A/N: This is the start of the season final. Gwen, Miles and Anya all don't play a big role in the whole thing through, as it's mostly Peter and Aunt May meeting their long-lost relative. Other heroes do have a supporting role in this due to a sub-plot, and in this three-parter, they'll be a few actor name gags.
I've made a slight change to my first chapter in season 1 to help explain this.
In the Parker house, on Friday the 15th of July, Peter - putting a green, white and blue stripped t-shirt on - was walking down the stairs towards the kitchen, seeing Aunt May was making breakfast.
"Morning, Aunt May." Peter said.
"Oh, morning, Peter." Aunt May said, turning to him. "I've almost finished here."
Peter smiled as he sat down at the table, before his Aunt finished breakfast and put it down on the table, which today was bacon and eggs.
"I ran out of flour for wheat cakes, Peter." she explained.
"Oh, no problem." Peter said. "I can't have them every morning."
Aunt May smiled, before they ate their breakfast together. Once they finished and washed up, Peter began to approach the front door, when Aunt May touched his shoulder, making him turn around.
"What's up, Aunt May?" he asked. "You want to get something while I'm out today?"
"No. Peter, there's something we need to talk about." Aunt May said. "I'd like us to do this in the living room."
"O-kay..." Peter said, unsurely.
They both entered the living room and sat down beside each other on the couch.
"So, what's this about?" Peter asked, unsurely.
Aunt May took a deep breath, deciding now was the right time to tell him she knew his secret.
"Well..." she began. "You see, Peter..."
"Aunt May, what is it?" Peter asked.
"Peter, I know everything." Aunt May sighed. "That you're out there helping people, saving them...as Spider-Man."
Peter gasped, his eyes wide with shock, before he sighed.
"How long have you known?" he asked.
"Since the time you and your friends cleared Sgt. Davis' name." Aunt May replied. "I found your spare mask under your bed, and then began to put the pieces together."
Peter sighed and put his glass down.
"So, you gonna tell me why you do this?" Aunt May asked. "I mean, I figured you must have a reason for doing something so dangerous at your age."
Peter looked up at her.
"I might as well tell you the whole story." he sighed. "It all started during last year's trip to E.S.U, before Uncle Ben died."
He began telling her about how he got his powers, how he originally planned to use them for money at a wrestling stadium, how he'd let Dennis Carradine go after robbing the place, who later killed Uncle Ben and stole his car, who he'd then tracked and cornered, only to find out how he had helped cause his Uncle's death by finding out it was the same man, which took him about 15 minutes.
"Oh, Peter, I... I didn't know." Aunt May said.
"It's the biggest regret of my life." Peter explained. "I'll never forgive myself for that, knowing I could've saved Uncle Ben when I had the chance."
Aunt May looked at him as he sighed.
"That's why I do this, to make sure no one else has to suffer." Peter explained.
"So, why have you never told me about this before?" Aunt May asked.
"I didn't wanna worry you. I also wanted to protect you as well." Peter explained. "If my enemies knew who I was, they'd go after you and everyone else I cared about, including you."
"But that-" Aunt May began.
"Green Goblin knew who I was, that's why he attacked you." Peter explained.
Aunt May gasped and covered her mouth.
"He knew?" she questioned horrified.
"Yeah." Peter sighed. "He then went after Gwen, but luckily, I was able to save her."
Aunt May looked at him, seeing he still looked haunted by what happened back then.
"Does it...?" she asked.
"It still haunts me what he did, attacking the two most important people in my life." Peter sighed. "I really thought I'd lose you when you were in the hospital."
"When he kidnapped Gwen, he held her up on that bridge, didn't he?" May asked, getting his attention. "I did hear about that while I was in the hospital, Peter."
"Oh." Peter said. "Well, yeah, he did...and then he dropped her and a cable car full of kids."
"But you managed to save them all?" Aunt May finished.
"Yes." Peter replied.
They both looked at each other.
"So, have you figured out my team as well then?" Peter asked.
"Well, I have heard the rumors about Spider-Man and Ghost-Spider being a couple, and Ben and I raised you better than to be a two-timer, so I figured Gwen has to be her?" Aunt May assumed.
"Yes." Peter confirmed. "Gwen's Ghost-Spider. We actually had our first kiss in costume."
"I see." Aunt May said. "Did that Green Goblin know-"
"No, he didn't." Peter said, knowing what she was gonna say. "I brought her suit over and hid her so she can change without noticing. That's how we beat him in the end."
Aunt May smiled. "So, who's the others? I mean, I have an idea, but-" she began.
"Miles and Anya." Peter explained. "Anya's still new at this though, so we've been training her up, like Gwen and I did when Miles joined us."
"Okay. I had a feeling it might be them the way you were crowded together when Sgt. Davis was sentenced." Aunt May said. "So, did they get their powers like you did?"
"Gwen and Miles, yeah, but Anya got hers from that Spider-Island mess." Peter explained. "Unlike everyone else who got infected and turned into Spider-Monsters - like MJ and Flash - she didn't. And when she found me and some friends working on a cure, she offered to help and volunteered to be the..."
