Hey, this is the new version of my story. This time, without Krakoa and without an overpowered protagonist. Ben and Casey will still be powerful but will only have powers that have already appeared in the Spider-Man comics.
Krakoa never happened in my new canon and the X-Men are at Xavier School.
Oh, and I also took some details from the X-Men 97 and X-Men Evolution series to use as a basis for some events in this universe.
I hope you like it.
Prologue
It is to be expected that life goes on and changes every day. We are all born, we grow, we mature and we grow old.
We often wonder where time went and what we could have done differently in the midst of all this.
However, one thing is certain. We all have good and bad days that change our lives forever.
And if there are people who understand this, it is Peter Parker and Kitty Pryde. The Amazing Spider-Man and The Uncanny Shadowcat.
This is the story of how their paths crossed.
One rainy night, Spider-Man was swinging on his webs while he was rethinking his life once again.
Spider-Man: (Unbelievable! I saved a cat from a tree and I was ten minutes late! And on top of that I missed my test today. Man, I'm going to have to excel in my work to pass this class. That's assuming things like Jameson yelling at me for not taking pictures of Venom beating me. Or just the fact that Venom beat me. Oh, how did things end up like this?)- He looked up at one of the buildings quickly and saw a kid with an umbrella crying.
Peter forgot any self-pity he felt for himself and remembered why he was Spider-Man. If there were people who needed help, he would help them.
Spider-Man then went to the kid and asked if he was okay.
Spider-Man: Hey, kiddo. How are you? What are you doing in the middle of the street, where are your parents?- He asked, wanting to clarify the situation.
The kid looked up and saw that Spider-Man was there and his eyes lit up a little.
Kid: Spider-Man! I got lost from my mom. She was at the grocery store near here and I got bored so I left her side. I tried to find her but I got lost but still and…- The kid said, desperation and sadness in his voice.
Spider-Man: It's okay, let's find your mom. Now we just have to wait for the weather to clear up a little. If you stay here any longer, you might get a cold and…- As soon as he finished speaking, the rain started to weaken.- Hmm, it seems that even the rain knows when I need to help someone. Let's find your mom, buddy. What's your name?
The two of them started walking towards the grocery store nearby. Luckily, Peter had a lot of knowledge of the area. And the grocery store they were looking for was probably where Peter bought bread and cheese because it was cheaper there.
The boy wiped away his tears but his voice was still a little shaky.
Kid: My name is Sam.
Spider-Man: Sam is a cool name. I'm Spider-Man. But my friends call me Spidey. Well, my friends and the pizza guy. Although he's also a cool guy so, yeah, my friends.
Sam: Can I call you Spidey?
Spider-Man: If you want, sure. I like making friends.- He closed his hand and he and Sam did a fist bump.- Ouch, you're strong. And I've fought Juggernaut. But even he didn't hurt me that bad.
The boy smiled and laughed lightly at the joke.
Sam: Really? Some of the bullies at my school would disagree.- He said, feeling a little sad again.
Spider-Man: Sam, I'll tell you something, don't pay attention to what people say about you. I know what it's like to have bullies around.
Sam: You? But you're Spider-Man. Like, you're the guy who defeats the villains. - He said as he cheered up a little and punched the air lightly, expressing how much he saw Spidey as someone strong.
Spider-Man: Yeah, but I wasn't born with those powers. But I was born with good examples. They taught me that we can't live with revenge in our hearts, just as we can't live letting the words of others define who we are. We decide who we are and only we ourselves can find strength.
Sam: I didn't quite get it.
Spider-Man: What I mean is that you seem like a pretty cool kid to me. And you shouldn't let yourself be shaken by the baseless comments of a bunch of bullies. You have to believe in yourself and show them what you can do and not let yourself be shaken. For me, true strength is always getting up when you fall.
Sam: Really? I thought strength was in having a magic hammer or armor. - He laughed lightly and that caught Peter's attention and they both looked at each other and laughed together when they got close to the market.
Spider-Man: Two seconds and you're already a better jokester than me. You'll be fine. Now, I think this is where your mother was, right?
Sam: Yeah, but... - He ran towards a woman and Peter deduced that she was Sam's mother.
Sam's mother: Sammy! Thank God! Don't ever do that again! - She said as she hugged him tightly and cried with emotion.
Sam: Mom, look, it's Spidey! He helped me! - He pointed to Spidey who just waved.
Sam's mother: Thank you, Spider-Man. I don't know how to thank you.
Spider-Man: Nah, it's okay. It's good to know that you and Sam are okay. But... uh, what happened? - He said, now adding that there were four men, who were apparently thieves, passed out behind them.
Sam's Mom: I left the market to look for Sammy and they showed up to try to rob me.
Sam: Idiots! - He yelled while sticking his tongue out at them.
Spider-Man: Yeah, crime doesn't pay. - He agreed with Sam.
Sam's Mom: Just as I was about to hand over my bag, a ghost of some kind appeared. He was tall, wearing a red cloak, had arm bands and had a scary hood.
Sam/Spider-Man: Like a character from Assassin's Creed? - They both said at the same time and then just laughed lightly.
Sam's Mom: Yeah. And didn't I tell you to stop playing that game? - She gave Sam a quick scolding. - So, when the man in red showed up, those men tried to shoot him but the bullets went straight through, as if he wasn't even there.
