League of Avengers

Peter was upside down in the training room, practicing what Ahri called "sensory integration" and what he privately called "trying not to get hit by stuff while blindfolded," when JARVIS interrupted the session. The exercise had been going surprisingly well – he'd managed to dodge most of the soft training projectiles Natasha was launching his way, though his shoulders still smarted from a few direct hits.

"Sir, Professor Xavier is requesting an immediate video conference. He says it's regarding a potential threat."

The blindfold came off just in time for Peter to see Tony freeze mid-gesture, the holographic display he'd been adjusting flickering slightly. Even Thor stopped his lightning practice, Mjolnir humming quietly at his side. The sudden stillness in the room made Peter's spider-sense tingle – not with danger, but with the certainty that something important was about to happen.

"That's not his usual 'checking in on the cleanup' tone," Tony noted, dismissing the hologram with a sharp gesture. "Conference room?"

"Professor Xavier indicated it was urgent. He's already briefed Logan's team and requested full attendance."

Peter dropped from the ceiling, barely remembering to stick the landing as Natasha had taught him during their first week of training. His mind raced with possibilities – he'd seen some of the X-Men during the cleanup efforts after the invasion, though they'd mostly worked in different areas of the city. The Professor's school had taken significant damage during the attack, and they'd focused their efforts on rebuilding there while the Avengers and their interdimensional allies had tackled Manhattan proper.

"Kid, you're vibrating," Natasha noted with amusement, tossing him a towel. "Come on, whatever Xavier's calling about, we'll want everyone's input. And maybe try to look less excited about potential catastrophes."

"Sorry," Peter mumbled, trying to school his expression into something more appropriate for a serious superhero meeting. It wasn't his fault that the prospect of working with the X-Men was exciting – he'd grown up reading about their adventures in the papers, back when the Daily Bugle still occasionally printed positive stories about enhanced individuals.

The conference room was already filling up when they arrived, screens activating as JARVIS connected the call. The main display showed Xavier and Beast, with Logan visible in the background looking characteristically grumpy. Steve arrived moments later with Garen and Darius, the latter nodding in recognition at Logan. Peter remembered hearing about their encounter during the cleanup – apparently, the Demacian warrior and the gruff mutant had gotten into an impromptu sparring match while clearing rubble, much to the entertainment of nearby cleanup crews.

"Still owing me that rematch, Logan," Darius called out. The brief match had become something of a legend around the tower, especially after Clint's dramatically embellished retelling.

"Anytime, soldier," Logan grunted, but there was a hint of a smile. "Though we've got bigger problems right now."

"Indeed," Xavier's expression was grave, his usual warmth replaced by deep concern. "We've confirmed the existence of multiple facilities operated by an organization called Advanced Idea Mechanics – A.I.M. For those unfamiliar, they began as a think tank of brilliant but ethically compromised scientists. They've since evolved into something far more dangerous."

"Like HYDRA?" Steve asked, his jaw tightening. Peter noticed how Garen and Darius both straightened at Steve's tone – they'd learned enough about HYDRA during their short time here to recognize the weight of that comparison.

"Different methodology, similar disregard for human rights," Beast explained, adjusting his glasses as he pulled up several data streams. "Where HYDRA seeks control through force and fear, A.I.M. pursues it through technological superiority. They believe they can perfect humanity through science, regardless of the cost. Their research methods are..." he hesitated, glancing at Xavier before continuing, "particularly aggressive."

"And now they're targeting mutants," Logan growled, moving closer to the camera. The lighting caught the tension in his shoulders, and Peter wondered just how personal this mission was for the X-Men. "We've tracked several disappearances to their facilities. Kids, mostly. Using the chaos after the invasion as cover."

Peter felt his stomach clench. He'd seen the missing person reports increasing over the past few weeks, but hadn't connected the dots. Neither had the police, apparently.

"Not just mutants," Beast continued, his expression grim. "Our investigation suggests they're studying enhanced individuals of all types. The technology they're developing could potentially be used against any of us. They seem particularly interested in those whose abilities emerged naturally or through unique circumstances."

"JARVIS, pull up what we have on recent unusual activity," Tony commanded, his fingers already dancing through holographic data streams. "Cross-reference with the X-Men's data. Focus on Brooklyn and Queens – we had those power fluctuations last week that didn't match any known signatures."

As information streamed across the screens, Peter noticed Jean Grey joining the video conference. He tried not to stare – he'd only seen her once before, briefly, during the cleanup efforts. She'd been using her telekinesis to stabilize a partially collapsed building while civilians evacuated. The raw power she'd displayed had been impressive, even from a distance.

