Wildcard Sparda: There's an explanation for why Scorpion didn't say anything. But, relax, he'll start talking about it in the next confrontation with him.
VFC15650: I made the twins only be Peter and Kitty's children because I'm a big fan of the duality between twins, especially how it can affect them growing up in a world of superheroes. And also because May would end up losing relevance in the story to the point of becoming a secondary character, so I thought it best not to even include her.
Shadowspider17: Yeah, among the current superhero series (both traditional and more mature) Invincible is my favorite because it's more dramatic and large-scale than The Boys but still about superheroes. The recent episodes of the third season have been great. I would like to take inspiration from Invincible for certain moments in the story. But more in relation to fights than plot.
Yaethe: Yeah, the worst part is that I tried to talk to some of these "artists" but they always charged me money and I'm not even American. So I stopped caring about it.
Now, this chapter has more reflection and some flashbacks to the Pryde-Parker twins' childhood and how Peter and Kitty think about the idea of their children becoming superheroes.
Secret Origins#2
Faced with the confusing and new situation in which they saw the twins, Peter and Kitty only had one reaction.
Peter: Uh, what did I miss? - He was trying to understand what happened. But what was going through his mind was not because the front door was ripped off by his two 13-year-old sons (after all, he himself had already committed accidents like that after the spider bite).
What was going through Peter's mind was the initial shock that his sons now had powers. While Peter managed to hide his concerns, Kitty was almost as good.
Kitty: Oh, no... - She whispered, and no one heard, except Peter and he looked at her with a look of concern.
Ben: Uh, we awakened our powers... - He said, with a forced smile.
Casey: Yaaay... - He made the same forced smile as he tried to lighten the mood. This was one of the few times when the twins actually looked alike, since they made the same facial expression.
Kurt: Oh, good news, I'd say.- Nightcrawler, Kurt Wagner, acted in his usual good mood and smiled when he saw Ben and Casey with powers, which meant he could finally teach them acrobatics.
Teresa: I think it's best to maybe tone down the excitement, honey.- She said, trying to calm her husband down. This speaker was Teresa Parker, Peter's younger sister and the girl Kitty learned for Kurt after they met and became friends during a crazy adventure with Peter and Jameson involving time travel (or dimensional travel? That adventure was very confusing).
Ray: Wait, does this mean they can finally go to Xavier's school? Because seriously, I think that would be really cool.- A boy with bright yellow eyes, long black hair with fangs and a cross necklace spoke in a cheerful tone.
Richard "Ray" Wagner, son of Kurt and Teresa. Despite being Kurt's son and having inherited some of his father's characteristics, he didn't have blue skin or a tail.
Alexa: Oh, stop it, Ray. You're just saying that because you want them to lend you their homework because you forget to do yours so you can play pirate in the Danger Room. - A girl wearing a black shirt with white stripes, a black skirt and white high-top sneakers, who had a leather bracelet on her left arm, said sarcastically. The girl was Alexandra Rasputina, the daughter of Magik and Black Cat.
Casey: Oh, damn, she's here. - He said, with a tone of grumbling and frustration as he stared at Alexa. - Why is she here? It's my birthday, she shouldn't be here.
Aunt May: Casey, stop it. Be nice. - Said the twins' great-aunt May, or as they affectionately called her "Grandma May". And yes, they always joked about how that nickname sounded like the name of a brand of cake mixes.
Ironically, even though Casey was the most sarcastic and rebellious of the twins, he was very close to Aunt May and they talked often. And, besides Kitty, she was the only one who could control someone as uncontrollable as Casey.
Alexa saw this situation and just stuck her tongue out at Casey as an insult.
Alexa: (If there weren't any adults here, I'd give you the middle finger.)- When she stopped looking at Casey, she noticed that Ben was staring at her and when she looked at him, Ben just turned his head, trying to pretend he wasn't doing anything.
Casey: You're an idiot.- He said when he noticed that Ben was staring at Alexa.
Ben: Shut up! At least I wasn't the idiot who got his hand stuck in the bus and then ripped the door off its hinge.- He pointed to the door stuck in Casey's hands.
Casey: And I wasn't the idiot who ripped the mailbox out of the ground.- He pointed outside the house, pointing to the mailbox lying on the lawn.
Kitty: Boys! Enough!- She spoke in a stern tone for them to stop arguing, as she wanted to calm her mind to process the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind right now. Peter noticed this and placed the birthday cake and pizza on the table and put his hand on Kitty's shoulder to comfort her.
He might not be a telepath, but he could easily tell when Kitty was having a lot of thoughts.
