League of Avengers

May's tea cup hadn't moved in exactly six minutes and twenty-three seconds. Peter knew because he'd been staring at it, finding the delicate floral pattern far less intimidating than his aunt's expression as she reviewed the mission briefing on the tablet. The common room was unusually quiet – even Thor had picked up on the tension and was attempting to be still, though his fingers drummed restlessly against Mjolnir's handle.

"So," May finally said, looking up at the assembled group. "You want to send my nephew on a simultaneous raid of three different facilities run by mad scientists who are specifically targeting people with enhanced abilities."

Bruce shifted uncomfortably. "When you put it that way..."

"How else should I put it?" May's voice was carefully controlled. "Because I've read this briefing three times now, and that seems to be exactly what you're proposing. This isn't a bank robbery or a weapons smuggling operation – the kinds of situations he's been training for. This is a full-scale assault on multiple fortified locations."

"May," Pepper intervened smoothly, "perhaps we could discuss the safety protocols that have been put in place? Jean Grey is one of the most experienced—"

"With all due respect to the X-Men," May interrupted, "that's not the point. Yes, Peter's handled himself well in the smaller missions. Yes, he's been training consistently. But this is different. You're talking about coordinating with an entirely different team, against an enemy that's specifically studying how to neutralize powers like his."

Peter wanted to protest that he'd proven himself during last week's incident with the arms dealers, that the training sessions with Ahri and Natasha had significantly improved his combat awareness. But something in May's expression kept him quiet.

From his position near the window, Darius spoke up. "Ms. Parker, if I may?" At May's nod, he continued, "In Noxus, we have a saying: 'Steel sharpens steel.' Your nephew has natural talent, yes, but more importantly, he has demonstrated good judgment. During the warehouse raid last Thursday, he prioritized civilian safety over pursuit of the targets. That kind of instinct cannot be taught."

"He's right," Natasha added. "Peter's not going in blind or untested. He's worked several operations with us now, learned our protocols. The X-Men may be new partners, but the basic principles remain the same."

"And he won't be alone," Ahri interjected from where she'd been quietly observing. "Jean's telepathic abilities will keep the entire team connected. After seeing how quickly Peter adapted to our chaos-based training scenarios, I believe he'll work well with her powers."

May's expression softened slightly as she looked at Peter. "I know you can handle yourself. Those YouTube videos from before you joined the team made that clear enough, even if they did give me heart attacks." She sighed. "But this A.I.M. group... the things they've been doing to enhanced individuals..."

"That's exactly why we need him," Tony stepped forward, his usual glibness absent. "There are kids missing, May. Kids with abilities like Peter's. And we need his specific skills for this to work. The facility layouts, the security systems – they're designed to counter conventional approaches. Peter's movement abilities, combined with his experience in improvisational tactics..."

"You mean his tendency to ignore the laws of physics and common sense simultaneously?" May's lips twitched slightly.

"It's a gift," Peter offered with a small grin, relieved to see May's tension easing.

"More like a genetic predisposition toward giving me gray hairs." May set down the tablet. "Alright. Tell me more about these modifications to his suit."

For the next hour, Tony and Bruce walked May through the enhanced protective features, improved communications systems, and emergency protocols they'd implemented. Sejuani, who had been silently assessing the situation from her position near the door, occasionally offered suggestions based on her experience with extreme environmental conditions. Peter tried not to wince as May asked increasingly specific questions about backup systems and worst-case scenarios.

Finally, May turned to Jean Grey, who had joined them partway through the briefing. "You'll be in direct mental contact with his team the entire time?"

"Yes," Jean confirmed. "I can monitor their status, coordinate movements, and provide immediate support if needed. The mental link also allows for silent communication, which will be crucial given A.I.M.'s sophisticated security systems."

May was quiet for a long moment, studying Peter's face. Finally, she sighed. "Promise me something?"

"Anything."

"When Jean tells you to do something, you do it. Immediately. No clever improvisations, no last-minute heroics. You follow her lead."

