Peter sat on the beach, watching as waves danced under the glimmering sun. Through the air blew a soft breeze, making the air fresh.
"But remember, spiders can easily be tangled up in their webs. Especially if you're special…"
That sentence kept rolling in the young man's mind over and over again. He couldn't think of anything else. How could Ambrose know about him? It didn't make any sense. They had never met before and his identity had not come out in public. Was the oldest Osborn working for Ock?
That's stupid! They don't know each other. Norman has not spoken about his father to anyone before. But still, how?!
Even if Peter usually had tough nerves, but this case had made him almost paranoid. He went through every moment from the beginning when he and Harry first met Ambrose. Did he intentionally give some hints of his secret? No. Did Ambrose's behavior tell something about his sudden outcome? No. It came out of the blue.
I don't know what to think anymore…where he could have possibly gotten that information?! Or was I only imagining things?
"Peter!"
Lifting his head up, Peter spotted Miles running towards him.
"Oh hey, Miles."
"There you are! I've been looking all over for you!", the younger spider caught a breath. Looking confused, Peter stood up.
"Looking for me?"
"Yeah! Since…"
"Since? Miles, are you feeling okay?"
"No…I mean yes! But arrhhh…just come, there's something you need to see."
Before Peter could ask more, Miles sprinted towards the house. Wiping the sand from his shoes, the main hero followed his friend, wondering what was going on. As they entered inside, they headed straight down to the basement where others already were.
"Took you long enough", Flash leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Where the hell were you?!"
"None of your business", Peter grunted. "So, what's up?"
"This", Alex pointed out the screen. "Believe it or not, but I managed to discover the next keyword."
"What?! Let me see!", Peter answered, leaning to look. And yes, he was able to read the word.
"P-E-R-P-E-T-R-A-T-O-R."
"Yes…I still can't believe it worked. It was just my lucky guess."
"Wow…that's amazing Alex! I knew you could do it!", Peter smiled and patted his friend's shoulder, while others clapped a little.
"Stop it…", Alex blushed. "There is really no need…"
"But of course! We are making the great process. How did you find the right one?"
"Well, I was feeling really guilty since I promised you I would do my best. Called myself a perpetrator…and believe it or not, but the file opened at the moment I said it. Looks like this one was a voice code."
"Weird", Miles said. "So, do you have any idea where it points?"
"No. Unlike the previous ones, this appeared before something nasty happened. Means anything is possible", Alex said.
"Indeed", Peter answered. "But I'm really proud of you! Harry will be really happy when hears."
"He's not back yet?", Miles asked.
"No, he was forced to go back to the hospital for checkout. And unfortunately, Ambrose went with him."
"That old kook…are you sure you heard his words correctly?", Flash asked.
"I don't know…I honestly have no idea what to think. Logically, he should not know since we have never met before and he does not know anything about me. But then again…", Peter muttered.
"But we are talking about your biggest secret here! And he talking like that is not normal, it's disturbing. He can know more than admits! What if he knows our identities as well?!"
"Yeah. Flash has a point, Peter. We need to be extra careful around him. He has shown to be very cruel", Miles said.
"I know, but we can't blame without clear proof. He already has Harry under his control. If we do something reckless, he might get hurt. And I promised Norman to take care of his son."
"So you are willing to risk our identities for your best bud? Should have known we others mean nothing to you…", Flash spat.
"Of course you do! But I don't want to do something I will regret later. True, Ambrose is a manipulative psycho, but I can't prove anything right now. And trust me, I have gone through every possible scenario."
"It is a bit confusing according to your story. None of us has seen him before. Could he be working for Ock?", Alex suggested.
"Everything is possible, but I don't think so. How would they know about each other? Norman has not mentioned him ever before and Ambrose lived a very shut life for many years, far from everyone", Peter answered.
"But what if Ock has dug some of the information out on his own? Osborn is a pretty famous name in NYC."
"Perhaps…but somehow, it's not a very convincing theory. I highly doubt Ambrose doesn't know about our lovely enemy", Peter shook his head. "I bet there is something else we don't know."