Peter: Hey, calm down. It's a happy day, remember. It's our children's birthday.- He smiled and spoke in a calming tone.- Save that bad mood for some villain.
He joked and that calmed Kitty down. After so many years together, they reached a point where even Peter's bad jokes are enough to make her stand up.
Kitty: You're right, sorry guys. It was just a spontaneous reaction.- She apologized and that eased the tension in the room a little. But...that didn't mean the problems were over.
Peter: Meh, relax. After living with this guy for over 10 years, nothing fazes me. - He pointed with his thumb at Logan, who was standing next to him. And that was true. Considering the time Peter spent with the X-Men due to his marriage to Kitty, he had already lived with them for over a decade.
Logan: Webs, do you want to fight on your kiddos' birthday? Really? - He showed his claws but Kitty just intervened.
Kitty: Oh, stop. You should have gotten used to this kind of joke by now. Now, I think it's better that we, well, take this door out of Casey's hands. - She said and everyone looked at Peter since he was the only one in the room with powers like that.
Peter just laughed lightly and sighed, going to Casey.
Peter: Okay, son. Focus on me. - He looked at Casey.
Casey: I'm focused. - He said but Peter corrected him.
Peter: I can tell you from experience that there's a difference between talking and doing. Listen, relax. Breathe in and out. Controlling your ability to stick to things is natural. This power has no control over either of you. The power is yours. - He said calmly and Casey just closed his eyes and the door came loose from his hands... and fell near Ben's foot.
Ben: Ouch! What the... - He wanted to scream a curse word because of the pain he was feeling, but he realized that Alexa, his crush was there, his parents were there and Logan, the toughest guy he knew, was there. So he decided to just pretend to forget the pain and stay calm. - I mean, it didn't even hurt. The spider resistance must have already appeared.
Casey: Are you crying? - He joked.
Ben: No. Shut up! - They went to the table and everyone noticed that Ben is walking with only one leg, because of the pain he felt in the other. - Walking with a sore foot is hard.
Logan: Try walking without a leg, I dare you. - He smiled sarcastically as he looked up to Ben and greeted him. - How are you, kiddo?
Ben: Hi, Uncle Logan. - Logan, the Wolverine, the godfather of the Pryde-Parker twins and one of Ben's favorite adults. - Well, I'm fine if we forget everything that happened today.
Kitty: What happened today? - She said, worried.
Alexa: Hey, Aunt Katya. - She pointed to the TV that was showing a report of the fight between the Spider-Kids and Scorpion at the museum.
The adults and children went to the TV and Peter took the remote and turned up the volume.
Journalist: According to witnesses, it was confirmed that two children, most likely Spider-Man's children, fought at the museum this afternoon. Listen to some witness reports.
Civilian: I just wanted to find a place to relax, but then that giant Scorpion showed up and those mutant freaks tried to fight him and only made everything worse.
Ben just looked away, ashamed and regretful of having done something wrong, even though he didn't even have enough experience to do so. Alexa noticed this and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
Ben: Great. Great first day.- He grumbled to himself. Alexa heard and decided to try to help him.
Alexa: Relax, there are a bunch of assholes like that out there. They only say that because they're looking for some outcast to blame for their stupid lives.- She tried to comfort him, but it didn't help much.
Illyana saw this and was happy with her daughter's attempt.
Illyana: Well, you tried.- She whispered to Alexa.
Alexa: I guess motivating someone isn't my specialty...
Casey just looked at the TV with an angry face as she listened to other testimonies.
Civilian woman: The city was much better before all these mutants here and there. Now, there's a school just for them in Central Park and no one does anything to solve the problem. And now there are two more who will only end up killing more people because of their stupidity. Especially that kid with the sword. I bet he must be a potential psychopath.
Ben: I just wanted to help…- He whispered and Kitty realized it. If she met this woman, she would probably do something she would regret later. Maybe.
Kitty: Peter, turn off that TV before I short-circuit it.- Peter just sighed as he prepared to talk to his kids later to try to motivate them.
Young boy (19 years old): Those brats showed up and saved my brother's life. Without them, he would have died. Look, I may not be a fan of the clothes, but those kids tried to help. And honestly, if the adults here are so right, why the hell did it take two kids to save the day? Anyway, thanks, spider-kids. It's good to know that someone is looking out for us.
Even the boys' teacher, Miss Marian, talked about what happened.
Miss Marian: I've never been a fan of child soldiers fighting for people. I mean, they're kids. They should be hanging out with their friends, doing stupid things, and having teenage romances, not fighting monsters. But there's no denying that they saved lives today.
And Captain Murphy had something to say, too.
