Meeting the Mutants

"If there's one thing I learned today," Jameson called out from his massive jumbo screen in the middle of the city, "Is that Oz-Corp needs to be held responsible for endangering children! The district attorney needs to get involved! How many more children were allowed to tour these hazardous laboratories?"

Peter stood there and couldn't help but watch the screen from his bedroom. It had been over twelve hours since the unveiling and he couldn't believe it. J. Jonah Jameson hadn't said a bad thing about Spider-Man all day. The old man hadn't even mentioned that name anymore. Whenever Jameson spoke about him now, he was referred to as Peter or Mr. Parker, something the wall crawler wasn't used to.

There was a light knock on the door.

"Come in," Peter called out.

Reed Richards strolled into the room, aware that Peter had been standing there and watching the screen for hours. He could see the young man from one of his windows in the lab a few floors above.

"I'm sorry about that Peter," Reed started, "I didn't realize your biggest detractor would be screaming at you while you tried to sleep."

"He isn't today," Peter corrected him, "He hasn't said one bad thing about me since the big press conference. Was that your doing?"

"Excuse me?" Reed asked.

"Johnny said your lawyers would file a cease and desist," Peter explained, "I just didn't realize they'd move this quickly."

"As much as I love to observe the legal system in vocation," Reed admitted, "I have not made any intent known to the Bugle or its chef editor. Whatever he's been saying, or not saying in your case, is of his own free will. I believe that might have been your doing, Mr. Parker."

"You think so?" Peter asked.

"I know it, Peter." Reed continued, "Transparency is truth, and people want to know the truth even if it's none of their business. The more honest and transparent we are with the public, the more they'll trust us when we need to take action which is in their best interests. It takes a lot of courage to step forward and be honest with everyone. It's quite possible that your gesture wasn't lost on Mr. Jameson and he respects you a lot more today than he did yesterday. As do I, Mr. Parker. I'm very proud of how well you did today."

"Ben was praying for a galactic invasion," Peter informed him.

"Ben's always praying for a galactic invasion," Reed replied, laughing.

"Please tell me that the press junket is over," Peter pleaded, "It's getting to the point where I want to see a galactic invasion."

"It's over," Reed confirmed, "But Sue is insisting that you go through some battle simulations, just to make sure you're ready to go out into the field with the team."

"Battle simulation?" Peter repeated, "Do you have a simulator here in the building?"

"No," Reed answered, "I think it's irresponsible to have something that dangerous in the middle of the city. I also don't want Ben or Johnny accidentally poking a hole in the side of the tower if their powers get the best of them. One of the best simulators in the country, possibly the world, it located up state in Salem Center, which takes less than five minutes to get to using our cars. It would seem illogical to build a new one when the Reed Foundation can just donate money to that organization in exchange for the right to use theirs for practice."

"Salem Center?" Peter replied, as he was unaware of such a simulator, which was obviously kept secret from the public. "Who has a simulator up there?"

"Charles Xavier," Reed informed him, "I've been working with his academy for over two decades. I even guest lecture there every summer and bring the G-Class over for intellectual competitions, just like real schools often do."

"I had no idea the foundation was this close to the mutants," Peter admitted.

"They're good people Peter," Reed continued, "They are the good guys who deserve our support and I've been one of their strongest backers. I have to go up there to support a mutant up there named Hank, who is dealing with a scientific puzzle that needs a fresh pair of eyes. Sue insisted I take you up there to make sure you're battle tested. I apologize if this offends you, she's just careful like that with every member of our team, even Ben."

"I don't want to be a distraction," Peter replied, "I don't want her to worry like that on the field, so I'll do it."

"Get some rest, Peter. You're going to need it." Reed said as he then turned to the window which had a view of Jameson ranting on the big screen. "Blast shields."

Out of nowhere, the windows were covered up with metallic covers, which not only removed the big board from view, but muted the sound from them as well.

"That should help," Reed said, patting Peter on the back, "I'll see you in the hanger at eight. Please be in your new uniform as well."

"Alright," Peter said as he watched Reed walk away. "Good night."

