Hi Everyone, Kaz here. I honestly didn't think I'd be taking this long to complete this chapter but that's best saved for the end, in another AN. I just wanted to state before you get into the story that I apologize for the wait and that I tried my best to make this engaging. I hope you enjoy it.
P.S Apologies to anyone who is getting an alert for an update. I re-read this chapter again on and noticed a paragraph that was posted twice. Possibly due to the spell checker and grammar checker, I use.
Parker Residence
Peter had to deal with a lot of headaches over the next few weeks, as he decided his parents needed a rest, from what he gathered from his parents muttering they had to cut their mission short due to Teresa's birth. Requiring them to hide out in the safe house for the remainder of the mission.
Peter groaned to himself, 'Not to mention their concerns on how they abruptly left without being sure to clean up after themselves, potentially compromising their position as spies for the US.'
Sighing internally he took the time to watch his parent's faces as they watched a nondescript show, specifically the bags under their eyes from waking up at odd hours and the amount of time it took for Teresa to sleep. Teresa was lying quietly on a crib placed in the living room. 'My parents better be thankful I was quiet and easy to deal with.' Peter thought with an internal snort.
Seeing them lean more into each other in tiredness Peter prepared himself to get up from the couch. If they were about to fall asleep then until Teresa wakes up from her nap he'd be the only one awake in the house. Allowing him to make the call he's been planning.
'Annnnnd there they go.' Peter commented to no one as his mom's head lay in the crook of his dad's neck while his father rested his head on top of hers. Their breaths were barely audible over the sound of the TV.
Slinking off the couch Peter walked to the kitchen before moving one of the chairs to reach the kitchen phone. 'Damn tiny body.' Peter thought as he grabbed the phone. 'I swear if I need to do this multiple times anytime soon I will kill somebody...well maybe not but someone will be on the other end.'
Dialing the number he remembered belonged to the school Peter waited for someone to answer the phone. 'I think around this time there wasn't really a school yet so at the very least he should be able to pick up.' And so Peter waited...for a while, so long that if he was not thrown back in time he'd have felt he was being pranked. Thankfully the dialing tone never stopped ringing so he continued waiting.
Finally after what should have really been no more than 20 seconds but felt more like an hour Peter heard a click and a cautious masculine voice greet him. "Hello?"
'Okay, this is it, Peter. Got probably one chance at this.' Taking a deep breath, Peter spoke into the phone with a scared tone. "M-m-mister? Is this Charles Xavier?"
A muffled squeak of a chair and the sound of paper shuffling reached Peter's ear. "Yes, that is me, child. Are you okay? And how did you get this number?"
"Y-y-yes. I think so. I-I-I had a dream about you giving me this number to help me." Stopping for dramatic effect Peter continued. "I've been having headaches and dreams of a thing called Cerebro." A gasp came from the phone "Someone in my dream with a red helmet said they were coming to get me...they-they called me m-m-m-mutant."
Forcing himself to sound like he was trying to hold in sobs Peter waited. Before the sound of silence took over. 'He's probably mulling over what to do, but if I know him well enough targeting his empathy for helping children should push him to continue.'
Not waiting long Peter got a response, "Where are you? Do you have parents to take care of you?"
"Y-y-yes. They're asleep right now, I'm in my house." Peter purposefully didn't give him an address to sell the terrified child act.
"What's your name?" Charles said after another pause.
"P-p-peter."
In a surprisingly gentle voice, Charles asked, "Peter, are you comfortable telling me your address?"
'Jeez if I didn't know Charles I would have said that statement was almost enough to send the wrong message.' Peter thought with an internal snort. "S-s-sure.."
After that Peter was asked what days both his parents were home and their names. Charles relayed that he would arrive in a couple of days where he could discuss with his parents what to do. 'I'm going to assume he's going to research my parents or use his own contacts to learn how best to approach this.'
"T-t-thank you, sir." Peter warbled.
"It's fine Peter. You're very brave for reaching out I'll be sure to help you and your family." Charles said reassuringly. "Goodbye now."
"Bye," Peter said before hanging up and sighing. He made his way back to his sleeping parents and snuggled in between them. Taking advantage of the fact that he was a kid again and can afford to relax for now, plus he never got to do this or at least remember this. 'Nothing but vague sensations. So all I can do now is just relax until Charles arrives.'
Before closing his eyes to rest Peter glanced over at his little sister's crib. Trying to see if she was in any discomfort. 'I'm not sure how long you are going to sleep but I hope you only wake up during my knocked-out phase. You sis, are a little hellion.'
And with that Peter quickly drifted off to sleep satisfied.
A few days later…
The wait for the arrival of Charles was killing Peter as he sat by the upstairs window. Not literally, but the anxiety he felt leading up to it was eating away at him. Charles, the very next day after Peter reached out to him, called his home during the middle of the day with the reason that he was a friend/colleague of Peter's on and off pediatrician and was interested in meeting Peter and his parents. Or at least that was the gist that Peter got from the phone call. 'No idea why any parent would allow some colleague of a doctor visit to discuss something vague, but whatever he said worked.' Thankfully not long after, the sound of a car pulling up into the driveway interrupted his thoughts.
"Peter! Please get down here to greet the doctor!" Mary called out as the sound of rapid shuffling and small scrapes reached him. His mother trying to make their living room presentable.
'I really don't get why it's that important to do when we aren't even that messy.' Peter thought with an internal huff before making his way down to the living room.
"Mary stop fussing, the house already looks presentable." Richard said as he rested his hand on his wife's shoulder comfortingly while he gently rocked Teresa with his other. "In fact, why don't you hold Teresa. You always calm down when holding one of our children." Before giving her a chance to reply he quickly maneuvered himself in front of her and moved her arms in a position to hold their daughter.
"Wait, but Richar-" She cut herself off. Not just because she held her daughter and did noticeably get calmer, but also because of what she saw when going out of her window. "Oh my...Richard you might need to help them get inside."
"What do you mean help...oh, yeah I'll go help them." Richard started before opening the door and making his way outside.