Captain Murphy: I grew up in a New York that was saved 7 times a week by Spider-Man. I met him once. He probably doesn't remember, but I've carried that moment with me for the rest of my life. He told me that true strength comes from getting up when you fall. I think those boys will do the same. They're too young, yes. But I think that, in time, we'll see something new and surprising. - He said with a slight smile as he finished his testimony.
Journalist: The fight caused a lot of damage to the museum, which will be closed and renovated. Many questions have arisen today. Who are these children? Are they Spider-Man's children? Or are they just mutants? Are they on our side? And, most importantly, what are the motivations and whereabouts of this Scorpion? - Peter turned off the TV as soon as the report ended.
Ben: I think we can consider it a victory. Counting the score: Two hateful statements. Something that sounded more like a lecture from my teacher. And two statements from a guy with a lot of piercings and a police captain. - He returned to his usual optimism and raised his hand to Casey.
Casey: Not bad for the first day. - He smiled and they both high-fived... but their hands stuck together.
Ben/Casey: Damn! - They tried to pull each other's hands away hard but realized how bad that could be.
Ray: Are you sure this is a good idea? If you pull your hands like that, won't you rip each other's skin off? - For a guy almost as playful as the twins, he had a good point.
Ben: Okay... eh, let's use Dad's Spider-yoga tip. - Casey nodded.
Peter: Wait, is that what we're going to call this now? - He laughed with a raised eyebrow as the boys untangled their hands.
Ben: Ah, finally. So, ice cream pizza? - He was excited about it, but they took so long with the problem of the door, which by the way was lying in the middle of the living room, and watching the news that the ice cream pizza had melted.
Casey: I think it's more of a sweet pizza and soaked in milkshake. You're still going to eat it, aren't you? - He asked Ben, since Casey knew how much he loved pizza.
Ben: Yep. - He didn't even think before answering.
A few minutes later, the kids went to the backyard of the house while the adults stayed in the dining room to talk about what happened.
Kitty: 13 years! We had 13 years of a calm and peaceful life without any risk of danger to my babies. - She said while eating a slice of the milkshake pizza.
Peter: Well, that's if we forget the risks of dangers that they themselves created. - He said while trying to put the door back in place. But the wind was strong so he just stuck the door to the wall using the webs. - I have to remember to fix this tomorrow.
Illyana: Wait, what dangers did the boys create? - She was curious. Even growing up in Limbo and seeing all sorts of strange and dangerous things, she thought that children like Ben and Casey were usually well-behaved. But they were Kitty's children and Illyana realized that it was very likely that they would do something stupid from time to time.
Kitty: There was a time, before the boys were born, that Peter and I discussed whether they would be born with powers or not.
Kurt: Why were you afraid to change their diapers while they were upside down using a web?
Kitty: Actually, yes. But there were other reasons.
Peter: We thought it would be dangerous if they started crawling and went to the ceiling and their powers stopped working, since our genomes are different. And also because we thought they would try to get to the ceiling fan and hurt themselves.
Kitty: Yeah, but they did that even without powers.
Flashback:
Ben and Casey, 10, were now in Ben's room, with an open window. They were tied with harnesses and bungee cords attached to the ceiling fan and were wearing safety gear.
Ben: Okay, I guess this will work.- Ben turned on a small video camera and started filming.- This is the twins Ben and Casey Pryde-Parker trying out science experiments. This is centrifugation.
He pointed the camera at Casey who started talking.
Casey: We tied a bunch of bungee cords and ropes to my shorter, less handsome twin brother's ceiling fan.- He insulted Ben, who kept filming.
Ben: Hey! I spent my allowance on these ropes!
Casey: And I bought some cheap ropes on eBay so I'd have money left over to buy bandages in case we got hurt. - He said.
Ben: Wait, I thought this experiment was risk-free! - He said, a little scared.
Casey: Relax, I put our parents' mattress outside to cushion the fall in case we fly out.
Ben: But won't they notice?
Casey: Meh, they're at a training camp with the students, they'll probably be back a while. Now, let's do the experiment.- He used one of Peter's web-shooters to shoot the button to turn on the ceiling fan.- Twhip!
And... he missed the target.
Ben: Nice aim.- He joked as he zoomed in on Casey's face.
Casey: Twhip, Twhip, Twhip...- This went on for 30 seconds straight until Casey got the web all over the wall and finally managed to hit the target.- Hey, I got it on the first try.
Ben: You know I filmed all this, right?- Just as Casey was about to say something, the fan's rotation rate became fast and intense.
Casey: Oh, this is awesome! It's like we're at Coney Island.
Ben: Oh, I shouldn't have eaten that big sandwich for lunch!- He said, while feeling bad.