Spider-Man: Shroud. - He said, as if that name was familiar and then Spider-Man looked thoughtful.
Sam's Mom: Spider-Man? Are you okay?
Spider-Man: Yeah, I was just thinking about Shroud. It's kind of complicated. I've met him a few times. But he doesn't seem like a bad guy to me, he just has some problems. It would be nice if he was at least willing to talk. - He said, thinking about the time when he was angry because of Jean DeWolfe's death and Daredevil helped him control his anger. Now, he felt he should do the same with Shroud.
Sam's Mom: If you see him again, tell him I'll thank you. Thanks to him, I got to see Sam again. But maybe it would be a good idea for him to change his name. Even with Daredevil around, I still think the name Shroud is a bit extreme.
Spider-Man: Yeah, maybe it's for lack of options. When I picked my name, "Spider-Man" seemed like the most obvious one because, well.- He pointed to himself.- Are you two going to be okay?
Sam's Mom: Yeah, thanks for helping Sam.
Sam: Bye!- He said goodbye and Spidey just waved and walked away.
Spider-Man: It's moments like this that remind me why I do this.- He looked at his phone after getting a message from the Daily Bugle website, but this time with some quotes from Spider-Man: Threat or Menace?
Spider-Man: I never understood that. Why does JJJ always use that phrase? For someone who brags so much about winning a Pulitzer, he needs a better slogan department.- He stopped on a rooftop to rest for a while and saw a bar.
Peter wasn't a bar guy. Usually, he only went with friends like Flash and Harry. But... none of them were around.
He could call Johnny Storm for that, but he was off the planet with the rest of the Fantastic Four. Johnny had always been a good friend when it came to going out and forgetting the bad things for a while and making some good memories. Although their nights sometimes ended with Peter with a hangover that he didn't know how it happened and with Johnny tied to his bed, probably because he had met a woman and ruined his relationship with her at the first moment. At least, neither of them would remember the night before to feel regret.
Maybe, he and Matt Murdock, the Daredevil, could talk at a bar. Matt had always been good at darts, using his enhanced senses to always hit the target. Although he always got angry when Peter shouted "Bullseye!".
But Peter remembered that Matt had been busy recently with a lot of cases for his law firm, "Nelson and Murdock." Peter respected Matt a lot for using his services as a lawyer to help honest, working-class people and using his powers to save people like Daredevil. They were both kids from New York, fighting for the city they loved so much.
He remembered Logan, The Wolverine. He was a drinking buddy. Because Logan could drink as much as he wanted and never get drunk, which is probably one of the worst parts of having a healing factor. Usually, he would take advantage of it to propose a competition and win without any effort. Then, his opponents would get angry and Peter would have to stop a fight. But, between a mug of beer and a well-placed punch, Logan usually had some good advice underneath all his sullen attitude.
But that's when Peter remembered the recent destruction of Genosha, the mutant island with over 16 million inhabitants. That was a massacre and Peter felt bad for not having gone there to help in time.
He and Logan had talked recently and Peter apologized for not helping. Logan just ignored Peter's apology and said that the X-Men should take care of their own problems and fight their own wars and Peter had nothing to feel guilty about.
Although some members of mutantkind blame other superheroes for not showing up, many X-Men have said that mutant issues are their specialty and Wolverine believed that they should be responsible for their own problems.
Spider-Man expressed his support for the mutant cause. He had always gotten along with the X-Men since he was a teenager and it was nice to know a team of people who understood how he felt. And Logan was kind of the big brother/father figure to the team. But his and Peter's relationship had always been more brotherly.
He had to remember to call Logan and ask how they were doing. At least Logan had told him that the person responsible for the destruction of Genosha, Bastion, had been found and killed.
Peter didn't support the idea of killing, but the X-Men had witnessed a genocide of their own kind, so he couldn't judge them for feeling angry. Even he had come close to doing bad things after the deaths of Uncle Ben and Gwen.
He ignored his thoughts as he looked at the bar and decided to go there to forget his problems for a while.
A few minutes later, he had a boost in his mood. And yes, the bar was a place with a very positive mood.
The place was full, with many young people, Peter's age, talking, dancing and having fun.
Peter cheered up slightly and realized that his throat was a little dry. He should have bought a soda after helping Sam.
Peter just comforted himself with the thought that Sam would be home at this time playing video games while his mother made dinner and remembered his childhood and Aunt May and Uncle Ben. Mental note: He had to talk to Aunt May to see how she was doing.
Peter went to the bar counter to get a drink.
Peter: (Maybe a light drink. Or just a water. Or an energy drink? Oh, that's the main problem with people who come to bars to avoid drinking alcohol. Usually the only bars I go to are juice bars or the genius bar at the Apple store. Okay, Parker, stop overthinking it. Just go there and order…)- He was about to sit down but he was charmed by the bartender.
She had brown hair that was tied in a ponytail, brown eyes with a certain golden glow and had an athletic body, like, very athletic.
What? Even Spider-Man had to admit when he saw a very attractive woman. And how did he know she was attractive?
The bartender wore a peculiar uniform, to say the least. She wore black boots, black leather pants with big holes in the thighs, a dark gray crop top, fingerless gloves that went up to the elbow and a leather jacket.