"The guinea pig?" Aunt May finished.
"Yes. The day after we fully spread the cure, she found out she still had her powers." Peter explained. "Probably because it wasn't properly ready as she started to mutate."
"Oh, right." Aunt May said. "And so, she joined afterwards."
"Yes. So, are you mad?" Peter asked.
"Well, I'm not happy that you never told me this before." Aunt May said. "But I can understand why, and given all you've done for the past 16 months, I can say I'm proud for all you've done for all the people of this city."
Peter smiled, while still shocked his Aunt now knew his secret that he didn't want her to know, was glad to know she was proud of him.
"I'm sorry for not telling you, Aunt May." he said.
"You're forgiven, Peter. And, I'm sure Uncle Ben and your parents would be proud of you." Aunt May assured.
Peter smiled, when a knock came on the door, confusing them.
"You expecting someone, Peter, 'cause I ain't." Aunt May said.
"No. I'll check it out, Aunt May." Peter said, getting up.
He walked towards the door and opened it, and saw Jessica Drew standing on the other side.
"Jess?" he said. "What are you doing here?"
"I've got something to tell you and your Aunt." Jessica explained. "Can I come in?"
"Uh, sure." Peter said, letting her pass.
He closed the door behind them, before they both approached the sitting room, just as Aunt May looked up at them.
"Peter, who is this?" she asked, pointing at Jessica.
"Aunt May, this is Jessica Drew." Peter explained. "She's one of my..."
"One of your fellow hero friends?" Aunt May assumed.
Jessica turned from her to Peter, then back again.
"She knows?" she asked.
"I didn't tell her. She figured it out for herself." Peter assured. "She only just told me."
"Oh." Jessica said. "Right, well, yes, I am. I'm Spider-Woman."
"The one from the Avengers?" Aunt May inquired.
"Yes, but I also work for SHIELD, with Agent Coulson." Jessica explained. "I may be young, but I know how to handle these things."
"Right." Aunt May said. "Well, why don't you sit down then?"
Jessica smiled and sat down in a chair, as Peter sat back down beside Aunt May.
"So, what's all this about?" Aunt May asked.
"We think we've found your long-lost relative." Jessica explained.
Peter and Aunt May turned to each other in shock.
"You...You have?" Peter asked.
"Yes." Jessica assured. "When we got the word, I volunteered to come and tell you since Coulson knows how you feel towards him, Mrs. Parker."
"Oh, I do." Aunt May assured. "So, what can you tell us?"
"Well, I can't tell you everything 'cause we don't know all that ourselves, but I can tell you what we do know." Jessica explained.
"Okay." Aunt May understood. "So, what is it?"
"Not long after Mary gave birth to this person, she and Richard left them at an orphanage called Feed the Children, Inc." Jessica explained. "Our guess is they we're gonna come back for them later, but never got a chance."
"So, what is they're name, and where are they now?" Aunt May asked.
"Well, we don't know what their name is, but we do know they were adopted and raised by foster parents in Washington D.C." Jessica explained. "We're still not sure if it's a boy or a girl yet."
"What's the family name then?" Aunt May asked. "Do you know that?"
"Durand." Jessica explained. "That's all we've gathered unfortunately."
"What part of Washington do they live?" Peter asked.
"Well, since it's the capital of the country, we're not so sure." Jessica explained. "We do know is that they spent a few years in the orphanage before being adopted."
"So, if there's any further information, it'll be there?" Aunt May deduced.
"Yes." Jessica confirmed. "I'm sorry it's not much, but it's the best I can give."
"Well, we apricate it, Jess." Peter assured. "So, what's happening?"
"Well, we've arranged for you two to fly to Washington tomorrow to find your relative." Jessica explained. "Just keep in mind, if they decide to stay with their foster family, you cannot force them to move in with you."
Aunt May sighed. "Well, if they raised this person well, I won't stop her." she said. "I'll only ask them to come over and visit now and then."
"I'm sure Uncle Ben wouldn't have done that either." Peter sighed. "But I'm also sure he'd say the same thing."
Jessica smiled, before she got up.
"Wait?" Aunt May asked. "What time is our flight?"
"Your flight is scheduled for 10:30am tomorrow at JFK airport." Jessica explained. "I'll meet you at the airport to go with you."
"Thanks, Jess." Peter said.
Jessica smiled as she got up, then she walked off and out of the house, leaving Peter and Aunt May alone.
"Looks like we're about to meet our missing Parker." Peter said.
"Yeah." Aunt said, weeping tears of joy. "I just wish Ben was here for this."
Peter wrapped his arm around her and hugged her.
"Me too." he said. "I better call Robbie to explain I won't be at work for a while."
"Yeah, and I'll do the same with Mr. Li." Aunt May said.
They both took out their phones, both knowing they were gonna have to make a few calls today, to help explain their absence from work.
The next day, at John F Kennedy airport, Peter and Aunt May both stood facing Gwen, Miles, Anya, Harry and Mary Jane, waiting for the next flight to Washington D.C.