Casey: Swallow your vomit! It's like the song says! You spin my head right round!- He started singing and Ben sang along with him.
Ben: Right round! When you go down…- He continues singing and then they both sing together.
Ben/Casey: When you go down, down. You spin my head right round, right round!- They laughed. But unfortunately, Kitty arrived.
Kitty: Boys, why is our mattress down there and…what the hell?!- She opened the door and was surprised and angry.
Ben/Casey: Oh, hi mom!- They tried to explain but the bungee cords and elastics came loose on the ceiling fan and Casey ended up being thrown out the window while Ben was thrown against the wall.
Kitty: Oh my God, Casey!- She was worried, but Casey fell on the mattress outside the house.
Peter was still outside, taking the bags out of the car.
Peter: I gave you specific rules! - He was frustrated.
Casey: Well, you said not to play with fire experiments in the house. And there was no fire involved in this.
Peter: I meant not to do anything stupid because it would be a firestorm in your mother's eyes.
Casey: ... You have to be more specific. - He tried to lighten the mood but Peter was still angry.
Suddenly, Ben came running away.
Casey: What are you doing? - He yelled.
Ben: They can't kill me if they don't catch me! - He started running and Casey looked at his parents and went after his brother.
Casey: Wait for me! - He ran and managed to catch up with Ben. - If I die, I'll come back for you.
Ben: Please, don't! - They kept running.
End of flashback:
All the adults had only one reaction.
All: Wow.- They were surprised. The mutants thought that only mutant children had the habit of doing stupid things because of their powers but, hey, as always, the Pryde-Parkers prove the opposite.
Kitty: I don't even know how many calories I burned on that run.
Peter: Well, I saw some yoga moms looking at you with envy.- He complimented Kitty and she blushed.
Kitty: Oh, stop it.- She put her hand on her cheek as she looked lovingly at Peter.
Peter: And this is my "blood brother" and godfather of my children, guys!- He said happily and sarcastically as he pointed at Logan.
Teresa: Okay, the boys made some stupid mistakes in their childhood. But everyone does it at least once. I bet that if we grew up together, Peter and I would be like that.
Aunt May: Oh my, I would go gray even sooner than I already did.- She laughed. May always wanted to have a daughter too and when she met Teresa, she always wondered what her and Uncle Ben's life would have been like if they had raised the two Parker Brothers. Well, Peter and Kitty were having that experience for them.
Illyana: The nice wheatcake lady is right.- Illyana had met May a few times and she was surprised when she met her and realized how sweet an old lady could be and was happy that Kitty had a good mother-in-law.- You and I did a lot of stupid things together when we were 13.
Kitty: We drank and ran away from the mansion at night, Yana. Wait, do you think the boys will do that too?- She panicked as she spoke.
Illyana just regretted what she said and looked at Peter.
Illyana: My bad.- She took a sip of her beer.- It's a shame that Felicia is traveling now, she was always the best of the two of us at motivating.
Kitty: My children almost died and Felicia Hardy is good at motivational speeches. This is the worst day of my life.
Kurt: We've had worse days. And I'm talking about the ones without supervillains, anti-mutant protests and sentinels involved. Do you remember that blackout that erased the entire city?- He said and everyone nodded but Peter and Kitty just choked slightly on their pieces of cake.
Peter: Well, *cough!, actually there's a story for that.
Kitty: Here we go again…- She laughed weakly as she remembered another chapter of the twins' childhood.
Flashback:
Ben and Casey, 11 years old, were now in the garage of the Pryde-Parker family home, dressed in protective gear such as masks, goggles, gloves and rubber boots.
Ben turned on the camera that was on a tripod and started recording.
Casey: Welcome to another experiment with the Pryde-Parker twins. Today, we're going to try to create a new power source from a mechanism we created using this battery that we found in the trash.
Ben: We didn't find it in the trash, this is the old Fantasticar battery, Val gave it to us. - He said as he picked up some equipment.
Casey: Yeah, but everything is cooler when they say you did something impressive with something you found in the trash. Macgyver became famous that way.
Ben: Who?
Casey: It's a guy from an old TV show. I watched the reruns with Grandma the other day. But forget it. Ben, explain what our plan is.
Ben: We like to use our electronic devices. Mainly because we don't have friends at school, so we play video games or use our PCs. But, that uses a lot of electricity, so we created a new source of unlimited energy.
Casey: Now, obviously, we have to mention the necessary protective equipment. Since we decided to increase the attempts of protection to avoid being discovered after the centrifuge experiment.
Ben: Who would have thought that mom, even at 40 years old, runs as fast as a gazelle?
