3rd POV:
Gwen carefully stitched some fabric into her suit, in her room while her parents were away at work. Specifically around the area of her armpits.
During the last training session, immediately after the party, Bell encouraged her not to limit herself ONLY to a spider themed arsenal. She should keep the core elements as those were clearly her greatest strengths, but she should also branch a little out to be able to handle more situations.
Get creative so to speak.
As she would be more familiar with her own abilities, she was more suited to judge what creative idea would be suitable or not, so Bell left the matter ultimately to her.
Gwen took his advice to heart and did just that.
The first thing she could think off was a wing suit for even more mobility. She was only getting better and faster at swinging through the city, but she always suffered when it came to moving across Central Park.
Ergo the wing suit.
It was only a matter of integrating the 'web gliders' in her suit without it interfering with her movement when she didn't need them. She was pretty sure she got the semantics down pat, otherwise she wouldn't stitch it in right now.
While she was doing that, the conversation they had after his encouragement was replaying in her brain. It stands to reason that a reality warper was doing a lot. Well unless one was lazy, but Gwen knew that was not the kind of guy Bell was.
And he was doing a lot! She was sure that he still didn't finish telling her about everything he was doing.
One thing did sit with her ever since however.
'Gwen, you can either be the hero or the guy who saves the world. There is no in between. Our planet is dying, well actually it is becoming uninhabitable for humans and nature will move on without us, but anyway. And I assure you these leeches won't stop because you ask them nicely! They are the enemy. I am and will always be a revolutionary and whether humanity wants to or not I am going to save this planet and I want you on my side.'
She loved him, she really did. And she trusted him too.
But Jesus Christ! Stepping back and looking at his little declaration more objectively made him sound like a megalomaniac who sought world domination.
Having shared some of his ideas however, she did have to be on board with him. It helped, too, that her own trust in the government was completely shaken.
She was gonna help any way she could.
Aaaaaaaand done.
Gwen released a sigh and leaned back into her chair.
Now it was only a matter of testing out the suit and see how it perfo...
Gwen snapped back to attention as her phone turned on with an alarm. She hoped her father never found out that she used his police walkie-talkie to tune into the departments communication frequency to listen in to the reports.
There was talk of a rhinoceros guy causing massive damage and tanking bullets. Clearly a job for her.
But ... she hasn't yet tested the web gliders. She winced. Bell was gonna kill her, he did tell her to have a spare suit, just in case. Especially since it would barely take any space and would be also easy to hide.
Sure, she now knew that he was Raezen and he had lots of money or that he could simply conjure material, but she did not want to impose. She told him she would mange with her own resources. A bit of a lie. She did plan on realizing his suggestion, just not NOW since she was a little low on resources.
Just her luck.
Gwen quickly suited up and catapulted herself out the window.
---
Rhino was charging towards a police blockade on the streets as Ghost Spider crashed into him from the side with a kick in his face, after gaining momentum from her swing and gliding for some distance. She knew that he was durable in some way, as she listened to the police reports, while swinging, how he went trough cars and walls. So she knew some extra force was necessary.
But hey, at least she knew that she managed to successfully integrate the web gliders in her suit.
Rhino lost his balance and stumbled to the ground while Ghost Spider stopped her momentum with a roll near a manhole cover.
Rhino picked himself up with a shake off his head, shaking off his dizziness. Quickly looking around he spotted Ghost Spider and growled at her.
''Bug! Stay out of my way!,'' Rhino warned her.
He was furious as Oscorp screwed him over with this experiment and then refused to help him out.
Were he a smarter man he would have gone to The Avengers for help or threatened to go to the public to ruin their image if they did not get the suit off him. Oscorp didn't exactly have the means to keep him captive if he did not wish to. But he wasn't picked as a candidate for this experiment for his smarts.
''Moto Moto, I'm disappointed. Spiders are Arachnids, didn't you know that?,'' Ghost Spider tutted.
With a howl Rhino began charging at her. Ghost Spider grabbed the manhole cover with her stickiness and used it as a shield against Rhinos punch. Sure she knew he was tanky, but she wanted to know just how much strength she should use. Just like Bell taught her.
'Sometimes you can discern someones durability and strength just by looking at them. If they shot sun rays around it's probably better not to engage them, even if one good hit can knock them out or kill them. Sometimes they look perfectly normal and can punch through walls and tank massive hits. In battle use ANY resource to discern the power of your opponent. Unfortunately there is no fool proof way to go about it, except rely on you intuition. So that is why I am fighting you at different strengths without any longer telling you about it. That Spider sense of yours is powerful, but never put all your eggs in one basket. Learn to trust your other instincts too,' she remembered Bell one day telling her.
The moment Rhino punched the manhole cover Ghost Spider buckled a little at the knees. Quiet strong then, she judged, dodging immediately afterwards as her spider sense went off and she dodged Rhinos horn as he grabbed the cover moving it aside and attacked her with his head.
Ghost Spider jumped away a few meters and moved her arm to grab the manhole cover as Rhino threw it at her. She ended up doing a spin to disperse the momentum instead of stopping the cover in its tracks abruptly and risk taking off her arm.
Rhino charged her again, since she had his measure she no longer had any need to get hit and slid through his legs while shooting a web at his face and pulling him down. He came crashing down. She used the chance to stick a web to the manhole cover and moved to engage again the moment Rhino stood up.
She shot a web in his face, temporarily blinding him and swung the manhole cover at his knee. It buckled a little and he kneeled down slightly, but did not go to the ground. Rhino managed quiet quickly to remove the web from his face, looking around for her, only for her to previously jumped up and then came crashing down while swinging the cover at his head. Rhino went to his knees again, slightly shaking his head to remove the small concussion.
''You damned bug, I'll squash you for that!,'' Rhino jumped up and grabbed a street light post. He used the pole to swing at Ghost Spider.
'' 'I'll squash you for that'. Could you try to sound more cartoonish than that? What are you? A D-Rate villain?,'' Ghost Spider called back while dodging the pole.
She was using these jokes to calm her nerves, she one day cracked a joke while beating up some street thugs and found that out. When she told Bell that, he encouraged her to do it more. Staying calm and rational was vital in battle, it could also be used to enrage ones opponent and get them off their top game by getting to their head.
