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A Rider Kick in Marvel Rewrite Ch 18
🕑 Added 2025-02-22 14:56:23 +0000 UTCA few weeks had passed since the fight with the Frog Grongi. The young Rider found himself adapting to the stark differences between American and Japanese culture. The bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and diverse mix of people were a far cry from what he was accustomed to. Perhaps the most challenging adjustment was dealing with technology that seemed primitive compared to his own time—more than a decade behind what he knew.
One morning, Ace made his way through the crowded hallways of his new high school. A brown messenger bag hung casually over his shoulder as he approached his history classroom. The familiar sounds of teenage life filled the air: students laughing, sharing gossip, and frantically reviewing notes before class began.
As Ace scans the room, his eyes fall upon a familiar face. Gwen Stacy, a blonde girl, sits near the window, her attention focused on writing in her notebook.
"Is this seat taken?" Ace asked, pointing to the empty chair beside Gwen.
"Oh, Ace, right? Take a seat," Gwen replied, looking up from her notebook.
Ace placed his messenger bag on the floor and settled into the chair next to Gwen. Around them, the sounds of teenage life continued - pencils scratching against paper, hushed conversations, and the rustling of school supplies.
The door opened, and Ms. Rodriguez walked in. She wore a navy blazer that gave her a professional appearance. The teacher carried a leather portfolio, which she placed on her desk before turning to face the class with her keen eyes.
"Good morning, everyone," said Ms. Rodriguez with authority in her voice. "I hope you're ready for today's lesson on American Revolutionary War dynamics."
Ms. Rodriguez moved to the center of the classroom. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor echoed through the room. Her gaze moved across the students until it stopped on Ace.
"Who can tell me," she asked, "what critical strategic advantage did the Continental Army have over the British forces during the Battle of Saratoga?"
The classroom became quiet. Some students shifted in their seats, trying to avoid making eye contact with their teacher.
"No one?" Ms. Rodriguez's eyes settled on Ace. "Then... Mr. Ukiyo. Would you like to give a guess?"
"Uhh..." Ace muttered, caught off guard by the sudden question.
The classroom was quiet as Ace sat at his desk, his mind racing to find an answer to Ms. Rodriguez's question. History class had always been challenging for him, especially American history. While he was familiar with Japanese historical events, the historical facts of this universe differed from his original one, adding another layer of complexity to his studies.
The silence in the room grew heavier with each passing moment. Ace could feel the weight of Ms. Rodriguez's gaze upon him, waiting for his response. His hands fidgeted slightly under his desk as anxiety built within him.
A soft whisper caught his attention. Beside him, Gwen Stacy leaned closer, her voice barely audible. "Terrain knowledge and local support," she breathed, her words reaching only Ace's ears.
Taking a deep breath, Ace straightened in his seat. "Terrain knowledge and local support," he repeated, his voice carrying more confidence than he felt.
The stern expression on Ms. Rodriguez's face melted into approval. "Correct, Mr. Ukiyo," she said, nodding. "The Continental Army's intimate understanding of the local terrain and strong support from local populations gave them a significant strategic advantage over the British forces."
Ace turned his head slightly toward Gwen, catching her eye. She responded with a subtle smile, acknowledging his silent thanks. As Ms. Rodriguez resumed her lecture about Revolutionary War strategies, Ace felt the tension leave his shoulders, grateful for his friend's timely assistance.
Ace approached Gwen after their history class ended, his steps carrying a hint of hesitation.
"Hey, Gwen. Thanks for the save back there," he said, his voice sincere and grateful.
Gwen turned to face him, a friendly smile playing across her features. "It was nothing. I guess you're not good with history, huh?"
"Yeah, just got here a few months ago," Ace replied, running a hand through his hair. "Didn't really have time to learn all of America."
A soft chuckle escaped Gwen's lips. "Hehe, well, if you need any help, I can teach you, you know."
Ace's eyes widened with surprise and hope. "Really? You will really do that?"
"Sure," Gwen responded, a playful glint in her eye. "If you want to make up for it, me and my band have a performance later this weekend. You can buy a ticket to watch us live."
