Spider-Man: Web Of Lies

Tuesday, October 8th

Two days after the battle with Electro....

In science and math? Yeah, I'm a whiz. No one in Midtown High can touch me.

But life? Y'know, like... everything else? Not so much.

I mean, I'm getting help with school stuff. But the life stuff? Maybe I should hire a life coach.

The bell rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. Mr. Baldwin stands up, the eternal ruler of the history kingdom. "All right, pencils down, folks. You'll know your fates tomorrow." He scans the room, his voice all business. "And don't forget—homecoming tickets. This weekend. No ticket, no dance."

Great. Just what I needed—another reminder that I don't have a date. I sigh, gathering my stuff when Mr. Baldwin calls out, "Mr. Parker."

I freeze. "Yes, sir?"

He gives me one of those rare teacher-smirks that means he's not that mad. "Good job on the final last week. You might make it through this class after all."

I manage a smile, "Thanks, Mr. Baldwin."

As I finish packing, Gwen walks up beside me, smiling as she waves goodbye to Liz.

"So?" she asks, turning her full attention to me.

She's probably asking about the quiz we just took. You know, the pop quiz from historical hell.

"Well... I finished it," I say, shrugging.

She chuckles, her eyes sparkling with that look she gets when she's trying to be encouraging. "Hey, that's a start."

We walk out of the classroom together, into the crowded hallway. Normally, this would be a good thing.

But my mind is still focused on Harry who hasn't come back to school since what happened with the Vulture, and... well, let's just say my texts are collecting more dust than Aunt May's old photo albums.

I really should go see him. I will. It's just... between classes, Spidey stuff, and life, it feels like there's always something I'm not doing.

Gwen must notice the frown creeping onto my face because she nudges me. "I'm sure you did great, Peter. After all, you've got the world's greatest tutor."

She's talking about herself, obviously. Gwen could out-history Mr. Baldwin if she wanted to. Keep it together, Parker.

"So," I blurt out, shaking off the serious thoughts. "You wanna get some after-school ice cream?"

She thinks it over for a second. "Sure. But my dad's been kind of strict lately about where I go. After the blackout this weekend, he's been a little on edge."

Yeah, can't blame him there. Maxwell Dillon—Electro—nearly turned the city into a fried circuit board. And I can't shake the guilt that creeps in whenever I think about it. I know there was a part of him that wanted to do good once, but... now? That part of him was probably lost forever.

We walk through the busy streets of New York, our conversation drifting back to normal things—homework, finals.

It feels good, walking with Gwen, pretending everything's normal. Especially after everything we've seen... since that field trip to Oscorp.

"I'm glad we're done with finals," Gwen says, her shoulders relaxing a bit. "Now it's just homecoming this weekend, and then Christmas break isn't too far away. Though I haven't even started looking for a dress yet."

Homecoming. Right. The dance.

I... uh, I don't have a date. Not yet anyway. I mean, Gwen and Flash have been hanging out a lot lately, but... they're not serious, right? So maybe I've still got a shot? I mean, I could totally ask her, right?

Come on, Parker. This is your moment.

We reach the ice cream stand and I watch her order her usual—mint chocolate chip. Meanwhile, my heart's racing faster than I've ever swung between buildings. I've got this. I've got this.

"Hey, so about homecoming..." I start, my voice coming out a bit higher than I'd like.

Gwen turns to me, taking a bite—wait, is she biting her ice cream? Focus, Parker!

"Yeah?" she says, raising an eyebrow.

"Well... I was wondering if—"

And right on cue, my Spidey-sense goes haywire. Great. The universe just loves messing with me at the worst possible moments.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, confirming the bad news.

"Wait, what were you saying?" Gwen asks, still curious.

I force a chuckle, already backing away. "Nothing! I just—uh—I'm actually late to meet Aunt May for dinner! See you tomorrow?"

Gwen's confused but smiles anyway. "Okay, bye Pete."

I can feel her eyes on the back of my head as I dash off. Nice, Parker. Real smooth.

Next time. Definitely next time.

I duck into a nearby alley and change into my suit, yanking my mask down over my face. Whoever or whatever interrupted me from asking Gwen is gonna regret it.

Big time.

Because I was really gonna do it this time.

I swear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, October 9th 

"Ladies, ladies. Wait your turn." I say, hands raised as I'm completely surrounded by a group of thugs. I've been tracking down people still supplying the Green Pill operations every now and then, making sure to keep them off the streets as much as possible, but this web runs wide.

