The Spectacular Spider-Men: The Great Web

SIDE STORY-2: The Man Behind The Mask

ZAIN ZAFFAR'S POV:

Gwen and I were walking down the street, enjoying the festive lights decorating the city. The Christmas spirit was in the air, and for a moment, it felt like everything was perfect. Then, a news broadcast on a nearby store's TV display shattered the tranquility.

"Breaking news: Scorpion is wreaking havoc downtown, causing massive destruction. Spider-Men are on the scene, but the situation is escalating."

My heart skipped a beat. I knew my friends were in the thick of it. "This is bad..." I said, turning to leave.

"Wait, where are you going?" Gwen grabbed my arm, her eyes wide with concern.

"Uh... I was thinking maybe I could be of help."

"Don't be stupid!" she exclaimed. "You're not a superhero, you'd just be getting in the way. Let the Spider-Men handle it."

"I can't just stand by!" I shook my head, determination burning in my chest. "They might need my help."

"Zain, please." she pleaded, her voice trembling. "It's too dangerous. I promised your mom that you'd be back home safe!"

"I have to do this... I can't let my father down." I said firmly. "I'm sorry."

I broke into a run, leaving Gwen behind. As I neared the scene, the devastation became apparent. The sounds of sirens, the crackling of flames, and the cries for help filled the air. I saw Agrim lying unconscious on the ground and Ritvik swinging after Scorpion.

"Spider-Man!" I shouted, rushing to his side. I tried to wake him up, shaking him gently. "Come on, buddy, wake up!"

He didn't respond. My heart pounded in my chest as I looked around for help. Firefighters were on the scene, but they were struggling to get inside the burning building. I overheard one of them saying there was still a child trapped inside.

I knew what I had to do. Without a second thought, I ran towards the building. "Hey!" one of the firefighters yelled. "You can't go in there!"

Ignoring him, I darted past the barricades and into the inferno. The heat was intense, and the smoke stung my eyes, but I pressed on. "Hello? Is anyone in here?!" I called out, trying to keep my voice steady.

A faint cry reached my ears. I followed the sound, navigating through the debris and flames. Finally, I found her– a little girl, huddled in a corner, crying.

"Hey, it's okay~" I said gently, crouching down to her level. "I'm here to help you."

She looked up at me with tear-filled eyes. "I'm scared."

"I know, I know– but we're going to get out of here." I promised. I scooped her up in my arms, shielding her as best as I could from the heat.

We made our way back through the building, every step a struggle against the flames and smoke. My lungs burned, and my vision blurred, but I kept going. As we neared the exit, the roof above us groaned and started to collapse.

"Hold on!" I shouted, pushing forward with all my might.

We burst through the entrance just as the building behind us gave way. I stumbled out, clutching the girl tightly. The firefighters rushed over, taking her from my arms and checking her for injuries.

"You're a hero, kid..." one of them said, clapping me on the shoulder. "But that was very stupid of you."

I was too exhausted to respond. My eyes scanned the scene, there were news reporters and cameras all around, then my eyes found Agrim still lying where I left him. I staggered back to his side, relief flooding through me as I saw Ritvik returning, looking worse for wear.