She wondered who trained him so well in battle. Maybe next time she would ask him.
Seeing that the pole was doing nothing, Rhino threw it away carelessly into the crowd. Ghost Spider widened her eyes at the bystanders and let the cover fall, while shooting two webs at both ends of the pole and pulled it back towards the street. Her spider sense went off as her back was turned to Rhino, because of the pole and she quickly turned around while grabbing both of his hands and letting herself fall on her back dodging the horn attack.
She pulled him down with her and with her back to the ground she used her legs to kick Rhino into the sky by a quiet a few meters and in the same movement jumped up to her feet. She shot two web lines at Rhino, quickly put both lines in one hand while shooting another web line at the manhole cover. With one hand she pulled Rhino down as hard as she could, with the other she swung the manhole cover in his face. The two objects met in the air and while Ghost Spider pulled the cover back towards her, so no one would be harmed, Rhino spun around and landed on the street unconscious.
She knew she did not kill him as she could hear his heartbeat and Bells training taught her how much force she should use. She looked at the manhole cover that was barely dented. Those things are surprisingly sturdy. The superhero let the cover fall back into its place from where she took it, covering the hole in the street.
Two police officers approached her.
''Ghost Spider. Is he dead? You gave him quiet the beat down,'' the senior of the two asked her, he hoped not as that would only mean more paperwork and force them to arrest a good person. The other looked a little resentful at her, as if her mere existence was an insult to him, but alas he was not in charge.
''No, no. I know my strength and I felt his when he punched me. I know he is alive, but where will you imprison him? He is different from The Lizard, it doesn't look like you can get his rhinoceros ...schtick off of him,'' Ghost Spider asked concerned.
''We'll probably need to ask the Avengers for help with this one. I'll run the idea of a prison for super powered people by Captain Stacy later. I'm surprised no one had thought of that till now. With some luck the Captain can convince the mayor to start construction for such a prison and then we can imprison him there. As for you, thank you Ghost Spider, but we would appreciate it if you let us take it from here,'' the older of the two told her.
Ghost Spider nodded and quickly swung away. She wasn't blind to the younger police officers hateful glare.
---
Bell watched Gwen swing away. The moment his 'program' inside her alerted him about her fighting a super powered person, he teleported here and observed from the shadows.
He actually had no idea how many times her sense triggered in that fight, but he was sure at least once, when her back was turned to her enemy. But it probably triggered more times than that. That was careless of her, even if he understood the desire to stop the pole, she could have tried to achieve that differently. But otherwise? She did good, Bell was proud.
As for her spider sense?
Bell had to work with what he had. He tried several things at once the moment he arrived till now. He looked into her body to see if there was any hormonal change. He checked for energy. And he checked for more then that.
He didn't look in her mind however.
At first he picked up nothing. Bell did not buy that for a second. EVERYTHING left a trace, it was only a matter of taking contingencies. Especially energy. One needed a concept to hide it, he was convinced of that and even then one needed the right concept. Or at least that is what he believed.
So he focused more.
And then a little more.
Each time trying to sense at smaller and smaller increments.
And then he managed to pick something up.
It was ... a web of energy. The web was of the finest energy strands he had ever seen, so fine were they. They were lying dormant right now, Bell could tell. That is until she turned her back to her enemy. Then he felt energy pulse from outside towards her, centered around her head.
So that is how her spider sense worked. A web of incredible fine energy directed in every direction and when someone stumbled over them, and given how many there were that was a guarantee, with ill intent ...someone/somebody/something sent energy from without to within.
Bell did not even consider such a manifestation of energy possible, but perhaps he had now something better then his AoE. Sure there will be gaps, but it was just a matter of condensing the fine energy strands together. Like Asymptotes.
Something to be considered and experimented with later. But for now he still has some research to do.
Bell was certain that this was not Gwens doing, unless she lied to him, but he doubted that. It was time to see who was sending out danger signals to her.
...
...
...
...
Nexus entered a different universe and released a small frustrated sigh. Perhaps he had been a little to eager and a bit of an over achiever, because while tracing the energy webs, he made the unfortunate discovery that the energy strands could be even finer. They will only get a little more pronounced once they get activated and that effect lingers for a short time.
Nexus actually lost the trace several times and had to find it again.
Then there was the other issue. The webs were vast. As is transcending universal barriers vast. At least they were only present on earth, except that one time where he found that web present in space. He talked to that Spider-Man briefly.
Nice guy, bit of an weirdo though.
And worst part was that between the universal barrier the web was... well a kaleidoscope to put it aptly.
No longer a web, but a construct going in every direction. Worst part was that the universal barriers was made out of energy. So now tracing the webs to its source was even harder now.
It. Was. So. Fucking. Frustrating. From. Here. On. Out.
Finally, after days amounting to nearly a week and stumbling from universe to universe and snooping through the universal barriers he found a space. Whether it was a dimension or pocket dimension was left to be discovered.
Nexus cautiously entered the dark empty space. He walked a long way to the point where he believed the center of this space to be. Then again calling it empty space was a bit of a disservice. The energy webs were visible now, even without him using his ability. They were however still faint and did not emit much light.
As for why Nexus wandered instead of running or flying or teleporting was because he was pretty sure there was someone here. He did not want to give the impression that he was here to fight.
Finally he arrived at the center and looked around, tentatively trying to spread his AoE to find the being that ruled over this space.
''You are persistent, Bell O'Quinn,'' a voice came from above Nexus. He looked up and came face to face with a massive spider entity. It had the body of a spider, though Nexus was sure if spiders could speak, they would call it the uncanny valley effect. The legs on the other hand were... long, incredible long.
Nexus was not that surprised that this being managed to elude him. If it had such control over energy then it was logical for that to be case, especially since Nexus yet had to train and reflect on this new discovery.
He narrowed his eyes behind his mask. She knows his name? How? No one should be able to read his mind.
''Greetings. You know my name, may I know your?,'' Nexus asked politely, prioritizing dialogue over demands for answers.
''I am the Elder Goddess Neith,'' Neith replied.
''A pleasure to meet you, Elder Goddess Neith. Though redundant, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Bell O'Quinn,'' Bell removed his mask and gave a polite bow.
Neith began moving from her spot. Instead of hanging above his head she was now in front of him. Meanwhile she noted, Bells gesture.