"So, you've found your long-lost sibling, Pete?" Gwen asked, as Peter had called them all yesterday to tell them.
"We think so." Peter said. "That's why we're going away for now."
"To find them and probably bring them home?" Mary Jane finished.
"Well, yeah... That is, if they want too." Peter said. "If their foster family has treated them great, Aunt May and I don't think it'd be fair."
"Once we find them, we'll decide together on what's best for them." Aunt May explained.
"That does seem fair." Anya reasoned.
"When's your flight leave?" Harry asked.
Peter checked his watch, seeing it was 10:20.
"Ten minutes from now." he explained, as it left at half 10.
"Well, I hope you find them, and if you bring them home, I can't wait to meet them." Mary Jane hoped.
"Same here." Harry said. "And good luck."
He and Mary Jane both turned and walked off, leaving Aunt May alone with the four Spiders.
"We all wish you luck, Peter." Anya said.
"Yeah." Miles nodded. "I'm sure you'll both be alright up there."
"Thanks. Now, while we're gone, you three will look after the city, won't you?" Aunt May inquired.
Anya opened her mouth open in shock, while Gwen gasped with her eyes open.
"Uh, we don't know what-" Miles began.
"Guys, she knows." Peter explained. "She figured me out when we teamed-up with Daredevil."
"What?" Gwen gasped, covering her mouth. "How?"
Miles and Anya opened their mouths in shock.
"She found my spare mask under my bed." Peter explained.
"He told me about you all as well, and I promise, I won't say a word." Aunt May said. "It's your secret, and Peter's told me why you keep it expect between yourselves and other heroes."
"Um... Thanks, I guess." Miles said.
"Yeah. Thanks, Mrs. Parker." Gwen said, embarrassed.
"So, by that, you know why we haven't told our families or other friends, like MJ and Harry?" Anya assumed.
"Yes." Aunt May said.
"So, how long you guys gonna be gone for?" Gwen asked.
"We're not sure." Peter replied. "Could be a week at least. Depends on what happens."
"But when we come back, hopefully, our long-lost relative will be with us." Aunt May said.
"Hopefully?" Miles inquired.
"Like we said, if they love their foster family that much, we're not gonna force them to come live with us." Peter explained. "It wouldn't be fair."
"So if they decide to stay there, we'll just have to ask them to visit us every now and then." Aunt May said.
"Makes sense." Gwen said. "My distant family does that too."
Miles and Anya both turned to her.
"My Uncle Arthur and cousin Jill." Gwen explained. "I rarely see them. I think the last time I saw them was about three years ago."
"Oh." Miles said.
"Do they still keep in contact with you?" Anya asked curiously.
"Dad and I still get a card at Christmas and for our birthdays." Gwen assured. "We do the same with them."
"Nice to know." Anya said.
Peter looked over at Harry and Mary Jane, who were both talking to each other out of earshot.
"Those two okay?" Peter asked.
"Um, not quite." Gwen sighed. "I heard them arguing yesterday, about why MJ's been keeping her distance. I won't be surprised if they end up breaking up before the summer's over."
They all looked over at Harry and Mary Jane, who did indeed look like they were arguing slightly.
"Um, what's that about?" Aunt May asked.
Peter and Gwen turned to her, Miles and Anya, since the three of them didn't know.
"It might be best if I tell you in Washington, Aunt May." Peter said.
"And I'll tell you guys later." Gwen promised. "Don't want them to overhear."
"Okay, fair enough." Miles said.
"Attention, flight 614 to Washington D.C. is now boarding." said the PA female announcer.
"Right. Well, look, we better get on the plane. Peter." Aunt May said.
"Yeah. You guys take care of things 'til we get back." Peter instructed.
"You got it." Gwen said. "We'll see you when you get back."
"I'll call you all when we get there to let you know we've arrived." Peter promised.
"Understood." Miles said.
"Gwen, until we get back, you're in charge." Peter said, touching her shoulder. "After me, you have the most experience, so-"
"It makes me the right choice to take over." Gwen finished. "Understood, Pete."
She kissed his right cheek, making him smile, before they hugged each other.
"We'll be back soon." Peter whispered. "I love you."
"I love you too." Gwen whispered, before they pulled apart. "Take care of yourself."
"I will." Peter said.
They kissed each other, before pulling apart, then Peter and Aunt May turned around and walked off with their suitcases. As they did, Harry and Mary Jane got in front of the pair, making them stop.
"You guys leaving?" Harry asked.
"Yeah." Peter said. "Look, since we haven't got time, you can tell me about your argument when we get back."
"You... You saw that?" Harry asked, shocked.
"We all did." Aunt May said, folding her arms.
"I... Okay, we'll tell you when you get back." Mary Jane sighed. "See you then."
"See ya." Peter said.
He and Aunt May walked past the couple, who turned to them both, before their other friends gathered behind them.
A couple of minutes later, Peter and Aunt May approached the plane, seeing Jessica waiting for them both, as other passengers boarded.
"You two ready?" she asked.
"We're ready." Peter assured.
