Finally I came back. After a three month hiatus, I finally regained my motivation to write. I've been dealing with a bit of writer's block lately but luckily I'm over it. Now, but once I'm sorry for the delay and I thank those who remained as readers of this fanfic. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that it was worth the wait.
Poser: I'm glad you like the fanfic even with the delay in releasing the chapters. I really enjoyed writing this chapter made up of flashbacks. It's fun to develop the relationships between the characters considering that 90% of the fanfiction's cast of characters are my OCs. By the way, the idea of Felicia being with Yana was an old discarded idea from a writer I follow MAB86, I found the idea interesting so I made it canonical in my fanfic.
Defender: It's always kind of tricky to think about what the other characters are doing right now. Considering that my fanfic takes place about 20 years after the current Marvel canon, it's necessary to think of an explanation for what each character is doing, which is why I don't mention this kind of fact. Like maybe I plan to expand this universe into smaller fanfics just to explain what the characters are doing.
I would say that Necro would prefer to focus on the weaker members and then eliminate the stronger ones for the purpose of accumulating more battle experience and power to be able to defeat his opponents.
MAB86: I'm glad you liked it, I've been wanting to write a chapter like this for a long time.
Fear of worthy: Probably the Externals will be mentioned but I don't know if they will have a prominent role considering they were only important in X Of Swords and after that, we didn't see them anymore. And Ben's opinion of Krakoa will be something that will appear soon in the story.
Shadow: I would say that Ben won't just be facing the Council as there are many other powerful enemies out there and many of them will appear. Like Orchis, Onslaught and even powerful but underused characters from the comics.
Sergio Kirelli: I think the whole Spider-Family reunited will appear later on, but it would be more of a special occasion than a threat to Earth or anything like that.
vfc15650: I always thought Jean was better with Logan so I decided that they would stay together in my fanfic and have a child who would be best friends with Ben. About Felicia and Illyana, the fact that Black Cat is bisexual is not an addition I made in my fanfic, in fact it is canonical in Marvel Comics. By the way, both Alexa and Dawn, who is the daughter of Betsy and Rachel, were born thanks to a process in Krakoa that allowed same-sex couples to have children.
Cyber: I would say that Necro would be more violent and strict towards the more ruthless Council members. Like Selene and Sinister, but towards members like Magneto, he would try to fight with arguments first and brute force second. As for Moira, I can promise that the fate she met in the comics won't be the same here and Destiny would definitely react with amazement to meeting a mutant that scared her so much even if she didn't even know what he looked like. I even forget about the Krakoan Language but Ben should be speaking in that language soon.
Huule611998: I would say well into the future. Since they are characters of a high cosmic level.
Defender: You will see the explanation for Ben's powers in this chapter. The other spider characters may appear soon or at the very least be mentioned. But I guarantee everyone is alive. I'm not sure what to say about Reptil as I tend to read more about the X-Men and Spidey so I don't intend to delve too deeply into the future of the other teams. All of Spidey's villains are alive. No, MJ and Peter never had kids in this fanfic and didn't even lose them. Briefly explaining, Peter was once married to MJ in the canon of this fanfic, but they divorced after the events of Civil War and Doctor Strange made everyone forget Peter's identity (So, obviously, Mephisto had no role in the end of Peter's marriage) and after a few years Peter met Kitty and the MAB86 fanfic events took place.
UNLIMITED OMNI-SPIDER: CHAPTER 26
After a quick training session and a walk through memories of his training days, Ben was now with his siblings and they were heading downstairs to talk to Kurt Wagner, Nightcrawler and also their Uncle.
Honestly, both Casey and May thought this conversation was mainly meant to warn Ben or something. They felt that perhaps Kurt just tells Ben not to cause any trouble to prevent the Council members from trying to do anything to him.
Kurt: Oh, hi kids!
Peter: Good morning!
Kitty:Ehh, Casey and May? The three of us preferred to just talk to Ben.
Casey: Not a chance. I will not leave him without any defense in this case.
Ben: Dude, you know as little about this as I do and you're not a lawyer.
Casey: Yeah, but if they ask you a question and you can't come up with an alibi, then that's your problem.- When he finished saying that, May hit him on the head and pulled him by the ear.
May: Good luck, little brother.- She said as she put her hand on Ben's shoulder to calm him down. Even though this conversation is with their Uncle, what really worried them was that this had involvement with the Quiet Council members, who were the highest authority in Krakoa. And maybe even in the world, since everyone has mutant powers, diplomatic immunity and very advanced technology.
Ben: So why did they call me in the principal's office?- He said, trying to make a joke to break the ice.
Peter: Hey! What was it? That was a good joke.-He said when he saw that Kitty and Kurt looked at him with a raised eyebrow
Kitty: Well, let's start right off talking about the main subject. Ben, Kurt told us about the situation and we assume you already know.
Peter: Yeah, and now he needs you to explain your side of the story so he can explain it to the other Council members.
Kurt: Yeah, well I... uh, your parents have already explained everything so I guess you can start explaining yourself- Kurt tells Ben to sit down and everyone looks at him with worried looks and that's understandable. Seeing someone you love involved in the murder of someone as powerful as Selene Gallio can really make one very concerned.
Ben took a deep breath and said: Okay, when I got home last night, I fell asleep but then I woke up in the middle of the night. I went to my closet and got some clothes and also created this Katana here- He puts the katana on the table- then I remember going to Krakoa to use a Gate that would take me to London. Afterwards, I spent some time there and met Dawn and Irene, they were there to see a show and then I joined them and went back home afterwards.
He didn't mention Sora because he knew she didn't live on Krakoa, and even though she was a mutant, it was possible that there was some very worrying reason why she didn't live on Krakoa but still visited the island and had friends there. He had to remember to ask her about it sometime, but asking someone who's only been his girlfriend for a day didn't really seem like a good idea.
Kurt: I understand, that…can be a problem.
Peter: What? Why?