Casey: Yeah, but a gazelle would be more forgiving. So, since this engine is complex and there are several risks. We use equipment to protect not only our hands and feet but also our eyes and ears. We made these noise-canceling headphones for situations like this.- He put on a pair of noise-canceling headphones and continued talking to the camera.
Casey: For those who are watching this video, you should always remember to take the necessary precautions like...- As he spoke, Ben connected a series of circuits and grabbed a control to try to turn on their generator but things went wrong.
A loud, thunderous noise started to run through the house and Ben got annoyed and did everything he could to try to turn off the machine. And Casey didn't even notice.
Ben: At least we know the headphones worked.- He tried to do everything he could to turn off the generator but nothing worked.
Peter then entered through the garage door.
Peter: What's going on?!- He had his palms covering his ears.
Ben: We…- He tried to explain but the sound was too loud.- Generator. Error. Loud sound. Emergency!
Peter: Is that a Fantasticar battery? I told you guys to stop taking old parts from other heroes' equipment. That's dangerous!
Ben: We thought it would work!- Peter couldn't turn off the generator and Kitty showed up.
Kitty: I've heard more pleasant noises on Yana's heavy metal records! What happened?
Peter: Ask the young Teslas here!- They pointed at Ben and Casey.
Ben: I'll explain later, now can someone please stop that sound?
Kitty closed her hand into a fist and raised only her index and middle fingers and made her hand intangible.
Kitty: Hey!- She made a war cry and hit the generator, which stopped the sound.
Casey: And now, let's test our generator and...damn.- He saw his parents staring at him and then noticed a flame on the generator and went to get the fire extinguisher.
Casey put out the flames.
Casey: Okay, we saved the day.- But the flame is still burning and Casey tries to put it out three more times.
Ben: So...is this worthy of punishment? Like, the fire never even reached its peak and...- When he tried to explain himself the lights in the garage and apparently the rest of the city went out.
Ben: ...I have to learn to talk the talk.- The family came out of the garage to see how things are with this blackout.
Kitty: At least most of the staff is at school, so the students will be safe. I'll go check on them and see how things are going.
Peter: Okay, I'll stay here and watch the boys.
Ben: Hey, we don't need a babysitter. We're not irresponsible.- Casey just slapped himself while Peter and Kitty stared at Ben in silence.- Okay, I'll be quiet.
Casey: Great idea. Now what are we going to do?
Ben: It's a blackout. Do you want to go loot a video game store?- He joked but no one laughed. In fact, the three of them looked at him with a raised eyebrow.- C'mon, Casey can propose deadly experiments but I can't make looting jokes?
End of flashback:
Illyana: I had to stay close to Alexa all night to make sure she didn't steal anything.
Kurt: And did it work?
Illyana: No. That girl has a talent I don't understand.
Wolverine: Remy was proud when he saw how much stuff Oliver brought home. Seriously, he must have been the first boy in 6th grade to give Megan Summers a diamond necklace.
Teresa: I know Ben and Casey are impulsive, but a blackout? I don't think you and I could pull that off together, Pete.
Peter: Obviously, that's why they're the best at it.
Kitty: It's not like they want to do it. They've had a natural talent for science since childhood.
Logan: And, like their parents, for causing unintentional chaos. Kitty and Webs, you know you raised those boys well, don't you?
Illyana: That's true. They can be tough to deal with. But when it comes to being stubborn and persistent, the last person I met like that was you, Katya.
Teresa: Same goes for you, Pete. You're my brother and I met you late, but I got to see the kind of person you are and I was glad to have someone so dedicated to other people as my family.
Aunt May: You took care of me when your Uncle Ben died and despite everything that happened to you, you're still here. All grown up, with a good job, a great marriage with kids who have big hearts. And, Kitty, you know those kids were going to do great things. With or without powers.
Kitty: Maybe, but... I just wish this time would last longer. I don't know what to do about it. Their powers took so long to awaken over the years. I mean, your kids already had powers when they were born, others awakened at 3 years old at most. I always felt bad that Ben and Casey couldn't be around them because they didn't have powers, but at least they were safe and away from people like the Hellfire Club, Friends of Humanity, and any other lunatics. Now, I feel like, at the first opportunity, they'll jump right into danger.
Peter: When they were born, we had to prepare for the inevitable event that would be their powers. But they took so many years that we forgot about that. I'm not saying it was bad. I absolutely loved those years when it was just the four of us. Peter, Kitty, Ben, and Casey. And we still will be, but we have to accept that our children are growing up.
Kitty: Yeah, I think so.- She was still thoughtful.
