Chapter 20: A New host in a new universe
**Earth-10005, 1983**
Jean Grey sat under the shade of a large tree, far from the other students at the School. It was her usual spot, a place where she could avoid the fear-filled glances of others wary of her uncontrolled powers.
Today, however, she wasn't alone. Beside her sat Peter Parker, a mysterious young man who claimed to be from another universe.
"So, you're telling me that you came from another universe, and you're a symbiote, meaning you need to bond with people to survive?" Jean asked with her voice filled with skepticism.
Peter had already explained his situation: his need to bond with others and his arrival from another universe to fix an issue with the spider, though he'd been sparse on the details.
Peter nodded. "That's correct, Jean. I know it's difficult decision to make but I don't have much time—maybe two minutes or so before losing my consciousness. So, I need you to decide now. "
Peter need to bond with other host to keep the avatar alive, although with biomass from the anomalies, he could survive in this universe for about a week, but one of the best potential hosts sat right in front of him. He'd be a fool to let this chance slip away.
Jean struggled to process his words. Despite witnessing his emergence from the portal and hearing the strange language in his mind some doubt still lingered in her.
She considered alerting Professor Xavier or Hank, but this was the first real conversation she'd had with someone who wasn't afraid of her and he didn't seem like a bad guy. So, She decided to hear him out before sending a telepathic message to the Professor.
"How do I know you're not lying? I don't even know you. How can I trust a stranger enough to let them... bond with me?"
Peter had anticipated this response. He gave her a reassuring smile and said, "How about I show you?"
Before she could respond, Peter gently took her hands and placed them on either side of his head. "I'll let you inside my mind," he said seriously while looking into her eyes. "See for yourself."
He had planned this moment carefully—he would show her enough to gain her trust: his heroic activities and life in his world. He would reveal the tragic life of Peter Parker, knowing it would be enough to forge a connection. He had already instructed Sage to release only selected memories.
Jean hesitated, but her curiosity got the better of her. With a slight nod, she delved into his thoughts.
What she saw stunned her. She experienced Peter's painful memories—his parents' tragic deaths, the relentless bullying at school, the loss of his Uncle Ben, and the life-altering moment when a meteor struck, merging him with the symbiote.
She then witnessed his transformation into a hero, his acts of selflessness, and the burdens he bore for the greater good.
Tears welled up in Jean's eyes as she pulled back, overwhelmed by the raw emotions she had felt. Peter gently removed her hands from his head and wiped away her tears.
"You believe me now?" he asked softly.
Jean nodded. "Okay. But remember, this is temporary. If either of us feels uncomfortable, we separate. Deal?"
Peter smiled warmly. "Deal. Thank you for trusting me."
Before she could second-guess her decision, Peter's body dissolved into a black, liquid-like substance that surged toward her. Jean yelped in surprise as the symbiote entered her body, merging with her.
Inside his mind, Peter heard Sage's voice:
>Bonding confirmed with HOST: Jean Grey...
>New abilities acquired...
>Telepathy acquired...
>Telekinesis acquired...
Peter felt his mind expand as if it had entered overdrive. With telepathy and telekinesis added to his arsenal, his mental faculties strengthened further, enhancing his control over his abilities.
However, he could sense that some of Jean's powers remained dormant. Unlocking them would take time, but he decided to provide her with an immediate physical boost.
Using biological manipulation, Peter subtly enhanced Jean's physique, granting her greater strength, agility, and endurance while also improving her control over her powers and now her physique is almost a match to Gwen's.
Jean felt the changes almost immediately. Her body felt stronger, and for the first time in years, she sensed a newfound stability in her abilities. The chaos that had always simmered beneath the surface seemed calmer, more manageable.
A moment later, the black slime emerged from her chest, reshaping itself into Peter's form. He smiled at her. "Thank you for trusting me, Jean."
Jean took a deep breath while adjusting to the changes. "I can feel it... I'm stronger, and I can control my powers better. Is this because of you?"
Peter nodded. "A little gift from me. Together, we'll be stronger."
Jean stared at her hands, opening and closing them repeatedly as she marveled at the strange new power coursing through her body. Peter, sensing her thoughts, explained, "Since you agreed to help me, I decided to help you too. I've enhanced your body to superhuman levels."