"Good." Jessica said. "Come on?"
She turned around before they all boarded the plane, then Peter and Aunt May took their seats beside each other in first class, Peter getting the window seat, while Jessica got in front of them both.
"First class seats?" Aunt May questioned. "Ben and I never rode first class. We could never afford it."
"I thought you might wanna travel in style, Mrs Parker." Jessica explained. "Keep in mind though, you'll have to pay for your trip back yourself, so don't count on it if you have to travel coach."
"I understand." Aunt May said.
Once the last passenger got on, one of the stewardess closed the door and locked it.
"Please fasten your seatbelts please?" she asked, turning to the passengers. "We'll be taking off in about three minutes."
Peter, Aunt May, Jessica, and six other people all fastened their seatbelts, as the other passengers were in coach.
"Well, here we go." Peter said, turning to the window.
Five minutes later, inside the airport, Harry, Mary Jane, Gwen, Miles and Anya all watched as the plane took off and fly off into the sky, all knowing Peter and Aunt May will be back soon.
"Take care of yourself, Pete." Gwen wished softly.
Later, once in Washington D.C., about 1 hour and a half later, Peter, Aunt May and Jessica all walked down the steps with other passengers, then entered Dulles International Airport. They all walked on though the lobby, before they stopped near a counter, then turned to each other.
"Okay, we're here." Aunt May said. "So, where are we staying while we're here?"
"We've got a car waiting outside for that." Jessica explained.
"Thought of everything, huh?" Peter inquired.
"Yeah." Jessica replied.
"Right. Well, I'll be right back." Aunt May said. "I need to use the bathroom."
Peter smiled as she turned around and walked off, before he turned to Jessica, for he had a thought there was another reason she'd come along and brought him all the way to Washington D.C.
"Jessica, can you ask you something?" Peter inquired.
"Sure, Peter." Jessica said. "What is it?"
"Is there another reason you brought me out here than just to help find my long-lost sibling?" Peter asked.
"Well, yeah, actually." Jessica admitted. "Tony got word HYDRA's planning an attack here, and since we found out your sibling's here, it might be better having your help. I had a feeling it'd be the only way you'd come in this case, due to what's been happening lately."
Peter looked at her with a little annoyance, for he was hoping just to find his sibling and talk to them.
"I'm really sorry, Pete, but we really need the help." Jessica said. "Some of us are gone right now."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"Hank and Janet are on their honeymoon. They moved their wedding up since Spider Island took place." Jessica explained.
"Oh." Peter said, his face softening.
"Bruce and Tony are still working on the cure for those people the Jackal mutated." Jessica continued. "And not only that, Sam, Carol and Thor are investigating something elsewhere. We're even asking some of the X-Men for help, so we could use an extra hand even if they do agree."
"Okay, Jess, I'll help." Peter sighed. "But you better let me know when I'm needed."
"I will, Pete." Jessica assured. "Good luck finding your sibling in the meantime."
"Thanks." Peter said.
They both shook hands, before they both turned and walked off towards Aunt May, who was coming over to them.
"I'll take you both to your hotel you're be staying for while you're here, and then I have to leave." Jessica explained. "Some of my friends need my help here, as we're expecting something in due time."
"And do you need Peter for this?" Aunt May inquired.
"If we really need him, we'll let him know." Jessica assured. "We won't call unless we have too."
"Aunt May, if I have too-" Peter began.
"Peter, if it comes to that, go." Aunt May said. "You did bring your suit, didn't you?"
Peter tugged at his shirt, showing the collar of his suit beneath it.
"Good." Aunt May said. "If it comes to this, I'll make sure not to visit the Durand's until after you're done if that happens. I want to be able to first meet your sibling when we're together."
"Understood." Peter said. "And thanks, Aunt May."
Aunt May smiled and touched her nephew's shoulder.
"Um, why don't you call Gwen and tell her we've arrived." she suggested. "We'll wait outside."
"Okay." Peter said.
He took out his phone as Aunt May and Jessica walked off, then dialled Gwen's number, before putting it to his ear, waiting for nearly a minute before Gwen answered.
"Go ahead, Pete?" she said.
"Gwen, we've arrived in Washington." Peter explained. "We're on our way to the hotel we'll be staying in while we're here."
"Okay. Things are quiet over here." Gwen reported. "Apart from Anya stopping a mugger, nothing's happened."
"Good to know." Peter said. "I'll call you again when I find out what's happened after we find my sibling."
"Understood. Love you, bugboy." Gwen said.
"Love you too, Gwendy." Peter joked.
Gwen giggled on the other end before she hung up, then Peter put his phone away. He walked over to Aunt May and Jessica, just as a car waited outside, to take them to where the Parkers were staying during their time here.
Half-an-hour later, the Parkers and Jessica were in an flat in an apartment building known as the Lyle Washington DC.
"This is where you'll be staying while you're here." Jessica explained, as Peter walked into the bathroom.
"Um, thank you." Aunt May said. "You didn't have to do all this though?"
"I figured it's the least I can do by coming with you." Jessica assured.
