Spider-Man: Web of Shadows

Chapter 14: A Web of Lies

Peter's heart pounded in his chest as he swung through the streets of New York, his webbing slicing through the air with practiced precision. The city had always felt like home—its skyline, its streets, its people—but tonight, everything felt different. It was as if a dark cloud was looming over the entire city, threatening to swallow it whole. And Peter knew that this was only the beginning.

His mind raced with the implications of everything he had learned at Oscorp. Norman Osborn wasn't just a mad scientist creating monsters and weapons. He was orchestrating something far bigger, something that could change the very fabric of society itself. That tower—Exo—whatever Osborn was building, it was all part of a larger, more terrifying plan. And Peter couldn't shake the feeling that he was just scratching the surface.

The fight with Exo had left him bruised and battered, but the pain was nothing compared to the fear gnawing at him from the inside. What Osborn was creating wasn't just dangerous—it was the culmination of years of twisted experiments, all aimed at one thing: control. And Peter was standing in the way.

He had to stop it. But how?

Peter swung down onto a rooftop, landing with a soft thud. His body ached, and his suit was torn in places, but there was no time to rest. Not when Osborn's machinations were unfolding in real time. He had to figure out his next move, but right now, he was flying blind. He didn't know the full extent of what Osborn was planning, and the clues were few and far between.

Peter pulled out his phone, quickly scanning through his contacts. There was one person he needed to talk to. One person who might have the answers he was looking for.

MJ.

He hadn't spoken to her since the night of the battle at Oscorp. He knew she'd be worried—she always was—but this was different. Peter couldn't shake the feeling that she was somehow connected to all of this. Maybe she knew more than she let on. Maybe there were things she wasn't telling him. And if there was one thing Peter had learned, it was that trust was everything.

He tapped the screen, his fingers trembling slightly as he typed a quick message. MJ, we need to talk. It's important. Please. I'll explain everything.

He hit send and stared at the screen for a moment, waiting for a reply. The seconds stretched into minutes, and Peter's mind began to spiral. What if Osborn had already gotten to her? What if she was in danger?

His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was a message from MJ.

Peter, I don't know what's going on, but I can feel it. Something's wrong. Meet me at the old coffee shop. I'll be waiting.

Peter's heart skipped a beat. He didn't need any more convincing. He shot another web, propelling himself forward. It wasn't far—just a few blocks. But with the situation escalating, every minute counted.

The coffee shop wasn't crowded when he arrived. MJ was sitting in a corner booth, her eyes scanning the room nervously. When she saw him, she immediately stood, her face a mix of relief and concern.

"Peter, thank God you're okay," she said, her voice trembling. "I—I've been worried sick about you."

Peter gave her a tired smile as he slid into the booth across from her. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to hear you say that," he said, running a hand through his hair. "But we don't have much time."

MJ's expression shifted from concern to confusion. "What do you mean? What's going on? I—I feel like I'm missing something here."

Peter took a deep breath, his mind racing as he tried to find the right words. "MJ, I don't even know where to start. But everything that's happening right now—Oscorp, the tower, the experiments—they're all connected. And I think you're part of it."

MJ's face went pale. "What do you mean I'm part of it?"

Peter paused, his eyes locked on hers. Should I tell her? Should I come clean about everything? It was a question he had been avoiding for months. He'd been keeping secrets from her for so long, trying to protect her from the dangers of his double life. But now, with everything on the line, he didn't know if he could keep lying.

"I… I think you know more than you're letting on," Peter said quietly. "I've been investigating Osborn. And I know there's something going on with Oscorp that's bigger than just experiments. There's a plan, MJ. And I think you've been a part of it from the start."

MJ shook her head, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. "Peter, I don't know what you're talking about. I've just been doing my job, covering stories, and trying to figure out what's happening with all these strange things going on in the city. But I swear, I'm not involved in whatever Osborn is doing. I would never—"

Peter reached across the table, taking her hand gently. "MJ, I don't think you realize what's happening. Osborn's not just some businessman. He's been playing a game with everyone, manipulating people, creating these monsters—things like Exo. He's building something. And I think… I think you've been involved without even knowing it."

MJ's eyes welled up with tears. "What are you saying, Peter? Why are you telling me this now?"

Peter's voice softened, his heart aching. "Because I need you to trust me. Whatever's happening with Oscorp, I need you to stay safe. I don't know what Osborn's plans are, but I have a feeling that he's going to use everyone in his path to get what he wants. And that includes you."

MJ pulled her hand away slowly, her face pale with fear. "Peter, I don't—" She cut herself off, her eyes darting toward the door. Peter followed her gaze and immediately felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up.

A shadow loomed outside the window, and Peter's spider-sense flared with warning.

"Get down," Peter hissed, pulling MJ under the table with him just as the door burst open. Figures in dark suits rushed in, their faces obscured by masks. They were armed, their eyes cold and calculating. And they were here for one reason.

MJ.

Peter's heart raced as he realized the danger they were in. He couldn't protect her if she was taken. Not without revealing his identity—and not without risking everything.

"Stay low," Peter whispered urgently. "Whatever happens, don't make a sound."

He had no idea who these men were or what they wanted, but he wasn't going to let them take MJ. Not now. Not after everything they'd been through.

End of Chapter 14