If Peter didn't have his sense of chivalry, he would have thought "She's so hot". But Peter wasn't like that, so he just thought, "She's so insanely beautiful."
Peter was so blinded by her smile that he didn't even compare her outfit to Black Cat's, but he would do that later. And for him, the bartender's outfit surpassed Felicia's.
Peter came out of his own thoughts when he sat on a stool at the bar and the bartender caught a glimpse of him and stopped talking to another customer.
Peter: Hey, so, do you come here often? - He tried to break the ice, trying to start a good conversation. But, unintentionally, he ended up flirting with her.
Bartender: Well, I work here. - She laughed lightly when she saw Peter's dorkiness and he realized that, at least, she didn't interpret his sentence wrong.
Peter: Yeah, you do. Hey, what do you have for a guy who's in a bit of a complicated situation but not so much that he wants to drown his sorrows in drink? - He asked, trying not to feel embarrassed.
Bartender: Well, you came to a bar and alone, so maybe you're in the wrong place. Try an Apple Genius bar or a juice bar. - She said sarcastically and Peter laughed in response.
Peter: Oh, I tried, but I got kicked out of both places. I'm too nerdy for one place and too nerdy for another. - He said and that made the bartender laugh lightly.
Bartender: Okay, then I guess maybe a soda would be enough for you. Then you can decide. But you don't seem like the kind of guy who drinks to drown his sorrows.
Peter: There's a first time for everything. - He said and then the bartender handed Peter a can of coke. - Here's to the guys who drink soda alone in bars.
He opened it and drank but almost choked because of how hot the soda was.
Bartender: Sorry, I was going to give you a glass and ice cubes. The can is hot, it was on top of the heater. - She apologized as she handed Peter a glass.
Peter: It's okay. I've experienced worse. - He's survived cuts, explosions and an absurd amount of debris falling on top of him. A hot drink given to him by a beautiful bartender is still the best accident of his life.
Bartender: Do you study here? - She said, trying to make conversation as she cleaned the counter.
Peter: Oh, yeah. I study at ESU. - He answered.
Bartender: What are you? A player? - She asked, looking closely at Peter's strong physique but he ended up interpreting the question wrong
Peter: Player? Me? No. I was pretty bad at flirting in high school and my current love life isn't exactly a good subject. - He explained himself but the bartender just looked at him with a smile and a sarcastic look.
Bartender: I asked if you're a football or basketball player. You have the physique of one.
Peter: Oh, no, no. I study genetics and chemical engineering. I'm a huge nerd. You can insult me, I can take it. - He joked, admitting defeat but in a funny way.
Bartender: Oh, I wouldn't dare. I study there too. I'm in the astrophysics course. But I also study mechanical engineering. I think we're both pretty nerds. - She said and Peter just blushed slightly and scratched the back of his neck.
Peter: Well, I guess so. I'm Peter. Peter Parker. - He extended his hand and she did the same.
Bartender: I'm Kitty. Kitty Pryde. - She greeted him.
Peter: (Kitty Pryde? Where have I heard that name before?) - He thought but decided that this wasn't the best question to ask.
Kitty: Wait, aren't you the guy who arrived half an hour late for the test earlier today but went into the wrong room, which was my class? - She pointed out this detail.
Peter: Yeah... I guess that's one of the reasons why I'm here now. - He said, a little embarrassed. - But, you know, talking to you now, I guess it wasn't so bad.
He flirted lightly and Kitty smiled in response.
Peter and Kitty stopped talking when they saw a news story on TV.
Journalist: Information indicates that the X-Men are currently still searching for survivors of the Genosha Massacre that killed around 16 million members of their species. While the team and their many supporters and fans mourn the tragic losses, governments around the world refuse to comment, raising suspicions that mutant opinion has not yet reached the desired positivity.
One of the guys at the counter that Kitty had served a few minutes ago just laughed when he saw the report on TV. The guy played football at ESU and was a jerk veteran. Peter didn't remember him very well, but he knew his name was Duncan.
Duncan: Haha! That's what they deserve. These freaks of nature have to disappear from the map. - This irritated Peter.
Without him realizing, Kitty also ended up crushing the can of Coke with her hands.
Peter just kept on with a calm demeanor, but he looked at Duncan angrily and, discreetly, knocked his glass of soda over Duncan using the back of his hand.
Duncan: Hey, what the hell was that face?! - He yelled at Peter, who just remained calm.
Peter: You deserved worse, "man". - Peter continued with a certain posture and a silent anger that made Wolverine proud. He might not be a guy who started fights, but he couldn't accept that a guy supported a genocide.
Duncan: Do you want to settle this with a punch?
Peter: No. Because I don't want to fight. Hell, I never want to fight. - He was about to get up but Kitty took over the discussion.
Kitty: And I bet the mutants who died there didn't either. You talk like you know them but you don't know shit! You probably never had to fight for anything while the X-Men fought their whole lives for trash like you and all they got was extermination. - She yelled and everyone paid attention.
Duncan just got angry and Kitty ignored it.
Kitty: You know what? Fuck you, get out of this bar now. - She said but Duncan only got angrier and tried to punch her for disrespecting him.
