14 Chapter 14

Used AI to improve some text tell me if it improves the work

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Brave hastily scavenged for additional Recover items by unlocking chests and distributing them to the injured. Those who underwent the healing process described it as nothing short of miraculous. George was placed on a gurney and is currently undergoing examination by paramedics. Following some tests, it was determined that he is in good overall condition.

"You are looking fine Captain but you lost a lot of blood. I suggest we bring you to the hospital and perform a blood transfusion,"

George nodded to the paramedic as they prepared to place him in the ambulance, but he halted them for a moment. Glancing at Brave and Spider-Woman, George paused.

"I would like to thank you two again for helping with the situation. Without you two the damage may have been greater," said George

"You're welcome, Captain. But don't thank us yet. Vermin the giant rat escaped to the sewers. He will come back."

"Right… I'll have my men search for it."

"I do not recommend that. The sewers are a maze and it is its territory. Like a fish in water. If you send people blindly you are just asking for more casualties."

"I did not think about that."

"I think it is time for you, Captain, to get some rest. You already have been skewered today so just leave all that police talk next time," interjected Gwen. She wanted her father to rest and not push himself any longer.

The paramedics lifted George into the ambulance and drove off. Gwen experienced a sense of relief knowing her father would be safe, but she also grappled with a heavy burden of guilt in her heart. Feeling suffocated, she left the area. Observing her departure, Brave couldn't help but feel concerned.

…

Gwen reached the top of the Empire State Building and pondered her actions. She had believed that everything would be fine as Spider-Woman, but she had underestimated the weight of her responsibility. Initially, she had thought that saving a few people would be sufficient. She had even appeared on TV and performed with a band, reveling in the special feeling that being Spider-Woman brought her. The public adored her, and she had assumed that everything would continue just as before, until just a few hours ago. Confronting a giant rat monster, she had nearly been injured until Kamen Rider came to her rescue. Witnessing her father's stabbing, she had feared that she might lose him in that critical moment. She credited Kamen Rider for saving the day once again and compared to him, she felt like nothing more than a pretender.

"It is a beautiful view isn't it."

Gwen looked behind and saw Brave standing there.

"What are you doing here?" Gwen asked

"Just looking out for a fellow hero."

"Compared to you I'm no hero." Gwen buried her head on her knees

"What makes you say that?"

"You saw me today. Couldn't beat an overgrown rat and I couldn't save those people."

"Hey, don't sell yourself short. You also saved a lot of people. Just because you fail doesn't mean you are not a hero."

"I'm not a hero!" Gwen shouted, feeling overwhelmed by stress. She questioned how she could be a hero when her motivations were solely driven by the thrill and attention.

"...Is it because you almost lost your father?"

Gwen flinched and looked at Ace. "You… you know who I am?"

"Yes, I have my ways. I know who you are, Gwen Stacy."

Gwen initially contemplated feigning ignorance but ultimately relented. She removed her mask and gazed at Ace.

Ace noticed that her eyes were red from crying, and he could see the confusion and uncertainty reflected in her gaze.

"Did you know why I became Spider-Woman?"

Ace did not respond and let her continue.

"Because I wanted to be free. When I saved those people and when they thanked me I felt special. I felt like I could do anything I wanted." Gwen reminisced about the time when she first started as Spider-Woman.

"...But when I saw my Dad nearly dying I felt powerless… Even when I had powers I couldn't do anything. My friend said to me if I continued what I was doing I was going to get hurt or someone close to me will. I guess he was right." Gwen remembered Ace's words. He warned her but she did not listen and almost paid the price.

Ace put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "You have a good friend. He is only looking out for you."

"Yeah, I guess he was. Now you know why I'm not a hero. I'm just a girl running away from the responsibilities her dad set.

There was silence for a few moments before Ace spoke.

"...Having power is great, isn't it? With enough power, you can be free, and gain riches and fame. You can also destroy whatever you please."

Gwen listened to Ace speak and she could relate a little.

"That is why I believe we also have responsibility. To be honest Gwen, the power I wield did not originally belong to me."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Gwen asked

"The power and armor I wield belonged to many people before me. They were heroes who fought for peace and justice. But not all of them were like that. Others used their power to further their ambitions and harmed many people. They were called Kamen Riders"

"Is that the origin of your name?"

"Yes, I have received their legacy. All of their powers and abilities. It was also sudden. With no warning or message, I have gotten their legacy. With their power, I could do anything I wanted and it would be easy, but I didn't. The Kamen Riders are heroes and I want to continue their legacy. Their power comes with a responsibility and I plan to carry it."

Gwen listened to Ace and sensed his unwavering conviction. She was filled with awe, marveling at the amazing qualities of the man before her. Despite possessing great power, he displayed no inclination to misuse it, instead dedicating himself to the service of others. Her respect for him grew even more.

"I could also see the same with you Gwen." said Ace

"Huh?"