Peter moved to look out the window, confused. 'As far as I'm aware Charles shouldn't – oh… oh damn I really miscalculated the dates.' Peter thought contritely as he watched his father help the nurse set up a wheelchair, not his futuristic-looking one, but a simple wheelchair that had seen better days. 'Crap, not only am I about to waste his time, but I'm taking him away from what is probably his physical recovery period.' Peter thought worryingly before his mom gently nudged him to move away.
"Peter, you know it's not nice to stare." Mary said in a soft chastising tone.
Blushing as he realized that's what it might look like to an outsider to his thoughts, Peter stepped away before responding. "I wasn't staring at him because he needed a wheelchair mom, just lost in thought."
Mary gave a gentle smile as she raised a hand to rub his hair back to make it look more combed, making sure to lick her thumb to get his growing bangs to stick back. Taking amusement at his blushing face at her actions and pleased that he stayed still she responded. "Whatever the reason it might make him uncomfortable if it looks like you are staring."
Smiling sheepishly Peter just nodded his head. "Okay got it, mom. I'll make sure to not look like I'm staring."
Mary nodded back pleased again at her boy and noticed Teresa start to fuss at the noise of them talking. "Now why don't you open the door for your father and our guests."
Peter gave his mother another nod before doing as asked and came upon the sight of his father making both Charles and the nurse laugh at the foot of the short deck stair before his father rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"I'm sorry again for not preparing some way to have you be pushed up the stairs. When we looked into you to double-check you said who you were, we should have made an accessible way for you to have to go up."
Charles just laughed it off. "Non-sense I should have asked beforehand if there was any way for me to access the house through a wheelchair."
"Yes, this is also on me. It's only been about 1 month since I've been assigned as Charles' nurse and I should have asked myself." The red-headed nurse bashfully admitted.
"Well, no harm done. Now Doctor, if you don't mind me lifting you slightly I can put you on the deck and your lovely nurse can go ahead and move you as needed." Richard said with a smile.
Nodding his head Charles replied, "Go ahead it's fine."
Seeing his father lift the man and bring him on the deck Peter made to open the screen door.
"Ah and this must be young Peter. Hello young man, it's nice to meet you." Charles said before reaching out for a handshake.
Shaking his hand Peter took the time to look him over. The wrinkles on his face were starting to form, a combination of stress and age he was sure. He was also bald, as he remembered him. 'Must be genetic or a choice' But the eyes he greeted Peter with, while as warm as he can remember them being, were a little too piercing and desperate. As though he was very determined to get something done.
"Hello sir, I'm pleased to meet you as well." Peter said as he gave a shy smile.
Charles grinned amicably "My, my, what a polite young man you have here Mr. Parker."
Before Peter could continue and say something else to sell the image, Richard just laughed good-naturedly and patted Peter's back before gently nudging him to make way for the nurse to push Charles inside the house.
Following them inside and closing the door behind them, Peter heard the nurse let out a small squeal of joy before it was followed at a more subdued coo. Presumably, because Teresa was asleep and didn't want to wake her. 'Let's hope Teresa stays that way. Though it would be a great distraction.'
Smiling knowingly at the nurse, Mary introduced herself to the two. "Hi! I'm Mary Parker. It's nice to meet you Doctor Xavier and, I'm sorry but I don't know your name."
Giving a small laugh in an attempt to wave any awkwardness, the nurse introduced herself. "It's nice to meet you as well. My name's Amelia Voght. I'm Charles' assigned nurse while he is recovering from his injuries."
Richard, guiding Peter to stand next to his wife, decided to ask the question he was sure his family was wondering and there was a perfect opportunity to ask. "Actually, if you don't mind me asking, how exactly did you receive your injuries Doctor?"
The women both flushed red for different reasons at Richard's brazenness. Amelia in embarrassment on behalf of Charles and Mary in embarrassment at how this might come across to their guests.
Before she could try and salvage her family's image from her husband's faux-pas Charles let out a hearty laugh. "It's alright I didn't expect to get through this meeting without giving the reason." Taking a moment to pause he continued "I was visiting a colleague of mine near Tibet and we planned on doing some cave exploring as a means to explore when he got a call for an emergency from his family. Seeing as we already paid for the trip and guide I went alone with the guide, unfortunately, while within the cave a rock slab fell on my back and paralyzed me from the waist down."
Letting the family digest for a moment he continued. "The guide quickly went for help and I eventually arrived at a hospital in India. I was then diagnosed that this might be a permanent disability and I'll admit to being in a bit of rut." Charles then gave a charming smile. "Of course I didn't let it keep me down for long before I remembered a dream I didn't think I'd want to start so soon. Starting a school for gifted youngsters."
Smiling an even brighter grin Charles continued "I've met a lot of gifted children throughout my time traveling and in my research for my own thesis and in your case, remembered of young Peter's increased growth for his nervous system and brain from Dr. Michaels when attending a conference with him when our fields crossed. I've already reached out to many other parents to ask them what I will of you and would be willing to speak more in-depth before taking a chance to speak with Peter with your supervision of course."
Richard and Mary nodded their heads after taking another moment to digest what Charles said. "Well," Richard started as he gathered what he wanted to express "I was not expecting for recent events to necessarily be the spark that initiated this meeting, but before we begin I want to express my relief that you weren't injured more and made it out safely."
Seeing Charles nod his head Richard continued "That said, as we move over to the can I get you guys a drink?"
"Just water for me. I don't believe it would be the best choice for me to have non-hydrating drinks for now." Charles replied as he looked to Amelia for her answer.
Answering with a tint of red on her cheeks after hearing Charles' reasoning and how it may look she responded with her choice. "If it wouldn't be a bother could I try a Coca-Cola if you have it? Bombay doesn't get much in the way of western company products too often."
Nodding his head affirmation Richard left to get his guests requested drinks. In the meantime, to prevent any chances of awkward silence from happening Mary began by asking Charles if there was anything else other than cave-exploring that he liked to do for fun.
'Annnnd while the adults do that I'll just try to calmly and rationally think of a way to not piss off a man who just recently lost the use of his legs.' Peter thought with an internal sigh.
As if to agree with Peter's internal dilemma Teresa let out a mewling cry that grabbed everyone's attention just as his father returned.