One of them, the big guy—there's always a big guy—steps forward, cracking his knuckles like that's supposed to scare me.

"Hey, big fella," I quip, hopping up onto a nearby crate, "don't suppose you've ever considered a different career path? I hear yoga's good for the joints."

He growls, of course. And swings.

Too slow. I flip over his punch, landing lightly on his shoulders. "You know, flexibility's key," I say, webbing his face to the side of a nearby van. "Let's work on that, yeah?"

Before the others can react, I sling two quick weblines at a couple of goons charging at me from the left, yanking them toward each other.

Their heads meet with a satisfying thud.

"Ooh, you two make a great team!" I hop down, dodging another thug's wild swing with a casual spin. "You ever think about starting a podcast?"

A few more charge me at once, clearly not learning from their friends' mistakes.

I leap up, sticking to a streetlamp as one of them trips over his own feet and faceplants into the concrete. "Careful, man! You're gonna mess up your nose! I hear rhinoplasty's expensive."

Another thug tries to pull out a gun—real original—but I web it out of his hand before he can even aim. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! That's not a toy!" I swing down, delivering a friendly kick to his chest, sending him crashing into a stack of boxes. "Safety first!"

The big guy's finally unstuck from the van, and he's angrier now, charging at me like a freight train. "You just don't give up, do ya?" I sigh. "Fine, last lesson."

As he lunges at me, I flip over him again, this time webbing his legs together in mid-air. He stumbles and crashes face-first into the ground. "And that, my friend, is why you stretch before exercise." I dust my hands off like I just completed a particularly difficult yoga pose.

Before I can say anything else, I hear footsteps behind me. Turning around, I spot Captain Stacy and his partner, looking less than thrilled to see me. Again.

Captain Stacy crosses his arms, giving me his classic "I'd rather not thank you, but I have to" look. "Spider-Man," he says with a sigh, surveying the knocked-out thugs. "You know we had this handled, right?"

I shrug, dropping from the lamp post and landing on the ground. "Handled? Cap, please, these guys were two steps away from forming a conga line."

Stacy's partner rolls his eyes, but Captain Stacy just shakes his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look, thanks for the assist. But, it's getting kind of late don't you have school?"

"School? I'm Spider-"Man" remember?" I give him a mock salute, "Also you're mighty welcome. Just doing my part to keep the city from falling apart one Goblin pill at a time." I shoot a web up to a nearby rooftop. "You guys can take it from here! I've got... dinner plans."

And by dinner plans, I mean I'm already late to meet Felicia. Again.

Gotta stop mixing up my schedules.

I swing through the streets, heart racing, hoping I'm not too late. Aunt May's probably wondering where I am.

I'd told Felicia to meet me outside her restaurant, The Maple, because I figured Aunt May could use some help with the place, and Felicia... well, let's just say a regular job could do her some good. Keep her out of trouble.

I quickly unzip my backpack, changing into my normal clothes as quickly as I could, nearly tripping over myself in the process.

But as I approach The Maple, I spot Felicia leaning against the brick wall outside, arms crossed, looking... less than pleased.

Late again, Parker. Great.

I approach her slowly. "Hey, Felicia. Sorry, I got a little—uh—caught up."

Her icy blue eyes glance my way, and I notice—another bruise peeking out from under the collar of her jacket.

I try to ignore the twisting feeling in my gut.

"I didn't think you'd show up," she says with a small smirk, though her voice lacks its usual edge.

I hesitate, my mind racing. I want to ask—really ask—about the bruise, about what's been going on, but Felicia and I... we don't exactly do the heart-to-heart thing. "What happened?" I manage, motioning to her neck.

Her smile fades instantly, her eyes narrowing. "Don't worry about it."

"Felicia—"

"I said, don't worry about it, Peter," she says, more firmly this time. I let it go, for now, even though every instinct in me is screaming to push harder.

"Look," I say, changing the subject, "just promise me one thing, okay? Don't... don't steal from Aunt May."

Her smirk returns, though it's half-hearted. "What kind of person do you think I am?"

"I'm serious," I say, stepping closer. "This place is important to her, she and Uncle...look just please don't, okay?"

She rolls her eyes but eventually sighs. "Yeah. I promise, I won't steal from your aunt."

Good enough for me. For now.

