The Spectacular Spider-Men: The Great Web

CHAPTER-4: Unmasked By The Octopus!

RITVIK ANAND'S POV:

The next day, Zain and I decided to head to the Daily Bugle. We had a few photos to sell, and it was always a good idea to keep Jonah happy-or at least less angry. As we walked into the bustling newsroom, the familiar sound of typewriters and phones filled the air.

"Hey, RV, Zain." Betty greeted us with a smile from behind her desk. "What brings you two here?"

"Just got some new photos for Jonah." I replied, holding up the envelope. "Thought we'd drop them off and see if he bites."

Betty nodded, her eyes flickering with curiosity. "Well, good luck. You know how he can be."

We shared a chuckle, knowing all too well how true that was. As we made our way towards Jonah's office, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Something felt off, but I couldn't quite place it.

Suddenly, the building shook violently, and a deafening crash echoed through the newsroom. Panic erupted as people scrambled for cover. Zain and I exchanged a quick glance, knowing exactly what this meant.

"Stay here." I whispered to Zain as we ducked behind a desk, trying to blend in with the chaos. But before we could move, the wall exploded inward, and the unmistakable silhouette of Doctor Octopus loomed in the dust and debris.

"Spider-Men!" Ock bellowed, his mechanical arms flailing. "You thought you could hide from me? I'll destroy everything you hold dear!"

He grabbed Betty with one of his tentacles, lifting her into the air. "Help!" she screamed, struggling against the cold metal grip.

Jonah burst out of his office, yelling, "What in blazes is going on here?"

Ock swung another tentacle, sending Jonah crashing into a stack of desks. Zain and I knew we had to act, but we couldn't reveal our identities. We exchanged a nod and charged forward, feigning panic and helplessness.

"Let her go!" I shouted, throwing myself at Ock's feet. His tentacle whipped out, striking me hard across the chest and sending me sprawling.

Zain ran towards Betty, but another tentacle caught him, flinging him into the wall. The impact was brutal, and I could see the pain etched on his face. We had to sell this, make it look convincing.

"Help! Someone, please!" Zain cried, struggling to his feet only to be knocked down again.

Ock laughed, a cold, menacing sound. "Pathetic. Is this all the resistance you can muster? I've seen enough." He tightened his grip on Betty, who was now unconscious. "Spider-Men, wherever you are, know this: your loved ones will pay for your defiance."

With that, he smashed through the opposite wall, disappearing into the chaos of the city with Betty in tow. The newsroom was in shambles, and the stunned silence was deafening.

Jonah groaned, pulling himself from the wreckage. "Anand! Zaffar! You two okay?"

I forced myself to stand, wincing at the pain. "We're fine, Mr. Jameson." I lied, helping Zain to his feet.

"We need to call the police." Zain added, playing his part perfectly.

Jonah nodded, his face a mix of anger and concern. "Get moving then! And someone find out where that maniac took Ms. Brant!"

As we left the building, I could see the worry in Zain's eyes. We needed to regroup and find Ock before it was too late. Betty's life was at stake, and this was personal now.

The gloves were off.

"Let's get to the hideout." I whispered to Zain as we slipped into the alley. "We've got a plan to come up with."