"Sorry for Teresa, she's a lot fussier than her brother ever was." Richard said with a laugh as he handed his guests their preferred drink. Turning back to his wife as Teresa kept crying, Richard looked worried for a second.
"Hey uh, honey" Richard began in a tone that Peter started to understand was his 'you aren't probably going to like what I'm about to say' tone. "Would you mind if the doc and I discussed in the kitchen while you take care of Teresa?"
Frowning Mary was about to respond before Amelia interjected. "Uh actually if you both don't mind I can try taking care of her while you 3 discuss Charles' school while I stay with the kids?" Wincing at how it may look she continued before they could respond. "I mean, I'm not even a part of the upcoming discussion so anything I miss is of importance. I only need to know when Charles is ready to leave and drive us back to his home."
Richard and Mary looked at each other sharing a moment and turned to speak before jerking slightly as though stumbling over their words and nodding their heads in acquiescence. "Sure." They both simply said before Mary continued. "You are a nurse and should be able to care for Teresa while we talk."
Wary and confused at his parents' simplistic reasoning compared to what he knew of them, Peter looked over to see Charles's eyes looking pleased. 'What the… don't tell me… ' Before he could continue down that train of thought Peter's mother grabbed a bottle filled with warm milk and carefully handed his sister over to the nurse with a smile.
Richard then grabbed the back of Charles' wheelchair already questioning the soon-to-be professor, before moving him towards the kitchen his wife following. The sounds of their conversation eventually became muffled and presumably, Teresa's cries for them as well.
Seeing as the adults left Amelia gave a smile down towards Peter and tried to speak over Teresa's crying. "You wouldn't happen to know what might be causing her to be cranky would you?"
Peter shook his head in the negative. "No, but I would guess she's probably feeling uncomfortable and stuffy from being cooped up? She's only a month old or two."
Humming in thought Amelia searched for somewhere to place the newborn before noticing a conveniently placed crib behind the couch. Letting out a "huh" she placed down the crying newborn and brought the bottle to the newborn's lips.
"Ah yeah, my parents bought a crib for every room just in case they needed to place us down without us leaving their sight." Peter said for her unvoiced question.
As Teresa finally settled down a bit and started to pacify herself with the warm bottle of milk Amelia gave Peter a mega-watt smile in thanks before giving a soft hum as she fed his sister.
"You know, you're a lot quieter than what I would imagine a 5-year-old would be." Amelia said to make conversation.
"Um, I'm not 5 yet still 4. But in answer to your question I've always been a lot more subdued due to my condition." Seeing her confused look he smiled sheepishly. "The increased growth of my nervous system also affected my energy output for my age. I sleep a lot, normally a very deep sleep or I get horrible headaches that can pass me out."
"Oh," was all Amelia said caught a little flat-footed at Peter's speech mixed with the visual of a young child. 'He sounds really mature for his age.' Growing more curious she decided to ask "So what do you like to do for fun then?"
Smiling sheepishly again, mainly at how weird he knew was about to sound, Peter replied "Oh uh, I like building and taking apart stuff with my dad. And reading with my mom! Other than that though I like playing games."
Laughing and internally cooing at the visual Peter presented, with his own mega-watt smile and shining eyes, she decided to set the bottle down now that Teresa was done feeding and finally drink her own soda.
As Amelia drank from her soda and let out a refreshed "ah" before going back for more. Assuming she would be occupied at the satisfying taste of some cold Coca-Cola. Peter used the time to go over a quick rundown of how he'll handle the meeting with the Professor 'Or Doctor…I guess. At least until the school is actually up and running. Still, should I just go with the option of thinking of him to enter my head?'
"-ter. Peter."
'Do I need to allude to me knowing he can read minds and would like mine read?'
"-llo."
A hand touched his shoulder gently, shaking him from his thoughts. Noticing Amelia in his vision looking concerned he asked. "I'm sorry what was that?"
"I said are you okay? Do you have a headache right now or something? Do you need to sleep?" Amelia asked concerned, not really knowing what would need to be done if he couldn't just fall asleep.
As was always the case with Peter's brain when caught flat-footed, it decided to do what it thought best and spoke for him. "N-n-no, no headache. I'm sorry for staring" he started, already assuming what other reason he could have for being lost in thought. "I just thought you were too beautiful and was lost for words." 'Oh. My. God. Kill me now please.'
Instead of being smited what occurred was a moment of awkward silence, where again Peter wished for death before the biological adult of the two laughed uproariously before quieting herself at seeing Teresa move in her sleep.
"You're a little too young to be saying words like that to any women Peter." Amelia continued with a giggle, choosing to accept the flattery for what it was and leave it at that. "Now, you said you liked playing games. Any games you can grab right now to pass the time?"
Seeing what she was doing he nodded, though his blushing face gave away his feelings on what transpired. Moving to the TV stand he opened the cupboard and grabbed two Nintendo 64 controllers before turning on the TV and lowering the volume.
Walking back Peter handed her one and asked "Have you ever played Mario Kart?"
30 minutes later
"Oh come on I was just 3 meters away!" Peter whisper yelled to Amelia, who cast the notorious blue shell that just hit his character, still cognizant of his sleeping sister.
Giggling in delight and having more fun than she's had in a while, Amelia teased him without looking away from the screen. "You got to step it up buster. You're in last place and it's the final lap." At the sound of shuffling from the sleeping newborn next to them though she did turn to make sure Teresa was fine before moving the joystick to follow the path.
Before the both of them could try and finish the race though, Peter's parents and Charles were back from their discussion. Mary looking pleased with whatever the result was.
"Peter, can you please turn off the console. The soon-to-be professor would like to speak to you." Richard stated with a genial tone as he moved Charles next to Amelia's chair, while his wife moved to check on Teresa still peacefully sleeping.
Following his father's command and feeling a little nervous he sat across from Charles on the couch. Some amount must have shown on his face as his mother gave him a reassuring smile while his father grinned in some form of amusement and gave him a nod. 'Well I'm glad for all the support, but doesn't really help in this instance.' Even Amelia gave him her own form of encouragement with a smile.
Steeling himself for whatever was about to be discussed he looked Charles in the eye and nodded.
