Episode 110: Important Decision!

Following Proffix's Deprogram, which was a Synergy Attack that temporarily removed Magneto and Erik's powers, Ar-I, Erik and his fellow Brotherhood of Evil members were taken into custody by SHIELD after Steve called them in. And much to the surprise of Peter and MJ, Nick Fury was present during the arrest.

"You two can't seem to stay out of trouble, can you?" Nick Fury remarked.

"We're not doing it on purpose!" MJ objected. "Team HYDRA's Ar-I and White Wolf were after us, and they just happened to team up with the Brotherhood of Evil."

"And Kraven only joined HYDRA because he wanted to hunt rare Marémon," Peter added. "I wonder where he's gone."

"I wouldn't worry about him for now," Nick Fury suggested. "SHIELD has been tracking his movements for some time. We'll find him eventually."

"Hope that's true for White Wolf too," added Quill, who had a bruised eye. "When he woke up, he whistled at Wintersol who bit through the ropes and hit me before releasing White Wolf from his binds."

"Then White Wolf managed to get past Greengob and Gwespin while Wintersol knocked the wind out of them," Gwen muttered as she was using Healing Factor Juice on her goblin and hooded spider-shaped Marémon who were both groaning in pain. "But the odd thing was…his eyes were no longer green."

Hearing that, Steve walked over to Gwen. "What did you say?"

"White Wolf's eyes weren't green anymore," Gwen repeated. "Instead, they were brown."

"So Bucky has snapped out of Ar-I's control," Steve realized. He then stood before Nick Fury and saluted. "I request permission to locate White Wolf. I believe he is my former friend Bucky Barnes and was brainwashed by Ar-I."

"Request denied," Nick Fury stated. "I need you to seek medical attention for your spear wound, which you clearly haven't fully recovered from."

"Y-Yes, Sir," Steve said reluctantly. "But once I'm healed up, can I go after Bucky? He's probably lost and confused, like I was when I came out of suspended animation."

"I'll reconsider your request after you've recovered," replied Nick Fury.

While Steve went with the medics who came in the SHIELD helicopter, Nick Fury turned his attention to Peter, MJ, Quill, and Gwen. "While I appreciate your help in apprehending members of Team HYDRA and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants, I would strongly recommend that you keep your noses out of trouble from now on! There are dangerous people in those groups, who could have killed you if they got the chance."

"We understand, Nick Fury," Peter acknowledged.

The others nodded in agreement, which seemed to satisfy Nick Fury as he walked away.

"Before you go, can you tell us what has happened to Thor?" MJ asked. "We'd really like to know, since he's our friend."

Nick Fury sighed. "I don't know where he is."

Peter blinked. "What do you mean? Didn't you go with him, Odin, and Doctor Strange to find Loki and Hela?"

"That we did, but as soon as we found them…Hela combined the Eternal Flame and the Crown of Surtur that she found in the mountains."

"Does that mean…Surtur was summoned?" Peter guessed.

"Only for a moment, before Odin's Marémon Odinspear used Matter Transport to send Surtur, Hela, Loki, Thor, Strange, and himself away somewhere. I've been unable to find them anywhere in this region, or the rest of the world."

"Maybe Odin transported them to one of the other Nine Realms," MJ speculated. "That way they could deal with Surtur without having him destroy our world. But that doesn't narrow down where they could have gone…."

"If I had to guess, it would probably be Asgard," Nick Fury said. "That realm is already destroyed. So Surtur can't destroy it anymore than he already has. When I find Thor, I'll let you two know."

"Thank you, Nick Fury," Peter said while MJ muttered the same thing.

As a new day dawned over Xavier's school, Peter, MJ, Quill, and Gwen were packed up and standing near the mental barrier that had been repaired by Proffix last night. They were accompanied by Professor Xavier, Kitty, Kurt, Jubilee, Laura, Anna, Remy, and the X-Men.

"You sure you don't want to stay?" Kitty said to Peter, looking sad.

"I'm sure," Peter said nervously. "While I appreciate your guys' friendship and helping me deal with being a Mutant, I want to continue my journey to becoming a Marémon Hero like my idol Tony Stark."

"We understand, Peter," Kurt said sympathetically. "But don't forget about us."

"If you do, we'll definitely come after you," Jubilee added.

Laura nodded silently.

"Sorry I messed things up," Anna apologized, while her Tabirog rubbed its cat-like face against her leg. "I guess I need to accept who I am, and appreciate the love I do get."

"Indeed, cher," Remy replied and kissed Anna on the cheek.

"Now, X-Men, I have an announcement to make," Professor Xavier said, causing the X-Men to glance at him. "I have considered Captain Rogers' request regarding whether to take the absent position of Sokovia City's Realm Champion, and I'm not going to take it."

"Then who is going to take Wanda's place?" Scott asked.

"Miss Jean Grey," Xavier said, much to everyone's shock.

"You want me to be Sokovia's Realm Champion?" Jean stammered. "B-But I don't have what it takes for that kind of responsibility."

"Nonsense!" Xavier said. "You're more than capable, Jean. Think back to last night and how you handled the situation."

"Well, you did figure out Kraven's ruse by reading his mind right away," Logan pointed out. "And you did help the Professor snap out of Ar-I's control."

"Even before that, you not only raised Kitmar well but even her alien clone sibling that turned into Phoevix," Ororo added.

"But what about my classes, or the students I've been teaching?" Jean fretted.

"They'll be fine, Jean," Hank assured. "We can get Warren Worthington III or Bobby Drake to cover for you."

"It's ultimately up to you," Xavier said, placing his hands over Jean's. "Whatever you chose, we will support."

To be continued…