Peter was about to get up to punch Duncan but Kitty was faster.
With the palm of her hand, she deflected Duncan's punch, making him lose his balance and fall. Kitty punched him in the face during the fall and he hit his chin on the bar.
Kitty: Ouch! - She screamed silently, and she hid her hand that had red knuckles, but no one noticed.
Suddenly, a guy wearing the shirt with the name of the bar "Belles of Hell", appeared.
Kitty: Dylan! I... - She tried to explain herself but Dylan just interrupted her.
Dylan: Relax, Kitty. That asshole definitely deserved it. - He tried to take Duncan out of the bar but he resisted.
Peter saw this and grabbed Duncan before he could do anything
Peter: Last warning, man. Get out of this bar, now. - Peter spoke in a scary and serious voice, and he used only two fingers to hold Duncan where he was and he didn't even seem to be trying.
Duncan just let go and walked away.
Dylan: Okay, now that the asshole is gone, let's rock! Everybody dance! - Everyone went back to drinking and laughing and Dylan went to see how Kitty was doing and she just raised her thumb to symbolize that she was fine.
Kitty: I think I'm taking my break now. - She spoke to herself and Peter heard.
Peter: Sounds like a good idea. Listen, I'm not a big fan of bar fights, unlike some of my friends, but that guy deserved it. No one should say that kind of thing. The X-Men are heroes. They've saved my life a few times. I can't believe such extraordinary people have to deal with this now. - Peter spoke with a sincere melancholy in his voice as he looked at the TV, wanting to see some more news about the X-Men but the TV was off.
Peter: (I have to remember to call Logan later.) - He thought.
Kitty felt sincerity in Peter's words and decided to talk to him.
Kitty: Thank you for trying to support me.
Peter: Sorry for not doing anything more.
Kitty: I saw that you would stand up. That means a lot, Peter.
Peter: Yeah, I would have lost a few teeth but it would have been worth it to prove my point. - He joked and Kitty smiled slightly in response.
Kitty: Wow, good to know that I'm worth as much as a dentist appointment. - She said as she came out from behind the counter and sat on the stool next to Peter.
Peter: Oh, don't even mention it, I hate dentists. Ironic how nowadays they make horror movies about everything, including creepy versions of cartoons (which I hate) but they don't make horror movies about dentists.
Kitty: I wouldn't know. I hate horror movies. - She said as she picked up a bowl of mini-pretzels.
Peter: Can you eat these?
Kitty: The messhugah from five minutes ago has already been paid for so... - She offered the mini-pretzels to Peter and he accepted.
Peter: Thanks. I saw some jerk get punched by a nice bartender and then she offered me his mini-pretzels. Heh, what a great night.
Kitty: You say it like the night is already over. - She joked, getting back into a good mood.
Peter: I suppose I'm wrong. So, things got a little intense, huh? I thought this was going to turn into the New Hope cantina scene. Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Mentioning a bad situation and a bad movie in the same sentence. - He apologized but Kitty got a little angry.
Kitty: Wait! - He thought Kitty would get mad at him for remembering the situation with Duncan - Are you calling Star Wars a bad movie?
Peter: Well, yes? - He said, surprised that a girl could be so beautiful, strong and geeky at the same time.
Kitty: How dare you? New Hope was a milestone in the history of cinema. It was what gave rise to the Star Wars franchise! - She said, trying to prove her point as if she were on a debate forum for nerds.
Peter: I still think it's overrated. There's a lot of stuff in there that doesn't make sense. - He smiled.
Kitty: Have you seen the whole movie? It has blaster shootouts, like in the old west. It has the Jedi like the Samurai of Japan. Lightsabers like katanas. And The Force serves as magic. Not to mention the ships and the Death Star. It has all these things. It's the perfect franchise.
Peter: Meh, a lot of these things don't make much sense. How does a colored stone make a blade come out of a metal tube? And why do they involve biology with a predisposition to use a magical power?
Kitty: Are you using Phantom Menace to justify a stupid argument? Seriously? I thought you, Mr. Science, would be smarter than that. - She said sarcastically.
Peter: I'm not arrogant but I would say yes. Star Trek is much better.
Kitty: Are you sure Duncan didn't hit you in the head? - She asked, with a chuckle.
Peter: No, because otherwise I wouldn't be so sure that Star Trek is superior. Star Trek is about the search for knowledge and discovery in the universe. Star Wars is very commercial.
Kitty just feigned surprise as she opened her mouth.
Kitty: Wow, now you've insulted me, the Jedi Order, and the Skywalker legacy. - She threw several weak punches at Peter's arm. - Surrender or be destroyed.
Peter: No. Just like the Vulcans, I maintain my pride. - He joked, still resisting Kitty's weak punches.
Kitty: My name is literally Pryde. I'm destined to win this fight. Just like Anakin. At least I think so.
Peter: What do you mean, you "think"? - He asked and she stopped punching him weakly on the arm.
Kitty: Oh, it's just that I've been waiting for Episode III to come out but I'm not in the right mood to go to the movies. - She looked a little downcast and Peter noticed this and had an idea.
Peter: Why don't we go together? As friends, I mean. Not that you're not a pretty girl, but I didn't mean to be rude and... please stop me before I say something else stupid. - He was embarrassed and Kitty just laughed.