Kurt: Ben's story has some holes like: what were you doing in London?
Ben: I don't know either. I woke up, and I went over there and found the girls. That's all I remember.
Kitty: And the katana? Do you remember why you created it?
Ben: No...
Peter: And when you arrived in London, did you do anything before meeting your friends?
Ben: I…don't know. I'm sorry. But I swear it wasn't me. I would never kill someone that way. And I don't remember anything at all. Listen, I know you guys are disappointed in me and I'm sorry but you have to believe me.
Peter: Calm down, Ben. We believe in you.
Kurt: We just wanted to know what you remembered about last night.
Kitty: Yeah, but that still worries me. Ben's story has holes in it and it seems that not even he knows why he created the katana or what he went to do in London. Is there any chance that Selene was mistaken when she described who killed her?
Kurt: Maybe. But the description does not fit. She said it was someone with tattoos, huge scars on her face and red eyes. But she got it right about the strands of red hair.
Kitty: Yeah, you're right. Wait, Benny did you dye your hair?!
Ben: No! My hair looked like this when I woke up.
Kurt: It's actually not that uncommon. Generally, the physical characteristics of mutants begin to change when their powers are activated. The streak of red hair must be the result of that.
Ben: Damn. But I do not understand. I would remember if I had killed her. And how the hell would I have scars that would disappear into thin air? Seriously, I don't even know how to use my telepathy properly. And my telekinesis much less.
Kitty: You can use your telekinesis but you don't fully control it.
Kurt: What do you mean?
Kitty: Remember the E.A.R Satellite you guys found out was destroyed? So I'm pretty sure it was Ben.
Ben: What?! No, although…it makes sense. When I was in a building, I heard the voices of several mutants and when I realized it, I crumpled my hot dog wrapper and…the voices stopped.
Peter: Weren't those satellites the ones that used Professor X's brains for communication between mutants from Krakoa and Arrako?
Ben: Ewww, that's gross. What do those satellites do, collect information from mutants?
Kurt: Not that I know of. But I agree it's disgusting. But we needed a communication system so we did what we could.
Ben: Why don't you guys create a neural network or something? Or do they teach the Arakkii to use Twitter?
Peter: Wait, I think we're getting off track here. Ok, from what we could understand, Ben destroyed a satellite and is also suspected of murder...-He said, fearing what could happen to his son.
Ben: Great! I'm fifteen years old and I've already become an enemy of the state. And hey, I dropped that satellite by accident and I don't even remember going near Selene since I walked into the Council room.
Peter: Wait, what were you doing there?
Kurt: We need help fixing Cerebro because it exploded an hour ago and... Ben arrived and then fixed Cerebro using his powers...
Kitty: Are you thinking the same thing as me?
Ben: What?
Peter: Ben, I think just as you accidentally destroyed the satellite, you must also have destroyed Cerebro because of your powers which are already insane for someone your age.
Ben: Not to blame anyone, but why just me? Casey and May are also mutants.
Kurt: Yes, but they are evolving at a slower pace. You, however, have built a universe in your closet.
Ben: Damn! But and now? Council members are going to try to hunt me down and throw me in that pit? I bet they are angry and waiting to kill me.
Kurt: Not really. Apparently the opposite happened.
Ben: What do you mean?
Kurt: After Selene was resurrected, she explained the situation to the Council members. Selene, Essex, Shaw, and even my mother, Raven, Magneto and Charles…they're all scared of you.
Ben/Kitty/Peter: What?!- They shouted together while Casey and May, who were listening to the conversation, repeated.
Casey/May: What?!
Peter: Kurt, explain this to me well. How can a council full of powerful mutants be scared of my 15 year old son?
Kitty: We've faced them several times but I never even imagined that they were afraid of anything.
Ben: Maybe it's my powers. Come to think of it, I have the power to tinker with the fabric of reality like Lego. This is not an easy thing to deal with. I imagined people were upset, and I understand. Even I'm a little hesitant to use that power, but I didn't think I could make someone fear me.
Kurt: Yeah, luckily we all came to a consensus. Selene doesn't have any hard evidence other than a testimony she gave herself. There were no cameras, no witnesses, and she seems to be the only one who remembers last night's events. My main theory that I shared with Emma and Ororo is that maybe there is a psionic entity using your face. But apparently, the entire Council is too scared to question you and has decided that your father's good track record with the X-Men automatically makes you innocent since you're the son of a hero and also seem too young to commit murder. But I urge you to be careful, you've been forgiven this time, Ben. So do your best not to put a target on your back. Me, Ororo and Emma can help you but we are outnumbered.
Ben: Oh, what a relief! Thank you, Uncle Kurt! I already have enough problems, I don't need a nation trying to kill me.
Peter: But what did the Council members think about Selene's death?
Kurt: After a while, they didn't give a shit anymore. Selene was far from being a good person and they didn't even care about her, what really shook them was the fact that there was someone who could kill her. But that doesn't matter, Ben is innocent and that's what matters. I just wanted to warn you to be careful. Just because I'm on the board doesn't mean I can protect you forever. Exodus and Magneto are omega-level mutants, Shaw is quick-witted and cunning, and Raven can be very dangerous. Not to mention Essex is crazy.
Peter: At least the situation is resolved and our little boy is innocent. But it still worries me that Ben doesn't have full command of his powers.
Kitty: Have you managed to contact Franklin yet?
Ben: Yes but he still hasn't responded to my messages. He's off Earth on a mission.
Peter: After hearing about everything you've done, Ben. It really is better that we try to understand the origin of his powers. Although…Kitty, remember when I told you that I was once an Enigma Force user?
Kitty: Yes, and I used to use the Black Vortex…- They both start to stare at each other and then look at Ben and then they both understand why their children are so powerful.
Ben: Ehh, what's going on?
Kurt: You two came to the same conclusion as me, Emma and Ororo. In fact, we'd better get Casey and May to talk about it too.
Casey: What is it?- They both go down the stairs.