Charles gave his own smile to help Peter relax before beginning to speak. "So Peter -"
Charles' voice drowned out as Peter's vision started rapidly darkening around the edges before darkness momentarily encapsulated all he saw before reality snapped back into place. The biggest change though was the lack of adults except for Charles and the fact that Charles now stood in front of him. A look of surprise and wariness upon his face before steeling himself.
Peter's Mindscape
"Who are you? Why are you in a costume and occupying a young boy's mind?" Charles asked in a guarded tone.
Confused Peter responded "What do yo-" Peter cut himself off at the sound of his voice reaching his own ears. Not his younger voice, his adult voice. Looking down he saw his costume, bright red and blue with the spider motif on the chest. Reaching up he felt the mask, not noticing immediately as the costume felt like a second skin after the years of wearing it.
Still, in slight shock, he reached up to his face and felt his mask before reaching for his neck and removing it, and staring at it in surprise within his hands. Hearing a slight gasp he looked at Charles who was muttering to himself.
"-future-self image? Tell me are you seeing visions of the future all the time?" Charles asked, already assuming something different.
Peter at first, stared in a combination of confusion and shock, at the leaps of assumptions Charles made before he shook his head. "No, you're misassuming what's going on." Raising his hands in a non-threatening manner Peter continued. "Now what I'm about to say might sound weird. But I'm from the future. I was sent back because, well...everyone died."
At seeing Charles' skeptical face Peter continued. "Look, I can sit here talking about it all day. Literally. But I think this will go a lot faster if you just read my mind or something. You know view my memories?"
As Peter finished speaking, he received a hard piercing stare in return. Just when Peter was about to speak up again though, the scenery changed. Into a familiar forest. The sound of an explosion reverberated from where Peter was now standing with Charles. Or to be more exact, the sounds were coming from in front of Peter. He watched as another him dodged goblin-grenades and fireballs a piece in his familiar acrobatic way.
As Peter watched his...other self, move around he turned to speak to Charles, who was watching the fight intently. "So this is my memory? I would have thought it was faster for you to view them instead of reliving it with me." Peter said, expecting Charles to explain.
Humming in thought, Charles continued to watch the fight as it progressed to Peter getting reacquainted with the ground from both hulked goblins. "I can and will do so. I have already seen this and wanted to discuss with you…this." he emphasized the last word as reality moved faster till it stopped to show the giant green door the other4ww Peter stood in front of.
The sight of it caused Peter's chest to tighten.
"This...is truly menacing and if your statement and thoughts are to be believed nothing can be done to stop it once it's started. I can only surmise that you want my help with this...And can't help but be perplexed on what I can do." He turned to Peter with a questioning look.
Peter fought the urge to facepalm. "Look, when I said to take a look at my memories I kinda thought you would start from the beginning and not go back from the most recent memories. We can talk about," Peter gestured his hands at the memory surrounding them. "all this after. I assume you viewed the memory after this?"
Charles nodded "Yes, taking your words and the memories you were focused on subconsciously as truth I assumed you meant to ask me to help you take on that creature. Apologies. I am at a loss though for what you reached out to me for, as I can safely say your initial premise to get me here was a lie."
"I need you to help save my parents." Peter said bluntly.
Charles looked at him perplexed, seeing as his parents were alive and well, before remembering from Peter's memory that he is from the future. "Ah. I assume that it is relatively soon then?" Charles shook his head before Peter could answer and continued "But first, I will check your other memories, though I doubt you mean harm this is still an odd situation, and gaining context would help greatly." Giving Peter a piercing stare he spoke "Now, if you try and focus on the specific memories you think best."
Nodding Peter focused inwardly on all of his encounters with the X-men and the relevant events related to them as well.
"Good, now…" Charles trailed off as he began sifting through Peter's memories.
As the minutes passed, Peter saw Charles' face go through multiple emotions: shock, pride, sadness, embarrassment, and happiness.
Charles closed his eyes which signaled to Peter that he was done, and so felt comfortable speaking up. "So uh, do you happen to truly trust or believe me now?"
"Give me a moment." Charles said, raising his hand in a motion to stop. Taking a deep breath he opened his eyes to look at Peter. Awed and sorrowful eyes to be exact. Ones that made Peter a tad uncomfortable but he stayed silent.
"I know you only focused on events related to what will be called the 'X-men', but I sometimes needed to view other memories to get the context of who else was there or why something was happening. For that, I apologize." Charles began. "I think I can safely say though, that I can believe and trust you when you say you are from the future. Now, I have a few people in mind who we can try to request help from after seeing your memories."
Peter gave a nod to show that he was listening.
"The problem though will be not blowing your parents' cover. From the report, you were able to read from SHIELD, and the newspaper showcasing that they died everything was going perfectly until they were about to reach the ocean on their flight back." Charles stated while humming in thought.
Peter nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, though obviously their cover was blown if the plane blew up either through sabotage or surface to air missiles."
Sighing Charles replied, "On second thought, give me a couple of days to think of an action plan. I can come up with a reason for us to meet again under the guise of ensuring you have the mental capacity to join a school. And we can discuss further."
Taking a moment to think over it himself and hiding his disappointment, Peter nodded "Sure, uh Professor? Sounds good."
Chuckling Charles said, "Soon to be Professor." He then raised his hands before stopping and looked at Peter. "And by the way, you are lucky Cain wears a red helmet the same as Erik does, based off of your memories. I assumed my brother was on his way here to destroy you to somehow get to me in the future." Shaking his head he raised his hands back up. "I'll see you in a few days at most."
With that reality darkened again rapidly before snapping back into place. And with it an overwhelming feeling of tiredness. 'Guess all the mental talking really sapped my young body's strength' Yawning he turned to look around the room the clock showcasing they spent around 10 minutes in that space. His parents and Amelia both had glassy stares, while Charles looked deep in thought.
Frowning Peter made to speak and ask Charles what he was doing, but before he could Charles was finished and his parents immediately beamed at him.
"Peter that was so impressive! Your father and I didn't know you were reading that far ahead into your books." Mary gushed.
Richard chimed in as well wanting to show his son his own pride. "Your mother's right son, not many children your age can recite knowledge like that off the top of their heads." Pausing to let that sink into his son's head Richard then continued "Your mother and I knew you were intelligent, but your grasp on subjects are beyond some high school students."