Kitty: Okay, but this isn't one of those invitations where the guy does things he hates just to get along with the girl, right? - She joked and he was a little embarrassed.
Ben: No. This is just a friendly invitation. Word of Vulcan. - He made the live long and prosper sign.
Kitty: Okay. But I haven't completely forgiven you yet. Do you know how to dance? - She pointed to the dance floor.
Peter: Not exactly.
Kitty: Great! Lucky for you, I'm a professional. - She stood up and pulled Peter.
Peter: Oh, okay. Let's dance! - He shouted in celebration.
They both had fun in that brief moment and they both wondered: What would happen after this night?
The final answer to that is here.
Several years later:
On a starry night in New York, the city was bustling as always. After all, New York was a city that never slept.
The various TV channels that were playing on Jumbotrons were reporting the latest news.
Among them, the news that the X-Men had moved Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters from Westchester to Manhattan and were now in Central Park.
As the news was playing, a thief ran away, fleeing with a backpack full of money and with the police chasing him.
The police officer shouted: Stop that man!
Thief: Haha! Thanks for making things so easy! - He laughed arrogantly but was surprised by a man who appeared in front of him and made the thief fall to the ground. He looked up and saw who it was.
Spider-Man with a new, darker costume. He was now wearing a red and black turtleneck leather jacket with buttons and leather gloves, black jeans, and loafers.
Spider-Man: Unfortunately for you, I don't make things easy for anyone. Ask the guys you'll meet at Ryker's later.- He punched the robber and shot a web line to the top of a nearby building and then stuck the web line to the robber, trapping him on top of a building.
The cop got to where Spidey was and tried to catch his breath after this chase.
Spider-Man: Hey, Officer Murphy! How are you? How's your family?- Peter tried to be friendly as always, but the cop was still having trouble catching his breath.
Murphy: Spidey...I'm...great...and, my God! Wow, I'm too old for this...- He was about to quote Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon but Spidey interrupted him.
Spider-Man: Hey, as Captain America would say, tongue. - He joked and the police officer leaned against the wall.
Murphy: But it's true. Maybe my days are ending. After all, who would worry about a thief on the run. - He said and that caught Peter's attention, since the escape of a thief being ignored was what caused the death of his Uncle Ben.
Spider-Man: Never think like that. Whenever you do something small, you're doing something big for someone else. You may not find out, but it's one of life's mysteries that is worth it. - Peter spoke with such naturalness and maturity that it was easy to forget that this was the Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man or maybe not.
Murphy: Yeah, you're right. No one can give better advice than Spider-Man.
That was true. Now, Spider-Man was without a doubt among the greatest heroes on Earth. He might not be a member of the Avengers or the X-Men, but he was admired and respected as one. Some would even dare to say he was the best.
In the last few years, he has done incredible things. He has saved the Earth several times, overcome more difficulties and become stronger than ever. Of course, he was still just the classic Spider-Man. Without the symbiote, Armor or expensive gadgets, but that was the best part. He didn't become arrogant or blind to the consequences of his actions, he just became stronger and smarter. There are even some rumors out there that he has defeated Captain America, Iron Man and some of the X-Men, all in friendly matches.
He has become smarter too. They say that with time and resources, he might have surpassed Tony Stark. But surpassing people was never Peter's focus. His focus was on honoring his family's mantra "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilities".
And, wow, he did it very well. There were certainly people who still underestimate Spidey, but they all regretted it later. Now, The Amazing Spider-Man had reached his peak as a hero.
Spider-Man: Meh, Captain America is good too. And I have to give Cyclops some points too.- Murphy laughed at that.
Murphy: Yeah, well, he's one of the X-Men, right?- He laughed, agreeing with Spidey.
Spider-Man: Yeah. But I prefer Shadowcat. I know she's the best X-Man ever. And yes, she's better at speeches than I am. I have to go. See you later, officer.- He left and Officer Murphy made a call on the radio.
Murphy: Can someone call the fire department and ask to borrow their ladder? We're dealing with a classic "Thief caught just like a fly" situation. C'Mon, that was funny! - He spoke into the radio after his partner went silent.
He looked at his cell phone that was ringing and answered the call from his son.
Murphy: Hey, Sammy? Did you pass the test? Hahaha! My son is going to be a police officer! - He shouted in celebration and the thief just gave a thumbs up, but you couldn't tell since he was inside a web cocoon.
Meanwhile, at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters:
Kitty Pryde was in the principal's office. She had a lot of experience in this, after all, Professor Xavier and even other X-Men had sent her there because of some trouble she had caused or an order she had disobeyed in order to prove herself or because they thought her ideas were better and more efficient.
Many would think that such a problematic and dedicated student would end up doing badly among the various X-Men, but just the opposite happened. Because the sign on the principal's desk said Katherine Pryde. Principal.
Kitty was now at her desk grading several tests and making lesson plans.
Kitty: Logan's ninjutsu class needs to work harder. Even thirteen-year-old me would know the right answer to these questions. I think that's the problem with wanting an entire class of athletes and not teenagers who watch anime and ninja movies like me. Or who were abducted by a demonic ninja. Let's just hope you two are okay.
