Chapter 21: A solution to the weakness
**Earth-10005, 1983**
**Xavier's School for Gifted**
Inside his office, Charles Xavier was preparing for his next class, arranging books on his desk. Suddenly, he paused, his attention shifting toward the door. A faint yet intriguing mental block caught his attention—a rare occurrence for someone like him.
Moments later, The door opened halfway, and Hank McCoy poked his head in.
"You busy?" Hank asked while noting Charles's thoughtful expression.
"I'm about to head to class," Charles replied with a knowing smile and placed the book in his hand down, "but I think that can wait."
Hank then fully opened the door and stepped in, followed by a young man who appeared to be about 17 or 18 years old.
Charles immediately tried to read the boy's mind but found it impenetrable, as though expertly shielded. This boy was clearly more than he seemed.
"And who might this be?" Charles asked with a curious but welcoming tone, though he'd already gleaned the basics from Hank's own thoughts.
"His name is Peter Parker," Hank gestured to the teenager, "and he seems to want to talk to us."
Peter stepped forward with a polite smile and extended his hand. "Professor Xavier, it's an honor to meet you."
Charles shook his hand firmly. "The honor is mine, Mr. Parker. Please, have a seat."
"What about your class?" Hank interjected.
Charles tapped his temple with a slight smile. "Already taken care of. I've arranged for coverage." He wheeled himself behind his desk while Hank and Peter took their seats with Peter directly across from him.
Once everyone was settled, Charles asked, "So, Mr. Parker, what is it you wish to discuss?" he leaned forward, genuinely intrigued by this young man he couldn't read.
Peter leaned forward slightly and his expression turned serious. "Professor, before we get into specifics, may I ask: how familiar are you with the concept of the multiverse?"
Charles exchanged a glance with Hank, his curiosity piqued. Hank, adjusting his glasses, replied, "The multiverse? It's mostly theoretical—parallel timelines, alternate dimensions—but as far as we know, it hasn't been scientifically proven. We've discussed future timelines, especially given recent... events." Hank paused at the last part and looked at Charles.
"Recent events?" Peter's eyebrow raised. "You mean Logan's time travel?"
Both Charles and Hank stiffened at this.
Peter smiled knowingly. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Peter Parker. I'm from another reality—another universe, if you will. I came here to fix a problem, but thanks to your friend Logan's journey to the past, that problem was resolved before I arrived."
Hank's eyes widened in shock, while Charles's expression turned serious, his gaze narrowing as he considered Peter's words.
"That's..." Hank started, adjusting his glasses, "that's quite a claim."
"Indeed," Charles added while studying Peter intently. "And you're blocking my telepathy. Rather effectively, I might add. Are you a mutant from your world."
Peter replied with a smile, "No, I'm not a mutant. But I've to be careful if I wish to travel to other realities form telepaths, we don't want everyone to know about the existence of multiverse, don't you agree Professor?"
"Perhaps... Are you saying Logan's actions altered your universe?" Charles asked.
Peter shock his head. "Not exactly my universe, but this one. Let me explain."
He began recounting his story, explaining his identity as Spider-Man in his world and how he was sent to this reality to address a disturbance involving the Spider, which will give birth to a figure who should appear in this reality.
However, due to Logan's actions during the events that reshaped this timeline, the existence of Spider-Man was erased from this reality, rendering his mission unnecessary.
Hank, initially skeptical, interrupted. "This sounds like a far-fetched story, Mr. Parker. How do we know this isn't some elaborate prank?"
Peter smiled faintly and showed his wrist. A small device emerged, projecting a hologram of his home universe showing images of another New York, another world. One where a costumed figure swung between buildings on webs.
It displayed the scenes of him swinging through skyscrapers, battling criminals, and interacting with Spider women filled the air.
"Would a prankster have this?" Peter asked.
Hank and Charles are shocked to see this level of technology and soon learned more about his home world.
Charles studied the images intently. "A world without mutants huh." While he couldn't read Peter's mind, the vividness of the projection and the consistency of his story convinced him. "I believe him, Hank."
Hank, though still slightly hesitant, shifted his questions to a scientific angle. "If this is true, then how does your travel between universes work? What kind of technology—or powers—are involved?"
Peter then materialised his watch saying through this device he can travel across the multiverse. He decided to keep most of his powers hidden until their is a need to show them.