May: Sorry, we were listening to the whole conversation.
Ben: Can someone here explain to me what's going on?!
Peter: Kids, have you ever wondered why you are so powerful?
Ben: Eh, no. I thought it was a matter of, you know, luck. Like, all three of us were born with insane powers.
Casey: Although, looking back now, it doesn't make a lot of sense for the 3 of us to have that much power. I am apparently a space warper, May has control of molecules and Ben…is a reality warper…
May: Yeah, it doesn't make sense. No offense, but even our parents aren't mutants and our family tree doesn't have the absurd history of power like the Summers family.
Kitty: We believe this must have come about because of the combination of my Pseudo X-Gene and your father's Spider Genetics.
Casey: Maybe, but how would that give us powers like that? And how the hell is Ben able to have powers similar to that of a God?
Peter: Okay, kids. Once upon a time, I was chosen by a cosmic force. The Enigma Force to stop a disaster that could cause a war that would bring Earth to utter devastation. With those powers, all my physical abilities were immensely amplified, I could shoot energy blasts and I could even fly.
Casey: So all three of us can fly?! I hope so, our web fluid is expensive.
Ben: It's true and this week's stock is almost gone.
May: And it would be good if we stopped falling to the ground because our web fluid runs out at the worst time.
Peter: Don't even get me started, once when I was younger, my supply of web fluid ran out and I fell 50 feet down the street.
Kitty: Not to interrupt but moving on. Your father wasn't the only one who once had cosmic powers. I was once the user of a power called the Black Vortex. With that power, all my powers reached insane level. When I used my phasing powers…I transcended the multiverse and practically felt everything my counterparts felt. I knew everything they knew. All universes. The whole existence has been inside my mind and my being.
Casey: You mean for like ten minutes you became some kind of multiversal goddess?- He joked, making Kitty laugh
Kitty: That's the quickest way to put it, but yeah.
Kurt: Because of this, we believe that the combination of Peter's Spider Genetics and Katchën's Pseudo X-Gene were factors that contributed to the enormous increase in power of the three of you.
Ben: And now multiply that by two parents who once had cosmic powers.
May: We must have had our X-Gene activated because of the radiation in Dad's blood mixed with Mom's genetics. And our powers got to the point where they were practically cosmic because of the remnants of cosmic powers inside Mom and Dad.
Kurt: Okay, you know what that means right?
Ben: We can't say that to anyone.
Casey: Otherwise, they'll try to use our DNA to create the "perfect mutant".
May: And maybe we can't stop this mutant.
Peter: Exactly, so be careful about that.
Kitty: And just talk about it to the people you trust.
May: Actually, that raises a question for me.
Kurt: What May?
May: Ben is an omega level mutant, right? Whereas he's capable of creating pocket universes, eavesdropping on thoughts from beyond Earth, crushing satellites with his telekinesis and such.
Ben: Man, I have to learn to master my powers soon.
May: So, what about Casey and me?
Casey: Yeah, are we omega level mutants? Just remembering that I can repel objects at a certain distance with a kind of force field and I teleport. May can manipulate the atoms of things.
Kurt: From my experience, I don't think I can immediately tell your power level. However, I even deduced that maybe the three of you were Omega-level mutants. But on closer inspection, I'd say you're alpha-level mutants.
Casey: So…we're one level below Omega?
Kitty: Maybe just for now. Many X-Men were not Omega Level when they started out like Bob and Ororo but over time, their powers evolved and they became Omega Level.
May: Relax, Mom. We're not sad, we just thought it would be better to be sure.
Casey: Yeah, I don't want to pick a fight with the wrong guy and find out he's a level above me in the mutant rankings.
Ben: Hey, remember that a fight is defined by intelligence and the strategy you come up with to come out victorious. Look at daddy, he's really strong but he couldn't stop Juggernaut with punches. He was smart and threw the guy in the cement.
May: That's true. Not to mention the time Auntie Yana and her brother were being controlled by the Phoenix Force and nearly killed Dad. But he was smart and managed to make the two fight each other.
Kurt: Wait, did you tell them that?
Peter: We made a point of promising not to keep secrets from them. After all, we shouldn't lie to them. And even me, Ben and Kaine have had our problems in the past and we think it's better for the kids to find out for us than with other people who can distort the facts.
Kitty: It's true, after all, if Krakoa was a chance for new beginnings then why not leave all those problems behind in our family too?
Kurt: Yeah, it makes sense. I just wish things worked out that way with my family. Me, Mein Angel and Ren we get along well with Anne-Marie, Remy and their children. The problem is that Teresa and Ren don't like Raven very much.
Peter: Kurt, I may not know much about you and Mystique but…just know that whatever it takes, we're all here.
Kurt: Thank you. Well, now that we've talked about the problem, I have to go. Children, I hope you three are careful. Remember that I can't always help you.
May: Oh, we'll be fine.
Casey: I promise to only insult past X-Men villains when they're not around.
Ben: And I'm going to find a way to better control my powers to avoid more incidents like that.
Kurt: Okay, I have to go. See you more Pryde-Parker family!- He teleports away, leaving a cloud of sulfur in the air, making the family members cough.
Kitty:Cough*Cough* I already told him to stop doing that in the house. Now the kitchen will smell like sulfur for the rest of the week.
Ben: It's weird that every time Uncle Kurt teleports, he leaves a bad smell in the air. But Ren's black wings smell like vanilla.
May: Oh, it's because he washes his feathers with a shampoo he borrowed from Ruby.
Casey: Yeah that makes sense. Now, let's try to recap everything. Ben disappeared last night, someone or something used his face to kill Selene Gallio, he woke up in London and went to a concert with Dawn, Irene and his girlfriend. And then he came home.
Ben: At least I'm innocent and the Council doesn't give a shit about it but Uncle Kurt is right. I better keep quiet for a while until things calm down.