Who was she talking to? Simple. The babies in her belly. Kitty Pryde was 9 months pregnant, but not even that could make the youngest X-Men of all time and headmistress of the school stop working and dedicate herself to her school, friends and students.
Kitty has evolved a lot over the years. She has gone through countless trials but she has proven herself worthy of her place as a leader of the X-Men, even Cyclops and Wolverine admitted that she deserved this position after the X-Men agreed that Professor Xavier should retire and enjoy his senior years. Even though his body was still as good as ever thanks to the evolution of medicine and the contribution of several geniuses among superheroes such as Reed Richards, Tony Stark, Hank Mccoy and Spider-Man, Charles needed to rest a little and trust that his students have finally matured. He still visits the school monthly, sometimes giving a lecture or just checking in on how things are going.
Which was quite funny since it's hard to imagine Professor Charles Xavier visiting his school wearing Hawaiian shirts, a peculiar fashion choice after his days as an educator were over, but everyone concludes that this influence came from the many conversations that Spidey and Professor X had after Peter and Kitty got married.
And yes, Peter Parker and Kitty Pryde got married. It was the wedding of the century in the world of superheroes. One of the greatest heroes in the world marrying the leader of the X-Men.
Of course, there were objections. Many of them came from mutants and conservative allies of the X-Men who thought the idea of Kitty marrying a human was a bad idea. Kitty just ignored them and went ahead and married the man of her dreams.
With Peter, it wasn't objections but concerns since many of his friends were afraid of what would happen to Peter if he entered the world and the problems of the X-Men but he assured everyone that he would be fine. After all, no one could stop Spider-Man and Shadowcat together.
It was a beautiful ceremony, all the Avengers, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Guardians of the Galaxy and even Defenders were there. And, of course, there were the other spider-themed heroes like Miles Morales, Ghost-Spider, Spider-Woman, Araña and even Peter's "brothers", Kaine and Ben.
Johnny Storm, Matt Murdock and Logan were Peter's best men at the wedding. But not even the happy mood of the day stopped Logan from threatening to mutilate Peter if he didn't make Kitty happy.
Illyana Rasputin, Rachel Summers and Ororo Munroe were Kitty's bridesmaids at the wedding. Even though Illyana and Rachel worried about what might happen to Kitty since she was marrying someone who wasn't a mutant, they understood that their best friend was in love and that she deserved to be happy. Ororo supported Kitty and was very happy that the girl she loved so much as a daughter was about to get married.
The wedding ceremony went well, even with the threat of possible fights between Wolverine and Thing, but other than that, everything went well and Peter and Kitty's life as husband and wife worked out very well and now, they were expecting a set of twins.
Kitty continued working at her desk, until Illyana opened the door and saw her.
Illyana: For the hell lords, Katya! What are you doing here?- Illyana wasn't the type to express emotions so clearly, but she had been very protective of Kitty ever since she announced that she was pregnant.
Kitty: I'm working, Yana! That's what I've been saying all these months. You guys were telling me to quit and take maternity leave and, like in every situation, I refused and did exactly the opposite.- She said and started typing on her computer.- What's the new Danger Room program again? Hank told me he designed a new one to have more variety. I agree that it might be a good idea but first I have to…- Before she could finish speaking, Illyana closed Kitty's computer.- That was rude.
Illyana: Katya, you have to rest! I'm tired of having to walk around school and keep an eye on you to make sure you're not doing something stupid.
Kitty: Hmm, I did that with you when we were teenagers and we're fine.
Illyana: I wanted to go out drinking and I didn't have two spider-mutant hybrids in my belly! - Kitty could only laugh at the sight of her best friend's anger. Usually, Kitty was the rational one and Illyana was the impulsive one, but the roles have reversed since Kitty got pregnant and Illyana became overprotective of her. - And it doesn't help that you encourage their father to go out at night instead of staying here with you.
Kitty: Peter is doing something important. He's making the world a better place for them. He wanted to give up when I told him I was pregnant, but I knew the world needed Spider-Man. And I know he'll be there when they need their father.
Illyana: Katya, I love you, but sometimes your sense of morality and altruism motivates and frustrates me at the same time. - She said, with frustration and concern in her voice.
Kitty: Meh, so nothing has changed. And I bet these two here will love their Aunt Yana. - She ran her hand over her belly.
Illyana: I can't wait to teach them how to fight with swords and fight demons. - She laughed at that thought.
Kitty: I agree but I think at least one of them will prefer katanas. It's kind of a maternal instinct. - She said and then Ororo and Rachel appeared at the door of Kitty's office.
Ororo and Rachel: What are you doing here? - They asked with frustration.
Kitty: Does everyone here think that just because I'm going to give birth to a baby that I have to stop being the leader of the X-Men?
Ororo, Rachel and Illyana: Yes!
Kitty: You're underestimating me.
Ororo: Kitten, everyone stopped underestimating you when you literally phased a giant bullet through the planet. We're just worried.
Rachel: And you running away from your room doesn't make us any less worried either.
Kitty: For the last time, girls, I'm fine! I can keep working and striving for this team and the students, I'm the leader of the X-Men and I must act like it and never stop dedicating myself to this. - She was talking but stopped.
Illyana: That speech was too short. - She said and then the girls saw that Kitty's water had broken.