A short bow, but no bowing at the waist. And addressing her by her full title too.
Politeness and respectfulness, but no subservience. An indication of the desire to open dialogue, not battle. Not that Neith did not already suspect this, but having it confirmed was still desirable. There was a reason she allowed him entry in her demesne.
''You are foolish, child. To walk into my lair with nary a second thought,'' she remarked.
''A subject is nothing but a reflection of the ruler. By now I have surmised that there is some sort of connection between you and all those Spider People. All that is left is too find out in which way you are connected. I came here not expecting an enemy,'' Bell explained.
Neith moved her leg a little and pulled on a string. The web string moved, the surrounding webs vibrating, as the pulse shot off into the distance till it pierced the space.
''Still foolish. You have questions and I have answers, but I wonder why should I answer you. I owe you nothing,'' Neith tested him a little.
''That is correct. And should you chose not to answer, then I merely ask that you allow me to investigate and reach my own conclusion,'' Bell replied.
''And should I chose to deny you even that?,'' Neith asked him.
''Unfortunate. Then I will work with what I have,'' Bell replied, hiding his annoyance. ROB and Stan kind of had him disincentivized to his original idea of gods. That they were petty, aside from Capital G God.
Just his luck.
''Then indulge me. What is your conclusion?,'' Neith asked him.
''You are the one that created the spiders. I managed to replicate them more or less, though not all abilities were present at the same time, but I was going to work on that. However, no matter what I did or tried I did not even get close to replicating the spider sense. I suspected then, that there was more to this spider sense. Now I know. You are the one that activates the spider sense,'' Bell shared his conclusion.
''You have my spider still. It's corpse. Why not revive it and use it for your purposes? What is you want to achieve anyways?,'' Neith asked him, he was right in some aspects and uniformed in others.
Bell brought out the spider from his pocket dimension and presented it to her.
''I wish for my family to be safe and I wanted to have Peter the same powers. If he chose to save just one more person at the end of the day then even better,'' Bell explained to her.
Neith leaned forward till she was in Bells face. Her eight eyes blinked as she observed him. She observed him till she saw what she wanted and then leaned back while grabbing the spider with one of her legs out of his hand.
''If you value your relationship with Gwen you will not do that. I will explain in a moment.
This is the Web of Life and Destiny...,'' Neith began.
''Forgive me, but I was told Fate does not exist,'' Bell interrupted her curiously. Stan told him otherwise. Was she ignorant or was she lying?
''Indeed. Fate does not exist. But Destiny does. Fate is like a book. The story is already written, we are merely here to witness it, unable to act any different then what it dictates. An instrument for the weak willed to shake off responsibility or find solace in.
Destiny mentions events. Some events are more likely to happen then others, some will happen under a conductor, some will not happen at all. How people involved in them respond is completely up to them,'' Neith explained no minding the interruption.
Ah, now that sounded much more like what Stan told Bell.
''This is the Web of Life and Destiny. It precedes even my existence, but I found myself caring and protecting it all the same and named it thus as I found it appropriate. Many a fool tried to abuse this wonder. We repelled them as is our solemn duty, but in time we decided we needed more.
Thus we decided to forge the spider totems. I and my children, each one of us would grant an aspect, a boon, to a person and this spider the instrument trough which we would achieve this.
Our Avatars. Both selected for their great character and resilience would protect earth. But more importantly they would be our eyes and ears. Everything they know we know. And in times of need, they would come to aid us and thus protect a vast part of the multiverse,'' Neith ended her explanation and pulled on another string, sending out another pulse.
Well, that explained how she knew who he was, if she knew everything Gwen knew. Still sucked for him, but that was the risk of any action. It could have unintended consequences.
''We judged it to be enough for one of our Avatar to exist in every universe, though we do make exceptions. And should the need ever arise I will send a vision by myself to the Avatars. The spider sense does exist thanks to these webs, but I don't need to manually send out signals to protect them. People with ill intent will stumble over them and that will be enough. No, like an echo my pulses spread. It was not your Gwen I sent a vision to, she was merely near enough to be touched by the echo,'' Neith also explained.
''You said you make exceptions? What qualifies as such a condition?,'' Bell asked her.
Instead of immediately answering Neith pulled on several strings at once. Suddenly the kaleidoscope of energy webs got much brighter. This time no longer a shimmering faint light, but an explosion of color illuminating the entire cavern. Between the webs where movement, like a movie.
''There are worlds where the Avengers don't exist. Worlds where Mutants don't exist and yet danger lurks all the same. Sometimes one Avatar is enough to combat them and if not we will ensure the spider lives on long enough to bite more.
But for all that this spider is a wonder of our efforts, there is one drawback. When two of the same gender are bit by the same spider nothing happens. But if a man and a woman are bit, the pheromones will make them lust for each other. We never saw the need to change that,'' Neith told him, her eight eyes blinking for the second time during their interaction.
A shiver went down Bells spine. Sure he could have used his abilities to suppress the pheromones, but that would have crossed many lines. Their relationship would have felt no longer genuine. Actually he doubted the relationship between Peter and Gwen would have been genuine too, under theses circumstances.
Everybody would have lost in that situation.
''So there can be more then one Avatar but only one spider?,'' Bell asked her for clarification.
''Correct. In the same way you found us, others with more malicious intent could find us too. This here is the heart, the center of the Web. That is why we only send one spider, two and our enemies will find us with ease. Once all current Avatars die in an universe, we send another spider. Which is precisely why I allowed you entry here. I was not aware Bell O'Quinn was a reality warper, now I know and you have a vested interest in keeping Gwen safe,'' Neith got to the point.
So that was why the energy web strands were so fine. It was a defense mechanism. The spider too, must have some sort of energy linking it back here. Bell didn't check when it was alive, but it meant that once it died it lost that energy completely.
''You want us to ally ourselves?,'' Bell asked.
''Should the Web of Life and Destiny be attacked and destroyed, it and all that are connected to it will cease to exist. And several universes will be left open for attacks. Be our ally, help us protect the Web of Life and Destiny alongside our Avatars,'' Neith implored him.
Bell summoned a sword and presented it to her with both hands.
Was there ever another choice he would have made with Gwen involved?