"I promise," Peter said solemnly, trying not to show his relief too obviously.

"And you," May turned to Tony, "I want updates. Continuous ones."

"Already arranged. JARVIS will keep you informed of his status throughout the operation. We've also established emergency extraction protocols for each team – Garen and Thor can provide immediate heavy support if needed, and both facilities are within range of the Quinjet's rapid response capabilities."

May picked up her tea cup at last, taking a careful sip. "Then I suppose you better show me these extraction plans. In detail."

---

Six hours later, Peter stood in the armory, double-checking his web-shooter configurations while trying not to think too hard about the time. In less than eight hours, they'd be hitting the A.I.M. facilities. Around him, the preparation hub was a study in organized chaos.

Garen and Thor were conducting last-minute checks on their communications equipment – the Demacian warrior had adapted quickly to Stark's technology over the past few weeks, though he still occasionally forgot about the mute button during tactical discussions. Sejuani was reviewing facility layouts with Natasha, Bristle occasionally nudging the tablet with his snout as if offering strategic input. The massive boar had proven surprisingly adept at breaching operations, though Peter suspected tonight's mission required more subtlety than their usual approach.

"Your aunt is formidable," Jean Grey observed, making Peter jump slightly. He hadn't heard her approach over the general activity. "Sorry – still getting used to everyone's mental signatures. Yours is particularly... dynamic."

"It's okay," Peter assured her quickly, hoping he wasn't broadcasting his nervousness too loudly. "And yeah, May's... protective. Though I think having Ahri and Sejuani around has actually helped. She likes that they don't sugarcoat things."

"Honesty often does help," Jean smiled, moving to examine the array of equipment laid out on the workbench. "Though I suspect she knows you better than you think. She didn't actually try to stop you from going – just wanted to ensure you had proper support."

Peter blinked, realizing Jean was right. May had demanded safety protocols, updates, and promises of caution – but she hadn't once suggested he shouldn't participate. Maybe she'd accepted his superhero career more than he'd realized.

"The real question," Jean continued, picking up one of the web cartridges, "is whether you're ready to work with a telepath. It can be... intimate, especially in combat situations. Different from the kind of awareness Ahri's been helping you develop."

"Natasha mentioned something about that. About my spider-sense maybe interacting weirdly?"

Jean nodded. "I'd like to try a quick test, if you're willing? Nothing invasive, just a simple mental connection so we can establish baselines. The better prepared we are, the smoother the actual operation will go."

Peter hesitated only briefly before nodding. "What do I need to do?"

"Just relax and—" Jean stopped abruptly, her eyes widening slightly. "That's interesting."

"What? What's interesting?" Peter tried not to panic. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No, quite the opposite." Jean set down the web cartridge. "Your mind is... remarkably adaptable. Most people instinctively resist first contact, but your spider-sense seems to recognize it as non-threatening. Almost like..."

"Like what?"

"Like it's been waiting for this." Jean's expression grew thoughtful. "The enhanced awareness, the precognitive warnings – your abilities already operate on a level beyond normal consciousness. Adding telepathic coordination might actually enhance your spider-sense rather than interfere with it."

"Makes sense," Ahri commented, approaching with a tablet displaying Peter's latest training data. "His reactions during chaos integration exercises suggested his abilities could adapt to different types of sensory input. A direct mental link could streamline the process considerably."

Before Peter could process that, Darius entered with Natasha, both reviewing data on a holographic display. The Noxian commander had grown comfortable with Stark's technology over the past few weeks, though he still preferred physical maps for initial strategy sessions.

"The latest intel from Beast," Natasha announced, expanding the display so everyone could see. "They've detected irregularities in the power signatures at all three facilities. Could indicate they're preparing to move equipment – or worse, test subjects."

"How much does this change the timeline?" Garen asked, joining the group.

"We'll find out at the final briefing in an hour. For now, complete your equipment checks. Peter?" Natasha's expression softened slightly. "May asked me to remind you about your promise."