Peter: Son, I can tell you that things like identity theft happen a lot with heroes like us who hide our identities from other people. But know that we will stand by you, no matter what.
Ben: Thanks, Dad. So…I'm an Omega-level mutant and May and Casey, for now, are Alpha-level mutants. And this is due to the genetics of our parents. Wow, who knew?
Casey: But shouldn't we have awakened our powers sooner? Or at the very least, shouldn't you have awakened your powers sooner?
Kitty: Maybe it was our genetics together. I awakened my powers when I was 13 and your father was bitten by the spider when he was 15. So I guess that must be why you awakened your X-Gene relatively late.
Peter: But you understand that you can't tell this to anyone you don't trust, right?
Ben: No need to repeat it. We can't risk that happening. I just hope Franklin gets my messages soon and returns to Earth soon.
Peter: How about we take a break and have some coffee? I know this is a serious matter, but even we have the right to act like a normal family sometimes.
Kitty: Good idea, Hun. Now, I must ask Ben a question. What the hell was his girlfriend doing at a concert?!
Ben: ...thanks, Casey. She is friends with Dawn and Irene, I was also surprised when I found out.
Casey: I don't understand that. We're friends with all the X-Men kids, how come we don't know her?
Ben: It's a long story. Sora just told me that her parents decided it was better to raise her away from Krakoa.
Peter: Yeah, let's let him cool down a bit. By the way, I'm happy for you, it's nice to know you have a girlfriend.
Ben: Wait, you don't look surprised.
Peter: You inherited my charm so the result was predictable. And your mother told me last night.
Ben: Of course she told you.
Casey: And now, what are you going to do?
Ben: I was thinking about asking Sora out on a date, but I'm not sure what her interests are since she's homeschooled and she's kind of an introvert. I can take her out to eat somewhere fancy, but I think it's too much for a first date. Or maybe I should take her to the movies, but I'm not even sure if she likes movies or...
May: Ben I think he meant what are you going to do for the rest of the day.
Ben: Oh, that makes more sense. I don't know, maybe I'll try to do some Spidey stuff while I try to understand my powers better.
Casey: I'll go with you. I'm bored and there's nothing to do today.
May: You would have something to do if you got a girlfriend.
Casey: Oh, gimme a break.
Kitty: Wait a second, what did your girlfriend do with Dawn and Irene? I thought you met her on a rooftop.
Ben: It's just, well, I found out that she's friends with Dawn and Irene recently.
May: I was also surprised when I found out.
Casey: If so then how come we don't know her? She must be related to one of the X-Men.
Ben: She's kind of related to an ex-member but it seems like a complicated and confusing thing to me.
Casey: And what would that be?
Ben: Doesn't matter, it doesn't affect my relationship with Sora. And honestly, she's an introvert and I'd rather not ask questions about my girlfriend's parents.
Casey: Okay, fair.
Ben: Cool. I hope Franklin takes my calls soon. I really want to learn to fly.
Casey: I wanted to ask you something about that. Do you have any idea how you manage to fly? Like, the scientific explanation?
Ben: No, it only happened once and I was just waking up. I guess now we can only wait until it happens again.
Kitty: Whatever happens, be careful. We don't know if breathing in space is one of his powers.
May: And also be careful not to break our roof.
Kitty: Yeah, that too.
Casey: Cool katana. Especially the spider-shaped handguard.
Ben: Yeah, I've been meaning to use a katana for a while. If you allow it, mother.
Ben had samurai honor and he felt that the highest authority he knew in that regard, Kitty, should decide whether he could use a deadly weapon. And also because it would take too long to call Logan and explain the whole situation.
Kitty: Okay But I have some conditions. You will not use this sword against opponents without powers or who do not know how to fight. And I want you to be careful with her. Katanas, if not well taken care of, can lose their durability.
Peter: Kitty, that's a ninja sword, not a dog.
Ben: Yeah! But relax, I promise to be responsible. Man, I've always wanted to use a katana. It would be nice to be able to use my Iaijutsu more on a daily basis. I can usually only use one sword in training.
Casey: Dude, I gotta get a sword too.
Ben: I'll make you one.
Casey: I don't really like katanas. I prefer those huge, heavy swords. Like Cloud from Final Fantasy 7, or Guts from Berseker or like the Megazords from Power Rangers.
May: Wouldn't it be hard for you to carry that all over New York?
Casey: I do my thing. Technology works for that. You know, helping us to perfect what's good and to fix old problems.
Ben: But you know you'd have to carry a huge sword on your back as you swing through the webs in the air, don't you?
Casey:…Damn. I'll think of something.
Peter: Good luck with that, son.
After breakfast Ben left the house to start his patrol and Casey was with him.
Ben: You know, we could stop by the comic book store later. I need to buy new volumes of Chainsaw Man.
Casey: For me, okay. I also have to go there and get a Voltron statue I ordered. And I also need to buy the new Kamen Rider comics issues.
While it was notable that Ben was a huge fan of anime and manga, Casey enjoyed another type of Japanese entertainment genre. Casey loved Tokusatsus, those shows with superheroes that fought monsters and had giant robots.
When looking at a jewelry store across the street, Ben and Casey noticed that the place was being robbed and the employees were being held hostage.
Ben: It's hero time!- He whispers to Casey.
Casey: What?
Ben: I'm trying to come up with a quote from
It is made. But I think that last one was kind of ridiculous, don't you?
Casey: Yeah. It's just that I think what takes the fun out of superheroes is when they arrive in the area and then say they are the heroes.
Ben: Yeah, that always felt weird and kind of forced. But forget it, we have to change clothes.- They both run to the alley and put on their clothes. Casey wears her normal Spider costume, but Ben wears his new costume.
Ben's new costume has a similar pattern to his father's uniform. The chest part is red but the spider is gold, the suit has the classic web patterns and Ben's pants are black with gold accents. And over the suit, Ben wears a new coat. This time his coat was red with yellow details and buttons with a slightly Victorian design. The sleeves of the coat were black with red accents.
