Chapter 22

After the events in Harlem. Ace posted the video of him as OOO, Spider-Woman, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Hulk fighting Abomination. He edited the video in a way where the Hulk is seen as more heroic than a rampaging monster. Highlighting the teamwork between him and OOO. The people loved the video and some comments were shown praising Hulk. However, there were also people who did not like him for his appearance and monstrosity. Zea monitored the comments and controlled these types so they wouldn't spread.

A few days later. It was announced that Hulk was officially part of Avengers. This news spread like wildfire. Tony held a press conference to answer some questions. Many news outlets immediately attended. On the stage was Tony, Captain America, and Hulk wearing only pants. Hulk was uncomfortable with so many people looking at him. A lot of them looked at him in fear and he did not like that when he did not do anything.

A reporter asked Tony why the Hulk joined the Avengers and Tony responded. "The world is getting more dangerous and we need more firepower. Aliens invade us and many more powered individuals are appearing. Hulk here has a lot of muscle and wants to use it to protect Earth."

Another addressed Captain America about the possibility of Hulk going on a rampage. "This is a possibility, but after getting to know him. He is not that bad of an individual. He may have some anger issues, but unless provoked or backed into a corner. He won't recklessly harm people."

Hulk was then questioned why he joined the Avengers and the destruction he had caused in the years before. "Hulk kept running. Humans fear Hulk. Hulk knows. But Hulk was given a chance to protect by a friend. And Hulk wants to protect and no longer run."

The reporters were in silence from Hulk's response. A few more questions were asked before the press conference ended on a good note. Ace saw the whole thing and was happy for his new friend. He now has a chance for the people not to see him as a monster but as a hero soon enough.

…

In Midtown High, the usual group of friends of Ace were gathered. They are having lunch but Peter seems to be spacing out.

"What's wrong Peter?" Ace asked

"Huh, what?"

"What's got your head in the clouds? Come on tell us."

"Oh, it's just about Aunt May."

"What's the problem?"

"Well…"

Peter explained their lack of money. Aunt May is busy working on her job but they are going to run out of money to pay the bills soon. Peter wants to help his Aunt May pay the bills. So, he has been looking for a job ever since. He found a photography job in the Daily Bugle but Ace advised him not to.

"Hey, Peter don't you still have that business card of Dr. Connor? Why don't you contact him for a paid internship? He was interested in you and it might work."

"Right! I completely forgot about that! I'll contact him when I get home."

"So you're going to be a scientist now, Peter? I still remember how much you babble about chemicals and stuff when we were kids." said MJ nostalgic about her time with Peter when they were kids.

"Yeah, I guess I just talked a lot and you slept halfway through my lectures. Anyway, how is your blog MJ?"

"It is going great actually. A lot more people are reading my stories and I even got an invite from the Daily Bugle."

"Really, that is amazing news MJ." said Gwen happy for her friend.

"But isn't the Daily Bugle run by Jameson? He's a big jerk, working for him will be a total nightmare." said Peter.

Jameson has been calling Spider-Man and Spider-Woman every chance he gets. This made him and Gwen dislike him a lot. He also harrases Kamen Rider occasionally but due to his big online popularity and influence. He doesn't slander him much anymore. His new target however was the spider duo. He always calls them out and slanders them on television and on his podcast.

"Someday that jerk will give this woman her first job. Jameson is the biggest game in town. Kids like us need to be realistic Petey."

"I guess you have a point…" Peter didn't like MJ working for Jameson but it is a fact that this will be a big opportunity for her. He imagines MJ being a female version of Jameson and he shudders at the thought.

"By the way Gwen. Have you found other members for our band?" Ace asked

"I found two promising members. I'm still trying to convince them but I'll let you know when they have agreed."

"That's good to know."

Gwen continued to eat but her mind was somewhere else. She has been tracking Vermin lately but no clues had turned up to where he could be. This frustrated her, she tried going through the sewers but she could only find trash and sewage which made her suit stink and took forever to get rid of the scent. But she doesn't give up and continues to search for the giant rat.

Gwen unconsciously clenched her fist and Ace noticed this.

"Gwen, are you okay?" Ace whispered to her.

"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm okay."

"Is there something on your mind?"

"Just you know… thinking about the band." Gwen didn't look Ace in the eye and was nervous. Even though Ace knows she is Spider-Woman. She doesn't want to drag him more into it. This was her responsibility.

"...Okay, just let me know If I can help with anything."

"Okay, sure…"

…

Gwen swings through New York at night by herself. As always she was trying to find Vermin but had no luck. She stops on a rooftop to rest for a few moments.

"Haa… I guess tonight is also a bust."

Gwen looks over the streets of New York somber. She has only stopped a few heists and robbers tonight. She only gets more frustrated the longer Vermin is out there. Peter doesn't know this because they have been operating separately for some time now after they had gotten better. They regularly meet with Kamen Rider and he teaches them how to fight. They were like his mentor and friend at the same time.

"I need to find him fast."

"What is making you so much in a hurry."

Gwen turned around and saw Kamen Rider standing there which startled her a bit.

"How do just appear out of thin air like that."

"You are just not paying attention to your surroundings. So, what's making you so worried?"

"...It's just finding Vermin is stressing me out."

"Why?"

"Why? He stabbed my dad! And how about you? How could you be so calm?"

"Is that how I seem to you? Vermin on the loose is concerning but there are other people out there who need help. Focusing on him will only lose yourself from the bigger picture, and look at yourself. You have been chasing him for so long your beating yourself up."

"But…"

Ace puts his hand on Gwen's shoulder.

"Be patient Gwen, he'll turn up his tail sooner or later. Beating up yourself won't make him appear sooner, and you need to be at your 100% when he does appear."

"Haaa… you're right. Thanks, Rider."

"Now that is out of the way. You hungry? I have pizza."

"Oh man, I'm starving."

Ace and Gwen had a little pizza date on the rooftop while chatting happily. 

…

Peter contacted Dr. Connors a few days ago and agreed to take him as his intern. Peter would get paid and pursue what he loves, science! It was hitting two birds with one stone.

Peter entered Dr. Connors's lab and was greeted with many high-tech lab equipment.

"Welcome Peter, it is good for you to join us."

"The pleasure is mine, Dr. Connors."

"Follow me, let me show you what we are working with."

Dr. Connors shows Peter what he is working on. He showed his work in cross-species genetics and Peter was utterly fascinated by it. Peter followed Dr. Connors's work and was knowledgeable on the subject matter.

"This is amazing Dr. Connors."

"Yes, yes it is Peter. I am so close to completing the formula, but sadly it is also out of my reach. With you here Peter. I hope you will help me complete it."

"Of course, it would be my honor."

Connors was happy to see Peter's drive and youthfulness. "Well, let us get to work then."

…

Back at Ace's mansion, he was having a regular day when someone rang his doorbell. Izu was busy so he decided to check who it was. When he checked the cameras. He saw a bald man in a wheelchair with a couple of people escorting him.

"Well, ain't this surprise."

***

Extra chapter reaching 4000 cumulative power stones. 3560/4500

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