"So, where's the orphanage Richard and Mary left their child?" Aunt May asked.
"The orphanage is only just a few blocks away from here, so you can get there by walking distance." Jessica explained.
"Right. Thank you for everything, Ms. Drew." Aunt May said.
"Please, call me Jessica or Jess?" Jessica asked. "Your nephew's a friend of mine so no need for last name basis."
"Well, as long as you stop calling me Mrs. Parker, Jessica." Aunt May requested.
"Okay... May." Jessica said.
"Um, can I ask you something; just how close and you and Peter?" Aunt May asked.
"I was the first hero he teamed-up with, although at first, there was a misunderstanding between us. Due to us both being Spiders, I... I kinda feel a special connection with him, and with the others." Jessica explained. "In fact, when I first met Miles and agreed to help Peter and Gwen train him, I sort of became their representative to the Avengers."
"Oh..." Aunt May said.
They heard the toilet flush as Peter came back into the room.
"So, uh, you two getting along?" he asked.
"Sort of." Aunt May replied.
"Yeah. Just telling her about our first meeting." Jessica explained.
"Right. So, now that we're here, what happens at the orphanage?" Peter asked.
"Well, my friends and I arranged for you both to meet the owner." Jessica explained. "You might as well just wait and talk until then."
"When's the appointment?" Peter inquired.
Jessica looked over at the clock, seeing it was 12:35.
"5pm, I'm afraid." she answered.
Aunt May sighed.
"It was the best time we could book." Jessica assured.
"I can understand that." Aunt May assured. "I just hope the records of...my niece or nephew can tell us if they're still around and where they are."
"I'm sure they will. I mean, if they were dead, I'd have told you yesterday, so then you wouldn't have to come here with Peter." Jessica explained.
Aunt May and Peter both smiled.
"Thanks, Jessica." Aunt May said.
"Well, I'll leave you two for now." Jessica said. "Hope your find your relative, and have a nice time here."
"We'll try, Jess." Peter assured.
Jessica smiled and left the room, before closing the door behind her, leaving the Parkers alone.
"Quite a friend you've got there." Aunt May remarked.
"Yeah." Peter said. "Me, Gwen and the others have all made good friends among the hero teams we've worked with."
"And she's one of the few you're close too?" Aunt May inquired.
"Well, Jess is the closet out of the Avengers, for both me and Gwen." Peter explained. "I am close to a few others too, but she's definably the closet."
"And the other hero teams?" Aunt May inquired. "I mean, when you all help arrest Trask last spring, I figured you must have?"
"Yeah, me and Gwen both have." Peter assured, thinking of Johnny, Bobby and Angelica.
They both sat down on the couch together, before they looked at the clock.
"We better order room service, since we got here at lunchtime." Aunt May said.
"So, uh, while we're waiting, would you mind telling me a bit about what you've been doing since you became Spider-Man?" Aunt May asked.
"Okay." Peter said. "But, brace yourself, as you might be in for a few shocks."
Aunt May nodded, before Peter began to tell her about all he'd done since Uncle Ben died.
About 10 minutes later, Jessica - now in her suit - was web-swinging through the city, before she landed on a rooftop Hawkeye stood on, which was not too far from the White House.
"So, you'd get the kid to help?" he asked.
"Yes, I did." Spider-Woman replied. "He'll come if we really need him though, since he's here to find his sibling."
"Fair enough." Hawkeye shrugged, turning away.
"So, where's the others?" Spider-Woman asked, coming up beside him.
"Natasha's still on overwatch." Hawkeye explained. "As for Black Panther, he's among the crowd watching the White House right now."
"So that's who Cap meant by other reserve?" Spider-Woman said, folding her arms. "Where is he anyway?"
"Still speaking with the X-Men." Hawkeye replied. "He'll let us know when he's coming, with or without them."
"So for now, it's just us, Natasha and T'challa?" Spider-Woman deduced.
"Yeah." Hawkeye sighed.
Meanwhile, at the Xavier Mansion, Captain America - without his mask on - was standing in the war room beneath the mansion with Professor X, Cyclops and Storm, all in uniform.
"Nice place you've got here." Steve said. "Even your Danger Room's okay, almost as good as ours."
"Well, coming from you, that's a complement." Scott remarked. "Your tower wasn't exactly bad itself when we were there last spring."
"Thanks." Steve said. "Guess this makes us even, Cyclops."
"So, why exactly are you here?" Professor X inquired.
"We've gotten word that HYDRA is planning something at the White House." Steve explained. "When, we don't know."
"An attack on the White House?" Ororo gasped. "Who are they after?"
"We don't know." Steve replied, shaking his head. "We don't even know what they're planning."
"Wait, what's HYDRA?" Scott inquired.
"A terrorist organisation. It's been around since my time back in the war, lead by the Red Skull." Steve explained. "It's one of the biggest terrorist groups in the world, and has committed countless unforgivable actions."
"That...that's terrible." Ororo breathed. "Sounds just as bad as Trask was."
"Trust me, HYDRA's worse." Steve explained. "They like causing havoc and stealing things for their own ends, not to mention have no resolve for taking innocent lives."