Ben was also holding his new katana, no name, and preparing for the fight.
Ben: Brother! This costume is too much! If this costume is awesome then I think yours is going to be pretty badass.
Casey: Oh, good. It means I didn't inherit Mom's lack of talent for costume making. Don't tell her I said that.
Ben: Eh, okay. We have to take action.
Ben and Casey throw a line of web in front of the jewelry store and tap on the glass to get the thieves' attention.
Ben: Hi! Have you all come to buy engagement rings for your girlfriends?
Casey: If I could answer I would say no, because you are too dumb to think you can commit a crime in a city protected by us!
They both make the thieves angry, and they both dodge the shots and the thieves break the window and go through it.
Ben kicks a thief in the face, knocking him out immediately. Another thief tries to hit Ben from behind using a piece of pipe but Ben notices this using his spider-sense and he does a backflip and then kicks him in the back, knocking him away.
Meanwhile, Casey kept teleporting around one of the thieves to confuse him.
Casey: Haha! You don't catch me! I'm here, I'm there. I am everywhere. I'm your worst nightmare!- He says while the thief tried to punch him, but he was too dizzy.
Taking advantage of his opponent's confusion, Casey grabs him by the head and starts spinning him around to wrap him in her webs.
After defeating the thieves, they trap them using webs and the twins start talking on a nearby roof.
Ben: Dude, that was cool. Nice hit by the way.
Casey: Thanks but…why didn't you use your Venom Power or any of your other powers?
Ben: I prefer not to escalate a fight unless I want to end it quickly or I need to use all my power. But it doesn't matter now. Thieves are the basic enemies of any superhero, so that's okay.
Casey: Why does it feel like we're the only ones who actually fight robbers in New York?
Ben: Probably because we are. The X-Men, the Avengers, and the FF usually fight space invaders, cosmic forces, and such. You, me and May are street-level heroes.
Casey: Really? Our father is the center of a web that spans all universes and is he considered a street-level hero?
Ben: Oh, calm down. Honestly, with my powers increasing, I'm going to have to learn to face bigger threats more often. If I want to become the Best Hero in the world then I have to keep training.
Casey: You must be the only guy on the planet who has that goal. That's not bad, but don't you think you're trying too hard?
Ben: I have to push myself too hard. I can't let people get hurt.
Casey: At least one thing I know. You, your idealism and your stubbornness together will make you a good hero.
Ben: And my power. I think now, I finally have the power to vanquish more enemies.
Casey: Is that what you were missing? Power?
Ben: It's just… let's face it, there are a bunch of enemies out there that I couldn't stop on my own. Annihilator, Thanos, Galactus, Doctor Doom, and even QC assholes like Selene, Shaw, Essex. But now…I feel like I can finally win.
Casey: What do you mean?
Ben: Obviously family and friends are important, but…I feel like I need power to protect all of that. I don't know how to explain it but I think…Great Power controls everything and without strength, you cannot handle the great responsibility of protecting anyone. Let one your family.- He says this while looking at his right arm and feeling a slight tingling.
Maybe it involves the Necro but… Ben also doesn't understand why he said that. He knows that power is not everything in this life. But deep down, he feels that in fights, it's not the heroes who always win. Those who win were always the strongest.
Ben thought that as long as he was strong, he could always win, always defeat his opponents, always save everyone. But he needs power to make that happen.
Why was such controversial thoughts now in the mind of such a young boy?
Ben: Did I scare you? I'm sorry. Is that I…
Casey: No, I'm fine. I was just a little confused but I understood. You need to be strong to be a superhero because that's the only way we can save these people.
Ben: Yeah, exactly.
Casey: Why are you looking at your right arm so much?
Ben: I don't know for sure. I'm feeling a tingling that I can't understand.
Casey: It must just be your hand is numb or something. Hey can I ask you a question?
Ben: Sure what?
Casey: What do you think about Selene being killed? Like, did you think she deserved it?
Ben: We can't decide who you are or who dies.
Casey: I know that. But this is not a decision, but an opinion.
Ben starts to look at the sky with a thoughtful but serious expression.
Ben: She was a genocidal killer. According to what I've heard on Krakoa, it has already killed civilizations. Men, women and most likely children too. She was a monster. She showed no regrets or any remorse. She wants power to turn others into her pets, I want to get stronger to protect everyone from people like her.
Casey: Okay, but what did you think about what happened? Would you kill her if she could?
Ben: I know you and I know you know I didn't kill her.
Casey: You're right, but you're powerful and you want to be the next greatest hero in the world. And, our world is a good place but it's also a bad place. And someday it will be your responsibility, as the strongest to decide whether someone must die so that lives can be saved.
Ben: There's a quote that I really like. Uncle Logan told me. "One Sword Keeps Another in the sheath". Sometimes, the threat of violence alone is a deterrent. Sometimes by taking one life, others can be preserved. I would kill Selene if she could. It's like you said, our world is both a good and a bad place. And I understand that I'm going to have to make tough decisions in the future. There are monsters in this world and if they cannot be contained, they must be destroyed.
Casey: I understand…- Ben and Casey are thoughtful for a while but a thought crosses their minds.
Ben/Casey: (Is it just me, or does it seem like we've had this conversation before?)
Both think the same thing but can't remember when they've had a conversation similar to the one they're having now. However, they noticed that the situation turned a little dark and they didn't like it when the vibe got that way. Both then heard their stomachs rumbling and laughed at the noise.
Ben: Hahaha! Man, I think my metabolism is faster too! Hey, wanna drop this subject and get something to eat?
Casey: It's definitely better to focus on now rather than later. And it's much less worrisome. What are you up to eat?
Ben: Pizza.
Casey: Dude, pick something else. Hot Dog, Hamburger or Fried Chicken. Or, I don't know, Donuts. You eat too much pizza.
Ben: I don't eat that much pizza.
Casey: You eat pizza 3 times a week. And it's always a large pizza that you eat alone.
