Episode 25: Encouragement and Bravery!

Realizing what Marémon was inside the PDB Eddie gave him, Peter responded, "But…he's your creation, and he did really well in the battle."

"And it's for that reason he's better off with you," Eddie replied. "I've been thinking about what MJ said, about what SHIELD could do with a whole bunch of Hornetech, and I don't want him to become a living weapon like those Svartelm we just fought. He deserves a free, happy life as a Marémon with friends like you to take care of him."

"Okay, well…I guess I'll 'borrow' Hornetech for the time-being," Peter said, holding back the tears welling up in his eyes. "But if we meet again, I'll give him back if he wishes it."

"Deal." Eddie held out his non-palsied left hand to shake, which Peter took with his right hand.

Then Eddie met up with Jane in the helicopter, where Rumlow was sitting in the pilot's seat. He started the helicopter up, forcing everyone to clear the area. Soon enough, the SHIELD helicopter took off with its passengers safely onboard and it disappeared over the tall trees of Vanaheim Forest.

"I hope you understand Eddie's wishes, Hornetech," Peter said to the PDB he took out from his jacket pocket. "He wants you to go where he can't, and I'll do everything I can to make that dream a reality."

Nearby, MJ was examining Pepper's blue insect Marémon Resgnat with the MarGuide after the two introduced themselves.

"Often called the Rescue Marémon, Resgnat tend to save Ironflys that are in trouble by using similar abilities," said EDITH from MJ's MarGuide. "This has led to the conclusion that Resgnat are the female counterpart to Ironflys, as they both Mature from the Prototype Marémon Protopupa and are Tech-type."

"I'm assuming you got your MarGuide from Professor Banner," Pepper guessed.

"Yes, Peter and I both got MarGuides when we set off from Yortown," MJ answered.

"So are you and Peter traveling as a couple?" Pepper asked.

MJ's face turned red. "No, we just happen to be heading the same way. He's trying to collect Infinity Stone Badges, while I'm out to get Affection Ribbons."

"Excuse me, Miss Potts," interrupted a teenage girl with blonde hair pulled back by a black headband, who was wearing a mint-green jacket over a black top and purple skirt. "I'm Gwen Stacy, Marémon Supporter-in-Training, and regarding this town's Encouragement Ribbon…will we still be able to compete for it at the local Marémon Theater despite the battle?"

"Given the unusual circumstances that have occurred, I think all the competitors for the Affection Ribbons did well," Pepper responded. "You encouraged your Marémon to do the best they could in the battle, even if they did get Brainwashed in the end. But they gave it everything they could, and that's what counts. So you shall all be rewarded with the Encouragement Ribbon, but that doesn't mean I'll go easy on you at the next Marémon Theater."

Then Pepper proceeded to hand out small lime-green ribbons shaped like hearts held together by a gold pin adorned with an emerald gemstone to all the would-be Marémon Supporters, including MJ and Gwen.

"Perhaps I should take Miss Potts' example," Odin said and reached into a pocket of his robe. "To all the Marémon Wielders who came to challenge the Asgard Realm, I shall reward you with the Mind Stone Badge for the bravery your Marémon showed in the battle. May you take this courage to your future battles in the road to the Avengers League."

From the pocket, Odin produced a number of yellow stones that looked just like the one Peter returned. However, these ones were hemispherical in shape with pins melted into the back. So Peter and Quill took them, though the latter seemed disappointed.

"I feel like I don't deserve this, since I couldn't win against Loki and Hela," Quill muttered.

"But they claimed the Asgard Realm Champion title under false pretenses," Peter reminded. "And if you still want a match, I could battle you."

"Oh, yeah, we did make that promise back outside of Yortown," Quill recalled, but then he shook his head. "Maybe when you get more Marémon, I'll consider battling you for real. Plus, I need time to get my Marémon under control. So until then, keep the Ravagers patch I gave you."

Showing the flame-shaped logo Quill gave him, Peter nodded. "And on that note, be sure to keep the Ironfly pin."

"Don't worry, Pete, I've still got it." Quill then showed the pin that had the red mantis Marémon Ironfly before walking into town and heading west along a partially visible road that went up to the trees beyond the cemetery.

Meanwhile, Gwen sighed. "This wasn't how I expected to win the Encouragement Ribbon. I even had a cute outfit that was custom-made for my Marémon."

"Well, we've got another town to try to win the next Affection Ribbon for real," MJ said. "And I don't plan on losing."

"Neither do I, MJ," Gwen replied. When MJ gave her a surprised look, Gwen said, "That was the name I overheard your boyfriend calling you."

"He's not my boyfriend!" MJ insisted. "Why does everyone keep thinking that? Just because I happen to be traveling with a boy who's also a friend doesn't mean we're a couple."

"Keep telling yourself that," Gwen said cheekily. "I know love when I see it, because I too am in love with someone."

"Who?"

Gwen giggled. "Maybe I'll tell you when you beat me at the next Marémon Theater competition. Until then, see ya!"

Then as Gwen followed Quill along the same western road, Thor was approached by Odin.

"So, my son, has this whole ordeal taught you what it means to be a Realm Champion?"

"Not really, Father," Thor answered honestly. "Because my journey with Peter and MJ has made me realize there are a lot of things I don't know very well. Humility is one of them, but there's also friendship and teamwork. I think all these qualities are important for a Realm Champion to learn, so I want to travel further and become a better person through my experiences out there rather than here."

Odin made a slight smile. "So be it. Then I shall atone for my part in the troubles that plagued our town by turning myself in to SHIELD, since I only told them one side of the whole story."

To be continued…