"I really hope so. Imagine them scheming together…", Flash crossed his hands again. Staring around in complete silence for a while…until everyone shook their heads in disgust.
"Eewww! Don't even say it Flash!", Miles gagged.
"Yeah, uhh…", Peter shivered.
"See? No one likes him. So how about we kick him off when we still can?", Flash suggested. "I could use some of my football tricks!"
"As much as I would love that, but we can't. Remember, he's Harry's caretaker now."
"Speaking of…have you told him about the tape?", Miles asked.
"No", Peter answered. "And ain't going to."
"Are you sure that's wise? I think he has a right to know. It's his father we are talking about here", Alex pointed.
"Yes and the more reason he can't be told. You saw yourself how Harry behaved earlier. He really looks up to Norman and is ready to do everything for him. Could even sacrifice himself without any thinking, if that was the only way. If one Osborn goes down, so will another. Their bond is unbreakable."
"Yeah", Miles agreed. "No one can replace the family. Like my Mom…"
"Or Aunt May…", Peter smiled sadly. Listening, Alex coughed to his fist.
"Right. Well, in any case, there is something else I should tell you. Something I noticed…"
"Oh?", boys turned to look. "Like what?"
"Well…", Alex muttered. "I don't know how to put this, but I do my best. So ears open!"
-o-o-o-
"And back when I was young, I was and blah blah blah…"
Rolling his eyes in total boredom, Harry dragged himself unwillingly after his grandfather in the downtown of Boston. As much as he hated spending time with him, but the old man was stuck in him like glue.
"Such wonderful weather, isn't it Harold?", Ambrose looked up. Grunting, Harry rolled his eyes like could not care less.
"I notice that look. Norman was exactly like you when he was a teenager. So stubborn."
"Well, no wonder…", Harry muttered, passing Ambrose.
"What was that again?"
"Nothing…", Harry carried his father's helmet in his armpit. After he got the letter, had a strong need to keep it along. Somehow, the young man felt that Norman kinda "lived" inside it. Maybe stupid, yes, but he didn't care.
"You brought that thing all the way here? I'm starting to doubt you have something in mind…", Ambrose gazed at Harry, who stared back.
"Like what? What I could possibly do worse since you have already won the prize?"
When Ambrose heard that, he began to laugh ironically.
"Oh dear…how snappy you are my child. Well, tell me this. Aren't you such a Daddy's little boy Harold?"
"In what way?", Harry snorted.
"Come on, like you don't know. When you were a baby, Norman adored you. He was always telling how cute you are and all. And when I see you two now, I can tell nothing has changed."
"Why do I have a feeling that I'd better stay quiet", Harry spat and kept walking.
"Suit yourself. But I really enjoy this family time we're sharing. I can feel we are starting to bond", Ambrose patted Harry's shoulder.
"In your dreams", Harry smacked the arm away. "I'm only doing this because I must."
"Well, that's a start. I'm sure things will solve out."
"As long as you're gone…", Harry whispered when Ambrose walked ahead. And as Osborns walked across the city, behind them, slowly in the shadows moved something…
-o-o-o-
"Are you sure?", Peter looked at Alex, sounding rather doubtful.
"Yes! They were glowing, I saw them with my own eyes."
"What does that mean? Wasn't one of the abilities glowing?", Miles asked Peter who walked circles.
"Yes…or I'm not sure. Connors's notes went missing during the escape from The Triskellion."
"Missing?", Flash asked.
"Yeah…so I don't remember all of the details he wrote down. I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it", Alex comforted. "I'm sure I'll be able to discover something."
"I'm counting on you. You have done an excellent job so far. I think you can focus on the minerals for now. We will think about what is the meaning of this password."
"Thank you, Peter. I can't wait to examine them", Alex nearly ran out of the room. Flash looked after him, then turning his head towards his friends.
"Right, so the third step is on the way. But don't you think we should skip this all and go after Ock instead? I'm tired of this cat and mouse game!"
"Me too", Miles sighed. "I feel we have not done a single process. I think we should track Ock down as Flash suggested."