Peter nodded, turning back to his web-shooters. Follow Jean's lead. No improvisations. No heroics.

Near the door, Bristle snorted what sounded suspiciously like skepticism. Peter couldn't exactly blame him – their previous missions had demonstrated that plans rarely survived first contact with the enemy. But this was different. This wasn't a standard bank robbery or weapons bust. Kids' lives were at stake.

He just hoped A.I.M. got the same memo about sticking to the plan.

——————————————

A short while later

Peter had just finished double-checking his backup web cartridges when Tony called everyone for the final briefing. The conference room was more crowded than usual – between the Avengers, their interdimensional allies, and the X-Men joining via secure video link, nearly every seat was taken. Even Bristle had managed to squeeze through the reinforced doorway, though he seemed less than thrilled about the tight quarters.

"Latest intel confirms our timeline," Tony began without preamble, expanding a holographic display of the three facilities. "Power signatures at all locations are showing increased activity. Beast?"

The blue-furred mutant adjusted his glasses, gesturing to several data streams. "The energy patterns suggest they're either preparing to move equipment or beginning a new phase of testing. Neither scenario is acceptable given what we know about their research methods."

"Jean's team will take the western facility," Steve continued, highlighting sections of the map. "The layout favors mobility and stealth – Peter, that's where your abilities will be crucial. The security systems are designed to track conventional movement patterns."

"Which is why web-slinging will give us an edge," Jean added through the video feed. "Their sensors won't be calibrated for your unique approach vectors."

"Assuming the kid remembers his promise about following orders," Logan growled, though there was a hint of approval in his expression.

"May made me sign a contract," Peter admitted. "I think Pepper helped with the wording."

"Smart woman," Natasha commented. "Both of them."

Tony expanded the facility schematics, highlighting key entry points and security measures. "The good news is their power requirements are predictable. When their systems sync at 0200, we'll have a ninety-second window where their secondary generators are vulnerable. The bad news..."

"Their main defense grid operates independently," Bruce finished, pointing to several reinforced sections. "And based on the energy readings, they've developed countermeasures specifically designed for enhanced individuals."

"Which is why coordination between teams is crucial," Xavier's voice carried that particular mix of authority and calm that always made Peter sit up straighter. "Jean, Scott, and Logan will maintain telepathic links within their respective teams. This isn't just about disabling their research – we need to ensure any captives are located and secured quickly."

Peter tried not to think too hard about what A.I.M. might have done to their test subjects. The fragments of information they'd uncovered about the organization's "research methods" had been disturbing enough.

"One last thing," Tony pulled up a new set of data streams. "JARVIS detected unusual energy spikes at two of the facilities last week. Pattern matches some of the temporal anomalies we've been tracking since our interdimensional guests arrived."

That got everyone's attention. Garen and Darius exchanged glances while Ahri's tails twitched with obvious concern. Even Sejuani straightened, one hand moving to rest on her flail.

"You think they're trying to replicate the portal technology?" Bruce asked, frowning at the readings.

"Or they're attempting to study its effects on enhanced individuals," Beast suggested grimly. "The energy signatures aren't strong enough for stable portals, but even unstable temporal fields could be devastating if weaponized."

"All the more reason to shut them down now," Steve concluded. "Teams move out in six hours. Get some rest, check your gear one last time. And Peter?"

"Yeah?"

"May asked me to remind you about something involving a pinky swear and Thor's hammer?"

Peter groaned while several others tried to hide their amusement. "It wasn't even my idea! Thor said it would make it extra binding if Mjolnir was involved..."

"Speaking of binding agreements," Tony interrupted, "JARVIS, start final equipment checks. And someone make sure Thor remembers the new protocols about lightning near sensitive equipment this time?"

As the room began to clear, Peter caught Jean's eye on the screen. The telepath gave him a reassuring nod, and he felt that same gentle brush against his consciousness – like his spider-sense, but somehow warmer, more focused. Tomorrow would test everything he'd learned these past weeks, but at least he wasn't facing it alone.