Ben: wait, why don't you eat as much as I do too? We both have accelerated metabolisms.
Casey: It's because you like pizza a lot more than I do. I preferred a hamburger, it's better and you can always put sauce on it.
Ben: You can also put sauce on the pizza. But I don't do that because it spoils the purity of the taste. Okay, we eat hamburgers but let's go to the grocery store first, I want to buy some Monster Energy cans.
Some time later, both are eating hamburgers on a rooftop while enjoying the view of New York.
Ben: Man, it's amazing to be able to see things from up here.
Casey: Yeah, there's a picture you can't find on Google.
Ben: That red coat is really cool. Where did you get it?
Casey: I found it in a box in the basement. It was old and worn out so I fixed it and added a few more details.
Ben: But why does that coat look familiar?
Casey: It's the coat Mom wore when she was the Red Queen.
Ben: Oh, I see. Wait, I'm wearing Mom's coat?!
Casey: Technically it's not even hers. Tia Ororo told me she got it from a tattoo parlor after she got that tattoo on her fingers.
He was talking about a tattoo Kitty got back in her Red Queen days. On the tattoo was written, "Hold Fast". Kitty never had the tattoo removed as she said she was grateful that that time had happened otherwise she would never have met Peter. However, she used to always use her makeup to cover up the tattoo when she went out.
Ben: Dude, I can't believe I'm wearing my mom's outfit.
Casey: I chose this coat because it suits you and also because you wear anything red.
Ben: Oh, fine. At least that coat is badass. I look like Vergil from DMC.
Casey: You're looking at the city, with a katana and drinking Monster so I guess so.
Ben: I've always wanted to get a tattoo, you know?
Casey: You? Our scout boy?
Ben: I don't like being called that.- As much as Ben wanted to be a hero, he never really liked being called Scout Boy because he thought it meant he obeyed without question any orders from his superiors. Which wasn't true because he would easily disobey an order he didn't agree with.
Casey: Okay but why do you want to get a tattoo?
Ben: I think it would be cool to, you know, express myself.
Casey: You're going to do that by paying someone to paint something on your skin?
Ben: No, I just think it would be cool. You know, to show that I can be independent and I could look at the tattoo and know that I'm strong.
Casey: Amazing that you can attach philosophical meaning to everything. But what would your tattoo be?
Ben: I think a spider would be a bit over the top. But I always wanted to get a tattoo of one of those dragons in Japanese legends. I would probably do it behind my back to hide it from everyone. And then I wouldn't take my shirt off until college, maybe even after.
Casey: You would look like a Yakuza guy. But you would also look like a warrior so it's up to you. But if our parents find out, you're on your own.
Ben: Ah, c'mon!- He says and both brothers laugh.
They continue to look at the landscape in front of them and Casey remembers something he wanted to ask Ben.
Casey: Hey, do you have any pictures of this girlfriend of yours?
Ben: Oh yeah. Me, Dawn, Irene and Sora took a picture last night.- He shows Casey the picture on his phone.
Casey noted that Sora appeared to be a rather serious and stoic teenager but she seemed to like Ben due to the look she gave him in the photo.
Casey: Heh, she's really pretty. She looks like that Asian woman from the old X-Men photo. Is she her daughter?
Ben: Yeah, something like that.
Casey:...Jimmy will kill you when he finds out.
Ben: Oh, I'll never tell him.
Casey: Is she nice?
Ben: It is. She is beautiful, smart. Very intelligent. Strong, skilled, kind of serious, but she's kind at heart. And she has a beautiful smile.
Casey: Good to know.
Ben: I think you'd like her.
Casey: Yeah, maybe. I'm not very good with people.
Ben: You guys will get along fine. I know that.
Casey: Ok, but if she hates me and breaks up with you, then it won't be my fault.- He tells a joke and they both laugh.- Can I ask you a question?
Ben: Sure, what is it?- He says while drinking his Monster.
Casey: Are you still in love with Alexa?- He says and suddenly Ben spits out his drink in panic.
Ben: What?! I…she…how did you find out?!
Casey: So you were in love with her! I knew it!
Ben: How did you find out? I thought I hid it well.
Casey: I'm practically a detective and I'm your brother. I know everything about you.
Ben:…..May noticed and told you, didn't she?
Casey: Yeah, it's impossible to understand you.- He admitted.
Ben: I don't believe this! Dude, if y'all noticed why you never said anything?
Casey: We thought it best to let you figure that out for yourself.
Ben: But I figured it out, okay? Since we were thirteen. I was in love with her. She was so beautiful, so strong, so confident in everything she did. And she also had all that unstoppable fighting spirit.
Casey: Is that how you think she is? I thought she was just some platinum blonde Russian who was crazy and very violent. Like, what's your deal with this type of girl?
Ben: Really? Is that your question?
Casey: No. But tell me, since when do you feel this way about her?
Ben: The summer we went to train with Uncle Logan, I went to Krakoa with him. I think he was visiting X-Force to check that everything was under control. I wanted to visit the dojo to test my skills. I found Alex fighting some kind of demon. One that wasn't from Limbo. She told me that she was a demon from another dimension and that's why he didn't obey her. I joined her and we fought the demon together, she used a weakened version of her her SoulSword while I used a katana that Uncle Logan lent me to, you know, ensure my safety for her. It took us about 20 minutes to defeat the demon, then Alex nearly fell off the top cliff we were fighting the demon on. I stopped her from falling and she blushed. She was so beautiful, and strong. I know she's kind of, eh, nervous.
Casey: You mean violent and semi-psychotic.
Ben: Dude! I…thought she fought beautifully. She was so brave and fearless. It was strange to see someone as badass as her blush like that. whereas she tended to always be the victor.
Casey: Oh, she lost certain matches.
Ben: Did n't she beat you once and sit on her back while you were on the floor just to tease you?
Casey: I let her win and you promised me we wouldn't talk about it anymore. But why did you never tell her?