As Jean processed this revelation, another question occurred to her. "Wait—if you need to bond with someone, that means you've bonded with others in your home world, right?"
Peter chuckled and nodded. "That's a good question. Yes, I've bonded with someone—my childhood friend, Gwen Stacy."
He opened his palm, and a small device materialized, He activated it and a holographic image of a young woman with striking features is displayed.
Jean is surprised at this technology and then studied the projection with her eyes narrowing. "Is she—"
Peter cut her off with a warm smile. "Yes, she's my girlfriend." His expression softened as he gazed at the projection.
"Then why didn't you show her in your earlier memories?" Jean demanded, she's unable to hide her frustration at this omission.
Peter's expression turned sheepish. "I didn't know if you'd accept my offer to bond, so I decided to keep certain parts of my life private. But now that you've agreed, it feels right to share more."
Before she could respond, Peter gently placed her hands on either side of his head again. He shared his memories of Gwen, their time together, and their deep connection.
However, when the memory shifted to their more intimate moments, Jean immediately withdrew her hands and her cheeks began flushing a bright red.
She couldn't help stealing a furtive glance at Peter's form, her blush deepening at her own thoughts. 'It's... big.'
Peter smirked knowingly while reading her thoughts with amusement but choosing not to comment.
Peter's knowing smile made her even more flustered. Mercifully, he turned his attention to the mansion, where students were filing inside. "How about introducing me to your professor? I think I'll be staying here for a while."
Jean nodded quickly, grateful for the change of subject. "Y-Yeah, let's go."
As they walked toward the building, Peter's tone grew more serious. "Jean, I don't know if you know this but... I noticed some of your memories are sealed."
Her steps faltered slightly and her smile faded. "I had an accident when I was younger. Both my paren—"
"I know, Jean," Peter said softly while taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry."
Peter knows who locked her memories and wanted to tell her but seeing her like this he choose to tell her some other time.
Jean blinked but then remembered that Peter could access her memories and emotions as her bonded symbiote. His genuine attempt to comfort her brought a small, hesitant smile to her face.
She also learnt that Peter could not only see her memories but could copy her mutant powers.
She smiled as they continued walking. It was strange—at first, she couldn't understand the foreign language in his mind, and now she couldn't read his thoughts at all. He must have copied her telepathy and used it to shield his mind.
For the first time since her powers had awakened, Jean felt... normal. Just a girl, walking and talking with a boy, unable to peek into his thoughts. There was something wonderfully ordinary about it, even if everything else about their situation was anything but normal.
But with Peter, she could simply talk—just like any other normal girl. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in years.
.
.
.
Inside the school halls, Hank who was on his way to another part of the school suddenly stopped when he noticed an unfamiliar face standing with Jean.
He approached them wanting to know about the new guy.
"Jean, who's this?" Hank asked while glancing at Peter with a polite but inquisitive look.
Peter extended his hand with a friendly smile. "Peter Parker. Nice to meet you, I'm here to meet with Professor Xavier."
Hank shook Peter's hand firmly with smile but is still on guard. "Nice to meet you too, Mr.Parker. May I ask why you want to meet him?"
After breaking the handshake, Peter's expression turned serious. "I need to discuss some recent events with him—and if possible, with you as well." His tone conveyed a weight that made Hank pause.
Hank's demeanor shifted to match Peter's seriousness. He turned to Jean and said, "I'll take it from here, Jean. You can head back now."
Jean hesitated for a moment and her eyes flickering to Peter. His reassuring smile and subtle nod put her at ease.
"Okay. See you later, Peter," she said before walking away, occasionally glancing back until she disappeared down the path.
Once she was out of sight, Hank gestured for Peter to follow him. "Let's go."
As they walked toward Xavier's office, Peter took a look at the surroundings. He observed groups of students laughing, playing, and chatting among themselves.
The atmosphere felt lively and welcoming, "It's a nice place," Peter remarked as his eyes lingered on the cheerful students.
Hank glanced at him with a small smile. "It is. The professor has worked hard to create an environment where everyone feels safe and accepted."
Peter maintained a small smile and nodded while laughing in his mind, 'This place is safe... Hahaha... That's the biggest joke I heard in both of my lives. This place was raided many times and you call this place safe.... Hahaha.'
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