The next morning came quicker that Peter wanted it to as he the kind of sleep that was many hours but felt like his eyes were only closed for thirty seconds. He hit the kitchen and had a cup of coffee and just half a bowl of cereal before swinging down to the hanger to meet up with Reed who appeared to be up and working on things already. While Peter found it weird to be in his new uniform, he understood the request. Reed wanted Peter to do the simulations with his new outfit so he would get used to fighting in it, and without the mask. He almost felt naked without it, and this was going to be his first venture out of the tower without it, which made him a little nervous. They were traveling to a private school, so Peter wasn't too nervous about it, especially since many of the students were used the superhero thing already. Peter had met and even fought with a few mutants before, but visiting and socializing with them was going to be rather new for him. Like Reed had told him the night before, it took them less than five minutes to fly to Salem Center using one of the team's flyers. It was the first time Peter had taken a ride in one of the Fantastic Five's cruisers and the ride was even smoother than the one they had in the flying limo. Sure beat taking the bus, Peter thought as he looked out the window as the infamous mansion came into view.

"Where are we going to park?" Peter asked him.

"Wait for it," Reed said, smiling.

Peter watched in amazement as the front yard started to open to reveal an underground hangar, which had more than enough space for them.

"How did they know we were here?" Peter asked, realizing that Reed never even asked for permission to land.

"Telepaths," Reed replied, "You'll get used to it."

Peter was in awe as he realized who was waiting for them in the large hanger. The blue fur and the broad shoulders were kind of hard to miss.

"Hank!" Reed said as he stepped out of the machine with ease, as his legs extended to make up for the lack of stairs.

"Reed," Hank replied, "Pleasure to see you again."

Peter hopped out of the flyer as well, and landed close to Beast. "Dr. McCoy."

"Mr. Parker," Hank said, extending a hand for him to shake. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," Peter said, shaking his hand without hesitation. "I read your thesis on hormonal extracts and their effect on genetic mutations. It was exceptional."

"Fascinating," Hank said, smiling back at Peter. "I can barely get some students here to read their assignments and you've read my entire thesis?"

"You're just scraping the tip of the iceberg my friend," Reed said, walking closer.

"I'm getting that impression," Hank said, rather impressed himself which didn't happen that often for him. "The professor is waiting for us."

Peter and Reed walked with Hank to the elevator, which took the both up to the main floors where the school was located. Peter had no idea what to expect, but was surprised to see kids around his own age, running around and doing normal things he would observe in his own school. When Reed and Peter stepped out into the hallway that was when things changed. Everyone in the hallways stopped walking or talking to watch Reed and Peter walk by them.

"Don't mind them," Hank said as they continued to walk, "We cancelled yesterday's classes so the entire school could watch Reed's announcement. So everyone is aware of who you are Mr. Parker."

Moments later, they arrived to the office and a voice called out before Hank could knock, telling them to enter. As Peter strolled in with Reed, the man sitting in the wheel chair was patently waiting for them.

"Reed," Charles said as he shook his hand, "Good to see you again."

"Likewise Charles," Reed said, as he gestured to Peter. "I'd like to introduce you to my protégé, Peter Parker. Peter, this is Charles Xavier."

Charles replied with a grin as he was seldom surprised, "Protégé? That's quite an expectation you've placed on this young man's shoulders, Dr. Richards."

"I've never been more confident about a student before," Reed replied, "He is going to be the future of the foundation."

"He's that brilliant?" Charles asked.

"He read my thesis." Hank added.

"Now that is impressive," Charles said, grinning again. "Peter, no student is allowed access to the institute's simulator without my approval. I can tell just by doing a quick glance into someone's mind to see if they're ready for such a formidable task. I don't want to offend you, considering your record fighting villains in New York..."

"It's okay," Peter interrupted, "I don't want any special treatment."

"It will be alright, Peter." Reed explained, "The Professor will be taking only a small glance inside. He will only be allowed to see what you're willing to share with him and nothing more."

"Understood," Peter said as he walked closer to the professor. "I'm ready."

"Have a seat, Mr. Parker." Charles instructed as he rolled closer.

Peter sat down and watched as Charles came closer and placed both of his hands on each temple of his head. Rather than resist, Peter took a leap of faith and closed his eyes, opening his mind like a book. Reed had been lecturing him about transparency for weeks, so if felt natural for him to be completely open with the professor and let the man completely inside. They sat there for a few minutes as Xavier downloaded every memory that Peter could offer, from the bite that made him a hero to the death of Uncle Ben and Gwen Stacey. Charles also got a highlight reel of Spider-Man's greatest battles, including many the public was never made aware of, like the many sewer battles with Doc Connors as the lizard to being buried alive by Kraven the hunter. Xavier even had complete access to the secrets that Peter had kept to himself, such as the true identity of the Green Goblin. When the professor finally let go of his mental link with Peter, he opened his eyes and looked at Peter with a newfound respect for the young man.