With the kids outside:
Ben and Casey were in the backyard with Alexa and Ray.
Ray was hanging upside down on a branch of the tree in the backyard, using his feet as support.
Ray: Can you guys do that now? - He asked the twins.
Ben: I could do that before. For about 10 seconds, before I lost my balance and fell on my head, but still.
Alexa: So, what's going to happen now? Are you going to Xavier School?
Ray: If you guys go, can I be part of your homework groups?
Alexa: Hey! - Her tone seemed to criticize Ray.
Ray: What? I can ask first, I'm part of the family.
Casey: I don't even know if I want to go there.
Ray: What? Why? You two have been away for a long time. Your mom is the principal of the school and she was the youngest X-Man ever. When she was our age, she was already saving the world.
Casey: I'm proud to be my parents' son, but I feel like maybe I don't belong there.
Ben: Why?
Casey: I don't know. We've been living like normal kids for so long that I don't know what this change is going to be like.- He said in a tone that was half serious but half ignorant. However, Ben knew that Casey was just trying to look strong.
Ben: Listen, I don't know either.
Casey: It's different. You've been waiting for this day for years.
Ben: Yeah, but I think I can understand your fear a little. Yeah, we did our best and we still got judged as a threat and I was accused of being a crazy ninja. Damn, our mom defeated Emma Frost and saved the X-Men before she even joined the team. I couldn't even save the museum gift shop.
Casey: I think you need to study how to give motivational speeches. - He smiled and spoke sarcastically and Ben did the same.
Ben: Oh, shut up. What I mean is, we did a good thing, we saved lives. Sure, there was some collateral damage but I think we can rebuild. I hope so. I think we'll still do some more stupid things. But... when did the fact that we failed stop us from keeping trying?
Casey: Heh, finally you said something intelligent. - He laughed lightly.
Ben: So, Xavier School?
Casey: I don't know. I have to think about it a little. What about you?
Ben: Same. Sorry, guys. I don't think we can give a definitive answer yet.
Ray: That's fine by me. I know it's not an easy choice. Just let me know first, please. If you guys don't go to School, I'll have to be in Megan's school work group and she's Aunt Emma's daughter so...you know how that can go.
Casey: I thought you and Megan would get along.
Ray: We kinda do. But Alexa would also be part of the group and I'm 90% sure that would end up leading to some violence.
Casey: Definitely.- He smiled because he knew the chaos Alexa could cause.- I would record this to post on YouTube.
Ben: Damn...- That word means he knew how bad this situation could get.
Alexa just gave Casey the middle finger and Ben smiled when he saw it.
Casey: Yeah, I've had enough of talking to you for today. Come on, Ray, time to show you what a spider can do.- They both go to the tree, leaving Ben and Alexa alone.
Alexa: So, how does it feel?
Ben: Yeah, I feel different. But I feel the same at the same time. I feel like a…- He spoke in a thoughtful tone.
Alexa: Mutant? Because that's how we are. We look the same, but we're not the same as humans.
Ben: Just for the record, I've lived as a human until today. My grandmother is human and my father too. Actually, a mutated human but still.- He spoke in a somewhat joking tone.
Alexa: I didn't mean it in that sense, really. But we are different from humans. No one can deny that. Whether they are for or against our existence.
Ben: Yeah, I know. I'm a mutant now. Mutants are now one of my people, because, you know, I'm still Jewish.
Alexa: I don't understand religion but as long as it doesn't involve burning witches, I'm fine with it.- She joked and Ben laughed.
Ben: Yeah, I guess so. Now, the dream of coexistence is mine to make a reality too.
Alexa: Do you… really believe that?- She seemed to doubt a little what Ben said.
Ben: I do. I still believe that a day when we can all be free may come. I just have to figure out a way first. The first step is to understand what I can do and then do what my parents did before me.
Alexa: Wearing spandex and telling jokes that no one else but me understands? - That part was true. Alexa was the only one who understood Ben's jokes. And the only one who actually laughed at them.
Ben: That too. But I'm talking about saving lives, helping people. Using my mutant power to show that we're not dangerous. As long as my actions make at least fewer people hate us, it will have been worth it. - He said with a confidence that Alexa found admirable, she stared at him for a moment and blushed. And she had skin as fair as a porcelain doll, so anyone would notice.
Except Ben.
Ben: Oh, by the way, thanks for the support before.
Alexa: Eh, what?
Ben: When you put your hand on my shoulder when they were criticizing me on TV. That helped me realize that I'm not alone. I'm lucky.
Alexa: Lucky for what?
