The Spider-Grind

The mansion bore the scars of battle. Walls were cracked, debris littered the floors, and the air was heavy with the aftermath of violence. The younger students sat in groups, their faces pale with shock and exhaustion. Some clung to each other for comfort, while others stared blankly at the chaos that had unfolded in their once-safe haven. The X-Men moved among them, offering reassurances and tending to minor injuries.

Forge and Beast worked tirelessly to restore the mansion's systems, their expertise invaluable in patching up the damage. While they focused on repairs, Gambit, and Nightcrawler returned from their respective missions, visibly worn but eager to assist. Iceman strolled in after a personal vacation, his usual easygoing demeanor dimmed by the sight of the destruction. And the kids who left for the field trip, returned with the initial enthusiasm replaced with the looks of loss and fear.

In the midst of the chaos, Gwen and Peter prepared to leave. Gwen adjusted her backpack, a mix of relief and guilt evident on her face. "We'll be back soon," she assured Ethan, her tone steady but her eyes betraying a hint of worry.

"Just need to check in with Aunt May and make sure everything's fine." Peter nodded, adjusting his backpack. "Yeah, and maybe grab some actual food." Offering a quick thumbs-up before the two departed, blending back into the normalcy of their civilian lives.

Ethan lingered in a quiet, dimly lit corner of the mansion, wrapping fresh bandages around his partially healed wounds. His body was recovering quickly thanks to his adaptive physiology, but he kept his rapid healing hidden from the others. He didn't want to reveal all his cards just yet. His mind, however, was far from the mansion or the battle.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. The text was from his mom—a reminder of a life he hadn't thought about in what felt like ages.

"I know you're still angry at me about the divorce and leaving so suddenly. I promise to come back soon and make it right."

Ethan stared at the message, his chest tightening. He didn't know what to feel, especially for this mom, he has never met. All he felt was a deep, gnawing sense of loss. This world, his powers, the battles—it all felt like a lifetime away from the boy he used to be, the boy who hadn't seen his family since his sudden reincarnation into this world. For a moment, he let himself wonder if he'd ever get the chance to reconcile with the family he had left behind.

His thoughts were interrupted by a familiar presence. Psylocke approached, her steps light but deliberate. "Mind if I join you?" she asked softly.

Ethan shrugged. "It's a free corner". He turned to see Psylocke standing nearby, her dark hair falling over her shoulder and her piercing violet eyes studying him carefully. She was dressed casually, a stark contrast to the warrior he'd fought alongside. Her presence was both calming and intimidating.

She sat beside him, her sharp eyes scanning his face. "You're good at hiding your pain, but I can still see it."

He let out a dry chuckle. "Guess I need to work on my poker face."

For a moment, they stood in silence. Then, with a softness that surprised him, Psylocke asked, "Family?"

He hesitated before nodding. "Yeah. My mom. Haven't seen her in a long time. She's...complicated."

Psylocke sat down beside him, her expression unreadable. "I get it," she said. "Family can be...messy. But it's worth trying to make things right. Trust me."

Ethan looked at her, something in her tone striking a chord. "Your family?"

She gave a bitter laugh. "Let's just say I've had my share of complications. But I learned that holding onto anger doesn't help anyone. Sometimes patience and silence, only makes the distance grow."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the weight of the world seemed to fade. Ethan felt a connection—something genuine, something real. Before he could second-guess himself, he leaned in slightly, and Psylocke met him halfway. Their lips brushed in a kiss that was both tentative and electric, a brief escape from the chaos surrounding them.

When they pulled away, neither of them spoke. Psylocke gave him a small smile, her usual confidence tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "You're full of surprises, Ethan."

"So are you," he replied, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within him.

---

Later, in the war room, a tired Professor Xavier and Storm, who just returned from the trip, joined the team meeting. The room buzzed with activity as Forge and Beast presented their findings. Maps and data covered the table, and the atmosphere was tense but focused.

Scott stood at the head of the table, his arms crossed as he addressed the team. "We've gathered valuable intel from the recent attack. Forge and Beast have pinpointed several potential locations based on samples collected from the ninjas and their equipment."

Beast nodded, adjusting his glasses. "We analyzed the blood, dirt, and metallic residues from their gear and cross-referenced it with known facilities in the region. We've narrowed it down to a high probability location."

Ethan, leaning against the wall, spoke up. "So, what's the plan? Hit it hard and fast?"

Scott shot him a sharp look. "This isn't just some street-level fight, Ethan. We need strategy, precision. Charging in recklessly will get people killed."

Ethan met his gaze evenly. "And hesitation will let them regroup. You said it yourself—timing is everything."

The tension in the room was palpable. Finally, Scott exhaled, his posture relaxing slightly. "You made the right call during the last fight," he admitted grudgingly. "But don't think for a second that makes you a better leader. Experience matters."

Ethan shrugged. "Never said it didn't. But sometimes instinct does, too."

Before the argument could escalate, Psylocke interjected. "Enough. We're on the same side, remember? Let's focus on the mission."

Jean placed a hand on Scott's arm, her voice soothing. "Let's focus on what's next. Arguing won't help."

The room fell silent, and Xavier's calm voice cut through the tension. "Ethan, Scott—both of you bring valuable perspectives to the table. Let's use that to our advantage."

Forge tapped the map, drawing attention back to the task at hand. "The facility is heavily guarded, but it's our best lead. If we act quickly, we might catch them off guard."

Ethan glanced at the map, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Then let's not waste time."

As the meeting adjourned, Psylocke gave him a knowing look, a small smile playing on her lips. Ethan returned it, feeling a spark of hope amidst the uncertainty. Whatever lay ahead, he knew they'd face it together.