Shout Outs: Thanks to MythologStar for reviewing the story. Thanks to ISBtheepic for reviewing the story. Thanks to neonfairytail for favoring and following the story. Thanks to Sonar for reviewing the story.
Responses:
MythologyStar: Something I forgot to do but you'll see. Peter will eventually be angry with Flash :)
ISBtheepic: Definitely!
Chapter 4: Undercover Reporter
The fight with the robots didn't went so well. His suit was in a bad shape from the battle and add that to the fact that Spider Man was now aching all over. While the robots were fighting, he was forced to flee from his spot so now he found himself in a completely different area, away from the Nanobots section.
Great. Just great, he muttered in thought. I'm assuming those robots are programmed to attack cross-species but why? Spider Man hasn't done anything yet to Alistaire Smythe…
Nevertheless, he now has proof of what Alistaire was doing behind the closed hours. Though, he should've brought something with him in order to take the evidence.
As he continued to go down the hall, all of a sudden, a blur of blonde caught his attention which made him tilt his head to the side. That's odd. He supposed to be the only one after the working hours—minus the other workers that were in for whatever reason. So who was that…?
Spider Man narrowed his eyes as he continued to stare at the figure who seemed to be looking over the railings in secret as though she was trying not to get discovered. An idea came to Peter's mind; she must've been curious about the rumors as well.
Spider Man used his web rush mode, landing behind her in an instant and he casually made a pose.
"So, doing some detective work are we?"
Startled, the person turned around and nearly stumbled backwards though she caught her balance.
"Spider Man?" she asked, surprised.
"In the flesh," he paused. "But that sounded more surprised. I know, I know…I can't help but to be that handsome."
The girl's smile faltered as she rolled her eyes. "Right. Anyways, what are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," he said. "Or wait…lemme guess. The rumors got your attention, right?"
"Yeap."
"But seriously though. What are you doing here…dressed like that? No camouflage, no plan, nothing. You could get caught, be in trouble or worse."
The girl made a small laugh. "I appreciate your concern, Spider Man, but I can handle myself. Besides, I'm here for the same reason you are—I'm looking for some evidence. I think they're building something big."
Spider Man gave a small dry chuckle. He took this time to study the girl. She seemed to be almost the same height as Peter was. She had blonde that fell to her shoulders, wearing a green hair band on top. She wore a lab coat over her green sweater and black skirt. She also had black boots that reached up to her knees. Perhaps it was her blue eyes that got Peter immersed since he found himself staring at them before he realized that he needed to answer.
"Yeah, I found the evidence. They are building something big."
The girl widened her eyes and stared at him with an open mouth. "You serious? What did you find? Did you take any proof?"
"Woah, woah calm down," Spider Man replied, raising his hands up. "Sorry but that information is classified. I'm here for the Hero business and I can only tell who are involved with this kind of situation."
"So like Iron Man, huh?" she replied dryly.
"Why yes…"
"You know, for being your mentor, he isn't really good at it."
"Hey!"
The girl paused only to realize the state what Spider Man was in.
"What happened to you?" she asked, curious.
Spider Man placed his hand behind his neck with a sheepish look. "Erm, I might've run into some robots. I've won, of course."
She raised an eyebrow. "Doesn't look that way."
"You doubting my abilities?"
"I'm doubting your heroism."
Spider Man stared at her as though he was like a fish out of water. "Okay, that actually hurts."
The girl smirked before she went back to what she was doing before Spider Man came in. She sighed, biting her lip as she realized that she may need his help after all and what better angles can anyone get other than Spider Man himself?
"Listen," she started. "Uhm, I do need help…if we want to capture who's behind this, then I need you."
"Woah there. 'We'? As in 'you and me'?"
"Yes. I need evidence—proof that Alistaire Smythe is doing something behind the hours. And who can get better angles than Spider Man himself? Here; this is the recorder—"
"Wait, wait. You think Alistaire is behind this? Why? This doesn't make sense. Why would Smythe build something atrocious such as the thing I've saw? What if someone else was building it but Smythe was forced to oblige? Smythe's not a bad guy."
"You see. That's the proof we need. That's the story we need to get. Listen, Smythe may be handsome but I've got a bad vibe about him. And if he isn't a bad guy, why did his robots attacked you? They're only programmed to attack cross-species that are threatening to the human race but you. You are different. You help people. So, will you help me?"
Spider Man rubbed at the back of his neck as he was trying to process what the girl had just said. In all honesty, she does have a valid point—Spider Man doesn't know a whole lot about Smythe's robot so maybe this is the chance to know more about them.
"Fine. But only because I want to get to the bottom of this," Spider Man stated.
The girl smiled. "Thanks," she replied gratefully. "Now, Smythe should either be in a meeting or—"
Again, his Spider senses went on which made Peter give a strange look. The two stayed silent and soon enough, they were able to hear voices that seemed to be heading in this direction; Spider Man tensed.
"Get out of here," the girl replied. "Take this and get out of sight."