"I know…I'm frustrated too. But we will solve this. I have always said that and will", Peter lifted his thumbs up. "I'm not gonna rest until we have saved the city!"
"You're right, let's not drown in misery again. But I think we should do differently than before", Flash said.
"What do you mean?", Miles asked.
"Well, think about it! The scenario is the same. Something bad happens and the next code appears after that. Ock has obviously planned this that we can't be prepared. But he's wrong! Since nothing has happened now, let's prepare ourselves."
"Good idea. Let's train! I have…", Peter stopped as Flash shook his head.
"No, no training! It's just a waste of time. I say we go and do something more intriguing."
Looking at each other, Peter and Miles followed Flash along the corridor until he spotted in front of Ambrose's door.
"Uhhh…Flash?", Peter stared.
"Come on Pete, we both know that slimy face has something to hide. Let's investigate now when we have a chance!"
"I don't think that is such a good idea…", Miles hesitated. "That man is pure evil and who knows what will do if finds out."
"Well, he won't! Come on", Flash opened the door, walking in. Despite this was wrong, but curiosity and concern won boys over, so they followed and closed the door.
"Uh…it sure is stuffy in here", Miles coughed.
"Not really wonder", Flash pulled the curtains aside. "Urgh, dusty! How that grumpy can sleep in here?"
"Let's not talk about the smell…", Peter nodded. It reminded him of the house. As old and decrepit.
"Thank your luck Harry is not like him", Flash knelt down to look under the bed. "Find anything interesting?"
"No…", Miles checked the wardrobe. "Just some of his clothes."
"Look, guys, this is pretty stupid. I mean that even if Ambrose is a jerk, we don't have to sink down to his level. Let's just go before he and Harry come back", Peter pointed over his shoulder.
"You might want to rethink that", Flash pulled a huge wooden chest in front of him. "This looks pretty interesting since it's locked. So must be important."
"Yeah but…!", Peter looked stunned as Miles went next to Flash and leaned down.
"Hmm, I agree. Should we open it?"
"Miles, Flash! Seriously!"
"Don't be such a scary cat, Pete! Where's Spider-Man's courage?"
"This has nothing to do with courage! I'm only thinking of what might happen if Ambrose finds out we are snooping around here."
"You really think I'm scared of that fool?", Flash yanked the lock. "Darn, how do we open this thing?!"
"Let me see", Miles looked. "Hmm…no idea."
*Knocking sounds*
Jumping out of their skins, the trio turned their scared faces towards the window. But when noticed Vulture behind it, sighed deeply with relief.
"Man, I'm seriously gonna teach that raven some…", Flash muttered as Miles smacked his shoulder.
"Hey, Toomes!", Peter opened the window. "Where have you been?"
"Here and there. But what are you doing in Mr. Osborn's room?", Toomes flew inside.
"Investigating", Flash answered. "But wait a minute…ahah! Can you use your nails to open this?", he pointed the lock.
"Perhaps…but why?"
"You'll see", Flash stepped aside. Looking a bit unsure, Toomes did what was asked and soon, the trunk was open.
"Okay, let's see what the old wart is hiding", Flash began to dig.
"Find anything?", Miles asked.
"Nope…looks like you were right. Tsk", Flash stood up. "And I thought I was on the right track…"
"Told you this was a bad idea", Peter said. "Now, put it back and let's get out of here."
"You might want to see this first", Miles held an old file in his hand. "Look, it was hidden to the bottom."
"My my, and you said you weren't interested in spying", Flash grinned mockingly, causing his friend blush. Taking the file, Peter opened it…and nearly dropped it.
"What…?!"
"What?! What is it Pete?!", boys gathered around him, not believing their eyes. The whole file was filled with newspaper articles of Spider-Man during his career.
"Oww…now that's creepy…", Flash pointed.
"Yes but…why there are pictures of me?! I mean look!", Peter pointed.
"I have no idea", Miles answered. "How could he have? Well, one explanation can be that he has followed your career intensively and simply collects news about you. But why would keep them in a locked trunk?"
