[Third Person Pov]
After everyone had exited the X-Men jet, the basketball court beneath it began to split apart with a low, resonant mechanical hum. The polished surface folded back in precise segments, revealing the concealed hangar below as the aircraft slowly descended. Within moments, the jet vanished from sight, swallowed by the depths of the facility. The court slid back into place just as seamlessly, leaving no trace that anything had disturbed it at all. By the time the final panels locked together, Spider-Man and the others were already making their way toward the school grounds.
Gwen and Peter naturally fell into step beside Professor Xavier as they headed toward the main building, Ice Man guiding his wheelchair along the smooth pathway.
"It's honestly an honor to meet you, Professor Xavier," Gwen said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice. "I've wanted to meet you and have a proper discussion with you ever since I read your thesis—and your published papers—on genetic mutations and evolutionary divergence."
Professor Xavier turned slightly in his chair, blinking in genuine surprise before a warm, pleased smile crossed his face. "My goodness," he said, directing his full attention toward her. "I must admit, I don't often hear my research mentioned outside of academic circles—certainly not with such enthusiasm."
"What interested me the most," Peter added as he joined the conversation, "was your theory regarding the origin of the X-Gene and how it might act as a catalyst rather than a direct cause."
Felicia let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh no," she muttered, folding her arms. "They're going to geek out and start talking in what might as well be an alien language—the one language the rest of us definitely don't speak. Nerd"
"Really?" Kitty asked curiously, glancing between Gwen and Peter. "You consider those two nerds? They didn't exactly give off that impression."
Felicia nodded firmly. "They're the biggest nerds you'll ever meet. Don't let their casual, cool attitude fool you."
"Well, we've got a nerd of our own, don't we?" Kitty teased as she affectionately patted Hank on the arm.
"Nerd is such a derogatory term," Hank replied, adjusting his glasses as he placed them back on his face. "I much prefer the term scientist, personally. Or perhaps intellectually gifted"
"Well then," Lizzy said with a weary but hopeful smile, "I just hope they can keep the conversation to something I can understand. I'd really like to know if I can learn more about my powers here."
"Wait—what?" Jean interjected, surprise flashing across her face as Lizzy's words drew everyone's attention. "Do you mean to say you're a mutant?"
"Huh?" Lizzy blinked, startled by the sudden focus. She then smiled shyly and rubbed the back of her head. "Oh… yeah. I'm just like all of you. I'm a mutant. My powers are a result of the X-Gene."
Her admission instantly sparked the group's curiosity, and they began bombarding her with questions all at once.
"How long have you been a mutant?!"
"You've seriously been operating openly as a superhero?"
"How haven't you been caught?!"
"What level mutant are you? Have you been tested?"
"What exactly is your mutation?"
"Whoa, whoa—easy!" Nightwing intervened quickly, stepping in when he noticed Lizzy shrinking under the attention. "You're overwhelming her."
"He's right," Cyclops added firmly as he looked over the group. "You all know better than to behave this way."
Nightcrawler scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, ja. We were just excited to learn that one of the heroes we always see on TV is… well, just like us."
"We're sorry for suddenly ganging up on you," Jean said apologetically, noticing how Lizzy had instinctively moved closer to Nightwing for support.
"It's fine," Lizzy said softly, though confusion crept into her expression. "But… is it really such a big deal that I'm a mutant?"
The group exchanged uncertain glances, no one immediately sure how to answer. Storm was the one who finally spoke, her voice calm and measured.
"It is far more significant than you realize," she said gently. "Based on your question, it is clear you have not faced the prejudice that often comes with being born a mutant—being feared for powers you never asked for, sometimes even by your own family. Abilities beyond your control can inspire awe, but more often, they inspire fear. And that," she finished quietly, "is never a pretty thing."
Nightcrawler nodded solemnly in agreement, his tail flicking faintly behind him. "Mozt of uz don't exactly have the privilege of juzt walking out in the open without being looked at funny," he said quietly. "Being called a freak… not having a place to call home. For many of uz, that iz the norm."
"I knew from Spidey that mutants weren't exactly treated well," Lizzy said softly, her expression clouded with genuine concern. "But I had no idea it was that bad…"
"It's far worse than just 'bad,'" Logan muttered as he turned away from the group, already heading toward a direction that wasn't the main building but one adjacent. "You stop being treated like a person. You're either a weapon they think they can control—or one they're afraid they can't." He glanced back only briefly. "There's damn near no in-between."
The group watched him walk ahead, leading the Juggernaut along as he entered the building first, his broad shoulders tense with old anger and unhealed scars. Lizzy and the rest of the Spider-Family couldn't help but feel a growing curiosity about his past. From the bitterness in his tone alone, it was clear his story was anything but pleasant.
Professor Xavier released a quiet sigh as the heavy tension settled over everyone. He turned toward Peter and Gwen, his expression apologetic yet understanding. "Let us continue our discussion regarding genetic mutation another day, when we have more time," he said gently. "In the meantime, why don't we give you a tour of the school? It will help you become more acquainted—and comfortable—with how we operate here."
Everyone agreed, the mood easing slightly. Peter gave Charles a thumbs-up. "Nice save, Professor."
Charles's cheek twitched with amusement as he replied warmly, "Thank you, Spider-Man"
As they entered through the front doors, they were greeted by a crowd of students waiting inside. Most of them were younger children, their eyes wide with awe as they stared at the Spider-Family alongside the X-Men with open admiration. Kids ranging from five to fourteen quickly gathered around them, while the older students lingered by the stairwell or leaned against the railings, watching with detached curiosity.
"Spider-Man! Spider-Man! Can I get your autograph?!"
"Can you sign my notebook, please?"
"Please, can I take a picture with you?"
With most of the attention focused squarely on Spider-Man, the others looked on in mild amusement. "They really seem to like Spider-Man," MJ said, chuckling as Peter struggled to respond to everyone at once, turning in slow circles as hands and notebooks were thrust toward him.
"That's because some of them are children he's rescued before," Jean explained with a faint, knowing smile. "They've developed a special fondness for him."
"They love me! They really, really love me!" Peter declared dramatically, pretending to sob as he struck an exaggerated pose. "Finally—in your face, Nightwing!"
Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't stop himself from snickering.
Scott and Storm were about to gently usher everyone along so they could move on to lunch, but both Harry and Gwen raised a hand in unison, smiling at the wholesome chaos.
"Let him have his moment," Harry said with a grin.
"Do you… do you remember me?" a small boy asked hesitantly. Faint scars lined his arms, partially hidden beneath his sleeves.
Peter's lenses curved upward, mimicking a smile, as he crouched down and gently ruffled the boy's hair. "Of course I do," he said warmly. "You were the fifth kid in line when Ghost-Spider and I rescued everyone from that mansion. I was singing 'Follow the Leader' to keep you calm while we got you out." He chuckled. "You even tripped going up the stairs. I never forget a face, especially those I had the great fortune of saving"
The boy flushed red with embarrassment—but his heart swelled with joy at being remembered.
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