Ben: I'd say I started out with an advantage. Many mutants are abandoned by their parents. My mother was an exception. And Casey and I too. At least I have a family and friends. As long as I have that, I think I'll be fine. After all, family is all we have. And friends and... other things. - He whispered that last part as Alexa looked at the sunset.
Ben: (Dammit, she's so beautiful). - He smiled and they both looked at the sunset. The backs of their hands touched for a second, but neither of them tried to move.
An hour later, the guests were leaving and Logan stayed to talk to Peter and Kitty for a while.
Logan: Listen, I know you don't want to hear this and you don't need to, but... it's worth talking about. When those two were born, I was the first one, after you, to hold them. I watched them grow up. And I know that, if you two had a choice, you would never invite them to be part of this life or have powers. After all, no one wants to see their own child hated, feared and persecuted. And honestly, I don't want that for those two either. Ben and Casey are stubborn, persistent, determined and if I tell them to give up, whether because they shouldn't or can't be X-Men, they will only try to prove themselves more and more. And I don't want people like them to fall into the hands of those motherfuckers who only think about killing us. I don't want to see their blood on anyone's hands or anyone's blood on their hands. That's why I'm ready to fulfill what I promised. To be the guy who will teach them to be the best this world has ever seen. - He spoke sincerely and seriously as he lit a cigar.
Kitty's only reaction was to hug Logan.
Kitty: I know they'll be in good hands with you, Logan. But I still have to make my decision.
Logan: Just know that you just have to call me, and I'll be here.
Peter: We know you will. That's why we chose you to be the boys' godfather. - Peter and Logan shook hands and Logan just smiled slightly and left, getting on his motorcycle and thinking about what to do for the rest of the night.
Kitty: He was a good father to me. He wasn't perfect but... I don't know what I would have done without him.
Peter: He was a good friend to me too. When I started dating you, he was the first to support me. Well, and then he told me he'd cut my arms off if I hurt you. But hey, he's our kids' godfather and I'm here alive so I guess I kept my promise. Oh, by the way, look what I found. - He took Ben and Casey's camera out of his pocket.
Kitty: Where was that? - She took the camera and started playing the videos.
Peter: One day, I saw a drawing of what looked like a giant robot in Casey's room and Ben had come home with an old shopping cart full of parts from a junkyard. I figured I'd take the camera away from them before they started the project.
Kitty: Great idea. Hey, do you remember this video?
Peter: No, but it looks like it was recorded when I bought this camera.
Flashback:
Ben and Casey, 13, were in the garage with a whiteboard full of ideas, formulas, and designs for machines and gadgets.
Ben: Okay, action!
Casey: Why say "action"?
Ben: That's how they do it in movies and documentaries.
Casey: They don't do that in The Office.
Ben: The Office isn't a real documentary.
Casey: You don't know, nobody knows.
Ben: Can we just finish the video? I really want this project to be documented.
Casey: Here we go. We are the Pryde-Parker Twins and this is our main project.
Ben: Through countless research, we decided to do our part to help people. Like our parents did.
Casey: We believe that powers are not necessary to improve humanity and that with our inventions and the support of the mutant race, we can start the process of coexistence.
Ben: We would like to use our skills to improve the lives of others. To restore stability to the disabled, to cure diseases, to rebuild cities that have been ravaged by war and conflict, and so on. We call it…- They both turn to the board and show a big name.
Ben/Casey: Project "NeXt Gen".
Casey: We believe in using the resources of today to create things that can achieve our goals of modernization. And allow future generations to live in a time of prosperity.
Ben: We want to bring progress, peace, and a better future for everyone. We know it's going to be tough. After all, I think we're the only ones who see this video.
Casey: And we wanted to make sure we could look back and remember why we are who we are and who we're going to become.
Ben: We got the idea to record this after watching "Breakfast Club" and listening to "Don't You Forget About Me".
Casey: And also Back to the Future. But yeah, hopefully we'll be able to watch this video one day and know that our efforts were worth it.
Ben: I hope all of that happens. And I also want to get taller. And develop six-pack abs.
Casey: And I want to get a tattoo.
Ben: We can't, we're Jewish.
Casey: Wait, I thought that was just a random rule.
And the video ends
End of flashback:
Kitty: Our babies. They're still so young. I don't feel ready for this yet. I wonder what was going through my parents' minds when they allowed me to join Xavier School. Because honestly, it's been really hard for me. I never wanted this world to have them.
Peter: Honestly, I don't either. When people were criticizing them on TV, I remembered when Jameson did the same to me and how almost everyone seemed to hate me. I didn't want our kids to feel that way. All that criticism, judgment and the constant feeling that maybe you're wrong. But I think we need to stop thinking like that and be more optimistic. Kitty, I don't regret being Spider-Man. I did my best and I think I helped a little.