Blushing and giving Charles an exasperated look 'What in the world did you show them or make them think happened?' Peter couldn't help but think, not sure if Charles was still reading his mind. Not waiting for a telepathic reply he tried his best to be modest and brush off the praise. "Oh, Um thanks, mom and dad. Just you know I like reading with you both and I may or may not read ahead sometimes. Learning is just interesting you know? I'm sure there are other kids like me as well." He then laughed and tried to play it off.
His parents looked confused at Peter's reaction to being praised and made to say something but Amelia, in quiet awe up to now, beat them both to the punch.
"Peter, trust me when I say this. There are not many other kids who can solve the math equations and describe literature as well as you just did. Not to mention your speed and reading comprehension." Amelia said still a little in shock at what she thinks she witnessed.
Not used to receiving this kind of praise, even before he was sent back in time, Peter looked pleadingly at Charles to end this.
Chuckling at seeing Peter's face Charles stepped in. "Your parents and Amelia are right Peter. There's no shame in accepting well-earned praise." His parents nodded in agreement, but before they could start another round of praise Charles continued speaking, this time facing Peter's parents. "Now as to when I can next visit to help foster Peter's growth?"
At this, both Mary and Richard shut their mouths and looked at each other mulling the idea over. On the one hand, Charles was still a stranger to them and even with Peter's advanced intelligence, it's not something most parents would be up for. On the other, they would be able to oversee the meetings, eventually negating the stranger title Charles still had, and Peter probably would benefit from meeting someone more qualified to teach him subjects as he advanced.
"You said that as Peter will be your first student you are willing to give him the scholarship to attend your school when it is finished being built, correct?" Mary asked.
Charles nodded his head.
Nodding back and looking at her husband for an objection she agreed. "Maybe once a week for now until the school is finished being built. After that, I'm sure Peter will be able to attend during normal school hours along with the rest of the students that will be joining eventually."
Smiling at the acceptance of Peter's parents he gave a look to Amelia and said his goodbyes. "Well, I'll call you sometime during next week on when the next best day to visit is. Now, if I could ask for your help Mr. Parker in helping me get down the stairs?"
After his father helped Charles down the adults all said another round of goodbyes and Peter was feeling pretty tired. Telling his parents this they smiled softly at him and wished him goodnight and he went to his room. His last thought as his head hit the pillow was 'Wait, so I'm going to go to a school made for mutants?'
Time after that was spent with both Peter and Charles meeting once every week as agreed. In the beginning, they only met to confirm and plan for what could be done to help prevent the Parker's deaths. What they had confirmed so far, was to ensure the help of Ernst Sablinov.
"Why Silver's father?" Peter asked as he sat in his mindscape back in his adult form, hunched over in thought.
"From your memories of Silver Sable, Ernst Sablinov has a private military company that seemingly only works with the Symkarian government, but through my own contacts have found, this 'Wild Pack' are open for hire in regards to hunting down Nazi remnants. Something your parents are doing with hunting down the Red Skull. Also," Charles paused his face grim. "I'm afraid I was too late to consider Ernst and his wife has been murdered already before I could possibly notify him of the attack."
Peter looked confused before he remembered his own conversations with Silver himself. 'I forgot she explained the event that cemented her joining Ernst was her mother's death...If I remember right she died in front of her.' Peter thought guiltily. 'I'm over here trying to prevent my parents' death's but not trying to plan other ways to help all of my friends.' Shaking his head he thought to himself 'No time for moping right now. After this...after this, I'll make sure to save everyone. No one dies.'
Unaware of what was going through Peter's head Charles continued. "It might be callous to think, but if nothing else he'll probably jump at the chance to get back at the group of men that may have more information on the men that killed his wife."
Sighing Peter continued "So then who else? Logan? I mean Wolverine?"
At the name Logan reaching his ears, Charles frowned and stayed silent.
Noticing Charles' frown at the mention of Logan Peter asked "What is it? What's wrong?"
Giving a sigh of his own Charles replied "James 'Logan ' Howlett has disappeared from what I can gather. After killing a fellow agent from the department he was employed in he was dismissed and was in the process of moving. Based off of your memories I can only surmise that he's been taken off to be subjected to the 'Weapon X' experiment already." Sighing again while rubbing his temples he continued. "If your parents weren't about to possibly be deployed I could take the time to save him but as much as it detests me. He has a regenerative healing factor for part of his mutation and will survive."
Peter winced, saying nothing. 'He's...not wrong. I don't think anyone else could survive something like that except Wade…Wait, Wade!" Hoping to switch the topic back to its original purpose and potentially help someone he learned to call a friend he asked "What about Wade Wilson? He shouldn't be a part of the Weapon X program yet?"
Charles hummed in thought. "I'll see what I can do, from what I've gathered he is down on his luck right now after finding out he has terminal cancer. Forgive me, but from the memories you've shown me, all I know is that he stopped taking chemotherapy. Whether this is because the cost was too much or some other reason the point is he might not be in the best place mentally right now and be able to help, but I'll reach out to him through my own contacts."
"Other than Wade and Ernst, can you think of anyone else?" Peter asked.
"Hm, any mutants that would be able to help would probably take too long to convince or are already a part of Erik's group." Charles replied.
"And any super-powered people that could help are also indisposed or are not available right?" Peter asked.
Nodding his head Charles spoke. "Yes, there may be more that are actually currently available, but limited to our combined knowledge we are not aware of who they may be." Pausing and giving Peter a look that was hard to decipher he asked "Actually, would you be amicable to having one of your…future? - paramours father and his mentor playing a part?"
If Peter had needed to breathe while in his mindscape, he would probably hack and cough at the casual way Charles referred to one of his partners. Instead, his only reaction was to look like a fish out of the water before he stuttered out. "Wh-wh-who do you mean?"
Raising his eyebrow at Peter's apparent embarrassment at the mention of one of his previous partners, Charles replied. "Felicia Hardy, your memories state that her father, Walter Hardy, was trained by the infamous Black Fox. No hand-to-hand skills to name, but he is certainly one person who can help anyone we choose to send out get in quietly. That is if he is available for hire."