We head inside, where Aunt May is bustling around, taking orders like a pro. The restaurant smells like comfort—coffee, warm pie, the works. Aunt May catches sight of me and breaks into a wide smile.

"Peter! You're late," she says, but there's no edge to her voice—just that familiar warmth. Her eyes drift to Felicia, and she gives a kind nod. "And you must be Felicia. Nice to meet you, dear."

Felicia offers her hand, all polite-like. "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Parker."

Aunt May, with her ever-warm smile, clasps Felicia's hand. "So, you're looking for a job? If Peter didn't already tell you, I definitely have my hands full with this place. As long as you're willing to put in the work, I think I can give you a shot here. Although," she adds, with a more serious tone, "I do have some questions to ask you before I decide anything."

Felicia's usual cool demeanor falters for a second. She shifts her weight and forces a polite smile. "O-Of course, ma'am. Thank you so much for the opportunity."

I bite my lip, trying hard not to laugh. Felicia Hardy—thief, smooth talker—was nervous in front of Aunt May. Who would've thought?

Felicia shoots me a deadly glare, her eyes narrowing like she's ready to pounce. Message received.

I quickly look away, doing my best to appear innocent.

Aunt May gestures to the back room. "Let's have a chat in private. Peter, why don't you sit tight?"

"Sure thing, May," I nod, finding a seat near the door. Felicia follows Aunt May to the back, and I can just about hear their voices fade as the door swings shut behind them.

The smell of freshly baked pie wafts through the air, making me feel a little drowsy. I glance around the restaurant, which is mostly empty now that dinner rush has passed.

My eyelids grow heavy as I listen to the muffled conversation between Aunt May and Felicia. I'm sure it's mostly formalities—work ethic, hours, pay—but my mind starts to drift.

Just a quick nap, I think, my chin drooping toward my chest...

**

I'm jolted awake when the door to the back room swings open. Aunt May steps out with Felicia right behind her.

Felicia's smile seems a little more genuine now, like the conversation helped calm her nerves. Aunt May gives me a pat on the shoulder.

"Well, Peter, I think Felicia's going to be a great addition to the team. You'll walk her home, right? And go back home afterward while I finish up closing here."

I blink, shaking off the remnants of my near-nap. "Uh, yeah, sure."

Felicia crosses her arms, looking away, but there's a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Thanks, Mrs. Parker. I really appreciate this."

"Don't mention it, dear." Aunt May's eyes twinkle as she waves us off. "Peter, make sure she gets home safely."

"On it, May," I say, standing up and giving Felicia a little nod toward the door. "Ready?"

Felicia shrugs and follows me out into the cool night air. For the first few blocks, it's quiet between us.

I can't quite read her expression, and it's clear she's lost in thought. The silence feels a little awkward, but before I can think of something to break it, she speaks up.

"Thanks, by the way," Felicia says, her voice softer than usual. "For helping me get the job."

I glance at her, a bit surprised. Felicia's not usually one for gratitude—at least not without some sarcastic remark to follow. "No problem. I figured May could use some help, and... well, maybe a steady gig could help you break that habit of yours."

She doesn't reply immediately, just gives a small nod as we keep walking.

Then, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out, and a smile crosses my face when I see it's a text from Gwen.

It's a meme about some old comic strip we both love. I chuckle to myself, completely forgetting where I am for a second.

"What's so funny?" Felicia asks, glancing over.

"Oh, uh, nothing," I say, feeling my face heat up. "It's just Gwen. She sent me something dumb."

Felicia's eyebrow lifts slightly, but she doesn't say anything right away. There's something in her gaze, though—a flicker of something I can't quite place.

"If you like her, you should ask her out," she says casually, though her voice has a bit of an edge to it. "Before somebody else does."

I freeze up for a second, feeling my pulse quicken. "I—uh, I don't know if it's like that with Gwen. We're just... I mean, she's..."

Felicia smirks, shaking her head. "Sure, Parker. Keep telling yourself that." But her smile fades after a second, replaced with something more distant. She turns her attention back to the street ahead.

What is going on with her?

The rest of the walk is quiet again, but this time it feels heavier, like there's something hanging between us that neither of us wants to address.

As we near Felicia's place, I hear something strange—glass shattering from inside the building.

Felicia tenses immediately, her eyes darting toward the sound. "Don't worry about it," she says quickly, her voice firm but tight. "It's just my dad. He's probably... drunk again."