"The facilities are heavily guarded," Beast continued, pulling up schematics that made Peter's eyes widen. The complexity of the security systems reminded him of the Stark Tower blueprints he'd studied during his first week. "But more concerning is the research we've uncovered. They're not just studying abilities – they're trying to find ways to replicate or nullify them. We've confirmed three main research sites across different states."

"Show me the power readings from the primary facility," Tony interrupted, expanding one of the data streams. "That energy signature... it's similar to what we detected during that incident in Brooklyn last month. The one where those teenagers nearly got trapped."

"Precisely," Xavier confirmed. "They're testing prototype containment systems. Which is why we're proposing a joint operation. The advantage of combining our teams is that A.I.M. has primarily studied mutant abilities. They'll be less prepared for the variety of enhanced individuals we can field. Your unique powers combined with ours may be key to overwhelming their countermeasures."

"We'll need to hit all three facilities simultaneously," Steve said, studying the data with the intensity Peter had quickly learned meant he was already forming strategies. "Before they can destroy evidence or move their research. Logan, Scott, and Jean will lead teams at each location?"

"Correct," Xavier confirmed. "We're suggesting splitting our combined forces to support each team. The facilities are different enough that we'll need specialized approaches for each."

"Tony, you'll want to handle the main facility's tech," Steve continued, marking points on the map. "Thor and Garen can support Scott's team – you worked together clearing that collapsed building in Queens, right?"

"Indeed," Garen nodded, and Peter remembered seeing the Demacian warrior helping direct fallen debris away from civilians while Cyclops carefully cut through support beams. "Your optical blasts proved most effective in precision demolition."

"Natasha, you and Darius take Logan's team. The second facility has the heaviest ground security, and after seeing how you both handle close combat..."

"And the kid?" Logan asked, eyeing Peter with what might have been curiosity. Peter tried not to fidget under the scrutiny.

"I want him with Jean's team," Tony interrupted before anyone else could speak. "Best combination of oversight and opportunity to learn. Plus, the third facility's layout plays to his strengths – lots of vertical space, multiple access points."

"Agreed," Xavier smiled, and Peter felt some of his nervousness ease at the Professor's calm approval. "Though I assume Ms. Parker will want to review the mission parameters?"

"Already drafting the briefing for her," Tony assured him, though Peter noticed him wince slightly. "After last time, I know better than to surprise May with mission details. JARVIS, start compiling the full briefing package – and make sure to emphasize all the safety protocols this time."

"We'll coordinate loadout details over secure channels," Steve said, already marking additional tactical points on the map. "Timeline?"

"Tomorrow night," Beast replied, adjusting his glasses again as he pulled up security rotation schedules. "The facility systems all sync for updates at 0200 hours, creating a brief window at all three locations. I'm sending the technical specifications now."

Peter's mind was already racing with possibilities. His first real mission as an Avenger had been intense enough – now he was going to be working with the X-Men too? After less than two weeks on the team? He tried to remember everything he'd learned about Jean Grey from news reports and that brief glimpse during the cleanup. Telekinesis, telepathy, though he wasn't sure of the full extent of her abilities...

"Speaking of May," Tony cut in, interrupting Peter's thoughts, "who's volunteering to brief her about the mission? And no, Point Break, you're banned from mission briefings after last time."

"The lightning demonstration was purely educational!" Thor protested, though Peter noticed he had the good grace to look slightly sheepish. "How was I to know your Midgardian beverage machines were so sensitive to electrical discharge?"

"You blew up her favorite coffee machine."

"A noble sacrifice in the name of tactical awareness!"

"It took three days to get the scorch marks off the ceiling," Tony countered. "No, we need someone who can explain this calmly and professionally. Natasha?"

"Sorry Stark, I'm due at SHIELD for a debrief. Take Bruce – May likes him, and he can explain the science behind the containment systems. Might help her understand why Peter's abilities could be crucial for the mission."

As the others continued planning, Peter caught Jean's eye on the screen. She gave him an encouraging nod, and he thought he felt the lightest brush against his consciousness – not intrusive, just a gentle acknowledgment. His first real mission with the X-Men, barely two weeks after joining the Avengers. Time to prove all that training with Ahri and the others had paid off.

Now he just had to survive May's reaction to the briefing. Maybe he could convince Bruce to make her that special tea first...

As the main briefing wrapped up, the conference room began to empty. Peter hung back, watching Tony and Beast dive deeper into the technical specifications while Steve and Logan discussed tactical approaches. The familiar weight of responsibility settled on his shoulders – this wasn't just neighborhood crime or training exercises anymore.

"Got a minute, kid?"

Peter turned to find Natasha hadn't left yet. She motioned him over to a quieter corner of the room, pulling up a smaller holographic display.

"First time working with telepaths," she said, keeping her voice low. "There are some things you should know."