Kitty: Ehmm, maybe this is the time to panic. - She said as she stood up and Ororo helped her to stand.
Illyana: Oh, off to limbo! Our best friend is having a baby! - She and Rachel held hands as they jumped for joy.
Ororo: I'm also very happy but don't you think we should call the children's father? - She said.
Kitty: I left my cell phone in my room.
Rachel: Mine exploded along with Blackbird on a mission.
Illyana: My cell phone is gone.- She said but everyone looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
Rachel: Is your cell phone gone or did you cut it with your sword?
Illyana: You know I hate technology! Screw it! Rachel and I are going to call the guys to get everything ready.
Ororo: I'm going to take Kitten to the medical wing. Try to warn Peter.- Illyana nodded and she and Rachel teleported.
Ororo took Kitty out of the room.
Ororo: You're going to be fine. Be strong like you always were.
Kitty: Who would have thought this would be more complicated than facing the Hellfire Club?
Ororo: You did this before you even joined the team. You were always destined for greatness, Kitten. And your children will achieve wonders we never thought possible.
Kitty: Yeah, but they have to be born first. - She said and they saw Logan in the hallway, with a full can of beer. - Logan, it's time.
Logan: What? The Apocalypse is coming? - He unsheathed the claw in one of his hands, without spilling his beer.
Kitty: The babies! - She said and Logan just threw his beer on the floor and helped Ororo take Kitty to the medical wing.
Ororo: Did you throw your beer away?
Kitty: You must love my babies by now.
Logan: I'm not going to argue with a woman about to give birth. - He said, in his usual gruff tone.
In the School Kitchen:
Gambit and Rogue were now on the floor next to the TV as they played with their baby children and Iceman was face down in the fridge, looking for food.
Gambit: Do you think Kitty and Petit Peter's kids will be okay, cherie? - He said as he played catch with the youngest baby twin, Irene Lebeau.
Rogue: I think so, Cajun. I mean, you blow things up and I have my problem with touching, but we can have kids. I don't see why they both can't. And maybe that's a good thing. It's always good to know that kids will have more playmates. - She said as she played with the oldest twin, Oliver Lebeau, on her lap.
Gambit: I know. I always worried that they would be forced to play with Scott and Emma's daughters and become boring and whiny.
Rogue: Or that their noses would get pointy because they developed some arrogance. - They both laughed and Emma and Cyclops entered the kitchen.
Scott: I heard that! - He said while holding baby Megan Summers.
Emma: Ruby, my darling, promise me you won't be like that when you grow up. If you're going to insult someone, do it with class. - She said to the two-year-old blonde girl who was holding her hand, the couple's oldest daughter, Ruby Summers.
Ruby: Yes, mommy! - She said and Emma smiled.
Emma: Good girl. - She paid attention to Bobby who had taken out a pan full of what looked like a lot of black tar, oil, gasoline and rocks from the earth's crust.
Bobby: Oh, guys, what is this?
Gambit: My chef instincts tell me it must be the remains of something Blackbird must have beaten after a time travel.
Rogue: It smells like the Savage Land but ten times worse.
Scott: Hey, this is Emma's chili.
Bobby: Did you, Emma Frost, cook chili?
Emma: We don't have the money to hire employees and the Fantastic Four wouldn't sell me some robot butlers so I had to make it myself. But I'm sure it tastes good.
Gambit: This chili looks like it was hit by the same explosion that gave the Hulk his powers.
Bobby: You know what? Screw it. I'm going to eat this.
Scott: Bobby, language. There are kids here.- He pointed to babies Irene, Oliver and Megan playing with two-year-old Ruby. Strangely, when Irene offered Ruby one of her My Little Pony dolls, Ruby got scared and ran into Emma's leg.
Rogue: Is Ruby afraid of ponies?
Scott: She's afraid of pretty much anything that resembles a horse. But until now, I never understood why.- He didn't even notice Emma staring at the wall, as if she was hiding something.
The mood changed when Illyana and Rachel appeared in the kitchen.
Illyana: Kitty went into labor!
Rachel: The babies are coming!
Illyana: Someone call Peter!
Rachel: And get this radioactive waste out of here before it pollutes the air! - They screamed and then went to the medical wing.
Scott: You heard them! Come on! - He took out his cell phone to call Peter.
Everyone went to the medical wing reception and Bobby stayed in the kitchen and smelled the chili, still wondering if it was worth risking getting a serious illness by eating this radioactive chili.
Booby: It's not worth the risk. - Before he left, he looked at the chili that looked almost cursed and thought it would be safer for everyone if he threw it out the window. And he threw the chili out the window.
In the medical wing:
Kitty was on the bed while holding Illyana's hand.
Kitty: Uhh, this is harder than I thought.- She screamed as she crushed Illyana's hand during the grip.
Illyana: Katya, I know you're in pain but I need this hand to hold my sword.- She said, trying to resist the pain.
Ororo: Kitten, calm down and take your bearings from my voice.
Rachel: Logan, did you manage to talk to Peter?
Logan: Yeah! Webs is on his way here. I know he'll be here soon because I threatened to stop him from having any more children if that happened.
Kitty: You've been making threats like this since my first meeting with him so things are the same.
