Ant-Man & Spider-Man: Earth's Mightiest Scientists

Chapter 4: The Diminutive Duo Duels The Vulture

Author's Note: Based on part one of Amazing Spider-Man No. 2 (1963).

Midtown High

As Peter and his guidance counselor, Mr. Flannigan, were walking the crowded halls of Midtown High, they were discussing the possibility of Peter being apart of extracurricular activities.

"I can't tell you how thrilled I am that you decided on joining a club, Mr. Parker," Mr. Flannigan said with a cheery smile on his face despite his rocky relationship with the youngster who basically lied to him about the black eye he was willing to let bygones be bygones. "What changed your mind?"

"Let's say Aunt May can be very persuasive. Also it couldn't hurt to go out and meet some new people," Peter explained as it was true that he needs to find some friends after what May and Hank both said to him during Spring Break.

"That's the spirit!" Mr. Flannigan casually patted Peter on the back. "Your Aunt told me that you also acquired a new job?"

"Yeah," Peter nodded his head. "I'm working as a lab assistant and the pay is really good too."

"That's good to hear," Mr. Flannigan nodded his head in approval. "I must say you're really taking initiative lately. Way more than that meek young lad who entered my office for the first time awhile back."

"Well I have to support Aunt May somehow," Peter shrugged his shoulders as he was still grateful to Dr. Pym for giving him an opportunity to land on his feet.

"Now here's what I don't understand...you remember when we discussed that you're always seeking acceptance from the same group who pick on you, Peter. Midtown's a huge place like I said with all sorts of clubs to join. Things that I know you can excel at," Mr. Flannigan stopped at the front door of the Tech Club and turned his head to Peter. "The Tech Club. Chess Club. Debate Team. Mathletes and as luck would have it..."

Mr. Flannigan opened the door to reveal three students who were hanging out in the room. One student who was a girl with a brown ponytail was sitting at the computer while two other guys were playing a friendly game of chess at the big table.

"They all meet at the same place. Come on. Don't be shy. Say hello to the gang, Pete," Mr. Flannigan urged Peter to come inside the room to meet the other group members.

"Um. Hi, guys," Peter said while realizing that he really needs to work on his people skills.

"Heya. I'm Polly McKenna. If you wanna work on the virtual yearbook then I'm the gal to see," Polly warmly greeted while taking a break from her assignment.

"Yo! The name's Martin and my 'talkative' friend right here is Lawson," A blonde lanky student named Martin introduced himself as he was taking his eye off the game.

"What's up," A portly dark-skinned student named Lawson responded without paying any sort of attention to Peter as he was still concentrating on their chess match unlike his best friend.

Maybe Mr. Flannigan, May and Hank were all on to something. Peter wasn't the only nerd that attends here. He just didn't know that this is where they all hung out in the same room.

"I act as the group's teaching adviser and chaperone," Mr. Flannigan informed Peter as they made their way over to the bulletin board on the wall.

"Chaperone?" Peter curiously asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"Y'know? Going on field trips. Sometimes out of state too for debate matches, math bowls and this month's science fair," Mr. Flannigan pointed to the flyer that was pinned on the board. "The kind of things that looks appealing on a college resume. Sorta like that job you have right now. It's not too late to apply for the fair before the deadline."