A warm smile spread across Ace's face. "Great, you got yourself a new fan."
"Then, see you next time, Ace," Gwen said, adjusting her backpack before walking away.
As Ace watched her disappear down the hallway, he couldn't help but feel that he had found an unexpected connection with Gwen.
…
After the final bell rang, Ace made his way to Delmar's Deli-Grocery. The small store was a familiar sight in the neighborhood, with its faded green awning and neatly arranged storefront. He pulled out the crumpled list Pops had given him earlier that morning, smoothing it out as he entered the store.
The bell above the door jingled, announcing his arrival. Delmar looked up from behind the counter, offering a friendly nod to the young man. Ace began methodically moving through the aisles, checking items off the list one by one. He grabbed a loaf of bread, some eggs, milk, and a few other essentials Pops had requested.
As he approached the counter, Ace carefully placed the items down. Delmar began scanning each item, making small talk as he worked.
"How's Pops doing?" Delmar asked, bagging the groceries.
"He's good," Ace replied, pulling out some cash to pay for the items.
After completing the transaction, Ace gathered the bags. He turned to Delmar and spoke clearly.
"Goodbye, Delmar," Ace said.
Delmar waved back. "Take care, kid."
Ace left the store, the bell jingling behind him as he stepped out onto the street.
As Ace walked down the bustling street, the grocery bags swinging from his hands, a commotion caught his attention. Down a narrow alleyway to his right, he heard raised voices and what sounded like a struggle. Pausing, he turned and saw four men surrounding a woman, their body language aggressive and threatening.
The woman pressed herself against the alley wall, her voice trembling. "Please, just leave me alone."
One of the men leaned in closer, blocking her potential escape route. Another laughed, a harsh sound that echoed off the brick walls.
Something inside Ace shifted. Without hesitation, he walked toward the alleyway.
"Hey," Ace called out, his voice clear and firm. "Get away from her."
The men turned, surprised by the interruption. The largest of them, wearing a leather jacket, stepped forward. "This doesn't concern you, kid. Walk away."
Ace stood his ground, positioning himself between the woman and the group of men. "I said, get away from her."
The leader of the four men sneered. "Get him, boys."
Two of the men lunged at Ace simultaneously. Without breaking his stance, Ace shifted, carefully balancing the grocery bags on a nearby trash can.
"Watch the groceries!" he called out, almost more concerned about the bags than the incoming attackers.
The first attacker swung a wild punch. Ace ducked smoothly, using the man's momentum to throw him off balance. The second attacker grabbed for Ace, but the young Rider stepped aside, causing the man to stumble.
One of the men pulled a knife, brandishing it with a threatening gesture. Ace's eyes narrowed.
"Seriously? A knife?" he muttered.
The knife-wielding attacker charged. Ace side-stepped, catching the man's wrist and twisting it with practiced precision. The knife clattered to the ground. In one fluid motion, Ace swept the man's legs, sending him crashing down.
The leader watched in disbelief as his friends were systematically dismantled. Each of Ace's movements was calculated, controlled, and precise. He never once lost sight of the grocery bags, ensuring they remained undisturbed on the trash can's edge.
"Your turn," Ace said calmly to the leader, who now stood alone.
The remaining man hesitated, watching his companions groaning on the ground. Some were struggling to get up, others remained motionless. The woman behind Ace pressed herself against the wall, watching in stunned silence.
The leader backed away, helping his fallen companions retreat from the alleyway. Ace remained standing, his posture relaxed but alert.
After the men disappeared, Ace turned to the woman. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice calm and concerned.
The woman nodded. "I'm fine," she replied, her voice steady. She looked at Ace with gratitude. "Thank you for helping me."
She straightened her clothing, gave Ace a quick smile of appreciation, and then walked out of the alley, leaving him alone.
Ace retrieved the grocery bags from the trash can. As he lifted them, he noticed a wet spot spreading across the bottom of the paper bag. Peering inside, he saw that several eggs had cracked during the scuffle, their contents slowly leaking out.
"Oh no," Ace muttered, realizing he would need to return to Delmar's to replace the damaged eggs.