''Of course, use this sword and I will come at once. You merely need to touch it and I will come immediately,'' Bell agreed to her request of forging an alliance.
Neith took the sword carefully with two legs and inserted it into the ground. She never left these caverns so it was a good place to put the sword in.
''An alliance can not be forged if only one party gives something. I can not give you this spider, I will not make an exception. But I can offer you an alternative. Go to another universe, find the spider there and use it to give your friend his powers. But whatever you do, bring the spider back quickly and under no circumstances is it allowed to die. This way your relationship with Gwen Stacy will be safe,'' Neith told him, her eyes blinking for the third time.
Bell nodded appreciatively.
''Then I thank you Elder Goddess Neith. I have no more questions and if our business here is done I wish to excuse myself,'' Bell diplomatically ended this interaction.
''No, child. You may go, feel free to tell Gwen what you found at your leisure,'' Neith told him.
Bell teleported out of this dimension.
---
He made some excuse that bystanders were streaming her fight live and thanks to Raezen he found that out immediately and teleported to her place to see her spider sense in action.
He was gonna share a lot with her, that program too. Eventually. He did not want her to get a big head, thanks to his protection.
''That... is a lot to take in,'' Gwen pursed her lips. They were hanging out in her room. She was sitting on a chair and Bell was lying in her bed, spinning a coin on his finger tip perpetually to calm himself.
''Yes. I certainly learned something myself. Next time I will be even more cautious when experimenting or considering decisions,'' Bell sighed and stood up from the bed.
''Soooooo.... should I start worshiping Neith then?,'' Gwen tried to break the ice.
''If you wish. She did not strike me as someone who cares for worship either way,'' Bell shrugged.
Gwen sighed and leaned into her chair.
''I guess it is nice to understand my power better now, so thank you. I will not thank you however for nearly making me and Peter... Ugh, the thought alone is disgusting, he is like a brother to me. At least you learned your lesson. When will you give Peter his powers?,'' Gwen asked him.
''I don't know. What do you think?,'' Bell left the decision to her.
Gwen thought on it for a while.
''Is my training finished yet?,'' Gwen asked.
''No, not for a while. It will still take some time,'' Bell replied, having an idea where she was going with that.
''Then finish my training first and then give Peter his powers. Or give him his powers when we are near the end of my training. I can train him then or you you can and your focus won't be split. Will you tell Peter about your powers?,'' Gwen made her decision.
''You think I should?,'' Bell asked her.
''It would make things easier. But no, the decision is completely up to you,'' Gwen replied.
Bell thought about it for a while.
''Well, I suppose I can tell him I am Nexus, but I won't tell him I am a reality warper. Probably never. Maybe. Hm. I still have time to think on it,'' Bell told her.
She nodded as the two descended into a comfortable silence, still digesting the conversation they had.
Gwen pushed herself up and wandered over to her bed before falling on it and pulling Bell down with her. She hugged him as the two laid on the bed.
''Thank you for watching out for me,'' Gwen told him while putting her head on his chest.
''Of course.''
''By the way, I took your advice and integrated web gliders in my suit for more mobility. I also thought about making some sort of utility belt to carry more web cartridges with me. After fighting Rhino they were half empty. Granted I also used a lot of webs and didn't refill them after last time, but ... live and learn as the say,'' Gwen chuckled a little.
''Seems I'm not the only one that barely avoided disaster. Still, smart choice. Have you made a second suit already or do you need some funds for the belt?,'' Bell asked her.
''No, I have it well in hand. Thank you anyway,'' Gwen told him.
Bell hummed.
''You think I would prefer suffering what is not even an inconvenience over keeping my girlfriend safe?,'' Bell asked her.
For a moment she just laid there, till what he said registered in her mind and she pushed herself up.
''You knew I was lying to you and did not call me out?,'' Gwen asked him surprised and ashamed. She was blushing a little.
''Who do you think taught you how to lie? I thought we had that discussion already, Gwen,'' Bell sighed.
''I know, I know. It's just... I really am silly, aren't I?,'' Gwen hung her head.
''I have my own sense of judgment. Trust me, I would know if you were taking advantage of me. Gwen, material possessions mean nothing to me. You on the other hand I would prefer safe.... and living. Fine, if you won't ask for anything else until I offer it, can you at least ask me when it comes to resources for your side activities? Please? You said that it was your job to stand by my side when I am low and mine when you are,'' Bell asked her taking her hands in his.
Gwen looked at him. It was hard to convey that she felt inadequate compared to him. She understands that she motivated him to get better and she understands that it meant a LOT to him. But now that he seemed better and had his powers, it looked to her as if she was useless to him. Not that he cared about how useful she was to him, she knew, but,,,, It is as Bell said, emotions could make one act silly and stupid.
''I will. I promise,'' Gwen promised him anyway, in spite of her feelings. If it would give him peace of mind she would suffer some discomfort.
Bell gave a sigh of relief and nodded.
''Good, good,'' he said and pulled Gwen on his lap embracing her. She embraced him back and buried her head in his neck.
''Do you want to stay over? My mother is making Branzino, a fish dish,'' Gwen told him suddenly.
''You want to put me and George at the same table after all this time? I was hoping to avoid such a scenario and sneak out before he arrives home. In case you haven't noticed the two of us have been avoiding each other since he found out we were together, minus your birthday party,'' Bell pointed out.
''He does not hate you, regardless of what you think. He is just...strict and firm... and old fashioned. I understand you had to lie, but did you really have to say THAT as an excuse?,'' Gwen complained.
''It worked. I'm not apologizing for that, but I suppose I can stay and eat some fish. Sure,'' Bell ignored her complaint. Gwen embraced him a little tighter in appreciation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As always when Scott was in an emotional turmoil he sought out his psychiatrist, Nathaniel Essex. Scott did trust Professor Xavier, he really did, but Dr.Essex has been there for him since he was in the orphanage.
It was a matter of trust and familiarity, in a sense perhaps even off loyalty after all the sage advice Dr.Essex has give him.
''Young Summers, please take a seat or feel free to lie on it, should you find it more comfortable,'' Dr.Essex gestured to the seat and closed the door after Scott entered.
''You always say that Dr. Essex, as if I don't know the procedures,'' Scott joked a little and lied on the seat.
