(Zayne's POV)
So, it seems Gwen and Peter are going to be superheroes. I wonder if they would tell the rest of their friends. Imagine the rangers finding out their friends are going to get superpowers too—that's going to be comical. I'm pretty sure they'll tell them eventually, well, except MJ and Ned. Oh well, it's none of my business anyway.
We were still at the research lab, and it seemed like no one noticed the dead spiders. I took the liberty of helping them clear it out—if you know what I mean. Although I could extract the gene that gave spider-people their powers, it doesn't mean the Spider-Goddess would accept me. There might even be a severe backlash. Not that I want spider powers anyway; being a ranger is way cooler. I'll just extract their venom, for any future use.
But having Spider-Men in the multiverse even makes it more complicated. Although they aren't going to get world-breaking powers at first, they attract a lot of disaster, which in turn can bring endless problems to Earth. I have to compile several contingency plans. Brute strength won't solve everything.
"Ah~, the weight of having power with responsibility is even heavier than I predicted. This is nothing like the force in my past life," I exhaled inwardly.
"But I'm sure I'll love every second of it. This is my dream, after all," I muttered under my breath.
As I was daydreaming on current issues, Kira was walking toward me from behind. I sharply turned in her direction sensing her gaze and greeted her with a slight smile.
"Hey Kira."
She replied, tucking strands of her hair neatly behind her ears. "Hey Zayne."
She was beautiful, no doubt. But not enough to make me act like a simp. I don't really feel anything deep for her yet. Only admiration.
"So, how's the excursion going for you? Anything catch your interest?" I asked, fully facing her.
She chuckled and replied, "You jest. I'm not really into all this science jumbo stuff. Geeks like Ethan, Peter, and Ned are the ones moving around like tourists in a museum."
"Oh come on, I'm also a geek. Some stuff around here is really cool, to be honest," I replied, waving my right hand playfully.
Kira placed her hands behind her back, fidgeting. "Well, you are the coolest geek I know."
Wait a minute, is she flirting with me again? I was inwardly amused. "Oh thanks, you're also the coolest person I know."
Oh man, I sound so cringe. I need to level up the way I talk to the opposite sex.
Kira chuckled, obviously amused at my attempt to compliment her. I'm pretty sure she was happy I was actually bad at something. Oh well, who can blame her? I was single in my past life too.
"So… wanna go out sometime with me?" she asked, surprising me. Are this generation of youths really that bold? Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Shaking off my confusion, I decided to humor her. Maybe she had some inside info about other rangers—this could be my chance.
"Sure, let's set a date for tomorrow. Can I get your number or social?" I suggested.
Her face literally lit up in joy as she gave me her number, saying I could call her anytime I wanted to. Well, I wasn't about to do that. I'd rather text. I don't know what kind of parents she has.
After ending our short convo, Kira ran to MJ's side and started squealing in joy. MJ then looked at me and gave me a warning sign with her face. Hold on, wait a minute. Something ain't right. How the fuck did I get on her bad side?
What I never knew was that MJ thought we were progressing in our relationship, and the warning sign she gave me was not to break her heart. Moreover, my mind was in chaos. I'm literally not that handsome. What's making Kira so happy? (He doesn't know.) I'll never understand girls.
I stopped worrying about all of that since the exhibition for today had almost ended. It was quite interesting, though. I got to witness the birth of two spider-heroes. One of my lifelong dreams has been completed.
--- ✦ ---
(Peter Parker's POV)
Few minutes after the bite
My body felt weird. Not painful, but disoriented. Like a massive dose of caffeine had just kicked my system into hyperdrive and nausea. Gwen had walked out beside me too. I looked at her and could tell—she felt the same.
I clutched my bag tighter and said quickly, "I don't feel good. I think I'll head home."
"Me too," Gwen said faintly.
Connor and Ned looked at us, brows raised. "You guys alright?" Ned asked.
"Yeah… probably just tired. I'll rest up," I replied.
Kira was about to speak, but Gwen waved her hand gently and added, "We'll be fine. Just need to sleep."
We left in silence.
After getting home, I entered the living room where Uncle Ben and Aunt May were sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Peter! You're back early," Aunt May called.
"Hey May… Ben… just tired. Gonna head to bed early," I muttered quickly and began heading up the stairs.
"Everything alright, son?" Uncle Ben asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied.
I rushed into my room, slammed the door shut, and locked it.
Then I collapsed to the floor.
My breath trembled. Sweat soaked my back. My bones felt like they were melting.
"What the hell is happening to me?" I whispered before my eyes rolled to the back of my head.
Darkness.
--- ✦ ---
(Gwen Stacy's POV)
The sun felt too hot. The air too heavy.
I trudged into the house, practically dragging my legs.
"Gwen? Back already?" my mom called from the kitchen.
"Yeah… they ended the exhibition early," I lied, my voice faint.
My mom peeked her head out, brows furrowed. "Really? That's unusual. Are you okay?"
"Yeah… just tired," I said, forcing a faint smile.
She didn't believe me. I could tell by the look on her face. But thankfully, she didn't press.
I headed upstairs, locked my bedroom door, and collapsed onto the bed.
My face tensed, forehead sweating, lips trembling.
"What the hell bit me?" I whispered.
Then I passed out, hands curled tightly into the blanket.
--- ✦ ---
(Zayne's POV)
After the conversation with Kira, things went normally. The exhibition ended smoothly. No more incidents. No extra drama.
I stood, arms crossed, taking in the silence of the now-emptying lab.
Then it happened.
BEEP BEEP BEEP
The Dino Thunder Morpher on Connor's wrist lit up across the room. Only they and I could hear it.
But before I could even react—
[Ding!]
[A Threat Level Notification Has Been Triggered]
[Category: Young world ending hulk. Strength level: D+ (May rise with anger]
A glowing red alert box popped up in front of me.
My mind blanked.
"FUCK!!!" I screamed internally.
(Chapter Ends)
--- ✦ ---
Hey guys. Sorry for the late update. I got lost in the other projects, I was working on. Hope you all enjoy the chapter. Also guys, I'll be opening a Patreon soon, and I'll need all the support I can get guys. Love you all ❤️
Power stones pls!!!!