The rooftop felt strangely quiet after Spider-Man's words. Silvanna's hands trembled faintly, though she quickly curled them into fists to hide it.
"You're really here…" she whispered, her voice wavering between relief and disbelief. "After everything, after the serpents… I thought maybe…"
Spider-Man tilted his head, his gaze softening beneath the mask. "Hey. I'm still here. Still standing. Guess I'm not so easy to get rid of." His tone carried a familiar mix of warmth and exhaustion, like someone who'd carried too many battles but still found strength to smile.
Aurora glanced at Vanessa, who leaned against Juggernaut, clearly intrigued. Neither of them had ever seen Silvanna this vulnerable.
Hiro folded his arms, watching carefully. Baymax hummed beside him, recording vitals with clinical precision.
"Silvanna," Aurora asked gently, "how do you two know each other?"
Silvanna drew a long breath, then met Aurora's eyes. "He and I fought side by side years ago. Not in this world, but… one very much like it. We weren't just allies. We trusted each other with our lives."
Spider-Man's smile turned wistful. "She's one of the toughest people I've ever met. Stronger than she gives herself credit for. Blood powers and all."
At that, Vanessa perked up, curiosity flashing in her golden eyes. "So you've really fought together? Then… maybe we're not total strangers after all."
Spider-Man's gaze shifted to her, narrowing slightly. His instincts screamed caution—someone new, dangerous-looking, standing beside Juggernaut of all people.
"Who are you?" he asked, voice lower, guarded.
Vanessa stepped forward, chin held high. "Vanessa. Daughter of Cain Marko. Juggernaut."
Spider-Man stiffened. He looked at Juggernaut, then back at her. "You're telling me you're his daughter?"
Juggernaut grunted, crossing his arms. "Got a problem with that, webhead?"
Spider-Man took a step back, shaking his head. "No… just—wow. Guess multiverse family trees are a lot messier than I thought."
Aurora, sensing the tension, stepped between them. "Listen, I know this all sounds insane. Different worlds, different versions of heroes and villains. But we're here for one reason: finding you. Because in our world, you went missing. And without you, everything nearly fell apart."
Spider-Man looked at her then—really looked. His eyes flicked over her posture, her stance, the way she carried herself. There was something odd, something almost familiar.
"…And you?" he asked. "Who are you supposed to be?"
Aurora straightened. "My name is Aurora. My power is… complicated. I can copy abilities, fighting styles, strengths. But I don't kill. Ever. That's my line."
The admission hung in the air, heavy.
Spider-Man studied her silently for a moment longer, then finally nodded. "…Alright. I'll give you a chance. If Silvanna trusts you, that means something. But trust isn't free—you'll have to earn it."
Aurora's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Fair enough."
Hiro exhaled in relief. "Okay, so maybe no one's punching each other through buildings today. Good start."
Baymax added, "Trust is a gradual process. You are currently at 27% trust compatibility."
Juggernaut muttered, "What the hell does that mean?"
For the first time in what felt like ages, Spider-Man actually laughed. "It means we're not enemies. Not yet."
And for this strange, unlikely group—that was enough.