''Well Young Summers, take it from someone like me. When you get older your appreciate the comfort of the routine. Besides protocol must be maintained else I can hardly call myself a psychiatrist,'' Dr.Essex smiled at him.
''You are not that old,'' Scott replied.
''When I woke up I felt my back crack in 3 places. But anyway we are not here to talk about the inevitability of biology and time. What troubles you Young Summers? Do you still have your bursts of angers? Or is it something else?,'' Dr.Essex asked kindly preparing his notepad to take notes.
''No, no. I have been managing my anger well. It's just... well, now thinking about it this is probably a waste of time for you,'' Scott fidgeted.
''Maybe, maybe not. I am here to help, whether it is a waste of time,only you can decide, but I can offer no insight without knowing what troubles you. For what it is worth, I remember seeing you grow up and telling me far more embarrassing stuff,'' Essex tried calming him.
''Right,'' Scott nodded suddenly with conviction,'' You are right Dr.Essex. It is ...well, it is girl trouble. There is this girl I like, her name is ...''
''Stop! I'm not at liberty to know the names of people who are not your immediate family. Privacy matters and similar laws to doctors confidentiality, you understand?,'' Essex quickly interrupted him.
''Huh? Oh, oh, right, sorry. Uhhh, let's call this girl ... Hope then,'' Scott compromised and Essex wrote the name down,'' So anyway, there is this girl I really like and it's just I think I am doing something wrong.''
''Mhmh... and what do you think you are doing wrong?,'' Essex asked leaning a little forward after finishing writing.
''It's just... every time I approach Hope and ask her out or try to hang out in fact, since I don't want to push her or make her uncomfortable, she pushes me away. Last time she rejected me particularly violently. No, no! She didn't punch me or something, she just yelled at me 'No!' and then left,'' Scott bent the truth a little here.
''Oh? Is Hope a particularly rude person or confrontational for that matter? Was it unusual for her to reject you like that?,'' Essex asked scribbling something on the notepad and then frowned at him to convey worry.
''No actually. It's just... she hasn't rejected REJECTED me, you know? She didn't make it clear that under no certain terms will she ever date me, so I thought I still have a chance. So I keep trying and she politely rejects me. Last time was however was particularly violent, so yeah, here I am. I was just wondering if it was something I did and I hoped for some advise from you as well. Should I stop trying and try my luck elsewhere or...?,'' Scott moved his hand in the air and finally gestured towards Essex.
The ball was in his court.
Essex slowly nodded, playing with his pen while slightly frowning.
''Well, I can hardly answer any of these questions without knowing some details. This... Hope. Does she have a boyfriend? Maybe she has one and is just bad at communicating it?,'' Essex asked him.
''No, she doesn't and she is relatively social, though a bit of a recluse since she takes her studies seriously, and can pick up on clues in interactions. Besides, she is not cruel. She would have told me for sure if she had a boyfriend instead of letting me pine after her pointlessly,'' Scott replied.
''Mhm. Did something particular happen in her life? Grandparents died? Another family member died? Some people close up in grief and prefer to be left alone for a while. Different people deal with pain and grief differently,'' Essex asked him.
''No, nothing of the sort. I am sure of that,'' Scott replied.
''Hm. Well from everything you have told me I can only conclude one thing... Scott, you DO know how a womans anatomy works, don't you?,'' Essex asked carefully, albeit not at all ashamed. He WAS old and old fashioned and often times a womans hysteria was written off as caused by hormones.
Scott blinked behind his red glasses.
''Oh... OH! Oh,'' Scott clears his throat,'' You think, she was moody, because of... well, THAT?''
''I can not be one hundred percent sure, but It would explain her sudden aggression. Sometimes these things happen with woman. I would know, many a times my wife started arguments over the most inconsequential thing,'' Essex waved his hand leaning back into his chair, a sure expression on his face.
''Oh. Ok then. And as for my other question? Do you think I should give up?,'' Scott moved on from the topic, his face slightly red.
Essex leaned forwards again in his chair.
''Well, that depends on you, Scott. Do you like this girl?''
''Yes, I really do. I can see myself falling in love with her, if we give each other a chance,'' Scott affirmed.
''Then, may I offer you some advice? Let me tell you a little secret. Women love assertive men. Next time, instead of asking to hang out, be bold. Tell her you have something planned and that she can come with you. Do not pose it as a question, pose it as an offer,'' Essex advised.
''Assertive, huh? I don't know, Dr.Essex. I don't want to come over as rude or an asshole,'' Scott frowned.
''I didn't say to grab her by the arm and drag her somewhere. I said to be assertive, as in confident and knowing what you want. I remember when I got together with my wife. I was by todays standards considered a bad boy back in my days. I broke many womens hearts,'' Essex chuckled.
Scott sighed.
''I don't know, Dr.Essex. I think I shou... what was that?,'' Scott looked around for the small indiscernible noise.
''It is my old coffee machine. Sorry about that, but please continue,'' Essex waved off the matter.
''You STILL haven't replaced that old thing?,'' Scott asked. This was not the first time he heard that coffee machine. Essex always said he would replace that thing, only for Scott to hear it a few sessions later again.
Essex shrugged.
''Pah, that thing was built to last. Not like todays things. Besides, even with the noise, it still makes my coffee EXACTLY as like it and I have to admit, I do hold sentimental attachment to it,'' Essex finally scoffed and showed his age.
Scott chuckled mirtfully.
''So all those times you said you will replace it was a lie?,'' Scott inquired.
''It is easier then explaining my reasons for keeping it, to every new patient. But I suppose you are a regular, aren't you?,'' Essex teased.
Scott nodded amused.
''Anyway, where were we? Ah, yes! Look Scott, what people today call 'bad boy', we called 'being a man' during my days. Sure, things have changed since then, and so did people and dating standards, but one thing will never change. Human biology. Women are nurturers and Men are providers. Women are predisposed to pick the men who provide them the best. AND NO, I am not talking about money and materialistic goods. I am talking about security, food, safety, warmth and fire, a home and stability. Everything else? Mere pageantry.
Don't let my wife hear that. She is a hopeless romantic.