Kitty: Gotta love a modest man. - She joked.
Peter: Yep. But there's something in me that tells me that, whatever it is, they're going to be better than we were. Because they're our children. We're their parents, and that's why I know that. And I'm sure you know that too. - He held her face between his hands and looked at her, and they both smiled.
Kitty: You're right. - She said, and Ben and Casey entered the room.
Ben: Dad's right about what?
Kitty: Oh, actually, this involves you guys. Time for a family meeting. - She pointed to the table and everyone sat down.
Peter: So, how do you two feel? - He asked, worried.
Ben: About the mutant powers? Or the Xavier School? Casey: Or the problem at the museum with the giant Scorpion?
Kitty: All three, actually. Ben: I feel different. Stronger, more agile, but on the outside, I still feel like Ben Pryde-Parker. Not that that's a bad thing.
Casey: I just hope we don't destroy all the furniture with the power of "Amazing Stick-Man".
Peter: By the way, we have to put the door back in place.
Kitty: Yeah but what about Scorpion?
Casey: When he was there, my body just moved. I couldn't stand still. It was easier to get his attention than to let him hurt people who couldn't protect themselves. I couldn't let someone like that get away with it.
Ben: And I didn't want Casey or other people to get hurt. Like, isn't that why we have these powers? To help people? After all...
Ben/Casey: With great power comes great responsibility, right? - They both asked and Peter and Kitty saw in the depths of their children's eyes, they had the same ambition that Spider-Man and Shadowcat had years ago.
Peter: They're good at saying catchphrases.
Kitty: Yep. So, what do you guys think about going to Xavier's School? I just want you to know that we'll support whatever decision you make.
Ben: We're still in the mood to think, Mom.
Casey: Yeah, that was the first day. I mean, there were good and bad points but I think it's better to wait a while. It's a whirlwind of things that are going through our heads. What should we do and when should we do it.
Ben: How should we do it. And also who the hell is the new Scorpion. - Ben brought up a good point. They were so worried about the boys' future challenges that they forgot to think about their current enemies.
Peter: I'm going to make some calls and see if I can find anything new. Oh, and by the way, you're forbidden from acting.
Ben/Casey: What?
Ben: But we managed to fight him at the museum. I guess.- He was trying to formulate a good argument but it was kind of complicated since what they did was more about riding a giant Scorpion.
Peter: I know. But Scorpion was a dangerous guy with comparable strength to the minimum. And, if that guy isn't even Gargan, then it could be someone worse and that's too dangerous. Boys, I almost died in 100 different ways in my early days as Spider-Man and I could never let you take risks like that. At least not unprepared.
Casey: Wait, that means...
Kitty: The first part of being a mutant is controlling your powers. And then, deciding what to do with them. With you, it's going to be the same. You have the same powers as your father but we don't know exactly how they work. Genetically and physically speaking. After all, we have to remember that you have both the X-Gene and spider powers. We have to understand how your powers work exactly and then, test your strength and train you to use it.
Ben: Not to sound arrogant but this is really necessary. Like, I know we're stronger now but how much stronger can we get? - He said. Few would understand Peter and Kitty's motives. After all, only a few people have seen the true extent of Peter's strength. Kitty saw it firsthand and wanted to make sure Ben and Casey could control their power.
Peter: I'll explain it to you tomorrow. Now, tell me, did you understand what I said? No acting like heroes unless we allow ourselves to. Okay? - They saw Peter's serious and focused look.
The boys respected Kitty's authority, but they knew that a serious order from Peter must be followed.
Ben: Okay. We got it.
Casey: Yeah. It's actually a relief to be able to breathe a little. This was the craziest birthday of my life.
Ben: Definitely. I think I'm going to go to sleep. After all this, I want to rest. Is it normal for a Spider-Man to feel so tired?
Peter: Speaking from personal experience, yes.
Kitty: That goes for X-Men too. Only we get longer breaks and we travel more. Although a good part of those trips end when something blows up.
Casey: And did that happen a lot?
Kitty just waved her hand in a "more or less" gesture.
Casey: Damn. Well, good night.
Ben: Good night! - They both went upstairs and went to sleep.
Peter: So, the day has arrived.
Kitty: Now, I feel like nothing will ever be the same.
Peter: Hey, we're still here and so are our kids. As long as this continues, it'll be perfect for me.
Kitty: You always know what to say. You know, I love it when you act serious. It's so hot.
Peter: Good to know. I'm not very good at being serious.- He joked and then they both kissed.