Illyana: Great! Logan, it's your turn. You have indestructible bones.- She let go of Kitty's hand and Logan reluctantly went to her.
Logan: Okay, kiddo.- He grunted in pain as he felt Kitty's strong grip on his hand.
Illyana: I think I'm going to have to bandage my hand.
They saw Peter open the window and climb in.
Peter: I'M HERE! Oh my god, Kitty. Are you okay?
Illyana: There are two babies coming out of her body! What do you think?- She yelled at Peter, still feeling pain in her hand.
Kitty: I'm better now that you're here, honey.- She and Peter kissed and looked at each other with compassion and love.
Peter: Listen, I know you can do this. Kitty Pryde, I've loved you since the day I met you and I've continued to love you to this day. I've loved every moment we've spent together and I can't wait to raise our children. And watch Star Trek with them.
Kitty: And I've loved you ever since that day. When we met, I was in such a dark place and you were my light that brought me back. And you continued to fill my days with joy and happiness and adventure and excitement and I can't wait to spend those days with you and our kids. And watch Star Wars with them.
Peter: We're having twins, they'll probably like both of them.
Logan: Great, we'll have to take care of two more nerds.- He was punched in the shoulder by Illyana.- Ouch!
Illyana: Good luck, Katya! Oh, those two make me cry.
Rachel: I know. It's like the wedding ceremony. If Logan and Thing fight, the cycle will repeat itself.
Ororo: Be strong, my daughter. We'll see each other in a few hours.- They all left the room and Beast and Moira showed up to start the delivery.
Beast: Okay, the scans are good and I think the boys will be fine. I think it's time.
Moira: Are you ready, Kitty?
Kitty: Yes. I really want to meet them.
Peter: Let's go.
A few hours later:
The babies were finally born and now, there were two boys sleeping next to Kitty. On one side, the older twin was wrapped in a blue blanket and the younger was wrapped in a red blanket. They were both the picture of cuteness.
Kitty: That was complicated. But everything worked out. - She said as she rested after the birth.
Peter: Yes. Now, what are they going to name them?
Kitty: The youngest looks like Ben. What do you think? In honor of your uncle.
Peter: Are you sure? I don't want to force you to do anything.
Kitty: I hear so many stories about how great a man he was. I want our son to be just like him. He doesn't have to be a genius or the best X-Man, but I want them both to have your indomitable will.
Peter: You meant your indomitable will. But, yes, what about the one in blue? What do you think of Carmen?
Kitty: My father's name? That's a good idea. But he doesn't really look like "Carmen".
Peter: Kitty, they have the same face.
Kitty: Yeah, but when have you seen twins grow up the same? - She said that and Peter remembered his brothers, Ben and Kaine.
Peter: You're right. What do you think of...Casey?
Kitty: Ben and Casey Parker? I like those names. They sound really good.
Peter: Ben and Casey Pryde-Parker. Kitty, they are the combination of the two of us and I want their names to reflect that. I want them to be proud to have their mother's name and remember the brave, brilliant, determined and badass leader that she is.
Kitty: And I want them to know that their father is the most caring, responsible, kind, smart and strong man I know and that they are the children of the Greatest Hero in the Whole World.
Peter: So, we agree. Ben and Casey Pryde-Parker.- Logan walked into the break room and saw the babies.
Logan: Were the kiddos born okay?
Kitty: They're fine. But they were born very restless.
Logan: They inherited that from their parents. But at least they're in good hands.
Peter: Speaking of which, we wanted to talk to you about something. Logan, you've always been a great friend of mine. You helped me through difficult times and when I was close to losing who I was, you helped me.
Kitty: You always took care of all of us. You were like the big brother and sometimes the father to the whole team. You helped me get through my father's death and you helped me when the situation with Ogun happened and you continued to help me and believe in me. We trust you with this. Will you accept being Ben and Casey's godfather?
Logan was speechless when he heard this.
Logan: Godfather? Me?
Peter: Kitty and I trust that you will take care of them and prepare them for the world.
Kitty: You did this with me and the X-Men and we are fine. And I wanted to make sure that the boys are ready too.
Logan: Okay, I accept that.
Peter: Great. Do you want to hold your godchildren?
Kitty: Just be careful. We don't know how they will react to having metal claws near their faces.
A few hours later:
Ben and Casey were sleeping and Peter and Kitty were talking.
Peter: You know, I think maybe it's time to stop.
Kitty: What do you mean?
Peter: Kitty, I've done a lot these past few months, but now, I have to reset my priorities. You've done a lot for me. You've given me love, acceptance, a family. And it's time for me to do the same for you. Now, I'm just going to be Peter Parker, Husband, Father and Teacher.
Kitty: So, you and I, leading a school for mutants?
Peter: I just hope they don't get mad at me for sleeping with the boss.
Kitty: We all hated Emma for that. And because she tried to kill us several times.
Peter: Yeah, I imagined that. But I accept the honor of being a teacher here. And being the first gentleman of mutantkind.
Kitty: The husband of my dreams. - She laughed and Peter kissed her. - I love you.
Peter: I love you too.
They both rested, preparing for life as parents.
But, that's not the end of their story.
This is the prologue to the story of Ben and Casey Pryde-Parker.