"Sounds good. I know Black Fox can seem kind of cowardly, but he'll at least get the job done." Peter added while nodding his head.
"Perfect." That was all Charles said in reply before moving to bring their consciouses back to reality.
Debating to himself very quickly Peter makes the decision to interrupt him. "Wait!"
At seeing Charles stop and raise his eyebrow in an unasked question Peter continued rapidly.
"I have to ask...Why are you doing this? I mean, I expected to have to beg you to help me out with my parents. But I didn't even need to do that. You just…" Peter gestured at the mindscape. "Started to help me plan right off the bat and, seeing as how I'm a child right now biologically, are going to pay to hire these men. With no mention about how I can pay you back?"
"Not to mention," Peter paused, still incredulous at all of the help he's receiving. "You've mentioned multiple times about me joining your school. A school for mutants! Why-why are you inviting me to join it now?" Mind racing, he remembered his rejection when trying to join the X-Men before; his voice broke. "You didn't want me before."
Hit with a myriad of questions, most of which would require long-winded explanations, Charles nodded his head to show that he heard Peter and thought for a moment.
"To be honest, Peter, I wouldn't be doing any of this." Charles gestured to the mindscape similarly to Peter. "At the drop of the hat, like I am for you, for anyone outside those I consider family. Especially after I just recently lost the use of my legs and was feeling spiteful and angry at the world."
Peter stared at Charles, now even more perplexed.
Seeing Peters rightful confusion at his statement, Charles continued. "With that said, my family is either dead or estranged. And I am by now over the loss of the use of my legs. But after viewing your memories; Seeing the trials and tribulations, you partook in for those that I will more than likely call my family in the future. My children." Charles paused to recollect his thoughts. "For all that you did, for all that you are willing to do for them. I can do this without asking for anything in return."
"Regarding your attendance at my future school. Excuse me if this is presumptuous of me, not only do I have a multitude of qualifications to teach even for one learned such as yourself; But again, through your eyes, I have seen the mistakes I and every mutant has made." Looking Peter in the eye, Charles continued. "We separated ourselves from those who are not that different from us, we who are born with powers. My goal now is to instead fashion my school into one where those who have been changed after birth to have powers, mutates as you know, and those born with powers, mutants, can attend free of judgment and have a place to learn. It will also showcase that both are the same. I won't go into too much detail about how but just that one little distinction would have helped mutant-kinds image in your memories."
Shaking his head, he again continued. "What I want is for peaceful coexistence between humans and mutants, but segregation would only stonewall that. Your memory showed mutantkind living isolated on a living island, Krakoa. This nation brought mutants peace free from harm for the most part but took a metaphorical three steps back in the grand scheme by hiding mutantkind again from the world. I abandoned my current goal in your memories. Something I cannot—no, will not see happening this time."
Eyes now seeming to look through Peter, Charles continued passionately. "A world that accepts mutants as normal and peaceful coexistence is all that I hope to achieve by allowing you to attend my school, Peter. I want to change what you know of the word mutant, one born with powers or mutation, to one that encapsulates those that receive powers or mutations."
Preparing to address Peter's last statement, Charles's brows furrowed in consternation. "Which leads me into why I think we rejected your asking to join even though you completely wrecked the-" He trailed off, trying to remember the area. "—The Training Room? Regardless, after seeing your impressive skills, were we just a normal team of heroes, we would have accepted you no question, but as you saw. We were so adamant about labeling you as different that we rejected what would have been a major boon to our team. Not only for its bigger goal of showcasing how mutants can help the broader world but on an individual level. You showcased how vital a presence you were in their lives down the line, even without joining the team. You, who still tried to help when you had no obligation to."
"How we never really apologized formally, I cannot say. What I can say now is that if you choose to join what will become the X-men this time, you will have a place on it." Charles finished a tiny hopeful grin on his face.
"Oh," Was Peter's graceful reply. "That's...honestly-" Peter shook his head, taking a moment to think over his response as Charles did. He deserved the respect of Peter taking the time to not stumble over his words.
"That is probably one of the most heartfelt explanations I've ever received for why I was included in a group. Thank you." Peter said, a more bashful smile now on his face. "All I can say is. I look forward to joining your school and hope to learn much." He then coughed as he was a tad nervous. "Guess we should be going then."
Chuckling, Charles nodded his head. "Yes, we shall." He then raised his hand to end the connection before he quickly brought it down again to say, "At the risk of sounding like a liar, after finding out that your parents are in imminent peril, I also would be willing to help them. They're good people."
Smiling, Peter just nodded his head in thanks and agreement.
After that, the rest of their weekly meetings were mainly Charles informing Peter of each individual's response: Ernst accepted the contract, after verifying for himself that Charles was a legitimate option, eagerly and was awaiting news of where to deploy his group. Wade Wilson was a little harder to convince but capitulated at the behest of his girlfriend with the reasoning of it being able to pay for his chemotherapy. And finally, after going through so many of Charles' contacts to convince the duo that this was sanctioned by the government, Walter got in touch with his mentor, both were made aware of the clandestine nature and, to account for Black Fox's notable cowardliness in the face of danger, were told they would be in charge of helping 2 agents escape only.
Not a few scant weeks later, his parents got a call from Fury, once again ordering them for a mission, this time to an Algerian spy ring. At least that was what Peter was able to gather from their hushed whispers the following days afterward.
'They look really stressed out. It makes me feel kind of guilty for being a little petulant with them last time. And now I can't even try to allay their concerns without opening up a whole other can of worms.' Peter thought to himself with an internal sigh as he waited for them to finish packing for Peter to stay over at his Aunt and Uncle's in the early hours of the morning before the sun could even rise.
Watching his parents move hurriedly, with their stress radiating off of them in waves; all while Peter could do nothing but sit and wait started to eat at him. He couldn't help but start to picture the civilians running away from Restoration Park or he guessed it would be called Central Park again now. The Green Goblin's laughter permeating the air. His heartbeat increasing as he stared up at the red sk-
'Nope nope nope. Not going there.' Peter shook his head as he noticed his mind try to head into what he calls his, "brooding mode". 'I've been pretty good about not dwelling on those events for a while and I plan to keep it that way. Damn brain.' Peter thought to himself, hoping to push back any issues he had with events before that, for Peter, happened 4 years ago and shouldn't happen again anytime soon, if at all. Like Kindred and how Harry's soul being sold to- the sensation of a warm palm meeting his face thankfully distracted him.