I don't like the sound of that, but before I can say anything, she turns to me, her expression set in stone. "Just go home, Peter. I'll see you tomorrow for my first day of work."

"Felicia, are you sure—"

"I'm sure," she cuts me off, more forcefully this time. "Go home."

I hesitate, feeling the weight of her words and the underlying tension in her voice. But I don't push any further. "Okay," I say quietly. "Just... take care of yourself, alright?"

She nods, giving me a half-hearted smile before disappearing into the building. I watch the door for a moment longer, my Spidey sense nagging at the back of my mind.

As I make my way home, I can't shake the weird feeling in my gut. Felicia Hardy is a mystery—one I'm not sure I'll ever fully figure out. But tonight, she felt... different.

Maybe we're finally becoming real friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thursday October 10th

Star Trek. One of the greatest sci-fi franchises ever. Uncle Ben and I used to watch reruns every Sunday—movies, episodes, the whole deal.

Now, I'm watching it with Gwen Stacy, on her couch.

"People always bash the newer movies," Gwen says, eyes glued to the screen, "I've always thought they were okay. Like in this scene, Pike isn't mad at Kirk for breaking the rule. It's that Kirk lied. He didn't take responsibility. That's not what a captain does. A captain owns up."

She keeps going, analyzing the scene, and I sit there smiling. Seriously, could there be a more perfect girl?

"You're right," I say. "Responsibility goes a long way." She nods, reaching for more popcorn.

Suddenly, the front door swings open, and Captain Stacy steps in, grinning at the TV. "The First Duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth!" he shouts, full-on ham. Gwen groans, but she's laughing.

"Dad, stop. You're gonna make Peter think we're a family of nerds."

"That doesn't sound too bad to me," I say, smirking at the both of them.

"Trust me, Pete. My dad out-nerds us both. Don't even get me started on his Jedi cosplay last year." Gwen shoots him a playful glare.

Captain Stacy gasps dramatically. "Now hold on! My Jedi robes are cool. Besides, I recall you wearing that Terminator—"

"Dad!" Gwen covers his mouth. "Stop before I tell Mom who really ate her last piece of cheesecake."

Captain Stacy's eyes go wide with mock horror. "You wouldn't."

Gwen raises an eyebrow, daring him. I can't help but chuckle.

"Well, for what it's worth, Captain, I went as a Stormtrooper a couple years ago." I say.

"See, he gets it!" Captain Stacy says, beaming. "Why can't you have more friends like Peter?"

Gwen rolls her eyes. "Dad, I have plenty of other cool friends."

"It's true, sir," I add, trying not to laugh. "I've seen her around school—she's got more people hanging around than I've ever even met."

She smirks, leaning a little closer. "Been watching me, huh, Parker?"

I immediately flush red. "W-What? No! Not like that!" Great, Parker, real smooth.

Captain Stacy clears his throat, sensing my embarrassment. "Peter, Gwen tells me you're Midtown's smartest student. Oh, and call me George, by the way. I'm off-duty."

Gwen nods, backing him up. "Yeah, first student in ten years to ace every entrance exam."

I scratch the back of my head. "Yeah, who needs a tutor..."

Captain Stacy smiles warmly. "Smartest guy in the room, huh? That can get lonely."

For a moment, I think about Uncle Ben. The way he always had my back, always there with advice. "Yeah, but that's why he's got me." Gwen says, and I can practically feel my face exploding with red.

There's a weird moment—something unspoken between us. Captain Stacy checks his watch and clears his throat again. "It's getting late, Peter. Shouldn't you be getting home?"

"Yeah, of course. Thanks for having me." I stand, and Gwen follows me to the door.

"You're welcome anytime!" Captain Stacy calls after us as Gwen and I reach the porch.

Gwen lingers at the door, her eyes still on me. "Thanks for the Star Trek hangout, Pete. It was fun."

I nod. "Yeah, it was."

C'mon, Parker. Ask her.

"Look," Gwen starts, taking a breath. "These past few weeks have been really fun hanging out again. But now that we're not tutoring each other anymore..."

She hesitates, and I jump in, already assuming the worst. "Oh, yeah, no pressure. I get it. We don't have to—"

She laughs softly, cutting me off. "No, Peter. That's not what I mean. What I'm trying to say is... I just...uh...Will you go to homecoming with me?"