Spider Man sighed. "Alright," he doesn't like it but he's got no choice. He quickly released his webs after he grabbed the recorder and found himself at a high wall.
The door opened which revealed a guard but that made Spider Man pause. A guard? He could've sworn he heard two people talking so where was the other one?
"Hey you there!" the guard shouted. "What are you doing here? You're not allowed to be here!" he grabbed the girl's arm and started to drag her out.
"Hey! Let me go!" she exclaimed. Spider Man got ready to pounce even though that would blow his cover but the girl stomped the guard on his foot, earning a shout from him.
Peter grinned from his hideout, noting her small fighting abilities.
The girl then yanked her arm out from the guard's grip as she stood firmly on her ground.
"What's going on here?"
From the entrance, it revealed Alistaire who was running towards the scene.
"This girl, sir, she's trespassing—"
"I'm not trespassing!" she hissed, eyes narrowed.
Alistaire made a thoughtful look as he studied the girl.
"You're Gwen Stacy, daughter of the George Stacy," Alistaire replied.
"Yes…"
Smythe nodded, waving his hand to the guard. "It's alright. She's no harm to us but I am curious. What are you doing here behind the hours?"
"Er…actually, I want to interview you for the paper based on your thoughts about the Nanobots you're currently developing. But I couldn't find you so I got lost…"
"Understood. I guess I could give you a little insight," Smythe replied as he nodded. He then turned his attention towards the guard. "It's alright. She's with me. Away!"
Giving a slight nod, the guard then walked off which left only Alistaire and Gwen. Meanwhile, up above, Spider Man slowly moved around as he was trying not to be spotted. He needed to get closer in order to eavesdrop what he has to say. Taking in a sharp breath, Spider Man shot his web from one of his hands and he swung himself to the other side while hoping that no one saw this. When he thought he was clear, Peter resumed crawling down until he was close enough to Smythe.
"…I personally think that Nanobots are actually quite useful," Smythe began which made Peter press the button on the recorder. "With them around, I believe we would feel much safer and we can keep destruction to a minimal damage."
"So you think Spider Man isn't the best hero?"
"In my honest opinion, no. I believe he's doing more harm than good. Wherever he goes, destruction follows. People live in fear and that's why I created these Nanobots—to make our future better. Just imagine…letting these highly advanced robots fight the evil that is threatening our city. Everyone would feel safe. We won't have to rely on Spider Man. These robots can do their job. They would freely roam the streets without living in fear. That is my intention."
Spider Man quirked an eyebrow as he made a small scowl. Why does everyone thinks he's the bad guy? Is it really that hard to just put a little faith in him?
"But with these Nanobots around, wouldn't this put the Police out of job?"
"I have been giving a bit of thought in this, yes and I came to the conclusion that, if sometime in the future, the Nanobots would work side by side with the Police force."
"Five more questions."
"Of course."
"What are these advanced robots…programmed for? Is cross-species just their main target?"
An interesting question, Stacy, an interesting question indeed, Spider Man thought.
"For now, yes."
"And you think Spider Man is a threat?"
"Yes and no but more to the yes side. There are still unanswered questions about him—how he got these powers? Why did he suddenly appeared? Even though he's a hero, in the end, he will lose control."
Peter tightened his jaw as he glared at Smythe. Now that's just a false statement right there. He would never lose control—he doesn't kill.
"And one more…with all these rumors going on around, where do you stand? Are you truly doing something out of the operative hours?"
Smythe cracked a smile before it vanished. "I remain true to my words. I've got nothing to hide. The Daily Bugle can write lies all they like but there is nothing going on at the closed hours."
Stacy paused to think a little before she gave a small nod to indicate that was all the questions she had.
"Okay. Thank you for your time. I really appreciate it and I like to confirm facts before believing the false ones."
"Of course. Well, I suppose I should be on my way and as do you," Smythe gave her a warning tone. "Do not let me catch you again. Good day."
With that, Smythe walked away and when it was only Gwen, Spider Man jumped down from his hiding spot with a scowl on his face.
"What lies," he drawled. "And seriously? Even after all the good I've done, he still considers me a threat? I feel offended. Really, I do."
"Well, at least we now know why those robots attacked you."
Spider Man stared at her as he studied the girl. "But…?"
"But there's more work here to be done. I'm not going out until I finish for what I came for."
If Spider Man hadn't wore his mask, he would've stared at her with an open mouth, having an incredulous look.
"Wait a minute!" he cried out. "That wasn't part of the plan! You said that you're only here for the recorder and the story, that's it."
"Yeah well. I changed my mind," Gwen smirked. "Now you coming or not?"
Spider Man sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I'm coming."
If this girl can trick Spider Man like this then maybe Peter can trick Tony into getting some new upgrades…
Author's Notes: And of course, Tony's not that gullible, Peter dear…you'll just have to wait patiently XD but yay! We got to meet Gwen and I think my dialogues are improving, right? RIGHT? *crickets* … uhm, anyways…what happens next? Find out! Toodles!
