The next morning, a small group of heroes had gathered on the balcony at The Triskellion. Everyone had sad looks on their faces, as Doc Connors walked in front of them.

"Today…", he began and turned around. "Today is the most horrible in my life. We have gathered to say a farewell to our beloved teammate, hero, and friend – Spider-Man."

Young heroes listened silently. Squirrel Girl sobbed so loudly that Power Man and Iron Fist had to support her, or else she would have fainted.

"As you might have heard, Spider-Man sacrificed himself by protecting the city and its people. He died like a true hero", Connors continued. He lifted his hand, which held a red rose. He looked at the water and closed his eyes.

"Goodbye, my young friend", he said and threw the rose into the waves. "We shall miss you."

Everybody followed Connors's mark and threw their own flowers into the sea. Then they stood silently for a couple of minutes, before splitting up and went back to their normal routines. After the balcony was empty, from the distance flew a familiar red and blue painted armor and landed to the ground. Norman opened his helmet and walked to the spot where heroes threw their flowers.

Norman took that same little piece of a web which he pulled from Peter's jeans and looked at it. Then he put it around a little piece of metal and threw it into the water.

"This is my apology…", he sighed. "I admit that I always didn't understand your actions. And even if we didn't always get along, I respect your sacrifice. I'm so sad that I didn't manage to say thank you…"

Waves hit against the island while Norman stood there for a while. Then he turned around and started to walk away.

I hope you forgive me…that I'm gonna find out who you were. My son's life is just way too important.

And then The Iron Patriot sped up. When he was flying, he didn't notice that someone watched him from the shadows, hanging upside down.

I forgive you Norman. I also hope that you will forgive me as well as what I'm keeping from you.

After Norman disappeared from the person's gaze, he turned around and crawled through the pipes. He opened a vent and climbed by walls to the lab. When he entered there, he met Doc Connors.

"I guess everything went as we planned", Spider-Man walked into the light. Connors nodded.

"Yes…you are now officially dead."

"I hate that I have to do this", Peter muttered. "But it's better they think I'm gone. We have to keep them out of this."

Connors nodded and Spidey turned to see his teammates, who walked in. Flash was still in a wheelchair and attended the S.H.I.E.L.D. physiotherapy.

"Man, it was really hard to see them mourning you", Cho sighed. Miles stood beside him and nodded.

"Sorry guys that you have to be part of this mess", Spidey shook his head.

"Nah, don't worry about it", Flash smiled. "That's what friends do!"

Peter smiled back and turned to see Connors. He had something to do.

"I go to see him now", Spidey nodded. "You can tell guards to open the gates."

Connors, Cho, Miles, and Flash all watched as Peter entered the prison. They admired Spider-Man's strength and courage and hoped to be able to do the same one day.

-o-o-o-

Spider-Man walked across the hall and stopped in front of Ock's cell. He kicked the glass with his leg.

"Hey ugly!", he said. "Wake up, we have to talk."

Ock opened his eyes and blinked them. And when he saw Spidey, he smiled.

"Oh, am I popular", Ock grinned. "Well good day Mr. Parker. "What gives me this honor?"

"Save your compliments", Peter crossed his arms. "I know about Norman's visit here. What kind of sick game you're playing?!"

Octavius stared back...and started laughing.

"Me? I think we should ask that from you. What kind of game you're playing, Peter-dear?"

"Stop calling me by my real name!", Spider-Man said angrily. "You have no right to use it."

"But you have right to call me ugly", Ock nodded. "Priorities are clearly right in this dump."

Spidey rolled his eyes. No matter which situation they were in, Octavius never forgot his narcissistic tone.

"It seems that dear old Normie hasn't still managed to figure out who you are", Ock shook his head. "And the answer is right in front of him! He is a total idiot…"

"I'm warning you Ock", Spider-Man pointed him with his finger. "You better stay away from the Osborns. Or else..."

"Or else what?" Octavius raised his eyebrow. "My my, you sure are full of spirit young one, I give you that. But let me remind you that I know your secret. And who could have known that you are a dear family friend of my ex-employer? I wonder what Norman would say when he finds out who is responsible for his brat's coma…"

"Your threats don't work on me. Norman knows deep inside that it was your fault what happened to Harry."

"I shall doubt that", Ock said. "He was clearly burning when he was talking about you. Oh, my dear Parker…you are in big trouble. But don't worry, I'm not gonna tell him…yet."

Peter stared angrily. His options to defend himself were running out.

"Why would you tell him? You said that Norman would be the last person you would reveal my identity."

"That's true, he is. But then when I started to think about it closely…I would actually have something very useful while telling him. I know Norman better than anyone and trust me, he can be very impulsive. But I guess you already know that since you are his son's best friend…", Ock grinned.

"What the hell is your problem?!", Peter spat.

"Oh I don't have a problem, but you do. Since if Norman finds out that you've been playing with him right in front of his face…gosh I can't even think what he will do to you. Your secret likely lays in my tentacles."

Spidey stared silently. He hated more than anything that Ock was right.

"You have something in mind. And if you are asking your freedom, the answer is no. I'd rather be ripped apart by Norman than letting you near him or Harry."

"Oh, I don't have to leave here. Since I'm not the one who is telling him the truth. You are."

Spidey looked surprised.

"Excuse me?"

"That's right Parker. I'm giving you a choice. It depends on you, what will you do."

Peter just stared. What was this madman planning?

"You have two options. Since I want Osborn to suffer the most painful way, I shall attack his weak spot. And I'm pretty sure you know which that is…", Ock grinned. Spidey's eyes widened when he realized.

No…

"No! No, you can't! Harry is innocent! Even you can't be so cruel…leave him out of this!"

"Now you're starting to realize", Ock smiled. "Very good. You see, here is what we'll do. If you blow lights out of that Osborn brat, I will keep my mouth shut and I won't tell your secret. But if you don't, I reveal you to Norman myself."

Spidey held his breath. He hit the glass furiously.

"You lunatic! I would never, ever kill Harry! He is my best friend! You are insane!"

"Thanks for noticing, hah hah hah!", Ock laughed loudly. "My, isn't this beautiful? For years you have been messing up my plans, but now I'm controlling you and Norman. My two the most hated enemies."

Spider-Man was full of rage. Without this glass wall between them, he would have already beaten Ock right there.

"I give you one week. And then you know what happens if you don't succeed. And since I want to know that you're not bluffing…you will bring me Harry's body personally."

"You little piece of…", Peter muttered angrily.

"Oh don't take this personally", Ock laughed. "It's not just about me and you…things just happens. Bad luck Parker, bad luck."

Peter couldn't take more. He made a murderous look at Ock and webbed out of the prison. Behind him, heard how Octavius yelled.

"And remember one week! Then we'll see who finds out and what."

Peter slammed the door open and ran past his teammates, who were waiting for him. They almost fell down.

"Spidey, slow down! Where are going?!"

Ignoring yelling, Spider-Man webbed himself out of the building. He ran to the edge of the balcony and panted.

I can never do that…but then Norman will find out if I don't agree. What I'm gonna do…?!

Peter lifted his gaze up and looked at the ocean. He felt his phone shaking and read a message from Norman.

"Got home from the service. If you are ready, we could start now."

Peter put his phone back in his pocket and webbed himself towards the city. When Oscorp came into sight, only one thing ran in his head.

We'll see who is blackmailing who Ock. And I'm not gonna let you win this game. Not as long as I'm Spider-man.