I freeze. For a moment, everything feels like it's moving in slow motion. My heart's pounding in my ears, and I can't tell if it's from nerves or excitement.

Her smile is soft. The wind blows gently, lifting strands of her hair.

"I'd love to." I manage to say, finally finding my voice.

She grins, and suddenly the air feels lighter.

I stand there, grinning like an idiot.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow, Peter."

"Yeah, see you," I say, still trying to process what just happened.

As I walk away, I can't help but smile to myself. Maybe things are finally starting to look up.

Aw, crap. Did I just jinx it?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friday October 11th

Dr. Otto Octavius, stood within the entrance of the compound of Ravencroft.

The doors opening for him as if welcoming him home.

He'd found the Warden's weak spot, the weak spot that most men had, the one thing that would cause them to make the most irrational of decisions.

He'd found his wife, his children, and he made a deal with him. Something that would keep him out of the limelight of the police, and keep what he was about to do hidden.

Most of the staff, and guards had been released early, only a few with the promises of being paid off, had stayed behind to allow things to run smoothly.

He met the warden in his office, "you...you won't hurt them will you? They'll be safe and after this we'll be done?"

Dr. Octavius smiles. "Yes, I assure you; that as long as you follow my instructions. You and your family will be kept out of harms way. But if you were to ever think about telling anyone about me what's happening here..." His mechanical arm snapped just inches in front of the man's face. "Well...I think you'll find that things can change rather quickly. Now, where can I find what I'm looking for?"

Dr. Octavius walked through the flickering sterile lights of Raven-croft.

Only in the lowest, most secure levels, only the most dangerous threats to the city were contained, each in their specially reinforced cells.

Dr. Otto Octavius stood in the dim light, his four mechanical arms twisting and flexing behind him, their metal gleaming with cold, lethal intent.

This was the night he had been planning for, orchestrating every detail with precision.

Tonight, he would assemble a group of individuals who together, would become something unstoppable, a power that the people of this world would be powerless against.

He would answer to nobody, though, if he was being honest with himself, a tiny flicker deep in his heart wondered was this really what he wanted...or was it the machine attached to his body?

Otto's lips curled into a thin smile as he approached the first cell. Inside the adamantium cage sat a hulking figure, his body twisted and scaled, his reptilian eyes glowing faintly in the dark.

"Dr. Curt Connors, I presume," Otto said, his voice smooth and calculated as his mechanical arm clicked a control panel, deactivating the glass wall that separated them. "Or do you prefer the Lizard?"

Connors' head snapped up, his long tongue flicking as he stepped forward. "Kill....I...kill....you...."

Otto stepped into the room, unafraid, his mechanical appendages poised to strike if needed. "I am Dr. Otto Octavius. And I'm here to offer you a way out of this cage... and perhaps, a cure for your condition."

The Lizard snarled, his claws flexing.

Otto's smile widened, though his eyes remained cold. "I can give you control. The ability to choose when you transform, or even end this torment. To cure you completely and fully."

For a moment, the primal rage in the Lizard's eyes flickered with something else—hope, maybe, or desperation. Then he took a step back, studying the man before him. "End.....?"

"Yes, end. But this will not come free of course," Otto said, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Help me find Norman Osborn. And I will make sure you're freed from your curse. And while you're at it...you get to kill the spider."

Connors' eyes narrowed. He knew who Spider-Man really was, the boy who'd worked with him before...he lost his daughter...before his wife left him...before he'd turned into this monster. All this time trapped in that cage, parts of his memory...of his mind returned to him...but not enough.

But Peter was also the one who'd prevented him from finding his cure...the one who left him here to rot. He let out a low growl, and a deep rage quelled within his eyes.

Further down the corridor, Otto came to the next cell, where a hulking brute paced back and forth like a caged animal.

Aleksei Sytsevich—Rhino. His cell was reinforced with adamantium as well, his massive body barely contained by the space.

"You're quite intimidating indeed," Otto called out, his mechanical arms extending toward the control panel again. "Although, I understand you've got some unfinished business with Spider-Man. And in turn...Norman Osborn."

Rhino stopped in his tracks and turned, his broad, brutish face lighting up with recognition. "Norman! Green man!" His eyes lit up with anger. "Bug man! I will tear them apart!"

Otto pressed a button, releasing the restraints on Rhino's cell. "I can give you the chance to settle that score once and for all."