"So, why do you need our help?" Scott asked. "I mean, can't you Avengers protect the White House by yourselves?"
"Due to several of us investigating something else or busy working on the cure for those mutated people, we don't have enough members to spare to project the White House." Steve explained. "So, Tony and I are proposing a joint operation for this. It might actually have merits for you."
Scott didn't look convinced, but Ororo smiled.
"Perhaps it might." she said. "I mean, if people at the White House see us helping the Avengers stop these HYDRA people, it might help prove we're good."
"Stopping Trask for good might not have helped Mutant-kind completely, but we did gain a lot of new friends back then,, and he did lose a lot of favor from the public." Professor X recalled. "Helping the Avengers out here might actually make many people question their belief about us."
"Hmm?" Scott muttered, putting his hand on his chin. "You both raise a good point. Some of us have heard about the Web-Warriors saving a few Mutants from the Friends of Humanity."
"Yes. Warren even told us that's how he first met Spider-Man." Professor X recalled. "No doubt more people have seen it as just racism since then."
"True, but I doubt not many." Scott sighed.
"Scott, I feel that by helping save politicians in Washington might actually help us in our fight for Mutant rights." Ororo said, touching his shoulder. "There's a chance many of them might realize we're not all evil and a threat like they assume by doing this."
The three Mutants all turned to Steve.
"How many of you Avengers are gonna be there?" Scott inquired, curiously.
"Myself and five others, but that includes two reserve members." Steve explained. "With most of us away or busy, we were desperate here, since we don't know what HYDRA has planned."
The three Mutants looked at each other, before they nodded and turned back to Steve.
"Okay, you can take four X-Men, but that's all. We may need the others here in case something else happens to people like us." Scott said.
"I understand, and thank you." Steve said.
"You want anyone in particular?" Scott asked.
"Well, I do need a heavy hitter at least." Steve explained. "We haven't got one for this as Carol and Thor's among those away and Bruce is busy in the lab."
"That's Rogue then." Scott said. "She can fill in for Capt. Marvel's spot."
"I will go as well, since I might come in handy with Thor away." Ororo said.
"And perhaps Kurt could help. His image inducer will allow him to blend in with the crowd until trouble arrives." the Professor added.
"That's three." Steve said. "Who's your fourth?"
Scott and Ororo looked at each other.
"Gambit." they said together.
"If you need sneaking around, he might be helpful to Black Widow." Scott explained. "Unless she's one that's away that is."
"Ah, yes, the former thief?" Steve inquired. "And no, Black Widow's one of those that's with me. Is that your final choice?"
"Yes." Scott said.
"Right. I'll ride with you on your Blackbird to probably explain to them what's going on." Steve assured. "You better alert them."
"Understood." Ororo said. "I'll lead you to the hanger where it is and let Kurt know."
"And I'll alert the others, since there's a chance they're together." Scott said.
"Thank you." Steve said.
He and Ororo both left the room, before Scott touched the X on his uniform.
"Rogue, Gambit, come in?" he said.
(Upstairs)
In Rogue and Gambit's bedroom, their uniform belts beeped in the closet, while clothes lay all over the floor, leading towards the bathroom. In the bathroom, stream came from the shower stall, as water poured on the couple, who were in the shower together making love. Remy had Anna pinned against a wall as he kissed her neck, as they heard their beepers get louder.
"Rogue! Gambit, come in!" Scott called.
Remy pulled away from Anna and looked at her, who sighed.
"What's he want?" he wondered, annoyed.
"Ah don' know, but ah say we ignore it." Anna said, putting her hands on his cheeks.
She pulled him in for a kiss as they resumed their pace.
"Gambit, answer me!" Scott yelled. "Rogue, come on? This is important!"
The couple pulled apart and sighed.
"Ah! We better answer, chere." Remy sighed, annoyed. "He sounds serious."
He stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around his waist, before he approached his belt and touched it.
"I'm here, Cyke." he said. "T'anks for ruining da shower though!"
"Never mind that! You and Rogue get suited up." Scott ordered.
Remy sighed and turned to the bathroom, as Anna came out, a towel wrapped around her.
"You two, Storm and Nightcrawler are going to Washington." Scott explained. "Storm'll brief you once in the air, and you've got a passenger onboard."
Remy pulled his hand away and turned to Anna.
"Fine way to interrupt us." he said, annoyed.
"Ah know whut ya mean. We've only been back f' a few weeks, then this happens." Anna complained. "Ah bet he an' jean don' lahke gettin' interrupted lahke this?"
"Non, me neither." Remy said. "Guess we better suit up."
Anna sighed and nodded, seeing no point in arguing here.
(Downstairs)
Ororo touched the X on her uniform, as she and Steve kept walking down the hallway.
"Kurt, I hope you're not too busy?" she asked.
(Outside)
Kurt was on the rooftop in his uniform, looking at the sight below, seeing Kitty, Angelica and Jubilee all sitting and talking together under a tree, before he touched it.