"Yes, but somehow, I don't buy that explanation. I mean Ambrose lived away from everyone and…arrh, I just don't know!", Peter grabbed his head.
"Maybe…but I think he knows more than admits. Take a look at this one…", Flash took another file from the trunk. "It was hidden as well and, well uhh…"
"Like this could get any worse than it already is…", Peter muttered, grabbing the file. But changed his mind quickly.
"No way…", he saw pages which were filled with photos of him and Osborns. Pictures of him and Harry coming from Midtown High, spending time in the park, downtown…then there were many pictures of Norman and Harry around Oscorp, eating in a restaurant, etc.
"Uhh…", Miles shivered. "That man is such a stalker!"
"Tell me about it! All of these pictures are taken of me and Osborns! Even my home and Aunt May! And some of them aren't even fresh! What is this, I mean seriously?!"
"Didn't you tell Ambrose claimed not knowing who you are since he has not seen Osborns for years? Well. looks like he lied straight in your face", Flash said.
"Y-yeah…he has stalked us for I don't even know how long! And he has surrounded my home and family as well…", Peter gritted his teeth.
"Now do you believe what I said earlier? This gotta be Ock's work. He has somehow found out about Ambrose and they planned this whole thing. He knew you and Harry were going to look for him when the time comes", Flash pointed.
"But Harry heard about him until Norman told. He had no idea of his existence before!"
"Well, something, in this case, doesn't add up. But you can't deny it, we aren't safe around him."
"I agree. What should we do?", Miles asked.
"Isn't that obvious?! We get rid of him! I'm sure we can protect Harry if things get tough", Flash slammed his fists against the chest. "Sorry Pete, but we don't have much choice if we wanna protect our identities. And ain't gonna reveal it!"
Nodding, Peter felt how his limits were crossed. Stalked while being Spider-Man he could at least tolerate, but his personal life was a totally different thing. He remembered what Uncle Ben taught him…family always comes first and you must always defend it.
And that's exactly what I'm gonna do!
"You are right Flash. No one threatens me, especially a wacko like Ock", Peter grabbed the two files, much to everyone's surprise.
"Are you gonna take them with you?!", Miles stared and Flash grinned with satisfaction.
"Yes."
"But…what if…!"
"Miles, we are talking about my life here. And I'm gonna defend it till the end."
"Awesome! Now that's the spirit pal!", Flash slammed Peter's shoulder. "That old goose is gonna have a flying start!"
"He sure will. Let's put everything back and think for the next move. Hurry", Peter said. After they had cleaned, boys left the room.
"You sure about this?", Miles walked beside Peter. "If we cross the line, there is no going back."
"No need to worry Miles", Peter smiled. "I know what I'm doing. Trust me."
Seeing the self-assured look on his friend's face filled Miles with hope. Decisiveness was one of Peter's strongest traits and when he was full of it, nothing could stop him.
Just wait you creep…
-o-o-o-
"Can't we just return back to the house already?!", Harry asked in frustration when he and Ambrose were eating in a restaurant.
"But why? I'm having such a good time. Here your insolent friends won't disturb us."
"They are not insolent! If someone here is rude, then that's you", Harry mocked. He didn't even bother to hide his annoyance.
"I still have a couple of things I must take care of. Then we can leave."
"Fine…but make it quick", Harry answered. "I'm going to get some fresh air."
"Don't go too far", Ambrose answered. Rolling his eyes, the young man walked outside.
"Mehh…", Harry straightened his arms in the sunset.
How boring…
*Crawling sounds*
Opening his eyes, Harry turned white. He could recognize that voice anywhere.
Oh no, don't tell me that…!
Looking up, Harry covered his eyes from the burning evening sun. Then, he spotted something attached on the wall a bit above. An octobot…and it was zooming straight at him.
"Is that…?!", Harry muttered. Suddenly, the octobot began to crawl fast down. Gasping, Harry whipped around and started running faster than his condition let him.
If it catches me…who knows what might happen! Darn, why I don't have my armor when it's needed?!