His mother's hand was gently caressing his cheek as she smiled weakly "Peter, it's time to go now. Your sister is staying with some friends of ours already. While you'll be staying with your Aunt and Uncle."
Scrunching his face in thought, and looking for a topic to distract himself with, Peter asked "Why can't she stay with Uncle Ben and Aunt May with me?"
His mom moved her mouth to respond before closing it and shaking her head. "There's just some worries your father and I have about her health is all. She'll be with some very safe people who will take care of her while we are gone."
'That's a load of bull if I've ever heard any' Peter thought with an internal snort. 'If I had to hazard a guess I'd say the real reason is that Hydra doesn't know about her yet and assuming their mission fails they want to keep it that way.'
"Okay. I'll miss her." Peter replied with a disappointed frown.
A stronger smile appearing now at her son word's, Mary gently guided him to the door where they saw Richard packing the car.
"You all ready sport?" his dad said with a goofy grin, his eyes betraying the stress he felt.
Throat tightening up at the situation hitting him harder than ever Peter nodded his head, not trusting himself to speak.
With that, the Parker's entered the car and, due to his parent's stress it was a quiet ride, with Peter trying to make conversation before he eventually stopped noticing them whispering to each other and all that was left was silence. Stressful silence. It left Peter alone with his thoughts. 'Okay okay, just think about all the goo-'
SNAP
Peter jolted upright at the sound. Back ramrod straight.
"Let's go face the truth together." The demon gleefully said, as his centipede reached for Peter's head...
Richard, who was slightly unaware due to the whispering with his wife, had driven over a curved branch on the road and noticed his son jolt out of the corner of his eye and apologized with a weak smile. "Sorry, Pete. I'll pay more attention to the road."
Peter gave no reply as they stopped at a red light his eyes staring through the window.
Frowning at his son's silence Richard made to turn his head and ask him what was wrong before the light turned green and he had to drive again. 'I'll speak to him when we get there. He might just be feeling sad at knowing we're leaving again. He is getting at the age where it might seem longer to him.'
If Richard turned around fully, he would have immediately pulled over and tried to snap Peter out of his thoughts before questioning him. Peter was stuck in his head. His face was blank, his eyes showed terror as they wept. A look Richard was familiar with, normally on the faces of the soldiers, he saw at the VA.
KRAK
The stone dislocated Peter's jaw.
The demon grinned.
THWACK
His skin and musculature caved in as the stone turned his face into a screaming pile of nerves. And then…
CHWUCH
Death.
Peter started breathing deeply as his memory ejected him with his death. He blinked his eyes rapidly and tried cleaning his face before he stared back out towards the front. Trying to again distract himself. The yellow sunrise caught his eye, the warmth of it spreading across his face.
The yellow glow and heat were the first sensations Peter could feel as his body was repaired.
"Now rise." Harry, no, Kindred commanded maliciously as Peter felt his face finish regenerating.
Tears formed in his eyes. "W-wait.."
"No." Kindred said as he raised his clawed fingers towards Peter's face. "Again."
SLASH
Again and again, Peter couldn't help but see, hear, or feel a sensation that reminded him of which ways Harry had killed him. The ocean under them as they passed over the bridge, drowning. The seatbelt securing him, crushed to death. His chest and stomach bothering him from trying not to throw up, having his heart ripped out. It continued on well past just Kindred though. When his mind was done reliving the deaths caused by Kindred, seeing the green of his Uncle and Aunt's neighborhood brought him back to the events that caused him to be sent back.
The Green Door loomed in front of him. Nothing surrounded them this time. It glowed as the being's voice echoed in his head.
"I am the One-Below-All. And what I want is to make all worlds as hollow and dead as I am inside."
It wasn't until he felt his mother's slender arms unbuckle and wrap her arms around him that his brain stopped agonizing over his experiences.
"It's okay Peter. I'm here." Mary consoled as she hugged him. "I love you." She continued, whispering as she kissed his temple.
An overwhelming flood of emotion overcame Peter as the words hit him, combined with the instinctual safety he felt by being held in his mom's arms. He hugged her back burying his head in the crook of her neck, choking out the words "I-I-I love you too mom."
As he felt his father's arms silently join his mother in hugging him tightly, Peter shook. 'I really am grateful for being able to spend time with them. God, I really hope Charles and I's extra help make a difference.'
Mary then pulled herself back just enough to look Peter in the eye. "You be a good boy for your Aunt and Uncle okay?"
Nodding his head affirmative, Peter's eyes started to droop. Drained from the emotions his body underwent. His last thought was 'Please let it be enough.'
Hours later Peter awoke under the covers in the "guest" bedroom, but if Charles and his plans failed would become his room. 'I didn't really get to say goodbye.' Peter thought sadly.
Sitting up fully he looked around the room noting: the dresser, lamp, and his bag filled with clothes and toiletries. Seeing nothing else of note he took a deep breath, trying to decompress. After a moment he decided to think over his "episode" and the implications of it happening during a fight sometime later down the line. 'That can't happen. I need to get a handle on it. I thought it was bad with just Harry. But I had Mary-Jane to lean on. I...don't have anyone really now. Except for Charles but he's got his own demons.'
Peter pondered over what else he could do before shaking his head. 'I'll be more self-aware for now, there's no use agonizing over it. I'll get some help or research later to see what I can do. It didn't happen when I thought it would with both Norman's fighting me and in my face, who would be the closest to bringing me to that point in a fight again. I'll worry about it later.'
Deciding to head downstairs he noticed on the dresser a note written by his parents.
Peter,
We're sorry we couldn't say a full goodbye. You fell asleep as we were trying to! We wanted to let you know what you already know, that we love you. Sooooo much. We also wanted to tell you that this will be the last time your father and I will need to leave for work! You won't need to worry about us leaving you for an extended time after this. We hope you learn lots from Charles Xavier. Your aunt and uncle both know to be made aware of him visiting while we are gone. We'll all be a family again after this!