"Like how to not accidentally broadcast embarrassing thoughts?" Peter asked, remembering every awkward story he'd ever read about new heroes working with psychics.

Natasha's lips twitched. "That too. But I'm more concerned about coordination. Your spider-sense and Jean's telepathy might interact in ways we haven't tested. Could be an advantage, could be disorienting."

"I hadn't thought about that," Peter admitted, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Should I try to, I don't know, turn it down?"

"On the contrary," Tony interrupted, joining them with a tablet in hand. "JARVIS, pull up Peter's latest training data. Focus on the sensory integration exercises."

A new set of graphs appeared, showing Peter's response patterns during various scenarios. Beast leaned in through the video feed, adjusting his glasses with obvious interest.

"Fascinating," the blue-furred mutant mused. "The neural patterns during heightened awareness states... Jean, you might want to see this."

Jean Grey moved closer to the camera, her expression thoughtful. "It's not unlike some of the precognitive mutants we've worked with. Peter, how specific are these warnings usually?"

"Um, it depends?" Peter shifted, trying to find the right words. "Sometimes it's just a general 'danger coming' feeling, but other times I can pinpoint exactly where a threat is coming from. Ahri's been helping me fine-tune it, though I still can't always tell the difference between 'someone's going to attack' and 'Clint's about to throw popcorn at my head.'"

"Barton's still doing that?" Logan growled from somewhere off-screen.

"Only when he thinks no one's looking," Natasha replied dryly.

"Perhaps we should run a few quick tests before tomorrow," Beast suggested. "Nothing intensive, just enough to establish baselines for communication protocols."

Tony was already shaking his head. "No time. May's going to need the full evening to process the briefing, and Peter needs rest before the mission. We'll have to adapt in the field."

"Speaking of May," Bruce called from the doorway, holding up a tablet. "I've finished condensing the briefing materials. Tony, you might want to look these over before we present them."

Peter tried to peek at the tablet as Bruce approached, but Tony smoothly intercepted it. "Ah ah, grown-ups first. Go gear up – I want you testing those new web combinations we discussed. The ones that don't involve experimental electrical charges."

"That was one time," Peter protested. "And Thor said the scorch marks give the training room character."

"Out," Tony pointed to the door, though his eyes were amused. "Natasha, make sure he actually practices instead of just theorizing new ways to blow things up."

As Peter followed Natasha out, he heard Tony murmuring to Bruce about "maybe leaving out the part about A.I.M.'s previous test subjects" and "emphasizing the multiple layers of supervision." He tried not to think too hard about what that meant for the actual danger level of tomorrow's mission.

The training room was empty when they arrived, Thor and the others presumably preparing in their own ways. Natasha began programming scenarios into the system while Peter checked his web-shooters.

"Nervous?" she asked without looking up from the console.

"About the mission or about May's reaction?"

"Both."

Peter considered this as he adjusted the pressure settings. "May's scarier," he finally decided. "At least with A.I.M. I don't have to worry about disappointed looks over breakfast for the next week."

Natasha's quiet laugh was interrupted by JARVIS.

"Mr. Parker, Dr. Banner asks me to inform you that your aunt has arrived early. She is currently in the common area with Ms. Potts."

Peter froze. "She's not supposed to be here for another hour!"

"Apparently Ms. Potts invited her for tea first." Natasha was already shutting down the training protocols. "Smart move. Pepper's good at defusing potential situations."

"Yeah, but..." Peter gestured helplessly at the training room. "I was going to practice! You know, so I could tell May I was super prepared and definitely not going to do anything risky?"

"You really think any amount of practice would make May believe that?" Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Come on, better to face this head-on. Besides," she added as they headed for the elevator, "if things get too tense, Thor can always offer another demonstration."

"Please don't give him ideas," Peter groaned. "The kitchen still smells like burnt coffee."

As the elevator doors closed, Peter tried to organize his thoughts. He had to convince May this was a good idea, that he was ready for this level of mission. That working with the X-Men was an opportunity, not just another risk. That he'd trained hard these past two weeks and...

"Peter," Natasha's voice was gentle. "Stop overthinking. Just be honest with her. May's not worried because she doesn't trust you – she's worried because she loves you."

Peter took a deep breath and nodded. Right. Honesty. He could do that.

The elevator chimed.

"Though maybe," Natasha added as the doors opened, "let's not mention the exploding web-shooter incident just yet."

"It didn't explode," Peter muttered. "It just... sort of... aggressively disassembled."

May's voice drifted down the hall, along with the familiar scent of Pepper's special tea blend. Time to face the music.

At least this time there weren't any lightning demonstrations to worry about.

Yet.

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A/n

Publishing is going to slow down too probably around one chap every two days, as I have exams coming up.