Obviously, you should not harm Hope, but show yourself to be someone reliable, someone that takes charge and that is confident, and that she can confide in. Show her that you have her best interests at heart. Maybe show yourself a bit territorial too, but that often comes once you both enter in a relationship. Most women like that in a man and if you possess these qualities then you have a pretty good chance to make her fall in love with you,'' Essex advised him.
Scott looked contemplative for a while, until finally slowly nodding.
''So I should be more assertive then? I suppose I can try that... Yes, I will work on myself a little and go with your advise Doctor. Thank you,'' Scott stood up from his seat and shook Essex' hand.
''Well, I am glad I could alleviate your troubles this time again. Now, remember what I taught you about managing your anger. Do not forget to employ the techniques I taught you if necessary. It wouldn't do to scare Hope off, now would it?,'' Essex chuckled after teasing him a bit and walking with him to the door.
Scott looked a little abashed.
''I assure you, I HAVE been working on my anger issues. Exactly as you have taught me. I haven't had an outburst in years. Again, thank you doctor,'' Scott thanked him again when the two stood at the door.
''Good, good. Now remember, if anything troubles you, feel free to come here again. And good luck with your girl, Young Summers, though I doubt you'll need it,'' Essex said as his goodbye as the two nodded at each other.
Essex starred as Scott was walking away for a moment, before finally closing the door as he had no other patient.
He walked back to his chair and sat down.
He picked up his notepad and reflected on everything during their conversation.
Finally he hummed and crossed out some words.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Logan tensed as they were all in the kitchen of the X-Mansion.
''He's here again. I can feel it,'' he warned the others.
The teachers looked at Logan for a brief moment and then at Xavier, who was rubbing his chin.
''Who?,'' asked Katherine.
''Nexus,'' it was Jean that answered. Instead of waiting for Xavier to make a choice she began walking towards the entrance of the mansion.
Before Nexus could ring the door bell, Jean opened the door after quickly styling her hair a little. Which... confused her.
''Hi, I'm Jean Grey,'' she greeted while smiling at him, stepping in his personal space a little and back into the dullness and muted silence.
''Riiiight... We established that last time. Sorry I didn't call this time, but I wanted to surprise Laura and I did not want to trigger your alarms by just cutting a portal inside. Sooooo, how do you want to do this? May I come inside?,'' Nexus asked being weirded out by her and trying to take a step back only for her to grab his arm and hug it while continuing to smile at him.
The fuck?
Nexus was honest when he said he wanted to surprise Laura, but he also wanted to investigate Jeans weird behavior, from back when they first met. Except now she was acting even weirder.
It was not Jean that answered, but Xavier, who rolled in with the others following suit, trailing after Jean after she run to the entrance.
''Of course, please. Do feel free to come in. I'm Charles Xavier. May I thank you for rescuing all those children?,'' Charles opened dialogue.
Nexus stepped in closing the door after them, Jean still hugging his arm. He shook it a little trying to get her off, but she clung only tighter and leaned her head on his shoulder while relaxing her own shoulders.
''I didn't rescue the children for praise or thanks. The children needed rescuing, there is nothing more to it. Nexus, nice to meet you,'' Nexus held out his hand and Charles shook it.
''Hm. Humble too. Still, thank you,'' Charles said, nodding towards him.
''I'm Hank McCoy. Nice to meet you,'' Hank shook his hand next. Hank was wearing special watch he designed to hide his actual appearance, so that he may appear human. Some of the children wore it too. It would raise questions should the public accidentally spot them.
''I'm Ororo Munroe,'' Ororo introduced herself next.
''...Bucky. Thanks for saving me. You and that weird friend of yours,'' Bucky thanked him while shaking his hand. He did not like the fact that yet another person went through his mind without his permission. And he did not like telepaths. But at least Xavier asked for his permission before he checked to see if the second person did anything foul to his head.
He certainly did not appreciate having the face of that telepath blurred out from his memories and thus his memories tampered with.
''Guess I'm next. Rogue. Nice to meet you, Sugar,'' Rogue shook his hand as well, but otherwise she seemed disinterested.
''Why is that guy so tense?,'' Nexus asked when the final two people just stood there.
''Forgive him. He is deeply distrustful of strangers and fears for the students lives,'' Charles offered diplomatically while stroking his chin as he observed Jean.
He was aware that she had trouble with controlling her abilities. Mostly the telepathic one. He wondered why that was as there was no sensible explanation. Still, it did raise the question as to why Nexus' mind was ...empty. Though 'empty' did not feel an accurate description to Xavier, for some reason. Many times he met other telepaths. They all had mental barriers.
Not that he was gonna put Nexus on the spot like that, as it was probably a delicate matter.
Ororo tapped Logan on the shoulder and then gestured with her head towards Nexus, when he slightly tilted his head to look at her.
''Logan,'' he introduced himself briefly and remained unmoving.
Katherine on the other hand just looked at him with a conflicted expression since she sat eyes upon him. As if she couldn't make up her mind what to think about him.
'This school was going to be full of weirdos, wasn't it?' Bell concluded in his mind. Well, at least no one was registering as his enemy to his defenses. And this time Xavier did not try to read his mind.
Rogue gave a sharp elbow towards Katherine startling her. She quickly began shaking his hand.
''Hi, I'm Katherine Pryde, but everyone calls me Kitty. Feel free to do that too,'' she continued shaking his hand through the introduction.
...
Oh wow, she was still shaking his hand. Nexus gently pried his hand away from her and she just reverted back to that conflicted expression. And with that introductions were done.
''If I may ask, what is your power?,'' Ororo asked politely.
Nexus gave a shrug of his shoulders.
''I can control swords in various ways,'' Nexus explained.
Ah, then he definitely will not address his other ability now, Charles decided.
''Fascinating. If I may inquire. Do you just summon them or do you smith them and then store them in some sort of space,'' McCoy asked.
Nexus made a show of tilting his head slightly.
''You know... That is a actually a good question. I don't know,'' Nexus lied.
''You don't know?,'' asked McCoy.
''Well, I certainly don't smith them. But aside from that? No, I don't know. Maybe my will just forces them to materialize or maybe I summon them from another place to my position. Trust me, I have tried many things and explored my powers. I don't know,'' Nexus shamelessly lied more.
''Do you possess the X-Gene? I am the forefront expert when it come to it. Maybe with our help, you could gather some insight?,'' Charles readily offered.