"Nein, I am only on zee roof, admirink zis beautiful day, my freund." he replied.
"Well, I hate to ruin your day, but you're needed in the hanger." Ororo explained. "And make sure to bring your image inducer."
"I understant." Kurt said. "I'll be right down."
He looked down at the girls again, before he teleported away to his room to get his image inducer.
Back at the hotel, Peter had spent the past four hours telling Aunt May about his adventures as Spider-Man, as well Gwen and the others. He'd started with his first villain battles, to Gwen's first night as Ghost-Spider, what they'd done since, the Venom Symbiote and Eddie bounding with it, and how it ruined their friendship, to when he and Gwen first got together.
"So, you two had your first kiss in costume?" Aunt May inquired.
"Yeah." Peter blushed. "And it was thanks to Eddie in a way, since he told Gwen as we battled him."
He then told her about their first meeting with the Fantastic Four, all the way up to their final battle with the Green Goblin, not telling her who he really was though, or how he'd vanished. He went onto their meeting with the X-Men and about Mutant hate crimes they'd learned, which made her disgusted.
"Man, that's just...racist. It's horrible." Aunt May said.
"I know. Me and the others have seen a few Mutant riots since, and the Mutant in question each time just looked different." Peter sighed. "Makes me sick."
He then continued, going on to their encounter with the Avengers, to rescuing Harry and Mary Jane at the construction site, to being trapped in that alternate dimension where everything was the exact opposite of what it was here. He then explained how he, Gwen and all their hero friends captured Trask and what his Sentinels were doing.
"Man...I knew Trask had to be a monster, but I had no idea he was that bad." Aunt May sighed.
"Tell me about it. When Gwen and I found out the connection and discovered all he'd done - including the RHINO rampage - we felt sick." Peter said, disgusted.
He then went on to tell her how he and Gwen had found more heroes since then, including how Angelica had discovered she was a Mutant and now living with the X-Men.
"So, that's where Angelica's been?" Aunt May realized. "When her father told me she found a place to stay and study, I wonder how she'd found it so quick."
"Gwen and I figured that since she's a Mutant like them, they're the best place for her to learn control so she doesn't hurt anyone." Peter explained. "For some...that's actually the only family they have, since their families don't want them or their dead."
"Some of them just-" Aunt May began.
"Yeah, including Bobby." Peter sighed.
"Bobby?" Aunt May inquired.
"He's the one I've become the closet too out of them all. He's the one who can turn into ice." Peter explained.
"Oh..." Aunt May said.
Peter then told her how Miles became Shadow-Spider, them dealing with the Jackal's creations - which she already kinda knew - then what happened after Spider-Island, to them getting their own base, Anya becoming Spider-Girl, then them clearing Sgt. Davis' name.
"...and that's about it." Peter explained. "That's all we've done since I became Spider-Man, and the others got their powers."
"Man...I knew you did a lot of good, but hearing the amount of stuff you've done, it's...It's unbelievable, and amazing." Aunt May said. "I'm so proud of all you've done, Peter, even if you've had to break-into places at times."
"Thanks, Aunt May." Peter said, knowing she meant the Oscorp infiltration he and Gwen had done.
"So, what was the deal with Mary Jane and Harry?" Aunt May asked. "I mean, there must be a reason for that?"
"There is." Peter assured. "Recently, they've been getting distant.
Gwen told me MJ's in love with someone else."
"Oh... I see. Does Harry know?" Aunt May asked.
"No. She told Gwen, who told me, but no one else knows." Peter explained. "MJ doesn't even know I know."
"Why did Gwen tell you then?" Aunt May asked.
"Because...it's Spider-Man she's falling for." Peter sighed.
Aunt May looked shocked, her mouth open wide.
"She's...what?" she questioned.
"Yeah. I've saved her quite often since I started, but it was only after I saved her from Grizzly did she realize it." Peter explained. "At least that's what Gwen told me."
"Well...has she tried to kiss you when you're suited up since then?" Aunt May asked.
"Once, during Spider-Island." Peter confirmed. "It was before she mutated. I must've been the last person who saw her before then."
"But you..." Aunt May began.
"Yeah." Peter assured. "I backed away before she could pull my mask down."
"Is she the only person crushing on your alter ego?" Aunt May inquired.
"No, actually. There's a quite a few, but MJ's the only civilian." Peter explained. "I've made it clear to them all that I'm taken."
"And have they stopped?" Aunt May asked.
"One for sure, but there's a few others I'm not sure of. There is one however who won't take no for an answer." Peter sighed. "She's the only one who's actually kissed me, but I didn't kiss her back."
"Good to know." Aunt May said. "Whoever this woman is, she really needs to learn a lesson."
"And in more ways than one." Peter added. "She's a cat burglar named Black Cat. That's how Gwen and I have encountered her, committing robberies. She's one of the few we've never managed to catch."
"Well, hopefully you and your friends will someday." Aunt May said. "She can't get away from you forever."
"Thanks." Peter said.
They both looked at the clock, seeing it was nearly time for their appointment at the orphanage.