"Fascinating," Hank muttered while leaning forward to observe the watch, "The quantum mechanics required for interdimensional travel would be... extraordinary. The energy requirements alone—"
"Would need to account for dimensional variance and temporal shift," Peter completed. "The calculations are actually quite similar to what you've theorized about chronological displacement, Mr. McCoy."
Hank eyes widened, "How did yo-"
Peter cut him off by looking at Charles, "You know I'm a telepath myself." He then turned to hank, "I'm sorry for looking into your thoughts but I need to know who I should trust in this reality and you are almost right about your theories regarding the timelines, it seems Logan arrival give birth to some interesting ideas in your mind, Mr. McCoy." He smiled at the last part much to Hank's shock.
The conversation continued and turned more technical as Hank asked about the mechanics of alternate dimensions, time travel, and the potential consequences of multiversal interference.
Peter, armed with intelligence thanks to the courtesy of previous Peter Parker and knowledge he had absorbed from other world's scientists—particularly Dr. Octavius—answered with clarity and precision, holding his own against Hank's rapid-fire questions.
Charles watched as Hank and Peter delved into an increasingly complex scientific discussion, noting how the young man matched Hank's expertise with surprising ease.
Throughout it all, Peter maintained his mental shields, though Charles could sense no hostility in the act – a careful preparation is always a good choice.
"I have to admit," Hank said finally, leaning back in his chair, "you seem remarkably well-versed for someone so young."
Peter chuckled. "Let's just say I've had access to some... unique mentors."
Charles who had been quietly observing spoke up. "You mentioned Logan and how his actions resolved the disturbance. So you came all this way," Charles mused, "only to find your mission was already accomplished?"
Peter grinned. "Sometimes the best victories are the ones you don't have to fight for, Professor."
Charles smiled and nodded before continuing, "Does that mean your presence here is no longer necessary?"
Peter hesitated briefly before replying, "Not entirely. While the immediate problem is gone, my arrival here may still create some variables. I'd like to stay and investigate what has been altered and if the timeline is safe."
Charles nodded thoughtfully. "You've given us much to consider, Mr. Parker. You're welcome to stay at the school while you carry out your investigation."
"Thank you, Professor," Peter said, standing up and shaking Charles's hand again.
After that Charles asked Hank to show Peter around the school and arrange a room for him.
As Hank escorted Peter out, Charles leaned back in his wheelchair, his mind racing with questions. Who—or what—was this boy? And what role would he play in the school's future?
.
.
.
Hank showed Peter around the school, pointing out key areas, classrooms, and some other spaces.
"And this is our library," Hank gestured as he led Peter through the mansion's corridors. "Now, about your room assignment..."
Peter interrupted before Hank could finish. "Is there anything available near Jean's quarters?"
Hank's eyebrows shot up. "Near Jean? That's... the female wing." He adjusted his glasses, studying Peter carefully. "Any particular reason?"
Peter replied with an easy smile. "She's the first person I've met in this world, and I'd like to stay close."
Hank opened his mouth to question further, but Peter cut him off. "She already knows I'm not from this world and chose to be friends with me. I think we understand each other better than most."
"She does?" Hank frowned.
Peter added simply. "Yup and don't worry, I don't go near other girls rooms. Also I'll like to have a room for myself alone. Is that possible."
Hank hesitated, clearly weighing the unusual request. Finally, he sighed. "There is one room. It's at the edge of the male wing, technically the closest to the female quarters. Jean's room happens to be at the border of her wing, so..." He led Peter down another corridor.
The room Hank showed him was currently being used for storage, packed with old furniture and boxes. It is very small but was good for him, since he can store most of his stuff in his personal dimension of Predator, this room will do.
"I'll have someone clean this out," Hank said, surveying the cluttered space. "We'll get you proper furniture by tonight." Hank went outside to contact someone to clean the room and arrange a furniture.
After Hank left, Peter's expression shifted. His eyes gleamed as he activated his Predator abilities. The room's contents simply... vanished, consumed into his being by his tentacles, leaving behind an empty space. With a chuckle, Peter muttered, "Well, that's one way to clean."
Satisfied, he decided to explore the school further and observe the students' abilities. The atmosphere buzzed with youthful energy as some students played with their powers outside the school areas.
During his subsequent exploration of the school grounds, Peter observed that most of the people here are very happy and friendly with eachother.
As Peter walked through the hall, he accidentally met a man who looked familiar. He paused and Peter's eyes widened as he read the man's surface thoughts. 'Armando Muñoz. Darwin. But... he died in First Class movie, didn't he?'