Yelling for help, Harry ran across the streets, octobot following closely behind. People stared as he passed them. After reaching the crossroads, Harry tried to decide which direction to go. Spotting a park, he ran there.
If only Dad were here with me…
Running through the trees, young Osborn didn't dare to look back. Then out of nowhere, slammed himself against a high chain-link fence.
"Oh no no no no…!", Harry yanked the fence. Turning around, he bit his lip as the octobot stopped in front of him.
"If you wanna fight, don't think I'm giving up that easily!", he challenged bravely. Before, he would have been scared to death…but not anymore. He wanted to be stronger.
"Well, what are you waiting for?!", Harry commanded. "Come and get me!"
But the octobot didn't move from its place. Instead, it just examined Harry, moving the camera from side to side, zooming in and out.
"What…what do you want from me?! Can Ock see me through this?! If he can, tell him to go to hell and free Dad and turn New York back to normal at once! Or else he will be very sorry!"
Continuing filming, the octobot stood still. Harry could see his angry reflection from the lens.
"Oh, so you wanna play tough now, huh?! Fine! I'm…", Harry spat. As he was ready to hit, the octobot quickly backed away, disappearing into the woods.
"Hey, come back!", the furious teen ran after it. "Tell where Dad is! HEY!"
But the little devil was already gone. Settling his breathing, Harry tried to put his thoughts together.
Okay,…what was that?! Where did it come from? And why it was after…?
"Harold!"
Flinching, Harry saw Ambrose walking from the bushes.
"There you are. I thought I told you not to wander far."
"But…did you…didn't you see that?!", Harry asked, without much thinking.
"See what?", Ambrose raised an eyebrow. "I came to look for you when you weren't near the restaurant. I met people who told seeing you running towards the park, like trying to escape from something. Are you all right?"
"Y-yes…", Harry answered silently. For the first time in forever, Ambrose sounded honestly concerned. But it didn't fool his grandson.
"I see…you really should stop running around like this. Since remember, likely everyone in New York knows who you are. Son of the billionaire is a perfect target for many sick criminals."
"If you only knew…", Harry whispered. Smiling, Ambrose turned around.
"But in any case, I think we should go back home as you're not injured. And it's getting late."
"Finally something we can agree on", Harry nodded, starting to walk ahead. His legs were trembling, as the adrenaline slowly disappeared from his body. He hoped that will never come across those little devils of Ock again.
-o-o-o-
It was a very late evening when Osborns managed back to the house. As Harry stepped out of the car, he spotted Toomes coming towards him.
"Oh, him again…", Ambrose shook his head, walking back inside. Ignoring him, Harry turned to his tall ally.
"Hey, Toomes. Do you know where others are?"
"Yes, I do…they sent me to get you", Toomes whispered. "Follow me."
"Uhh…okay. Are they inside?", Harry looked at the house.
"No. I'll show you where they are", Toomes started walking. Having a really weird feeling, Harry followed him on the beach where the group was sitting in front of a fire.
"Hi, guys!", Harry greeted happily. "What's up?"
To his surprise, no one answered. Flash, Peter, and Miles were in their costumes and Alex held his tablet.
"Uhh…guys? Is everything okay? Why you all look so serious?"
Still, no answer. That concerned Harry.
"Come on, what's the matter?! Why are you sitting around here? Pete?"
"I'm afraid Har…", Peter finally began. "That we have a serious problem."
"A problem?", Harry repeated. "What problem?"
"What problem?! Your lovely grandfather is the problem! He has lied all this time!", Flash said angrily.
"Well, that is not exactly new. But if you may define a bit, thank you."
Biting his lip, Peter pulled the files up, giving them to his bff.
"What are these?", Harry asked in confusion as he grabbed them.
"Just open them and you'll see. But I must warn you…it's not anything happy."
Not understanding what his friend meant, Harry scanned the files through, seeing the same things as boys did earlier.
"No…way…NO WAY!"
"Yep…he has stalked you and Norman for a long time…and me as well. He knows Harry, he knows everything", Peter said.
"But…but how is this possible?! I mean, I just met him! And Dad…!", Harry caught a breath.