''How did you know about the X-Gene and the X-Mansion?,'' Logan suddenly asked sharply.
''I didn't. But you know who did? HYDRA. They were eyeing this place, as if it was the Goose who was laying golden eggs,'' Nexus smoothly answered.
Logan growled and forced himself to step forward despite his instincts creaming at him to run and grabbed Nexus by the collar. The others tensed as Logans knuckles were pointing at his throat, ready to reveal the deception in his move.
''Logan...,'' Charles pleaded.
''I don't appreciate being lied to, bub. maybe I should undo your work by revealing to the world that HYDRA still existed,'' Logan growled.
''Do it,'' Nexus nonchalantly challenged.
''What?''
''Do it. Scream the truth to everyone in hearing range. Write it on the surface of the moon, if you must. Go on television. The damage is done. The public already made their opinions. They seldom change their views, not without some sort of great event.
Only a handful of people know the truth.
And even then, you think the governments will let the truth come out? Come on, Mr Howlett. You lived for near 300 years. You have seen the good of humanity and the worst. You think the governments will allow themselves to appear weak, made to dance like puppets on strings by such a small group? No. The will simply write you of as a conspiracy theorist. Hmmm, then again with how incompetent governments sometimes are they may very well cause the Streisand Effect.
So, I guess... Good luck on the dice roll,'' Nexus grabbed Logans wrist and removed it from his collar. Left unsaid that he will make VERY sure the government would not cause the Streisand Effect, quietly and from the shadows. As if he would let leeches ruin his work.
With a scowl Logan stepped back. Just his luck that the guy realized he had nothing to actually threaten him with. And with his instincts screaming at him, he doubted he would have done any harm with his claws too.
The others let a collective sigh of relief at the deescalation.
''As for your question, Mr.Xavier. No I do not have the X-Gene. I have my own way of finding out. Still,I appreciate the sentiment,'' Nexus redirected the conversation back on track.
''Fascinating. And yet you still have powers. You are either a different species or a mutate. Alas, I shall not pry,'' Xavier offered another olive branch, aside from not asking about his 'empty' mind. Logan nearly soured a possible alliance.
''Have the children settled well in your mansion,'' Nexus asked.
''They have. Sure, some of them are skittish. And some are terrified of vaccines. Understandably. But otherwise, yes, they have settled well,'' Ororo replied causing Nexus to nod.
''I want to make an offer. There is no reason for there to be any animosity between us. We can be allies. I can train the X-men. Impart some experience onto them,'' Nexus suddenly offered.
Instead of immediately denying, the others looked at Xavier while he was stroking his chin thinking his offer over.
''Hm, we already have quiet a few teachers to train the X-Men. What exactly do you wish to teach them?,'' he asked.
''Hammers were once used to crack stone and axes to cut wood. Only swords are specifically designed to kill. Obviously I will not harm the children, I have great control over my abilities, but they can learn much by fighting someone like me. One that moves with the intent to kill,'' Nexus explained.
''We already train them as if we plan on killing them,'' Bucky answered.
''But do you possess my variety or my versatility? You can teach them the technique, I will see it applied in the heat of battle. We will see then, their mettle be it Damascus steel or brittle iron,'' Nexus challenged.
''It ... may not be such a bad idea actually. We only have so many battle veterans on hand and Ororo and I are often too occupied with other duties to fight them. The Danger Room is also just that, a simulation room. It will teach them much, but never be the real world. It can only conjure so many things before they have encountered all the variations,'' McCoy pointed out to Xavier.
''You think I should take his offer then?,'' Xavier asked.
''I do. Besides, I believe him. You saw him create that blade boat on television. He will not hurt anyone. You really won't, will you?,'' Hank answered an also asked Nexus.
''I won't. They will be safe and unharmed, maybe some bruises here and there but nothing more,'' Nexus assured him.
''Hmm. I do have to admit, you are one intriguing person. I do wish to converse some more with you. And you also have demonstrated great skill with your abilities and creativity. Very well. Will yo accept what I pay Logan or Bucky?,'' Xavier asked him. If nothing else it would make Nexus' visits more regular instead of the sporadic ones they currently were.
''I admit, I am not entirely selfless with my offer. I will not say my real reason, rest assured however, that I do not mean anyone harm. I merely wish to satiate a curiosity of mine. Do you still wish to offer me payment,'' Nexus asked him, not feeling quiet alright with taking advantage of them. They were not assholes and quiet friendly, minus one.
''I still wish to pay you. But, if that is the case. I wish to propose a little wager. These three already know you will train them and so will the rest of the X-men. You on the other hand, will be left clueless to their abilities. It is only fair under these circumstances. Unless you wish to merely take the gold and help without satisfying your curiosity,'' Xavier said.
Oh. Not much of a wager then. Nexus knew of all their abilities thanks to hacking them years ago as Raezen and reading the medical files.
''I will take you wager. I will drop by, every Saturday and Sunday then. And I will give a weeks notice in advance if I can't come. Does that sound agreeable to you?,'' Nexus offered his hand.
It was going to be an oral contract, they both knew. A contract could hardly be binding if one used a fake name.
''Most agreeable. In that case, feel free to come and go to the mansion as you please. Within reason, of course. Now then, we have taken up enough of your time. Feel free to visit Young Laura at your leisure,'' the others said their goodbyes and left him alone.
Well, not all of them. Katherine and Jean were still with him.
''Oh!? Oh, sorry, I like zoned there. Hehehe. I will... go now and leave you two alone,'' Katherine bolted through the wall with her intangibility before Nexus could say anything.
Weirdos all around him. Another mystery to solve then, Nexus determined.
''Jean, could you let go?,'' Nexus asked politely.
''No.''
Sometimes the simplest solutions worked the best. There was no reason to get angry, when he could just directly ask.
''May I know why?,'' Nexus asked her.
She tensed and looked ashamed away from him, but she still clung to his arm. Actually she was tightening her grip a little.
''I... I just like you!,'' she suddenly blurted.
''Lets have sex then,'' Nexus bluntly declared causing her to turn scarlet. Nexus chuckled mirthfully.
''You should work on your lying skills. Jean, there is no reason to be ashamed. I wish to help you, not ridicule you. Please, tell me why you cling to me like a koala,'' Nexus tried assuring her.
