ᴡɪᴛʜ ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ ᴘᴏᴡᴇʀ

2 - The Investigation Begins

   ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆Marceline POV⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

As I stepped into the coffee shop, the warm, inviting aroma of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around me like a comforting hug. I joined the line, glancing at the menu and deciding that today called for my usual—black coffee, no frills. I loved how the hustle and bustle of the place felt like a heartbeat, everyone moving with purpose. As I waited, I could see the baristas expertly crafting lattes and cappuccinos, their movements almost choreographed. When it was my turn, I ordered and took my drink, feeling the warmth seep into my hands. I stepped outside, savoring the first sip as I walked toward the subway—on my way to starting my second day at work.

As I stepped onto the subway, the familiar jolt of the train rattled through me, and I found a spot to stand near the door. The car was crowded, a mix of weary commuters and busy parents. My gaze wandered, taking in the daily scene until it landed on a man hovering near a woman with a young child. He was acting suspiciously, shifting from foot to foot, his eyes darting. My stomach knotted as I realized he was reaching into her purse, his fingers deftly sliding in and out while the mother was distracted, trying to calm her fussy toddler. My heart raced. Should I say something? Get involved? I glanced around, hoping someone else would notice, but everyone seemed lost in their own worlds. It felt like a scene straight out of a nightmare—without Spider-Man around, these things were bound to happen. Why did it always feel like good people were too often victims, while those with bad intentions roamed free?

   The train came to a halt with a jolt, the doors sliding open with a familiar ding. This was my stop.

As I stepped into the lobby of the Daily Bugle, the towering walls of glass and steel loomed overhead, reflecting the hustle of the city outside. The modern architecture felt almost imposing, like a fortress of ambition and determination. The air buzzed with energy, a mix of ringing phones and animated conversations that echoed off the high ceilings. My heart raced, a flutter of anxiety mingling with excitement as I took in my surroundings. This was where stories were born, where words could spark change, yet I couldn't shake the feeling of being a small fish in a big pond. I straightened my shoulders, reminding myself that I was here to make my mark, even if the weight of expectation felt heavy.

As I made my way across the polished floor toward the glass elevator, I couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation. The sleek design of the lobby accentuated the modernity of the Daily Bugle, making me feel like I was stepping into the heart of a media empire. I approached the elevator and pressed the button for the 15th floor, watching as the digital numbers illuminated in a soft glow.

With a gentle whirr, the doors slid shut, and I felt the slight lurch as the elevator began its ascent. As we moved higher, the view transformed through the glass, revealing a sprawling panorama of the city below. Buildings shrank beneath me, and the streets buzzed with life, a constant flow of energy that was both exhilarating and overwhelming. I took a deep breath, trying to quell the nerves bubbling in my stomach. This was it—the start of my new adventure. I was rising, not just physically, but toward the potential that lay ahead.

   Stepping out of the elevator, I felt the rush of cool air against my skin as I entered the bustling hallway. The sound of clicking keyboards and distant conversations filled the air, a cacophony of ambition and determination. I followed the signs, my heels echoing softly against the tiled floor, until I spotted my office—a small room tucked down a hallway to my left.

   The door was slightly ajar, and I could see the two small desks inside, their proximity suggesting a cozy, if cramped, workspace. Behind us, a glass wall offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline, the sprawling urban landscape shimmering under the morning sun. As I walked in, I noticed Peter Parker already settled at his desk, his head bent over his computer screen, completely absorbed in his work.