"I have no idea what is going on either", Peter shut the files. "But he lied when said not seen us before. There are pictures taken many years ago. "Look."
"This is sick…I mean seriously! My own grandfather has been after me without my knowledge! And I was so naive that believed his so-called emotional stories…! DAMN IT!", Harry yelled angrily, scratching his head.
"Don't blame yourself about this. He bluffed us all."
"But you saw through him in the first place! I'm such an idiot...I feel so ashamed…", Harry sat down.
"Oh come on Osborn! You sure aren't afraid of that old loser?! We will kick his ass for sure!", Flash smiled self-confidently. "No worries!"
"But if he knows Spider-Man, this is dangerous. Who knows what else he might hide…", Miles answered.
"Speaking of…could that keyword match with what I'm thinking…?", Alex rubbed his chin. Hearing that, Harry lifted his head up.
"What keyword? Do you mean that…?!"
"Yes, Alex discovered the third level. And it was Perpetrator", Peter smiled a little.
"Wow…well that's great! Thank you, Alex, so much!", Harry shook his friend's hand. "I knew you could do it!"
"Oh, please…", Alex blushed. "There's really no need…"
"Sure there is! Every step is closer to solve this. I can't ever thank you enough…but I'm gonna talk to Dad that he will take you in after this mess is over", Harry smiled. "That is my way to thank you."
"I…I'm speechless. Thank you so much Harry", Alex smiled shyly.
"Beuatiful…but could we focus on the main thing now, please?! There's no doubt what the next step means", Flash said. "And we must do something about it!"
"My pleasure", Miles nodded.
"But guys…", Harry began. "I know he is a threat, but if we do something reckless…"
"Meh, open your eyes, Harry!", Flash interrupted. "What if he is behind your father's kidnap?! Maybe he arranged the whole thing and is working for Ock! Have you thought about that option?"
That made Harry silent. He felt anger boiling inside him. Remembering Norman's message reminded him of how he promised to fight for his family. His father was the most important person in his life (along with Peter of course) and he was willing to do everything to save him.
"Yes,...you're right. Let's do this. But before we do that, there is something I need to tell."
"Oh?", boys looked at him.
"Yeah. I was attacked by an octobot in the city. It followed me…and then disappeared."
"An octobot? Are you sure?", Peter asked.
"Positive. I bet it was Ock's. He is tracking us", Harry nodded for an answer.
"This keeps getting better and better…", Flash muttered. "Now what do we do?! Where the heck is he?!"
"Maybe Ambrose knows", Harry said. "And if he's behind Dad's abduction…I'm gonna crush him!", he slammed his fists together. Watching him, Peter felt great worry.
Should I tell him? I can't let my best friend do anything stupid.
"Well, I'm heading back already. I'm tired but before going to bed, I will take a look at these stones", Alex held the mineral box. "Goodnight everyone!"
"Night", boys answered as Alex disappeared into the darkness. After that, Peter decided to act, even if it would end up badly.
"Har, may I speak with you, alone?"
"Now? But we gotta…"
"Trust me, you need to hear this. Come", Peter grabbed Harry's wrist, pulling him further.
"Peter, what's wrong? You seem rather nervous."
"I am nervous", Peter turned around. "I promised Norman to take care of you. And I just can't allow you to put yourself into danger."
"Look, pal, I appreciate your concern. But you can't really order me around."
"I'm not going to, just trying to fill your father's wish. He would be against this, you know it."
"Maybe…but who else will help him if I'm not going to?", Harry asked.
"We will. And I…"
"No need to say anything bud. I trust you", Harry smiled, starting to walk back. "But now, we really must…"
"Listen to me, I'm serious! If we do something stupid, Norman will pay! It was in a tape which Kraven shot while attacking Toomes. He warned us and especially you", Peter said, knowing there was no other choice. Turning slowly around, Harry stared at him.
"What…?!"
"Yeah! I'm sorry I didn't tell you before! But I didn't want you to get hurt."
"How…how could you?! My Dad's head is on a plate and you didn't bother to tell me!"