Rhino's lips twisted into a grin. "Do not mess with Aleksei."

"This is no joking matter," Otto said calmly. "Norman Osborn has wronged all of us, Aleksei. And Spider-Man has stood in the way far too many times. Join me, and I promise you'll get exactly what you've been craving."

Rhino stepped forward, his massive frame casting a shadow over Otto. "I will assist you. But if you think of double-crossing me I will rip—"

"You won't get the chance," Otto interrupted, his voice steady and assured. "I need you as much as you need me."

In another part of the facility, Mac Gargan—Scorpion—sat in his darkened cell. Whistling as he stared at the ceiling above him. He barely registered the door sliding open until Otto Octavius stood in the doorway, the mechanical limbs extending toward him like serpents.

"Mac Gargan," Otto greeted, "I hear you've been itching for a rematch with Spider-Man."

Gargan narrowed his eyes. "The hell? Am I supposed'ta know you?"

"You can think of me as someone who can give you back your sting," Otto said smoothly. "And someone who wants to make Norman, and Spider-Man pay. And you're going to be part of it."

Gargan rose slowly, his face twisting with a sneer. "Wow. Ominous. What's in it for me?"

"A new suit. More powerful than before," Otto promised. "You'll be stronger, faster—and you'll have a chance to make Spider-Man suffer."

Gargan took a step forward, remembering the feeling of being so close to taking Harry, and running off with his Payday from Norman Osborn.

He could've lived any life he wanted, he was so close....with his fists clenched, and jaw tightened he smiles at the Doctor. "I mean, not like I really have many other plans anyways. Yeah, alright. Sounds fun. Love the chance to watch that bug squirm."

The next stop on Otto's recruitment mission was the darkest, most secure cell in the entire facility. Maxwell Dillon—Electro—had been isolated, cut off from any source of electricity, his powers rendered useless.

He sat in the darkness, his eyes closed, waiting. The screams of those innocents in the diner, the look on everyone's faces when they'd realized what he'd done...the way he was cast aside by society...by Spider-Man, still fresh in his mind.

The door slid open with a soft hiss, and Otto entered the room, his mechanical arms gleaming in the dim light.

Electro's eyes snapped open, a faint crackle of electricity sparking in his pupils as he sensed the presence of someone new.

"Maxwell Dillon," Otto said, his voice carrying an air of authority. "You've been in the dark long enough. It's time to return to the light."

Electro sneered. "I know you. You're that freak who attacked that school. You went crazy."

"If I'm not mistaken, I believe those words could also apply to you," Otto replied smoothly. "I heard about your story. About what happened to you. What if I were to tell you; that the reason you gained these powers, were from the CEO of Oscorp himself...Norman Osborn? And that everything that happened was his little experiment."

A dangerous glint sparked in Electro's eyes, a faint crackle of electricity buzzing through the air. "Norman Osborn? He...he did this...to me? He ruined my life?!"

Otto nodded a smirk forming in his lips. "Precisely. Which is why I want to allow you the chance to take him out. Along with the one who trapped you here, Spider-Man."

Once again, his life was taken advantage of someone who thought nothing of him, who didn't care what happened to Maxwell Dillion...then there was Spider-Man, who let him believe he could make more of his life.

None of this was his fault.

To him, it was their fault.

"You get me out of here. And I will kill them both."

Octavius smiled. "Very well."

With his new recruits in tow, Otto Octavius led the group through the labyrinthine corridors of Ravencroft, moving with precision and confidence.

They soon reached the final cell, where Adrian Toomes—the Vulture—waited. This time, there was no need for introductions. Otto had all but planned for this, and the old man already knew why he was there.

"Adrian," Otto said, his mechanical arms unlocking the door, "are you ready to fly again?"

Toomes looked up, his weary eyes filled with a burning desire for revenge. "Took you long enough, can't believe I let you talk me into this crazy plan."

With the Lizard, Rhino, Scorpion, Electro, and Vulture by his side, Otto Octavius had assembled a team with one goal: to kill Norman Osborn. And the pesky Spider that stood in the way.

As the six of them walked out of Ravencroft, the air around them crackled with tension, each man fueled by his own hatred and lust for revenge.

Octavius smiled as they stepped into the night, his mechanical arms flexing with anticipation. This was just the beginning.

He had plans for this city, and none of them included a world where either Norman Osborn or Spider-Man was still living.