Let's reach 250 Power Stones for an extra chapter
***
The first tendrils of dawn snake their way across the New York skyline, painting the glass facades of the city in hues of rose and gold. A biting wind whips through the canyons of skyscrapers. The city's early risers are starting their day.
Beneath the shadow of the monolithic Oscorp Tower, three figures meet. The air hangs thick with unease, a lingering residue from Norman Osborn's terrifying transformation. Gwen's face reflects her trepidation. Her eyes dart nervously towards the building, a testament to the recent destruction.
Peter, though pale, stands tall. His jaw is set with a steely resolve. The knowledge that his mentor became a monster fuels his determination. His hands are clenched into fists inside his pockets. He is determined to face Oscorp again.
Ethan, clad in his usual dark gear, emanates an aura of focused energy. His gaze is sharp and calculating. His Digi-Goggles are tucked into his jacket pocket. He surveys the area with a practiced eye. He is already plotting a course of action.
"Where's Renamon?" Ethan asks, breaking the silence.
Gwen shivers, pulling her coat tighter. "She's watching nearby, keeping an eye out. Said she'd be more effective that way. You know… less conspicuous."
Ethan nods, satisfied. He trusts Renamon's judgment and is glad she's taking the threat seriously. BlackGatomon and Gatomon are in the Digi-Home, but Ethan can summon them if he needs to. They're ready.
The purpose of their mission is clear. Peter needs access to Oscorp's labs. He wants to analyze the Goblin Serum, to find a way to reverse its effects, to cure Norman. He knows the risks. If anyone can do it, it's him.
Gwen eyes the building, her voice laced with doubt. She feels a great responsibility to help them.
"I'll try to get us in, but don't get your hopes up. I'm just an intern. Security's been tightened like crazy since… you know." She can't bring herself to say Norman's name.
Ethan smirks, a flash of confidence in the grim morning. He plans to use his hacking skills and his strength. He has a lot of tricks up his sleeve. He will use everything he has to help Peter.
"Leave that to me."
The trio strides towards the entrance, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous lobby. Sunlight streams through the high windows. It illuminates dust motes dancing in the air. They approach the front desk, a sleek, modern structure manned by a woman in a crisp Oscorp blazer.
The receptionist, a stern-looking woman with her hair pulled back into a tight bun, eyes them with undisguised suspicion. Her gaze sweeps over them, lingering for a moment on Ethan's too-casual attire. She probably wonders why are they here.
Ethan steps forward, radiating an easy charm that seems almost tangible. He is a natural leader. His shoulders are thrown back and his smile is confident.
"Morning," Ethan says, his voice smooth and assured. "We're interns, here to pick up our IDs."
As the receptionist begins typing, Ethan subtly activates his Digivice. The hacking skill hums to life. With practiced ease, he interfaces with Oscorp's database. It is an intrusion as delicate as a whisper. He adds Peter's name and his own, ensuring their presence appears legitimate in the system.
The receptionist glances up from her computer screen, her expression softening slightly. Her fingers dance across the keyboard, verifying the information. The system confirms that Peter and Ethan are authorized interns.
"Here you go," she says, handing over the freshly printed IDs. "Have a nice day."
Ethan flashes another smile, accepting the cards. "You too."
They turn away from the desk. Peter's eyes widen in astonishment.
"How did you do that?!" Peter whispers, his voice a mixture of awe and disbelief. His hand covers his mouth.
Ethan leans in, his voice barely audible. He doesn't want to get into trouble. "Nothing special. I just quietly hacked the database and added our names."
Gwen, ever practical, glances around nervously. "Let's move quickly, before we attract attention." She gestures towards the elevators with a urgent look. The trio starts to leave the area as soon as possible.
They navigate the sterile hallways of Oscorp. Every corner is a stark reminder of Norman Osborn's legacy. His portrait hangs in the main corridor. His name is emblazoned on every lab door. His presence lingers like a phantom.
As they round a corner, they see a familiar figure: Dr. Curt Connors. He is a man with kind eyes and a weary face. One sleeve of his lab coat hangs empty at his side.
Gwen's face lights up with a genuine warmth, pushing away her earlier tension.
"Dr. Connors! Good morning."
Connors' face breaks into a wide smile. He is genuinely happy to see her.
"Gwen! Good morning to you. What brings you here so early?"
His gaze shifts, and he notices the two figures flanking her. Curiosity sparks in his blue-gray eyes. He squints his eyes to observe their features.
"And who are these gentlemen?"
Gwen steps forward, gesturing towards her companions. She performs her introductions, trying to maintain a casual tone.
"Dr. Connors, this is Ethan and Peter."
Ethan offers a small wave, keeping his voice level.
"Hey, Doc."
Peter's face is alight with excitement, barely containing his enthusiasm. He reaches out a hand.
"It's an honor to meet you, Dr. Connors. I've read all your papers on limb regeneration!"
Connors beams, accepting Peter's handshake. His face has genuine happiness.
"Well, thank you, Peter. It's always good to meet someone who understands my work."
Connors' gaze sharpens. The pieces click into place. He squints his eyes in a knowing manner. He asks the young man for his family name.
"Parker? Any relation to Richard Parker?"
Peter's expression turns somber. The smile fades from his face. His voice takes on a note of melancholy.
"He was my father."
A wave of sadness washes over Connors' face. His tone softens, filled with a gentle empathy.
"Richard was a brilliant scientist. We worked together years ago. His disappearance was a great loss. My condolences, Peter."
Peter nods, his voice filled with gratitude. He appreciates the doctor's kindness.
"Thank you, Dr. Connors."
Connors places a hand on Peter's shoulder. He seems lost in a nostalgic memory. His kind eyes reflect the respect he had for Richard Parker.
Gwen takes the opportunity to interject. Her question is designed to get them closer to the Goblin Serum.
"Dr. Connors, would it be alright if we used the lab for a bit? Peter has some research he wants to do."
Connors sighs, a weary note entering his voice. He seems to be trying to keep the pieces together. The disappearance has been too much.
"Of course, Gwen. I'm swamped at the moment, dealing with the… fallout. The disappearance of the Board Members and Norman has been quite the ordeal. Feel free to use the lab. Just try not to blow anything up."
A beat of awkwardness hangs in the air. Ethan, Gwen, and Peter exchange sidelong glances. Their shared knowledge of the "disappearance" creates a tension that is only heightened by Connors' trusting demeanor. His ignorance of the events is troubling. His lack of awareness only amplifies the strange situation.
Connors offers a thin smile, a shadow of his former enthusiasm. "I must get back to it. The university is still trying to work out what to do next."
He pats Peter on the shoulder one last time, a gesture of unspoken support, before turning and heading down the hallway. He leaves them alone, with just their thoughts.
The weight of their task settles upon them.
As Connors disappears from view, Ethan, Gwen, and Peter exchange a quick, loaded look. The lab looms before them, a beacon of both hope and peril. Ethan's gaze is confident and he nods his head forward. He is ready.
Without another word, the trio heads towards the lab. The sterile white door slides open at Gwen's touch. They step inside, ready to begin their delicate and dangerous work. Their fate and the Goblin cure depends on it.
***
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