"I know…but I only did this to protect us and especially Norman. We can't take any risks or he will suffer", Peter defended himself.
"But you know how much I miss him! I'm desperate Pete! And this information isn't really helping!", Harry spat.
Not knowing what to add, Peter remained silent. Sighing, Harry shook his head.
"Okay, let's talk about this later. We have much more important things to do now. Let's go", Harry was about to go…
"PETER! HARRY! COME QUICK!"
Staring at each other, boys ran across the beach and eventually, saw Miles, Toomes, and Flash on the ground, gathered around something.
"What is it?!", Peter stopped. "Why did you yell?"
"A-Alex!", Miles pointed their nerdy friend who laid motionlessly on his back, forehead covered with blood. His glasses had fallen off and were broken.
"What…what happened here?! Alex, can you hear me?!", Peter tried to wake him up. No use.
"Looks like he got attacked by something…or someone. I can see trails in the sand", Flash pointed. "But we were too far that our senses didn't pick that up."
"Or that thing attacked again", Miles said. "But one thing is for sure…the stones are gone!"
"WHAT?!"
"Yeah,…we can't find them anywhere! Only pieces of green…", the youngest spider pointed with his finger.
"Oh no…!", Peter grabbed his head. "This just can't be real…!"
"I'm afraid so. I'm so sorry…", Miles patted his shoulder. Looking around, Flash spotted the tablet and walked to it, picking it up. When he did that, the screen went on.
"Uhh, guys! There's a message, apparently from Ock."
"Really?!", Harry asked. "What does it say?"
"Traitor traitor, like a monstrous alligator…lurking in the water, no matter the weather. Showing its sharp teeth will make your skin creep. Reminds us of one thing…never trust anyone in the beginning. Perpetrator perpetrator…can you trust your leader? It's his fault, it's his fault…your herd gets ripped apart. First the crooked man, then the hideous bird…and now the once so brilliant mind. One two three, what will it leave?"
"HAH!"
-o-o-o-
Later, Alex was taken to the hospital. He had gotten a serious concussion and there was no clue how he will recover. Sitting on the porch, boys watched as the ambulance disappeared into the night.
"I don't get it…", Miles wondered. "What does that poem mean?"
"I think…I think it means me…", Peter muttered. "It's said the leader is to blame…"
"No Peter, I think…", Miles began but Peter lifted his hand in front of him.
"It's okay. Who else would it mean? I'm the leader and true, Norman and Toomes were targeted because of me. This whole mess is my fault. Fury was wrong while saying I'm finally the Ultimate. But in reality, I'm far from that."
"Pete…", Harry sat down beside him. "If you are worried about Kraven's message, I'm not mad. I understand what you did."
"Oh stop it, Harry! Don't you get it?! Now that Alex is gone, what are we gonna do with the flash drive?! And the minerals were stolen! You have no idea what power they possess! And if Ock gets them…"
Shocked, Harry turned his head away. Nobody said anything until Ambrose came outside.
"What's all the fuss here? I can't sleep in this racket."
Turning to look, boys gazed at him, annoyed. Harry shivered as remembered those photos. But Peter instead…felt how he couldn't take it anymore. Jumping up, he suddenly made a rampaging run towards the old Osborn.
"YOU! You monster! I know what you did! I know everything! How dare you stalk my life, home, and family?!"
Lifting his stick in front of him, Ambrose waited as Peter was ready to punch. But instead, dodged the attack and tackled the hero down. Then, he grabbed the boy by his shirt.
"Nice try kiddo. But I suggest you won't underestimate people who are older than you."
With that, Ambrose threw Peter violently against the wall. Landing, down, he groaned in pain. Staring in disbelief, rest of the group gulped as Ambrose turned to them, clapping his stick.
"Harold Harold…I thought I told you to get better friends. They are so weak and pathetic, definitely not suitable company."
"Y-you sick freak!", Harry managed to let out. "What…what is this?!"
"Oh I tell you what it is", Ambrose took a step closer. "You know what boys? I think it's time this house will be put in total order. And I swear, it will happen with a real clatter!"
