Hawkeye chuckled, twirling an arrow in his fingers.
"How come you're having the toddlers patrolling and not the adults, Fury?"
"They are hardly children, Barton. I have seen what they can do and it is impressive for warriors so young."
The archer scoffed at Thor's word.
"Come on, Thor. Sure, they've done some good work…but they're still just kids."
Spider-Man sneered under his mask.
(Why do so many of the older generations infantilize us?)
"I seem to recall a certain kid beating your record, Hawkeye."
Hawkeye grumbled.
Thor chuckled.
"The Man of Spiders was right. I was but a lad when I was in my first battle, twas glorious!"
(*Blinks* Wow.)
Professor X chuckled, shaking his head.
"My X-Men would've loved to meet you, but they are still preferring to work out of the public's eyes as much as they can. For this area, I've come to you for your assistance. Certain politicians have been campaigning against mutants and we believe with your aid to the Inhumans, you could be invaluable allies."
"I'm game."
They all turned to Hulk, who was smiling.
"Wolverine's an old buddy. I know what it's like to be hated and hunted, no one should go through that."
"Thank you, Hulk."
Hulk nodded to the professor. Cap smiled.
"Professor Xavier, you'll have the full support of the Avengers."
Xavier smiled.
"Thank you, Avengers."
Iron Man leaned against one of the walls.
"Yeah, just call us when you need the big guns to bail you out."
Hulk glowered at him.
"Shut it, Tony."
Professor Xavier chuckled.
"It's quite alright. And Mr. Stark, just call my X-Men if you ever need reinforcements. Would make the fight for mutant rights much easier if it showed us saving an Avenger."
Hulk and Thor laughed.
Iron Man rolled his eyes.
Professor Xavier turned to the Director and Spider-Man.
"My X-Men are experienced dealing anti-mutant hate, though having your support will help a great deal. And having the young heroes campaigning for us will go a long way in our public image. A great deal of the public loves and respects you and your friends, Spider-Man."
Spider-Man beamed at this.
(I like this guy.)
"Thank you, Professor."
'Spider-Man, may I speak to you in private?'
(GAH! *Quivers* Huh, what? Oh God…don't do that!)
'Apologies, Spider-Man.'
(Wait, crap! You're in my mind! Tell me you don't know my secret-)
'Relax, Spider-Man. I haven't looked into your mind to discover your identity. I'm simply asking for a private conversation, while we verbally talk.'
(Oh thank God.)
"Spider-Man, may I speak to you in private?"
"Sure."
"If you'll excuse us."
Professor X and Spider-Man exited the room and walked a few rooms or so away. Spider-Man stretched where he stood.
"So what's this about, Professor?"
"Laura has asked that your team work closely with my X-Men."
"Really? That's great! When do we start?"
"In time. For now, my team is searching for any mutants willing to join our cause. Or at least those who believe in peace. With the political powers at work, I fear there are those among us that wish only for war between mutants and humans."
Spider-Man rubbed the back of his neck.
"Any mutants in particular?"
"One I hoped that would have learned that peace, not war, was the path to mutant survival and acceptance."
"Who?"
"...An old friend…"
To be continued…
(Hope y'all enjoy the update.)