Ben: I was scared of rejection, okay! She was better than me at everything and she was always so confident and decisive. And I didn't mean to screw up my best friend.
Casey: I'm her best friend! She is at most your third best friend. Jimmy is second.
Ben: Okay, my third best friend. But I didn't want to lose her. It also didn't help that I had feelings for… oh, never mind.
Casey: You had feelings for who?! Dude, tell me otherwise I'll never lend you money to buy pizza again.
Ben: You're the one who borrows my money.
Casey: Whatever, tell me please I have to know.
Ben: Ah, around that time I also fell in love with Dawn...
Ben: I know, okay! This is wrong and doesn't make sense. I was helping her with her sword training as her mum was busy with a Captain Britain thing so she started talking about how hard it was to live with all those expectations everyone has of her. I told her that she didn't have to care because she could be stronger than any Summers ever was because she has tremendous willpower. When we fought and she beat me, something happened to me and I fell in love with her too. Oh man, it's so nice to be able to say that to someone!
Casey: You didn't tell me about it for two years?
Ben: I didn't tell anyone. I was scared, and I didn't want everyone to think I was some perv who wanted to hook up with two girls. And I didn't want them to get mad and stop being my friend. Not to mention the fact that I'm going through puberty, they've grown into beautiful girls and they also have those Russian and English accents. We didn't see each other very often and it seemed like I would never get to be with any of them. So I gave up and moved on. And I'm with Sora now.
Casey: Oh, Dude. That's a lot to take in.
Ben: Are you going to judge me now? Okay, fine, I would judge myself too. Honestly, I was even thinking that I only fell in love with them because I could be a "hero" for them. This is ridiculous, I know.
Casey: Can I say something as your brother?
Ben: What is it?
He asks but then Casey starts slapping Ben nonstop for fifteen seconds.
Ben: Ouch! What's your problem?!
Casey: I wanted to make sure you were focused to hear what I was going to say. Dude, I don't think you fell in love with them because of puberty or because you thought you could be their hero. Which by the way makes no sense because both could easily kill you. At least before you awaken your mutant power.
Ben: Is that to make me feel better?
Casey: Yeah because if you fell in love with them then it's because you really like them. Because you don't seek anyone's approval. You go out there and show that you approve of yourself and that's what matters. It's okay to be afraid of wanting to admit your feelings to someone. Like, having super powers doesn't stop you having teenage fears.
Ben: I know. Damn it, I could hold a car but not tell them how I felt. I appreciate the advice, Casey. But what's the use of me knowing that now? I'm with Sora and I…I'm also in love with her. And I can't say that I was in love with two other friends of mine. Seriously, I just started dating her yesterday. Which by the way is very strange because it seems like a long time has passed.
Casey: I just wanted you to be aware of this so you'd stop being scared. Damn, I shouldn't have pressed you to say that.
Ben: It's okay. It felt good to say that to someone. But, you know what? Even though I can't date Dawn and Alexa, that doesn't stop me from being around them. After all, they are still my best friends. And I'm not going to lie, my life tends to get kind of boring when they're not around.
Casey: You're not planning on putting together a harem, are you?
Ben: No!
Casey: No problem. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, Krakoa allows and even supports polyamorous relationships.
Ben: Dude, I'm not doing that.
Casey: I'm just trying to give you an idea. If you grow up and be alone, I don't want you to come and live with me in my penthouse in a luxury building.
Ben: How would you get a building like that?
Casey: I'm good at everything. I can be good at buying stocks in companies on the internet. But that is beside the point. I just want to say that no matter what happens, I will help you. After all, I'm your big brother and I have more life experience.
Ben: Thanks. But you're only 15 minutes older than me. We are twins, we were born on the same day.
Casey: One can learn a lot about life in 15 minutes. I once went to see a lecture by a physicist whose theory was denied by the Chinese. The lecture only lasted 15 minutes and you know what I discovered?
Ben: That life is full of uncertainties?
Casey: No, that you should never trust the guy who mows your lawn because he sleeps with your wife.
Ben: What?
Casey: The guy was drunk and the talk ended early because he got kicked out for trying to smoke crack in public.
Ben: Who was he? Rick from Rick and Morty?
Casey: Considering We live in a world where teenagers fly, and dragons live in houses in Queens, it was probably Rick.
Ben: Hehe.- Both laughing, I don't understand how the conversation got to this point.
Casey: But really, you don't have to worry. You are responsible, unlike me. You'll be fine.
Ben: You're right. I'll ask Sora if she wants to go out with me tomorrow.- He and when he took out his cell phone he got a message.
The message said:
: I received your messages and I already understand the situation. Stop by the Baxter Building when you can.
Ben: I got a message from Frankie. He returned to Earth.
Casey: We have to go by the Baxter building now. We will.
Ben: Okay, let's go!
The two jump off the roof and head towards the Baxter Building.
Bonus Scene:
Meanwhile, Sora, Dawn and Irene were having lunch in a fancy restaurant in London.
Irene: You know, these restaurants are beautiful. That's the good thing about having a rich friend.
Dawn: You're saying you're my friend just for the money.- She spoke with a raised eyebrow.
Irene: No, I meant that it's nice to have you as my friend and it's great that you're rich.
Sora: I never really liked restaurants like that. Portions always fail to quell my hunger.
Irene: It's a consequence of you working out so much and eating your dad's food all the time.
Sora: I burn calories fast because of my training. And you always eat my father's food when you go to my house.
Dawn: I think I'll get the check. Let's split the bill by three.
Sora: No need, I'll pay. Luckily, I save the money my parents give me.
Irene: Does your mom make that much money as a Psi-Division agent for S.T.R.I.K.E?
Sora: She's the best agent there, actually. An elite agent. I didn't expect less from my mother.- Sora spoke with a certain pride in her voice.
Dawn: You really look up to your parents, don't you?
Sora: Obviously. Pay the bill with my card, I'll go to the bathroom.