With love,
Mom & Dad
Staring at the note his parents left for him, Peter smiled. Remembering the love and care his parents showed him recently didn't wholly erase the guilt of not being awake to say goodbye, but it was still comforting.
Setting the note down he headed down the stairs. 'I think they mean Teresa when they say all. Which, if this doesn't go well I'm going to have to ask Charles to help me locate her if things go south. She's not going to live growing up away from me at the very least.'
At seeing his Aunt and Uncle sitting on the couch watching TV he grinned. Deciding to hope for the best again. 'It's gotta work.'
Two weeks later
The two weeks following his parents were probably the most stressful weeks he has ever had to deal with. Not being able to do what he normally did to relieve stress, fighting criminals, he had nothing but the weekly meeting with Charles in-between spending time with his family. But as the only one not ignorant to what his parents were out doing, yet also the one with the least amount of information on how it was going it was stressful. So when Charles arrived with a huge grin as he was pushed by Amelia to the house Peter felt hopeful.
As Ben welcomed them in, May couldn't help but ask what was the cause of Charles being happy. "What's gotten you so joyous Mr. Xavier?"
Grinning somehow even more in response Charles replied "My family mansion has finally been rebuilt and as a consequence, the last on the needed checklist for my future university to be approved and accredited has been solved. As one of my life-long dreams, I can't help but be ecstatic."
Peter, who was sitting down on the couch, smiled at the news. But knowing that Charles would also have news of his parents fought to contain his excitement.
As Amelia faced Charles in front of Peter to prepare for their lessons, he saw Charles nod his head towards him, as though to reaffirm what Peter believed.
Reality broke away before he found himself in front of Charles.
"They're back Peter. If you don't receive the call from the hospital-" He raised his hand to prematurely stop Peter's question. "They're alive and not in critical condition. Your father simply has a head injury from protecting your mother. If you don't receive a call from the hospital relatively soon expect one tomorrow. From what I am aware of SHIELD has waited for your father to awaken and go over an after-action report verbally. The only reason I know of this is that I met with our contractors an hour ago here in New York. Everyone had to arrive on the plane meant as an escape for your parents and are restricted to the hospital as well while SHIELD goes over other verbal AAR's from your moth-"
Charles cut himself off and smiled. "From your mother and them. I'm sorry I think we'll need to leave and continue this conversation on the way. I keep my senses aware of what goes on when we discuss like this in case something happens outside of here. Your living room phone is ringing and I would guess that your parents are calling to say they are back."
Without any chance to respond verbally and still processing the good news reality fixed itself to showcase his family and Amelia all of who didn't notice anything off and looked still happy from the news Charles shared with them earlier. 'Did he get better at it after all this time or was it really not that long.' The ringing of the phone was heard by everyone before May moved to answer it.
"Hello?" May asked happily.
"Mary!" She exclaimed before waiting for her to continue. "WHAT! THE HOSPITAL?!" May shouted before rapidly nodding her head. "Yes yes, we'll be on the way. Send Richard our best. Actually," She paused as she looked over Charles and Amelia thinking a moment. "Is it okay if we bring Charles and his nurse? I'm sure they would like to see how you both were doing as well."
Mary was silent on the other end presumably checking with Richard or whoever was in charge of the visitor list.
After a moment of silence, May nodded. "Thank you. Love you too. We'll be there as soon as possible."
Looking back over the rest of the house she relayed "Well as you heard. Richard and Mary are at the hospital. Richard has a head injury but thankfully it isn't as serious as it could have been. And just now are available for visitors. Also, I hope you both aren't angry at me for asking if you could join us, but I thought you both would want to check in on them as well." May finished referring to Charles and Amelia.
Chuckling genially Charles waved away her concern. "It's fine, I myself am wondering how Richard is and am happy and thankful to be able to go visit them in the hospital."
Nodding her head smiling Amelia agreed. "I would need to go anyways since Charles has decided to go."
As everyone moved to leave in their separate vehicles Peter heard Charles telepathically speak to him.
'I'll finish explaining on the way, or to make it easier I'll show you their memories. Be forewarned, you may feel an overwhelming sense of tiredness after. I am not sure how long you will be awake after with your current body's energy limitation.'
'That's fine.' Peter responded in his own head after a moment to think. Being tired before visiting his parents might be a little rude. But understanding or knowing what went down and what happened would be a relief too. It's not like his parents would tell him exactly what happened.
'Lay it on me.' Peter thought, waiting for Charles to share the memory somehow.
Not waiting long he noticed reality break again, this time by going pressing an infinitesimal point before enlarging again.
Except now he was viewing a silver-haired man, Ernst Sablinov, driving a delivery van up to a checkpoint.
Peter looked to Charles questioningly 'What in the…'
Aaaaaand that's where I decided to cut it off. I'm sure many a reader can pinpoint a spot in this chapter where I could have ended it earlier and I felt before the memory was probably best. If for no other reason than because this chapter was already 10k+.
So about the delay. Honestly, The first few weeks were laziness. Pure unadulterated laziness on my part. Didn't even touch the story except for the first part with Charles being called. The reason for this is after seeing what Marvel likes to call their Sliding Timeline and me not wanting to research as I have needed to decided to give myself a break. That and getting into MMO's again like SWTOR and FFXIV also sucked up my time. Eventually, I did research, every damn step of the way. Unfortunately, the canonical timeline is fucked. So when I wrote out something that I thought would have made sense I found out instead that no it wouldn't. Needless to say, I kept slamming my head into the wall for bringing in the X-men into this. And am crying internally when I think about how much I'll need to find out moving forward when I bring in other characters, not just ones who are a part of Spider-man's cast.
Regardless, don't expect this long of a wait again, I promise to be more diligent in writing out chapters from now on. And at least giving a heads up on my profile if I need to take a slightly extended break or if you want to know where the story is at.
Actually on that note, not sure if any of you all here care for ANs. If you read on AO3 also you know I leave them but FF only allows them inside the story and I'd rather not inflate the word count unnecessarily. Let me know if you guys prefer this. I am more than happy to write out the ANs I leave on AO3 here also.
Thank you for reading!