"Right. Well, do you want to go to the orphanage now and find out where the Durand's are?" Aunt May asked.
"Might as well." Peter said. "Got my suit under my clothes, and my phone so they can contact me."
About half-an-hour later, Peter and Aunt May were both in the Feed the Children, Inc orphanage, sitting in a chair each. Peter looked around, seeing several kids playing outside in a playground, when a man came towards the pair.
"Yes, can I help you two?" he asked.
"Uh, we have an appointment with the owner." Aunt May explained.
"Oh, right. Come with me?" the man asked.
He turned and walked off as the Parkers got up and followed him. After a few minutes, they stood by an office door, which the man knocked on.
"Come in?" came a woman's voice.
The man opened the door, before the woman looked up, who sat behind a desk with a computer on, and a sign saying 'Marisa Sally Harris'.
"Uh, there's two people here to see you." he explained. "Say they have an appointment."
"Oh, right. Send them in?" Marisa asked.
The man nodded, before he let Peter and Aunt May in, then closed the door.
"So, um, what are you here for?" Marisa asked, as the Parkers sat down in front of him. "The appointment didn't say anything about why you're here. You here to adopt someone?"
"Um, we're actually looking for someone." Aunt May explained.
"Oh?" Marisa said.
"Yes. Um, you see, about 12 years ago, a baby might've been left here by a young couple who never came back." Aunt May explained. "We've heard they were adopted by the Durand family."
Marisa looked confused, before she began typing on the computer.
"What was the couple called that left this baby?" she asked.
"Richard and Mary Parker." Aunt May explained.
"The Parkers?" Marisa said, shocked. "I never thought I'd hear that name again."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"Well, they came here with a baby girl name Teresa Elizabeth. They said we were to keep her here for a few months, then they'd come back for her." Marisa explained. "They told us they wanted her safe before coming for her, but they never did. We all figured they lied and wanted nothing to do with her."
"Well, that's a lie, Ms. Harris." Aunt May snapped. "My brother-in-law and his wife would never do that?"
Marisa stopped typing and looked at her.
"You're...related to them?" she inquired.
"My late husband Ben was Richard's brother." Aunt May explained. "When he and Mary left to attend to...something to do with their work, they left Peter here in our care."
Marisa looked at Peter, who smiled and nodded.
"Well, what happened to them then?" she inquired. "I mean, where have they been all this time?"
"My parents died before they could come back for her." Peter explained. "Until last spring, we didn't even know Teresa existed."
"They died?" Marisa questioned, shocked. "How?"
"Killed in a plane crash, along with many others." Aunt May explained sadly. "I guess they were gonna come back for Teresa, then come back home and surprise us all."
"Yeah... I always wondered why they never came back." Marisa said. "I'm sorry for earlier. I thought they we uncaring."
"I was with my Aunt and Uncle for about six months before they died." Peter sighed. "My mother couldn't have been far along in her pregnancy if this is the case."
"Well, that might be true. When they dropped Teresa off here, they told us she was only a few days old." Marisa recalled. "Her birthday was April 3rd."
"And the plane they were on crashed on the 5th, two months after Peter's birthday." Aunt May sighed.
"And they left me with you and Uncle Ben in October." Peter added. "It all fits."
Marisa sighed and went back to typing.
"So, do you know where the Durand's are?" Aunt May asked.
"Ah, yes, here. According to this, the Durand's who adopted Teresa still live here in Washington." Marisa explained.
Peter and Aunt May turned to each other.
"Well, at least they don't live far, Aunt May." Peter assured.
"Do you have an address?" Aunt May asked, turning to Marisa.
"Yes. Here it is." Marisa said. "They live in Room 1967 in the Seville Apartments."
"Okay. Thank you for everything." Aunt May said.
"No problem, and again, sorry about earlier." Marisa said.
Aunt May and Peter got up and both left the room, then soon left the orphanage.
"So, it's a girl." Aunt May said, as they turned to each other outside. "You have a little sister."
"Yeah. I wonder what Teresa looks like?" Peter said. "And I wonder why Mom and Dad called you Teresa?"
"Well, I'm not quite surprised." May said. "Teresa was your Mom's middle name."
"It was?" Peter questioned, shocked.
"Yes, and her middle name, Elizabeth must come from her Mom, you're Grandma." May deduced. "It's a Parker family tradition to often name their kids after lost loved ones, family or friends. It's why your middle name's Benjamin, Peter."
"Whoa... Nice family tradition." Peter remarked.
"It sure is." Aunt May said. "If Ben and me we're able to have kids, give you cousins, we'd have probably done the same."
Peter smiled.
"Come on." Aunt May said. "We'll go and visit them in the morning, due to how late it's getting. You might need to suit up after all."
"Right." Peter understood.
They both smiled and walked off, knowing tomorrow they'll meet Teresa, their long-lost relative.
To be continued...
A/N: Teresa is Mary Parker's actual middle name, which is where I think Teresa's name came from. Mary's mother's name however has never been revealed, so I made it Elizabeth to explain Teresa's middle name. All it said was her maiden name was Fitzpatrick.