''I'm not clinging to you like a koala,'' she muttered, but then spoke normally again,'' Not here. Come with me.''
...
Jean dragged him across the meadow into the forest. After a short walk, they arrived at a small lake with a bank. It was quiet here and serene too.
''Do you really promise not to freak out?,'' Jean asked hesitantly, fidgeting with her hands, finally letting go of his arm after both sat down.
''You would be surprised what it would take to actually freak me out. Hit me,'' Nexus tried undoing the tension a little.
Jean gave a small sigh and tried steeling her nerves.
''I ... I can hear voices. I am a telepath,'' Jean told him, fearing his reaction. It was clear to her that he would not tolerate her actions if there was not a good reason for them. He was patient and polite. But how patient would he be if he was left in the dark? It also helped that the other things she wanted to share with Nexus.
Whaaaaaaat? No way!
Yeah, he totally knew that already thanks to the files.
''Ok,'' he merely said with a deadpan voice.
Jean was startled for a bit at his reaction, but she was quickly emboldened by his reaction.
''I can control it too, but not matter how hard I try I never get enough control over my abilities to use it consciously only. I use it unconsciously too. Small mental probes all the time causing me to hear everyones thoughts. I even unwillingly tried entering your mind the very first time we met,'' Jean began explaining.
Cue tires coming to a halt and screeching sound.
What?
That was not in her files. Besides his defenses also included unconscious mental probes as a consideration and yet her felt nothing.
Did that mean that she was a far more powerful telepath then Xavier? Was she a case similar to the Web of Life and Destiny where the probes where so fine it slipped his notice?
''BUT,'' She hastily continued,''I didn't enter. I didn't enter, I assure you. I don't know how or if you are doing it willingly, but your mind is completely ...'empty' No! I don't meant that in an insulting way. I mean that nothing can enter your mind. Furthermore there is a sort of aura around you. When I am very near you, it dulls the voices of others. It is not like you, where it is complete silence, but it is still much better compared to before.''
Well, that answered some of his questions in this mystery, but it also opened up others.
What caused her affliction?
Naturally he would help.He did say he came to like helping people.
''I see. That is quiet cruel of you. To play with my heart like that and give me false hope, while in actuality you are only using me for your own gain. Tsk,'' Nexus theatrically turned his head.
Jean snorted seeing through his ruse.
''So you are not angry?,'' she asked anyway.
''No, I can understand the desire for quiet and peace. I can not fault you for it any more then I can fault the sun rising in the east. It is natural. i am willing to help, but i do wish to find a permanent solution to your situation,'' Nexus told her.
Jean sighed in despair.
''We already tried everything. Training, all the way to technology. Nothing works,'' Jean lamented.
''Hm. Be that as it may. Perhaps with my unconventional ability we may make some progress yet,'' Nexus told her.
She looked down for a moment, before looking at the lake.
''You know... You are not what I imagined. I imagined some stoic hero drenched in blood, from what your rescued victims told me. Turns out you are actually are really nice guy under all that cloth, huh? Will you really try to help me? What if we never find a solution? I don't want to lose this,'' Jean asked him, hanging her head further.
''My offer from before still stands,'' Nexus joked and she whipped her head towards him causing him to chuckle.
''Sorry, sorry. I was told I have a really screwed sense of humor. Besides, I have a girlfriend and I don't plan on cheating on her. Look, Jean, I am very confident we will succeed. Soon enough you will back upon all this and laugh yourself silly. I am certain of that,'' Nexus borderline promised her.
Oh, he has a girlfriend. Of course he does. There goes her hope, dashed against a rock. If she could have ...seduced him, it would have solved her issues. Because frankly? She did not share his enthusiasm. Guess it was back to acting as everyone expected of her.
Wait...
A girlfriend?
That... that was not right. He never had a girlfriend.
Wait what?
Jean slightly shook her head. Where did that thought come from?
''Tell me of your girlfriend please,'' something possessed her to ask.
''Well, obviously I can't tell you TOO much. Secret identity and all that. But... I love her. She is dutiful and has a strong character with a strong sense of justice. And silly. Sometimes she finds fault in the weirdest places where there are none. It really frustrates me to see her put herself down like this, but I guess I understand. I was much the same before she dragged me out of that dreary place,'' Nexus reminisced fondly. Some details were left vague on purpose. Gwen did not drag him out, she motivated him to seek help.
But surely a small lie of omission would be acceptable.
Jean listened with rapt attention, her chest getting heavier and heavier the more he talked. Until finally it turned into raging fire. Was it anger? Or jealousy?
But why? Jean was confused.
How was that fair? She was ready to dedicate herself to him. They were meant to be together. Why did some randOM WHORE GET TO HIM FIRST? SHE WANTED TO FIND HER AND BURN HER. INCINERATE HER UNTIL THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT. SHE WANTED TO MELT HER GUTS AND HER EYES AND EVERY PIECE OF FLESH PIECE BY PIECE!
WHY? WHY?!!!
HOW WAS SOME RANDOM WHORE BETTER THEN HER?
Jean strongly shook her head as a headache started forming.
''Jean?,'' Nexus asked her with concerned caution.
''I...Sorry, I guess we have to cut this interaction short. We will speak another time,'' Jean bolted immediately after saying her goodbyes.
As she was walking away, the same rage overcame her as before. Just like the last time the two separated from each other.
Nexus stood up and watched her run away from him.
He watched her with narrowed eyes behind his mask. For a brief moment Jean was registered as a hostile by his defenses.
He wouldn't necessarily call her a friend, more of a good acquaintance, but she dd not give him the impression that she wanted to harm him. And even then, why so briefly for that matter?
No.
Nexus was absolutely certain that there was far more to this mystery then a mere lack of control.
He checked the time as Raezen and grumbled.
So much for visiting Laura.
Hm, it was fine. He was coming back in two days anyways. He can pick up the matter again from there.
For now though, it was better to return home.
He cut open the space in front of him with a sword and left the place.
(A.N.: 10727 words. Up till now, we have seen Bell achieve his objectives with (relative) ease. Minus a few hiccups. And while that is true, two things can be true simultaneously. He is also SO out of his depth on some matters. I hope I was able to convey that. Anyway, hope you enjoyed reading that. Cheers.)