Irene: Try not to spend too much time there thinking about your boyfriend's abs. We are at a restaurant.
Sora: You won't forget about that, will you?
Irene: Definitely not.
Sora: Oh, whatever.- She says as she leaves the table.
Irene: Hey, do you think we should tell her?
Dawn: About what?
Irene: About the Order. Listen, I know it might be a risk to include her in this because she's not Krakoan. But…
Dawn: Absolutely not. The Council is powerful. If they know we're involved in this, they'll probably just scold us for our parents' influence. But we are like a secret society that is trying to get on the bad side of the QC (Quiet Council). If we get Sora involved in this, the Council members might see her as trouble and kill her and her parents. And she lives a normal life. We can't take that away from her.
Irene: Listen, Ren brought us all together because he wanted to make changes to Krakoa. Mutants kill themselves only to be resurrected, mutant babies are produced and abandoned in orphanages because our nation is full of idiots who only think about having sex with each other, and we have an absurd amount of ex-criminals and genocidal psychopaths who don't feel an ounce of remorse for what they've done. And most of the Council is apparently corrupt, but nobody does anything about it. They are not only a risk to the population of Krakoa but to all mutantkind. Ren told us that and I believe him. If adults aren't willing to change that, then we will.
Dawn: Okay, I agree with you. Krakoa is a nation that seems to be facing constant danger and it seems that mutants always use their diplomatic immunity to do something bad. That's how Apocalypse and my Uncle Jamie managed to take control of the Otherworld. We have to change that. But we can't involve Sora.
Sora: What can't you involve me in?- Sora appears and Dawn sighs in defeat.
Dawn: I…we…let's talk outside.
The three then climb onto a roof.
Dawn seems to be explaining something to Sora and she looks thoughtful.
Dawn: Would you be willing to join our team, the Order?
Sora: Do you plan to overthrow the QC members because they are corrupt? I imagine this also destroys Essex.
Irene: Mainly, but we also need to increase our membership numbers and we need more attack power and intelligence and you have both. We want to change Krakoa for the better but we can't do it without more people.
Dawn: We wanted to know if you would help us. If you do not want it, no problem. We can…
Sora: I'm in. I'm not going to let that bastard Essex do to anyone what he did to my parents. Time to solve Krakoa's problems. But, you know we need more power, don't you? We cannot expect idealism alone to win.
Dawn: We know that. That's why we're calling our leader.- She turns on her phone and starts a video call with someone.
?: Hello?
Dawn: Ren, it's Dawn. This is our friend, Sora. She's been our friend for a long time and she's a mutant looking to join the team.
Ren: Ah, that's good to know. It's great to meet you…wait, aren't you my cousin's girlfriend?
Sora: Aren't you the guy who wears black and has crow's wings that my boyfriend was with the other day?
Irene: Wait, you guys already know each other? As?
Ren: I was with Ben one day and then we both found Wolf. Or maybe I should say, Sora.
Sora: Ben told me you were trustworthy. So, I guess I should join the Order now.
Ren: Considering what I've seen of your abilities, you're going to be of great help. We are on a mission to defeat the Council and change Krakoa for the better. But we need to increase our strength. And the three of you should already know. Apparently, someone has emerged who has been able to strike fear into the Council and is seen as a possible threat to the peace. He is accused of murder but I don't think he is guilty. However, he is an Omega level mutant.
Sora(whispering to Dawn): Why is he talking like that? We all know he's talking about Ben.
Dawn: He's a bit dramatic but relaxed, he's a good leader and he's dependable.
Irene: So I think you've taken my idea into consideration.
Ren: Yes. We're going to change Krakoa, we're going to stop the Council and for that, we're going to need Shadow-Spider and Dusk-Spider. And mostly, we're going to need the Omni-Spider. He might be the chance we've been waiting for to change the game in our favor.
Dawn: What members do we have so far?
Ren: Besides the three of you. Oli, Ruby, Megan, Alexa. I've yet to get in touch with Jimmy, but knowing him, he'll definitely accept. I've already talked to Nkosazana, and she's going to join the team. And I'm just waiting for Shogo and Niko to respond.
Nkosazana was the daughter of Storm and Black Panther. Shogo Lee was the son of Jubilee and Niko Rasputin was the son of Colossus.
Ren: I also have to get in touch with my cousins Jason and Trish. But they will most likely make the team. In the Parker family, we don't flinch when we see something bad happen. Now I just need to talk to Ben, Casey and May.
Dawn: Knowing them, they will definitely help us.
Ren: You're right, I'll talk to them about it sometime. See you later, girls.
That chapter was huge. A little smaller than the previous one but it took a lot of work to write. Well, given what happened, yes, Franklin and Ben are finally going to talk in the next chapter and apparently Ren and the X-Men kids are planning something. Now, part of the chapter deals with something I've been wondering for a while. I was thinking that Ben could in the future have a polyamorous relationship with Sora, Dawn and Alexa however, as a writer I already promise to try my best to make this into a meaningful relationship that can be identified by love and not "teen horniness".
So much so that's why I included the detail that Ben was once in love with Alexa and Dawn but decided to forget about his feelings. I promise that if this idea is used, I will demonstrate this relationship in an emotional and descriptive way as how relationships like that work, conversations and sometimes arguments between the 4 members of the relationship and things like that and I will do my best to that this doesn't look like another harem fanfic.
Just as this relationship won't be like Marvel's current poly relationships which are all poorly crafted and, like Jean's with Scott and Logan, start with readers like myself already knowing it's going to end badly.
With that said, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Now the Unlimited Omni-Spider is back. I can't promise weekly chapters but I promise that any unexpected hiatus won't last longer than two weeks.
By the way, let me know what you think of Ben's new costume. I'm a huge fan of the DMC franchise and I was able to find a suit morph that fused Spidey with Vergil. I thought it was pretty badass so I decided to make it Ben's main fanfiction design.