Now he just had to survive the next six hours without accidentally triggering any more pinky-swear-related divine contracts. Though given Thor's enthusiasm for Midgardian customs lately, that might be easier said than done...

———————————————

The pre-mission hours seemed to drag, but Peter had never felt time move quite this slowly before. After the briefing, he'd tried to follow Steve's advice about getting rest, but his mind kept racing through scenarios. The fact that his enhanced metabolism made sleep difficult at the best of times didn't help.

He found himself in the training room at midnight, running through basic web-slinging patterns. The familiar motions were almost meditative, helping to quiet the endless loop of "what-ifs" cycling through his head. He'd just completed a particularly complex sequence when he sensed someone watching.

"Your form has improved," Ahri observed from the doorway. "Though your left shoulder still drops slightly on the diagonal swings."

"I thought you'd be resting," Peter landed lightly, trying not to look guilty about being awake.

"Different realm, different sleep cycles," she shrugged, her tails swaying gently as she entered the room. "Besides, pre-mission vigilance is hardly a bad thing. Unless..." her eyes narrowed slightly, "you're planning to exhaust yourself before the operation?"

"No! I just..." Peter gestured vaguely. "Keep thinking about those kids. What A.I.M. might be doing to them."

"Understandable. But letting your imagination torture you won't help them." Ahri's expression softened. "Come on. If you're going to be awake anyway, we might as well do something productive."

She led him to the meditation area they'd been using for their chaos integration training. The space was dimly lit, peaceful despite the underlying tension throughout the compound. To Peter's surprise, Sejuani was already there, methodically cleaning her armor while Bristle dozed nearby.

"Couldn't sleep either?" Peter asked, settling into a cross-legged position.

The Winter's Wrath snorted softly. "Sleep is a luxury in war. Better to use this time for preparation." She glanced up from her work. "Though your aunt might disagree."

"May's probably still awake too," Peter admitted. "Going over the evacuation protocols with Pepper for the hundredth time."

"She channels her concern productively," Ahri noted, arranging herself gracefully opposite Peter. "Now, shall we work on incorporating Jean's telepathic signature into your awareness? The more familiar you are with it before the mission, the smoother things will go."

Peter nodded, closing his eyes as Ahri began guiding him through the now-familiar exercises. They'd spent weeks working on expanding his spider-sense, teaching him to process multiple types of incoming information without becoming overwhelmed. The gentle pressure of Jean's telepathic touch was different from Ahri's essence manipulation, but the underlying principles were similar.

"Good," Ahri murmured after several minutes. "You're adapting quickly. Try maintaining awareness of both our energies simultaneously."

Peter focused, feeling the distinct signatures – Ahri's wild, fox-fire warmth and Jean's more structured, crystalline presence in his mind. His spider-sense seemed to weave them together, creating a more comprehensive awareness of his surroundings.

"Interesting," Jean's actual voice made him jump slightly. She stood in the doorway with Bruce, both carrying tablets. "Sorry to interrupt, but we've got updates on the power signatures. We need everyone in the command center."

Peter's stomach clenched. "They're moving up the timeline?"

"Too early to tell," Bruce answered, though his expression was grim. "But there's definitely increased activity at all three sites."

As they hurried toward the command center, Peter caught fragments of urgent conversations. Tony and Beast were debating energy patterns via video link. Thor's voice carried from the armory, discussing tactical approaches with Garen. Even Bristle seemed more alert, following close behind Sejuani with none of his usual reluctance about indoor spaces.

The next few hours would determine everything. Peter just hoped all their preparation would be enough.

"Remember," Ahri said quietly as they entered the command center, "chaos isn't always the enemy. Sometimes it creates opportunities we'd never see otherwise."

Peter nodded, squaring his shoulders as they joined the others around the holographic displays. Whatever A.I.M. was planning, they'd face it together. And maybe, just maybe, his tendency to improvise would prove useful after all – even if he had sworn on Thor's hammer to follow Jean's lead.

He just hoped May would understand if keeping that promise proved more complicated than expected.