"Thank you, Peter." Charles said as he backed away a bit. "That was quite educational."

"What did you see?" Hank asked, aware that took a lot longer than the usual scan Xavier did of the students.

"Everything," Charles informed him, "I haven't done a read that open since the last time I linked with Logan."

"He still owes me fifty bucks," Peter added.

"Indeed," Charles agreed.

"You saw everything?" Reed repeated.

"Yes," Xavier confirmed, "More than enough to know that this young man is more than capable of living up to the expectations you've given him. Peter is a remarkable young man, so mature for someone his age."

"So I take it Mr. Parker is approved for the simulator?" Hank inquired.

"Without a doubt," the professor answered, "Peter is cleared for Alpha Status simulations. I'll inform Scott he will be joining his team with their simulations this afternoon."

"Alpha Status?" Hank repeated, "Are you sure about that?"

"I am," Charles replied, "I'd give him a higher status if we had one."

"Excellent," Reed said, proud of what he had just observed. "When Peter is working with Scott and his team, I'll help Hank in the lab."

"Your help is greatly appreciated, Dr. Richards." Hank said, eager to get the help he needed with a vital experiment he was working on.

Charles had just opened his eyes as they were closed for a moment. "I just informed Scott of your addition to his team this afternoon. He's not impressed with the lack of notice, but he'll get over it. I suggest you go to the cafeteria and get something to eat, Mr. Parker. Some of the simulations have been known to last for hours, especially when working with Scott's team."

"We already ate," Reed commented.

"You did, but he didn't." Charles corrected him, since he already read his mind like a book earlier. "Grab a small bite, Mr. Parker and mentally prepare yourself for one hell of a fight."

"Go ahead, Peter." Reed told him, believing what the professor had said, "Hank and I have something to take care of."

Peter did as he was told and walked back out into the hallway. He could feel everyone's eyes on him as he strolled through the hall with his new fantastic five uniform on. The white circle with the number five in the middle of it was hard not to spot and some kids excitedly high fived him while he was walking to the cafeteria.

"Hold on," Peter said to himself, "How do I know where the cafeteria is?"

"I planted the information in your head," the professor replied, "I gave you a map of the entire academy, so you'll know where to find Hank and Reed."

"Oh," Peter replied, "Thank you, Professor."

"Try the meat loaf," Xavier replied, "the cook does something unique with hers."

"Alright," Peter said as he walked into the large cafeteria where there was already dozens of students eating their lunch. Every one of them stopped eating and looked up as Peter walked into the room. The very person they were watching on television the day before just walked right into their mess hall.

"Is that him?"

"That's Peter Parker!"

"It's Spider-Man!"

"More like Spider-boy, can he even drive?"

As Peter was strolling deeper into the mess hall, one student stood up and walked up to Peter. The kid kind of reminded Peter of Flash as he was taller and looked just as mean, with that look in his eyes that usually meant trouble.

"You don't look so tough." The kid said to Peter.

Without any warning, Peter grabbed the kid and threw him up. Just as the kid's back made contact with the ceiling, Peter unleashed webbing from his shooters and secured him to the ceiling with little effort. He used enough webbing to make sure the kid was stuck there for quite some time.

"Thanks for hanging around," Peter said as he gave a half salute to him.

The kids in the cafeteria all roared with cheers and laughter as Peter walked up to the cooks who were serving the food and ordered the meat loaf as the professor had recommended to him. Walking back to the tables with a tray of food, Peter looked for an empty table and quietly sat down. He could feel all the kids still staring at him, but no one was brave enough to walk up to him for ten minutes before two people strolled over. When they arrived at his table, Peter looked up and was surprised to see two beautiful teenagers his own age standing there with trays of their own. One of them was Asian, with a yellow jacket and sunglasses, while the other was pale skinned with long brown hair.

"Hello, Spider-Man," one of the girls started, "My name is Jubilee, and this is my friend Kitty."

"Hi Peter," Kitty said, "You're even cuter in person."

"We'd like to sit with you," Jubilee continued, pretending that didn't happen.

"Of course," Peter said, smiling at them. "It'd be my pleasure."

Peter wasn't used to be the popular kid, but that's exactly how he felt talking to the two lovely women, answering questions about now being in the fantastic five. It was something he would have to get used to, as now everyone was going to want to speak and get to know the man who was masked for so long. He was having so much fun that Peter almost forgot that he had a very dangerous simulation to prepare for.