Diving deeper into Darwin's memories, Peter discovered the truth. Darwin had indeed "died" during Shaw's attack, but his adaptive powers had worked on a cellular level, gradually rebuilding him over years. Each cell had found its way back, drawn together by his mutation's imperative to survive.
"Damn," Peter whispered to himself. "That's some next-level survival."
Darwin, unaware of Peter's probing, smiled politely at Peter after noticing he is watching him and moved on to chat with some students.
As Darwin walked away, unaware of Peter's intrusion into his mind. Peter learned he was leaving tomorrow – returning to his home country, stepping away from teaching here to be with his family.
A predatory grin spread across Peter's face, 'This is it. The solution to my weakness…" His grin widened revealing his sharp teeth. The thought of acquiring Darwin's unparalleled adaptability consumed him. 'Tonight,' he thought. 'Tonight, I'll free myself from this vulnerability.'
He quickly suppressed his darker thoughts when he spotted Jean, who was returning after her last class of the day.
Jean noticed his beaming expression and smiled, "You look happy. How did it go with the Professor?" she asked.
"Better than expected," Peter replied with his friendly smile. "I'll be staying here for a while. And guess what? My room's going to be right near yours."
Jean's face lit up. "Really? That's wonderful!"
As they fell into easy conversation, Peter maintained his friendly facade. But in his mind, he is planning the perfect moment to claim Darwin's power, to eliminate his natural weakness.
Tonight would change everything.
.
.
.
After his conversation with Jean, the rest of Peter's day went smoothly. When the cleaning crew arrived at his room, they were surprised to find it already spotless. Peter, using a touch of mind control, convinced them it was their own work. They left, satisfied with their nonexistent accomplishment.
Later, a team brought in the basic furniture: a bed, a cupboard, and a reading table. Peter nodded at the simplicity of the setup—it was enough for now.
By nightfall, Peter shared dinner with Jean, their conversation was light and filled with laughter. They spent a little more time together afterward before parting ways. Midnight soon arrived, and Peter was ready to put his plan into action.
Shifting into his symbiote's camouflage mode, Peter transformed into a small, black slime ball. Rolling through the dimly lit hallways, he avoided detection with ease.
The school was lively even at this hour—students sneaking around, a few couples stealing intimate moments in shadowy corridors—but Peter ignored it all, his focus entirely on his target.
Finally, he reached Darwin's room in the teacher's quarters. Slipping under the door, Peter reformed briefly and activated a small device he materialised, which set up an energy shield around Darwin's bed to prevent disturbances or sound from escaping.
Peter slowly approached Darwin, who was asleep, and placed a hand on his temples. Using his telepathic abilities, he deepened Darwin's sleep to almost unbreakable level.
Peter didn't know the full extent of Darwin's adaptive abilities – whether they might respond to mental manipulation or not – so he had to work quickly.
"Let's see how this goes," Peter whispered to himself as he initiated his predator ability at the lowest level. His goal wasn't to kill or harm Darwin—doing so would make him an obvious suspect, given his recent arrival at the school.
As Peter absorbed a small portion of Darwin's bio-mass, something unexpected happened: Darwin's body began to regenerate the lost mass almost instantly.
"Well, aren't you full of surprises?" Peter muttered, increasing the intensity of his absorption. The rate at which Darwin's bio-mass regenerated continued to rise, matching Peter's efforts.
Then, Sage's voice rang in his mind:
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> New Ability Acquired...
Skill: Reactive Adaptation has been obtained.
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A wide grin spread across Peter's face as he read the description of the skill.
"Hahahaha…" Peter chuckled softly, his laughter growing louder as his excitement built. "This... this is incredible."
He had successfully acquired Darwin's unparalleled ability to adapt to any situation, any threat. The possibilities were endless. With this, he was no longer bound by any weakness.
Satisfied, Peter disengaged his predator ability and ensured Darwin remained unharmed. The energy shield dissolved silently, and Peter transformed back into his slime form after taking the device with him and slipping out of the room unnoticed.
As he rolled through the hallways back to his room, a single thought consumed his mind:
'I love this universe.'
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A/N: How is the chapter guys. I always thought the death of Darwin in first class movie is a bit silly, I mean, how can someone who can adapt to anything die like that. So, I decided to add this point by saying his body will be brought back to life, and his soul will be in other dimension, though it takes years for his body to be back in shape. What do you guys think. Some might not like this idea but this is a fanfic, let this author have some privilege.
If you guys have any suggestions. Comment them.
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