The Spider-Grind

The darkened streets of New York seemed quieter than usual as Psylocke led Ethan, Peter, and Gwen toward a hidden rendezvous. After their recent skirmishes with The Hand and Kingpin's mutants, the trio knew they were out of their depth. Psylocke had promised reinforcements, but Ethan remained skeptical.

"Where exactly are we going?" Peter asked, trying to keep his tone light.

"You'll see," Psylocke replied curtly, her voice giving no room for argument.

"Yup, super reassuring," Ethan muttered under his breath.

"If we're going to take down Kingpin and whoever he's working for, you'll need more than just quick thinking and webs."she said coldly. "I'm taking you to people who can help".

---

The destination turned out to be an unassuming building in a quiet neighborhood. Inside, they entered an elevator that descended into a massive underground hangar. Ethan's eyes darted around, immediately recognizing the iconic Blackbird jet parked at the center.

"Wait a minute," Ethan said, his voice laced with both excitement and dread. "This is it, isn't it? The X-Men."

Psylocke gave a faint smirk. "You catch on quickly."

Ethan's heart sank a little. He knew the X-Men were powerful allies, but his knowledge of the comics also told him how complicated their world could be—particularly their leader.

Standing in the middle of the hangar were four figures: Charles Xavier, Cyclops, Jean Grey, and Wolverine.

"Welcome," Professor Xavier said, his voice calm and commanding. "I've been expecting you."

Ethan took a moment to study them. Xavier's gaze was penetrating, as though he were dissecting every layer of their personalities. Cyclops stood with his arms crossed, exuding authority—or arrogance, depending on how you looked at it. Jean Grey radiated warmth, her eyes filled with curiosity. And Wolverine… well, he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"You're the kids causing all the noise in the city?" Wolverine grumbled, sniffing the air. "Smell like high school."

"We're not just kids," Peter retorted.

Wolverine's sharp gaze turned to him. "Could've fooled me. You reek of inexperience."

Ethan smirked. "Well, at least we shower. Can't say the same for you, bub."

Wolverine growled, but Jean intervened before things escalated.

"Logan," Jean Grey interjected softly, placing a hand on Wolverine's arm. "Let's hear them out."

Cyclops stepped forward, his visor gleaming under the hangar lights. "We've heard about your exploits. You've shown bravery, but bravery isn't enough to take on The Hand—or Kingpin."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for the motivational speech, Cyclops. Real inspiring."

"That's Mr. Summers to you," Cyclops snapped.

"Noted," Ethan said dryly, clearly unimpressed."I'll be sure to write that down."

Jean Grey stepped in, her voice soft but steady. "Don't mind him. He's just… protective. We all are."

"Appreciate it," Gwen replied. "But we can handle ourselves."

"Can you?" Xavier asked, his voice calm but probing. "I sense a great deal of potential in you, but also... inexperience. The threats you face require training and discipline."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "You can't read our minds, can you?"

Xavier's expression remained impassive, but his silence was telling.

Ethan smirked. "Thought so. And what does that tell you?."

Psylocke stepped forward before things started to escalate, her tone measured. "I vouch for them. They've proven they can handle themselves under pressure. Especially Ethan."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Psylocke's endorsement hanging in the air.

Wolverine snorted. "If Betsy says they're worth something, I'll give them a chance. But if they screw up, they're on their own."

Cyclops sighed. "Fine. But they'll need proper training—and better equipment."

Xavier cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to him. "Indeed. Psylocke believes you have potential, but potential without discipline can be dangerous. If you're serious about fighting this war, you'll need guidance."

Ethan narrowed his eyes. "And I'm guessing that guidance comes with strings attached?"

Xavier smiled faintly. "Only the ones you choose to tie yourself."

Ethan didn't trust that answer, but he kept his thoughts to himself. Classic Xavier—always playing the long game.

---

After agreeing to collaborate, the trio was escorted to the X-Mansion. As they approached the sprawling estate, Peter and Gwen marveled at the sheer size of it.

"Is this place a school or a palace?" Gwen asked.

"A bit of both," Psylocke replied.

Inside, the mansion was bustling with activity. Students hurried through the halls, some demonstrating mutant abilities as they practiced in training rooms.

Colossus was the first to greet them, his massive frame making Peter visibly nervous. "Welcome, friends. Any ally of Psylocke is an ally of mine."

"Uh, thanks," Peter said, craning his neck to look up at him.

Storm approached next, her presence regal and commanding. "We've heard much about you. You've shown courage in standing against such formidable foes."

Ethan nodded respectfully. "Thanks. We try."

And then came Deadpool, bursting into the room with exaggerated enthusiasm.

" Three delightful little crime fighting newbies!" he exclaimed, arms wide open. "Now who wants a hug from Papa Pool?"

Peter blinked. "Wait. Deadpool? You're an X-Man now?"

"Temporary gig," Deadpool said with a grin. "I'm here for the food and the drama."

Ethan couldn't help but laugh. "You're exactly how I imagined."

Deadpool gasped. "You imagined me? I'm flattered. We're best friends now."

"So you guys are like a dysfunctional family," Ethan observed.

"Exactly!" Deadpool said. "Dysfunctional but lovable. Except for Scott. He's just dysfunctional."

Cyclops groaned. "I'm standing right here."

The trio and Deadpool bonded instantly, their shared sense of humor creating an easy camaraderie.

"Finally," Deadpool said, throwing an arm around Ethan. "Someone who appreciates my wit."

---

The lightheartedness faded when the group assembled in the mansion's war room. Xavier took the lead, outlining their intelligence on The Hand and Kingpin's experiments.

"The Hand's operations are escalating," Xavier explained. "We've confirmed they're experimenting on mutants, enhancing their abilities in ways that defy nature."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "And they're working for someone they call 'Father.'"

Xavier looked at him sharply. "How do you know that?"

"Let's just say I've been piecing things together," Ethan replied, choosing his words carefully. He wasn't ready to reveal his knowledge of the Marvel universe—not yet.

Cyclops frowned. "If you have information, you need to share it. This isn't a game."

Ethan met his gaze evenly. "I share what I trust."

The tension in the room was palpable. Psylocke, sensing it, spoke up. "We should focus on the mission. The Hand is the priority."

Xavier nodded, though his expression remained thoughtful. "Agreed. For now, we'll provide you with the resources and training you'll need to face them."

---

Later that evening, Ethan found himself on the mansion's balcony, staring out at the sprawling grounds. Psylocke joined him, her presence calm but purposeful.

"You don't trust Xavier," she said, more a statement than a question.

Ethan glanced at her. "Do you?"

She hesitated, then smirked. "Fair point."

He sighed. "Look, I get that he's a brilliant strategist and all, but the guy's got a habit of playing chess with people's lives. I'm not about to let him mess with mine—or my team's."

Psylocke studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Stay sharp. You'll need it."

As she walked away, Ethan's thoughts drifted to the challenges ahead. The X-Men were powerful allies, but their world was fraught with complications. One thing was clear: if they were going to succeed, they'd need to navigate these alliances carefully.

For now, though, he saw a chance for a massive upgrade. With the X-Men's help, they could also get the battle training they required.