"I have been watching you. You have been given these gifts and I could see you genuinely want to help people. You can be a true hero."

"I told you I'm not a hero. I just did it for attention."

"Perhaps but you still helped those people. You also did not run away when Vermin attacked. A hero does not run away but stays and fights for the right thing."

Gwen looked at Ace and she felt a spark of hope. Ace stood up and held his hand out for Gwen.

"I want to help you, Gwen. You are only misguided but I'm sure you will find the right path. And together we can save more people and make a difference."

'Could I really be a hero?' Gwen reached out hesitantly but found the courage to hold his hand. She stood up with her feelings resolute.

'No, I can. No longer for fame but just to help people in need.'

Gwen looks at Ace and sees the big yellow eyes of his helmet.

'And if it is to lessen his burden and responsibility he carries. I will help him.' Gwen thought and she began blushing a little.

"It seems you have found your answer, Gwen."

"Yes, thank you Kamen Rider. For helping me find the way. And it will be a pleasure to be working with you." Gwen smiles

"Me as well."

"So where should we start?" Gwen asked

"Well first off. That suit needs to go." Ace pointed out the numerous holes and dirt on Gwen's homemade suit.

"Ahahaha…" Gwen let out a sardonic laugh. As she looked down at her suit, she didn't want Ace to see her in such a state.

"Take this, you can use it to contact me." Ace gave Gwen a Battacandroid.

"Cool!"

"You should also head home Gwen. It is already late and I'm sure your mother has received the news about your father. You need to visit him at the hospital."

"Right! I need to go!" before Gwen leaps out of the building. She looks at Ace to thank him again.

"Thank you really, for everything."

Ace saw her swinging home and is relieved Gwen is now on the right path.

"Good for you Gwen. You have found your path."

*Ring Ring*

Ace suddenly heard his Stag Phone ringing and answered.

"Hello, Izu? What's wrong?"

"Ace-sama, there has been an incident."

"What happened? Ben Parker-sama is dead."

"What!"

.

.

.

Ace hurried to the Parker residence and noticed police cars parked outside. He rushed inside and found Aunt May, tearful and being questioned by the police. Mary Jane and her mother were by her side, offering comfort.

"Aunt May, are you okay?" asked Ace, worried about how she was handling her loss.

"Ace… why are you here?" said Aunt May with tears in her eyes

"I heard what happened to Uncle Ben. I came here as soon as I could."

"Thank you Ace… it is great you could come."

"Of course, where is Peter?"

"He could not handle the news of Ben's death. He ran away before I could stop him."

"I'll go find him Aunt May and bring him home. MJ, take care of Aunt May."

"Okay, make sure to bring Peter back," MJ replied

Ace nodded and rode off to find Peter. He called Izu to search for Peter.

"Izu, can you find Peter?"

"He is currently inside of an abandoned building chasing the murderer Ace-sama."

"Send me the location."

Izu transmitted the location to Ace's hub, and he sped through the streets at full throttle. Ark would take care of the cameras that captured his image later. Upon arrival at the location, he observed police cars and officers surrounding the building.

"We have you surrounded and surrender immediately." said one of the officers on a speaker.

*crack*

The glass suddenly shattered, and a man dropped down from three stories, entangled in webs. The police initially thought he had jumped, but upon closer inspection, they saw him suspended a few feet above the ground. As they examined the situation, they realized it was the murderer who had killed Uncle Ben.

"Get me out of here! A monster is in there!" the murderer screamed as if he lost his mind. Making the cops confused and just chucked it into hysteria.

Ace spotted a man hanging on the side of the building, surveying the situation, before swiftly swinging away. It was Peter, and Ace immediately pursued him. Finally catching up, Ace found Peter slumped in an alley, clutching his head in evident distress.

"Peter…" Ace called him out.

Peter panicked and thought he was discovered until he saw it was his friend. "Ace…"

"Peter, let's go home. Aunt May is worried about you."

"How could I go home… Uncle Ben is dead and I let him get killed! If I didn't run away, if I just stopped that guy Uncle Ben would still be here."

Peter blames himself for his uncle's death. He had power but could not help him.

"Peter, don't blame yourself. You're not at fault for his death."

"I am, I met that guy earlier today. Because I let him go Uncle Ben is now dead."

Ace put his hand on Peter's shoulders. "Peter you're not omnipotent so you could not have known. Don't blame yourself. You captured the murderer and brought him to justice."

"I was selfish, so selfish, and Uncle Ben paid the price. He said power comes with responsibility. And I have great power so I must have great responsibility. It was the last lesson he taught me."

Peter stood up and clenched his fist and his resolve. "I will never let down Uncle Ben again. I will never forget this night. A night I could have stopped."

Ace witnessed the emergence of Spider-Man, a moment that would typically bring joy, but on this tragic night, there was no room for celebration.

"I'm sure he will be proud to see you now Peter. Come on, let's go home, everyone is waiting."

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